Chantico

Finishing what's begun...

2012-01-11T18:10:00.001-05:00

I've been in Australia for the last 18 months, studying at Hillsong International Leadership College for a Diploma of Ministry. This experience has been so much more than I ever imagined it would be when I started the journey. I was told by a friend and former HILC student to "drop your expectations, but come expectant" and I've done my best to follow his advice. Through the college and

TIffany's, the Sydney Opera House, and Orchids

2011-12-11T14:38:00.003-05:00

I had the most wonderful gift from a lady at college recently. She gave me two box seats for the Sydney symphony at the Opera House. After a magical evening that began with a steak dinner (filet mignon and a Hunter Valley Shiraz-yum) and ended with pink champagne, chocolate truffle gelato, and the most gorgeous orchids I've ever seen, I was thinking that I've been blessed to have attended

For Courtney and Chris

2011-10-23T18:35:00.005-04:00

and anybody else who wants an update of life in Australia. I've been promising this for awhile to those who are impossible to schedule a Skype date with... (bad grammar, Ski-but I'm leaving it this time.)Ready to move on-in some direction. I've got work to do. I've been thinking a lot about what life will look like after Hillsong-while I still don't really know, there are some things that have

m&ms musings

2011-02-24T21:07:00.004-05:00

Blue m&ms are just weird. Food ISN'T naturally that color. I don't eat them unless I'm sure know that no one is looking, and not even all the time, then. And I'm bitter that they removed the tan ones because of them.I'm still a little scared of the red ones, because of the red dye poison scare in the 80s.I'm completely ambivalent about yellow ones. I wouldn't care if they stopped making

February

2011-02-24T00:50:00.001-05:00

...is come and nearly gone, without me writing CRAP. Which tells you just what kind of month this has been. :P Just praying I can get in the swing of things soon. This WILL be a good year-if I have to drag it to "good" all year long...:D ( <--This is me smiling through my gritted teeth...)

Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire

2011-01-09T02:51:00.004-05:00

Yes, I read Vanity Fair. And yes, I am a Christian. I love lists-if you've ever read this blog, you know that about me. This is a great list...What is your idea of perfect happiness?What is your greatest fear?Which historical figure do you most identify with?Which living person do you most admire?What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?What is the trait you most deplore in others?What

January Expectations

2011-01-08T06:37:00.003-05:00

I love January.Not the (usual) cold and ice and snow...especially THIS year,but the expectation, the newness,the planning and organizing and sweeping cleanand starting new.This month I've already been so blessed-I know this year will be a year of the Lord's favor on my life,and I'm already seeing it, with meals with friends,the loan of a car for the last four weeks and the next,free tickets to

Frohe Neues Jahr!

2011-01-01T22:09:00.006-05:00

Or "Happy New Year" in German, as I learned on New Year's Eve. Sooo much fun to spend the day with about a dozen German friends, enjoying the sun, playing games, reading, swimming, sunning, grilling, eating, chatting, sleeping, learning German, listening to music and waves, watching fireworks...it was SUCH a perfect way to spend the day, and to welcome 2011.And so...2011 is here! It promises to

Four months...

2010-09-20T05:57:00.002-04:00

since my last post...I'm officially IN Australia, and have been since July-that for another blog. At the moment, I'm also officially SICK. The nasty pneumonia I spent five weeks getting over in January/February has decided to sneak up on me and hit full force this weekend. I cannot breathe, and I think that's a problem. However, I am having a happy moment-I just looked at a few blogs ago, and

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:53:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mom-one of the few truly great people I know. She's my best friend, my confidant, my advisor, my mentor... I've lost my superlatives. I hope she knows how much she is loved. If you're a mom, happy day to you, too! I got a Tweet today that sums up my own feelings: Looking forward to joining your ultra-cool club someday!

Rantishness

2010-05-04T20:14:00.003-04:00

I've been terribly deficient in blogging lately. Indeed, I ought to be writing overdue papers for a grad class I loathe, even as I write this. Oh well...I'm alternately ready and terrified of not being ready to go to Australia these days. Ready to LEAVE Northern Virginia forever-to shake off this horrid red clay, and move on with life. Not ready from the perspective that I have SO freaking

Snow Day

2010-02-03T13:29:00.003-05:00

We are having a proper winter here in NoVA this year...The snow days have come fast and furious, and often in a very timely manner. Luckily, I can mostly get out of the house, because for the last few days, DeAnna's other transient boarder (:P) has been driving me a bit nuts. Linda has decided this week, not sure why, that she needs to order me around, and tell me that everything I do is wrong.

Paris in the Springtime!

2010-01-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

There is a possibility that I might be going to Paris for Spring Break. YES-that's Paris, FRANCE!!!In other (related) news~ just met a lady from Queensland who tells me that Sydney is ridiculously expensive. Cutting back on my Starbucks now...and going on a diet. I think I'm going to try to get my daily food intake down to breakfast and high tea instead of lunch and dinner. I also need to

Boy names

2009-07-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

My friend just named her son Ezra. After this school year, I am officially in love with the name Atticus. That is all.

Shout Out

2009-07-29T14:22:00.002-04:00

To Jessie Penick! Thanks for reading, my friend! Love ya!

Australia

2009-07-24T18:03:00.001-04:00

So I'm moving to Oz next year. At least that's the plan. I'm currently formulating the Big Story. More to follow...

Spring Break

2009-04-06T16:16:00.002-04:00

I slept until 12:15 today. I can't remember the last time I did that. I also exercised-can't recall the last time I did that, either. :P This week is going to be full of firsts-in-awhile: I also haven't had a week to myself in a long, LONG time...maybe not ever. The sky is so spring-ish today. Huge, fluffy clouds of varying shades of grayness are racing across a clear blue sky, now full and

New Year

2009-01-10T18:44:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! (Lora and Jill) I have great expectations for 2009-for me, and for my friends (hear, hear for great jobs, and blessings to you both!). As ever, I'm list-making like a madwoman. I started with my project list for the year. I figure with ten projects, that's about one a month, with a little wiggle room. So, for purposes of accountability, here they are:cover bedroom chair and

Looking forward

2008-12-14T16:05:00.002-05:00

It's been a rough autumn. I'm looking forward to a new start in a new year. Hoping for good things ahead!By the way, I did get to do one cool thing this fall-I got to visit the *Real* Tiffany & Co in New York City. It was kind of incredible. Happy Christmastime to you, and God bless you in the new year.

Summertime...

2008-07-23T18:57:00.002-04:00

I'm finally finished with my HHMI paper-hallelujah! Thank heavens I'll NEVER have to think about that again-this was my third and last year. Now on to my website for my OTHER summer school project.

Sadness....

2008-07-21T11:13:00.004-04:00

I'm sitting in Panera working on my paper (due last Friday :( ) because the STUPID phone company is providing exceptionally POOR customer service to my parents and they currently have no Internet access. Frustration level: high.The sad part?The realization that I am technologically dependent.*Addendum*I wasn't very nice to my mum this morning. I am unhappy about this, too. My day has gone

Going Home

2008-07-19T10:58:00.002-04:00

I'm going home to Ohio today, haloo-hallay! So I'm part of a Yahoo group for middle school teachers, and someone got the bright idea for everyone to share when their summer break is over. So far, my kids go back to school LAST of all. Woohoo!! I guess there's ONE benefit of having gone till the end of June. Happy Trails...

Tiffany Bling and Tiffany Blue

2008-07-17T11:22:00.000-04:00

First, my favorite Tiffany jewelry:Silver cuff bracelet-comes in either a left- or right-handed versionSilver ring-sleek and cleanOf course, the Tiffany diamond stud earringsThen the Tiffany Blue accessories:Leather Passport CoverLeather iPod coverTable Manners for TeensSketchers in my favorite color combo-Tiffany & ChocolateTiffany Nail PolishRelaxing in Tiffany BlueTiffany Blue KitchenAid, for

Justice and Worship

2008-07-12T00:31:00.013-04:00

When I was about eleven years old, for a church girls program, I was required to find the story of a missionary and do a book report on him/her. I chose to read about Mark and Huldah Buntain, and their Mission of Mercy in Calcutta. Not to sound trite, but my life was changed forever by this story. The biographer presented such a vivid picture of the absolute despair of the lost in the Third

The Ultimate List

2008-07-12T00:07:00.005-04:00

If you've never heard of John Goddard, allow me to initiate you. This guy is the ultimate list maker; starting when he was a teenager in 1940, he made a list of 127 life goals to achieve...and he's almost completed the whole list. So what, you may ask? Well, you need to see his list to fully appreciate the incredible accomplishment it already has been: view John Goddard's Life List.So, of

Summer Reading List

2008-07-07T12:51:00.000-04:00

We'll see if I get through HALF of it...Luncheon of the Boating Party Franklin and Winston The Remains of the Day Out of Africa Howard's End The African Queen

A Norman Rockwell Independence Day

2008-07-05T07:21:00.010-04:00

I have only been away from home, to my best recollection, twice on the Fourth of July. I'm sure there have been other times, but I can only remember two. The first time was in 2003 when I spent Independence Day in the bush, in East Africa. I wouldn't trade that for anything. The second time is this year, as I spend my holiday with my dear friend Lizard at her parents' home in Philadelphia, PA

Orlando

2008-06-30T00:19:00.007-04:00

No, not the city-the Really Hot Actor. I just watched Elizabethtown again for the millionth time, and realized (again) how much of a crush I have on Orlando Bloom. Whoa. Allow me to collapse into adolescence for a moment to say how incredibly sexy I think he is. I don't even use that word, sexy-but he is. In other news, I just saw Get Smart this weekend, and was woefully disappointed in Annie

School's Out!!

2008-06-19T15:32:00.002-04:00

I know, you're saying, "What?!? They've STILL been going to school? The rest of the world has been out for weeks....."Me, too. *Sigh* But now it's officially over.I have the first three day weekend I can EVER remember where I don't have ANYTHING that I'm supposed to be working on. As my kids would say, "Woot, woot!"

I almost forgot

2008-05-31T13:18:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile since I've done a list, so here's one from Tres Poshe Preppy: Pick 5 (In No Particular Order) 5 Things I Can't Live Without Under $10:1. Grande Hazelnut Skim Latte2. San Pellegrino*I'm having a hard time coming up with nonperishable items for this one-I think I have more expensive taste than $10!3. Gel Pens...I know-it's SO seventh grade. I can't help it; I love 'em.4.

Rainy Saturday

2008-05-31T13:08:00.004-04:00

I just got home from my morning tutoring, and the rain is drumming on my kitchen window, reminding me that it's my favorite season: Spring! Springtime in Virginia is (in my humble opinion) not as much fun as back home in Ohio. For one thing, we don't get nearly the rain here that we do back home, and when we do, it almost never comes in thunderstorms, which I adore. For another, spring in

Posting, shmosting...

2008-05-26T18:51:00.004-04:00

Yep, I completely dropped the posting ball-again. This month has been a whirlwind, and well-you get the picture...we all have busy lives. The fact is, when my life gets crazy and I have lots of stuff to think and work through, instead of writing through it, I tend to retreat into my head, which is where I've been lately. However, today I decided to come out and play, so here I am!It has been a

Belated credits, and other news

2008-05-06T22:28:00.002-04:00

So I forgot to mention that the Five Things Meme came from here-sorry, Libby! Now that I'm done with spring semester classes, I'm having an interesting time coming home to whole evenings worth of time to relax! I'm taking this week as a sort of vacation-but only sort of, since I've got a million portfolios due over the next two days. Now that I think of it, it's a really good thing that I'm

Five Things Meme

2008-05-02T18:28:00.005-04:00

Five things found in your bag:1. My amazing 3-headed highlighter2. Starbucks card3. teacher ID on lanyard, which I always forget to wear.4. agenda, which I write things in and forget to look back at. 5. The new I Heart Revolution cdFive favorite things in your room:1. my chocolate and aqua leather jewelry box.2. Sunset 1929 magazine cover poster:3. Vermont dressers from Overstock4.White quilt

Playing Hooky

2008-04-29T10:03:00.013-04:00

But not really, since the whole reason I stayed home today was to get caught up on final exams and papers for my grad classes! I'll tell you what, I'm a little tired of bring in school. But nowhere as tired as Libby who has been working her teensy tail off in law school-go Libby!Well, the wedding was gorgeous and I've decided that I can either spend a year planning my own wedding or, like my

MIA Again

2008-04-18T09:46:00.003-04:00

For anybody who hasn't given up on me yet-I'm still here! The wedding I'm catering is tomorrow-yikes-and things are a little crazy around here! Once Madelein is married off and on her way to San Diego, I'll be back, I promise!Thanks for hanging in there!D

Crazy week, and still waiting...

2008-03-31T23:45:00.002-04:00

This week is nuts-tons of school work, grad school work, family visits, and now I'm coordinating a wedding reception-in two weeks! Yikes. Oh yeah-and standardized tests this past weekend, too...I thought I'd finished those when I got my GRE scores and MCAT scores! Oh well-I'm sure it all went well, and I'm glad it's over.In other news, no response from Joel, but I'm still hoping! Meanwhile,

Ten on Tuesday

2008-03-25T21:39:00.002-04:00

OK, so today from Ten on Tuesday, the topic is:The 10 Things to Do Before You Get MarriedHowever, since so many of you lovely ladies are married to such fabulous men, I was hoping you could give me some suggestions. What would YOU recommend I do before getting married??Leave your suggestions in the comments and I'll post my resulting list later this week!

My Easter Day, and so on...

2008-03-24T21:17:00.002-04:00

I must say that when I awoke yesterday, I wasn't as thrilled with life as I'd ought to have been. I remembered an Easter several years ago that could qualify as one of the worst days ever. It sort of marked the beginning of the end of a serious relationship (which end, in retrospect, I thank God for!). Anyhow, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, but I put it out of my head and went on to

2008-03-23T08:39:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter!He is not here;He is risen, just as He said.Matthew 28:6Today is my FAVORITE holiday. Happy day, everyone!

Princess Lists

2008-03-22T13:25:00.002-04:00

For your reading pleasure, more fun from my www.listography.com: about me (reasons I would make a terrible princess) ¬

Listography

2008-03-21T21:19:00.002-04:00

So, if you've been reading my blog AT ALL, you'll recognize my fondness for lists. I thought I'd share a few of my (59) lists from www.listography.com. I love this site because it allows you to freeload list ideas from other list maniacs without guilt or penalty. Just a few of mine, for your reading enjoyment: about me (Random things I love)

New Girl Stuff

2008-03-20T22:42:00.002-04:00

So I never, EVER splurge on girlie stuff-usually my splurges go on bookshelves. However, I found two gorgeous new shades of nail polish and I went crazy. (For a girl who doesn't wear nail polish, this is huge.) If you'd like to check out my new shades, google Sally Hansen and look up the new Salon line of nail colors. My two new colors are for my fingers (Can't Bare To Know) and for my toes (

2008-03-20T10:57:00.002-04:00

Feeling meme-y

2008-03-19T11:37:00.004-04:00

This from Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan (who went private for awhile, but I'm so glad she's back with us!) 50 Odd Things About Me Meme 1. Do you like blue cheese? It's a recently acquired obsession. Yummy on a salad with dried cherries, pecans and pears.2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No-but I thought it was sniffed, not smoked? (Never did that either.)3. Do you own a gun? No, and it's

Random Wednesdayness

2008-03-19T10:00:00.013-04:00

First off, I'd like to thank all the contributors to my dilemma post. Thanks to some very good advice, I've decided to put the situation behind me for the rest of the week and deal with it next week when I get back to school (so I can enjoy the rest of my break). I am definitely going to talk to the girls, and I think a partial penalty is the best route to go, since I didn't actually see

8 Things revisited

2008-03-17T23:40:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to add one of my most beloved, long-time passions to my 8 Things list a few days ago!Surprise, surprise: Passion # 10: Travel!I was just reminded of this passion by a wonderful blog I've discovered belonging to Lars and Stephanie (who are both just too gorgeous for words, by the way) about their current adventures in France-and it would seem, the rest of Europe. I'm so

Dilemma

2008-03-17T21:58:00.002-04:00

OK, so I have an ethical question for anybody who's interested in responding...I teach seventh grade-you know, the age when everybody is just starting to realize that limits are testable. So last week, in one of my lower-level classes, I caught a girl copying off another girl's homework. They were entirely traumatized by the whole get a zero/talk to the dean/phone call home process, and I'm

Spring Break

2008-03-17T10:14:00.003-04:00

Halloo, hallay, no pubescent children today!Today's agenda: 1. Sleep in just a leeeetle bit-done. It's 10:15, and I just got out of the shower. 2. Do something with the mountain of (clean) laundry in my spare room. I never let it get out of hand, but last week it was all I could do to get it clean-forget about folding. 3. Clean the bathrooms-but good. It's Spring Cleaning week, and I'm

10 Things I'm Looking Forward To About Spring

2008-03-15T08:21:00.003-04:00

1. Spring Break (which begins TODAY!!)2. Easter3. Flowers, flowers, flowers 4. Longer days5. Warm sunshine6. The Cherry Blossom Festival7. Neighborhood walks8. Teaching about animals (We've been doing cellular and micro all winter)9. Getting in better shape10. Hearing about my gramma's garden plans, and dreaming of a Midwestern summer. Happy Saturday!

8 Things

2008-03-09T22:37:00.012-04:00

Entries will follow-I have to think about these. From "...and Hijinks Ensued"...plus a little extra from me! 8 Things I Am Passionate About1. Articulate conversation.2. Coffee. To be specific, Grande Hazelnut Skim Latte. I know-judge me if you must. Just know that I DO make it myself at home about half the time. 3. My fabulous family. 4. Music. Specifically, everything but country.5.

I'm back!

2008-03-03T20:15:00.003-05:00

Today at the Princess Diaries (), I came across a fun list, and I thought I'd respond with one of my own (of course). This one is about celebrity crushes. The Princess made a comment about Tom Cruise, and I have to agree with her about his lack of talent. Really, the highlight of his career might have been Top Gun. My crushes, in no particular order-but most of them definitely in the closet

The Only One

2008-02-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

in the US who's not watching the Superbowl. Well, I know it's not true...my family isn't watching it, either, I know-I've been indoctrinated to not watch professional football on tv. I don't really care that much about it, except that it really makes for a boring Sunday night. I'm so glad that The Wedding Planner is on to alleviate my suffering. Matthew McConaughey, oh yes.As for the To Do

"Snow Day"!

2008-02-01T12:42:00.001-05:00

There are very few things I truly adore about living in Northern Virginia, but one of the few is the inexplicable snow paranoia. We started the day with a two-hour school delay at 5:30, and changed to a snow day by 7:00. Newsflash: there is NO snow. We had icy rain for about 2 hours this morning, but now (at noon)it is 36 degrees, with an expected high of 51! Wimps, they are. But I'm taking

Sick Day

2008-01-29T19:47:00.000-05:00

I was sick today. Well, that's not exactly true. I was sick Thursday night with some horrid puking illness (I think it was food poisoning). I felt like a ghoul on Friday, but grades were due, so off to work I went. I slept 17 hours Friday night, then felt like a million on Saturday. Sunday I felt okay-ish, but still no appetite, and yesterday I went to work and felt like I was going to puke

Back In Action

2008-01-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

What I said about the holidays getting away from you; well, I wasn't kidding. Anyhow, I'm back! We just finished the first semester on Thursday, with a teacher workday on Friday. I had food poisoning Thursday night (Thanks, Popeye's!)-not a fun way to start a stressful day of grades due/meetings/team lunch/planning for the next term. Luckily for me, I looked so terrible, even my principal

MIA in the New Year

2008-01-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

I know I've been ignoring Chantico lately, but the holidays just get away from you, you know? I just got back into town last night-after delays that brutally left me on an airplane until 11pm. Grrr! I'm usually enjoying the whole thing so much that I don't care about the delays, but when you've got to face tweens at 8 am...! Anyhow, I did it, and tomorrow I'm going back for more. :D I'll be

I'm Elizabeth-big surprise!

2007-12-23T00:42:00.001-05:00

Which Pride and Prejudice Girl Are You?created with QuizFarm.com You scored as ElizabethI am Elizabeth. I am headstrong and intelligent. I love to be myself, and am very loyal to my family. I can sometimes be prideful and "prejudiced," but I try to remain open minded and I usually regret past mistakes. Elizabeth 95%Jane 70%Charlotte 50%Lydia 45%Mary

Home For Christmas

2007-12-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Flying home tomorrow afternoon for almost two weeks of NO tweens! I really do like my students, but not right now. Right now I want the following:1. Five little shining faces, ages 9, 7, 6, 4 and 2. I MISS my nephews and nieces!2. My Mom and Dad.3. My little sibs-Angie and Troy. Oh yeah-and my bro-in-law too!4. My dog Sidney. He's an adorable neurotic fuzzball. 5. Both my grans, who

Short and Sweet Wedding Rant

2007-12-16T20:51:00.001-05:00

I just got an EMAIL wedding invitation to an ex's wedding for next May. Well, not exactly an ex-boyfriend, but definitely an ex-something. What the HECK? I get it, I get it-he's a moron. Apparently so was I.

This or That Christmas Meme

2007-12-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

This from Jilly at My Outside Voice. Thanks!Candy cane or peppermint patties? Candy canes, but only peppermint ones.Sugar or gingerbread cookies? Any other time of the year I'd say neither, but right now, both. Tinsel or beaded strands? Are the beads shiny? If so, beads. Multi-colored or same-colored lights? Multicolored.Flashing or still lights? Still. DEFINITELY still.Wreaths or mistletoe

The Savvy Prepster

2007-12-12T17:04:00.000-05:00

I lifted this little gem from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/sep/13/preppy-loosens-up/.What kind of savvy prepster are YOU?WHAT TODAY'S SAVVY PREPSTER IS WEARINGCLASSIC AMERICAN PREPPY (men) * rep ties * sack suits (seersucker, poplin for summer; gray flannel for winter) * Brooks Brothers * J. Press * Sperry Topsiders (preferably held together with duct

Meme Time

2007-12-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

This is fun, but I'm still enjoying my five favorites the most (see previous post). Meme time!1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15! I set my (3) alarms for 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45 respectively, and shut them all off and went back to sleep. I think I was in the middle of a story dream, and I wanted to finish! (I don't remember the story. :P) I have to be at work 20 minutes away by 8:

Five Things I ♥ Right Now

2007-12-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I snitched this idea from Tres Posh Preppy. I never said I was creative. 1. Tiffany Perfume, from Tiffany & Co. (Do you see a theme here?) They describe the fragrance as follows: "TIFFANY Parfum is a luxurious floral bouquet of Damascena Rose, Indian Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Fleur d'Orange and Iris." 2. Fendi Shawl Collar Coat; WAS: $3,190.00 NOW: $1,914.00 40% OFF at Net-A-Porter.(I

Friday Fill-in #49

2007-12-07T23:21:00.000-05:00

Friday Fill-In #491. I super-duper-uper LOVE Christmas.2. candy colored rainbow is/are my favorite color(s) for the Christmas tree lights.3. The candles in the window have no bulbs. (No window candles)4. Home Alone is one of my most favorite Christmas movies.5. My favorite Christmas lyric(s) is/are "You can say there's no such thing as Santa; but as for me and grandpa, we believe." 6. I'm

A Christmas Meme

2007-12-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

I saw this over on The Preppy Wedding. 1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?I have to go with Preppy Wedding on this one: Tall Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Yum.2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?Santa wraps everyone's except the ones from my little brother. For some reason, he never gets around to wrapping Troy's gifts for him.3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

A Two Hour Delay!

2007-12-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

Halloo, hallay, a two hour delay today! Virginia cracks me up when it snows. As a Midwesterner, my experience is that when bad weather hits, you put on warmer clothes and keep slogging through. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, they freak out when the temperature drops below 45, and when they see a few flakes of the white stuff, things shut down. Last year, they shut down school one day when there

Retro Cocktails

2007-12-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

So I'm all excited-I'm having my first ever cocktail party on Sunday! The girls are invited for a glamorously attired, champagne cocktails and atomic appetizers, retro holiday affair. If anyone has any suggestions, please, PLEASE let me know! I'm all about the retro.

A tag and a little weirdness

2007-12-04T20:43:00.000-05:00

I'm all excited-I got tagged today for the first time. I feel like a new kid picked for a team at recess. Thanks, Libby! Here goes, with seven things that make me weird:1. I'm a compulsive list-maker. No, really. Well, THAT isn't weird-lots of people make lists. The weirdness is that I am fascinated by lists of things about things...not just To Do lists like normal people. In fact, I

I'm a Trifle!

2007-12-02T00:39:00.001-05:00

You Are a TrifleNo doubt, you have many intricate layers. But deep down, you're a little squishy.What Holiday Food Are You?

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

2007-12-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

Christmas Season

2007-12-01T10:58:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year. I'm realizing ever increasingly how special my parents have always made Christmastime. Mom and Dad, you are amazing. We've got so many fun traditions and stories. In honor of the season, I found a même (of course). I'm drinking Mexican Hot Chocolate in my pjs and listening to Billie Holiday sing Christmas songs as I write. Favorite Christmas Même… *

The Daily Grind

2007-11-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

1. What's the very first thing you do after waking up in the morning? I head straight for the shower. I love a steaming hot soak to wake up by. 2. Breakfast - essential energy boost or unnecessary waste of time? I wish I could do a lingering breakfast every day, with iced melon, French omelet, café latté and champagne mimosas. However, I'm lucky if I grab a banana on the way out

I'm so excited!

2007-11-27T00:18:00.001-05:00

Blissful Belle (who doesn't even know I exist) graciously contributed this fashion meme to today's post. (She doesn't know that, either.) I can't believe it-two of my faves in one place: lists and fashion. Hooray!An alphabetical fashion memeA: What accessories do you wear everyday?Small but not tiny earrings, gold or silver ring, depends on which goes. B: What is your beauty routine?AM: Wash

Thanksgiving Thanks

2007-11-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

I just realized with all the lists I've been making, I haven't made a list of the things I am thankful for. Shame on me! Here goes...1. I am thankful first for a God to be thankful to. Thanks, God-for all Your blessings.2. I am so thankful for my incredible family: Mom and Dad, who love me so unconditionally, and who are the most kind and considerate, giving people I know. My

Friday Fill-in #47

2007-11-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

Friday Fill-in #47 From Janet at http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/1. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews more than anything else.2. Blogging satisfies my need for making lists.3. When I look at a full moon, I feel awestruck.4. If I want a snack, I usually reach for a handful of almonds.5. The most recent movie I saw, Miracle on 34th Street made me nostalgic.6. If only I could figure

A, B, C...

2007-11-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

I borrowed this from Libby at A Study of Schoolbooks and Shoes:A-Available or single? Er, confused. If someone will tell me the distinction between available and single then I'll tell you which category I fall under. I think I'm both. B-Best Friend? Depends on the subcategory. College-Hallie, Cleveland-Holly, Married-Shari, Virginia-Amanda, High School-Jenni, etc, etc...C-Cake or pie? Key Lime

Mêmes

2007-11-23T20:51:00.001-05:00

Here's a meme I took from Perfectly Plump Preppy:I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?1. Produce: vine-ripe tomatoes2. Bakery: pumpernickel bread3. Meat: filet mignon4. Frozen: Ben and Jerry's Mint Chocolate Chunk5. Dairy: Extra-sharp New York CheddarLet's say we're heading out for a

Chantico

2007-11-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

By the way, Chantico was a rich,dark, chocolate truffle-ish hot chocolate drink that Starbucks rolled and then put away in 2005. It was phenomenal. I just looked it up and it had about 400 calories in a 6 oz. cup. No wonder I loved it so much.I found a few taste-alike recipes that I thought I'd include for anyone who wants to get an idea of what they are missing. #1Homemade Chantico3/4 cup

For New Readers

2007-11-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

If you are just finding my blog, I'm sure it's because I have recently found yours. I thought some of my older posts were a bit outdated, and my 100 + things posts a little ridiculous for a newcomer, so I have decided to put together a mini (less than) 100 things post to introduce myself to those who don't know me yet. Hi!1. I am 36 years old, but I have never had someone guess my age

Finishing My 100

2007-11-22T02:38:00.000-05:00

The list of interesting things about me that I began yesterday got somewhat cumbersome. Sorry about that, and if you actually made it through, I hope you found it worthwhile. As previously mentioned, I wanted to do a 100 things about me post, but in light of yesterday's epic venture, I'm just going to finish up the last 19 from that list with some original work (as opposed to the quiz answers

Mêmes

2007-11-22T01:17:00.000-05:00

I've recently discovered memes, which (as near as I can figure out) are fun lists of things random. Goody, goody, goody-my favorite!Here's a Home Meme from Perfectly Plump Preppy:1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? Caswell-Massey Olive Oil and Orange Blossom. I'm traumatized because I think they are discontinuing this fragrance, and it's my favorite. 2. Do you have any watermelon

Back, and Better Than Ever!

2007-11-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

I forgot I had this blog. I found the most fun genre of bloggers (Preppy Girls) yesterday, and decided to join them and create one of my own. In the process, Chantico came up and I got to reading some of the old posts. Though it feels my life has changed drastically since the last post, some of the old posts are fun, so I have decided to hang out here again. I'm sure at some point I'll want

REALLY grown-up

2006-02-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been forever-I sort of forgot that I used to do this, sort of got really busy, and sort of decided that my audience was too narrow, and that I needed to pursue other interests. Remind me to explain that later.Update:I'm teaching seventh grade at the middle school I was talking about in last spring's blogs. My preceptor got a promotion, and apparently he liked my work, so here I am. I'm

To Dr Davis

2005-05-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to my friend Dr Carrie A Davis, DPM, upon her graduation from podiatry school! You are AWESOME.

No comment

2005-05-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

If you're going to read my blog, I think it's only fair that you comment. Surely I will provoke response on SOME point.I'd hate to think nobody was reading this. Besides, I know you're out there... Hi Jill, Mike and Carrie!! I miss you guys!

On optimism

2005-05-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

Optimism has the reputation for being naive and simple. As a born optimist, I think this is a shame. It's NOT easy to be optimistic, nor does being so make me simple. My optimism requires me to have faith in God, and having faith in God takes WORK. It requires me to have hope-hope that situations will work out for the best, hope that people will live up to their full potential. It requires

my first week of teaching

2005-04-16T01:41:00.000-04:00

Anyone who says that teaching is easy either hasn't ever taught, or doesn't do it well.

Clueless!

2005-04-08T00:50:00.000-04:00

So, DON'T laugh...Ever since I was in California, I've wanted to dig out the Parent Trap movie-just for the scenery, promise! STOP LAUGHING. Well, Clueless is on the same tape, and as I was forwarding, I stopped for a lighthearted chuckle. At THE pivotal dramatic moment of the film (where Sher realizes that she is in love with umm....her ex-step-brother...), I realize that she is taking refuge

Daffodils

2005-04-04T14:30:00.000-04:00

The daffodils are blooming-halloo, hallay! (ha-to my Cleveland friends, enshrouded in a wet, gray blanket till June. ) In honor of such a glorious miracle of spring, a poem. Never fear-I didn't make it up. I'm not that smart. The Daffodils, by William WordsworthI wandered lonely, as a cloudWhich floats on high, o'er vales and hills.When all at once, I saw a crowd,A host, of golden

Mourning the death of Pope John Paul II

2005-04-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Although I am not Roman Catholic, I do want to say a little something regarding the death today of this great man. Pope John Paul II performed a most difficult job and fulfilled a highly demanding post with the utmost dignity and grace. He stood for godliness against a sinful world which has largely lost its sense of moral values. He will be sorely missed by all who are aware of the difference

Funny Mexico anecdote

2005-04-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention that the first thing I noticed when we crossed the bridge into Tijuana was an Hispanic guy with a chihuahua on a leash.

Random Me

2005-03-31T23:51:00.000-05:00

It's so much fun to catch up with an old friend on the phone after months of noncommunication. I realize that some of you think I never get off the phone, but believe it or not, I actually DO have a life. Middle school kids are my favorite group, so far; they're so uncomplicated. The girls are in the full raging angst of newly discovered hormones, and the boys are just clueless. The boys are

La Hoya

2005-03-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

Who was the brilliant person who decided to spell La Hoya "La Jolla"? My mother (who lived in San Diego for a while) collapsed in laughter when I was trying to explain that we saw the sea lions at La Hoya before driving around La Jolla. How was I supposed to know? I took French. I'll never laugh at my kids.Oh, go ahead and chuckle. :P

Rules

2005-03-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Just supposing I were a junior high or high school science teacher, I had to come up with a hypothetical list of classroom rules for an assignment today. Here they are:1. Respect every person who enters this classroom. Talking while others (including teacher, classmates and guests) are talking is a sign of disrespect. Disrespectful behavior is grounds for removal from class.2. Collaboration is

Flashback

2005-03-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

They say whenever you get a song stuck in your head, you ought to sing the National Anthem, and that gets rid of it. I don't know what's worse, "Oh, say can you see...", or "I'm a little bit country, and he's a little bit rock and roll..."Complete with visions of Donnie and Marie dolls wearing pink and purple fringy outfits. Yikes-major flashback to my childhood. Angie and I had those

San Diego

2005-03-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Spring Break in San Diego!This is an incredible place-the terrain is beautiful, the people are gorgeous, and the sights unlimited. Chuck and Ruth have been fabulous hosts, and it's been wonderful to spend quality time with Carrie. They've given me the full tourist treatment. What a super family-even Louis the dog welcomed me. :) Too bad...that they live so far away! Though it might not be quite

Something else to be happy about

2005-02-07T19:29:00.000-05:00

Since nobody who would buy it reads this post, I can legitimately post a link to the most beautiful flower arrangement: http://products.proflowers.com/product/(buaw3w55wvhm0t45xen0fjfz)/productdetail.aspx?pID=5519&lng=&CatID=fTUL&REF=MSNFlowers7760VDay&validAcc=&selectionTypeID=FTUL See "Timeless Tulips" And if one MUST buy roses, see these: http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/

Things to be happy about

2005-02-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

browsing bookstores the calendar you wanted to buy but waited for is now on sale for 1/4 of the original price. The Glass children painting your bedroom stripes bone-warming sunshine new file systems sunflowers being organized favorite books on your palm pilot, so you can read while waiting. Super auto maintenance guys who take good care of single girls' cars. Going home for mom's birthday plane

Blue Champagne

2005-02-06T02:57:00.000-05:00

3 am; I know, I know... I got a flash of poetry inspiration on the way home from dinner tonight. I chanted the wisp I had over and over in my head, hoping to not lose it before it turned into something concrete. I think I succeeded about 70%. I haven't finished it, so we'll see. It's kind of a fun idea I have about Shakespeare's Sonnets. Lest you think I am a poet, or even an aspiring one-I