We had a nice Christmas this year. Had fun with family, opened some presents, ate myself into a coma. Still eating, actually. I'm going to do better, though. Starting tomorrow, of course. I didn't get very good pictures this year, so I'm not going to post any. I think I was half asleep. My house still looks like Christmas threw up, so that's my project for tomorrow. I've got to get into gear and get out of the post-Christmas haze.
Sean and I went to Wendover for a few days of rest, relaxation, bright lights, and frightening people. It was pretty dang fun. We decided to take a little drive out there in the middle of nowhere, so we cruised around the old historic airport/Air Force Base. There's a museum there, and you can go through an old cargo plane, but I was too lazy to get out and walk through it all so we just did the auto tour. They have signs outside the different buildings so that you can drive to each one and read about what it was used for. As we were driving around, we talked about how it somewhat resembled the deserted airport in Con Air. So anyway, kindof a conincidence, when we got back yesterday there was an article in the paper about the Wendover airport. It said that parts of the movie Con Air actually were filmed out there, and the cargo plane that you could walk through was used in the movie. I wish I would have walked through it just for fun. As we were leaving, we stopped to check out this old empty swimming pool. I read in the paper that that's where they filmed the scene where Steve Buscemi's character has the creepy tea party with the little girl. It was the perfect place to film that part of the movie. Anyway, places like that fascinate me. And now I need to watch Con Air again.
Well, tonight is appetizers and movies and hanging out. The kids are inviting friends over. Hopefully it will be fun. I looked back at the Resolutions/To Do list I made last year at this time, and guess what? I accomplished none of it. So this year I'm skipping it. Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Baby It's Cold Outside
It's been cold and snowy here for a few days, and it's supposed to be for a few days more yet. It's so pretty. I love it.
We went for a drive up to Hardware Ranch on Saturday, which was probably a little crazy, but it all turned out OK. I don't love driving through Sardine Canyon in a snowstorm, but luckily it wasn't too slick.
Brittney is hiding in the back there behind Courtney.
It was so cold up there. I stayed in the car with Lexi because I'm sick, and I didn't want her out in it, and I hate the cold. Sean said that Josh started crying about the cold before they even got on the sled to go out and see the elk, and he didn't stop until we got him back in the car.
It was so pretty up there, though. It was worth the drive.
We went for a drive up to Hardware Ranch on Saturday, which was probably a little crazy, but it all turned out OK. I don't love driving through Sardine Canyon in a snowstorm, but luckily it wasn't too slick.
Brittney is hiding in the back there behind Courtney.
It was so cold up there. I stayed in the car with Lexi because I'm sick, and I didn't want her out in it, and I hate the cold. Sean said that Josh started crying about the cold before they even got on the sled to go out and see the elk, and he didn't stop until we got him back in the car.
It was so pretty up there, though. It was worth the drive.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Catching Up
I haven't posted anything for a while. Lots of things going on; none very exciting.
Sick kids, work, home, Christmas shopping, the usual.
Thanksgiving was really nice. We spent the afternoon with my family and the evening with Sean's. We had lots of excellent food and good company. Sean and Josh went shooting up in the mountains with Scott, and they really enjoyed doing it. That was a tradition growing up, so I hope they keep it up.
Last weekend Courtney went to a debate tournament that was hosted by my school. As part of the team, she has to get a judge for at least one tournament, and since this one was at my school, she roped me into judging Friday night. I was dragging my feet about doing it because it went until 9:00 at night, and I really didn't want to spend 14 hours at school that day. But then I was like... who am I kidding? I'm just the nerd for the job. So I got to judge Congress, which is what I had hoped to judge, and had a good time.
Parent-Teacher Conferences were Monday night, so that was a barrel of fun. I was hoping the snow would keep everyone home so I could get some work done, but no such luck. Parents of my straight A kids came out in force... parents of my failing and problem kids stayed home. Same old.
Courtney got a job. My bank account stood up and applauded. She's going to be working at a care facility/nursing home/whatever. I hope that she'll enjoy it. And stop asking me for money.
Survivor Losers and Idiots is shaping up for a bitter-fest finale on Sunday. I have a feeling that Sue Hawk's "rats and snakes" speech is finally going to be outdone on the hate-o-meter. I kinda can't wait.
Well, that's all the news for here, I think.
Sick kids, work, home, Christmas shopping, the usual.
Thanksgiving was really nice. We spent the afternoon with my family and the evening with Sean's. We had lots of excellent food and good company. Sean and Josh went shooting up in the mountains with Scott, and they really enjoyed doing it. That was a tradition growing up, so I hope they keep it up.
Last weekend Courtney went to a debate tournament that was hosted by my school. As part of the team, she has to get a judge for at least one tournament, and since this one was at my school, she roped me into judging Friday night. I was dragging my feet about doing it because it went until 9:00 at night, and I really didn't want to spend 14 hours at school that day. But then I was like... who am I kidding? I'm just the nerd for the job. So I got to judge Congress, which is what I had hoped to judge, and had a good time.
Parent-Teacher Conferences were Monday night, so that was a barrel of fun. I was hoping the snow would keep everyone home so I could get some work done, but no such luck. Parents of my straight A kids came out in force... parents of my failing and problem kids stayed home. Same old.
Courtney got a job. My bank account stood up and applauded. She's going to be working at a care facility/nursing home/whatever. I hope that she'll enjoy it. And stop asking me for money.
Survivor Losers and Idiots is shaping up for a bitter-fest finale on Sunday. I have a feeling that Sue Hawk's "rats and snakes" speech is finally going to be outdone on the hate-o-meter. I kinda can't wait.
Well, that's all the news for here, I think.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I've been trying to get my life more organized, and I've made some small progress. Sean and I got about 2/3 of our Christmas shopping done last weekend. I've still got more to do, but I'm glad that we got a lot of it done already. I've got to find a way to declutter my life. With six people in this family, it is unreal the amount of crap we accumulate. On the flip side, it is maddening the things that we lose. I've somehow lost receipts for $90 worth of rebates that I *know are somewhere... or not... and Courtney's driver's license I believe has been thrown away. Urg.
My friend wants me to do this Masters of Education program that starts up in February and I'm like... Yah, you do know me, right? You see how I have baby boogers on my shirt and bags under my eyes? I have a full-time job, 4 kids and a slew of student loans... No thanks. I'd love to do a Masters in a few years, but I want to do it in something more interesting to me. Do you think there's a Masters of Sunbathing on Remote Tropical Islands program in existence anywhere?
One of my students asked me if I'd proofread her 80 page novel for her. How do I say no? I always read their writing when they bring it to me and try to be supportive, so I told her yes, but I was kicking myself the whole time I was saying it. Maybe I'll have to tell her I lost my glasses or I suddenly developed macular degeneration and can't read or something.
Josh, Sean and I went to see my school's production of Beauty and the Beast this week. It was amazing. So fun. Josh wasn't too in to it, though. I figured he'd love it, but he has the attention span of a monkey on speed.
Survivor was pretty darn awesome this week. I think I want Matty for the win. I think this is the worst cast of any season, but there have been some good blindsides.
Brittney went to Carrie Underwood on Wed night and she had a blast. She just now got back from seeing Twilight and was all "Squee!" and "That. Was. Like. So. AWE. SOME" and a bunch of excited stuff about Jacob and Edward that I have no idea about because I haven't read the books. So I guess it was good, anyway.
Courtney and her friend are off having an adventure riding the train in to Salt Lake to shop and eat. Sean is working. Josh is driving me crazy, and Lexi is napping. That's about it for here. Until next time...
My friend wants me to do this Masters of Education program that starts up in February and I'm like... Yah, you do know me, right? You see how I have baby boogers on my shirt and bags under my eyes? I have a full-time job, 4 kids and a slew of student loans... No thanks. I'd love to do a Masters in a few years, but I want to do it in something more interesting to me. Do you think there's a Masters of Sunbathing on Remote Tropical Islands program in existence anywhere?
One of my students asked me if I'd proofread her 80 page novel for her. How do I say no? I always read their writing when they bring it to me and try to be supportive, so I told her yes, but I was kicking myself the whole time I was saying it. Maybe I'll have to tell her I lost my glasses or I suddenly developed macular degeneration and can't read or something.
Josh, Sean and I went to see my school's production of Beauty and the Beast this week. It was amazing. So fun. Josh wasn't too in to it, though. I figured he'd love it, but he has the attention span of a monkey on speed.
Survivor was pretty darn awesome this week. I think I want Matty for the win. I think this is the worst cast of any season, but there have been some good blindsides.
Brittney went to Carrie Underwood on Wed night and she had a blast. She just now got back from seeing Twilight and was all "Squee!" and "That. Was. Like. So. AWE. SOME" and a bunch of excited stuff about Jacob and Edward that I have no idea about because I haven't read the books. So I guess it was good, anyway.
Courtney and her friend are off having an adventure riding the train in to Salt Lake to shop and eat. Sean is working. Josh is driving me crazy, and Lexi is napping. That's about it for here. Until next time...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Josh's Birthday
Today is Joshy's birthday. Here are a few things that I love about this kid:
*He is super funny, and he loves to make jokes with me. On the way home in the car he always wants to tell jokes or he wants me to make up funny things to make him laugh.
*He says, "I love you" often. He's done that ever since he was little, and it's always at random times when you aren't expecting it.
*He loves his dad and wants to be just like him. If you ask him if he wants to be a firefighter or pilot or race car driver when he grows up, he always has to check and see if you can do that *and be a dad before he decides. Because first and foremost, he wants to be a dad.
*He is super funny, and he loves to make jokes with me. On the way home in the car he always wants to tell jokes or he wants me to make up funny things to make him laugh.
*He says, "I love you" often. He's done that ever since he was little, and it's always at random times when you aren't expecting it.
*He loves his dad and wants to be just like him. If you ask him if he wants to be a firefighter or pilot or race car driver when he grows up, he always has to check and see if you can do that *and be a dad before he decides. Because first and foremost, he wants to be a dad.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Brittney's birthday
Yesterday was Brittney's 13th birthday. She's such a cool kid. Here are a few things I love about Brittney:
She's freaking hilarious. I love her sense of humor, and she keeps me laughing.
She's smart, she works hard, and she gets good grades. She's taking a pretty heavy load and doing well at it. She's also a great writer, and I love reading her stuff.
She's sweet and generous. She's always been one to share and to give gifts to people and to think of others.
She loves music and movies and can quote awesome movie lines at just the right moments.
She's freaking hilarious. I love her sense of humor, and she keeps me laughing.
She's smart, she works hard, and she gets good grades. She's taking a pretty heavy load and doing well at it. She's also a great writer, and I love reading her stuff.
She's sweet and generous. She's always been one to share and to give gifts to people and to think of others.
She loves music and movies and can quote awesome movie lines at just the right moments.
Halloween
Halloween was a crazy, busy day. I had to work and then run a bunch of errands. Brittney had a friend birthday party that night. Josh and Lexi were reaching full-on meltdown by the time Sean got them out the door. And then by the end of the night I was sick with a stomach thing. Considering all of that, though, somehow it managed to be a decent night. I didn't get very good pics, though.
Courtney on her way to a Halloween party, dressed as a rocker in an authentic 80's Def Lepard t-shirt. It probably still has the original pot smoke and sweat on it. (FTR, it wasn't my pot smoke or sweat. I was down on the floor in the General Admission, back in the good old days when it was a giant pit of crazy.)
Brittney on her way out trick-or-treating, dressed as a punk rocker. She shredded her jeans and wore hot pink tights under them.
Josh refused to have his picture taken. This was the best I could get. He's a stinker. He was dressed as a sheriff.
Lexi as a teddy bear, crying.
Josh and Lexi's pumpkins
Brittney's Twilight pumpkin
So that was Halloween.
I finally got my Suburban back. I did something last week I've never done before. I drove a mini-van. I told the rental people that I might not bring it back once I saw how good the gas mileage is. They told me that's fine, they'd love to trade me, because they rent Suburbans for $100/day. OK so how do I cash in on that? I loved the gas mileage, and loved how much lower it is to the ground, but I am glad to have my own car back. I missed my seat warmers in the morning, and my stereo is better.
Saturday night Sean and I ditched the kids and went to the drive-in. It was way fun. We saw a couple of really stupid scary movies, but it was fun. It was a nice night for it.
Weight loss tip for those of you who are interested: I got a new scale because mine was having problems, and I lost 5 lbs! Woohoo! Guess the old one wasn't accurate. So just remember... you aren't fatter, your scale is just broken. It's true!
I'm so glad that the election is over so that people (myself included) can stop being annoying and stupid. Thoughts on last night: I really, really loved Obama's victory speech. For the first time in a long time I've really felt hopeful. I felt bad for McCain last night. I feel bad for him because I really liked McCain in 2000. During the 2000 primaries, I wasn't an Al Gore fan, and I definitely didn't like George Bush, so I totally would have voted for McCain over Al Gore if he had made the ballot. I remember liking and admiring McCain, and this man that we saw in this election was not that same McCain. I don't think what we've seen the last few months is who he really is. I thought his concession speech was well done, gracious and classy, and I felt like that was much more who he really is. I do have to wonder, though, if there is a little bit of relief for him in losing. I mean, really, at 72 years old, he had to have looked around at the mess we're in and said, "Damn, I'm glad I'm not the one who has to deal with that." And he can go back to being a senator.
Well, that's the wrap up for the week. Tomorrow night is Survivor. I'm hoping that half the castaways and Jeff all get eaten by a crocodile and that the baby elephant they keep showing wins the game.
Courtney on her way to a Halloween party, dressed as a rocker in an authentic 80's Def Lepard t-shirt. It probably still has the original pot smoke and sweat on it. (FTR, it wasn't my pot smoke or sweat. I was down on the floor in the General Admission, back in the good old days when it was a giant pit of crazy.)
Brittney on her way out trick-or-treating, dressed as a punk rocker. She shredded her jeans and wore hot pink tights under them.
Josh refused to have his picture taken. This was the best I could get. He's a stinker. He was dressed as a sheriff.
Lexi as a teddy bear, crying.
Josh and Lexi's pumpkins
Brittney's Twilight pumpkin
So that was Halloween.
I finally got my Suburban back. I did something last week I've never done before. I drove a mini-van. I told the rental people that I might not bring it back once I saw how good the gas mileage is. They told me that's fine, they'd love to trade me, because they rent Suburbans for $100/day. OK so how do I cash in on that? I loved the gas mileage, and loved how much lower it is to the ground, but I am glad to have my own car back. I missed my seat warmers in the morning, and my stereo is better.
Saturday night Sean and I ditched the kids and went to the drive-in. It was way fun. We saw a couple of really stupid scary movies, but it was fun. It was a nice night for it.
Weight loss tip for those of you who are interested: I got a new scale because mine was having problems, and I lost 5 lbs! Woohoo! Guess the old one wasn't accurate. So just remember... you aren't fatter, your scale is just broken. It's true!
I'm so glad that the election is over so that people (myself included) can stop being annoying and stupid. Thoughts on last night: I really, really loved Obama's victory speech. For the first time in a long time I've really felt hopeful. I felt bad for McCain last night. I feel bad for him because I really liked McCain in 2000. During the 2000 primaries, I wasn't an Al Gore fan, and I definitely didn't like George Bush, so I totally would have voted for McCain over Al Gore if he had made the ballot. I remember liking and admiring McCain, and this man that we saw in this election was not that same McCain. I don't think what we've seen the last few months is who he really is. I thought his concession speech was well done, gracious and classy, and I felt like that was much more who he really is. I do have to wonder, though, if there is a little bit of relief for him in losing. I mean, really, at 72 years old, he had to have looked around at the mess we're in and said, "Damn, I'm glad I'm not the one who has to deal with that." And he can go back to being a senator.
Well, that's the wrap up for the week. Tomorrow night is Survivor. I'm hoping that half the castaways and Jeff all get eaten by a crocodile and that the baby elephant they keep showing wins the game.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Another week gone by...
Time really seems to fly by. I was home with sick kids at the end of last week, so I've got lots of catch-up to do. I graded a two-foot high stack of papers over the weekend and got the scores entered, so that's a good feeling. I'm having such a hard time keeping up this year.
My sister came for a visit, and it was so fun seeing her. Bummer that she had to go back. It was too short.
The deer hunters are home, luckily without a deer. Josh said to me, "Know how many deers we got?" "How many?" "None!" Sounds like they didn't really even see any, which is a bummer for them, but good news for me.
I haven't done my Survivor commentary in quite a while, so just a brief few words: Crystal: annoying and disappointing. I so wanted to see her kick some butt. Randy: I agree with him quite often, but he bugs me with his stupid I-hate-the-world thing. Ace: still only has the accent sometimes. Prat. Still like Bob. Surprised to find that I like Matty. (He had a trust fund that he totally blew through with partying, so I expected to hate him.) Everyone else ranges from eh to meh to haaaatttte.
Well, this week I've got to take my Suburban in for never-ending repairs. They still haven't fixed it right since the accident, but the guys at the shop dismissed our concerns... until State Farm's quality control inspector came and looked at the car and agreed with us. So back in the shop it goes. Josh is seeing a new allergist this week. I don't know what I expect her to tell me at this point, but hopefully she'll shed some new light on things. Brittney is having a birthday party on Halloween. And I've got to read The Secret Life of Bees this week. I'm advising a book club that some of my students wanted to start, and that's the first book they chose, so I've go to get it read before next week. Should be a busy week, but good busy not crazy busy, so can't complain. Off to bed.
My sister came for a visit, and it was so fun seeing her. Bummer that she had to go back. It was too short.
The deer hunters are home, luckily without a deer. Josh said to me, "Know how many deers we got?" "How many?" "None!" Sounds like they didn't really even see any, which is a bummer for them, but good news for me.
I haven't done my Survivor commentary in quite a while, so just a brief few words: Crystal: annoying and disappointing. I so wanted to see her kick some butt. Randy: I agree with him quite often, but he bugs me with his stupid I-hate-the-world thing. Ace: still only has the accent sometimes. Prat. Still like Bob. Surprised to find that I like Matty. (He had a trust fund that he totally blew through with partying, so I expected to hate him.) Everyone else ranges from eh to meh to haaaatttte.
Well, this week I've got to take my Suburban in for never-ending repairs. They still haven't fixed it right since the accident, but the guys at the shop dismissed our concerns... until State Farm's quality control inspector came and looked at the car and agreed with us. So back in the shop it goes. Josh is seeing a new allergist this week. I don't know what I expect her to tell me at this point, but hopefully she'll shed some new light on things. Brittney is having a birthday party on Halloween. And I've got to read The Secret Life of Bees this week. I'm advising a book club that some of my students wanted to start, and that's the first book they chose, so I've go to get it read before next week. Should be a busy week, but good busy not crazy busy, so can't complain. Off to bed.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Hope
It's hard not to get depressed when I read the newspaper lately. I've been troubled by a lot of things in the paper, on the news, in the debates... this little video lifts my spirits and reminds me there is hope for the future.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm off work today and tomorrow. I have a modest list of things to accomplish, but haven't done all of it yet. Partly because I'm being lazy (yay for laziness!)and partly because I just don't do well with unstructured days and small children. I get so easily distracted by "She licked me!" and "I'm hunnnnggggrrryyyyyyy" and "Eww boogers/poop/blood!" We had a 30 minute meltdown over nothing this morning. At some point I've got to get the laundry done, though. Josh is down to his last pair of underwear. I know I'm not supposed to admit things like that, but you all know me anyway, so what's the point pretending.
So I just heard they are remaking the movie Footloose with Zac Effing Effron playing Kevin Bacon's character. Gag. I wonder if they'll Disney-tize it, because I can't imagine Zach Effron doing this scene:
It's impossible to listen to this song without tapping your feet along. Try it. I dare you.
I just went over next door and visited with The Band. Seems they got a new touring van for hauling their instruments to their gigs. It's a delightful little p.o.s. for which they paid $500. It's a constant used car lot over there, but gotta love a group of young, optimistic guys. OK this totally cracked me up. I wanted to laugh, but years of training as a mom and poker player have served me well and I was able to keep a straight face. I was talking to 2 of the guys, and one of them commented about our neighbor's BYU flag that he hangs on his garage on game days. I said, "Oh, are you guys fans?" and they said that indeed they are. Then one of them says, "Yeah, I always wanted to go there, but by the time I got up to college age I had tattoos and I guess I wasn't churchy enough for them. People look at me and are always suprised that I'm Mormon." He says this in all seriousness, with a cigarette in his hand LOL Then the other guy, tattoos up the arms, cigarette in hand, lip ring, long hair with shaved sides... says totally sincerely, "Yeah, people are always surprised that I'm Mormon too. It's just fashion choice, man, it has nothing to do with religion." I like these guys. They crack me up. They have a show coming up in Salt Lake and they promised me VIP passes. Woohoo!
So I just heard they are remaking the movie Footloose with Zac Effing Effron playing Kevin Bacon's character. Gag. I wonder if they'll Disney-tize it, because I can't imagine Zach Effron doing this scene:
It's impossible to listen to this song without tapping your feet along. Try it. I dare you.
I just went over next door and visited with The Band. Seems they got a new touring van for hauling their instruments to their gigs. It's a delightful little p.o.s. for which they paid $500. It's a constant used car lot over there, but gotta love a group of young, optimistic guys. OK this totally cracked me up. I wanted to laugh, but years of training as a mom and poker player have served me well and I was able to keep a straight face. I was talking to 2 of the guys, and one of them commented about our neighbor's BYU flag that he hangs on his garage on game days. I said, "Oh, are you guys fans?" and they said that indeed they are. Then one of them says, "Yeah, I always wanted to go there, but by the time I got up to college age I had tattoos and I guess I wasn't churchy enough for them. People look at me and are always suprised that I'm Mormon." He says this in all seriousness, with a cigarette in his hand LOL Then the other guy, tattoos up the arms, cigarette in hand, lip ring, long hair with shaved sides... says totally sincerely, "Yeah, people are always surprised that I'm Mormon too. It's just fashion choice, man, it has nothing to do with religion." I like these guys. They crack me up. They have a show coming up in Salt Lake and they promised me VIP passes. Woohoo!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Let's see what I have to ramble on about today.
Lexi has some monster hair after naptime.
Survivor: Yay! It's back on! Boo! I hate almost everyone this season! Well, maybe hate is too strong... Half of them I don't care about, a fourth of them I am cautiously optimistic about, and a fourth of them I hope will get eaten by an alligator. And live! I'm not a monster, after all. Hated Michelle; glad she's gone. Gillian was nice, but too excited about elephant poop (seriously, girl wanted to eat that crap. Ha! Crap!) and too slow in physical challenges. Paloma was OK, but I don't really feel too bad about her going home. Early favorites are Bob, Crystal (started out weak but girl owned that last challenge) Early hate going to GC and Ace of the Fake Accent. The rest I'm ambivalent about at this point. We'll see what happens tonight.
Presidential Debates: Haven't had a chance to watch the VP or 2nd debate yet. It's all more of the same probably, but I'll eventually watch it anyway. The thing I don't get, honestly, is this whole notion that Sarah Palin is a good candidate because "she's just like you and me!" Well guess what... You and me... we aren't qualified to run this country! I like you and me very much, and you and me can hang out and drink margaritas and talk movies and politics and read classic literature and shop for shoes... but you and me have no business being that close to the presidency, especially with the current state of the world. GAH.
Books: I finally finished reading my Kurt Cobain biography, and man, talk about a downer. I normally try to avoid any type of sad movie or sad book. I have the potential to get way too involved with the characters or people, especially when I'm reading, and then I'm depressed for 3 days. I kinda picked this one up on a whim, and then I couldn't put it down even though I wanted to. I dragged my feet finishing it, but I had to. And then it put me into a major funk. Seriously. I hate that. I just couldn't stop thinking about that poor little Frances losing her dad when she was only 2. And it was weird... as I kept mulling over the whole thing in my mind, I could relate to Cobain in some weird way I never thought I would. Anyway... it was a very fascinating story.
Kids: Sick kids over the weekend. Everyone seems to be better now. I've been in the doctor's office way too much over the last month with various kid things. Courtney got her CNA testing finished up, and she was hoping to do an internship with the medical examiner, but the lady at the school told her they don't do that. So she wanted to do one with a midwife. But they don't do that. She wanted to get a job at a nursing home, but they don't hire 16 yo's. She's wondering why she spent her summer going to school since now she can't do any of the things she wanted to do with it. I feel bad for her. We'll see how it all pans out.
Sean: So I told Sean I was tired of the truck in my garage. So what did he do? He pushed it out into the driveway, all proud of himself that he got it out of the garage for me. It had no doors. No bumpers. No. freaking. hood! Just the big stupid engine all exposed, with all the metal frame removed. I felt like I needed to go around personally and apologize to all the neighbors. Finally I threatened to move out if he didn't put it back into the garage, so he did.
That's about it for here. Not looking forward to snow this weekend.
Lexi has some monster hair after naptime.
Survivor: Yay! It's back on! Boo! I hate almost everyone this season! Well, maybe hate is too strong... Half of them I don't care about, a fourth of them I am cautiously optimistic about, and a fourth of them I hope will get eaten by an alligator. And live! I'm not a monster, after all. Hated Michelle; glad she's gone. Gillian was nice, but too excited about elephant poop (seriously, girl wanted to eat that crap. Ha! Crap!) and too slow in physical challenges. Paloma was OK, but I don't really feel too bad about her going home. Early favorites are Bob, Crystal (started out weak but girl owned that last challenge) Early hate going to GC and Ace of the Fake Accent. The rest I'm ambivalent about at this point. We'll see what happens tonight.
Presidential Debates: Haven't had a chance to watch the VP or 2nd debate yet. It's all more of the same probably, but I'll eventually watch it anyway. The thing I don't get, honestly, is this whole notion that Sarah Palin is a good candidate because "she's just like you and me!" Well guess what... You and me... we aren't qualified to run this country! I like you and me very much, and you and me can hang out and drink margaritas and talk movies and politics and read classic literature and shop for shoes... but you and me have no business being that close to the presidency, especially with the current state of the world. GAH.
Books: I finally finished reading my Kurt Cobain biography, and man, talk about a downer. I normally try to avoid any type of sad movie or sad book. I have the potential to get way too involved with the characters or people, especially when I'm reading, and then I'm depressed for 3 days. I kinda picked this one up on a whim, and then I couldn't put it down even though I wanted to. I dragged my feet finishing it, but I had to. And then it put me into a major funk. Seriously. I hate that. I just couldn't stop thinking about that poor little Frances losing her dad when she was only 2. And it was weird... as I kept mulling over the whole thing in my mind, I could relate to Cobain in some weird way I never thought I would. Anyway... it was a very fascinating story.
Kids: Sick kids over the weekend. Everyone seems to be better now. I've been in the doctor's office way too much over the last month with various kid things. Courtney got her CNA testing finished up, and she was hoping to do an internship with the medical examiner, but the lady at the school told her they don't do that. So she wanted to do one with a midwife. But they don't do that. She wanted to get a job at a nursing home, but they don't hire 16 yo's. She's wondering why she spent her summer going to school since now she can't do any of the things she wanted to do with it. I feel bad for her. We'll see how it all pans out.
Sean: So I told Sean I was tired of the truck in my garage. So what did he do? He pushed it out into the driveway, all proud of himself that he got it out of the garage for me. It had no doors. No bumpers. No. freaking. hood! Just the big stupid engine all exposed, with all the metal frame removed. I felt like I needed to go around personally and apologize to all the neighbors. Finally I threatened to move out if he didn't put it back into the garage, so he did.
That's about it for here. Not looking forward to snow this weekend.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Random Observations About My Life
* I have new neighbors. I was very concerned about my new neighbors. They are a group of 4 20-ish year old guys. Who have a rock band. In the basement. Oh. Yay. They are a bit rough-around-the-edges looking when they are outside having a smoke. I've talked to them a few times, though, and they're a pretty good group. They're really cute about asking if their music is bothering me, and they told me that they end their sessions early because they "live in a nice neighborhood now." Anyway, 2 of them were asking me about Sean's truck the other day, which is currently all taken apart in my garage. We're talking, he took the frigging bumpers off, the exhaust system is in pieces, etc. So those 2 are all excited to talk to Sean about his truck because they have old F-250s as well, same year I think, and they even volunteered to help him work on it. Hallelujah! For the price of a couple twelve packs of beer I could have this thing out of my garage before Halloween if I play my cards right.
* A crazy man at Sam's Club told me he really liked my hair. I do not have the type of hair that stops strangers in their tracks... My hair has 2 settings: "bad hair day" and "forgettable". Even if I hadn't noticed that he was a bit off, telling me I had nice hair would have been a sure tip-off.
* I love my kids. I love my job. I hate working with teenagers all day and then coming home and dealing with teenager-ness at home. I feel bad for my girls, though, most of all. My threshold for teenagery whining, complaining, or eye rolling is so low that I lose it pretty quickly. I go from 0 to Bill Cosby (don't you roll those eyes at me I'll roll that head of yours right onto the floor) in about 5.4 seconds flat.
* I started using the elliptical again. After my surgery this summer I wasn't allowed to exercise until August, and then I still didn't really feel well enough. So I'm finally back into it, and it never fails... like 2 days after I start exercising and trying to eat better, I'm like... hey, I should have lost 2 lbs by now... and getting all discouraged when I've instead gained a pound. I joined a gym when I was 16 because I loved to lift weights and do aerobics (I know, right? What happened to me? 4 kids, that's what.) My point is, I'm not new to the gig. I know how long it takes to see results... yet here I am still expecting miracles. What, I've been exercising for 3 days now and haven't dropped a pants size? I'm giving up and eating a donut! But, I decided that with the stress I am currently under, it's either exercise or heavy drinking. So I went with the exercise. For now.
* I love going to garage sales. It's like a giant treasure hunt. Currently I'm looking for books for school. I found some cute baby clothes last weekend for Lexi for 25 cents. I bought 4 items. I'm all picking through... "Oh, this dress is cute, but I don't know..." And then I got home and thought, "Well, crap, it was 25 cents! Why didn't I just buy it?" Who cares if it wasn't in perfect condition. For 25 cents she could wear it once and then give it to D.I. She gets her clothes all messy at daycare anyway... might as well buy them from a garage sale. Oh well. Sean got a DVD player for $5 and it works great. It has a 5 disc changer so he can put it in the garage and play CD's. While he and Guns-N-Roses work on his truck.
* It is late and I must go to bed.
* A crazy man at Sam's Club told me he really liked my hair. I do not have the type of hair that stops strangers in their tracks... My hair has 2 settings: "bad hair day" and "forgettable". Even if I hadn't noticed that he was a bit off, telling me I had nice hair would have been a sure tip-off.
* I love my kids. I love my job. I hate working with teenagers all day and then coming home and dealing with teenager-ness at home. I feel bad for my girls, though, most of all. My threshold for teenagery whining, complaining, or eye rolling is so low that I lose it pretty quickly. I go from 0 to Bill Cosby (don't you roll those eyes at me I'll roll that head of yours right onto the floor) in about 5.4 seconds flat.
* I started using the elliptical again. After my surgery this summer I wasn't allowed to exercise until August, and then I still didn't really feel well enough. So I'm finally back into it, and it never fails... like 2 days after I start exercising and trying to eat better, I'm like... hey, I should have lost 2 lbs by now... and getting all discouraged when I've instead gained a pound. I joined a gym when I was 16 because I loved to lift weights and do aerobics (I know, right? What happened to me? 4 kids, that's what.) My point is, I'm not new to the gig. I know how long it takes to see results... yet here I am still expecting miracles. What, I've been exercising for 3 days now and haven't dropped a pants size? I'm giving up and eating a donut! But, I decided that with the stress I am currently under, it's either exercise or heavy drinking. So I went with the exercise. For now.
* I love going to garage sales. It's like a giant treasure hunt. Currently I'm looking for books for school. I found some cute baby clothes last weekend for Lexi for 25 cents. I bought 4 items. I'm all picking through... "Oh, this dress is cute, but I don't know..." And then I got home and thought, "Well, crap, it was 25 cents! Why didn't I just buy it?" Who cares if it wasn't in perfect condition. For 25 cents she could wear it once and then give it to D.I. She gets her clothes all messy at daycare anyway... might as well buy them from a garage sale. Oh well. Sean got a DVD player for $5 and it works great. It has a 5 disc changer so he can put it in the garage and play CD's. While he and Guns-N-Roses work on his truck.
* It is late and I must go to bed.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Quirky
Those people are quirky. I don't think I'm very quirky. However, I was tagged by Lauralee to reveal 6 quirks about myself, so I'll give it a shot.
1) It bugs me to have anyone else write on certain things of mine, like my shopping lists or calendar. Sometimes I even have to start it all over. I like to have it all in one writing or else it bugs me so bad, and I can read my own writing quickly and easily. I let my students write their own names on their file folders this year, and I seriously obsessed about it forever because I knew it would bug me, but it was just too much work to do it myself.
2) With a few exceptions, I don't like my food to mix together. I don't like casserole, I hate getting syrup in my eggs, I don't want gravy on my corn. The closest I get to casserole is lasagne. I also don't want fruit in my dessert. The only exception is pie, and that is only certain types. Certain foods I always eat the same way... like I eat the filling out of the pie first and the crust by itself.
3) If I get bored, I play games in my head with words. If I see a big word, I'll see how many little words I can make out of it. Or if I see several words I'll cancel out all the letters that are the same and see if I can make a word out of the leftovers. Yah. I'm weird.
4) I'm mildly claustrophobic. I like to sit on the outer edges of large crowds, like faculty meeting or ball games, when possible. Basically, I just like to be mobile. I like to feel like if my butt falls asleep or I have a sneezing fit I could get up easily without having to crawl over people's knees and laps.
5) I hate turtlenecks, mock-turtlenecks, sweaters that are tight, and I never wear jewelry. I would like to be a jewelry-wearer, but I just never do it.
6) I love John Cusak and have since I was in high school. Even as he gets older and puffier, I just can't help it.
OK, that's the best I can do. I tag all my loopie friends who want to do it.
Family Photo Fun
So we got some portraits done the other day, and may I just say what a special kind of torture it was? You do not even want to know what hell we went through, and they didn't even turn out that super. Here are a few that I liked.
Sean's Birthday
Sean's birthday was Tuesday. He's 39 this year, but he still looks as cute as he did 10 years ago. Lucky dog.
He worked late, so we didn't really do anything, but we grilled steaks for dinner and had cake and presents.
A few of the many things I love about Sean:
* He likes to do a lot of the same things I do.
* He makes me laugh, and he laughs at my stupid jokes.
* He likes to stay up late watching movies.
* He has a good heart.
* He is neat and tidy and organized.
* He is a good cook.
* He smells good.
* He looks super cute in a baseball cap.
* He knows how to fix things. (The fact that he likes to tear large objects apart
and strew them about my garage does NOT go on the "things I love" list, however.)
* He has lots of energy and works hard.
He worked late, so we didn't really do anything, but we grilled steaks for dinner and had cake and presents.
A few of the many things I love about Sean:
* He likes to do a lot of the same things I do.
* He makes me laugh, and he laughs at my stupid jokes.
* He likes to stay up late watching movies.
* He has a good heart.
* He is neat and tidy and organized.
* He is a good cook.
* He smells good.
* He looks super cute in a baseball cap.
* He knows how to fix things. (The fact that he likes to tear large objects apart
and strew them about my garage does NOT go on the "things I love" list, however.)
* He has lots of energy and works hard.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Somehow, while no one was looking, Lexi snaked the chocolate syrup out of the door of the refrigerator. She took it over to the edge of the kitchen, out of my sight line, and had a blast. Sean and I were standing there talking, and here comes Lexi all happy and covered with chocolate. She had it all over her feet and legs, on her clothes, in her hair. Stinker pants. With good taste, though. And she managed to get most of it in her mouth instead of on her face, so that's good I guess.
We went up to the lake and went camping yesterday. It was 40 degrees when we woke up this morning, and that's just too cold for me. But it was beautiful up there, as always. One of my favorite places to go.
The lake through the trees
Courtney and Josh taking a walk
Brittney climbing a tree
School is going pretty well, I think. I'm supposed to write up a little blurb about the last book I read for my principal to display in the office, and as an English teacher I feel the need to Represent. The actual last book I finished was #14 in the Stephanie Plum series. I feel like I need something more high-brow and dignified than that... Ethan Frome or Discourses on Mark Twain or something scholarly sounding. Hmmmm..... I'm in the middle of reading a Dean Koontz novel and a biography of Kurt Cobain. Are either of those any better? Oh well. Guess I should just fess up and be myself, right? I realized one day that I am totally the Michael Scott of teaching! Sometimes the kids' negativity just sucks the life out of me... School sucks so bad, homework sucks so bad, everything sucks so bad... and I get all pissed off... like the Prison Mike episode! One day I could snap and do a Prison Mike on my class... You think school sucks worse than prison? Me wearing a do-rag and trying to be tough LOL Sometimes it just sucks the life out of me to feel like the enemy. Luckily I do have some fun classes and we laugh a lot, but I also have a few that I want to smack... there are times when they're giving me that blank-look-rolly-eyed stare, and a former student will wander into class to bring me a treat or to give me a hug or wave "hi" and I just want to say, "See! Some of my students do like me, really! I promise!" LOL
We went up to the lake and went camping yesterday. It was 40 degrees when we woke up this morning, and that's just too cold for me. But it was beautiful up there, as always. One of my favorite places to go.
The lake through the trees
Courtney and Josh taking a walk
Brittney climbing a tree
School is going pretty well, I think. I'm supposed to write up a little blurb about the last book I read for my principal to display in the office, and as an English teacher I feel the need to Represent. The actual last book I finished was #14 in the Stephanie Plum series. I feel like I need something more high-brow and dignified than that... Ethan Frome or Discourses on Mark Twain or something scholarly sounding. Hmmmm..... I'm in the middle of reading a Dean Koontz novel and a biography of Kurt Cobain. Are either of those any better? Oh well. Guess I should just fess up and be myself, right? I realized one day that I am totally the Michael Scott of teaching! Sometimes the kids' negativity just sucks the life out of me... School sucks so bad, homework sucks so bad, everything sucks so bad... and I get all pissed off... like the Prison Mike episode! One day I could snap and do a Prison Mike on my class... You think school sucks worse than prison? Me wearing a do-rag and trying to be tough LOL Sometimes it just sucks the life out of me to feel like the enemy. Luckily I do have some fun classes and we laugh a lot, but I also have a few that I want to smack... there are times when they're giving me that blank-look-rolly-eyed stare, and a former student will wander into class to bring me a treat or to give me a hug or wave "hi" and I just want to say, "See! Some of my students do like me, really! I promise!" LOL
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Soccer and Camping
Well, Britt's soccer game went well. They won 6-1. Looks like a good group. Coach had her playing middle, though, which she hates, so we'll see how that plays out. Josh... well, who knows about that kid. He was so excited to play... and then he got there and refused to step foot on the field. He's claiming that he's all ready now and will be playing this Saturday, so we'll see how that goes.
Camping was fun. We went up in the afternoon and made dinner in the dutch oven, played around, sat by the campfire, and just enjoyed being outdoors. It was butt freezing COLD at night, though. Holy cow. We're planning to go again this weekend, and I am bringing my long johns and my parka. So glad the heater in the trailer works.
Well, that's about all I have to report. School is... going. Everyone is surviving. This is really going to be a hard year for all of us, I think. Both girls have a heavy load, and I have a heavy load as well. Lexi was all bundled up and snoozing this morning on the way to school, and Courtney and I were both like... Man, I wish I was all comfy like that... going to go play with toys all day... and getting to take NAPS on mats! Forget the toys; we both just wanted the nap.
Camping was fun. We went up in the afternoon and made dinner in the dutch oven, played around, sat by the campfire, and just enjoyed being outdoors. It was butt freezing COLD at night, though. Holy cow. We're planning to go again this weekend, and I am bringing my long johns and my parka. So glad the heater in the trailer works.
Well, that's about all I have to report. School is... going. Everyone is surviving. This is really going to be a hard year for all of us, I think. Both girls have a heavy load, and I have a heavy load as well. Lexi was all bundled up and snoozing this morning on the way to school, and Courtney and I were both like... Man, I wish I was all comfy like that... going to go play with toys all day... and getting to take NAPS on mats! Forget the toys; we both just wanted the nap.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back to School
Everyone went back to school last week at our house. So far, so good. I think. We're all still alive, anyway. My wallet, however, is dead. Deflated. School registration fees.... School supplies... Activity fees and class fees.... I'm up over $400 and still not finished. Oh well. It's worth it.
Seeing how I'm not one of those kind of moms (you know, the good kind) who remember things like, oh, taking pics before rushing out the door in the morning.... my first day pics of the girls are from *after school.
First day pics:
Josh and Lexi didn't start daycare until Thursday of the week we all went back. I totally didn't even think to take their pics that day. So here are some random pics of them that I'll pretend are from the first day. Hey, that's the shirt Josh wore, so no one will know. Except that I told you.
My birthday was last week. Sean fixed me a great dinner, we had pie, unwrapped presents. Then we went out to dinner with my mom and siblings on Friday, and that was lots of fun! I wish we could get together more often. We had an interesting debate/discussion and some tasty food.
For Labor Day weekend we went to Lava Hot Springs and then stayed over in Pocatello. It was really nice to get away with the kids for a little while.
Sean and Britt at the pool
Sean and Britt jumping off the tower
Joshy
Sean jumping off the highest tower
Messing around at the hotel:
At the fabulous Pocatello zoo:
This school year is shaping up to be a difficult one, but I think it will be rewarding as well. We have a few more weekend camping trips planned, so hopefully that will help me get through the weeks with something to look forward to. Josh and Brittney start up soccer this Saturday, and I look forward to that as well. Josh should be pretty cute. He was so excited when he got his uniform. He immediately put it on, had to demonstrate how fast he can run in it, ran around kicking a pretend ball, and slept in it that night.
Seeing how I'm not one of those kind of moms (you know, the good kind) who remember things like, oh, taking pics before rushing out the door in the morning.... my first day pics of the girls are from *after school.
First day pics:
Josh and Lexi didn't start daycare until Thursday of the week we all went back. I totally didn't even think to take their pics that day. So here are some random pics of them that I'll pretend are from the first day. Hey, that's the shirt Josh wore, so no one will know. Except that I told you.
My birthday was last week. Sean fixed me a great dinner, we had pie, unwrapped presents. Then we went out to dinner with my mom and siblings on Friday, and that was lots of fun! I wish we could get together more often. We had an interesting debate/discussion and some tasty food.
For Labor Day weekend we went to Lava Hot Springs and then stayed over in Pocatello. It was really nice to get away with the kids for a little while.
Sean and Britt at the pool
Sean and Britt jumping off the tower
Joshy
Sean jumping off the highest tower
Messing around at the hotel:
At the fabulous Pocatello zoo:
This school year is shaping up to be a difficult one, but I think it will be rewarding as well. We have a few more weekend camping trips planned, so hopefully that will help me get through the weeks with something to look forward to. Josh and Brittney start up soccer this Saturday, and I look forward to that as well. Josh should be pretty cute. He was so excited when he got his uniform. He immediately put it on, had to demonstrate how fast he can run in it, ran around kicking a pretend ball, and slept in it that night.
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