Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 13th anniversary. How did we celebrate such a momentous milestone you ask?
By dining at Mickey D’s, of course.
Such is the way for two people who are too tired (or lazy) to make reservations or call a babysitter.
Please don’t feel bad; it’s not likely that I’ll soon be announcing a divorce on the grounds that McDonald’s is my husband’s favorite eating establishment. And I don’t envy lovebirds like Jules at Mildly Melancholy who is happily celebrating 6 months of coupledom. It’s just that my husband and I have learned a few things about each other in our 18+ years together. One of those things is that we don’t always have our best moments on the dates marked on the kitchen calendar.
We buy each other gifts when we see something special, something we just know the other would love and we don’t wait for a birthday or anniversary to give it. We plan weekend getaways or weeklong cruises because we’d like some time away, not just because the wedding reception hall was open on that date.
I prefer to think that we had our anniversary dinner two weeks ago, after Back to School night. We were already paying for a sitter, so we stopped for a nice dinner and a glass of wine (for me!) and we had a really nice time.
Happy (Un)Anniversary Old Man!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
New Clothes
My Art and Soul friends are embarking on a new venture. David (I think he’s the Art of Art and Soul) has just launched a line of fall clothing featuring some of his cool graphics and amazing surfing photos. DavidMac designs can be purchased through his site, just click here.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Thanks, but no Thats
I have yet another rejection letter to add to my ever-increasing pile. Whoopee!
The letters don’t really bother me as much as I thought they would, though. When I first started to read the classifieds and send out those resumes, I crossed my fingers and prayed for an interview. Then, throughout the summer, I came to learn that most of the jobs are already filled or otherwise unavailable and that the ad is usually just a farce.
This most recent letter, however, is different.
First, it opens with “Dear Applicant”. Now, I know that this is a perfectly acceptable opening to a letter, but I’m not sending resumes to NYC Public Schools or anything. I was probably one of maybe a dozen applicants! They could have used my name; I used the principal’s name in my cover letter.
Secondly, the letter was exactly 1 sentence long, AND that 1 sentence contained two misspelled words! Well, actually one misspelled word and a “that” instead of a “thank”. Obviously, someone relies on only MSWord for proofreading.
Yes, it only takes one sentence to reject an “applicant”. But for this particular position, I had to download a five-page application, write a cover letter and a page and a half essay about my teaching philosophy and goals, and include three reference letters. Doesn’t all that legwork warrant more than a one-sentence response?
When I first read the ad for this position, I thought that I might have found my dream job. I don’t think that I would have been happy in that district after all.
BTW~ Why am I saving my rejection letters? Can anyone think of a good use for them?
The letters don’t really bother me as much as I thought they would, though. When I first started to read the classifieds and send out those resumes, I crossed my fingers and prayed for an interview. Then, throughout the summer, I came to learn that most of the jobs are already filled or otherwise unavailable and that the ad is usually just a farce.
This most recent letter, however, is different.
First, it opens with “Dear Applicant”. Now, I know that this is a perfectly acceptable opening to a letter, but I’m not sending resumes to NYC Public Schools or anything. I was probably one of maybe a dozen applicants! They could have used my name; I used the principal’s name in my cover letter.
Secondly, the letter was exactly 1 sentence long, AND that 1 sentence contained two misspelled words! Well, actually one misspelled word and a “that” instead of a “thank”. Obviously, someone relies on only MSWord for proofreading.
Yes, it only takes one sentence to reject an “applicant”. But for this particular position, I had to download a five-page application, write a cover letter and a page and a half essay about my teaching philosophy and goals, and include three reference letters. Doesn’t all that legwork warrant more than a one-sentence response?
When I first read the ad for this position, I thought that I might have found my dream job. I don’t think that I would have been happy in that district after all.
BTW~ Why am I saving my rejection letters? Can anyone think of a good use for them?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Summer Update
Is anyone still reading this blog? ‘Cause no one is writing it!
I have been neglectful, to say the least.
After a fun-filled summer, the twins went back to school earlier this week. Yippee!
Over the past few months I have stayed as far away from the computer as possible. Sure, I’ve checked my email regularly and I’ve shopped just as much, but I didn’t write a thing all summer and it felt GREAT!
Instead, the kids and I spent our time lounging on the beach, visiting a few pools, camping in Virginia, and we just got back from a weeklong trip to Florida. I had booked the FL trip to see the space shuttle Atlantis launch, but it was delayed due to Hurricane (T.S.) Ernesto. We visited Kennedy Space Center, and then spent the next four days deluged by the storm all the way up the east coast.
Oh well, we’ll try again next summer!
I have been neglectful, to say the least.
After a fun-filled summer, the twins went back to school earlier this week. Yippee!
Over the past few months I have stayed as far away from the computer as possible. Sure, I’ve checked my email regularly and I’ve shopped just as much, but I didn’t write a thing all summer and it felt GREAT!
Instead, the kids and I spent our time lounging on the beach, visiting a few pools, camping in Virginia, and we just got back from a weeklong trip to Florida. I had booked the FL trip to see the space shuttle Atlantis launch, but it was delayed due to Hurricane (T.S.) Ernesto. We visited Kennedy Space Center, and then spent the next four days deluged by the storm all the way up the east coast.
Oh well, we’ll try again next summer!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Clog Blog
I’ll admit it; I’m a shoe fanatic! I have amassed so many pairs of flip-flops already this summer that my husband doesn’t know when I’ve bought a new pair (that’s a good thing!). I have summer shoes in every size, shape, and color with ribbons, beads, sequins, etc.
So, what’s the point, you ask?
Well, my point is this; the one shoe you will never catch me wearing this summer is the Croc clog. I don’t care how brightly colored they are or how comfortable or easy to clean, or blah, blah ,blah. They’re ugly and they look stupid with anything you wear! And, are you kidding me, thirty dollars for 2 pieces of molded plastic?!
Give me a pair of flip-flops any day. They come in thousands of colors, they’re comfortable and even keep my leg and foot muscles toned. They’re easy to clean or you can just buy a new pair. But, the biggest pro for us flip-floppers – the chance to show off our pretty polished toes!
I think dooce would agree.
So, what’s the point, you ask?
Well, my point is this; the one shoe you will never catch me wearing this summer is the Croc clog. I don’t care how brightly colored they are or how comfortable or easy to clean, or blah, blah ,blah. They’re ugly and they look stupid with anything you wear! And, are you kidding me, thirty dollars for 2 pieces of molded plastic?!
Give me a pair of flip-flops any day. They come in thousands of colors, they’re comfortable and even keep my leg and foot muscles toned. They’re easy to clean or you can just buy a new pair. But, the biggest pro for us flip-floppers – the chance to show off our pretty polished toes!
I think dooce would agree.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Diet Coke & Mentos Fountain
On a day-to-day basis I drink only water (without lemon anymore, thanks to the whole burning a hole in my esophagus thing) and milk. Sometimes, when we’re at a restaurant or somewhere where I don’t trust the source of the water or milk, I will drink a soda.
For me, having a soda is a very rare occurrence. This video shows perfectly well why I’m not comfortable gulping down the chemicals in that stuff. Thankfully, I’m not a big fan of Mentos either, and I would probably never mix my Mentos with a diet Coke.
For me, having a soda is a very rare occurrence. This video shows perfectly well why I’m not comfortable gulping down the chemicals in that stuff. Thankfully, I’m not a big fan of Mentos either, and I would probably never mix my Mentos with a diet Coke.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Grad Week Photos
Our ship docked in King's Wharf, Bermuda.
I'm somewhere in this sea of 2600 graduates. My husband couldn't find me, so I have no pictures of me graduating.
Grad Week
My last entry was over Easter vacation?!?
So much has happened since then…where should I start?
Oh yeah, I graduated! I have never felt such a huge sense of relief. I graduated on Friday morning, May 12th, and then we had an awesome graduation party in Cape May later that night.
On Sunday, beacherhusband and I sailed out of New York harbor for a five-day cruise to Bermuda. We were total bums for 5 days. We ate, shopped, and slept a lot! I think I went through about six full semesters in only two years, with about 4 or 5 hours sleep every night, so I really needed the rest!
When we got home, I got right back into the swing of my busy life and started subbing every day. There is no job lined up yet, so I’ll sub until I at least land an interview.
With only two more weeks left of school, the kids and I are looking forward to our first summer off together! Memorial Day weekend was filled with gorgeous beach days, and we even had a close encounter with a couple of dolphins that were playing very close to the shore one afternoon. I never have my camera when I need it. I should look into one of those camera phones for just such an occasion.
So much has happened since then…where should I start?
Oh yeah, I graduated! I have never felt such a huge sense of relief. I graduated on Friday morning, May 12th, and then we had an awesome graduation party in Cape May later that night.
On Sunday, beacherhusband and I sailed out of New York harbor for a five-day cruise to Bermuda. We were total bums for 5 days. We ate, shopped, and slept a lot! I think I went through about six full semesters in only two years, with about 4 or 5 hours sleep every night, so I really needed the rest!
When we got home, I got right back into the swing of my busy life and started subbing every day. There is no job lined up yet, so I’ll sub until I at least land an interview.
With only two more weeks left of school, the kids and I are looking forward to our first summer off together! Memorial Day weekend was filled with gorgeous beach days, and we even had a close encounter with a couple of dolphins that were playing very close to the shore one afternoon. I never have my camera when I need it. I should look into one of those camera phones for just such an occasion.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Spring Break
So much has been happening these last few weeks. Where should I start?
I had my final supervisor observation. High marks all around. Now I just have to stop procrastinating and finish my management and unit plan.
I just finished my third week of teaching full time. Definitely the best part of the whole student teaching thing! I've had to do so much work though.
I put together a small school store to coincide with the money lessons in math. Each student started with a 50 cent "nest egg" and earned money throughout the week for good deeds or some lost money for bad behavior. We made the nests out of milk cartons covered with tufts of brown tissue paper. We filled them with Easter grass and added a large plastic egg. We used play money and each student was encouraged to save money to build up their nest egg.
I've also taught during the school book fair, a technology exposition, class pictures, and the Easter holiday.
Thank goodness for Easter vacation!
Thanks also go out to Melissa Mae and her husband David for faithfully reading my boring blog. And thanks to the reflective teacher for the graduation congrats! See their links on the left.
I had my final supervisor observation. High marks all around. Now I just have to stop procrastinating and finish my management and unit plan.
I just finished my third week of teaching full time. Definitely the best part of the whole student teaching thing! I've had to do so much work though.
I put together a small school store to coincide with the money lessons in math. Each student started with a 50 cent "nest egg" and earned money throughout the week for good deeds or some lost money for bad behavior. We made the nests out of milk cartons covered with tufts of brown tissue paper. We filled them with Easter grass and added a large plastic egg. We used play money and each student was encouraged to save money to build up their nest egg.
I've also taught during the school book fair, a technology exposition, class pictures, and the Easter holiday.
Thank goodness for Easter vacation!
Thanks also go out to Melissa Mae and her husband David for faithfully reading my boring blog. And thanks to the reflective teacher for the graduation congrats! See their links on the left.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
6 Weeks and Counting
I can’t believe I’m going so long between posts! It really doesn’t seem like 3 weeks have passed.
The countdown has officially begun. My graduation is exactly 6 weeks away!!!!!
One of those weeks is Easter break and I’m off for a week before I graduate. So, that’s really the sad news. I have only twenty school days left with the twenty little beings that I have called “my kids” for the past few months. I choke up just thinking about it. I am going to just be a puddle of tears in May.
Cap and gowns came in last week and I was almost crying when I went to pay for mine. What is wrong with me?
I guess I can say that going back to school has been the most grueling thing I’ve ever done (remember, I am finishing 6 months earlier than originally planned). But I do believe that teaching is going to be one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.
OK, enough sobbing and sappiness for one day!
The countdown has officially begun. My graduation is exactly 6 weeks away!!!!!
One of those weeks is Easter break and I’m off for a week before I graduate. So, that’s really the sad news. I have only twenty school days left with the twenty little beings that I have called “my kids” for the past few months. I choke up just thinking about it. I am going to just be a puddle of tears in May.
Cap and gowns came in last week and I was almost crying when I went to pay for mine. What is wrong with me?
I guess I can say that going back to school has been the most grueling thing I’ve ever done (remember, I am finishing 6 months earlier than originally planned). But I do believe that teaching is going to be one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.
OK, enough sobbing and sappiness for one day!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Where Have You Been?
I talked to my mom today and she commented that I hadn’t posted here in a few weeks. So, I apologize for the lack of postings.
During the last month, if I am on the computer at all, I am only looking for lesson plan ideas or submitting work to my dreadful Senior Seminar professor. Besides, I have nothing exciting to write about. Every day I am in my pajamas by seven and usually sound asleep by ten!
I’ve only lost a total of two pounds on WW. It is tough to lose when we’ve had 2 faculty breakfasts, 2 teacher birthdays, 4 student birthdays, a Valentine’s Day party, a class play party, Dr. Seuss’s birthday party, and a spring concert party all in one month!
I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can start biking and walking outside. The garage treadmill is getting SO boring! My latest iTunes downloads are “Dirty Little Secret” by AAR and “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter. Hmmm…wonder if there are hidden meanings in the songs people chose to download!
During the last month, if I am on the computer at all, I am only looking for lesson plan ideas or submitting work to my dreadful Senior Seminar professor. Besides, I have nothing exciting to write about. Every day I am in my pajamas by seven and usually sound asleep by ten!
I’ve only lost a total of two pounds on WW. It is tough to lose when we’ve had 2 faculty breakfasts, 2 teacher birthdays, 4 student birthdays, a Valentine’s Day party, a class play party, Dr. Seuss’s birthday party, and a spring concert party all in one month!
I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can start biking and walking outside. The garage treadmill is getting SO boring! My latest iTunes downloads are “Dirty Little Secret” by AAR and “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter. Hmmm…wonder if there are hidden meanings in the songs people chose to download!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Do I have to get a job?
Well, I am finally down to short (1 page) lesson plans for math and science. Life is getting much easier!
My next hurdle is this electronic portfolio that showcases all of my teaching work to date. It is easily put together on this Task stream website that we need to subscribe to, but I just don’t know where to start!
I hate being assigned something that is completely new and unfamiliar. Without even a sample to look at, I am just staring at a blank screen and I need to sell myself and my ability to plan meaningful instruction in 300-500 words! That, by the way, is only part one of ten.
I wish that I could just focus on my student teaching and creating good lessons.
Well, I guess I should get back to work. Thank you Presidents Washington and Lincoln for an extra day this weekend. I need it!
My next hurdle is this electronic portfolio that showcases all of my teaching work to date. It is easily put together on this Task stream website that we need to subscribe to, but I just don’t know where to start!
I hate being assigned something that is completely new and unfamiliar. Without even a sample to look at, I am just staring at a blank screen and I need to sell myself and my ability to plan meaningful instruction in 300-500 words! That, by the way, is only part one of ten.
I wish that I could just focus on my student teaching and creating good lessons.
Well, I guess I should get back to work. Thank you Presidents Washington and Lincoln for an extra day this weekend. I need it!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Free Fun Fonts
This is one for all my scrapbook friends out there and some teachers may be interested, too. Click here for a really cool site that has downloadable font templates from movie titles, TV, games, cars, and even candy.
The Price is Right font has inspired me to develop a game for my math (money) lesson plans. And don’t miss the Jeopardy or Survivor lettering!
There are even band logos for all my concert pages. I’ll finally be able to scrap those concert tickets. I’m going to do a family page with the Brady Bunch font, too.
But, I’m still trying to think of a way to use the PEZ font. Stay tuned.
The Price is Right font has inspired me to develop a game for my math (money) lesson plans. And don’t miss the Jeopardy or Survivor lettering!
There are even band logos for all my concert pages. I’ll finally be able to scrap those concert tickets. I’m going to do a family page with the Brady Bunch font, too.
But, I’m still trying to think of a way to use the PEZ font. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
I Like It, I REALLY Like It
I can’t believe how much I really like this job. I have wanted to be a teacher for so long and I was nervous that the whole student teaching experience would slap with the “real world” horrors of the teaching profession. But, I love it and I can’t wait to go back in the classroom each day.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a TON of work and I’m starting to feel a little overwhelmed and completely swamped. How many times have I yawned in the past 2 weeks????!! I’m completely wiped out at the end of the day.
I’m looking forward to a little R&R this weekend with my best girlfriends at our annual Super Bowl spa getaway. We’re scrapbookers and we’ll spend the whole weekend talking, scrapping, and eating. It’s like a big slumber party.
Check out the Dream Events website for Scrapbook Vacation Getaway information.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a TON of work and I’m starting to feel a little overwhelmed and completely swamped. How many times have I yawned in the past 2 weeks????!! I’m completely wiped out at the end of the day.
I’m looking forward to a little R&R this weekend with my best girlfriends at our annual Super Bowl spa getaway. We’re scrapbookers and we’ll spend the whole weekend talking, scrapping, and eating. It’s like a big slumber party.
Check out the Dream Events website for Scrapbook Vacation Getaway information.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Hat's Off
Once again, my hat is off to ALL teachers. I have been student teaching for exactly seven days and I am completely exhausted and my feet are killing me!
I don’t know how you do it every day…but you must wear more comfortable shoes!
I know that I’m not posting very much, but I will write more when I catch up on my sleep.
I don’t know how you do it every day…but you must wear more comfortable shoes!
I know that I’m not posting very much, but I will write more when I catch up on my sleep.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
So So Saturday
We spent a soggy Saturday in Philadelphia yesterday. We did some shopping and visited with friends. One of our stops was IKEA. I love this store, but I buy so much stuff that I don’t really need. Everything seems so cheap ~ I now have enough tea light candles to last me a year! I had to buy them; they were only $2.99 for a bag of 100.
Anyway, I’m not really a city person. I love my lazy beach life. With the rain, the city seemed even more dismal and the traffic seemed even more crazy and congested. As we arrived home, a light snow began to fall and everything seemed perfect at the shore.
Anyway, I’m not really a city person. I love my lazy beach life. With the rain, the city seemed even more dismal and the traffic seemed even more crazy and congested. As we arrived home, a light snow began to fall and everything seemed perfect at the shore.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Do You Sudoku?
So, it’s midnight and I am still at the computer when everyone in the house is sound asleep. Why, you ask?
I am addicted to a little numbers puzzle called Sudoku!
You can find them at brainbashers.
I suggest you start with an easy or very easy. The premise is simple; insert numbers 1 through 9 into the rows, columns, and 3x3 grids so that no one number is repeated in the same row, column, or grid.
Maybe it’s good that I only have one week until spring semester starts. I have way too much time on my hands!
I am addicted to a little numbers puzzle called Sudoku!
You can find them at brainbashers.
I suggest you start with an easy or very easy. The premise is simple; insert numbers 1 through 9 into the rows, columns, and 3x3 grids so that no one number is repeated in the same row, column, or grid.
Maybe it’s good that I only have one week until spring semester starts. I have way too much time on my hands!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Busy, Busy
January 6th and my New Year’s resolutions are still on track! I think this is a record for me.
I have been organizing my rear end off.
All the new toys have been put away, old junk has been packed up, and the kids’ rooms are spotless (this week). I’ve organized all of the CDs, videotapes, and DVDs in the house. ALL of our music is now on the computer and the videos are being digitized as well.
I now have a designated scrapbook area in my bedroom and the 1,000s of photos are being sorted and dated. I even organized my nail polish, make-up, and jewelry last night!
As I’ve said before, I have some major clean-freak issues. I bought lots of new gadgets at organize-everything.com and I watch all the home improvement and organizing shows. Check out HGTV’s organizing page for some great ideas.
Resolution #2 is going pretty well, but so far, I’m the only one in the family who is eating better. Luckily, ice cream isn’t my weakness because my husband and kids are still eating Ben and Jerry’s almost every night!
How is everyone else doing with their resolutions?
I have been organizing my rear end off.
All the new toys have been put away, old junk has been packed up, and the kids’ rooms are spotless (this week). I’ve organized all of the CDs, videotapes, and DVDs in the house. ALL of our music is now on the computer and the videos are being digitized as well.
I now have a designated scrapbook area in my bedroom and the 1,000s of photos are being sorted and dated. I even organized my nail polish, make-up, and jewelry last night!
As I’ve said before, I have some major clean-freak issues. I bought lots of new gadgets at organize-everything.com and I watch all the home improvement and organizing shows. Check out HGTV’s organizing page for some great ideas.
Resolution #2 is going pretty well, but so far, I’m the only one in the family who is eating better. Luckily, ice cream isn’t my weakness because my husband and kids are still eating Ben and Jerry’s almost every night!
How is everyone else doing with their resolutions?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Welcome 2006
Happy New Year everyone!
I love the start of the New Year, a chance to start fresh and look forward!
My New Year’s resolutions:
- I want to organize everything in my life and to try to stay as organized as possible all year.
- I want to eat right and exercise every day. Hopefully, this habit will start to rub off on my husband and children.
- I want to jump in headfirst and enjoy all of the new experiences that await me this year.
This year already promises to be very exciting. I will begin student teaching and my last college semester in two weeks! I will finally have the same spring break as my kids. I will graduate in May and go on a Bermuda cruise to celebrate! I will turn thirty-five (still not sure if that’s good or bad!). I will have my first summer off since junior high school and I will hopefully land a teaching job this fall!
What a year to look forward to!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Relax... It's Christmas
I got exactly what I wanted from Santa this year ~ a relaxing Christmas.
M & M got up at around seven and opened their gifts. They were very happy with the presents that Santa brought. They each got iPods and cool accessories. Their favorite is the iDog that connects to the iPod and acts like a speaker, a cute little speaker that moves and lights to the beat of the music.
Later, we had Christmas dinner with family and went to the movies to see The Chronicles of Narnia. This is an excellent movie. The kids, the teenagers, and the adults all loved it.
It was the most relaxing day I’ve had in several months and just what I wished for!
M & M got up at around seven and opened their gifts. They were very happy with the presents that Santa brought. They each got iPods and cool accessories. Their favorite is the iDog that connects to the iPod and acts like a speaker, a cute little speaker that moves and lights to the beat of the music.
Later, we had Christmas dinner with family and went to the movies to see The Chronicles of Narnia. This is an excellent movie. The kids, the teenagers, and the adults all loved it.
It was the most relaxing day I’ve had in several months and just what I wished for!
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