The Rambling Reader

Nuevo Childhood

2011-04-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

It scares me that is my kids aren't watching TV or gaming, they are acting out the programs.

Jade and Luke were playing with blow-up bats earlier and rather that just whack each other senseless, a la 80's childhood hotness, Luke was a Tuscan raider and Jade had to track him down.

I'm so damn proud of them.

Movie Night has become Game Night. Preferably Mario. We even play Trivia Pursuit on the 360.

Jade doesn't call her aunt in New Mexico-she Google chats her so they can share links and watch vids together.

Our summer list of things to do reads like a SciFi tv guide: finish Smallville; catch up on Dr. Who; rewatch Merlin and Clone Wars.

It's pretty awesome living in the future.

6 weeks down

2009-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

So many new things are going on in my district I don't know where to begin.

We have new administration, new TEKs, new scope and sequence, a new co-teaching policy, new start times, new schedule. It's been interesting.

For co-teaching we no longer have resource classes. Instead most of my sped kids are in one class and I have a special ed teacher in that period. To me, that is still a resource class but whatever. That class is going ok, but there is such a range of needs in that class it is hard to plan for all of them. I really need to start differentiating. On my 6 weeks exam I gave a TAKs style passage and one student remarked that was the most he had ever read. Really? 2.5 pages tops the list? Oh boy....

Our new scope and sequence is being written AS we are teaching. So I can see this 6 weeks, but not the next, which makes planing virtually impossible. Also the assessments we have to use aren't up until half-way through the unit. My next unit I am to teach fiction, drama, and poetry. And of course, grammar, spelling, capitalization and vocab to go along with it. In 5 weeks.

Thank goodness I have awesome students or all this bureaucratic mes would really bring me down :)

Random Thoughts

2009-07-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Summer school was (thankfully) uneventful. Easy money baby! I wish I always had classes of 8.
My kids and I have deep, savage tans.
Hubby and I are looking at buying a car in the next month or so. I thought I knew what we wanted but now I'm kinda liking the Volkswagen Passat...
I am officially a Weight Watcher. Ive lost 8 lbs in 3 weeks. Huzzah!
My daughter knows almost every line to The Princess Bride. That's an accomplishment right there.
In relation to number 3, our driver side power window went out on our van. Good times, good times.
This site cracks me up.
One month till the big 2-6!
My daughter does incredible things on Google Sketchup.
Harry Potter was AWEsome!!
Our lease is up on our itty-bitty apartment, but we're renewing to break our annual moving streak.
4 weeks till school starts back up!

How is everyone's summer going?

Obligatory Photo Update Post

2009-06-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a teensy bit biased, but that is one spectacular smile

My gorgeous chef in training. (On the plate would be white bread, red hots, cool whip, strawberries and honey. Hellz to tha yes)

Sure look all cute now, after y'all have chewed up three pairs of socks and a hat today

Techie in training playing with special effects

Summer School Thoughts

2009-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

The end of the normal school year came and went nearly unnoticed by me. I am teaching summer school this year, so it was right back to work for me!

My summer school gig is pretty sweet. Basically I am doing TAKs remediation, preparing them for the third (final) administration in July. I only have 8 students! My first section, from 8-9:50 is fun.I have 5 students, with 4 who have shown up each day and we are able to do group work, foldables, things like that. My second section, 10-11:50 is more challenging. I have three boys in that class, with one has not come to class yet, one who passed TAKs but failed English, and one for TAKs remediation. I am trying to keep it engaging but it's hard. These boys are not motivated, to put it mildly :) Any ideas from veteran summer school teachers that could help a first timer out?

Other than that my summer is off to a great start. Eldest is at my sisters for two weeks, so it's just the 3 year old at home. It's been so quiet!! One child is so much easier than two.

Thursday I went to Dallas Summer Musicals to see The Wizard of Oz with my friend Jamie. Her completely awesome husband got her season passes and she invited me to a couple. I like The Wizard of Oz, but it's more a children's thing so I wasn't overly excited...until it started! This was my first musical and it was FABULOUS! The music, obviously, but the performances were so good. The effects and sets...I was just blown away! We both were. There were many laugh out loud moments, and a few times when I teared up. The whole time I was wishing my daughter were there, because that is one of her favorite movies. They covered the entire story, and added some original lines and an extra song. Overall, I was very, very impressed and can't wait to go again!

Saturday we go to Amarillo to pick up my daughter and my sister who is coming back to spend a couple of weeks with us.

Hope y'all have a fabulous Monday!

The countdown is on

2009-05-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Oh how these last 7 days drag on. I am trying to relish my time left with my kiddos, but they are so distracted and off the walls. I don't want to resort to movies [not until next week anyway ;) ] so I had to come up with some end o' the year activities. One I borrowed from Two Writing Teachers is end of the year letters.

End of the Year Letters

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Essays & Theses School Work

This took them just about a class period, with the over achievers taking it home to finish. I was pleasantly surprised with the responses I got. Lots of sweet things, but also some helpful critiques. Students like creative writing, making PowerPoints, and the books we read. Criticism was too much vocab and going to fast during notes. Frankly I'm not sure if those can be changed. I do need to find new strategies for vocab. And I don't go too fast during notes. By the end of September I know how fast those kiddos can write. Once the slowest writer In the class is done, we go on. If you chose to talk during that slide and are not prepared, too darn bad.

The letters turned out to be a really nice activity to end on. 6 more days!!!

The wheels are spinning

2009-05-07T14:51:00.001-07:00

I'm really excited about implementing more technology into the classroom next year. Here's what I have so far:

Having students set up Gaggle accounts
All students setting up a Goggle account
A class wiki
A class blog

Issues:
no money
privacy concerns (especially with email/blog)
lack of access for students

Still these issues are pretty minor. We have a computer lab and two mobile labs, which hardly get used, so I definitely think I could use them more than I am now.

I think Google accounts would be so fabulous for students. Imagine never having format issues or flash drive problems-google docs to the rescue!!

I approaching The Man next week to talk about these issues. Woohoo!

*http://www.lttechno.com/techresources.html

A Generation Lost

2009-05-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

I sometimes feel so cloistered in my life. It is so easy for me to block out or forget the atrocities that are going on around the world every single day.

I am a graduate student, a teacher, and a woman, and those opportunities do not exist for so many young girls. I hate that my students take for granted the opportunities that they have been handed. I hear my students complain that they are made to go to school, and then I see teachers and students beheaded for that very same right.

More so my heart breaks for the generation of girls not allowed to go to school.

As of January 15, the Taliban forbade girls in Swat Valley, Pakistan from attending school. Times has a heart wrenching video that follows one 11-year-old in her last 48 hours before the schools shut her out.

It's about 15 minutes, but I plan on editing it a bit and showing it to my students. My motivation is not just a sappy, after school special moment where my students realize they actually love school, but rather that it will affect my smart, already motivated ones to realize THIS, unfortunately, is the world in which they are coming of age, and they will be the ones having to make changes.

And to not take dreams for granted.

Lights, camera, action!

2009-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

My GT kids are doing a movie for their end of the year project. They picked from a short story we read, and are turning it into a movie.

I know one group is doing Sherlock Holes and another Robin Hood. I was really pulling for someone to do The Lottery, but no one had my vision.

Here's their timeline:

Delegation of tasks/outline: due today

Script/Movie posters: due 5/8

Soundtrack: due next Wednesday 5/13

Trailer: due 5/18

Movie: due 5/29

I gave them a very extensive rubric and made it clear I am expecting professional, quality work. But I feel I have been a little lax with these students this year. We did some really neat things, but I probably left too much up to student choice. Next year (if I'm still teaching it, which I really, really hope I am) I will have more of a plan.

Of course, since it's a mixed level class, I'll have many of the same students next year...which could be a problem if/when I try to change the classroom management. We'll see :)

*photo from here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zero101/3321885683/

How Do Books Define Us?

2009-05-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

As an avid reader, I have been conscious from an early age of how books make us appear to others. Reading chapter books in the 2nd grade set me apart, as did reading poetry in third, and Stephen King in 5th. (Seriously, where the hell where my parents?)

In middle school I would raid my dad's bookcases for Robert Heinlein, Ayn Rand, Phillip K. Dick. My love of sci-fi hit hard and early, again drawing distinction between me and my Goosebumps loving peers.

High school brought Shakespeare, Austin, Chaucer, all the things people dreaded to read in English. (Gee, I wonder why I decided to become a lit major?) And again, I experienced how just carrying the right book could set you apart, get you attention, add to your geek cred.

I never read a book only because it would make me look cool. And I'm no book snob. I'll read anything-romance, pop fiction, mystery, whatev. But...that doesn't mean I always want to be seen as a reader of...those types of books :?

As an adult, I wonder if this has gone too far for me. I am writing a paper over Twilight, definitely not my favorite book, but a good topic for this paper. However, I don't want to be seen reading it! I don't want to be thought of as a Twimom, lusting after a barely pubescent man-vamp-thing. That's, like, so not my thing, to quote my loquacious students.

But this just all come down to a self-esteem issue? I mean, face it, who the hell really cares what books I'm reading? The mere fact that I AM reading sets me apart from 80% of the US.

Any thoughts out there? How do books define you?

Newsy Day

2009-04-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

I watch MSNBC for shocking amounts of time. Fark is my home page. I heart CNN. So I run into a lot of news. Here are some of my fave stories this beautiful morn.

Thank goodness the economy isn't bad for all, she says in a cheesy Italian accent.

In the sky! It's a bird...it's a plane..it's...Oh, it really is a bird. Huh. And awwwww.

The ultimate kick ass weapon-rock.

And finally, deal or no deal? Something to think about next time you get your 'script at Super-Big-Box-Mega-Cheap-Store.

Have a great Saturday! It's pool time around here :)

Happy Birthday Earthday Birthday

2009-04-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

My grandmother would have been 74 years old today. She was a crusty old expat when I knew her, and I miss her so much. Grief is a funny thing. She's been gone 4 years, and I still have days where it just seems unbelievable she's gone. I missed her at my college graduation; I missed her much more at my son's birth.

Of course, it's also Earth day. Yay earth! We love you so. Great job Creator!

AND it's also my hubby's b-day. He's the big 26. That's right: closer to 30 than 20. It's all downhill from here.

Luckily, Luke stayed blissfully unaware of his father's impending middle age-dom.

An emotionally exhausting day. I woke up sad, made it through the day, put on a happy face for Hman's dinner, and cried again looking at these pics. Time to kiss my babies and head to bed.

We've All Been There Friend

2009-04-18T07:28:00.001-07:00

Yeah, one of those weeks.

Tuesday from the tubes

2009-04-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

I think we have all been guilty of judging the proverbial book, but this vid....wow. I highly suggest watching it all the way through. What an eye opener!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T20:00:00.001-07:00

In the beginning there was candy.

And it was good!

Look at those toys! It's so good to be an only child.

Sporting the newest look for summer.

The race is on!

Ooooohhhh....sugar......

Gorgeous sis :D

Obligatory self portrait

Wolfman Jack..erm, I mean, my bro

I'll just hide here and eat everything

Still searching

What happens when you forget an Easter basket? Luke is forced to become a cross-searcher with a decidedly effeminate Tink bag. Thanks goodness he's too young to be scarred ;)

Don't worry, her giant tote was merely half-full after the hunt

Well, a couple are looking this way

Again, as good a pic as it got

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Brief Update Before Rock Band

2009-04-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Weeelll, for all wondering, I'm kicking ass and taking names in my grad class. I made a 100 on my last paper (20% of my grade)!! She called me "a brilliant writer" :O And since my professor is pretty much my idol, that means A LOT to me :D

Yay.

On the teaching front, I think I've decided to go ahead and teach summer school. That extra money means a car for me. I've been waiting for the magic Honda CRV fairy, but so far no luck...

Work is going well. Kids are tired, and are trying to "check out" since TAKs is over. I had to shut that down quick!

I'm thinking about joing Weight Watchers...Lord knows I need to do something. And that's all for now :)

What to do, what to do

2009-04-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Progress reports went home today. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin.

By which I mean mine of course, because tomorrow the phone calls/ emails/ smoke signals will come pouring in as the parents of my students react in utter disbelief that their little snowflakes could possibly be failing.

Huh.

In other news, Mr. Man asked if I would like to teach summer school. He called it quote, a pretty sweet gig, end-quote.

Oh yeah. Four sweaty weeks with the smart ones who couldn't pass English the first time. Sounds magical!

But there is the money. And as the holes in my son's shoes attest, we needs the money. * We will see. I'm leaving work early tomorrow for a doc appt (yee-fricking-haw) and then....

Homework! All weekend!

I know. I know. Party like a rockstar!

*Oh dear friends and relatives who read from near and far, be not distressed. This is used as pure metaphor. Well, mostly anyway. 48% metaphor, ok? Luke's shoes are fine.

Have I mentioned....

2009-03-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

flat hair?
lumpy hips?
fussy kids?
nervous pooch?
oversleeping?
underpreparing?
how much I hate Tuesdays?

So what have the last 10 days been like for you Val?

2009-03-30T21:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah pretty much just like that.

Review: Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier

2009-03-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Dimple Rohitbhai Lala isn't your average New Jersey girl. From her inauspicious breech birth, to her gods-loving parents, she always knew she didn't fit in with her average American surroundings.

We are introduced to Dimple on her 17^th birthday, recently dumped and feeling more aware of her different status than ever. Even her name marks her as a freak: Dimple Lala, an ode to her more-than-ample hips and different heritage. In contrast, her best friend Gwyn is the picture of All-American-ness: blond, thin, great wardrobe, and a constant supply of boys.

The only place Dimple feels truly at home is behind a camera. Her obsession with photography came after a trip to India. As a young girl, Dimple understood a little Marathi, but soon after “Any memory of language was checked at customs.” Her loss of language was a huge piece of her missing identity, as it left her unable to communicate with her beloved Dadaji, her mother's father. Soon after came the pictures. Able to communicate visually with her grandfather, the camera both gives her a voice, as photographer, artist, even dutiful granddaughter, while simultaneously shielding her—after all, you can't be the star if you're behind the lens.

Ironically, her photography soon becomes centered around Gwyn, who is only too happy to be the star of Dimple's photos. Although Gwyn seems to have it all, throughout the book we find that Gwyn has more than enough problems of her own: absentee parents, boy problems, and identity issues. While Dimple wants nothing more than to blend in, Gwyn longs to stand out. She constantly borrows Dimple's clothes and jewelry, and for the better part of the book, seems to appreciate Dimple's culture far more than Dimple herself does.

One aspect Dimple was not prepared for was her parent's introducing her to a boy. An Indian boy. A chino-wearing, living at home, good Indian boy. Dimple is beyond horrified. An arranged relationship is the epitome of what sets her family apart from everyone else on their suburban block. Luckily, Karsh is a persistent guy, and his influence opens up a new world to Dimple.

Through Karsh, Dimple is introduced to the desi scene—a movement trying to bring South Asian identity the respect and discussion it deserves. For the first time Dimple is introduced to other South Asians who are also caught between identities. But even there Gwyn manages to take over, intruding ever more obviously on Dimples relationships.

Not surprisingly, Dimple and Gwyn's relationship becomes extremely strained. Although irritating and obnoxious, Hidier did a good job of rounding out Gwyn's character so we can't judge her too harshly. Contrasting Gwyn's physical beauty are her many hidden flaws. In many ways she is searching for herself as much as Dimple is.

Hidier deals with many sensitive topics in a well-rounded and realistic way. In particular I liked the incorporation of Kavita, Dimple's cousin from India. Homosexuality isn't the easiest issue to deal with in an adolescent novel, but Hidier does a fabulous job, adding another layer of identity to work with, and making it possible for nearly any reader to find a way to connect with this book.

By the end of a novel, I almost felt tutored on the ways on Indian life, but not in an obtrusive way. It gives a fascinating insight into Indian culture. Even the title, Born Confused, refers to a slur on South Asians, ABCD, which stands for American Born Confused Desi. By incorporating this into the fabric of the narrative, Hidier removes any power the label may have and reinforces the theme that it's ok to be confused, to not have all the answers.

In many ways, this book is a traditional happy-ever-after, but Dimple is such a likable charter, you can't help but be glad it ends that way. Hidier has done a fantastic job of capturing what it's like to be a teenage girl who doesn't perfectly fit in. It reminded me of many traumatic moments from my own adolescence (shudder) but also reinforced that sometimes, everything does work out in the end. I highly recommend this novel, if only to remind yourself of how far you have come from an angst-ridden teenager!

Baby I'm Amazed

2009-03-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today at dinner, Luke pointed out a crescent moon. He then counted 6 diamonds on the plaster chicken by our table, told me how many sides a rectangle has vs. a triangle, told us that a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, and announced he "really likes his name. 'Ellllll-yewww-kayyy-eeee'. That's Luke!"

All said in his still babyish, slightly lispy voice that I love so much.

And I'm again caught in that so familiar place -amazed at my kids, yet longing to keep them just this way for as a long as possible.

Recession

2009-03-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

Reading about the economy all these months has desensitized me somewhat to the suffering around the country. After countless stories and articles it becomes almost background noise, and while the numbers and statistics are shocking, they are also distant.

Today we found out one of the three factories in my town (a brass plant) is permanently shutting down. With the housing market the way it is, it's not all that surprising. No building--no need for pipe.

What this means for our town of 8,000 is over 200 people will be out of a job in 60 days, including my step-dad. Many of my students' parents also work there.

My mother is beside herself. And while I'm believing my step-dad will be able to find some kind of job, I wonder if it will have the kind of benefits they had, or if he'll make the money he did. And my heart breaks for the workers who have been there 15, 20, 30 years. How does a 60 year old man find a job in this kind of economy?

Suddenly the statistics are just way too close.

Overheard at the Playground

2009-03-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, we were all enjoying our 80 degree temps at the playground. Jade and Luke were joshing around on the equipment, and there was a trip of 9-10 year old boys goofing off on the other side.

When the boys got tired of throwing wood chips at each other, the game turned to tag. One fellow was quickly deemed "It" and the others began to sprint away.

Then the It boy yelled that it wasn't fair to pick him, and he was going to sue them. As the boys turned around to see what he was saying, he reiterated, "I'm suing you. Now we have to sit down and have court."

And they did.

I tell you, it's just like when I was a kid...well, almost...

Remind me why I do this again?

2009-03-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have bid adieu to one of my classes, the online, GT education one. It was just entirely too much work for a class that wasn't for my major. So I dropped it and am happy to have done so!

Work was frustrating today. Students were riled up and very hard to settle down. I had to make a few parent calls/emails, which I really don't like.

And tomorrow is the big day, so to speak, the reading TAK's test. I just don't have a good feeling about it. This group did worse on their January benchmark than the one in November. How the heck does that happen?!?! I only had 4 not pass last year...this year, well, we'll see.

And to finish my day off right, a coworker called the parent of child who we are both having problems with (not working, zeros, failing two classes, argumentative, etc.) and the mom wants to ensure that he is not testing with me tomorrow because that's how much he hates me. Evidently he dreads coming to my class all day. Gee, thanks for sharing that. Got any salt to rub in this particularly nasty paper-cut while you're at it?

I know it shouldn't bother me, but dang I hate when people don't like me! Even no-working, lazy sods like that student.

This calls for an early night. Buonanotte!

The Opposite of Productive

2009-02-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of a movie marathon!! I love watching movies, but it's so hard to find the time and the last...um, 9 years or so, have been busy. Very busy. And I've missed a lot people.

So Thursday we watched The Family that Preys. Unexpected and very good.

Last night we went to friends and watched Moulin Rouge (my first time-it was outrageous and I loved it) and the Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail (which I haven't watched in way too long).

Today we hit the video store. So far I've watched Mamma Mia (LOVE LOVE LOVE this-how could I have waited so long. I've already got the soundtrack too-it's that good!) and Dan in Real Life, which was super-sweet and not what I expected from Steve Carrel and Dane Cook.

Next is Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and then Fireproof if we have time. Tomorrow work will abound, but today I'm all about relaxation!

Any suggestions for movies I just HAVE to see? I'm thinking I should make this unproductivity a habit...a least once a month.

One last thing-I'm officially a Twit...I mean, I joined Twitter, so if you're inclined to read about my life obsessively (and you know who you are) catch me over there under rambling_reader.

Happy Saturday!

Val

On the Next Episode of The Surreal World

2009-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday as I was packing up to leave, my AP and a parent and student walked in. AP asked me if we could meet for a minute.

Earlier that day, this student had her review for my class picked up by a fellow teacher. It was picked up off the boyfriends desk, where he was copying down her answers.

This student received a strike notice from me, as well as a zero on the review. I also (very mildly) fussed at her. The usual: I'm disappointed, this was an easy grade, etc.

Student promptly texts her mom and tells her I bawled her out in front of the class and called her a cheater. Of course, Mom came to rescue her little darling, AKA ready to kick my ass.

Mom was very resolute that this was NOT cheating. AP and I just stared at her. I really felt like I was in a Twilight Zone. When I argued that it was dishonest, she asked why they were allowed to work on it together in class Monday. I replied, co-operative groups does NOT mean one person working and others copying down the answers. She claimed the boyfriend was just missing a few blanks (*disbelieving snort here*) and her daughter was helping him out.

I replied that was not "helping him out," because there was no value to copying down answers 15 minutes before the exam, other than to get the points. She looked at the AP and then at me as if I were the stupidest person on earth. "Of course there's value, because then he can study it." Oh, I see, THAT was the master plan.

I reiterated that it was dishonest, because I expect each student to do their own work. Mom replied it was "just a review." I said once a grade was attached it was an assignment, and the usual code of conduct applied, but mom was completely adamant this was not dishonest.

Then she tore me up one side and down the other for bawling the student out in front of the class. At that point (this was after 15 minutes of her ranting), I was just wanting to leave. When mom got done with her spiel I turned to the student and (sincerely) apologized for anything I said embarrassed, and assured her that was not my intent. I asked the mom if there was anything else I could do, and they finally left.

Then I marched right down and had the academic honesty policy from our student code of conduct blown up to poster-sized and hung it right in the front of my room.

I weep for humanity.

#@&!Razzlefrazzle#@&!

2009-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

I'm having trouble with extreme bouts of rudeness in my classroom. Allow me to demonstrate.

Today Student A is talking to Student B. Loudly. Off-topic-ly. I asked them to hush. Convo continued as if I were invisible. Which I am not. I headed towards them, at which point student B stopped talking and acted busy. Student A craned his neck to look around me and continued talking. Say whayt?! I again said his name, in a "Did yo mama really raise you so stupid?" voice at which point he briefly made eye contact, gave me the acknowledgment nod and said, "Sup?" then CONTINUED talking.

And the top of my head flew off.

Seriously, I was so mad, I could hardly see straight for a moment. When I could form coherent sentences again, his mother and I had a nice long chat, and I doubt he'll be acting as laid back tonight.

But this still really bothers me. What in the world made him think he could speak to me that way? I'm not going to take responsibility for his behavior, but I still can't help thinking I haven't been tough enough if he thinks he can talk to me that way.

It's times like these I think flogging should be allowed in school.

And what's been new with you?

2009-02-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

It's incredibly difficult to believe it's been nearly three months since I blogged. This familiar little template pops up and I get almost giddy with possibilities, the way I always was with new notebooks as a little girl.

It's no surprise I stopped blogging right when the holiday season began in earnest--my familiar refrain, too much to do, too busy, no time.

I have missed this.

Somehow, ditching my daily bloggy time did not magically fold the laundry or give me more quality time with my husband. I didn't make it the gym more often, or spend time meditating. The time was eaten up, that's for sure, but by what I couldn't tell you.

I could tell you however, that I have not been as happy as I was when I was blogging. What can I say? The English student in me is always happiest writing.

I'm not making any crazy NaBloPoMo promises but I can tell you this feels very good. Good enough to repeat.

And now!!

The obligatory updates!

Jade and Luke continue to grow at alarming rate. Luke's latest verbal tic is, "But it makes me haaaapy!" said in relation to everything from cookies to hitting his sister to eating his boogers (disgusting I know). He enjoys school, but not Monday mornings, which usually finds him curled on the floor begging to stay home. Once past that meltdown the rest of the week goes well.

The age of nine is doing interesting things to Jade. She's getting so tall, all legs, and she has her first crush. On a boy. In her class. Le sigh. Only at night, while she sleeps, can I cup her little face and remember what she looked like that first night of her birth, her wobbly toddler years, and all the days since. I'm not sad, it just seems to be happening so damn fast.

In my quest for the prestigious Masochist Mother of the Year award I have returned for my Master's. I'm taking a Gifted and Talented curriculum class, which is so-so, and an amazing Problems in Adolescent Lit class, which I adore. I have pretty much decided Adolescent Lit is the field I want to pursue, which is exciting.

I'm still teaching my little heart out, daily chipping away at the myspace/mtv/doritos ands dr. pepper shield that surrounds my students cognizance. It's exhausting, but I say it's rewarding to make myself feel better.

Oh, and we recently added a new member to the clan, a beagle named Twix. She's pretty much the cutest thing around.

So, perhaps I've reestablished myself as a blogger. Hopefully a blogger who does not spend all her time wining about her to do list, a la last November...

Have a fantabulous Monday all!

Val

Three turkeys later and I still can't get enough

2008-11-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone stateside had a wonderful and calorically satisfying Thanksgiving! My week was just a blur.

Monday and Tuesday teachers had staff development, a full day Monday, 1/2 Tuesday. Our Thanksgiving plans were to stay in town, rest up, and eat with my mom.

For whatever reason I got a bee in my bonnet Tuesday, thinking about all of our Roswell relatives that we haven't seen in years. Between no money and ghetto vehicles, we haven't made the NM trip since March of 05!

I called Howard at work and he told me he had taken Wednesday off. I asked how and he replied he already had paid time off (PTO) and he just logged in, typed a few keys, and was ok'd for a day off!

I asked if there was anyway he could get the rest of Tuesday off, and he said probably. So I suggested going to Roswell. He kind of laughed me off, but I was serious! We got paid early, the van runs great, and we're both off; what else could we ask for?

After 1.2 minutes of deliberation, he agreed and was on his way within the half hour. I called Howard's step-mom and after her initial shock, she said it would be great and we had a place if we wanted it.

The rest of Tuesday passed quickly. I already had a hair and nail appointment, and Howard and Luke also got haircuts (gottta look good for those pics!). We packed up and left at 9:30 that night.

It was a fairly easy trip, although exhausting. Fortunately the kids slept the whole way. We rolled into Roswell at 5:30 Wednesday morning.

We had already missed Howard's dad, but we chatted awhile with Gail. We hadn't seen their new house, which was really nice, and has TWO guest bedrooms. We set the kids up in their room and crashed in ours until noonish.

We hung around there the rest of the day, visiting with Big Howard and eating pizza. About 8 we got a text from Howard's cousin Jeremy in Artesia, and decided to go over there and play Domino's/ They live in Artesia, about a 40 minute drive. we got everybody ready and headed over there.

It was great to see Jeremy, Melissa and the kids. Also our friend Richard was staying there, so it was like a little reunion! We stayed up late playing games, and ended up sleeping there.

Back to Roswell about 8 Thanksgiving morning. Gail and Big Howard were handling everything in the kitchen so we just kicked back and visited with Howard's family.

That night I visited with my cousins Amanda and Graham and their ADORABLE son Gavin, who should seriously be a little model.

Friday was more visits with Howard's aunt and uncle, then we met up with Jeremy, Melissa and the gang in Artesia for a movie. The matinees are two bucks for adults, kids are free, so we went and saw Bolt (which was TOO cute and highly recommended!!!).

Back to the casa away from our casa and we spent the last night visiting with Howard's mom.

Saturday morning came so quickly. We loaded up and left after a late breakfast, about 11:00. The trip wasn't quite so smooth this time, with two kids awake and wanting to be kept entertained ;)

We got back to Commerce at 10:00 and headed to my mom's, who felt as if we'd been gone a month. Of course she had a whole spread for us-Thanksgiving leftovers!!

Today was spent lying around, watching TV, and catching up on laundry. Now if I could just convince myself I'm ready for work tomorrow!

Crappiest Day Ever

2008-11-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight our dog snapped at my 1 year old nephew.

It all happened so quick. The dog was working on his bone, and baby Nay toddled over and innocently reached for the bone.

That quick, R2 let out a ferocious snarl and snapped at the baby's hand, missing it by the slimmest possible margin.

My sister, understandably, burst into tears and Howard scolded the dog and locked him up. Unfortunately we are left to deal with this problem.

We work all day, and my sister and nephew are here with the dog. There's no way we can leave the dog alone with them. And this isn't the first time R2 has shown aggression. I love his loyalty, but it's not controllable. He growls at strangers while we're walking him, and sometimes lunges towards other walkers. We just can't let that go on. Tonight was the last straw.

Seeing that dog's muzzle that close to the tiny baby's arm just broke something in me. Of course I love my dog, but I can't ever see that again. I just thank God R2 didn't finish through, or connect, or whatever. I would never forgive myself.

So we have all cried, but the decision has been made. Tomorrow morning Howard will take R2 to a no-kill shelter. I don't know what will happen to him, and it's awful but I have to make the best choice for our family.

Jade's absolutely heartbroken, Luke's depressed and doesn't know why, and I've been crying for an hour.

What an awful day.

The day has finally come!

2008-11-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Words escape me. Barack Obama has just been named president. I'm in a state of disbelief. What an amazing, amazing day. More later...I'm just beyond speech right now. Howard and I are toasting, and crying, and I know this is a day I will NEVER forget!

*pic from dailykos.com

****************************

I cried today while voting. It's just such a momentous occasion. And when a beautiful, young African-American walked out of the polling place just ahead of me and high-fived her friend, while they cried, I got teary-eyed again. Race is not a factor in my vote, but it is still a historic occasion, and I'm just so proud to be a part of it.

****************************

Update: I forgot to say, we voted at school today. McCain won by TWO votes!! And in Texas, that's practically a victory!

*****************************
63 electoral votes to go. I am literally on the edge of my seat.

I am filled with so much nervous energy. I have made wonton, broccoli-cheese soup, cheese and crackers, chips, dip, a cake (with blue frosting!)...all for my little family of four!

I am just so excited. I am hoping and praying for TRUE change in this country. These results just can't come soon enough!

*pic from http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/8129

See why homework is a bad thing?

2008-11-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

While not a tee-totaler, I am not a big drinker. Tonight, however, I decided to imbibe in rare glass of wine while grading, hoping it would help time pass.

Luke soon comes by and is chatting away. Unfortunately his gesticulations knocked over my half-full glass, soaking my EZ grader and two sets of papers.

Nice....real nice. Guess those won't be handed back!

I'm taking this as a sign to call it a night. Indiana Jones, here I come!

The End to a Perfectly Nice Weekend

2008-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

About nine months ago a friend gave us a 1999 Nissan Quest. It was having engine problems, and as a single mom with a 45 minute commute, she had to have something reliable.

After looking at it, Hman realized the TV system had been wired in hot--draining the battery if the car wasn't started often enough. He yanked the system out and bought a new battery. We also had to replace the lights on either side of the headlights-like parking lights?

The last step to full ownership was registration...The problem was that the van had been purchased by her ex in Oklahoma, and she had never had a title. So we had to buy a surety bond, get the title, insure and register it, and pay the taxes. All told, however, we're still talking less than $700 dollars, and we own a car.

We have been driving it for about a month now, and it's been great.

Tonight, on the way to Walmart, we are speeding down the highway, the Eagles are blasting, we were enjoying the rare shopping trip w/o kiddos (thx mom!)

As we came into a curve I noticed a large black trash bag to the right of the street. Except as we came closer, in a surreal Jurassic Park moment, the trash bag turned out to he a huge vulture that was enjoying a late afternoon snack.

This all happened within a couple of seconds. We realized the object has a pterodactyl sized vulture, the thing tried to take off, and got one good attempt to fly away. Except instead of going right, towards the trees, it went across the lane, where Howard was swerving into the left lane.

Oh yeah. We hit a stinkin' vulture.

It made a sicking thump, a great big plume of feathers flew in the air, and we ran over the damn thing again as we continued driving.

It was horrible. That thing was just hideous!!! I do not know what the good Lord was thinking when He came up with that beast.

When we got to Walmart Howard looked at our front end and sure enough our left headlight is smashed. It even knocked the little side light loose. So here goes another $150!

Now, I do thank God that for the first time in our lives, $150 is not a crisis. Sure, it sucks, but we won't have to borrow it, or go negative at the bank, or put it off for two months.

But it was still awful....And I'll never hear "Hotel California" again without thinking of that thing!

More economic woes

2008-10-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Because of the market crash, Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone
belly up and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches.

Yesterday, it was announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song, while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived.

While Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp cutbacks, Ninja Bank is
reported to have taken a hit, but they remain in the black. Furthermore, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a raw deal.

* from the always witty Planet Proctor

Can you feel the love?

2008-10-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

I am so flattered to say I received my first ever blog award!! It's from Eaton at Passionate Fiction (http://eatonbennett.blogspot.com/) so many thanks and hugs to that wonderful lady!

I began blogging as a way to chronicle my first year of teaching, and it morphed into more of a personal journal. As a wonderful side benefit, blogging has connected to people all over the world, to other educators, to writers, to moms, just a whole network of people I love to read about.

This reward is in Portuguese so the translation is below.

"This blog invests and believes, in proximity [meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' -being close through proxy] How awesome is that??

"They are all charming blogs, and the majority of them aim to show the marvels of friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize, and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut, or that they propagate?

Then let's try to give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to 8 bloggers that in turn must make the same thing and put this text.

So here are my 8 awardees: both new and old friends :)

1. Ian at http://whiskyagogo.blogspot.com/

2. Candyce over at http://babiesbagsandbutterfingers.blogspot.com/

3. Mrs. Clause at http://clothedwithscarlet.typepad.com/clothed_with_scarlet/

4. Mrs. Darling at http://peterpanandfamily.blogspot.com/

5. Sleeping Mommy at http://sleepingmommy.com/about/

6. Athena at http://athena81469.blogspot.com/

7. California Teacher Guy at http://californiateacherguy.blogspot.com/

8. Gary at http://huntersglory.blogspot.com/

Y'all give 'em some love and have just a fannnnntastic Tuesday!

Six weeks in

2008-10-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I dropped that whole blog 365 thing, because I really dropped the ball on that one.

The first six week flew by. Hard to believe report cards go out tomorrow. I've incorporated a lot more foldables, hands-on activities in my classes this year. The results have been great. Not only do the kids like it a lot more when they get to cut something out, they also retain the information better.

Also using interactive journals has changed my life! I'm so glad I started them this year.

I have a really bright group this year. They seem more comfortable with higher level thinking activities. I've been giving them essays or news articles to read for bellwork and asking them to reflect on it in their journals. Some of responses are pretty amazing.

We read Oscar Ameringer's testimony to Congress on unemployment from 1932 (talk about the past repeating itself!!). I gave the paper to the students and just asked them to reflect on it. Many of them drew parallels to today's economy, talked about the bailout plan, all kinds of things. Tomorrow we're going to talk about the new living goddess in Nepal :)

Tomorrow is early release for the students, which means I have parent conferences until 5:30. Oh the joy ;)

Brother can you spare a copy?

2008-09-26T03:57:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff going on in my hood.

First of all my baby bro had back surgery yesterday. (How alliterative!) I haven't seen him yet, but my mom said all's well.

Hman has a job interview today. It's for a BIG company in the next town, it's in his field, and they pay amazing. It's a great opportunity. His interviews at 8:30, so be in prayer :)

I need to go to the doc today I guess..I'm pretty sure I have something wrong in my back-maybe sciatica. Wednesday I drove to Dallas for the third of five Gifted and Talented classes. I have had a few twinges before, but Wednesday night was horrible. Basically my lower back and right leg haven't stopped hurting since then. It's so draining. I can't sleep, no positions are comfortable, I'm taking ibuprofen 4 at a time. It's really bad. Hopefully I can see the doctor today...We'll see.

Classes are going well. We made really cool origami books of Monday over the steps of editing. (And I can't believe we only have one week left in the first six weeks. Ridiculous.)

Unfortunately my broke ass school has copy limits. I get 2000 copies per month. For 120 students, that's nothing--especially since my 6 weeks test is 10 pages. (And the test is part of our curriculum--we can add to it, but not take away. Yippee.)

Our new copier does not tell us how many copies we have remaining. We just get to guess-- a little like Price is Right, only not fun. I ran out last Tuesday, smack dab in the middle of running a set of papers.

English teachers need copies! Especially since we are the ONLY department not to have a document camera, projector and laptop. Poor me.

Long story shorter, I have to go make copies of my test this weekend at Staples. I'm only making a class set, but it's still going to cost about $15.

And I have to drive back to Dallas Saturday, and Monday, for my last two classes.

So please feel sorry for me ;)

School and my lil politician

2008-09-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

What a week. Sunday afternoon I started feeling really gross...just blah and no appetite. Very out of character believe me ;) By 7 I was in the grips (pardon the pun) of an awful stomach bug, and ended up missing Monday and Tuesday. Funnily enough the teacher next door, 8th grade History, was out as well for strep throat, which caused some problems Monday morning when I emailed her my lesson plans and vice versa! But we both made it back today.

It's so sweet coming back; I was like a mini-celebrity. Some of my most ornery students were hugging me, "Oh I'm so glad you're back" blah blah blah ;)

I am still so happy about this year. I have such a better grip on classroom management...It's just so exciting to me. I am much more comfortable, and enjoy teaching a lot more. Overall, I'm a lot more laid back...

And then there is 6th period. I don't know what it is about that time slot, but they are a hawt mess...Today only 5 students out of 23 passed an in-class, working-with-partners worksheet over conjunctions, aka as a freebie. I had to ban pencils in there because there were so many erasers all over the floor-they're throwing them at each other instead of listening to me!

Tomorrow will be fun. They are on lockdown, from here until IDK...They're going to work till there little hands fall off. I'm pretty excited actually.

In other news, Jade started Tae Kwon Do today! She looked so cute! She was pretty hesitant at first, especially since it's a mixed beginners class with ages from 5 to 14. But by the end of it, she was totally hooked.

She's also running for student council. I'm not sure what the duties would entail for a third grader (LOL) but she's taking it very seriously. She made her posters, and she's even campaigning! She told me she wants the other four people to drop out so she'll win!

She told me this afternoon she got into a "ruckus" (her word) with her desk mate after her folder accidentally strayed into his territory. After the ruckus dies down and she started working again, she sat there thinking, "Man I really want him to vote fro me..." So she turned to him and said, "I'm sorry for being rude to you earlier." He just looked at her and so "OoooKaaayyy....." But that's likely one more vote! Little schemer!!!!

Overwhelmed

2008-09-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

And it starts. In many ways my second year of teaching is amazing. And if it was just me, living la vida loca, I think I'd be fine.

The problem comes in trying to balance self and family and work...I just don't have time.

I need to lesson plan for next week.

The GT class is killing me. It's the longest 30 minutes of my day!

I have 4 sets of papers to grade.

I have to update my teacher website.

I haven't worked out in two weeks.

I have not cooked a single meal this week.

I need to put together lessons suitable for a student I have in an alternative environment.

I need to plan for my Wednesday night Bible class.

Next month is my 10 year anniversary-I have nothing planned.

Three weeks later, I still have 6 boxes in the corner of my living room and they are driving me crazy.

This weekend is my nephews birthday party. I need to shop for this.

Saturday I also have to go into Dallas for staff development.

I'm not studying the Bible like I should.

I'm drowning in laundry.

My pantry needs to be reorganized.

I need to grocery shopping.

I need to buy Jade more school uniforms for cooler weather.

I need to take the dog to the vet.

I need to organize my closet and go through my shoes.

I need to work on Septembers budget.

aaaagggghhhh!!!!!!! How quickly lazy summer days turn into ulcer-inducing craziness!!

Oh the difference a year makes...

2008-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

I really need to start blogging regularly again. It'd not like I don't have enough to blog about; it's a time thang...

Every night last week I was asleep before 10! It's like I had the flu...the flu called new students.

Hmmmmm....more like a plague.

Week one went very well. Tuesday the students wrote a personal reflection essay. Paragraph one they introduced themselves, 2 they described how the world labels them, 3 was how they define themselves. They were pretty enlightening. (But oh the spelling...Truly horrendous, even among GT and honors kids. If we are ever in a post-apocalyptic world with no spell check or texting, the human race is doomed. I'm just saying.)

On Wednesday we started interactive journals. It's one spiral where students will journal, take notes, define vocab, everything. It should really help with organization. Also, history and science are also doing it, so the repetition will be good for the students.

Thursday was a reading on "My First Conk" by Malcolm X. It didn't get the response I was hoping for...but maybe they were blown away on the inside LOL

Friday was AR testing, so an easy end to the worlds second longest week (first being the week before school lets out).

This weekend passed by so fast...Good-bye summer :)

Sunday Hman and I went to dinner and a movie. It had been a loooong time, and I was threatening to have an affair ;)

We had delicious Italian food- bruschetta, salad, pasta (with the best marinara sauce I think I've ever had), red wine, tiramisu, coffee. It was lovely.

Then we ruined the mood by watching Babylon A.D. Actually it got kinda mediocre reviews, but I liked it. Vin Diesel was pretty rough..but overall, it was a pretty good post-nuke film, if a bit cliche.

Oh...and we got a Wii. Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've been wanting one for the longest time, and we finally had the funds :) We've so happy with it. We have the WiiPlay, WiiSports and Mario Kart, which is da bomb!

I predict we'll all have repetitive stress injuries by the end of the week, but it's so worth it!

Back to School

2008-08-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we kicked off the school year at my Itty-Bitty Middle School. It started with a bang too—the principal, assistant principal and counselor served us a huge breakfast-bagels, muffins, egg casseroles, fruit and made-to-order omelets! Wow!! It was such a nice relaxing way to start back to school. We have had many changes in our district, and everyone seems so much more laid-back. It's been great.

One big area of change was the teacher dress code. We can now wear athletic shoes, sleeveless shirts, and blue jeans once a month!! Woo hoo!! What a change.

I found out I'm a mentor! To a first year teacher!! Poor thing... ;) Actually, it's kind of good, because all the trauma of last year is still fresh in my mind, and perhaps I can give some good advice.

Also new this year, I'll be co-sponsoring Student Council. StuCo hasn't done a whole lot int eh recent few years, ans my co-sponsor and I have big ideas! We have already implemented a recycling program, are ordering spirit ribbons, and are planning a dance! :)

The rest of the weeks passed quickly. Mornings were spent in staff development, and afternoons were in our classes. One meeting was over lesson differentiation. It was really interesting, and something I struggle with as a teacher.

Today was the first day with students. It was very hectic. All new schedules had to go (our rosters changed as late as yesterday!!). But compared to my first day last year, it was night and day. Last year I left feeling wrung out, a nervous wreck, replaying different parts of my day over and over. When I got into the truck with my hubby (who was picking me up) I just burst into tears. It was so overwhelming.

This time I was infinitely more prepared. I had a seating plan. I had already read over my rosters many times, to get as many pronunciations right as possible. I had bellwork ready for them as they came, and I set up ground rules very quickly.

I also didn't give too much information. For example, today we covered procedures for bellwork, coming to attention, and dismissal. We didn't cover notes or library procedures because we aren't doing either of those things.

Of course, it wasn't 100% smooth sailing. There are things I wish I had done differently. I wish I had written more of a script to follow, because I had to backtrack a coupe of times and clarify something when I wasn't sure if I had covered it already. Still it is so much better than last year.

My students seems really fun this year. I have 140 students. I am teaching 5 regular English classes, one honors class, and one 30 minute enrichment class for GT students. Wow is that class different!! It is a mix of 6, 7 and 8^th graders, and it is going to be a fun class!

I'm glad the first day is over. Although I was much more confident than last year, I was still pretty nervous! But now its over, and I feel I'm off to a great start!

* photo from http://www.jasperco.lib.in.us/youth/displays/aug06/school2.jpg

2008-08-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Life is really crazy right now with the move and school starting. Also we won't get Net in the new place until next Tuesday, so expect me then :)

Moving and other craziness

2008-08-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our garage sale was really successful. Friday was rained out, but there was no complaining, because we really needed the rain!

Saturday we were up early again and got everything out by 8. We had planned to "open" at 9, but as soon as we stared putting out stuff, people started coming up.

At first I was really nervous. It was also oddly humiliating watching other people paw through my discarded stuff...But I got the hang of it pretty quick, and by the end of it I was a haggling fool!

We closed at 11:30. We hadn't had anybody stop in about 45 minutes. We sold all of our "biggie" stuff, except one dresser. We do have lots of clothes and things left, and I'm not sure what to do with it all. I was just going to drop it off at Goodwill, but my mom suggested I store it and have another sale this spring. We'll see.

Tomorrow is officially moving day! Thank the Lord. I hate living among boxes; it's so unsettling. Our new apartment is so cute and nice...I can't wait!!!

I'm also going back to work tomorrow, unofficially. We don't have to go back for another week, but I need the extra time. Also it will help me get back in the swing of things (things being getting up at 5:30. Ugh!).

Jade went to camp today! She is 2 hrs away, probably having a blast, and I'm missing her like crazy! But she's the lucky one; she'll miss out on all the moving craziness. She's a sly one, that Jade ;-)

Forgive me InterWeb.

2008-08-08T04:55:00.001-07:00

It has been 4 days since my last blog. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Today is my first ever garage sale! As we've been packing, the junk factor is just enormous. When I told Jade we were having a garage sale, she asked, with genuine bewilderment, "Why would anyone buy our old stuff?"

Uh, because we're American, and we love to buy buy buy!

That's my hope anyway. So today I'm having the garage sale, while Howard goes and gets the keys to our new place and rents a storage unit.

Im so nervous about this sale! What if no one comes? What if I priced stuff wrong? What if I'm ready to call it a night, and there are still people perusing? Oh this situation is fraught with anxiety.

Wish me luck!! I'm off to (hopefully), make some money!

2008-08-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight at tea, the girls and I were talking about differences between boys and girls. Pool maligned Luke. His antics so often begin these conversations.

As Luke stands up in the chair he has already flipped out of four times, I sighed and said something lamenting about how different boys and girls are.

Jade looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Uh, yeah, Mom. They're different genderalities..." Thanks for clearing that up "precocious" one.

I said they were different in other ways too. Jade says they have funny looking underwear. Jana says how hairy they are. I said, "You have no idea! Have you seen your dad's back?!" (Only half joking.)

Jana pipes up, "I know!! It must be like sleeping with a dog!"

Ouch! Guys just can't get break around our house...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First day back at school today. Nothing too spectacular, just a meeting. Luckily my part was over by lunch.

I don't officially have to get back to work until Aug. 18, but that whole week is filled with in-service and meetings, so my friend and I will be going back part-time next week.

Surprisingly it felt good to get back. Give it 6 weeks and I'll be singing a different tune, but for today, it was just nice to get out of the house for a little while.

Plus the state of Texas can afford to keep the building quite a bit more comfortable than my balmy home!!

Two headlines I hate to see in one day, as I prepare for another day as a public servent

2008-08-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Exxon Mobil has biggest profit ever at $11.68B
yes that is in three months...

Stevens faces arraignment in corruption case
remember? accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from an oil services contractor

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time for bed...As a night owl, this is the hardest part for me; readjusting my schedule back to working time. Where I interned, we went from 8:45-3:45. It was so nice! At my school now, the kids go from 8:00 to 3:30. I tell ya, that extra 45 minutes made a huge difference for me!!

So even though it is only 9:40, I'm heading that way...Chances are I'll be up for awhile yet, but I'm going to at least aim for 8 hrs of sleep :)

It IS a small world after all!!

2008-08-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7539329.stm

A US study of text messages suggests the theory that we are all linked six steps to anyone else may be right - though seven seems more accurate.

Microsoft researchers studied the addresses of 30bn text messages sent during a single month in 2006.

Any two people on average are linked by seven or fewer acquaintances, they say.

The theory of six degrees of separation has long captured people's imagination - notably inspiring a popular 1993 film - but had recently seemed discredited.

One of the researchers on the Microsoft Messenger project, Eric Horvitz, said he had been shocked by the results.

"What we're seeing suggests there may be a social connectivity constant for humanity," he was quoted as saying by the Washington Post newspaper.

"People have had this suspicion that we are really close. But we are showing on a very large scale that this idea goes beyond folklore."

Urban myth?

The database used by Mr Horvitz and his colleague Jure Leskovec covered all of the Microsoft Messenger instant-messaging network, or roughly half of the world's instant-messaging traffic, in June 2006.

For the purposes of the study, two people were considered to be acquaintances if they had sent one another a text message.

Examining the minimum chain lengths it would take to connect all the users in the database, they found the average length was 6.6 steps and that 78% of the pairs could be connected in seven links or fewer.

The idea of six degrees of separation was conceived by US academic Stanley Milgram, after experiments in which he asked people to pass a letter only to others they knew by name.

The aim was to get it, eventually, to a named person they did not know living in another city.

The average number of times it was passed on, he said, was six - hence, the six degrees of separation.

However, in July 2006, Judith Kleinfeld of psychology at Alaska Fairbanks University went back to Milgram's original research notes and discovered that 95% of the letters sent out had failed to reach their target.

She suggested that the six degrees theory might be the academic equivalent of an urban myth.

The Microsoft researchers said that, to their knowledge, their study had for the first time validated Milgram's theory on a planetary scale.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interesting idea! Talk about globalization...Who would you want to get a hold of, if you could?

Hot town, Summer in the city

2008-08-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

And yes, the back of my is feeling dirty and gritty.*

August first and it's official: I'm miserable. It is just unbelievable how hot it is! Heat index of 110 today. Brutal I tell ya...But ok! No more whining!!

Here, y'all chuckle instead. And then realize that EVERY ONE of these pithy quotes are true, and quietly weep for us Texans ;)

**********************************************************************************

How you know it's August in Texas

The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

Hot water now comes out of both taps.

You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron....

The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.

You discover that in July, it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car..

You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.

Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying
boiled eggs.

The cows are giving evaporated milk.

Y'all stay cool!!!!!!!!

*Title and first line from The Lovin' Spoonful's Summer in the City

Tis the season

2008-07-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Not that one Candyce!!

The other one.

Yep, the school one.

I am trying so hard to get motivated. Although 104 degrees doesn't exactly inspire enthusiasm...it does inspire perspiration. Seriously. I'm like a sweataphiliac. A sweataholic. I need S.A.

Moving on...

I need to cram 7 weeks of procrastination into the next few days. I'm reading lots of teacher blogs and books and buying cheap school supplies in an effort to focus on my job I go back to MONDAY!!!!

Breathe Val....breathe...

I Don't Wanna Grow Up, I'm a Toys 'R Us kid...

2008-07-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hman and I have really been focusing on our finances lately. We've been reading tons of books and websites to try and ensure the best future for our little family. I've been learning a lot about personal finace.

However the base truth is that being a grown up sucks.

What?! It really, really does. *whining unsympathetically*

Not only do we have to worry about school loans (our only real debt right now), but we're looking at saving up for a down payment, a new car, college bills, retirement. It's enough to make a woman go gray...

Gray and purple-now there's a pretty picture!

Tales of a True Desperate Housewife

2008-07-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Productivity is so hard with little kids underfoot! We are moving in 12 days, and I have officially packed 8 boxes.

Eight.

Only 121 left!

*sobs hysterically*

Here's how my day went:

Tape a box.
Sit in front of one of my 6 massively overstuffed bookcases.
Screaming erupts.
Go investigate.
Pass out stickers, markers, and/or bandages as needed.
Come back.
Place one book in the box.
Wailing from one room over.
Sprinting ensues.
Take away the offending toy.
Attempt to finish one shelf.
Get interrupted 12 more times.
Collapse from exhaustion.

It doesn't help that my mom is following me around, chain smoking Pall-Malls and offering helpful packing tidbits like, "I packed all of mine and your daddy's moves by myself, and with all y'all kids, and worked full time." Gee, thanks Mom!

Tomorrow I am aiming to do the kids room.

Pray for me.

I just robbed a grocery store, now I'm going to Dizzneeland

2008-07-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes in New Hampshire.

Flooding in Albuquerque.

Even more banks closing down.

But nobody panic!

Dark Knight still pulled in $300 million.

*Title from Dada-Dizzneeland

Clairol and Heat Make Me Irritable

2008-07-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

I really hate dyeing my hair. Why do they even put pictures on the box? I whole-heartedly believe the picture on the box in just a randomly generated image that bears no relationship to the product actually in the box.

You know what brought this realization?

I have purple hair.

PURPLE hair!

Not Brown Auburn as the box promised. Not a rich, vibrant brown with red highlights which the picture promised.

Straight up burgundy.

With church in the morning no less!!

Also it has reached that time of year in Texas where I officially hate being outside. It was 104 outside today. That is just plain uninhabitable. Remind me why I live here?!?

Breakfast with an almost three year old

2008-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

First as Luke pokes into his egg, he loudly exclaims, "YUM! Orange juice!!!"

Next as I try to cut his egg for him, he protests, wanting to 'open it himself.'

When we hold hands to pray, he begins chanting "Rosy! Ring th rosy!"

Then, while praying, he curls two of his fingers down, and starts making web noises.

This is why we don't eat out. How could I convince anyone else this isn't the first time that child has prayed or seen an egg yolk?!

As my mind whirs...

2008-07-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

So much to say...

School quickly approaches and I am nowhere near ready. I need to just spend two or three days at the library and get some stuff done. Perhaps next week.

I am really doubting my grocery goal for this month. I'm out of everything! I'm shopping tomorrow...we'll see how I do :)

I got paid a day early. Woohoo! Today we went shopping at Cato. I love that store...and it has clothes for all size ladies, from itty-bitty Jade, to pillowy size Val.

I also got the kids hair cut today. Luke did much better this time, only sobbing during the last half ;)

My mom is going through an incredible time in her life right now. She is more fully in God's presence than I have ever seen before, and it is just incredible!!!!

We got approved for our apartment! It is beautiful, and brand-new, and nicer than anywhere I have ever lived, and I am SOOOO excited :)

But now we have to move...

That's ok; I'm still excited!!

I have so much more to say, but must get to bed. Happy Thursday all :)

Menu Planning Monday

2008-07-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

Well, as many know, teachers get paid monthly, and for me, payday will be this Friday. Whew! I tell ya, between rising food costs and utilities bills skyrocketing, my paycheck sure doesn't seem to go as far as it used to. One area I can really trim the fat is my grocery bill.

Staring today, I'm going to post my menu for each week, and also how much I spend on groceries for the next month. My goal is $300 for my family of four. Doable? We'll see!!!

This weeks menu:

Breakfast: Cereal, oatmeal or pancakes
Lunch: Turkey. tuna, or PBJ sandwiches, fruit
Dinner: Meatless Monday: Pinto beans, rice, cornbread, sliced tomatoes
Tuesday: Enchiladas, Refried beans, Mexican rice, lettuce and tomato
Wednesday: Roasted Chicken, Rice, Peas, Corn
Thursday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad
Friday: Pizza night!

I planned this menu after perusing my pantry and fridge and seeing what we already had. We still have plenty of canned goods, rice, oatmeal, etc. Here's what I bought at the store:

Plums.................................$1.03
Tortillas.............................$1.78
Spaghetti...........................$0.68
Lettuce..............................$1.28
Shredded Cheese................$2.68
Ground beef.......................$6.27
Folgers coffee.....................$3.72
Miracle whip......................$2.50
2% milk.............................$3.89
King size Twix....................$1.00
Eggs.................................$1.53
Whole Chicken...................$3.03
Whole Chicken...................$3.64
Peaches.............................$1.82

Total: $36.23

Money left: $263.77

I comp-shopped the chickens ($0.89/lb) and the peaches ($0.99/lb). Everything not otherwise stated is generic brand. As you can tell, we had quite a bit of stuff in the cabinets, so this is a pretty light shopping trip. Hopefully, this will make it until Friday, when I can do the big shop.

Happy Monday guys!

Home Again

2008-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

I really like Amarillo! We thankfully had a very uneventful trip. We tried a new restaurant, Blue Sky, which had one of the best burgers I've ever had out. Hand pressed patties, fresh cut fires-Yum!!

Predictably we hit the mall, but it was ok, because there were a lot of sales :D I'm really not a big mall person, but it's nice every once in awhile.

This morning we went to the zoo (free!) and had a good time. I saw a lion as close as I've ever seem one! The kids had a good time. Seeing my sister was wonderful. I miss her so much :(

Overall, I'm glad to be home, exhausted from driving (which makes no sense since all I did was sit, but you know how it is!) and SOOOO glad to have all my babies back together. I swear Jade grew 4 inches. And when she saw Luke she said, "Oh my gosh, he looks four!" LOL

Good night all :)

On the road again

2008-07-19T02:06:00.001-07:00

Today we are back on the road to Amarillo. My darling daughter has been gone for two whole weeks, which is entirely too long.

We will be meeting up with my sister today, so I get to see my adorable nephew again! Yay!

Quick note about my sister-she is a shopping queen. She is the only person I know to rate entire metroplexes on their mall. As for me...I'm much more of an online kinda shopping gal. Malls aren't a happy place for me...but maybe this list will help!

50 Things To Do At The Mall

1. Ride mechanical horses with coins fished out of the reflecting pond.

2. Try pants on backwards at the Gap. Ask the salesperson if they make your butt look big.

3. Dial 900 numbers from demonstration phones in Radio Shack.

4. Sneeze on the sample tray at Hickory Farms and helpfully volunteer to consume its now unwanted contents.

5. At the bottom of an escalator, scream 'MY SHOELACES! AAAGH!'

6. Ask the sales personnel at the music store whether inflated CD prices are in pesos or rubles.

7. Teach pet store parrots new vocabulary that makes them unsalable.

8. Stomp on ketchup packets at Burger King...

9. ...but save a few to slurp on as snacks. Tell people that they're 'astronaut food'.

10. Follow patrons of B. Dalton's around while reading aloud from 'Dianetics.'

11. Ask mall cops for stories of World War I.

12. Ask a salesman why a particular TV is labeled black and white and insist that it's a color set. When he disagrees, give him a strange look and say, 'You mean you really can't see it?'

13. Construct a new porch deck in the tool department of Sears.

14. Wear pancake makeup and new clothes and pose as a fashion dummy in clothes departments, occasionally screaming without warning.

15. Test mattresses in your pajamas.

16. Ask the tobacconist if his hovercraft is full of eels.

17. If you're patient, stare intently into a surveillance camera for an hour while rocking from side to side.

18. Sprint up the down escalator.

19. Stare at static on a display TV and challenge other shoppers whether they, too, can see the 'hidden picture'.

20. Ask appliance personnel if they have any TVs that play only in Spanish
.
21. Make unusual requests at the Piercing Pagoda.

22. Ask a salesperson in the hardware department how well a particular saw cuts through bone.

23. At the pet store, ask if they have bulk discounts on gerbils, and whether there's much meat on them.

24. Hula dance by the demonstration air conditioner.

25. Ask for red-tinted lenses at the optometrist.

26. Sneak up on saleswomen at the perfume counter and spray *them* with your own bottle of Eau de Swane.

27. Rummage through the jelly bean bin at the candy store, insisting that you lost a contact lens.

28. Ask a saleswoman whether a particular shade of panties matches the color of your beard.

29. In the changing rooms, announce in a singsong voice, 'I see London, I see France...'

30. Leave on the plastic string connecting a new pair of shoes, and wander around the mall taking two-inch steps.

31. Play the tuba for change.

32. Ask the Hammond organ dealer if he can play 'Jesus Built My Hotrod'.

33. Record belches on electronic sampling keyboards, and perform gastric versions of Jingle Bells for admiring onlookers.

34. Ask the pharmacist at the drugstore which leading cold remedy will 'give you a really wicked buzz'.

35. Ask the personnel at Pier 1 Imports whether they have 'any giant crap made out of straw'.

36. 'Toast' plastic gag hot dogs in front of the fake fireplace display.

37. Collect stacks of paint brochures and hand them out as religious tracts.

38. Ask the information desk for a stroller, and someone to push you around in it.

39. Change every TV in the electronics department to a station showing 'Saved by the Bell'. Chant the dialogue in a robotic voice, and scream if anyone tries to switch channels on one of the sets.

40. Hang out in the waterbed section of the furniture department wearing a Navy uniform. Occasionally run around in circles yelling 'scratch one flattop!'

41. Hand a stack of pants back to the changing room attendant and scornfully announce that none of them are 'leakproof'.

42. 'Play' the demo modes of video games at the arcade. Make lots of explosion noises.

43. Stand transfixed in front of a mirror bobbing your head up and down.

44. Pay for all your purchases with two-dollar bills to provoke arguments over whether they're real.

45. If it's Christmas, ask the mall Santa to sit on *your* lap.

46. Answer any unattended service phones that ring in department stores and say 'Domino's.'

47. Try on flea collars at the pet store while occasionally pausing to scratch yourself.

48. At the stylist, ask to have the hair on your back permed.

49. Show people your driver's license and demand to know 'whether they've seen this man.'

50. Buy a jawbreaker from the candy store. Return fifteen minutes later, fish it out of your mouth, and demand to know why it hasn't turned blue yet.

Darn it...Darn it all!!!

2008-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

H-man, pointing at a hole on his left sock and seductively wriggling his toe: "Can you fix that?"

Me: "Hmmmm, I don't know....Maybe God's telling you to clip your toenails more often."

H-man: "Why does everything always have to be my fault?!"

2008-07-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have 13 in me today, so let's downsize :)

::Guys and Dolls ::

Onesome: Guys-- do the darnedest things, -right? What's the darnedest thing you've had a male acquaintance do that you just know a gal would never even think of? (Okay, girls, toilet seats do not count on this one!)

Not to be graphic, but I would have to say public scratching. Learn some self-control man!

Twosome: and-- to turn it around, what's the darnedest thing you've had a female acquaintance do that you just know a guy would never even think of? (Okay, guys, that hair-flip move doesn't count either...)

Not eat on a date to appear petite ;)

Threesome: Doll--ing yourself up? What is your idea of dress-up? Hmmm... Let's go with Summer wear for now!

Well, the cooler the better, so I would say a nice breezy top and skirt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ahhh, much easier than 13, and got the writing juices flowing. :)

We have a lot going on here right now. For the last 8 months we have been an extended family living together, and the time has come to part ways. Hman and I are seriously considering downsizing to an apartment. We looked at a beautiful place Wednesday. It's very low-maintenance, would be quite a bit cheaper, and is nicer than any place we've ever lived in! It would be our first home with a dishwasher :-O

Any prayer warriors out there, I would appreciate any and all prayers for wisdom and guidance on this decision. Also, we are traeling this weekend, so prayer for traveling mercies would also be great :)

Thanks, and have a wonderful Thursday!!

Pecans in the Cemetary

2008-07-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.

'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me,' said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.'

He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.

'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls.'

The man said, 'Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery.

Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.'

The old man whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord.'

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.

At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done.'

They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

The One Where A Crazy White Guy Dances and Makes Us Laugh

2008-07-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Bad news abounds. Housing slump, rising energy prices, failing businesses...It's easy to get down. But I don't believe humanity is doomed. I look at my kids, and a beautiful sunset, a rain storm, or a long walk with my husband... And that's really what life is about.

And then there's Matt...

Just When I thought He Couldn't Surprise Me

2008-07-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

My hubby is not known for his memory skills.

That's putting it mildly.

He spelled my name wrong for the first year and a half we were together. He routinely leaves himself voicemails with such trinkets as, "Check email," and "Val's b-day-one month." He's been saying "Man, I really need some ginko biloba" since he was 15.

And always forgetting to buy it.

OK? Ya with me?

Well, tonight at dinner I remarked I used every last grain of salt we had for tonight's potatoes. Lord help me I'm getting as bad him if I can't remember salt, but that's another post. I remarked if he wanted to eat tomorrow he should bring some salt home tonight after work (it sounds a little mean when I type it, but it was said very lovingly).

I just went into the kitchen and noticed a Walmart sack on the counter. Lo and behold-SALT!

He may not have put it away. He may have left his keys next to it, and his socks and shoes under the dining table, but by Jove, he brought salt!!

Who says marriage gets stale? It's the little things people...the little, delciously salty things.

Have you heard?!

2008-07-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

William Shakespeare folio worth £15m recovered 10 years after being stolen

* click for full story goodness

My favorite part? That the crazy guy who took it to be 'evaluated' is so strange. I doubt he was the thief...how dumb would you have to be to take your stolen good to a library?

But ironing seat covers and living with your mom? Guilty or not, these are the kind of details that stick around a long time.

Ponderings

2008-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

If I use Grey Poupon on my fried bologna sandwich, does that make me less white trash?

Photo from : Lydia at http://theperfectpantryfavoriteblogs.blogspot.com/

Wearable Food-The Next Big Thing?

2008-07-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Any Wall-E fans out there? It's just a matter of time, people....

New Wearable Feedbags Let Americans Eat More, Move Less

"We're always looking for more efficient ways to get our food products into our customers gaping maws...and it's fun."

T13 #7- Kid (and Wallet!) Friendly Summer Activites

2008-07-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Summertime Activities

Ah, summer...long days and no school leaves plenty of time for family activities, but my teacher budget doesn't have room for pricey theme parks or cross-country trips. I knew I would have to be creative in finding stuff for my kids to do. Here's a basic list of things almost any family can enjoy, and best of all, they don't break the bank!

Set up a sprinkler. This keeps them happy for hours.
Cloud watching. My son is just starting to really use his imagination, and he really seems to like this.
Star gazing goes along these same lines. To get even more out of the experience....
Hit up your local library. (So often an under used treasure!) Look for a book about the solar system and turn start gazing into an educational experience. While you're there check out DVDs, CD's, story times, and computer games....oh and books too! ;)
Go see a matinee. Tix are usually under $4, so if you can manage to bypass all that buttery goodness, you can enjoy some icy air and a flick on the cheap!
Go to a children's museum. This is great on those super hot days when you can't bear to go outside. (I usually bring a book-ahhh, multitasking.)
Our city pool costs $2/person, making this a super cheap day. We go early and during family swim to avoid the screaming hoards.
We also love the lake. State parks and lakes are definitely a treasure, and a bargain at that. Pack a lunch, grab the Frisbee, and enjoy a day at the water.
Garden. It's never to late for this one! Our local dollar store has seeds for as little as 10 cents. Let your kids each pick one (sunflowers are a great place to start), and beautify your yard while bonding with your kiddos.
My sister loves going to the mall, even when she's broke. Walking a couple of laps also beats sitting at home. But beware, window shopping can be more fun for adults than little ones, so use your best judgment. ;)
Summertime is prime picnic weather. Make it as simple or as fancy as you like-kids usually love the novelty of eating outdoors more than the food itself anyway.
Lucky enough to have a community or university theater in town? Kid friendly productions usually abound in the summer. Next week we are going to see Treasure Island for less than a matinee!
Finally, check your community calendar. Fairs, parades, block parties are happening all over-see what's happening in your neck of the woods.

And have a great summer!!!!

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Yeah, One of THOSE days

2008-07-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

More Kid Quotables

2008-07-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

We've been working on opposites with Luke.

Me: "Luke, what's the opposite of hot?"

Luke: "Hmmmm...apple!!"

Me: "Actually, it's cold.

Luke: "Ohhhhhh."

Me: "What's the opposite of sun?"

Luke: "Ummmm...wa-wa hose!!"

By jove, I think he's got it!!

Tales from the Trip part 2

2008-07-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

On an Amarillo Burger King: "Now hiring: Work for the King, Not For the Clown"

In front of a Lowe's in Whitesboro: "40 % Clearance: Semen Extenders and Breeding Supplies" (so glad I'm not a farmer)

At the Dairy Queen in Henrietta: "New Loaded Baked Potato Thin Mint Blizzard" (yum!!)

Somewhere on HW 87: "DO NOT pick up hitchhikers in this area-May be escaping convicts." (isn't that ALWAYS a possibility? just sayin'....)

These Miles Keep Rollin....

2008-07-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

16 hours of driving.

Three children.

Two "Hurry-and-pull-over-before-he-ralphs" pit stops....neither of which were executed in a timely enough manner to stop said ralphing.

$42.00 in snacks (from Walmart too-none of those high dolla gas station munchies), $168.37 in gas, and $70 to split a room. (Traveling sho is expensive these days!!!!)

But this face?

Sooooo worth it!

Have a great vacation Jadra...and I'm counting down the days 'till I see you again! Muah! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

From a hotel room, far, far away...

2008-07-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

I greet you tonight from a lovely hotel room 400 miles from home. Ahhhh, the miracle of Texas-400 miles, countless towns, 20 counties-and I'm still in the same state!

Six bathroom stops, lunch, and one horrific bout of carsickness that will probably change the way my cars smells for the rest of its life, and we finally made it!

We drove to the panhandle today to meet my sister and her family, who drove about an equal distance from NM. She taking my rugrat, Jade, for two weeks.

Tomorrow another 8 hours home. How exciting!!!

Happy 4th Everybody!

2008-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

You are ALL weirdos...Ain't America grand???

T13 #6-Musings on Teaching and Living in the Same Itty Bitty Town

2008-07-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Reasons Not to Live in the Same Town You Teach In
Kids all around....all the time.
Wal-mart becomes even more of a nuisance when parents want to talk grades over produce.
Friends Jade invite over that are siblings of my students (note to self-keep house cleaner)
No such thing as an "off" day...I always have to put on my "teacher face"
Always have to fix my hair when I go out
One town-one pool...Students seeing me in my bathing suit does not equal fun for me!!
A walk down the block turns into meet and greet.
The gym? Yep, parents work there...and want to talk about grades.
Always aware of how my kids act in public-It all reflects on me!
Can't drink at local restaurants-not even a glass of wine!
And not that this is a particular issue for me, but beer buying is pretty much out as well
Expected to go to all extra-curricular events-soccer, football, baseball, foos-ball...
Did I mention I never get away from these kids?!

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Oh those lazy, lazy summer days...

2008-07-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

To do list? Pssshaw!
Strenuous reading? Meh.
Deep cleaning? How 'bout no, Scotty-boy?

Reflections of a Mom

2008-07-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love seeing my children grow, learn, become their own people. It's like everyday I see a new aspect to them, another sign they are growing up.

Jade has been carrying a purse more and more, with trusty items like a brush, a mirror, some string, two bobby pins, a small puppy dog, and a pocket Bible. If only my heart were that pure, that my Bible made every trip with me.

Luke is starting to play games, and understand imagination. One of his favorite games is to stand in a room and shout, "Mommy...Where are me?!" And I say, "I don't know Luke. Where are you?" He answers, "Inna ba-froom, Mama. Come get me!!" So I do.

He also loves showing me his cupped hands and telling me he has a surprise. So I beg and beg for him to open his hands and show me. When he finally pries his hands apart, he darts his eyes around and says, "Look, a bee-moth! Where is it? It flew away! Oh no! Not a bee-moth!!!"

I am amazed at the precious gift God has given me. Who am I that these wonderful people are mine? Who am I , to be trusted to raise them in a Godly manner, to guide them into adulthood, in this fallen world of ours?

Lord God, make me the best mom I can possibly be. With every part of my being I thank you God for these blessings. Lord, guide my heart everyday, and let me reflect Your holy love on to these precious gifts. Let me not get too caught up in the daily tasks of running a house that I forget to also make it a home. Curb my tongue, temper my impatience. In all things I do, let me be more like You. Amen.

Monday Monday, so good to me

2008-06-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today I walked 3 miles in 45 minutes! Two weeks ago, I could only go 25 minutes without feeling like I was dying. Also, I am up to 20 push-ups, and 20 shoulder presses (up from 13 and 10 , respectively). Progress, my dear Watson, true progress!!

Sunday Funny

2008-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Indian Chief, "Two Eagles," was asked by a white government official, "You have
observed the white man for 90 years. You've seen his wars and his technological
advances. You've seen his progress, and the damage he's done."
The Chief nodded in agreement.
The official continued, "Considering all these events, in your opinion, where did
the white man go wrong?"
The Chief stared at the government official for over a minute and then calmly
replied. "When white man find land, Indians running it. No taxes, No debt, Plenty
buffalo, Plenty beaver, Clean Water; Women did all the work, Medicine man free. Indian
man spend all day hunting and fishing; All night having sex."
Then the chief leaned back and smiled. "Only white man dumb enough to think he
can improve system like that."

Fact or (Science) Fiction?

2008-06-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

From Fox News: "

"An Italian architect said he is poised to start construction on a new skyscraper in Dubai that will be "the world's first building in motion," an 80-story tower with revolving floors that give it an ever-shifting shape.

The spinning floors, hung like rings around an immobile cement core, would offer residents a constantly changing view of the Persian Gulf and the city's futuristic skyline.

A few penthouse villas would spin on command using a voice-activated computer. The motion of the rest of the building would be choreographed in patterns that could be altered over time.

Speaking at a news conference in New York on Tuesday, the building's designer, David Fisher, declared that his tower will revolutionize the way skyscrapers are made — a claim that might strike some as excessively bold.

Fisher acknowledges that he is not well known, has never built a skyscraper before and hasn't practiced architecture regularly in decades. But he insisted his lack of experience wouldn't stop him from completing the project, which has attracted top design talent, including Leslie E. Robertson, the structural engineer for the World Trade Center and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

"I did not design skyscrapers, but I feel ready to do so," Fisher said.
Twisting floors are just one of several futuristic features in the building, the first of several Fisher hopes to build with a similar design.

Giant wind turbines installed between every floor, he said, will generate enough electricity to power the entire building, and lifts will allow penthouse residents to park their cars right in their apartments.

A second version of the tower, to be built in Moscow, would have a retractable helicopter pad. Both structures, at over 1,300 feet, would be taller than the Empire State Building.
Even the method of construction would be unorthodox.

Fisher said each floor will be prefabricated in an Italian factory, then shipped to the site to be attached to the core. Assembling a building in this fashion, he said, will require only 80 technicians and take only 20 months, saving tens of millions of dollars, for a total cost of $700 million to build."

Yowza! I don't know about this one...I think Reunion arena is enough for me, thankyaverymuch!

Words of Wisdom

2008-06-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Jade: "Wow, even bad singers can be country singers!" (After I commented that Luke combed his hair just like Conway Twitty and my mom and I started singing "Hello, Darling")

Jade: "Wow, Mom. I won't ever have to wear make-up. I even have natural eyeshadow on!"

Luke to me: "Me and you friends Mama! We friends! (pause) And Elmo."

T13 #5- Movie Edition

2008-06-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Thirteen of My Favorite Kids Movies

Finding Nemo- My kids are actually watching this one right now; they never seem to tire of it! Adorable characters and a timeless story made this an almost instant classic. Also, the under the sea animation is incredible.
The Little Mermaid- When I was a youngster in Dallas I sang a few bar's of "Under the Sea" and won a cassette tape and book of lyrics from the movies. Pretty sweet!
Beauty and the Beast- One of my ALL time favorites, I still watch this one with my kiddos. I really related to Belle as a kid; I too loved books, had a kooky father, and was secretly in love with a Beast while being pursued by a gorgeous and arrogant man. The resemblance is actually uncanny...
Big- Tom Hanks=cutie pie!! This was a fun, kind of skewed coming-of-age movie. Remember the piano scene?
The Lion King- Good music, sweet story, we wore this VHS out when Jadra was a tyke. She still has every word memorized.
Toy Story- This is another stunningly animated classic. I remember one of the opening scenes when they are driving down the street and the attention to detail was just astonishing! Great cast as well.
The Never-Ending Story- To a bibliophile, this movie was a dream come true.
The Princess Bride- One of my former students would quote this movie nearly every day last year. Our favorite? "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father prepare to die!" of course!! I'm also partial to " When I was your age, television was called books." I just never get tired of this movie! Another great movie for book lovers.
The Emperor's New Groove- There are some hilarious quotes in this movie. It's another my kids quote far too often. One day, when Jade was 4, her and her dad were making something in the kitchen. She picked up a walnut and chucked it at her dad, hitting her in the head. He he jerked his head and looked up, she quickly feigned innocence, held up her little hands, and said, "What? Someone throwing nuts??" HA! This movie is too cute.
Lilo and Stitch- Aliens? Check. Sassy little girl? Check. Gratuitous use of Elvis Presley music? Check, check, check. Sounds like a winner!
Spiderwick Chronicles- This a new favorite, We saw this one in the theaters, and absolutely loved it! It might be a little intense for real young viewers, but it was super for our family. Wonderful characters, good storyline, great special effects. And it just came out to DVD!
The Chronicles of Narnia- This was a wonderful book of course, and turned out to be a great movie. The second one was equally as good.
Akeelah and the Bee- This is a great story about a young girl overcoming her surroundings to achieve more than she thought she could. It's definitely a heart warming story.

I'd love to hear your favorite(s) as well!! Happy Thursday all!

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On those days the scale just won't budge...

2008-06-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Remember-you have a lot going for you!

Barbie Poem by Nerissa Nields

I think that I shall never see
A woman as lovely as Barbie
Barbie, with her ski jump nose
Standing tall on tiny toes
Impossible boobs that will not droop
To conquer Ken, she need not stoop
If she were mortal, she would be
Six foot five and a hundred and three
She's so tall, I could not feel shorter
Small wonder I have an eating disorder
She sleeps in her camper next to my bed
With visions of traveling filling her head
She wishes she could sing like me
But she can't
Her mouth is painted on
And her eyes won't shut
And she never bleeds
And she never cuts
And she cannot read or count or cry
And she'll never age
And she'll never die
And I think that I don't want to be
Staring straight ahead for all eternity

Hey, That Wasn't in the Ad!!!

2008-06-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ethanol in gasoline reduces your mileage

Kelly Demele has been keeping track of her gas mileage since she bought her Honda Civic hybrid in 2001.

"I put in 4.8 gallons, $20 worth," Demele said, while filling up at a BP on Causeway Boulevard.

Demele's goal is to save money on gas. But she says since stations began mixing ethanol with regular gas, she's seen a huge drop in her mileage.

"I normally get anywhere from 42 - 47 mpg, 500 miles to a tank. Since the ethanol, my mileage has dropped about 30 percent," Demele said.

Demele has a point - it's true that ethanol does reduce fuel efficiency, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, only by about 3 percent.

The federal government's been promoting the use of the clean-burning additive through tax incentives and regulatory requirements, with the goal of reducing oil dependence and environmental impact.

But consumers who see no end to spiking gas prices say adding ethanol isn't adding any value.

"A lot of people from all over are saying the same thing," Demele said. "Drop in gas mileage, drop in... it's like a conspiracy."

Not everyone agrees.

"Having worked in a shop atmosphere, I haven't seen any issues at all with running it," said Ryan Esto, service manager at Pioneer Tire and Auto Center. "The additive's not really helping consumers, but it's not hurting either. If you keep your engine properly serviced, maintained and cleaned with a fuel additive, that's your best bet to get the best fuel mileage you can."

Still, skeptical consumers are everywhere. Consumer advocate Michael K. Smith says ethanol hurts his gas mileage, and is bad for boats, because the alcohol and oil can separate and also damage tanks.

"Clogging fuel lines is one problem, eating thru a fiberglass wall in a tank - a bilge - is catastrophic," Smith said.

Both Smith and Demele go out of their way to find gas stations not using ethanol, but soon they may have no choice. The government may expand the 10 percent ethanol mandate to 20 percent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So this is the miracle fuel our government spent 3 BILLION dollars on last year? The same fuel that consumed a full 1/5 of America's corn crop? The one that's possibly contributing to the dead zone in the Gulf? Gee, thanks guys!

*cartoon from March 23, 2006-Carbon Cloud Over a Green Fuel by MArk Clayton-Christian Science Monitor; tagline "An Iowa corn refinery, open since December, uses 300 tons of coal a day to make ethanol."

A Grievous Day

2008-06-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

As a linguist, I appreciated the influence he had on pop culture lingo. As a person, his witty comments and snarky attitude made me laugh and made me think. He'll be greatly missed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, our two new fish died. Quickly come, quickly go...Jade's been singing "The Circle of Life" all day. Smart-aleck.

R.I.P. George, Nemo and Marty.

Sunday Funnies

2008-06-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

*http://www.foxtrot.com/

Score!

2008-06-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight two of our good friends got married after a very long engagement. It was a beautiful wedding! And perhaps the shortest in memory...But that's what they wanted. They said it was all about the party LOL

The food was delicious- but what else would you expect from a group of Chili's cooks? Dancing, friends...it was a very nice night.

For centerpieces they had very pretty vases filled with some rocks, water, a daisy, and a live goldfish. I was talking to Ashleigh's mom and she said she wasn't sure what to do with them; she had to go home to San Antonio, and wasn't sure what would happen to them.

Of course, me being me, I quickly offered to take a couple off her hands. She happily agreed and we got the coolest wedding favor to date!

Jade and Luke are very happy about our two new pets, and aptly named them Nemo and Marty :)

Here's to Ashleigh and Brian-may their marriage far outlast our pets!

You call THIS the easy life?!?

2008-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up late because my son got up and turned off the alarm. And then got back in bed with me. I guess it was disturbing his sleep. ;-)

Got up just in time to get the girls ready and on the bus for VBS (which comes at 8:30). I took H-man to work at 9, and I stopped by and got Luke a doughnut.

Home by 9:15 and made me some oatmeal. Sat down with a nice bowl of oatmeal, small glass of OJ, big glass of H20, and my Bible to do a little Bible study before working out.

Literally, open my Bible and the phone rings. The church calls because Jade is sick.

Change out of my workout clothes and rush to the church to find Jade curled up in a fetal position. The culprit? A crick in the neck. Poor thing! She just didn't know what to do.

Got her home, heated up our rice bag, and set her up with a doughnut, yogurt and a cartoon. Went a changed back into my workout clothes. Reheated my oatmeal. Discovered Luke had drank my OJ.

Gave up on any semblance of vacation ;-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news I have lost 6 pounds. Go me!!

I literally got teary eyed this morning when I bought the rest of the family doughnuts. I have NEVER in my life turned down a doughnut. Being able to only order enough my the family, and not feel deprived at all by not having one, was such a mental victory for me! And my oatmeal was great :D

Happy Friday y'all!!

TT: These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

2008-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thirteen of my favorite foods

Oh, I love fruit and veggie season!
Happy Thursday guys :D

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The Facts of Life

2008-06-18T21:23:00.001-07:00

Jade and Jana are doing the VBS thing this week. It's not a our church, but when it comes to free half-day child care, we're pretty non-denominational.

So Luke and I are going for a stroll this morning. 2 is such a funny age. His vocabulary is growing exponentially, as is his attitude! Now when I ask him to come to me, he yells over his shoulder, "In a minute Mom!" Say wha-? Mom? It's Mommy 'till you're 6, buddy! And get your little tushie over here!

So anyway, we're walking and pass a nice garden. The plants were lovely, the decor a little over the top. Luke points at the trio of plastic deer adorning the fern patch, and shouts, "Look Mommy, cows! ALL cows! Wow! Cows!" It was hilarious! He was ready to try to feed them or something. And he would NOT be convinced they were deer. No way Jose.

cutie patootie! ----------->

On our way back we passed an apartment building with a brick facade. In between the cracks, sparrows had built there little nests. We heard a squawking and I looked up in time to see this massive black bird rush this little crevice, at which point a sparrow came flapping out, shouting something like, "HEY! Back off man!" (Loose interpretation-my sparrow is rusty.)

The black bird lands on a nearby branch and continues cawing, and the sparrow lands opposite shouting back. It was like watching The View.

Then, from the other side of the tree, another blackbird flew around and went straight into the sparrow's nest! :-0 Little bugger! They totally double teamed that poor little sparrow.

Poor Luke-so young to learn how cruel nature can be ;)

<------Bad birdy bad!

Tackle It Tuesday #1-Pictures and Laundry and Reading-Oh Boy!

2008-06-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

I just found this new theme thanks to 5 Minutes For Mom. I have been feeling very motivated around the house, but we all how motivation can wane!!

Today I am tackling laundry *dun, dun, dun, duhhh* So far I have 4 loads washed, three dried, and two folded! Two more and I'm done!

I also cleard off my deask. You have no idea what an accomplishment that was!! Imagine leaning towers of books, stacks of mail, office supplies everywhere...it was awful. But I did it all on commercials during The View, and it wasn't bad at all! I wish I had taken before and after pics, to show you the difference. Wow!

I am also FINALLY putting pictures in my album. For some reason that is such an easy thing for me to put off...and I love the end result, I just never seem to make time for it. Well, today I'm tackling it :D

When done with that, I'm pouring a big ol' cup of coffee and digging into Fred Jones Tools for Teaching, a classroom management book that has come very highly recommended.

Happy Tuesday y'all!

Update time!!

2008-06-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's been awhile since y'all got an update on The War on Blubber 08. Unfortunately, like most wars fought by American's, it has not been particularly successful.

But!!

Things are changing...slowly, but surely. I'm making small changes, consistently. Which is a good thing.

Yesterday I made Howie 'his' breakfast-eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Oh yeah baby...you can almost hear the cholesterol hardening your arteries.

With all that deliciousness awaiting, I chose...oatmeal. Yes sir I did. And I really didn't even mind. Because you know what? I've had biscuits and gravy many times in my life. MANY, many times, in fact, and I'm sure I'll have them again sometime, but just because they were there does NOT mean I have to eat them :D

I've been a member of Sparkpeople for awhile, and have finally started really utilizing all the neat things they have on there. My caloric range is 1650-2000 calories a day. (One perk to being uber-chunky is that I can eat pretty well and still lose weight. For awhile at least.)

Yesterday and today I have been well within my range. I worked out yesterday and today--today for 50 minutes (cardio and strength). I have had NO sweet tea in two days, just aqua. And guess what?

I feel good.

I feel strong.

I feel victory coming! Hoo-rah!!

This One's For You, Eye-On

2008-06-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Father's day 08. This has been a whirlwind day--waking up late, cooking the traditional artery clogging breakfast. Movies, swimming, a walk. Dinner on the grill and another walk.

When your married with kiddo's, and live a great distance from your Dad, Father's Day becomes about your hubby. I help make "I love you" books and crepe paper ribbons for my husband. We cook for him, and I gently explain why we can't go buy a Wii today, even though I agree Daddy would love it.

And now I'm tired. But if I weren't I would tell you how sad this day makes me. How deeply I miss my own Dad, even though we talk nearly daily.

I would tell you some of my favorite memories, like blowing block-long bubbles with the Bubble Machine. Us at the lake, him launching us across the water.
Riding the DART to pick up his paycheck, touring the Federal Reserve, and eating at Roma's, where I had my first calzone (which I hated, but now love). Him teaching me to drive in a blue Ford truck as old as I was. Walking me down the aisle, whispering to slow down, guiding me on my most special day.

And some bittersweet memories. Him and my mom fighting. He and I fighting. Words said in anger, which can never be taken back. Or forgotten. Even when you're so sorry.

We have much in common: oldest children, awesome hair, not-so-awesome vision. We are stubborn, and can be prideful, and maybe a tad sarcastic. He taught me to love all kinds of music, to always question authority, and to be a lifelong reader and learner.

He is my inspiration and my motivation, and when I write my first best-seller, he will be front and center on the dedication page.

I love you Dad.

Happy Father's Day.

I read the news today, oh boy....

2008-06-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's one of the most disturbing news articles I have read to date: Snoop Dogg's wife arrested for DUI in Southern California.

I know, I know, I'm still reeling an hour later. I mean, Snoop Dogg -- married?!?! C'mon now!!

Even worse, he's apparently been married since 1997, and has three kids. Good grief! Where have I been?

Although one would think that would kind of put a damper on the whole gansta lifestyle, right?

Hotties and Huggies?

Cristal and cookies?

Gin and juice?

Hey, wait a sec... Now it all makes sense!

*title from A Day in the Life by The Beatles

I scream, you scream...

2008-06-13T22:04:00.005-07:00

Today we had family portraits made at our church. It was (mostly) fun, and reminds me we should do it more often. Luke actually smiled in these pics, which is an anomaly. ;)
On the way home we stopped at Mickey D's for an ice cream cone. As I pulled up to the window the guy had one ready and asked, "You the one with the cone?" I nodded and said, "Three actually." He looked puzzled and said OK, and turned around to make another. As he handed me that one he said, "Just ice cream? That's all?"
It was 95 degerees out, middle of the afternoon, and I had two kids in tow. Is it really an odd request? Don't pass judgement on me McDonald's man!

Thirteen Random Comments From My Day

2008-06-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Val

Put your pants back on please.
Don't drink the dogs water.
Only one spoon of peanut butter.
Ouch!!!
Put your dish in the sink.
I don't care WHOSE it is!
Good job!
Yes I did throw that hanger at you.
Put your pants back on.
Stop it!
Now!!!
Five more minutes is up.
Luke!! Pants!!

Three kids, 14 hours, 3 meals, 4 snacks, 2 pairs of toddler undies, one hour in the pool and I am spent!! Happy Thursday all!

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WW: Because Mr. Glory Just Had To Know

2008-06-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

What Am I Reading?

2008-06-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

I know for a self proclaimed reader, I don't talk much about my bibliophilic journey. (I do think I have the rambling bit down though!) I think it is because so much of my reading is news, blogs, articles, things in bits and bursts as opposed to novels. (I read those too, I promise!) So in an effort to prove my literacy, here are some articles I've found most interesting today (in no particular order).

Multitasking Monkeys- Can you imagine how creepy it would be to stumble across some fishing macaques in the wild? Good grief!

Scary tomatoes- Grow your own I say.

Crazy weather in Wisconsin-end times much?

No Bibles in this school by golly!!!

Congress kow-towing to big oil companies? Shocking...

Finally for a bit levity- No headaches for this couple, who have averaged 'marital congress' 26 times a month. Oh, and then wrote a book about it. Classy!

That's all for now. I did try to find an article on part two of the Iraq War Report, but it wasn't actually covered by American mainstream media. I search for it and I get results from Alternet, from Human Events dot com, from a blog...Very weird. It wasn't covered by any of the main news shows last night either. :?

Tuneful Tuesday: World Edition

2008-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the linguist in me, but I love world music. Here's an oldie but a goodie.

"It isn't a noise, it's my language!"

'Member? 'Member When?

2008-06-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

I took this hilarious survey thanks to A Yank Gone South.

Things I got docked for: wearing red nail polish, not liking to get up in the morning, and relying too much on tin cans and the delicatessen for supper.

Things that helped me: being religious, telling my hubby I love him, and "reacting with pleasure and delight to marital congress." Ha!!!!!!!

I guess my good outweighed my bads though...My grandma would be proud!

1930s Marital Scale

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

If you take the quiz (there's one for husbands too) let me know your score!

Sickly Sunday

2008-06-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I was sicker than a dog today...Super sick. The kind of sick that really deserves a gray, sickly February day, not a beautiful, pool-beckoning, June kind of day.

Luckily for me, we are in an extended family sit-chi-ay-shun, and I didn't have to worry about my kiddos. I just lied around, watched a couple of movies, napped...and finally drug myself over to my laptop to type out something amazing for y'all to read.

Ummm...maybe not. How about some random clicks instead?

http://www.43things.com/ Yep, a website of lists. And oh, how I love lists!

http://dineanddish.net/2008/06/introducing-ill-make-this-someday/ I also have a list of things to make one day. Perhaps I'll post it sometime.

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/games/ Yes I love AARP games. I hit this website everyday :)

http://www.sparkpeople.com/ This website is amazingly cool, full of information, and free!

http://www.tastespotting.com/ Yummy food photos.

http://xkcd.com/ Very 'off-the-wall' funny webcomic.

http://chalkboardmanifesto.com/ Another great comic, sort of in the same vein as xkcd.

And, last but not least, http://www.funtrivia.com/ Perhaps the most addicting of all to me. There are thousands of quizzes here, over every imaginable topic. Seriously. Nothing is too esoteric. From broad general knowledge topics to the second England vs. New Zealand cricket game in May, there is a quiz (or 50) for everyone.

Alright, happy Sunday y'all, and hopefully tomorrow will bring a healthy Val!
In the meantime, what are your favorite addicting links? Keep me amused people!!