meehanderings

Yes, I know.

2011-11-16T20:03:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago, I was called out. It's true. It's been MONTHS since my last post. Ok, fair enough.

Truthfully, I have been busy as can BE this fall. Among many things, I've been:

In a new grade level and hard at work with my teammates building a new curriculum for our students. From scratch. It's a lot of work but I've seen some amazing learning going on.
I've been teaching a wonderful group of teachers the Responsive Classroom approach to classroom community on Tuesday nights from 4:30-7:30. Since it's the first time I've ever taught this ten-week course, there has been an extraordinary amount of prep work. But for the next time I teach this course, the prep is 70% done so it should be a lot easier.
I joined CrossFit. Web definition: CrossFit is a strength and conditioning brand that combines weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell training,plyometrics, rowing, and medicine ball training. CrossFit contends that a healthy, fit person requires proficiency in each of ten general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance,coordination, and accuracy. We'll see. I really like it so far! I am trying to go 3x/week.
I've gone back to the chiropractor. I had a groupon for some free x-rays and a massage. When they checked my x-rays, I learned that one of my hips is 12mm higher than the other. Everyone is a little off, but 12mm is a LOT! It's a centimeter and then some! So, we are working to realign me with some pretty cool techniques. For 3 weeks in October, I was at the Essential Health Center THREE DAYS A WEEK.
Going to Chiro 3 days/week AND CrossFit 3 days/week plus teaching until 7:30 one night... see? Busy Bee...

But I've certainly had a lot of fun along the way...

Here's a phone photo dump of all things I've been doing since the last time I posted. Then I'll do subsequent posts with different updates.

Found this awesome ring at a Vintage store in Old Town. Didn't buy it. Kind of regret it.

Said goodbye-for-now to one of my favorite laughing-buddies. We made Kristin a scrapbook of memories to take with her to San Diego. :)

Dogs love wearing Halloween costumes. And living in sewers following the advice of rats.

Watching the best show on tv every Wednesday night.

Finding presents in my shoes from a black fluff.

Love this picture because I am loving taking pictures of funny Owen.

Wouldn't you laugh if you were looking at this funny sweet face?

Everyone loved the slide! Phebe did not like being ignored but she didn't do as well on the slide.

Spending time with my Joy, the man.

My favorite picture that I've taken. Ever.

You have no idea how much this baby loves his Mom. And vice versa. It is AMAZING to be around.

It snowed Halloween weekend.

I was a black-eyed P. Also, that black eye was REALLY fun to make!!

Been enjoying the fireworks of fall. More on this in another post.

I let my students give me input on their Work Habits grade. I love this honesty about her courteous behavior. She gave herself a "G" for Good instead of an "O" for Outstanding for the best reason ever.

I introduced them to the magical world of Where's Waldo?

My friend Laura, the art teacher at my school, has the BEST sense of humor. And it showed in her Halloween shirt. (Complementary colors)

I found surprise notes (with greeting options depending on when I found the note).

I got to see two wonderful friends show what wonderful parents they are...

As their sweet baby boy turned 1.

Creativity ran RAMPANT by the loving mama of a 1-year-old... (these acorns were delicious!)

His Aunt Cait loves him so much.

Early November brought a PTA bake sale on Election Day that would help support our 4th grade trip to Jamestown. The kids had high hopes for the amount we would raise...

I got to see a fourth grade boy expand his creative mind by making crafts with duct tape. He made this white rose (and a purse for me) with duct tape!!

: )

Chased a gorgeous mountain sunset in a car behind my gorgeous friend Joy.

Attempted a front braid. EPIC fail.

Had a day of culture at the Hirschhorn Museum in DC. Found some beautiful gardens behind it. This garden was haunted... how do I know?

Because I caught the ghost...

Then I rode a carousel!

I wish this picture was staged, but it wasn't. She nestled.

Made some leaf fun memories with my 4th graders...

And had a little fun myself...

More to come.

Back To School

2011-09-10T18:18:00.000-04:00

Back to School!

So, having survived the first (partial) week of school, I am so glad to be back. Looping with the same class to the next grade level is going to be AMAZING! It felt like we were sophomores in college, coming back knowing each other and what it's all about, happy to see each other with a short warm-up phase.

On the second day of school, I asked them to write me letters. They could tell me what happened to them over the summer, or something they want to work on for the school year or just anything they thought I needed to know to start our year.

Here are some classics...

"I don't like bananas anymore. I only like strawberr[ies]." Fair enough.

"Can't wait [for] what's waiting to be learn[ed]"

I'm glad you have areas for improvements, little man, and clearly I need to change my focus from butterfingers :)

Oh, so many things...

My personal favorite. This letter is from a student who Always keeps things interesting.

Here is what it's intended to say:

"I had a good/bad

summer. My grandma died

but other than that I had a

good summer. Is this math going

to be fun? If it is, then I want in

because math is good for everyone."

It's going to be a Very interesting year...

2 Hours

2011-09-01T22:27:00.000-04:00

I'm two hours away from a new decade. I understand that technically 31 starts a new decade, except that it DOESN'T.

Why does 30 bother me so much? Everyone can say "It's no big deal" or "It's just a number" or any number of other positive things, but it still bothers me a little.

I know I'm cool. I know I'm still young and silly. But I'll be damned if turning 30 doesn't freak me out a little.

I just said to my friend Anna, "On the one hand, I know it's just a number. On the other, I know it's 30."

I still love birthdays though :)

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

2011-08-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

**Beware, there is a lot of bragging in this post**

Last Thursday, my friend Jaime and I went to Busch Gardens. After Tuesday's earthquake and the impending Hurricane Irene, we figured Thursday was a great day to go. Jaime took the day off work even!

We left Alexandria at about 8:00am, had zero traffic on a beautiful sunny morning, and arrived in Williamsburg at about 10:15am.

The first thing we did was go on the Loch Ness Monster. It's tradition.

After that, we had the MOST PERFECT DAY AT BUSCH GARDENS EVER! There were no lines. For several rides, we just walked up and got either on the car that was there or the next one that came in.
Seriously! We did each ride once and our favorites twice.

Back in 1992, I went to Busch Gardens a few days before I started 6th grade. I was ten, almost eleven, and I had shoulder-length blonde hair in a green synthetic scrunchie. After going on the Roman Rapids about a million times (I think it was the Newest ride in 1992), we noticed that my blonde hair was green under the scrunchie. I didn't care, figuring that it would wash out when I got home. It didn't. My mom didn't want to dye my hair so we cut it. And then cut it again. I looked a boy. It's still something that haunts me!! ha! So, you can imagine my panic when Jaime and I wandered into a store in Italy and saw this scrunchie:

Nooooooooo!!!!!

It was such an awesome day. I had so much fun on all the roller coasters. I laughed mostly, roaring laughter! Until one.

I had been on all the rides at BG except for one. Griffon. I was legitimately nervous waiting for Griffon just because I didn't know what to expect. When we got on it, my heart was beating out of my chest. When we started to make our ascent, and I couldn't see the track anymore, it beat even faster. Then it happened. Watch what happens when the coaster reaches the top of the 90 degree drop:

IT STOPS!! IT HOLDS YOU OVER THE DROP, STARING AT YOUR DOOM!!! I screamed so loudly and so genuinely that I still have a scratchy voice three days later.

It was the best day at Busch Gardens. One for the record books for sure.

EARTHQUAAAAAAKE

2011-08-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

Yeah, we had an earthquake last Tuesday. I was at my school and we were interviewing a new 4th grade teacher. Our school is very close to the road so sometimes when big trucks come by, it's loud and things shake. So, when the table started shaking, I figured that's what it was. But when it didn't stop, and I heard the filing cabinets in the next room shaking, I realized we were having an earthquake.

Fortunately, I grew up watching Saved By The Bell (where life lessons abound) so the first picture that flashed in my mind was A.C. Slater jumping to avoid the lockers and getting in the doorway. So I yelled to everyone in our room, "Doorway! Doorway!" Luckily, Mrs. Belding wasn't stuck in our elevator having a baby.

Things shook for about 35 seconds. It was nuts! We weren't even sure what happened. But I got on facebook and I wasn't the only one who felt it. Crazy!!

Here's the damage at my house:

Newspaper holders knocked down in Arlington.

Candles that fell off my tv.

Murphy took cover.

Head Nods

2011-08-28T22:12:00.004-04:00

This post has nothing to do with summer. It's a musing. And I realized in talking about it with my friend Jaime, that I REALLY feel passionately about it.

There are two types of Head Nods that guys can do. The "Sup" and the "Ma'am". I filmed myself performing each of these so you can see them.

The "Sup" is what "cool guys" do. It's not really a greeting. It's not even really acknowledging someone else. It's borderline aggressive and seems ready to fight. I'm not a fan. Saying "SUP" to someone doesn't make you awesome.

The "Ma'am" is a little more cowboy. It's much more respectful, as the head goes down instead of up. It's modest. Think about a cowboy doing it, not me...

Thank you, Ma'am! What's your preference?

Pool Mooch Extraordinaire.

2011-08-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

I should get business cards printed up with that on it!

I mean, really. I found my way to pools this summer without spending a dime. I love my friends for sharing!!

Here are some shots...

I started out in my yard in my beloved chair.

Then my friend Jaime's pool on the Potomac beckoned me...

Then my friend Micah's pool was amazing...

My friend Kelly worked at a pool and she invited me to play, too...

Ironically, I don't have a picture of the pool where I spent the most time. But that's probably a good thing because I used a code to get in that only residents of that pool are supposed to have.

Top Secret information.

And a sweet tan :)

So Long Sweet Summer (again?!)

2011-08-28T21:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe another one is gone. And I barely blogged at all. I'm sorry! I was thinking today about why I didn't blog as much this summer as I did last summer... and I think it's because I've been on Facebook a lot more.

So, to celebrate the end of summer, how about an end-of-summer phone dump? And I'll insert explanations where necessary and you'll be all caught up and then I can get to the random thoughts I've had this summer.

Packing up the trailer room for the Last Time! Heading into the building... (this was taken on the last day of school)

I drank this on the last day of school...

My Pup came to visit and he always has better taste in music than I do, so I asked him to make me some mixes. Love him.

For many days this summer, I got up and went to a pool. (Post on that coming) But I took this picture of myself one day for no reason and then I ended up kind of liking it because it was different.

The cutest fluffiest dog in the world before she got a terrible haircut.

The sweetest smiling face.

To celebrate the release of the last Harry Potter movie, my friend made this onesie for her sweet baby girl. If you know Harry Potter, you'll giggle :)

??????? DONG BARBER ??????

I got DOWN on some crabs at this beautiful place right on the Potomac.

I made a trip to Massachusetts in the middle of the summer for some Responsive Classroom training. The trip was amazing. We went to the Yankee Candle flagship store (it's HUGE). I saw these candles. They made me laugh.

Even doors need to watch out, sometimes...

I was grateful enough to go on a beautiful boat ride one evening...

Lincoln from the water!

Made a trip to IKEA one day... loved this lady enjoying Mary Poppins in the privacy of her own living room...

Helping my friend Kelly look for a full-length mirror was fun and egotistical.

Pheebs did some light reading this summer.

Nats/Mets game. Of course I wore my Red Sox hat. No one yelled at me like the Phillies game.

At least you know this place is good...

More reasons why Justin Timberlake is my soulmate...

It was so hard to get out of bed some summer morning when this was the face that stayed snuggling...

Uh oh. Look what they are building in the shopping center next to my house. TROUBLE.

The world's sweetest legs on a walk around my neighborhood.

It was a good summer! Now for some more specific posts...

Coming Soon...

2011-08-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

This book is outstanding. And I'm rereading it this summer and it's changing my thinking about a lot of things.

Coming soon... the blog may be shifting a little to a focus on my being a well-balanced teacher.

Coming sooner (yes, I know that's not a word)... what I've done in August. It's been a blog-free month!

I'll be back in the swing of things soon.

Guaranteed laugh...

2011-07-27T01:43:00.000-04:00

Ever need a pick me up? I've been doing quite a bit of laughing this summer for many reasons, but I can tell you about 3 specific ones that you can enjoy...

1. damn you, autocorrect! and more specifically, this post: Best of June 2011.
Here's a little taste of one of my favorites:

If you have a smartphone or ever text someone who does, you know about autocorrect. It's true that what you type doesn't always come out the way you meant it. In fact, I meant to call someone "bud" the other day and ending up calling him "bun", adding a whole new dimension of fun explaining. But it also reminded me of Friends (what doesn't?)... http://youtu.be/Goo5UJ0kQd0

2. The tv series Freaks and Geeks. I'm, like, Waaaaay behind the times on this one. First of all, it came out in 1999/2000. I remember hearing the name back then and thinking "I should watch that," but I never did. And people have referenced it over the years, but finally last Sunday, my friend Jaime put the 18-episode-series-on-5-DVDs in my hand and said, "Do yourself a favor." Since I have abundant time these days, I started it... I'm on episode 10 and I LOVE IT. It's so funny and so good and it's got SO MANY stars in it, "before they were stars".

Listen to my friend Jaime and "Do yourself a favor."

3. I read on my iBooks the book "Sh*t My Dad Says". It was so funny that I laughed out loud several, several times. Read it. And then give it to your Dad.

Happy Summer! Laugh away!

Not an easy thing!

2011-07-27T01:18:00.000-04:00

So, my mom and stepdad decided to move this year. They left the Silverwood house and moved to Ghent. It's an incredibly timely and important move for them. They are both closer to work and don't have to deal with the tunnel anymore. Plus, no more yardwork! There were lots of important reasons for them to move.

I love the Silverwood house...See love-of-home posts: home and home

So their perfectly legitimate reasons didn't make it any easier for me. I don't blame them for moving, obviously, and I was surprised at how upset I was at the idea of no longer having my "childhood home" to return to every few months. As I told my mom, who did not like the idea of me being upset of course, it wouldn't matter if they sold it 10 years earlier or 5 years from now, this would be difficult for me anytime! I kind of looked at it like "this wonderful place was the only constant home I've ever had... moved there when I was 3, it was dad's house for a bit then it was mom's house while I was in elementary, middle, high school, then all through college when I lived in 4 different places in 4 years, then all those summers I spent in Maine, and even when I got my first apartment in Ghent and my shared house in Arlington... that was my Home, the place I could always return to and feel comfortable and safe.

I did get to say goodbye, though, in my own way. It was the first weekend in March this year. I was home and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get to back to the house before mom sold it. As I was just about to leave and doing my regular "walk through the house and look for things I may have left behind", I noticed the living room window. I've blogged about this window before. I stood and stared at it for a minute, really taking in the view, the window, everything about it. And I felt myself starting to cry because I knew in my heart it would be the last time I looked out at that window. I said goodbye to my mom and fake-out-high-fived my stepdad Rick (it's how we say both hello and goodbye). The second I got in the car and pulled away from that house for the last time, I burst into tears. I was a mess but I knew if I stopped, it wouldn't make anything better or easier for anybody, so I kept heading toward Arlington. I called my mom a few minutes later and cried to her, "It's just so sad!" She listened but I know a part of her was feeling bad for the changes. She shouldn't, of course, but that's what moms do.

I'm a big girl. I'll be fine. I'll always miss that house. I love that Silverwood home. And I love my mom, too, so wherever she is will be home to me.

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

Sidenote... part of the moving that weekend was bringing some items from my old childhood to Joy's parents house for Owen. I gave them my old writing table and my rocking horse. (Charlie Horse. Yup, that's what we named him).

A couple days ago, I got this picture and it makes me smile every time I look at it:

The look on my sweet O's face on my old horse...

sigh :)

A post for yesterday

2011-07-27T00:45:00.002-04:00

Justice.

It's been a common theme in my life. Sometimes I want it, sometimes I see it, sometimes it's missing but it's something that's very important to me.

Justice was served today in the form of heartache. That stinks but not for the person whose side I'm on...

You may notice that I already have two blog posts about her... here and here: don't cave, sandy!

Don't Cave Sandy is in reference to her divorce from sleazebag Jesse James. I'm proud to report that she didn't cave and instead adopted the most beautiful baby boy and is doin' the damn thing of raising him on her own. Go Girl!

Her sleazebag ex took up immediately and very publicly with a yucky tattooed loudmouth. They soon got engaged but ready for the justice???

They broke up!

I'm sorry this post is both bitter and riddled with celebrity gossip, but I love Sandra Bullock and she's a model for strength in a woman. But I bet secretly she's a little happy about this...

:)

"A Post for Yesterday" = yesterday was her Birthday. Happy Birthday, Sandra!

Um, hello July.

2011-07-08T20:28:00.002-04:00

Hey!

It's the mysterious monthly blogger! Just kidding. I've been starting my summer!

The last week in June, I mostly just slept, played, recovered from the school year and studied for my Math final (which I, nerdily enough, got a 99 on!!). So, I officially passed the math course.

The week before the 4th of July was spent preparing for my trip to Deep Creek Lake with some amazing friends. We were there Friday the 1st until Tuesday the 5th and every part of it was wonderful. Some people are just meant to be on the water. I am one of those people. Here are some pics:

Some ladies and I went on a hike to Swallow Falls.

Kristin and I didn't know what to do with our hands...

Jaime and I did!

Listened to some good tunes...

Saw some beautiful firework displays by the men of our group...

I made a cake!

This is Jaime's parents' backyard...

The strongest woman in the world...

Gets some liquid courage and back dives off the boat...

Waving a friendly boatersby...

Since then, I've been spending my time continuing to work on my tan and studying for the Oceanography final that I'm taking TOMORROW MORNING. Once that is over, I hope I'll feel like my life is my own again!!

Happy Summer!

Summertime is here again...

2011-06-22T18:00:00.002-04:00

Well, not surprisingly, June flew by. With 7 college credits, packing up a classroom and the bits and pieces that constitute the end of a year, I feel like I blinked and June is almost over.

But you know what is actually over? The 2010-2011 school year. And boy was it a good one. I love those little faces so much. I CAN'T WAIT to be their teacher next year!! Making the decision to loop up to 4th grade with the exact same class makes me really excited for September.

That being said, I AM SO GLAD IT'S SUMMER TIME!!! I need a break! I need some naps! I need some playtime! I need to do my college work and finish those classes so I can relax my mind and be ready for a new year.

Last summer, I made a giant To-Do list. And I accomplished most of it. Today, after last night's big playtime and a huge nap, I tried to make a To-Do list for this summer.

Here it is so far:

Yup. I'm not ready to have responsibilities yet. I'll try again tomorrow...

Phebe's turn

2011-06-01T23:26:00.005-04:00

I said everything I needed to say tonight, but as soon as I hit send, Phebe apparently had a few things to say....

Sorry it's dark, but it's bedtime. She had a lot to tell me. ("What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And... you ate a whole wheel of cheese? That's... I'm not not even mad, that's amazing.")

Randoms, also Hello June

2011-06-01T23:18:00.001-04:00

1. Tonight I brushed my teeth with my left hand. I'm right handed. It felt weird but I think I'm going to do it until it doesn't feel weird anymore. No, I don't know why.

2. This evening I thought for a LONG time about who should get their hair cut first: Me or Phebe. I still haven't figured out who'll be first.

3. Tomorrow we finish SOL testing!! And I am telling my students the "Big News". Reaction tomorrow.

4. My math class is kind of crazy but I also like it. Weird, right? Let's not talk about the science one. I'm in a good mood.

5. I downloaded "iBooks" on my phone and bought some books to read off my phone. I read all of Water for Elephants (pretty good-- didn't WOW me like it did everyone else but I think that's because too much of it made me sad and scared to age!) and now I'm reading The Help. I LOVE The Help so far. It's awesome and it's really nice to read it on my phone as I'm falling asleep. Part of me thinks reading a book on the smartphone is Too Technological but another part of me thinks I saved a tree and my phone is a lot easier to carry around. I think both parts are right.

6. 13 and a half days of school left. But who's counting?

7. I deep cleaned my room yesterday, GROTSing a lot of stuff. GROTS is a term my mom made up: Get Rid Of The Sh**. Feels nice.

8. To save some money, I lowered my phone plan. I guess I didn't realize how much I actually talked on the phone (hello, Savannah and West Virginia and mom? I'm dumb) because I am near my limit of minutes and the new cycle doesn't start until June 7!! I am going to try one more month like this and then most likely switch back to my old plan.

9. Most days I have at least 13 Words With Friends games waiting to be played. Most days I catch up. Some days I do not and it's ok.

10. My dog chewed my underwear today. It was the first time in 2 years. I'm not happy and I hope this trend doesn't continue. Yes, they were in my hamper. Yes, she scaled its two foot walls. Yes, it's kinda gross. I don't like that dogs do that.

Happy June. Summer is on the horizon, I can see it...

Sea of Love

2011-05-30T23:54:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day weekend was absolutely beautiful. As you read about the snippets, listen to this song...

Friday came with a half day of school and time to do schoolwork. I got quite a bit of Oceanography complete on Friday night which was great because it made me feel like I may be able to do it. Just don't say the "t" word (test). :)

Saturday, the weather was GORGEOUS and it was Brett and Micah's wedding day. Everything about Saturday was absolutely perfect. From dropping off their flowers, to getting ready at the hotel with Tara and Kate, to laughing with friends, to dancing with friends, to enjoying friends, to making new friends... just all the parts of it were amazing. The song you're listening to right now was Micah and Brett's first dance and about a minute in, the entire bridal party joined them on the dance floor. It was beautiful! Just an amazing couple, an amazing time.

Sunday, I got a big brunch and rehashed the wedding with Alli and Lou, then we all went to join Jaime at her pool for daiquiris and naps. We were all so peaceful and happy to be outside enjoying the weather and the company. We went out to dinner that night and then out on the town for what turned out to be Quite a fun time (how could it not? This weekend was so blissful, it would have taken A LOT to ruin it).

Monday, was a pregame BBQ at Amber and Charles', then a Nationals-Phillies baseball game. The weather was miserably hot, but it was hard to be miserable when you're surrounded by awesome people having a great time.

A little bit sunburned, a lot more relaxed, and lucky to have friends and family who are wonderful and love when I came back up to the top of the roller coaster... this weekend was just what was needed. Time to take a deep breath, to laugh, to dance and to realize that stress is temporary.

I'm glad to be back, too :)

Spinning

2011-05-26T21:32:00.001-04:00

I'm here to warn you this post is primarily negative. I promise I will try to find the positive at the end because that what you are supposed to do, but right now I'm kind of spinning.

I want to just bullet point all the stressors in my life right now that have kept me in hiding. Hiding is my defense mechanism when I feel overwhelmed. I wish it wasn't but I can acknowledge that I do it. I'm trying to get better at it. I'm sorry if you've been trying to contact me recently and I've been hiding. I still love you.

May has been fun and amazing and busy and overwhelming.

The first week I went to Massachusetts. It was one of the most amazing trips of my life and I worked some professional development there that reaffirmed what my teaching goals are.
The second week I realized that I REALLY wanted to Loop with my class to 4th grade. In mid-April, I wrote to the Va Dept. of Education to find out what credit hours I need to extend my teaching certification from pK-3rd to pK-6th. I found out the 2nd week in May. I need a basic math and a basic science. Ok! I thought. But in the back of my mind, I was super annoyed at JMU for not telling me. I mean, I could have knocked those out in a May session or two. Grr. So within the span of 2 days, I applied and got in (haha) to Northern Va community college and registered for the two courses I need: a 6 week math course (two nights/week 6p-9:30p on the campus) and an 8 week online course.
Third week in May meant a weekend away at the beach and I love the beach. And I loved the girls I went with. Also meant the start of my classes. Also yikes.
Fourth week in May is now. It's going to get its own bullets.

I'm completely overwhelmed taking 7 college credits and working full time at school and planning and getting 3rd graders prepared for SOL tests and ending the school year (18 days).
I've already fallen behind in my science course and I'm nervous about not being able to catch up.
I stressed myself out so much about my math test last Monday that I ended up with a sinus infection (which I did beat without medicine) but it took me down for a few days.
ALL FOUR OF MY PARENTS have been in the ER over the past week for various maladies. Most are perfectly fine. That I have to say Most and not All is terrifying me to my core. I will reveal absolutely zero details on here except to say that I love my parents and it's absolutely KILLING me to live 3 hours away.
My college classes are making me nervous. They don't end until July 11. I want to have a summer. I'm nervous that I won't have much of one.
Sleep would be nice but are you surprised that I am having trouble doing that?

You know when you're stressed and stuff just seems a million times worse than it probably actually is?

Also, there was a dead chipmunk in the backyard. It was maggoty and I almost vomited. I did not move it because I couldn't. Gross.

So yeah, that's where I am. And you might not know it by looking at me. Well, you would tonight because it's written all over my face. Puffy eyes, permanent brow crease, the works.

Remember when I told you I would find the positive? well....

I'll find some next week or tomorrow or even later tonight. I promise. For right now I have to go for a run because if I don't, I might explode.

Mom said just keep putting one foot in front of the other and only look at one day at a time, not the big picture right now because that's what's stressing me out.

I know she's right.

One foot.

My Mom

2011-05-08T18:27:00.002-04:00

I love my Mom. She's there when I need her. She can make conversation with anyone. She put up with me for 29 years!

Happy Mom's Day, Mom. I love you every day.

Feelings

2011-04-28T23:57:00.002-04:00

I love this picture. And I kind of feel like him today.

With A LOT of help from co-workers, college students, college counselors, my mom and the Virginia department of education... some pretty cool things happened today.

Exhausted but fiesty and a little bit nervous, I feel like this cub.

Spring Break, How Great

2011-04-25T23:26:00.002-04:00

Hello!

Yep, I've been missing. Went under the radar for Spring Break. It was kind of nice.

Here's a recap....

Monday I did all the errands I needed to do for the week (post office, grocery store, etc) and then I swung by the Verizon store because my new-every-two was up and I decided to use that $30 credit (WHAT?! booo) toward one of these bad boys:

And they aren't kidding. I was actually kind of nervous about getting one (BIG CHANGE from the Crackberries I've had for the past 4 years) but I knew I'd love it. And I do. It's awesome. I immediately downloaded:

Words with Friends.

And I haven't stopped playing since I got it. I am in, literally, 20 games with different people. (Ok, 3 with my brother). But it's awesome because I get to "play" scrabble with people all over the country! Californians, West Virginians, Virginians, people from the District... it's a blast. Super addicting but it also challenges your brain. Love it. So much.

This is currently my game with Joy. Now she will know some of my letters. But I'm ok with that :) **also, I like that it says that I played flute for 8 points. I've heard my flute playing. I'm no Ron Burgundy. 8 points is a lot.

Tuesday... I had a very lazy day! I know I slept in, cuddled my pup (that's her, the little spoon):

And took Pheebs for a walk while testing out my new camera:

The day ended with Trivia and Kelly. It was great! I actually was able to identify "calcium carbonate" as the main component of eggshells. I felt like Joey Tribbiani "Hey! I'm a dork!!" :)

Wednesday, I woke up and baked Joy's 30th birthday cake:

Then I went to the dentist on the most beautiful, warm and sunny day. I was definitely a grumpy gus. I ran a few more errands then I met my friend Jaime at her place on the river in Alexandria and we took her pup, Lovie, for an hour walk along the water. It was EXACTLY what I needed. Jaime is really good at advice and she was just the person I needed that day.

Later that night, I drove out to Dulles to pick up Mandy! She was flying in from Albuquerque (having visited her most quotable grandparents) and we got to spend some hours together catching up, eating, sharing stories, cameras and laughs. I miss her! We then proceeded to get locked out of her in-laws house and needed to wake them up at 1:30am. Oh, teachers on Spring Break. Yeah, Peep!

Thursday, I went out to West Virginia. I got to be with my Joy and the little person who I fall more in love with every time I see him. He is just so EDIBLE:

He has the most expressive eyebrows. And he smiles at me every time I look at him, like he knows that one day we'll be laughing together while causing mischief. He also thinks he's grown (yes, I'd love some ginger ale, mom):

He went down for a nap and Joy and I sat outside in the sunshine, chatting and sharing and iPhone apps. :) Of course, I took some pictures. They aren't great, but somehow I managed to catch some Joy (and also my finger. Hey, I'm learning):

I left Joy's around dinnertime and then headed to Fairfax to visit Mayrides and Matt. Matt cooked a yummy Moroccan meal for us (there was ginger in there!) and then we just chatted and caught up for a few hours. Lots of laughs. It was nice to see them! And Phebe loves their house because they have an amazing backyard for a dog. There's a hill so she can spy on all the neighborhood dogs and alert us when they are walking past the house. Thanks, Pheebs, we appreciate that.

Friday, I.... did... nothing. And it was awesome. It was a gross, gross, gross rainy day. Cold and blech. I stayed inside with my sewing machine and worked on some crafts that I am not at liberty to share yet because the recipients have not received them yet. Will post later. Also, I made a case for my iPhone. Duh. I'll post that later, too, because the fabric is used pointedly in one of my other crafts. Vague, vague. But 5-6 hours on my sewing machine was really fun! Later in the evening, Lou's parents were in town so we played some card games and laughed. A lot.

I like that laughing was very common this Spring Break.

Saturday and Sunday were pretty low key. I made William his birthday carrot cake and sat outside in the yard because it was warm and sunny. Even got my first light pink sunburn. Just very easy going. And of course, I played with my iPhone a ton.

The first day back to school was pretty good. I'm exhausted right this moment because I need to sleep to readjust myself but I have to share this song...

This is my Favorite hymn. And this country girl absolutely brings the house down singing it... whether you're spirital, religious and or none of the above, listen... it's pretty darn powerful.

Spring Break and Life... How Great

April so far

2011-04-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

April arrived. After posting nearly every day in March, I was a little blogged out and took a little break.

April has been busy already. 7 days in... there was an Engagement Party, two birthdays, lots of cake-baking, a surprise visitor at the birthday happy hour, lots of creating computer documents at work, and a general feeling of tired.

April has been and is going to be a lovely month, but all I want to do right now is...

SLEEP

Taking my first personal day from work tomorrow, sleeping, getting rested for the weekend (Amber's Wedding!!) and then hopefully I'll be back to my old blogging self.

March 31st picture post

2011-03-31T19:37:00.000-04:00

Adios, March! You're outttttaaaa here! I always like when March is over. It's a lonnnnnnng month.

Even me at 6 weeks old is pumped for the end of March.

Enjoy the last official picture post, friends!

March 30th picture post

2011-03-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss

Recently, I have really been missing my friend Christian. We've been trying to connect on the phone as of late, but I've been missing him for years!

I met Christian in Maine during the summer of '97. I was 15 years old and I had gone to Chop Point Camp for 6 weeks of my summer. It was pretty scary to go to another state for so long for the first time, but when I got to Chop Point Camp, it was very easy to be myself and to make friends. It's an amazing place.

I was a Worker, not a camper. Another girl and I did the camp's laundry and in between loads, we would hang out on the docks sunning ourselves and being silly with our friends. Christian and I became friends very easily because we were both a little loud and a little wild. He was far more daring and I was more reserved but we instantly connected and enjoyed being around each other. He was my best friend that summer.

We talked about everything. We talked about what we liked about boys and girls. I told him that the most romantic thing someone could do for me was to make me mashed potatoes because I loved them. Haha! I helped him get the girls he wanted to "date" (as much as you could at summer camp) and I stayed boy-free because I had my best friend. Maybe I had small crush on him. We were 15 :)

At the end of every camp session (3 weeks), there was an evening where you could send your friends carnations with little notes telling them how much they mean to you/friends forever/etc. I'll never forget the story of that last night of my 2nd session (the end of my time there that summer)... Everyone was getting their carnations and reading their notes. I saw Christian coming down the camp hill with something in his hands. He came over to me and handed me a tupperware container full of mashed potatoes. siggggggh :)

It was, by far, the most romantic gesture I'd ever had at age fifteen. Christian is definitely the first boy I ever truly loved. We stayed friends for many winters and summers but lost touch after a few years.

He's now a supreme Rock Star touring Europe with his band. He sings, too, did I mention that? He is so awesome.

Christian... I can't wait to reconnect with you when you return to the states. Thanks for being my sweetest first love! Sending mashed potato thoughts your way...

Too Cool For School... or Facebook

2011-03-29T22:22:00.004-04:00

March 29th picture post

2011-03-29T21:32:00.000-04:00

Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile

Let's be real. I couldn't choose just one. Or even five. But I know how people like to look at random pictures. It's like looking in someone's windows.

Here are some windows that make me smile...

when we discovered cut/paste in Paint in college...

me teaching venn diagrams...

At laaaaast... my love has come along...

Chicago...

Yep...

Teeny bebe...

Random Tuesday in April...

Agreed...

The best 3rd grade reading group name ever...

My first glamour shot...

My cooking partner...

steadying the camera on some wild brush...

the best birthday...

An overpacked car... I didn't see Kristin for 3 hours...

more from the best birthday...

sunburn... love it even though I'll pay for it later

bedroom surprises...

the most fun bag designed by all kinds of joy...

someone else created by joy...

when school projects are successful...

the girl who sits by herself at the piano bar...

Senior prom... I was cinderella... (also captains of varsity Soccer and Baseballs teams right there!)

More high school fun...

took me 3 summers, but I mastered that rubber boat...

March 28th picture post

2011-03-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of

Honestly, I can't put a picture up here today. I tried and tried to find a picture of a spider but every time I saw one, my body went into complete convulsions and I couldn't look at the computer screen. It's not easy to blog that way.

Here are my biggest two fears that I can't show you pictures or videos of:

1. Spiders

2. Animals that talk like humans do (mouths moving)

Here is another fear that's slightly funnier. It makes me giggle because I'll have a happy life either way, I know it...

heheehe

She's Amazing!

2011-03-28T00:28:00.002-04:00

Please go see what Mandypeep made this weekend...

Holy Hail!

2011-03-27T18:43:00.000-04:00

Peep! Is! 30!

Happy, happy birthday, Mandy! You have such great ideas and I love to hear them!

I had the fortune of talking to her on the phone today as it started massively hailing in Savannah. Awesome! Happy Birthday, Peep! Love you!

March 27th picture post

2011-03-27T18:34:00.001-04:00

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member 

My brothers. Old picture... they are now 35, 16 and 13. Old men.

March 26th picture post

2011-03-27T18:29:00.000-04:00

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you 

My house. I grew up here. We moved here when I was 3 so it's the only house I remember. My bedroom is the last window on the right there. That's my first car in the driveway (Harriet). That means this picture was taken somewhere between Junior Year and Sophomore year of college. (when Harriet met her demise)

This will soon be someone else's house and I hope they make as many memories as we did.

I learned to ride a bike in the driveway. I watched teenage boy friends toilet paper my house in the middle of the night and thought it was funny so I didn't tell my mom. I had campouts with Laura in the barn. I also kissed Ryan in the barn. I played "bank" by depositing magnolia leaves from the backyard into the mailbox. (I'm sure the mailman loved me). I sat in that living room window and watched all the traffic in the neighborhood. I watched Joy drive up on her Inaugural just-turned-16 drive. I watched boyfriends pull up.

So many memories. I will miss my house. A lot. But like someone recently told me, just because the house is gone doesn't mean the memories disappear, too.

March 25th picture post

2011-03-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

Day 25 – A picture of your favorite day 

any of the days we spent tubing on the river have been favorite days

March 24th picture post

2011-03-24T18:54:00.000-04:00

Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change

things that make me smile

2011-03-23T20:12:00.002-04:00

I went searching

2011-03-23T19:35:00.000-04:00

Today I was a little sad. And a little grumpy. And very tired. March is a long month for teachers. No break. I wanted to curl up and take a nap. So I took my Pheebs on a walk instead.

It was a Very Gray day outside. Rain has been threatening all day and thunderstorms are in the forecast tonight. It was maybe 49 degrees outside and yuck.

So I went searching for Spring. Because I want it to come. Badly!

The poor daffodils were trying their hardest to bring spring:

But then I found some on our cherry tree...

And then I found some more...

Pheebs and I have a new hiking trail that we like a lot. It's been pretty wintry back there. Bare trees and sticks and remnants of big leaf piles. It's been looking like this:

But then I found some green... it gave me hope that spring is coming!

This is the clearest picture, because trying to get that little black thing sitting still is a challenge.

There she is :)

And now she is...

Mmmm she looks so comfy... maybe it is time to nap before she wakes up to protect me from thunder. (She thinks barking works)

March 23rd picture post

2011-03-23T17:53:00.002-04:00

Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book 

March 22nd picture post

2011-03-23T17:52:00.000-04:00

Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at 

Knowing when to Shut Up

Having more patience

March 21st picture post

2011-03-21T18:25:00.002-04:00

Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget

another great article

2011-03-20T21:28:00.000-04:00

I only post articles if they are funny throughout. This one brings the funny on the first line, takes you on a hilarious and inspiring roller coaster of a story and finishes with a one-liner BANG. (read for the waterfall parts, as well).

Enjoy... Jackson said that Jones "foot swept" the suspect

Lessons from Grammar...

2011-03-20T19:56:00.001-04:00

Lessons from 3rd grade...

2011-03-20T19:54:00.002-04:00

We all make mistakes. And we all make rights.

It's been awhile...

2011-03-20T15:48:00.001-04:00

...since I've done a LOOK HOW CUTE MY DOG IS post.

Be on the lookout for the world's cutest dog yawn sound at about :27.

March 20th picture post

2011-03-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel

Sense a trend?

March 19th picture post

2011-03-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

Day 19 – A picture and a letter

March 18th picture post

2011-03-19T11:04:00.000-04:00

Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity

Doing more things than I can handle, and then having to admit it...

And this one....

March 17th picture post

2011-03-17T19:27:00.000-04:00

Day 17 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

changed my life.

cheesy, I know.

but how else could I keep off 25 pounds?

I learned a lot and I'm still learning.

My goal is still 30 before 30.

I've got 5 and a half months to go.

Maybe 40 before 30?

March 16th picture post

2011-03-16T22:10:00.000-04:00

Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you

http://www.kellehampton.com/

March 15th picture post

2011-03-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die

#1 float on a raft here:

Fiji

#2 Perform this in Community Theater (as Lucy):

Dreams...

March 14th picture post

2011-03-14T20:54:00.001-04:00

Day 14 – A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

My Mama.

The original Chop Point worker. She "made" me go to Maine when I was 16. Thank goodness she did. I kept going until I was 22! One year she came up and cooked in the kitchen:

Excuse my face. Weird one. Seasick? I took Mom out sailing :)

She always makes a lovely Christmas.

And we rocked out a Justin Timberlake dance routine at several weddings that summer

We have similar coloring and similar mouths, but we don't think we look too much alike...

Mom has light eyes. Jealous.

And she came up the weekend I went to get my Pheebs. Thank goodness she was there. I needed my mom when I brought that baby home. When mom left to go home that Sunday, I cried and cried!! Sometimes you just need your mom. Especially when it's doghat time.

I love you, mom!

March 13th picture post

2011-03-13T21:55:00.000-04:00

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist 

My 25 most played on my iTunes:

Eclectic taste!!

March 12th picture post

2011-03-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

Day 12 – A picture of something you love

As you pan through these pictures, see if you can see what I love most in the world...

True Laughter.

It's my favorite sound in the world.

March 11th picture post

2011-03-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Day 11 – A picture of something you hate

This one is interesting and I'm going to take a non-serious and a serious route.

Non-serious (albeit true)

I hate Olives. A lot. They're so salty and squirmy and eyebally and gross. To me.

The next thing I hate is one that my true friends know about me. I talk tough sometimes and I act tough sometimes and I AM tough sometimes, but there is something that will break me down to my core and make me cry like a baby because I hate it so much.

Injustice.

Especially to people who don't know any better or are well-meaning.

Any tv shows, movies, etc where this occurs will have me bawling in seconds. One in particular that I can never watch again:

I know you might say, "But it all ends well." And that's just fine and good but the early scenes where he speaks no English and is lost in the airport and can't ask for help and is scared and confused AND THEN people yell at him and are mean to him and he doesn't understand.... well, I'm done. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it and I've only seen the movie once.

If an olive is being mean to another olive for no reason and the second olive is well-meaning, well... I hate this most of all.

March 10th picture post

2011-03-10T21:04:00.000-05:00

Day 10 – A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with

This was a no-brainer. Lou. Fo' sho.

(not on the countertops, mom)

"I am so jealous that you covered your face! I look like 'Buzz... your girlfriend... woof!'"

We had just taken a sip of something incredibly strong. Soda, I swear.

To more zany adventures and late weekend nights...

Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool...

2011-03-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

From 3rd grade today:

My wonderful intern: "I'm going to go laminate these, do you need anything while I'm in there?"
Me: "No, I think I'm g2g." (p.s. when do I Ever talk in text language? I don't even text in text language)
Funny male student (supremely annoyed): "Are you guys in high school?"

Tired

2011-03-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

Some things:

1. I was completely ready for this week. I was planned, I was organized, I had school plans and meal plans. I was rested. I had gone home to visit Mom for the weekend and she let my pup out in the mornings so I could sleep. I was rested. Very rested.

2. My schedule is packed. I love a packed schedule. But I'm getting older! (shhh) I get tired easily. I wish I had the stamina of 4 or 5 years ago, but I'm going to be honest. I have made a tough work and exercise schedule for myself and it makes me tired.

3. Having a Student Intern in my room IS AWESOME. I love having another adult around all day to enjoy my funny bunch of kiddos.

4. By the time Thursday evening rolls around and I've been at school each day until 4:30 or 5:00... I'm tired.

5. I'm tired. It's not a complaint. It's a fact. And I've got 7 more weeks of this fun, so it's part of me right now. I'm getting used to it. I love it. And I'm tired. :)

6. Teachers deserve summers off.

7. I love my class. They also care for me a great deal. So much, in fact, that they want to talk to me all day long, about everything. I love it So much. It makes me tired. But the good kind of tired. 99% of days this year have ended in appreciative smiles and inside jokes. I love them. I love my job. And I'm tired.

8. I discovered today that when I buy the Easter pack of mini peppermint patties, I get grumpy when I pull a silver one out of the bag. I want a pink one or a blue one. I mean, they are special after all. You can get silver any old time.

9. I ramble when I'm tired.

10. I'm tired. Did I mention that?

Why?

2011-03-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

I always like to teach my 3rd graders to write letters. We start before Christmas so they can write thank you notes and then they learn how to write letters to anybody. I get letters ALL THE TIME. And I always try to write back.

I have an awesome student intern in my room and she started getting some letters, too. She wrote one girl back and casually asked, "What are you going to do this weekend?"

This was the response she got:

We laughed so hard. I interpreted it as "No, I don't have plans for the weekend. Why. What's everybody doin?"

HILARIOUS! I love 3rd graders.

Not bad

2011-03-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

March 9th picture post

2011-03-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

Day 09 – A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most 

God.

March 8th picture post

2011-03-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh

Of course, I couldn't pick just one.

I'm not giving you any context with this one. Except to say "yes, that's an old sleeve on his head."

I'm an adult. I was rolling down a hill into people sitting in chairs. I did catch myself, although almost not.

In my neighborhood in Chesapeake...

Best picture from Halloween '08

But it's not Kristin's fault. Look at what she was a part of.

It's Love.

2011-03-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

spaghetti squash

light creamy alfredo sauce

= LOVE!

March 7th picture post

2011-03-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

Day 07 – A picture of your favorite memory

My Favorite Memory is place... Chop Point Camp in Woolwich, Maine. It's... there aren't words. It's like magic at that camp. Summers fly by in a night. You have to wear sweatshirts in the morning and are sweating by noon. There is always someone to laugh with. You can be yourself. It's... wow.

I'm so glad I got to spend 2 camper summers and 4 counselor summers there... Amen.

My second summer there, I completely bonded with Evan. We were both workers (me- laundry lady, him- dishes) so we had some downtime. We would raid the books downstairs in the dining hall for the most serious ones. Then we'd spend hours on the floor laughing and making fun of them. In our hands, we have Freud's "The Mind". We had a field day with that one. Someone caught this picture and I'll be forever thankful.

One of my counselor summers, we girls Ruled the docks as the lifeguards. What a job. LOOK WHERE WE WORKED! On slow/cloudy days, we'd make up songs. :)

Some days we actually worked! :) I love that I'm laughing at something... because I always was...

And I got to drive the Avon! This rubber boat with a small motor bested me for 2 summers. And two very scary practice runs. But summers 3 and 4, I was the Avon master!

Get to know you games! I always loved this first night of camp when everyone was new and nervous and I could be a complete nerd so that others would feel comfortable! I hope campers became friends by laughing at me...

LOBSTER NIGHT!!

Ok, this was fake. But I was really guarding.

One of my favorite cabins... The Boathouse Girls :)

Most dock days...

Just so much fun...

Too many good memories :)

March 6th picture post

2011-03-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

Day 06 – A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day

Richard Branson

March 5th picture post

2011-03-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

Day 05- A picture of your most treasured item

I'm supposed to say:

But she's not an "item," so it's definitely my...

March 4th picture post

2011-03-04T22:41:00.001-05:00

I'm at home in Chesapeake tonight. It's 10:26 and my parents have already gone to bed. So I'll blog! (p.s. I got them to watch two episodes of Raising Hope. I think I can get them to watch more tomorrow! "WINNING!"-Charlie Sheen)

Day 04 – A picture of your favorite night 

I have a lot of favorite nights. Many of them include sunsets, warm weather, and water of some kind. I have a recurring dream that I hope I will come true one day involving these three things and a boy with a guitar. But I digress.

Three chosen favorite nights:

#1: Sophomore year of college when I was an RA in Wampler, we had an ice storm right before break. Very, very late one night a friend and I decided to go for a walk. We passed the beautiful JMU tree on the Quad and it was gorgeous and icy. It was a magical walk and a wonderful night.

#2: Any night dancing at the Yarmouth Clam Festival is a good night. As my buddy Matt used to say, "Where you can you see a man wearing a clam costume, a severely obese woman, and twenty college kids breakin' it down? At the Yarmouth Clam Festival and NOWHERE ELSE!"

#3: Lou and I went to a baseball game last year on a random Tuesday night. We got pretty silly. It was a beautiful, warm night. We enjoyed the terrible conversation of the guy behind us, screaming at the team, and each other.

mazda

2011-03-03T23:27:00.000-05:00

please read this article because the last line makes it worth it

March 3rd picture post

2011-03-03T23:06:00.000-05:00

Day 03 – A picture of the cast from your favorite show

#1: Modern Family

#2 Parks and Rec

#3 Top Chef All Stars-- this has been my favorite season of this show

#4 a wild card: Raising Hope. I thought this show looked trashy so I didn't want to watch it. But then I saw a couple of funny commercials for it during the Super Bowl so I thought I'd give it a try. I like it A LOT. Way more than I thought. Best part: It's on hulu from the beginning. Try out the first 4 episodes. I think you'll like it, too :)

Half

2011-03-02T19:54:00.004-05:00

I'm 29 and a half today.

6 months to 30.

But I mean, whatever...

(mheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)

March 2nd picture post

2011-03-02T19:38:00.001-05:00

Day 02 – A picture of you and the person with whom you have been closest longest

This was a really tough one because I have known some of my friends a Really long time!

For example, Anne and I have been friends pretty much since my birth since our moms went and became besties when mine was pregnant with me...

(insert pictures of childhood here. I was such a brat! That's probably whey there are no pictures)

But we were on the soccer team together two seasons when she was a Junior/Senior and I was a Freshman/Sophomore.

And I was in her wedding! Here we are trying to remember one of our dance routines to the song "Jump for my love" by the Pointer Sisters

We freakin' nailed it.

And Laura and I were friends in Preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school... and we lived together after college in Norfolk for awhile... too many adventures to count.

Here she is with her husband Jon. They were Jack and Jill. :)

Meghan and Andrea and I have been friends since 4th grade!

Here's Andg and Me in 4th or 5th grade...

Andrea and I lived together in college our Junior year

And near each other in the post-college years...

Sometimes Megs and I go to the prom... as adults...

We spent many a New Years Eve together...

And we were in Andrea's beautiful wedding...

And then there's my Joy... I feel so blessed to have so many amazing friends in my life. But when I met this lady in 7th grade (yes, 7th, not 8th) in Mr. Shaw's english class, I knew we'd be friends. We didn't become besties until 8th grade in Mr. Smith's history class which we pretty much ruled. It makes me sad as a teacher to understand that that man had ZERO management skills. When he finally got fed up with our antics and sent Joy to the principal's office, the rest of our class staged a sit-in and shouted, "heck no, she won't go!" When he sent me to a desk right next to the chalkboard, I coordinated with the class to drop their books when I wrote GO on the chalkboard. While they dropped, I erased. Terrible. But Joy and I were in the thick of it. Naughty, awesome kids. Good-natured, not mean-spirited or terribly disrespectful... at least until Sophomore year of high school in Sociology class. But that's a story for another time. :)

I love her...

Junior year Homecoming parade.

Junior prom...

I have no idea when this picture was taken but it's a timeless shot in her mom's kitchen :)

Sometimes she sits on my lap when I turn 27.

Or goes camping when she's 7 months pregnant.

And comes to my birthday party when it's 9-02-10 themed, VERY pregnant

And I got to throw her baby shower...

And I got to meet Owen when he was six hours old :)

And the fun will continue with this forever friend...

Thanks to all my old friends who are still my close friends. Love you all!

Try not to laugh

2011-03-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

Baby lover or not, I dare you not to laugh at this baby! So cute! I just received word that one of my favorite little fellows is laughing more and more, too...

Yikes.

2011-02-28T22:34:00.003-05:00

Please look at the caption for this picture. He actually said that. Also, if you haven't seen this piece of crazy in it's entirety... please do. It's TOTALLY worth the 12 minutes.

March 1st picture post

2011-02-28T17:53:00.002-05:00

Day 01 – A picture of yourself with fifteen facts about you 

1. I like this picture because I'm trying to be a bad ass... but I'm pointing to the elf shoes I made.

2. I was born on Wednesday, September 2, 1981. It was the day before my brother's 6th birthday and my mom wanted to be there for his birthday party so she went to the doctor and said, "This baby is 3 weeks late. Get it out of me." (I'm paraphrasing, but not exaggerating)

3. Cheese is my favorite thing in the world to eat and that's why I rarely buy it. I will never eat bleu, gorgonzola or swiss cheese.

4. If I hadn't become a teacher, I would have tried to become an architectural designer. I love creating floor plans. I used to draw them what I was little and I had the MOST organized lego dollhouse.

5. Sometimes the only thing I want is Large fountain diet coke.

6. Every day when I come home from school, I unwind by reading all the new blog posts on my google reader.

7. I live in Arlington, VA, but I don't think northern VA is my Forever Place. I think I'm more small town.

8. There are a small number of people in this world that I trust 100%.

9. I'm a sucker for awards shows because I like to see people get surprised and emotional when they win.

10. My favorite summers were spent in Maine. Hopefully, my favorite summers will still be spent in Maine.

11. I get excited every time I see Justin Timberlake.

12. I went to a babysitter's house every day from when I was 6 weeks old until middle school, when I started walking home by myself.

13. I knew I wanted to have kids the day that my dog fell asleep standing up right in front of me and it was so cute that it hurt my heart.

14. I like that I don't know where my career will take me... principal? librarian? Organizer?

15. I still believe in love. And it amazes me that I still do after so many trials and tribulations.

Thanks for checking in! Stay tuned for tomorrow's fun!

March Sharing

2011-02-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

My friend Carmela had a cool idea... in March, on top of every other crazy thing I have going on, I decided to do her idea on my blog, too.

A journey in pictures... here's what you have coming...

Day 01 – A picture of yourself (me) with fifteen facts about you  (me)

Day 02 – A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest 

Day 03 – A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 – A picture of your favorite night 

Day 05- A picture of your most treasured item

Day 06 – A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day 

Day 07 – A picture of your favorite memory 

Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh 

Day 09 – A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most 

Day 10 – A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with

Day 11 – A picture of something you hate

Day 12 – A picture of something you love 

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist 

Day 14 – A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without 

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die 

Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you 

Day 17 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 – A picture and a letter 

Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel 

Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget 

Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at 

Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book 

Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change 

Day 25 – A picture of your favorite day 

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you 

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member 

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of 

Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile 

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss

Day 31- A picture you love for reasons you don't have to share

Starstruck!

2011-02-26T09:11:00.003-05:00

If you haven't already met him, this is Fred Armisen. (in the dashing vest) He's a regular on Saturday Night Live, he just came out with his own tv show and he's done some bit parts in movies.

Kat and Garth has been my favorite sketch for several months. Watch a few...

On Friday night, I went to the Black Cat in DC to see "A Night with Fred Armisen." He performed some music, some of his SNL characters and just basically had fun. His show was a little short (about an hour and 15 minutes) so right before he left to go offstage before his encore, some jerk in the back shouted "TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS!"

When he came back onstage for his encore, he wanted to do a little Garth and Kat, but he said he needed some volunteers. I didn't want to volunteer myself and stage fright took hold, but my wonderful roommate Lindsay (who knows this is my DREAM) started screaming, "HERE!! RIGHT HERE!! THIS GIRL!! SHE WANTS TO DO IT!!!" He looked at me as if to say, "Do you really want to or is your friend just volunteering you?" And I said, "Yes, I'd like to." So I climbed up on stage....

I love him.

Here's a shorter part of it that Lou made with my camera... I could watch it for hours!! :)

Hope you enjoy... It was such an awesome experience!!

(More Fred videos to come)

ANIMAL BEATBOX

2011-02-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon...

2011-02-24T21:47:00.002-05:00

Let's visit!

2011-02-24T21:44:00.001-05:00

Someone designed this house with a 3-floor slide. There are pictures on yahoo. WOW!!

Fun!!

Seriously, Weather?!

2011-02-20T23:52:00.001-05:00

Tonight I went to see The King's Speech. It was amazing. Ready for spring, I wore flip flops because the weather has been over 50 degrees for a few days. (not counting wind chill) And I brought socks into the theater with me.

When we left the theater, there were snowflakes in the air. I, in my flip flops, screamed obscenities to the sky.

Seriously, Weather?!

Well, look at the next couple of days!!!

Get your ish together, Weather. I'm packing my bags for the caribbean as we speak.

(no, I'm not. dangit)

If ever we're sad

2011-02-20T23:36:00.003-05:00

Bookmark this one, friends... if you're ever feeling sad and need a pick-me-up... just watch Carlton.

Let's make this a great week!

I want to go here!

2011-02-20T10:23:00.001-05:00

Yes, I watched Kindergarten Cop yesterday. I saw a sign in the movie that said "Welcome to Astoria". So it was time to do some research.

WHAT! Astoria, Oregon was home to some awesome movies!!

From wikipedia:

Astoria was the setting of the 1985 movie The Goonies, which was filmed on location. Other movies filmed in Astoria include Overboard, Short Circuit, The Black Stallion,Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, Benji the Hunted, The Ring,^[12] The Ring Two, Into the Wild, The Guardianand Cthulhu.

From the Goonies:

From Kindergarten Cop:

From Short Circuit:

From Free Willy

From Overboard:

I think Astoria, Oregon is beautiful!!!! You can take a Goonies tour, btw.

The Answer

2011-02-19T23:41:00.001-05:00

Who are "Bah Humbugs"?

2011-02-18T21:07:00.003-05:00

Turns out, people at the gym don't care for when I call out the answers in Teen Jeopardy.

"Who are 'Haters'?"

also, I got ~~one~~ ~~some~~ plenty wrong. I'm human. and it was hard.

Dude can moonwaaaalk

2011-02-17T23:24:00.000-05:00

One of these characters is currently my favorite character on tv right now. Can you guess?

Is it Abed or Troy?

My blog title should give you a big clue.

The answer will be given tomorrow.

Gaga = Cuckoo

2011-02-16T22:56:00.003-05:00

More secret movies

2011-02-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

I posted about being Perpetually 12 years old awhile back. Well, scanning through netflix instant play yesterday, I found a movie that will always get to me...

And I don't care if you judge me. I will defend this movie choice below.

1. I have been all over the U.S. (yes, I have!) but there is a big part of my heart that loves the values (and even sometimes the accent) of the South. Even though I am from the Virginia Beach area, I am drawn to the comfort, consistency and safety net that a Southern community provides.

2. I like small towns.

3. I like rocky romances where couples argue or fight or spar simply because they are completely in love with each other and it's entertaining to them both.

4. I don't like "classically handsome" men. I like Josh Lucas, in this movie. He's super cute and attractive without being obvious. (P.S. remind me to blog about why my mom hates Nick Lachey. It's awesome)

5. Who doesn't love a happy ending?

Ruggedly handsome without being obvious:

I like guys that get dirty doing stuff around the house...

And frankly, there's nothing like a good "Come on, y'all!" to get the blood pumping.

Sorry, Mom from New York.

Love Day!

2011-02-14T23:21:00.002-05:00

It's been a wonderful day of love! My class was simply amazing.

(a truly quotable day).... And I caught some amazing freestyle dancing on video during our class Valentine's party. Wish I could post it. True or false: They danced to Cuban Pete sung by Jim Carrey in the movie "The Mask". So fantastically true.

Here's my funny valentine...

A tiny pup who didn't know she had a leaf on her nose. I woke her up to take her picture... then took it off.

Here's my horoscope today. I liked it :)

February 14, 2011

Virgo (8/23-9/22)
Of all the signs in the zodiac, yours will definitely be one of the happiest, given today's assembled astrological energies. When it comes to one-to-one relationships, all kinds of feelings -- both current and from the distant past -- will be coming along. The good news is that all those emotions stand to be quite positive.

An Amazing Find

2011-02-12T12:46:00.001-05:00

Do you need a laugh?

Watch: An Idiot Abroad.

There's a recently-discovered show on the Science Channel that is brilliant. Ricky Gervais and his buddy Steve Merchant have a naive, uncomfortable, hilarious friend named Karl Pilkington. So Ricky and Steve decided to executive produce a show where they send Karl around to see the Seven Wonders of the world. It is their goal to make him as uncomfortable as possible. Karl is innocent, unknowing and a good sport. It. Is. HILARIOUS! Watch the first episode (China) and you won't be sad. They are addicting.

Can you tell which one is Karl in this picture?

Yup, you were right...

Loves it.

Learning a new culture...

My roommate heard about it from his sister. We found it on demand on the Science Channel. Try it!!

Things I already forgot how to do...

2011-02-09T23:29:00.003-05:00

Oh ok, got it.

I'm old.

Mom's Superbowl Proclamation- she's Psychic, I think

2011-02-06T22:30:00.002-05:00

Last Year's Prediction

Well, she did it again. Here are the last 4 Superbowl proclamations by one Mom of Mine.

Super Bowl XLII-- It was the Giants vs. the Patriots. My mom called me and said, "I've decided to go for the Giants because they are huge, huge beings who will step on the tiny little patriots. Patriots have small weapons, like tiny muskets and those won't even touch the Giants. So I'm going with the Giants." Score: Giants 17, Patriots 14. Well done, Mom.

Super Bowl XLIII-- It was the Steelers vs. the Cardinals. She called me with her annual proclamation and said, "Ok, so I'm thinking it will be the Cardinals because they can peck out the eyes of the slow-moving guys who work on assembly lines. And the birds can just fly out of the way of the men." Score: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23. Well, you can't win them all.

Super Bowl XLIV-- The Colts vs. the Saints. "So, I think it's going to be the Saints because they have wings and they have God on their side. Plus, colts aren't even full-sized horses yet, they're like, teenagers. I mean, four legs do not beat a pair of wings." She also made this point: "New Orleans is a city that needs a win..." Score: Saints 21, Colts 17. Stella had her groove back.

Super Bowl XLV- The Green Bay Packers vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers. Evenly matched teams. I called mom. She said, "To be honest, this was a hard one. Packers and Steelers are both large, sweaty men who wear too-small t-shirts. They are pretty much the same, except for one thing. I'm giving the edge to the Packers because they are used to handling soft things... like cheese and meat, so they will deal with the players, the flesh, better. Steelers just deal with hard things, like steel." Score: Packers 31, Steelers 25.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Mom called it again. Official proclamation record: 3-1.

***UPDATE: 2/10/11. Trying to maintain her rep after reading this post, she sent me this email: "I revised my Cardinals proclamation. I’d forgotten that Cardinals wear long robes and crosses. They tripped over the robes, of course. Silly me."

Sigh...

2011-02-05T18:42:00.000-05:00

It was a wonderful day...

Learning!

2011-02-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how to take a screen shot on my computer! It was incredibly easy, but I never looked it up.

It inspired me to take a class over the summer at Apple to learn other cool computer tricks!

Screenshots of today:

meehanderings

Yes, I know.

Back To School

2 Hours

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

EARTHQUAAAAAAKE

Head Nods

Pool Mooch Extraordinaire.

So Long Sweet Summer (again?!)

Coming Soon...

Guaranteed laugh...

Not an easy thing!

A post for yesterday

Um, hello July.

Summertime is here again...

Phebe's turn

Randoms, also Hello June

Sea of Love

Spinning

My Mom

Feelings

Spring Break, How Great

April so far

March 31st *picture* post

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Too Cool For School... or Facebook

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She's Amazing!

Holy Hail!

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things that make me smile

I went searching

March 23rd *picture* post

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March 21st *picture* post

another great article

Lessons from Grammar...

Lessons from 3rd grade...

It's been awhile...

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Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool...

Tired

Why?

Not bad

March 9th *picture* post

March 8th *picture* post

It's Love.

March 7th *picture* post

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mazda

March 3rd *picture* post

Half

March 2nd *picture* post

Try not to laugh

Yikes.

March 1st *picture* post

March Sharing

Starstruck!

ANIMAL BEATBOX

Coming Soon...

Let's visit!

Seriously, Weather?!

If ever we're sad

I want to go here!

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