I’ve officially re-entered my boring housewife life. I feel like I’m no longer on top of things. I’m all out of notable quotes and witty one-liners. My mind has MUSHED. I no longer search the internet as research for my papers or to look for cool things to teach in the classroom. I merely read blogs and shop for cute shoes.
I guess that’s why I didn’t know that the universe was changing time!!!!
So know you know, too. Daylight Savings Time is being adjusted this year, on March 11th, and lifehacker tells you what electronic products will be affected by the early time change and offers downloads and solutions.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Counting the Days
Did you notice the little banner up there? Yea, that one. The one that is counting down the days until our cruise. Less than two weeks away and I can’t wait!
Of course, I am nowhere near ready. That New Year’s resolution to lose weight before the cruise? Um, didn’t happen. Which creates a domino effect – I have not bought any cute new summer clothes and I have not tried on any of last year’s shorts and skirts. So, I haven’t packed anything.
I love vacations, but I hate packing for them. I always forget something and when your destination is a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, it can be hard to find a Wal-Mart.
I also have to pack for the kids, who aren’t going with us. They will be staying at their wonderful aunt’s house for a week. It doesn’t get much better.
Which brings me back to – Who cares about ten extra pounds?! I’m going to be in the sunny Caribbean in 13 days. I’ll just forget to pack the camera.
Of course, I am nowhere near ready. That New Year’s resolution to lose weight before the cruise? Um, didn’t happen. Which creates a domino effect – I have not bought any cute new summer clothes and I have not tried on any of last year’s shorts and skirts. So, I haven’t packed anything.
I love vacations, but I hate packing for them. I always forget something and when your destination is a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, it can be hard to find a Wal-Mart.
I also have to pack for the kids, who aren’t going with us. They will be staying at their wonderful aunt’s house for a week. It doesn’t get much better.
Which brings me back to – Who cares about ten extra pounds?! I’m going to be in the sunny Caribbean in 13 days. I’ll just forget to pack the camera.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Subject of Spam
lusty assassinate
cylindric hifalutin migratory
german barrette delirious cytolysis
This is just a sampling of the 900 emails in my bulk file today. Why can’t anti-spam programs just reject any subject line that is illogical? I mean really, a German barrette that is giddily dissolving a cell? When does that ever happen and why would I be interested?
If you ever need a laugh, read through some of your trash email subjects. You know, the ones that promise bigger appendages (I really don’t need a “b1gger pen1s”) or that you’ll meet a sexy large single in your area.
My favorite~
Sender: Dorita
Subject: RE: in my toilet
I most certainly did not send out an email about anything in my toilet. On second thought, maybe my husband did!
cylindric hifalutin migratory
german barrette delirious cytolysis
This is just a sampling of the 900 emails in my bulk file today. Why can’t anti-spam programs just reject any subject line that is illogical? I mean really, a German barrette that is giddily dissolving a cell? When does that ever happen and why would I be interested?
If you ever need a laugh, read through some of your trash email subjects. You know, the ones that promise bigger appendages (I really don’t need a “b1gger pen1s”) or that you’ll meet a sexy large single in your area.
My favorite~
Sender: Dorita
Subject: RE: in my toilet
I most certainly did not send out an email about anything in my toilet. On second thought, maybe my husband did!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A Not-So-Great Parenting Moment
Yesterday was a sad day at our house. It started something like this:
Just before my husband took the kids to school, he pulls me aside and covertly says, “The hamster died. You’ll have to get rid of it before she gets home.”
“What do you mean get rid of it”
“Just throw it in the trash and clean out the cage.” An Aside -He’s not really that cold and heartless, he just wasn’t thinking that clearly.
So, I solemnly opened the office door (the room that I had transferred the cage into the night before when the exercise-wheeling hamster was keeping my daughter awake) and peered into the cage.
Yup, the hamster was indeed dead, but, thankfully, it looked peaceful.
I began to look around the house for a proper burial box, but couldn’t find anything suitable. My idea was to go to CVS and get a gift box.
When my husband stopped home around lunchtime, he asked why there was a dead hamster still hanging around in the house.
“I thought that when M got home she might want to bury it and I haven’t been able to find a suitable box.”
“We don’t have any boxes?”
“Well, I thought I’d get a nice gift box from CVS”
To that, my husband says, “It’s not really a gift. Remember? It’s DEAD. This box will do:
Just before my husband took the kids to school, he pulls me aside and covertly says, “The hamster died. You’ll have to get rid of it before she gets home.”
“What do you mean get rid of it”
“Just throw it in the trash and clean out the cage.” An Aside -He’s not really that cold and heartless, he just wasn’t thinking that clearly.
So, I solemnly opened the office door (the room that I had transferred the cage into the night before when the exercise-wheeling hamster was keeping my daughter awake) and peered into the cage.
Yup, the hamster was indeed dead, but, thankfully, it looked peaceful.
I began to look around the house for a proper burial box, but couldn’t find anything suitable. My idea was to go to CVS and get a gift box.
When my husband stopped home around lunchtime, he asked why there was a dead hamster still hanging around in the house.
“I thought that when M got home she might want to bury it and I haven’t been able to find a suitable box.”
“We don’t have any boxes?”
“Well, I thought I’d get a nice gift box from CVS”
To that, my husband says, “It’s not really a gift. Remember? It’s DEAD. This box will do:
Here lies TuTu, our beloved pet.Sunday, December 31, 2006
The New Year
Today’s the day. The day I’ll sit down and write out my New Year’s resolutions. You know me, I write everything down. I even write a list of the lists that I have to make.
Besides the whole eat better, exercise more resolutions that I always make (and never, ever stick to), one of my goals is to redirect this blog. I will try to write more entries and I will try to make those entries more personal (and hopefully more interesting!).
As for my other resolutions, I’ll keep you posted!
Happy New Year
Besides the whole eat better, exercise more resolutions that I always make (and never, ever stick to), one of my goals is to redirect this blog. I will try to write more entries and I will try to make those entries more personal (and hopefully more interesting!).
As for my other resolutions, I’ll keep you posted!
Happy New Year
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I still got it!
Can I get a job with this now?
Your Language Arts Grade: 100%
Way to go! You know not to trust the MS Grammar Check and you know "no" from "know." Now, go forth and spread the good word (or at least, the proper use of apostrophes).
Are You Gooder at Grammar?
Make a Quiz
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Give Thanks
So are you completely caught up on the Grey’s Anatomy relationships? I am so addicted to this show that I can’t even wait for the DVR to tape it so I don’t have to sit through commercials. I don’t know about you, but I watch NOTHING live anymore. I love being able to fast-forward over commercials! Anyway, I stumbled across a few Grey’s Anatomy blogs on the ABC website. I personally love Grey Matter, written by the shows writers. It gives an insight into each episode, like where some of the storylines come from and why Callie is on the show?!
Anyone not watching Grey’s Anatomy? I suggest getting the first 2 seasons on DVD and catching yourself up this week before the Thanksgiving episode!
Yes, I am thankful for one good night of TV per week. I am also thankful for my beautiful children, my loving family, and thankful that my Christmas shopping is almost done (did you see the cool countdown above?)!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family!
Anyone not watching Grey’s Anatomy? I suggest getting the first 2 seasons on DVD and catching yourself up this week before the Thanksgiving episode!
Yes, I am thankful for one good night of TV per week. I am also thankful for my beautiful children, my loving family, and thankful that my Christmas shopping is almost done (did you see the cool countdown above?)!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Trick or Treat
Life was so much easier when I got to choose the costumes that the twins wore on Halloween. At least I picked things that went together: M&Ms, Pooh & Tigger, Magenta & Blue from Blue’s Clues, or a firefighter & a kitty cat.
This year, a baby (after talking her out of being a nearly 5 foot tall pink poodle!) and a scary-faced, Pagan pentacle-wearing gatekeeper thing!
But, alas, although they strive to be individuals and do their own thing, when only one wanted to go trolling for candy, at each neighbor’s house her obligatory “Trick or Treat” was always met with “Where’s your brother?”
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Lucky Number 13
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!
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, 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!
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