I was looking for something else on YouTube to post tonight to celebrate the end of NaBloPoMo when I came across this:
These random things are why YouTube is so much fun. I think my childhood flashed before my eyes while watching this video--and it is long enough that I could get pretty much from birth to age 10 when I first saw this video. I'd forgotten how bad this song is and how uncoordinated most of those men were/are. Seriously, watch #4. Was he the kicker? Whatever position he played, thank goodness rhythm was not involved. I do enjoy the cheese-tastic graphics and fake instrument playing. That is totally awesome '80s right there. Back in the day, I probably knew 90% of the words (not using the term lyrics because that would assume that this was actually lyrical). Thankfully (and surprisingly), it is no longer taking up much-needed space in my brain.
And I actually was looking for Celebration by Kool & the Gang which is, like, one of my favorite songs EVER and I thought would be an apropos ending to the month. I tried to convince Paul to use it as our wedding recessional song. He completely balked at the suggestion. Later, too late for our recessional, he mentioned we should have used Mancini's Baby Elephant Walk. I so wish he'd mentioned it even on October 1 because I absolutely would have gone for it.
No baby elephants in this video on YouTube. Enjoy:
And thus completes one month (plus one extra) of posting. It wasn't as difficult as I'd thought it would be although I'll be the first to admit that some of my posts are pretty lame. I doubt I stick with the daily posting schedule but it's nice to know that I could do it. But tomorrow, I'm taking a day off.
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Day 29: The End is Near
The Book Fair was delivered yesterday morning. Let the good times begin. I enjoy doing the book fair--it's just a really high-energy week for me. I started setting it up today for a Sneak Peek we're having tomorrow. It's mostly for parents and teachers but I imagine a few students will sneak in as well. I don't mind--the students who visit the library typically aren't the troublemakers. Even when the troublemakers stop by, they behave or they are politely asked to get the heck out which they always do with an "Ah, Miss. We were just playing." I honestly have very little discipline issues in the library. That's a definite perk to being the librarian.
Each of the language arts classes will visit the book fair as a class on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. I've got parent volunteers coming in to help throughout the week to help during lunches and student volunteers who help out during the class periods making certain nothing walks out and keeping things neat and tidy. The student volunteers get a lanyard to wear during their shift--it's as if that little plastic nametag with "Volunteer" gives them some type of power rush. It's amusing to see how serious some of the students are about catching possible shoplifters. But throughout the past 5 years that I've run the fair, we have caught a couple of students trying to take something. But as much fun as it is, I'll definitely be glad when next Friday rolls around and I get to pack it all back up. I'll be even happier on Monday when it's picked up and everything is back to normal.
It was downright cold outside today--I think I saw the high was right around 40, which isn't really that cold except it was a wet cold. It was overcast and the sky was spitting most of the day. Thankfully my heater was fixed yesterday around noon. The repairmen said it just hadn't been turned on but I know (and the custodian conferred) that it was on earlier. Someone probably got on the roof and turned it off--we've had random mischief like that before. I'm just glad it was an easy fix and that my little library is toasty warm now.
Today's random picture is from the record snow we had over New Year's. Paul and I took a walk to start the year off right. I don't know what he was doing. Surveying the scene, I guess. I never know what goes through his head.
Each of the language arts classes will visit the book fair as a class on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. I've got parent volunteers coming in to help throughout the week to help during lunches and student volunteers who help out during the class periods making certain nothing walks out and keeping things neat and tidy. The student volunteers get a lanyard to wear during their shift--it's as if that little plastic nametag with "Volunteer" gives them some type of power rush. It's amusing to see how serious some of the students are about catching possible shoplifters. But throughout the past 5 years that I've run the fair, we have caught a couple of students trying to take something. But as much fun as it is, I'll definitely be glad when next Friday rolls around and I get to pack it all back up. I'll be even happier on Monday when it's picked up and everything is back to normal.
It was downright cold outside today--I think I saw the high was right around 40, which isn't really that cold except it was a wet cold. It was overcast and the sky was spitting most of the day. Thankfully my heater was fixed yesterday around noon. The repairmen said it just hadn't been turned on but I know (and the custodian conferred) that it was on earlier. Someone probably got on the roof and turned it off--we've had random mischief like that before. I'm just glad it was an easy fix and that my little library is toasty warm now.
Today's random picture is from the record snow we had over New Year's. Paul and I took a walk to start the year off right. I don't know what he was doing. Surveying the scene, I guess. I never know what goes through his head.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Day 28: Tis the Season
I'm still itching to put up the Christmas tree and decorate the house. I'm holding off since some portion of our new furniture will be delivered on Saturday. We know we're at least getting the two chairs. Not so sure if the couch will be included. Couch or no couch, we're still hosting the neighborhood holiday party on Dec. 16. We'll just set up the folding chairs where the couch should be.
In the spirit of the season so far, I've put out a few little Christmas things and have purchased and wrapped almost all the presents. One of the only gifts I'm lacking is for Benjamin. I just haven't found that one thing that says it is exactly what we need to get our littlest nephew. I've got a few ideas but nothing that seems to be "It." I'm feeling the same way about my FIL's gift as well. We've ordered a gift for him that he can use on their sailboat but it isn't much and it isn't very exciting. So, I still need to work on those gifts. I've also got to make a phone call about Paul's gift. I'm going for Best Wife Ever with this present but it's something Paul has joked about doing for years. He works long hours and doesn't get to play much so we'll just let him play for a few days.
I've gotten all the gifts for Paul's brother and his family wrapped and ready to mail, including Matthew's and Sarah's birthday presents (which are 12/20 and 1/11, respectively). Paul found the gifts for both of them--Matthew, who will be 5, is getting a make-your-own rubber ball kit. I'm sure Alan and Julie are going to *love* that. Sarah, who will be 7, is getting a new game Paul found at a game store in Berkeley. I'll probably renew their Highlights subscription as well. I loved that as a child--not sure if they feel the same fondness for it because we never hear anything from Alan and Julie about any gifts we give beyond a note that reads "Thanks for the such-and-such. We appreciate it." I asked Paul if he saw anything we'd given them over the years when Paul was at their house recently. He said the rocking snail we gave Sarah for her first birthday was still out. Good--one thing we bought 6 years ago is still being used. Have no idea about anything else purchased since but the snail was a hit. Woo.
We've started buying only one gift for Alan & Julie's family. We see them so rarely so we don't know what they like/want/need and honestly, their house rivals Toys R Us for the sheer volume of toys. This year, we bought a 16-disc DVD set of classic children's stories and some of the books that are in the set. I also always purchase a Christmas book for our nieces and nephews. I don't know if they appreciate it or not. Again, we never hear anything about it beyond a cursory mention in the thank you note. And that's it for them--three boxes for four children. They can duke it out on Christmas morning as to who is the odd-man-out when it comes to ripping the wrapping paper. I guess if I was a good aunt, I would have considered the child-to-present ration. But it's all boxed up and ready to go so it's a little late now. My goal is to head to the post office on Saturday with all our Christmas cards and packages to mail. And I know I seem rather cranky about this but it really hits a nerve. I try to put a lot of thought into the presents we give people and I love finding that *perfect* gift. But honestly, the most well-received gift we've ever given Paul's brother and SIL was a Pottery Barn gift card that required exactly 30 seconds worth of effort on my part. So to not hear anything about all the things we've given that I have put consideration into is quite disgruntling but obligation means we'll continue to send them gifts. I guess I'd just appreciate a comment about the present at a later time or pictures of the child with the present later (even if it is the one and only time they touched the item). Just makes the effort seem more worthwhile.
Today's random picture isn't too random since it is a Christmas picture. This picture was taken in 1977--we're 6, 3, and almost-2 and we are in our red velvet Christmas dresses. Amy's dress originally had a bow as well until she pulled it off. (To really tug at the ol' heart strings, this was our one Christmas without a dad.)
In the spirit of the season so far, I've put out a few little Christmas things and have purchased and wrapped almost all the presents. One of the only gifts I'm lacking is for Benjamin. I just haven't found that one thing that says it is exactly what we need to get our littlest nephew. I've got a few ideas but nothing that seems to be "It." I'm feeling the same way about my FIL's gift as well. We've ordered a gift for him that he can use on their sailboat but it isn't much and it isn't very exciting. So, I still need to work on those gifts. I've also got to make a phone call about Paul's gift. I'm going for Best Wife Ever with this present but it's something Paul has joked about doing for years. He works long hours and doesn't get to play much so we'll just let him play for a few days.
I've gotten all the gifts for Paul's brother and his family wrapped and ready to mail, including Matthew's and Sarah's birthday presents (which are 12/20 and 1/11, respectively). Paul found the gifts for both of them--Matthew, who will be 5, is getting a make-your-own rubber ball kit. I'm sure Alan and Julie are going to *love* that. Sarah, who will be 7, is getting a new game Paul found at a game store in Berkeley. I'll probably renew their Highlights subscription as well. I loved that as a child--not sure if they feel the same fondness for it because we never hear anything from Alan and Julie about any gifts we give beyond a note that reads "Thanks for the such-and-such. We appreciate it." I asked Paul if he saw anything we'd given them over the years when Paul was at their house recently. He said the rocking snail we gave Sarah for her first birthday was still out. Good--one thing we bought 6 years ago is still being used. Have no idea about anything else purchased since but the snail was a hit. Woo.
We've started buying only one gift for Alan & Julie's family. We see them so rarely so we don't know what they like/want/need and honestly, their house rivals Toys R Us for the sheer volume of toys. This year, we bought a 16-disc DVD set of classic children's stories and some of the books that are in the set. I also always purchase a Christmas book for our nieces and nephews. I don't know if they appreciate it or not. Again, we never hear anything about it beyond a cursory mention in the thank you note. And that's it for them--three boxes for four children. They can duke it out on Christmas morning as to who is the odd-man-out when it comes to ripping the wrapping paper. I guess if I was a good aunt, I would have considered the child-to-present ration. But it's all boxed up and ready to go so it's a little late now. My goal is to head to the post office on Saturday with all our Christmas cards and packages to mail. And I know I seem rather cranky about this but it really hits a nerve. I try to put a lot of thought into the presents we give people and I love finding that *perfect* gift. But honestly, the most well-received gift we've ever given Paul's brother and SIL was a Pottery Barn gift card that required exactly 30 seconds worth of effort on my part. So to not hear anything about all the things we've given that I have put consideration into is quite disgruntling but obligation means we'll continue to send them gifts. I guess I'd just appreciate a comment about the present at a later time or pictures of the child with the present later (even if it is the one and only time they touched the item). Just makes the effort seem more worthwhile.
Today's random picture isn't too random since it is a Christmas picture. This picture was taken in 1977--we're 6, 3, and almost-2 and we are in our red velvet Christmas dresses. Amy's dress originally had a bow as well until she pulled it off. (To really tug at the ol' heart strings, this was our one Christmas without a dad.)
Oh, and it was nice to hear the Christmas carol "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" when I was driving around this afternoon. I'm never sure if I just invent lyrics and that song has lyrics I always think I invented until I actually hear the song and realize that no, there really will be the telling of "scary ghost stories" along with all the other cheery things that happen during the Christmas holiday. Strange.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Day 27: Three Days Left
I can do this. Just four more posts and then I can stare at the computer and not post if I decide I don't have anything to write about. Like today.
I was going to write something spectacular--I was thinking of doing another list of 33 more fascinating/fun/interesting things about me. But I've taken a rotten headache and could only come up with two.
1. I drive a Subaru Forester. I have no idea why I thought that would be a good car because I'd never ridden in a Subaru and only knew two people who owned them when we bought the car almost four years ago. I totally {heart} my car. It's not fancy or flashy or anything but it's the perfect "Carrie car." I talked it up so much, one of my coworkers decided to test drive one and he and his wife also bought a Forester.
2. I really, really dislike when people misuse the word "y'all" in speech or writing. Oh, and I really, really, really dislike when they misspell it. I think that's more theEnglish teacher in me rather than the Texan I am. It's a contraction of you all, people. It's just like is not becomes isn't and the appostrophe replaces the omitted letter.
Eh. Here's a random picture for today. Amy was a freshman and I was a sophomore at Tech and we'd gone to Lewisville to visit Donna one weekend during bluebonnet season. We had to stop to take a picture:
I still didn't have heat today--it hovered in the 50's in the library all day. The sun was shining today so it did warm up a hair--from 50 to almost 58. I had classes scheduled (they didn't stick around long) and students coming from classes to use the computers for work so I couldn't escape much. I love the coworkers who come in, recognize that it's cold, see me in my coat and gloves and then ask why I don't turn up the heater. I couldn't think of anything clever to quip back so mostly I just stared at them.
I did go to Target during the lunch break to warm up. I figured I could sit in the office or go shopping. Shopping won. My principal called maintanence again to tell them that this is unacceptable. Obviously that didn't light any fires under them. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow. The book fair is being delivered tomorrow and I'd hoped to set it up on Thursday for a sneak peek on Friday. I guess I can do that with no heat--it will just be a chilly sneak peek.
Here are two links that were shared with me today:
Greenpeace is naming to a pack of humpback whales. You can guess which one we voted for (it also happens to be the one in the lead).
Another teacher shared this one with me. Paul doesn't like to play word games or trivia games with me because I spend too much time doing stuff like this. But at least my newfound useless knowledge was gained for the good of the world.
I was going to write something spectacular--I was thinking of doing another list of 33 more fascinating/fun/interesting things about me. But I've taken a rotten headache and could only come up with two.
1. I drive a Subaru Forester. I have no idea why I thought that would be a good car because I'd never ridden in a Subaru and only knew two people who owned them when we bought the car almost four years ago. I totally {heart} my car. It's not fancy or flashy or anything but it's the perfect "Carrie car." I talked it up so much, one of my coworkers decided to test drive one and he and his wife also bought a Forester.
2. I really, really dislike when people misuse the word "y'all" in speech or writing. Oh, and I really, really, really dislike when they misspell it. I think that's more theEnglish teacher in me rather than the Texan I am. It's a contraction of you all, people. It's just like is not becomes isn't and the appostrophe replaces the omitted letter.
Eh. Here's a random picture for today. Amy was a freshman and I was a sophomore at Tech and we'd gone to Lewisville to visit Donna one weekend during bluebonnet season. We had to stop to take a picture:
I still didn't have heat today--it hovered in the 50's in the library all day. The sun was shining today so it did warm up a hair--from 50 to almost 58. I had classes scheduled (they didn't stick around long) and students coming from classes to use the computers for work so I couldn't escape much. I love the coworkers who come in, recognize that it's cold, see me in my coat and gloves and then ask why I don't turn up the heater. I couldn't think of anything clever to quip back so mostly I just stared at them.
I did go to Target during the lunch break to warm up. I figured I could sit in the office or go shopping. Shopping won. My principal called maintanence again to tell them that this is unacceptable. Obviously that didn't light any fires under them. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow. The book fair is being delivered tomorrow and I'd hoped to set it up on Thursday for a sneak peek on Friday. I guess I can do that with no heat--it will just be a chilly sneak peek.
Here are two links that were shared with me today:
Greenpeace is naming to a pack of humpback whales. You can guess which one we voted for (it also happens to be the one in the lead).
Another teacher shared this one with me. Paul doesn't like to play word games or trivia games with me because I spend too much time doing stuff like this. But at least my newfound useless knowledge was gained for the good of the world.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Day 26: More Random Things
The picture of the cat is totally unrelated to anything I might post about today. It's a picture from one of the holiday parties we hosted last year. I wanted to post a picture and I haven't gone through the pictures from Thanksgiving yet.Last week before we left for break, I told the secretary that my heater didn't seem to be working. We had a very slim hope that it would be fixed Wednesday, especially since there were the predictions for cold and snow. The former didn't happen but the latter definitely did.
Today, it was about 5o degrees in my library all day. I told the secretary that I was going to stay in the office until I got in trouble for loitering. I spent most of the day doing work in the library for an hour or so and going into the main office to warm up. The principal came into the library during 3rd period to make copies in the workroom. When I'd mentioned during 1st that the library was cold, she thought I meant it was cold because I'd turned down the heater over the break not "Holy cow, it's freezing in here! Why is there no heat?" cold. She put in a service call directly rather than the remake the request via computer. It didn't make any service people miraculously appear but it made us both feel a little better. Not any warmer but at least she understood the reason I was just hanging out.
That's about the extent of my day and brain power today. I should have gone to the gym but I didn't. I do need to go to the grocery store because there's no food in the house aside from a vast assortment of crackers. Paul and I are both snackers and crackers fill the bill. We're cracker snackers. HA! There are honestly seven types of crackers in our pantry although none of those are saltines. Strange.
And finally, our new heater at home works fabulously (which is great since I was frozen by the time I got home). It's very quiet as well. Two thumbs up for that home investment.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Day 25: Home
Paul and I made it home with little ado this morning. We caught the shuttle from the hotel at 6:00 a.m. and were at the airport in just a few minutes. I think we sat longer in drop-off traffic than the rest of the travel time--it was very busy and the line at curbside baggage check was daunting. Because it was a brisk 45 with a brisk wind to boot, Paul and I opted to chance it inside. From the time we got in line to check our bags until the time we got through security was right around 20 minutes. All the self-check kiosks and security lines were open, other travelers were mostly smart about things and still cheerful, and our plane had a few empty seats so it made for a fairly pleasant travel morning.
When we got back to ABQ, the shuttle driver told us that it had snowed while we were gone. We probably missed the only snow of the year. There was still a few remnants on my car when we retrieved it. We were both amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot. We thought it was full when we dropped the car off on Tuesday but on holidays, they park cars in the middle aisle and every possible place to squeeze a vehicle. It was a bit of a maze just getting out of the parking lot but when it was all said and done, we were back at our house by 10:00 this morning--and have had a pretty normal Sunday.
Paul had to work in anticipation of a trip he's leaving on tomorrow morning. He's got an 8:00 flight tomorrow morning for a conference in Florida. Hopefully it will be the last trip he'll have to take this year. I didn't set up the Christmas tree although I debated it. Instead, I wrapped all the presents we've bought so far, which is most of them, and have them ready to go when we do get the tree up. I have found most of the gifts and decorations that I've bought throughout the year and squirreled away. I should create a better system to keep track of what I've purchased and for whom. My mom will either be heavily gifted this year or I don't have to worry about what to get her when her birthday and Mother's Day come around. Unless, of course, I forget that I've already bought her something which can definitely happen because I am her daughter.
When we got back to ABQ, the shuttle driver told us that it had snowed while we were gone. We probably missed the only snow of the year. There was still a few remnants on my car when we retrieved it. We were both amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot. We thought it was full when we dropped the car off on Tuesday but on holidays, they park cars in the middle aisle and every possible place to squeeze a vehicle. It was a bit of a maze just getting out of the parking lot but when it was all said and done, we were back at our house by 10:00 this morning--and have had a pretty normal Sunday.
Paul had to work in anticipation of a trip he's leaving on tomorrow morning. He's got an 8:00 flight tomorrow morning for a conference in Florida. Hopefully it will be the last trip he'll have to take this year. I didn't set up the Christmas tree although I debated it. Instead, I wrapped all the presents we've bought so far, which is most of them, and have them ready to go when we do get the tree up. I have found most of the gifts and decorations that I've bought throughout the year and squirreled away. I should create a better system to keep track of what I've purchased and for whom. My mom will either be heavily gifted this year or I don't have to worry about what to get her when her birthday and Mother's Day come around. Unless, of course, I forget that I've already bought her something which can definitely happen because I am her daughter.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Day 24: Saturday
As Paul and I were getting ready to leave the hotel this morning, there was a loud clap of thunder followed by a downpour. We waited another 30 minutes for it to let up a bit before we headed back over to my parents' house. This would be a lazy Saturday no matter where we are. Cold, rainy, dreary outside with lots of football on television.
Amy and her family headed out this afternoon to get a head start on their drive back. We'll stay Houston tonight since we have an 8:00 flight tomorrow morning. But before then, Donna, Mom, and I have a bit more shopping to do.
Amy and her family headed out this afternoon to get a head start on their drive back. We'll stay Houston tonight since we have an 8:00 flight tomorrow morning. But before then, Donna, Mom, and I have a bit more shopping to do.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Day 23: Friday
Yesterday, the weather turned off cold at Mom and Dad's house--perfect for Thanksgiving. Not so much with two small active children who'd prefer room to run. It's overcast and in the low to mid-50's or so which is downright frigid in this part of the world--the wind definitely has a nip to it. When I checked ABQ's weather on CNN.com earlier today, it was 36 and "dreary." That's the actual term used to describe conditions in ABQ. It's supposed to have warmed up to a less-dreary 50 or so on Sunday when we'll wing our way back home.
Everyone is going a bit stir-crazy around here because of the weather. Mom, Donna, Amy, and I did a bit of shopping on the square in Bay City this afternoon. It's all little gift shops and home accessories stores filled in every corner with knick-knacks and paddywhacks and pretties. I always find something to bring home with me. Today, I found a new Christmas ornament, a stocking stuffer gift for Paul, and a little magnet for my Secret Pal at school. We didn't get to stop by one of my favorite stores--I guess we have a reason to leave the house again tomorrow.
The cold weather and more people hanging around has given Paul a great chance to play many of the games we have that require more than two players. He got home after I'd packed on Tuesday only to request a repack so I could take a couple of boxes of board games. We both have our two larger suitcases (the same ones used for our 12-days in Hawaii) filled with thismuch clothes and THISMUCH games. It has been fun and given everyone a break to the de rigueur football and napping and eating.
I also remember why we don't keep Cheetos in the house. Or marshmallows. Or most any kind of desserts around. I have zero willpower when it comes to things like that. I have done my best to hoover most of these things. We joked that when I get back to ABQ and see the trainer again, I'll have to confess to my Cheetos with a chocolate chaser that I've indulged in during the past two days. It's not much of a stretch as to my eating habits over this holiday. I brought stuff to go walking outside but that hasn't happened due to the weather. I have run a few dozen laps around my mom's kitchen chasing a 2-year-old and had a dance party with a 4-year-old yesterday and Wednesday. Probably not as good as an elliptical machine and weights but much more enjoyable.
Everyone is going a bit stir-crazy around here because of the weather. Mom, Donna, Amy, and I did a bit of shopping on the square in Bay City this afternoon. It's all little gift shops and home accessories stores filled in every corner with knick-knacks and paddywhacks and pretties. I always find something to bring home with me. Today, I found a new Christmas ornament, a stocking stuffer gift for Paul, and a little magnet for my Secret Pal at school. We didn't get to stop by one of my favorite stores--I guess we have a reason to leave the house again tomorrow.
The cold weather and more people hanging around has given Paul a great chance to play many of the games we have that require more than two players. He got home after I'd packed on Tuesday only to request a repack so I could take a couple of boxes of board games. We both have our two larger suitcases (the same ones used for our 12-days in Hawaii) filled with thismuch clothes and THISMUCH games. It has been fun and given everyone a break to the de rigueur football and napping and eating.
I also remember why we don't keep Cheetos in the house. Or marshmallows. Or most any kind of desserts around. I have zero willpower when it comes to things like that. I have done my best to hoover most of these things. We joked that when I get back to ABQ and see the trainer again, I'll have to confess to my Cheetos with a chocolate chaser that I've indulged in during the past two days. It's not much of a stretch as to my eating habits over this holiday. I brought stuff to go walking outside but that hasn't happened due to the weather. I have run a few dozen laps around my mom's kitchen chasing a 2-year-old and had a dance party with a 4-year-old yesterday and Wednesday. Probably not as good as an elliptical machine and weights but much more enjoyable.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Day 22: Thanksgiving
I'm thankful for my husband and his bad jokes, funny faces, and inability to take a normal picture.
I'm thankful for my job, even when the coworkers are irritating, the students are weird, and the "stuff" is utterly nonsensical.
I'm thankful for my family who are all here, listening to football on a television turned up too loud.
I'm thankful for the friendly clerks and cheery patrons at the grocery store when we ran in for a few needed items this morning.
I'm thankful for "Dance with me, Aunt Carrie!" and all the little people we have in our lives who think we're pretty cool.
I'm thankful for the year we ditched Thanksgiving in favor of a Duran Duran concert and cereal and long naps in our pajamas.
I'm thankful for my health and that everyone in the family seems to be doing well right now also. Even Paul's grandparents seem to have stabilized and are doing as well as can be hoped for.
I'm thankful for my little house which I always wish was a little bigger but it's sturdy and strong and perfect for Paul and me.
I'm thankful for neighbors I can call to watch the cat at the last minute.
I'm thankful that things are going well for Paul and me again. It wasn't much fun last year.
I'm thankful for dance lessons and all the laughter that accompanies them.
I'm thankful for friends who call me to go out to dinner when Paul is out of town.
I'm thankful someone else is making the gravy this year.
I'm thankful for the patient remodeling consultant who's let me look tile samples for two months while I try to find the perfect ones for my back splash.
I'm thankful for Jojo or Jubjub or whatever his name actually is.
I'm thankful for the six people who read this blog and comment on the silly little things I post. It makes me feel like the mundane of my life is actually interesting.
I'm thankful for Today.
I'm thankful for my job, even when the coworkers are irritating, the students are weird, and the "stuff" is utterly nonsensical.
I'm thankful for my family who are all here, listening to football on a television turned up too loud.
I'm thankful for the friendly clerks and cheery patrons at the grocery store when we ran in for a few needed items this morning.
I'm thankful for "Dance with me, Aunt Carrie!" and all the little people we have in our lives who think we're pretty cool.
I'm thankful for the year we ditched Thanksgiving in favor of a Duran Duran concert and cereal and long naps in our pajamas.
I'm thankful for my health and that everyone in the family seems to be doing well right now also. Even Paul's grandparents seem to have stabilized and are doing as well as can be hoped for.
I'm thankful for my little house which I always wish was a little bigger but it's sturdy and strong and perfect for Paul and me.
I'm thankful for neighbors I can call to watch the cat at the last minute.
I'm thankful that things are going well for Paul and me again. It wasn't much fun last year.
I'm thankful for dance lessons and all the laughter that accompanies them.
I'm thankful for friends who call me to go out to dinner when Paul is out of town.
I'm thankful someone else is making the gravy this year.
I'm thankful for the patient remodeling consultant who's let me look tile samples for two months while I try to find the perfect ones for my back splash.
I'm thankful for Jojo or Jubjub or whatever his name actually is.
I'm thankful for the six people who read this blog and comment on the silly little things I post. It makes me feel like the mundane of my life is actually interesting.
I'm thankful for Today.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day 21: A Few More
The December issue of Real Simple came on Monday, an extra-fat magazine perfect for airplane reading which included gift suggestions. Also in the mail, a few more catalogs with more Gifts for Carrie ideas. So here is an addendum to my original Wish List.
I'd love a bigger one but we'll start small this year
perfect for a purse
our monogram is PEC
colorful, cheerful, and might inspire me to write more proper notes
because Paul would just *love* if I had more dishes
I {heart} useless knowledge
And a few for Paul:
Anything from this site including this or this which has been on his list almost as long as I've wanted the stand mixer. Or the yodeling goat.
the name of the site says it all
I'm not sure I'd call Paul handy but this was very cool. Maybe I should put it on my list instead.
That should do it for the year. And just know that I have been complimented on my thank-you note writing which I will happily do should I receive any of the items on this list or my other list or just anything else that someone thinks would be the perfect gift for me. I'm gracious like that.
I'd love a bigger one but we'll start small this year
perfect for a purse
our monogram is PEC
colorful, cheerful, and might inspire me to write more proper notes
because Paul would just *love* if I had more dishes
I {heart} useless knowledge
And a few for Paul:
Anything from this site including this or this which has been on his list almost as long as I've wanted the stand mixer. Or the yodeling goat.
the name of the site says it all
I'm not sure I'd call Paul handy but this was very cool. Maybe I should put it on my list instead.
That should do it for the year. And just know that I have been complimented on my thank-you note writing which I will happily do should I receive any of the items on this list or my other list or just anything else that someone thinks would be the perfect gift for me. I'm gracious like that.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Day 20: Travel
Three minutes left in the day. Paul and I made it to Houston with little ado this evening. A full flight but it was on time and everyone is still generally agreeable. I'd intended to post before we left but that didn't happen since I'd didn't pack yesterday. And then I had to repack to include Paul's board games in a suitcase.
And that's about all there was to my day and thus concludes today's attempt at something meaningful, witty, pithy, worthwhile, useful (or totally useless).
And that's about all there was to my day and thus concludes today's attempt at something meaningful, witty, pithy, worthwhile, useful (or totally useless).
Monday, November 19, 2007
Day 19: Work
Here I was worried about having nothing to write about today. I was mentally going through a list of recipes I could possibly post.
Then, middle school happened. Two things that happened today at work that are fairly indicative of what I deal with daily. Good times, I promise.
I had to run to the post office and stop by an ATM today so I took the 15 minutes between the lunch periods to do so. I returned to school after the 2nd lunch had started and walked into the foyer to find about a dozen children waiting, all but two of these being funky smelling boys. F-U-N-K-Y, funky. And the two funky-smelling boys leaning against the door didn't seem to grasp the idea that they had to move in order for me to actually open the door. They eventually grasped the concept of moving and we proceeded into the library in an orderly manner.
As everyone walked in, another funky-smelling boy announced, "I need some personal space because I have got to pass some gas."
Holy cow.
I sent him away, sprayed the foyer with Lysol, and continued along with my B-lunch groupies.
Then came 5th period when one of the snottier 6th grade girls commented on my new hair color, "I don't know why they're called redheads. It's more like orange heads."
In with the good, out with the bad, don't speak or what comes out will likely cause you to lose your license.
It's a very good thing we're only in school two days this week.
Then, middle school happened. Two things that happened today at work that are fairly indicative of what I deal with daily. Good times, I promise.
I had to run to the post office and stop by an ATM today so I took the 15 minutes between the lunch periods to do so. I returned to school after the 2nd lunch had started and walked into the foyer to find about a dozen children waiting, all but two of these being funky smelling boys. F-U-N-K-Y, funky. And the two funky-smelling boys leaning against the door didn't seem to grasp the idea that they had to move in order for me to actually open the door. They eventually grasped the concept of moving and we proceeded into the library in an orderly manner.
As everyone walked in, another funky-smelling boy announced, "I need some personal space because I have got to pass some gas."
Holy cow.
I sent him away, sprayed the foyer with Lysol, and continued along with my B-lunch groupies.
Then came 5th period when one of the snottier 6th grade girls commented on my new hair color, "I don't know why they're called redheads. It's more like orange heads."
In with the good, out with the bad, don't speak or what comes out will likely cause you to lose your license.
It's a very good thing we're only in school two days this week.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Day 18: An Assorted Post
1. I spent the better part of the afternoon addressing envelopes for our Christmas cards with the intention of getting them in the mail when we get home from Thanksgiving in Texas. We opted to go with photo cards this year--our smiling faces will greet everyone opening the envelope this year. And there will be a lot of them. We could order 50, which isn't quite enough or 100, which means everyone and their dog will be getting them with plenty left over for the mailman, the trainer, the hairdresser, a coworker or two.
2. Texas Tech beat Oklahoma yesterday evening. Woohoo! Always nice to end the season with a win, especially when the other team is highly ranked and has annoyingly conceited fans like OU does. I will be wearing one of my Tech shirts to school tomorrow and making certain to chat with my coworker who is an OU alum who always asks me if I went to Texas (nevermind the two Tech things on my car, my Tech purse, my Tech t-shirts, my trips to Lubbock for Tech football games). This is the same coworker, who after 8 years of working together, still does not spell my name correctly. She's irritating like that. I'll have to ask if she went to OSU.
2a. And Donna, never never never text the final score of a game to someone unless specifially requested. :) We had DVRed the game and were just to the 4th quarter when I read your texts. I was trying to respond to the first when I got the second. Paul laughed because I was still worried both times OU scored.
3. Paul's mom and her siblings have moved his grandparents into an assisted living apartment. His grandmother was still in the hospital at the end of the week as the doctors regulate her medication. I really hope the weather holds over Christmas break so we can make a trip to Kansas. I'm not sure how many more chances we will have.
4. For some reason, I'm really excited about Christmas this year. I'm almost done with shopping--I only need to find something for Benjamin, Paul's dad, and a few more things for Paul. We plan on having our annual neighborhood party again this year and are thinking about hosting a holiday open house for our friends and coworkers. I've debated putting up the tree before we leave for Texas but Paul said that might be overkill. We do get home mid-morning on Sunday so I'll have plenty of time then.
5. It's harder than I expected to come up with something to write about every day. Twelve more days and I'm not sure I can muster posts about what's for lunch. Soon, I'll be reduced to writing the Ode to the Pudding Cup.
2. Texas Tech beat Oklahoma yesterday evening. Woohoo! Always nice to end the season with a win, especially when the other team is highly ranked and has annoyingly conceited fans like OU does. I will be wearing one of my Tech shirts to school tomorrow and making certain to chat with my coworker who is an OU alum who always asks me if I went to Texas (nevermind the two Tech things on my car, my Tech purse, my Tech t-shirts, my trips to Lubbock for Tech football games). This is the same coworker, who after 8 years of working together, still does not spell my name correctly. She's irritating like that. I'll have to ask if she went to OSU.
2a. And Donna, never never never text the final score of a game to someone unless specifially requested. :) We had DVRed the game and were just to the 4th quarter when I read your texts. I was trying to respond to the first when I got the second. Paul laughed because I was still worried both times OU scored.
3. Paul's mom and her siblings have moved his grandparents into an assisted living apartment. His grandmother was still in the hospital at the end of the week as the doctors regulate her medication. I really hope the weather holds over Christmas break so we can make a trip to Kansas. I'm not sure how many more chances we will have.
4. For some reason, I'm really excited about Christmas this year. I'm almost done with shopping--I only need to find something for Benjamin, Paul's dad, and a few more things for Paul. We plan on having our annual neighborhood party again this year and are thinking about hosting a holiday open house for our friends and coworkers. I've debated putting up the tree before we leave for Texas but Paul said that might be overkill. We do get home mid-morning on Sunday so I'll have plenty of time then.
5. It's harder than I expected to come up with something to write about every day. Twelve more days and I'm not sure I can muster posts about what's for lunch. Soon, I'll be reduced to writing the Ode to the Pudding Cup.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Day 17: Wish List
a needed accessory for my kitchen
it even says it's a kitchen's most essential item
and this so I'll know what to do with that most essential item
perhaps not quite haute cuisine but entertaining
this book or this cookbook or this one
we're needing a new one anyway
I need a new Thinking Chair since the cat claimed the other
I will not promise to share
OK, I might share some of these
just something fun
probably less annoying than our made-up travel games
my earlobes need pampering
because someone will eventually get the hint
I didn't get him last year either
or him
this might survive in NM
I just think this is pretty
It will fit in my dining room. I measured.
for the guest room
my thoughts exactly
it even says it's a kitchen's most essential item
and this so I'll know what to do with that most essential item
perhaps not quite haute cuisine but entertaining
this book or this cookbook or this one
we're needing a new one anyway
I need a new Thinking Chair since the cat claimed the other
I will not promise to share
OK, I might share some of these
just something fun
probably less annoying than our made-up travel games
my earlobes need pampering
because someone will eventually get the hint
I didn't get him last year either
or him
this might survive in NM
I just think this is pretty
It will fit in my dining room. I measured.
for the guest room
my thoughts exactly
Friday, November 16, 2007
Day 16: Not Much
So, I really don't have much to write about today. It was a good day-- classes in the library who all behaved nicely, lunch with a coworker who behaved nicely (ha!), met with the trainer this afternoon.
We've started Secret Pals at work. I have the master list of who has who, although another coworker helped me draw names so I don't know who my Secret Pal is. I could figure it out easily and on one hand, I'm tempted but the other hand, it's more fun when it's a secret. I tucked the list away in a stack of other papers on my desk to resist looking at it.
That's pretty much it. Here's a recent picture of Paul playing Guitar Hero III on the Wii. It's utterly addictive to play. He's giving me his best "guitar face" in this picture. Because, as discussed earlier, he can't just have a picture taken.
Tomorrow (hopefully): My annual Christmas wish list
Tomorrow (hopefully): My annual Christmas wish list
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Day 15.1: Hee
(And I think I fixed it so the link to the site works. I might write genius stuff but the formatting stuff gets me.)
Day 15: Hairdo
A few years ago, I heard a "joke" about Texas women caring more about their hair than their hearts because people can see their hair. I put joke in quotes because I think it's pretty much the truth. I've been told I'm high-maintanence because I get regular haircuts (I'm not sure what the regular massages mean) but I'll be the first to admit that I'm pretty vain about having "good hair."
I've gone to the same hairdresser since shortly after I moved to ABQ. She's fantastic and I have followed her to three different locations, none remotely close to my house or work, for that reason. I never know what my hair is going to look like but it will look good when she's finished. When people comment that I've done something new with my hair, I half-jokingly reply that I'm at her whim and mercy with both the cut and color. One of my coworkers, who also understands the importance of good hair and good shoes (we get along really well), comments that she's in the same position.
I've cut off over a foot of hair four different times, the first time when I was in first grade when I went from very long hair to a cute little bob. Did the same thing again when I was a freshman in high school and then again in college. Just chopped it off. I grow it out to cut it off. I wore it shorter--a chin length bob--for four years until I decided to start growing it out last summer. I told my hairdresser that it was going to be painful for a while because I wasn't going to do anything except trims and color until it was the length I wanted (I was aiming for just below my shoulders). Thankfully my hair grows quickly and by February, it was all grown out again.
I had a hair appointment this evening. I was thinking about getting a few inches cut off and some lowlights added. Hairdresser had another idea. She decided it was too pretty to cut. We did agree it needed thinning. So, she added more layers, a trim and an all-over color. It's doesn't show up in the picture too well but it's a darker copper color than I've been before (and what I naturally am). . .
but the length is all mine and it's getting really long again.
And the gratuitious picture of the cat who was trying to figure out what I'm doing.
I've gone to the same hairdresser since shortly after I moved to ABQ. She's fantastic and I have followed her to three different locations, none remotely close to my house or work, for that reason. I never know what my hair is going to look like but it will look good when she's finished. When people comment that I've done something new with my hair, I half-jokingly reply that I'm at her whim and mercy with both the cut and color. One of my coworkers, who also understands the importance of good hair and good shoes (we get along really well), comments that she's in the same position.
I've cut off over a foot of hair four different times, the first time when I was in first grade when I went from very long hair to a cute little bob. Did the same thing again when I was a freshman in high school and then again in college. Just chopped it off. I grow it out to cut it off. I wore it shorter--a chin length bob--for four years until I decided to start growing it out last summer. I told my hairdresser that it was going to be painful for a while because I wasn't going to do anything except trims and color until it was the length I wanted (I was aiming for just below my shoulders). Thankfully my hair grows quickly and by February, it was all grown out again.
I had a hair appointment this evening. I was thinking about getting a few inches cut off and some lowlights added. Hairdresser had another idea. She decided it was too pretty to cut. We did agree it needed thinning. So, she added more layers, a trim and an all-over color. It's doesn't show up in the picture too well but it's a darker copper color than I've been before (and what I naturally am). . .
but the length is all mine and it's getting really long again.
And the gratuitious picture of the cat who was trying to figure out what I'm doing.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Day 14: Don't Wanna
Today is the first day that I've honestly just not wanted to write anything. Not just a what-am-I-going-to-write? feeling but a I-don't-wanna-do-it feeling.
My name was drawn for this bag (mine is pale pink) in the raffle held at the Junior League holiday fair this weekend. Apparently it was quite the coup as many women were vying for it. I honestly don't know what the fuss is about as I don't know the brand. But among the JLA women, it is a big deal. So by association with this purse, I am a big deal. Or something like that.
And that's all I've got today.
My name was drawn for this bag (mine is pale pink) in the raffle held at the Junior League holiday fair this weekend. Apparently it was quite the coup as many women were vying for it. I honestly don't know what the fuss is about as I don't know the brand. But among the JLA women, it is a big deal. So by association with this purse, I am a big deal. Or something like that.
And that's all I've got today.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Day 13: Game Night
A couple of weeks ago, Paul and I were sitting on the living room floor playing a card game when we were interrupted by the cat, who apparently wanted to join in the game.
Jub wasn't too interested in learning the rules of the game.
And he got a little confused that we weren't trying to take his cards.
Slap Jack!
If he can't win, he'll at least make it difficult for the rest of us and will just lie on all the cards.
I think they were ganging up to beat me.
I'm sure he's thinking about all the damage he could do if only he had opposable thumbs.
Jub wasn't too interested in learning the rules of the game.
And he got a little confused that we weren't trying to take his cards.
Slap Jack!
If he can't win, he'll at least make it difficult for the rest of us and will just lie on all the cards.
I think they were ganging up to beat me.
I'm sure he's thinking about all the damage he could do if only he had opposable thumbs.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Day 12: Furniture
In mid-October, after the mad rush of company had subsided, Paul and I made a trek down to the local furniture store to test-drive some couches. At the time, the "sale" was $100 off any purchase of $750 or more. Not much of a discount when you're purchasing a new suite of living room furniture. We had an invoice written up as a hold on the three pieces we decided to buy but told the salesman that we'd be back when the sale was better.
Today as I was flipping through the newspaper, I noticed a 10% off coupon valid today only at the furniture store. So, Paul and I made another little trip down to the furniture store where fortuitously, the salesman was standing next to the door we walked in. And he was generous enough to give us the additional 5% off for military personnel in honor of Veteran's Day.** We would have been happy with just the coupon but we're not one to argue with the extra money off. (And I'm sure he more than made up for it in commission.)
After just a bit of clickity-clickity on the computer, Paul and I are now the proud owners of this couch as well as the matching recliner. We opted to purchase the larger size of this chair--it's a little wider and taller so my little wider and taller husband fits comfortably in it but it doesn't swallow me. We also decided on a smaller accent chair and ottoman--the fabric is a dark sage green chenille with a small dark red pattern. All this will be delivered to our humble abode the first weekend in December. At least the chairs will be--the couch might not make it until the first of January. We're not sure how that will figure into our annual neighborhood holiday party. Maybe we'll have the neighbors BYOC.
**We are giving our current couch and love seat to one of my friends who is currently active duty in the Air Force (military intelligence). She served her second tour in Iraq from May to September. Just a few days after her arrival back home, her husband of two years told her he didn't want to be married any more. As they are both just 24 and still in the starting-out phase, they didn't have much to divvy up and because of her next assignment, she opted to let him have the furniture. She's now rooming with my friend Devlyn (a mutual friend of ours) as Devlyn has a small casita at her house. Paul and I were already talking about buying new furniture when I learned of her divorce so I offered her our current seating whenever we got the new stuff. She's going to put it in storage until her next assignment which will be a move to Idaho in June.
Today as I was flipping through the newspaper, I noticed a 10% off coupon valid today only at the furniture store. So, Paul and I made another little trip down to the furniture store where fortuitously, the salesman was standing next to the door we walked in. And he was generous enough to give us the additional 5% off for military personnel in honor of Veteran's Day.** We would have been happy with just the coupon but we're not one to argue with the extra money off. (And I'm sure he more than made up for it in commission.)
After just a bit of clickity-clickity on the computer, Paul and I are now the proud owners of this couch as well as the matching recliner. We opted to purchase the larger size of this chair--it's a little wider and taller so my little wider and taller husband fits comfortably in it but it doesn't swallow me. We also decided on a smaller accent chair and ottoman--the fabric is a dark sage green chenille with a small dark red pattern. All this will be delivered to our humble abode the first weekend in December. At least the chairs will be--the couch might not make it until the first of January. We're not sure how that will figure into our annual neighborhood holiday party. Maybe we'll have the neighbors BYOC.
**We are giving our current couch and love seat to one of my friends who is currently active duty in the Air Force (military intelligence). She served her second tour in Iraq from May to September. Just a few days after her arrival back home, her husband of two years told her he didn't want to be married any more. As they are both just 24 and still in the starting-out phase, they didn't have much to divvy up and because of her next assignment, she opted to let him have the furniture. She's now rooming with my friend Devlyn (a mutual friend of ours) as Devlyn has a small casita at her house. Paul and I were already talking about buying new furniture when I learned of her divorce so I offered her our current seating whenever we got the new stuff. She's going to put it in storage until her next assignment which will be a move to Idaho in June.
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