Undecking the halls and all that stuff

Christmas is over and I am pleased to report that we had a GREAT time at our place. How was yours? We went to the Christmas Eve service at our church and that was so nice. On Christmas Day, Drew's family came and we ate and ate and ate! We played Pitch and spent some time together as a family. It was so relaxing and I think a good time was had by all.

I can tell you now that I got Drew and Tungsten T/X Palm Pilot for Christmas. Best Buy really came through for me as they shipped it on December 20 and it arrived on our door step at 12:35 in the afternoon of December 21. Sooooo, it was even here for Drew to open on Christmas. (Which was good because I am not very good at making fudge...have I ever told you that story? Hmmm...someday. maybe. It's embarrassing.) He likes it and I was pleased.

We promptly undecked our halls about 2 days after Christmas and hauled off the tree. Which was probably a good thing considering the thing was probably turning into a fire hazard. Drew was faithful to water it every single day...but a dead tree can only take so much water before it bites the dust. It stopped accepting water about a week and a half before Christmas.

I thought maybe I should blog a little bit since I haven't recently...I hope your holiday was great and you will all be safe bringing in the new year.

Gift giving

I can't tell you what I got Drew for Christmas because he reads this blog and he'll figure it out. (I'll tell ya after Christmas.) I DO need to tell you what happened though. I have never, ever been stumped on buyin' this man of mine a gift until this year. I also need to explain that he ALWAYS manages to figure out what his gifts are before he actually gets them. So...added pressure on me to get something he won't guess in advance. So, I have been very VERY careful this year to not even mutter the name of the "item" that has been "purchased." (I know he'll figure it out if I do, so I don't.) Anyway, I was stumped so I tried going to gifts.com and shopping based on his personality. nada. nothing. zippo.

Finally, I was goofing around on the internet one day and ya'll I stumbled on the perfect gift. So, began shopping at the various stores I can purchase said "item." This "item" comes in 3 basic grades: basic, better, and best.

I looked at the basic "item" but decided it was...well...too basic and wouldn't do the trick. But the BEST grade was too much...WAAAY out of the spending lid. So, I settled on the "better" grade. After deciding on the perfect "grade" for both Drew and my budget, I started shopping around for the best price.

Don't make fun of me...you would too.

Lo and behold, one store, let's call it Department X was running a HUGE sale on the "item." This sale was the BEST grade for the price of the BETTER grade to the tune of about $115 savings! YES! So, I ordered it online from Department X and planned to pick it up at the store the next day (Saturday). I got the email confirmation that order had been placed. Yes...done, I thought. What a relief.

But, I was wrong. Not done. It just cannot be that easy this close to Christmas, can it?

So, I got an email informing me that the closest Department X did not, in fact, have any "items" in stock. Department X gave me a number call and they told me they could ship it at no additional charge to me since the website said it was in stock at my local Department X. I informed the nice lady that this was a Christmas gift and I needed it before Christmas. She assured me that it would DEFINITELY arrive before Christmas. So, I reluctantly agreed to the shipping. I got an email confirmation of the change in my order at Department X. Whew. That was a close one...but, it's done, I thought. NOW, I can relax.

Wrong again.

Saturday morning I got an email informing me that the "item" is on BACKORDER, backorder ya'll, and may take up to 2 weeks to be shipped. It will most likely NOT be here by Christmas. Growl Department X!

So, I had to decide whether not to stay the course and not worry about it...or to cancel the order and decide on something else.

I did what you would do.

I ate some fudge to help me think straight. I felt like Winnie-the-Pooh in that cartoon where he says "think. think. think." on the blustery day.

Well, I finally decided to keep the order and probably print a picture from the internet for him. I can at least wrap it very nicely. That'll be good, right?

Or, maybe I can just make him some fudge.

The Grinch.

My friend Kim sent me a link to the Grinch Song. You know "You're a mean one....Mr. Grinch." I loved it so I thought I would share it with you too! Enjoy.

Please Pray

My friends Mike and Amy have given birth to their second child Lydia Grace. She had a condition called anencephaly and it took her life 30 minutes after birth. Mike and Amy are so brave and I am sending a shout out to all of you to keep them in your prayers. May God Bless their family!

Mini Griswald Christmas Tree

Our Christmas decorating has begun in our household. Yesterday we went to a local Christmas Tree farm called Heins Pines. At Heins Pines you can choose and cut any tree in the field for $40. I know that may seem like a lot of moolah, but for us it is well worth it. In the past we have gone to our local Wal-Mart and paid for a tree from the Kiwanis Club and that has been good. I have never actually gone out, selected a tree, cut it down, taken it home, and decorated it.

So, this year we decided it was high time we did all of that. So, off we went in the family truck to the farm. It was so hard looking for the perfect tree. They all look so small outside. the one I really really wanted was just too big. We finally settled on the tree you see above. It was a heavy one to carry, I'll tell ya that! Once home, and trimmed up we waited until tonight to decorate it. Isn't it beautiful? The only thing about it is that it takes up the biggest portion of the corner...sort of like a mini Griswald Christmas tree. Have you seen that movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Well, if you have, then you recognize one of my favorite lines in the movie "It's not going in our yard, Russ, it's going in our living room." Yea. That's kinda how I feel.

However, I can tell you that the smell of a freshly cut pine tree just permeates the entire house and it smells divine. The only thing better than the smell of pine is...apple pie. yummmm.

Anyway, after we decorated the tree, I took a few pictures. The one above is the finished product and the one below I took to use as a wallpaper on my computer. It really turned out well. Happy decorating to you and good luck finding your own mini Griswald tree.

2 Broken Mirrors in 3 1/2 Years

Is it bad if you break 2 mirrors in 3 1/2 years?

Shortly after we were married, I was backing out of the garage and successfully sent the side mirror of my car flying through the garage. Drew was standing in there and we laughed and laughed about it. Until we got the bill. It cost close to $150 to replace the dumb thing.

Drew still laughs.

Today, I hit the garage AGAIN and removed a mirror. Only this time I was in the truck. Oh no...
So, I called Drew and he and I had a good laugh over the whole thing. I guess we will see what the bill looks like in this one.

sigh.

The funniest Moment

So, we have safely returned to Nebraska and are returning to our normal working lives now that the wedding is over. I do have to share what was the funniest moment, to me at least, of the entire wedding. We were all standing at the front watching Cindy and Todd experience their wedding when the pastor started talking about the rings. All of a sudden the matron of honor turns around and quietly says to me "Oh no! I forgot the ring!" To which I said "What!? Are you kidding?" She says "I forgot the ring! Give me your ring!" So, I did as discretely as I could. We laughed and laughed about it afterwards. Todd couldn't even make my ring fit on his pinkie finger so he had to slyly place it in his pocket until the ceremony was over.

Wedding Photos

Snowflakes Gently Falling

I am sitting here at my desk the last day before Thanksgiving break staring out the window. Watching the snow fly and the wind blow. I would to say that the first snow of the year is a nice, gentle snow that beautifully blankets the objects around. BUUUUUT....that would be a total lie to you and I like you too much to make a such a bold-faced lie to you. It is blowing and cold...and yuck. Anyway, today after school we will leave to make out trek half way across the nation to watch my sister and her fiance marry. Wish us well and say a prayer for our travels. Adios for new, friends.

Waspy Woes

Did I tell you about the nasty wasp stings I received a week ago? Well, a little over a week ago actually. I didn't? Well, here's what happened...

A week ago last Monday I was at school leading a class during teacher technology days when all of a sudden I felt a small pinch on my left arm. I wiggled my arm and immediately felt another prick close by the last one..but nastier. So, I moved my right hand over to shoo away whatever was on my arm, near my elbow. At this time I realized that it was a wasp. My thoughts were "OH HOLY CRAP!" About at that moment, in it's last final ploy to prove is virility, the little sucker stung me again...the worst one yet...right on my elbow and then flew away. Jerk Wasp.

I did what you would do.

I freaked out.

No, really...I freaked out. I ran down down the hall toward the nurses office with more speed and agility than a cheetah on it's first kill in a month. The office nurse told me to calm down and gave me an ice pack. She also told me to be on the look for hives, general achy joints, headache, and lethargy. "Yeah, okay" I said "but what about the pain? What can I do?" Her response?

"Nothing. Keep ice on it and take a tylenol."

Nice.

So, later that evening my joints started hurting and I got a bad headache. OUCH. My elbow was so sore for about 4 days that I could hardly stand to bend it or lean on anything. Finally, it quit hurting and I thought it was all over. OH NO...I was very wrong.

A few days ago the three sting sites started itching like crazy. I can't scratch them enough and NOTHING stops it. NOTHING! I spend every spare minute that I can find scratching scratching scratching at my elbow.

Jerk Wasp.

Melancholy

I am feeling a bit melancholy today.
I had a dream 2 nights ago about my dad...it was odd. I haven't dreamed about him in a while, but I can't stop thinking about it. As we near my sister's wedding I am reminded of all the things Dad will miss in my life. My children. My next graduation. Our next house. So many things. I feel grateful that he was still alive for my wedding, but I feel so sad that he will not be here for my sister's. I know she is feeling some of the same feelings and I feel a sadness over it.
I guess just miss him and felt like sharing it.

Montana Meth Project Commercials

Have you heard about this? There is this guy in Montana that just got sick of all the Meth in his state...so he personally funded and launghed an ANTI-METH campaign. You can see the commercials here if you want to...and I encourage you to...but beware of the fact that some of them are a trifle graphic. While some folks in Montana are outraged at these commericals, they barely touch the REALITIES of Meth usage.

A Day of Rest

I need a real day of rest. We have both been so busy around here that I am going to be completely irresponsible with my time tomorrow.

Yes I will.

I have a 10 page paper due on October 29 on John Dewey. (No, he is not the guy who developed the Dewey Decimal System.) He was an American Educational Philosher that blah blah blah....yadda yadda...look it up if ya really wanna know more. I don't want to make you feel like you are sitting in a boring college course all over again!

Anyway, I have practically completed all of my homework and I am PLANNING to watch movies and drink soda and eat popcorn and do zero writing about John Dewey tomorrow.

I know you nay-sayers out there deny my ability to do this for an entire day, but I assure you that I will.

PLUS, my sister's wedding is now a mere 1 month away and I am busily preparing for that trip. she has chosen beautiful dresses and all...but the shoes need to be broken in. That is always a joy. So, I have been trying to clean my floors in heels and that my friend is ALWAYS an adventure.

Otherwise all is well....now...go forth and clean in heels!

Not a Nerd

So, I took a quiz to learn if I was a nerd or not...and it turns out that I am not! Whoo Hoo! And the best news is that Drew is also not a nerd. We are both "Uber Cool Non-Nerds." That made my day!

New Poll!

I had fun with ya'll guessing at the meaning of the word Obsterperous. So...I found a new word for you to guess at. Yes, it did come from a book a student was reading. Do you know what it means? Take a guess to the right!

What season is it anyway?

It seems like I write alot about the weather and the seasons. I dunno why. I just do, okay. Anyway, today was like a honkin' heat wave around here. I had to literally check the calendar. What does your calendar say today? Mine says it is October 5, 2007. YET...it is 95 degrees outside. 95 degrees people! I actually had to turn on the air conditioner again! (This after rejoicing over the decrease of $80 in our electric bill this month because we have hardly had to use the air.)

You would too if your house was 96 degrees.

Anyway, I went for a little walk to the post office to try and exercise and came home sweating. yuck. My thoughts as I entered into my air conditioned home, walking past my 5 pumpkins sitting on the front porch, is that I am ready for fall.

Pumpkins.
Cider.
Sweatshirts.
Leaves of various colors.
Hot Chocolate.
Apple Pie.

(Okay, so...I can't really HAVE the apple cider without serious consequences to my system...but still....I like to smell it.)

What are your favorite things about fall?

Mercy Mercy Me...

Last night Drew and I pretended to be teenagers again.

Here's how it all started...a few years ago we had tickets to Godstock in Comstock Nebraska. One of the performers was MercyMe. We absolutely loved them and wanted to see them again in concert. So, I began a massive search for a concert near us.

But...alas...MercyMe does not come to our area very often.

Why? Probably because our state has more bovine than humans. Not. Even. Kidding. Well, since bovine do not PAY to go to concerts, there isn't much money to be made here, I guess. So, I checked Denver. There was a concert during a perfect time for us to go. We could get a GREAT DEAL on a hotel. (And I love hotels...love, love, love!) AND...no school....perfect. However, the cost of the tickets were $120 EACH!

EEEE GADS!

So...on we searched. I have been looking for over 2 years for tickets at a decent price within reasonable driving distance. No dice.

Then, oh then, we hit the jackpot in August. I was driving in the downtown area of Kearney and saw a sign for a MERCYME concert coming Sept. 30! WHAT! We checked into it and the tickets were $25 for seats in row 14. I KNOW! HOW COOL IS THAT.

So, we went and it was awesome! You can go here to listen to the songs on their new album that will be released Nov. 20. The song that really touched me is "Finally Home." It actually made me cry in public.

Then, we rocked our faces off.

Then...we drove home and were sound asleep by 9:30pm.

See. I told you we were just like teenagers last night.

Drumroll please....

Obstreperous means...UNCONTROLLABLY NOISY! I was so impressed at how befitting this word is for SO. MANY. SITUATIONS. I mean, come on...I teach fifth grade. I hope you learned something!

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Today my students were reading silently as I circulated around the room and observed behavior. One student was reading a book called Dog Friday and I picked it up to read the back. (Because I had never seen the book.) The first sentence speaks about 2 obstreperous girls in their hometown. I have never seen the word obstreperous and so I asked the student if he knew what it meant. He said no, well, he actually said "Nuh-uh." Nice. I thought...hmmm...this IS a fifth grade book. It is bad that the fifth grade teacher doesn't even know what obstreperous means. So, we looked it up. We found out the easy way. Do you know what it means? Use the poll on the right to take a guess. (DON'T LOOK IT UP IN A DICTIONARY THOUGH! THAT WOULD BE CHEATING!) Go ahead...take a guess. What do you have to lose?

Look Great in 2008!

Okay, okay. I'll admit it to you. But just to you...don't tell anyone else, okay? Here goes. I fell off the weight loss wagon. I'm sure you noticed that my ticker hasn't moved since...June. You probably also noticed that I was not signing in over at Tales from the Scales. I KNOW! I have been terrible. I was so persistent in May...successful even...in losing a few pounds. I liked it. Then, I rewarded myself with ice cream. Yummm...Ice cream! Anyway, I am now trying to be back on the weight loss train again. I am excited for this...and we'll see if I can stay on the wagon a bit longer this time, huh? (If you want to know more about this challenge, click on the scale on the right hand side of this screen.)

You know what makes me laugh?

I haven't made a list in a long time...so I thought I would give it whirl again. I was watching a show called "Just for Laughs" on TV the other night and got to thinking about all the things that make me laugh. Here is my (completely incomplete) list...in no particular order...of things that usually make me laugh.

1. People falling down.
2. Billboards like "Eat here. Get Gas." bwahahahahah
3. Other people's flatus. (Farting) and yes, I know how immature that is!
4. Drew
5. Babies laughing

Brian did it!

Do you remember that I told you about Brian Thomas running 50 MILES to raise money for the lupus foundation? Well, he did it! (If you want to see a few photos click here.) It took him 9 hours 30 minutes and 24 seconds to complete the run. Geez...I feel like a big fat lazy. I struggle just trying to run 30 minutes...let alone 9 HOURS! He has almost raised the $5000, but is just shy by about $780. If you still want to donate, click here! Congratulations Brian!

The Sad Realization

On my way to school this morning I flipped the radio over to the local "oldies" station. To my dismay the song that came blaring from the speakers was "Is this Love?" by Whitesnake. My immdiate thought was that I must have hit the wrong button. So, I pushed the button again to the "oldies" station and sure enough, Whitesnake was singin' his heart out. Immediately, I began to panic. I mean, if Whitesnake was on the oldies station and I used to DANCE to Whitesnake at the high school dances....that means... I think you KNOW what that means. By process of logical reasoning, one could assume that if I danced to as song on the oldies station in high school...I must be old. So, I did what any of you would have done, I immediately flipped over to the hippest station around to raffirm to myself as young and groovy. To my further dismay, the song coming forth from my speakers I decided was too loud and lewd to be listening to. I caught myself even saying, in my head of course, "Is this the crap kids listen to these days?!" So, please Bloggy friends...be brutally honest with me...Am I old?

Comfort Food

Are you familiar with that term? You know, it's foods that make you feel all good inside. I love love love comfort foods...more than I should really...but tonight was the ultimate in comfort foods, Macaroni and Cheese. I made if from "scratch" ya'll. I mean I bought the noodles and the velveeta and melted it all together. yummm...it was delish. I have heard about other comfort foods. I have added a new poll where you can vote for your favorite comfort food. Enjoy!

It's Pumkin Time! (Well, Almost.)

Okay, Ya'll, we haven't posted any pictures lately, so...I thought it was high time. Above you see Drew standing on the edge of our massive garden. You can about 1/4 of it here. See? I told you...it's huge! We also planted pumpkins this year. We planted 3 different kinds of pumpkins in the garden. First, we planted some smaller pumpkins that are used mostly for pie making. Second, we planted some medium-sized pumpkins for making jack-o-lanterns. FUN FUN! Then, finally we got all wild and crazy and planted the big boys. The giants of pumpkins. The colossal super pumpkins that can grow to over 100 pounds. Yes, you read that right, over 100 pounds. Well, Drew's boss's wife asked for a few to use in a craft show and so we picked a few early. (Tonight.) I was so excited that I couldn't hardly stand it because orange pumpkins mean fall is here, or almost at least. When I was a kindergarten teacher I always read the book "It's Pumpkin Time!", "Pumpkin, Pumpkin", and "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything" to the students. I LOVED IT! We carved pumpkins, baked the seeds, voted on a face. Such fun. And a mess....a big one. Always. The kids would stick their hands inside the pumpkin and pull the seeds and other stringy ickies out. It was really fun to watch their faces as they experienced all of that. Anyway, if you have small children, or nieces/nephews etc., I would highly recommend these books for this time of the year. (You can click on the link above to see the books OR to purchase them from Amazon.com.) So, I arranged the pumpkins and practiced my photography skills and took the fabulous picture for you to see. (As a side note, did ya notice the fantabulous grass? did ya? did ya? We have worked so hard on this lawn. You can't even tell that a year ago this area of our lawn was a huge brown dirt patch. Thanks to Drew and his talent for plant care, look at what we have now! Whoo hooo.)

News from the old stompin' grounds

I often read CNN news and Yahoo news over my lunch time just to pass the time and stay abreast (yes, I used the word abreast) of events in the world. I was...shall we say intrigued...by this article today on Yahoo News in the ODD news section. I was disgusted to learn that this guy was caught in Angola Indiana! Yikes...what has the toll road come to?

Pillow Paradise

A few weeks ago, okay...a few MONTHS ago, we started to notice that our pillows were just plain getting lazy. They were flat. They were deflated. They were no good really for sleeping. They looked like folded sheets and that was all. So, I kept saying "I'll get us some new pillows!" But, I delayed. Every time I went to the store I would walk past the pillows and feel guilty. I would just ignore them because I was holding out. Holding out for the best pillow I had ever had. Finally, we bought some this weekend. We went to Herberger's and they were having a pillow sale. (Entire stock of pillows - Buy One/Get One Free - SWEEEEET!) We bought 2 Perfect Pillows. No really...they are perfect. AND, they are actually called The Perfect Pillow. I slept last night like a baby. Di-vine! I love new pillows.

Since the last time we talked...

It has been 12 days since I last wrote anything and ALOT can happen in 12 days, so...since the last time we talked:

• School started (Aug 16 with students) and that is always an interesting time of year.
• Drew had a birthday (Aug 18). We had steak and a nice dinner at The Cellar in Kearney and I bought him some smoker racks for the smoker.
• Our tomatoes have finally started producing ripe tomatoes. (So far, we have picked 10 gallons of tomatoes and they are just getting started.)
• I have been gearing up to start classes at UNK this week. I will be taking one online and one on campus this fall. That should be interesting.

That pretty much covers the major events. I will try to keep this updated a little better!

Ants

Okay, I am going to divulge a little secret to you....are you ready? We have ants. Not ALL over the house. Not big ants...not black ants. We have tiny red ones. The other day I went into my closet and felt some creepy crawlies on my feet and legs. I KNOW I don't have RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) and I wasn't laying still...so...I looked down. There were little red ants crawling all over my feet and ankles. Gross. So, we bought some ant bait, and sprayed the outside perimeter of our house. Then we waited for the ants to race to the yummy bait. They didn't. We. Still. Have. Ants. Ya'll, I am ready to bring out my A Game against the little crawlies. My problem? I have exhausted everything I know to do, so....can I borrow your A Game? Have you ever had ants? How did you get rid of them?

Movie Review - Bourne Ultimatum

Are you a fan of the Bourne movies? I have to admit that I wasn't...at first. A friend tried to get me to watch them and I just plain wasn't interested. I finally gave in and watched the first one (The Bourne Identity) a few years back and was BORED (No, I don't know how I could be, but I was.) due to the sheer lack of attention given to the movie. So, after Drew and I met (and I wanted to be close to him as often as possible) he suggested we watch The Bourne Identity because the sequel was coming out (The Bourne Supremacy). I, like any woman in this situation, enthusiastically agreed (to be close to him, of course) and loved the movie because I actually paid attention to it. We went to see the sequel when it came out and then THIS weekend we saw the threequel - The Bourne Ultimatum. It was so good! I think the best one is the first one, by far, but this one was definitely worth the money and the 40 minute drive to see. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of action/adventure movies. However, you should definitely see the first two if you haven't before you see this one!

Rain Rain...is here AGAIN today.

We have had SO much rain this summer. I can't complain because the temperature hasn't been just terrible and the crops look so good, and with very little irrigation at that. Well...today when I got home from working at the school the clouds seem to build up and then...oh then....the rain. It just starting POURING during the 1 mile drive home from school. yikes. Then, when I got here I tried to pep talk myself into how quickly the run would be from the garage to the back door if I adjusted everything just right so that it didn't get very wet. Okay, computer bag...check, purse...check, water bottle...check, lunchbox...check. Ready. So, I opened the garage door and counted 3-2-1..run. I got to the back door more quickly than I even imagined in my mind. I was so proud...so pleased. I quickly turned the door knob....but my hands slipped off of the wet knob since it was LOCKED! Not a problem, except...one problem...my keys! I began looking for them in my pockets to avail. Maybe in my purse? Nope. My....CAR? Yup, I locked myself out of the car and out of the house and was soaked in the rain trying to solve the problem. I went to our secret location and got the spare key in order to get in the house, to go back out and get my keys. Once I stepped into the house...the rian stopped. Nice.

Headaches

I don't want to be a chronic complainer, but man oh man have I had a headache for like the last few...WEEKS! I am taking the meds, the allergy meds, getting enough sleep....you know all the junk you are supposed to do and yet...headache still. I wake up and it's there. It gets worse all day long until by night-time I can hardly keep my eyes open for fear that the pain in my head will force my eyes right out of their sockets. Have you ever had a series of headaches like that? What did you do that worked?

Happy Birthday!

Today my friend Amy f. joins the 30 club. Happy Birthday Amy! 30's not so bad, really. I think I feel more grown up and people seem to take you more seriously when I say "I'm 30."

Sickie Man Update

So, the doc says it is not gallbladder for Drew. He says it's acid reflux. So, there ya go. Thanks for all of your prayers and well wishes!

Happy Anniversary

This is a shout out to our friends Nathan and Amy - today is their 2nd anniversary. Congrats you guys! May God contine to bless your marriage.

Sickie Man

Please keep Drew in your prayers ya'll. He has been a sickie. Over a week ago his stomach started hurting. He missed 2 days of work, worked to 2 days and then on Friday it was worse than it had been yet. SO...he went to the doc. Doc ran some tests and made him have an ultrasound for gallbladder. He goes tomorrow to discuss the results with the the doc. Pray for speedy recovery and knowledgeable help from the doctor.

It is time

It is time to start going back to school to prepare for my next crew of students. I am having some difficulty getting motivated this year. I think it's because of the classes I took in June. I really don't like taking classes in the summer, but...alas...I must. If I don't, I will never finish this degree I am workign, oops...make that WORKING on. Sigh. Anyway, I have spent a few hours up there trying to get back into the swing of things and there is always an excitement that comes with the onset of a new school year. I mean, new students, all blank slates...new clothes, new pencils, new haircuts and shoes. It is exciting. So, wish me well as I go spend some time in my classroom today.

Ipod Woes

Drew gave me an IPOD Shuffle for Christmas this year and have I said lately how much I LOVE it?! Well, I do. Here's the only problem with it, well a problem as I see it. Whenever itunes wants to update my software on my computer or my ipod, my shuffle goes on the fritz. Seriously...it fills itself up with random music that I never gave permission to place there...AND...it puts the songs in a RANDOM order that I cannot make sense of. When I try to erase the mess the naughty little ipod created and rebuild my playlist (which is currently 12 hours long...whoo hoo!), it reorders the songs to it's liking. Anyone else out there had similar problems or is it just that I have a testy ipod shuffle?

20 Years Goes By So Fast

I was reading over at DCOE and saw that it has been 20 years since the movie The Princess Bride came out. Eileen has a link to an ABCNews Now and Then photo comparison of all the actors adn actresses in the movie. Enjoy. (Links Courtesy Eileen and ABCNews)

Garden Fun

Folks, we have officially tasted sweet success from our garden...yup. Cabbage and summer squash. It. Was. Devine. I don't know if it REALLY tasted better or if I just think that it did because of all of our (by our I mean Drew) sweat and hard work weeding and watering. All I can say though is Yummmm. We have so many squash that I don't honestly know what we will do with all of it. OH oh...and we FINALLY have young melons (watermelon and honeydew melon to be exact.)

Did I ever tell you my honeydew story? I haven't? Well, when I was young my favorite fruit was honeydew melon. Wait, it still is my favorite....anyway, I digress. I loved honeydew so I would shamelessly beg for it at the grocery store. Mom would rarely get it becuase she had to feed 7 kids and 2 adults and, frankly, honeydew is expensive. So, one day (when was about 3 or 4) I was standing near the honeydew and Mom had said "No" a few times already. I reached up and grabbed one on the botton and pulled it out. As a result, several honeydew fell to the floor. One broke open and Mom had to purchase it. oops. I thought "Hmmm. That's an easy way to get honeydew." So, I did it again the next time we were at the store. My mom caught on pretty quickly to my little ploy and started parking me in the cart as far away from the honeydew as she could. I used to cry and cry....sigh...oh the memories.

Well, NOW Drew and I are growing our own and I can have all the honeydew melon my little heart desires...I CAN'T WAIT FOR ONE TO RIPEN! That....and I am just dying to taste a tomato off of one of our our 14 tomato plants! Yes, I said 14. That's just ours...with ma's we have 23 plants. Yeah...we will be canning 'til the cows come home when they rippen.

Burned

Did I mention that I have a sunburn? I didn't? Well, I do. And so does Drew. We used this spray on sunblock when we were at Lake Michigan with an SPF 50 in it. We reapplied after swimming...we rubbed it in...we applied it generously...and we still burned. (Drew worse than me.) While we were gone the area got, like, 3 inches of rain and so it is SO HUMID here today. Well, I was thinking about this and noticed that Blogger has a new feature that you can add a poll to your blog. So, I did. Right over there on the right of your screen is the question. Humor me and select an answer so I can see how this tool works.

Back Home, Home on the Plains!

Well, ya'll, we are back hom again on the Plains. We had A BLAST on vacation. We left on Thursday and drove to Bettendorf, Iowa where we stayed the night. We finished driving to Indiana on Friday and even had supper at the Town Square in Howe, Indiana (yummmmm) with Mom and Clayton.

Saturday was Andy and Becca's Wedding. I am sorry to say that I forgot my camera in hotel room all day Saturday and, therefore, have NO PICTURES from the entire day. The wedding was beautiful and unique. I just know that they will be very very happy and blessed. That afternoon we went to a BBQ hosted by my sister and her soon-to-be sister-in-law. It was loads of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the time to spend with family and new friends.

On Sunday we went to the Warren Sand Dunes in Sawyer, MI. We spent the WHOLE day on the beach and in the water. We didn't feel like climbing the dunes, so we didn't. We were tired and were quite happy to lay on the sand and soak up the sun. That evening Todd and Cindy met us in Michigan City where we ate at the Texas Corral. It was DELISH! Then, on to Joliet for the night and then the long drive back home. It is good to be back (and eat a meal I prepared in my own kitchen rather than ordered someone else to prepare for me.) It is good to be home.

It's Official...VACATION TIME!

It's official, we are on vacation! I write to you this morning from Davenport Iowa. (I know, I know...how exciting). Anyway, we travled all the way across Iowa yesterday and are just about to enter Illinois. Nice.

Anyway, I checked out Kris' website this morning and she had this quiz about passing the US Citizenship Test. I scored a 95%, how about you?

Fun times?

So, as you know, July 3rd was our anniversary. We decided to go to Ruby Tuesday in Kearney to celebrate. When we arrived we ordered the cheesy bacon fries (yumm-o) for an appetizer and we both ordered a burger. Well-done. Mine with no "special sauce." When the meal arrived, mine was slathered with "special sauce" and just decided I would be a sport and eat it. So, I cut burger in half so I could pick it up easily...and, folks, it was RAW! So, I called the Assistant Manager over and showed her the sandwich and she says "So, (pause) are you wanting a whole new one?" Duh. Yes. So, she sent it back and I waited probably another half an hour while they remake my order. The second time they brought the sandwich there was no hint of extra sauce, so I fixed it up, cut it and picked it up to eat it and....IT WAS RAW AGAIN. This time was worse than the first. So, Drew showed the waitress and she was grossed out and said she was going to let the cook know. She left to find the manager, and apparently to let the cook know. Now, I have to tell you that we were seated about as far away from the kitchen that we could be and we HEARD here rip out the cook. (It was a little funny actually.) So, then the manager came over and said that the meal was on them AND he GAVE US a $25 gift certificate to come back. We have generally had good experiences at Ruby Tuesday, but they were just having a bad night. I have to hand it to them, though, they went out of thier way to try and make it right with us. About 1 1/2 hours later we left and came home. Fun....Times?

It's Already Been Three Years!

Three years ago today Drew and I stood in front of friends and family and exhanged vows of comittment before God. I just want to take this opportunity to say how much I love him and how these three years have been a blessing beyond my dreams!

In honor of our anniversary, I have created a little quiz to see how well you know us!

Take My Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com Can you Ace my quiz? Yes! No Let's Find Out!

Weigh In - Week 8

So, my weigh in is neither gain nor loss. sigh. Oh well. This week we are going on vacation AND to Andy and Becca's wedding. I am hoping for a loss next week, but we will see. It his SO hard to resist wedding cake. YUMMM...and, and, ooooh pie at the Town Square in Howe, Indiana (Where I grew up.) My plan is to move move move every day this week. I just want to see a one pound loss (minimum) this week. Anyway, happy weight loss to all of you out there, I am hoping for a loss next week.

We're Smokin' Baby!

When we got married our good friend, Ryan, gave us a smoker as a wedding gift. I think it was, secretly, a joke on me and an ENORMOUS blessing on Drew. See, I usually can't stand smoked food. I told Drew this and he kept telling me that I might like it if the right wood was used to smoke the food. I have, honestly, been very skeptical in the past about this. My biggest problem with certain woods is that it smells like a giant cigarette. yuck-o. That cigarette smell wafts its way into the house and then...well, you get the idea. A few years ago a storm knocked over an apple tree in Drew's sister's back yard. AND, if you know much about smoking meat, like my lovin' hubby does, you know that fruit woods are the best to smoke with. So, we then went over and harvested all the apple wood that we could get. Drew has been slowly making smoked foods with it ever since. About a month ago, I came home and he had been smoking ribs for the greater portion of the day. When he brought them in, I really, REALLY wanted to try them. I did and thought that I had died and gone to heaven! They were so tender and I couldn't even really taste the smoky flavor. YUMMMMMM... Earlier this week I bought some spare ribs at the grocery for him and specifically asked that he smoke them this weekend and, ya'll, today's the day! Whoo Hooo... we (by we I mean he) are smoking the yummy ribs all day and will be eating them tonight. Maybe I will post pictures for ya! Are you drooling yet?

UPDATE WITH PICTURES!

These are all the parts of the Smoker. You have the base with the heating element, the main part, the lid, the grates, and the water.








First, you have to soak the wood in water so that it doesn't catch fire in the smoker. (you want to SMOKE the food, not char it.)









Next, you put the wet wood around the heating element, but not ON the heating element or it will ruin the electric element.








Place the meat (in our case, ribs) in the smoker and put the lid on top. Check the time and DON'T mess with it for about...mmm...4-5 hours.










This is what you get if you let it alone for a while. Yummmm. We took them off the smoker, added BBQ sauce, and warmed the sauce in the oven (350 degrees for 10 minutes.) You can just add the sauce while they are still on the smoker if you want.









This is what the ribs looked like cut open. Can you see the juices? Can you see how tender they

were?????







This is our dinner. As you can see, we had corn, watermelon, and smoked ribs. It was so good and I highly recommend it!

Well, it's finally over.

Well, this has been one LONG month, but as of today...my classes are over. I have just left the final class in School Law and in a few hours I will attend the last session of the Intro class. What is it about finishing a task that totally drains a person? I mean really. I have been gettin my rear out of bed at 5AM every morning for a month in order to be here on time. I have had days where I thought I was going to nod off in the middle of law class (but I am pleased to announce that I did not.) and yet today I am THE MOST TIRED I HAVE BEEN! I think the pressure is off and now my pavolvian response is that I must rest. The problem, as I see it is that I still have one class to go today! lol Anyway, on to other things for my summer, eh?

We are getting pretty excited for the trip back my old stompin' grounds next week. I am fairly certain that will be a blast for us to have a few days away and to share in the joy of celebrating 2 lives coming together as a new family while we are there. I have been trying to think of a few ESSENTIAL things we could do in the Chicago area while we are there for one day...any suggestions for us?

Interesting Article

Drew would be the first one to tell you that I do not read the news as much as I should. I get bored. I know, I know how irresponsible that is....BUT, today I read this article and was moved. What a horrible situation for this woman and she has been blessed so much by her choice.

Inventions

I was thinking today as I was ROASTING outside of all the the inventions and discoveries for which I am grateful. I decided that I would share them with you since I haven't made a list in a long time....so, here ya go:

1. Air conditioning
2. Popsicles (Or ice cream) - Because it is so soothing to the palette! (and mind...and soul...and)
3. Computers - because I store practically my whole life on one!
4. Air conditioning
5. Microwaves - Because it makes light of hard work
6. Printers - Wow, can you imagine typing a 20 page assignment?
7. Air Conditioners
8. Toilet Paper - Seriously...imagine the alternative.
9. Toothpaste - Again...the alternatives are ground rats (Really...look it up!)
10. Air conditioners

And those are just a few...what about you? For what are you grateful?

Sorry we haven't been around

Wow, I CANNOT believe how busy I have been this week! Seriously noW. I know, I know... it's graduate school...AND that it's supposed to be work....yadda yadda... but I am tuckerin' out! :) Anyway, it has been hot, hot, HOT around here. How 'bout at your place? We went over and tried to do some more weeding on the massive garden that we are growing over at the farm. Seriously, it's massive. I think I was out in the hot (well, not so hot really) 11:00 AM sun for about 15 minutes before I was sweating so hard I couldn't even hardly stand it anymore. Then, I got a blister from using the garden hoe. Yes...a blister. I can hear all of your sad violins playing as I type this... In a way, I like battle scars...it just means that I worked. However, there is a very very real side of me that is just a big weenie when it comes to any kind of pain...and blisters bring out out.

Anyway, we have been getting geared up for the two weddings in 2 weeks for us this summer. First up to bat - Drew's brother is gettin' hitched in Colorado this weekend and that will be fun. Then Becca and Andy are tyin' the knot the first weekend in July and that means a long anticipated vacation for us. Whoo hoo! I am so excited to celebrate in these marriages and to get away for a few days.

Anyway, homework awaits. I just didn't want you to think that I had forgotten all about you! Adieu for now...I shall return to you soon.

Book Fun

Okay, so I was reading over at I Should Be Folding Laundry and she was doing a meme. I copied the questions and will answer them below. I thought it would be fun if you did the same and aswered in the comments section of this post. Here are the rules/steps:

1. Grab the book closest to you
2. Open it to page 161
3. Find the fifth full sentence
4. Post the text of the sentence to your blog (Along with the title of the book)
5. Don't search around for the coolest book you have, use the one that is really next to you.

The closest book to me is School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders by Nathan L. Essex 4th Edition (since I am up to my EARS in course work this month!) Okay....let's see... page 161 is in the middle of the chapter for laws concerning Individuals with Disabilities. The fifth full sentence says: "Children with ADHD may be eligible for special services if they are found to have a specific learning disability, be seriously emotionally disturbed, or possess other health impairments." Yeah, I know...it's riveting.

Update

I have been so blessed to receive words of encouragement and lots of prayer from many of you because of the pneumonia. I am pleased to report that I am almost completely better now. I am still taking the antibiotics and such, until they are gone - of course! The coughing has slowed and now is only a problem at night. Thansk for all of your advice about tea and rest, I appreciate it! So, I am almost 100% again. YAY!

A Chance for you to Make a Difference!

Okay Ya'll, my friend's husband is running a 50-mile ultramarathon in an effort to try and raise money for the Lupus Foundation. If you are not familiar with Lupus, click here to read more. This is a great cause AND you can win new sunglasses. For every $5 you donate, your name is entered into the raffle to win! So, if you are willing to donate, simply click here or visit brianruns.blogspot.com found on the right!

Donate Now!

School

Yesterday was my first day of class for summer classes at UNK. I am taking a School Law Class and an Intro. class. The school law requires me to be reading a lot of cases and write briefs. It is so interesting to me and I am really learning a great deal about our legal system in the U.S. and how schools fit into that system. I am keeping up fairly well and the biggest change for me is that most of the other students are guys and I am not. (obviously) They talk alot about sports and such and I feel kinda stupid because I can't interact on that level. I guess I better start studying up! I do feel blessed to be in classes and to have such a wonderfully supportive husband diring this process though.

Weigh In - Week 4

This week had neither a gain nor a loss. I had some setbacks with the pneumonia. I am really not in the condition to be out exercising strenuously. I am just praying the infection goes away and I can get back to feeling normal and getting on with the challenge.

Bruises

On Friday I was cleaning the bathroom. Like, REALLY cleaning...scrubbing the floor with a brush on my hands and knees, etc. I decided to scrub the shower and boy oh boy...what an adventure. I was cleaning the back wall when all of a sudden my foot slipped (the one still on the floor) and I fell side first into the side of my bathtub. OUCH! I thought I had broken something, seriously, but alas after a few minutes the pain went away. Then, saturday morning I noticed this nasty bruise on my stomach/side. Today it is all purple and gross...it looks like I got hit with a bat or something. I would take a picture and show you, but who honestly wants to see my pasty skin and belly? Not even me. I have never had a bruise as large or as purple as this one is...it's kinda cool. (I know how sad that sounds, but it's still cool.) The inner clutz in me is starting to rear its ugly head again. Tell me you have had similiar expereinces!

And the Doctor Says...?

As you know, it has been a little quiet around here lately due to that fact that I just haven't felt well. I told you it started with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, remember? Well, I kept hoping and praying that it would go away and I have been medicating myself to try and control it, but last night was the final straw. I was awake over half the night coughing my lungs out. So, I promptly called the Dr. first thing this morning. He listened to my chest, took the blood pressure, and poked around a bit. Then he announced the 5 words I have the most disdain for at the doctor's office. "We need a blood test." So, off to lab I went. When it all came back, the verdict was given...drumroll please...pneumonia. I am not totally shocked since I had a bad case of pneumonia that landed me in the hospital for over a week about 5 years ago. The doc told me then that I was very susceptible now and I have to be careful with respitory stress. So, the good doctor gave me some of "the good stuff" and sent me home to get well. I proceeded to sleep most of the afternoon away....so nice. I am again asking for your prayers for a speedy recovery. I start my classes on Monday and don't want to go feeling like a sickie. Thank you, in advance, for lifting me up in your prayers.

10 Things You May Not Know About Me!

I was thinking today, as I was brushing my teeth, that we all have little-known "quirks" or facts about ourselves. So, I thought I would share some of my litte-known facts, just for fun.

1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to watch Little House on the Prairie.
2. The sound of a hard rain pounding on a windshield/roof of a car hurts my ears so much that I sometimes feel like my eardrums are going to burst.
3. I always hang my keys in exactly the same place.
4. I love the sound of a piano (expecially when accompanied with a guitar).
5. I love the ocean.
6. I can't swim because I hyperventilate when the water gets above my chest.
7. The sound of a fork scraping against someone's teeth gives me the chills.
8. The smell of moldy food causes me to gag. (Sorry, just being honest!)
9. When I REALLY cry hard, I have so much trouble getting air into my lungs that I almost pass out.
10. When I burn my tongue, I put honey on it. It really does help.

So, there ya have it. Of course, that is only the tip of the iceburg for me. So, I KNOW I am not alone. What are your little-known facts?

Friday Five, On Tuesday

Okay, okay, for a long time I have been reading Kris's Friday Five and have never really played along...here they are from last week and am playing along. (Thanks Holli for inspiring me to do this, finally!) So, what you do is read the questions and my answers...then copy the questions into a comment box and answer them yourself or send me an email with your answers. Have fun!

Here ya go!
Questions:
1. What's the best last movie you saw?
2. What's your favorite summer flower?
3. What irritates you more, sitting in traffic or a meeting after 5:00pm on a friday afternoon?
4. If you HAD to have another occupation, what would you do?
5. Blueberries or cherries?


1) What's the best last movie you saw?
Hmm... the word BEST makes it hard. I think the best last movie I saw was, ummm, The Pursuit of Happyness

2) What's your favorite summer flower?
Daisy. Hands down!

3) What irritates you more: sitting in traffic or a meeting after 5:00 pm on a Friday?
A meeting after 5:00pm on Friday (ANY day for that matter)

4) If you HAD to have another occupation, what would you want to do?
If I HAD to have another occupation, it would be photographer. BUT, I love my current occupation!

5) Blueberries or cherries?
neither, really. I would choose strawberries. :)

Okay, your turn.

Week 3 Weigh In

Well, this week I lost a total of 2 pounds (that's 5.5 for the 3 week period.) I had some trouble this week since it was the close of the school year and that is, honestly, one of the most stressful time of the year for me. On top of that, I got sick. When I get sick, I crave the things my momma used to give me when I was little to get better. Things like orange sherbet, ice cream, chicken noodle soup, jello, sprite, crackers...you know the stuff. Anyway, I shouldn't eat most of those foods, but they felt so good on my throat, ya know? I tried to be careful, but I also have to get well. The other side of that is that my portions were well-controlled (since my appetite wasn't all that strong anyway) and that helped keep it in perspective. Additionally, this sickie hss had trouble getting the workout in. Hard to breath = hard to workout. I have been reading lots of other folks' tales and it is such a thrill to see so many success stories on this journey.

Sickie

I have been quiet around here lately due to the fact that I have been a sickie. Yup. Sickie. I managed to get through the entire school year with no sickness this year, but here I am on the first days after school is out...sick. I have an upset stomach, runny nose, cough, the works. It is like a full-blown summer cold. I would appreciate your prayers to get well quickly since I just hate being sick and sitting around the house.

Monthly Man

Hahahah! This video made me laugh. I am sorry to say that I don't know where it originally came from. (I found it at StupidVideos.com.) Enjoy!

Last Day of School

The last day at school has arrrived. My classroom is packed and stored for the summer. Computers covered? check. Books counted? check. Supplies ordered and/or replaced? check. Heart prepared to say good-bye? Not just yet. My cohort and I have elected to grill hot dogs for the kids today for lunch as a pseudo-graduation. That will be loads of fun, I just know it! Well, students are coming and their faces are dancing with the joy that only the first day and the last day can dawn. I must go and greet the day...

Weight Loss Weigh In

Well, not so good this week. -.5 lb. You know half a pound is half a pound, right?!

This week was a horrible week for me. I had a few extra stresses along with trying to close off the school year that I slipped into some of my horrible "grab and go" habits (burgers and pizza, etc.). I also did not walk nearly enough. I had a problem with my ankle that I could barely wear shoes! Seriously, It was bad. So, I ended up not walking...although I COULD have done something else and just chose not to.

Oh well. Next week will be better.

How 'bout you?

Winding Down

The school year is winding down and I find myself, again, in a peculiar state. I have a love/hate relationship with the end of the school year. On one hand, I love love love summer vacation. I love playing outside and the joy of having a change of pace for the summer. I love preparing for an all new class of students and the excitement the FIRST day of school invariably brings. On the other hand, I hate hate hate saying goodbye to a group of students that I have poured my heart into for the last 9 months. PLUS, there is a lot to be done at the end of a school year. I have 4 days left with these kids and I only hope that each young face is one day able to realize all of their dreams.

Diet is not a Dirty Word

Okay, ya'll! It has been one week and I am 3 pounds lighter. We will see what next week brings. This week was hard and I, frankly, jumped - leapt really - off the wagon a couple of times. Oh Well. I walked 4 of the 7 days (I need to bump that to a higher number!) and paid close attention to foods. How did you do?

Mother's Day

Well, to all you Mom's out there, I hope you had a good one. I called my mother and talked to her as she ws strolling down the aisles of Menard's dreaming with my sister. Ah...the good life! We went to see Drew's Grandma and then over to his Mom's where we spent the remainder of the day ripping up an area for a garden. Who loves to ride on tractors? Me! OH ME! Seriously. I. love. it. I even got to DRIVE the tractor! Anyway, while Drew was trying to get the tiller going I noticed the shiny, okay dirty, four wheeler and jumped on. Drew started it and I just drove 'round and 'round the circle drive of the farm. Whoo hoo! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyway, that is the main extent of my weekend. Hope you had a good one!

New Look

I f inally took the steps to "upgrade" the website. What do you think of it? I was a little worried bucause it meant that I had to redo all the links and make decisions about colors, etc....but I think it has a new "modern" feel.

die Blume Chroniken

So, just in case you don't speak German, the title means "The Flower Chronicles" because yesterday was a floral emergency for me. See, a student of mine...lets call her Jonie...gave me a potted Gerber daisy for my birthday last month. I asked Jonie if I should take it home or leave it at school on my desk. (I felt there was probably plenty of sunshine there and would be okay.) Jonie enthusiastically responded with "LEAVE IT AT SCHOOL!" Okay. So, I did. However, yesterday I walked into my classroom and the poor little flowers looked...well...sickly. They had saggy petals and droopy stems. I panicked. I just knew it was going to die. Who do I call? There is no 911 for flower emergencies. My dad was always so good with plants in general. he could save a sick plant if it was almost 99% brown. He was like the ICU for plants. I, unfortunately, did not inherit this GIFT from my pa. However, I always have these dillusions that I am, infact, a master gardener. Perhaps I am overzealous in watering...or under motivated when it is hot...who knows...but it never quite works out for me. Plants almost always die in my care. Anyway, I digress. I took the sick flower home after school and it was so sad looking. I set it outside and ran an errand to the only local plant emergency room that I know of...Orscheln's. I INTENDED to only purchase some potting soil for my little plant. You know...the good stuff. The kind with Miracle Grow in it. I mean, how can you not trust something that has MIRACLE in the title? (And let me tell ya, this plant needed a miracle!) When I got to Orsheln's I noticed the hanging plants were on sale for $4.99. I thought, smugly, surely I can keep a hanging plant alive. I mean, it hangs. You water it. Give it sun. It grows, yes? So, I bought 2. (And 2 metal hanging baskets with the moss bottom that I have secretly coveted for a long time.) When I got home, I repotted the sick plant and left it outside overnight. When I left for work this morning...viola! It was well again! Strong. Mighty. Happy. They were standing straight up and facing the happy sun. What a great way to greet the morning! So, I also repotted my hanging plants. You can see one below (but they both look pretty much the same). I am happy about them. (Even though I secretly dispise the color purple...okay, not so secretly...but they are pretty.) You like?

Morning Dew

I wish I could capture the sheer beauty of the morning here today. As I walked into the school, I noticed that the air did not smell like poo. It, instead smelt fresh. Crisp. Clean. My thoughts immediately said "Mmmmm...I love it!" It smelled like a cool summer morning. I looked around and saw the morning dew glistening on the blades of grass as if each one was wearing its own little diamond. The sunrise was captivativing with its gentle yellow and red hughs. I heard baby birds chirping and couldn't help but feel at peace and total awe at the beauty of the morning. Most mornings I am just so GROUCHY that it is morning that I just don't take time to notice the gorgeous palette around me. Thank God for this day...I hope it is as beautiful where you are!

May Day Challege Begins Today!

Plans and Confessions.
Yay! Today's the day we begin the May Day Challenge.
First, the plans: I have decided that I will walk at least 5 days a week and choose to eat only the foods that is allowed by my physician (without completely depriving myself of the occassional "other things"). During my walk, I have decided to pray, listen to music, or talk to Drew (if he is along with me).

Now, the confessions: I realize that weight loss is not JUST foods or JUST exercise or JUST spiritual well-being. It takes all three in order to be totally successful. I KNOW I have a disorder that requires me to watch what I eat and yet...sometimes...I just choose to ignore it. So, this is my plan. To inaugurate the event, I have posted a TickerFactory Ticker to the right. I am slightly embarrassed at the total weight that I need to lose, but that is part of being real with you and myself.

Okay. Well, that's my plan, what's yours?

The Truth

We have just completed a 13 week course called The Truth Project through a small group in our church. (You can go to the link in the sidebar.) It. Was. Amazing. I have never been through a teaching that has so radically changed me life and walk with Christ since becoming a Christian as this. I will be honest, I didn't want to do the course at first because I was "too busy." When I realized it was important to Drew, I agreed and decided to make time. I am so glad we did. This is DVD video series that is one hour a week to watch and then discussion time afterward. Each lesson leaves you with a sense of urgency about our culture and structures. The last lesson had the most impact on me. It was a lesson about community/neighbors and our responsibility to reach out to those in need. You can determine need however you wish...Jesus did. Need is need. It may be physical, emotional, spiritual, or whatever. I define need as something that is lacking that prohibits a person from fully living. I have noticed lately how indignant people may act toward someone so different from them; how indifferent we appear to be when we watch violence on our television...not just the movies...but the news, books, music, the media all around us. We NEED to stand up and be firm. Enough is enough. Aren't there enough people hurting in this world? Can't we do something to stop the hurt? I encourage you to look around, find need, and meet it...sort of like a random act of kindness. I just know God will Bless you for it.

May Day Weight Loss Challenge

Okay Okay. So, my sister is getting married and I NEED to lose some weight. Beyond that, I am tired of looking the mirror and feeling like a huge overgrown bucket of flab. I want to feel attractive and healthy again. A few years back I lost over 60 pounds and have managed to gain about 35 of it back. This is both depressing and disappointing to me. Of course this disapppointment just fuels the fire to keep eating things that I should not be eating and I KNOW IT! So, I recently discovered a new blog called I Should Be Folding Laundry and the author was offering up her same thoughts on weight gain and so has launched a challenge. It is called Tales from the Scales and I am going to participate. Here's how it works. First, go to the website and committ to the process. Then, you have to develop a plan, and then set that plan into motion by May 8. Each Tuesday you do a weigh in and post it at Tales from the Scales AND, of course, talk about it on your blog. (You don't have to announce your weight, just your gains and losses). You get internet buttons and stickers when you achieve every 5 pounds of loss. Seriously...I think this will be both fun and encouraging. Anyone else in for the challenge?

Tulips Part II

I have learned a few things about taking photos lately and, as a result, have become rather camera happy! Anyway, I try to find things that I can photograph and when the pictures turn out rather well, I share them with you. Here are a few more pictures of my beautiful tulips this year. Last year they just didn't turn out that well. This year, however, they have done quite well despite the cold weather that almost killed them last month. Anyway, how are my camera angles?

Weekend

This weekend was a BUSY one. (Isn't every weekend a busy one?) Anyway...when we got married, our wonderful bridal party and siblings all pooled together to buy us a grill. Boy oh boy did we grill! This last fall and winter, however, was particularly abusive to our happy grill. It, literally, was so windy that it threw the grill over not once, not twice, but THREE times! As a result, I am sad to report, the grill was made practically inoperable. So...as we were driving around on Saturday we heard a commercial for a sale going on at the local True Value. "Lawn Mowers! Weed Whackers! Edgers! Weber Grills! 50 cent hot dogs and sodas!" 50 CENT HOT DOGS! WHOO HOOO! (Have I told you that I have recently discovered that I really like mustard?) Really, we went and looked at grills. We ended up buying a new Weber Grill. In fact, we bought this one (Spirit E-310)! Then we brought it home and grilled steaks. yummm.

As part of our weekend fun, we also bought and planted a new tree. You can see it below. It is a red maple. If you remember, last fall we planted a tree, it was a Red Sugar Maple. This little tree is seemingly pretty healthy.

Conference

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was at a Technology conference hosted in Omaha for Thursday and Friday. I left the conference with my mind REELING at the advances in technology and how much there is out there to learn. I attended some sessions on photgraphy and photo editing, podcasting, and databases. One speaker, Alan November, was particularly motivating. He was the keynote speaker on the second day of the conference. He was humorous and seemed to know what he was talking about. The keynote on Thursday was David Pogue, a writer and podcaster for the New York Times. He was hilarious! Read more about him and his podcast at the New York Times.

Conference

I have been at a Conference in Omaha the last 2 days. It has been an interesting learning experience for me as we experience and explore technology. More later...

Tulips

My poor tulips have been through a horrible year! They were growing and beginning to bloom when, blam! We got a a snow and cold temperatures for over a week. It stunted most of them, but here are a few picutures I got of my beautiful tulips!

As promised...

As I promised, here is a picture of my new glasses. I am aware, however, that they do not look red in this picture. I have learned that the lighting changes the color...sometimes they look red, others - pink, and still others - COPPER! Anyway, what do you think?

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to MEEEE EEEE. Happy birthday to me!

So, 30 today. I heard that 30 is the new 20 and 40 is the new 30...so it is a good day. My students asked how it feels to be 30 and I said "I guess, no different than being 29!"

New Specs

Okay ya'll...do I have a story for you. Last weekend (Easter weekend) we were forced to Lenscrafters for new glasses and eye exam as a result of Drew's glasses breaking at the nosepiece. So, we went and I got my eyes checked. The eye doctor told me that I had a MAJOR change in my prescription. Most people change about 1/4 of a turn (or 1 step) in one year, but I am an overachiever I suppose. My left eye changed 4 steps and my right eye changed 2 steps and my astigmatism changed by 3 steps. So...as a result they had to special order my lenses. Yeah...they don't even keep my level of corrective lense in the store! Despite feeling bad about the eye change, we set out to find new frames for my new lenses. Hold on to your seats, folks. I got a RED pair! (Well, red in the academic sense...not like candy apple red or anything. They are a burgandy/wine color.) I will post a picture soon...

Ya know what annoys me?

I have been keenly aware lately of the things that just have a special way of getting under my skin. I don't really know why I have been more aware of this lately, but alas...I have. Since I have become increasingly aware of these things I thought I would share them with you! So, here's my list of annoyances...(these items are not ranked in any particular order!) Enjoy!

1. People who complain to inappropriate people at inappropriate times.
2. Internet routers that stop sending a wireless signal for no apparent reason.
3. Snow at inconvenient times. (Is there ever a convenient time, really?)
4. Remembering that I forgot to lay something out for dinner around, oh, 9 AM and there is nothing I can do about it. (This is practically a daily occurrence for me!)
5. Commercials that don't make sense to me because then I feel like a huge ignoramus. Am I the only one?
6. Folks who never use a turn signal...seriously, is it REALLY too much work?
7. Telemarketers that call in the middle of my favorite show.
8. Wait...telemarketers. period.
9. Being stopped at a red light when there doesn't appear to be anyone coming in any direction. My thinking is...Do I honestly need to be saved from the carelessness of the invisible people too?
10. People who wear too much cologne or perfume...PEEEWWWW

There ya have it...so, what bugs you?

It's Spring! No, It's Winter! No Spring! No Winter!

IT IS SNOWING HERE! Not only that, it has been snowing all day and is supposed to snow all night. I love snow...in December! I have decided that I am a selfish snow lover. I only love snow when I feel like loving snow. It's not like I love snow unconditionally in all seasons. I love snow for Christmas...but around...oh...January 2, I am all done with it and it can just go away. I have been spoiled this year by the fact that spring seems to have sprung early and I had already gotten into the swing of it. I guess God had other plans on this one. *sigh* Oh well, at least it is Easter Weekend and I get 4 days off to enjoy it!

Funny.

This tickled my funny bone today. I always wonder the reasons people choose the ringtones that do for various people. (comic at yahoo.com/comics)

Posting trouble

It has come to my attention that commenting has been difficult for some of you. I have disabled the word verification, let me know if this eases the process.
Thanks!

First Snake of the Year

Yesterday when I went home, I decided that the lawn needed its first mow of the year. So, Drew changed the oil, gased it up, and whatever else has to be done before the first mow, and voila...I was off. I was moving right along, being skeptical at first - afraid of a snake. I convinced myself that I was being overly cautious and I needed to just mow. My ipod shuffle was blaring in my ears when I saw movement. "WHAT IS THAT?!" my mind screamed. I turned my head (in my mind I can see this happening in slow motion) to see a snake. Not a baby snake, oh no, it was the granddaddy of all snakes in our yard. At that point I screamed and let go of the lawn mower. (I know, I know...I should of just disposed of the snake right then and there.) I ran to tell Drew I saw a snake and he said..."Well, did you kill it?" "no." So, I trotted back over to the area of the yard that I had stopped at and cautiously approached the lawn mower. (You know, the snake my be planning a revenge.) Lo and behold, the snake was still where I had left him. I started the mower and moved it over the snake and heard the satisfying "thwump" that is the demise of many snakes everywhere. Then, at that time, Drew came over with a rake to dispose of the carcass so I wouldn't have to do that part. Yuck. Another sign that spring has arrived!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a BUSY one! Seriously...I haven't felt this sleep deprived in a LONG time. You know the place...where you feel like you could go face first into your desk, spaghetti, or whatever else you may be in front of you. Here is my recap...

Friday: Took 74 3rd-5th grade students to a Storm Hockey game. The Hockey team sponsors this program where students can earn a free ticket to a hockey game if they earn an "A" in any class or have 100% attendance for a grading period. We had several students qualify and decided to take them to a game. I organized and implemented the whole thing. As a result, we got to bed around...oh...11:30 PM. We had 74 students and 14 sponsors (Drew and I both went to help control behavior).

Saturday: Drew and helped sponsor a youth trip to Colorado Springs with our church. I had forgotten just how energetic high schoolers are! ha ha! We saw "The Thorn" at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. This is a play about the Life of Christ that the church puts on. Tickets are only $10 and it is a steal! If you are ever in Colorado Springs near Easter, you should definitely go to this play. On the way out, we ate at Casa Bonita and THAT was an experience to remember. The food was...blah...yuck-o...but the atmosphere was fun. (I am spoiled on the Mexican food since I get to eat so much of it that is truly genuine here!) We got to bed late, like 1:00 AM.

Sunday: Up early, 6:00 AM, in order to accommodate all the kids and showers that needed to be taken before we could leave for church. After church, we traveled back toward home, stopping in Denver for a bite. We stopped at a place that had about 6 different restaurants within walking distance of the parking lot. Drew and I chose to eat at Good Times. It was good...I wish there was one here! Then, we drove for 5 hours back home and my brother was waiting for us. He is a semi driver and had been dispatched to Denver, with a layover here. So, we got him around 7:30 PM and visited until around 11:30 PM. Needless to say, it was after midnight when we got to sleep...that alarm clock at 6 AM was akin to nails scratching against a chalkboard today!

whew...what a weekend!

Kids are AMAZING!

I never really write about my students other than the fifth grade freak out post (remember?) because I was moving to fifth grade from kindergarten. The biggest thing that I have really learned is that I truly love all children for different reasons. I love the projects and discussions I can have with a room full of 5th graders that simply would not have happened in kindergarten. Case in point, these photos my students took as a result of a photography unit I taught them. Aren't they just amazing?!

Worm Graveyard

WORMS. ARE. EVERYWHERE! I really don't like worms. I don't know if it's the fact that they look like snakes (which I LOATHE entirely) or what, but I just don't like them. We have had enough rain around here lately that every worm from here to New York City has decided to surface on our sidewalks around town. When I left school today it was virtually impossible to walk down the sidewalk and not squish one of the nasty little things. I realize the poor worms are just being forced out of their cozy little tunnels, but I don't like them anyway. The most disgusting part is the dead, dried up worms that are still laying on the sidewalks from the rain this past weekend. Yuck-o. Then, today I saw revenge on the stinky little jerks. See, the worms crawl to the sidewalk for refuge from the soaking ground, and as I was trying to navigate through the worm graveyard I was startled by a bird just barely missing me as he dove down to get a juicy morsel laying on the ground near my feet. I never really thought of our sidewalks as a bird buffet, but so be it. Bye bye little worm...may you rest in peace. Yet, on the other hand, may there be other hungry birds tomorrow!

You know what I love?

1. God.

2. Drew.

3. Finding a Long Lost Friend!
I stumbled across a friend from high school the other day over at Classmates.com and it is so good to talk to her and see where life has taken her. I love reconnecting with people who truly made an impact on my life.

4. Meaningful Discussions.
I love sitting down and discussing things that have meaning. It challenges me, encourages me, and helps me remember that I am a thinking, feeling, person. (Some days I wonder! lol)

5. Cookies. (Do I really need to say more?)

6. Naps.
I love a good nap. Why does naptime stop after kindergarten?

7. A back/neck rub from someone who loves me.
Seriously...I love it.

8. Laughing until my stomach hurts.
Most of the people around me can tickle my funny bone and I just love to laugh. I think it is good for the soul and body. I really like a good belly laugh.

9. Learning.
I know, I am a nerd...but so be it.

10. Comments on our blog.
I do. I can't deny it. :) It's better than a cookie and a nap!

You know what I hate?

FLAT TIRES.

Tuesday morning I was leaving for work when I realized..OH NO my back tire is flat. I went running back into the house like a half-crazed dog and cried out to Drew: "My tire is flat!" He promptly went outside and changed my tire for me and then I went driving off to school with that silly looking donut tire. I am grateful for the donut AND for Drew crawling around on the cement floor of our garage at 7:00 in the morning, BUT...I always feel sort of like I am walking around in nothing but my underwear on when I am driving with the donut tire. I mean, I physically turn red-faced thinking that every other driver and pedestrian is laughing at me and saying "That poor woman...she has to drive on the donut. tse tse tse..." Of course, that is not what is happening, but in my mind it is as real as the boogie monster that used to live under my bed.

The perfect day!

Yesterday (sunday) was one of the most perfect days I have spent in a LONG time. Thursday and Friday I was off because of spring break and then on Saturday we did some running around (that is, after the 4 HOUR COMPUTER UPDATE! Yes, Mr. Drew had to sit through 4 hours of updates to our software...I felt so bad for him!) and then there was Sunday....ahhhhh. After church, we came home and Drew cleaned, I should say detailed, my entire car! There are a ton of tiny crevices and I have never (ewwww) never been able to clean them out in the 8 years I have owned this vehicle. So, there was dirt, food particles, and even...probably...skin flakes crammed in there. It was DISGUSTING. Drew showed me how to clean it out safely with a cloth and a screwdriver...very slick. Anyway, it feels good to drive a clean car. After that, we went for nice long bike ride. This was the first time we have taken the bikes for a spin this year. It was soooo nice. However, I always forget how sore the bikes can make you after 6 months of non-bike riding. We cleaned the house together, made stir fry (yum), and then watched tv. Sigh...what a GREAT DAY!

Birds, Bees, and Allergies

I LOVE spring. I love the smells...the fresh air...the way I can open up my entire house and let the air permeate every square inch inside it. Spring has definitely sprung here! Drew and I have been walking in the evenings and we just listen to the birds chirping away. I found the second dead bee in our mailbox today when I checked the mail and, while I don't really care for dead creatures in my mailbox, there was a certain sense of excitement that only comes with the onset of spring. (Well, that and Christmas but I digress) Of course, with all this happiness and new life springing forth, my allergies are working overtime! You know, it is so darn beautiful outside and the air is so crisp...I don't even mind the additional discomfort in my sinuses.

Bridesmaid Dresses

I am so excited for my sister and her fiance Todd to get married and Cindy is just plugging along on her plans and arrangements. She asked me to be an attendant and so we have been looking for dresses. There have been several suggestions, but this one is the one she sent to me...I think it may be a winner. She wants it to be in Royal Blue, which is a also a beautiful color. What do you think of it?
(images from cybergown.com)

SIMS

Okay, confession time. I have been so quiet around here because I am a SIMS junkie. Are you familiar with The Sims? I have been a fan and a SIMS player for a long time. I had forgotten about it for a while, but then I found them again several months ago and have spent alot of time mindlessly controlling computer characters. I, like Drew, enjoy "messing" with my SIMS to make them do things that are funny. I think it is funny to move things on them or to delete something that they are using. Anyway, my SIMS doth await me!

"You are SO Smart!" maybe not the best thing to say...

When I was in school, I wasn't the "smartest" kid in my class, but I held my own. (For example, I graduated in the top 5% of my class, graduted from BSU with honors, and from UNK with a 4.0)...However, I have always been afraid that someday I am going to get "found out." Learning most things was fairly easy for me and as a result I developed some BAD study habits. I was reading an article about "How Not to Talk to Your Kids" and thought...hmmm..THAT'S ME! I will take a few more risks than this article says kids like me will, but usually I am a little leary of trying new things. I thought the article was interesting and the research worth another look! Anyone else out there like me?

Day Off

Today was a day off for me (Frances) because yesterday was Parent/Teacher conferences. I had planned to do nothing...and that's exactly what I did! And ya know what? It was EVERYTHING I thought it could be. I watched TV, talked to Amy, watched more TV, went to a piano lesson, and then watched TV. Can you hear the sigh of total contentment?

Quiet

We have been pretty quiet this month, huh? Drew and are both back in class and have already had a courseload to keep up with. I have been a sickie this last few days and am starting to feel a little better. We are going to a Hockey game tonight with some friends and that should be fun. Nothing major happening around here...you?