How was Christmas, my friends? Yesterday was Boxing Day - a holiday dedicated to charity, appreciation, and the sharing of leftovers. Love it. Although, I would be much better off if I were to share a few more of mine, instead of eating them!!
Time for my Ode to Christmas Food:
1. Christmas Eve. First of all, there were cream puffs on the table when I walked in. I'm so having those on my next birthday.... Josh's mom had a little problem when her ham spilled juice into the bottom of the oven. It smoked up the house terribly. Otherwise, though, everything went smoothly, and all was delicious. The cheesy potatoes were amazing, the ham was delicious, and Mariah has a thing for sauteed mushrooms, so they were served as a side. They were fantastic on the beef. There were also carrots with pineapple and brown sugar - very good, and Becky made some very tasty cheese broccoli. That is not even all that was there, but let me tell you - it all tasted great. And I ate too much. Two people asked for the recipe of my gooey butter cake, because it was pretty darn yummy, too! Grant told me it was one of his favorite things to eat all day. That's very flattering, after the cream puffs.
2. Christmas Day. I was still full in the morning, but we made cinnamon rolls anyway. Plus, Santa didn't eat all of the delicious cookies... Then, I put the marinated chicken wings in the crock pot and let it start cooking. Mom and Dad and Brother came around 10, and I made rice and veggies and Sister Schubert rolls. But that was nothin'.....Dad brought some of Uncle Raymond's gulf shrimp. When it was thawed, he fried it up in my kitchen in some Zataran's. Amazing. Both of my kids love shrimp. We still had some gooey butter cake, and also Brother had made some red velvet cupcakes. It would seem that he won the mix at a Christmas party he went to, and made them Christmas Eve at my mom's house. They were very yummy! Oink.
3. Boxing Day. Leftover ham? Check. Leftover wings? Check. Leftover cupcakes? Check? Leftover gooey butter cake? Check. Assorted cookies that were homemade by my own mother? Check. Turtle candies from husband for Christmas? Check. Appetite? Well, no, but that's never stopped us before!! I actually was meeting a dear friend for lunch at Denny's. That was pretty great, but all I could manage to order was an English muffin and hot chocolate. We had a nice time, and then I went home to get the kids ready to spend the night at my mom's. Later, Brother took me and Josh to Applebees. Ooof! I tried to order small, but there was this steak with shrimp on it... The waitress actually recommended it to me. By the way, she was flirting with my brother, and when she wasn't serving us, she was watching him from the other side of the room. Sadly, she was neither young nor cute. When we asked Brother how he wanted to handle it, he said, "I think I'll handle it by living in Colorado." And so we left to buy candy at Wal-mart. Yes. I said candy. With absolutely no appetite whatsoever, we went to buy candy to sneak into the movies.....because that's as rebellious as we get. And because we're pretty sure that the 16 year old at the counter doesn't really care that we got for 98 cents what he was going to ask us to pay $3.75 for - he just wants us to go away so he can text his friends about how bored he is. I got Runts. When was the last time you had those? Well, for me it was when they had cherry and lime instead of grape and apple. Still - fun. And what movie did we see? Why, The Hobbit, of course!!! I came home sugary, but happy. Can't wait for the next installment....but probably will, since I have no choice.
So the Christmas Oink is drawing to a close (I hope) and I am very piously planning all sorts of HEALTHY snacks to set out on New Year's Eve next week. With any luck, I can avoid waddling my way into the new year. Cross your fingers for me!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
First Snow or The End of the World as We Know It
Did you know that the local schools are upping their security for today, based on the fact that people really think the world is going to end? Tell me - if the world actually ended.....would that matter so much? And have you consulted Mayan culture for other aspects of your life and safety? Apparently not, because the Mayans have been saying all along that they did NOT mean that the world would end today.
Happy Winter Solstice! We did get our first snow of the season yesterday. It rained all morning, then the temperature dropped, but the crazy, strong wind did not. At first the snow was wet and slushy, but it got colder and colder until it really wasn''t that fun to be out in. The roads were terrible yesterday. Apparently, the local officials looked at a forecast that said, "1. Heavy rain. 2. 20 degree drop in temps. 3. Snow and high winds," and never figured that the roads would ice up. They did nothing until significantly after dark.
The way people are driving, you'd think it was the end of the world! Wait....
Ask me what I did yesterday. Want to know? I'll give you a hint - I did not stay in bed and recover. I also did not work. I also did not do what I planned to do, much, which included many small tasks and a few errands. Guess yet? Probably not. I'll just tell you. I went to Grant's class! They were all wearing pyjamas and watching The Polar Express. I emailed the teacher to ask if she needed any help at the party (today), but she thought I was offering to help yesterday. So I did! I made all the hot chocolates for two classes. Coincidentally, the class that was watching the movie with Grant's was the class I subbed for last month. YAY! I sat by Grant and was swarmed by kids in their PJs. When movie time was over, Grant asked if I could stay with him for the rest of the day. His teacher agreed, so I went to gym. We played games with some "snowballs". Super fun. Almost as fun as the gym coach's sweater. OUCH! Then, we went to music and sang songs about snow. We also played a game where the class sits in a circle and one student is in the middle. He closes his eyes while the class sings, and one student gets up and hides behind the piano. Then, when the song is over, the middle person has 10 seconds to guess which classmate is missing. Fun! On the last round, Mrs. Vahle told me to hide, but Roman knew it was me. The class found that HILARIOUS.
So, while I did get half of the Christmas cards addressed, the other half I had to work on last night. Plus, I didn't get to the post office to mail them, obviously, and I didn't get to stop by Wal-mart, and I didn't get to stop by the Central Office, or do the dishes (oh, darn). Some of that has been moved today's list, but...
Guess what I'm doing today! I'm going to school! Since I was at Grant's party yesterday, I'm going to Abbie's today. I'm also going to stop and get something nice to leave in the teachers' lounge, because being a teacher was really rough this month. And I need to bring cookies for Abbie's class. So, in a minute, I'm going to start getting ready. Hope you are all keeping warm today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPYN0T7DBtw
Happy Winter Solstice! We did get our first snow of the season yesterday. It rained all morning, then the temperature dropped, but the crazy, strong wind did not. At first the snow was wet and slushy, but it got colder and colder until it really wasn''t that fun to be out in. The roads were terrible yesterday. Apparently, the local officials looked at a forecast that said, "1. Heavy rain. 2. 20 degree drop in temps. 3. Snow and high winds," and never figured that the roads would ice up. They did nothing until significantly after dark.
The way people are driving, you'd think it was the end of the world! Wait....
Ask me what I did yesterday. Want to know? I'll give you a hint - I did not stay in bed and recover. I also did not work. I also did not do what I planned to do, much, which included many small tasks and a few errands. Guess yet? Probably not. I'll just tell you. I went to Grant's class! They were all wearing pyjamas and watching The Polar Express. I emailed the teacher to ask if she needed any help at the party (today), but she thought I was offering to help yesterday. So I did! I made all the hot chocolates for two classes. Coincidentally, the class that was watching the movie with Grant's was the class I subbed for last month. YAY! I sat by Grant and was swarmed by kids in their PJs. When movie time was over, Grant asked if I could stay with him for the rest of the day. His teacher agreed, so I went to gym. We played games with some "snowballs". Super fun. Almost as fun as the gym coach's sweater. OUCH! Then, we went to music and sang songs about snow. We also played a game where the class sits in a circle and one student is in the middle. He closes his eyes while the class sings, and one student gets up and hides behind the piano. Then, when the song is over, the middle person has 10 seconds to guess which classmate is missing. Fun! On the last round, Mrs. Vahle told me to hide, but Roman knew it was me. The class found that HILARIOUS.
So, while I did get half of the Christmas cards addressed, the other half I had to work on last night. Plus, I didn't get to the post office to mail them, obviously, and I didn't get to stop by Wal-mart, and I didn't get to stop by the Central Office, or do the dishes (oh, darn). Some of that has been moved today's list, but...
Guess what I'm doing today! I'm going to school! Since I was at Grant's party yesterday, I'm going to Abbie's today. I'm also going to stop and get something nice to leave in the teachers' lounge, because being a teacher was really rough this month. And I need to bring cookies for Abbie's class. So, in a minute, I'm going to start getting ready. Hope you are all keeping warm today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPYN0T7DBtw
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Cough, cough.
Well, Time marches on, but progress seems to have passed by me without initiating contact. I am referring to my health, here. How long have I been sick? It's only a little cold, right? Well, this little cold has had some sort of relapse, and refuses to leave.
I did work yesterday, though. Why? Why would I do that, you ask. Good question. Well, mostly it goes like this: I was looking at SubFinder, as I do every day, and there was a job. I knew something would be there, but I had been so busy since coming home from Music lessons that I hadn't had time to check it until dinner was started and Josh was home. He was sitting near me when I looked at the job. It was for a building I'd never been to before, and it was for a para, not a teacher. Also, I was still pretty sick. I asked him what he thought. He told me to take it, because the guy in his office who had pneumonia was back at work already.
So I did. Who can argue with that?
I should have stayed home, though. It was a pre-school. I was too sick, but hid it as best I could. I got knocked down at recess by a herd of affectionate 4-year-olds. I had assorted children on my lap for large parts of the day. I wiped more noses than merely my own.
I came home feeling awful. I made chicken dinosaurs, fake mashed potatoes, green beans and pineapple for dinner, and then helped Abbie practice music. The teacher recommended some sites where Abbie can play along with a violinist who is doing songs from her book. We worked on two songs extensively, and then I went to lie down. The kids came with me, and we watched Elf in my room, but the phone kept ringing. Very frustrating. Especially since I'm supposed to be on the National Do Not Call list.
Josh, of course, was off at a work party. I texted to ask what time he would come home. He said he'd leave at 8:30. I was asleep when, at 9:50, he texted to say he was about to leave.
I was planning to take the kids to school this morning, but Josh offered, so I let him. I am feeling a lot worse than I did Monday and Tuesday. Don't know what that is about.
Also, is Josh feeling guilty for staying out later than he said, or because he left me alone with the kids all night or something worse? Or does he just think that I'm too sick to take the kids (all of a sudden, after 12 years of not noticing)? Maybe he's sorry for pressuring me into taking a job when I wasn't well enough. More likely, he couldn't remember if he was supposed to or not, and just wanted to be safe, since I was likely to be cranky.
Not reading anything, currently. I'm supposed to be planning Abbie's birthday. She wants an indoor camp out. I think that means board games. I'll put the two kid tents in the living room, and we'll have board games, Pringles, apples and s'mores. How's that? And I think I'll do it on the 5th. She can have 2 friends actually spend the night.
Next project is paying all the bills.
Brother comes to MO on Sunday, and I'm doing some visiting on Saturday, I think. By Monday I need to have the ingredients to that cake I'm making. That might mean out of town grocery shopping. Also, I found 3 new recipes I want to try, but Josh did something to my computer and now my printer won't work. I emailed them to him so he could print them, but he forgot. Maybe I'll ask him again tonight....
I'm not feeling well. I wish I could breathe well enough to sleep. I think I'm feeling cranky, after all. I hope I am better soon. I am tired of missing taiko and tired of feeling guilty anytime I'm around people.
I hope you are well. Did you hear it might snow tomorrow?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Makin' a list and checkin' it twice!
Hi. I am a little better, thank you for asking. The weekend arrived, and I was not really healthy enough for the exertion, but I tried to do all the stuff anyway. Did you hear about my Thursday? That's when Grant, in a fit of happy boy-ness, jumped and accidentally hit me right in the face with his hard head. Got my nose and bloodied both lips. Bottom lip was just a small cut. Upper lip was a mess. Today is the first day I've been able to smile properly. Thursday was not my best day.
Friday, I got out of bed and cleaned the house. I would just like to state for the record that my husband and children pretty much gross me out. Apparently, if I am ill and in bed, crumbs of all sorts cease to be offensive, and are, therefore, given permission to remain where they are comfortable. On the other hand, the bathroom and everything in it becomes offensive to the point of being un-touchable, and certainly un-cleanable. Giant blob of toothpaste? Sorry. Can't get it. My arm will be burned off by the invisible Bathroom Lava. And then there are the floors. It would seem that the chunks of mud that come from the dogs' feet are only visible to Mommies. Not even gonna discuss the dishes. So, that was my Friday. Not the most fun I've had in ages, but kept my mind off of how sick I was, since I didn't really have time to contemplate.
Saturday, it rained, so I knew there was no reason to attempt to straighten my hair. I also knew there was no point in attempting lip color. My getting ready was really pretty quick. I braided Abbie's hair, and we waited for my parents to come. We went with them to Poppy J's. Have I really never taken them there before? Love that place. Anyway, the food wasn't getting ready fast enough, so I took Grant to the school and dropped him off in the music room. When Mom came, we took turns eating. I also brought Grant his sandwich, and he got to eat some before he went on. We had great seats. The play was cute-ish and short-ish. Grant said his lines perfectly, and the girl who had the lead part smiled hugely the whole time - even when she was supposed to be cranky. We loved it. Then, we all visited for a little while at my house. Mom and Dad left to go do some shopping, and we got ready for another Christmas party. I was way too tired for it already, but did some very impressive pretending. Well, at first. I kinda spent most of the party sitting down. The kids were well behaved, and everyone loved the crab dip, so I guess the party was enormously successful from our perspective.
Sunday I should have rested, but I went to get medicine from the store, and bought stocking stuffers while I was there. Is that really all I did yesterday? It was so exhausting! Well, no. I also changed the sheets on the bed. No more sick germs, there! I personally think that pillowcases are prime offenders for re-infecting.
It's only a week until Christmas. Did you notice? I still have to get something for Josh's baby sister, but I already know what I'm getting her. I just have to get there. Otherwise, I think I'm done with the shopping. Good thing, too. I wish you could see our tree. It's taking over the whole room.
And on that decadent and merry holiday note, I would like to very briefly address current national events. What could I be referring to? Why, the only news item that has existed this weekend: I mean the massacre of small children in a school in Connecticut. It's hard to know what to say about the actual event. Violent death at the sweetest of all children's ages is quite a stirring motivation for the emotion, but.... somehow I don't trust myself to feel anything except grief until more is known. That hasn't stopped everyone else, though. People are taking legal and religious stances to the right and left of me, in front AND behind. And I've heard everything. I've heard that it's time to amend the constitution away from guns. I've heard it's time to arm the civilians. I've heard it's the fault of man, or the fault of God, or the fault of Godlessness in schools. Wow. Of all the arguments I've heard, I found this one the most convincing: "Making guns illegal will keep them off the streets? We should make heroine and meth illegal!!" Sorry, but I don't believe in making weapons illegal. I do think they should be better regulated. And I don't think this person was violent because of the gun. It wasn't even his. Neither do I blame the separation of Church and State. I believe the fault is largely on the one man, and partially on his family and caretakers. Everyone else in this case is an innocent.
It was not possible to NOT tell my kids. It will be everywhere. I told them that a crazy person bad guy killed grown-ups and kids in a school. I told them what state. I told them that the families will probably never get over it, but we should send kind thoughts toward them, and hope that they feel a little better soon. I also said that we were lucky that we had a safe school, even though I am sure the victims had an equally safe one. But you have to make sure you children are not terrorized, you know.
I don't like the media coverage of this. I don't like the attention it's getting. I don't like what it's teaching angry people about how to stay in the news for a week.
I am so glad I don't have TV.
Well, we are not having any seasonal weather today. A little fog. It might not be Christmassy, but at least no plans were cancelled yet.
I still don't know when Brother is planning to get to MO. We are still working on what to cook on Christmas day, too.
I need to get started planning Abbie's birthday. Yikes! SO behind!
By the way, if you happen to have some time, you should visit this place. It's the Rosemariest ever: www.signals.com
Wishing you all a pleasant day, full of good health and serenity.
Friday, I got out of bed and cleaned the house. I would just like to state for the record that my husband and children pretty much gross me out. Apparently, if I am ill and in bed, crumbs of all sorts cease to be offensive, and are, therefore, given permission to remain where they are comfortable. On the other hand, the bathroom and everything in it becomes offensive to the point of being un-touchable, and certainly un-cleanable. Giant blob of toothpaste? Sorry. Can't get it. My arm will be burned off by the invisible Bathroom Lava. And then there are the floors. It would seem that the chunks of mud that come from the dogs' feet are only visible to Mommies. Not even gonna discuss the dishes. So, that was my Friday. Not the most fun I've had in ages, but kept my mind off of how sick I was, since I didn't really have time to contemplate.
Saturday, it rained, so I knew there was no reason to attempt to straighten my hair. I also knew there was no point in attempting lip color. My getting ready was really pretty quick. I braided Abbie's hair, and we waited for my parents to come. We went with them to Poppy J's. Have I really never taken them there before? Love that place. Anyway, the food wasn't getting ready fast enough, so I took Grant to the school and dropped him off in the music room. When Mom came, we took turns eating. I also brought Grant his sandwich, and he got to eat some before he went on. We had great seats. The play was cute-ish and short-ish. Grant said his lines perfectly, and the girl who had the lead part smiled hugely the whole time - even when she was supposed to be cranky. We loved it. Then, we all visited for a little while at my house. Mom and Dad left to go do some shopping, and we got ready for another Christmas party. I was way too tired for it already, but did some very impressive pretending. Well, at first. I kinda spent most of the party sitting down. The kids were well behaved, and everyone loved the crab dip, so I guess the party was enormously successful from our perspective.
Sunday I should have rested, but I went to get medicine from the store, and bought stocking stuffers while I was there. Is that really all I did yesterday? It was so exhausting! Well, no. I also changed the sheets on the bed. No more sick germs, there! I personally think that pillowcases are prime offenders for re-infecting.
It's only a week until Christmas. Did you notice? I still have to get something for Josh's baby sister, but I already know what I'm getting her. I just have to get there. Otherwise, I think I'm done with the shopping. Good thing, too. I wish you could see our tree. It's taking over the whole room.
And on that decadent and merry holiday note, I would like to very briefly address current national events. What could I be referring to? Why, the only news item that has existed this weekend: I mean the massacre of small children in a school in Connecticut. It's hard to know what to say about the actual event. Violent death at the sweetest of all children's ages is quite a stirring motivation for the emotion, but.... somehow I don't trust myself to feel anything except grief until more is known. That hasn't stopped everyone else, though. People are taking legal and religious stances to the right and left of me, in front AND behind. And I've heard everything. I've heard that it's time to amend the constitution away from guns. I've heard it's time to arm the civilians. I've heard it's the fault of man, or the fault of God, or the fault of Godlessness in schools. Wow. Of all the arguments I've heard, I found this one the most convincing: "Making guns illegal will keep them off the streets? We should make heroine and meth illegal!!" Sorry, but I don't believe in making weapons illegal. I do think they should be better regulated. And I don't think this person was violent because of the gun. It wasn't even his. Neither do I blame the separation of Church and State. I believe the fault is largely on the one man, and partially on his family and caretakers. Everyone else in this case is an innocent.
It was not possible to NOT tell my kids. It will be everywhere. I told them that a crazy person bad guy killed grown-ups and kids in a school. I told them what state. I told them that the families will probably never get over it, but we should send kind thoughts toward them, and hope that they feel a little better soon. I also said that we were lucky that we had a safe school, even though I am sure the victims had an equally safe one. But you have to make sure you children are not terrorized, you know.
I don't like the media coverage of this. I don't like the attention it's getting. I don't like what it's teaching angry people about how to stay in the news for a week.
I am so glad I don't have TV.
Well, we are not having any seasonal weather today. A little fog. It might not be Christmassy, but at least no plans were cancelled yet.
I still don't know when Brother is planning to get to MO. We are still working on what to cook on Christmas day, too.
I need to get started planning Abbie's birthday. Yikes! SO behind!
By the way, if you happen to have some time, you should visit this place. It's the Rosemariest ever: www.signals.com
Wishing you all a pleasant day, full of good health and serenity.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
A Lesser kind of SICK.
Here is a list of things that were put off because I got sick:
Dishes
Housecleaning
Abbie's snowman project
Christmas card writing
Taiko
Everything else...
I have done a small amount of cooking, and a small amount of laundry, for which I deserve a reward, considering that I also haven't really slept or eaten since Sunday afternoon. Today, since I've been able to get out of bed, I decided that I might as well dust and vacuum, and maybe start some Christmas cards.
Turns out I'm not quite that healthy yet. But I'll get there. We all know that I try to declare myself healthy prematurely.
I wish I had been keeping an actual list of the books I was reading this year. I would like to see it. The Canterville Ghost, Northanger Abbey, The Mysteries of Udolpho, In The Woods, Vilette, Green Tea and Other Ghost Stories, Her Fearful Symmetry, The Hound of the Baskervilles (plus the rest of the collected Sherlock Holmes works). I know I read Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility and Emma this year. Did I also read Jane Eyre this year? Lets say not. I did read Penrod, The Gibson Upright, Daddy Long Legs, Riki-Tiki-Tavi, lots of Agatha Christie novels, The Wind in the Willows, and Poor Richard's Almanac, but I can't remember if The Peach Keeper, Orchid House, and The Night Circus were this year or last....
Not reading anything this week. You'd think that I'd be dying to, stuck in bed all the time, but I was too sick to read. I was too sick to watch movies, too, until last night.
Still looking for jobs, just in case you know of one. No philosophy or solving the world's problems today. I'm calling in sick. Except, don't you think that it's funny that that scientists are under attack these days for manipulating genes that were already present in plants to help them grow in third world countries by the same people who would by complaining about world hunger if they didn't? I find that ironic.
Also, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzKLAcc9308
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z8xAVwkJw4 (Cuts off right before the end but I don't mind - I bought the song.) ;)
Take your vitamins. There is more illness than what I've got going around. I hear there has been an unusual amount of pneumonia, plus some wicked intestinal viruses.
p.s. I still think it's funny that my spell check suggests I change Baskervilles to bisexuals. Hee!
p.p.s. Happy 12-12-12!!
Dishes
Housecleaning
Abbie's snowman project
Christmas card writing
Taiko
Everything else...
I have done a small amount of cooking, and a small amount of laundry, for which I deserve a reward, considering that I also haven't really slept or eaten since Sunday afternoon. Today, since I've been able to get out of bed, I decided that I might as well dust and vacuum, and maybe start some Christmas cards.
Turns out I'm not quite that healthy yet. But I'll get there. We all know that I try to declare myself healthy prematurely.
I wish I had been keeping an actual list of the books I was reading this year. I would like to see it. The Canterville Ghost, Northanger Abbey, The Mysteries of Udolpho, In The Woods, Vilette, Green Tea and Other Ghost Stories, Her Fearful Symmetry, The Hound of the Baskervilles (plus the rest of the collected Sherlock Holmes works). I know I read Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility and Emma this year. Did I also read Jane Eyre this year? Lets say not. I did read Penrod, The Gibson Upright, Daddy Long Legs, Riki-Tiki-Tavi, lots of Agatha Christie novels, The Wind in the Willows, and Poor Richard's Almanac, but I can't remember if The Peach Keeper, Orchid House, and The Night Circus were this year or last....
Not reading anything this week. You'd think that I'd be dying to, stuck in bed all the time, but I was too sick to read. I was too sick to watch movies, too, until last night.
Still looking for jobs, just in case you know of one. No philosophy or solving the world's problems today. I'm calling in sick. Except, don't you think that it's funny that that scientists are under attack these days for manipulating genes that were already present in plants to help them grow in third world countries by the same people who would by complaining about world hunger if they didn't? I find that ironic.
Also, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzKLAcc9308
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z8xAVwkJw4 (Cuts off right before the end but I don't mind - I bought the song.) ;)
Take your vitamins. There is more illness than what I've got going around. I hear there has been an unusual amount of pneumonia, plus some wicked intestinal viruses.
p.s. I still think it's funny that my spell check suggests I change Baskervilles to bisexuals. Hee!
p.p.s. Happy 12-12-12!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Sorry.
I either have Abbie's cold, or the flu. The one and only flu. Why don't we say a flu, like we say a cold? Either way, I've had a fever for four days. I also have cold symptoms, and my ears hurt. It's pretty much the sickness I hate the most. I haven't been out of bed much today, but I also have not been able to sleep for the last 48+ hours. Pretty bad stuff.
Sunday we saw Josh's Uncle Jim and his paternal grandmother. Uncle Jim set out lots of snacks, and I did my best to make them feel appreciated. The kids were pretty good. Only one incident: Grant knocked his tooth out. I'm not upset. He didn't injure anyone in the process, including himself, and it was a particularly gross tooth, so I'm glad it's gone. Yay.
Yesterday was Monday, and I really shouldn't have gone out, but I did. I picked up the kids from school, then sat out in the car during their music lessons so I couldn't contaminate the teacher's family. That can't have been good for me. Then we went to Culvers, and then bought Christmas presents. I took Abbie to get one for Grant (and Josh), and Josh took Grant to get one for Abbie (and not me, because he never thinks of it). I was a mess when we got home.
Last week, I subbed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as a Paraprofessional at the middle school, in the special education room. It was a rough week, but I must say, they were much nicer than regular middle school students. I didn't like the teacher much. She made the kids wait for her to finish her cheerleading coach stuff at least twice a day. Very dis-heartening. I did get to do a science lab with a boy named Noah. I like Noah. Nice kid.
My skin looks like yellow wax, with two bright red circles on my cheeks. Guess it's time for more fever reducing meds. And then - off to pick up the kids.
Good health to you!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Boo and the Yay.
I feel so defeated.
I just sent an email to Kelly Services telling them that I am available to be a temp again in January. Before that, I sent an email saying that there is too much sickness in our house for me to go to taiko practice tonight. Is it wrong to feel sulky that I don't get to learn Omiyage back today?
Yesterday, Abbie stayed home with a fever. It threw me off horribly, but at least it was not too serious. Just a low-grade fever to go with the head cold she's getting. It's a doozy. And I'm sure I'm next. My best plan is to drink ridiculous amounts of orange juice, and then when I catch the cold it will be mild, and only last a day or two. Right? Well, I'll have to buy more orange juice, though. I gave most of it to Abbie yesterday. I just don't want to get sick. I really, really don't. Especially since Josh's work party this weekend will be the first date we've had since May.
Anyway, do you want to hear about the awesome first weekend in December?
First of all: Thursday's performance was super fun! It had its share of nit-picky stuff wrong with it, but it was a pretty good show, especially since we had brand new members playing some "real" songs, not just easy beginner stuff. Very cool. I played Tobihi in the yatai style, and I did pretty well, if I do say so myself! Hanabi was not my most brilliant ever. It was the first time I was in a show, but not on Omiyage in probably years, and I yelled as much as I could. Hope it helped. It sure was fun! They gave us leftovers, too, which made me giggle.
Friday, Josh worked late, and I cooked and cleaned.
Saturday morning, we drove to Hermann, and parked in front of the bakery and chocolate store. Double MMMMM! We had doughnuts, and then bought chocolates as presents. We met Mom up by the rectory, and then after Nanny and Gran were done being lost (second year in a row) we met up with them, and all walked through the rectory together. It was pretty fancy, but I think I liked it better last year. My favorite room was a little sun room that overlooks the courtyard. Probably would be my favorite room even if it wasn't decorated. Abbie loved the Wizard of Oz room, of course. She also loved the table full of nutcrackers and German windmills. Grant loved it when a lady came and played Christmas carols on the piano in the hall. Afterward, we drove up to Stone Hill Winery. We walked through the market, but Gran didn't find the vendor she was looking for. Josh put our name down for lunch, but it was over an hour's wait. That was not great. I felt bad about that. A group who did caroling were passing through, and we got to hear them for a few minutes, which was great. When we finally got our table, Josh and I were expecting things to pick up, but we were wrong. We sat for another hour before any kind of food showed up. I felt bad again, but my food was so incredible that I got over it pretty easily. Yum.
I knew Gran had been ready to leave for a while, and I also assumed that my mom would go, too. She had mentioned it. I wanted to make it up to the kids, though, for having to sit still for so long. There were kids' activities downtown, so I wanted to go there, but then my mom decided that she was following me home to my house, so we had to leave right away. Poor kids. At least we sang Christmas carols all the way home...
Sunday we made biscuits with egg, cheese and ham here at the house. Then, we drove to North Handley to hop on the Metro Link. The kids were SO funny!! They loved it. We got to the stadium right before the doors opened, and Josh told Abbie she should use the port-a-potty while we waited. I think that's where the germs came from, but don't know for sure. Anyway, once inside, we decided to get food. Next time I'm going to ask around about what to get. That 7 dollar pizza was gross. The kids wouldn't even finish it. Such a huge waste of money. After my parents showed up, the kids latched onto them and that was that. We were right in front of these two guys who were super funny. It was great. Poor Josh was in front of a little flamboyantly gay and rather cranky black 49ers fan. I stood over there for a while. He did nothing but complain to his date about everyone he'd ever met the whole game. Poor date. Can't have been fun. The game was fun, and the Rams were much better the second half. Our cheerleaders are not so great. I think their main talent involved all wearing the same size of hot pants. Anyway, the last time the Rams played the 49ers, it ended in a legitimate TIE, so the place went crazy when we went into overtime! 5th quarter was intense, and I actually got a picture of the winning kick going through the goal posts. WOOT! Josh's voice might never be the same. Did I mention that we won?
We said our goodbyes in front of the stadium. My family took the metrolink back to our car, and Mom and Dad met the Whitakers at the casino, had dinner, and then went home.
Then, yesterday, Abbie had a fever.
Josh didn't go to work yesterday, he was taking his fancy (not going to try the name in case I get it wrong) test. He passed! YAY! Next are his regular finals, and then he gets a few weeks off. As for me, I paid bills, made lunch, took Grant to music lessons, took care of the dogs and dinner...the usual stuff. Couldn't do any of my sneaky Christmas shopping with Abbie watching, though.
We also got a call about another Christmas "party" this weekend. I have just got to say this: I HATE it when people "invite" me and then tell me what to bring. Either you are the hostess or you're not. If I didn't offer to bring that exact item, maybe you should get it your damned self, if you can't live without it.
I am not doing this soul-less Christmas anymore. Next year I will do things my way. I will invite EVERYONE over for an open house. Between meal times. No getting fat required. I will set out a variety of snacks, from utterly decadent, to fairly harmless. No food required. I will put on carols, make tea and cider, and let the kids play games if they choose. Board games, not computer games. And if you like me enough to travel out to my house - that is all I want from you. No GIFT REQUIRED!! There is not an entry fee to my open house. The point is to be together without stress. At least without adding stress. Want to come?
Enough about that.
Our neighbors got a new dog. We visited Sunday evening. And they also lent us the Robert Downy Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie. We finally watched it last night. I don't think it was that good. It was something to watch, but I don't intend to see it again. You might think that it was because I'd read all the stories and it was so different. Well, that was part of it - I got tired of Watson, who was always so cheerful and helpful and a fond, constant, admirer of his dear friend's genius being so unwilling and cranky. Plus, there is the part where he met his fiance on one of their cases, and that Holmes found her reasonably impressive, with a clear, organized mind - for a girl. Or that Holmes was not so much a talker, and totally incapable of the kid of relationship he supposedly has with Irene, who was not a criminal, just an opportunistic survivor. All that you sort of expect. I just didn't think that the story was extra great, or that the newly refurbished characters were terribly lovable. The whole thing was highly improbable (Hollywood doesn't even care about that part these days, but I do) and the dialog didn't save it, so there wasn't much to like. I prefer the modernized BBC Sherlock by quite a bit, and I don't even call that one great.
Today I am shopping again. I really did go on Thursday, but it was a bad time or something, and many things we needed were nowhere to be found. Today should be better. I told Josh that is all I am doing today, but I've already done more than that. Oh, well.
This warm weather is really messing with my perspective. Hopefully, it can at least get cool again. I'm really in the mood for some snow now, but I don't want to ask for too much....
Hope your week has more Yay than Boo.
I just sent an email to Kelly Services telling them that I am available to be a temp again in January. Before that, I sent an email saying that there is too much sickness in our house for me to go to taiko practice tonight. Is it wrong to feel sulky that I don't get to learn Omiyage back today?
Yesterday, Abbie stayed home with a fever. It threw me off horribly, but at least it was not too serious. Just a low-grade fever to go with the head cold she's getting. It's a doozy. And I'm sure I'm next. My best plan is to drink ridiculous amounts of orange juice, and then when I catch the cold it will be mild, and only last a day or two. Right? Well, I'll have to buy more orange juice, though. I gave most of it to Abbie yesterday. I just don't want to get sick. I really, really don't. Especially since Josh's work party this weekend will be the first date we've had since May.
Anyway, do you want to hear about the awesome first weekend in December?
First of all: Thursday's performance was super fun! It had its share of nit-picky stuff wrong with it, but it was a pretty good show, especially since we had brand new members playing some "real" songs, not just easy beginner stuff. Very cool. I played Tobihi in the yatai style, and I did pretty well, if I do say so myself! Hanabi was not my most brilliant ever. It was the first time I was in a show, but not on Omiyage in probably years, and I yelled as much as I could. Hope it helped. It sure was fun! They gave us leftovers, too, which made me giggle.
Friday, Josh worked late, and I cooked and cleaned.
Saturday morning, we drove to Hermann, and parked in front of the bakery and chocolate store. Double MMMMM! We had doughnuts, and then bought chocolates as presents. We met Mom up by the rectory, and then after Nanny and Gran were done being lost (second year in a row) we met up with them, and all walked through the rectory together. It was pretty fancy, but I think I liked it better last year. My favorite room was a little sun room that overlooks the courtyard. Probably would be my favorite room even if it wasn't decorated. Abbie loved the Wizard of Oz room, of course. She also loved the table full of nutcrackers and German windmills. Grant loved it when a lady came and played Christmas carols on the piano in the hall. Afterward, we drove up to Stone Hill Winery. We walked through the market, but Gran didn't find the vendor she was looking for. Josh put our name down for lunch, but it was over an hour's wait. That was not great. I felt bad about that. A group who did caroling were passing through, and we got to hear them for a few minutes, which was great. When we finally got our table, Josh and I were expecting things to pick up, but we were wrong. We sat for another hour before any kind of food showed up. I felt bad again, but my food was so incredible that I got over it pretty easily. Yum.
I knew Gran had been ready to leave for a while, and I also assumed that my mom would go, too. She had mentioned it. I wanted to make it up to the kids, though, for having to sit still for so long. There were kids' activities downtown, so I wanted to go there, but then my mom decided that she was following me home to my house, so we had to leave right away. Poor kids. At least we sang Christmas carols all the way home...
Sunday we made biscuits with egg, cheese and ham here at the house. Then, we drove to North Handley to hop on the Metro Link. The kids were SO funny!! They loved it. We got to the stadium right before the doors opened, and Josh told Abbie she should use the port-a-potty while we waited. I think that's where the germs came from, but don't know for sure. Anyway, once inside, we decided to get food. Next time I'm going to ask around about what to get. That 7 dollar pizza was gross. The kids wouldn't even finish it. Such a huge waste of money. After my parents showed up, the kids latched onto them and that was that. We were right in front of these two guys who were super funny. It was great. Poor Josh was in front of a little flamboyantly gay and rather cranky black 49ers fan. I stood over there for a while. He did nothing but complain to his date about everyone he'd ever met the whole game. Poor date. Can't have been fun. The game was fun, and the Rams were much better the second half. Our cheerleaders are not so great. I think their main talent involved all wearing the same size of hot pants. Anyway, the last time the Rams played the 49ers, it ended in a legitimate TIE, so the place went crazy when we went into overtime! 5th quarter was intense, and I actually got a picture of the winning kick going through the goal posts. WOOT! Josh's voice might never be the same. Did I mention that we won?
We said our goodbyes in front of the stadium. My family took the metrolink back to our car, and Mom and Dad met the Whitakers at the casino, had dinner, and then went home.
Then, yesterday, Abbie had a fever.
Josh didn't go to work yesterday, he was taking his fancy (not going to try the name in case I get it wrong) test. He passed! YAY! Next are his regular finals, and then he gets a few weeks off. As for me, I paid bills, made lunch, took Grant to music lessons, took care of the dogs and dinner...the usual stuff. Couldn't do any of my sneaky Christmas shopping with Abbie watching, though.
We also got a call about another Christmas "party" this weekend. I have just got to say this: I HATE it when people "invite" me and then tell me what to bring. Either you are the hostess or you're not. If I didn't offer to bring that exact item, maybe you should get it your damned self, if you can't live without it.
I am not doing this soul-less Christmas anymore. Next year I will do things my way. I will invite EVERYONE over for an open house. Between meal times. No getting fat required. I will set out a variety of snacks, from utterly decadent, to fairly harmless. No food required. I will put on carols, make tea and cider, and let the kids play games if they choose. Board games, not computer games. And if you like me enough to travel out to my house - that is all I want from you. No GIFT REQUIRED!! There is not an entry fee to my open house. The point is to be together without stress. At least without adding stress. Want to come?
Enough about that.
Our neighbors got a new dog. We visited Sunday evening. And they also lent us the Robert Downy Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie. We finally watched it last night. I don't think it was that good. It was something to watch, but I don't intend to see it again. You might think that it was because I'd read all the stories and it was so different. Well, that was part of it - I got tired of Watson, who was always so cheerful and helpful and a fond, constant, admirer of his dear friend's genius being so unwilling and cranky. Plus, there is the part where he met his fiance on one of their cases, and that Holmes found her reasonably impressive, with a clear, organized mind - for a girl. Or that Holmes was not so much a talker, and totally incapable of the kid of relationship he supposedly has with Irene, who was not a criminal, just an opportunistic survivor. All that you sort of expect. I just didn't think that the story was extra great, or that the newly refurbished characters were terribly lovable. The whole thing was highly improbable (Hollywood doesn't even care about that part these days, but I do) and the dialog didn't save it, so there wasn't much to like. I prefer the modernized BBC Sherlock by quite a bit, and I don't even call that one great.
Today I am shopping again. I really did go on Thursday, but it was a bad time or something, and many things we needed were nowhere to be found. Today should be better. I told Josh that is all I am doing today, but I've already done more than that. Oh, well.
This warm weather is really messing with my perspective. Hopefully, it can at least get cool again. I'm really in the mood for some snow now, but I don't want to ask for too much....
Hope your week has more Yay than Boo.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
November's last Friday Eve
Hello, friends.
I didn't get the job.
After you heard from me last, I had a long but productive taiko practice for the performance this evening. I came home exhausted, but not stressed about 11:15. At 5:30 the phone rang to offer me a job. For some reason, though, the job itself was locked in the system. I kept checking it all morning (note: did not go back to sleep) and took a quick shower and got out work clothes. When I took the kids to school, it was still locked. When I came back, though, it was open, and I got it...but it was 7:25, and I was supposed to be there at 7:15. I left a message at the school saying I was on the way, grabbed a lunch and rushed out of the house with wet hair.
Then, I stood up all day. I was subbing for the elementary school music teacher, so I spent the day watching The Nutcracker, a film about Bach, and this: http://animusic.com/ If you are a teacher and have to be gone, this is PERFECT to show k-3 graders. I had a great time watching it, myself! Anyway, lots of walking around to check on kids, and answer questions. The two main questions were, "Can I go to the bathroom?" and, "Is this real?" The kids were really pretty good, and I got to sit by Abbie at lunch! It was a really great day, but as soon as I had both kids (Grant caught a shuttle to from Discovery with Ethan K.) and was sitting down in the car, I started to feel how exhausted I was.
Josh was late last night, so we had hotdogs and watched Pirates of the Caribbean after our homework and music practice were done, and after Cierra came over for a surprise visit with her dog, Logan. They all played in the front yard for about 20-ish minutes.
Then, the sweet oblivion of sleep.
In a minute I'm going to check my costume pieces and take a shower and do my hair. Then, groceries MUST be bought. The cupboards have been bare, but I worked yesterday instead of buying food. After that, I get ready for picking the kids up, taking them to Josh's work, getting Michelle and going to our taiko performance! Gonna be fun. I'd invite you, but this is not one of the public shows. We will be at Celebrate The World in Maryland Heights this February, though!
Did I tell you I finished Northanger Abbey? I was right. MUCH funnier after reading The Mysteries of Udolpho. And another thing, it's much more lovable after having seen the film version with Felicity Jones. I really didn't like Catherine much before I saw her fresh, innocently ignorant candour in the movie. That is my official recommendation: 1. See the film. 2. Read Udolpho. 3. Read Northanger Abbey. It works that way.
I asked Josh for a Powerball ticket, but he didn't get me one. Did you hear that one of the two winners was sold in Missouri? I did.
Here are some of my latest song choices. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QfJQ6pTTBU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Huhm7EKSU&playnext=1&list=PLB2BDB2ABD1FE217F&feature=results_video The name got me on this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8CKPrWXGlo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpCePAhLzx0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRhDGizKYg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8DkDHvrHFU That little skinny guy cracks me up!!!
Wishing all of you a happy Friday Eve! May good health and spirits be yours this weekend!
I didn't get the job.
After you heard from me last, I had a long but productive taiko practice for the performance this evening. I came home exhausted, but not stressed about 11:15. At 5:30 the phone rang to offer me a job. For some reason, though, the job itself was locked in the system. I kept checking it all morning (note: did not go back to sleep) and took a quick shower and got out work clothes. When I took the kids to school, it was still locked. When I came back, though, it was open, and I got it...but it was 7:25, and I was supposed to be there at 7:15. I left a message at the school saying I was on the way, grabbed a lunch and rushed out of the house with wet hair.
Then, I stood up all day. I was subbing for the elementary school music teacher, so I spent the day watching The Nutcracker, a film about Bach, and this: http://animusic.com/ If you are a teacher and have to be gone, this is PERFECT to show k-3 graders. I had a great time watching it, myself! Anyway, lots of walking around to check on kids, and answer questions. The two main questions were, "Can I go to the bathroom?" and, "Is this real?" The kids were really pretty good, and I got to sit by Abbie at lunch! It was a really great day, but as soon as I had both kids (Grant caught a shuttle to from Discovery with Ethan K.) and was sitting down in the car, I started to feel how exhausted I was.
Josh was late last night, so we had hotdogs and watched Pirates of the Caribbean after our homework and music practice were done, and after Cierra came over for a surprise visit with her dog, Logan. They all played in the front yard for about 20-ish minutes.
Then, the sweet oblivion of sleep.
In a minute I'm going to check my costume pieces and take a shower and do my hair. Then, groceries MUST be bought. The cupboards have been bare, but I worked yesterday instead of buying food. After that, I get ready for picking the kids up, taking them to Josh's work, getting Michelle and going to our taiko performance! Gonna be fun. I'd invite you, but this is not one of the public shows. We will be at Celebrate The World in Maryland Heights this February, though!
Did I tell you I finished Northanger Abbey? I was right. MUCH funnier after reading The Mysteries of Udolpho. And another thing, it's much more lovable after having seen the film version with Felicity Jones. I really didn't like Catherine much before I saw her fresh, innocently ignorant candour in the movie. That is my official recommendation: 1. See the film. 2. Read Udolpho. 3. Read Northanger Abbey. It works that way.
I asked Josh for a Powerball ticket, but he didn't get me one. Did you hear that one of the two winners was sold in Missouri? I did.
Here are some of my latest song choices. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QfJQ6pTTBU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Huhm7EKSU&playnext=1&list=PLB2BDB2ABD1FE217F&feature=results_video The name got me on this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8CKPrWXGlo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpCePAhLzx0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRhDGizKYg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8DkDHvrHFU That little skinny guy cracks me up!!!
Wishing all of you a happy Friday Eve! May good health and spirits be yours this weekend!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Brr.
I just applied for another job at Josh's company. He told me the other day that my job at the company party they are having a week from Friday is to network.
Some truths:
1. I want to work for a company who I don't have to sit up sleepless at night to wonder if they are the good guys or the bad guys. I am for the GOOD GUYS! For instance: I would never, NEVER work for a Cash Before Payday kind of company, regardless of the salary. From this perspective, Josh's company is good. They help get people who need rides to their doctor appointments. I approve.
2. You might think that, being from a small town, I would know all about networking. I don't. I don't know a single thing. I don't feel that it's right to mix business and pleasure, and never got the hang of it. No, that sounds like I need my technique perfected. I know NOTHING about networking. If I ever rise due to a networking connection, it is totally in the hands of the other person, and I should receive no credit.
3. My chances are not good for getting this job. The last time I applied at this company, I got my rejection before 24 hours had gone by.
4. If I do get this job....it still won't answer the questions I have about this summer, the main one being: My Children, question mark.
Yes. I just spelled out punctuation. I do it a lot when speaking. I was particularly amused to hear someone else do it at a recent taiko meeting. Hee hee! I'm contagious.
It's the last week in November. The cold weather has officially hit. Today, it will not be above 40 degrees, they say. My hands are so cold!! I am nearly ready to go and make some tea. Not quite, though.
Yesterday I made a white cake with no icing. It was "National Cake Day." How could I not? I cut some to put in the kids' lunches this morning.
Tonight is taiko. *strained pause* Among other things, I am going to play yatai style in the performance on Thursday. For those of you who are unfamiliar, that is when you lie down with the drum between your knees and calves, and hold your upper body at a 45 degree angle with the abs I don't have in order to play. At least it's a song I am familiar with.
This weekend is Christmas in Hermann, MO. on Saturday (can't wait) and the Rams football game on Sunday! Woot!
Wanna hear about last week?
Wednesday, the kids were off school, and I spent the whole day on my feet doing laundry, cooking, bathing the kids, and cleaning the bathrooms. I didn't do floors, because our neighbors were going to let the dogs in at night while we were away. Thursday, we got up earlier than we did on school days, and I drove to Versailles. No traffic to speak of. Gran let me set the table. It was a full house, and several of the dishes were extra, extra good. The kids did get to play outside, because the weather was windy, but it didn't get cold and rainy until late. They mostly played croquet in the field with my Aunt Kathy. YAY! It felt a little weird without Mom, but when she got back she said that my aunt and uncle in Louisiana asked about me often and absolutely gushed with invitations for me and my family to visit at any time. Oh-I wish I had enough money to travel!! I really would visit them. And I'd go see Tylar and Darci in Baltimore, and I'd visit Trish in Oregon....I might even take Grant to see Yuma, since he was born there (but only as a stop on the way to the San Diego Zoo :P).
Anyway, in the evening, we went to Josh's mom's condo. In the morning, we realized there was no breakfast, so Josh ran out and got doughnuts. Later, we went out to the outlet mall in the hopes of meeting friends there and maybe having lunch at that pizza place, but just as we were finding the map, Josh's parents called to say they were at the condo. Then I got a text from Mariah asking for a doughnut. Hee hee. We got there and had a fun lunch where we traded leftovers. Then, we made those little Oreo cookie turkeys. Pretty fun! Abbie did fall and scrape her knee (totally put a hole in her NEW jeans), but otherwise - a great visit. Then....we drove home. Did I mention that I made a Christmas CD for the occasion? It's awesome.
Saturday was Deck The Halls Day. The kids actually put up the tree!!! Well, all the parts they could reach. Then we did the white icicles, and then all the ornaments. Since a few things have changed in the "dining area," I couldn't do the same as last year. I can't wait until I have a house with a dining room. In the evening, we watched Muppet Christmas Carol and drank hot chocolate. Yay for Deck the Halls Day.
The letters to Santa have been written, too. The following is an excerpt from an email I sent to a friend this morning: "Grant wants Slimer from the Ghostbusters movie, and Abbie wants a doll of Violet from The Incredibles. Santa's going to have to look hard for that one. I'm not sure how many were ever made, but they certainly aren't being sold anymore. I hear he was successful on Amazon last night, but a little dismayed about the price tag. I will have to apologize to Santa and leave him the good cookies. It's my fault for insisting that the kids only watch movies that I have seen, and consider them "ready" for."
We wrote the letters yesterday. The kids were off school, but they still had music lessons in the evening. Well! I guess I had better hurry and mail those.
Is it cold at your house? My fingers are so cold....
Hoping for lots of good things for you on this last week of November! If you are free on Saturday, you should join us in Hermann. It's going to be a good time.
Some truths:
1. I want to work for a company who I don't have to sit up sleepless at night to wonder if they are the good guys or the bad guys. I am for the GOOD GUYS! For instance: I would never, NEVER work for a Cash Before Payday kind of company, regardless of the salary. From this perspective, Josh's company is good. They help get people who need rides to their doctor appointments. I approve.
2. You might think that, being from a small town, I would know all about networking. I don't. I don't know a single thing. I don't feel that it's right to mix business and pleasure, and never got the hang of it. No, that sounds like I need my technique perfected. I know NOTHING about networking. If I ever rise due to a networking connection, it is totally in the hands of the other person, and I should receive no credit.
3. My chances are not good for getting this job. The last time I applied at this company, I got my rejection before 24 hours had gone by.
4. If I do get this job....it still won't answer the questions I have about this summer, the main one being: My Children, question mark.
Yes. I just spelled out punctuation. I do it a lot when speaking. I was particularly amused to hear someone else do it at a recent taiko meeting. Hee hee! I'm contagious.
It's the last week in November. The cold weather has officially hit. Today, it will not be above 40 degrees, they say. My hands are so cold!! I am nearly ready to go and make some tea. Not quite, though.
Yesterday I made a white cake with no icing. It was "National Cake Day." How could I not? I cut some to put in the kids' lunches this morning.
Tonight is taiko. *strained pause* Among other things, I am going to play yatai style in the performance on Thursday. For those of you who are unfamiliar, that is when you lie down with the drum between your knees and calves, and hold your upper body at a 45 degree angle with the abs I don't have in order to play. At least it's a song I am familiar with.
This weekend is Christmas in Hermann, MO. on Saturday (can't wait) and the Rams football game on Sunday! Woot!
Wanna hear about last week?
Wednesday, the kids were off school, and I spent the whole day on my feet doing laundry, cooking, bathing the kids, and cleaning the bathrooms. I didn't do floors, because our neighbors were going to let the dogs in at night while we were away. Thursday, we got up earlier than we did on school days, and I drove to Versailles. No traffic to speak of. Gran let me set the table. It was a full house, and several of the dishes were extra, extra good. The kids did get to play outside, because the weather was windy, but it didn't get cold and rainy until late. They mostly played croquet in the field with my Aunt Kathy. YAY! It felt a little weird without Mom, but when she got back she said that my aunt and uncle in Louisiana asked about me often and absolutely gushed with invitations for me and my family to visit at any time. Oh-I wish I had enough money to travel!! I really would visit them. And I'd go see Tylar and Darci in Baltimore, and I'd visit Trish in Oregon....I might even take Grant to see Yuma, since he was born there (but only as a stop on the way to the San Diego Zoo :P).
Anyway, in the evening, we went to Josh's mom's condo. In the morning, we realized there was no breakfast, so Josh ran out and got doughnuts. Later, we went out to the outlet mall in the hopes of meeting friends there and maybe having lunch at that pizza place, but just as we were finding the map, Josh's parents called to say they were at the condo. Then I got a text from Mariah asking for a doughnut. Hee hee. We got there and had a fun lunch where we traded leftovers. Then, we made those little Oreo cookie turkeys. Pretty fun! Abbie did fall and scrape her knee (totally put a hole in her NEW jeans), but otherwise - a great visit. Then....we drove home. Did I mention that I made a Christmas CD for the occasion? It's awesome.
Saturday was Deck The Halls Day. The kids actually put up the tree!!! Well, all the parts they could reach. Then we did the white icicles, and then all the ornaments. Since a few things have changed in the "dining area," I couldn't do the same as last year. I can't wait until I have a house with a dining room. In the evening, we watched Muppet Christmas Carol and drank hot chocolate. Yay for Deck the Halls Day.
The letters to Santa have been written, too. The following is an excerpt from an email I sent to a friend this morning: "Grant wants Slimer from the Ghostbusters movie, and Abbie wants a doll of Violet from The Incredibles. Santa's going to have to look hard for that one. I'm not sure how many were ever made, but they certainly aren't being sold anymore. I hear he was successful on Amazon last night, but a little dismayed about the price tag. I will have to apologize to Santa and leave him the good cookies. It's my fault for insisting that the kids only watch movies that I have seen, and consider them "ready" for."
We wrote the letters yesterday. The kids were off school, but they still had music lessons in the evening. Well! I guess I had better hurry and mail those.
Is it cold at your house? My fingers are so cold....
Hoping for lots of good things for you on this last week of November! If you are free on Saturday, you should join us in Hermann. It's going to be a good time.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Melodramas
So, last night, after having a wonderful but too short dinner with friends, I put the kids to bed and proceeded to finish up Udolpho. Josh came in, and the next thing you know - we're fighting. I have to admit, a very large percentage of our fights start with me being angry. This one didn't start with anyone being angry, but we both got there. Many tears were shed, on my part. The fight started with plans and money, then went through my joblessness and even took a detour into taiko.
From there we briefly discusses some current events that go kinds like this: After writing the newsletter, I passed it on to Julie, as usual. Then, I remembered that she wanted me to check with someone else for details, so I forwarded the email to him. Yesterday, he announced inaccuracy in the newsletter, not to me, not to PR, but to the whole group. I know he has a thing for shaming people, so I was immediately offended that he would try this on me, after having plenty of opportunity to fix the problem before it was posted. I wrote an email to him (and Julie and Andrew) asking why he had waited to responded so late (not that I don't already know he deleted the email I sent without reading it) and why he sent it to everyone. He accused me of never having sent him the rough draft.
If you thought my guilt was impressive, just wait until you see my riteous indignation.
I had been vascilating between immedeately sending this man proof that it had been sent to him already, and maintaining a dignified silence - because why legitimize his claim and let the world think he has a right to suspect or accuse me in this way. After all, I don't work for him. He is not even over me in the PR group. He doesn't even BELONG to the PR group, and my sending him a copy to check was actually a courtesy, not an obligation.
That came up in the fight with Josh. Don't ask me how. It was not a linear argument. At the time, I had actually decided that I would go all out and prove myself, even though it shouldn't be neccessary. I was even mentally planning emails, dripping with disdainful ritieousness - I am sure Josh could tell. He told me to, "Let it go." He insists that I completely stop talking about it. Josh blames me for prolonging the unpleasantness (not that he knows words that long) and absolutely refuses to let me send anything to this man.
One thing. I'm not really the girl who does stuff anytime her husband tells her to, or won't do something just because her husband tells her not to. On the other hand, Josh really doesn't ask a lot of me. Sometimes he gets mad when I haven't done something I've never agreed to do, but that's different, and his own fault. But when I agree to do or not do something - I'm as good as my word.
Which, partially, is the reason I'm so mad in the first place.
From a strategic standpoint, I can see Josh's point. From his perspective, he just made his wife angry, which he doesn't like. The last thing he wants, is to not be able to make the angry stop by sucking up and doing laundry, because the problem is a fight with some other person. Or maybe he just really didn't want to hear about it anymore. Sometimes I give Josh credit he hasn't earned....
Anyway, my only question now is, Do I tell a few people interested parties that I am deliberately avoiding the subject? I can't help but notice that Josh has sentenced me to the appearance of total guilt. I guess I can always produce the evidence if it is requested directly....right? Well, I would have to tell Josh that I was going to. Right? Since I agreed not to say anything? Yeesh. Maybe he's right. So done talking about it. It's just making it last longer.
And speaking of ridiculous melodrama - I finished The Mysteries of Udolpho. Whew. Now I might read Northanger Abbey, since Jane Austen spends most of the book poking fun at Udolpho. After that, though, I'm going to want to switch to something more contemporary. Any suggestions?
Oh, and I never mentioned last Friday! I subbed across the hall from Grant. Second graders are great. It eased my mind. I am not yet a complete misanthrope. We had a great day. It was an especially good joke that I was teaching E. King, since his mommy was across the hall teaching Grant. I am very fond of my Class For A Day. Grant promised to tell them hi from me. We finished our spelling test early, so they all made get well notes for their teacher, and some of them drew pictures for me!
Abbie's tooth is going to come out any day! It's her first one. Let's all hope it comes out today, so she can bring it home in a "tooth box".
By the way - last night was so nice! Met at the mall in Chesterfield and had Cheesecake Factory. I had salmon. YUM! Baby Ethan was actually kind and patient and didn't start fussing until toward the end of the meal, even though he was having a cranky day. Thank you, Ethan! Liona is such a sweet little angel! I think that they all should to my neighborhood. Can you imagine!? So awesome. And the Millers! Such wonderful people. I am so happy to have Ted back in my life, and I am ridiculously fond of his wife, as well. Like I said - too short! Next time, we need to have a picnic.
I am about to do something....I just don't know what, yet. Tomorrow is the bathing of children and the cooking of Thanksgiving offerings. What does that make today? Laundry, I think.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, guys. Sorry about the spelling. My spell check just died.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I need a new job.
The most disheartening things about middle and high school students:
* They have to say something. Even if it wasn't a question. Even if no response is required, desired or appropriate. Do they need someone to be interested in what they are about to say? No. They just need to say it. Do they wait until they have something intelligent or amusing? No. They just cannot SHUT UP. Self restraint? What's that?
* They are insincere. You know they are only gathering information to mock you with, but your manners are better than theirs, and they are taking full advantage. They do it to each other, they do it to adults in the hallway, they also do it to substitutes. Not to burst your bubble if you thought they genuinely liked you, but they don't. To me, it seems the only kids who truly, legitimately seemed to like me and not just act like they did, loudly and falsely in the company of their peers, were kids who were trouble, and I didn't let them get away with it. It is a strange world.
* They are selfish and unrealistic. They truly think that their rights are being violated when they are separated from their friends for talking incessantly, but it never occurs to them that by disrupting class, they are interfering with the rights of others. They really don't think that. They are only interested in fairness when it works in their favor.
I hate it when parents A> Think their kid is nice, and not one of those kids. It's those friends of his who start it. (Sure.) B> Hate their kid's behavior, complain about it, and then act like it's just some force of nature that must be endured, rather than corrected. WHO IS THE ADULT? I have to actively parent my kids. Sometimes, that means taking away something that makes them happy. Sometimes that means missing a nice meal because you are sitting in the car with a rotten kid.
And then I have to spend all day with someone else's kids, most of whom think they are in charge of the whole school - and me.
Round two was the high school band director. The first thing I found out was that he spends the second half of the day at the middle school.
Stop laughing. It's not funny.
The first hour was the greatest. The assistant band director conducted, and I went out with the Color Guard, to make sure they didn't hit anyone. Second hour was music theory. Not my finest. Several people hadn't brought book or assignment to be finished. Two of them were sent to the office by ME, for arguing with me about whether they should work quietly on other homework. A third was moved for disruptive behavior. He then proceeded to throw his pencil across the room. He was outraged when I wouldn't let him retrieve it, but he did sit quietly, not doing his work, for the rest of the hour.
I thought that was bad, but little did I know that the next class was a group of study hall kids.....and the in-school suspension kids. There were 10 of them, which is ridiculous. Also insane to be handing them over to a sub. If that weren't enough, and it was plenty, I was scheduled to take them to the common area. Yes, that's right. I had to take these two groups and travel with them to a new area. Fortunately, the study hall kids were good kids. They sorta had to watch themselves. The miscreants immediately seated themselves together, knowing that they are not permitted to be, and refused to move. I had to ask another teacher for the kids' names to write them up, and while I was doing that for one boy, he (the teacher) ended up sending another one to the office. The kicker: he asked me to watch his class while he escorted him. Now I had three groups. Fantastic.
Then I got to go to the middle school.
The assistant band director assured me of what an easy day I would have, since she was conducting class, and I was just "policing" her "trouble spots" for her. I recognized many of the trouble kids. The girls were the worst. The boys were unruly and couldn't shut up, but the girls brought snotty to a new level. I have never seen anything that filled me with so much disgust, and I'm not kidding. I came home trying as hard as I could to figure out how to NOT send my kids to middle school. It was a long, long, long afternoon. When I was leaving for the day, the assistant band director said, "I know it doesn't seem like you were helpful today, but it really was a help to me." Well, it sure FELT like work....
Enough of that.
We had a very LONG meeting at taiko, and I have new motivation to spread the word about taiko and all it's glory, so be expecting that soon. I will also be writing the next newsletter.
Before I get into that this afternoon, though, I need to go and get a haircut.
In other news, I'm making a new recipe of potatoes and pork chops tonight. I've been listening to new music. Wanna hear?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQhS7D5n2Us&feature=related Yes, seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghbxPJ_Yr6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Six7Tj6MJU4&feature=relmfu This song is almost certainly dirty. :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxMW_t3l5k&feature=g-all-c
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!
* They have to say something. Even if it wasn't a question. Even if no response is required, desired or appropriate. Do they need someone to be interested in what they are about to say? No. They just need to say it. Do they wait until they have something intelligent or amusing? No. They just cannot SHUT UP. Self restraint? What's that?
* They are insincere. You know they are only gathering information to mock you with, but your manners are better than theirs, and they are taking full advantage. They do it to each other, they do it to adults in the hallway, they also do it to substitutes. Not to burst your bubble if you thought they genuinely liked you, but they don't. To me, it seems the only kids who truly, legitimately seemed to like me and not just act like they did, loudly and falsely in the company of their peers, were kids who were trouble, and I didn't let them get away with it. It is a strange world.
* They are selfish and unrealistic. They truly think that their rights are being violated when they are separated from their friends for talking incessantly, but it never occurs to them that by disrupting class, they are interfering with the rights of others. They really don't think that. They are only interested in fairness when it works in their favor.
I hate it when parents A> Think their kid is nice, and not one of those kids. It's those friends of his who start it. (Sure.) B> Hate their kid's behavior, complain about it, and then act like it's just some force of nature that must be endured, rather than corrected. WHO IS THE ADULT? I have to actively parent my kids. Sometimes, that means taking away something that makes them happy. Sometimes that means missing a nice meal because you are sitting in the car with a rotten kid.
And then I have to spend all day with someone else's kids, most of whom think they are in charge of the whole school - and me.
Round two was the high school band director. The first thing I found out was that he spends the second half of the day at the middle school.
Stop laughing. It's not funny.
The first hour was the greatest. The assistant band director conducted, and I went out with the Color Guard, to make sure they didn't hit anyone. Second hour was music theory. Not my finest. Several people hadn't brought book or assignment to be finished. Two of them were sent to the office by ME, for arguing with me about whether they should work quietly on other homework. A third was moved for disruptive behavior. He then proceeded to throw his pencil across the room. He was outraged when I wouldn't let him retrieve it, but he did sit quietly, not doing his work, for the rest of the hour.
I thought that was bad, but little did I know that the next class was a group of study hall kids.....and the in-school suspension kids. There were 10 of them, which is ridiculous. Also insane to be handing them over to a sub. If that weren't enough, and it was plenty, I was scheduled to take them to the common area. Yes, that's right. I had to take these two groups and travel with them to a new area. Fortunately, the study hall kids were good kids. They sorta had to watch themselves. The miscreants immediately seated themselves together, knowing that they are not permitted to be, and refused to move. I had to ask another teacher for the kids' names to write them up, and while I was doing that for one boy, he (the teacher) ended up sending another one to the office. The kicker: he asked me to watch his class while he escorted him. Now I had three groups. Fantastic.
Then I got to go to the middle school.
The assistant band director assured me of what an easy day I would have, since she was conducting class, and I was just "policing" her "trouble spots" for her. I recognized many of the trouble kids. The girls were the worst. The boys were unruly and couldn't shut up, but the girls brought snotty to a new level. I have never seen anything that filled me with so much disgust, and I'm not kidding. I came home trying as hard as I could to figure out how to NOT send my kids to middle school. It was a long, long, long afternoon. When I was leaving for the day, the assistant band director said, "I know it doesn't seem like you were helpful today, but it really was a help to me." Well, it sure FELT like work....
Enough of that.
We had a very LONG meeting at taiko, and I have new motivation to spread the word about taiko and all it's glory, so be expecting that soon. I will also be writing the next newsletter.
Before I get into that this afternoon, though, I need to go and get a haircut.
In other news, I'm making a new recipe of potatoes and pork chops tonight. I've been listening to new music. Wanna hear?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQhS7D5n2Us&feature=related Yes, seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghbxPJ_Yr6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Six7Tj6MJU4&feature=relmfu This song is almost certainly dirty. :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxMW_t3l5k&feature=g-all-c
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
REALLY?! or How My First Subbing Went
Middle school students really are as bad as they say.
First of all, we had our taiko performance at Fontbonne on Wednesday. It was a decent show, although I don't know what happened on the other side during Ashura. Something weird. And there was this camera guy who was getting so much TOO CLOSE that he actually prevented some of the performers from doing all the moves they had planned to. Not cool. If you are a photographer, and you are about to photograph performers during their show, please ask when and where to be on the stage. Really.
Thursday morning I got up, took the kids to school, and went to the middle school. Those kids were just a tad informal. I really had to fight to keep control, and some of the things they asked for were ridiculous. Someone in EVERY HOUR had a medical emergency and needed to go to the nurse. Two people needed to use the phone to call their parents. Most people in 3rd and 4th hour didn't have pencils. Three girls in 8th hour were tardy, and then proceeded to copy each others' homework for the rest of the hour. Lucky me, the second day I was to give them their chapter 4 test.
The second day, it was not so hard to get them quiet. They already knew I was mean. In fact, I would have to say that the second day was not bad at all. One boy made the mistake of opening his book with his foot during the test. He knows I saw him. He came up to say hi to me 5 times between classes that day. Guilty conscience? One class got through with the test, and they were allowed to play Hangman.
During my planning hour, I was asked to watch some 8th graders. That was a problem. I didn't ever get them under control. I feel terrible about it. I wish I could re-do that hour. Then, back to the other class, and more tests. 8th hour, I was prepared for academic dishonesty.
The same girls were talking and signaling each other during the test. I took their names down, and said I was considering moving them away from each other. I got up to do that, and realized that I would still have to keep an eye on them, only now they wouldn't all be in one place. I decided instead to go and stand in front of them....for a whole hour. They stopped writing. Really. I had assumed that one of them must have read the chapter. Otherwise, what is the point of copying each other's work? It seemed I was wrong. NONE of them were able to complete the test! They eventually started to ask if they could put it in the pile of "not finished" and then come and finish it Monday. I told them that it was highly unlikely that the teacher would let them take the test after having had the extra weekend to study. They turned theirs in early anyway. I wrote the time down (since it was NOT the end of the hour) and put them in a separate stack. I seriously hope he doesn't let them get away with that nonsense. Rotten, sneaky, dishonest, cheating brats.
Ah! The youth of America. Don't ya' love 'em? Actually, I miss some of them....
Saturday, I didn't feel like leaving, so I didn't get my hair cut. The weather was beautiful, so the kids were outside a lot. In the evening, we watched Raiders of the Lost Arc for the first time. (Well, first time for the kids.) They loved it.
Sunday, Josh gave me a ride to taiko while he visited family in the city. We had Steak N Shake on the way home, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I don't think my bread was fresh... Then I went out in the rain to do the shopping. Going to make two new recipes this week!
Taiko on Tuesday will be a meeting instead of a practice. Looking forward to it, I think. There is a lot that needs to be asked about.
I'm slowly reading The Mysteries of Udolpho. Hee hee. I'm also looking for new book recommendations after I'm done.
The weather finally turned today. It is nearly 9am, and still below 30 degrees. My little dogwood that I was hoping would survive fell over in the wind yesterday. There is no saving it; it was detached at the root. I am sad. It was so lovely. I'm done trying to put trees in that spot. I will try a shrub, and if that fails, too, I am giving up entirely.
Already planning Thanksgiving, and even Christmas. Someday, I will have Christmas on my own terms. I insist on it reverting into a sweet holiday that is about family and being nice. Not this year, however.
I hope things are going well for you! Have a wonderful week!
First of all, we had our taiko performance at Fontbonne on Wednesday. It was a decent show, although I don't know what happened on the other side during Ashura. Something weird. And there was this camera guy who was getting so much TOO CLOSE that he actually prevented some of the performers from doing all the moves they had planned to. Not cool. If you are a photographer, and you are about to photograph performers during their show, please ask when and where to be on the stage. Really.
Thursday morning I got up, took the kids to school, and went to the middle school. Those kids were just a tad informal. I really had to fight to keep control, and some of the things they asked for were ridiculous. Someone in EVERY HOUR had a medical emergency and needed to go to the nurse. Two people needed to use the phone to call their parents. Most people in 3rd and 4th hour didn't have pencils. Three girls in 8th hour were tardy, and then proceeded to copy each others' homework for the rest of the hour. Lucky me, the second day I was to give them their chapter 4 test.
The second day, it was not so hard to get them quiet. They already knew I was mean. In fact, I would have to say that the second day was not bad at all. One boy made the mistake of opening his book with his foot during the test. He knows I saw him. He came up to say hi to me 5 times between classes that day. Guilty conscience? One class got through with the test, and they were allowed to play Hangman.
During my planning hour, I was asked to watch some 8th graders. That was a problem. I didn't ever get them under control. I feel terrible about it. I wish I could re-do that hour. Then, back to the other class, and more tests. 8th hour, I was prepared for academic dishonesty.
The same girls were talking and signaling each other during the test. I took their names down, and said I was considering moving them away from each other. I got up to do that, and realized that I would still have to keep an eye on them, only now they wouldn't all be in one place. I decided instead to go and stand in front of them....for a whole hour. They stopped writing. Really. I had assumed that one of them must have read the chapter. Otherwise, what is the point of copying each other's work? It seemed I was wrong. NONE of them were able to complete the test! They eventually started to ask if they could put it in the pile of "not finished" and then come and finish it Monday. I told them that it was highly unlikely that the teacher would let them take the test after having had the extra weekend to study. They turned theirs in early anyway. I wrote the time down (since it was NOT the end of the hour) and put them in a separate stack. I seriously hope he doesn't let them get away with that nonsense. Rotten, sneaky, dishonest, cheating brats.
Ah! The youth of America. Don't ya' love 'em? Actually, I miss some of them....
Saturday, I didn't feel like leaving, so I didn't get my hair cut. The weather was beautiful, so the kids were outside a lot. In the evening, we watched Raiders of the Lost Arc for the first time. (Well, first time for the kids.) They loved it.
Sunday, Josh gave me a ride to taiko while he visited family in the city. We had Steak N Shake on the way home, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I don't think my bread was fresh... Then I went out in the rain to do the shopping. Going to make two new recipes this week!
Taiko on Tuesday will be a meeting instead of a practice. Looking forward to it, I think. There is a lot that needs to be asked about.
I'm slowly reading The Mysteries of Udolpho. Hee hee. I'm also looking for new book recommendations after I'm done.
The weather finally turned today. It is nearly 9am, and still below 30 degrees. My little dogwood that I was hoping would survive fell over in the wind yesterday. There is no saving it; it was detached at the root. I am sad. It was so lovely. I'm done trying to put trees in that spot. I will try a shrub, and if that fails, too, I am giving up entirely.
Already planning Thanksgiving, and even Christmas. Someday, I will have Christmas on my own terms. I insist on it reverting into a sweet holiday that is about family and being nice. Not this year, however.
I hope things are going well for you! Have a wonderful week!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wednesday's cold fingers.
Isn't that sort of a poetic title? My hands are cold.
Just got back from taking the kids to school. Today, I have a taiko performance and the trick is going to be how fast I can get back home after. I was going to make it in time for school, but that was before I knew that Michelle would need a ride. I'm a little worried about my left shoulder. I will take Motrin before I leave.
I'm happy with my Zoku solo, and happy with Ashura. I wish Hanabi was a little better, and I'm passable at Kokoro, but not impressive - which you should be if you are featured like that. Kiriko sounds terrible, but that is out of my hands, and Isami Goma is my Oodaiko piece and the cause of my shoulder worry, but I don't sound bad on it.
I will be subbing at the middle school tomorrow and Friday. I'm not too worried - it's nice that it's in a building that I know where the office is located!
I have to run off and shower now, but I thought I would wish you all a happy post-election season. It will be so nice to have all the signs down.
Funny voting story: When I presented my ID, the lady said (not very originally), "Oh, my! I feel sorry for your children when they have to learn how to spell that!" Then, when she looked in the book, she was all excited. "Look at that! There's TWO of them!"
"That's my husband."
She was so disappointed. :P
Actually, I was happy it was so quick. There wasn't a line, but they were having lots of trouble getting to reader to work, and some people were leaving rather than wait. Fortunately for me, it was fixed almost immediately. Yay!
Have a great Wednesday!
Just got back from taking the kids to school. Today, I have a taiko performance and the trick is going to be how fast I can get back home after. I was going to make it in time for school, but that was before I knew that Michelle would need a ride. I'm a little worried about my left shoulder. I will take Motrin before I leave.
I'm happy with my Zoku solo, and happy with Ashura. I wish Hanabi was a little better, and I'm passable at Kokoro, but not impressive - which you should be if you are featured like that. Kiriko sounds terrible, but that is out of my hands, and Isami Goma is my Oodaiko piece and the cause of my shoulder worry, but I don't sound bad on it.
I will be subbing at the middle school tomorrow and Friday. I'm not too worried - it's nice that it's in a building that I know where the office is located!
I have to run off and shower now, but I thought I would wish you all a happy post-election season. It will be so nice to have all the signs down.
Funny voting story: When I presented my ID, the lady said (not very originally), "Oh, my! I feel sorry for your children when they have to learn how to spell that!" Then, when she looked in the book, she was all excited. "Look at that! There's TWO of them!"
"That's my husband."
She was so disappointed. :P
Actually, I was happy it was so quick. There wasn't a line, but they were having lots of trouble getting to reader to work, and some people were leaving rather than wait. Fortunately for me, it was fixed almost immediately. Yay!
Have a great Wednesday!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Ready to be impressed?
Ever feel like your house is disgusting, and you would be better off just moving and starting fresh? Or, as the next best thing, wouldn't it be a great help if you could just take out everything you own and then just put back the stuff you want to keep?
We did that one.
Mostly, anyway. It was really hard work. First, I did the kids' bathroom, where some things living under the sink were actually lotions, etc. that I got at GRANT'S BABY SHOWER. I think we're finally old enough to take the plastic puppy that keeps baby children from conking their little heads on the faucet, too. The entire bathroom was emptied, down to the wall art and shower curtain, and then I put it back and organized it. Josh took everything out of our bathroom, and I put back the medicines, and my stuff. He put back his own stuff. LOTS to throw away, there, in the way of expired sunscreen, etc. We also did the kitchen. The kitchen took most of the day. We re-did the pots and pans, the pantry, the spice cabinet - EVERYTHING. We moved some stuff that I don't use much (my wok, for instance) downstairs, and then there was enough room for the crock pot. Stuff like that. It was a liberating, exhausting experience, and we are still dealing with the aftermath. (That would be a bunch of random stuff sitting out because it needs to be thrown away and stuff.)
Grr! I am so tough!
Another thing we accomplished was taking the kids' little table downstairs, putting the leaf in our crappy kitchen table, and moving it around. Our "dining room" looks all grown up now.
Today, I am going to wash the sheets, change the comforter to the winter one, and do the actual cleaning part. (The only room that got "cleaned" yesterday was the bathroom, even though I did clean lots of drawers and cabinets.) Maybe by tonight, my house won't gross me out so much.
I also have some news! I found a song that I used to hear on the radio in the middle of the night (taking Josh to work when we only had one car) in Yuma, but didn't know A> The title, B> The performer, C> The gender of the singer, D> Enough Spanish to guess at significant lyrics. I did have a pretty good guess that the song was something extra angsty from the 80's. Wanna know what it is? It's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLStpR1pr7Y. I feel pretty awesome for having located it at last. Isn't it kinda melodramatically awesome? ^_^ Well, they used to only play it at 4 a.m. in Yuma.
Can't taiko today, because Josh is leaving in a minute, so I'm going to watch Kokoro no Koe over and over. That's practice, right?
Love you guys!
We did that one.
Mostly, anyway. It was really hard work. First, I did the kids' bathroom, where some things living under the sink were actually lotions, etc. that I got at GRANT'S BABY SHOWER. I think we're finally old enough to take the plastic puppy that keeps baby children from conking their little heads on the faucet, too. The entire bathroom was emptied, down to the wall art and shower curtain, and then I put it back and organized it. Josh took everything out of our bathroom, and I put back the medicines, and my stuff. He put back his own stuff. LOTS to throw away, there, in the way of expired sunscreen, etc. We also did the kitchen. The kitchen took most of the day. We re-did the pots and pans, the pantry, the spice cabinet - EVERYTHING. We moved some stuff that I don't use much (my wok, for instance) downstairs, and then there was enough room for the crock pot. Stuff like that. It was a liberating, exhausting experience, and we are still dealing with the aftermath. (That would be a bunch of random stuff sitting out because it needs to be thrown away and stuff.)
Grr! I am so tough!
Another thing we accomplished was taking the kids' little table downstairs, putting the leaf in our crappy kitchen table, and moving it around. Our "dining room" looks all grown up now.
Today, I am going to wash the sheets, change the comforter to the winter one, and do the actual cleaning part. (The only room that got "cleaned" yesterday was the bathroom, even though I did clean lots of drawers and cabinets.) Maybe by tonight, my house won't gross me out so much.
I also have some news! I found a song that I used to hear on the radio in the middle of the night (taking Josh to work when we only had one car) in Yuma, but didn't know A> The title, B> The performer, C> The gender of the singer, D> Enough Spanish to guess at significant lyrics. I did have a pretty good guess that the song was something extra angsty from the 80's. Wanna know what it is? It's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLStpR1pr7Y. I feel pretty awesome for having located it at last. Isn't it kinda melodramatically awesome? ^_^ Well, they used to only play it at 4 a.m. in Yuma.
Can't taiko today, because Josh is leaving in a minute, so I'm going to watch Kokoro no Koe over and over. That's practice, right?
Love you guys!
Friday, November 2, 2012
November's First Friday!
Today is Master Awesome's birthday. I would just like to say that.
For the little Chinese girl in us all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZHZTkYWopA&feature=related Sweet, sweet video.
And how are you, my friends?
It looks like all my east coast buddies made it through the storm. The weather was so pleasant this fall, after a wickedly hot and dry summer. I've enjoyed it. I hope we get a little more Fall, even if it's the chilly kind, before we plough straight into legitimate winter.
We're all recovering from that head cold. Grant's ear was bothering him this morning. I actually got a call from the nurse. Want to know what escaped her lips while she was on the phone? I asked if she'd looked in the ear, and she told me I didn't want her to. She told me that she's "self taught." I think I'm going to have to look into the sate requirements for the position of School Nurse. Anyway, in case you are curious, I gave her permission to give him a dose of Ibuprofen.
Abbie was at the same "nurse" on Wednesday. She had a nosebleed. I actually wrote in the file that she was prone to them, and the "nurse" was still blabbing on about how maybe she bumped it while at recess. I should have figured her out then.
Halloween was great. I have nothing unpleasant to report. Even the pre-teenage kids all seemed really nice and pleasant this year. It was very comforting. Since I am still getting over the cold, I took Grant and Abbie around the first few houses, and then Josh took them for the real thing. I had water boiling as they came in, for hot chocolate.
I read In The Woods, by Tanya French. Well written, but I was slightly disappointed. Are you going to read it? I won't spoil it, since it's a suspense book. Here's the non-spoiler review:
A little Irish boy and his two best friends go into the woods behind their houses, just like they have done pretty much every day, and don't return. Eventually, a search is conducted, and the boy is found grasping a tree and with no memory of what happened. He grows up in an English boarding school, where his accent changes, and decides to be a murder detective. As a young (and, therefore, conspicuous) murder detective, he is relieved when a woman transfers to the department, so the guys will have something else to speculate about. The two become not only partners, but extremely close, though platonic, friends. One day, the female counterpart accepts a job before hearing the particulars. It is from the man's hometown, and it is a child murder. She is the only one who knows his past, and they take on the investigation, not knowing if it is relevant to his friends' disappearance, or whether it will trigger the release of locked memories.
Sounds great, right? It was very well written, and well paced. Some things I was particularly wondering about, though, are addressed but not resolved. The end is somewhat of an unraveling, not a putting together. Well, anyway, why don't you read it, and then tell me what you think?
I also had an eye appointment. New glasses next week! I had my eyes dilated, too. They weren't very good about preparing me for that. I was told that they needed to put a few drops in, to better determine (blah, blah, blah).... He started to walk off, and I said, "Wait, is this going to affect my driving?"
"Oh, no, it's just going to make you a little light sensitive, and will wear off in about an hour."
Are you laughing? You probably are if you've had this done before. I couldn't read anything, I was VERY light sensitive, and driving home, even though I waited, was interesting, to say the least.
Taiko last night was quite a workout, but I made it through. I'm playing Oodaiko on Isami Goma, and that is super fun. I'm the first drum on Hanabi, and I'm playing the A side on Ashura, even though I've been practicing the B part lately. I'll be playing on Zoku, too, but we didn't practice that yet. I'm playing chuu for Suwako, and I'm also playing the uchiwa on Kokoro no Koe, the uchiwa and fue duet!! It's the only part I'm having to learn for this show. Crazy, Man!
Here's most of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKSGDZTkBU&playnext=1&list=PLD1D728DBC3E131DD&feature=results_video
We drove a different way to practice last night. They are doing bridge work on 70, so we crossed the river on 94 instead. I was a little surprised to see Michelle's mom's car at her house. We made it on time to practice. I think we're going to stick with that route. After practice, though, Michelle called her mom from my car and told her to meet at MacDonald's. That MacDonald's is on 70. So, we got off at the Lake St. Louis Blvd exit to drive through town and get to 70. We had one wrong turn. My fault - I wouldn't have believed her if I'd known the area better. I think I got home at 11.
I'm having trouble with a glitch on the Subfinder page. It's embarrassing. It makes me look like I don't know what I'm doing. I'm hoping for work next week. I'm also still looking for another job. Know of any?
Meat loaf tonight!
Have a happy weekend, everyone! We plan to do housework.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Pumpkins/Kleenex/Villette
I just re-wrote "hi" about 5 times, because it either looked too cheerful, or unpleasant. Maybe I'll go with "hey" instead.
Hey.
What's up?
I have a head cold, and am going through Kleenex like Abbie goes through movie theater popcorn. In short - we are in danger of running out quickly! So, I am tired and sickly and stuff, but enough about that! I don't feel like talking about head colds!!!
Went to Mom's last week after the parent-teacher conferences. Boy, was that enlightening. Kids are both doing great academically, but my sweet, sunshiny boy acts out at school, and I often don't hear of it (the word "overstimulated" was used). As for Abbie, she's a genius, but has no capacity or inclination for concentration. In both cases, I've been referred to the counselor. Didn't want to go through that with the kids listening, so I'm going to call today. Any support from afar you care to bestow on me, in whatever form, will be appreciated. This is a very deep sort of hurt, and would love to know that you've got my back...or at least are sympathetic.
Moving on.
We went to Rolla to spend the rest of the week with my parents. It was fun. Wednesday night, Dad started reading The Hobbit to the kids, since they finished up Hugo last time. I had started on The Hobbit earlier in the year, but stopped when I found out my dad wanted to read it to them. Wouldn't want to scare him away from the idea. He read it to me, you know.
Thursday, both my parents had to work, so we did, too! We got out rakes and raked up a nice, comfy (if you don't count the sticks) pile of leaves. Then, we spent the whole morning in it. We swam at the indoor pool in town in the afternoon, and then met Mom at Rolla's new Kohl's. We got her some autumn leaf dish towels as a present. I made sure to purchase them before she got there. She likes to not let me pay for stuff - even presents for herself. She bought some stuff for the kids, and then we went back home and had yummy minute steaks for dinner. Also, my dad made our next day's lunch: chicken and sausage GUMBO. Mom had Friday off, so we did all kinds of fun stuff. My favorite was making Halloween cookies!! There were some of the Pillsbury sugar cookies with designs on them, but also we made our own short bread cookies and used cookie cutters. I love cookie cutters. I have a basket full of them downstairs. I even have a T-Rex cookie cutter. Anyway, this recipe is the one the family always used at Christmas, so when I smell them, I think of my grandmother, and green sugar sprinkles...
Before I left town, we went for the first time to a place called South Central Creamery (http://sccreamery.com/). Mom, despite being an authority on ice cream, had never been before. I bought us each a cone. It was good! If you are in Rolla, even just passing through, go grab an ice cream cone! I had a flavor called Mother Lode. It had toffee in it. Yum. Also, it brought back a different set of memories. When I was a little girl, Rolla had a Ruby's Ice Cream, and I never would have remembered that I used to always get banana flavored ice cream, if I hadn't seen it for sale at South Central Creamery. Abbie had peach ice cream, Grant had Burgundy cherry, and Mom had butter pecan.
As I drove through Rolla on my way home, I made a brief detour. We drove past the house that we lived in when Abbie was born, and then on to my own childhood neighborhood. You'll be pleased to hear that the tulip tree poplar I planted when I was Grant's age is tall and beautiful. Next to my house, is the Andersons' house. Into the mailbox went a bag full of our freshly baked cookies. I giggled at the thought of their finding it later.
I was already starting to feel unwell by the time I got back home. I had to rush and grab some PR photos for taiko. The rest of that evening is a little bit of a blur... I think we ate....something?
Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch. It was really cold when we first got there. I liked it pretty well. We met with our dear friends the Pelikans and the Macneils. I think the kids had a really good time, and we got some great pumpkins, and lots of happy pictures. We ate there, too, which was....okay.Not bad food, but "festival" prices. I ordered hot chocolate, and it was like life's blood. I was revived! The kids started to unravel at the end, so we whisked them all away. I had asked Josh if we could stop on the way home and get bread bowls from Panera so I could make soup in bread bowls for dinner. Josh said yes, but forgot. He really didn't understand why I was gesturing frantically at that exit sign, saying, "JoshJoshJosh!!!" He said to make it up to me, he would go back and get some after dropping me at home. But what he did instead was take the kids and let them order off the menu for dinner, and bring me back a bread bowl and soup to have by myself. It's not the same, even though it was my favorite soup. After dinner, we watched Arsenic and Old Lace.
That night, I really developed a head cold. It was bad. I wonder if it was the one Julie had. It looked pretty miserable. I got up in the morning, determined to go to taiko, but was very dizzy, and Josh fussed at me and said I would just get everyone sick, so I went back to bed.
He's been like that since I got back. He screamed and yelled when I told him that the music teacher wanted to push the kids' lessons back 10 minutes, since I'm always there early anyway, and she had another potential client trying to schedule a time. And when I tried to talk to him about the change in my taiko commute because of bridge work, and how that would affect my picking up Michelle, he was so angry he drove me to tears. Just today he informed me that any changes to my schedule effect him, because it's his car and his gas. [I would like to take this time to announce that it's MY name on the car, because MINE is the good credit. Plus, I made 10 payments on it. He can argue for the gas money at present, since I haven't earned my own since June, but the TIME is not his. Not.]
In the afternoon, Josh went to go fly the plane, and the kids and I started the pumpkins. We also watched Labyrinth. Grant and Abbie both got white pumpkins. Abbie wanted me to draw Kiki and Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service on hers, but Grant wanted his carved. I have never done a white pumpkin before; are they always that DENSE? It was hard work! But it looks great, and he's happy. Josh came home just as I was starting mine. We watched The Curse of the Ware-Rabbit and ate and finished dinner. Then - Boggle time. I won! Yay! I found Rites and Bites and Greens all in the same turn. Go, me!
After the kids were bathed and put in bed, I finally finished Charlotte Bronte's Villette. I didn't care for it. Not only was it full of those ridiculously borderline run-on sentences of hers, but it was a sulky, cranky book. She was frequently fixated on a fear of being forgotten, and also frequently determined to go on and on [not that this wasn't basically her style throughout the book] in rants of pro-Protestantism/anti-Catholicism. Beyond that, she seemed to really think her audience would be surprised to run into previously introduced characters in a series of highly improbably coincidences - when there are only a dozen characters in THE WHOLE BOOK! So, I found my intelligence insulted, my ire provoked, my spirits dampened and my patience tried from beginning to end. How did that monstrosity ever become published?
Now I just need to decide if I want to read my Dublin Murder Squad book next, or The Mysteries of Udolpho....
There was a sub job this morning, but someone else got it. But! Grant's teacher and the music teacher both put me on their sub lists! That being said....I spent this morning on Career Builder.
Hope you are about to have a great week!
Hey.
What's up?
I have a head cold, and am going through Kleenex like Abbie goes through movie theater popcorn. In short - we are in danger of running out quickly! So, I am tired and sickly and stuff, but enough about that! I don't feel like talking about head colds!!!
Went to Mom's last week after the parent-teacher conferences. Boy, was that enlightening. Kids are both doing great academically, but my sweet, sunshiny boy acts out at school, and I often don't hear of it (the word "overstimulated" was used). As for Abbie, she's a genius, but has no capacity or inclination for concentration. In both cases, I've been referred to the counselor. Didn't want to go through that with the kids listening, so I'm going to call today. Any support from afar you care to bestow on me, in whatever form, will be appreciated. This is a very deep sort of hurt, and would love to know that you've got my back...or at least are sympathetic.
Moving on.
We went to Rolla to spend the rest of the week with my parents. It was fun. Wednesday night, Dad started reading The Hobbit to the kids, since they finished up Hugo last time. I had started on The Hobbit earlier in the year, but stopped when I found out my dad wanted to read it to them. Wouldn't want to scare him away from the idea. He read it to me, you know.
Thursday, both my parents had to work, so we did, too! We got out rakes and raked up a nice, comfy (if you don't count the sticks) pile of leaves. Then, we spent the whole morning in it. We swam at the indoor pool in town in the afternoon, and then met Mom at Rolla's new Kohl's. We got her some autumn leaf dish towels as a present. I made sure to purchase them before she got there. She likes to not let me pay for stuff - even presents for herself. She bought some stuff for the kids, and then we went back home and had yummy minute steaks for dinner. Also, my dad made our next day's lunch: chicken and sausage GUMBO. Mom had Friday off, so we did all kinds of fun stuff. My favorite was making Halloween cookies!! There were some of the Pillsbury sugar cookies with designs on them, but also we made our own short bread cookies and used cookie cutters. I love cookie cutters. I have a basket full of them downstairs. I even have a T-Rex cookie cutter. Anyway, this recipe is the one the family always used at Christmas, so when I smell them, I think of my grandmother, and green sugar sprinkles...
Before I left town, we went for the first time to a place called South Central Creamery (http://sccreamery.com/). Mom, despite being an authority on ice cream, had never been before. I bought us each a cone. It was good! If you are in Rolla, even just passing through, go grab an ice cream cone! I had a flavor called Mother Lode. It had toffee in it. Yum. Also, it brought back a different set of memories. When I was a little girl, Rolla had a Ruby's Ice Cream, and I never would have remembered that I used to always get banana flavored ice cream, if I hadn't seen it for sale at South Central Creamery. Abbie had peach ice cream, Grant had Burgundy cherry, and Mom had butter pecan.
As I drove through Rolla on my way home, I made a brief detour. We drove past the house that we lived in when Abbie was born, and then on to my own childhood neighborhood. You'll be pleased to hear that the tulip tree poplar I planted when I was Grant's age is tall and beautiful. Next to my house, is the Andersons' house. Into the mailbox went a bag full of our freshly baked cookies. I giggled at the thought of their finding it later.
I was already starting to feel unwell by the time I got back home. I had to rush and grab some PR photos for taiko. The rest of that evening is a little bit of a blur... I think we ate....something?
Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch. It was really cold when we first got there. I liked it pretty well. We met with our dear friends the Pelikans and the Macneils. I think the kids had a really good time, and we got some great pumpkins, and lots of happy pictures. We ate there, too, which was....okay.Not bad food, but "festival" prices. I ordered hot chocolate, and it was like life's blood. I was revived! The kids started to unravel at the end, so we whisked them all away. I had asked Josh if we could stop on the way home and get bread bowls from Panera so I could make soup in bread bowls for dinner. Josh said yes, but forgot. He really didn't understand why I was gesturing frantically at that exit sign, saying, "JoshJoshJosh!!!" He said to make it up to me, he would go back and get some after dropping me at home. But what he did instead was take the kids and let them order off the menu for dinner, and bring me back a bread bowl and soup to have by myself. It's not the same, even though it was my favorite soup. After dinner, we watched Arsenic and Old Lace.
That night, I really developed a head cold. It was bad. I wonder if it was the one Julie had. It looked pretty miserable. I got up in the morning, determined to go to taiko, but was very dizzy, and Josh fussed at me and said I would just get everyone sick, so I went back to bed.
He's been like that since I got back. He screamed and yelled when I told him that the music teacher wanted to push the kids' lessons back 10 minutes, since I'm always there early anyway, and she had another potential client trying to schedule a time. And when I tried to talk to him about the change in my taiko commute because of bridge work, and how that would affect my picking up Michelle, he was so angry he drove me to tears. Just today he informed me that any changes to my schedule effect him, because it's his car and his gas. [I would like to take this time to announce that it's MY name on the car, because MINE is the good credit. Plus, I made 10 payments on it. He can argue for the gas money at present, since I haven't earned my own since June, but the TIME is not his. Not.]
In the afternoon, Josh went to go fly the plane, and the kids and I started the pumpkins. We also watched Labyrinth. Grant and Abbie both got white pumpkins. Abbie wanted me to draw Kiki and Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service on hers, but Grant wanted his carved. I have never done a white pumpkin before; are they always that DENSE? It was hard work! But it looks great, and he's happy. Josh came home just as I was starting mine. We watched The Curse of the Ware-Rabbit and ate and finished dinner. Then - Boggle time. I won! Yay! I found Rites and Bites and Greens all in the same turn. Go, me!
After the kids were bathed and put in bed, I finally finished Charlotte Bronte's Villette. I didn't care for it. Not only was it full of those ridiculously borderline run-on sentences of hers, but it was a sulky, cranky book. She was frequently fixated on a fear of being forgotten, and also frequently determined to go on and on [not that this wasn't basically her style throughout the book] in rants of pro-Protestantism/anti-Catholicism. Beyond that, she seemed to really think her audience would be surprised to run into previously introduced characters in a series of highly improbably coincidences - when there are only a dozen characters in THE WHOLE BOOK! So, I found my intelligence insulted, my ire provoked, my spirits dampened and my patience tried from beginning to end. How did that monstrosity ever become published?
Now I just need to decide if I want to read my Dublin Murder Squad book next, or The Mysteries of Udolpho....
There was a sub job this morning, but someone else got it. But! Grant's teacher and the music teacher both put me on their sub lists! That being said....I spent this morning on Career Builder.
Hope you are about to have a great week!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Plans
Well. It would seem that "Columbia or Old St. Charles" translates into "Chesterfield Mall" in some languages, such as Husband. Who knew?
Saturday was a fun day out. First, we went to the Bush Wildlife Preserve and learned about venomous spiders and snakes, and poisonous plants. Whee! Then, we went somewhere I've never been for lunch. Been to Chesterfield, MO? Maybe you've heard of Mimi's Cafe. Very yummy. I recommend. They cooked Josh's burger to a degree that he hadn't ordered, so we ended up with free muffins, and I never would have known about them otherwise. They are GOOD. Next time, I'm getting a cup of delicious soup and some of those darned muffins. Yes, m'am.
After that, we went to Chesterfield Mall. Josh wanted to go to Teavana. I would like to say that again. Josh, who for a decade has made fun of me for buying tea, wanted to go to TEAVANA. Did you catch that? Josh wanted to buy tea. Yeah. But it was Jasmine Mao Feng, so I can't even complain. That, for those of you who don't already know, is my favorite tea.
We also visited many shops. We bought waterproof gloves for the kids, so they can play in the snow this winter, and went to the V-Stop, where I found one of the 18 books I was looking for (actually, I found 2, but you know how I am about getting things for myself...) on sale for less than 6 dollars, and I even found a book that my ridiculously awesome cousin Missy recommended for my kids. It was 3 dollars. WIN!
I'm officially in the SubFinder system, but no work yet. Tomorrow is a half day and parent-teacher conferences, so I'm not expecting to be called then, either.
Grant and Abbie have their conferences tomorrow, too. Then, the plan is to go to my mom's house. YAY! We will spend Wednesday night there, and Thursday while Mom and Dad are at work. Friday, I was going to hang out with my mom...but I just got an email saying there is a chance she'll get called in. Well, that sucks. I'm going back home Friday night.
Saturday is the pumpkin patch. I hope it is lots of fun, and I really, REALLY hope it doesn't rain. Coldness can be fought against, but wetness is bad news. My forecast hints at both.
I made an eye doctor's appointment. I'm so excited; I've never had vision insurance before. I tried to make it for a Monday morning, but that didn't work out, so I'm going in a week from Thursday.
None of my plans are working out.
Well, we are all happy and healthy here, how are you? Well, happy for sure.
I stayed for the Community Group practice after taiko on Sunday. My back didn't do so well, so I'm going to take it easy tonight. Not hard, since they will be practicing for a performance that I am not in.
The kids saw Ghostbusters for the first time this week. Yeah....I forgot about most of the profanity. My bad. The kids are obsessed with Slimer.
Halloween Movie Lineup 2012: Kiki's Delivery Service, Nightmare Before Christmas, Young Frankenstein, Little Shop of Horrors, Arsenic and Old Lace, Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Ware-Rabbit, Shawn the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors, and possibly Spirited Away. Naturally, in the interest of time, we will begin the movie viewing this weekend.
I think Sunday is going to be Soup In A Breadbowl kind of weather. What do you think?
Happy Tuesday!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Freak
Yes, I am a freak. I don't drink coffee, I do not find Honey Badger jokes even remotely appealing on any level, I never liked John Mayor, and I would rather research my candidate's voting records than listen to how he talks on TV. I don't care about the debate. At. All. And to make matters worse, I'm not interested in telling you who I am for or against and why.
Did I just break the spell of illusion, or where you already convinced of my alien-ness?
I practiced taiko on Tuesday evening, and worked very hard. I was worn out by the end, and feeling that happy tired. I've missed that in my long absence from taiko. Well, it seems long. I was also looking forward to playing last night as well, but Fate made other plans.
I know I mentioned my orientation, but I mis-spoke about the day. It was Thursday. Sadly, by the time it was finished, practice had started, and I hadn't even been home to change clothes. When you consider the hour drive to get there, I was pretty sure that all the parts of the practice that would have been applicable to me were long finished.
I did go to the library the other day. I went Wednesday, armed with a list of 18 books to check out. Isn't that a dizzyingly exciting thought? Of those, my library contained 5. Of those 5, only one was present. I checked it out.
On my way out of the library, a 40ish-year-old man smoking a cigarette greeted me, and tried to engage me in conversation. He even went so far as to follow me a few steps. That was flattering. Never been picked up at the library before. Probably I was the only one in several blocks that wasn't significantly over social security age.
I finished the book. It was Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. There wasn't any mystery - it was quite straightforward. There were no light moments. It was a tense, depressing, dark slog. Several characters showed signs of being likable, but then did reprehensible things that diminished my opinions of them. In short - I didn't enjoy it. I wonder if I should bother trying to get one of the other books on my list from the library when I return it.
Today, I ought to be grocery shopping. I ought to be cleaning. Friday was always cleaning day in my mind. Instead, I haven't dressed yet. It's cold, here, and my fingers and nose are especially chilly. I had leftover Chinese for lunch, and it didn't make me feel better. I think I'd like tea, but I drank two cups before bed last night, and I'm just not sure I should have more.
I signed up on Subfinder, but it won't show me any jobs, because it says I need to update my technology agreement. Actually, when I did my paperwork it included the new agreement, so that is not correct, and needs to be updated. I emailed the lady, but got an auto-response. She won't be in today.
Josh is going to be late tonight. Why only on Fridays?
Today, I spiked Grant's hair up into 2 antennae. I put a short, thick braid on the back of Abbie's head, a small, high pony tail on her left temple, and a long, thin braid along her right cheek. It's Crazy Hair Day at school.
I asked the family if they want to go to Columbia or to Old St. Charles tomorrow for the day. I don't know what I'm looking for, there, but look I shall.
I started reading Charlotte Bronte's Villette today. I'm not sure what I think, just yet, but I'm certainly not in raptures.
I need...something.
Did I just break the spell of illusion, or where you already convinced of my alien-ness?
I practiced taiko on Tuesday evening, and worked very hard. I was worn out by the end, and feeling that happy tired. I've missed that in my long absence from taiko. Well, it seems long. I was also looking forward to playing last night as well, but Fate made other plans.
I know I mentioned my orientation, but I mis-spoke about the day. It was Thursday. Sadly, by the time it was finished, practice had started, and I hadn't even been home to change clothes. When you consider the hour drive to get there, I was pretty sure that all the parts of the practice that would have been applicable to me were long finished.
I did go to the library the other day. I went Wednesday, armed with a list of 18 books to check out. Isn't that a dizzyingly exciting thought? Of those, my library contained 5. Of those 5, only one was present. I checked it out.
On my way out of the library, a 40ish-year-old man smoking a cigarette greeted me, and tried to engage me in conversation. He even went so far as to follow me a few steps. That was flattering. Never been picked up at the library before. Probably I was the only one in several blocks that wasn't significantly over social security age.
I finished the book. It was Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. There wasn't any mystery - it was quite straightforward. There were no light moments. It was a tense, depressing, dark slog. Several characters showed signs of being likable, but then did reprehensible things that diminished my opinions of them. In short - I didn't enjoy it. I wonder if I should bother trying to get one of the other books on my list from the library when I return it.
Today, I ought to be grocery shopping. I ought to be cleaning. Friday was always cleaning day in my mind. Instead, I haven't dressed yet. It's cold, here, and my fingers and nose are especially chilly. I had leftover Chinese for lunch, and it didn't make me feel better. I think I'd like tea, but I drank two cups before bed last night, and I'm just not sure I should have more.
I signed up on Subfinder, but it won't show me any jobs, because it says I need to update my technology agreement. Actually, when I did my paperwork it included the new agreement, so that is not correct, and needs to be updated. I emailed the lady, but got an auto-response. She won't be in today.
Josh is going to be late tonight. Why only on Fridays?
Today, I spiked Grant's hair up into 2 antennae. I put a short, thick braid on the back of Abbie's head, a small, high pony tail on her left temple, and a long, thin braid along her right cheek. It's Crazy Hair Day at school.
I asked the family if they want to go to Columbia or to Old St. Charles tomorrow for the day. I don't know what I'm looking for, there, but look I shall.
I started reading Charlotte Bronte's Villette today. I'm not sure what I think, just yet, but I'm certainly not in raptures.
I need...something.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
And a side of Meh.
Feeling kinda gloomy and worthless, in spite of beautiful fall weather, and a life that I probably don't deserve.
News on the job front: Orientation for substituting tomorrow. Totally inconvenient time - after school, but before Josh gets home. Not sure they actually thought of that themselves, but when I called, they said the kids could come if they sit quietly and read.
My house needs to be cleaned, because I'm a bad person.
Made soft tacos for dinner. They were a hit.
Need to go to Wentzville tomorrow to exchange a belt that Josh bought in the wrong size. If I hurry up and shower, I will go to the library today to look for a kids book that I want to read before I decide whether or not to buy it for the kids.
Yeah. Kinda depressed. Tried chocolate. It didn't help. This is getting serious, and there is no bubble tea on the way to taiko anymore.
Sniffle.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Lazy Day
This morning I fed the kids and made their lunches and took them to school. Then, I came home, made some English tea....and that was pretty much it. And I feel plenty guilty because it's Monday, and some of my dear friends are out there having a rough day. To you, I send hugs!
Here is a song in honor of my day. [Be advised that it includes strong language.] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVIIUaWxvb8&feature=youtu.be
I had a busy weekend, though, just in case you were thinking that vegetating was becoming a habit with me. Friday evening we went to the Warrenton High School homecoming football game. Oh, the flashbacks! Abbie loved the cheerleaders, much to my dismay.
Saturday we took the kids to Lowes, where they each made a "Ghoulbus". Very cute. Josh also bought a giant peace lily to put in his office at work. Then we [read: ME] finished the Halloween wreath, and the following clean-up. We went grocery shopping, and made breakfast for dinner. Remind me not to let Josh do the scrambled eggs next time...
Yesterday, I had a PR meeting for taiko, so I was leaving an hour early. Michelle had asked to be picked up, so I left even earlier. I called her on the way to make sure she was awake, since she doesn't really do mornings. Then, when I had just got off the interstate at her exit, she called again to say she wasn't coming after all. So, I was the first one at the meeting. Meeting went well, and very long. When we were done, there was only an hour of taiko practice left. Probably good for me, who was out of shape. I was tired, too. I had planned to rest Saturday, and even cancelled a lot of fun plans in order to GET rest, but had been busy anyway. After practice I was very ready to go. ...But Andrew was in dismay that all the other taiko members were going to Kari's BBQ, and no one could stay and help him with the Community Group. I called Josh to see if it would be a problem to stay a while. He was helping his sister move, and said it was fine. I didn't plan on staying long, but I ended up staying till nearly the end. No wonder Andrew wanted a hand - the group is enormous! Many of them are doing really well, too. One or two are hopeless.
When I came home, we watched Alton Brown's Juicy Meats DVD. We were having steak for dinner, so it counts as research. ^_^ Then the Keiths came over for a while to play. Brianna is so big. I need to take a picture of her next to Abbie, because it's just funny. Abbie tried to pick Bree up. That was worth watching.... After they left we had steak, cheesy rice and wax beans. It was yummy, but having wax beans next to cheesy rice gives dinner a somewhat anemic appearance.
Speaking of food and recipes, I have some friends who are planning to make Butterbeer with their kids for Halloween. The idea is certainly fun! However, they were planning to make the cold variety. I got out my Harry Potter, and the first butterbeer he ever had was very definitely described as a hot drink. So I looked up some recipes, and this one caught my eye: http://www.chicaandjo.com/2010/09/10/hot-butterbeer-recipe/ Now I just need to adjust it to make lots more. Did you notice that it's easy to spike? *wink, wink*
That's some of the "nothing" that I did today. I also watched the latest of the Lizzie Bennett Diaries, which are again using plot pieces that I recognize! She still isn't the lovable Lizzie I would have hoped for, and so far the two men who appeared in the series are a little to stagey in their acting, but I just can't help being irresistibly drawn to it all.
Oh! And I read a Victorian "thriller" short story that hinted [okay, by hinted I mean stated outright] that green tea was thought to be responsible for the strange actions of people, and even to open their mind to demonic possession. COOL! The story wasn't super interesting, so I won't go into it, but isn't that neat trivia?
I've also been reading Daddy Long Legs again. [Well, I was sick last week, remember? I always read that when I'm sick.] And again I am struck with how adorable that girl is, how modern education sucks, and how little I understand her descriptions of clothing fabrics. Although I looked up challis, and it is a patterned woven cloth.
Forgot to mention that we played Boggle for our Family Game Night. Love Boggle. Josh had to drop out early to do homework, so I won the game. Usually he beats me, though. Very humbling.
And now...I must go.
Smooches to all of you.
p.s. I'm making soft tacos for dinner. Doesn't that sound yummy?
Friday, October 12, 2012
Unique
Grant gave me the most unique birthday present I've ever had. It was a stomach virus. He got it at the Apple Festival, and thought it was so memorable, he just couldn't help but share it. I've never had a birthday present like it!
Would you like me to start where I left off? Jake has a tumor. It's okay. I had it checked, and it's non-cancerous, so you can go ahead and do your Arnold impersonation now. And Callie is on the pudgy side, not unusual for a lab mix. That is all the vet news.
The rest of the week was good, I think. It's a touch hard to remember. A lot of things have happened since.
On Friday we left for Versailles! I took Motrin, and my back was fine. We read in the forecast that the low temperatures would be below freezing, so instead of camping in Gran's field, we packed the small tent for the kids and they camped in her living room. We did go play in the field, though, when we got there - even though the sun was setting.
Nanny came over in the morning, and we went to the festival - armed with thick sweaters/sweatshirts/jackets and mittens. We parked where we always do, but the ponies weren't there! Josh eventually found a sign, and we made it. Abbie rode Bella, and Grant rode Socks. Everyone was super nice. Then, we wandered a little, and found spots for the parade - right across from the Bank of Versailles. My grandfather used to work there, you know. The kids and Nanny got giant corn dogs, Josh got a cheeseburger and I got a very yummy tenderloin sandwich. Then, we watched the parade. It's a HUGE parade!! I think they said there were 96 entries. Wow. Lots of politicians, and lots of tractors. Lots of candy, too! And after the parade we did more wandering and shopping. At that point, the temperature, which was only barely cooperative to begin with, dropped. Not much fun after that. The kids did play a giant chess game, and Josh bought them a new chess set, complete with a chess book, signed by the author. And I bought pies and goodies for my friends and family, while Nanny listened to the steel drummers. Then, on our way out, Josh got a SHOEBOX FULL OF CURLY FRIES! No kidding, folks. Huge. They are called Texas Twister fries. He got cheese on his, instead of ketchup. The only sad part is that the air was so cold that they didn't stay warm long. Cold cheese fries = not my fave.
We spent the evening making food so that when Gran came home from her trip, she would very obviously not need to cook. And Nanny had made cupcakes, and we decorated them like Jack-O-Lanterns. It was fun. And we also watched The Phantom of the Opera. Gran came, and I even got to see my mother briefly, and all was cozy and happy....until after bed time when Grant started to vomit. Oh, yeah. That was a mess. And the end of the fun.
We tried to leave first thing, but Gran wanted to cook for us. It was almost noon when we left. We did have to make some unscheduled stops for Sicky, but we were prepared with bags, etc. Still, not fun. Then we made it home, and I called the school to say that Grant wouldn't be in it the next day. We unpacked, and I took care of poor Grant.
He was feeling much better Monday, when we both went to pick up Abbie. Sadly....I wasn't. I had to pull over on the way home, and then as soon as we got in the door, Abbie threw up, too, so I had to take care of her, as well. Josh came home complaining of queasiness, but I figured, "He's a grown man, and I know from his career in the military that this is NOT the first time he's thrown up [cough, cough, booze], so surely he is one person I don't have to take care of." Uh...wrong. And if that wasn't bad enough - my grandmother AND mother also caught it. [To clarify - I didn't have to take care of them or anything, I just felt guilty at having been the source of the germs - indirectly, through my son.]
Fast forward to Wednesday, when everyone was better...mostly. At least, we weren't violently ill. I actually got out of bed and uploaded taiko pictures for hours and hours instead of sleeping. Grant had his first Discovery class, and that was great fun, but meant that I had to pick him up at the other school. When poor Abbie came to the car she said, "I can't find my brother!!" It was so heartbreaking! But I reassured her at once, and then she was fine. Next week, I might write her a little reminder note.
Yesterday was Thursday, and I thought I was better, but I really wasn't. Again, I got out of bed. This time, I was applying for a job. It was a Corporate Training Coordinator in Lake St. Louis, and I really wanted it. I wrote probably my best ever cover letter (oooh, the rhyminess!), and since it just happens to be at Josh's work - I thought I would at least get an interview, based on the fact that I'm not a total stranger. Just found out a few minutes ago that this isn't the case. I didn't get it.
Anyway, I wasn't ready to taiko yet, I could tell. And then, about 3:30ish....I got better. Really. It's freaky the way you suddenly feel human again. Wow. I didn't know how cranky I was, either, until I suddenly wasn't. And I talked to both my mother and grandmother, and they are both fine (WHEW) and Nanny never got it at all.
So, today I'm doing laundry, and I've already cleaned my room up, and I'm making plans to take the family to the Warrenton High School homecoming football game tonight.
Hee.
Tomorrow we are making the Halloween wreath I bought supplies for, and resting. Then, I finally return to taiko on Sunday! I can't wait, because you know what I did while I was stuck in bed? Wrote a song! Take THAT, 12-hour-stomach virus!!
I also signed up for Goodreads. You on that? Look me up. ^_^ I now have a list of books I can't wait to get a hold of.
And did I mention that my perpetually undead maple looks BEAUTIFUL? Well, it does.
Good health to you, my friends. Drink your yucky orange juice!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)