1. You can hear 25 voices behind you and know exactly which one belongs to the child out of line. (Yep!)
2. You get a secret thrill out of laminating something. (It's so much fun!)
3. You walk into a store & hear the words "It's Ms/Mr. ____" & know you've been spotted.
4. You have 25 people that accidentally call you Mom/Dad at one time or another.
5. You can eat a multi-course meal in under twenty-five minutes. (20 if you're at DeLong!)
6. You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day: lunch and prep period. (Unfortunately with pregnancy this one doesn't work for me!)
7. You start saving other people's trash, because most likely, you can use that toilet paper tube or plastic butter tub for something in the classroom. (very true)
8. You believe the teachers' lounge should be equipped with a margarita machine. ( ;D )
9. You want to slap the next person who says "Must be nice to work 7 to 3 and have summers off." (Oh my goodness- YES!! I DO!!)
10. You believe chocolate is a food group.
11. You can tell if it's a full moon without ever looking outside. (Mom and I talk about it every month and sure enough- that night there's a full moon!)
12.. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today." (That jinxes it!)
13. You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public. (This is one habit I wish I could break!)
14. You believe in aerial spraying of Ritalin. (Wouldn't that be wonderful?!)
15. You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.
16. You spend more money on school stuff than you do on your own children.
17. You can't pass the school supply aisle without getting at least five items!
18. You ask your friends if the left hand turn he just made was a "good choice or a bad choice." (I've done this type of thing to Jason! Poor guy!!)
19. You find true beauty in a can full of perfectly sharpened pencils. :)
20. You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer and finally,
21. You understand instantaneously why a child behaves a certain way after meeting his or her parents. :) :)
Not a single lie in the group!!!!! Great list!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Gasp!!!!
Ok, so I'm babysitting my favorite little seven year old girl today and we've got background music on the computer. Her mom is a very eclectic (sp?) music person- she's got everything from the Beatles, to Eric Clapton, to Fantasia (from American Idol) and everything in between. But their house is the only place I can hear two awesome songs- Return to Pooh Corner by Kenny Loggins and I Don't Want to Live on the Moon from Sesame Street with Aaron Neville. So we turn those on and we're singing along. We get to "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" and I start thinking about my old Sesame Street days and I say "I LOVE Kermit!"
And she says, and I quote, "Who?"
GASP!!!!!! (Whoever is in the room with Mandy when she reads this, please pick her up off the floor!)
Who?!!! What do you mean who?!!! I wait to get over my shock, and then I casually say "Kermit the Frog."
And she says....... "Who's that?"
..
...
..
...
..
What can I even say to that?!!! Kermy, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy's love, the green guy!!!!!!!! What is happening when these kids know Dora the Explorer but not Kermit?!! I'm going to start searching now, because my kids WILL be watching Kermit, and Bert and Ernie, and as MANY episodes of Smurfs as possible!!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
"What did you get her for your anniversary?"
A couple months ago Jason stopped at the bank the day before our anniversary to deposit his check. This year, since it was our 5th anniversary, we decided to do something special so we went on vacation last week to Oregon. Apparently Jason forgot that that was our anniversary gift to each other! When he got to the bank the lady asked him if he had anything exciting planned for the summer. Jason told her and man working with her that the next day was our fifth anniversary. "Awww! What did you get her?" they asked. Jason paused..... thought.... and said "Well, I got her pregnant!"
Between the tears of laughter they did manage to say "Well, that's probably what she wanted!"
Between the tears of laughter they did manage to say "Well, that's probably what she wanted!"
Sunday, July 29, 2007
"Why's it beating so fast? Tell it to relax!!!"
Wow! It's been a long time since I wrote last. A lot has happened since then! I've spent a lot of time subbing, teaching at Sylvan, and teaching ELL summer school. But the most exciting of developments is that I found out in June I'm pregnant!!! YEAY!!!!! Everyone had such funny reactions to the news. Jason was really excited, but kept saying "Oh dear!" My mom was, of course, incredibly pumped to be a grandma. My dad refused to go fishing with Jason because "now I know what you've been doing with my daughter!" LOL He was very excited too. Dianna cried, Scott looked frightened by being called Grandpa, and my brother was overwhelmingly thrilled to be an uncle. We didn't get a single bad response! It was such an exciting time.
Then I got morning sickness! It's amazing how easily that can suck the excitement out of the room!!!! LOL Until Friday. On Friday, I had my first doctors appointment and for the first time ever, we heard the heartbeat. We heard the heartbeat!!!!! What an incredible experience!! They said "It may be hard to hear because you're only at 12 weeks so if we don't find it right away, don't worry." And they put the microphone on my belly and bang, there it was!!!! It was like, wow, there IS a little person in there! It beat at about 160 beats per minute which they said was perfect. I brought a tape recorder with me so that I could play it for everyone. It was really fun calling people with that, but my dad had to have had the best reaction- after playing the recording for him he quipped- "Why is the heart beating so fast? Tell that baby to relax!!!"
Overall, it has been a great last couple of months!!!
Then I got morning sickness! It's amazing how easily that can suck the excitement out of the room!!!! LOL Until Friday. On Friday, I had my first doctors appointment and for the first time ever, we heard the heartbeat. We heard the heartbeat!!!!! What an incredible experience!! They said "It may be hard to hear because you're only at 12 weeks so if we don't find it right away, don't worry." And they put the microphone on my belly and bang, there it was!!!! It was like, wow, there IS a little person in there! It beat at about 160 beats per minute which they said was perfect. I brought a tape recorder with me so that I could play it for everyone. It was really fun calling people with that, but my dad had to have had the best reaction- after playing the recording for him he quipped- "Why is the heart beating so fast? Tell that baby to relax!!!"
Overall, it has been a great last couple of months!!!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Instruction Manual
Everything you buy these days comes with a set of instructions. Whether it is a bread maching or a mirror, it'll tell you how to use the product and how not to use it. ("Warning: if you are unhappy with what you see when you look into our product do not smash/drop/ destroy our product. Possible side effects may be lacerations, blood loss, and seven years bad luck.")
So here's my question: why can't life come with an instruction manual? AND, more importantly, the warning section of that manual? When you are old enough to be responsible for yourself, why does everyone ONLY say "These are going to be the most wonderful years of your life." We all know there will be some incredible moments in our lives. We all have them and remember them with fondness. But why don't they say "Hey, there are going to be some times, more than you'd like, where you're going to want to bash your head against a wall!" No one says that!!!!! No one talks about the times you'd prefer to stay in bed all day or on the couch in front of the TV lost in someone else's drama.
So I've decided to write my own basic manual:
"Life as a Responsible Adult-
Possible side effects include late nights balancing your checkbook and your life, complicated relationships, stress, hair loss, complete "suckiness" (as I like to call it), and loss of the use of your teddy bear, as well as freedom, giddiness, and the all encompassing, at times incredible feeling of love."
Doesn't that seem to make more sense and isn't that much more specific than "the best years of your life?!"
So here's my question: why can't life come with an instruction manual? AND, more importantly, the warning section of that manual? When you are old enough to be responsible for yourself, why does everyone ONLY say "These are going to be the most wonderful years of your life." We all know there will be some incredible moments in our lives. We all have them and remember them with fondness. But why don't they say "Hey, there are going to be some times, more than you'd like, where you're going to want to bash your head against a wall!" No one says that!!!!! No one talks about the times you'd prefer to stay in bed all day or on the couch in front of the TV lost in someone else's drama.
So I've decided to write my own basic manual:
"Life as a Responsible Adult-
Possible side effects include late nights balancing your checkbook and your life, complicated relationships, stress, hair loss, complete "suckiness" (as I like to call it), and loss of the use of your teddy bear, as well as freedom, giddiness, and the all encompassing, at times incredible feeling of love."
Doesn't that seem to make more sense and isn't that much more specific than "the best years of your life?!"
Similes and Metaphors
I've been subbing for an English teacher all week and her kids have been doing similes and metaphors. The following is an assignment she had them complete and I thought it was really fun! It's very creative and gives you insight into people and their values and their likes/dislikes! I'm typing it in blank so you can fill in the blanks yourself! (My answers were at the end!)
Remember- *teacher voice* similes and metaphors compare two unlike things. Similes use like and as, metaphors just say that the first thing is the second. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
True joy is:
The ocean is:
The rain is:
Friendship is:
Silence is:
Hatred is:
My mind is:
August is:
Worry is:
Success is:
The snow is:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So here are my answers:
True joy is a baby's wobbly first steps.
The ocean is a wishing well of hope.
The rain is a welcome friend, lulling me into peacefulness.
Friendship is a tall glass of kool-aid on a sunny summer's day.
Silence is a breath of fresh air, unless preceded by an angry stare.
Hatred is a throny vine growing through society. It needs to be pruned to prevent it taking over the garden. (I know, deep and wonderfully corny, right?)
My mind is a full glass, just waiting for someone to take a drink and prevent it from spilling over.
August is like the end of a roller coaster: you wish the fun could continue, yet you're glad it's over for now.
Worry is a leach in a pond- constantly there and draining.
Success is a light bulb clicking on in a child's mind.
The snow is a soft blanket in the winter for spring's flowers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What are your answers? :)
Remember- *teacher voice* similes and metaphors compare two unlike things. Similes use like and as, metaphors just say that the first thing is the second. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
True joy is:
The ocean is:
The rain is:
Friendship is:
Silence is:
Hatred is:
My mind is:
August is:
Worry is:
Success is:
The snow is:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So here are my answers:
True joy is a baby's wobbly first steps.
The ocean is a wishing well of hope.
The rain is a welcome friend, lulling me into peacefulness.
Friendship is a tall glass of kool-aid on a sunny summer's day.
Silence is a breath of fresh air, unless preceded by an angry stare.
Hatred is a throny vine growing through society. It needs to be pruned to prevent it taking over the garden. (I know, deep and wonderfully corny, right?)
My mind is a full glass, just waiting for someone to take a drink and prevent it from spilling over.
August is like the end of a roller coaster: you wish the fun could continue, yet you're glad it's over for now.
Worry is a leach in a pond- constantly there and draining.
Success is a light bulb clicking on in a child's mind.
The snow is a soft blanket in the winter for spring's flowers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What are your answers? :)
Monday, April 2, 2007
Some true thoughts for the day:
The teacher I'm subbing for had some sayings on his wall I thought you'd enjoy!
"The early bird gets the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese."
"42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot."
"How do you know whem you've run out of invisible ink?"
And my personal favorite:
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is definitely not for you."
Just some thoughts to ponder.... :)
"The early bird gets the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese."
"42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot."
"How do you know whem you've run out of invisible ink?"
And my personal favorite:
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is definitely not for you."
Just some thoughts to ponder.... :)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Red, White, and Blue
Random thought (brought to me by my crazy dad):
Everything in America is about the "red, white, and blue" in that order. We never say it in a different order. It's always red, white, and blue and for some reason that is important to all of us. So if it's red, white, and blue, then why- when you win ribbons for prizes- are they blue (1st), red (2nd), and white(3rd)? Shouldn't it be red (1st) white (2nd) then blue (3rd)?
If anyone knows how the history behind this and could enlighten us, please share! It would be interesting to know!
Everything in America is about the "red, white, and blue" in that order. We never say it in a different order. It's always red, white, and blue and for some reason that is important to all of us. So if it's red, white, and blue, then why- when you win ribbons for prizes- are they blue (1st), red (2nd), and white(3rd)? Shouldn't it be red (1st) white (2nd) then blue (3rd)?
If anyone knows how the history behind this and could enlighten us, please share! It would be interesting to know!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
(Did anyone read that book by the way? It was a Newberry (sp?) award winner in the 70's. I had to read it for my children's lit class a few years ago and really enjoyed it.)
*Warning- cheesy somewhat poetic post coming your way*
So last night I was laying in bed reading my book, trying to unwind for bed. Jason's day had been tumultuous and had affected both of us greatly. So I was laying there reading, half listening to the rain that was making things slightly more dreary, when I heard it: the first roll of thunder of the season. As lame as this sounds, it was like a long lost friend. All my life I've loved thunderstorms. I know they're supposed to be scary and I know they sometimes create the tornadoes we fear, but I still love them. It may be because Mom always told me it was just the angels bowling. Who knows, but I came to absolutely love the times when the air was filled with the sound of thunder.
So last night, when I heard that thunder, I finally relaxed. It helped me to unwind from the day and it made me smile. About five minutes later, I paused from my book to realize that there hadn't been another roll of thunder. In my crazy poetic mood I sighed and thought "One glorious clap of thunder meant soley to cheer me up." And just then came another roll, then another. And the smiles just kept on coming.
And I could just see Grandma Berges up there poking God in the arm saying "You've got to give her more than one! Come on!!! Fred! Help me here!" :)
I fell asleep to the sound of the first thunderstorm last night.
It was a good night after all.
*Warning- cheesy somewhat poetic post coming your way*
So last night I was laying in bed reading my book, trying to unwind for bed. Jason's day had been tumultuous and had affected both of us greatly. So I was laying there reading, half listening to the rain that was making things slightly more dreary, when I heard it: the first roll of thunder of the season. As lame as this sounds, it was like a long lost friend. All my life I've loved thunderstorms. I know they're supposed to be scary and I know they sometimes create the tornadoes we fear, but I still love them. It may be because Mom always told me it was just the angels bowling. Who knows, but I came to absolutely love the times when the air was filled with the sound of thunder.
So last night, when I heard that thunder, I finally relaxed. It helped me to unwind from the day and it made me smile. About five minutes later, I paused from my book to realize that there hadn't been another roll of thunder. In my crazy poetic mood I sighed and thought "One glorious clap of thunder meant soley to cheer me up." And just then came another roll, then another. And the smiles just kept on coming.
And I could just see Grandma Berges up there poking God in the arm saying "You've got to give her more than one! Come on!!! Fred! Help me here!" :)
I fell asleep to the sound of the first thunderstorm last night.
It was a good night after all.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Belly Laughs
You can find a study to prove anything these days. I love ice cream- my cousin Carrie found a study for me that says if you eat ice cream you have a higher chance at getting pregnant. Problem solved!!! So if I'm 10 lbs heavier next time you see me you'll know why!! Hey- I'm willing to take one for the team!!! (Although the study said the reason for this is that people who eat ice cream are not on a diet, which has been proven to reduce pregnancy, it did say if you're eating more saturated fats in things like ice cream you should cut back in other areas. Doesn't that constitute a diet?!)
So my point is anything you like and want to prove is good for you, you can find a study for. Well, a long time ago I heard that if you want to live longer you should have at least one good belly laugh a day. Not a chuckle or a sincere laugh, but a belly laugh. I tend to believe this one because it shows either that you're not bogged down by the negative things in life or that you're reducing your stress by laughing.
Stress has unfortunately become a regular part of my life over the last 8 years. It's one of the only bad things about being an adult! Lately, the struggle between wanting to have a full time job, a house, and a child and have them right now, and knowing that it will all happen on God's time has caused a lot of dissonance in my life. I know God's plan is perfect (if my parents had gotten pregnant right when they started trying I'd be five years older and wouldn't have Jason) but it is hard when you want things so bad to let go of the control you mistakenly think you have and surrender to Him. So based on this alone, a belly laugh could do wonders for me!
What made me remember this study was something that happened last night. Jason is the perfect combination of big, tough guy and nurturing, caring man. He's a wonderful husband and I'm very lucky. But sometimes the fact that his label is "husband" blinds me to the fact of what a great friend he is!! The guy is hilarious and I have SO much fun with him!!! So last night we ended up having this tickle fight. In the middle of it I went to tickle the inside of his knee/leg and laughing he screamed "Stay away from my snotch!!!!" He simply misspoke in his attempt to keep me away, but it had him falling to the couch laughing hysterically. Just watching him made me laugh just as hard (and taunt him with phrases such as "Oh good Lord, I'll do ANYTHING to keep her away from my snotch!!" which sent him even further into hysteria) and made me realize just how much I liked the guy! Startling huh?! ;) I truly like my husband! He's my best friend and a great husband. I love to talk with him and listen to him and laugh with him and just be around him! And I know that, like the incredible cyndi lauper song says, when I'm lost in all that stress, he's there time after time to support me. And when I fall, he catches me, brings me back to what a wonderful life I have.
So, I have decided that belly laughs do much more than relieve stress and help you to live longer. They make you realize what you have and help you to live better.
So my point is anything you like and want to prove is good for you, you can find a study for. Well, a long time ago I heard that if you want to live longer you should have at least one good belly laugh a day. Not a chuckle or a sincere laugh, but a belly laugh. I tend to believe this one because it shows either that you're not bogged down by the negative things in life or that you're reducing your stress by laughing.
Stress has unfortunately become a regular part of my life over the last 8 years. It's one of the only bad things about being an adult! Lately, the struggle between wanting to have a full time job, a house, and a child and have them right now, and knowing that it will all happen on God's time has caused a lot of dissonance in my life. I know God's plan is perfect (if my parents had gotten pregnant right when they started trying I'd be five years older and wouldn't have Jason) but it is hard when you want things so bad to let go of the control you mistakenly think you have and surrender to Him. So based on this alone, a belly laugh could do wonders for me!
What made me remember this study was something that happened last night. Jason is the perfect combination of big, tough guy and nurturing, caring man. He's a wonderful husband and I'm very lucky. But sometimes the fact that his label is "husband" blinds me to the fact of what a great friend he is!! The guy is hilarious and I have SO much fun with him!!! So last night we ended up having this tickle fight. In the middle of it I went to tickle the inside of his knee/leg and laughing he screamed "Stay away from my snotch!!!!" He simply misspoke in his attempt to keep me away, but it had him falling to the couch laughing hysterically. Just watching him made me laugh just as hard (and taunt him with phrases such as "Oh good Lord, I'll do ANYTHING to keep her away from my snotch!!" which sent him even further into hysteria) and made me realize just how much I liked the guy! Startling huh?! ;) I truly like my husband! He's my best friend and a great husband. I love to talk with him and listen to him and laugh with him and just be around him! And I know that, like the incredible cyndi lauper song says, when I'm lost in all that stress, he's there time after time to support me. And when I fall, he catches me, brings me back to what a wonderful life I have.So, I have decided that belly laughs do much more than relieve stress and help you to live longer. They make you realize what you have and help you to live better.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
1:37 a.m.
I was awoken at 1:37 a.m. this morning (I looked at the clock) to incredibly strange and out of place noises. I opened my eyes to see little Lexi standing on my shoulder, scratching at me and making play noises, as if saying "Mom! I got out of my cage!! Wake up and play with me!!!!!!" When I reached over with my other arm to pick her up she got SOOO excited!!!!
Unfortunately, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I brought her back to her cage! Boomer ran after us expecting me to play too and also was disappointed when he got put in the cage without a Yogi, because Mom was too tired to take the time to give them one!!!
It was a very interesting night!!!
Unfortunately, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I brought her back to her cage! Boomer ran after us expecting me to play too and also was disappointed when he got put in the cage without a Yogi, because Mom was too tired to take the time to give them one!!!
It was a very interesting night!!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Random Thoughts
Yesterday it was in the 3o's and Mom and I were so warm we rolled down the car windows and took off our jackets.
Yep, we live in Wisconsin....
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Barack Obama is officially running for President!! YEAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
________________________________________________
All my favorite TV shows are back on! American Idol, Lost, Survivor, and Grey's Anatomy- an Eau Claire girl made it to Hollywood on AI, and the last three have all at some point made me scream at the TV!! Which makes me sound crazy, but they're just really good shows that get me totally get involved!
Make sure you tune in to Grey's Anatomy for the last of a three parter actually filmed in Seattle! It has been incredible so far and I'm sure this last one will blow us away!
_________________________________________________
My dad randomly got me a Death Star pez dispenser! It's very cool!
_________________________________________________
I think that's it! Hope all is well with you!
Yep, we live in Wisconsin....
________________________________________________
Barack Obama is officially running for President!! YEAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
________________________________________________
All my favorite TV shows are back on! American Idol, Lost, Survivor, and Grey's Anatomy- an Eau Claire girl made it to Hollywood on AI, and the last three have all at some point made me scream at the TV!! Which makes me sound crazy, but they're just really good shows that get me totally get involved!
Make sure you tune in to Grey's Anatomy for the last of a three parter actually filmed in Seattle! It has been incredible so far and I'm sure this last one will blow us away!
_________________________________________________
My dad randomly got me a Death Star pez dispenser! It's very cool!
_________________________________________________
I think that's it! Hope all is well with you!
Friday, February 9, 2007
A Touching Story
In 1986, Mkele Mbembe was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University.
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Mbembe approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Mbembe worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.
The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Mbembe stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned and walked away.
Mbembe never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Mbemb was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Mbembe and his son were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Mbembe, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Mbembe couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Mbembe summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.
The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Mbembe's legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.
Probably wasn't the same elephant.
_________________________________________________________________
Isn't that hilarious?!!! I got that in an email and it was so unexpected that I literally laughed out loud!Just thought I'd share!
Monday, February 5, 2007
Wisconsin Cold
Ok, so there's cold, and then there's Wisconsin Cold. You know, that cold where people make fun of us because we say crazy things like "Yes, it is 10 degrees but with wind chill it's -5!!" I think that in most places in the United States when it gets to 30 degrees people think it's cold. This winter in Wisconsin it has been 30 degrees quite often. And we were all realizing one thing- global warming IS happening! We're always around 0-10 in the winter! We get warm streaks where we go up to 20, but in general we are right around 10. So this winter we were wondering "When is the other shoe going to drop?!" When will we finally get cold?
Well, we finally got cold! On Friday we went below zero and we haven't gone above it yet. On Saturday we went to Carrie and Riley's house and we had gotten groceries. When we got home and were putting the groceries away we noticed our bread was frozen solid from sitting in the car!!! On Sunday we ran our normal errands and then came home to watch the Super Bowl, business as usual. I remember thinking, we are true Wisconsinites- yes it is VERY cold out there but we just take precautions and stay out of the wind as much as possible. Other than that we're still doing our normal things. I was SO proud! "The cold doesn't affect me! Sure it is -19 on the car thermometer, but no biggy!" I was above it all!
Until this morning!!! The thermometer said -19, but the windchill was -37 (which for those of you lucky people who don't need to know what windchill means because you live in warm places- it means it feels like it's -37 because of the wind!). 4 days with subzero temperatures did a number on our car and Jason's truck, both of which were sitting outside. This morning Jason went to go to work and he couldn't- neither of those vehicles would start! I think he even said that the car was frozen- the door was frozen shut, and when he tried the key, the ignition was frozen and wouldn't turn. So, Jason took the garaged Jeep to work and hopefully Sylvan will cancel like every school in northern Wisconsin so that I won't be late for work tonight!!! So much for my "this is no biggy" attitude!!
The cold may not affect us, but it DEFINITELY affects our vehicles!!!! The Wisconsin Cold finally did me under!!!
Well, we finally got cold! On Friday we went below zero and we haven't gone above it yet. On Saturday we went to Carrie and Riley's house and we had gotten groceries. When we got home and were putting the groceries away we noticed our bread was frozen solid from sitting in the car!!! On Sunday we ran our normal errands and then came home to watch the Super Bowl, business as usual. I remember thinking, we are true Wisconsinites- yes it is VERY cold out there but we just take precautions and stay out of the wind as much as possible. Other than that we're still doing our normal things. I was SO proud! "The cold doesn't affect me! Sure it is -19 on the car thermometer, but no biggy!" I was above it all!
Until this morning!!! The thermometer said -19, but the windchill was -37 (which for those of you lucky people who don't need to know what windchill means because you live in warm places- it means it feels like it's -37 because of the wind!). 4 days with subzero temperatures did a number on our car and Jason's truck, both of which were sitting outside. This morning Jason went to go to work and he couldn't- neither of those vehicles would start! I think he even said that the car was frozen- the door was frozen shut, and when he tried the key, the ignition was frozen and wouldn't turn. So, Jason took the garaged Jeep to work and hopefully Sylvan will cancel like every school in northern Wisconsin so that I won't be late for work tonight!!! So much for my "this is no biggy" attitude!!
The cold may not affect us, but it DEFINITELY affects our vehicles!!!! The Wisconsin Cold finally did me under!!!
Friday, January 19, 2007
A Good Cry
You know that a show is good when you cry through the whole last half hour!
My favorite show on TV is Grey's Anatomy. I love the humor and the relationships and the music.... It is just an incredible show. For the last few episodes it has just been good. Better than most shows, but not great. But last night the Grey's Anatomy I know and love returned. It had some humor, but mainly it was focused on relationships. Cristina and Burke took steps back towards each other, Meredith and her dad finally got some basics out in the air, and Alex and Addison finally kissed.
The biggest thing in the episode though was George dealing with his dad dying. First he was hopeful that everything would be OK, then angry when he realized it wouldn't and that the doctors listened to his dad's requests and didn't consult him on it, then confused when the family that he felt didn't respect him looked to him to decide whether or not to take his father off life support, then finally, the full force of grief when his father died. I started crying with George's anger and continued until 10-15 minutes after the show ended.
George said it so poignantly when after his dad died he told Cristina
Luckily I don't know what that feels like. But I kept thinking about how empty and lost I would feel if the people I love suddenly be gone from my life. And then talking to my mom I realized that that symbolized her struggle so well. How do you exist in a world where your parents or spouses or other loved ones do not?
That's the thing about Grey's- it makes you think about your own life and struggles. The characters are full of flaws, just like us and they sometimes make wrong choices when dealing with struggles. But that's the thing- they do struggle. You feel like things that happen in your life (or could happen in your life) are being played out on the screen. Grey's Anatomy is back!
Good show!!!
My favorite show on TV is Grey's Anatomy. I love the humor and the relationships and the music.... It is just an incredible show. For the last few episodes it has just been good. Better than most shows, but not great. But last night the Grey's Anatomy I know and love returned. It had some humor, but mainly it was focused on relationships. Cristina and Burke took steps back towards each other, Meredith and her dad finally got some basics out in the air, and Alex and Addison finally kissed.
The biggest thing in the episode though was George dealing with his dad dying. First he was hopeful that everything would be OK, then angry when he realized it wouldn't and that the doctors listened to his dad's requests and didn't consult him on it, then confused when the family that he felt didn't respect him looked to him to decide whether or not to take his father off life support, then finally, the full force of grief when his father died. I started crying with George's anger and continued until 10-15 minutes after the show ended.
George said it so poignantly when after his dad died he told Cristina
"I don't know how to exist in a world where my
father doesn't."
Luckily I don't know what that feels like. But I kept thinking about how empty and lost I would feel if the people I love suddenly be gone from my life. And then talking to my mom I realized that that symbolized her struggle so well. How do you exist in a world where your parents or spouses or other loved ones do not?
That's the thing about Grey's- it makes you think about your own life and struggles. The characters are full of flaws, just like us and they sometimes make wrong choices when dealing with struggles. But that's the thing- they do struggle. You feel like things that happen in your life (or could happen in your life) are being played out on the screen. Grey's Anatomy is back!
Good show!!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Barack Obama
Barack Obama has taken his first steps toward running for president!! YEAY!!! From what I hear he has filed the necessary papers to raise money for the election. WOOHOO!!!
I'm reading his first book right now and let me tell you- I used to be impressed with the man. After the first half of his book, its so much more- I no longer see him as a Black politician. He is a real person (not a career politician) who is incredibly insightful. His whole life he's struggled with race issues, yet he doesn't run his politics based on race- they are run on universal issues. He doesn't, as they say, "play the race card" and yet he could do more for race relations than any before him.
I absolutely support the guy 100% now! I hope he runs and I hope he WINS!!!!!!!!
I'm reading his first book right now and let me tell you- I used to be impressed with the man. After the first half of his book, its so much more- I no longer see him as a Black politician. He is a real person (not a career politician) who is incredibly insightful. His whole life he's struggled with race issues, yet he doesn't run his politics based on race- they are run on universal issues. He doesn't, as they say, "play the race card" and yet he could do more for race relations than any before him.I absolutely support the guy 100% now! I hope he runs and I hope he WINS!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Happiness = Hot Wings
Ya know, I'd always heard the saying "a way to a man's heart is through his stomach" but I'd never TRULY seen it in action until Wednesday. Since we've been married, Jason has randomly brought me home flowers and told me he loves me. He immediately would also tell me then that the flower guy who comes to the shop had convinced him (aka guilt tripped him into) getting me flowers! The sentiment was still there, but it did make me feel like I was living an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond! Now, recently he's taken to hiding my favorite candy in random places around the house so that I'll get one for no particular reason. It totally makes my day not only that I get to eat a delicious Mamba, but also that my hubby is that thoughtful!
Well, the other day I was at the grocery store after work and I got thinking about Jason and his thoughtfulness. He's been doing all these sweet things for me, and he manages to do them after he's just had a horrible day at work (which is almost every day). He puts aside his frusteration to do something nice for me so I wanted to do something nice for him! So, I swung by Applebees and picked up Jason's favorite food- Applebees hot wings. Because I couldn't remember the label for the hot sauce (Is it hot, extra hot, firey hot, what?!) I just said "put on the hottest sauce you can find."
I got my wings, drove home, and presented my hubby with his dinner. He was absolutely ecstatic! He said, "What a great day! I get surround sound on my tv, my wife brings me hot wings, this is great!" Then something happened that I thought might ruin it all. He started eating the wings. Now, anyone who knows Jason knows he pops peppers like they're grapes. The man lives for all things hot, and food that makes me fan my mouth and drink a glass of milk literally tastes bland for him. Now, Jason starts eating these wings and he's like "Whew! They used some crazy sauce on these- these babies are HOT!" Which of course I took as a good thing. Then the more he ate the more the heat built in his mouth. When he was about 2/3 through he was starting to make weird noises and everything. Finally I looked at him and knew that my effort was all for nothing- he could not be a fan of these wings and their crazy hot sauce anymore because the look on his face tells me he's about to die. That's right, die. His face was contorted, he was sweating and breathing heavy. I felt HORRIBLE! I said "Jason I am so sorry! You are obviously in pain!!!"
And that's when I realized that my Jason, the Jason who loves hot things was still in there! He looked me square in the eyes and said, "I AM in pain! These things are freaking AWESOME!!!"
The next morning, after his equally "awesome" churning gut was gone, I heard Jason, that's right- JASON, singing in the shower. :) The way to Jason's heart- and happiness- truly is through his churning stomach.
I'm going to have to stop by Applebees more often....
Well, the other day I was at the grocery store after work and I got thinking about Jason and his thoughtfulness. He's been doing all these sweet things for me, and he manages to do them after he's just had a horrible day at work (which is almost every day). He puts aside his frusteration to do something nice for me so I wanted to do something nice for him! So, I swung by Applebees and picked up Jason's favorite food- Applebees hot wings. Because I couldn't remember the label for the hot sauce (Is it hot, extra hot, firey hot, what?!) I just said "put on the hottest sauce you can find."
I got my wings, drove home, and presented my hubby with his dinner. He was absolutely ecstatic! He said, "What a great day! I get surround sound on my tv, my wife brings me hot wings, this is great!" Then something happened that I thought might ruin it all. He started eating the wings. Now, anyone who knows Jason knows he pops peppers like they're grapes. The man lives for all things hot, and food that makes me fan my mouth and drink a glass of milk literally tastes bland for him. Now, Jason starts eating these wings and he's like "Whew! They used some crazy sauce on these- these babies are HOT!" Which of course I took as a good thing. Then the more he ate the more the heat built in his mouth. When he was about 2/3 through he was starting to make weird noises and everything. Finally I looked at him and knew that my effort was all for nothing- he could not be a fan of these wings and their crazy hot sauce anymore because the look on his face tells me he's about to die. That's right, die. His face was contorted, he was sweating and breathing heavy. I felt HORRIBLE! I said "Jason I am so sorry! You are obviously in pain!!!"
And that's when I realized that my Jason, the Jason who loves hot things was still in there! He looked me square in the eyes and said, "I AM in pain! These things are freaking AWESOME!!!"
The next morning, after his equally "awesome" churning gut was gone, I heard Jason, that's right- JASON, singing in the shower. :) The way to Jason's heart- and happiness- truly is through his churning stomach.
I'm going to have to stop by Applebees more often....
Monday, January 8, 2007
What Will Happen In Harry Potter 7?
Today, to say the least was a bad day at work. I had a headache when I left even. But one thing sustained me. Something that I have been looking forward to since Christmas. Today in the mail I received the book What Will Happen In Harry Potter 7? !!!!! I had ordered it with one of my Christmas gift cards and I was greatly anticipating its arrival. You all know me, so as you know I am a Harry Potter-aholic. I have read them all 8 or 9 times. I know almost every detail from these books. When I'm reading them I feel nothing but extreme happiness, and when I'm done and must move on to a new book I feel like I've lost a good friend. I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to vanish through the use of an invisibility cloak, move from place to place just by turning in place and apparating, or use the bat-bogey curse against someone who really ticked you off? Although it is riddled with bad guys and a war for the world, it is also (pardon the phrase) a really magical place that most people would dream of being a part of. (How many sixteen year olds wouldn't like a place where the tree you almost hit jumps out of your way?!)
Harry Potter 7, or Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows as it is now titled, comes out on July 13th. I can't wait for this and yet I dread it. I want to have another 900 pages to be with my HP friends, and yet I know that the brilliant and evil J.K. Rowling is planning on killing off 1 or 2 of them!!! Will Harry die? Or Ron or Hermione? Will they return to Hogwarts? Is Sirius really still alive, like I've thought all along (he wasn't hit with the killing curse!!) and is RAB really his brother?
I have SO many theories! I can't wait to see what happens. But, as Dumbledore would say "Alas, it is yet 7 months away". So until then I read what other people think is going to happen. What theories can we already disprove by what JKR has let slip? *SPOILER ALERT* (Mine about Crookshanks being the animagus RA Black is out the window, as is Mom's that Dumbledore is still alive.) This book is awesome for Pottermanics like myself. So if you want the book, you can get it at Walmart.com- http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5041043 or check out the site that published it to get many of the facts there- http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5041043.
Now, to show you how truely obessed I am- I dug out this old paper from one of my computer files and thought I'd share! This was an introduction to a math portfolio I wrote in college! That's right- we were asked to share what we'd learned about ourselves in a math class, and I made it about Harry Potter!! (I was given extra credit for creativity also!!!)
Harry Potter 7, or Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows as it is now titled, comes out on July 13th. I can't wait for this and yet I dread it. I want to have another 900 pages to be with my HP friends, and yet I know that the brilliant and evil J.K. Rowling is planning on killing off 1 or 2 of them!!! Will Harry die? Or Ron or Hermione? Will they return to Hogwarts? Is Sirius really still alive, like I've thought all along (he wasn't hit with the killing curse!!) and is RAB really his brother?
I have SO many theories! I can't wait to see what happens. But, as Dumbledore would say "Alas, it is yet 7 months away". So until then I read what other people think is going to happen. What theories can we already disprove by what JKR has let slip? *SPOILER ALERT* (Mine about Crookshanks being the animagus RA Black is out the window, as is Mom's that Dumbledore is still alive.) This book is awesome for Pottermanics like myself. So if you want the book, you can get it at Walmart.com- http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5041043 or check out the site that published it to get many of the facts there- http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5041043.
Now, to show you how truely obessed I am- I dug out this old paper from one of my computer files and thought I'd share! This was an introduction to a math portfolio I wrote in college! That's right- we were asked to share what we'd learned about ourselves in a math class, and I made it about Harry Potter!! (I was given extra credit for creativity also!!!)
My name is Lisa and I am a Harry-Potter-oholic. I absolutely love the books, not just because it is a children’s series and I will be working with children, but because they are just plain good books. There are three main characters: Harry Potter, Hermione Grainger, and Ron Weasley. I am a lot like Hermione. Hermione likes to be “the smart one.” She prides herself on being able to answer other’s questions. However, there are times that she just doesn’t understand something. It is in those times that Hermione works for as long as she needs to in order to comprehend what she is learning. Most math comes easy to me. However, the times that I just don’t understand are the times that I work harder and take as long as needed to learn the material.
I am also like Harry Potter. Harry is a very smart student who has the capability of getting great grades. However, there are times in which Harry makes the decision that friends, family, and saving the world are more important than schoolwork. Although Harry is not learning how to transform a cat into a saucer, he is learning a lot about life, people, and himself. There are times when I know I should be studying those difficult areas of math. At the time though, my husband, family, and friends, and maintaining my relationships with them seem much more important. It is in these times that I put off my homework and concentrate on more important things.
Finally, I am like Ron Weasley. Ron understands something that I definitely do. Who wouldn’t much rather be watching quidditch and trading chocolate frog cards than be doing homework?! I am also like him in that I always stress later if I put things off until the last minute!
When you put the three together you get the perfect combination. You have three people with courage, loyalty, and hearts of gold. The main thing I learned this year is when I put the three together, and I get the perfect combination. I know when to work hard until I get it, I know when I need to take a break for more important things, and I know when to put my books down, my feet up, and play a game of wizard’s chess.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Happy New Year!!!
*NOTE- I have been trying to post this since New Years Day!!! I wanted to get some awesome pics from Christmas and New Years in so I'll post this but keep trying to add the pics. Must be some sort of computer glitch!!!
What a whirlwind the past two weeks have been!!!! Christmas this year was INCREDIBLE!!! It's funny- when you're a kid Christmas is all about what presents you get. As an adult it's about the presents you give. Not that I didn't get awesome gifts, but my favorite parts of Christmas were seeing Alan engrossed in the Italy scrapbook I made him, Jason appreciate the unexpected stein with a 60's Dodge truck in the pic, and hearing about how 2 & 1/2 yr old Amber is going around trying to scare everyone with the car we got her that morphs into a shark. ("Rarrrrr!!!!") I absolutely love seeing the excitement on everyone's faces and feeling the happiness in the room.
And going along with the whole "being an adult" theme, Alan got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and we had so much fun!!! ;) We (Mom, Dad, Al, Jason and I) were BOWLING in our living room!!! And GOLFING a 9 hole course in our LIVING room!!!! That Wii is sooo awesome- you move your hand slightly in any direction and your ball hooks to the side! I swear you could never bowl in your life, practice on the Wii, and go in and bowl an incredible game in the bowling alley. It is SOOO realistic.
Can I just say again that we spent Christmas day BOWLING in our living room?! How cool is that?!
But, Christmas ends. Work begins again. And you go back to every day life.
Until New Years!!!! We spent New Years Eve with Jason's cousin Carrie and her hubby Riley again this year. The new bonus this year was Austin, their 4 month old son!! It was so great to spend time chatting, eating, and playing cards with them. It was so much fun that Austin wanted to stay up for the festivities (so he got to see his first New Years firsthand) and we ended up staying there till 3 in the morning!!! By the time we were all settled into bed and attempting to sleep (I was on a sugar high!!) it said 4:15 on my clock!!! I haven't done that ... ever!
Anyways, I hope your Christmas and New Year were as incredible and full of fun as mine were!!
What a whirlwind the past two weeks have been!!!! Christmas this year was INCREDIBLE!!! It's funny- when you're a kid Christmas is all about what presents you get. As an adult it's about the presents you give. Not that I didn't get awesome gifts, but my favorite parts of Christmas were seeing Alan engrossed in the Italy scrapbook I made him, Jason appreciate the unexpected stein with a 60's Dodge truck in the pic, and hearing about how 2 & 1/2 yr old Amber is going around trying to scare everyone with the car we got her that morphs into a shark. ("Rarrrrr!!!!") I absolutely love seeing the excitement on everyone's faces and feeling the happiness in the room.
And going along with the whole "being an adult" theme, Alan got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and we had so much fun!!! ;) We (Mom, Dad, Al, Jason and I) were BOWLING in our living room!!! And GOLFING a 9 hole course in our LIVING room!!!! That Wii is sooo awesome- you move your hand slightly in any direction and your ball hooks to the side! I swear you could never bowl in your life, practice on the Wii, and go in and bowl an incredible game in the bowling alley. It is SOOO realistic.
Can I just say again that we spent Christmas day BOWLING in our living room?! How cool is that?!
But, Christmas ends. Work begins again. And you go back to every day life.
Until New Years!!!! We spent New Years Eve with Jason's cousin Carrie and her hubby Riley again this year. The new bonus this year was Austin, their 4 month old son!! It was so great to spend time chatting, eating, and playing cards with them. It was so much fun that Austin wanted to stay up for the festivities (so he got to see his first New Years firsthand) and we ended up staying there till 3 in the morning!!! By the time we were all settled into bed and attempting to sleep (I was on a sugar high!!) it said 4:15 on my clock!!! I haven't done that ... ever!
Anyways, I hope your Christmas and New Year were as incredible and full of fun as mine were!!
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