Amy's Annotations

Wordless Wednesday~ Motorcycles

2012-02-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Something that I love to do. This is a trip on the North Cascades Highway last summer to Winthrop. One of my bucket list items to do last summer with my Better Half. My bike is on the right.

Guess this wasn't so wordless today.

Things I Learned in My First Zumba Class- RTT

2012-01-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

So I took my first Zumba class at the gym last night. Here are some things I learned:

When they say that it is a "shoes optional class", wear your shoes. Not only do my knees hurt like hell today from not wearing my shoes, but the bottoms of my feet were DISGUSTINGLY DIRTY when I got home. Gross.
When I actually figure out what I'm doing, I think I'll be able to "rock it" in the class (according to the instructor).
The one man in the class can REALLY shake his money maker.
No matter how much weight I lose, or how cute I look in the Zumba outfits, I will NEVER be able to move like the instructor. I am just not built that way.
Hopping forward while shaking your chest is harder than it looks.
The "bootie shake" is also harder than it looks.
Randomly screaming "Woooooo!" in a high pitched voice is apparently a requirement to be in the class.
Even though it doesn't feel like you are going to be sore the next day, YOU WILL BE. Advil or your choice of pain reliever is a must.
It's actually a fun way to exercise.

Music Monday~ North Dakota

2012-01-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

Although I am not a "country" music person, I LOVE Lyle Lovett. He's on my list of people to marry one day.

The boys from North Dakota
They drink whiskey for their fun
And the cowboys down in Texas
They polish up their guns
And they look across the border
To learn the ways of love

If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, say I do
If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, say I do
And you can say I love you
And you can say I do

So I drank myself some whiskey
And I dreamed I was a cowboy
And I rode across the border

If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, take my hand
If you love me, say I love you
If you love me, take my hand
And you can say I love you
And you can have my hand

I remember in the mornings
Waking up
With your arms around my head
You told me you can sleep forever
And I'll still hold you then

Now the weather's getting colder
It's even cold down here
And the words that you have told me
Hang frozen in the air
And sometimes I look right through them
As if they were not there

And the boys from North Dakota
They drink whiskey for their fun
And the cowboys down in Texas
They polish up their guns
And they look across the border
To learn the ways of love

Have a look here to see the video.
~Lyle Lovett- North Dakota

Too Crabby to Pee

2012-01-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

This last week has been a long one. We just came off a four day "vacation" due to snow, ice and power outages the week before and started the new school week with a two hour late start. I like when we have late starts because I always get more done than when we have an early release. Not so Monday morning. All my co-workers came in to say hi and chat about the weather and the "vacation". I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, which started the week on a smallish crabby note.

As the week progressed, it kept getting worse and worse. I was SO tired in the afternoons, but couldn't sleep at night and was waking up between three and four AM. They kids were all out of whack from being gone unexpectedly for four days and it was a struggle to get them back on track.

Did I say that we were out of school unexpectedly for FOUR days????

There was a zero hour class to teach, an early staff meeting to attend and forty-seven thousand things to correct. I didn't even have time to pee.

I felt like I was getting sick with whatever yuk The Better Half got before embarking on a business trip to Ohio.

Not to mention fighting an allergic reaction to, of all things, laundry soap that caused an massive rash everywhere.

Needless to say, by Thursday, I was too crabby to pee.

Music Monday- Late

2012-01-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

It seems that this is the story of my life lately. Not enough time to do anything let alone write. So, here's an installment of Music Monday on Friday... because that's the way my life is right now.

There's a shadow just behind me,
shrouding every step I take,
making every promise empty,
pointing every finger at me.
Waiting like a stalking viper
who upon the finger rests.
Murder now the path is must we
just because the son has come.

Jesus, won't you fucking whistle
something but the past and done? (x2)

Why can't we not be sober?
I just want to start this over.
Why can't we dream forever?
I just want to start things over.

I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.
I will find a center in you.
I will chew it up and leave,
I will work to elevate you
just enough to bring you down.

Mother Mary won't you whisper
something but the past and done. (x2)

Why can't we not be sober?
I Just want to start this over.
Why can't we sleep forever?
I Just want to start things over.

I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.
I will find a center in you.
I will chew it up and leave.

Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust Me.

Why can't we not be sober?
I Just want to start things over.
Why can't we sleep forever?
I Just want to start this over.

I want what I want.
I want what I want.
I want what I want.
I want what I want.

~Sober: Tool

A Lazy Sunday (Write a Post in 8 Lines)

2011-11-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

The day starts with the knowledge that I get an extra hour!

I spend most of the day on the couch in my PJ's finishing grading for report cards and conferences.

The laundry machines swish and rumble in the back hall.

When I finally do take a shower, I decide to clean it at the same time and run out of hot water before I finish my own shower.

Because it's a lazy Sunday, left over crock pot lasagna is on the menu tonight for dinner.

Maybe it isn't so lazy today... Ed's outside on the roof of the garage winterizing it.

Probably I should go out and check on him to make sure he's OK...

The bad thing about this "falling back" business is that it's already getting dark and it's only 3:00.

22 Things I've Done

2011-11-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Mama Kat has a great weekly post called "Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop". You can see it here.

One of her prompts was to make a list of twenty-two things that you've done in your life thus far. Here's mine:

22. Got my street bike motorcycle endorsement.
21. Buried four grandparents.
20. Rode 1200 miles on my motorcycle, in Canada, in 4 days.
19. Got my first speeding ticket in Canada, on my motorcycle, when I wasn't even speeding. (Who is going to argue with the Canadian Mounted Police?)
18. Buried three of our own pets.
17. Got married the day before I turned 22.
16. Worked in a dentist office as a dental assistant.
15. Been with my husband since I was 17. (Almost 25 years)
14. Had a nervous break down.
13. Been to therapy.
12. Learned to make bread from my Granny.
11. Learned to make jelly/can from my sister.
10. Grew a garden.
9. Learned virtually every lyric of every song I know.
8. Became a teacher.
7. Learned to tile walls and floors.
6. remodeled a kitchen (with help)
5. bought a quad.
4. Been in a hit and run accident. (not me doing the hitting and running...)
3. Been at the hospital when my nieces and nephews were born.
2. Was born in the same town that I still live in.
1. Been married for 20 years.

Music Monday- Fur Cue

2011-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's early. And I know that I haven't posted in A REALLY LONG TIME. I don't know if it's because of my stress level, pets, school starting... I don't know. But, I just downloaded the new Seether and I love this song. It's kind of fitting my mindset at the moment.

It’s all too revealing
Your words are deceiving

I can’t let you get in my way

I sense all your actions are meant as distractions

You must know I won’t play your game

Fake, you’re more than I can take

And something’s gonna break

Get out of my head

No shame, you’re passing all the blame

And nothing’s gonna change

Get out of my head

You made me realize that it’s all a lie

And it comes as no surprise

Stay for a while

Stay ‘cause you make me smile

There’s no compromise

I’m sick of pretending

The thoughts are unending

I can’t let you get in my way (there’s no way home)

I’m no longer bending

My mind set is mending

And now I have something to say (deny me)

Fake, you’re more than I can take

And something’s gonna break

Get out of my head

No shame, you’re passing all the blame

And something’s gonna change

Get out of my head

You made me realize that it’s all a lie

And it comes as no surprise

Stay for a while

Stay ‘cause you make me smile

There’s no compromise

Fake, you’re more than I can take

And something’s gonna break

Get out of my head

Shame, you’re passing all the blame

And nothing’s gonna change

Get out of my head

You made me realize that it’s all a lie

And it comes as no surprise

Stay for a while

Stay ‘cause you make me smile

I see no compromise

Stay for a while

Stay ‘cause you make me smile

I see no compromise

Stay for a while

Stay ‘cause you make me smile

There’s no compromise

You have to see here in order to hear it.
~Seether: Fur Cue, Holding on to Strings Better Left to Fray

August 4, 1995

2011-08-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Sal,

Today is your 16th birthday. And you are DRIVING! (Well... not on your own yet, but, we are stapling notices to telephone poles warning the neighborhood to stay off the sidewalks.) When you were little, I'd let you sit on my lap in the truck and drive it down our gravel road. You've been practicing a long time, so you should be doing great!

When you were born, it was a day very much like today. It was hot and sunny and a beautiful day. You had decided that you did NOT want to be born and were content to stay inside your mom. You were 10 days late and your mom was not having any more of this pregnancy thing so the doctor induced her. You made your grand entrance sometime in the afternoon... late afternoon... and if I were your favorite Auntie, I would know the exact time, except I don't. Sigh. I know. I KNOW! Your dad came running out of the room yelling, "It's a BOY and his feet are HUGE!" Your mom said "his eyes are kinda far apart and he looks like a frog". I thought you were beautiful. We didn't know whether you were a boy or girl beforehand. Your mom didn't have the ultrasound to find out. You were a huge surprise to all of us.

You were the best baby, despite your mom being kind of a freak show about you. It was the middle of August and she had you all wrapped up in blankets ALL the time and then couldn't figure out why you were fussing. You were a warm kid and didn't need all the blankets. Your mom, Munka and I would cart you all over the place. We took you shopping, to antique stores, the pumpkin patch... and I got every Tuesday night with you because your mom worked.

You never complained about anything we ate for dinner. You helped Ed with projects around the house. You'd play ball with Jessie and eat Kiu's food. "It's yummy! Try some!" you'd say.You would slide from the back hall, through the kitchen on your knees and slam into the sink cupboards and get up rubbing your head. When I'd ask you, "How'd that feel?", you would say, "That feeled fine, Auntie." Then after two or three trips of sliding down the hall and me asking the same question, you'd say, "NOT FINE."

Now you are taller than me, a fact that you never let me live down. And that's OK. I figured that some day you would be. I love that you are best friends with your cousins. I love that even though you tease your sisters mercilessly, you adore them.

I love that you still call me Auntie.

Happy, happy 16th birthday, Sal. I'm so proud of you.

Love,
Auntie

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2011-07-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when you want to stain the deck it decides to rain? It's been hot and beautiful for the last week and I have to pick the day before it's supposed to rain to pressure wash the deck.
The bear got into the trash again last night. We haven't seen sign of him for the last two weeks. I kind of thought that the fireworks could have scared him off. Ed went out to the car to leave for work this morning and found the trash can knocked over with the bag flat gone. I guess it's back to putting the can in the garage. This should make Ed REALLY happy.
I want to know why the kid who was convicted of KILLING the Tuba Man a few years back, only got 18 months. And now, he's back in the news for committing more crimes. I wonder if the penalty had been harsher for killing someone if he'd be in the mess he's in now. And, what about the parents who argued in court, that he was "basically a good kid" and "just got in with the wrong crowd". I wonder if they feel the same way now.
My oldest nephew has graduated from high school... He didn't do the whole graduation thing because he was doing online school. He's a hockey player that spent the last two years in Texas playing for a team. I think he's headed to Canada to play this season... I just can't believe that he's old enough to do this.
The second oldest nephew just turned 16 and is going to be driving on his own soon.
When did these kids grow up?
Our 16 year old cat has had some digestive problems. After days at the vet, and many procedures (that I won't go into detail here), we found out that he has what's called "mega colon". His colon has stopped doing it's job so now we have to give him medicine three times a day to make things move they way they're supposed to. I'm not complaining. The alternative is not pleasant either. Now, I'm just waiting for Alex to come and give him a hair cut. He needs it badly.
My foot is finally healed so I can start my running again. I'm excited about this! :-)
I'm trying to decide if I'm going to do a garden this year. Ed rototilled it for me, but I'm a tad afraid to plant anything because of the bunnies and bears strolling around these parts lately. I'll let you know what I decide after staining the deck.

Music Monday- Cage the Elephant

2011-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been hearing this song and have come to really love it. It's been rolling around in my head for days now. Enjoy.

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

I was walkin' down the street, when out the corner of my eye
I saw a pretty little thing approachin' me
She said I've never seen a man
Who looks so all alone, could you use a little company?

If you pay the right price your evenin' will be nice
Or you can go and send me on my way
I said you're such a sweet young thing, why you do this to yourself?
She looked at me and this is what she said

Oh, there ain't no rest for the wicked
Money don't grow on trees
I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed
There ain't nothin' in this world for free

I know I can't slow down, I can't hold back
Though you know I wish I could
Oh no, there ain't no rest for the wicked
Until we close our eyes for good

Not even fifteen minutes later after walkin' down the street
When I saw the shadow of a man creep out of sight
And then he swept up from behind, he put a gun up to my head
He made it clear he wasn't lookin' for a fight

He said give me all you've got, I want your money not your life
If you try to make a move I won't think twice
I told him you can have my cash but first you know I gotta ask
What made you wanna live this kind of life?

He said there ain't no rest for the wicked
Money don't grow on trees
I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed
There ain't nothin' in this world for free

I know I can't slow down, I can't hold back
Though you know I wish I could
Oh no, there ain't no rest for the wicked
Until we close our eyes for good

Well, now a couple hours passed and I was sittin' at my house
The day was windin' down and comin' to an end
And so I turned on the TV and flipped it over to the news
And what I saw I almost couldn't comprehend

I saw a preacher man in cuffs, he'd taken money from the church
He stuffed his bank account with righteous dollar bills
But even still I can't say much because I know we're all the same
Oh yes, we've all seek out to satisfy those thrills

You know there ain't no rest for the wicked
Money don't grow on trees
We got bills to pay, we got mouths to feed
There ain't nothin' in this world for free

I know we can't slow down, we can't hold back
Though you know we wish we could
No there ain't no rest for the wicked
Until we close our eyes for good

13.1

2011-07-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Jules has done them before. She talked about it like it was easy. It's only 13.1 miles. I can do this. Right? So, I signed up. It's been one of those bucket list kind of things for me... to run/walk a half marathon. I sort of ran in high school and liked it, but never competitively and NEVER on any organized team.

I started my training by buying a book by a guy they call "The Penguin" who started marathon running at a later age and did everything wrong. The book had awesome advice and great training programs. I started the walk/run program training and I was off.

I ran/walked two short stints during the week, did two days of cross training and then a long run/walk on Saturday.

By race day, I was nervous. Teenie and Stacey and I rode in together, caught a bus to the start line in Tukwila and wound our way to our corral. I couldn't believe the number of people. They said 26,000 people ran. We ended up in Teenie's corral... Mine was the very last one because I gave myself 4 hours to finish. I wanted the most time possible, knowing that it probably would take me that long. We ran the first mile, walked the next hill, ran down the hill, and began our plan. of choosing an endpoint to stop the running and take a rest.

I'm not sure when it happened, but my right foot began to feel weird. That's the only way I can describe it. It felt like the top bones in my foot needed to pop, like they were sort of grinding together. I began walking to favor the foot, and developed a blister the size of a silver dollar on my left foot. I was a mess. At mile 6, Teenie was really wanting to run, but I knew I was going to be walking the rest so I told her to go... NO, really, GO! She went ahead and finished at around 3 hours.

I walked the last 7 miles favoring my feet... I'm not going to lie... there were LOTS of times that I just wanted to stop at the medical tent and tell them to send a van for me. I wanted to give up. I did. But, I'd get a little farther, and the people were cheering us on and giving encouragement. Apparently, it was enough to keep me going one more mile.

At mile 9 we were routed onto the HOV lanes on the I-90 bridge. Through the tunnel. It was SO hot in there. And loud... some DJ guy was playing music with his speakers turned up to 11 and I couldn't even hear myself think. I began to "tail" a gal just keeping my eyes on her shoes in order to make it through that tunnel. Here's something that I didn't think about... freeways/highways are made for cars. They are crowned so that the water runs to the edges of the road. Have you EVER tried to run/walk on a surface where one leg ends up being shorter than the other? HIGHLY uncomfortable and NOT recommended.

We went up fourth and made a left... at mile 12, we went over the Viaduct. I almost cried. I was thinking that possibly, they would be just going to scoot us around the corner and to the finish line near Quest Field. No such luck. When I got to mile 13, just at the corner of Quest field at Royal Brome (sp?), I only had a tenth to go. I started looking for Ed along the finish line hoping that he'd gotten the texts saying where I was on the course. I saw him very near the finish line, huge grin on his face taking pictures of me. I seriously almost burst into tears when I saw him.

I went over the finish line at 3:39. Not bad considering that I walked the last 7 miles with an injured foot and a blister the size of Texas on the other. They say that you are supposed to continue moving for 20 minutes after you finish. All I wanted to do is sit. In fact, I thought I was going to pass out if I didn't.

They had beer, bands, food and swag. Lots of stuff to do at the finish line. All I wanted to do is go home.

I did learn some things:

When they say that, in training, if you can run 10 miles, you can do 13.1, they are LYING. I would HIGHLY recommend SOMETIME during your training to try going the full length. Not right before, though.
I HATE running outside. I am a treadmill girl. I loved going to the gym, getting on the treadmill, putting in my headphones, and reading my Nook. My knees never hurt running on the treadmill, and I could stop and pee if I had to.
Running outside is WAY different than running on the treadmill.
I am the slowest runner in captivity. Most people walk faster than I run and I am OK with that.
I CAN do this when I put my mind to it.

I'm going to keep up the training schedule... leaving out the long runs on Saturdays... except maybe doing the long runs on the treadmill... I felt better when I was running. I slept better when I was running.

So, am I glad I did it? Yes. I ran for my Grandma. The run benefited the American Cancer Society and I wore my Grandma's cancer bracelet. Will I do it again? NO.

And yes, that deserves all caps.

Tuesday Tune-age: Eye of the Tiger

2011-06-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, I know that this is kind of corny, but as some of you know, I've been training for a half marathon at the end of June. Last Saturday, Teenie and I ran/walked 10 miles in 2 hours and 26 minutes. Then, last night at the gym, I did my 50 minutes as scheduled. Teenie challenged me to try to run a whole mile without stopping. And do you know what? I DID! Of the 3 1/2 miles I ran, two of those miles were RUN. Not run/walked. RUN. I also didn't do them consecutively, but I did them. So when I got off the treadmill, I kind of felt like Rocky at the top of the steps. I wanted to jump up and down and shout that I'd actually done it.

Now... if they just let me have my iPod so I can channel Bob Marley, I think I will be fine for the 13.1 miles on the 25th.

Risin' up, back on the street

Did my time, took my chances

Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet

Just a man and his will to survive

So many times, it happens too fast

You trade your passion for glory

Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past

You must fight just to keep them alive

[Chorus:]

It's the eye of the tiger, it's

the thrill of the fight

Rising up to the challenge of our rival

And the last known survivor

stalks his prey in the night

And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Face to face, out in the heat

Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry

They stack the odds, still we take to the street

For the kill with the skill to survive
[Chorus]

Risin' up, straight to the top

Had the guts, got the glory

Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop

Just a man and his will to survive
[Chorus]
The eye of the tiger

[Repeats to fade out]

~Survivor

Music Monday- Leave the Pieces (On Tuesday)

2011-05-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

My friend has been going through a rough time. She is the strongest person I know... dealing with what she's been dealing with for the last 18 months.

She even has a bulldog on her poodle skirt.

Love you Teenie.

You're not sure that you love me
But you're not sure enough to let me go
Baby it ain't fair, you know
To just keep me hanging 'round

You say you don't want to hurt me
Don't want to see my tears
So why are you still standing here
Just watching me drown?

And it's alright, yeah I'll be fine
Don't worry about this heart of mine
Just take your love and hit the road

There's nothing you can do or say
You're gonna break my heart anyway
So just leave the pieces when you go

Now you can drag out the heartache
Baby you can make it quick
Really get it over with
And just let me move on

Don't concern yourself
With this mess you left for me
I can clean it up, you see
Just as long as you're gone

And it's alright, yeah I'll be fine
Don't worry about this heart of mine
Just take your love and hit the road

There's nothing you can do or say
You're gonna break my heart anyway
So just leave the pieces when you go

You're not making up your mind
It's killing me and wasting time
I need so much more than that
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

And it's alright, yeah I'll be fine
Don't worry about this heart of mine
Just take your love and hit the road

There's nothing you can do or say
You're gonna break my heart anyway
So just leave the pieces when you go
Leave the pieces when you go
Oh yeah, leave the pieces when you go

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah
Leave the pieces when you go
~The Wreckers

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2011-05-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today my cat had an "event" (which I won't describe in detail here, but let's just say "stuff" came out of both ends) 15 minutes before I was to leave to be at zero hour photography at school. Sometimes I wish I didn't have carpet anywhere in my house.
Dear Hitchhiking Lady- Probably flipping people off who purposely don't give you a ride because you are stumbling along a two lane road at 7:45 in the morning looking like you are strung out on heroin isn't going to get you a ride from anyone at all. Just sayin'.
Why is it that guys feel the need to pee into any type of container they can find in their car WHILE DRIVING and then throw said container out of the window of their car for the rest of the population to enjoy passing on their way to work? Have you ever heard of McDonald's? You don't even have to buy anything to use THE RESTROOM!
Our god daughter graduated from college last weekend. Man. There's nothing like a college graduation to make you feel REALLY old.
We're almost through with our state testing. Thank goodness we only have 1 test per subject instead of the 2 or 3 per subject. This year we only have 3 days of testing instead of the 7 last year.
What is with the weather around here? I'm SO sick of the rain. I think I might be growing webbed feet.
My training for the Rock and Roll half marathon is going OK... I walk/ran 6 miles yesterday. It's going to be tough. Luckily the race isn't until June 25th. And Julie and Teenie and Stacey are running with me. Well, at the same time. Probably not "with me" as I'm the slowest runner in captivity.
I just ate left overs for lunch and have decided that all my lunches from now on have to be left overs. Which means that I have to cook something the night before that might precipitate left overs. I've decided that I am not a "make a sandwich in the morning and eat it at lunch" kind of girl.

All righty then.

Music Monday- Leather and Lace

2011-05-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

OK... I picked this song because:
1. I like it and
B. Stevie Nicks is awesome and
Last. Dave Grohl does a great cover of it... with Will Ferrell...

Is love so fragile...
And the heart so hollow
Shatter with words...
Impossible to follow
You're saying I'm fragile... I try not to be
I search only... for something I can't see

I have my own life... and I am stronger
Than you know
But I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walking out the door
Still I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walking out the door

Lovers forever... face to face
My city or mountains
Stay with me stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather...
Take from me... my lace

You in the moonlight
With your sleepy eyes
Could you ever love a man like me
And you were right
When I walked into your house
I knew I'd never want to leave
Sometimes I'm a strong man
Sometimes cold and scared
And sometimes I cry
But that time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I'd get by
First time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I would get by

Lovers forever... face to face
My city or mountains
Stay with me stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather...
Take from me... my lace

Lovers forever... face to face
My city or mountains
Stay with me stay
I need you to love me
I need you to stay
Give to me your leather
Take from me... my lace
Take from me... my lace
Take from me... my lace

Can't Kick It

2011-04-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I took my 5th graders to their camp experience. Now, this camp experience isn't something that is for the weak hearted. This is full on camp for two and a half days AWAY from home, sleeping in barracks and having school outside no matter whether it's raining sideways or not. Yeah, camp.

I have to say that the first session totally lucked out because the daily weather wasn't rain hitting you in the face in a gale force wind. No, it was actually sunny the first day, cloudy the second, and wet the third. (It rained in the night the second night after we'd gone to bed, but stopped before we actually had classes the next morning.)

The kids (and teachers) come home EXHAUSTED. I mean tired-er than tired. The first session goes up Monday morning early, then comes home Wednesday afternoon. The first session teachers have two more days to teach the kids until the weekend. It's pretty tough, on us and the kids, trying to come back and learn/teach something meaningful.

It was a long week. Our spring break holiday is scheduled right after camp, however, for me it was not a holiday. It was spent cleaning house, moving 20 yards of dirt around the front yard, seeding the lawn with grass seed and finding out my grandma has lung cancer that has metastasized into her brain.

So, there really wasn't any rest. Just rest. We went, went, went ALL week and weekend long.

I'm tired. And I can't seem to shake the bad attitude that has infested my being.

Apparently, I need a vacation from my vacation.

A New Job

2011-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting at my computer working while my kids are working independently. I'd been sick for the first two days of the week with the flu and returned on Wednesday. I probably should have taken one more day, but it is such a hassle making sub plans that I decided to just tough it out and be at school. My nose was all plugged up so I took a big breath with my mouth. One of my students heard me and said:

Her: Mrs. C, are you feeling OK?
Me: No... I probably should have stayed home one more day with this awful cold.
Her: Maybe you can get a prostitute to come in for you this afternoon.
Me: (Shocked) A SUBSTITUTE????
Her: Oh. Yeah. A substitute.

Music Monday (on Thursday) Long Cool Woman

2011-03-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

My mom LOVES this song. I think it might be her favorite. I have it on my iPod and it came on this morning on my way to school. Here's to you, Mom

Saturday night I was downtown
Working for the FBI
Sitting in a nest of bad men
Whiskey bottles piling high

Bootlegging boozer on the west side
Full of people who are doing wrong
Just about to call up the DA man
When I heard this woman singing a song

A pair of moneybags made me open my eyes
My temperature started to rise

She was a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5'9" beautiful 'n' tall
Just one look I was a bad mess
'Cause that long cool woman had it all

I saw her heading to the table
Well, a tall walking big black cat
Charlie said, "I hope that you're able, boy
'Cause I'm telling you she knows where it's at"

Suddenly we hear the sirens
Everybody started to run
Jumping under doors and tables
Well, I heard somebody shooting a gun

Well, the DA was pumping my left hand
She was holding my right
Well, I told her, "Don't get scared
'Cause you're gonna be spared
I'm gonna be forgiven if I wanna spend my living"

With a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5'9" beautiful 'n' tall
Just one look I was a bad mess

'Cause that long cool woman had it all
She had it all, she had it all, she had it all
She had it all

You got it all, you got it all, you got it all
You got it all, got it all, got it all, got it all
Pretty long cool woman had it all

~Long Cool Woman, The Hollies

Tuesday Tuneage: Beastie Boys

2011-01-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

I'm having a REALLY hard time going to work these days. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job, I'm just having a hard time getting up when it's dark, I think. I can't wait until it's light at 5:30.

You wake up late for school, man, you don't wanna go
You ask your mom, "Please?", but she still says, "No"
You missed two classes and no homework
But your teacher preaches class like you're some kind of jerk

You gotta fight for your right to party

Your pop caught you smoking, and he said, "No way!"
That hypocrite smokes two packs a day
Man, living at home is such a drag
Now your mom threw away your best porno mag
(Busted)

You gotta fight for your right to party

Don't step out of this house if that's the clothes you're gonna wear
I'll kick you out of my home if you don't cut that hair
Your mom busted in and said, "What's that noise?"
Aw, mom you're just jealous, it's the Beastie Boys

You gotta fight for your right to party

Fight for Your Right~ Beastie Boys

Maybe Not So Stupid...

2011-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

OK, so on my last post, I said that I had no motivation... That I wanted to quit... That I was a big loser...

Well, guess what? Last night I ran for 8 minutes. WITHOUT STOPPING! All at one time!

Can you believe it? I certainly couldn't.

It was one of those instances where I had the plan of: Run 3 minutes, walk 2 minutes... Run 3, walk 2. But, at that 3 minutes mark, I was feeling pretty good so I thought to myself, "I think I can make it to 4 minutes." At the 4 minutes mark, I was still feeling pretty good, so I decided to try for 5. At the 5 minutes mark, I was all, "Oh, I can make it to 6 minutes!" And I did! So, when I got to the 6 minute mark, I decided that if I could make it that far, I could make it to 8. And I did.

I walked for 2 minutes and then decided to try for another 8 minute 2 minute interval. That didn't work so well, but I did make it 6 minutes. Then I walked 2. Then I ran 4 minutes, walked 2. Then I ran 2 walked 2 and ran the last two. In this 30 minute period, I actually ran/walked 2 miles. With the cool down, it was 2.25.

Maybe I CAN actually run this half marathon in June...

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

So I did a stupid thing. I signed up for a half marathon. I know, right? What business do I have entering something like that? Sigh.

Julie talked me in to it. (My attempt of making it not my fault.) But, I did have to sign up for it by myself. It's in June, so I have a ton of time yet to train. But it's only been 3 weeks since I signed up and I'm already losing momentum.

My whole body hurts. The thought of running makes me want to vomit. I want to just quit.

Sigh.

It's getting hard. When things get hard, my MO is to quit. But, this time I can't. I have people depending on me.

Oh, motivation, where art thou?

Music Monday: Bells For Her

2011-01-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

And through the life force and there goes her friend
On her Nishiki it's out of time
And through the portal they can make amends
Hey, would you say whatever we're blanket friends

Can't stop what's coming
Can't stop what is on its way

And through the walls they made their mud pies
I've got your mind I said she said I've got your voice
I said you don't need my voice girl you have your own
But you never thought it was enough of

So they went years and years
Like sisters, blanket girls
Always there through that and this
There's nothing we cannot ever fix I said

Can't stop what's coming
Can't stop what is on it's way

Bells and footfalls and soldiers and dolls
Brothers and lovers she and I were
Now she seems to be sand under his shoes
There's nothing I can do

Can't stop what's coming
Can't stop what is on it's way

And now I speak to you, are you in there?
You have her face and her eyes
But you are not her
And we go at each other
Like blankets who can't find
Their thread and their bare

Can't stop loving
Can't stop what is on its way
And I see it coming and It's on its way

~Tori Amos

This video isn't the best, but it's the best that YouTube had and it's not an official video...

THis is Tori Amos Live...

Missing

2011-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

A conversation between me and one of my students last Friday:

Him: Mrs. C., do you notice anything different about me?

Me: Do you have a new backpack?

Him: No.

Me: A new coat?

Him (now exasperated): NO! I'm missing part of my butt.

Me (extremely confused): What?!?!?!

Him: Last night at basketball practice, I ran my butt off and now I think part of it is missing.

Me: Oh, honey... that's just an expression that people use when they work really hard or play really hard. I really don't think that part of your backside is really missing.

Him: I don't know... It IS getting smaller...

Snow Day

2010-11-24T06:30:00.001-08:00

Hello, Internets! It's been awhile, I know. There has been so much going on in the land of Amy's Annotations since I last posted. There is so much, I'm going to just do bullets until you are all caught up. I promise to try to be current in the coming weeks...

Guess what? I'm teaching 5th grade now! Yep! 5th grade. Science no less... SO loving that I get to play all day and teach kids about science. Our team has 86 kids... I teach the science, David teaches the literacy (reading/writing) and Julie teaches the math. We all teach our own social studies and spelling and social skills curriculum. I can't believe that they actually LET me teach the same lesson 3 times each day. You can see here the blog I keep for the science classes I teach. Loving it, guys. Truly loving it.
Our septic drain field failed this summer and we had to have it replaced. Ugh. I do have to say that my husband is the best. He kind of has a 6th sense for when things might go wrong and he is so proactive in getting things fixed. The old drain field was completely full of dirt, rocks and whatever so we had to totally move the drain field to the other side of the front yard. Our yard is a disaster, but, really, it's winter now and we'll bring in topsoil this spring and plant more grass. Ed decided to put lids in the yard where all of the lids are on the septic tank and also where the ends of the drain field pipes are so that they can be cleaned easily and we can pump out the tank without having to dig up the yard every time we need it pumped. I'm not to thrilled with the idea of having these lids (6 of them) dotting my front yard, but I'm not the one who does the digging up of the yard to find the lids, so I can't complain. I just want them to be easy to mow around.
Our back deck also bit the dust. We have this deck that crosses our back yard (about 20 feet) from the garage to the house. Our house sits a little lower than where the garage and driveway is so we need sort of a deck/bridge to get to the back door. We replaced it probably 10 years ago, and we use it everyday so it kind of needed replacing faster than maybe a normal deck. However, this time, we decided to replace it with Trex (sp?) because we DO use it everyday. So, two weekends ago, Ed decided to take apart the deck... WITH A CHAINSAW... and then promptly left for Utah on business. He's been working on it after work and we actually had a huge bonfire last weekend and burned everything up. It still isn't finished because at the moment, it's 8 degrees outside and everything is sitting under 6-8 inches of snow.
I got a Nook, y'all!!! Loving it. I'm such a book buyer. I was spending so much money on books that it was was more cost efficient to pay $150 for a Nook and then get my books from the library. Oh, it's SO cool... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I ended up purchasing one of the "certified pre-owned" 3G, Wi-Fi Nooks. It works perfectly and I paid the same price as I would have had I purchased just the Wi-Fi Nook. It's great. Would HIGHLY recommend getting one if you are an avid reader.
We bought a "new" truck. Yep, Old Blue is gone. We loved her dearly, but she wasn't as powerful as the new trucks and certainly not as comfortable. (I cried when we left her at the dealership and Ed was all, "Ame, I thought that you wanted to buy this truck?!?!?" and I was all, "Yeah, but this was the first NEW thing we bought together... Jessie rode in this truck...") We got an '08 F350 Superduty. I have to say that it was super hard finding a truck that had a manual transmission. At our house, we don't purchase cars unless they are manual transmissions. Well, unless they are OLD cars... (my mustang is an automatic as well as the Falcon). We are definitely the minority in this case. And we also found out that Ford trucks made in '11 or after will not be made with manual transmissions. It costs a lot and apparently people don't like to drive them. All I can say is that this truck better last us forever because me driving an automatic is NOT pretty.
We observed the four year anniversary of Jessie's passing. We miss her every day and still haven't had the heart to get another dog...
We did a quick trip to New Hampshire to attend Ed's Grampa's funeral. He was 98 and lived in the same house that he was born in. How many people can say that they lived in the same house/town that they were born in for 98 years??? Ed was asked to speak at the service and he did a wonderful job. He was also asked to be a pall bearer. The service was really good, as funeral services go. Grampa's pastor has known him for years... Grampa was baptized in that church so he was a member forever. They had a viewing the Friday night before at the farm. Viewings are such an east coast thing. Rarely have I been to a funeral here where there was a viewing. I know for some people, this helps to give them closure. But for me, I did NOT want to see Grampa that way. My last memory of him is a kiss and hug at the airport last May when Ed took him home from spending the winter here. That's how I want to remember him. Grampa was a wonderful man, and we miss him everyday.
I got a new phone... the Motorola Droid X. Which I love. It's one of those smart phone thingies and it's WAY bigger than my last phone, but I'm really digging it. It's a bit of a learning curve to see what can be turned off to lengthen the battery life, but I REALLY like this phone. The other thing I did, was I bought the phone at Costco. Yeah, Costco! It was time for me to upgrade. I got the same price as I would have gotten if I'd upgraded online, except, that online, I would have gotten a $100 gift card for the $100 mail-in rebate. I got it right off the bat. VERY COOL. Also, they throw in the wall charger, ear buds, and a car charger! YAY! I didn't have to buy that stuff. I still don't know what else I can do with this phone, but at Thanksgiving at my parents house on Sunday, my brother and I found some fun Applications to load. (Driod Fart machine... yeah, I'm completely juvenile...)
The weather here is NUTS. It's 8 degrees right now and we have like 6-8 inches of snow. This week was supposed to be conference week. We cancelled conferences on Monday because it was snowing SO hard that we were worried about getting home safely. I did two phone conferences and two parents would like to reschedule. I have 8 more conferences from yesterday that need to be rescheduled as there was no school yesterday.

Well, I think that I've gotten you all caught up here. I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Bonny Swans~ Music Monday

2010-09-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love this song. I love Lorena McKennitt.

A farmer there lived in the north country
a hey ho bonny o
And he had daughters one, two, three
The swans swim so bonny o
These daughters they walked by the river's brim
a hey ho bonny o
The eldest pushed the youngest in
The swans swim so bonny o

Oh sister, oh sister, pray lend me your hand
with a hey ho a bonny o
And I will give you house and land
the swans swim so bonny o
I'll give you neither hand nor glove
with a hey ho a bonny o
Unless you give me your own true love
the swans swim so bonny o

Sometimes she sank, sometimes she swam
with a hey ho and a bonny o
Until she came to a miller's dam
the swans swim so bonny o
The miller's daughter, dressed in red
with a hey ho and a bonny o
She went for some water to make some bread
the swans swim so bonny o

Oh father, oh daddy, here swims a swan
with a hey ho and a bonny o
It's very like a gentle woman
the swans swim so bonny o

They placed her on the bank to dry
with a hey ho and a bonny o
There came a harper passing by
the swans swim so bonny o

He made harp pins of her fingers fair
with a hey ho and a bonny o
He made harp strings of her golden hair
the swans swim so bonny o
He made a harp of her breast bone
with a hey ho and a bonny o
And straight it began to play alone
the swans swim so bonny o

He brought it to her father's hall
with a hey ho and a bonny o
And there was the court, assembled all
the swans swim so bonny o
He laid the harp upon a stone
with a hey ho and a bonny o
And straight it began to play lone
the swans swim so bonny o

And there does sit my father the King
with a hey ho and a bonny o
And yonder sits my mother the Queen
the swans swim so bonny o
And there does sit my brother Hugh
with a hey ho and a bonny o
And by him William, sweet and true
the swans swim so bonny o
And there does sit my false sister, Anne
with a hey ho and a bonny o
Who drowned me for the sake of a man
the swans swim so bonny o

The Bonny Swans~ Lorena McKennitt

Music Monday

2010-09-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

I know. It's a day early.

At least it's not late.

Yesterday I was cleaning out the trunk I have at the end of my bed... putting away the summer stuff and getting out the winter stuff. I found two undershirts and a hanky that belonged to my Granny (my great grandma). I'd forgotten that I'd put them in there. I couldn't believe that they still smelled like her. It made me cry and even though I miss her every day, I really missed her yesterday. This is for her. Miss you, Gran...

So far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know that you're just time away
Long ago I reached for you, and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
How I wish I could, but you're so far away

One more song about moving along the highway
Can't say much of anything that's new
If I could only work this life out my way
I'd rather spend it being close to you
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're so far away
Yeah, you're so far away

Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don't come to own me
There are so many dreams I have yet to find
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know you're so far away
You're so far away
Yeah, you're so far away
You're so far away

~Carole King, So Far Away

Music Monday- Late

2010-08-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm crazy, crazy, I'm the boy
Who defies all, yeah
Lift me higher, than anyone
And hold me arms, yeah

Woman, woman, she out of mind
And simply out of soul, ohh, yeah, yeah, yeah

She gets me higher than anyone
And I miss her so, so do it, I miss her so

Stargazer you call the shots and I'll take all
Stargazer won't you kick with me, ohh, please
Stargazer you call the shots, I take all
Stargazer won't you kick with me, ohh, baby please

I dance a dancer, I'm all wrong
She thinks she's young and wise but no, no, no
She dance around my, my pretty little cable car
And fix me up with a guy, why?

C'mon, how dare you do this?
Why she done that to me, ever?
Why she done it to me? So I'm singing

Stargazer you call the shots and I'll take all
Stargazer won't you kick with me, please
Stargazer you call the shots and I'll take all
Stargazer won't you kick with me, ohh, baby please, tell you what?

Stargazer you cry in blue
Anything I've ever seen
It ain't as good as you child
I'm not trying to push your feelings

But I know you hold me like butter in your hands
Cry for me and rub it in
Cry for the savior and the prophet's son, yeah
Dream of me and Julie Ann, ohh, Xana come back again, yeah

Cry for me and rub it in
Cry for the savior and the prophet's son, yeah, ohh
Dream of me and Julie Ann, ohh, Xana come back again

Stargazer~ Mother Lovebone

Pure Sunset

2010-08-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sunset in our back yard. One of the first pictures that I took with Nikon Nik.

Nikon Nik

2010-08-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

This week I turned 41. Yep. I said it. I TURNED 41 YEARS OLD. And, I celebrated my 19th wedding anniversary with Ed.

Gawd.

Nineteen years. We've been together for almost twenty-four, but married for nineteen of them.

So, for my birthday/anniversary present, I got a Nikon D90 that I've named Nikon Nik. I want to start a daily photo portion of this blog so that I can make myself take pictures and practice using Nik. So, be looking for installments of random photos that I'm going to be taking.

Twilight Zone

2010-07-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the waiting room at Ford of Kirkland.

The large door was open. The blue suited man motions for me to pull forward. The sign says to honk, so I do. The blue suited man grimaces. I turn off the truck and jump out, slamming the door hard. I speak to the long haired lady who asks me to show her what needs to be fixed. She asks for a number to call when the repairs were made. I tell her that I'm waiting.

She looks perplexed. She tells me it might take at least 3 hours. I tell her I have a book and iced tea. I'll be fine.

I move to the waiting area. The door slams behind me like a jail cell in a prison. This is going to be my home for the next few hours. I need to make myself comfortable. There are already people waiting there, each in their own chair. Some texting on their cellular devices, some having private conversations loudly with unknown persons. Some reading the provided reading material on the small side table.

I settle in with my book and tea. People come and go. A small Chinese man named Mel Burke reads a Marie Claire magazine article on make-up. When he sees that I'm looking, he hastily tosses the magazine aside choosing instead "Car and Driver".

A Mexican grandmother comes with her granddaughters. They begin watching the TV... on the Disney channel no less. The Wizards of Waverly place drones on for what seems like hours. The daughter of the grandma comes and hustles everyone out of the waiting "lounge". On their way out, one of the girls tries to open the car door to the mustang inside the showroom and sets off the car alarm. The alarm scares us to death and the honking continues for what seemed like hours.

I listen to the Deli lady gossip with the workers of the dealership. I learn more than I want about many of the people who spend their days selling cars.

I find my eyes getting heavy. The Suite Life of Zach and Cody has it's hold on me. I can't keep my eye lids open.

I feel a touch on my arm. It's the long haired lady. My truck is finished. I jump up eager to be out of the clutches of this "waiting room". I feel as if it almost had me, but I escaped just in time.

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-07-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Seriously, people? If you decide you want to drive slow, that's OK with me. Just do it in the SLOW lane. That's why it was invented.
Why does the GPS always take you on the weirdest, most non-direct route possible?
When we bought our "new to us" truck, Ed decided to do the modifications that we had on our old '96: super hitch, camper tie downs, air bags, bug shield and mud flaps. As he was putting on the new super hitch, he realized that he couldn't get the spare tire down. We read in the manual on how to get the spare tire out, and it kept talking about this "key". Yes, internets, there is now a key for your spare tire. I say, if anyone wants that damn tire and can get underneath the truck and lift that sucker out of there, they deserve it. Seriously.
Did you know that they made like 10-20 different spare tire keys for the 2008 F-350's? (We tried two of my brother's keys, one from his personal truck and one from his work truck and neither worked.)
Did you also know that it will cost $108.00 to replace it?
Did you also know that I totally threw a fit when the dealer said this, because, to me, that's part of the safety inspection, yo. Ya can't change a tire without the key. He told Ed to "look in all the cubby holes. It has to be there somewhere." When Ed called him back, he started some song and dance about it was at a consignment place before their's and he didn't know if he could get a key.
There are a ton of Ford discussion websites that talk about this VERY problem. Apparently you can drill out the lock and then just use the jack to turn down the tire.
In other news, we have a chickadee nest in our butterfly bush. At least one baby.
I got absolutely nothing done today.
And, I'm crabby.

Random enough for you?

Music Monday

2010-07-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today I needed this song to motivate me. It was a long day with an even longer "to do" list which only has 4 things crossed off on it. Tiny bit disappointing.

Rage in the cage
And piss upon the stage
There's only one sure way
To bring the giant down
Defunct the strings
Of cemetary things
With one flat foot
On the devil's wing

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Raping the geek
And hustling the freak
Like a hunchback juice
On a sentimental noose
Operation filth
They love to love the wealth
Of an SS Whore
Making scary sounds

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Psyclone Jack
Hallucinating Hack
Thinks Donna Reed
Eats dollar bills
Goldfoot machine
Creates another fiend
So Beautiful,
They make you kill

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Crawl on me
Sink into me
Die for me
Living Dead Girl

Blood on her skin
Dripping with Sin
Do it again
Living Dead Girl

Blood on her skin
Dripping with Sin
Do it again
Living Dead Girl

~Rob Zombie: Living Dead Girl

Music Monday

2010-07-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

A young Joe Elliot really does it for me.

"Foolin'"

Lady luck never smiles
So lend your love to me, awhile
Do with me what you will
Break the spell take your fill

On and on we rode the storm
The flame has died, the fire has gone
Oh, this empty bed is a night alone
I realized that long ago

Is anybody out there? Anybody there?
Does anybody wonder? Anybody care?

Oh, I just gotta know
If you're really there and you really care
'Cause baby I'm not

F-F-F-Foolin', Ah F-F-Foolin'
Not F-F-F-Foolin', Ah F-F-Foolin'

Won't you stay with me awhile

close your eyes don't run and hide
Easy love is no easy ride
Just wakin' up from what we had
Could stop good love from going bad

Is anybody out there? Anybody there?
Does anybody wonder? Anybody care?

Oh, I just gotta know
If you're really there and you really care
'Cause baby I'm not

F-F-F-Foolin', Ah F-F-Foolin'
Not F-F-F-Foolin', Ah F-F-Foolin'

I'm not foolin' myself, no no no

~Def Leppard

RTT- Catch-up Edition

2010-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

School is out, but summer hasn't officially started... Usually it starts July 5th. That's when the sun starts to appear. Everyone knows that it isn't summer unless there's sun, right?
The kitchen remodel extravaganza is coming along. All cabinets are in, counter tops are on, new plumbing under the sink, old lighting is out and new lighting is in with holes from the old lighting patched, "texturized" and primed (painted today), plumber is coming tomorrow to plumb the gas line for the cook top, and I have a call in to the floor guy to make an appointment to come and lay the floor. I'll order the floor when I know he's coming. Then, install the dishwasher and the refrigerator. Last, Ron will come to finish the scribe molding. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank goodness.
Many projects are on the docket for summer. Garden, new sidewalk, muck out the office.
I have a new camera (Nikon D90) named Nikon Nik. I've been playing a little bit with it, but I haven't been anywhere to actually take pictures. That's something that I REALLY want to do.
We have one camping trip planned... Sand Camp at the end of August. I'm hoping that we go some other places as well.
Ed's started his weekly skiing trips... he sends out an email to a large group of people. The first three to answer get to go. I haven't had to get up early yet, but I'm kind of looking forward to it.
Shane's birthday was last week and we rode the motorcycles to the cemetery and then had dinner at the Yella Beak in tribute.
I'm really looking forward to cooking with the new cook top and being able to cook some good healthy food.
I took some GLAD training this week. I'm excited to see how I can apply it to science. It's hard, though because I'm teaching 5th grade science next year and I don't know the curriculum.
I also participated in the 10 Tech conference that our district puts on. I took a classes on pod casts and how to make them, using photoshop elements, making wikis, and a bunch of other things. It's a great thing that our district does. We can learn lots of clock hours for free and we don't have to pay for the classes either.
We're going to the NHRA drags in July. SO excited. We're going to take Teenie's son Ryan as he loves cars. Can't wait!!!!

OK. I think you're all caught up. There's some random for your Thursday (even though it's supposed to be Random TUESDAY Thoughts). More one the kitchen later. I have to upload the pics from the camera in order to post!

Tuesday Tune-age

2010-07-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

So I heard this song this morning on VH1. And I really liked it. So, here you go. The first summer installment of Music Monday or Tuesday Tune-age. Actually, it's the first installment in a really long time. Enjoy.

Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You’ve got opinions, man
We’re all entitled to ‘em, but I never asked
So let me thank you for your time, and try not to waste anymore of mine
And get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe, but I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

You sound so innocent, all full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset

I’m not the one who’s lost with no direction
But you’ll never see

You’re so busy making maps with my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down, just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

All my life I’ve tried to make everybody happy
While I just hurt and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

Let me hold your crown, babe.

~"King of Anything"- Sara Bareilles

Porn Free

2010-05-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

We were really only touching shoulders.

Really.

Rubies, Proverbs and Astrology! Oh, My!

2010-04-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

I love rubies. Rubies are my favorite gem stone. But, having an August birthday, I get this ugly green stone called peridot. It's green. Light green. Like snot. Seriously.

When Ed and I looked for my engagement ring, my rule was that it had to have a ruby, and it had to be a band so that I didn't catch it on stuff and rip the skin off of my knuckle. ('Cause that's pretty...) I got this great ruby/diamond band. I love it. (We also got our Black Hills Gold wedding bands from the Puyallup Fair, but that's another story.) Later, for an anniversary gift, he bought me a band with just rubies. I have all of these soldered together to make one kind of big ring. But, I love it. I wouldn't trade it for the world. (He also gave me a ruby solitaire for Valentine's day one year, but we aren't going to go into that one either.) I wear my rings daily and still think they are gorgeous.

At our rehearsal dinner, Ed's mom read a proverb to us that goes like this: Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies and the heart of her husband is entrusted in her. At the time, I thought she picked it because I had rubies in my engagement ring.

But, just recently, I've been wanting another tattoo. Because my birthday's in August, I'm a Leo. So, I'm going to get the Leo symbol on the back of my neck, or on my foot. (I can't decide...) While I was doing research, I found that each astrology symbol has a "star stone". Guess what mine is? A ruby.

I'm kind of feeling like this is a little more than coincidence.

Kitchen Porn

2010-04-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Bow Chicka Bow wow....

Yes, I haven't posted in awhile. Been a tad busy. You will see when you view these amazingly professional photographs. (NOT) I'm just going to show you, so look... Ready?

So that's what's been going on here. Lots of pics. Too many to share. Plus you'll get bored. You can only take so much Kitchen Porn, ya know.

PS... I'm NOT going with the Silestone for counter tops. We decided on Corian in this color with this Corian sink (the 850 double sink in Bisque). Ordering tomorrow! In two weeks I will have countertops and a sink!

Music Monday

2010-04-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like
A thousand diamonds strewn
Across a blue blanket

I lean against the wind
Pretend I am weightless
And in this moment
I am happy happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

I lay my head onto the sand
The sky resembles
A backlit canopy
With holes punched in it

I'm counting UFOs
I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment
I am happy happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

The world's a rollercoaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
My hands are busy in the air

Saying

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

~Incubus, Wish You Were Here

See it here...

Kitchen Remodel Extravaganza Kick-Off

2010-04-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started our kitchen remodel. I think at one point, when I started this blogging thing, I posted about before getting married, people should have to endure a remodel project to see if they should stay together/get married. I still think that, however, now, I think that they should also hire someone to do the work for them.

Much easier. Trust me.

We picked out our cabinets February 19th. We got a great deal through CMS (Cabinet Millwork Services, Inc.) out of Puyallup. Greg Halverson came to our house, measured and gave us a lay out. We had to order by the 19th because they were having a special on drawers. (Full plywood construction, heavy duty hardware, full extension and soft close, for the price of a regular drawer. EXCELLENT deal.) He said, "Amy, they'll be here in 30 days." Thirty days. I counted out on the calendar thirty days, thirty business days. I get a call on Wednesday, March 17th. It's Greg, "Amy, don't forget you have cabinets coming Monday, the 22nd!"

Um.... Hello? Excuse me? You said thirty days. Never mind that I ASSUMED it was business days, but you should have told me that up front...

Holy crap. We are going camping that weekend, and our garage is still full of appliances, motorcycles and quads and stuff.

Needless to say, the garage got cleaned out, stuff got moved around in order to make room for the cabinets. The cabinets arrived bright and early Monday morning and took up most of the garage.

Finally, FINALLY spring break arrived. Bart and Matt came over to help us tear out the old cabinets. Ed burned everything that night and we were officially off. Ron (our neighbor who is a finish carpenter) came bright and early Monday morning to begin installing the cabinets. Phil and I uncrated everything so that Ron could see what was there.

We had a slight plumbing issue... In the picture above, you can see cabinets. The base cabinet that you see on the far right against the wall is where my dishwasher goes/went. I wanted it moved to the right side of where the sink goes in order to make things easier when loading. The problem was that the dummies who made our house, (a modular home built at the factory, put on a foundation at the site.) just kind of threw the plumbing where they wanted it to go. So, we had this angled in sink pipe under the kitchen sink that would not let a dishwasher go where I wanted it to go. Sigh.

But, my talented Ed, who can do just about anything with some fertilizer, a piece of rope, and some glue, (think MacGuyver) had in mind just what to do.

So this is what the plumbing fiasco ended up looking like. The pipe now comes out of the wall at a 90 instead of 45. AND Ed had to go through a wall stud to make it look that way. However, this design will make it much easier to connect to the new sink and it looks A LOT cleaner.

Whew. Day 1 was rough. Lots of anxiety around did I choose the right cabinets? Oh no, I got a lazy Susan in this cabinet that I didn't ask for... holy cow, we spent ALL this money, is it going to look OK?

Sigh.

Needless to say, Ed and I went to dinner because I HAVE NO KITCHEN, YO! and then to Home Depot to look at/buy stuff for the fancy schmancy new cooking vent we have. I also looked at the counter top selection. I did some research yesterday and it looks like Silestone is the new-fangled way to go. I've decided that I'm doing this once. I'm going to get what I want. So, I brought home some samples. (Right now, my eye is drawn to the Mountain Mist color. Ed really likes Ebony Pearl.) It only takes two weeks to get the counter tops done and Home Depot is have some kind of special around the counter tops. It's either an edge upgrade until April 14th or a color upgrade like on the 24th. I don't know if I want to wait that long for a color upgrade. I want to get this done ASAP.

Home Depot may just be my new home away from home. I just wish it had a kitchen I could cook in.

Front Row Seats, LOTS of Great Lip Gloss and Sensible Shoes

2010-04-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Michael Buble'. *sighs a school girl sigh*

Tina got Michael Buble' concert tickets for her birthday and asked me to go with her. I might have to kiss her on the mouth for the invitation. (Or, at least sniff her armpits.)

The concert started off with this really great band called Naturally 7. These guys were phenomenal. They are an a cappella group that does ALL of the band sounds (drums, horns, bass, EVERYTHING) with their voices. You can hear them here and here is the guy who does bass. Amazing. Seriously talented young men.

They entertained us for a good forty-five minutes and then out came Tina's boyfriend Michael. I have to say that I was not a rabid Michael Buble' fan until I saw him in concert. I liked his music, his sound, his look... but, ya'll, he's just this guy. After the first note... can this man sing! Even the songs I didn't like so much on the CD, I REALLY liked hearing live. I am a convert.

Picture this, Michael Buble' singing his opening song. Lights are flashing, spotlights whirring. Tina takes out her cell phone to take a picture to send to a friend. The lady next to her taps her on the shoulder and says (and I quote), "Can you please put your cell phone away? The light is hurting my eyes."

WTF?!!?!? You have GOT to be kidding me. The light is hurting her eyes.

Me, being the snarky one, asked Tina if she told her that she paid the same amount for her tickets as the lady next to her did. Immediately after I said that, our boyfriend finished his opening number to a gigantic explosion and a shower of sparks. Again I, being the snarky one, said, "Wonder if that hurt her eyes." Seriously??? A cell phone light was hurting her eyes??? With all of the other mega lighting in the arena? Seriously.

About half way through, Michael was talking about Michael Jackson being a huge influence on him as a singer. The crowd went wild when he BUSTED out Billie Jean, hat and all. Can you believe it??? Billie Jean!

I told Tina next year we were going. And we were going to pay money for the front row. She suggested lots of good lip gloss. And I suggested sensible shoes. You know, in order to kick the butts of all the other wanna-be girlfriends. Because, really? He sings to ME.

The Portal of Hell

2010-03-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

I believe that the Hell Mouth visited my school district yesterday. I firmly believe that the Hell Mouth is able to switch positions at any given moment when things are going entirely too smoothly.

Yesterday was a full moon. We ALL know what happens during a full moon. Kids go crazy. It's a proven fact.

Our discipline referrals were up so our Eagle's Nest (Dean's office) was jam packed.

Kids were puking right and left keeping our custodian and Health Room assistant (we can't call her a nurse because she's not an RN) extremely busy. One kid actually puked on our Health Room assistant and her computer. She had to go home and change. Luckily she lives close.

It rained. It hailed. The sun shone down. The weather couldn't make a decision as to what it wanted to do. Do we do rainy day recess or don't we?

There was a car accident out in front of our school where an Escalade truck hit a power pole knocking out power to our school and our Central Services building. The power stayed off until WELL after school let out. Because the power was out, the traffic was awful out in front of our school, which sits on a small highway. This made our buses late getting to us.

Not to mention the fact that two other schools had a lock down at 3:30 (ten minutes before school let out) because many students reported seeing a "guy with a mask" wandering around in the woods outside the fence of the school. Apparently, a bank nearby had been robbed and the police thought it could have been the robber hiding. So, both the middle school and elementary school near there were put on lock down. Until 5:00 PM. Ugh.

Because the schools were on lock down, some of the buses that were supposed to pick up our kids could not make it here because, duh, lock down procedures state that everyone must be locked in the building. Which meant that the students on route 30 was stuck here. I took the 3rd-5th grade riders into my room and some other teachers took the K-2nd grade riders to the library. We couldn't notify parents because our power was out and therefore, had no phone service. Finally, the wonderful bus driver of route 36 took mercy upon us and volunteered to take the kids from route 30 home. By this time, it was 4:30. School had been out almost an hour. I'm sure parents were frantic.

However, this left the poor high school, junior high and middle school kids who ride transfer buses in the lurch because there was no bus to take them home. When I left at 4:45, they were still out in our bus lane trying to figure out what to do with those kids.

I certainly hope that the Hell Mouth decides to invoke it's wrath somewhere else for a while. I think we've had our fill.

Music Monday

2010-03-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Heart's Dreamboat Annie was the first record I ever bought. I REALLY wanted the album with Barracuda but, I got a gift certificate for Gary'sTV at the helicopter drop at our town's annual festival. And, he didn't have it. I was like 6. I still have it.

So this ain't the end- I saw you again - today
I had to turn my heart away
You smiled like the sun- kisses for everyone
And tales- it never fails!

You're lying so low in the weeds
I bet you're gonna ambush me
You'd have me down, down, down, down on my knees
Now wouldn't you, barracuda?

OH!

Back over time when we were all trying for free
You met the porpoise and me
No right, no wrong, you're selling a song- a name
Whisper game

And if the real thing don't do the trick
You better make up something quick
You gonna burn, burn, burn, burn, burn it to the wick
Ooooh, barracuda!

OH!

'Sell me sell you' the porpoise said
Dive down deep down, deeper than
You.. I think that you got the blues too

All that night and all the next
Swam without looking back
Made for the western pools- silly, silly fools!

The real thing don't do the trick, no?
You better make up something quick
You gonna burn, burn, burn, burn, burn it to the wick
Ahh, barra- barracuda!

~Barracuda, Heart

While I like the original WAY better, this will have to do. The original videos aren't great.

Photo credit

A Single Man

2010-03-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ed and I decided to thatch our yard. This was going to be a GIANT undertaking because:

we have a super humongous yard
the moss was almost growing faster and thicker than the grass
we hadn't thatched for probably six years.

Ed rented a thatcher from the local rental place and spent Saturday thatching the yard. On Sunday, the ginormous task of taking up the moss would have to begin. Our neighbor down the hill has this new-fangled invention called a "sweeper". This sweeper hooks to the back of your lawn mower and as you pull, these large brushes "sweep" the lawn and pick up whatever might be lying there. (Think carpet sweeper for your lawn.) Ed was able to borrow Patrick's sweeper and he chose the job of sweeping up the moss.

Once the sweeper was full, he'd make a circle back to me, who had the garden cart hitched to Rosie (my quad). He would pull the rope that Pat had attached to the top of the sweeper and dump the moss into a large pile. I was then to shovel it up into the garden cart and, once full, drive Rosie and the cart up to the compost pile/blackberry bushes to dump. My garden cart holds 10 cubic feet. I stopped counting loads at 20. That's A LOT of moss, yo.

Towards the end of our seven hour day, (oh, yes, it took SEVEN hours to clean that mess up) Gavin the six-year-old neighbor boy came over to chat with me. Gavin is a really funny kid. His brother is quite a bit older, so I think that he's really lonely, because, hey, he wants to come and talk with me! He asked if he could help to which I responded, "Of course!" and gave him the rake to keep the piles Ed was making neat for me.

As we were working, we got on the subject of growing up.

Gavin: When I grow up, I'm going to be a single man.

Me: You don't want to have a wife or family at all?

Gavin: Nope!

Me: Why not?

Gavin: Because all my wife will do is yell at me to take her to the store. That's all my mom says to my dad. 'Take me to the store' (Gavin's mom doesn't drive due to medication she takes for diabetes)

Me: Well, won't you be lonely?

Gavin: Nope. I'm going to have a house and furniture and all that stuff.

Me: What kind of job do you think you want to do as a single man?

Gavin: Oh, I'm not going to have a job when I grow up. I'm not going to work.

Me: Well, how do you think you're going to buy your house, furniture and food and stuff?

Gavin: Oh. Well, maybe I will have a job. But no wife. I'll be a single man with a job and a house and furniture and stuff. Maybe I'll work with my dad. We can have a job together. Like a company. And I won't have to take my wife to the store.

Such innocence. What he doesn't know yet is that someday, girls will come before job, school and everything.

No, Officer. I'm NOT Using My Cell Phone While Driving

2010-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I had a TON of errands to run. Ed and I were getting ready to go to the ocean to celebrate a friend's birthday. After school, I made my way to Issaquah to pick up cat food, go to Weight Watchers, hit Costco and go grocery shopping.

After picking up the cat food, I was sitting at a light reading a text message from one of the boys who were in Reno for five days on union business. (Right. "Union business" in Reno for five days and the boys don't "go" together!) They were giving me a hard time because they were there have a GREAT time while knowing I would have to sit in a meeting all day the next day. I happened to look in my rear-view mirror and spotted a motorcycle cop sitting behind me.

Crap.

We now have a law in Washington that says that we can't use our cell phones without a hands free device and it's a primary offense. I carefully stow my cell phone in my purse thinking that if he saw me, I could say, "No, officer. I wasn't using my cell phone. See? It's stowed safely away in my purse!"

The light turns green and I make my left hand turn praying to God that he's not going to pull me over at his first convenience. As I'm turning, I hear this horribly loud honking noise. It's the horn of the motorcycle cop's motorcycle. I'm in a dead panic. He's going to pull me over. I look in my mirror to see which way he's signaling me to move. Only, he's NOT pulling ME over.

At this light, there is a left hand turn lane going north and a free right hand turn going south. Each can go at the same time. The cars just can't cross the rumble strip that separates the lanes until a few hundred yards after the turn. Safety, yo.

Here's what happened. A GIANT, black Suburban was making a right as we were making the left. He ( And I KNOW it was a "he") crossed the rumble strip not even looking OR signaling and merged right into the motorcycle cop nearly crashing him into the median strip. Granted, the cop WAS in his blind spot, but that's the reason the rumble strip is there. So people don't merge and cause accidents. The cop was blaring his horn at this guy, not me. Whew.

I felt kind of bad for the giant, black Suburban guy. He really didn't see the cop. I'm sure he got an ass chewing and a hefty ticket. (While I went on my own merry way, scott free!)

Tuesday Tunage

2010-03-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

Some new A.I.C. for your listening pleasure...
And it IS your decision. What you say, what you do. Everything. Think about it.

Time to change has come and gone
Watched your fears become your god

it's your decision

overwhelmed you chose to run
apathetic to the stunned

it's your decision

you feed the fire that burned us all
when you lied

to feel the pain that spurred you on
black inside

no one plans to take the path that brings you lower
and here you stand before us all and say its over
it's over

it might seem an afterthought
yes it hurts to know you're bought

it's your decision

you feed the fire that burned us all
when you lied
to feel the pain that spurs you on
black inside

it's your decision

no one plans to take the path that brings you lower
and here you stand before us all and say its over
its over

~Your Decision- Alice in Chains

YouTube won't let me embed the video so click here to see it.

Say What?!?!?

2010-03-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Said during a presentation on planets in my classroom today:

"My simile is: Uranus is as big as three Earths."

I'm thinking (while trying not to snort), "How many times do I have to tell you it's not 'urAnus'? It's 'YERunus'."

Ugh.

Music Monday

2010-03-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this band. Nuff said. Caleb Followill is SERIOUSLY hot with that voice of his...

Stranded in this spooky town,
Stoplights are swaying and the phone lines are down
Snow is crackling cold,
She took my heart, I think she took my soul
With the moon I run,
Far from the carnage of the fiery sun

Drivin' by the strangle of vain
Showin' no mercy I'll do it again
Open up your eyes
You keep on crying, baby I'll bleed you dry
Skies are beneath me
I see a storm bubbling up from the sea

And it's coming closer [2x]

You sh-sh-shock my bones,
Leavin' me stranded all in love on my own
What do you think of me?
Where am I now, baby where do I sleep?
Feels so good when I'm home
2000 years of chasing takin' it's toll

And it's coming closer [4x]

~ Closer- Kings Of Leon

Eyebrow Epilady

2010-02-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

Let me just start by saying that I am NOT a hairy person. I have a ton of really curly hair, but it's fine and slippery, not course and wiry. The hair on my legs is very fine and light. You can barely see the hair on my arms and my eyebrows have "holes" in them. I'M NOT HAIRY.

That being said, I do like to have my eyebrows shaped every so often. Most people have to have theirs done every four weeks like clockwork. Me? Not so much. The first time I had my eyebrows waxed, Jolene did it. She promised me that she would not make me look like I was permanently surprised at everything people said to me. Plus, whatever wax she uses, doesn't make my skin react in little bumps or uncontrollable itchiness. She cleaned things up neat and tidy.

I had a hair appointment with Jolene on Monday and I'd asked when I made the appointment if she'd do my eyebrows 'cause they were looking kind of ratty. Well, both of us forgot. I got out of there with great hair, but ratty eyebrows. But, I knew that today I needed to go to South Center to get my warranty check on my bracelet so I thought I'd try the place in the mall where Tina got her brows done before. Brow Art by Threading.

Oh, my. Tina assured me that it was great. WAY better than waxing. Um... not so much. I'm thinking that I would wax my WHOLE body before I would "thread" my eyebrows again. It was painful. Seriously painful. Waxing is quick because it takes all the hair in one fail swoop. Threading does not. It's like plucking your eyebrows with tweezers, but pulling a bunch out at a time and only realizing that you got three hairs. Not twenty-five. Remember the Epilady? Think that. On your eyebrows. It's been three and a half hours and I'm still getting little twinges of pain.

And... AND, I'm STILL picking eyebrow hairs out of my nose, eyes and mouth. They went everywhere.

Plus the fact that you're in the middle of the mall and people are stopping to watch you get little hairs ripped out by their roots from your forehead. Sometimes they shout questions at you like, "Does it hurt?" or "Is it better than waxing?" It took every shred of control I had to not shout back, "Run away! Seriously! Hold on to your eyebrows for dear life. This effing hurts!"

The topper was when the lady was finished and I was getting out my wallet to pay (read: quietly whimpering in the chair trying not to bolt without paying), she had the balls to ask if I wanted to buy a package deal.

Um... probably not.

If you want to see the art of brow threading, click here.

Music Monday on Wednesday

2009-12-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

I know that it's been a long time since I've written anything of substance. I have been so busy that I can't even see straight. Apparently being grade level chair, the contact for our school for the union, beginning an intervention program, and not starting your Christmas shopping yet takes a toll on your stress level. So, I'm trying to get the Music Mondays in at least. Sigh... This one you'll like...

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide
No escape from reality
Open your eyes
Look up to the skies and see
I'm just a poor boy (Poor boy)
I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go
Little high, little low
Any way the wind blows
Doesn't really matter to me, to me
Mama just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead
Mama, life has just begun
But now I've gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooh
Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters

Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine
Body's aching all the time
Goodbye, everybody
I've got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, oooooooh (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't want to die
Sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Guitar Solo]

I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouch, Scaramouch, will you do the Fandango
Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me
(Galileo) Galileo (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro
Magnifico-o-o-o-o
I'm just a poor boy nobody loves me
He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
Let him go
Bismillah! We will not let you go
Let him go
Bismillah! We will not let you go
Let me go (Will not let you go)
Let me go (Will not let you go) (Never, never, never, never)
Let me go, o, o, o, o
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
(Oh mama mia, mama mia) Mama Mia, let me go
Beelzebub has the devil put aside for me, for me, for me!

So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye
So you think you can love me and leave me to die
Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here

[Guitar Solo]

(Oooh yeah, Oooh yeah)
Nothing really matters
Anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me

Any way the wind blows...

Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody

Music Monday on Thursday

2009-12-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

My girl, my girl, don't lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through
My girl, my girl, where will you go
I'm going where the cold wind blows
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through
The husband, was a hard working man
Just about a mile from here
His head was found in a driving wheel
But his body never was found
My girl, my girl, don't lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through
My girl, my girl, where will you go
I'm going where the cold wind blows
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through
My girl, my girl, don't lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through
My girl, my girl, where will you go
I'm going where the cold wind blows
In the pines, in the pines
Where the sun don't ever shine
I would shiver the whole night through

~Nirvana- Where Did You Sleep Last Night

Tuesday Tunage

2009-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a REALLY long time since I've posted. I've been so busy that I barely know whether I'm coming or going. What have I been up to you ask? A bulleted list for your reading pleasure:

Mexico trip
Canada trip (2 days after we got home from Mexico, but, more on that later.)
new gutters on the house (WE put them on.)
grade level chair person
photography zero hour
union rep
RTI book club
planning the Halloween costume
trying to reclaim my house and laundry after two back to back vacations
grading every assessment known to man

There is more, but I seriously don't want to bore you to death. I'm already bored to death and I did all of those things. Sigh. But, one fun thing I did last weekend was go to a radio station listener party. The local rock station morning show had a "hooray we've been on the air for 10 years" party at the Snoqualmie Casino. Our friend Jason wanted everyone to get together and meet up there so we all did. It was actually more fun than I thought it would be. I'm not a big fan of this particular morning show, although I do listen occasionally. The whole group was there signing autographs and such. Ed kept trying to get me to let one of them sign my "rack" but, I'm really not that kind of girl. I don't like any of them enough to let them partially see the girls let alone get close enough to write on them with Sharpie.

They had the lead singers of two local bands, Windowpane and Counterfist, play a few songs acoustically. I must say, I have a new favorite band in Counterfist. They sound a little like Tool and I just really have mad respect for anyone who can sing "Hey Man Nice Shot" by Filter, acoustically. Yeah. He did this. AH-MAY-ZING. So anyhow, here's a REALLY bad YouTube video of them playing somewhere in Seattle. And, it's not even the song that I'm posting today. I couldn't find them singing it anywhere.

Sound Wreck

I started with you in mind your image your voice your words my nerve comes apart as I write and the absence is hardly enough this dream is cold and vain the cause of all this pain and starting to decay my love is this one as unique as the beast that I try to describe is this reproduction only if it comes from inside this dream is cold and vain the cause of all this pain and starting to decay my love I started with truth in mind the negative always came through starving this chance to rewind and convey to you this dream is cold and vain the cause of all this pain starting to decay my love

George of Counterfist is on the left. He looks very much like our friend Joe.

Counterfist is playing at the Showbox Sodo with Floater on Halloween. If you can, I'd recommend going to see them.

Calle Ocho

2009-10-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

Dudes.

I just returned from Mexico. I'm having a tiny bit of culture shock. Can I just say that I DID NOT WANT TO COME HOME????

I didn't. It's bad.

So, instead of blogging about the vaca (which was FANTASTIC by the way) I'm going to do this week's installment of Music Monday. On Wednesday.

I danced my ass off to this song in the hotel bar. Ahhh... Mexico, Mexico, where for art thou, Mexico?

Haha
Its Mr. 305 checkin' in for the remix,
you know that S 75 Street Brazil?
Well this year gon be called Calle Ocho,

Que ola cata, Que ola omega
and this how we gon do it

Dale,
one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro

I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)

(Hahaha)
one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro

Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)
Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)

Si verdad que tu eres guapa,
Yo te voy a poner gozar
Tu tiene la boca grande
dale ponte a jugar (Como)

one-two-three-four
Uno-do'-tres-cuatro (Woooo-ooo!)

[Verse 1:]
6 to tha clock, on my way to the top uh,
Pit got it locked from brews to the locker,
R.I.P uh, big and pac,
That he's not, but damn he's hot,
label flop but Pit wont stop,
got her in the car, quit playin' with his (Como?)
watch him make a movie like Albert Hitchcock, Enjoy

[Chorus:]
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)

one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro

Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)
Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)

Si verdad que tu eres guapa,
Yo te voy a poner gozar
Tu tiene la boca grande
dale ponte a jugar (Como)

one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro (Woooo-ooo!)

[Verse 2:]
Mami got an ass like a donkey, with a monkey,
look like King Kong, welcome to the crib,
305 thats what it is,
with a woman down ya s*** dont play games,
they up the chain, and they let her do everythang and anythang, hit tha thang
and they love it gettin' it in, gettin' on,
all night long (Dale)

[Chorus:]
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)

one-two-three-four
Uno-do'-tres-cuatro

Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)
Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)

Si es verdad que tu ere guapa,
Yo te voy a poner gozar
Tu tiene la boca grande
dale ponte a jugar (Como)

one-two-three-four
Uno-do'-tres-cuatro

[Verse 3:]
Baby you can get it, if you wit it we can play,
baby I got cribs, I got condos we can stay,
even got a king size mattress we can lay,
baby I dont care, I dont care, what they say

[Chorus:]
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)

one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro

Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)
Rumba (Si)
Ella quiere su Rumba (Como?)

Si es verdad que tu ere guapa,
Yo te voy a poner gozar
Tu tiene la boca grande
dale ponte a jugar (Como)

one-two-three-four
Uno-dos-tres-cuatro

GAH!

2009-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Internets,

Hello. How are you? Remember me?

Yes I know it's been AGES since I posted, but, a few things have been happening in my life. One is that I FINALLY got over turning forty. I don't like it, but, I'm over it.

The other thing that's happened is that school has started again. I'm a busy girl, yo so you get highlights:

VERY cute kids!
parents are a little on the neurotic side, but, good.
very diverse group of kids.
did I mention cute?
got to move in to the building this year so no more portable stink! (Yippee!)
My teaching partner is 'da bomb.
I get to teach what I love.
Tina is in the same unit with my teaching partner and I!

So far, it's been a really great start to the year. I am grade level chair, which means I go to meetings and bring info back to them. This is not a comfortable position for me to be in as I don't like telling adults what to do and I'm a little uncomfortable with my grade level right now. Nothing I will divulge here, but, let's just say there are issues.

Sigh.

It's a good start.

A Very Special Music Monday... (On Wednesday)

2009-08-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, Internets... It's been a rough week here at Amy's Annotations.

I had my 18th wedding anniversary and while that was a happy occasion, I also had a birthday. And, Internets, this was a big one. It was the big FOUR OH. (It needs to be capitalized because it is so big.)

All year long, I've been anticipating this birthday because for me it's kind of one of those milestones where you say, "OK. I'm 40. There are just things that I am not going to do now."

There are regrets, yes. I wish I'd had children. I wish I'd lost weight. I wish, I wish I wish.

40 just seems like the age where some things just stop. Like there's a line that's drawn that tells you that you can't cross it. You know, like those height limits on the rides at the amusement parks? The ones that say, "YOU MUST BE THIS HIGH TO RIDE THIS RIDE?" My line says, "YOU MUST NOT BE OVER 40 TO..." whatever the activity may be.

I know you're saying it's my mind block. And it is. I just thought I'd have done more of the things that I'm regretting I didn't do right now.

But, this post wasn't supposed to be me wallowing to all y'all. It was really to thank those close friends of mine who get it and who love me.

Thanks to you ALL. Lots of love and kisses to you... (you know who you are! :-))

We all have a weakness
Some of ours are easier to identify
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness
We'll make a pact to never speak
That word again, yes, you are my friend
We all have something that digs at us
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try
We all have someone that digs at us
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
Oh, each other when everything else is gone
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
Oh, each other, sing this song, when everything else is gone
Oh, each other, when everything else is gone
~Dig, Incubus

Music Monday

2009-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

So today I have been married to my dear husband (DH for short) for 18 years. Can you believe it? Am I old enough to be married for 18 years???

So, in honor of our 18th anniversary, I bring you a very special Music Monday. Today's song is the song that he gave me a pearl Black Hills Gold ring at my senior prom. It is also the first song we danced to at our wedding. And it is the song playing in the background of our wedding video. I LOVE this song...

I would do anything
to hold on to you
that's just about anything
until you pull through

I'd hold on to you
til the stars no longer wink
I'd hold on to you
til you figure out
just what to think,

'cause
you're emotion in motion
my magical potion
you're emotion in motion
to me

I would go anywhere
to meet up with you
that's just about anywhere
for one rendezvous

I'd hold on to you
until the mountains crumble flat
I'd hold on to you
until the figure out
just where you're at,

'cause
you're emotion in motion
my magical potion
you're emotion in motion
to me

yeah
I would do anything
to hold on to you
that's just about anything
that you want me to

I'd hold on to you
until you take it all in stride
I'd hold on to you
til you want to stay here
by my side,

'cause
you're emotion in motion
my magical potion
you're emotion in motion
to me

~Ric Ocasek, Emotion in Motion

A Rush Meme

2009-07-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we had a meme around these parts. I swiped this one from Badger.

Here are the rules:Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title.

Are you Male or Female?
Cinderella Man

Describe Yourself:
Freewill

How Do You Feel?
Finding My Way

Where Do You Live?
Subdivisions

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Twilight Zone

Favorite Form Of Transportation?
Red Barchetta

Your Best Friend?
The Main Monkey Business

Describe you and your best friends:
Making Memories

Describe The Weather:
The Way the Wind Blows

Your Favorite Time of Day:
Fly By Night

If they made a TV show of your life, what would they call it?
Heart Full of Soul

What is life to you?
Mystic Rhythms

Describe an ex-relationship:
The Enemy Within

Describe your current relationship:
Closer to the Heart

Describe your job:
Kid Gloves

Your Fear?
Limelight

How would you like to die?
Between the Wheels

What is the state of your soul right now?
Workin' Them Angels

Best Advice?
Good News First

Thought Of The Day:
Something for Nothing

Motto:
Take a Friend

A Sneak Peek

2009-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not really a "peek" per se, but, an update.

On the garden porn.

Did you already forget?

No pictures yet, but, I do have my tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and zucchini planted. My garden space is HUGE and I have been having some anxiety about trying to fill it. So I bought a book called "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Gardening". And while I knew a ton already of what was in the book, the part about how to organize your garden was the thing for me.

*Deep Sigh*

I don't have to fill my garden with all sorts of things that I don't want to grow. Or eat. Or freeze. I can grow what I want! Hooray!

Ed's only input to the garden was that the rows needed to be wide enough to fit the rototiller through. Even better! That takes up a ton of space that I don't have to plant stuff!!

More tomorrow!

Garden Porn

2009-07-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Badger sometimes does a post of how her garden is doing. I am stealing her idea and now Amy's Annotations will have a weekly installment of "Garden Porn".

Tonight it is not happening.

I just got my plants.

I know. It's late. Shoot me.

Just stay tuned.

Music Monday

2009-07-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Last day of the rest of my life
I wish I would've known
Cause I didn't kiss my mama goodbye

I didn't tell her that I loved her and how much I care
Or thank my pops for all the talks
And all the wisdom he shared

Unaware, I just did what I always do
Everyday, the same routine
Before I skate off to school

But who knew that this day wasn't like the rest
Instead of taking a test
I took two to the chest

Call me blind, but I didn't see it coming
Everybody was running
But I couldn't hear nothing

Except gun blasts, it happened so fast
I don't really know this kid
Even though I sit by him in class

Maybe this kid was reaching out for love
Or maybe for a moment
He forgot who he was
Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged
Whatever it was I know it's because

We are, We are, the youth of the nation

Little Suzy, she was only twelve
She was given the world
With every chance to excel

Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell
She might act kind of proud
But no respect for herself

She finds love in all the wrong places
The same situations
Just different faces

Changed up her pace since her daddy left her
Too bad he never told her
She deserved much better

Johnny boy always played the fool
He broke all the rules
So you would think he was cool

He was never really one of the guys
No matter how hard he tried
Often thought of suicide

It's kind of hard when you ain't got no friends
He put his life to an end
They might remember him then

You cross the line and there's no turning back
Told the world how he felt
With the sound of a gat

We are, We are the youth of the nation

Who's to blame for the lives that tragedies claim
No matter what you say
It don't take away the pain

That I feel inside, I'm tired of all the lies
Don't nobody know why
It's the blind leading the blind

I guess that's the way the story goes
Will it ever make sense
Somebody's got to know

There's got to be more to life than this
There's got to be more to everything
I thought exists

We are, We are the youth of the nation

~POD, "Youth of the Nation"

Panic

2009-07-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a tad panicked, Internets...

You see, I'm out of school for the summer. This in itself is an awesome thing. I love sleeping until 7:00 and getting MY projects done around the house. Which, by the way, has been clean for days in a row. I KNOW! Can you believe it???

Here's my panic...

I have too many projects. Seriously. I do. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about it. I need to:

plant my plants in the garden.
I need to water the plants I have.
I have two decks to stain,
a wood pile to stack (this wood pile? It's probably 30 feet long and over 6 feet high.),
a back hall and guest bathroom to finish,
an office to clean and organize,
a stone sidewalk to take up,
a patio to plan along with replacing the stone sidewalk I need to take up,
lawns to mow ( a weekly chore),
a kitchen to replace (Ed's dragging his feet),
plus two more vacations to get ready for, and demobe from.
AND I'm turning 40.

I'm feeling overwhelmed. Can you see why?

I'm supposed to have slave labor because Sal wants a cell phone. Apparently he doesn't want it bad enough because he's not beating down the door to come and work.

And then there's the overwhelming desire to do the things I want to do. Like:

finish the scrap book of our Jessie pictures.
read, read, read
meet and have lunch with my friends
put music on my iPod
play in my flower beds
sit and have a beer with my husband

And I also have this fear that my summer will turn into a work session instead of a "life". I don't want to spend my summer working 24/7. I want to enjoy it, too. And I guess that I just am having trouble with the balancing act of it all.

I Would Like a Desk of Cheeze-its Please

2009-06-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

So, as some of you know, I've been getting some slave labor from my nephew. He wants a cell phone and his mom and step-dad have told him that they would buy the cell phone for his 8th grade graduation if he can pay for half the monthly bill. The catch is that he is not allowed to use money that he gets as gifts and such. They want him to WORK for the money.

AND he has to have five months of the bill ahead of time. My sister figures that the monthly bill will be about $4o.oo a month so that means Sal needs to have $100.00 saved up before they'll even purchase the phone. So, Sal has been working for me for $5.00 an hour stacking my monstrous wood pile. I love it. I'm not so sure Sal does!

So, I've been able to spend some time with Sal stacking wood and just talking to him. He's a pretty funny kid. He, all of a sudden, is liking the old 80's bands. And when I asked him about liking 50 cent and Akon (sp?), he said, "Auntie, that was when I was a douche bag."

OH! OK then.

So I find out he really loves the show Family Guy. He was talking about an episode where the dad was a personal shopper. He had me laughing so hard I nearly peed myself. I thought I'd share it with y'all...

Look here to see the clip.

Music Monday

2009-06-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about perceptions of people and who I think they are. Sometimes it bites me in the ass because I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. It really pisses me off when I get burned. Here's this week's installment...

Perfect by nature
Icons of self indulgence
Just what we all need
More lies about a world that

Never was and never will be
Have you no shame?
Don't you see me?
You know you've got everybody fooled

Look here she comes now
Bow down and stare in wonder
Oh how we love you
No flaws when you're pretending

But now I know she
Never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me
And somehow you've got everybody fooled

Without the mask
Where will you hide?
I can't find yourself
Lost in your lie

I know the truth now
I know who you are
And I don't love you anymore

It never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me
And somehow you've got everybody fooled

It never was and never will be
You're not real and you can't save me
And somehow now you're everybody's fool

~Evanescence, "Everbody's Fool"

My Dearest Tinsey

2009-06-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Sal,

I can't believe that yesterday you "graduated" from Middle School. Oh, I know... Mr. Newell said that you guys weren't "graduating". He said that a graduation is an "end" to something. He said that your class wasn't ending their schooling career. They were beginning their high school one.

Whatever. You've graduated from Middle School. I don't care what Mr. Newell says.

You were born almost 14 years ago. I remember. Well, duh, I'm Auntie. I should remember. Munka called me from the hospital and told me I better get there. You were on the way. I was coming from Redmond and I'd missed both Robert (I was working at school) and Bradly (Auntie Yaya practically had him in the car he was so fast) and I didn't want to miss you.

Munka, of course, was lying. You weren't even close yet. She just wanted me to think that you were so that I could leave work and be sure to be there.

I remember your dad coming out of the room after you were born. The first thing he said was, "Omigod! It's a boy! He has HUGE feet!" And then ran back into the room.

He was so excited. We all were. My sister had a kid. WOW. But your mom was one to do everything before me, so I wasn't surprised that she had a baby before me. Your dad came out and told us what your name was. I thought that you had the coolest name ever. So lucky were you that you got to have your dad's grandpa's name.

We all said how beautiful you were. Your mom? She said, "His face looks kind of scrunched and his eyes are far apart." Only your mom would notice those things. And they weren't really... You were over cooked. You were two weeks late. You didn't want to come out. You were just-fine-and-dandy-in-there-thank-you-very-much.

That year was also the year that I started teaching first grade at my school. You, your mom, and Munka came in to help me set up my classroom. I had ABSOLUTELY no idea what I was doing. I was going with the flow and hoping it would be enough. I remember singing the Bicycle Race song by Queen to you and pumping your legs all around. You would smile and just look at me like I was a lunatic. But, you would find that out later. (That Auntie is a lunatic, that is).

When your mom and dad split up, your mom took a job at the tavern nights, so that she could support you and not have to pay day care because Munka and I took turns babysitting you. I was lucky enough to get to have you one night a week. I would come and get you after school, bring you home and then your mom would come in the middle of the night when she was done working and stay over night too. I loved those Tuesday nights. You were a kick in the pants. You never complained what I served for dinner, in fact you ate everything. You and Ed played video games or you helped him with whatever project he was working on at the time.

Now you are almost 14. HOLY CRAP! 14????? And you've "graduated" from Middle School. Can I just say that you have turned into the nicest, funniest most pleasant kid to be around? Your mom and Ryan have done an awesome job raising you. I love that you will try any sport "just because I felt like trying it, Auntie" or that you can make fun of things in a new and interesting way (your poetry project), that you LOVE Journey now and all those old 80's hair bands like KISS. (God, that's hysterical!) I love that you still call me Auntie and like to be around me. (I know that won't last forever.)

So, my dearest Tinsey, know your Auntie loves you dearly and wishes only good things for your future. And, if you ever need anything at all, I am ALWAYS here for you.

Love,

Auntie

Isolation

2009-06-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today is the first official start day of my summer vacation. I have packed my classroom (I'm moving into the building from a portable this year.), filed my report cards and moved most of my belonings so the custodians don't have to do it.

Sigh.

I'm not really sure it's vacation yet, yo!

So, here's this week's installment for your listening/reading pleasure. I think it's fitting for today.

Morning's here
I feel so far away
It seems like I felt this before
All alone
Sun burns my skin
I can't live with pain anymore
And with you on my mind
Thinking of all that we've said
Were they just words
We'll live to regret
Why won't you stay?

How does it feel
To make me fall apart
Could this be love
Or just a broken heart
How do you feel
When you see me cryin' again

Times have changed
Is love at an end?
What makes us wonder why?
Rearranged
Just pretend
I can't stand the thought of goodbyes
And with you on my mind
Thinking of all that we've said
Were they just words
We'll live to regret
Why won't you stay?

How does it feel
To make me fall apart
Could this be love
Or just a broken heart
How do you feel
When you see me cryin' again
~Toto, How Does it Feel?, Isolation

I Don't Feel Tardy

2009-06-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

Here it is... The last four and a half days of school of this year. *sigh*.

I can't believe it's finally here. The last month has shown me that the portal to hell CAN open up somewhere in a school and move from place to place as it chooses. The kids have checked out, heck, I have checked out! I don't want to be here any more than they do... Motivating kids who have checked out is the WORST part of the end of the year.

So, in honor of the last week of school, here is this week's Music Monday...

spoken:

"Oh wow, man !"
"Wait a second man. Whaddaya think the teacher's gonna look like this year ?"
"My butt, man !"

T-T-Teacher stop that screaming, teacher don't you see ?
Don't wanna be no uptown fool.
Maybe I should go to hell, but I'm doin' well,
teacher needs to see me after school.

Chorus:
I think of all the education that I missed.
But then my homework was never quite like this.
Got it bad, got it bad, got it bad,
I'm hot for teacher.
I got it bad, so bad,
I'm hot for teacher.

spoken:
"Hey, I heard you missed us, we're back !"
"I brought my pencil"
"Gimme something to write on, man"

I heard about your lessons, but lessons are so cold.
I know about this school.
Little girl from cherry lane, how did you get so bold ?
How did you know that golden rule ?

chorus

(guitar solo)

"Oh man, I think the clock is slow"
"I don't feel tardy"
"Class dismissed"

~ Van Halen, Hot for Teacher

Music Monday... On Thursday

2009-06-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, Internets... It's the end of the year and I am SO tired. My students have stopped listening and I think that the portal of hell has moved from Tina's room to mine. Ears and listening are apparently optional five and a half days before the last day of school. So, I bring you Music Monday a teeny bit late this week. (Well, a lot late since I haven't posted since the middle of May). Sigh...
Just enjoy, OK?

All right!
Stop whatcha doin'
'cause I'm about to ruin
the image and the style that ya used to.
I look funny
but yo I'm makin' money see
so yo world I hope you're ready for me.
Now gather round
I'm the new fool in town
and my sound's laid down by the Underground.
I drink up all the Hennessey ya got on ya shelf
so just let me introduce myself
My name is Humpty, pronounced with a Umpty.
Yo ladies, oh how I like to hump thee.
And all the rappers in the top ten--please allow me to bump thee.
I'm steppin' tall, y'all,
and just like Humpty Dumpty
you're gonna fall when the stereos pump me.
I like to rhyme,
I like my beats funky,
I'm spunky.
I like my oatmeal lumpy.
I'm sick wit dis, straight gangsta mack
but sometimes I get ridiculous
I'll eat up all your crackers and your licorice
hey yo fat girl, c'mere--are ya ticklish?
Yeah, I called ya fat.
Look at me, I'm skinny
It never stopped me from gettin' busy
I'm a freak
I like the girls with the boom
I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom
I'm crazy.
Allow me to amaze thee.
They say I'm ugly but it just don't faze me.
I'm still gettin' in the girls' pants
and I even got my own dance

{Chorus:}

The Humpty Dance is your chance to do the hump
Do the Humpty Hump, come on and do the Humpty Hump
Do the Humpty Hump, just watch me do the Humpty Hump
Do ya know what I'm doin', doin' the Humpty Hump
Do the Humpty Hump, do the Humpty Hump

People say "Yo, Humpty, you're really funny lookin'
"that's all right 'cause I get things cookin'
Ya stare, ya glare, ya constantly try to compare me
but ya can't get near me
I give 'em more, see, and on the floor, B,
all the girls they adore me
Oh yes, ladies, I'm really bein' sincere
'cause in a 69 my humpty nose will tickle ya rear.
My nose is big, uh-uh I'm not ashamed
Big like a pickle, I'm still gettin' paid
I get laid by the ladies, ya know I'm in charge,
both how I'm livin' and my nose is large
I get stoopid, I shoot an arrow like Cupid,
I use a word that don't mean nothin', like looptid
I sang on Doowhutchalike, and if ya missed it,
I'm the one who said just grab 'em in the biscuits
Also told ya that I like to bite
Well, yeah, I guess it's obvious, I also like to write.
All ya had to do was give Humpty a chance
and now I'm gonna do my dance.

{Chorus}

Breakdown:
Oh, yeah, that's the break, y'all
Let me hear a little bit of that bass groove right here
Oh, yeah!
Now that I told ya a little bit about myself
let me tell ya a little bit about this dance
It's real easy to do--check it out

First I limp to the side like my leg was broken
Shakin' and twitchin' kinda like I was smokin'
Crazy wack funky
People say ya look like M.C. Hammer on crack, Humpty
That's all right 'cause my body's in motion
It's supposed to look like a fit or a convulsion
Anyone can play this game
This is my dance, y'all, Humpty Hump's my name
No two people will do it the same
Ya got it down when ya appear to be in pain
Humpin', funkin', jumpin',jig around, shakin' ya rump,
and when the dude a chump pump points a finger like a stump
tell him step off, I'm doin' the Hump.

{Chorus}
Black people, do the Humpty Hump, do the Humpty Hump
White people, do the Humpty Hump, do the Humpty Hump
Puerto Ricans, do the Humpty Hump, just keep on doin' the hump
Samoans, do the Humpty Hump, do the Humpty Hump
Let's get stoopid!

{Chorus}
Oh, yeah, come on and break it down

Outro:
Once again, the Underground is in the house
I'd like to send a shout out to the whole world,
keep on doin' the Humpty Dance,
and to the ladies,
peace and humptiness forever

~Digital Underground, Humpty Dance

Slang 101

2009-05-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

OMG Homies. Last weekend was that time, yo. The annual WEA-RA conference. Last year I wrote a long list of things that I learned at RA. Remember?

Oh, Internets... Let me tell you that this year was MUCH more interesting...

THis year, we have....

TA- DAAAAAA!!!!

Slang 101.

Tiff bought Tina and me some banging flash card with street slang on the front. On the back, yo, there is the definition with pronunciation guide, a picture, AND the word used in a sentence so you get the feel of it, locs.

We ended up dividing the decks into words we know and use occasionally and the ones we don't know and never use. We committed to learning and using three words daily. If each of us learned three words, then we actually learned nine over the course of the day. HA!

Here are some examples:

dank: something of high quality
cheddar: Money
Flossin: showing off; flashy
locs: people
big ups: Showing admiration towards someone

Here's a sentence using all (courtesy of Andrew)
Big ups to Tiffany for droppin’ some cheddar on those dank cards. We was straight flossin dat lingo in front of all dem Spokane locs!

I hope to make our delegation proud by learning these words and using them everyday, aiight?

Music Monday

2009-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Another installment of 80's Music Monday for your listening pleasure...

What more can I do, there's nothing I haven't tried
Still it's so hard for her to notice
I've tried hard to be straight
There's nothing left I can say
If only she would look my way

She don't know me, she don't know
She don't see me, she don't care
She can't hear me, can't hear
Can not help me, she don't want
She don't want me like I want her
Like I want her got to tell her
Got to tell her that I love her
That I love her
She doesn't even know my name

I dream of when she'll be mine
I dream of crossing that line
And holding her so tender
Dreaming it could come true
So many things I would do
If only you'd give me a chance

She don't know me, she don't know
She don't see me, she don't care
She can't hear me, can't hear
Can not help me, she don't want
She don't want me like I want her
Like I want her got to tell her
Got to tell her that I love her
That I love her
She doesn't even know my name

YouTube has disabled the embedding so go here to see the video...

Love, Love, Love Jon Bon Jovi... The tight pants, however, leave a little to be desired...

~Bon Jovi

Tuesday Tuneage

2009-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am the son
and the heir
of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
how can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am human and I need to be loved
just like everybody else does

I am the sonand the heir
of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and the heir
of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
how can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am human and I need to be loved
just like everybody else does

There's a club if you'd like to go
you could meet somebody who really loves you
so you go, and you stand on your own
and you leave on your own
and you go home, and you cry
and you want to die

When you say it's gonna happen "now"
well, when exactly do you mean?
see I've already waited too long
and all my hope is gone

You shut your mouth
how can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am human and I need to be loved
just like everybody else does

The Smiths

You Tube won't let me embed the video, so you have to go here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5HpeA_WSo

to see it.

Enjoy!

Random Tuesday Thoughts on Thursday

2009-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Trying something new... I know. It's Thursday and it's supposed to be Random TUESDAY Thoughts. Sue me.

How is that a group of people not actually at the "front lines of a job" can decide what cuts to make in a school system? In my school district, 18 teacher positions are being cut. We got bashed by the committee who put together the "proposal" for not giving up our 2% raise next year. We are already losing our COLA from the state (3%), the district is cutting two LID days (another pay cut of 2 days) and we've been told health care is going up. Hmmm... how are we going to pay for that? Can you say PAY CUT?????

State testing sucks. I think that's why I'm so crabby.

The sun finally decided to come out. I think that Mother Nature may have her hormone meds back in check. I hope so... it snowed here on Monday...

I'm too tired to write any more. I knew that ya'll were sick of Tone Loc. Well, except Tiff...

Tuesday Tune-age Revisited

2009-03-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is especially for Tiff because she loves these two songs SO MUCH!

Let's do it
Workin' all week 9 to 5 for my money
So when the weekend comes I go get live with the honey
Rollin' down the street I saw this girl and she was pumpin'
I winked my eye she got into the ride went to a club was jumpin'
Introduce myself as Loc she said "You're a liar"
I said "I got it goin' on baby doll and I'm on fire"
Took her to the hotel she said "You're the king"
I said "Be my queen if you know what I mean and let us do the wild thing
Wild thing (x2)
Shoppin' at the mall looking for some gear to buy
I saw this girl she cool rocked my world and I had to adjust my fly
She looked at me and smiled and said "You have plans for the night"
I said "Hopefully if things go well I'll be with you tonight"
So we journeyed to her house one thing led to an other
I keyed the door we cold hit the floor looked up and it was her mother
I didn't know what to say I was hanging by a string
She said "Hey you two I was once like you and I liked to do the wild thing"
Wild thing
She loved to do the wild thing
Wild thingPlease baby baby please
Posse in effect hangin' out is always hype
And when me and the crew leave the shindig I want a girl who's just my type
Saw this luscious little frame I ain't lyin' fellas she was fine
The sweet young miss go gave me a kiss and I knew that she was mine
Took her to the limousine still parked outsideI tipped the chauffeur when it was over and I gave her my own ride
Couldn't get her off my jack she was like static cling
But that's what happens when body start slappin' from doin' the wild thing
Wild thing
She wanna do the wild thing
Please baby baby please
Wild thing
Doin' a little show at the local discotheque
This fine youg chick was on my jack so I say what the heck
She want to come on stage and do her little dance
So I said chill for now but maybe later you'll get your chance
So when the show was finished I took her around the way
And what do you know she was good to go without a word to say
We was all alone and she said "Tone let me tell you one thingI need $50 to make you holler I get paid to do the wild thing"
Say what
Yo love you must be kidding
You're walkin' babe
Just break out of here
Hasta la vista baby

Ton Loc Wild Thing

cold cooling at a ball
looking for some action
but like Mick Jagger said
I can't get no satisfaction
the girls are all around
but none of them wanna get with me
my threads are fresh and I'm looking def
yo wassup with the loc
the girls are all jocking
at the other end of the bar
having drinks with some no name chump
when they know that I'm the star
so I got up and strolled over
to the other side of the cantina
I asked the guy, "why you so fly?"he said "funky cold medina"
this brother told me a secret
on how to get more chicks
put a little medina in your glass
and the girls'll come real quick
it's better than any alcohol
or afrodesiac
a couple of sips of this love potion and she'll be on your lap
so I gave some to my dog, when he began to beg
and then he licked his bowl and he looked at me
and did the wild thing on my leg
he used to scratch and bite me
before he was much much meaner
but now all the poodles run to my house for the funky cold medina
you know what I'm saying
I got every dog in my neighborhood breaking down my door
I got Spuds McKenzie, Alex from Strohs
they won't leave my dog alone with that medina thing
I went up to this girl
she said "Hi, my name Sheena"
I thought she'd be good to go with a little funk cold medina,
she said "I'd like a drink", I said "ok, I'll go get it"
and then a couple of sips, she cold licked her lips and I knew that she was with it
so I took her to my crib and everything went well as planned
but when she got undressed it was big old mess
Sheena was a man
so I threw him out
I don't fool around with no Oscar Meyer weiner
you must be sure that the girl is pure for the funky cold medina
you know,
ain't no plans with a man,
this is the 80s and I'm down the ladies,
break it down,
back in the saddle, looking for a little affection
I took a shot, I thought I'd test it on the Love Connection
the audience guests voted, and you know, they picked a winner
I took my date to the Hilton for medina and some dinner
she had a few drinks, I'm thinking soon what I'd be getting,
but that's when she starting talking 'bout plans for a wedding,
I said "wait, slow down love, not so fast, I'll be seeing ya",
that's why I found you don't play around with the funky cold medina
you know what I'm saying
that medina's a monster y'all

Ton Loc Funky Cold Medina

Tuesday Tune-age 80's Style

2009-03-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

In adhering to my rule of 80's only until WEA-RA, here is this week's installment:

Baby, life's what you make it
Can't escape it
Baby, yesterday's favourite
Don't you hate it
(Every thing's All Right)
life's what you make it
(Every thing's All Right)
Baby, life's what you make it
Don't backdate it
Baby, Don't try to shade it
Beauty is naked
(Every thing's all right)
life's what you make it
(Every thing's all right)
Life's What You Make It
Baby, life's what you make it
Celebrate it
Anticipate it
Yesterday's faded
Nothing can change it
Life's what you make it
(Every thing's all right)
life's what you make it
(Every thing's all right)
Life's What You Make It
(Every thing's all right)
yeah yeah
(Every thing's all right)

~Talk Talk: Life's What You Make It, Colour of Srping 1986

Music Monday... Round II

2009-02-23T23:37:00.000-08:00

I know that this isn't an 80's song, but, I LOVE it anyhow, so I'm posting. (nice run-on sentence, Amy.)

Oh, oo-o-oh, come on, ooh yeah
Well I tried to tell you so (yes, I did)
But I guess you didn't know
As I said the story goes
Baby, now I got the flow
'Cos I knew it from the start
Baby, when you broke my heart
That I had to come again
And show you that I'm real
(You lied to me) all those times I said that I love you
(You lied to me) yes, I tried, yes, I tried
(You lied to me) even though you know I'd die for you
(You lied to me) yes, I cried, yes, I cried

(Return of the Mack) it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) pump up the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) here I go

So I'm back up in the game
Running things to keep my swing
Letting all the people know
That I'm back to run the show
'Cos what you did, you know, was wrong
And all the nasty things you've done
So, baby, listen carefully
While I sing my come-back song

(You lied to me) she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you do
(You lied to me) all this pain you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do

(Return of the Mack) here it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) don't you know
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) oh little girl
(Return of the Mack) wants my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
(You know that I'll be back) round and round

(You lied to me) she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you do
(You lied to me) all this pains you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do

(Return of the Mack) it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) pump up the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) don't you know
(Return of the Mack) it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) be strong
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) my little baby
(Return of the Mack) wants my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
(You know that I'll be back) round and round
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
(You know that I'll be back)
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
(Return of the Mack)yes it is
~Mark Morrison

There isn't a video for this song (that I could find) so if you want to hear this song I would recommend not looking at the photo montage and just listening. There are some pretty funky pics... Might I add that Mark Morrison needs some pretty serious dental work????? Yikes...

Music Monday

2009-02-23T15:15:00.001-08:00

OK. WEA-RA is coming up and the friends that I'm going with and I have decided to make it an 80's theme. So, in tribute to the 80's my Music Monday posts are going to be of 80's flavor...

Lunatic fringe
I know you're out there
You're in hiding
And you hold your meetings
We can hear you coming
We know what you're after
We're wise to you this time
We won't let you kill the laughter.

Lunatic fringe
In the twilight's last gleaming
This is open season
But you won't get too far
We know you've got to blame someone
For your own confusion
But we're on guard this time
Against your final solution
We can hear you coming(We can hear you coming)
No you're not going to win this time
We can hear the footsteps(We can hear the footsteps)
Way out along the walkway

Lunatic fringe
We know you're out there
But in these new dark ages
There will still be light
An eye for an eye;
Well before you go under...
Can you feel the resistance?
Can you feel the thunder?
~Red Rider

Because I've Been Really Busy... Really, I Have

2009-02-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

I know. It's been AGES since I've posted. I've been SO busy. My student teacher so rudely went to teach with my teaching partner because she has to like teach more subjects than just science, social studies and writing... Sheesh. The rudeness...

I also had to get ready for a really fun clam digging trip at the ocean with another family of very good friends. The low tide was a late afternoon one so we actually got to dig in the middle of the day. Yahoo! No worrying about finding the trail head in the dunes in the dark! We all limited quickly and headed back to the camp to clean our clams. We had 75 to clean but with all of us working at it, we got it done in just under three hours.

After cleaning up from that trip, I had to get the camper readied for the annual Beers and Boards trip. This year, we started at Snoqualmie Pass and left on Sunday for Boise. This year is a little different because we are using the camper. This, so far, has been quite good. There have been some scary times, like going up the 16 mile road to Bogus Basin Ski Resort and also heading to McCall in the dark.

We got to visit with Suzy and Brad and also got to meet their new son. Such a cute little baby. All smiles and coos even after getting shots on Monday! It was so good to be able to see Suzy and Brad as parents!

So, now, here I sit, at the top of Schweitzer Mt. Resort. Ed has spent the entire day skiing. I haven't gotten ANY school work done. I have only read 3 books. Being in the camper has sure changed how much I get done, but, it's also made things MUCH more comfortable!

So anyhow, Internets... I'm back and hoping to post on a more regular basis now!

Because I Need More Cow Bell Today

2009-02-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Today's post is brought to you because today I am in need of "cow bell".

So, I'm on my way to work today and I hear this song. Today is the day I needed the cowbell...

All our times have come
Here but now they're gone
Seasons don't fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain..
we can be like they are
Come on baby...don't fear the reaper
Baby take my hand...don't fear the reaper
We'll be able to fly...don't fear the reaper
Baby I'm your man...
Valentine is done
Here but now they're gone
Romeo and Juliet
Are together in eternity...
Romeo and Juliet
40,000 men and women everyday...
Like Romeo and Juliet
40,000 men and women everyday...
Redefine happiness
Another 40,000 coming everyday...
We can be like they are
Come on baby...don't fear the reaper
Baby take my hand...
don't fear the reaper
We'll be able to fly...
don't fear the reaper
Baby I'm your man...
Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone
Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn't go on
Then the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew then disappeared
The curtains flew then he appeared...
saying don't be afraid
Come on baby...
and she had no fear
And she ran to him...
then they started to fly
They looked backward and said goodby...
she had become like they are
She had taken his hand...
she had become like they are
Come on baby...
don't fear the reaper

~Blue Oyster Cult

HASAY Week Disappointment

2009-02-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

So, this week I really worked hard at my goals. I went to the gym four times this week and lifted weights. I walked EVERY DAY at lunch. (I know, can you believe it???) I journaled my food every day and did not go over my points allotment. (I did use the extra 35 because I kind of overindulged on Saturday and Sunday).

When I weighed in at Weight Watchers on Saturday, I GAINED 1.8 POUNDS.

WTF???????

I can't believe it. I don't know what else to do. Tina said that I should take my measurements. I'm going to do this. The only problem is that my clothes aren't feeling looser.

It seems like the MORE I exercise, the more I gain.

Such disappointment...

Tuesday Tune-age

2009-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Since I was WAY too busy yesterday, Music Monday didn't happen. But, guess what? Thank goodness for Tuesday Tune-age!

This song reminds me of middle school. I was a HUGE fan. Not of the new stuff, but, of the old stuff! No "Sugar on Me" for me...

Lady luck never smiles
So lend your love to me, awhile
Do with me what you will
Break the spell take your fill
On and on we rode the storm
The flame has died, the fire has gone
Oh, this empty bed is a night alone
I realized that long ago
Is anybody out there?
Anybody there?
Does anybody wonder?
Anybody care?
Oh, I just gotta know
If you're really there and you really care
'Cause baby I'm not F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin'
F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin'
Won't you stay with me awhile
Oh Oh
Close your eyes don't run and hide
Easy love is no easy ride
Just wakin' up from what we had
Could stop good love from going bad
Is anybody out there?
Anybody there?
Does anybody wonder?
Anybody care?
Oh, I just gotta know
If you're really there and you really care
'Cause baby I'm not F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin'
F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin'
No!Ah ah ah oh
Oh, I just gotta know
If you're really there and you really care
'Cause baby I'm not F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin' F-F-F-Foolin',
Ah F-F-Foolin'
Ah no!
I'm not foolin' myself
No no no!
I'm not foolin' myself
Ah no no!
I'm not foolin' myself
Ah no no!
I'm not foolin'
No!
~Def Leppard

Music Monday~ SPIN CYCLE

2009-01-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I haven't been participating in Spin Cycle for the last few weeks. I just haven't had the gumption to write. Or the brain power. Or the words. Writer's block, if you will. But this week's topic I have a lot to say on!

I LOVE MUSIC. If you regularly read my blog, you will know that I try to feature a song every Monday. Of course, you can see by the title I call it Music Monday. I post the words and the video (if I can) of a song that hits me for some reason or it brings memories back of a time from my childhood.

Music is kind of a timeline for me. When I was a kid, my mom hardly ever had the TV on during the day and we listened to KJR. At that time KJR was an AM station. Our car only had an AM stereo but KJR had all the newest songs of the 70's. (Yes, I'm THAT old.)

Because my dad was a logging truck driver and my mom was a hair dresser, we didn't have a ton of money and we would spend family vacations in our trailer going to the ocean, Canada, California (to Disneyland!) camping the whole way there and to really cool places up and down the coast. I loved that! I have really great memories of sitting in the back seat of our Dodge club cab listening to the 8-tracks my mom and dad had recorded themselves from their records. Dad always played the game "Who Sings This Song?" and we'd have to guess the name of the song and the artist. I'm pretty good at this game even still and have won money from my husband playing it with him! Songs like this one and this one remind me of these times.

There are songs that remind me of friends that are not with us anymore. This song is the first song that I heard after finding out a friend had been killed by a driver under the influence of meth. And this song was played at the funeral of a friend's brother. EVERY time these songs come on my iPod or on the radio, I am instantly taken to those days.

Then there are songs that remind me of family members... mostly my sister, because she loves music as much as me. So, there's this one, this one, and this one.

I have songs that remind me of friends... such as this one, this one, this one, this one, this one and this one.

I could seriously go on for DAYS, but, I won't bore you with a thirty-seven page long post.

I LOVE MUSIC. If you have a few free hours, check out my music tags and see what else you can find.

HASAY Week Three

2009-01-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

This week I really paid attention to my "full meter". (That's when your body tells you you're satisfied and you listen!) And, I thought I was doing great! I went to the gym twice this week. (Better than not at all) I really tried not to eat crap. On Friday, I did not eat anything that was in the staffroom for Friday treats.

Today, I went to WW and weighed in. I GAINED 1.4 lbs. That's the weight I lost the first week of HASAY. UGH.

This week, I am: (Notice I didn't say "my GOAL is"?)

Journaling EVERY day.
Drinking my water
Only having two coffees (instead of 4)
Hitting the gym three times this week. (At least.)

My friends Tiff and Tina are working on their own goals but we are being accountable to each other.

Maybe that will help kick my lazy arse into some action...

Phonegasm

2009-01-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

I just received an email from my hubby that my new phone is here.

I never have to worry about counting or keeping track of my texting again.

I will love it and rub it and keep it forever.

I Think the Twitch in My Eye is Getting Worse...

2009-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

Today I received a phone call from Allied Waste our garbage/recycling service. "I had an urgent matter to attend to at Allied Waste concerning reference number..."

Wait a second... That was the SECOND call I received from Allied Waste since Saturday.

Let me back-track a second...

Saturday, I got an automated messaged from Allied Waste saying I had an urgent matter to attend to concerning reference number blah, blah, blah.

I'm freaking out. What did Ed put in the trash can this time? Motor oil? A dead rat? The creepy neighbor that used to live across the street?

No, I'd forgotten to pay the bill. In all of the hoopla with the snow days before Christmas, Ed's birthday, Christmas, and my mom's birthday, I'd misplaced the bill and forgotten to pay it.

It happens! Sue me!

So, since Monday was a holiday, I called and spoke to the nice lady at Allied Waste. She said that I wasn't on the account, only Edward was but she could take my SS number or my driver's license number and put me on the account. I was a little peeved about that because I'm the one who's paid the bill for the last fifteen years! ME! MY name is on the checks that get sent, yo!

Once we're legal and my name's on the account, she tells me I've forgotten to pay the bill and would I like to pay it right now with a credit card? Of course I would! I give her the credit card number and the little ID number on the back, she takes my home email to send me a confirmation and we're all set to go.

Until today.

At 5:50, the phone rings. ANOTHER AUTOMATED CALL FROM ALLIED WASTE! Again, I have an urgent matter to attend to concerning reference number blah, blah, blah, please call between the hours or 8:30 and 5:30 to promptly attend to the matter.

I have been home for almost an hour. Seriously. Why couldn't they send out the automated calls during during the day so that when NORMAL people got home they'd have a chance to call and take care of the issue.

Oh, right. I forgot. We're dealing with the garbage company. The one that didn't pick up our trash for THREE WEEKS because they couldn't get the trucks around in the snow. And tells us they won't charge us for "extra" trash next to the can when they do make it here to pick it up. "Extra trash" means trash that I've already paid for them to pick up. Yeah, the trash that sat there for three weeks. Extra actually means more trash that won't fit into your can. Trash that you have MORE of during the week. NOT trash that should have been picked up and wasn't. But, I digress...

*does a huffy breath*

You would think that a company that was asking for a little leeway due to weather conditions would be a little more considerate of a customer who has NEVER paid a bill late to them in fifteen years. Oh, right. That won't happen. Because the bottom line is their bottom line, that's why.

So, I called, left a NASTY message and then checked online to see if the VISA had been charged. It hadn't. I also checked the email to see if I'd gotten a confirmation email. I hadn't. So, I paid the bastard online. I also wrote a nasty email pretty much stating what I did here and that if my VISA gets charged twice, heads were gonna roll. And, that they could only contact me between the hours of 8:30 and 9:00 because I am a teacher and I don't answer my phone during the day when I have students. (Let's see how they like those apples...)

*sigh*

I think I have too much time on my hands... Having a student teacher in my room doing all the work leaves me with way too much energy at night. I'm a tad bit feisty.

HASAY Week Two

2009-01-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

I suck people. I completely lost it this week. Here are the bad statistics...

No journaling
Didn't weigh in at Weight Watchers
Went out with my friends on Friday, ate too much, drank too much
Lost it for the rest of the weekend.

No excuses. I screwed up.

Promise to do better this week...

Music Monday

2009-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

WARNING!!!! This week's installment may cause some undue stress as the lyrics are of a sexual nature... Stop here if you are easily offended... ( I just really like this song...)

I'm just a bachelor
I'm looking for a partner
Someone who knows how to ride
Without even falling off
Gotta be compatible
Takes me to my limits
Girl when I break you off
I promise that you won't want to get off

If your horny, Let's do it
Ride it, My Pony
My saddle's waiting
Come and jump on it
If your horny, Let's do it
Ride it, My Pony
My saddle's waiting
Come and jump on it

Sitting here flossing
Peeping your steelo
Just once if I have the chance
The things I will do to you
You and your body
Every single portion
Send chills up and down your spine
Juices flowing down your thigh

If you're horny, Let's do it
Ride it, my pony
My saddle's waiting
Come and jump on it
If you're horny, Let's do it
Ride it, my pony
My saddle's waiting
Come and jump on it

If we're gonna get nasty, Baby
First we'll show & tell
Till I reach your ponytail
Lurk all over and through you baby
Until I reach your stream
You'll be on my jockey team

If you're horny, Let's do it
Ride it my pony
My saddle's waiting
Come and jump on it...

~Ginuwine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWh8XKvsYqc

(Embedding has been disabled so you have to check out the link...)

College Bound

2009-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

A conversation between a student and myself:

Her: Do you need to go to college to be a teacher?

Me: Yep!

Her: How long?

Me: At least five years. And when you're done, you'll still have to take classes to keep your certificate valid.

Her: Oh. I want to be a vet and my dad said that I would have to go to college for four years.

Me: At least that. If not more!

Her: Oh... Do I have to take classes?

ANOTHER MEME!!!!

2009-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Tina is SO totally in trouble. Because she tagged me for this Meme and I cannot resist the Borg. Here are the rules as posted on her site...

1. Go to your documents

2. Go to your 6th file
3. Go to your 6th picture

4. Blog about it

5. Tag 6 friends to do the same

Here's my picture...

This picture was taken three years ago when my husband surprised me with this motorcycle. I had taken the Motorcycle Safety Foundation new Rider's course and gotten my endorsement two years before. I was riding our 1989 Honda CBR 600 because Ed said it was a good solid bike to learn on. Here's a pic...

I know. Kinda like Captain America, all red, white, and blue...

It was a GREAT bike and I loved it! We were on one of our motorcycle date nights (lovingly called two-wheel Tuesday) when on the way home, I asked to ride his bike, a Suzuki GSXR 1000.

WAY bigger and faster than my little 600.

(This is Ed at Spokane Raceway doing 170 mph at a track day.)

After that, I was hooked. I said that I needed more power. I couldn't believe that I could go that fast on a bike! And, not even feel like I was going that fast. YIKES!

So, he started looking on Craig's List. He'd always wanted the bike he ultimately purchased for me. It's a Suzuki TL 1000R. Blue and white. Twins. Well, not really. My bike is a V-Twin so it rumbles like a Harley might, but, it has the power and the lines of a sport bike. His bike is not! His bike goes WAY faster than mine, but, mine has initial power that puts you back in your seat.

It's great fun to ride. We did a 1200 mile ride into Canada two summers ago, where I got my first speeding ticket. (Not so fun, and I wouldn't recommend it. Trying to find an international money order to pay the ticket was a pain in the ass.)

So, there's my meme. I'm not going to tag anyone because Tina already tagged everyone I'd tag. Enjoy!!!!

Music Monday

2009-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

My new favorite song...

Cheater, Cheater

Cheater, cheater where'd you meet her
Down at Ernie's Bar?
Did she smile your way, twirl her hair and say how cute your dimples are?
Did she use that line "Your place or mine?" while you danced with her real slow?
Tell me cheater, cheater where'd you meet that no good, white trash ho?

Liar, liar did you buy her whiskey all night long?
Did you hide your ring in the pocket of your jeans or did you just keep it on?
When the deed was done and you had your fun did you think I wouldn't know?
Tell me cheater, cheater where'd you meet that no good, white trash ho?

Now I'm not one to judge someone that I ain't never met
But to lay your hands on a married man is 'bout as low as a gal can get
Hey I wish her well as she rots in hell and you can tell her I said so
Cheater, cheater where'd you meet that no good, white trash ho?

Loser, loser hope you love her cuz your stuck with her now
Take your sorry butt, load up all your stuff, and get the hell out of my house
But I just wish you'd tell me this one thing before you go
Cheater, cheater where'd you meet that no good, white trash ho?

Now I'm not one to judge someone that I ain't never met
But to lay your hands on a married man is bout as low as a gal can get
Hey I wish her well as she rots in hell and you can tell her I said so
Cheater, cheater where'd you meet that no good, white trash ho?

Yeah I just wish you'd tell me this one thing before you go
Cheater, cheater where'd you meet that low down, up town, slept with every guy around, pressed on eyelash, no good, whitetrash ho?

~Joey and Rory

Company... HASAY Week 1

2009-01-10T14:49:00.001-08:00

This week has been a trial of will power and patience. Many of you out there have seen that we (in the Northwest) have had some pretty terrible weather in the last month. First, we got ten million feet of snow, then it got windy and drifted the snow into drifts ass high. Then the snow started to melt and we thought we were golden.

We were wrong.

It decided to go from 30 degrees as the high to 51 degrees and a snow level of 6,000 feet in a matter of two days. ALL of the snow in the mountains melted and sent it down our rivers. Our river, in particular, was bad. Our last really bad flood happened in 1990. All of our downtown was flooded... even the fire hall had knee deep water inside. (I live in a valley. So, when it floods, most of the valley floor becomes flooded as well as the houses, businesses, and schools that are located on the valley floor.)

I happen to be a smart house buyer and decided to buy a house on one of the sides of our valley.

Out of the flood plain.

On purpose.

As I left for school on Wednesday morning, I called my sister (who lives on the valley floor, across the street from the river, no less) and told her where our hide-a-key was just in case they needed to have a dry place to be. She was already putting things in her upstairs bedroom that were not replaceable and said that her family would probably be there.

When I got home, not only were my sister, her three kids, husband, cat and dog there, but my 80 year old grandparents were there, too. I don't mind my sister and her kids at all. But, my grandparents? Man... I really thought that I might fall off the wagon only two days after my introduction to HASAY. (To get a good impression of my grandparents, read here.)

My grandma is a baker. She is also a survivor of a major heart attack and two bypass surgeries. According to grandma, she can't have this, she can't have that. But she eats everything in sight an then has the balls to complain that it was too salty or had too much fat. She also gossips about everyone. On Thursday when I got home from work, she was sitting on the couch talking to my sister, and when I walked into the room, I heard her say, "I'll tell you the rest later." I thought that she was telling my sister that my uncle had hit our fence and our flat deck trailer while trying to park my grandparents RV in our driveway. But, no. I found out later from my sister that she was saying that the receptionist at her dental office (who is a distant family friend) felt sorry for me because I so DESPERATELY wanted to have kids and couldn't.

WTF??????

First of all, if I DID desperately want kids and couldn't have them, why would I tell a distant family friend (who I haven't seen or talked to in probably 10 years) this information??? And second of all, it's nobody's business why I don't have kids. (I am a teacher. I have my fill. On a daily basis. And, you can't ride a motorcycle when you're pregnant.)

My grandma is lying. I seriously can't believe it. She is making up stories. I don't know why she is making these things up. I don't know why she doesn't just ask. But, the reason she didn't want to talk about it in front of me is because she knew I'd call her on it because she wasn't telling the truth. But she made sure that I heard her tell my sister that she'd "tell her the rest later".

Do you see where I'm going with this???

To make matters worse, my sister and her husband are AMAZING cooks. Ryan can cook something from flour, a piece of chicken and some ketchup. Seriously. He is the MacGuyiver of cooking. But, he doesn't necessarily look out for the low fat, low sugar, kinds of things that we normally eat at our house.

So, needless to say, I'm stressed about this. I'm thinking that there is going to be all this food and desserts sitting around. I'm panicking. Plus the stress of dealing with my 80 year old grandparents and my two nieces who are five and four.

Because when I'm stressed, I EAT!!!!

When I got home Friday, my house was quiet and clean. No more house guests. My sister and her family have gone to live at my parent's house, who only got two inches of water in their rec-room. Plus, they have more room than we do! My sister had 2 1/2 FEET of water in her house. They just had their house completely re-done in 2006 after the last big flood event. This time they had a foot and a half more of water so the damage is more extensive.

But, despite all the grief I've had this week, I'm happy to report that I went and weighed in at Weight Watchers this morning and lost 1.4 pounds. I only got to go to the gym twice this week because of the flooding and our gym was under water.

So there it is. HASAY Week 1.

HASAY... Something New...

2009-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

1. What motivates you and why do you want to do this challenge? It may be that you’re training to run a 10K or merely just to be able to walk to the mailbox and not break a sweat (don’t worry, I fall on this end of the spectrum).
I am tired of feeling like crap ALL the time. I started going to Weight Watchers (a.k.a. "Hate" Watchers) almost a year a go and just gained back the six pounds I lost. I know. I wasn't very serious about it. My sister called this weekend and said, "We gotta do something. I have my 20 year class reunion this year and you're turning 40." Thank you very much. Do I need any more incentive???

2. What is your long term goal? Do you want to lose weight or just tone your body. Are you trying to fit into your old prom dress for your upcoming reunion? Do you want to want to “pump yourself up” like Hans and Frans? Spill it.
I want to lose weight. I need to lose about 90 pounds. And there's that "40 thing" coming up in eight months...

3. What is your long term weight loss goal? You don’t need to tell us your current weight, just how much you’d like to eventually lose. This can be in weight or inches. Jamie and I have a sewing tape measure that we use for our weekly measurements. We got ours in the sewing section at Wal-Mart, if you look at Target, you won’t find it.
See above...

4. What tools are available to you? Treadmill, elliptical, jogging stroller, ThighMaster, Trampoline. Maybe a rabid dog to chase the weight off?
I belong to our local gym... There are cycling classes, yoga, boot camp, "innergystics" and on and on... plus all of the various gym equipment that you always find in a gym...

5. How often can you exercise? Be realistic here but try to make as much time as possible. This might include stepping AWAY from the blog for a couple of nights a week. I know, *gasp*. I’m crying on the inside too but it needs to be done. Fatty. Ok, that was mean and it won’t happen again. I promise.
The goal is to go five nights a week... After school. NOT in the morning at 4:30.

6. What do you plan on doing? Beer curls, switch the remote to the other hand for a few days, start smoking more. Maybe you want to actually exercise and start eating better? I hear that never works but go ahead and try if you want.
Treadmill for 30 minutes and then weights for another 30...

7. What has worked for you in the past? Let us in on your secrets, what has worked for you before and how you went about it. We won’t tell.
For me it's a mixture of both cardio and weights PLUS the fact that I can't eat crappe every day. Weight Watchers is going to keep me on track with the food stuff and the gym will keep me on track with the exercise stuff. Plus being accountable to you all AND my sister. (who so lovingly reminded me of my impending age...)

So, there it is. I'm committed now!!!

Day One of Resolutions

2009-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

So today was my first day back to Weight Watchers after almost a month of not being there...

Not good.

But, I feel better going to the meeting and getting back on track.

I also went to the gym yesterday. Twice. I did weights in the morning and then went back with Ed in the afternoon and did cardio. I think that I am going to hire a personal trainer to get me a weight program together and then meet with him/her every six weeks to see how it's going.

My 5% goal is 12 pounds.

I'll let you know how it goes...

The Blahs

2008-12-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

It's almost the New Year.

I haven't been to the gym in AT LEAST a week. Before that, a month.

I haven't been to Weight Watchers since November.

I'm feeling the blahs. Can you tell?

I've maintained my weight over the break, but, I just feel bad. Not sad, not depressed, but, my body feels BAD. I've got to do something. And, I need to get started on it FAST.

I need to take care of myself! I only have this one body and I can't believe the damage I've already done to it.

I'm kind of disgusted with myself.

We are planning on going to Mexico next October. There's my incentive. I have nine months. I can be to 75% of my goal by then if I get my act together.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Music Monday... On Wednesday

2008-12-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

This song reminds me of when Ed and I were first married. We lived in a little house near the local bar and would walk there Friday nights. My sister worked there and this song was a staple on the jukebox. It was also the second CD we bought together.

Chloe Dancer, Crown of Thorns

Ooo, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Chloe don't know better
Chloe's just like me, only beautiful
A couple of years difference
But those lasses never learn and you know
Chloe danced the tables in the French Quarter
She's always been given so I can't always make her laugh
But I'm proud to say and I won't forget
The time spent laying by her side, oh yeah, yeah
T he time spent laying by her side, oh yeah, yeah
Dreams like this must die
And a dream like this must die
Dream like this must...

You ever heard the story of Mr. Faded Glory?
Say he who rides a pony must someday fall
Talkin' to my alter, life is what you make it
And if you make it death well rest your soul away
Away, away, yeah child

It's a broken kind of feeling she'd have to tie me to the ceiling
A bad moon's a comin' better say your prayers, child
I wanna tell you that I love you but does it really matter?
I just can't stand to see you dragging down, again
Again, my friend again, oh yeah

So I'm singing
And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's the kind that leaves me alone, yes it does
And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's the kind that leaves me alone

I used to treat you like a lady now you're a substitute teacher
This bottle's not a pretty, not a pretty sight, yeah
I owe the man some money so I'm turnin over honey
See Mr. Faded Glory is once again doin' time, oh yeah

And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's the kind that leaves me alone, yes it does
And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's unkind and it's unkind and
It'll leave me alone, yeah

Like a crown of thorns
It's all who you know, yeah
So don't burn your bridges woman
Cause someday, yeah

Kick it!
And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's the kind that leaves me alone, yeah
And this is my kinda love
It's the kind that moves on
It's unkind and it's the kind that
Baby i said com' on, com' on, com' on,
Com' on yeah I said baby don't burn your
Bridges woman
~Mother Love Bone

Music Monday...

2008-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, of course...

I love this song because it reminds me of good friends... (and dancing in the garage...)

No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.

Said - said - said: I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown,
Oba - obaserving the 'ypocrites
As they would mingle with the good people we meet.
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we've lost
Along the way.
In this great future, you can't forget your past;
So dry your tears, I seh.

No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.
'Ere, little darlin', don't shed no tears:
No, woman, no cry.

Said - said - said: I remember when-a we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown.
And then Georgie would make the fire lights,
As it was logwood burnin' through the nights.
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge,
Of which I'll share with you;
My feet is my only carriage,
So I've got to push on through.
But while I'm gone, I mean:
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
I said, everything's gonna be all right-a!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right, now!
Everything's gonna be all right!

So, woman, no cry;
No - no, woman - woman, no cry.
Woman, little sister, don't shed no tears;
No, woman, no cry.

I remember when we used to sitIn the government yard in Trenchtown.
And then Georgie would make the fire lights,
As it was logwood burnin' through the nights.
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge,
Of which I'll share with you;
My feet is my only carriage,
So I've got to push on through.
But while I'm gone:

No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.
Woman, little darlin', say don't shed no tears;
No, woman, no cry.
Eh! (Little darlin', don't shed no tears!
No, woman, no cry.
Little sister, don't shed no tears!
No, woman, no cry.)

~Bob Marley and the Wailers

Another Meme!

2008-12-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

1. What is your occupation right now? Teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? white
3. What are you listening to right now? The ticking of the keys of my laptop and the heater blowing.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? White Chicken enchiladas
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Of course I can. The question should be, “can you drive an automatic” because it’s VERY hard for me! I’m going to teach Julie how to drive a stick shift.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Julie Rodriquez – teaching partner and dear friend
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Absolutely! She’s my sanity!
8. How old are you today? 39
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Motorcycle racing, hockey, drag racing

10. What is your favorite drink? Non-fat, sugar-free peppermint lattes

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? If I didn’t, I’d be completely grey. (Nice genes from my grandma!)

12. favorite food? Sea food
13. What is the last movie you watched? 101 Dalmatians (Character point celebration with Julie’s and my classes.) Other than that, Beowolf
14. favorite day of the year? My birthday
15. How do you vent anger? Swear, A LOT
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Books
17. What is your favorite season? Summer
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
22. Living arrangements? With my hubby and cat!
23. When was the last time you cried? I can’t remember
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Nothing
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are
sending to? Not sure

26. What did you do last night? Put up my Wizard of Oz Christmas tree, went to the dollar store, cooked dinner (well, heated it up) and watched a marathon of Storm Chasers.
27. What are you most afraid of? Spiders and public speaking in front of ADULTS
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? It depends. If I’m BBQ-ing the burger, I like them plain. If I order one, I like cheese.
29. favorite dog breed? BLACK labs
30. favorite day of the week? Saturday
31. How many states have you lived in? 1

32. Diamonds or pearls? Always diamonds
33. What is your favorite flower? daisies

I'm BAAAAAACK!!!!

2008-11-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Holy cow internets. I have been gone a LONG time. I know. You've missed me.

Not so much??? Well, I never...

I really have tried to sit down and write posts. I just have been so tired by the time I get home. I just spent 5 days doing 50 parent/teacher conferences with my families. That's a lot of work. And talking. And worry...

So, today's installment will be music because I LOVE THIS SONG. In fact, I purchased it from iTunes this morning. Ed is going to be SO excited. Because he HATES THIS SONG.

Lay where you're laying
Don't make a sound
I know they're watching
They're watching
All the commotion
The kiddie like play
It has people talking
talking

You
Your sex is on fire

Dark of the alley
The breaking of day
The Head while I'm driving
I'm driving

Soft lips are open knuckles are pale
Feels like you're dying
You're dying

You Your sex is on fire
consumed
with what's to transpire

Hot as a fever
Rattling bones
I could just taste it
taste it

but it's not forever
but it's just tonight
Oh we're still the greatest
The greatest
The greatest

You
Your sex is on fire

You
Your sex is on fire
consumed
with what's to transpire

And you
Your sex is on fire
consumed
with what's to transpire

~Kings of Leon

Tuesday Tune-age

2008-10-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

I know. It's been a REALLY long time. But, holy buckets have I been busy. Here's this week's installment:

Bittersweet Symphony

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
Trying to make ends meet
You're a slave to money then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
where all the veins meet yeah
No change, I can't change
I can't change, I can't change
But I'm here in my mind
I am here in my mind
But I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mind
No, no, no, no, no, no, no,no,no,no,no,no(fading away)
Well I never pray
But tonight I'm on my knees yeah
I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah
I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now
But the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me now
No change, I can't change
I can't change, I can't change
But I'm here in my mind
I am here in my mind
And I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mind
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
I can't change
I can't change it
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
Trying to make ends meet
Trying to find some money then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
where all the veins meet yeah
You know I can't change, I can't change
I can't change, I can't change
But I'm here in my mind
I am here in my mind
And I'm a million different people
from one day to the nextI can't change my mind
No, no, no, no, no
I can't change my mind
no, no, no, no, no,
I can't change
Can't change my body,
no, no, no
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
Been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
That you've ever been down
That you've ever been down

~The Verve

Every time I hear this song, I am reminded of my friend Tiff's brother. I never got a chance to meet him. But, I think of him every day.

Spin Cycle

2008-10-15T11:10:00.001-07:00

So this week's Spin Cycle has to do with fear. What am I afraid of?

Well, by nature, I am afraid just about everything.

Really, I am.

I HATE spiders. The thought of them makes me shiver uncontrollably. And, the fact that someone told me once that the average person eats 5 spiders a year, in their SLEEP, makes me want to cover my mouth and nose with duct tape every night.

When I was a kid, I was afraid of walking anywhere by myself. I hated to walk "up town" to the grocery store for something my mom forgot and would often beg, plead and bribe my sister to go with me. I REFUSED to walk anywhere at night that was off my block.

I hate scary movies, haunted houses and Halloween. I don't like the feeling of being scared. I don't like answering the door to trick or treaters on Halloween. I hate the fact I can't see who people are under all of the masks or face paint.

I do fear losing a family member. I don't have kids of my own, but, the thought of losing a niece or nephew, or brother or sister is a scary thought to me.

But the thing I fear most is conflict. Hate ANY kind of conflict. The thought of an argument with my husband or sister or mom sends my heart racing and gives me the sickening feeling in my stomach. It almost feels like my body is getting ready for the fight or flight response. If it's a conflict that goes on for more than a day, it can get so bad that I don't eat, sleep and get depressed. My brain automatically decides that the reason the other person I'm having the conflict with is right, that it's MY fault or that I did something wrong. And to make the conflict go away, I will just roll over and let them walk all over me.

Well, and that lends itself to all kinds of other issues.

I don't know why I'm like this. I have ALWAYS been like this. Even in grade school, when my friends would get "mad" at me. (You know how the "mean girls" work...) My heart would start pounding, my stomach would get the sick feeling and my brain would race to try to figure out a way to get back in their good graces.

Because it was my fault, wasn't it?

Fives About Me

2008-10-12T11:57:00.001-07:00

The rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

10 years ago I was:

1. Starting my first year teaching fourth grade after teaching first grade for three years.
2. Helping my sister by watching my nephew one night a week while she worked.
3. Blonder
4. Weighed less (but not much)
5. 29 years old

5 things on today’s to-do list:

1. Finish the laundry
2. Walk Trudy around the loop
3. Vacuum up the dog hair (from Trudy)
4. Work at getting rid of my panic attack
5. Change the sheets on the bed

5 snacks I enjoy:

1. Oreos
2. Kettle Corn (The 100 calorie kind)
3. Honey crisp apples with peanut butter
4. Weight watchers pretzels
5. Beef jerky

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire: (I’m changing this to be Billionaire too)

1. Pay off my house and the houses of all my friends and family members (Buy property, that is close, for my sister that will allow her family to have a farm... I don't want them to move away!)
2. Buy a new car for my husband
3. Remodel the kitchen
4. Remodel the garage for my husband
5. Have all our "antique" cars finished

5 places I have lived:

1. Snoqualmie
2. Snoqualmie
3. Snoqualmie
4. Ellensburg
5. Snoqualmie

5 jobs I have had: (in order)

1. Babysitter
2. Horse stall mucker
3. Dental Assistant
4. Day Camp Counselor/director
5. Teacher

5 people to Tag:

Tina already tagged the two people (her and Tiff) that I would have tagged, so I am not going to tag...