Pomp & Circumstance

I've been on a writing rampage the past couple of days . . . one very harsh, long letter and a couple of lengthy, cheesetastic poems. I wanted to take advantage of my motivation, and my overwhelming pride for a few of my favorite individuals and individually congratulate them on their most recent achievements:

Brandon, You were in my class my very first year teaching. You were in my room when we heard about 9-11, you're in my first scrapbook, you were a first picture on the wall. And now, you've graduated from college . . . and not just any college; you graduated from West Point. And you didn't just graduate . . . you thrived. You played football, set records and proposed to the love of your life...and if a few short weeks you will start your life anew as a husband and officer. Well done, I'm proud of you.


Steven, Another first, I had you in class my first year at FZN . . . and what a class it was. You, too found success, first in your group on your decade project (man, Ashley did a great job on that for you!), and then on the football field and in college. You impressed upon me a love of Panther football that has not waivered since you were selected to the All State team many years ago. And now, you become one of the first and few of your friends to have gone straight through college and to have successfully made it with a degree. I can't tell you how proud I was to see pictures of you in your cap and gown, having finally made it. I've always known you were talented and strong and now everyone else knows it too. Congratulations Steve, I'm incredibly proud of you.


Erin Nadine, If only I could have a teenage daughter. You are unique, compassionate, fun and wise beyond your years. If I could wish one thing for you (and I'm not quite sure I've ever wished this for anyone) it would be that you are a bit more selfish. I sometimes worry that you are so concerned about everyone about you that you forget yourself . . . and you are entirely too important to too many people to forget about someone as important as you. I am constantly impressed by your talent (drumline and dealing with Matt), your insight (asking probing questions and wanting to know the 'why' of things), your tolerance (letting others make decisions and discoveries in their own time and allowing your friends to travel their chosen path) and your big heart (you want everyone around you to be 'okay'). I wish success for you -- academically, mentally, emotionally -- I wish happiness for you, always. Congratulations and Good luck.


Braxton, little brother, Part of me thinks that I've said all I can and the other part knows that I can never say enough. I feel this need to describe everything you are, everything you've done so that anyone who reads this knows how rare you are. I knew you were a leader the first time you stepped onto my court, your freshmen year . . . and now this year, I've seen as you led your team to victories, coached a team of your own, made important decisions regarding your future and helped others make vital decisions regarding our country's future. You're right: You are not youthful in your understanding, nor are you false in your beliefs. You work to educate yourself and then (and here's where the rest of us are sorely lacking) you act on your beliefs to make your community, your country, your world a better place. Watching you debate with an adult, confident in his beliefs was a wonderous thing because you knew what you were talking about and you are so hopeful about where your beliefs will take us. Watching you play volleyball is an awesome sight because your skill is only overshadowed by your passion for the game. Watching you as you continue on to Fontbonne will be gratifying because I will continue to watch others be impressed by you, as I have been impressed by you. I look forward to our monthly dinners. I wish nothing but the best for you . . . this summer, next year, and always.

2 cents . . .

Dear Christine,

Three days ago you laid my dad off. You said you were "eliminating his position" due to the "economy". I didn't write you this letter earlier because, to be honest, I was so fucking angry with you, I couldn't even think straight. Don't get me wrong, I'm still seething, but I'm now at a point where I can form words and there are a few things I'd like to say to you.

My dad worked for you for thirty years. Thirty years, he gave you his loyalty, his time, his blood, sweat and tears. He went on service calls in the middle of the night, traveled out of state, presented training sessions and worked before and after hours. He worked for your dad and your husband before you. And when they died, within a year of each other and you were constantly gone, he gave you his sympathy and he helped run the company. THEN, when you didn't have a man in your life, he helped you move and performed odd jobs around your house. When the company bought a new building and didn't have the money for lawn care, he took care of that too. For THIRTY YEARS. Then, you decided to let him go. Although you decided this last weekend, there was another job for him to do. He needed to go to Illinois, and work 22 hours in two days to complete a job that no one else there knows how to do. Then, when he came in Wednesday, you let him go in the middle of the day, with no opportunity for severance, and absolutely no respect. Then, as cowards do, you ran away and left the building.

When I think about how he must have felt. . . how betrayed, disrespected and alone he must have felt, as he sat across from you in his office as you told him that he was now unemployed, I feel physically ill. And then I feel an anger beyond anything I've ever felt -- and it's your fault. I know he'll be fine. In fact, I honestly believe that my dad is better off not working for you, but I wanted it to be on his terms.

You obviously didn't realize this but my dad is one of the most amazing men you'll ever know. I know most women say that about their dad, but this is different. I have never been a "daddy's girl" and I'm not spoiled in the materialistic sense, but my father is the most selfless, warm, kind, compassionate, hard working man I know. His work ethic is beyond that of anyone I've ever known. He's never drank, smoked, been lazy or shirked his duties. He brought my mom's mom into our home when she was dying and moved into his own mother's home for a week in her final days. He takes care of everyone around him. You will never understand how much it angers me that you didn't take care of him. That you didn't allow him the opportunity and the stability to do what he does best.

Like I said, he'll be fine. But I sincerely hope that you realize what you've done -- while the economy is certainly in bad shape, I am certain that it is not at fault for your company doing poorly. I blame no one but you. People were let go before him and still others have left voluntarily . . . paychecks have bounced, jobs have been lost -- and YOU are the common factor. So, while my dad will move on, and with the support of those who love him, will go on to be successful at another job, with another company, you will continue to fail. And as most cowards and failures do, I'm sure you'll blame something or someone else . . . but I will know . . . this is simply you, getting what you deserve.

*While the events of this letter are true, I changed the recipients name (at Dad's request) and I am NOT actually sending this letter. . . it was merely done to make me feel a little better.
**I've also been told (by my mother, of course) that this letter is unnecessarily harsh. Please don't judge me for being angry . . . I typically don't wish for bad things to happen to people, and needed a productive outlet for my anger.

Not sweet. Not Sour.

Bitter. I'll admit . . . I have a job in which I get Spring Break and I'm bitter about going back (and I don't feel guilty about it, either). What I'm even MORE bitter about however, is all these people making comments like, "...at least you get a job that still HAS Spring Break." Right. Well, you try doing what we do without any breaks and see how long you last. If just ONE MORE PERSON makes some snide comment: "at least you have a job," "must be nice to be off by 3:00," or "what's it like to get three months off?" I'm going to go crazy. I don't take those things for granted, believe me...but you chose your job just like I chose mine and I did NOT choose to become a teacher so I only had to work 9 months out of the year (which, by the way, has NEVER happened).

Anyway...Spring Break has concluded and as far as breaks go, it was pretty decent. Saw some friends, saw some movies, did some shopping (bought shoes, of course), relaxed, and did absolutely NO work for work. Woo hoo! This week is a full week (and a busy one at that) and then two short weeks for Easter and then it's practically May! I'm currently reading the book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey and it's surprisingly insightful. There area some things I really need to get off my ass and take care of this spring and summer and I think I am finding the motivation to do so.

Speaking of taking care of things....I am first on that list. I need to learn to walk away from things (habits, requests, and people) that are bad for me and need to start doing things that are good for me, even if it means leaving my little comfort zone. I won't be taken advantage of, in my professional or personal life, I will learn to walk away when I need to and I will take risks. So there!

Anyway...I hope spring finds you and yours doing well.....

Hear You Me, My Friend. . .

I didn't write this earlier for a lot of reasons, none of which are important now. I'm not even sure that I can do it justice now, but I must try. On March 11th, the father of three of my students passed away. While Bernard's passing will have a lasting imprint on my life, it has not impacted me as much as he did while he was with us, nor as much as children have in the time before and since his passing. While I suppose I knew Bernard better than most of his kids' teachers, it's obvious that the hilarious, compassionate, fiercely loyal, proud man I knew was nothing but a glimpse of the man he truly was. It frustrates me that I was unable to see that before, for how else could he have raised two such amazing, yet vastly different young men as Jeffrey and Peter? Or such a humorous, tough, beautiful young lady as Tyler?

In hearing about Bernard throughout the past week and half, from his friends and family, it is obvious that he was loved . . . but the truly amazing thing is that he was loved for so many different things. For one, he illustrated the epitome of what it was to be a man, for another, he demonstrated how to be the very best of friends, and for colleagues around the globe Bernard was the 'go to' man for issues, both personal and professional. For me, someone who someday hopes to have a successful family and job, he was the model in how to do that. Not just in how to do that, but how to thrive in that. Jeff mentioned that there "...wasn't anyone [Bernard] met that didn't instantly love him..." and how very true that was.

In the days immediately following Bernard's death, I have witnessed his children coping with the loss and have felt nothing but the utmost compassion and love for each of them. I truly believe that this is the first time I have ached to take someone's pain for myself to ease their burden. They have been handed the worst life has to give them and have risen from their grief with enduring strength. I have no doubt that each of them will, with time, be able to step one foot in front of the other and travel a path that will make their dad proud . . . after all, he never failed to recognize how amazing each of his kids are.

I'll never understand. Perhaps I'm not meant to. I hope, however, that Jeffrey, Peter and Tyler (Molly and Sara too) know that a father's love for his children trandscends time and even death and that while those of us still here will walk beside them in life's journey, he will forever be watching from above.

AMS

[originally posted on September 9, 2006]

My Andrew held my hand when I had anxiety attacks and wrote love notes in my notebooks. My Andrew took me to look at Christmas lights with the windows down while we held hands and talked all night. My Andrew let me see him every day he had mono, when not even his girlfriend was allowed over. He was my teammate, my best friend, my 'fiance'. My Andrew cried with me, laughed with me, went to plays and dinner with me. Sometimes we just sat. We didn't need to talk...that was our way. He let me dress him up on "Rent a Senior Day," helped me with my volleyball team and held me when my grandma died. He had roses waiting for me when I ambushed his car with 70 red balloons on Valentine's Day. We divulged our deepest secrets and our fondest desires. We knew each other, at times, better than we knew ourselves. I love him. I loved him. I was the best version of me when I was with him.

My Andrew's life on earth came to an end this morning... I will forever love you and miss you. On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.

rest in peace dear friend...

I'd go back in a heartbeat

[This is a transplant from my Myspace blog which I'm in the process of deleting...]

I've recently connected and reconnected with a few people from high school and college. What an amazing experience it is to touch base with those I knew 'back when' (and those who knew me)! Since doing so (and even before) I've thought a lot about the past and how much I miss some of the 'old days'. Gone are the days of shit disturbing in the dorms...harmless thievery, midnight football in the snow, midnight breakfast, 7-11 runs, ice cream to mend a broken heart, third floor whores, my RA buddies etc. I've said several times to my students that I'd go back to college in a heartbeat but I guess that's not entirely true...I want us ALL to go back. I want to walk out of my room to instantly greet 40 friends, to dodge Jerry's silly innuendos while on rounds, to put off writing papers and go out because that's all we have to worry about. A very good friend of mine from college recently found me and directed me to a song that he thinks expresses how we both feel about college...I agree. Thanks Yoshi. Thank God for old friends.

Avenue Q Soundtrack Lyrics

---

Artist: Lyrics
Song: I Wish I Could Go Back to College Lyrics

KATE MONSTER:
I wish I could go back to college.
Life was so simple back then.

NICKY:
What would I give to go back and live in a dorm with a meal plan again!

PRINCETON:
I wish I could go back to college.
In college you know who you are.
You sit in the quad, and think, "Oh my God!
I am totally gonna go far!"

ALL:
How do I go back to college?
I don't know who I am anymore!

PRINCETON:
I wanna go back to my room and find a message in dry-erase pen on the door!
Ohhh...
I wish I could just drop a class...

NICKY:
Or get into a play...

KATE MONSTER:
Or change my major...

PRINCETON:
Or fuck my T.A.

ALL:
I need an academic advisor to point the way!
We could be...
Sitting in the computer lab,
4 A.M. before the final paper is due,
Cursing the world 'cause I didn't start sooner,
And seeing the rest of the class there, too!

PRINCETON:
I wish I could go back to college!

ALL:
How do I go back to college?!
AHHHH...

PRINCETON:
I wish I had taken more pictures.

NICKY:
But if I were to go back to college,
Think what a loser I'd be-
I'd walk through the quad,
And think "Oh my God..."

ALL:
"These kids are so much younger than me."

Advice on Men, courtesy of my cousin...

Thanks to my cousin, Beckey for the following...

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be.

Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what
makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was
not treating you as you deserve then NO, you can't "be friends."
A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle. If you feel like he
is stringing you along, then he probably is.

Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at
yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak
up. Never let a man know everything.
You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even
if he has more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a
quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are. Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street.

You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute
about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new
relationship. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...
a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone
complimentary...not supplementary. Dating is fun...even if he
doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.

Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are,
and you're always readily available to him ... he takes it for granted.

Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man.
Don't fully commit to a man who
doesn't give you everything that you need.

Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Lessons Learned

~ When you spray your house for bugs, for some reason they feel they have to die INSIDE your house~ Ozzfest is just the soundtrack for the road to hell~ If you really, truly don't want to do something, don't volunteer to do it just to be nice~ Friends come in all shapes, sizes, and ages~ Trips down memory lane can be joyous and painful ~ Time may heal all wounds but shopping never hurts~ Teachers who do nothing don't get in trouble~ There is no substitute for a loyal friend~ Having the guts to give a guy your number, doesn't mean he'll call.~ It's good to have h.s. friends that you can pick up where you left off, eight years later~ Being an adult isn't all it's cracked up to be~ There are few things in life to look forward to like you look forward to seeing your best friends~ Laughter really IS the best medicine!~ Breaking up with friends, while sometimes necessary, is always painful~ It's a warm fuzzy feeling hearing from your best friend since eighth grade and him still telling you he loves you.~ Your coworkers are suddenly a lot more fun when you're at happy hour.~ People don't always appreciate all your hard work; it's those times you should realize that you don't do it for others~Sometimes, people thinking you do a good job, is a real pain in the ass~ Nothing soothes the soul like a new pair of shoes

Survey says . . .

I warned you! Not only do I have a crazy survey addiction, but I'm trying to kill time before running my first (and last!) Homeowner's Association Meeting. I'm completely thrilled that I've resigned but am nervous about speaking in front of all these people so I'm going to focus on something pointless....enjoy!

think​ back to march​,​ were you in a relat​ionsh​ip?​
Nope

Did the last perso​n you kisse​d have tatto​os?​
Nope

Have you ever been in a perfe​ct relat​ionsh​ip?​

If it was perfect, I assume I'd still be in it . . . but who shoots for perfect? How boring is that? I'm aiming for happy.


Have you ever liked​ someo​ne older​ than you?
Sure. And younger . . .


Do you find the oppos​ite sex confu​sing?​
CONSTANTLY.

Would​ you hug the last perso​n you hugge​d again​?​
Sure, I'm a fan of hugs

Is there​ anyon​e who under​stand​s your relat​ionsh​ip statu​s?

Sure

Is there​ a night​ you would​ like to put on repea​t,​ and live it forev​er?​
No, not yet. This is a good goal though . . . to have 'that' night.


Have you ever kisse​d anyon​e who'​s name start​ed with a J?
Yes

Do you trust​ all your frien​ds?​
Yes, some more than others. I only have twoish that I trust implicitly.

Do you have a best frien​d?​
I have a couple of them: Liz & Libbi.

Who'​s hoodi​e did you wear last?​
Mine

Do you know anyon​e who drink​s a lot?
I teach high school, what do you think?


Do you have a frien​d you can tell stuff​ to and you'​re sure they won'​t tell?​
Yes, and what a great feeling that is.

Did you like anyon​e last summe​r?​
Yes, but in retrospect, I'm glad nothing came of it.


How is your life latel​y?​
Good. My outlook on life is a bit more positive than it has been.

Last perso​n to comme​nt you?
Bernard, I think.

Could​ you go out in publi​c,​ looki​ng like you do now?
I guess I could, but I wouldn't. . . I look pretty ridiculous.

What color​ are your eyes?​
Brown

Are you tired​?​
Exhausted, physically and mentally . . . I didn't get much sleep last night at all.

When will your next kiss take place​?​
"We'll see"

Is your hair natur​ally curly​ or strai​ght?​
Poker straight

How many days until​ your next birth​day?​
Oodles . . . my bday was just six weeks ago. . . but it was a pretty good one.

What do you want for your next birth​day?​
That's entirely too far off for me to have a legit answer.

Do you get along​ with your best frien​ds boyfr​iend/​girlf​riend​?​
I think Libbi's hubby is pretty much fantastic, for a plethora o' reasons. And I've yet to meet Liz's beau but I'll trust her judgement. . . for now.

Who makes​ you happi​est?​
I'm working on the answer to this question being 'me' because I don't think I can truly be happy with someone else until I'm happy with myself. However, I have a pretty good friend who's helping the situation along nicely.

When's​ your birth​day?​
January 6th

Would​ you rathe​r your partn​er have gorge​ous eyes or a gorge​ous smile​?​
A good smile, I think . . . but only if he uses it a lot!

Somet​hing you'​re looki​ng forwa​rd to this next month​?​
Basketball being over! Volleyball starting. It being that much closer to summer.

Is it cute when boys/​girls​ kiss you on the foreh​ead?​
I think it's sweet if it's not patronizing.

Have you ever kisse​d anyon​e whose​ name start​ed with L, M, A, S, N, or D
L, no. M, yes. A, yes. S, yes. N, no. D, no.

What were you doing​ at 8 am this morni​ng?​
On my plan hour at work so I was probably drafting an e-mail to resign from the board of trustees of my HOA...woo hoo!

When'​s the last time you laugh​ed REALL​Y hard?​
Friday. . . at happy hr we laughed SO hard. And Saturday night talking to Lance...he makes me laugh.

Do you own an iPod?​
I do, though I'm having a hell of a time getting my podcasts for running on there.

Do any of your frien​ds have child​ren?​
YES. YES. YES.

Have you ever chang​ed cloth​es while​ drivi​ng?​
Haha. . . yes. Busy streets + truck drivers + me trying to change for vball = HILARIOUS!

Have you ever clean​ed up someo​ne else'​s vomit​?​
No, aside from the cat. I don't do well with vomit.

What kind of mood are you in?

Decent. Determined. I've been better though.

Do you think​ you will be in a relat​ionsh​ip 3 month​s from now?
"We'll see" -- but it would be nice! ;)

Is the last perso​n you kisse​d mad at you?
nah

Would​ you ever get a tatto​o?​
I've thought about it but I don't think I'll ever follow through.

Do you think​ you can last in a relat​ionsh​ip for 6 month​s witho​ut cheat​ing?​
I know I can. . . there's no excuse for cheating.

When you say you don'​t care,​ do you mean it?
Not usually.

Do you know anyon​e who has messe​d up your life?​
Nah . . . no one can really mess up your life without you letting them. However, there is a big jerkface at work that tries pretty hard.

Can you read other​ peopl​es expre​ssion​s?​
Sometimes.

Would​ you go back in time to chang​e somet​hing?​
Yes, yes I would.

Have you ever walke​d on the beach​ at night​?​
Yes, but it's been a long time and it wasn't with anyone special so I'd be open to another chance!

Recharging. . .

I took Friday off work for a 'doctor's appointment' and have tomorrow off for President's Day. I needed a couple of extra days to recharge before volleyball starts and since I've found myself getting increasingly burned out. Friday I went shopping and bought lots of fun things, yesterday I spent some quality time at home with myself, today I've cleaned...done laundry...dishes...etc and tomorrow I'll work on my presentation and prepare for the coming week. Some good advice from an even better friend has convinced me that I need to start getting rid of all this stuff in my life that is neither rewarding or enjoyable. To begin...I'm resigning from my position as secretary of my HOA. Recently I've found myself with responsibilities that aren't mine....I don't want them, I don't enjoy them, and I'm not qualified for them. The people that I'm working with on the HOA are neither understanding or empathetic and I'm finished.

At the request of my dept chair at work, I'm putting together and presenting a professional development workshop in March. I'm terrified of speaking in front of people and really don't need the additional work during the first two weeks of volleyball season but I'm going to do it. My condition was that I not be 'thrown under the bus' again until everyone else had taken their turn.

Even though it's only third quarter, I've already found myself looking forward to this summer more than ever. For the first time in over ten years, I won't be working. There are so many possibilities for this summer, it's overwhelming...in a good way. I might take a class, I want to travel, I'm hoping for visits from friends and family, playing volleyball, throwing parties, and spending a LOT of time at the pool.
Well, it's about time for me to go grocery shopping, a chore I typically hate but I've found myself with an increasingly positive attitude lately...thanks to a couple of good friends. I'm especially looking forward to mailing off a little something to a good friend of mine in CA...hehe.

Crush

The Bucket List. Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not, then send it to your friends (including me).

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, do the list and tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.) If you don't see the Tag people in the upper right hand corner you are in the wrong place.)

I have a crush....on surveys. I think it has to do something with getting all of the questions right... I don't know. Anyway, rather than taking these on facebook, where they're typically posted originally...and shoving them in people's faces who don't really care...I figured I'd post them there so you can read them voluntarily. Enjoy.
P.S. I probably won't be able to help but editorialize on a few of these!

Things you have done during your lifetime:
(x ) Gone on a blind date -- it was a really funny disaster....and the last time I went on one

( x) Skipped school -- only in college and as a teacher

( x) Watched someone die

( ) Been to Canada

() Been to Mexico

(x) Been to Florida

( ) Been to Hawaii

(x) Been on a plane

( ) Been on a helicopter

(x) Been lost

( ) Gone to Washington, DC -- I WANT TO! Anyone up for it?

(x) Swam in the ocean

( ) Swam with Stingrays

(x) Cried yourself to sleep

(x) Played cops and robbers

( x) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke

( ) Paid for a meal with coins only

( x) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch

(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

(x) Made prank phone calls

() Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans

() Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

() Danced in the rain

( x) Written a letter to Santa Claus

( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe

( x) Watched the sunrise with someone

(x) Blown bubbles

(x) Gone ice-skating

(x) Gone to the movies

( ) Been deep sea fishing

( ) Driven across the United States

( ) Been in a hot air balloon

( ) Been sky diving.

( ) Gone snowmobiling

( ) Lived in more than one country

(x) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets

(x) Seen a falling star and made a wish

( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser

( ) Seen the Grand Canyon

( ) Seen the Statue of Liberty

( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle

( ) Been on a cruise

( ) Traveled by train

( ) Traveled by motorcycle

() Been horse back riding

( ) Ridden on a San Francisco cable car

(x) Been to Disneyland OR Disney World

() Truly believe in the power of prayer

( ) Been in a rain forest

( )Seen whales in the ocean

( ) Been to Niagara Falls

( ) Ridden on an elephant

( ) Swam with dolphins

( ) Been to the Olympics

( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China

( ) Saw and heard a glacier calve

( ) Been spinnaker flying

( ) Been water-skiing

( ) Been snow-skiing

() Been to Westminster Abbey

( ) Been to the Louvre

( ) Swam in the Mediterranean

(x ) Been to a Major League Baseball game

( ) Been to a National Football League game

( ) Swam with sharks (not by choice)

In retrospect, the number of things on this list I haven't experienced is pretty depressing!

A Fun List

I don't normally do these, but I've seen this around the past few days and thought it might be fun! Here's a chance to get to know me a little better. If you play along, please put a link in my comments section so I can get to know you better, too!

The colored items, I've accomplished.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/Disney World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House - didn't get to go in though
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox twice
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

O' Happy Day

It was such a good day, I can't help but share it with you. I got up at my usual time today (after hitting snooze twice) only to check my mail and find a friend of mine online that I don't get to talk to as often as I'd like since he's stationed in Japan (marines are so handsome). After talking with him online for a few moments, he called. What a great way to start my birthday. We talked as I got ready for work. You know that feeling when you put together a cute outfit, it's a good hair day and all seems right with the world? It was that kind of day. As I headed out the door I got a flood of phone calls and texts, but assuming they were birthday wishes, I continued talking to Lance. As I SLID to work, I made a few comments about the roads and the ice . . . but didn't even consider that school might be called off until I got to work and nearly ate it in the parking lot. Ha! So . . . upon hanging up with Lance and checking my messages, I proceeded home (only took thirty minutes too, ha)!
Before going BACK to bed, I had a little breakfast and watched some Band of Brothers....only one of the greatest things ever invented. After taking a nap, Mom took me to lunch at the 54th Street Grill....it was delicious! After my yummy salad (yes, Libbi, I had a damn salad) . . . I went to get a pedicure. There are few things in this world more glorious than getting a pedicure while reading the most fabulous book. I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love for the second time and it is nothing short of amazing. Every passage, every description makes me ache for the ability to string words together with such clarity and passion....with wit and warmth and honesty.
After coming back home, another nap was required before coming down to cook dinner and watch some more Band of Brothers. Tomorrow, I will put my cute outfit BACK on. . . utilize my brand new projector for the first time with a humorous intro to a project I'm assigning. I'm actually looking forward to it.
If you're lucky...I'll post pictures of my toes....they're so beautiful it's a damn work of art. HA.

Out with the old....

In with the new!!! I can't believe it's almost 2009...it makes me feel both accomplished and left behind...a contradiction of sorts.

Christmas Eve was chaotic fun....most everyone was there and we had a great time. All the women on that side of the family are a lot alike and it's been a long time since we've all been together...hopefully we can continue it.

Christmas Day was a little less crazy, but still more people than we're used to. It was our first Christmas with Kristabelle and Austin and they really seemed to enjoy themselves....



The day after Christmas, all the adults went to Ameristar for dinner at Landmark and then went gambling. As is the tradition, everyone in the family lost except Tracy...I have no idea how that continues to happen. Then, on Saturday night we all went bowling at Brunswick...good times. I'm horrible at bowling but I had fun anyway.
Couple of funny things....my 'aunt,' who refuses to discipline her bratty child bought me a book for people obsessed with manners...apparently I've asked my seven year old cousin to say his pleases and thank yous one too many times. It was a pretty obvious slap in the face coming from someone that I'm not very close to and I know is resentful of me for some reason. So.....I, being the manners obsessed individual that I apparently am wrote a very nice thank you note, telling her what a great gift it is and how great it'll be to have since I have so many students whose parents haven't taught them manners. I went on to say that it was wonderful that she knows me so well and agrees with me to such an extent that she was led to this great gift. Ha. I can't wait to see what this kid is like at 15.
It's been good having everyone home....we got together to play vball on Tuesday....players were back from Texas A&M (Air Force ROTC), Hawaii (Hawaii Pacific University), California (stationed there for the Navy), and various colleges around the state. It was good to see everyone and we had a lot of fun playing. In addition, I've reconnected with an old friend who is in the Marines. He's currently stationed in Okinawa so the time difference is a bit of a pain, but it's been good over break since I'm staying up later....when he gets off work there, it's the middle of the night here and we get some time to chat.
All us girls went shopping yesterday and my aunt bought me a few things (this is my aunt from FL....NOT the one I was talking about above...I'm not THAT much of a hypocrite!). I got some stuff for the house and the most beautiful scarf...I can't wait to wear it.
My birthday is coming up....I used to love birthdays but aside from them just not being very exciting, I'm not overly thrilled about being another year older. I remember my first couple of years working at North, my friend Andrew sent me flowers to work....it was always made my day.
Well....I was up until 5:30 this morning and only got a few hours of sleep so I'm going to take a nap before heading over to Mom and Dad's.
Happy New Year!

If I don't get the chance to tell you...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Christmas Eve is tomorrow....this is traditionally celebrated with the Minch side of the family with everyone gathering at my parent's house. Casual dinner and then gift giving based on the name exchange....more kids than Christmas day and a bit more chaos. Christmas morning it's back over to Mom and Dad's. Typically, it's just the four of us but this year Kristabelle and Austin will be with us, as well as Jeff, Tracy and Kyle, my family from Florida. It should be good times. I'm a bit nervous about some of my gift choices but everything should work out well.

Yesterday Libbi and I went to see Twilight...and we both really liked it. It's always an experiment when you go see the movie adaptation of a book that you love; personally, I'm always afraid that they'll screw it up. Once you know the storyline and there isn't that to look forward to, you just want to make sure it's done right...and it was! After I took her home I went to the first bball game of the St. Dominic Tournament...Dad and I usually enjoy this tradition together but things are a little different this year. Today, we (Whitmore and I) are getting all of the boys together for some volleyball..I have no doubt that it'll be hilarious. Trant is back from Hawaii, Bennett from Texas, Tieber from California and so on...aside from seeing everyone again, it should be GOOD volleyball. Well...I've just remembered that my Christmas cards need to go into the mail today! Guess I better run!

Holidays

Well, Libbi 'mentioned' that I need to update this (I think her exact words were along the lines of 'update your blog, bitch, I'm bored)...but maybe not.
I've decided to 'suspend' the 'alphabet assignment' -- it's bothering me to leave it unfinished but it bothers me even more to write stuff that I know is dry.
Well, two more weeks of school in the semester....THANK GOD. I can NOT tell you how badly I need this break. We (social studies teachers) should be getting our projectors mounted this weekend which will be AMAZING as it'll be infinitely easier to teach with the ability to show stuff on the 'big screen.' I have my finals written and the keys finished...I've even sent everything to be copied already. This is virtually unheard of and is indicative of how badly I want/need some time off.
Mark and Kristabelle moved into their new condo this past weekend. Austin, Krista's son, started his new school on Monday and I think things are going pretty well. It's a nice condo and not too far so hopefully I'll get to see a bit more of them.
We're meeting up with the Minch side of the family on Sunday to exchange names for Christmas Eve...as a group we're completely dysfunctional with a host of issues but we have a good time, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.
I've recently talked to a couple of 'old' friends, from high school, family friends, etc. It's been AMAZING. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to talk to people who knew me 'back when,' people I can reminisce with and talk to about inside jokes and fun nights from over a decade ago. It's such a good feeling. I've missed them and am glad they're back in my life.
Basketball starts tomorrow. I actually worked my first game this past Tuesday but it was an way game, not required and on a volunteer basis so it doesn't really count. Dad was supposed to work with me but Mom is going to take his game so he can continue working on hardwood floors. I love working with them and getting the chance to talk to them while at work...it's fun.
Well, I'm sure I'll write more as the holidays draw nearer....hopefully this'll appease everyone for now....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

5 Guys from Boston....

Want to know what it takes to get thousands of twentysomething and thirtysomething women SCREAMING?!?! Take them to a New Kids on the Block concert. Libbi's hubby, Rick, got us tickets last spring and FINALLY, last night, they were here. OHMYGOSH! I can't even tell you how amazing it was. First...they look AMAZING. Secondly.....they sang the old songs! We remembered them and they did the old dances.....it was so cool. They didn't just sing some songs...they put on a show! For over two hours they sang the old songs (Hangin' Tough, Step by Step, The Right Stuff, Cover Girl, Please Don't Go) and introduced new ones! It was so incredible. We screamed like we were in high school and laughed and danced. How wonderful is it that they started FIFTEEN years ago and today, they were able to fill stadiums all over again?! Anyway...I just had to tell you that it was by far one of the best nights ever!!!!!









Jonathan, Danny, Jordan, Joey, Donnie My husband, Donnie They have aged WELL.

Giggles

There are few things more fantastic than a happy baby.....or a baby's laugh....

Tonight, my cousin Beckey sent me pictures of her daughter, Gracie. I can't help but share them with you....I can practically hear her laughing!
How's that for really friggin' cute?!?!?!

24-1

This is the final addition of 'the list' -- I have another 'series' that I want to start and I can not begin in good conscience until I've finished the first one (even though Libbi hasn't)!! So here are my last 25 great memories (in no particular order)!
24. The day I bought Morgan home. She was so terrified that she hid behind the washer and dryer all night.
23. The day Grandma JoAnn gave me her diamonds from her wedding ring from Grandpa Jack. I got them for my 18th birthday and had them reset, and then had them reset again after she passed. I wear the ring every single day and love that it was something she once loved from her true love.
22. My first pedicure...I thought I'd hate a stranger rubbing all over my feet, but I can't lie...it is AMAZING.
21. The holiday choir concert each year...I loved being in choir....and I adore Christmas music -- put them together AND begin the concert with 'Carol of the Bells' and I'm totally set!
20. Reading the Harry Potter series...I learn something each time and am glad that I was open minded enough to pick up a book about 'that wizard.' The books are fun and heart warming and I love reading them every time!
19. Giving eulogies at my grandmas' funerals. While this is anything but a happy thought, I am glad that I had the courage to do it and was able to speak to them on that day....it was immensely difficult but something I'll NEVER regret doing.
18. One time, when Andrew and I were in a terrible argument, we met nearby, sat on a hill and talked for hours....we honestly bared our souls to one another....about how much we cared for each other, our concerns for each other, our hopes for each other. In retrospect, it was such an amazing day.
17. As I sit here and think of Andrew, I have two more about him. 1. I'd told him that when I was younger I loved to drive around and look at Christmas lights...so one night, not too long after I moved into my own house, he came over and picked me up and we drove around with the windows down, freezing our tails off, just talking and looking at Christmas lights
16. The 2nd one I mentioned above. When Andrew used to play club vb for me, we'd all carpool to tournaments together....for some reason, this coincided with a time where I often had anxiety attacks. Every time he noticed me shaking, or having 'issues' (usually on the way home), he'd quietly reach over and hold my hand....he didn't even need to say anything. One time, at a tournament, he 'borrowed' the notebook I was working in and wrote a small note, "I love you. No matter what." I hope he knows it was mutual.
15. This one hasn't taken place yet, but I know it'd make the list. My bff at work and her hubby bought her and I tickets to the New Kids on the Block concert in November. I was OBSESSED with NKOTB in middle school and canNOT wait to share it with her. It's going to be an amazing night.
14. Every summer that I've played sand volleyball....even when losing, I love the game and that I'm still able to play.
13. Each gift that Dad's gotten me without Mom's help. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, he's so proud of himself and always does a great job!
12. Redecorating the 2nd level of my house...it has finally come together in an 'adult' house.
11. Living in the dorms, specifically being an RA...we had SO much fun as a staff...I'll never forget Moj, Lisa, Mech, Jerry, Sara, Autumn, Stacey--- Go M3!
10. Having a student teacher -- while it wasn't the easiest experience, I learned a lot about myself and a lot about what it takes to be a good teacher.
9. Two years ago, FZN had a fundraiser for the ACS; I told my classes about my grandmother's battle with cancer (breast cancer, colon cancer AND lung cancer) and how much it would mean to me if we could set goals for the fundraiser and if students would volunteer to shave their heads as an added incentive. My classes ALONE raised over $900 in ONE week. I had nearly a dozen kids shave their heads but one young man in particular touched my heart. Nick was a skater and in band -- his ten inches of hair was a bit of a trademark. When that class reached its goal, he shaved his entire head that afternoon and proudly showed it off to everyone. He even wrote ME a letter thanking ME telling me that he didn't even care that he was getting made fun of because of what I'd told him about my 'granny.' To this day, it is one of my very proudest moments as a teacher....I will never forget him.
8. Any 'beer bash' I've played in. Thirty bucks gets you in a tournament, dinner, and all you can drink all night. We usually play well, but even when we don't, we have an AMAZING time.
7. My 'reunion' with my h.s. friends that we had in place of going to the entire class reunion. Nearly all of us that hung out for all of h.s. got together for dinner and it was amazing catching up...we're all so incredibly different now but it's always good to connect with people who 'knew you when...'
6. Napping with the windows open on a fall day....sounds cheesy but this is one of my very favorite things to do. period.
5. Finishing the masters program at Maryville...I came out of it with a MA, a certificate, and an anxiety disorder after 15 very intense months but it was worth it.
4. The first time I read The Giver -- it's strange, it's confusing, it's eye opening and so amazing.
3. Meeting Libbi (now, don't awwww here, I'm serious). She is funny, tough, realistic, compassionate, loyal...everything valuable in a good friend. I'd be lost at North without her. I will be lost at North without her.
2. Winning a contest on the radio for my mom. The "My Wish For You Contest" on 92.3 was for anyone who wanted to write an essay about why someone they knew deserved tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert....I wrote mine about Mom, was interviewed on the air, and won Mom 2 5th row tickets to the show....she says it was one of the best nights of her life.
1. Finishing THIS! It was tough!

It's Homecoming week

Well, it's Homecoming Week -- it's very telling that my first year of teaching at North, I was completely awed with Homecoming Week; everyone was spirited, the entire hall got decorated, the air was crisp. Now, seven years in, I'm more than a bit disillusioned. The weather is too damn hot to be October, only the doorways get decorated and fewer than half of my students participated in spirit day today...and all they had to do was wear sweats....seriously? Another factor, of course is junior-senior wars. I've heard a few too many kids mention a few too many times that my house is going to get 'hit' and I really, REALLY don't want to deal with it. So, now I have to be the 'mean' one and I definitely already called the police to do extra patrols on my street. Hopefully that'll act as a deterrant....guess we'll see.

The presidential election is fewer than four weeks away and I am EXCITED! Obama is pulling ahead in some of the polls and I continue to do research to solidify my decision. I'd love to be more supportive but I can't say/do anything at school, can't have yard signs and don't have time to volunteer. I have done more during this campaign than ever before, however, and proudly display my bumper sticker and have gotten many compliments (and hostile stares) wearing my tshirt. I did some research today with my students, comparing McCain and Obama and while I was pleased that the more I read, the more I was confident in my decision, I also became increasingly afraid of the alternative outcome. I don't want to preach politics on here but I will say this: how can any self aware, realistic American support McCain's policies regarding guns. Granted, I think that about his position on most issues but he honestly supports a LACK of restrictions and control over assault weapons and armor piercing ammunition -- now what in heaven's name could those possibly be for if not to kill people....because the last time I checked, DEER AREN'T WEARING KEVLAR!

Second semester I'll be teaching 6 hours a day...I'll admit, I find this a bit daunting, especially since, after last year, I said I'd NEVER do it again. However, in exchange for doing that, I'm NOT working next summer. It'll be my first summer off in ten years! I can't wait!

My 'little' brother turns 25 tomorrow....makes me a feel a bit old....okay, more than a bit. Aside from being fond of his girlfriend, I am a huge fan because I've seen him become a better person while dating her. It's very cool that he and I can actually carry on a conversation now and that they so rarely contain demeaning explitives aimed at each other.

Well, I guess that's enough of my procrastination. Time to go put together an outfit for "Crazy" Day!