This is me taking a time out at 6:10 p.m. to play with my camera. Yes, I am still at school.
Ugh...
I never leave...
Correcting papers, entering grades, school committee meeting....
ick
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
It's that time of year again...
Fall 2006 Frozen Food Fundraising from Cherrydale Farms
We're selling cookie dough, and pies, and pizzas....let me know if you're interested!! :-)
We're selling cookie dough, and pies, and pizzas....let me know if you're interested!! :-)
It's all mine!!!
I got my ring back this afternoon! Isn't it gorgeous?? We're really and truly engaged now!
I have a ring! WOOHOO! :-)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
happiness
I'm engaged!!!!! :-D
We ate our 6 year anniversary dinner at Gibbet Hill Grille last night, where we had an amazing meal. We walked around outside after dinner, where he led me over to a porch off the back of The Barn (where they hold functions, but it was empty tonight). He started to tell me about all the good times we've had together, until we both started gagging from the smell of cow. We decided to move before the fumes overtook us both. We walked back to my car, where again he told me about all the happy times we've had in the last 6 years, and how I have seen him through some harder times as well. We got to my car, and he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. Of course I said yes! :-)
I would show everyone the ring, but we had to get it resized. Since today is Sunday, we had to leave it at the store. Hopefully I will have it back tomorrow...I haven't even had it 24 hours yet, and I've had to give it back up!!!
It's beautiful. Simple. Emerald cut. White gold. I love it.
I love him.
Life is good.
We ate our 6 year anniversary dinner at Gibbet Hill Grille last night, where we had an amazing meal. We walked around outside after dinner, where he led me over to a porch off the back of The Barn (where they hold functions, but it was empty tonight). He started to tell me about all the good times we've had together, until we both started gagging from the smell of cow. We decided to move before the fumes overtook us both. We walked back to my car, where again he told me about all the happy times we've had in the last 6 years, and how I have seen him through some harder times as well. We got to my car, and he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. Of course I said yes! :-)
I would show everyone the ring, but we had to get it resized. Since today is Sunday, we had to leave it at the store. Hopefully I will have it back tomorrow...I haven't even had it 24 hours yet, and I've had to give it back up!!!
It's beautiful. Simple. Emerald cut. White gold. I love it.
I love him.
Life is good.
Getting to know me - a meme
I was tagged by Kelly, and since I have nothing better to do this beautiful Sunday morning...
What time did you get up this morning?
7 am, which is VERY unusual for me, since I usually sleep VERY late on weekends. I slept a lot yesterday, and I am just TOO excited to sleep anymore today.
Diamonds or pearls?
Seeing as how I got engaged last night....DIAMONDS BABY!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Oooh...that's a tough one....we don't go to the movie theater very often...I'm going way back here..."Stranger than Fiction" with Will Ferrell.
What is your favourite TV show?
I'm with Kelly on this one...it would have to be Grey's Anatomy or House. But if we're talking of all time, then the answer is Friends.
What do you usually have for breakfast?
On weekends, I make breakfast. We'll have muffins, or eggs, or bacon, or sausage, or pancakes, or french toast, or waffles, or something yummy like that. During the week it is usually just coffee from Dunks, but occasionally I'll buy a muffin or donut.
Favourite cuisine?
I don't really have a favorite food....I eat lots of different foods.
What food do you dislike?
I do not like raw onions. I love them cooked, and I LOOOOOVE onion rings, but don't ask me to eat onions raw, it ain't gonna happen....
What is your favourite CD at the moment?
The CD I listen to the most right now is the 2007 Grammy Nominees album.
Morning or night person?
If I could teach school starting at the time most schools end, I would be very happy. I HATE getting up early.
Favourite sandwich?
It's a toss-up between grilled cheese and grilled peanutbutter.
What characteristic do you despise?
People who are rude. Why can't we all just get along?
Favourite item of clothing?
Currently, my two pairs of fleece pants. I have a Hello Kitty pair, and a blue pair with frogs.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?
France, Ireland, Italy, or the tropics
What colour is your bathroom?
Sage green....it's awful....
Favourite brand of clothing?
Whatever is on sale!!!
Where would you retire to?
Oh...that is so far away from right now it's not even worth thinking about....
What was your most memorable birthday?
My 21st was pretty memorable. We slept in a tent in my parent's backyard drinking beer the night before, a pool party the day of, and free drink at Uno's the night of!
Favourite sport to watch?
If you know me at all....BASEBALL!!!!!!!!! More specifically, the SOX!!
When is your birthday?
July 15
What is your shoe size?
I've got clown feet...I'm a size 10.
Pets?
I've got a lot of fish!! In one tank I have 5 pink and yellow danios and a snail. I have a betta in a vase, and a betta in a bowl, and a betta in my classroom. Someday, I want a dog though.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I must be crazy, but for as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. Except when I wanted to be a major league baseball player.....
What is your favourite flower?
Hydrangea and lilacs.
What date on the calendar are you looking forward to?
Whatever date it is that we decide to have our wedding!! Sometime in summer of 2008
What music do you like?
I listen to anything from classical to hiphop and everything between!
Your Favourite Book?
I like William Martin. Great historical fiction
What time did you get up this morning?
7 am, which is VERY unusual for me, since I usually sleep VERY late on weekends. I slept a lot yesterday, and I am just TOO excited to sleep anymore today.
Diamonds or pearls?
Seeing as how I got engaged last night....DIAMONDS BABY!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Oooh...that's a tough one....we don't go to the movie theater very often...I'm going way back here..."Stranger than Fiction" with Will Ferrell.
What is your favourite TV show?
I'm with Kelly on this one...it would have to be Grey's Anatomy or House. But if we're talking of all time, then the answer is Friends.
What do you usually have for breakfast?
On weekends, I make breakfast. We'll have muffins, or eggs, or bacon, or sausage, or pancakes, or french toast, or waffles, or something yummy like that. During the week it is usually just coffee from Dunks, but occasionally I'll buy a muffin or donut.
Favourite cuisine?
I don't really have a favorite food....I eat lots of different foods.
What food do you dislike?
I do not like raw onions. I love them cooked, and I LOOOOOVE onion rings, but don't ask me to eat onions raw, it ain't gonna happen....
What is your favourite CD at the moment?
The CD I listen to the most right now is the 2007 Grammy Nominees album.
Morning or night person?
If I could teach school starting at the time most schools end, I would be very happy. I HATE getting up early.
Favourite sandwich?
It's a toss-up between grilled cheese and grilled peanutbutter.
What characteristic do you despise?
People who are rude. Why can't we all just get along?
Favourite item of clothing?
Currently, my two pairs of fleece pants. I have a Hello Kitty pair, and a blue pair with frogs.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?
France, Ireland, Italy, or the tropics
What colour is your bathroom?
Sage green....it's awful....
Favourite brand of clothing?
Whatever is on sale!!!
Where would you retire to?
Oh...that is so far away from right now it's not even worth thinking about....
What was your most memorable birthday?
My 21st was pretty memorable. We slept in a tent in my parent's backyard drinking beer the night before, a pool party the day of, and free drink at Uno's the night of!
Favourite sport to watch?
If you know me at all....BASEBALL!!!!!!!!! More specifically, the SOX!!
When is your birthday?
July 15
What is your shoe size?
I've got clown feet...I'm a size 10.
Pets?
I've got a lot of fish!! In one tank I have 5 pink and yellow danios and a snail. I have a betta in a vase, and a betta in a bowl, and a betta in my classroom. Someday, I want a dog though.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I must be crazy, but for as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. Except when I wanted to be a major league baseball player.....
What is your favourite flower?
Hydrangea and lilacs.
What date on the calendar are you looking forward to?
Whatever date it is that we decide to have our wedding!! Sometime in summer of 2008
What music do you like?
I listen to anything from classical to hiphop and everything between!
Your Favourite Book?
I like William Martin. Great historical fiction
Friday, March 30, 2007
Excerpts from a cat's diary
Day 683 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and myself are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies. "I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage."
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around her feet as she was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released --and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe....... for now.......
excerpts from a dog's diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - Walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Idol
Sanjaya needs to GO! AWAY! NOW! GO!
Did Gwen even do anything? She was there, but did she do anything?
Does Phil know what Sting was talking about in Every Breath You Take?? He was way too happy...
Blake was boring.
Jordin...wrong song...don't suck up to Gwen
Chris...ditto
Melinda...you are incredible!
I need to stop having a glass of wine while watching Idol...I start singing along...it's a good thing I'm the only one home...
Did Gwen even do anything? She was there, but did she do anything?
Does Phil know what Sting was talking about in Every Breath You Take?? He was way too happy...
Blake was boring.
Jordin...wrong song...don't suck up to Gwen
Chris...ditto
Melinda...you are incredible!
I need to stop having a glass of wine while watching Idol...I start singing along...it's a good thing I'm the only one home...
give me a P, give me an R...
give me an O, C, R, A, S, T,.......
procrastination....I didn't feeling like finishing...
laziness has also set in....
STACK of papers to enter into grade book growing....
you know you're putting things off when you'd rather balance your checkbook than do what you should be....
procrastination....I didn't feeling like finishing...
laziness has also set in....
STACK of papers to enter into grade book growing....
you know you're putting things off when you'd rather balance your checkbook than do what you should be....
do some research
Has anyone else seen the latest ad for DSW shoes???
At the very end of the commercial they say that the newest location is at the Woah-burn Mall.
If you want people to shop at your stores, learn how to say the name of the city!!!!
WOO-burn
NOT
WOAH-burn
Sunday, March 25, 2007
one more X on the bracket
Ugh...well there goes one of my final four...
Ohio is still in it...so let's hear it for Florida and North Carolina tomorrow!!!
Ohio is still in it...so let's hear it for Florida and North Carolina tomorrow!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Let's go Kansas!!
Well at least for tonight...
I know absolutely NOTHING about basketball...forget college basketball....
I have a vague understanding as to how the game is played, but that's about it.
Whatever success I have with this bracket is owed to a few of the guys at the Nashoba Valley Concert Band. If I win, I owe them a beer. :-)
I've got Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, and Ohio in the Final Four, with Florida and North Carolina facing off, and Florida going all the way.
Here's to complete guessing!!
Biggest crochet hook EVER
I bought the speed hook from Lionbrand the other day. I have finished a child's scarf, and I am almost done with the hat. I'll post pics of the hat when it's done. This is actually three different yarns held together. It's hard to see, but it's a pale yellow, and two variegated yarns that are pastel colors. Apparently since we're getting snow tonight, the hat and scarf could actually come in handy (if I were a small girl that is...)
so sad
I love flowers, but they never last long enough.
This bouquet is a mixture of three different bouquets. The roses and carnations are from my students after the show last weekend. Some more roses and the lilies are from the boy after the show last weekend. The daffodils I bought from a fundraiser at the school.
It was so pretty. I'll be drying the roses and babies breath to add to my rather morbid looking dried roses bouquet.
I wish I had my camera
The ONE TIME I forget my camera at home...
While driving down 110 in Harvard, the car in front of me stops short, which causes me to stop short.
The reason you ask?
There was a flock of NUNS running across the street! Seriously, 5 of them running with their habits flapping in the wind behind them.
They proceeded to all pile into a tiny Ford Escort.
Why didn't I have my camera?
Why? Why? Why?
While driving down 110 in Harvard, the car in front of me stops short, which causes me to stop short.
The reason you ask?
There was a flock of NUNS running across the street! Seriously, 5 of them running with their habits flapping in the wind behind them.
They proceeded to all pile into a tiny Ford Escort.
Why didn't I have my camera?
Why? Why? Why?
the world needs to slow down
I have been caught up in a whirlwind this week. I thought it would be better now that the musical is over, but it doesn't seem to have worked out that way.
I am planning the spring concert (May 8th - mark your calendars), we have the festival coming up on June 8th, the fundraiser for said festival, and the end of the year concert and awards ceremony (perhaps June 12th...stay tuned).
Plans for next year have started to get underway (as awful as they may be). I am currently in the process of trying to convince administrators why teaching beginning band afterschool is a bad idea. Especially since it will increase my teaching hours beyond my contract...
This past week, I met with the superintendent, the HS principal, the MS vice principal, and my union rep. and president.
Next week, I meet with the HS principal, the MS vice principal, and perhaps the superintendent, the HS principal, the MS vice principal, the Elem. principal and the Elem. vice principal all together at once.
Wish me luck!
I am planning the spring concert (May 8th - mark your calendars), we have the festival coming up on June 8th, the fundraiser for said festival, and the end of the year concert and awards ceremony (perhaps June 12th...stay tuned).
Plans for next year have started to get underway (as awful as they may be). I am currently in the process of trying to convince administrators why teaching beginning band afterschool is a bad idea. Especially since it will increase my teaching hours beyond my contract...
This past week, I met with the superintendent, the HS principal, the MS vice principal, and my union rep. and president.
Next week, I meet with the HS principal, the MS vice principal, and perhaps the superintendent, the HS principal, the MS vice principal, the Elem. principal and the Elem. vice principal all together at once.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
aaah...
It's over. I'm a little relieved, and a little sad...
"Free to Be You and Me" was a success, take that Mother Nature!!! You can't hold us back!!!! We may have missed opening night, but you couldn't stop us from having fun!!
I would post some pictures of the beautiful bouquet, the chocolates, and the signed picture they gave me, but I am too tired.
After the show, the boy treated myself and his parents (who came up for the show...thanks soooo much!!!) to dinner at the Devens Grill. Then I came home, changed into my pjs, got into bed, turned on my "Friends" DVD and hunkered down with a nice glass of wine.
It's too bad I have to work tomorrow...
"Free to Be You and Me" was a success, take that Mother Nature!!! You can't hold us back!!!! We may have missed opening night, but you couldn't stop us from having fun!!
I would post some pictures of the beautiful bouquet, the chocolates, and the signed picture they gave me, but I am too tired.
After the show, the boy treated myself and his parents (who came up for the show...thanks soooo much!!!) to dinner at the Devens Grill. Then I came home, changed into my pjs, got into bed, turned on my "Friends" DVD and hunkered down with a nice glass of wine.
It's too bad I have to work tomorrow...
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
how is this possible?
How can I guy with FIVE OUIs be able to hit and kill a woman? Granted, he didn't have a license, so at least we know that someone was doing their job...
He BORROWED a car, and was drunk when he struck Diane Carhart's car, killing her.
Who lends a person with no license their car?? What was he thinking??? I think someone needs to go after the person who lent this guy the car. He needs to be held responsible too.
I don't know anyone involved....I'm just appalled.
Check it out.
He BORROWED a car, and was drunk when he struck Diane Carhart's car, killing her.
Who lends a person with no license their car?? What was he thinking??? I think someone needs to go after the person who lent this guy the car. He needs to be held responsible too.
I don't know anyone involved....I'm just appalled.
Check it out.
feeling Eeyore-ish...
Good day to you, how nice of you to notice me
Looks like rain, wait and see
Likely rain all over me
Guess that's just the way that it has to be
Here in my gloomy place
Monday, March 12, 2007
stress
I think I might be dead from a stress-induced heart attack by the end of this week....
Think happy thoughts....
Anyone have any pixie dust?
...seriously...
.....help......
Think happy thoughts....
Anyone have any pixie dust?
...seriously...
.....help......
The show
COME SEE THE SHOW
AYER MIDDLE SCHOOL
FRIDAY AT 7
SATURDAY AT 7
SUNDAY AT 2
It's cute, fuzzy, and adorable!!!
and I have been working like HECK to get this done!!!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Friday, March 09, 2007
and he has a name
My classroom pet is named:
Puppy.
This way, everyone can say, "Come see Puppy", and everyone is confused when we point to the fishtank.
haha
it's STOOOPID
but I love it!!!
Puppy.
This way, everyone can say, "Come see Puppy", and everyone is confused when we point to the fishtank.
haha
it's STOOOPID
but I love it!!!
Finally!
It took us long enough, but we finally got the chance to see "Man of the Year". When it first came out, we tried to rent it at the ridiculously small Video Signals in Boxborough AND Stow, but neither one had it. The Boxborough store only had ONE copy!! Stow had about four or five, but they were all out. The boy tried again to rent it tonight, and it was rented out again...so he bought a copy. So it's a good thing we liked it, cuz we now own it!
Bottom line..."Man of the Year"=cute movie, Video Signals=SUCKS BUTT (not to be confused with the sackbutt, the ancestor to the trombone) - I know, I'm a geek...whatever...
Craving fulfilled...
Sorry guys, but I had a better offer...
As I was leaving school this afternoon, planning on heading over to the usual Friday afternoon hangout, I noticed I had a voicemail. It was the boy. He told me he was playing hooky from work, and wanted to know if I was up for The Outback for dinner tonight.
Hmmm.....Devens Grill vs. THE BLOOMING ONION!!!!!!
Guess what won....
leftovers....
yummy
As I was leaving school this afternoon, planning on heading over to the usual Friday afternoon hangout, I noticed I had a voicemail. It was the boy. He told me he was playing hooky from work, and wanted to know if I was up for The Outback for dinner tonight.
Hmmm.....Devens Grill vs. THE BLOOMING ONION!!!!!!
Guess what won....
leftovers....
yummy
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
tag...I'm it!
I've been meme tagged by Kelly!
BOOKS!
Hardback or paperback: It doesn't matter to me...whichever one the book I want to read is published in
Amazon or brick and mortar: This one is tough...I can spend hours in either place...
Barnes & Noble or Borders: Hmmm.....Borders is closer to me, but I like the coffee at B&N better
Bookmark or dog ear: I like to use a bookmark, because (like Kelly) I feel really bad when I bend the pages down
Alphabetize by author, alphabetize by subject, or random: That would require organization....who do you think you are talking to here???
Keep, throw away or sell: keep...again...getting rid of things would requre some sort of organization...I keep EVERYTHING!
Keep the dust jacket or toss it: How could you throw that away? It's part of the book!
Short story or novel: novel
Collection (same author) or anthology (different authors): I guess it's both. I have a lot of books by the same authors (JK Rowling, William Martin, Michael and Jeff Shaara), but I also have a lot of anthologies (Baseball, Civil War)
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket: I will have to say Harry Potter, since I have never read Lemony Snicket.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks: when I get tired, I read until the next chapter break.
“It was a dark and storm night” or “once upon a time?”: definitely both!
Buy or borrow: buy...again...why return anything when you can squirrel it all away in corners of the apartment for the boy to trip over and curse at??
New or used: both
Buying choice: if something new comes out by a favorite author, or whatever looks good
Tidy endings or cliffhangers: My books need to end...I despise cliffhangers...I've already pre-ordered the next Harry Potter book from Amazon, because I can't wait to find out what happens!!!
Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading: Nighttime reading
Stand-alone or series: both
Favorite series: I love Harry Potter, and I also own all the Winnie the Pooh books (you're not alone Kelly!)
I tag Derek
BOOKS!
Hardback or paperback: It doesn't matter to me...whichever one the book I want to read is published in
Amazon or brick and mortar: This one is tough...I can spend hours in either place...
Barnes & Noble or Borders: Hmmm.....Borders is closer to me, but I like the coffee at B&N better
Bookmark or dog ear: I like to use a bookmark, because (like Kelly) I feel really bad when I bend the pages down
Alphabetize by author, alphabetize by subject, or random: That would require organization....who do you think you are talking to here???
Keep, throw away or sell: keep...again...getting rid of things would requre some sort of organization...I keep EVERYTHING!
Keep the dust jacket or toss it: How could you throw that away? It's part of the book!
Short story or novel: novel
Collection (same author) or anthology (different authors): I guess it's both. I have a lot of books by the same authors (JK Rowling, William Martin, Michael and Jeff Shaara), but I also have a lot of anthologies (Baseball, Civil War)
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket: I will have to say Harry Potter, since I have never read Lemony Snicket.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks: when I get tired, I read until the next chapter break.
“It was a dark and storm night” or “once upon a time?”: definitely both!
Buy or borrow: buy...again...why return anything when you can squirrel it all away in corners of the apartment for the boy to trip over and curse at??
New or used: both
Buying choice: if something new comes out by a favorite author, or whatever looks good
Tidy endings or cliffhangers: My books need to end...I despise cliffhangers...I've already pre-ordered the next Harry Potter book from Amazon, because I can't wait to find out what happens!!!
Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading: Nighttime reading
Stand-alone or series: both
Favorite series: I love Harry Potter, and I also own all the Winnie the Pooh books (you're not alone Kelly!)
I tag Derek
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Clarinet Marmalade
I think the Yankee Doodle Dixieland Band should get these outfits for our uniforms...
ooowie....
Dull headache all day turned into sharp pounding pain this afternoon after school. I could barely drive home, every bump hurt my head. I walked through the door, and the Glade Plug In scent that I usually find so comforting, I found completely nauseating. I lay down in my bed, wishing that my heart wasn't beating so darn loud, and I slept from 5:30 - 7:30. Now I am up eating a bowl of my favorite cereal, Quaker Oat Squares, drinking some juice, and downing some Excedrin, while I watch America's Funniest Videos.
Owie
:-(
Owie
:-(
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Comfort food at its best....
Last night's dinner....
Homemade macaroni and cheese with hotdogs!!!
YUM!!!!
Pretty views
While doing some errands yesterday, I ended up on the back roads of Harvard (over by the Fruitlands museum and farm). I had to stop to take a look out my window. The pictures don't do it justice...it was breath-taking...
ugh....
SOOOO MUCH LAUNDRY!!!
So much, in fact, we went to a laundromat. It was seriously 10 washing machine loads of laundry. We wore dirty socks today, since we had no more. Surprisingly, we apparently have enough underwear to last us 10 loads worth and still have a clean pair....at least I know my underwear were clean....
Seriously....one hamper, two laundry baskets, and three pillowcases full of clothes....
It was a ridiculous amount....matched only by the ridiculous amount of quarters pumped into the machines...
We did make the most of it though! We played poker and walked to the Wok n' Roll next door to get take-out, which we ate inside the laundromat. So, if you ignore the giant piles of laundry and the hideously loud washers, and the one particular machine that decided to rock back and forth while beeping hysterically that the load was unbalanced, no matter how many times we fixed it and rearranged the clothes inside...........it wasn't so bad!
So much, in fact, we went to a laundromat. It was seriously 10 washing machine loads of laundry. We wore dirty socks today, since we had no more. Surprisingly, we apparently have enough underwear to last us 10 loads worth and still have a clean pair....at least I know my underwear were clean....
Seriously....one hamper, two laundry baskets, and three pillowcases full of clothes....
It was a ridiculous amount....matched only by the ridiculous amount of quarters pumped into the machines...
We did make the most of it though! We played poker and walked to the Wok n' Roll next door to get take-out, which we ate inside the laundromat. So, if you ignore the giant piles of laundry and the hideously loud washers, and the one particular machine that decided to rock back and forth while beeping hysterically that the load was unbalanced, no matter how many times we fixed it and rearranged the clothes inside...........it wasn't so bad!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
yummy muffins
I made these muffins with Basic 4 cereal...really good!
Raisin Bran Muffins
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. raisin bran cereal
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 c. packed dark-brown sugar
Preheat oven to 400. Line muffin tin (recipe says 6, I made 12) with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine cereal and milk; let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir oil, egg, and sugar into cereal mixture. Fold in flour mixture. Divide batter among cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool in tin 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack; let cool completely, or serve warm. Store up to 5 days at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag.
Raisin Bran Muffins
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. raisin bran cereal
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 c. packed dark-brown sugar
Preheat oven to 400. Line muffin tin (recipe says 6, I made 12) with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine cereal and milk; let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir oil, egg, and sugar into cereal mixture. Fold in flour mixture. Divide batter among cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool in tin 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack; let cool completely, or serve warm. Store up to 5 days at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Budding Photographer
This pictures doesn't do it justice...AT ALL....I tried though...This is a picture of the Sankaty Head lighthouse on Nantucket. I took this photo, standing at the bottom, and looking up. There's a lot of play with the sunlight.
I got the photo blown up to 11x14 for only $2 thanks to Shutterfly.com.
It is now hanging in our bedroom....I LOVE IT!!!!
New addition to my classroom
I'll have to think up a name for him later. Maybe I'll have a contest with my students.
The best part of this whole thing though....the oyster's shell opens and closes with the bubbles!!!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Mardi Gras Dinner
My very own concoction of peppers, onions, sausage, and sauce. (it will be a little less New Orleans when I serve it with garlic bread, but who cares?) :-P
mmm....yummy....
The Roche Brothers near my apartment now has an OLIVE BAR!!!!
Ok...I had to limit myself....I could have EASILY spent $15 on olives....
(I also have to limit myself on how fast I eat them....)
SO YUMMY!!!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Chili's Adventures, Round 2
Ok...this one had to be separate, because the onion deserved an entire post to itself.
After our onion fiasco, we decided we were still hungry. The waitress informed us the soup of the day was a baked potato soup. We decided that sounded really yummy, so we each ordered a cup.
The soup arrived, and it looked an awful lot like this:
which at least to us, did not appear to resemble baked potato soup, which we thought should look more like this:
And, after tasting the soup, our suspicions were confirmed.... instead of baked potato soup....we were eating CHEDDAR AND BROCCOLI SOUP!!!! President Bush beware!!!
It's all good though...we like Broccoli cheddar soup anyways...
I guess it was just not meant to be....
Met up with my college roomie in Lowell today. She lives in Nashua, so it is a pretty good halfway point. Anyways...
We wanted to go to the Outback to eat a Bloomin' Onion. It was a yummy idea, but apparently the Outback doesn't open until 4 pm, and we were there at 2.
So, we ended up at Chili's instead, where we ordered an Awesome Blossom, a cheap rip-off of the Bloomin' Onion. However...because of the recent frigid temperatures in California, there is a shortage of giant onions...
...so they have to make something that resembles a plate of onion fries. There seems to be less on the plate, and it's just not the same...
Sadness...
We wanted to go to the Outback to eat a Bloomin' Onion. It was a yummy idea, but apparently the Outback doesn't open until 4 pm, and we were there at 2.
So, we ended up at Chili's instead, where we ordered an Awesome Blossom, a cheap rip-off of the Bloomin' Onion. However...because of the recent frigid temperatures in California, there is a shortage of giant onions...
...so they have to make something that resembles a plate of onion fries. There seems to be less on the plate, and it's just not the same...
Sadness...
Sunday, February 18, 2007
oh the joy...
Being the first "weeknight" of February vacation....I am basking in the joy of not having to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn tomorrow morning!
Tonight was a rehearsal of the YDDB...of which there hasn't been in many months...
I haven't looked at this music in a while...and I am ashamed to say I was underpracticed...but I still had a lot of fun. Both Steve and myself had arranged some songs for the group to play which we took a look at tonight. I think both went well. He arranged "Just A Closer Walk with Thee", and I arranged "Clarinet Marmalade" (talk about opposite ends of the musical spectrum).
The boy came along and listened (I think he was bored to tears for most of the rehearsal...I told him to bring along his trumpet). However, we both had a lot of fun at the end of rehearsal. John's homemade brew was DELICIOUS!!! We imbibed in many a glass...nut brown ale and New Castle....mmmmm.....(Peter would be proud)
I have learned that it was not just in my imagination....there is a certain member of the group who seems to look at me more often than not. I didn't mention anything before or after rehearsal to the boy, and as a matter of fact, he actually mentioned it to me first. In a way I am glad to know it's not just in my head, but I am also skeeved out to find out that it's not just in my head at the same time... (the guy is old enough to be my father...and then some...)
eeeew
Yesterday was Yangtze River buffet night...mmmmmmmmmm......
Today was lunch/dinner (linner? lupper?) with the boy's family, whom we met up with in Braintree for a lovely meal at JJ something-or-others. I had a personal pizza (2 slices left for tomorrow, woohoo!), with peppers and pineapple (they ran out of ham....who runs out of ham???). I also had some Blue Moon....yummy!!!
Anyhow...I am looking forward to the week's vacation, and I assure you that I will have more entries in the blog too keep you apprised of all the details.
Tonight was a rehearsal of the YDDB...of which there hasn't been in many months...
I haven't looked at this music in a while...and I am ashamed to say I was underpracticed...but I still had a lot of fun. Both Steve and myself had arranged some songs for the group to play which we took a look at tonight. I think both went well. He arranged "Just A Closer Walk with Thee", and I arranged "Clarinet Marmalade" (talk about opposite ends of the musical spectrum).
The boy came along and listened (I think he was bored to tears for most of the rehearsal...I told him to bring along his trumpet). However, we both had a lot of fun at the end of rehearsal. John's homemade brew was DELICIOUS!!! We imbibed in many a glass...nut brown ale and New Castle....mmmmm.....(Peter would be proud)
I have learned that it was not just in my imagination....there is a certain member of the group who seems to look at me more often than not. I didn't mention anything before or after rehearsal to the boy, and as a matter of fact, he actually mentioned it to me first. In a way I am glad to know it's not just in my head, but I am also skeeved out to find out that it's not just in my head at the same time... (the guy is old enough to be my father...and then some...)
eeeew
Yesterday was Yangtze River buffet night...mmmmmmmmmm......
Today was lunch/dinner (linner? lupper?) with the boy's family, whom we met up with in Braintree for a lovely meal at JJ something-or-others. I had a personal pizza (2 slices left for tomorrow, woohoo!), with peppers and pineapple (they ran out of ham....who runs out of ham???). I also had some Blue Moon....yummy!!!
Anyhow...I am looking forward to the week's vacation, and I assure you that I will have more entries in the blog too keep you apprised of all the details.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
My teacherly duties...
Tonight was the school dance. It really is hilarious to watch the students interact outside of the classroom.
And I am proud (or maybe I'm not) to say that I danced to "Cotton Eyed Joe", "The Chicken Dance" and "The Cha-Cha Slide".
So my students can't say that I don't do anything at these dances.
I shook my tail feather!
And I am proud (or maybe I'm not) to say that I danced to "Cotton Eyed Joe", "The Chicken Dance" and "The Cha-Cha Slide".
So my students can't say that I don't do anything at these dances.
I shook my tail feather!
Snow?
All I have to say is....
...if I have school tomorrow...
...I'm going to be seriously pissed...
...
...
...
...if I have school tomorrow...
...I'm going to be seriously pissed...
...
...
...
Monday, February 12, 2007
A blast from the past...
I can't seem to log in to my blog through Google Video...
...so I will just have to post the link to bring you over to the video...not as sophisticated, but it will have to do (still gets the job done)
Click here to watch a video of my goofy college friends acting in still frames to Frank Sinatra's "Jealous Lover".
It's funny to me, probably just strange to you...
...so I will just have to post the link to bring you over to the video...not as sophisticated, but it will have to do (still gets the job done)
Click here to watch a video of my goofy college friends acting in still frames to Frank Sinatra's "Jealous Lover".
It's funny to me, probably just strange to you...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Only my family...
Brunch with the family was great this morning, but I have to say that the highlight of the morning was my Grampy.
Before leaving, my grandfather went to use the restroom. We waited for him outside the door. He came out and immediately says "I need some tissues" and turns around and re-enters the restroom. He comes back out...
...with the entire box.
And hands them to my aunt, instructing her to take them to his car.
...the entire box...
...from a COUNTRY CLUB...
...we might not be allowed back inside...
Before leaving, my grandfather went to use the restroom. We waited for him outside the door. He came out and immediately says "I need some tissues" and turns around and re-enters the restroom. He comes back out...
...with the entire box.
And hands them to my aunt, instructing her to take them to his car.
...the entire box...
...from a COUNTRY CLUB...
...we might not be allowed back inside...
Seriously....
Since watching every episode of Grey's Anatomy known to man, I have found myself saying "seriously" a lot...seriously....
Taken from wikipedia:
"The characters often say "seriously", usually at the end of a sentence, as a question or as a pronouncement. On the "Frequently Asked Questions" page on the show's website at ABC.com and the audio commentaries, creator Shonda Rhimes explains that one of the writers, Krista Vernoff, used the saying all the time and it spread to the writing staff, and eventually, to the dialogue. "
Seriously...
Taken from wikipedia:
"The characters often say "seriously", usually at the end of a sentence, as a question or as a pronouncement. On the "Frequently Asked Questions" page on the show's website at ABC.com and the audio commentaries, creator Shonda Rhimes explains that one of the writers, Krista Vernoff, used the saying all the time and it spread to the writing staff, and eventually, to the dialogue. "
Seriously...
food
We are food junkies, we admit it...
Saturday, we had it in our heads to go to the Outback. We drive to Leominster, only to find out that everyone else had the same idea. It was going to be a 65 minute wait! We decided to go somewhere else.
We end up at Chili's, where there was only a 20 minute wait. We order yummy drinks and appetizers, and our meal....WAY too much food. We brought our main courses home.
Saturday afternoon I made a Boston Creme Pie (don't get too excited, it was a box mix - I made it in the Bake and Fill pan). I had the intentions of having dessert after we came back from dinner, but we were stuffed to the gills.
This morning we met Grampy, Debbie, my parents and Steve at the Portsmouth Country Club for a brunch buffet. Again...WAY too much food. And mimosas...mmmmm
We came home and had a slice of the cake in the afternoon. It was good.
Food is good.
Saturday, we had it in our heads to go to the Outback. We drive to Leominster, only to find out that everyone else had the same idea. It was going to be a 65 minute wait! We decided to go somewhere else.
We end up at Chili's, where there was only a 20 minute wait. We order yummy drinks and appetizers, and our meal....WAY too much food. We brought our main courses home.
Saturday afternoon I made a Boston Creme Pie (don't get too excited, it was a box mix - I made it in the Bake and Fill pan). I had the intentions of having dessert after we came back from dinner, but we were stuffed to the gills.
This morning we met Grampy, Debbie, my parents and Steve at the Portsmouth Country Club for a brunch buffet. Again...WAY too much food. And mimosas...mmmmm
We came home and had a slice of the cake in the afternoon. It was good.
Food is good.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
What happened to peace and quiet???
All I wanted was a peaceful, quiet Saturday after a very very long week. But no...I was woken up at 9:00 to the unending, loud, shaking the apartment construction of the neighbors upstairs. I don't know what they are doing, but they have been doing it for the past 7 hours...
It's starting to peeve me off...
grrr....
When will we be able to afford a house again?????
It's starting to peeve me off...
grrr....
When will we be able to afford a house again?????
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
creeeeeeeeeeepy
It's almost three minutes long, but you HAVE to watch it through to the end....SCARY!!!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Hi! My name is...
My new fishies now have names.
I named the two orange ones Tropicana and Sunkist.
The boy named the three pink ones Flo, Mary and Shirley. Which, if you look closely, rhyme with a certain favorite trio of his. (He said since they were pink, they had to be girls).
I named the two orange ones Tropicana and Sunkist.
The boy named the three pink ones Flo, Mary and Shirley. Which, if you look closely, rhyme with a certain favorite trio of his. (He said since they were pink, they had to be girls).
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
My new fishies
Don't worry! Petunia's still alive and somewhat kickin'!
However, these new fishies warrant a story.
My fishtank has been empty for a while, because I have not had the chance to get to the pet store and buy some new fish. The other day, I thought about getting some fish, when I noticed that my filter was no longer running. So, I went to the pet store yesterday, bought fish, and I picked up a new filter pump. I bring the fish to their new home, and set up the pump.
To set up the pump, you need to to transfer a few parts from the old filter to the new pump. Having done this before, I knew what to do, transferred the parts, and plugged in the pump. As soon as I plugged it in, there was a very loud CRUNCH! I unplugged the pump and took it apart. The brand new pump DESSIMATED the magnet on the gear I transferred.
I brought the gear and pump back to the pet store. The very helpful man told me the magnet was stressed and that caused the loud crunching noise, and that the new pump is fine. I bought a new gear and took it home.
Just out of curiosity, I put the new gear in the old pump....
and it worked...
now I have two working pumps for my one fishytank.
5 new fishies
2 working pumps
and a partridge in a freaking pear tree...
Friday, January 26, 2007
My new obsession....
I have seasons One and Two on DVD, and I can't stop watching...seriously...I'm addicted
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
grrrrrr..........
I am taking a short break from entering my grades into the online program my school uses.
Could I even tell you how aggravating this is?
Well I am going to tell you anyways...
1). The preprogrammed comments never seem to say what you really want to say...such as...where's the comment that says "you should have never procreated in the first place"?!? Or..."how can you seriously forget to bring your instrument 11 times in one semester"?!?! Or..."being the adult, you need to wake up on time to bring your child to school on time, so that they will stop missing my class". Do you see my dilemna? They're just not what I am looking for!!
2). The program keeps failing, and after I have spent WAY too long trying to enter in grades and comments for an entire class, it boots me out, and i have to do it ALL OVER AGAIN!!! I am seriously thinking of writing them all down and handing them to the principal tomorrow morning, and telling HER to do it...
3). The program takes WAY TOO LONG to think between commands. I could seriously do this all by hand WAY faster!
4). Students who left our district LAST YEAR are still in the program, so that I have repeatedly entered in grades, to find out that I have given students who haven't been in my class since last April are now getting A's in my class...
UGH!!!!
And that being said...
back to the grind I go...
Could I even tell you how aggravating this is?
Well I am going to tell you anyways...
1). The preprogrammed comments never seem to say what you really want to say...such as...where's the comment that says "you should have never procreated in the first place"?!? Or..."how can you seriously forget to bring your instrument 11 times in one semester"?!?! Or..."being the adult, you need to wake up on time to bring your child to school on time, so that they will stop missing my class". Do you see my dilemna? They're just not what I am looking for!!
2). The program keeps failing, and after I have spent WAY too long trying to enter in grades and comments for an entire class, it boots me out, and i have to do it ALL OVER AGAIN!!! I am seriously thinking of writing them all down and handing them to the principal tomorrow morning, and telling HER to do it...
3). The program takes WAY TOO LONG to think between commands. I could seriously do this all by hand WAY faster!
4). Students who left our district LAST YEAR are still in the program, so that I have repeatedly entered in grades, to find out that I have given students who haven't been in my class since last April are now getting A's in my class...
UGH!!!!
And that being said...
back to the grind I go...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Caffeine..............
Yesterday morning, I pulled up to the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru speaker to place my order.
I went to open my window, and it was frozen shut! I can hear the lady repeatedly asking if she can help me, and I have a line of cars behind me.
I had to pull my car forward to give me clearance to open my door, which I still couldn't open all the way because of the speaker, and I had to yell my order over my window several times.
That was the easy part, then I had to pull up to the window, where I had to open the door, and get out of the car to give my money and get my coffee from the hysterically laughing woman inside Dunkin' Donuts...
The lengths I go through to get coffee...
PS-I am glad to see I am NOT the only one to have these difficulties...
I went to open my window, and it was frozen shut! I can hear the lady repeatedly asking if she can help me, and I have a line of cars behind me.
I had to pull my car forward to give me clearance to open my door, which I still couldn't open all the way because of the speaker, and I had to yell my order over my window several times.
That was the easy part, then I had to pull up to the window, where I had to open the door, and get out of the car to give my money and get my coffee from the hysterically laughing woman inside Dunkin' Donuts...
The lengths I go through to get coffee...
PS-I am glad to see I am NOT the only one to have these difficulties...
Interesting...
| Your Political Profile: |
| Overall: 40% Conservative, 60% Liberal |
| Social Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal |
| Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Fiscal Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal |
| Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal |
| Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal |
Where do you fall?
I was surprised by some of these answers...
Granted, this is not a very scientific survey, but it's fun none-the-less!
Where do you belong?
| You Belong in Dublin |
 Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions. You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town. |
Friday, January 12, 2007
first rehearsal
The first rehearsal of Free to Be was a success (at least in my book). The kids seem excited (however left-footed and off-key they may be) ;-)
I had fun...that's all that counts, right?
I had fun...that's all that counts, right?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
I feel so sophisticated
Since the boy won his fantasy footballl league, he treated me to a VERY nice dinner tonight!!
We went to Papa Razzi in Concord. We've never been there before, and although it is a little pricey, it was VERY good!!
I had the RAVIOLI AL POMODORO stuffed with spinach and ricotta in a light basil-tomato sauce.
He had the PETTI DI POLLO boneless, skinless chicken breast grilled with fresh lemon and virgin olive oil.
We split a Caesar salad and some breadsticks. We had a yummy bottle of Pinot Grigio. Also, we split an AWESOME dessert. It didn't have chocolate in it, which means I know some of you wouldn't consider it a dessert, but it was good. A scoop of vanilla gelato covered in fruit sauteed in a brown sugar sauce....sort of like bananas foster with other fruit. VERY YUMMY
Great way to end a weekend..........stuffed to the gills........
We went to Papa Razzi in Concord. We've never been there before, and although it is a little pricey, it was VERY good!!
I had the RAVIOLI AL POMODORO stuffed with spinach and ricotta in a light basil-tomato sauce.
He had the PETTI DI POLLO boneless, skinless chicken breast grilled with fresh lemon and virgin olive oil.
We split a Caesar salad and some breadsticks. We had a yummy bottle of Pinot Grigio. Also, we split an AWESOME dessert. It didn't have chocolate in it, which means I know some of you wouldn't consider it a dessert, but it was good. A scoop of vanilla gelato covered in fruit sauteed in a brown sugar sauce....sort of like bananas foster with other fruit. VERY YUMMY
Great way to end a weekend..........stuffed to the gills........
Saturday, January 06, 2007
My mom's Christmas gift
My sister and I took our Mom to a salon in Andover for her Christmas present. She got her hair dyed and they blew it straight. My sister got her hair cut, and I got a pedicure.
Before the salon, we took her out to brunch, and then for a martini. We had a lot of fun, and I think my mom's hair came out looking great!
The reason we picked the Friday after Christmas was because that was the day of my brother's Holly Ball (big bash that the different armed forces schools throw).
Her hair looked great for the party. I have a few shots of my brother and his girlfriend getting ready for the ball, and my mom and stepdad too.
how cool is this house?????
I couldn't even get all the lights in one shot!!! This house is over in Bradford, near the Ward Hill onramp onto 495. There were even more lights up on the side lawn, as well as behind the house! I can't imagine what the electricity bill must be (or how the neighbors can get to sleep with all those lights!)
What about setting them all up (or taking them all down?)
It's over the top, and I love it!!
My collection
I bought the nativity scene (Mary, Joseph, Jesus, a shephard and some sheep) for myself right before Christmas. My aunt bought me the angel, the shephard that is kneeling with the goat, the camel, and some more sheep. My brother got me a metal star backdrop (not in the picture), and my mom said that the three "wise guys" (as she calls them) are on order.
I can't wait to have the whole thing set up for next year's holiday!!!
A sweet gift
They don't look as pretty now, but I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Christmas from one of my favorite family of students. I teach all three daughters, and they are all wonderful!
Our new living room
The boy and I spent at least an hour of New Year's Eve rearranging the living room furniture, and here is the result:
We moved our couch across the room, the loveseat forward, creating a space behind it to put our shoes, etc. It seems to have made our living room a bit larger.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Back after a loooong hiatus
1 new hard drive, a new battery, and a new power cord later....
I AM BACK!!!!!!!
My computer is practically brand new now...
I didn't have to pay for the new pieces (it was covered under my warranty), but I should send them my cell phone bill for the 5+ hours I have spent on the phone with them...ugh...
Where should I start????
Christmas was great, New Year's was great, the first week back to school was looooooooooong.
I have started the loooooong task of the musical....auditions were this past Wed/Thurs. Call-backs are on Tuesday. The show is March 16-18...ask me for info and join in the fun of...
I AM BACK!!!!!!!
My computer is practically brand new now...
I didn't have to pay for the new pieces (it was covered under my warranty), but I should send them my cell phone bill for the 5+ hours I have spent on the phone with them...ugh...
Where should I start????
Christmas was great, New Year's was great, the first week back to school was looooooooooong.
I have started the loooooong task of the musical....auditions were this past Wed/Thurs. Call-backs are on Tuesday. The show is March 16-18...ask me for info and join in the fun of...
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