Upside Down & Inside Out

Life...

2011-10-02T22:24:00.005-04:00

Yeah yeah yeah Joseph Cambell.... It sounds so easy to do. Let go of your expectations, your dreams, your expectations and just go with it. Easier said than done.

As usual life decides to throw me a curveball...

It would have seemed that life was on track for The Amazing Guy and myself. After two years of being unemployed he had (finally) found a job and was settling in nicely. Although it wasn't the ideal job it was something that allowed us to start saving some money in the hopes of putting a down payment down on a house, and (hopefully someday) get married.

However life, as usual, has different plans. On Friday The Amazing Guy was given given his walking papers from his job. Since Friday I've tried being supportive - saying the right words, giving him reassurance, however am filled with the sense of disappointment.

I know he'll find another job, and I just need to be patient, but I keep feeling the sense of frustration that I am continually forced to wait for life to happen. Waiting for a better job, waiting on him to save enough money, waiting for a house, waiting to get married... when does all this waiting stop?! A girl can only be so patient.

(sigh)

I guess as usual I'll put on the happy face and grin and bear it.

wishes and dreams...

2011-07-10T01:23:00.004-04:00

Isn't it frustrating to know what you want, but making that dream become real is just out of your grasp....

(sigh)

So, for now I'll just have to be content to dream...

mortality...

2011-07-08T01:20:00.006-04:00

This week while at home visiting with family and friends my sister received some devastating news: Mikel, one of her close friends was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Mikel was only 26 years old. He was recently married, and he and his wife just celebrated the birth of their first daughter.

Although I didn't really know him my heart goes out to my sister because I know she is hurting.

Times like this should encourage us all to live life to the fullest because we never know when it will be our time to go....

Life these days....

2011-05-09T21:17:00.009-04:00

Lately I haven't really had much to blog about. I've tried! Really I have! Yet every time I've sat down to blog I would just stare at a blank page. Due to that though I've combined a few blog postings into one big blog...

In April I had a tonsillectomy. As a child having your tonsils out can be fun. You get to miss school, watch TV, and eat all the popsicles and ice cream you want. As an adult not so much fun... I went in for surgery on a (early) Monday morning. Surgery wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was in and out in no time and coming out of surgery was recovering better than those around me. I was awake and eating ice chips after about 15 minutes after leaving the O.R. Of course after the awesome pain meds wore off the reality of recovery set in. My throat hurt. A lot. Liquid vicodin helped, but didn't take all of the pain away. If asked would I have the surgery again if given the option I would probably say no. Even now, I'm a month out from surgery and still am recovering. I've only recently been able to eat some foods again (spicy foods, chips, popcorn).

While recovering from having my tonsils out I received some interesting news from my sister. So, apparently my sister and her fiance had split or broken up and called off their engagement. And to top that news they've been broken up since SEPTEMBER! (As in September 2010- LAST YEAR.) The weirdest part is that they are still living together in the same house, yet dating other people. I'm not quite sure how that works.... but if it works for them who am I to judge. Anyways, after receiving the shocking news from my sister and had some time to process the news I realized how much it really shook me to my core. My sister, as much as a pain as she can be, is one of my true touchstones or sounding boards. She and her fiance were a couple I thought were the perfect couple - a couple whose love was going to withstand the ages. Yet, if they can't make it who can?? It brings me back to questions like what is love? How do you know if you're with "the one"? I love my Amazing Guy, yes we have our rocky times, yet we still make it through.

In terms of teaching there may be some big changes coming for me next year. My principal has asked me to teach 5th grade next year. I'm excited, yet a little scared. 2nd grade to 5th grade is a HUGE jump. Just mentally trying to wrap my head around 5th grade and how to teach 5th graders is a big task. I think in the end it will be a good thing for me. We'll see though... I know one thing though I have to definitely brush up on my 5th grade math skills.

And last but not least the big 3-0 is also rapidly approaching in just over a month - AUGH!

On the roller coaster of life...

2011-02-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

‎"Be calm and strong and patient. Meet failure and disappointment with courage. Rise superior to the trials of life, and never give in to hopelessness or despair. In danger, in adversity, cling to your principles and ideals."

------

So, the past couple of days have been an up and down spiral for me. Needless to say the townhouse that I was in the process of purchasing is no more. The reason isn't really relevant, other to say that there is disappointment mixed with anger, which really won't change anything in the matter. I have to believe that this happened for a reason, what that reason is I'm not quite sure what it is yet. Thankfully The Amazing Guy and I will not be homeless - we were able to find a townhouse rental.

2010: A Year in Review...

2011-01-02T18:18:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick review of 2010....

What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before.... bought a car and in the process of buying a townhouse
Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year... I don’t remember what my New Year’s resolution was last year, and I have no clue what this year’s resolution will be
Did anyone close to you give birth... no
Did anyone close to you die... lost my grandma in February 2010
What countries did you visit... Stayed in the US this year
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010... peace of mind
What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why... Feb. 26, 2010. The day grandma passed
What was your biggest achievement of the year... surviving it
What was your biggest failure... not completing everything I wanted to
Did you suffer illness or injury... hurt finger for 3 months. Finally on the mend. And had a lot of strep throat illness this year
What was the best thing you bought... A HOUSE!
Whose behavior merited celebration... Those near and dear to me
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed... My family
Where did most of your money go... Rent and Bills
What did you get really, really, really excited about... Buying a house
What song will always remind you of 2010... none really
What do you wish you'd done more of... staying focused
What do you wish you'd done less of... stressing
How did you spend Christmas... spent it in VA with my bf
Did you fall in love in 2010... still in love
How many one-night stands... None
What was your favorite TV program... Criminal Minds or The Big Bang Theory
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year... I try not to hate anyone, however that being said there may be some that I dislike
What was the best book you read... I've read a lot of good books this year so it’s hard to choose just one
What was your greatest musical discovery... “Finding” old favorites again
What did you want and get... a new car
What did you want and not get... a ring
What were your favorite films of this year... not sure.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you... turned 29 this year. Next year it is the big 3-0
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying... not sure
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009... Comfort over “fashionability”
What kept you sane... My friends
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most... Johnny Depp
What political issue stirred you the most... 3rd year not without a raise or COLA increase for Fairfax County Public Schools
Who did you miss... My grandma
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010... Believe in Hope
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Forget Regret… or life is yours to miss… No Day but Today!” (RENT)

Here's to a Happy New Year to All!!! :)

Whilrwind...

2011-01-01T19:38:00.004-05:00

Lately my life has been a frenzied mess, or at least that is what it has felt like to me. Now that the holidays are I am now able to have a chance to catch my breath and relax a bit.

I love the holidays and Christmas, but this year Christmas was a bit depressing for me. This Christmas was the first Christmas since grandma's death last February, and with that Christmas was a bit hard to deal with this year. When buying gifts for the family and wrapping them up, it was sad knowing that I wouldn't be buying a gift for grandma. Every year no matter what I would buy her she always loved it (whether she was pretending or not).

In addition to Christmas life has also been a bit busy and crazy due to dealing with all the paperwork and odds and ends that buying a house entails. (I thought teachers were tree killers, but now know that it is real estate agents who are killing all the trees for paper!). If all goes as planned the house closing should be Jan. 28th (fingers crossed!) and then it's just the job of packing and moving in the next month or so.

Before Christmas I had the chance to spend some time with my dad when he was in the area (flying out to Paris). We met for lunch and spent some time just chatting and catching up. I love my dad, but sometime am not able to communicate with him. It's either we don't have anything to talk about or we're just not able to talk to each other. It was nice seeing him - even if was only for a few hours. We went to lunch and during lunch I shared my good news about the house and showed him some pictures. We also lamented about my sister and her lack of direction with life... After awhile of chatting he dropped a bomb into the conversation telling me that he was in the process of buying a house in Hawaii!!! (I had some inkling that he was going to move somewhere when he retired. I have to say I was a little shocked that it is in Hawaii. I would have thought he was going to retire to France or S. Korea.) As much as I was sad at hearing the news it didn't really surprise me. If anything I was glad he was actually confirming my suspicions I've had for awhile now. It may be selfish of me but I was angry at him for awhile. However, now that I've had some time to actually think about it I'm glad for him. I want him to be happy - and if that is in Hawaii so be it. I will miss having my childhood house to go home to, but know it was going to happen some time. If anything I'll still have the memories. So I guess I can always go to Hawaii to visit?

Taking a BIG step...

2010-12-06T21:27:00.004-05:00

“Where thou art – that – is Home.” ~Emily Dickinson

I've never been one to dream of owning my own home. Hell when I moved to the Northern Virginia area I was convinced that I would rent for the rest of my life... however as life goes by and I become older I grow weary of constantly packing and moving year after year. I think I've now moved 7 times in the last 6 years! I yearn for a place to call my own, without worrying about crappy landlords, or worrying about trying to keep the place pristine so that I would be able to get my full security deposit returned to me.

With the urging (and aide) of the Librarian and The Redskins Fan (who are now married to each other!) I've started to seriously consider buying a townhouse in the area. The market is definitely a buyers market these days. There are some great loans available for first time buyers, with fantastic interest rates that buyers can lock in. Those that know me know that math really isn't a strong suit so thankfully The Redskins Fan's sister is a real estate agent in the area who can help me navigate the housing market and help me find a great deal.

Tomorrow I go to sign and submit my loan application for a house, and honestly I'm scared. I know I shouldn't be, but it's a big step. For now all I can do is just take some deep breaths and take it one step at a time. Keep posted! Who knows- I may be a homeowner by the end of the year!

dealing with doubt...

2010-11-06T15:00:00.000-04:00

Dubito ergo cogito; cogito ergo sum
"I doubt, therefore I think; I think therefore I am"

Recently I've been dealing with feelings of doubt in my life. Mostly feelings of self doubt. Is my life everything I expected it to be at this point in my life? If not, why? And what am I doing to change that fact?

For the most part I am happy with my life. I have a good job. Most days teaching is something that I love doing. And for all the bad days, there are so many good days that outweigh the bad. Sometimes just making a connection with a student, teaching new concepts or skills, or just witnessing a student's AHA! moment is one of the best feelings in the world. Talk about validation!

I never thought I would be teaching in Northern Virginia for one of the best school systems in the nation. Growing up in West Virginia there wasn't really a lot of options for people. Thankfully, I was one of the lucky ones who had the resources, and the drive, and the knowledge to reach for the stars and accomplish my goals. College wasn't even a question, it was an expectation. And with college good grades went without saying. From there it was expected that I would be a teacher. And a damn good one at that. Whether or not that's true is yet to be seen. But after 6 years I guess if I sucked I wouldn't still be teaching right?

Balance in life hasn't always been the easiest thing for me. It seems that when one area of my life is rocking the rest seems to fall to shit. That being said I am in loving relationship, going on two years now, but do I see this relationship going the distance? I don't know. The feelings of doubt have been starting to trickle in every now and then. Also, every bf that I've ever had has cheated on me, so even though the bf swears up and down he would never, the feelings of doubt make me question him.

I wish I wasn't one that doubted myself, or others. But it is who I am.

On saying goodbye... again

2010-11-05T20:12:00.003-04:00

It's hard to come to grips with the fact that grandma has been gone since February, going on 8 months now.! I didn't even realize that it has been 8 months now until my first trip back to Wheeling in October.

In October I headed home for the annual Octoberfest, a tradition with my cousins and my grandma. Together we all enjoyed visiting the craft tents, checking out the jewelry (and yummy food), as well as visiting the German tent for food (and of course beer!).

Before the Octoberfest weekend trip I learned from my younger cousin that grandma's house had been sold and that if we (the grandchildren) wanted any of her mementos it was up to us to come in and claim them before they were either thrown away or donated.

With this new news still ringing in my ears I made my way home to find that it was just going to be my cousin and myself going through grandma's house together. My sister claiming it was "too hard" and that she just couldn't make it in, excuses upon excuses. But that's no different that usual.

Anyways, with my cousin and I we went through what we could of grandma's house and it was slow going - I never realized how much stuff a person can accumulate during 90 years. Grandma had kept all birthday, anniversary, thank you, and etc cards she ever received, each still lovingly dated and stored in their envelopes filling countless drawers to the brim. For all that we went through it seemed like there was still tons more to do.

When we finished for the day we had approximately 20 trash bags full and a ton of boxes of stuff packed up that each of us had claimed. The only things that are left for us to do now are the attic (yikes) and her closets. Grandma still had my grandfather's closet full of his clothes!

It was nice that while we were going through things my cousin and I shared memories and enjoyed looking at the old pictures and cards together. We laughed, talked, and of course cried. If given the chance I would gladly trade all of her stuff for another day with grandma. Just to tell her how much I love her, to just talk with her, taking the time to write down all of her stories and memories (and recipes!). And just to see her again.

Wheeling felt so empty without her. I'm at a loss at how to move past this. I've lost many people in my life (my mom, my brother, aunts, uncles, etc) but for some reason it's been harder for me to come to grips with this loss. I'm not entirely sure why though. And every time I go back home it's like losing her all over again.

Once every couple of months I start dialing her telephone number before quickly realizing that she isn't going to pick up and quickly hanging up embarrassed. I came across the following poem that seemed to speak to me.....

--------

I sat at my computer; brushing back the tears
Remembering times long ago
Close to thirty years
You were always there; sitting by my side
Listening to my endeavors
And the things I tried to hide

I'm going to miss you; my dearest friend
The one who simply listened
Love you to the end
Your sickness has taken over; life seems so unfair
The time is growing shorter
With the graying of your hair

Wrinkles in your weary skin; the humor in your smile
Will always be remembered
I'll sit by you awhile
You can call me by my name; or any name you choose
I'm scared to death of what's to come
The friendship I will lose

We will sit and reminisce; look back over the years
It's funny how our paths have crossed
I have to face my fears
God will come and take you soon; leaving me to cry
To face the world without you in it
Don't even want to try

You're the best, my best friend; the one who knows me best
It's our closeness I will miss
When you're laid to rest
You tell me not to worry; don't be full of sorrow
Time on earth is almost over
There will always be a tomorrow

Disease has taken over your mind; your body needs a rest
Who am I to question God
He who knows you best
You're years older than I; a full life you have led
I'll push back all my tears
And listen to what you said

I know I will miss you- my dear special friend
I will sit here by your side
And love you to the end

No way...

2010-05-14T20:46:00.004-04:00

So it was my little sister that dropped this insight of knowledge on me the other day....

"Seven years ago you graduated from college - then two years later you graduated again (grad school)" "God your old"

Thanks sis.

Nothing like you putting my life into perspective and aging me.

On an unrelated note she turned 25 on Wednesday. Yup I'm offically old now.

Martha Stewart I am not...

2010-05-13T20:46:00.002-04:00

I am not Martha Stewart. It's a proven fact. I rarely cook, can barely bake, basically lack any and all domestic skills. It's a fact that I'm perfectly okay with. One thing that I can do reasonably well is my own laundry. Above all I'm a plant killer. I've learned my lesson the hard way killing many an innocent plant. Some have even claimed that I have a black thumb instead of a green thumb....

So, against my better judgement I decided that I wanted to try one of the Topsy Turvy planters. It seems simple enough. Just fill it with soil, seeds, give it a little sun and water, and then presto= plants! Right?

No, apparently it's not that simple...

I found this out the hard way last weekend.

When I was in Bed, Bath, & Beyond on Saturday I saw the Topsy Turvy Strawberry planter and thought "Hmnmm I like strawberries, why not try this out? What's the worse that can happen?"

When I got home I quickly upacked everything in the box.... and quickly realized that in the box it was just the Topsy Turvy planter. No soil, no seeds, nada.

Thinking perhaps I was just the idiot that overlooked the soil and seeds in the box I quickly turned it upside down in the hopes that I may have just missed these essential items.

Nope.

So I'm the idiot that bought the box thinking that it came with the soil and the strawberry seeds as well as the planter. All inclusive or whatnot- right? Nope.

I guess this weekend I'll have to make a trip to Home Depot to find some strawberry plants and soil to fill this blasted planter with.

If I ever get in planted and have any strawberries that grow I will be sure to document the evidence!!!

Thoughts on teaching...

2010-04-26T10:57:00.006-04:00

For the past 5 years I've been a 2nd grade teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. During that time I have to say I've loved teaching. That being said like any job there have been some days where I wonder why in the world I chose to be a teacher, was I crazy?? Why did I (willingly) choose this??

Anyways, recently I've been noticing a shift in my attitude towards teaching. Some may call it just being burnt out. Whatever it is I've gone from looking forward to each work day with enthusiasm and excitement to being bitter and down trodden. On Mondays I dread having to go to work - for yet another day of dealing with bad students, crazy parents, and lack of support from the administration at the school. I think to some degree my current feelings may be due to the general morale at the school I work at. It's amazing how cut throat and two faced some people can be in the work place.

Recently I was offered an interesting job opportunity by one of my coworkers. At my school she is the AART (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher - formerly called the GT Teacher). She told me that the GT office is looking to hire new AARTs and that I should apply. After a great deal of thought on the matter I decided why not? Even if I don't get the job it is always a good opportunity to interview. The last time I interviewed as 5 years ago to get this job! And who knows I may even be offered one of the positions (20 applicants, 10 positions available).

Now, I don't do well with change... but I think a teaching position like this is just the thing I need to help refresh my sense of excitement and enthusiasm for teaching again. Instead of having to deal with a mountain of behavior problems I could actually teach (imagine that)! Being a realist I know it's not going to be all golden with rose colored glasses. There will be ups and downs, and who knows I may hate it. But how will I know unless I try...

My interview is scheduled for May 12th so until then all I can do is sweat it out and pray that I do well. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Tales from the classroom

2010-04-22T10:41:00.004-04:00

Today for a new TMI Thursday I have three tales from the classroom. These stories are just TOO funny not to share!

** Note: All of these stories are true. Seriously!

Story 1: It all come back to poop.

A couple of Fridays ago one of the 2nd grade students at my school decided to poop into the trash can in the bathroom. When I first heard about it I just had to say, "No.... there's no way he did that." After I got over the shock of it I started to laugh, and probably laughed for a good 10 minutes.

To understand the humor/ hilarity of this situation you should know the layout of the bathroom. Picture a room probably 2 feet by 3 feet wide. Just large enough for a toilet and a trash can. The real kicker though is that the trash can is mounted on the wall about 2 1/2 feet off the ground. And is pretty small.

So, when we (as teachers) heard this story we spent the rest of the day trying to figure out how in the world this kid was able to poop in the trash can. Our solutions that we came up with were 1. he stood on the toilet and perched his butt on the trash can and pooped in it that way or 2. he pooped in the toilet and then scooped it into the trash can. Either way are both gross and I can't even imagine what went through the kid's head when he was thinking about doing this.

When questioned he just said, "I just figured why not?"

I swear. Kids these days. Teaching is probably the best birth control on the market!

Story 2: Water bottle?

In second grade we have snack time in the afternoon, around 2:30 or so. Our lunch time is fairly early so having snack is a way to help the kiddos make it through the day until dismissal at 4:00 pm.

Anyways, back to snack. At snack time one of the 2nd grade kiddos pulls out a flask and puts it on his desk with his chips and starts to eat his snack. His teacher sees the flask and asks him where get got his "water bottle" from. His response was that his dad bought it for him, and bought himself a "watter bottle" too. His teacher discreetly sniffed the "water bottle" just to make sure it was just water in it. At the end of the day she called the boy's father and explained that his son should not bring back the flask to class.

Story 3: Bloody Mary

Two second graders were found in the classroom bathroom together with the lights off and door locked. When questioned about what they were doing they answered with "We were playing bloody Mary". I guess one thing to be thankfully for in elementary school was that they were doing anything else in the bathroom....

If I were...

2010-03-17T11:15:00.004-04:00

If I were something else...

(I found this on Rachel's page and thought it was cute, so I "borrowed" it)

If I were a month, I’d be December (because I like cold weather & snow!)
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Saturday (because it's the first day of the weekend!)
If I were a time of day, 9:00 pm (because I'm a night owl)
If I were a planet, I’d be Saturn (because it's the planet with the awesome rings!)
If I were a sea animal, I'd be an dolphin or puffin (because they are both cute animals!)
If I were a direction, I’d be North (because all compasses point North, so hypothetically if I was lost I would be able to find my way...)
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be a kickass recliner (because WHY NOT?)
If I were a liquid, I’d be Diet Coke (because it's practically the only thing I drink)
If I were a gemstone, I’d be sapphire (because it's a pretty blue color)
If I were a tree, I’d be a maple (because they have pretty leaves and syrup)
If I were a tool, I’d be an X-acto knife (because you can always use an X-acto knife)
If I were a flower, I’d be a tulip or an orchid (because they are beautiful flowers!)
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be freshly fallen snow (because it's beautiful!)
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a guitar (because I wish I knew how to play one)
If I were a color, I’d be cobalt blue (because it's my favorite color!)
If I were an emotion, I’d be optimism (because everyone should see the glass as half full)
If I were a fruit, I’d be a kiwi (because they are yummy!)
If I were an element, I’d be ocean waves (because nothing is as peaceful as that)
If I were a car, I'd be a VW Jetta (because it's my dream car... I know simple dreams.)
If I were a food, I’d be sushi or fondue from The Melting Pot (because they both are delicious!!!)
If I were a place, I’d be the Outer Banks (because it's one of my FAVORITE places to visit)
If I were a material, I’d be a cool cotton pillow (because it's one of the best things to cuddle up to)
If I were a scent, I’d be a fresh apple pie (because few things smell, or taste better than a fresh apple pie!)
If I were an animal, I'd be a grey cat like Collins (because a pampered cat has it made)
If I were a facial expression, I’d be pure joy (because that is true happiness)
If I were a song, I’d be "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban (because it makes me think of my grandma - love you!!!)
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be flip flops (because I would wear flip flops all the time if I could!)

So...what would you be?

Saying Goodbye...

2010-02-28T01:11:00.004-05:00

This week was a rough one for me because during this past week I had to say goodbye to one of the best people I've ever known; my grandmother.

As much as one can mentally and emotionally prepare themselves for something like this, it still is hard to go through.

Grandma lead a full life; living to 92 years of age. She was one of a kind, and will sorely be missed. As my tribute to her here are the lyrics to her favorite song.

I love you grandma... may you rest it peace and know that you are loved

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;

But when you come and I am filled with wonder,

Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Facebook addition....

2010-02-22T10:56:00.004-05:00

On Saturday I had an interesting surprise waiting for me on Facebook. When I logged on I saw that I had two friend requests waiting for me. Now that in and of itself is nothing new. I average one or two new friend requests a month... sometimes more or less. So that wasn't the shocking part. The shocking thing was that one of my friend requests was from my dad!

Those that know my dad know he's a techie like me. When I was only in 4th or 5th grade the two of us took apart and rebuilt a computer together just because we thought it would be fun (and so that I would have my own computer to use). I'm a geek I know.

I quickly accepted the friend request from my dad (because how would I explain it if I didn't!). However afterwards I starting thinking about what it means having my dad on Facebook. Now I'm not a big party girl, or have a lot of embarrassing pictures on my page, or have anything I have to hide from him... but just the fact that he now has access to that part of my life is a little troubling to me. It feels like an invasion of some sort.

As much as it is an invasion I'm glad to see that he has now joined the ranks of us on Facebook. As a pediatric dentist in a moderate sized city in WV he knows quite a few people that I'm sure will add him as a friend on Facebook - and also he now has quick access to the going ons in my life.

I think the funniest part about the whole situation is that after I learned that dad was on Facebook I texted my sister to see if she had also gotten a friend request from him. After laughing for a bit about that fact she realized that she didn't get a friend request from him!

So, should I be reveling in the fact that he sent one to me? Or question the fact that he sent one to me and NOT my sister?

I'm a geek... part 2

2010-02-04T14:36:00.003-05:00

This is a follow up to I'm a geek... which you can read here.

As you may very well know I've been waiting patiently for the past few months to upgrade to an iPhone. On Monday I was finally able to upgrade! (I wanted to wait until I could upgrade and not have to pay an arm and a leg for the phone. Thankfully the price of the iPhone has come down a bit since last year, so they are much more affordable).

For awhile I struggled with the decision of whether or not to get an iPhone 3G or and iPhone 3G S. Both phones are perfectly good phones... the 3 G s phone has a few more bells and whistles than the other though.

In the end I decided to get the 3 G S phone because I figured even if Apple comes out with a new iPhone model this summer (which there are rumors of) there really shouldn't be too many new features between the 3 G S and the newer model.

Since getting the iPhone I've been a little obsessed with it. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I spent most of the day and night downloading apps, playing games, and texting friends to tell them of my new acquisition.

As I've said before, yes, I'm a geek... and a proud one at that!

Back to school...

2010-01-27T11:01:00.005-05:00

It may seem weird to say I'm going back to school (being that I'm a teacher and I go to school everyday!) but this spring I decided to take a Spanish class.

Learning Spanish is something that I've been meaning to do for awhile now, but have never followed through putting forth the time and effort needed to learn the language. I bought The Rosetta Stone (for Spanish) a couple of years ago and haven't even gotten past the first disk! I figure it would be helpful to learn (as well as be able to speak and understand) Spanish due to the world we live in now. Most of my students are Hispanic and speak Spanish. It would be helpful to know at least a few Spanish phrases so that I may help them.

Thankfully since I'm a FCPS teacher I can take college level classes (sponsored by and taught by FCPS teacher) for free. The Spanish class is labeled as Spanish for Educators which gears the lessons more towards teachers and the phrases we would need to know the most.

Last night was the first of many classes (runs all the way through May 11th!) and although I was slightly overwhelmed I am also excited to be learning something new. So, we'll see how it goes.

¡hasta la vista!

Love Harder...

2010-01-20T21:13:00.005-05:00

This is for Brandy and all the bloggers out there that have banded together in support of her.

Her story urges us all to love and cherish those around us, and how precious life really is.

So for that Brandy, I thank you.

All about ME Monday

2010-01-18T21:16:00.010-05:00

To celebrate another "manic Monday" I've decided to borrow a meme from Moonjava.

Check out her posting here.

What are you currently reading? I'm rereading some of my old favorites: Shopaholic Takes Manhatan and Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella and Lamb by Christopher Moore, Nanny Returns: A Novel by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus to just say a few

When do you find the time to read? Usually during lunch and before I go to bed

Where do you do most of your reading? typically in bed or lounging on the couch

How do you choose what you read? Favorite authors or what people recommend

From where do you get most of your books? Local library, book store, or a gift

What do you do with a book after you've finished reading it? Return the book or pass it along to someone else

What are your book (reading) quirks? Sometimes I reread books after awhile, just to revisit it - like visiting an old friend.

Happy 101!

2010-01-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

I'd like to thank Moonjava from Moonjava's Muse for tagging me with this wonderful award.

The rules are to list 10 things that make me happy, and to try and do at least one of them today. Then tag 10 bloggers that brighten my day, and the bloggers should link back to my blog so I can read their happy lists!

So here's my list:

1) Reading: I am a bookworm. I think I have at least 8 or so books on my bedside table to read.

2) Chocolate: no explanation needed.

3) The Amazing Guy: it's fun snuggling up to him or just making him smile

4) Sleeping in: LOVE IT. I look forward to the weekends so much or holidays just for this fact alone.

5) My favorite TV shows (HOUSE, Big Bang Theory, Chopped, Iron Chef America, Criminal Minds)... I'm a fanatic about these shows.

6) My computer. I don't know what I would do without internet access.

7) Playing board games/ video games with friends. We hardly go a day without play Catan or the Wii

8) Junk food: Pizza, hamburgers, all that bad stuff that is horrible for you... .yet so yummy.

9) Snow (because sometimes it gives me a delay or a SNOW DAY!)

10) Dreaming about my iPhone that I can purchase 2/1/10... is it bad that I've actually started making a list of apps that I want to download once I have my phone? Okay so I'm a LITTLE obsessed....

I'm tagging the following blogs (and therefore their bloggers):

1. Livit, Luvit

2. I Hate So Much

3. Rachel, Rachel I've Been Thinking

4. Your Wishcake

5. SteverOnline

6. The B Log

7. Baby Birder

8. Do you Come Here Often?

9. My Road to Hope

10. PostSecret

1 year anniversary....

2010-01-16T20:54:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe but The Amazing Guy and I shared our 1 year anniversary together last Sunday.

To celebrate he decided to surprise me with dinner at The Melting Pot.

It was a nice surprise because I have never been to The Melting Pot and I had mentioned that I would like to go sometime...

For dinner we decided to get the Fiesta Cheese Fondue for our first course. It was good. Chips, bread, apples, and some veggies to dip into some (slightly spicy) cheese. It was fun - we both tried a little bit of everything. I found that the granny smith apples and the cheese were fantastic!

After that we had the The Melting Pot House Salad. Pretty much it was a standard salad with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, croutons, and sliced eggs with your chose of a ranch dressing or sweet and tangy house dressing. I decided to get the the salad with tangy house dressing and it was so so.

For our third course we went with the "Fondue Feast" which was pieces of: Fillet Mignon, NY Strip, Apple wood Smoked Bratwurst, Marinated Shrimp, Roasted Garlic Crusted Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato Ravioli, and Fresh Vegetables. Our cooking broth we chose was the Mojo Style: Caribbean-seasoned bouillon with distinctive flavors of fresh garlic with a citrus flair! The food was fantastic! We both had fun "cooking" our food on our skewers while laughing and just enjoying the experience.

By that time we were pretty full but we HAD to have dessert so we decided on a small pot of milk chocolate with tons of dippers to enjoy (strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, Rice Krispies Treats, marshmallows, pound cake, and brownies). My favorite had to be either the cheesecake or the strawberries and bananas. The cheesecake when dipped in the chocolate literally melted in my mouth.

All in all it was a great experience. I know I had a great time spending time with The Amazing Guy during dinner. It was nice to have a special dinner out to celebrate our 1st year together and he made it a truly special and memorable experience.

2009: A Year in Review....

2010-01-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a little behind the curve here.... anyways here’s a quick wrap up of my 2009

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before.... Moved in with my boyfriend
Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year... I don’t remember what my New Year’s resolution was last year, and I have no clue what this year’s resolution will be
Did anyone close to you give birth... Some of my friends are currently pregnant, but no one gave birth in 2009
Did anyone close to you die... Thankfully no
What countries did you visit... Stayed in the US this year
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009... To be debt free
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why... Jan 12, 2009 my first date with my boyfriend
What was your biggest achievement of the year... surviving it
What was your biggest failure... Letting stress run my life
Did you suffer illness or injury... No, thankfully
What was the best thing you bought... BOOKS!
Whose behavior merited celebration... Those near and dear to me
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed... My family
Where did most of your money go... Rent and utilities
What did you get really, really, really excited about... Christmas
What song will always remind you of 2009... Jack Johnson “Upside Down”
What do you wish you'd done more of... Going to the gym
What do you wish you'd done less of... Impulse shopping
How did you spend Christmas... In Virginia with the boyfriend then to WV to see friends and family
Did you fall in love in 2009... Yes
How many one-night stands... None after the boyfriend and I decided to date exclusively
What was your favorite TV program... Criminal Minds or Iron Chef America
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year... I try not to hate anyone, however that being said there may be some that I dislike
What was the best book you read... I've read a lot of good books this year so it’s hard to choose just one
What was your greatest musical discovery... “Finding” old favorites again
What did you want and get... books and DVDs
What did you want and not get... A new car
What were your favorite films of this year... The Blind Side or Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you... Share a birthday party with The Amazing Guy and The Redskins Fan
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying... I’m pretty happy these days
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009... Comfort over “fashionability”
What kept you sane... My friends and my boyfriend
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most... Hugh Laurie- HOUSE
What political issue stirred you the most... The budget for Fairfax County Public Schools… it makes me worry
Who did you miss... My mom.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009... Try to see the best in all people
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Forget Regret… or life is yours to miss… No Day but Today!” (RENT)

Here's to a Happy New Year to All!!! :)

It's beginning to look....

2009-12-05T20:03:00.004-05:00

like Christmas!

I know I've said this before, but I'm such a kid. Yesterday night when I was heading to bed I knew there was a chance of snow for the weekend but didn't really give it a second thought. Around D.C. any predictions of snow are taken with a grain of salt... pretty much I'll see it when I believe it.

Surprisingly when I woke up this morning and came downstairs to make myself some breakfast I almost fell over when I saw snow falling outside (and accumulating!). I was even more shocked as the snow continued to fall throughout the day- and is still falling!

Today The Librarian, The Redskins Fan, and I went to the Leesburg Outlet to do a little shopping. I didn't really find anything extraordinary. One good find was I found some nice plain Christmas stockings for only $ 1.99 (originally $ 15.99). The Librarian, The Redskins Fan, The Amazing Guy, and I have all been looking for some nice Christmas stockings that were plain so that we could decorate them. The Redskins Fan had found some stockings, but hadn't really had any luck. So it was totally by chance I found the Christmas stockings at Pottery Barn today. It was such a good deal that I had to get myself, The Amazing Guy, and of course Collins a stocking. Tomorrow I'll go to A.C. Moore to get some fun stuff we can decorate our stockings with.

After our shopping trip today we all decorated our Christmas tree and The Redskins Fan and The Librarian decorated their Christmas stockings.

I have to say this is one of the few Christmases where I have almost finished all my Christmas shopping this early. There have been many times in the past I was out on Christmas Eve shopping.

I'm excited that this will be my first Christmas with The Amazing Guy. We'll see how it goes.

Miracles do happen...

2009-11-05T18:53:00.004-05:00

Today when I was checking Facebook I saw this message on one of my friend's pages...

" ______ is praying all the people she knows at Fort Hood are safe. I am praying for the whole post and the families that lost loved ones."

after reading that I nearly had a heart attack.

My best friend, The Army Guy, is currently stationed at Fort Hood! The Army Guy has been my friend since Kindergarten (going on 22 years now).

With my hands trembling I grabbed my cell phone and quickly dialed The Army Guy's cell number... to which it goes straight to voicemail. It was just about then that panic mode set in. I called The Army Guy back and when it switched over to voicemail I left him a rambling message saying that if he was okay to please call or text me, to give me piece of mind (and to prevent a heart attack). After a few long minutes The Army Guy calls me back assuring me that yes he is okay and that he will call me later.

Apparently he was on duty on the other side of the base and didn't know that anything was evening happening until the base was put on lock down, but since he was still on guard duty he wasn't supposed to have his cell phone, or even be talking on it.

After I knew he was okay I felt a lot better. Although it started me thinking about how life can be gone in just an instant. I know that being in the army The Army Guy isn't always going to be in the safest locations or situations, but I do worry about him. I can't even imagine what life would be life without him. He's one of my nearest and dearest friends. I consider his family as just an extension of my own family- and his family feels the same.

It's amazing how my friends, even though we may not talk to each other, but when needed we are always there for each other. Another one of my friends called me and asked if I knew/ or heard from The Army Guy. When I assured him that I had, and that The Army Guy was safe, he then told me he would call some of our other friends to spread the news.

I also talked to The Army Guy's mother - to make sure she knew that her son was safe. She said that thankfully she knew, and was also able to briefly talk to The Army Guy. We shared the information that we each knew making sure we both had the most updated information.

Although I am glad that The Army Guy is safe - and okay, I do think about how this day could have ended in a totally different way. There are families out there now that instead of getting good news, are receiving some of the worst news they will ever get. The soldiers that were killed or injured at Fort Hood, as well as their families are in my thoughts tonight.

Halloween Fun

2009-10-31T23:48:00.005-04:00

"There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin."

– Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Since it is Halloween I thought I would share a funny picture of Collins with a fish hat on. In lieu of dressing up in a costume this year I thought dressing up Collins would be fun, or at least amusing.

This year my Halloween weekend has been busy with 1st quarter report cards and prepping for parent teacher conferences (that are on Monday and Tuesday).

Although I think Collins had other ideas about being dressed up as a fish. After taking the picture Collins decided to yack on the carpet. Touche cat.... little do you know that on Tuesday you're getting declawed.

Moving day!

2009-10-26T22:29:00.003-04:00

So, this weekend was the "big move" to The Amazing Guy's townhouse.

The weekend did not start out in a good note though...

On Thursday night when I was leaving work my car flipped out. The alarm system went haywire. Every time I tried to unlock my car with the remote the car was not responding. I figured it was just a dead battery in my remote, but due to my history with car issues I promptly called The Amazing Guy to ask for some sort of help. He also agreed that it was probably a dead battery in my car remote so we went to Walgreen's to buy a new battery for the remote. Did it work... NO. So, I rode back to The Amazing Guy's townhouse in his car and just left my car at work. When we were back at his place I looked over the manuals to see if there was a way to override the alarm system. Later The Amazing Guy and The Redskins Fan headed back to my car to override the alarm system and bring my car over to The Amazing Guy's townhouse.

Thankfully I had already taken Friday off from work so that I could finish packing and moving some stuff over to the townhouse from my apartment. Unfortunately most of the morning/afternoon The Amazing Guy and I spent at the Mazda car dealership trying to sort out my car troubles. After almost two hours the Mazda techs were able to reprogram my alarm and we ordered a new remote for me. While we were there I figured I would have them put some air in my tires because they have been looking a little low lately.... come to find out that my front driver side tire had a NAIL in it. That's right.... a nail. Fortunately they removed the nail and sealed the tire - for no charge. After that was sorted out The Amazing Guy and I headed over to my apartment to finish packing up everything and start moving over some boxes. After three car trips we finished moving all the boxes and decided to call it a night.

On Saturday The Amazing Guy and I woke up to rain... just my luck right? Of all the days to move I pick one where it is raining- wait not just raining POURING. Thankfully I had the foresight to hire movers to move the heavy stuff. With all the moving I've done over the years I've tried lots of different moving companies. I have to say My Truck Buddy movers were awesome. They were professional, efficient, cheap, and very friendly/ nice guys. Seriously if you're looking for great movers in the DC Metro area check out their website. I highly recommend them.

Anyways, Sunday The Amazing Guy and I headed back over to my apartment to finish cleaning the apartment (vacuuming, washing the walls, cleaning all the kitty nose prints off the windows, etc.) I also started unpacking some of my stuff. To finish the day off The Amazing Guy and I headed over to Wegmans to do some grocery shopping for the week.

On Monday, I decided to take another day off from work to make sure I had enough time to unpack my clothes for work (also Mondays are short days for FCPS teachers and I have tons of sick days banked up, so why not use them). The Amazing Guy and I also decided to run some errands. To start we headed over to the Loudoun County Treasurer Office so I could get my Loudoun County Car Decal. In all the different places I've lived in NOVA this is the first time I've ever had to buy a county car decal. Thankfully I already updated my driver's license and car registration so it made the process a little easier. In about 10 minutes we were done. After that we headed over to Target to pick up a few things then over to Costco.

As much as I hate moving I have to say I'm excited about moving in with The Amazing Guy. It's a big step for me. I've never lived with a boyfriend before. I think Collins is enjoying the move too. The Amazing Guy's townhouse is a lot bigger than any of my old apartments so Collins has a lot more space to explore. It was a little funny because when he first arrived at the townhouse he was a little hesitant to go up the first flight of steps because he's never lived in a place with steps before. After some coaxing he quickly got over his fears or reservations about stairs.

T minus 5 days....

2009-10-19T19:54:00.005-04:00

So the big move is rapidly approaching... as crazy as it sounds I think I may be ready for it. (Well to some degree)

I think I've almost packed up everything....

Last Saturday The Amazing Guy and I went over to my apartment to pack up my kitchen stuff as well as some other odds and ends.

It's amazing how much crap a person can accumulate in just a short amount of time... I've moved every year that I've lived in Virginia and you would think I would learn not to accumulate too much stuff.

After about 3 hours of packing even though we were making some headway with everything I was done for the day. I needed to stop and regroup a bit.

Throughout this whole experience I've learned that guys view things differently from girls. In my head I have everything planned out- and it makes sense to me. However, my logic doesn't always translate easily to others. I know at times I leave The Amazing Guy confused.

I've also realized that in packing The Amazing Guy is much more methodical and detail oriented than I am. On Saturday I was pretty much just throwing things in boxes haphazardly because I just wanted to be done with it all (and most of the boxes I would unpack on Saturday or Sunday this week). Whereas he was carefully wrapping everything and packing them neatly. I'm sure he was taking extra care because he was helping pack up my things, and didn't want to be held responsible if anything would be broken, lost, or whatnot.

I think I've realized that as much as I like my material possessions they are just that. Material things. They can be replaced. I don't worry too much about them.

Anyways, after packing for a bit on Saturday we went and saw the movie Law Abiding Citizen. Overall it was a pretty good movie. Gerald Butler and Jamie Foxx are both awesome in the movie. And some of the scenes are spectacular!

However that being said the ending was horrible. I am tired of movies being great all the way to the end, when most of the time the ending is a big let down.

This week I've decided to take Friday off from work so The Amazing Guy and I can move some of the boxes from my place to his place (so that I don't have to pay the movers too much on Saturday). Also to give me a bit so I don't freak out and spaz too much on Saturday.

Then on Saturday it's moving day!

As nervous and stressed out as I am about the move I am also really excited about it. I've never lived with a boyfriend before. I think The Amazing Guy and I are both realistic enough to know that it will be different - to some degree. However we've practically been living together for the past 8 months. It's just not we will both actually share the same address.

Which will be spectacular! No more back and forth between two places!

Keep your fingers crossed that we will have good weather for moving on Saturday!

Friday 5: Loud...

2009-10-16T10:54:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since my last Friday 5 (hangs my head in shame)... once the big move is over I'm going to make an effort to start blogging regularly again. I do miss it, but life has just been a little too crazy with all the packing, moving, and all that fun stuff.

Anyways... welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

You are welcome to participate in the Friday 5 - all you have to do is just copy these questions to your online journal or blog. Then answer the questions there, and don't forget to link your page to the Friday 5 website as well.

The Friday 5: Loud...

When in the past seven days were you loudest?

I feel like I'm loud everyday when I have to yell over my students - to make them be quiet

In the past seven days, what was loud but not noisy?

NPR on the radio in the morning when I drive to work. It is loud because I am still half asleep and I need it loud so I don't fall back asleep, also because I want to hear the news.

In the past seven days, what was not especially loud but quite noisy?

Even when my students whisper and TRY to talk quietly it ends up being pretty noisy.

In the past seven days, what was something that was not allowed?

Using The Redskins Fan's Redskins blanket. Apparently he's a little territorial
over people other than himself using it.
What are those clouds gathering on your horizon for the next week?

preparing for the big move into The Amazing Guy's townhouse.

Swine Flu?

2009-10-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

So, I'm not saying my school has had any confirmed cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) but today out of 19 students I only have 10 that are here today. With that being said I spent most of the morning sanitizing and cleaning everything in my classroom in the hopes of getting rid of any germs that were there.

Although it is a bit drastic it's getting to the point that I want to spray all of the kids with Lysol when they come in the classroom just to disinfect them. What can I say - kids are germ factories. EW.

Wedding dress shopping...

2009-10-04T21:00:00.008-04:00

On Friday my sister and I headed out to go wedding dress shopping. We were joined by The Amazing Guy, her fiance, as well as my aunt, and one of my younger cousins. After some quick researching we decided out best bet was at The White Orchid.

A few months ago my sister and my aunt had gone to David's Bridal to look at some wedding dresses (just to get an idea of what types of styles are out there now). The event was so disastrous that my sister had decided to never set foot inside another David's Bridal again - at least willingly.

And yes her fiance decided to go with her wedding dress shopping. They knew it was a little unconventional... but they are okay with that.

When we arrived at The White Orchid there was already another bride there trying on some wedding dresses.

Since we did not make an appointment we were shuffled to the downstairs to look at some wedding dress designs while the salespeople there could clear out a dressing room for my sister to try on some wedding dresses.

After a few minutes we were welcomed back upstairs and my sister was asked few questions by a salesperson. With my sisters answers the salesperson was able to pick out 3 or 4 dresses that she thought my sister would like. As the sister (and Maid of Honor) I was assigned the job of taking pictures and writing down style numbers of dresses.

Within a few minutes my sister came out of the dressing room with the first wedding dress on, and it was beautiful. I loved it.

Of course I love sparkles so I soon as I saw it I was sold. However it is not my wedding, or wedding dress choice, so I knew to keep my mouth shut. Unless asked for my opinion of course.

My sister loved the fit of the dress...the one thing that she didn't like was that the train on the back of the dress was really long- which made the dress really heavy and hard to walk in. Otherwise she liked it.

Next she went back in the dressing room to try on another dress. As soon as she tried on the second dress and walked out of the dressing room she said "This is it, I'm done." No one really believed it. The salesperson kept saying, "Really? You're done? Are you sure you don't want to try on another one?" All the while she kept saying, "Nope, I'm done- this is it."

I was shocked. My sister is not one to make these kinds of decisions that quickly. If anything she is the one that takes FOREVER to decide anything.

After deciding on the wedding dress we started looking for the bridesmaid dresses. After about 20 minutes and 5 dresses later we finally narrowed down the picks to two different dresses. Finally my sister decided on a green dress for the bridesmaids.

Overall the trip was a success. The wedding dress is partially paid for. Also two of the bridesmaid dresses are also partially paid off. Sweet!

Now if we only knew where the wedding and reception will be at... but that's another story for another day.

Wedding Mania surfaces again...

2009-09-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

So, my sister is slowly getting closer and closer to actually getting married. Surprising I know.

Last year when she picked June 26, 2010 as her wedding date I think the whole family took her proclamation with a grain of salt, as in sure, sure... we'll see if it actually happens.

What you should know about my sister is although she has awesome ideas she sometimes lacks the follow through needed to complete her ideas.

Anyways, back to the wedding mania.

I think she may actually get married in June. My reasoning is that she's actually actively started wedding planning (GASP!). I think she may have actually picked a venue site for the wedding and reception!

Before she picked a date she had considered getting married in our home town (Wheeling, WV), getting married at the beach, getting married somewhere in South Carolina, or just running off and eloping.

Currently she has set her sights on getting married at the South Carolina Aquarium. I have to say I'm a little excited about the idea. I mean think about it...who do you know has ever gotten married at an aquarium. I mean just think about how awesome her pictures will be. And it will definitely be a memorable wedding. If not just for the fact of getting married at an aquarium. No one would ever be able to top that.

Secretly I thought it would be funny if when my sister and her fiance were saying their vows behind them there was a giant great white shark mouth open wide (as if it would look like it was going to eat them). Yes, I'm horrible. Come on... you know you thought it too.

In addition to actually picking a venue for the ceremony and reception- my sister has asked me to go and help her find her wedding dress. (Fun stuff right)

So, on Friday we are going to go shopping and start looking for a wedding dress for her. One of our cousin's and an aunt will also be joining us in our "fun" search. I think mainly just to bear witness so I won't kill my sister in the process of trying to find her a dress. I'm seriously thinking about packing a flask to help me get through the day... you would do it too. (if you knew my sister).

So, we'll see. I'm wondering how all the wedding preparations will turn out. So far my sister seems determined to prove herself and actually get married on June 26, 2010.

~~~~~

In other news one of my coworkers just recently got engaged. Marriage and wedding seems to be everywhere!

Life on Fast Forward...

2009-09-23T16:38:00.002-04:00

I hate when it feels like life has been stuck on fast forward... and it's felt like that for at least the last month. Perhaps it is just because of all the changes that are happening in my life. Things like...

starting off a new school year (and all the chaos and craziness that goes along with that
reorganizing classes again due to increased enrollment
(trying) to pack and get ready for the big move to The Amazing Guy's townhouse
And to top it all off going wedding dress shopping with my sister

With all of that I've been trying to stay calm and not stress/freak out, however at sometimes I fail, miserably. I hate to be cranky or grumpy and unfortunately The Amazing Guy has taken the most abuse for that. Fortunately for some odd reason he still loves me (crankiness and all) and is still around.

Last night at school we had Back to School Night. BTSN is always crazy. The parents are welcomed in to the school to see what we've been up to since the last time I've seen them (which was just 2 weeks ago at Open House). Usually I just give a 30 minute talk that outlines my goals/objectives as well as the rules and procedures for the classroom.

Since BTSN is now over life should calm down a bit...at least until the end of the first quarter when grades are due and I have to prep for Parent/Teacher conferences, but that's just part of being a teacher I suppose.

At least there is something to work towards this week... this weekend my aunt is visiting DC for a conference and she has invited The Amazing Guy and myself out for dinner at Buca di Beppo (A FANTASTIC Italian restaurant). In addition, on Saturday The National Book Festival down on the National Mall. If you've ever been to it The Book Festival is awesome! This year there are tons of great authors that will be there for book talks AND book signings! I'm hoping to get a few books signed by some of my favorite authors.

So until then... just a few more days until the weekend.

Life Updates...

2009-09-10T21:05:00.004-04:00

So, as of Saturday The Amazing Guy and I will have been dating for 8 months now. Hard to believe huh? It's one of the longest relationships I've had lately, and by far the most serious. He's one of the few guys I can say I could actually see spending the rest of my life with him.

It's hard to believe that the time has gone by so quickly. At times I think back over the past year and how much things have changed, yet stayed the same.

I'm not complaining about life... if anything, life is good! My sister has (finally!) started her wedding planning, work is good, and I have a good guy in my life... to top it all off The Amazing Guy has asked me to move in with him! (My current apartment lease is up in November so this solves the question of what I would do next and where I would live).

Now as excited as I am about this new development in our relationship I do have a few worries... (mainly just my own insecurities though).

I've never lived with a boy before. And even though I spend most of my time with The Amazing Guy actually LIVING with him is different. I wouldn't have the safety of my own place if ever I would need it. And what if it doesn't work out between us... then what? I don't expect anything bad to happen between the two of us, but I'm enough of a realist to know life happens.

So, we'll see what happens. I don't move in until the end of October so until then I have to start packing up all of my stuff. Thankfully I've hired movers to move everything so hopefully it won't be too bad moving (again).

Remember me...?

2009-09-08T20:14:00.005-04:00

Hi all!

I'm back! I know it's been forever and a day since my last blog. My sincere apologies... lack of Internet access, lack of time, as well as too many things to do in just a few days have kept me busy for the past couple of weeks. I know - no excuses!

Anyways, I am now back at work starting off a new school year in 2nd grade once again. Today was my first day of school with a whole new class. I think it will be a good year. So far it seems like I have a pretty good group of students this year. We'll see how that goes as the year progresses.

So, check back from time to time to see my new musings.

Countdown to the beach...

2009-08-10T15:51:00.003-04:00

This week has been busy with beach preparations: planning what food/supplies to take, washing and packing clothes, as well as trying to get everything in order for the week I'll be gone. As prepared as I like to be I always feel like I forget something when packing and going away. It's hard trying to plan for a big group of people going to the beach.

My sister and I are trying to start a yearly tradition of going to the Outer Banks together. Going to the beach was one of our favorite memories as kids, so we thought it would be fun to carry on the beach tradition as adults. We've come a long way from just a group of 4 going to the beach! This year we have a total of 10 people going and we have an AWESOME beach house rental.

I'm excited for the trip - to be going to the beach, but also sad because it will mean the end to my summer. When we return from the beach trip The Amazing Guy will start back to school (taking 10 credit hours at NOVA) and it will be time for me to head back to work (teaching 2nd grade). As much as I am ready for school to start again I have to say I am also sad to see it end.

Anyways, I may or may not have a chance to blog before the beach trip. If not, I'll be back in a week or so!

Only 4 more days left until OBX 2009!

Six Word Memoirs...

2009-08-05T23:05:00.004-04:00

I recently read the book Six Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak. The premise of the book is that people write their own feelings about love and heartbreak, the trick is using just six words. At first I thought six words, that's nothing. Piece of cake right? Not really.

After some thought here are my own six work memoirs - two on love and one on heartbreak.

~~~~~

Heartbreak

Feel heartache

disappointment

confusion

and

doubt...

~~~~~

Love

Upside down- inside out

Feeling butterflies...

Found Prince Charming?

Time will tell...

So, now I challenge you to try and write your own six word memoir- either on love or heartbreak... good luck!

Busy times...

2009-08-04T21:53:00.005-04:00

So, I know I haven't been blogging lately... I've been busy traveling and house & dog sitting without Internet access (other than having my cell phone) so I wasn't able to do much blogging. I know, I know that's not an excuse. Anyways, to my few followers hopefully I was missed... stay tuned for LOTS of blog postings soon! That's a promise!

Anyways.....

On Saturday, August 1st The Amazing Guy, The Librarian, The Redskins Fan, and I went to an Red Cross Blood Drive to donate blood. As an incentive the Red Cross was offering VIP tickets to the Redskins training camp for the following day, as well as a Redskins beanie and player book (and a raffle for tickets to a game or some signed memorabilia).

The Redskins Fan was donating double red blood cells (plasma) while the rest of us were just donating standard blood.

We all had appointment times for 10:45 am and were checked in by 10:30 am (or so). As our numbers were called we each were individually taken to a separate partition so that the workers could collect our medical information/history. Once we passed the initial screening we were ushered back to a separate room where the nurses were collecting the blood being donated (usually one nurse per 2 people).

When I was trying to donate blood I pretty much got to play musical chairs.... I started in one chair with the nurse trying to get blood from my right arm. While she was sticking my arm the vein she was using rolled and then proceeded to collapse (fun stuff... right?).

Not really.... it didn't hurt until she started stabbing around my arm to find another usable vein, while the needle was still in my arm. After a few seconds of pain her supervisor walked over to check her progress. He recommended they switch arms and try finding a vein in my left arm instead of continuing to stab my right arm.

THANK YOU!

After that they quickly moved me to a new chair next to my previous chair. Thankfully it was a new nurse!

I had to switch chairs one more time after this because the chair next to me was also a right arm donation chair and I needed a left arm donation chair.

Once that problem was resolved the new nurse checked my left arm to see if she could find a usable vein. After some searching she found a vein and the supervisor came over and stuck me with the needle (just so I wouldn't have any problems like before). Everyone else (even The Redskins Fan- who had donated plasma instead of just blood) finished up before I had even started giving blood. Thankfully once they found the vein and stuck me it only took about 10 minutes.

Later that night The Amazing Guy and The Redskins Fan's 10 year high school reunion. The reunion was in Fall Church at Velocity Five. The reunion was fun because I was able to meet some of The Amazing Guy's high school friends and learning more about what he was like back in the day. Since we were going to the Redskins training camp the next morning we only stayed until about 10 pm or so and headed home to get to bed.

As much fun as The Amazing Guy's reunion was it didn't make me miss or feel sad that I missed my own 10 year high school reunion.

The next morning for the Redskins Training Camp we all woke up around 6:45 am so that we could get up and ready by 7:30 am. Parking for the training camp usually opens up 90 minutes before the start of the camp, and parking is on a first come, first serve basis. Fortunately we were able to get a pretty good parking spot and quickly went through the line to walk down to the football field.

The training camp didn't officially start until 8:30 am so we had some time to kill until then. With our VIP pass we were right on the sideline of the football field! The Amazing Guy and The Redskins Fan were pretty excited and were taking a bunch of pictures.

The Librarian and I were pretty much just chatted and hung out during the training camp since she's a Bronco's fan and I'm a Steelers fan.

Anyways, it wasn't too bad. Even though I'm not a huge Redskins fan it was cool watching a pro football team practice. The only part that sucked was that it rained for most of the morning. Being out in the rain isn't fun when you don't have an umbrella or a hat, but I was a trooper and put up with it.

I just told The Amazing Guy he now owes me.

Friday 5: Usefulness...

2009-07-24T12:46:00.002-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Usefulness...

What's something in your possession that has long outlived its usefulness?

My old Dell desktop computer. I think it's (at least) 6 years old. It's destined for the junk heap soon.

Who in your life has proven to be a very useful person to know?

The Army Guy. He's been my best friend for practically my whole life. We've helped each other through break ups, family members dying, good times, bad times, etc.

For group projects requiring collaborative planning and then collaborative execution, in what capacity are you most useful?

I'm usually the OCD person that makes sure everything is completed and that everyone is doing the job that they are responsible for doing.

What's something someone gave you that you didn't think much of but later became surprisingly useful?

Swiffer Wet Jet - it's magic!

What is the most useful book in your house?

A Modern Girl's Guide to life

Take me home... country roads.

2009-07-23T21:25:00.006-04:00

On Saturday The Amazing Guy and I headed out for Huntington, WV. The purpose of the trip was to visit my sister and to show The Amazing Guy Huntington and Marshall University's campus.

The drive to WV wasn't too bad. The Amazing Guy wanted to try out a "new" route instead of my usual route I would take (I 79 South). After getting slightly lost around Rt. 15 we (finally) found Rt. 50.

Those that are not familiar with Rt. 50 let me just tell you that it is an "interesting" road. Talk about lots of twists and turns... ugg. I think it took us at least an hour longer than we had planned due to the mountains and the twisty roads. Let me just say NEVER again!

When we arrived in Huntington we decided to swing by my sister's work to have dinner and pick up the house key from her. She's a waitress at The Hall of Fame Cafe, one of the restaurants in Pullman's Square. Dinner was good. As a waitress she was able to give us some great deals (free appetizer and free dessert!). Thankfully the restaurant wasn't too busy so she was able to sit and chat quite a bit. After we finished dinner The Amazing Guy and I headed over to her house to wait for her and her fiance to get home from work (he's also a waiter/bartender- but at Chilly Willy's). Not long after they got home we (The Amazing Guy and I) both headed to bed a little early that night since we both were pretty tired.

On Sunday The Amazing Guy and I headed over to campus after grabbing a quick lunch at G. D. Ritzy's. It was fun having lunch at G. D. Ritzy's - they have AWESOME fries and burgers. I gave The Amazing Guy a quick tour of campus while we walked around. Since it was Sunday most of the buildings were closed - so we were just able to see the outside of the buildings. I was surprised to see how much Marshall's campus has changed since I was there last. There are lots of new buildings! It made me a little nostalgic seeing campus again, and walking around.

When we got back to the house my sister was still at work, but her fiance was at home playing outside with their dog, Holly. He suggested we all head over to Ritter Park - since it was a BEAUTIFUL day. We all thought it was a great idea so we hopped in the car and went over to Ritter to play some soccer and throw a Frisbee around. We took Holly with us, and I think she had as much fun, if not more than we did.

After awhile we all headed back to the house - mainly because my sister's fiance had to get ready for work. That night The Amazing Guy, my sister, and I decided to go to Chilly Willy's for dinner. Thankfully since her fiance was working the bar so we were able to get dinner practically for free! When he got off from work we all headed over to Mac's (one of the local bars) to hang out with some of their friends while there we played a couple of games of pool and darts while chatting. Around 2:30 am we headed over to Jimmy John's for some delicious sub sandwiches. Not long after getting back home we all headed to bed.

The next day we headed out to the mall to go shopping. I was on the hunt for a bathing suit and my sister wanted to look at a few stores (to see if anything good was on sale). We ended up going to Old Navy- my sister found a few cute t shirts on sale and I found some cute graphic tees. After that we headed over to Macy's - my sister bought some Mac eye shadows and I bought a pair of Fit Flops. We then left the mall and went to Target - where my sister bought an ottoman (random I know...) and then we headed over to Marshall's to scope out some good deals. The Amazing Guy actually found a pretty cool Marshall shirt for only 13 dollars! That night The Amazing Guy and I met some of my friends at Chili's for dinner. It was fun hanging out with them and catching up while reminiscing about our fun times.

On Tuesday we didn't really do anything. Mostly we just took it easy reading, sleeping, and just enjoying doing nothing. For dinner we got Chinese food from Hibachi's (The BEST Chinese food in Huntington) and ate it while watching a movie (Righteous Kill).

Good movie by the way. The ending totally took me by surprise!

I have to say overall it was a good trip. It was nice seeing and catching up with friends, as well as seeing all the old sights.

I also realized how much I miss my sister when we're not together. I know at times she can be a pain, and she gets on my nerves... but I love her. I was glad that we were able to have some good talks and we were able to spend some quality time together.

I am amazed at how much she has really grown up, especially in the last few years. She surprises me at times. I have to say I am proud to be able to see what type of person she has become- and I hope that as her big sister/ pseudo mother that I had some part in raising her, and helping her become who she is today.

~~~~~~~~~~

In other news my sister and her fiance have pretty much decided to elope for their wedding... whether or not they actually go through with it will be another story. If they do that would be one less bridesmaid dress I would have to buy!

We Are... Marshall!

2009-07-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

On Saturday (today) The Amazing Guy and I are headed to Huntington, WV to visit my sister and her fiance. My sister and I (as well as her fiance) all attended Marshall University for our degrees: my sister with a double degree in advertising and sociology, her fiance with a degree in biology (currently working on his masters in biology), and me with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Special Education/Gifted Education.

You might be familiar with Marshall due to the movie We Are... Marshall. The movie is based on the 1970 plane crash that killed most of the football team, coaching staff, and community members. (Matthew McConnahey and Matthew Fox both starred in the cast).

When we get back I'll write up about all of our adventures.

Friday 5: Scattergories...

2009-07-17T14:18:00.003-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Scattergories...

What random letter was generated by the online random letter generator?

t

With what famous person, whose name begins with the letter in question 1, would you most like to be stuck on a desert island?

Tom Hanks - he seems cool, and he survived living on a deserted island in Castaway

What food item, whose name begins with the letter in question 1, can always be found in your pantry?

Tomato Sauce (namely spagetti sauce)

What song, whose title begins with the letter in question 1, always makes you feel good?

This Love- Maroon 5

What is your least favorite film whose title begins with the letter in question 1?

The Three Amigos

What unusual animal, whose name begins with the letter in question 1, would be a fun pet?

Turtle. Ever since going to the Baltimore Aquarium I've wanted a turtle....

You're a keeper...

2009-07-13T19:13:00.009-04:00

Many thanks to Miss Scorpio of Do you Run Often? for passing along the

Keepsake Blog Award to me.

Here are the rules that apply to the award:

1. Post a funny or sweet keepsake that tells something about you.

2. Pass the award on to 10 other bloggers that you think are keepers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My keepsake that I choose is my library card.

Those that know me know that I LOVE books. If given the choice I will often choose to curl up with a good book.

Probably the best thing about having a library card is that I get access to tons of books for FREE!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I'm passing along this award to the following blogs- check them out! They are awesome!

- Rachel @ Rachel, Rachel I've been thinking

- Vittoria @ Always a drunk, never a bride

- Moonjava @ Moonjava's Muse

- Maxie @ I hate so much

- Lilu @ Live it, Love it

- Cheryl @ Confessions of a Twenty Something Year Old

- Brandy @ It's like I'm... Mmmagic!

- Wishcake @ Your Wishcake

- Hope @ Finding My Road to Inspiration

- ReDeeMed @ ReDeeMed

Trip to the vet...

2009-07-11T16:36:00.005-04:00

Recently I heard of a great invention for cats that like to scratch (or basically demolish) carpets: soft claws. Soft claws are vinyl nail covers for cats - and they say that after a few applications cats no longer feel the need to scratch.

Awesomeness right?

Well today I took Collins to the vet to have a new set of soft claws put on his paws. Needless to say he was less than happy with me. Some good news is that from his first set of soft claws he still had 4 nails from the first set that was applied about 2 1/2 months ago! (This is good because soft claws will fall off if a cat chews on them, scratches, and as the nail grows... so it means that Collins was able to keep some of them on!).

This morning when trying to get him in the cat carrier to take him to the vet he tried hiding in the shower. The funniest part of it is that my shower curtain (even though black) is see through, so Collins thought he was hiding from me, but I saw him and quickly snagged him and put him in his cat carrier. After a short ride in the car we arrived at the vet.

Once at the vet he resigned to the fact that he was at the vet and there was nothing he could do about it and his nails were clipped and the soft tips were applied (on all four paws) with little difficulty.

This is Collins's 2nd soft claws application and I've noticed that his carpet scratching/destruction has diminished (yay!).

At the moment Collins is back to pouting and hiding in the shower (thinking that I can't see him there pouting).

Friday 5: Holes...

2009-07-10T21:33:00.002-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Holes...

Where can you go for a really good bagel, and how do you like yours?

Some of the best bagels are from Panera. I LOVE the Cinnamon Crunch bagels. Think of little bites of crunchy goodness...

And bagels should always be toasted.

What is your favorite style of doughnut?

I like the ones with icing and sprinkles on them.

What's your favorite flavor of Lifesavers?

Cherry

What O shaped breakfast cereals do you like?

Honey Nut Cheerios

How do you feel about onion rings, and where can you get some good ones?

Onion rings can be awesome - any fast food restaurant I suppose...

Good morning, Baltimore!

2009-07-09T14:04:00.004-04:00

To celebrate six months together The Amazing Guy and I decided to take a day trip to Baltimore together. We both have been wanting to go to the Baltimore Aquarium and see the Inner Harbor so we figured, why not?

So on Wednesday morning we woke up around 8:30 am, grabbed a quick breakfast to go from McDonald's and hit the road. While driving we listened to Harry Potter (book 5) on CD to pass the time (yes we are dorks). Even with traffic it didn't take too long to get to Baltimore. We quickly parked and headed over to the Baltimore Aquarium.

While at the aquarium we saw the different exhibits and the dolphin show. The exhibits were pretty cool- my favorite exhibit was the Jellyfish exhibit. The Amazing Guy was all about the sharks (such a boy)...

When we finished at the aquarium We decided to get some lunch - The Amazing Guy chose to get a Potbelly sandwich while I got a burrito bol from Chipotle.

After lunch we went to see The Top of the World in the Baltimore World Trade Center Building. The 27th floor is made into an observation floor where you can see a 360 degree view of Baltimore. It was cool to see Baltimore from above. You could really see everything from a whole new perspective, and it's true from that height people look like little tiny ants.

After The Top of the World we headed over to The Gallery (a mall divided between 3 different building).

After some window shopping at The Gallery we walked over to Camden Yards (home of the Baltimore Orioles) to see the Sports Legends Museum. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from it. I didn't know if the museum would be all about baseball- or what, but I thought The Amazing Guy might enjoy it being a sports enthusiast. It turned out it was pretty cool.

After going to the Sports Legends Museum we headed over to check out the Best Buy and then Barnes & Noble (What? It's a book store. I had to. It's an addiction).

Then The Amazing Guy and I then walked around the harbor a bit (also to decide where to go for dinner). We're both indecisive so it took awhile to make a decision. We finally agreed to go to The Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. (I had wanted to get some seafood for dinner, but it was WAAAAY to expensive at any of the restaurants so I bought some crab cakes at Phillips Express for a quick bite, and so I could say I had some seafood in Baltimore).

Here's a picture of the harbor at night... Pretty isn't it.

While in Baltimore I also wanted to see the Charm City Cakes building (where they film The Food Network's show Ace of Cakes, oh and make cakes of course!). Too bad I wasn't able to see any of the bakers (like Duff Goldman or Geoff). Oh well. At least now I can say I've seen the building in person!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-05T11:00:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.

Go see some fireworks.

I did... here's just a clip from the Metz's Firework Extravnza....

Friday 5: Fireworks...

2009-07-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Fireworks...

How do you feel about fireworks displays?

Absolutely LOVE them! (Except the really loud ones).

What were the details surrounding one of your mishaps with fire?

Details are not being released at this time....

Who in your life could be described as a real firecracker?

My sister. For sure.

When did you last feel you were being put on display?

Whenever I meet more of The Amazing Guy's family and/or friends for the first time

How confident are you in your bbq skills?

nonexistent. I would burn something in a New York minute.

Elementary's premier performance...

2009-07-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

As promised in yesterday's blog today is a write up of Elementary's premier performance at the DC9 club in NW DC.

The Amazing Guy and I met up with J Tech to attend the gig. Since the gig was downtown we all decided that it was easiest to just catch the Metro in rather than try and drive downtown.

After about 30 minutes or so on the Metro we arrived on 9th street... and then couldn't find the club! After a few minutes of searching and the aid of J Tech's iPhone we found the DC9 club (thank you Google Maps- street view pictures).

Fortunately we arrived at DC9 just as the 1st band was finishing up. As soon as the first band finished up Elementary quickly set up their equipment. Once they were ready they did a quick sound check and started rocking out.

It wasn't a perfect performance; the vocals were a little hard to hear, and the band needs to work out a few kinks... but for the most part the performance was excellent.

When Elementary is performing you can see the passion and love for music they have, and they genuinely have fun when performing. Those are things you can't really fake. Your fans will always know if you do.

Any problems that Elementary may have had are easy to fix with just a few more shows.

Feel free to check out Elementary's website here.

And for those that are interested Elementary's next performance will be at the Velvet Lounge on July 15th! Perhaps I'll see you there...

WTF. Life throws me a curve ball today...

2009-06-30T18:13:00.004-04:00

So, today I was planning on blogging about Elementary's first gig at The DC 9 club last night-Monday 6/29 (which by the way was awesome! Check back tomorrow for a blog about the night), but life decided to throw me a curve ball today...

This morning when I was waking up I received a slightly disconcerting phone call from The Roommate.

In a brief side note, I hate getting phone calls in the morning.

One reason is that I sleep with my phone next to my ear so when it rings it scares THE BEJESUS out of me.

Second, it usually takes me a few minutes to figure out the phone is ringing, answer the blasted thing, talk coherently and then try and process and think to respond somewhat intelligibly to the person calling me...

Those that know me know NOT to call me in the morning if they want me to take them seriously. If anything text messages are better because they will still be there when I wake up and am functioning.

Anyways, she was calling because earlier that morning she received a phone call from our apartment leasing office informing her that someone from the Dulles Mall Lord & Taylor store had found our rent checks.

First reaction was - wait - WHAT? Our rent checks were where- and how the hell did they get there????

We both wrote out our July rent checks on Friday after a day of shopping. With that I promptly put the rent checks in an envelope so I could drop off the envelope at the leasing office on July 1st.

I also had a stack of bills that I was sending out as well as a few Netflix movies to put back in the mail. What I can surmise is that the rent check somehow got mixed in with the bills and when I went to mail the bills the rent check fell out somewhere....

So, enough with the mystery about HOW the rent checks got to the Dulles Mall. Here's where the story gets a little weird. The Roommate and I went to the leasing office this afternoon to see if we could somehow get this weird situation sorted out... once there we decided to head over to Lord & Taylor if by chance they still had our rent checks there.

When we got to Lord & Taylor we went to the Executive Office and talked to some of the personnel people that were there. They pretty much told us they had no idea what we were talking about... granted the story itself is a little sketchy at best and I probably would question the validity of it all - if I wasn't involved in it!

Anyways, with no luck at Lord & Taylor The Roommate and I decided to just stop payment on the rent checks and rewrite new rent checks.

After we wrote out our new rent checks I promptly walked them down to the apartment leasing office and asked them if by chance our other rent checks show up please contact us.

Collins...

2009-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's another fun picture of Collins.

I swear I've never had such a photogenic cat. It's like he enjoys having his picture taken or something....

This picture makes me laugh because he has his head to one side almost like he is going to ask you a question or something. Or maybe he's just giving you a funny look.

Medieval Times...

2009-06-28T22:22:00.008-04:00

Today The Amazing Guy, The Redskins Fan, The Librarian, and I headed to Hanover, Maryland to go to Medieval Times for dinner.

I've never been to a Medieval Times so it was a fun time.

The food was awesome. We had tomato bisque, chicken, roast beef, garlic bread, and a danish. Needless to say there was plenty of food.

While we were eating the knights were jousting and fighting for a tournament. We were seated in the white and black knight section so during the evening we all cheered on our knight. There was also a blue knight, yellow knight, red knight, red and yellow knight, and the green knight. For the night the green knight was the 'villain' and we all were encouraged to boo him.

I think more than anything the boys enjoyed calling our waitress a wench... The Amazing Guy tried it with me-to which I quickly said NO!

Anyways, it was a fun filled evening!

Friday 5: News...

2009-06-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: News...

Where do you get most of your information about current local events?

The Washington Post or through the grapevine

Where do you get most of your information about current national and international events?

MSNBC either the news station or online

Who in your family is most likely to know what's up with everyone else in your family?

The Roommate- she's the eyes and ears of what's happening...

Who at work (or school) always seems to know what's going on?

I have my sources...

What other kinds of news do you try to keep up to date on and where do you get it

I like to keep up to date with the work gossip... I also follow the "news" on twitter and through blogs.

Collins...

2009-06-25T23:23:00.003-04:00

Tonight Collins was too cute... so of course I HAD to take a few pictures.

Here is the best one.

A new game...

2009-06-25T10:25:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Moonjava I found a new game to play, it's fun, and you get to find out a little more about your fellow bloggers.

Rules of the game: I went to her blogs, and read her five questions, and then after commenting on her blog, I mentioned that I would like to play to so she respond with 5 questions for me to answer in a blog post, and so on and so forth. Sounds like fun right?!

Here are the questions that Moonjava sent me...

1. Would you rather be invisible or be able to move things with you mind and why?

I would have to say I would want the ability to move things with my mind. Think of the possibilities! It's like being in Harry Potter and saying things like 'Accio drink'. It would save me a lot of time and effort.

2. What is your dream vacation?

I would have to say my dream vacation would probably be a trip to Hawaii or one of the islands (Puerto Rico or some place like that). Somewhere I've never been but would like to go.

3. If you were to live the life of a TV characters who would you be and why?

Jane Jetson because they had some kick ass appliances and gadgets.

4. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 things with you, what would you bring and why?

cell phone (to phone home - duh. Oh and to call for help)
a sharp knife (you can always use one of these for numerous reasons)
toilet paper (self explanatory. I can't just use leaves or whatever)

5. What do you love most about teaching?

Snow days and summer vacation! But seriously... I like being part of the learning process. There is almost nothing better than knowing that I've taught something to a child that (hopefully) they will use for the rest of their life.

If anyone would their own questions to answer just let me know!

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda...

2009-06-22T23:42:00.006-04:00

I can’t…

Wear heels and a dress gracefully.
Wear white without getting something on it within five minutes.
Learn a foreign language as hard as I try. Go a day without having at least some sort of chocolate.
Watch RENT without singing EVERY song

I can..

Teach a class of 2nd graders and keep my sanity (most of the time).
Practice patience.
Smile.
Live life to the fullest - the best I can
Be optimistic

I won’t…

Lie
Cheat
Steal

I will…

Always be a dork/techie that wants the newest & coolest technology gadget (I WANT AN iPHONE 3G S NOW!).
Spend too much money on movies and books.

I shouldn’t…

Be lazy this summer.
Worry about things out of my control
Stress
Pine for new technology stuff or books

I should…

Work on some paperwork
Get and oil change
Work on learning Spanish (Rosetta Stone)

I was inspired to do this from Brandy's blog It's like, I'm mmmagic!

Friday 5: Dairy...

2009-06-19T11:23:00.004-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Dairy...

What are you feelings about milk?

Hate it. I rarely use it and never drink it by itself, unless it's chocolate milk. I only use milk if I have to use it in a recipe for something (mac & cheese, brownies, etc.). Chocolate makes just about anything taste good.

What are your feelings about cheese?

Cheese is good. I like cheese on crackers. I like cheese on pizza. I like cheese on just about anything really.

What are your feelings about yogurt?

I have a love/hate relationship with yogurt. Sometimes I really like it, sometimes the mere sight or smell of it makes me want to hurl.

How do you feel about soy milk?

Eh. Not for me.

How far are you from the nearest cow?

I haven't the slightest idea.

Summer days...

2009-06-18T12:30:00.001-04:00

Today is the Last Day of School!!!!

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As much as I love being a teacher I have to say that I'm happy to have another year of teaching under my belt (a total of 4 years now!).

I have to say it's been a hell of a year.

At least this year I didn't have any children bleed, vomit, pee, or spit on me (yes, it HAS happened before). I did however have a child sneeze in my face (when my mouth was open and everything- GROSS).

Today, The students were here for only about 2 1/2 hours this morning (why the heck did they have to even report today???).

About 30 minutes ago I said goodbye to my 2nd graders for the last time this year.

Currently, I'm just waiting for the staff luncheon/ end of the year staff meeting to start.

And tomorrow I just have 1 more day of "work" left - thankfully I only have to report until noon- after that I am SO gone!

School days...

2009-06-17T08:49:00.004-04:00

Today is the last FULL day of school with my students... (YIPEE!).

Tomorrow the kids are only here from 9:05 - 11:45. It's SO not worth even coming that day.

At least on Friday I only have to report to work until noon- then I'm FREE!

Happy Birthday - to me...

2009-06-15T07:00:00.003-04:00

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Today I'm 28 years old. I can't believe it. I'm getting old. They say age is just a number, but I question that. I often feel like I'm too young to be this old (if that makes any sense). At times I act more like a kid than an adult!

Anyways, here's some notable events from 1981.

January 1981

Sunday 25th:

Super Bowl XV: The Oakland Raiders defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10.

February 1981

Tuesday 24th:

Jean Harris is convicted of murdering Dr. Herman Tarnower, the author of the bestselling The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet.

March 1981

Thursday 19th:

Three workers are killed and five injured during a test of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Monday 30th:

President Ronald Reagan is shot in the chest outside a Washington, D. C. hotel by John Hinckley, Jr. family friend of the Vice President.

April 1981

Friday 24th:

The first IBM PC is introduced

Monday 27th:

Xerox PARC introduces the computer mouse.

May 1981

Monday 11th:

Bob Marley dies

June 1981

Friday 5th:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that five homosexual men in Los Angeles, California, have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems (the first recognized cases of AIDS).

July 1981

Friday 17th:

Hyatt Regency walkway collapse: Two skywalks filled with people at the Hyat Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri collapse in a crowded atrium killing 114.

Wednesday 29th:

Lady Diana Spencer married Charles, Prince of Wales.

August 1981

Friday 07:

1981 -The Washington Star ceases all operations after 128 years of publication.

Monday 10:

The head of John Walsh's son Adam is found in Hollywood, Florida. This event will later prompt the U.S. Congress to pass the Missing Children's Act, giving the Federal Bureau of Investigation greater authority to track the disappearance of children. It also makes Walsh a national spokesman against crime and eventually leads to the establishment ofAmerica's Most Wanted.

Monday 24:

Mark David Chapman is sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for murdering John Lennon.

September 1981

Friday 25th:

Sandra Day O'Connor was the 102nd Justice sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the first women to hold the office.

October 1981

Wednesday 14th:

Vice President Hosni Mubarak is elected President of Egypt one week after Anwar Sadat was assassinated.

November 1981

Sunday 29th:

Off Santa Catalina Island, 43 year old actress Natalie Wood drowns during a boating accident.

December 1981

Wednesday 30th:

Wayne Gretzky scores his 50th goal in 39 games, an NHL record to this day.

Birthday weekend fun...

2009-06-14T18:21:00.005-04:00

This weekend The Amazing Guy, The Redskins Fan, and I celebrated our birthdays with a joint party.

The Amazing Guy and The Redskins Fan both turned 29 years old this year and I am turning 28 years old.

For the party we had good food (BBQ from Famous Daves!) and fun times (water balloons, corn hole, Wii, etc.). It was good seeing friends and family members (Elementary Dude, J Tech and his wife, The NYC Guy, The Music Man, etc.). One of The Amazing Guy's sisters made us each a cake. My cake was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing AND real chocolate shavings on the top. The Amazing Guy's "cake" was a cherry cheesecake. The Redskins Fan cake was a yellow cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles on the top. In all I think we had about 25- 30 people that dropped by to give us birthday wishes. It was nice that one of my old high school friend's even made the trip over from WV to celebrate with me.

I have to say this birthday was one of the better ones I've had in awhile.

Friday 5: Eat & Drink...

2009-06-12T11:09:00.003-04:00

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5.

The Friday 5: Eat & Drink...

What's something you will not eat unless you also have ketchup?

Really good French Fries. It's a must.

What's something you will not drink unless it is served on ice cubes?

I'm spoiled. Unless a drink is properly chilled I HAVE to have ice cubes with the drink.

What's something you will not eat unless it is served between slices of bread?

I'm not too picky about food. Most food is actually better when it's not between bread.

What's something you will not drink unless you have a straw?

A milkshake or smoothie

What's something else you will not eat except under very specific circumstances?

See questions 3 and answer... as I mentioned before I'm not too picky about food. I'll eat just about anything (food-wise).

Life or something like that...

2009-06-10T10:28:00.008-04:00

This morning I had an interesting moment of clarity...

I was at work walking down the hallway, and I realized that despite all my recent complaining I really do love being a teacher. I love helping children. I love learning. I love knowledge. I love walking down the hallways at school looking at all of the artwork made by the kids at school.

I know that with any job there are times where work can get you down and stressed out, but there are always good times too.

I've had so many good students that help me put up with the rough kids. It is rewarding to me as a teacher when I have previous students that come back to me and tell me how much they learned or liked my class.

So, for now I think I'll stick with teaching. How many other jobs out there can you color, sing, play, and/or just act silly as part of your job description?

I never thought I would be a life long teacher though. With the end of this year I'll finish up my 4th year of teaching. Who would have though I'd have lasted that long?! And whose to say that 5 years or 10 years down the road I'll still be a teacher....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news... I have to say that I realized that life lately with The Amazing Guy has made me happier than I have been in a long time. I'm not one to define my life by a guy or having a guy, but having the Amazing Guy in my life is a nice addition. He gives me something to look forward to, enjoy, and love on a daily basis.

Also, on Friday it will be his 29th birthday AND our 5th month of dating! WOW!

And on Monday it's my 28th birthday!!!

Definitely some fun & exciting times coming up!!!

Somebody's getting married...

2009-06-07T21:04:00.006-04:00

This past weekend The Amazing Guy and I headed to WV for Dental Girl's wedding...

Here's a breakdown of the weekend and the wedding festivities....

Thursday:

The Amazing Guy and I decided to eat dinner then drive to WV (mainly to avoid rush hour traffic). After a nice dinner at Mezza Grill we headed out around 7:15 pm. (It usually takes about 4 1/2 to 5 hours to get from Northern Virginia to WV).

One thing we hadn't planned on was the weather... it was rainy and foggy. Even with the craptastic weather we made pretty good time. We got in just a little after midnight, and went promptly to bed after some quick hellos to dad.

Before we headed out I had called dad to remind him that I was coming home and to ask him what sleeping arrangements he wanted with me and The Amazing Guy.

Since this was the first time I was bringing home a boyfriend to meet him I decided that I was going to be respectful and ask him what he wanted us to do.

When I called I asked if he wanted The Amazing Guy to sleep in my sister's old room while I slept in my old room. His response was, "Well, why would he do that?" I said well I just wanted to know what you'd like us to do...

He then said he it didn't matter to him and we could do what we wanted.

To that The Amazing Guy and I decided that we both would sleep in my old bedroom.

Friday:

After sleeping in a bit (it's sad when sleeping in is sleeping until 8:00) The Amazing Guy and I got up and got ready.

My dad (being a dentist) had agreed to clean my teeth for Dental Girl's wedding. After my teeth cleaning we all went to Coleman's Fish Market for lunch. It also gave dad a chance to talk to The Amazing Guy a bit.

After lunch The Amazing Guy and I went to visit my grandma for a while. We chatted with her for about 20 minutes then had to go to Target to pick up a few odds & ends.

At 5:00 we headed up to the chapel for the wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal went pretty quickly. All we had to do was walk in a couple of times and practice walking out then do a quick run through of the ceremony.

After the wedding rehearsal we all headed to Uncle Pete's for the rehearsal dinner. Dinner was good - lots of drinks and good food. I ended up ordering salmon, and The Amazing Guy ordered a steak. After eating Dental Girl and her fiance passed out gifts to the wedding party.

Dental Girl's gifts to the bridesmaids was a glass jewelry box with the inside panel engraved. The groomsmen got personalized drinking gear. What was really sweet was that Dental Girl found a cute picture of her and her mother, and a separate picture of her and her father which she copied and gave to them as a gift.

When the rehearsal dinner was over The Amazing Guy and I went to one of my friend's house for a bit to hang out and just catch up- then went home and went to bed.

Saturday:

I woke up at 8:00 to take a shower and get somewhat ready for my hair appointment.

The hair appointment was fun because the hair salon went all out for the wedding party. They had a nice spread of sandwiches, fruit, cookies, candy, tea, coffee, soda, water, etc. While we were getting ready we all helped ourselves to the food - and mimosas! (One of the bridesmaids brought the champagne and orange juice).

After all of our hair was done we headed over to Dental Girl's parents house for a bit just to relax a bit before the ceremony. (All the while her parents were trying to get us to eat...)

At 1:00 we all headed up to the chapel to start getting ready. The bridesmaids were upstairs while the groomsmen were downstairs. The girls all set up and started by putting on make up then put on the dresses.

At 2:00 the photographer arrived and started taking some pictures of everyone getting ready.

When 3:00 rolled around we all headed downstairs to start our walk down the aisle. I was surprised at how quickly the ceremony went. In all it probably took about 10 minutes. After the ceremony we all stood in the receiving line to say our hellos to the guests. Then we headed back into the chapel for pictures.

Once the pictures were finished we all hopped into a van that was going to drive us from the ceremony to the reception site- after one quick stop. We headed over to Olgebay, by the mansion for a few more pictures. After that we all piled back into the van to get to the reception site.

I have to hand it to the groomsmen - they were prepared. They had filled a cooler with beer and liquor for our ride in the van. As soon as we were in the van they started cracking open beers for everyone. I think we all polished off (at least) 2 beers by the time we got to the reception site.

At the reception it was the usual- walking in, eating, speeches, cutting the cake, dancing, etc.

The speeches were very nice -and I actually got a little teary during some of them.

It was nice that the sister of the bride (Maid of Honor) caught the bouquet - and one of the little boys caught the garter.

After a lot of dancing (and drinking) The Amazing Guy and I headed back to my house. I needed a shower to get all of the hairspray out of my hair and just unwind a bit. After a shower we both went to bed for the night.

Sunday:

We woke up around 9:15 or so and got ready then went to brunch with another one of my friends. When I'm in town I try and visit with my friends I don't get to see that often. After brunch The Amazing Guy and I got on the road to head back to Northern Virginia.

I have to say it was a very nice weekend. I can't believe I was worried about The Amazing Guy meeting everyone. As far as I know I think dad and my friends all liked The Amazing Guy. A lot of people said he was a great guy, great personality, was the perfect match for me, etc. It's nice to hear these positive affirmations. I'm glad that he was a hit.