Everywhere I Go... Damn! There I Am

New Address...

2009-07-13T14:35:00.002-04:00

This blog will remain for the archives, but I've moved to:

damnthereiam.wordpress.com

come ch-check it out!.0

Moving...

2009-07-13T11:12:00.003-04:00

This blog is moving... I'm almost up and running. After 4 years of Blogger, it's time to move on to something a bit more flexible...

When the new blog is eye-worthy, I'll post a link.

TTFN!

Friday Five

2009-07-10T09:43:00.003-04:00

Friday 5 for July 10: Holes

Where can you go for a really good bagel, and how do you like yours? Good bagels are few and far between here... A really good bagel comes from Publix or the deli around the corner from my parents' place. I like either a plain or everything bagel. If I'm going to top it, it will have veggie cream cheese. Yum.
What is your favorite style of doughnut? Krispy Kreme Glazed Creme Filled with a cup of coffee, cream only. Wow. Heart attack much?
What’s your favorite flavor of Lifesavers? Of the mint choices, definitely Pep-O-Mint. Of the fruit choices, Green or Red, which I guess would be lime or cherry, but who ever asks for the flavor? I always ask for the color.
What O-shaped breakfast cereals do you like? We have multitudes of Cheerios around here. Bella loves them for breakfast and for snacks. I'm not a big cereal fan, so I can't think of many other O-shaped cereals. I guess Cheerios would be my #1.
How do you feel about onion rings, and where can you get some good ones? Oh my! I love a good onion ring. The BEST place to get onion rings (and in the ATL the ONLY place to get good onion rings IMHO) is the Varsity. The grease will seep from your pores for days. And it will be worth every last calorie.

In other news...

The NJ set are leaving tomorrow night. It has been a fun week of playing with the kids, going to movies (I acutally sat through Seventeen Again). We are attempting our trip down the Chattahoochee again tomorrow since we were rained out last Sunday. Z and I are having a slumber party with Em and A tonight. Nothing better than an air mattress and a ten- and thirteen-year-old to spend the night with!

All of the kids on July 4th

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T11:13:00.001-04:00

A Rainy Monday

2009-07-06T09:34:00.004-04:00

Outside my window... overcast today... dumpster and roofing materials on the driveway, but no roofers today. They're worried the weather won't hold.

I am thinking... about spending time with the family today as well as the errands that I need to run.

I am thankful for... a beautiful 4th of July! Perfect weather for Bella's birthday celebration and fireworks.

From the kitchen… fajitas at the Compound tonight. Yummmmm!

I am wearing... jean capris and a green flower-print v-neck shirt.

I am creating… lots of scrapbook pages lately... clean room = creativity flows!

I am going… to the Compound pretty soon... and off to buy diapers later.

I am reading… Testimony by Anita Shreve. Almost finished! I think a visit to the library is in order this week!

I am hoping… that Bella will take a good nap today.

I am hearing… The quiet hum of the computer and Kharma's occasional barking outside.

Around the house... the house is in pretty good shape! I'll need to do some straightening up and vacuuming this week, but I'm planning on spending as much time with my family as I can this week!

One of my favorite things… hanging out with my nieces and nephews this week. They are so much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Playing with family, the Lazer Show?, making up our rained-out tubing trip down the Chattahoochee.

Here is 'picture thought' I am sharing…

Thursday Thunks -- July 2 Edition

2009-07-02T11:51:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the July 2nd version of Thursday Thunks!

(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number 14 and the color of your mother's hair dye.

1. When you close a door, do you close it quick and just let it slam or do you hold the knob and slowly shut it tight? Hold the knob and slowly shut it tightly. I hate slamming doors!

2.Train A is moving at 60 miles an hour. Train B is moving at 22 miles an hour. They will pass each other at X time. Now what color shoes are you wearing when train A derails? Probably my purple birkenstocks.

3. What if M&M's grew on trees? What color M&M tree would you have? Yummo!! I would have a blue and green tree, a hybrid.

4. How many petals on a flower does it take to make it the perfect bloom? Wow... not sure. At least 6.

5. I took you to spend $421.67 on you, what did we spend that money on? A new phone to replace the one I dropped into the dog's bowl, a pair of Dansko clogs, and a mani/pedi for us both!

6. If you were a squash, what type of squash would you be? butternut. hands-down.

7. Have you ever gotten a wrong number call and ended up talking to the person for longer than 5 minutes? No, but I know people who have, and I think it might be kind of fun!

8. Why haven't you joined Berleen & Kimber at Insanity Cafe yet? Do we stink? Dunno...

9. Now for one of Ber's questions back when TT was brand new... Shampoo bottles say lather, rinse, repeat... do you? Nope. One later, one rinse. Doing my part to conserve water!

10. It's July, the year is half over. Do you see it as "whew that part is over" or best is yet to come? I don't think of the year as half over in July. I run on school time... In July, I'm getting ready for the year to start (in August). In December, I'm thinking "whew! that part is over!" It's a strange viewpoint, I know.

11. Why do you do the Thursday Thunks meme? It's summer! What else is there to do?!

Tackle It Tuesday Follow-Up

2009-07-01T15:40:00.001-04:00

All Done!!! It looks awesome, if you ask me.

On the top shelf below are all of my scrappy books and magazines... organized! *Sigh*

And, my lovely, CLEAN table top... ready for action!

So, now I'm ready to do some creating! Watch out paper, here I come!!!

Tackle It Tuesday: ScrapRoom goodness

2009-06-30T08:15:00.008-04:00

So, I've been threatening to get this done for a little over a week now. I have, honestly, been working on it. Some other projects have taken precedence, but I've made quite a bit of progress over the past 7 days.

Here are the before pictures:

Though Z is still working on creating more shelves for me, I've done pretty well getting organized with the space I have. There is still quite a bit to do, and I'll post "After" pictures when I'm done. The goal is to have this done before my playdate tomorrow at noon.

Today is filled with errands... the AT&T people wouldn't do anything to help me with my phone. Turns out that there is an indicator that lets them know that my phone was exposed to liquid, so my warranty is void. Boo! I'm taking it to a repair shop today to see if there is anything they can do for me.

Also preparing for the arrival of family this weekend. Bella and I are going to check out the Farmer's Market that is right around the corner from our house. I typically go to the Dekalb Farmer's Market, but both my mom and SIL recommended this one, so I'll try it. I'm also still trying to decide whether to tackle making a cake for Bella's East Coast celebration, or if I should just order one. There are several cute ideas out there, but I'm not sure if I want to use her birthday for my cake-making debut!

Tuesday is off to a great start! What do you plan to Tackle today?

Monday!

2009-06-29T10:30:00.004-04:00

Outside my window... much the same as last Monday. It's sunny and gorgeous and HOT. I'm enjoying the A/C!

I am thinking... that I don't want to go to the AT&T store today. I'm not very good a making "demands." Z has coached me and told me not to overtalk (which I tend to do), and just make it clear what I want and how I want it. Ugh. Easier said than done.

I am thankful for... my family... arriving on Thursday and Friday. I'm looking forward to celebrating Bella's first birthday with her East Coast family -- both the blood relatives and the family we have chosen.

From the kitchen… who knows?! I have food left from last week's shopping, so I need to determine exactly what I'm cooking. Probably whole foods tonight: a meat, a veggie or two, and some rice.

I am wearing... my favorite jean "skort" and a khaki brown flowered top. Cool and comfortable!

I am creating… plans in my head for the class I'll be teaching at the end of July. Just barely forming the thoughts, but they're there!

I am going… to talk to those AT&T people after Bella's nap.

I am reading… Testimony by Anita Shreve. I tried desperately to like Capote in Kansas by Kim Powers. Since Thursday I've been reading it and I've only gotten to page 60... so, last night it got tossed to the floor, and I picked up Testimony. We'll see how it goes!

I am hoping… that my ScrapRoom cleaning will get done today or tomorrow. I also hope that Hannah gets better so I can see her and her Mommy on Wednesday!

I am hearing… The sounds of NPR and the washing machine.

Around the house... It's laundry day! And, I need to do some general upkeep: we've got our favorite aunts visiting us this weekend!

One of my favorite things… Our new armoire/entertainment center! I happened upon it at Finders Keepers last week. After getting Z's approval, we purchased and loaded it on the truck. It is the first piece of furniture that I've purchased because I WANT it. We didn't NEED it, but the price was right and I love it! My favorite part of the whole process was Z looking it over and determining what needed to be fixed/touched up then asking me, "Are you willing to stay up late tonight to get it all put together... like Christmas?" And it was like Christmas! We were up until almost 1, but the benefits outweighed the sleepless night!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Getting ready for the family visits and celebration this weekend. Gearing up to see my BFF, whom I haven't seen in a few months!

Here is 'picture thought' I am sharing…

2009-06-28T19:43:00.002-04:00

The big ONE! As we get closer to your East Coast celebration, I thought I should share some of your West Coast celebration pictures. Now is the time to reflect on how far we've come.

I can't believe that it's been one year, little girl! Your arrival was quicker than anticipated and your being you was unexpected, "A girl? Really?" I never had the ultrasound techs or the midwives tell me what you were, but we all assumed you were a boy.

Aunt M's arrival was accompanied by her statement, "See! I told you she was a girl!"

And a girl you are!!

You quickly got over your fussy eater status and after a month of learning about each other, we knew that formula was just right for you.

You changed from a colicky baby to a dream child: Sleeping through the night, all smiles and giggles during the day, good naps, GREAT eater!

Those legs never stopped moving, though, and to this day, they still don't. Your motor skills developed well before any language skills, and by 10 months old you were walking. A shock to many, a joy to your parents.

You are your own person in every way, shape, and form. You know what you want, you know when you want it. You smile at everyone you meet, waving hi! and showing off your talent for sounding like a monkey. You'll try anything once, and sometimes twice, and you haven't met a steak you don't like.

Playing with Kharma makes you happy, even though she's still not too sure of you. Any animal is fun for you, and you've learned how to pet them gently, and not to pull on ears or tails or whiskers.

Books, lately, are your favorite toys. You bring us one after the other, sometimes wanting us to read, other times just wanting to revisit the pictures. We let you turn the pages and point at all the things you see.

You sign "More" and "Eat" and "Hat," though you won't wear one. And you're learning how to clean up your toys before you go to bed. So quickly, you are growing my wee one, and every day makes me love you even more. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you! I love you!

Thursday Thunks

2009-06-25T11:58:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the June 24th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the number 1559 and the color calico.

1. Someone knocks at your door. You answer it. It's a kid from the local school selling candy bars for a fundraiser. Do you buy one? I buy two or three. But I have to write a check.

2. The end of the world is tomorrow and you are out of milk - do you go buy some? Of course! Gotta feed the baby while we still have today!

3. Have you ever picked up the phone and called someone that you hadn't talked to in years? No, but I've Facebooked them. Does that count? But really, that's a comment on technology today and how it keeps us from making personal connections. It's kind of sad if you think about it for too long... so I won't... moving on...

4. Whats on your computer desktop background? A picture of Bella in a green shirt, outside, holding her Daddy's hand.

5. What was the very first movie you saw in a movie theater? The first that I remember is Back to the Future, but it might've been Annie. I don't remember seeing it in the theater; however, we didn't have a VCR at the time and it was my favorite movie.

6. If you had to take a 10th grade science test, do you think you would pass? Probably not. I did great in Chemistry, but it has gone right out of my head!

7. Describe heaven. Sunny and 70 with a light breeze. It looks a lot like New Zealand on the Hauraki Gulf. All the people I love surround me -- they all get along -- and none of them make me mad. I've learned how to play the guitar and sing at the local coffee shop on Wednesday nights.

8. Has a place that you lived ever been infested with some sort of insect or rodent? No, but after I moved out, there was a bit of a rat problem. My SIL came home to one sitting on the kitchen table. EEEEEW!

9. When you were a youngin', did you hide in the clothes racks at department stores? Who didn't?

10. Is there anything in your vehicle that is broken? Hmmmm... yeah. The vent in the console on the drivers' side sticks and won't stay where I put it.

11. What is something in your house that people would be surprised to find? a treadmill

12. Do you agree with the death penalty? In theory, yes. In reality, no. I just don't agree with killing people. Period.

13. Whats your favorite type of bear? Okay, when I first read this, I thought it asked about my favorite type of beEr. I thought, eeew... I don't drink beer. I drink pear cider. Then I realized that it says beAr, and now I'm at a bit of a loss. Pandas, though not bears, are probably my favorite. If I have to choose and ACTUAL bear, I would pick the brown bears you find in the mountains of North Georgia.

14. Where was the last place you went? To Z's shop to drop off his notebook, then to the Farmers' Market, then to Kroger. It was a big excursion.

15. What if that person knocking at your door earlier was an adult selling candy bars... would you buy one? Nope. I probably wouldn't even answer the door if Z wasn't here. I'm chicken like that.

Right Now

2009-06-24T15:02:00.001-04:00

Inspired by Ali's blog today.

As I was blog-hopping, I turned to find this: my little girl giving me a hint.

I think I understand...

Heads or Tails Tuesday: Tractor Girl

2009-06-23T10:54:00.007-04:00

HoT # 96: Summertime Memory

Since this is TAILS your summertime memory needs to be a real memory of yours. It can be a childhood memory, a memory from teens years or later. It can even be from last week.

While we were in Oregon, Bella discovered that she, like her father, has a "thing" for tractors. I guess it's genetic. I spent the afternoon watching her ride around with Daddy. Though some might say this was a bit reckless, dangerous even, how could I deny the joy? My favorite memory so far this summer is my girl and her daddy tractor-riding in the beautiful Oregon sunshine.

Aunt K and Father's Day

2009-06-22T09:21:00.004-04:00

I have been a terribly horrible, no good, very bad blogger lately. It's been a busy month, that's for sure! Before this past week of insanity ensued, we were lucky to have a visit from Aunt K! With Aunt M in KC, she was flying solo, but we had a fantastic time, nonetheless: Art-B-Que, shopping at MOG, K's "Epic Ride" from the wilds of Gwinnett to Downtown Decatur, Andrew Bird, great bacon... The visit was all too short, but I think a terrific time was had by all... especially Bella!

The insanity of my 50 hour work week continued into this weekend. We enjoyed Ben and Christie's wedding, despite the record temperatures, and celebrated Zach's second Father's Day. I made breakfast (a rare occasion since Bella's arrival), we had lunch at the Compound, and we relaxed together as a family for the rest of the afternoon.

Now that Monday has reared its mighty head, I'm back to the grind of SAHM. I love the summers that teaching affords, but I have never been a fan of chores. While summers now mean time with Bella, they continue to mean taking over the majority of the housework. Ugh. I'm off to face killer dustbunnies and piles of laundry.

In an attempt to get myself blogging a bit more, I'm going to take a page out of ViolinMama's book today and do a Monday Daybook...

Outside my window... it's shaping up to be another sunny scorcher. Don't think we'll be outside much today!

I am thinking... that I am ready for Bella's 4th molar to finally break through. She's in pain and cranky which makes for a long day together.

I am thankful for... this time I get to spend with my daughter, despite her crankiness.

From the kitchen… steaks tonight... finishing off our Father's Day celebration. We were too stuffed to eat a big dinner last night.

I am wearing... my pajamas. Haven't gotten to the shower or dresser yet.

I am creating…a clean house today in the hopes that I can begin some creating in the ScrapRoom this week. I miss it!

I am going… to the grocery after Bella's bedtime tonight. A long week of work has left the cupboard quite bare!

I am reading… Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I'm about halfway through and am intrigued by the relationship between two women. So many things to which I can relate and so many that are foreign to me!

I am hoping… to get a lot of work done today on this house!

I am hearing…Bella playing with the new blocks she got for her birthday.

Around the house... Did I mention the killer dustbunnies?

One of my favorite things… is all of the new babblings and words Bella is trying out. It's fun to hear her discover new sounds and put those sounds into "sentences."

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing definite... just lots of catching up around here. I hope to get to the Farmer's Market and possibly pick up a wading pool at Wal Mart this week. Hoping to finally get to Growers' Outlet this weekend and do my long-anticipated Mother's Day shopping!

Here is 'picture thought' I am sharing… Picture thoughts are above... Just how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life!

Happy Monday!

How I Spent My First Mother's Day. A Photo Essay

2009-05-13T21:19:00.002-04:00

Playing Catch Up

2009-04-18T20:20:00.001-04:00

Bella's nine month photo in Winston... it was a gorgeous day!

Bella's ten month photo in Oregon... sunshine and 70. Unheard of.

Bella dyeing her first Easter eggs.

Bella walking with her Daddy in her Easter dress on Easter Sunday.

I can hardly believe that May is nearly here. Testing is nearly completed and, with a little luck, all of my students will do well. I'm not sure who is looking forward to the end of testing more -- them or me! I've been in meetings and discussions about what next year will bring, and I'm looking forward to the changes. Being out of the classroom teaching teachers is truly a calling for me. I only hope that all goes as well as we are currently planning. There is still much to be done and many to get on the bandwagon, but I think we can do it. Knowing that there is a team of teachers working for change is comforting. I know I'm not out there alone.

My little girl gets less little every day. She's working on walking now, and has the bruises to prove it. She's getting pickier about what she eats, but she'll still try anything more than once. She's night-time pacifier free... I'll tackle those naps this summer. And to think... in a little over 6 weeks, she'll be a year old. I'm amazed by how quickly the time goes by. Everyone tells you that you need to cherish every moment because babies don't last long... and boy are they right! My little baby is fast becoming a little girl. Independent. Funny. Personality Plus. *Sigh* Where does the time go?

A New Friend

2009-04-12T09:08:00.002-04:00

My friend, Laura's, cat is staying with us for a while, so Bella has a new friend. His name is Sampson. After taking some time to settle in, he is now comfortable enough to venture into Bella's play area. Yesterday, he was so patient and gentle that he let her pet him. He thought this was gooooood, so he even got up on the coffee table for some head butting.

Our permanent cats, Luna and Xerxes, really take no interest in Bella. They will tolerate her petting, but find an escape route as soon as possible. Kharma, our "guard" dog, thinks that Bella is good for one thing, and one thing only: licking. So, we have to curb that. It's been nice to have Mr. Sampson around. He's good for Bella. And I think he doesn't mind it so much himself!

Please pause for a moment of silence...

2009-03-24T19:34:00.002-04:00

...out of respect for the release of the new Indigo Girls album!

Oh, Amy, those pants. I just don't have words.

Pants...

2009-03-23T18:01:00.001-04:00

This post goes out to Aunt M.
No need to say more.
She'll get it.

Happy Birthday to the LOVE of my life!

2009-03-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

... and the best dad in the world!
I love you!

Who said snow?

2009-03-02T11:10:00.002-05:00

Mother Nature is a bit confused about us here in Georgia. Last week my crocuses blossomed and the camellia bloomed. Yesterday, it snowed!

After a day of playing in the cold and warming up on the couch, we were given this beautiful sunset. Nature is a miraculous thing.

Jessica's Birthday

2009-03-01T09:05:00.002-05:00

One of the only drawbacks to having Bella in my life is that I can't find enough time to spend with my scrappy friends. Any extra time I *do* have, I spend with my little girl. Priorities, right?

Well, yesterday my scrappin' sisters celebrated Jessica's birthday with cupcakes and a crop. I caught a lot of flack from these ladies back in January because I didn't attend the ScrapCabin weekend... so I thought it would be nice to at least stop in for the party, even if I wouldn't get to do any creating. It was a great idea! Bella got to spend some time re-acquainting herself with this crazy band of women, and I got to see my pals! Definitely a win-win situation. Jessica was kind enough to let Bella play with her Hello Kitty keychain... which spent most of its time in Bella's mouth, drenched in drool. Bella attached herself to Mara (or was it the other way around?), and they had a fantastic time sharing toys, crawling on the floor, and playing under the table.

*sigh* It was just a good day.

Dream It. List It. Do It.

2009-02-20T11:54:00.001-05:00

My pal, Sandy, sent me a link to this quick personality test.

Here are my results:

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm an

Organized Traveling Self-Knower

2009 Here We Come!

2009-01-07T21:15:00.003-05:00

I'm not really sure how the time flies, but my how it does! Bella is 7 months old! I can hardly believe it. She has four teeth now: two more recently appeared on the top... enough to give Aunt M quite a big bite during our December visit. She is sitting up very well now and can push herself up into a sitting position from lying on the floor. She's still working on the whole crawling thing, but she creeps and rolls around well enough to get where she wants to go. Just this week she's discovered how to pull herself up onto the side of the couch or your bended knees from a sitting position. She's also begun eating meat. Big changes!

The past few weeks have been very insightful for me. I recently attended a tribute/reunion with many of my high school friends. I was apprehensive about the whole evening... I loved high school. It was an excellent experience, but to see these folks 12 years later, well, I wasn't exactly sure how I would fare. My dearest friend cut himself off from me shortly after I graduated, and I'm still not sure exactly what happened. Many of the folks I spent 4 years with continued their friendships, but I broke away. Not sure why, just did.

In any event, here I am, 12 years later -- very happily married, successful career, new mommy, generally happy with life -- and I'm stepping back into my past. Was it strange? Yes. Was it daunting? Yes. Did 3 glasses of wine help? Most definitely. After seeing my most favorite teacher and saying hello to some old friends, I began to realize something: It doesn't matter. I'm in a good place. These people are so ancient history, it's not even funny. Would I get answers to all of my questions? No. Did I care? Surprisingly, no. I walked away realizing a few things.

The first: Fundamentally, people never change. You may find a new career, "grow up," and take on a different path, but you never really change. Who you are on the inside is inherently YOU. Nothing can change that.

The second: I really don't care what they think about me. I don't really care what anyone thinks about me. Sure, it's important for Z, M, K, and the rest of my family to love me, but I'm a pretty cool person, and I don't really give a shit if someone thinks that about me or not.

Third: I have known some pretty amazing people. Some are very successful. Others are just living their lives day to day. The mentors and teachers I had in high school are some of the most phenomenal people I've ever known. I am lucky to have had them in my life, even if it was only for a brief moment of time 12 years ago.

Fourth: Wine makes everything better.

So, what is the life lesson here? Love yourself. As you are. No holds barred. Openly. Fully. Own it. You're worth it.

12 years later, I've married the man of my dreams. I have a beautiful child. I have a new BFF and new friends. I have a job I love AND that I'm really good at. That's me. And it feels great.

Post-Christmas, Pre-New Year's

2008-12-27T16:08:00.001-05:00

Guess who met Santa yesterday?

2008-12-24T12:46:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

My little pickle is ready for the holidays! After a fun-filled 10 days with Grandma and Grandpa, she is getting ready to visit Camp Winston for the weekend. After Christmas, her cousins are visiting from NJ, and her mommy and daddy are taking her on her first trip to the beach. It promises to be a big 2 weeks for this little one.

Oh, and did I mention that she cut her first upper front tooth? OMG! The time is flying!

Truly Thankful

2008-11-29T10:50:00.004-05:00

... for snuggly pets.

...for these two.

... for K, who loves my BFF *almost* as much as I do.

... that 5 hours isn't too long a drive.

... for peas and mashed potatoes.

... that I get to do this everyday.

Wordle, I love you.

2008-11-16T08:53:00.009-05:00

Created this nifty little diddy at http://www.wordle.net/. Thanks to my pals at scrapfreak for introducing it to me!

Current Favorites

2008-11-15T12:39:00.002-05:00

Currently loving this picture because you can see Bella's teeth! I did some silly editing with spot color to highlight those little white buds. They look cute, but they can be lethal! She's learning to not bite down on people with them, even though she still likes to grab everyone's hands and stick them in her mouth.

Another current favorite. Z did an amazing job taking and editing this photo (among others) of my folks hanging with Bella in our front yard. It looks like we live in such a nice house... Though you can't make it out very well, Bella is wearing her "cow outfit." Black and gray polka dot shirt, gray pants with black cuffs, black and white polka dot socks and a cowhead bib. It's a bit over the top, but what are grandparents for? And, yes, that IS a gigantic cross my dad is wearing. He was just returning from presiding over a wedding and he wears that cross when he's "working."

So hard to get motivated today. I've been fighting a sinus infection for the better part of the week. That, paired with parent-teacher conferences has left me absolutely obliterated. I broke the rules this morning and had Bella nap in the bed with me. She was awake for a while before I was able to open my eyes again. Dealing with a day at home without Z... attempting to do laundry and straighten up, though I'm not really getting far in either endeavor. Don't want to venture outside into the cold to get Kharma. Don't want to fold laundry. Would rather curl up with a book and a cup of coffee... Here's to Thanksgiving coming soon which brings many family visits... first from the aunts then the in-laws. Then it's Winter Break and two weeks of off time!

Guess what? I'm ready!

5 Months!!

2008-11-08T07:58:00.001-05:00

It's been a big month for you, little girl. Leading up to your 5 month birthday, you've:

gotten two new teeth on the bottom
learned how to eat rice cereal, then green beans, then peas
almost mastered rolling from your back to your stomach, though you still get frustrated and often refuse to roll from your stomach to your back without help
celebrated your first Halloween
discovered just how high you can jump in your johnny-jump-up
decided that you're ready to crawl, you're just not sure how to do it yet
mastered sleeping from 7PM to 6AM and sometimes a little later
had your first swing in the park
gotten very good at grabbing things and putting them in your mouth

So many new things you've learned how to do. You're growing, growing, growing, and we love you more and more everyday.

You don't know it, but you were also alive to witness history: our first African American president was elected the day before your 5 month birthday. What exciting times we live in. I'm so glad that you will grow up in a world where people are becoming more and more accepting of differences everyday. You won't think twice about someone other than a white man having power in our country. You won't think twice about someone speaking another language in your class. You won't think twice about your aunts being married and having children. You will recognize the person, not the color or language or religion or orientation. It will all be the natural way of life for you. Change is here. I'm glad you're alive to be a part of it.

Halloween Highlights

2008-11-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. We carved pumpkins with the Clan and enjoyed 4 different varieties of chili, thanks to M! Bella was a black cat -- her homage to Gadget. She made it through about 4 houses before she fell asleep, but we kept her strolling along with her cousins. Can't wait for her to walk some of it herself next year!

Mystery Shoes

2008-10-27T21:04:00.000-04:00

On Saturday a mystery package arrived addressed to Bella. No return address. No card included. In this mystery package were these ROCKIN Keens... in her signature color: purple. Now, we have a sneaking suspicion from whence these shoes came. The handwriting was vaguely familiar... looking quite "doctorish" but we're not sure if it would be a Ph.D. or M.D.'s handwriting, seeing as how neither's penmanship is really all that legible. =oP

In any event, we are LOVING the mystery shoes. We can't wait for her to use them. And we send big love and thanks to the MYSTERY family members who sent them. We miss you!

Tooth? No... TEETH!

2008-10-26T21:15:00.000-04:00

Yep. This is the face of a teething Bella. About a week ago, she cut her first tooth. The bottom left tooth in the front. This weekend, she cut its partner... the bottom right front tooth. I guess all she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth!

Just love this picture of Bella with Kharma. She decided that she wanted to pet Kharma, so she flopped off my lap, onto her belly, and scooched over to Kharma. Kharma, being the very tolerant puppy that she is, let Bella hold her paws and lean against her for a few minutes -- long enough to snap a few of these shots. You can see the joy in Kharma's face, can't you? Finally, though, she decided she'd had enough and she slid off the couch, making sure that she didn't hurt Bella, and walked away.

Observation

2008-10-15T14:26:00.001-04:00

Multiplication Flashcards

+

5 minutes 'til recess

=

Happy Third Graders

Early Peas

2008-10-08T19:25:00.000-04:00

Babies' toes are like Early peas. Small, round, and ripe for the picking. I love them!

4 months old!

2008-10-06T19:47:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that my little baby girl is already 4 months old?! I can't.

Guess what?

2008-10-02T20:13:00.001-04:00

The new Ben Folds CD, Way to Normal, came out this week! Hooray! Buy it, download it, whatever... go get it!

Nothing Like a Good Book

2008-09-30T15:57:00.011-04:00

So, there's this Siamese Cat, right? And he gets in trouble a lot, right? So his mom sends him to his room, and he realizes that he's not a Siamese cat at all... HOLY GUACAMOLE! He's a CHIHUAHUA! Insanity ensues, complete with a band of Chimichangos and a villian known as the Bumblebeeto. Ah, such the perfect book.

And when you're having a day like I'm having, i.e., "Didn't I ask you to put that in your folder? Not your desk. Your folder." or "I've given that direction 5 times already. When will you follow it?" or "Is it necessary to sneak those bubbles outside to recess? Couldn't you just ask?"... well, you need some Skippyjon Jones in your life!

Reading this book is a rite of passage for my students every year. I pull it out at different times each year, depending on the group and the situation. Today it became the pick-me-up for a group of children who needed to do some laughing... and their teacher who desperately needed to hear them laugh. Our litte Siamese Chihuahua hero, in his muy, muy soft voice and best Spanish accent always makes my day!

Because of him, I can pick up, move on, and remember... they're children. They don't always understand. They won't always listen. They ALWAYS need to laugh!

Sooooo....

2008-09-29T22:07:00.003-04:00

Not a whole heck of a lot going on around here lately. Yeah... HA!!

I'm back to work which means I have less time to snap endless pictures, cruise Facebook, and, of course, add to my blog. I'm just beginning week 3 of my return to the classroom, so all of the kinks have yet to be ironed out. I have 18 little bodies to learn about, to re-train, and to teach. I have one new teacher in my room with me for half the day, which I love. And I have one HUGE pile of stuff left by my sub that I still need to get through. Did I mention grades go out in 2 weeks?

Bella is growing, growing, growing. She has her (gasp!) 4 month appointment on Friday. She's really starting to giggle and grasp at things deliberately, and attempt to roll over. All in all, she's an incredibly happy baby on an incredibly easy schedule.

Some things to look forward to (I bow down to my BFF, the queen of lists...):

Seeing Bella's aunts in a few weeks.
Seeing Amy Ray in November (Hooray, Laura!!)
Bella's first Halloween... she's dressing up as a female Gadget... black cat, ears and all.
Halloween in general, which means pumpkin carving with the Clan at the Compound.
Fall weather... open windows, chili, and socks. It's trying, it really is!
St. Augustine after Christmas
Christmas on the way... so, seeing Z's parents and getting our tree.

Not to wish the time away, but with the way the economy is slamming us, with the way the election madness is just dragging on and on, and since my husband had to drive around like a madman finding gas for my car on Friday... these little things remain a spark, a light in the distance.

There's not really much else to report, so I guess it's off to bed for me. Gotta be ready for those kiddies tomorrow!

The Twinkies

2008-09-17T19:41:00.001-04:00

Before the wedding, we had an opportunity to meet L&J's new girls: Caroline and Lily. They were 8 weeks early... born about a week before Bella. Because they were early, we couldn't see them until recently. It was so much fun to hold them, though I know L&J are just exhausted taking care of their little girls. We're going to have our hands full when these girls start crawling... nevermind when they turn 16!!

My Best Friend's Wedding.

2008-09-15T18:32:00.006-04:00

We had a whirlwind weekend with M, K and their families this weekend as we celebrated their wedding! What a beautiful ceremony. So good to see my BFF so happy. So great to have K become part of our "family." We were honored to stand up with their families and support their marriage. Now... bring on the babies!!!

Some highlights from the weekend:

Aunt K blowing kisses to Bella while MamaG looks on.

Zach, looking quite dapper, and oh so happy, in his suit.

Picture time!

Julie AKA "Big Pink," stylin' and profilin'.

Pose much?

Let K eat CAKE!

Yep. That's me and my BFF!

Weekend at the Lake

2008-09-09T10:48:00.001-04:00

Somehow, over the weekend, Kharma became a water dog. I'm not really sure how or why it happened, but it did. We've visited lakes on many of our hikes, and our girl would often step in to get her feet wet and splash around a little, but she's never really gone swimming. For some reason (maybe it was the ducks), Kharma decided that this time, she was swimming!

Loved playing with the new camera this weekend. I took about 100 pictures of Kharma while she was running around and swimming and acting crazy. Also took some pictures of my man. He loves being outdoors and camping... unfortunately, the heat made our weekend a bit sedentary, and he doesn't consider RVing the same as camping.

Bella got some time in with Grammy and PopPop. I don't know who had more fun...

Three Months Old!!!

2008-09-07T20:22:00.001-04:00

Where has the time gone? It's back to work for me, soon. And this little one is off to Grammy's. Good grief!

Happy Birthday to... EVERYONE!

2008-09-02T10:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Yes, this was the scene at the Compound yesterday. Sidebar: I really feel like I should explain a little... The "Compound" is the house where my brother, his wife, their five kids, and my two parents live. So, basically, aside from my sister's family, if I want to see the people I'm related to, I just drive 5 miles down the road, arrive at said "Compound" and BAM! there they all are. /end Sidebar. We celebrated 4 birthdays yesterday: PopPop Normy, Shannon and Eddie, and Me! You can imagine the part where we all sang "Happy Birthday to ..." went on for about a day and half. My lovely sister-in-law gestured to everyone, so that we would all stay synchronized together and not be at all confused as to why we were singing. This is why I LOVE my family!

Some cool new CD's from my brother, the arbiter of all that is cool in music. Can't wait to pop those puppies into the CD player today. Okay, who'm I kidding? They will be downloaded into iTunes and played thusly.

Fantastic shot of said music arbiter: my big bro. He had so much fun playing with Bella yesterday. Oh, and according to V, he's my doppleganger. Though, I'm not sure which of us is the evil one. I just call us "identical twins separated by 17 years." Such a cool dude. Such a fun day.

Highlights from Oregon

2008-08-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

Some pictures from our two week trip to Oregon. Bella had a great time. She grew and grew and grew. I think the family enjoyed seeing her, too!

Her first hike.

Meeting all the Oregon folks.

Celebrating two birthdays.

Thirty Years Later

2008-08-29T10:17:00.006-04:00

Yep. Yesterday was the big day: my big 3-0! Hard to believe that I'm entering the fourth decade of my life, but harder to believe that I feel so young. When my brother and sister turned thirty (16 and 15 years ago, respectively), it seemed like thirty was OLD. Now that I'm here, I feel like it's so YOUNG. 30 is a good round number, and I know it's going to be a fantastic year.

M came into town 2 weeks ago for a long weekend... a kickoff to my birthday celebrations. It felt good to spend time with my BFF... talking about everything, solving none of the world's problems, laughing the entire time. She also got some much needed time with Bella.

We celebrated again while visiting the in-laws in Oregon. Grandpa spoiled me with one of Grandma's amethyst rings -- talk about speechless. And, Mom and Dad gave me some spendin' cash. Along with good food and good conversation, it was a great way to celebrate.

Zach, on the other hand outdid himself this year. Last night he cooked me dinner (something he never does) and then brought me to Costco to pick up this baby:

Hooray! So excited to play with my new toy. We're also planning a trip to Florida sometime this fall or early winter. Cannot wait!

On Monday I'm getting together with the Clan at the Compound for celebration of my birthday, the twins' 7th birthday, and PopPop Normy's birthday. Just a good old Labor Day cookout with the whole famdamily.

Yep. Thirty years old feels pretty good.

Waving from the Great Northwest

2008-08-17T00:14:00.003-04:00

My inner LifeArtist was tugging at me today as I spent some time in Ali's hometown of Eugene, OR. We're out West visiting Bella's Grandpa, Grandma, and Great-Grandpa. It seems that we brought the heat and humidity of Atlanta with us. While it cools down at night, it is blistering in the sun during the day. Yes, I'm melting! However, Bella is having a great time. We're able to hang out on the lawn watching the wild turkeys and deer stroll by. It's quite exciting.

Today we visited the Saturday Market in Eugene. It is one of my most favorite things to do while we're here. Eugene is a college town, as well as a hippie town. Put those two kinds of folks together and you get one amazing Market. I think it covers 4 city blocks. We got some amazing photographs from a local photographer (I'll have to link to him later... I don't have his card right in front of me...) as well as some tie-dye for the little girl. When in Rome...

After graduation, M and her girlfriend, along with Z and I spent 2 weeks out here. Of course, we visited the Saturday market. We were impressed by many things: the great art, the digeridoo (sp?) guy, M's allergic reaction to the fresh produce and flowers... and the open breastfeeding that occurred on the green. OY! I mean, I'm all for breastfeeding, but is it necessary to pop your boob out for the world to see and feed your child as though no one is watching? Yeah. No. Well, I got to do some feeding of my own today on that green --- quite covered up thankyouverymuch. But I remembered that fun Saturday we had eight years ago... one of those "you have to laugh or you'll cry" memories. And smile I did.

No fun pictures in this post, or others over the next two weeks, either, I'm afraid. We're rocking the world of dial-up out here. No cable. No DSL. Only the phone line to keep me connected to the Wide Wide World of Web. So... you'll have to have my thousand words to paint the pictures for you. Can you see the sweat dripping off my forehead as I type this???

Tomorrow Bella meets the West Coast peeps. Being as Z is an only child, we don't have aunts and uncles and cousins to meet out here... only the best kind of family instead: the family his parents chose as close friends. I can't wait to show her off and have her wow the masses with her amazing smile. Until then, I'm going to pour a HUGE glass of ice water, find the fan, and attempt to do some reading. Here's hoping I don't melt into the furniture never to return.

Send rain!

Two months!!!

2008-08-06T21:21:00.002-04:00

We can no longer, officially, call her a newborn. She's two months old now and growing, growing, growing! Here are some highlights from her 2 month photo shoot. And a shout out to Aunt M who suggested the monthly pictures to begin with: Word!

My Nephew, the Rockstar

2008-08-03T21:34:00.003-04:00

When M&M adopted Andy, our cousin sent him a guitar. Music kind of runs in the family, you see. In his room, Andy has a hook on which he hangs his guitar. M tunes it to a chord for him so he can play and not sound totally awful.

Enter Eddie. At 3, he became Andy's little brother. For years they've shared a room and Eddie has learned how not to destroy Andy's stuff. Except when he gets mad. Which happens from time to time. Well, one of those times, Eddie decided to throw something. This something hit Andy's guitar. The bridge broke off. Alas, no more guitar playing for Andy.

M did the best he could to repair Andy's guitar. But it was no use. For his 9th birthday, Andy got an electric guitar... and M decided to throw the broken acoustic away. So sad. Here's what transpired:

"Dad? Are you getting rid of my guitar?"
"Yep. It's going in the trash, buddy."
"Can I smash it?"

Ahh, my nephew. He's a rockstar.

Cyrano de Bergerac meets Bella

2008-08-01T09:06:00.002-04:00

Bella loves a good snuggle, especially from her PopPop (aka my Dad). Poor dude has been through a LOT this year... he turned 71, and aside from the regular family insanity, his baby daughter (that'd be me) had a baby, he had quadruple bypass surgery in April, and just last week, he had skin cancer removed from his nose. When we arrived, he was asleep in the recliner. Bella decided that he looked like a good place to continue her nap, so here they are. Cyrano is definitely a suitable name because Miss Piggy just didn't do him justice!

A little nonfiction...

2008-07-30T16:21:00.005-04:00

Before Bella was born this summer, and I mean right before she was born, I was at our school system's Summer Writing Institute. I could have taught most of it, but it did give me an opportunity to work on a piece that I've had brewing in my writer's notebook for 2 summers now. I thought I might share it.

*****

“Okay, Treeza, you’re next,” the guide called to me. One by one, the other members of our expedition had disappeared over the waterfall before me. I stepped forward, and thought about the grandmother and her two granddaughters who had already taken the leap. If they could do it, so could I, right? Is this really me? I thought.
*****
My arms gripped my brother’s neck tightly. Holding on to him, I was safe from slipping under. This day was different, though.
“Swim to me, T!” my sister called from the side of the pool. She stood there, arms outstretched, waiting for me to swim to her. No words would come out of my mouth. I can’t do this, I thought.
“Go on,” Marc urged. “If you don’t, I’m going to go under.” I hated nothing more than the thought of being submerged in the water, unable to breathe, unable to move. Surely, I would drown. I wasn’t wearing my lifejacket as I normally did. All I had was Marc to hold on to, and now I couldn’t even trust that.
“Swim to me,” Lyn repeated.
“I’m going under,” Marc warned. “One…” If I let go, what would I do?
“Two…” If I hold on, surely I’ll go under.
There was only one option.
“Three!” I slipped from my brother’s hold and, flailing my arms and legs, swam to the side of the pool where my sister was waiting to catch me.
“You did it!” she breathed in my ear. “You swam!” Marc emerged from the bottom and smiled as he wiped the excess water from his face.
Looking from one to the other, all I had to say was, “Can I have my lifejacket now?”
*****
“Okay,” I sighed as I stepped from the shore into the rushing water of the underground river. Darkness surrounded me as my headlamp clicked off. I knew we were at the top of the waterfall, but I could not see it. Voices from those who went before me echoed from below. I could barely make out their headlamps shining up at me.
“Don’t stop there!” he directed and pulled me by the elbow to the very tip of the ledge. “Remember how we practiced?” he asked as he turned me around facing my back to the falls.
“Yeah, I remember,” my sarcasm took over. “We were outside in broad daylight and I could actually see where I was going to land.”
“Alright, cheeky.” He tweaked my nose. “Do you have a good grip on your tube?”
*****
Melissa answered the phone on the third ring, “Hello?”
“Hey! Mom and Dad left and I’m on my way over,” I told her as I twirled the keys around my index finger. “What’s the best way to get there?”
“Come up 85 to Steve Reynolds.”
“Are you kidding?” How could she expect me to take the interstate? I don’ t drive on the interstate, I thought. There was no possible way I could get on that highway.
“I can’t drive on 85,” I continued. “I’ll get killed. I hate all that merging and speed.” My fingers gripped the keys as my sweaty palms took on their pungent, sour smell.
“Okay,” she sighed, “here are the back roads, but it’ll take you about an hour.”
“That’s fine.”
“Really, 85 would be much quicker.” Still, her suggestion did not appeal to me.
“Nope. Give me the back roads.” I didn’t care if it took an hour to get there. Back roads are calmer, slower, and no one can cut in front of you. The risks were much greater than the potential outcomes.
*****
I pulled the rubber tight against me and prayed I would land, as practiced, sitting on it when I reached the bottom.
Am I really doing this? I thought to myself.
“I’m going to count to three, and you’re going to jump – just like we did outside the cave.”
Sharon and Liam called up from below, “You can do it!” The few remaining members of our group at the top smiled at me as I prepared to leap.
*****
We sat on the bench looking at the ducks who never seemed to leave the pond. Though the sun shined directly on us, I made fake smoke rings with my breath. I reached over and tucked my hands inside the cuffs of Zach’s sleeves, grabbing onto his wrists for warmth. The January breeze brushed over me.
“You’re what?!” he stared at me, one brow furrowed, one raised, his head cocked to one side.
I pulled my hands from his sleeves and studied them as I rubbed my thighs.
“Student teaching,” I tentatively repeated, “in New Zealand.”“You?”
“Yes, me!”
“You?”
“Yes!”
“Are you sure?”
“Zach!” I was frustrated. Why was he questioning me? Did he think I couldn’t do it? Sure, I wasn’t a risk-taker. No, I had never been away from my family for a long time. I was truly a homebody. Attached to my family. Maybe he was right. Maybe I should be questioning myself.
“Okay. Wow. That’s – that’s…,” he stuttered, searching for the right words, mouth opening and closing without a sound. Then his brows furrowed again and he asked, “For how long?”
“Two months.” It wasn’t a statement, but it wasn’t a question, either. My wide-open eyes searched for his approval, for comfort and support. I had signed the paperwork and committed to it. I was accepted to the program and had already been in contact with the school. There was really no turning back now.
*****
“One.” I took a deep breath and pulled the tube close to me. Was I ever really afraid to drive down 85? Surely, that was someone else.
“Two.” I closed my eyes tightly and tensed my shoulders, preparing to jump. See, no life jackets here. No need for a brother to hold onto or a sister to swim to.
“Three.” I took a deep breath. I bent my knees and jumped backwards into the darkness. This is me. I’m doing this.
The wetsuit clung to my body and the miner’s hat shifted backwards as I flew down-down-down towards the water. I didn’t breathe. I couldn’t breathe. My hands gripped the bottom of the inner tube as my arms wrapped around it – hugging it tight to my rear end. It was my safety net – my assurance that I would survive this jump.
I heard the hollow echo as the rubber tube landed below me, then the silent rushing of water as I was completely submerged in the waterfall pool.
“I did it!” I shouted the moment the tube propelled me out of the black depths and back up to the surface. My triumph echoed through the cave.
The rest of our expedition made their jumps and we continued our journey through the glow worm cave. I tucked my feet under Liam’s arms and grabbed the feet that appeared under mine, making sure our chain was secure.
Resting my head on the tube, I thought about the journey that had led me to this moment. I saw my first swim across the pool and felt the steering wheel in my hands as I merged onto the highway. I recalled the love I saw in my fiance’s eyes the day I boarded the plane and too a journey to the other side of the world.
I relished the taste of accomplishment, cool in my mouth, and lost myself in the view above me. Like thousands of green stars in a sky with no moon, the glow worms congratulated me. Their green glow – the light of hope – lit the way for the new-found me.

My tubing mates and me, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand 2001

Catchin' Up

2008-07-28T13:48:00.003-04:00

After my doctor's appt on Tuesday, Mom and I hit the Carter's store because, well, who can pass up a sale on baby clothes these days??? We found some great stuff for Bella including a onesie that says "Daddy's wrapped around my finger." Just love it! Mom had to get these socks -- Mary Janes in 3 colors, along with another 3 pairs that are ballerina slippers. Too cute for words.

After the Carter's shopping spree, we drove home, picked up Kristina and my dad and headed to the lake. Mom and Dad are "camping" there this summer. (You can hardly call it camping when you have a microwave, recliner, and DVD player!!) We swam and played and took Kristina to the petting zoo they have at the campground. She loved it. Here she is with her favorite: the lamb.

I've been back from the lake for a few days now... catching up on laundry, working on sub plans, spending time with Z, and hanging out with our visitors! With most of the Clan on vacation, we're hosting these two cuties for our friend Marilyn. The first adorableness you see is Savannah. She's a Jack Russel puppy. She keeps Kharma busy and has kept Luna in the sink for several days. Xerxes could care less. Speaking of caring less, the second adorable pup you see is Houston. He is the brother of my SIL's dog, Roscoe, may he RIP. Yes, he has a cleft lip. Yes, he's nearly blind and deaf. But he's 14, soft and cuddly and is pretty spry for an old man. He could care less about Kharma or the cats. Just make sure he goes outside, gets something to eat, and has a quiet place to sleep, and he's one happy man!

So, that's pretty much life here in the 'burbs. That and the fact that school supplies are on sale... but that's another story for another day!

Baby Crazy

2008-07-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Went a little nuts with the photography last night. Bella was in a great mood after dinner and she was wearing this adorable onesie my friend Mara got for her... so I had to take some pictures. I mean, really, how could you not???

The Cousins

2008-07-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

Here are the results of that crazy photo shoot. The first is my favorite. The second is my Mom's fave. You can definitely see the personalities of these kids in these photos! The eldest girl and the girl in the pink dress are my sister's kids. The rest, excluding that adorable baby, are my brother's kids. Yes, he has 5. No, I won't be taking a page out of his book. Bella has much to look forward to in the years to come. Many playmates.

Well, I'm off to the lake for a few days. No wi-fi. Just me, the 'rents, one of those nieces, and my Bella. Oh, and curriculum calendars and lesson plans... ;oP

Passages of Time

2008-07-21T10:17:00.004-04:00

Twelve years ago this month, I was in New Jersey holding my first niece, the baby I anticipated for so long, my sister's first child, my god-daughter. I spent a long 6 weeks with my sister, brother-in-law, and this new little wonder, getting to know her, bonding with her, and learning about what it takes to really care for a baby. I was in on it all... feedings, bathing, diaper changes, nap times... you name it, I did it. I was the live-in nanny. The world went on around me during that summer before I started college. I noticed nothing. Only the gorgeous new baby who was part of my life. I knew I wouldn't get to spend this kind of time with her again, so I made every moment count.

So, here we are twelve years later, and that baby is the oldest of my parents' eight grandchildren. I was right. I never again did have long periods of time to spend with that little girl. But the summer I spent with her was well worth it. We bonded. She's my girl. That's why I loved having her meet my little girl. The other baby I waited for. The other baby I anticpated, my first child, my daughter, my Bella. Here's my "first" baby with my first baby. Both my girls, both so special to me:

I gave Z a lot of crap this weekend about the fact that there are tons of pictures of his parents with our child. Tons of pictures of him with our child. And none of me with my child. So, he snapped away. I liked this one best. It happened after our "cousins" photo shoot... we got all of the kids together: M&M's five, L&G's two, and our little one for a picture for Grammy. The chaos and comedy ensued. I captured it all on video... for posterity. All in all, the kiddos did a great job of obliging their most annoying parents, "Smile! Smile for the camera! Eddie, if you don't smile, so help me! Sit up straight! Smile! Look here! Look at Uncle M! Eddie... I swear..." Z and I had a good laugh! As soon as I get a hold of a copy, I'll post it for the world to see.

Bathing Beauty

2008-07-18T09:13:00.004-04:00

I've been away from home and the computer this week... spending lots of time at the "Compound" with my family... all of them. Ugh. As if having a baby wasn't exhausting enough! Anyway... thought I'd share these snaps of my bathing beauty.

Transitions

2008-07-15T15:50:00.002-04:00

The past few days have brought about some change for me and my little girl. It seems that she's been in transition -- growing and changing. Since she can't tell me what's on her mind, I just have to go with it. We've finally made the transition from some formula supplements to NO formula supplements. Mommy is now supplying all her food! This is a HUGE accomplishment for both of us.

She has also been working on sleeping through the night. For the past two nights, she has slept through for 7 hours, awakened for a feeding, then returned to sleep for another 2.5-3 hours. Needless to say, I am LOVING this! This transition, though, was not without its kinks. She decided not to nap for a few days. She had some serious crankiness and screaming fits... but today, blessed day, has been a good one. Good eating, good naps, a lot less cranky. Hallelujah! Knock on wood, we'll continue in this manner for a while. Happy babies mean happy mommies.

Not much else going on around here. More family in town visiting, but fortunately NOT staying with me. Getting the helmet hair cut tomorrow (after about 2 months -- can I get a little "Amen?"). Starting to think about putting a calendar together for my long-term sub.

And a shout out to my scrappin/stampin girls. Thanks for all the goodies! We are so lucky to have you in our lives!!! Kisses!

Reasons #546,214 and 546,215 why I love my husband

2008-07-13T12:34:00.002-04:00

He LOVES our nieces and nephews. This is typical!

Just a regular ole Friday night at our house. =o)

Daddy's Girl

2008-07-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

Z has been completely exhauted at work this week. It might be the heat and humidity. It might be the pain in the butt job he just finished. Either way, he comes home sleepy as hell. This lends itself to some cuddle time with Bella. Love this picture of the two of them snuggling the other night.

This is our pal, Taylor. Z met Taylor 12 years ago when he arrived in Atlanta. Taylor and I both hit decade marks this August... he'll be 20, I'll be 30. Needless to say, we watched him grow up. He was super excited when our Bella arrived. So glad he was finally able to meet her today. He promised to tell her all his secrets on how to eat chocolate and get it all over Daddy's car and, later, how to sneak out without getting caught. Yes, we have only the BEST role models for our little one!

Sixth grade much?

2008-07-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

Some things just never change...

Except me... Did I really scream until I cried over these jokers? Oh my!

A Short, but GREAT visit

2008-07-07T17:24:00.002-04:00

Bella got to spend some time with her aunts this weekend.

Marching with Aunt M in the Dyke March.

Cuddling with Aunt K

Hangin' out with her aunts...

Demons, Dykes, and Fireworks

2008-07-05T13:13:00.004-04:00

Several things to comment upon here today.

]he first: my husband's need to "play" with our child. Before our little girl arrived, the furkids got to endure the torture. It seems that Bella is now the unlucky (?) recipient of Z's need to "play." Here, butterscotch chips are used to create the horned look of a demon. OY!

Second, I have no pictures yet, but aside from being 4th of July weekend, it is also Pride Weekend here in the ATL. Bella's two favorite aunts are in town, and she recieved a phone call last night inviting her to participate in her first Dyke March. Needless to say, she accepted the invitation and asked her Dad and I to join her. Can't wait!

Third, and finally, what would 4th of July be without fireworks?!?! We joined the Clan for a day of hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, "MY" famous macaroni and cheese, and FIREWORKS!! Bella enjoyed showing off her "All-American Girl" outfit while hanging out with her cousins. As always, the fireworks were amazing, even if she did sleep through them!

Bella says, "Pick me! I want to see the fireworks!"

Bella's thinking about what color cotton candy she wants...

Not exactly sure what she's thinking here, but I LOVE this picture!

HOORAY!!!

2008-07-03T13:04:00.005-04:00

Woman on the left... only my very best friend in the world.

Woman on the right... the woman who has made her the happiest woman in the world.

Color me happy: Visit here.

Congrats, you two!

Why, WalMart, Why?

2008-07-02T16:56:00.004-04:00

In an effort to help feed the fam on July 4th, I headed to the Wal of Mart today to pick up some vittles. Not much, just some hot dogs and watermelon and the like. You know, Independence Day fare. It was a quick trip. It had to be... Bella was napping and I wanted to get in and out as fast a possible.

This is where I then ask, Why, WalMart, Why?!?!?! I can get thru the aisles of my friendly neighborhood store in about 20 minutes. And that's moving pretty slowly, as I don't know what's where. I don't really frequent Wally World... but today the deals were calling my name. So, shopping cart is filled with required food as well as some extras (beer for Z, shirts for me, a July 4th outfit for Bella) and we head to the checkout stand.

Could someone please explain to me why WalMart has 87,000,000 checkout lanes and only 2 are open and the cashiers at those 2 open lanes are taking their sweet-ass time? Why? Honestly? WTF?! They might roll back the prices, but I'd rather pay more and have better service than pay less and know it. Sweet Lord! So, 45 minutes later, we were out of there!

And I forgot the charcoal. Dammit. So, we hit the Kroger on the way home. Should've just gone there in the first place. Rollbacks are SO not worth it.

... end rant.

Enter my sleeping beauty. She's doing better... Longer naps today: Hooray! And, I've decided that she won't be an exclusively breastfed baby. This was a hard decision on my part, but since I don't seem to make enough milk to satisfy her all the time, and I don't want to starve her, it was the only real option. It's not horrible. Usually about 4-6 ounces of formula a day. Out of 25 total ounces, we're not doing too badly. Oh, and that doesn't count the 3 ounces she gets at night because I want to SLEEP! Sigh. The things they don't tell you about in school. Or on the net. Or at the hospital.

Sooo, here's to common sense, trusting yourself, and Similac Advance!

Sleeping

2008-07-01T14:54:00.003-04:00

Did you know that the average 3.5 week old sleeps 17 hours a day?

Did you know that my Bella has decided that catnaps are the new black?

Did you know that this is NOT acceptable by any stretch of the imagination?

Here's to the wonders of formula, suppositories, and the angelic sleep of an infant.

Sometimes, the learning curve is steeper than you expect.

Reality Check

2008-06-29T16:35:00.006-04:00

Well, the in-laws left yesterday. The house is a bit quieter. The animals don't know quite what to do with themselves without their doting Grandma here to entertain them. That's right. It's time for a reality check. I have to get back to doing things like folding my laundry and emptying my dishwasher. It's been a blissful 10 days of my mom-in-law doing them for me (Thanks, Mom!).

Bella fell asleep in her Daddy's arms the other night. And, well, her Daddy can't really leave well enough alone. He was laughing that she looked like she was drunk. Drunk on binky. Hence, the second picture below. Not my best Photoshop work, but you get the idea.

For me, it's back to reality and the list of phone calls I have to make tomorrow.

One last fun picture before I go... Kharma decided that the mat to Bella's play gym would make a suitable bed for her own use. Crazy dog.

The Summer of Isabella

2008-06-25T13:19:00.002-04:00

Hanging out with Aunt Mandy -- I LOVE this picture!!
Daddy getting her strapped in for the ride to Grammy and Pop Pop's on Father's Day. Must be safe!!
Luna decided that Isabella needed to SHARE her Daddy's lap.
All snuggled up in a stuffed animal-blanket made by Cousin Patti in Oregon. It's embroidered with her name and birthdate, too!

So, yeah, I'm taken with my child. Sue me. With my in-laws here, I'm able to be a bit more self-indulgent and take time to download and crop pictures. I'm sure this won't last, but it's fun right now, isn't it?

6 months later... doin' it Mommy style.

2008-06-24T12:10:00.004-04:00

Soooo.... it's summer again. And six months (or so) since I've posted. Pregnancy took a hold of me, and there wasn't much time for blogging. Now that our Bella is here, I don't know if I'll have much more time, but here's hopin'!

Our little girl arrived 2 days early. Grammy and Pop Pop left the labor/delivery room to have some lunch just as I began pushing. By the time they got back, Bella had made her appearance.

2 hours later, Aunt Mandy arrived to hold her newest niece.

We spent a good 2 days in the hospital, bonding as a family, getting to know each other, and enjoying visits from aunts, cousins, and grandparents. Now that we're home and have spent almost 3 weeks together, along with some more grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, we're liking this family thing.

Now, if I could just get a little more sleep...

Oh, and there's that whole "back to work" issue. Not planning on going any time soon, mind you, but the first day of school is breathing down my neck, and I have -- get this -- no sub! Both my sure thing and my back up bailed on me. Perhaps in the next week or so I should start panicking. Or, at least get on the phone and find someone to babysit, I mean, teach my students for the first 5 weeks of the school year. I'm going to Oregon whether there's an adult in the classroom or not...

In the meantime, I need to get birth announcements sent, I want to read a few good books, and create a DVD for Bella's great grandpa.

Here she is...

Shameless pet post

2007-12-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

Does your cat play Trivial Pursuit? Mine does...

And, who needs those big nose dog pictures, when you have your very own?
And, finally, the Luna. Grey. Shy. Not very photogenic. But cuddly as all get out!!!

Other than torturing our animals with endless pictures (I think Z may be preparing for Daddy-hood), there's not much to report around here. The all-day sickness seems to be subsiding, although I have temporary relapses from time to time. Just working on growing a healthy baby and teaching some third graders in the meantime.

Heard any good news lately?

2007-11-13T16:30:00.001-05:00

Introducing...

2007-10-22T18:31:00.000-04:00

My DH's blog. His amazing work, on display for the WideWideWorldofWeb to see! Hooray!

http://ccconcepts.blogspot.com

Enjoy the genius that I call a spouse.

GPS, Scaredy Dogs, and LOTS of good food

2007-10-08T17:53:00.000-04:00

We spent the weekend with our two favorite people, M&K in their new home... 5.5 hours away and worth every minute of the drive! Soooo good to see great friends and enjoy time together. Nice to be able to talk about secrets (no disclosure here, thankyouverymuch) and life and choices and family and movies and music and insanity. I just love these women.

Yeah. So, M gave us directions, but we also took the GPS with us. Z kept waiting for it to get frustrated instead of just saying "Recalculating." Perhaps he was waiting for the "turn here, dammit!" that never came. All in all, though, I am a fan of the GPS. And apparently the article "the." (As in, we don't have "the" cable, so we get "the" Netflix.)

Awhile back, I posted about how Kharma was afraid of Gadget, M's cat. Well, not much has changed. She was freaked out by that little black thing. Still. Damn cat. No, really, I do love him. But it cracks me up that my big dog is afraid of little 8 pound him. Insane.

We ate sooo much great food while we were visiting. They fed us like royalty. Great breakfasts and dinners. Snacks in between. Good sight-seeing and hiking, too. Cannot wait to get back there!

More CKU pix

2007-09-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

Here in Hilton Head. Hating the rain. Finally had some sunshine today and had the chance to go to the beach and swim in the pool. YAY!

Uploaded a few more snaps from CKU...

Midnight Rusty Pickle Crop

The Wedding Croppers

Graduation

Me and Tim Holtz

My Girls and Ana Cabrera

Got those post-CKU blues

2007-08-27T20:19:00.000-04:00

Had such a fun time hanging with my PeaGirls this weekend. Even when classes were disappointing and album tracks were WAY disorganized, my girls were there to keep me smiling. Overall, I'd rate my weekend an 8 out of 10. I had one class that was supposed to teach me more about chipboard techniques. Instead, it was a page kit. Hello! I know how to make a scrapbook page. My album track was sooooo disorganized. No instructions. No teaching. No new techniques. Fortunately, I love my album and the papers. And I got to spend the day cropping with my friends. But, I would not recommend that album track to anyone ever again. Nope. LOVED my classes with Tim Holtz. Made some damn cool stuff. Enjoyed classes with Ana Cabrera (what a hoot!) and Emily Adams ("Hey, Wedding Singer! Is that you?")

And now... Some fun pictures to share:

Our incredibly messy table.

Sheila, working hard. Oy!

Laura with her Indigo Girls Happy Thing page.

The Graduating Virginia.

Laura... doing what she does best.

Mara, with her bird page.

Oh! Almost forgot a fun story…

I decided to stay up with L to work more on my album. Everyone else went to bed (losers). Well, lo and behold some random lady walks in and says “Do you want to make a cool Rusty Pickle album with Mr. Pickle himself?” L’s head popped up and her eyes got wide. Why, yes! We’d love to. Sooooo, at midnight, L and I packed up all our crap and hauled it across the hall to do the Rusty Pickle Midnight Bootleg class with Lance Anderson. SOOOO much fun, and a great altered chipboard book. Well worth our 2:30 A.M. bedtime!

Who's tired? Not Laura!

So CKU's a great start...

2007-08-24T08:51:00.000-04:00

Some fun pictures from the Campus Crop last night. Don't have any of our dorm performing yet -- will post those soon. We WON the SONG competetion! We have video, too, so once that's on youtube, I'll post it!

Hump Day

2007-08-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

It's Wednesday and the bulk of my first week back is over! Hallelujah! I'd forgotten how tough it is to manage 16 little people: their bodies, their needs, their MOUTHS, their minds. WOW. It's sad to say, but I'm refreshed to be teaching regular, run of the mill kids. I have a passion for helping children who need it, but after three years of having the neediest children hurled at me from all directions, I'm enjoying your "average joes." I have one child who hasn't learned impulse control yet. Another who doesn't really talk, unless your force her. Yet another who wants to please so badly, but he just hasn't found his way. Needless to say, I'm in love!

The best part of this "back in the classroom" gig is getting to revisit all the fun things I do every year. Rereading old books is like putting on an old t-shirt. They fit me just right and are so comfortable. I know I'm home.

I hate that there has been such a heat wave because my original intention for working 3 miles from home was to walk home everyday. It has been too hot to take the kids out to play, let alone walk 3 miles home. Enter my fitness hero: MG! Thanks to her and Kate's life merge, I am the proud new owner of a treadmill. I've named him George. We have a 45 minute date together everyday. He calls to me and forces me to run my ass off. Run! Okay. I walk mostly. But he entices me. And I do run.

What more can I say in this uncharacteristically long blog post? Oh yes! Getting ready for CKU. Soooo excited about Nashville. In fact, this time next week I'll be driving there. Our dorm was picked to perform, so that's going to be a blast. I get to create all weekend. Yay!

This totally cracked me up, though: I put in my leave form and in the "reason" section for my absence, I simple wrote "convention." On the leave form signed by my principal, she also wrote, "Bring back lots of great ideas!" I had to giggle. I think I'll share w/my grade leve the benefits of using chipboard when teaching children how to read.... =op

So much to do and so little time. This is me answering George's call so I can get some other things done this PM......

Spongebob says, "See ya, Sucker!"

2007-08-05T09:24:00.000-04:00

These women..I just love 'em. With MG relocating, we decided we neede to get together with these crazy women for a night of revelry, excitement, karaoke, drinks, food, pinatas and, of course, games. These ladies are just so much fun. You never know what's going to come out of anyone's mouth or who Susan is going to grab next. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long while.

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, empatically: I love these girls!

Please, make my mojitos.

Rockin' out to karaoke.

A love song, obviously.

Baby. Got. Back.

It doesn't really hurt.

Loser.

DeadBob.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-08-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Things to be Grateful for:

1. My husband. I mean, really, what an amazing guy!

2. My career. What more could one ask for? I get to help children learn. The rewards are endless.

3. The world of scrapbooking because it has helped me find:

4. Creativity. I can sit down and make shit. Out of paper and pictures and glue and paint. Oh yes.

5. Good friends. Life would be so BORING without them.

6. FurKids. There is nothing like being greeted at the door by a wagging tail and 2 meows.

7. Books. Anothe way to get away from the stress in life. Also keeps my brain active.

8. The Wide Wide World of Web. This way I can stay in touch with those I care about when they're far away.

9. Music. HolyShit. Music. My lifeblood. If I'm not singing it out loud or humming, I'm relating what you're saying to a song I heard. My memories are connected to songs. Yeah. Music.

10. Shoes. The inventor of shoes knew what s/he was doing. I can never have too many pairs, and shoes bring me such joy.

11. Family. There is never a dull moment when it comes to being part of a big family. Sometimes you just strap in and hold on for the ride. Other times, you feel like Atlas, afraid that one wrong move will alter the universe. Either way, I wouldn't be who I am today without those wacky folks I call family.

12. Calendars. Honestly. They rule my life. Keep me sane.

13. Flattening Irons. Okay. A bit nuts, but my hair looks so good when I use a flattening iron. Trite? Yes. But a girl has her priorities, no?

Timely Challenge

2007-07-26T17:13:00.000-04:00

Blog about some of the challenges in your life that u are now facing. If any. Be as blunt, or bold as u like.

Challenges? Me? I think they've been a running theme in my blog lately. Seems like the past 6 months have been nothing BUT a challenge. Sure, there have been some great times, some fun, lots of laughter... but the challenges lurk in the dark. They're there. They just don't always show their nasty faces.

Challenge 1: Leaving the school where I began teaching to move closer to home, rekindle my passion for teaching, and find the sanity to possibly start a family.

Challenge 2: My best friend moving away. We've talked about it. I think it's the BEST decision for her and her partner. The challenge comes from my selfishness.

Challenge 3: DH starting his own business. Start-up fees, LLC, payroll companies, rent, you name it... it's money leaving the bank account, not going in. But I trust my husband whole-heartedly and I know he will make it work.

Challenge 4: Family crap. Doesn't everyone have family crap that's always creeping up on them? I'm not going into detail here. It just doesn't feel right. But I will say that I am so proud of my family for closing ranks and pulling together. Wow. Challenges are always better met with tons of support from your family. Yay for us!

So, yeah. So many challenges I'm facing right now. Better to do them all at once? I don't know... I think it was MG who said, "Won't it be great to be bored a year from now?" Hell yes! Bring on the boredom. I'm more than ready for it!

It's that time of year...

2007-07-23T11:13:00.000-04:00

When school supplies are UBER cheap, and I can fulfill some serious cravings I have for new folders, pencils, crayola products, paper, glue sticks... the list goes on. I decided to buy the bare minimum this year, but then my dorm secret sister pops up with BOXES of supplies for my classroom! WOW. This is me TOTALLY overwhelmed. I'm so grateful. And did I mention overwhelmed?

So, in a week and a half, I go to orientation at my new school. In two weeks, the "school year" begins. In three weeks I have new students and begin another whirlwind year of third grade. It promises to be an exciting one. New faces, new expectations, new friends to be made. New classroom, new culture. New new new.

Change is imminent. Change is about evolving. Change is about what's new. I'm all about some change. And...

Crayola Crayons!

Waiting on Harry

2007-07-21T11:22:00.000-04:00

I'm waiting on my pal, Harry, to show up at my door. I arranged for his arrival back in April. Bought his ticket to my house. And he arrived in the area at 10:20, according to UPS.com. Now he's in the truck, heading to my house. I just can't wait. I should go to the grocery store. I should scrub the countertops in the kitchen. I should vacuum the bedroom and upstairs hallway. Instead, I'm waiting. He's going to be here any minute. And I just can't risk missing him when he gets here.

5 Little Things

2007-07-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

2Peas challenge today was:

Name 5 things you do every day, without fail.

1. Blow my nose. It's a sad situation, but inevitably, I always end up using several tissues through the course of a day.
2. Kiss my husband. So important to the old adage: Never go to bed angry.
3. Read. I always have a book going and one waiting in the wings. It's my escape time.
4. Shower or Bathe. Unless we're camping, there is a shower or bath in my life every day. Some folks can go every other day, but not me.
5. Talk on the phone. Whether it's chatting with M, my sister in law, or just checking in w/Z, I use the phone.

Soooo, not very profound, but part those are the things I do everyday. I could have lied and said things like exercise or eat vegetables. But there are some days when a vegetable doesn't cross or I don't lace up my walking shoes.

As I'm getting closer to the school year, I'm thinking more and more about rituals, patterns, and plans for daily life. With Z working nearly 11 hours a day now, there are many things he just doesn't have the energy for when he gets home. I don't necessarily think he should be immune to helping out -- everyone has some responsibility -- but I need to figure out how I'm going to use my days wisely. Work is less than 10 minutes away now... about 5 if the lights and train are in my favor. Definitely time to start planning: exercise, meals, housework, excursions to Winston, camping, family time, "us" time.

Glad I love a list, though I think I'll ponder a bit more before I start putting these ideas on paper. A well-thought-out list is a million times better than one shoddily put together. List-neurosis can be your friend.

One Pooped Pup and Two Happily Sore Legs

2007-07-16T11:19:00.000-04:00

Aaah. What a great weekend. K's parents have a beautiful piece of land in VA. Mini horses, deer, groundhogs, cats, and... Kharma, of course!

So glad we were able to spend good, quality time together. So glad to see M so very happy now. It's about time, dammit.

On Saturday K and A, along with Max AKA "B Frieze" joined us for an ~8 mile hike on the Bushwhacker and Iron Mountain Trails into Damascus. Excellent hiking, beautiful weather.

Today I will spend the day with my pooped puppy and my two happily sore legs. I might even get some work done around here. =o)

OoTP!!

2007-07-12T10:47:00.001-04:00

Yes. I went on opening day. I saw Harry Potter. Not sure what I'm thinking yet... Parts of it I really enjoyed. Parts of it were disappointing. I'm not going to go into gorey HP detail here, as I am a total HP dork, but I wonder how the 6th movie will address some of the loose ends and plot pieces they left out.

More importantly, the 7th book comes out in one week and one day. It will be delivered to my doorstep into my hot little hands on the 21st. It's bittersweet -- the end. I'm excited, but don't want it to end, either.

So, back to last night. I think the BEST part of the evening was spending time with my nephew, niece, and brother. What started as a date between my nephew and me became a famliy outing, Z included. Andy had soooo many questions -- he wanted to know who was going to die and when. Because the movie was so dark, he kept his eyes partially covered the whole time. He's really afraid of "Voldemork" (sooo cracks me up when he says that...). I made him promise that when he's old enough he'll actually READ the books.

Well, I need to get to mowing the lawn and getting my car cleaned. We have a big weekend ahead, and it's time to get started!

If Mandy says...

2007-07-10T16:57:00.000-04:00

Change is the new black, then I'm WAY in style these days. It's been a constant uphill climb since about March. No end in sight. My calves are tired. My lungs are weak. My heart alternates between pounding and skipping beats. Sometimes the trail flattens for a minute, but no sooner do I catch my breath than it's back up the hill again.

Here's part of the excitement: C3. Z's new business venture. In progress, obviously.

Here she is....

2007-07-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

Adrianne! Amazing...

Too bad I quit women... =op

Every once in a while...

2007-07-06T12:12:00.001-04:00

You just happen upon GREAT music.

After M complained about 2 opening acts before Girlyman @ Eddie's last night, we were more than pleasantly suprised by Adrianne. Wow. Haven't heard a voice that rich or songwriting that spot-on in a long time. Perhaps my fave line: "I need a friend like a flashlight..." If I could get youtube to work for me, I'd post a video. I'll work on it...

Yeah. Me still basking in the glow of great live music. Aaaaah.

Too bad I quit smoking.

10 Questions a'la James Lipton

2007-06-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

I miss Inside the Actors Studio. Not having the cable makes a difference in subtle ways. Like Mr. Lipton. Love him.

On 2Peas, someone posted his list of 10 questions. Here they are w/my answers:
1. What is your favorite word? behoove
2. What is your least favorite word? can't
3. What turns you on? my husband's smile
4. What turns you off? neediness
5. What is your favorite curse word? dammit
6. What sound or noise do you love? purring cats, rain on the roof
7. What sound or noise do you hate? children crying
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? dancer
9. What profession would you not like to attempt? septic tank cleaner
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Well done, Theresa. Well done."

Tell me something good...

2007-06-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

So, the 2Peas challenge today was to think of a time when something good came of something bad. I can think of several.

1. I had been teaching third grade for 3 years, always having the gifted cluster in my class. I loved it! Even decided to get a gifted endorsement. Then my principal turned on me. She decided that I no longer "deserved" the gifted children, so she moved the cluster somewhere else. It was a real blow to my ego. BUT, the year that I had just a regular ol' class, I LOVED it. I found out what it was like to not have children leaving your class every day. Not to have to make up all kinds of work with them. Awesome.

2. On the flip side, that same principal forced me into taking the Gifted Program Teacher position the year she left the school. She told the new principal how awesome I was at teaching gifted kids (ha!) and that I would be perfect for the job. Wellllll, I HATED it. I went to the new principal crying. She "interviewed" me to open a second grade class since our second grades were overflowing. I ended up teaching that group of children in second and third grade. Looping those kiddos, watching them grow and change and learn was so amazing. One of the best experiences of my life.

3. Dating Tomas. Oy! What insanity. Two years younger than me, I was taken with his rebel attitude and funky sense of style. He dressed like he was in a SKA band. He smoked bidi cigarettes. I was smitten. But it was so mentally unhealthy. Just stupid really. So, he broke it off. I was devastated. And his best friend was there to pick up the pieces and be my friend. 10 years later, that best friend and I are married. Yup. And we don't talk to crazy old Tomas anymore. Things definitely worked out for the BEST.

And... because I worked so hard on it today, I have to post my new collage, created for my siggy at 2Peas.

It's Finally Summer!

2007-05-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

And I am TOTALLY taking today to be a bum. There is so much to do around the house, and I have yet to take off my pajamas. It's quite sad, actually. Zach is at work -- he left so early this AM -- I'm not sure how he did it. After this post, I will get my hiney in gear and at least unpack from our camping trip and do some laundry. Oh, and go grocery shopping. I think that's doable for today.

So much has happened since I posted in January (geez! it doesn't SEEM like it was that long ago...) Here's a quick rundown. Zach's 30th birthday w/his parents in town. Mandy and Kate time (love that girl!). Job at OU. Debacle with GCPS job. Finally got a new one. Spring Break insanity with the WHOLE fam in FL. Bonding with the Peas in Americus.

And, just in the last week: the last day of school... my last day at BRES. I cried. It was so hard. I started my career there. All the people I know and love are there. My teaching history resides in that building. But now I start a new journey. 3 miles from home. Back in the classroom. Good stuff.

With the last day of school came Tavern Night. A tradition. Such good times. A recap in pictures:

Nicole, Sarah, Stacy and the Holy Water.

Stacy and Susana. Not too sure what's happening here...

Sexy Self-Portraits. Gotta love 'em.

Susana and Sarah... and Susana's leg. WTF?

Not to be outdone by this weeked's camping near Grandfather Mountain/Linville, NC. It took us most of Saturday to find a campsite, but we found one off one of the Forest Service Roads. Did some awesome hiking. It was the perfect kickoff to my summer vacation!

2007-05-17T21:58:00.001-04:00

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Reflective and Sad, but Hopeful

2007-01-15T12:52:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's been over a month since I've written. The holidays seem to take over every aspect of life -- and my house. I'm working on taking down Christmas today, replacing the cheerful holiday snowmen and reindeer and santas with "the everyday" decorations of my house. It seemed a good time to do some revamping, too. Declutter the mantel. Put some things away for a while. And replace some pictures. Amid the relief of cleaning, purging, and making room for 2007, I'm finding myself a bit reflective and somewhat sad.

A year ago, I stopped talking to one of my closest friends. Just stopped. I said some things she didn't want to hear, and that was the end. No trying to work it out. It was just -- over. I removed her pictures from their frames today and replaced them with others. I guess it was the needed final step of that relationship. 2006 continued on without her...

Then in February, I ceased communicating with my childhood best friend. She tried again in September, but I realized we had just become two completely different people. So, there went that. I can't seem to get rid of traces of her from my life. I don't want to. There is so much history there. She is so much a part of who I am today. We may not be able to be friends, but the sweet memory of her makes me smile. I wish it had gone other ways, but things don't always work out the way we want them to. Life just happens.

The beauty of all of this is finding new friends. Learning from past mistakes. Realizing who I am through and through and not compromising that for anything or anyone. I have very few goals for 2007, but I want them to count. So, here I am, being hopeful for a great new year. Letting the past go. Letting the present and future in.

GOALS for 2007

Walk every morning, every day
Drink water
Stick to a cleaning schedule (necessary for sanity)
Become a healthy pregnant woman
Cherish everything in my life, take nothing for granted

What Teachers Make

2006-12-21T00:51:00.000-05:00

I know that practically everyone has received this in a chain email at some point, but I believe that it bears repeating.

What Teachers Make

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"

"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in writing.

I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."

Susan paused and then continued, "You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

10 years and counting...

2006-12-13T06:15:00.000-05:00

This month marks Z's and my 10th anniversary together, 4 years of marriage. HOORAY! I'm so lucky to have an amazing husband.

To celebrate, we went to NC to choose and cut our own Christmas tree. It was soooo much fun! This is only our second live tree (since we spend every other Christmas away), and I'm loving it! Here are some shots of us cutting down the tree...

And, the finished product...

What Christmas Carol Are You?

2006-12-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

You are 'Silent Night'! You really enjoy Christmas, and you like your Christmases conventional. For you, Christmas is about family and traditions, and you rather enjoy the rituals of going to church at midnight and turning off the lights before flaming the plum pudding. Although you find Christmas shopping frustrating, you like the excitement of wrapping and hiding presents, and opening a single door on the Advent Calendar each day. You like the traditional carols, and probably teach the children to sing along to them. More than anyone else, you will probably actually have a merry Christmas!

Take this quiz: Quizilla

Offensive...

2006-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

So, Bonnie @2Peas has posted this challenge: Blog about the things in life that are offensive to you... do you take offense easily, or not????

I'm a jokester -- there's not doubt about that. And I tend to say things that can be offensive or embarrass people. I wouldn't say that I'm easily offended, but there are some things that, if said, set me off.

1. These kids can't learn. They can't do it.
I'm a teacher, a teachers' teacher, and above all, an advocate for children. Don't tell me These kids can't... All children can and will as long as I am around. It might take some patience, some extra support, a different viewpoint, a different method, but ALL KIDS CAN!

2. That woman needs to lose a few.
As a woman who is overweight -- and not by a little -- this makes me NUTS! Don't tell me that a woman who has a little extra skin here and there needs to lose weight. It is a daily, uphill battle for me. People who say She needs to lose a few obviously have NEVER struggled with it. So, shut up! Are you a doctor? Since when does your opinion matter? (Okay, I need to exhale -- got a little worked up there...)

3. Addressing many when you only need to address a few.
Okay, so hypothetical and silly situation here, but a good way to illustrate my point: Several people at the office are not covering their mouths when they sneeze. The bossman knows exactly who these people are. He sees them daily. Other workers have complained, and he has made a note of it. Finally, during the height of cold season, the bossman gets really ticked off because these people are sneezing a LOT, and no one is covering her/his mouth. So, he writes an angry memo. One that states, "The next person who sneezes without covering his/her mouth will receive a letter of reprimand." Instead of sending it to the offenders, he sends it to the ENTIRE staff, as though ALL of them have committed this offense. This bothers me so much, and it offends me when I am the one who has not committed the offense. Talk to the people whom you are angry with; don't bother me with it when I've done nothing wrong.

So, in the spirit of offense, I invite you to rent a Carlos Mencia DVD, listen to one of his CDs or watch his TV show on Comedy Central. You will be offended. And then you will laugh. We're all offenders. Carlos Mencia shows us just how STUPID we sound when we offend.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2006-12-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

And it's finally cold here in the ATL! Hallelujah! A quick survey to get me started on the Holiday Blogging...

*Christmas/New Years questionare*
Christmas
Do you like christmas?:	I LOVE it!
Whats your favorite part about christmas?:	Decorating my tree, Being with my family
Who is your favorite person to spend christmas with?:	my husband and parents
What time do you wake up in the morning on christmas day?:	depends on how late we were up the night before, but usually by 8
haha Do you believe in Santa?:	Definitely.
Do you decorate a lot for christmas?:	I'm a moderate decorator.
What your favorite christmas present?:	this is lame, but my cd changer for my car
Do you send out christmas cards?:	yep -- I need to get started!
Do you party on christmas day?:	nope -- lots of relaxation and family time.
What is the true meaning of christmas?:	remembering to be there for those you love
Favorite
Christmas Cookie?:	chocolate chip
Person in the mager setup?:	the sheep
christmas outfit?:	pajamas
time on christmas day?:	christmas eve -- around 8 (everyone has eaten and we are chatting over coffee)
Either
fake or real tree?:	i used to be a fake tree girl, but now it's REAL all the way!
Lights/Decorations/Garlfand?:	TONS of white lights, silver and gold beaded garland, lots of ornaments from days gone by
Wrapping presents or buying them?:	wrap them myself -- or make zach do it
money or presents?:	presents
spend christmas with family or friends?:	family
white christmas or hot christmas?:	white christmas
caroling or listening to carolers?:	caroling
cocoa or cofee?:	cocoa
blinking lights or regular?:	regular
color lights or yellowish?:	WHITE
manger or santa?:	both
red or green?:	green
Have you ever?
stolen anything on christmas day?:	hell no!
Read the story of Jesus birth?:	yes
Gotten drunk, high ect on christmas eve/day?:	comfortably buzzed
Been a Mr. Scrooge?:	yep -- the first year my sister didn't come home for Christmas
Donated to the homeless?:	yes
Been exceptionaly cheery because its christmas?:	always -- it's kind of sick, actually
New Yers
Where do you go?:	it depends -- usually to a friends' house
party?:	do you consider playing games a party?
do you get drunk?:	sometimes
Do you go to clubs?:	Hell NO!
have you ever been drunk and driven on new years?:	NO.
do you have loud toys and countdown the seconds?:	sometimes.
What are your new years resolutions?:	always health... you think i'd be SOOO healthy by now
Do you stay up till midnight?:	yes
Who do you spend new years with?:	my hubby and friends and famly
Are you tired the next day?:	yes
What time is it?:	????????
Take this survey Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

Well, Chico...

2006-11-21T15:42:00.000-05:00

they're not all winners.

Sooooo, here is Frank, Sarah, and me with the one and only Carlos Mencia (he's the one in the hat).

I won't tell you how much we paid to have this polaroid taken, but I will say that we had such a GREAT time. I haven't laughed that hard is SOOOOOO long! Can't wait until he's back in town again!

Since he's known me...

2006-11-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

So, Z says that since he's known me I've been in school. For a year now, I haven't taken classes. Since I finished my Master's last year, I am taking some time off. Z hopes it's permanent time off, but, really, it's an extended hiatus until I go back for my Ed.D.

In the interest of keeping up with my field (literacy education), I am taking the Reading Specialist exam today. (In about an hour, actually.) I haven't taken a standardized test since -- hell, when I got my teaching certificate! Needless to say, I'm nervous. So, keep those fingers crossed for me.

I'm off to find my number 2 pencils so I can sharpen them!