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 List, I'll update it when I finish it. I did get the Christmas stuff put away. Felize Navidad!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
"Snow Day"!
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 the free day off!
So here's my To Do list today. I'm not sure which I enjoy more: making the list, or checking things off. :)
1. Put away Christmas ornaments which are sitting in my office in a laundry basket. Before you judge me, please note that all my ornaments have been individually acquired and therefore each one has its own box. It keeps them safe, but it's a royal pain to clean up after the holidays.
2. Catch up on my Bible study. I had made a goal to read through the Bible this year since it's been years since I've done so, and I have fallen dreadfully behind. Oh, my poor self-discipline. It's so neglected! Maybe this discipline will help in other areas of self-control, like diet, exercise and spending. I hope.
3. Mail my rent check. This should have happened yesterday but I ran from about 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, and so now I have to overnight it. Poo.
4. Write letters to my nieces and nephews, my grandma and one or two aunties. And if a certain friend gets really lucky, she might get one, too-with a fabulous waffle recipe and a Parisian Gourmet magazine.
5. Make Valentine cookies. I am so psyched-I love this holiday. I think Valentine's Day is the opportune reminder of showing love to our dearest friends and family. I gave in to the girly hearts phenomenon a few years ago after a long fight to resist the commercialism.
6. Send a condolence letter to a dear doctor friend of our family who just lost his wife in a breast cancer battle. There's a story that goes with this one, but that's for another time. However, I will say that I have long been tempted to gear up and do the Susan Komen 3 Day. Maybe this is the year. Any thoughts here?
7. Do SOMETHING about the paper fetish that has taken over my office. I have GOT to learn to scrapbook or something. It's out of control.
8. Make something delicious for dinner. I haven't eaten good food-or much food at all for about a week since the food poisoning incident. I'm ready to revamp my eating habits and eat fabulous and healthful fare.
9. If I get super geared, I might head to the piano (well, keyboard). I haven't played in months, and I SO need to get back in practice, just for personal enjoyment, if nothing else.
I can't think of #10, and I'll be lucky if I get half of this list done, so I'd better just stop. I'll let you know how the list goes. I'm hoping that the knowledge that you've seen this will be motivation to get it done. Maybe I'll reward myself with Juno this weekend, if I do finish!
So here's my To Do list today. I'm not sure which I enjoy more: making the list, or checking things off. :)
1. Put away Christmas ornaments which are sitting in my office in a laundry basket. Before you judge me, please note that all my ornaments have been individually acquired and therefore each one has its own box. It keeps them safe, but it's a royal pain to clean up after the holidays.
2. Catch up on my Bible study. I had made a goal to read through the Bible this year since it's been years since I've done so, and I have fallen dreadfully behind. Oh, my poor self-discipline. It's so neglected! Maybe this discipline will help in other areas of self-control, like diet, exercise and spending. I hope.
3. Mail my rent check. This should have happened yesterday but I ran from about 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, and so now I have to overnight it. Poo.
4. Write letters to my nieces and nephews, my grandma and one or two aunties. And if a certain friend gets really lucky, she might get one, too-with a fabulous waffle recipe and a Parisian Gourmet magazine.
5. Make Valentine cookies. I am so psyched-I love this holiday. I think Valentine's Day is the opportune reminder of showing love to our dearest friends and family. I gave in to the girly hearts phenomenon a few years ago after a long fight to resist the commercialism.
6. Send a condolence letter to a dear doctor friend of our family who just lost his wife in a breast cancer battle. There's a story that goes with this one, but that's for another time. However, I will say that I have long been tempted to gear up and do the Susan Komen 3 Day. Maybe this is the year. Any thoughts here?
7. Do SOMETHING about the paper fetish that has taken over my office. I have GOT to learn to scrapbook or something. It's out of control.
8. Make something delicious for dinner. I haven't eaten good food-or much food at all for about a week since the food poisoning incident. I'm ready to revamp my eating habits and eat fabulous and healthful fare.
9. If I get super geared, I might head to the piano (well, keyboard). I haven't played in months, and I SO need to get back in practice, just for personal enjoyment, if nothing else.
I can't think of #10, and I'll be lucky if I get half of this list done, so I'd better just stop. I'll let you know how the list goes. I'm hoping that the knowledge that you've seen this will be motivation to get it done. Maybe I'll reward myself with Juno this weekend, if I do finish!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sick Day
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 again. I felt better-ish last night, but still no appetite, and so I decided to stay home today and rest (sick days as a teacher are largely determined by how well planned your lessons are for the said sick day). We have block scheduling, and since today's copies were made and the lesson was easy, I took advantage of a day OFF. Want to know what a sort-of sick day schedule looks like? Here it is:
6 am Woke up and called my principal to let her know I needed a sub. Considering that she was the one who told me to go home last week when I looked so rotten, she couldn't really give me a hard time.
6:05 am Went back to sleep.
10 am Woke up refreshed, but still feeling blah. Made myself toast with peanut butter. Checked email; checked the tv schedule for the day. Set my tv programming.
10:30ish Made my bed and ran a lovely bubble bath. Collected favorite magazines to read in tub. Got into the bath, only to find that the water was tepidly warm. Furiously took a fast bath, and washed my hair in barely not-cold water. Not happy.
11:00 Heard mailman in the hall at the boxes. He's coming earlier these days. Got disappointing mail-just circulars and one bill.
12:30-2:30 Watched Tyler's Ultimate on FoodTV; Tyler made an amazing burger which didn't appeal at all. Made a can of Campbell's Tomato soup for lunch. Ate a cherry Jello cup. Ran off the article I was supposed to read for class tonight.
2:30 Watched As Time Goes By on PBS-turns out it was the pilot episode. I love this series. I really need to buy it on dvd.
3:00 channel surfed and read blogs on my laptop. Still felt blah. Decided to not go to school tonight, since it would involve way too much getting ready and I just don't have it in me today.
4ish-6:00 I found myself on WeTV watching (HORRORS) a reality show. You have to understand, I am morally and artistically opposed to the American phenomenon of so-called "reality tv". This one was so unrealistic, though-it was funny. And sad, too. Anybody seen American Princess? I realized that I was catching the reruns, so I went online to see who actually won, and I totally called the winner-Cassie. I was happy for her, I guess, but what does one do after one is crowned an American Princess? And who on earth would want such a moronic title, anyhow? I found myself going back to my usual reality show question-what motivates people to do things like this? I don't get it.
6 pm Friends on TBS was the one where Phoebe was married to the not-gay ice skater. Not terribly exciting, though I do love Lisa's gorgeous pink dress with her flipped hair. She looks cuter there than any other episode, I think. Anyhow, I'd seen it, so I went to make poached egg on toast and sugar snap peas (steamed) for my dinner. While I ate, I watched the rest of The Italian Job (which I own).
Yeah, so that's pretty much it. Totally a non-productive day. I have tons to do, too. I just can't seem to get it together though. In fact, I really want to take off tomorrow, too. I hate feeling so ick. Not really sick, just blech. I won't take off though-back to the grind tomorrow. Ugh.
6 am Woke up and called my principal to let her know I needed a sub. Considering that she was the one who told me to go home last week when I looked so rotten, she couldn't really give me a hard time.
6:05 am Went back to sleep.
10 am Woke up refreshed, but still feeling blah. Made myself toast with peanut butter. Checked email; checked the tv schedule for the day. Set my tv programming.
10:30ish Made my bed and ran a lovely bubble bath. Collected favorite magazines to read in tub. Got into the bath, only to find that the water was tepidly warm. Furiously took a fast bath, and washed my hair in barely not-cold water. Not happy.
11:00 Heard mailman in the hall at the boxes. He's coming earlier these days. Got disappointing mail-just circulars and one bill.
12:30-2:30 Watched Tyler's Ultimate on FoodTV; Tyler made an amazing burger which didn't appeal at all. Made a can of Campbell's Tomato soup for lunch. Ate a cherry Jello cup. Ran off the article I was supposed to read for class tonight.
2:30 Watched As Time Goes By on PBS-turns out it was the pilot episode. I love this series. I really need to buy it on dvd.
3:00 channel surfed and read blogs on my laptop. Still felt blah. Decided to not go to school tonight, since it would involve way too much getting ready and I just don't have it in me today.
4ish-6:00 I found myself on WeTV watching (HORRORS) a reality show. You have to understand, I am morally and artistically opposed to the American phenomenon of so-called "reality tv". This one was so unrealistic, though-it was funny. And sad, too. Anybody seen American Princess? I realized that I was catching the reruns, so I went online to see who actually won, and I totally called the winner-Cassie. I was happy for her, I guess, but what does one do after one is crowned an American Princess? And who on earth would want such a moronic title, anyhow? I found myself going back to my usual reality show question-what motivates people to do things like this? I don't get it.
6 pm Friends on TBS was the one where Phoebe was married to the not-gay ice skater. Not terribly exciting, though I do love Lisa's gorgeous pink dress with her flipped hair. She looks cuter there than any other episode, I think. Anyhow, I'd seen it, so I went to make poached egg on toast and sugar snap peas (steamed) for my dinner. While I ate, I watched the rest of The Italian Job (which I own).
Yeah, so that's pretty much it. Totally a non-productive day. I have tons to do, too. I just can't seem to get it together though. In fact, I really want to take off tomorrow, too. I hate feeling so ick. Not really sick, just blech. I won't take off though-back to the grind tomorrow. Ugh.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Back In Action
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 told me to leave early. I did so gladly, and went home to sleep for 17 hours. I felt like a million dollars yesterday after that midwinter hibernation! Now I'm trying to decide where to begin my planning for, umm, TOMORROW! Yikes.
So even though I haven't been posting much (at all) lately, I've been thoroughly enjoying a few wonderful bloggers-especially Libby's world at A Study of Schoolbooks & Shoes. I don't know how she keeps up with it all, but if I ever need a lawyer, I'm heading to Boston!
In other news, I can't wait for spring to arrive. I know-it's barely midwinter, but I miss the warm, sunny days. AND the flowers. Besides, I really need a warmer coat, and I just don't want to spend the money on woolens when cotton and linen are so much more fun! Give me a day like this anytime!
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 told me to leave early. I did so gladly, and went home to sleep for 17 hours. I felt like a million dollars yesterday after that midwinter hibernation! Now I'm trying to decide where to begin my planning for, umm, TOMORROW! Yikes.
So even though I haven't been posting much (at all) lately, I've been thoroughly enjoying a few wonderful bloggers-especially Libby's world at A Study of Schoolbooks & Shoes. I don't know how she keeps up with it all, but if I ever need a lawyer, I'm heading to Boston!
In other news, I can't wait for spring to arrive. I know-it's barely midwinter, but I miss the warm, sunny days. AND the flowers. Besides, I really need a warmer coat, and I just don't want to spend the money on woolens when cotton and linen are so much more fun! Give me a day like this anytime!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
MIA in the New Year
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 back on the weekend with more fun posts, I promise!
Happy New Year, everyone!
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 back on the weekend with more fun posts, I promise!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
I'm Elizabeth-big surprise!
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Which Pride and Prejudice Girl Are You? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Elizabeth I 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.
|
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Home For Christmas
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 are still the matriarchs though they are frailer every year.
6. Christmas stockings and cookies and dressup dinner and Christmas Eve service and Christmas communion at church and the Pine Tree Barn with Shari and exchanging Starbucks with Holly and getting my hair done by Nancy. Oh wait, that was like numbers 6-13.
Anyhow, you get the idea. I'll be home for Christmas! Just pray that I make my stopover in Philadelphia without any glitches-I only have 50 minutes to change planes, and I've not been through this airport before!
I'm going home.........................!
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 are still the matriarchs though they are frailer every year.
6. Christmas stockings and cookies and dressup dinner and Christmas Eve service and Christmas communion at church and the Pine Tree Barn with Shari and exchanging Starbucks with Holly and getting my hair done by Nancy. Oh wait, that was like numbers 6-13.
Anyhow, you get the idea. I'll be home for Christmas! Just pray that I make my stopover in Philadelphia without any glitches-I only have 50 minutes to change planes, and I've not been through this airport before!
I'm going home.........................!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Short and Sweet Wedding Rant
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.
What the HECK?
I get it, I get it-he's a moron. Apparently so was I.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
This or That Christmas Meme
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/holly? Where does one find mistletoe? I think I'll take any of it.
Rudolph or Frosty? Frosty; Rudolph needs to get a grip on his self-esteem issues.
Sledding or snowball fights? Snowball fights.
Snow or ice/icicles? Snow, especially big flakes coming down. I grew up on the Great Lakes, and I HATE ice.
Snow hat or earmuffs? Neither; they mess up my hair beyond repair. Wow, that makes me sound prissy, which I am NOT.
Getting or giving? I love to give, but hate it when I don't know what to give.
Snow days or plow trucks? Snow days, especially in Northern VA where they don't even really need to pull out the plow trucks for a snow day!
Stockings or presents? Stockings are more fun-our stocking stuffers get goofy.
Cookies & milk or letter to Santa? Neither. It's all a family deal, and has been ever since I can remember. Oh wait-we did get one gift under the tree on Christmas morning from Santa. Everything else was the night before from each other.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Christmas Eve is with my family, and the traditions are sweet.
Log Burning Channel or real thing? We'd always had the real thing, but since my parents moved to a house with no fireplace :(, it's got to be the fake one.
Cards or emails? Cards, but I'm terrible at getting them out. I always have the best intentions...
Shoveling or cleaning off the car? Cleaning off the car.
The Inn’s manger or the animals? Definitely the manger.
Mary & Joseph or The Wise Men? How about baby Jesus?
Jack Frost or Little Drummer Boy? Little Drummer Boy.
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/holly? Where does one find mistletoe? I think I'll take any of it.
Rudolph or Frosty? Frosty; Rudolph needs to get a grip on his self-esteem issues.
Sledding or snowball fights? Snowball fights.
Snow or ice/icicles? Snow, especially big flakes coming down. I grew up on the Great Lakes, and I HATE ice.
Snow hat or earmuffs? Neither; they mess up my hair beyond repair. Wow, that makes me sound prissy, which I am NOT.
Getting or giving? I love to give, but hate it when I don't know what to give.
Snow days or plow trucks? Snow days, especially in Northern VA where they don't even really need to pull out the plow trucks for a snow day!
Stockings or presents? Stockings are more fun-our stocking stuffers get goofy.
Cookies & milk or letter to Santa? Neither. It's all a family deal, and has been ever since I can remember. Oh wait-we did get one gift under the tree on Christmas morning from Santa. Everything else was the night before from each other.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Christmas Eve is with my family, and the traditions are sweet.
Log Burning Channel or real thing? We'd always had the real thing, but since my parents moved to a house with no fireplace :(, it's got to be the fake one.
Cards or emails? Cards, but I'm terrible at getting them out. I always have the best intentions...
Shoveling or cleaning off the car? Cleaning off the car.
The Inn’s manger or the animals? Definitely the manger.
Mary & Joseph or The Wise Men? How about baby Jesus?
Jack Frost or Little Drummer Boy? Little Drummer Boy.
The Savvy Prepster
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 WEARING
CLASSIC 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 tape)
* Lacoste shirts
* Ralph Lauren polo Shetland pullover sweaters
* madras (dark, not pastel)
* Nantucket reds (preferably faded to pink)
CLASSIC AMERICAN PREPPY (women)
* Lime-green golf skirts
* Lacoste shirts with popped collars
* Lilly Pulitzer "Jackie Kennedy" shift
* Cardigan cable-knit sweaters tied around shoulders
* Mummy’s pearls
* Gold shell earrings
* 14K heavy gold bracelets
* Bangles and/or chains, preferably somewhat dinged-up
* Jack Rogers sandals
* Grosgrain ribbon belts
* Fair-isle sweaters from Trimingham’s in Bermuda
HIP-HOP PREPPY WEARERS
* T-Pain
* Kanye West
* Andre 3000
* Pharrell
UPDATED PREPPY
* Ralph Lauren polo shirt (with large size polo player)
* Vineyard Vines
* J. McLaughlin
* J. Crew
* Tory Burch
* Clothes with '60s-, '70s-era decorative art: geometric shapes, zigzags and Deco (think decorators David Hicks, Billy Baldwin)
* David Yurman jewelry
* Anthropologie
CASUAL UPDATED PREPPY
* North Face or Columbia outerwear, vests, jackets (ski-lift tickets attached)
* baggy khakis
* Buzz by Jane Fox: tote bags, belts, flipflops
* Patagonia fleece
* Reef sandals
* Eliza B. flip-flops
EURO PREPPY
* Anything Banana Republic (fitted)
* Quilted vests
* Barbour wax jackets
* Wellies
POPULIST, AFFORDABLE PREPPY
* L.L. Bean
* Bass Weejuns
* The Gap (since Rachel Zoe signed on as a consultant)
* American Eagle
http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/sep/13/preppy-loosens-up/.
What kind of savvy prepster are YOU?
WHAT TODAY'S SAVVY PREPSTER IS WEARING
CLASSIC 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 tape)
* Lacoste shirts
* Ralph Lauren polo Shetland pullover sweaters
* madras (dark, not pastel)
* Nantucket reds (preferably faded to pink)
CLASSIC AMERICAN PREPPY (women)
* Lime-green golf skirts
* Lacoste shirts with popped collars
* Lilly Pulitzer "Jackie Kennedy" shift
* Cardigan cable-knit sweaters tied around shoulders
* Mummy’s pearls
* Gold shell earrings
* 14K heavy gold bracelets
* Bangles and/or chains, preferably somewhat dinged-up
* Jack Rogers sandals
* Grosgrain ribbon belts
* Fair-isle sweaters from Trimingham’s in Bermuda
HIP-HOP PREPPY WEARERS
* T-Pain
* Kanye West
* Andre 3000
* Pharrell
UPDATED PREPPY
* Ralph Lauren polo shirt (with large size polo player)
* Vineyard Vines
* J. McLaughlin
* J. Crew
* Tory Burch
* Clothes with '60s-, '70s-era decorative art: geometric shapes, zigzags and Deco (think decorators David Hicks, Billy Baldwin)
* David Yurman jewelry
* Anthropologie
CASUAL UPDATED PREPPY
* North Face or Columbia outerwear, vests, jackets (ski-lift tickets attached)
* baggy khakis
* Buzz by Jane Fox: tote bags, belts, flipflops
* Patagonia fleece
* Reef sandals
* Eliza B. flip-flops
EURO PREPPY
* Anything Banana Republic (fitted)
* Quilted vests
* Barbour wax jackets
* Wellies
POPULIST, AFFORDABLE PREPPY
* L.L. Bean
* Bass Weejuns
* The Gap (since Rachel Zoe signed on as a consultant)
* American Eagle
Monday, December 10, 2007
Meme Time
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 8:35, so I grabbed fresh clothes, brushed my teeth, washed my face, jammed on a headband, and picked up my curling iron and makeup on the way out the door. I have a really long stoplight at the foot of my hill, so I had time to apply my makeup without endangering anyone's life. I made it to school by 8:45, just as the bell rang for the kids to go to their first class. My second block is free, so I found a bathroom with an outlet, and plugged in the curling iron. Whew!
2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? Nelson Mandela
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I think it was The Holiday. How sad is that?
4. What is your favorite TV show? Friends. I know it's reruns, but I don't care. I refused to watch it until the very last episode, and I was so freaked out by Ross and Rachel being together (how on earth is that even logical?), I had to catch up on their history. Now I'm hooked, and I love Chandler. I would marry him. Also, they truly display my generations' angst, which is funny and sad at the same time.
*Hey, what happened to #5?*
6. What do you have for breakfast? Do: coffee and a danish or a banana and almonds. Would have, if I could: omelette, broiled grapefruit, café au lait, and fresh orange juice.
7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? David Bowie, Hugo Chavez, Britney Spears. Any *star* of a reality show.
*What happened to number 8??
9. What is your middle name? Michelle
10. Beach, City or Country? City, but only if I could get to the country occasionally.
11. Favorite ice cream? Peppermint Stick.
12. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? I hate popcorn. It's really best for stringing on trees...
13. Favorite color? I vascillate between periwinkle and indigo.
14. What kind of car do you drive? DO: Chrysler Concorde (with leather interior, for what it's worth). WOULD: Mini Cooper, Volvo, BMW 300 series, Jaguar (while I'm dreaming).
15. Favorite sandwich? Turkey Artichoke Panini from Panera, with the new Orchard Harvest salad. Yummy!
16. What characteristic do you despise? Can't stand it when people are petty.
17. Favorite flower? Anything spring, but especially tulips.
18. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Today's answer is Vancouver. Tomorrow will assuredly be somewhere else.
19. What color is your bathroom? Periwinkle with white and navy accents.
20. Favorite brand of clothing? Ralph Lauren
21. Where would you retire to? Retire?? I'm just getting started. I can't answer this. I don't think I ever will.
22. Favorite day of the week? Every teacher's answer: Saturday!
23. What did you do for your last birthday? Had a good friend with whom I nearly share a birthday over for dinner. I think we went to Starbucks afterwards. Exciting, huh?
24. Where were you born? Oakwood Hospital, in Dearborn, Michigan.
25. Favorite sport to watch? Basketball, but I'm not a big sports fan.
26. Who do you least expect to do this meme? Anyone. I think I must be the only list-obsessed person out there.
27. Person you expect to do it? no answer?
28. What fabric detergent do you use? Arm & Hammer liquid.
29. Coke or Pepsi? Can I just say San Pellegrino? I don't really drink soda, but if I had to say, it'd be Coke.
30. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Total night owl. I am pretty useless in the morning.
31. What is your shoe size? DO I HAVE to answer this? Sigh. It's 11. Anybody know where I can get great shoes that don't hurt my big old feet? Remember, I'm on my feet on concrete floors all day!
32. Do you have any pets? Sadly, no. I would love a dog, but I honestly think they might be a little too high-maintenance for me to own one while I'm single. I did for a while-a wonderful Golden Retriever-but he ended up being very needy, and my time is valuable. When I get married, I think I'll try again.
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 8:35, so I grabbed fresh clothes, brushed my teeth, washed my face, jammed on a headband, and picked up my curling iron and makeup on the way out the door. I have a really long stoplight at the foot of my hill, so I had time to apply my makeup without endangering anyone's life. I made it to school by 8:45, just as the bell rang for the kids to go to their first class. My second block is free, so I found a bathroom with an outlet, and plugged in the curling iron. Whew!
2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? Nelson Mandela
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I think it was The Holiday. How sad is that?
4. What is your favorite TV show? Friends. I know it's reruns, but I don't care. I refused to watch it until the very last episode, and I was so freaked out by Ross and Rachel being together (how on earth is that even logical?), I had to catch up on their history. Now I'm hooked, and I love Chandler. I would marry him. Also, they truly display my generations' angst, which is funny and sad at the same time.
*Hey, what happened to #5?*
6. What do you have for breakfast? Do: coffee and a danish or a banana and almonds. Would have, if I could: omelette, broiled grapefruit, café au lait, and fresh orange juice.
7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? David Bowie, Hugo Chavez, Britney Spears. Any *star* of a reality show.
*What happened to number 8??
9. What is your middle name? Michelle
10. Beach, City or Country? City, but only if I could get to the country occasionally.
11. Favorite ice cream? Peppermint Stick.
12. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? I hate popcorn. It's really best for stringing on trees...
13. Favorite color? I vascillate between periwinkle and indigo.
14. What kind of car do you drive? DO: Chrysler Concorde (with leather interior, for what it's worth). WOULD: Mini Cooper, Volvo, BMW 300 series, Jaguar (while I'm dreaming).
15. Favorite sandwich? Turkey Artichoke Panini from Panera, with the new Orchard Harvest salad. Yummy!
16. What characteristic do you despise? Can't stand it when people are petty.
17. Favorite flower? Anything spring, but especially tulips.
18. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Today's answer is Vancouver. Tomorrow will assuredly be somewhere else.
19. What color is your bathroom? Periwinkle with white and navy accents.
20. Favorite brand of clothing? Ralph Lauren
21. Where would you retire to? Retire?? I'm just getting started. I can't answer this. I don't think I ever will.
22. Favorite day of the week? Every teacher's answer: Saturday!
23. What did you do for your last birthday? Had a good friend with whom I nearly share a birthday over for dinner. I think we went to Starbucks afterwards. Exciting, huh?
24. Where were you born? Oakwood Hospital, in Dearborn, Michigan.
25. Favorite sport to watch? Basketball, but I'm not a big sports fan.
26. Who do you least expect to do this meme? Anyone. I think I must be the only list-obsessed person out there.
27. Person you expect to do it? no answer?
28. What fabric detergent do you use? Arm & Hammer liquid.
29. Coke or Pepsi? Can I just say San Pellegrino? I don't really drink soda, but if I had to say, it'd be Coke.
30. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Total night owl. I am pretty useless in the morning.
31. What is your shoe size? DO I HAVE to answer this? Sigh. It's 11. Anybody know where I can get great shoes that don't hurt my big old feet? Remember, I'm on my feet on concrete floors all day!
32. Do you have any pets? Sadly, no. I would love a dog, but I honestly think they might be a little too high-maintenance for me to own one while I'm single. I did for a while-a wonderful Golden Retriever-but he ended up being very needy, and my time is valuable. When I get married, I think I'll try again.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Five Things I ♥ Right Now
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 still can't afford it.)
Dark Gray cashmere shawl collar coat with three quarter length double layered sleeves. Fendi coat has large gold-tone press stud fastenings through the middle, two pockets on front and is fully lined.
3. Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1929. I sat on one of these at the Smithsonian's modern art museum several weeks ago, and fell in love. It retails for only $3,888 at www.DWR.com. I can't afford it, either. :P
4. Chicago. I'm not sure why-I KNOW the winters STINK. I love the culture and the friendliness of this city, though. It has something that I don't think I'll ever find on the East Coast. I may end up there yet...if I can afford to move there. The job is here in DC, for now.
5. The U2 iPod. It's ridiculous that I don't have one, because I have about a million songs on my iTunes, but I've been waiting for this one. What can I say, I love Bono and the Edge. I also LOVE the red dial! Apple sells this for $199, with 30 GB memory.
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 still can't afford it.)
Dark Gray cashmere shawl collar coat with three quarter length double layered sleeves. Fendi coat has large gold-tone press stud fastenings through the middle, two pockets on front and is fully lined.
3. Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1929. I sat on one of these at the Smithsonian's modern art museum several weeks ago, and fell in love. It retails for only $3,888 at www.DWR.com. I can't afford it, either. :P
4. Chicago. I'm not sure why-I KNOW the winters STINK. I love the culture and the friendliness of this city, though. It has something that I don't think I'll ever find on the East Coast. I may end up there yet...if I can afford to move there. The job is here in DC, for now.
5. The U2 iPod. It's ridiculous that I don't have one, because I have about a million songs on my iTunes, but I've been waiting for this one. What can I say, I love Bono and the Edge. I also LOVE the red dial! Apple sells this for $199, with 30 GB memory.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Friday Fill-in #49
Friday Fill-In #49
1. 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 dreaming of a Christmas at home with my family and NO TWELVE-YEAR OLDS.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner party with my church family, tomorrow my plans include brunch with the girls and a manicure, and Sunday, I want to have a fabulous cocktail party!
1. 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 dreaming of a Christmas at home with my family and NO TWELVE-YEAR OLDS.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner party with my church family, tomorrow my plans include brunch with the girls and a manicure, and Sunday, I want to have a fabulous cocktail party!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
A Christmas Meme
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?
Both, but mostly colored. I like how it looks like candy.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I wouldn't know where to get mistletoe if my life depended on it. Anyhow, there's nobody to kiss. :( Seriously-I don't even KNOW anyone. I have GOT to get out more.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Black Friday after Thanksgiving. The long weekend means I can do it with leisure, and besides, I head home to my parents' around the 20th, so I need to have as much time to enjoy it as possible before I go.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish:
Chicken paprikas. It's a Hungarian family deal.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
We went to Michigan every year on Christmas Eve, and stayed through Christmas Day. Christmas Eve was a quiet, delicious, tradition-filled event of epic proportions at my dad's parents' house, with two aunts, and two cousins. Christmas Day was TONS of fun at mom's parents' place, with 3 pairs of aunts and uncles, a jillion cousins running wild everywhere, the inevitable friend of a cousin who didn't have a celebration to go to, and everybody singing all the time. We always got stuck in a snowstorm either on the way there or on the way home, and often had to stay over an extra day. I remember having to stop once at a hotel overnight on the way home in a blizzard. Those were the days.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think I was born knowing the truth. Mom tells me that I knew my grandpa was Santa on my second Christmas, at 27 months old.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We open ALL our gifts on Christmas Eve. This stems from the years and years of traveling to my grandparents' houses after our own little celebration.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
I have incredible colorful German blown-glass ornaments I've collected over the years since college. I used to play hooky once a semester and go to the local fancy-schmancy mall and window shop for the day, stopping at Godiva and Starbucks for treats, Saks 5th Ave to try on furs, and ending at Neiman Marcus to buy one little Christmas ornament. I have half a dozen of them, and they built the foundation for years of collecting fabulous baubles. I also have some great ones from my childhood. Mom cleaned out the collection several years ago, and my sis and brother and I got to pick what we wanted. Thanks, mom!
11. Snow: love it or hate it?
I love the snow, I hate the ice, sleet and freezing rain. Cleveland was mostly the latter. I wonder if Chicago is any better?
12. Can you ice skate?
I can stand up and move around, but I wouldn't technically call it skating.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
No. It's always been more about the traditions than the gifts. I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could remember something.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with my family.
15.What is your favorite holiday dessert?
A few years ago, my grandma asked me to make creme puffs. Now we do it every year on Christmas Eve to finish the day.
16. What tops your tree?
The MOST fabulous star. It totally matches my collection of ornaments. I'm a big proponent of the star-it's the most symbolic, I think.
17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Just being honest, it's a toss-up. I love especially gifting to the nieces and nephews, and to my mom.
18. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Gloria and Lux Venit from Michael W. Smith's Christmas album.
19. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story.
20. What would be the best gift you could receive this year?
A great time with my family. Safe travels, and happy memories. And the iPod 30GB special U2 edition black with a red dial and the band's signatures engraved on the back. :)
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?
Both, but mostly colored. I like how it looks like candy.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I wouldn't know where to get mistletoe if my life depended on it. Anyhow, there's nobody to kiss. :( Seriously-I don't even KNOW anyone. I have GOT to get out more.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Black Friday after Thanksgiving. The long weekend means I can do it with leisure, and besides, I head home to my parents' around the 20th, so I need to have as much time to enjoy it as possible before I go.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish:
Chicken paprikas. It's a Hungarian family deal.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
We went to Michigan every year on Christmas Eve, and stayed through Christmas Day. Christmas Eve was a quiet, delicious, tradition-filled event of epic proportions at my dad's parents' house, with two aunts, and two cousins. Christmas Day was TONS of fun at mom's parents' place, with 3 pairs of aunts and uncles, a jillion cousins running wild everywhere, the inevitable friend of a cousin who didn't have a celebration to go to, and everybody singing all the time. We always got stuck in a snowstorm either on the way there or on the way home, and often had to stay over an extra day. I remember having to stop once at a hotel overnight on the way home in a blizzard. Those were the days.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think I was born knowing the truth. Mom tells me that I knew my grandpa was Santa on my second Christmas, at 27 months old.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We open ALL our gifts on Christmas Eve. This stems from the years and years of traveling to my grandparents' houses after our own little celebration.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
I have incredible colorful German blown-glass ornaments I've collected over the years since college. I used to play hooky once a semester and go to the local fancy-schmancy mall and window shop for the day, stopping at Godiva and Starbucks for treats, Saks 5th Ave to try on furs, and ending at Neiman Marcus to buy one little Christmas ornament. I have half a dozen of them, and they built the foundation for years of collecting fabulous baubles. I also have some great ones from my childhood. Mom cleaned out the collection several years ago, and my sis and brother and I got to pick what we wanted. Thanks, mom!
11. Snow: love it or hate it?
I love the snow, I hate the ice, sleet and freezing rain. Cleveland was mostly the latter. I wonder if Chicago is any better?
12. Can you ice skate?
I can stand up and move around, but I wouldn't technically call it skating.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
No. It's always been more about the traditions than the gifts. I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could remember something.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with my family.
15.What is your favorite holiday dessert?
A few years ago, my grandma asked me to make creme puffs. Now we do it every year on Christmas Eve to finish the day.
16. What tops your tree?
The MOST fabulous star. It totally matches my collection of ornaments. I'm a big proponent of the star-it's the most symbolic, I think.
17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Just being honest, it's a toss-up. I love especially gifting to the nieces and nephews, and to my mom.
18. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Gloria and Lux Venit from Michael W. Smith's Christmas album.
19. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story.
20. What would be the best gift you could receive this year?
A great time with my family. Safe travels, and happy memories. And the iPod 30GB special U2 edition black with a red dial and the band's signatures engraved on the back. :)
A Two Hour Delay!
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 was a threat of snow-we never saw any of it. Well, I do have to say that I definitely prefer the weather here to the nasty sleet and freezing rain that we regularly got back home. Ick; you can keep that stuff.
In other news, I think I found my ideal look for my blog page. Like it?
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 was a threat of snow-we never saw any of it. Well, I do have to say that I definitely prefer the weather here to the nasty sleet and freezing rain that we regularly got back home. Ick; you can keep that stuff.
In other news, I think I found my ideal look for my blog page. Like it?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Retro Cocktails
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
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 found this crazy website that is all about lists here: You should also check out
2. Along similar lines, I'm also a compulsive quiz-taker. I'm all about the self-discovery. Now that I stop and think about it, I think the greatest satisfaction comes when I take a quiz, and it tells me exactly something that I already knew about myself. I think I find it reassuring, that I'm self-aware. Don't ask me why I remotely find this important; it's just weird.
3. I have a collection of books that can most adequately described "juvenile fiction" from my childhood. Now, I consider myself to be a relatively sophisticated reader (after wading through 100 Years of Solitude, I think I'm amazing), but I can't begin to recap the level of pleasure attained from a perusal of any of my old Trixie Belden, Anne of Green Gables or Betsy-Tacy books. Oh, I say that I am collecting vintage children's literature, but I really know that it's one of my guilty pleasures. I escaped into those books as a child-when I was too tall and awkward for the school crowd's approval, Trixie understood and was good at being different. I always wanted to be a member of her club, and help her solve the local mysteries with her fabulous group of friends. And Anne Shirley! I wanted to marry Gilbert Blythe-I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. Sigh. When I start feeling silly about it as an "adult", I remind myself that these books were written by grownups who imagined themselves away, too. And then I don't feel so bad...
4. I tried internet dating once, on a rebound from a relationship. My friend talked me into it. It was interesting, and kind of weird. The most fascinating experience I had was meeting a guy who I totally hit it off with in conversation one evening. Turns out, he was studying for the priesthood. I still have no idea what he was doing on a dating website, but I think he might have been experiencing some second thoughts about celibacy. It's too bad, because he was really cute, smart, funny, etc, etc. But the priesthood! I am a magnet for unavailable men. (Wasn't that J Lo in the Wedding Planner?)
5. Speaking of which, weird thing about me number five is that I used to be a wedding planner. I witnessed some of the most interesting and pathological family interactions that can possibly exist. People get just weird over weddings. For the record, I also saw some of the loveliest relationships ever.
6. I am the total oddball in my family. I come from an incredibly creative bunch who (incidentally this year) have decided to only exchange home-made gifts with each other. I have NEVER had so much Christmas stress before! My mom is an artist; my sister does wonders with things like scrapbooking and the like; dad is a carver/woodworker, and he always makes gifts anyhow. Even my brother-in-law is an amazing musician. Me, I can analyze things. :P I can talk to people. I can tell you all about a symphonic poem-in French. And I'm REALLY good at suturing wounds and reading X-rays. No kidding-I really am. However, I can't create a home-made gift to save my life! If anyone has suggestions, I'd be thrilled to entertain them. I follow directions well...
7. Like Dorie, I suffer from short-term memory loss. At least, it feels like I do. I find it confusing to be simultaneously a complete academic nut and a crazy blue fish who "just keeps swimming; swimming, swimming"...it's weird.
8. There are about 7 different areas between which I would have great difficulty choosing to pursue my education to a higher level. Among the choices are: biochemistry, fashion design, culinary arts, curriculum development for gifted students, and stage direction. Really, really, weird, huh?
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 found this crazy website that is all about lists here: You should also check out
2. Along similar lines, I'm also a compulsive quiz-taker. I'm all about the self-discovery. Now that I stop and think about it, I think the greatest satisfaction comes when I take a quiz, and it tells me exactly something that I already knew about myself. I think I find it reassuring, that I'm self-aware. Don't ask me why I remotely find this important; it's just weird.
3. I have a collection of books that can most adequately described "juvenile fiction" from my childhood. Now, I consider myself to be a relatively sophisticated reader (after wading through 100 Years of Solitude, I think I'm amazing), but I can't begin to recap the level of pleasure attained from a perusal of any of my old Trixie Belden, Anne of Green Gables or Betsy-Tacy books. Oh, I say that I am collecting vintage children's literature, but I really know that it's one of my guilty pleasures. I escaped into those books as a child-when I was too tall and awkward for the school crowd's approval, Trixie understood and was good at being different. I always wanted to be a member of her club, and help her solve the local mysteries with her fabulous group of friends. And Anne Shirley! I wanted to marry Gilbert Blythe-I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. Sigh. When I start feeling silly about it as an "adult", I remind myself that these books were written by grownups who imagined themselves away, too. And then I don't feel so bad...
4. I tried internet dating once, on a rebound from a relationship. My friend talked me into it. It was interesting, and kind of weird. The most fascinating experience I had was meeting a guy who I totally hit it off with in conversation one evening. Turns out, he was studying for the priesthood. I still have no idea what he was doing on a dating website, but I think he might have been experiencing some second thoughts about celibacy. It's too bad, because he was really cute, smart, funny, etc, etc. But the priesthood! I am a magnet for unavailable men. (Wasn't that J Lo in the Wedding Planner?)
5. Speaking of which, weird thing about me number five is that I used to be a wedding planner. I witnessed some of the most interesting and pathological family interactions that can possibly exist. People get just weird over weddings. For the record, I also saw some of the loveliest relationships ever.
6. I am the total oddball in my family. I come from an incredibly creative bunch who (incidentally this year) have decided to only exchange home-made gifts with each other. I have NEVER had so much Christmas stress before! My mom is an artist; my sister does wonders with things like scrapbooking and the like; dad is a carver/woodworker, and he always makes gifts anyhow. Even my brother-in-law is an amazing musician. Me, I can analyze things. :P I can talk to people. I can tell you all about a symphonic poem-in French. And I'm REALLY good at suturing wounds and reading X-rays. No kidding-I really am. However, I can't create a home-made gift to save my life! If anyone has suggestions, I'd be thrilled to entertain them. I follow directions well...
7. Like Dorie, I suffer from short-term memory loss. At least, it feels like I do. I find it confusing to be simultaneously a complete academic nut and a crazy blue fish who "just keeps swimming; swimming, swimming"...it's weird.
8. There are about 7 different areas between which I would have great difficulty choosing to pursue my education to a higher level. Among the choices are: biochemistry, fashion design, culinary arts, curriculum development for gifted students, and stage direction. Really, really, weird, huh?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
I'm a Trifle!
You Are a Trifle |
 No doubt, you have many intricate layers. But deep down, you're a little squishy. |
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Christmas Season
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…
* Non-Jesus-related song?
"Christmas Eve in Serejevo", by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi.
* Jesus-related song?
"Lux Venit", by Michael W. Smith I also love "Jesu Bambino", but I don't have an artist for that one.
* Santa-related song?
"Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". I'm sorry, but I think it's hysterical. I sang it for our teacher talent show last year with Pete and the kids loved it.
* Fictional character? Huh? Santa, I guess, unless i can count Linus, since he's a cartoon, and he's in a Christmas cartoon.
* Dinner’s main course? Prime rib. We usually have ham though. :( If it's a Honeybaked, that's fine. :D
* Dinner’s dessert? We don't usually have dessert with Christmas dinner. We eat our dinner, then go to church for the Christmas Eve service, and when we come home we open our presents, have creme puffs with chocolate syrup, and then open our stockings.
* Scent (pine, gingerbread, candles…)? I found a wonderful tree variety a few years ago called Concolor-it smells like the most fabulous combination of oranges and pine. It's delicious.
* Animated movie? I'm going to have to go with "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
* Non-animated movie? "Home Alone", "While You Were Sleeping", "The Sound of Music". It has more to do with tradition than content. I love the newer "Miracle of 34th Street", but for me, that's a Thanksgiving movie.
* Personal memory? I have tons of them. One year we were opening presents in the living room and my dad was burning the wrappings in the kitchen fireplace, like usual. Someone put a plastic grocery bag of wrappings on the table for him to burn and didn't realize that the centerpiece from dinner still had a candle burning in it (it had burnt down pretty low). The bag caught fire, and chaos ensued...my sister and I each picked up one of the babies and ran with them to the far end of the house before they had any idea what was going on. My mom panicked, my dad was trying to find the source of the fire-he thought he'd done it. My brother yanked the burning bag from the table and started stomping on it to put out the fire, and the plastic from the bag stuck to his shoes, and he couldn't get the fire off his shoes, so my mom panicked even more. My cousin (who isn't always the brightest crayon in the box) picked up the centerpiece, dropped it in the sink, ran water on it to put out the flames, and saved the day. My aunt had made a brand new holiday tablecloth, and I don't know if she ever forgave up for burning a hole through it the first time we used it.
Oh, things are never dull in our house at Christmas...
* Story/Fairy Tale? Can I say a Charlie Brown Christmas again? Well, I love "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".
I can think of some other fun stuff to put on this list, but I'm feeling a little self-conscious about my list making these days, so I'll stop there. However, I found another fun list on a different tack, so here are
Some random/weird facts about me.
1. I'm fascinated by my sense of humor. I completely entertain myself, not by finding things funny, but by the kinds of things I find funny. People either think I'm great or they think I'm weird.
2. I hate it when people tell me I'm smart. I have taken my identity from it for a long time, and I've recently realized that it's unhealthy. When people say I'm smart, I feel suffocated. There's so much more to me than my brain! Besides that, I have this niggling suspicion that I'm not nearly as smart as they think I am, so I feel false, and I'm just waiting for the boom to fall on my façade.
3. I'm a project-starter, not a finisher. I get stuck in the details along the way, and just can't cope with it. I love the euphoria that comes at the beginning of projects, though.
4. Though I am one of the most open people I know, I often find myself intimidated at the thought of putting my true self out there for people to see...specifically, this applies to my writing. I think I get weirded out by the idea that my thoughts are floating around for just anyone to access. It feels kind of invasive. Why do I have a blog, then? First, I don't think anybody reads it; second, I think I've decided that it's a form of therapy for me-I need to get uncomfortable, and be okay with it. This probably would be a moot point (or as Joey says, "A moo point"), except that I think I'm supposed to be writing for someone besides myself to read.
5. I have a secret thing about celebrities. I think it's because I might covertly wish I was one. Not sure why, but yeah. There it is.
6. I hate to dust. I also hate things being dusty. It's such a catch-22.
7. I LOVE fashion. Design, style, couture, textiles, sewing, matching, cutting, Clinton, Stacy, Dior, Armani, Lauren, Bloomies, Saks, Marshall Field, Coco, Diana Vreeland, Edith Head, John Galliano; ALL of it. However, I can't get over the idea that it's frivolous.
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…
* Non-Jesus-related song?
"Christmas Eve in Serejevo", by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi.
* Jesus-related song?
"Lux Venit", by Michael W. Smith I also love "Jesu Bambino", but I don't have an artist for that one.
* Santa-related song?
"Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". I'm sorry, but I think it's hysterical. I sang it for our teacher talent show last year with Pete and the kids loved it.
* Fictional character? Huh? Santa, I guess, unless i can count Linus, since he's a cartoon, and he's in a Christmas cartoon.
* Dinner’s main course? Prime rib. We usually have ham though. :( If it's a Honeybaked, that's fine. :D
* Dinner’s dessert? We don't usually have dessert with Christmas dinner. We eat our dinner, then go to church for the Christmas Eve service, and when we come home we open our presents, have creme puffs with chocolate syrup, and then open our stockings.
* Scent (pine, gingerbread, candles…)? I found a wonderful tree variety a few years ago called Concolor-it smells like the most fabulous combination of oranges and pine. It's delicious.
* Animated movie? I'm going to have to go with "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
* Non-animated movie? "Home Alone", "While You Were Sleeping", "The Sound of Music". It has more to do with tradition than content. I love the newer "Miracle of 34th Street", but for me, that's a Thanksgiving movie.
* Personal memory? I have tons of them. One year we were opening presents in the living room and my dad was burning the wrappings in the kitchen fireplace, like usual. Someone put a plastic grocery bag of wrappings on the table for him to burn and didn't realize that the centerpiece from dinner still had a candle burning in it (it had burnt down pretty low). The bag caught fire, and chaos ensued...my sister and I each picked up one of the babies and ran with them to the far end of the house before they had any idea what was going on. My mom panicked, my dad was trying to find the source of the fire-he thought he'd done it. My brother yanked the burning bag from the table and started stomping on it to put out the fire, and the plastic from the bag stuck to his shoes, and he couldn't get the fire off his shoes, so my mom panicked even more. My cousin (who isn't always the brightest crayon in the box) picked up the centerpiece, dropped it in the sink, ran water on it to put out the flames, and saved the day. My aunt had made a brand new holiday tablecloth, and I don't know if she ever forgave up for burning a hole through it the first time we used it.
Oh, things are never dull in our house at Christmas...
* Story/Fairy Tale? Can I say a Charlie Brown Christmas again? Well, I love "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".
I can think of some other fun stuff to put on this list, but I'm feeling a little self-conscious about my list making these days, so I'll stop there. However, I found another fun list on a different tack, so here are
Some random/weird facts about me.
1. I'm fascinated by my sense of humor. I completely entertain myself, not by finding things funny, but by the kinds of things I find funny. People either think I'm great or they think I'm weird.
2. I hate it when people tell me I'm smart. I have taken my identity from it for a long time, and I've recently realized that it's unhealthy. When people say I'm smart, I feel suffocated. There's so much more to me than my brain! Besides that, I have this niggling suspicion that I'm not nearly as smart as they think I am, so I feel false, and I'm just waiting for the boom to fall on my façade.
3. I'm a project-starter, not a finisher. I get stuck in the details along the way, and just can't cope with it. I love the euphoria that comes at the beginning of projects, though.
4. Though I am one of the most open people I know, I often find myself intimidated at the thought of putting my true self out there for people to see...specifically, this applies to my writing. I think I get weirded out by the idea that my thoughts are floating around for just anyone to access. It feels kind of invasive. Why do I have a blog, then? First, I don't think anybody reads it; second, I think I've decided that it's a form of therapy for me-I need to get uncomfortable, and be okay with it. This probably would be a moot point (or as Joey says, "A moo point"), except that I think I'm supposed to be writing for someone besides myself to read.
5. I have a secret thing about celebrities. I think it's because I might covertly wish I was one. Not sure why, but yeah. There it is.
6. I hate to dust. I also hate things being dusty. It's such a catch-22.
7. I LOVE fashion. Design, style, couture, textiles, sewing, matching, cutting, Clinton, Stacy, Dior, Armani, Lauren, Bloomies, Saks, Marshall Field, Coco, Diana Vreeland, Edith Head, John Galliano; ALL of it. However, I can't get over the idea that it's frivolous.
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