My So-Called Life As I Know It

2012-02-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

At just what point does a person say "enough"?

And by the way, I love you, Starbucks. You make me happy most days.

2011-12-24T13:23:00.002-07:00

2011-12-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Inappropriate and Traumatizing Elf on the Shelf Activities (click here)

Wish I had kids so I could try these!!

2011-10-06T12:15:00.000-06:00

A couple more wedding photos-- because I love them. Two months ago-- the time goes so fast!

So much of the time I feel like the days start and end one right after the other and I don't really know what I've done with my time. It's a good thing I'm not being held accountable for my time.

It feels like I am in a constant state of worry. Worry that this person won't be able to pull his life together and it will end up badly. Worry that a relationship needs to end but not knowing how to even start. Worry that my knees will never feel better and I will walk like this the rest of my life.

Worry, worry, worry.

July 30, 2011 The Wedding

2011-07-31T10:43:00.000-06:00

2011-07-17T00:14:00.000-06:00

Niece Katie's bridal shower was tonight. It was a mix of family, friends, and church folks. This photo is Katie (second from left) with three friends she's known since middle school, all in her bridal party.

It's hard to keep friendships going, sometimes even after trying to tend to them over the years, relationships fall by the wayside. I think as we get older, we all just think people will be around if we need them, but this isn't always the case. I have good friends from high school that I used to consider close friends. Up until a few years ago I'd even still say that, but the sad reality is if I don't do the tending, there is no tending. And honestly, one-sided tending makes for weak relationships.

At what point do you just let them go?

2011-07-15T12:09:00.000-06:00

Spent most of the day and night yesterday with friends-- and it was much needed. During the day, spent time scrapbooking with teaching buddies. Last night I met some friends for a hilarious play, which resulted in laughing so much our cheeks hurt. It's been a really, really long time since I laughed that hard.

This weekend is a bridal shower for niece #2, whose wedding is in two weeks. She's getting married-- can't believe it. No real reason, I still just see her as a little kid!

It's too hot today. I'm dreading going up and showering and blow drying my hair. Ugh.

2011-06-04T16:44:00.000-06:00

I think it's about time find a professional listener. I've known this for quite awhile now, but the thought of finding one is completely overwhelming. And the thought of talking about what I need to talk about is even more overwhelming, because everyone knows as soon as you give spoken words to something, it becomes real and not just in your imagination anymore.

2011-05-21T00:12:00.000-06:00

There has been a lot of talk about the alleged coming Rapture, which is predicted by some to happen this Saturday at 6 p.m. The alleged part being it's coming on Saturday, not that it's coming. I wouldn't be surprised if this past week is the first time some people have ever even heard anything about The Rapture. For those in the know and looking forward to it, all the jokes and merriment may be a little off-putting. To true believers, The Rapture is something very sacred and worthy of anticipation. However, the thought of loved ones being left behind is incredibly sad.

From a very young age I knew about The Rapture. Attending a Southern Baptist church for most of my young life, it was an important part of what we learned. End times, fire, brimstone, war, pestilence... all part of Sunday school and sermons.

I have to say, for the past years it has sure seemed like the end times. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, false prophets, financial ruin... these are things that make some people stop and really consider what may be on its way.

The good thing is... I'm sure it's sparked discussion with those that need to hear about it.

2011-05-18T14:15:00.000-06:00

Spent some time this morning with someone I really enjoy. We're working on a committee together for the CCIRA conference. She is such a good resource and so smart. I like spending time with her because I always feel smarter when I leave. She sparked an interest in me in doing online book talks for the CCBA list of nominated titles. I came right home and started a power point slide show to turn into a booktalk.

Tonight I had plans to go to a play downtown. I've changed the date of the tickets a couple of times because since B moved I've lost my go-do-things-with pal, and I get tired of always trying to find someone to go with me. RF and I made plans to head downtown, go to dinner and go to the show. This afternoon I found my tickets and the date is June 1. Lately I really cannot seem to keep any kind of date or schedule in my head. It's frustrating because I used to be so good at it, but not any more. Frustrating. I'm glad I discovered it before we headed to the theater.

2011-05-16T11:46:00.000-06:00

Just started reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Fantasy is not a genre I typically enjoy, but so many people have suggested it, I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not too far into but am enjoying it a lot. I've been reading it on my iPad, and one of the features is that it shows what passages other people have highlighted in the text. That is distracting to me, so I turned that feature off. Unless I was writing a book review, I can't imagine why I would want to know what other people highlighted.

The iPad was definitely a good purchase. I love how convenient it is to carry it around. I've downloaded some podcasts from NPR but haven't taken time to listen to them yet.

Now I just need a charging station at home for my computer, iPad, smart phone, cordless phone... it's a little ridiculous.

2011-05-13T12:37:00.000-06:00

Today and Monday I'm subbing at a school I taught at for 23 years, and went to as a fifth and sixth grader. Every time I come back to this school, I am flooded with memories. A certain classroom door, something in the hallway-- everything brings back so many memories of the years I taught here.

That storage closet over there? That was the 5th and 6th grade storage closet. I remember once we were cleaning it out as a team, and even though it was work, it was great fun because of the people on the 5/6 team. I remember looking high up on a top shelf at a jar that contained some kind of science thing stored in liquid. It was labeled "6th Grade Brains" (one of our science units in 6th grade was the brain). As I took the jar down, I said, "So THAT'S where the 6th grade brains went. I've been wondering that all year!".

I can walk down the hall and name the teachers that were in the classrooms I pass. Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Fukai, Mr. Carney, Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Marvin, Miss Acker, Ms. Miller, Mrs. Suppes, Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Jackson.... so many wonderful teachers. Well, almost all of them, anyway. There is that one there.....

Today I'm subbing in the library and am reading out loud to several classes. The room we're in wasn't always a library. When I was a student and a teacher here, it was a courtyard. I point out to the kids the beam that used to be a water spout, tell them where they are sitting used to be a carpet of wonderfully green, cool grass, and point out where the time capsule was buried when I was a 5th grade student here.

As I walk up the sidewalk to the front entrance of the school, I see the big tree that was in the background of all the individual photos I took of my students on the first day of school each year. The grounds in the front of the school have changed over the years due to changing the parking lot and entrance to the school, but the lawn and that tree still bring back memories.

Today as I was telling the kids I used to be a student here, we discovered that the dad of one of the kindergartners was my student in 5th grade. That has happened several times when I sub here. Once a student came up to me and said I had been her dad's teacher and I looked at him asked, "Is your dad's name xxxx?" The kid was an exact replica of his dad at that age.

I loved teaching at this school, and I don't think I really appreciated how much until I've come back to sub here. I learned a lot in the twenty-three years I was a teacher at this school, and I still consider many of the teachers (long gone from teaching) to still be close friends.

I hope all of you get to say that about your job someday.

2011-05-02T22:14:00.000-06:00

If I were to grade this year so far, I'd say there's room for improvement. I'm just not working up to my potential. I'm not turning work in on time. I need frequent reminders to stay focused. I need to work on following oral and written directions.

I think the average for the past four months would be a D+ or a C-, which actually are pretty much the same, but you choose which one to use based on how many times a day you have to remind a kid to pull their chair in or to turn their work in on time.

2011-04-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

A few fun photos from the CCIRA conference. Steve Spangler was a big hit-- he's such a crazy guy.

Today was cold and a little rainy late in the day. For April, it was a little chilly. I'd like to say I have a nice pot of soup bubbling on the stove, but that would be wishful thinking. Maybe tomorrow. I have a great recipe for chicken tortilla soup that I'd like to try. I've had it at someone else's house and loved it, so hopefully it will turn out the same.

I don't cook very often anyore--mostly because that would entail cleaning off the stove and the counter top, which have become storage spaces.Too much stuff, not even places to put it. The story of my life.

Funny Laurie did me a favor and agreed to present a couple of sessions at the conference. A life saver. And this is such a great photo of her.

2011-03-19T22:11:00.002-06:00

Last weekend I went with Katie to look at wedding invitations. Too many choices-- but what a fun day. This time is going to go so fast--I'm so glad she welcomes any attempt by me to document it all! Now Amanda on the other hand... she'd never stand for it.

2011-03-18T21:09:00.003-06:00

Weekends are kind of hard. It's been almost a year since B moved, but weekends are when I miss him the most. I'm getting ready to watch a movie, and that's what we did almost every weekend. I wonder if it will ever feel different?

2011-03-07T10:02:00.003-07:00

Things I Can't Keep at the House Because I Eat Them Within a Few Days Which is Bad

Golden Oreos
Round Tostitos and salsa
Pizza
KitKats
Leftover pasta of any kind

Things I Could Have at the House and Would Never Eat Because I Don't Like Them

Any kind of fish
Soda
Coffee
Regular milk (instead of almond or rice)

Things I Have in the Fridge or Cupboard on a Regular Basis and Forget I Have Them

spaghetti squash
wine coolers
celery
popcorn

2011-03-02T10:24:00.005-07:00

I really, really love my 2001 Honda CRV, but am wondering if I should think about looking at new cars. This car still runs great but it's starting to show some wear and tear. Cosmetic things to be sure but like me, if you look worn out, people think you ARE worn out.

I'm perfectly happy to spend all day every day (for the most part) at home watching reruns of Law and Order, X Files, and CSI.
If you share a wall with a neighbor like I do, you should realize that playing your stereo at top volume is going to have an adverse effect on how said neighbor thinks of you in a kind, friendly way. Pounding on the wall helps, but gets old after awhile.
I was at a scrapbooking retreat in Evergreen all weekend and spent my birthday with these women, a couple of them I didn't know at all. They decorated the crop room, the door of my bedroom, brought a cake, and cards. This is the most anyone has done for my birthday for a long time. It was nice.
After years of doing it, I've stopped planning times to get together with friends. The result is that I don't really see any of them much anymore. I guess it wasn't that important to them.
For a long time now I've thought I need to expand my circle of friends. See above.
The Oscars were pretty boring this year. I love movies, and need to start seeing more of them at the theater. Going to the movies is probably the one thing I will actually do by myself and not feel self-conscious.
Looks like a beautiful day outside and I should get out and get some sun.

2011-02-13T08:27:00.002-07:00

Blogeois--if you pop over here, know that I tried to leave a comment on your blog but can't remember my word press sign in info.

I'll miss your blog! I hope you'll come back one of these days... I'm going to keep checking!

2011-01-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

I guess I haven't taken any photos since Christmas. I love these family pictures.

The wind is blowing like crazy at the moment and I always wonder if there are any kitties outside trying to find a place to spend the night. I wish people wouldn't let their cats out. Ever.
This week on Oprah the shows have been about the trip to Australia she went on with her audience. I really want to go to Australia and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. I don't want to wear the special snorkeling suits though (to prevent jellyfish stings).
I've been reminded what great friends and family I have. I needed some specific help with certain parts of the literacy conference I've been working on for nearly two years. There have been some people that have really stepped up to help-- presenting sessions, spending time at the conference as greeters, manning the information tables, ferrying people between hotels, taking photographs. Lucky, lucky me.
All of my family is coming to one or other of the luncheons at the conference. I'm sure it helps that I'm paying for all their lunch tickets, but I'm glad they are coming.
I haven't read anything on my Kindle since long before Christmas. However, I am playing Blackjack on it pretty regularly.
I bought an iPad and feel dumber than a box of rocks because I don't really know how to use it very well. I'm pretty good with technology, but not so good with the iPad yet.
Why is Airborne so expensive?
I've had two movies from Netflix since June. I guess I'm not really going to watch them, am I?
The wind is still blowing. Glad I'm not outside. Although it's after midnight, so I suppose I wouldn't really have a reason to be out there on a Thursday night.

2011-01-03T23:22:00.004-07:00

My sister, who can't see very well these days but for some unknown reason can still text and read blogs, has insisted it's time for a post. Why she can still text and read blogs is beyond me, maybe she's faking.

My friend Laurie frequently blogs in the format of bullets, so I'm going to use the Did You Know format.

Did You Know...

It sucks to get older. I've had lower back pain for many, many months, and today my massage person worked some trigger points on some tennis elbow pain I have. It was so painful I was really close to crying, but it feels so much better tonight.
The CCIRA conference is barely a month away, and while it's been a great experience, I will be happy to wake up on Feb 6 and know I don't have to worry about this or that or feel like I am behind on something. It's been a long two years.
I'm reading Loving Frank (Nancy Horan) for the third time. I could tell you that it's because I love the book so much (I really, do actually) but the real reason is because my Kindle has been downstairs for a couple of weeks and this book is one of the few on my nightstand I would read again.
Shawshank Redemption is the other one--I've read that one three times as well. I don't really care for the other three stories in the book (it's actually called "Different Seasons") and wish Shawshank was available by itself on the Kindle.
Because I really, really dislike peeling oranges, I have avoided the Cutie Clementine rage. Until recently. Oh my--I've been missing out! I don't, but I believe could eat 8 of those things in one sitting. And so easy to peel. Mmmm.
My 40th high school reunion is 19 months from this week. 40! The nice thing is, I still see and talk to a lot of those people all the time. So it's not a big shock when we see each other.
I listen to NPR pretty much all the time when I'm in the car. Even if I'm not that interested in the story or the program, I like the sound of the voices. Except for the BBC news which is all that's on NPR at night and into the morning. Don't like that much at all.

And.... we're done.

2010-11-24T19:47:00.002-07:00

I was so hoping that The Great Pumpkin would be on tonight. I probably have the dvd somewhere in my boxes of teaching stuff-- I kind of wish I had it to watch tonight. There's nothing like the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Christmas shows to make the holidays seem more official. Best Christmas movie hands down? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Love it.

I probably should be putting together my mac and cheese and chocolate cake for tomorrow, but making them tomorrow makes more sense, even though it's going to mean some work before I head to my sister's house.

Last night I saw the stage show of Shrek-- and got an impromptu backstage tour by one of the actors. I've know his family for a long, long time-- close to thirty, actually! I've watched him grow up and have a nice career on Broadway in NYC, and it was nice to see him in a big touring show. The backstage your was so interesting-- costumes, wigs, set pieces--I wish I could do that for every show!

Brrr... time to go turn up the heat a bit!

2010-11-12T19:38:00.002-07:00

Oy. Over a month. Got a post simmering, but will get to it in a few days. I was looking at some photos my sister took at what used to be my grandmother's house in what I now think is an odd location in Denver. I have so many wonderful memories of that house and my grandmother, I want to write a little about them.

I am about a third way through my third year of retirement, and I have to say I am very happy to be retired now. It took awhile, but I am grateful not to have to endure the expectations and requirements that are dumped on teachers these days. I'd like to see a few requirements and expectations for the lids and parents one of these days. What are they thinking sending a kid to kindergarten and they don't know their last name or their colors or how to write their name? Don't get me started. I'm all for high standards, but it needs to be all the way around.

Had a really wonderful scrapbooking retreat a few weeks ago-- attended by ten of my favorite people. I had a great weekend, I hope they did as well. I didn't get one stinking thing done scrapbooking-wise, but that's really to be expected when I'm the one "in charge". Recently I've been meeting another scrapbooking friend for some nice work time-- last week we met at a Starbucks and sat there for nearly four hours and had a wonderful time. Before we left we picked the date for the next time--I like having those kinds of things to look forward to.

No plans this weekend-- very glad. I'd really like to get back to the gym but don't have gym clothes that fit at the moment. Must work on that.

But for now... I think I'll finish my peppermint mocha.

2010-10-09T23:57:00.003-06:00

Today is better. Still wondering where those friends went, but a memorial service today helped put other things into more perspective. Unfortunately those new perspectives have a way of not lasting as long as I'd like.

I still desperately need a break and a change of scenery for a little while. I have a scrapbooking retreat coming up in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to being in the mountains and with fun people for a weekend.

I have a lot of catching up work to do in the next week-- I was going to get it done last week but a few major events knocked the work to the bottom of the list.

For now I just need some sleep.

2010-10-08T23:10:00.004-06:00

Life is just too tough at the moment. Bad news here, sad news there. Wondering where all the friends I've had over the last few years have gone.

It's become blatantly obvious that if I don't do the calling, emailing, planning.... they aren't going to do it, so at the moment you feel nonexistent. Your email and phone work just as well as mine. The last seven months have been the hardest of my life, and I could have used a phone call, a card, some indication that you even noticed. Guess I'm more invisible than I thought. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Not always. Absence makes you invisible.

I need a break. A vacation. Something different, that's for sure. Not gonna happen for a few months, but after that, I'm gone for awhile. Might be just holed up in a cabin in the mountains, but I need a change of scenery. I know several other people who could use a new view. Too many to count, probably. I wish we all could get away for awhile.

And I wish everyone I knew had health insurance.

2010-08-26T21:42:00.006-06:00

One of the first blogs I read each day is Sizzle Says. I am always amazed at how closely many parts of her life parallel mine. Today she started with this: I'm just going to come out and say it. We're struggling.

She's referring to her boyfriend and her-- they've recently moved in together and are finding the new roommate situation a little challenging sometimes. They love spending time together, both wanted to do this, but as with most big changes, it's hard.

Take away the boyfriend and insert any one of several things I'm working on at the moment and that's my opening line. I'm struggling. I'm trying to do too many things--- some of them are things I should have done a few weeks ago, and am now catching up. But I have other things on my timeline that need to be done now, so the other things are added to the current things. Add to this the fact that several people are depending on me to accomplish this or that by such and such date so they can move on with what they are doing, and I'm behind.

I have a few life tenets that are non negotiable:

I want to do what's expected of me when it's expected.

I don't want to make more work for anyone else.

I want to do what I promise I will do.

I'm not failing miserably at any of them, but it's borderline. I don't like to let people down when I'm supposed to be doing things for them. At the moment I'm starting to catch up but it has come at a cost. Major meltdown yesterday, a proverbial throwing in of the towel, then went and found the towel and hung it back up (metaphorically).

What keeps coming to mind is that poster from the seventies with a rope, and a cat hanging on at the end of rope, with the words: When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.

Hanging on..... but barely.

2010-08-23T18:45:00.003-06:00

Today was the first day of school for my school district--and many others, I'm sure. Since one of the kindergarten teachers and I are doing a special book with her class this year, I headed to school to take photos of all of them so we had a First Day of School Picture. Whew... I am happy I got to go home when I was done. She has 17 boys and 8 girls, and the boys are BOYS. It took her forever to read a story to the class-- after each page she had to refocus them and get their attention. I talked to her on the phone for a long time tonight and while she didn't sound as exhausted as I would have, she's got a long week ahead of her!

It felt kind of odd to be in the school today-- I haven't been there on the first day of school in either of the two years since I retired. I love the first day of school-- such an energy to the day. But I felt like an outsider today, which in reality I suppose I am, but today was the first day I really felt like it. The staff all had on baseball jerseys given to them by the principal, an effort to create a team feeling, I'm sure. Feeling a part of a team is always a good thing.

On the other hand, I got to leave at noon!

2010-08-22T21:37:00.003-06:00

See... I didn't really abandon it.

This afternoon I met my niece, her boyfriend, and my dad and step mom at one of my favorite restaurants for early dinner. Katie and I agreed today that it's kind of "our" place. We've been there together many times, and we both love it. Their bread sticks are seriously to.die.for. Thick, doughy sticks of warm goodness, iced with melted butter and Parmesan. Mmmmm. This isn't a photo we took--found it on the web (thank you INDT) but now you know what they look like. They are complimentary, like chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants. We had FIVE plates of them. That makes one for each of us eventually. Mmmmm. Good food, and a good time. And good photos--as soon as dad posts them!

2010-08-21T23:00:00.003-06:00

It seems I have abandoned my blog, which is not actually true. I visit here often, but nothing seems worthy of sharing, or I'm in a funk and that's definitely not worth sharing.

It's damn hot tonight. The temp says 72 which should be very pleasant, but it doesn't feel pleasant. There are times when it feels as though fall is slowly making itself known in small ways--- longer shadows in the morning when I get up, much cooler at night with the bedroom window fan going. I actually used my quilt one night last week.

School starts on Monday for kids in my district. I miss seeing them for the first time in a few months, the hugs, the "Hi Ms. B!" in the hall, the stopping at Starbucks on the way for something for Rose and me, and I really, really miss the library. I miss the actual room, and the books, and the comfy chairs, and the read aloud area, the windows. I miss "my" library.

But I don't miss working. At all.

2010-07-16T22:54:00.003-06:00

It's not an unusual occurrence to get together with people I knew in high school. In fact, it happens on a fairly regular basis. I feel lucky to not only still be connected with these people, but to actually know them better now that I ever did in back in high school.

As a high schooler, people in band and choir were my main circle of friends. I'm still in contact with my high school band director--he comes out to dinner with some of us periodically. Band and choir trips were the highlight of the school year, and that was traveling to competitions in Boulder, Canon City and southern Colorado, not Hawaii or California. My best memories are still from band and choir events.

Tonight I met two friends from high school at a local hangout in Olde Town. Another person we knew from high school was part of a group that was singing at the place. It was a great night, and it reinforced for me once again how comfortable we all feel with each other after all these years. I'm in touch with and friendly with people that I never would have talked to in high school-- cheerleaders, football players,.. the "cool" kids. The band kids weren't really ever thought of as cool, that's for sure. But after knowing each other for over 40 years, we all really enjoy each other's company, and when we get together we have a really good time. I also had a killer feta and sun dried tomato pizza on wheat crust...mmmm.....

There are still a couple of people (I can think of two right away) I still don't have any interest in hanging with... they are still a little full of themselves and even seeing their names on other people's Facebook page brings a little feeling of dread.

I guess sometimes we all really do feel like we're still in high school.

2010-07-06T23:21:00.002-06:00

The high for tomorrow is supposed to be 66 degrees, with rain. I'm thrilled.

Have written and deleted several posts over the last few days, for various reasons. Feels like ripping a bandaid off, and nobody likes that.

2010-07-05T11:49:00.002-06:00

The thunder, lightning, and rain last night were wonderful. I wish it had continued through til this morning.

It was a completely uneventful weekend. No picnics, bbqs or get togethers for me. I watched movies, reruns of lots of tv, and didn't really leave the house much. Who needs potato salad, watermelon, and grilled burgers anyway?

2010-06-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

It's not even 9:30 and I'm going to bed. I've kind of had it with this day.

2010-06-30T20:37:00.000-06:00

I have new neighbors next door. The yappy dog people are gone, replaced by two young men who get home from work around 4:00 each day and proceed to crank the stereo. The music is muffled so all I can hear is the lovely bass pounding. And pounding. I'm waiting til our paths cross in the carport, will introduce myself, and then the next time music is pounding I'll feel better about knocking on their door.

Neighbors. Hmph.

2010-06-16T13:52:00.002-06:00

Finally! Blogger has so many more choices for blog templates! Hopefully this one doesn't give anyone a headache.

From realsimple.com-- ways to have a "different" vacation...

6 Museums Where You’ll Never Find the Mona Lisa

1. Baked Bean Museum of Excellence (bakedbeanmuseumofexcellence.org.uk), Port Talbot, South Wales. In 2003 a wacky Brit (whose real name is Barry Kirk, but he had it legally changed to Captain Beany) converted his two-bedroom flat into a museum where he displays more than 200 baked-bean artifacts.

2. The Museum of Bad Art (museumofbadart.org), Dedham, Massachusetts. Forget MoMA―check out MoBA, dedicated to the collection and the exhibition of questionable artwork. Most of the collection has been moved to the Dedham Community Theater’s basement, just outside the men’s room.

3. Mütter Museum, at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (collphyphil.org). Housing Dr. Thomas Mütter’s astonishing personal collection of off-the-charts anatomical and pathological oddities, the Mütter Museum has the liver (preserved in a jar) belonging to the famous Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker.

4. London’s Fan Museum (fan-museum.org), Greenwich, England. Set in two 1721 buildings, this jewel box of a museum is, in a word, fan-tastic. The only museum in the world devoted entirely to the art of fan making, it houses more than 3,500 mostly antique artifacts, some dating from the 11th century.

5. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets (sulabhtoiletmuseum.org), New Delhi. Bindeshwar Pathak, who considers himself a “sanitation crusader,” has traveled the world gathering key information on the history and the evolution of the toilet.

6. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (pharmacymuseum.org). Enter this French Quarter museum and discover the world of antiquated medical devices and the art of voodoo. Keep an eye out for jars of leeches. The tonsil guillotine will leave you, well, speechless.

2010-05-24T17:12:00.003-06:00

Lately the weather has been decidedly spring-like. Beautiful deep blue skies, some puffy clouds, nice temperatures. Today was more of the same but some wind has been blowing through pretty much all day.

I do love spring. When I was teaching it always signaled the end of the seemingly long school year, the beginning of the count down for summer break, and the weather was usually pretty nice without being too hot. Now that I'm not teaching I still love spring but don't have those same look forward to feelings. Each week is a lot like break, some weeks are busy, some are more open. But I don't have that "looking forward to break" feeling, and I kind of miss it!

My neighbors (we share a kitchen wall between our town homes) are Russian or Ukrainian or something. Nice people, but they entertain a lot, especially in the summer (usually on Sunday nights... late into the night) and they cook something that smells like cabbage, and pretty regularly. Today is one of those smelly cooking days. Bleh.

2010-05-23T22:22:00.004-06:00

It's the end of the school year and every teacher I know is feeling either completely overwhelmed or resigned to the fact that the kids are going to do whatever they feel like and there's nothing they can do to change that. After subbing last Friday I can attest to this!

Being resigned is about the most disheartening feeling a person can have. It's all about giving up on the dream of how you'd like things to be, and the giving in to the feeling that this is about all there is. Being resigned means feeling powerless, that any move toward improvement is dependent upon outside factors over which you have no control, no matter hard you try to control it. Being resigned is the result of trying to do what you think to be right and good, and realizing what you think is right and good isn't what others feel is the same. Being resigned eventually results in "why even bother and who really cares, anyway?"

I'll bet it's like that outside of school, too.Or so I hear.

2010-05-09T09:19:00.002-06:00

I think Mother's Day is even harder than Valentine's Day.

2010-05-02T09:22:00.008-06:00

Two weeks from today, at about this time in the morning, my oldest niece Amanda will be awarded her bachelor's degree from Metro State College. I know I speak for everyone on both her side and Justin's side of the family-- we are so indescribably proud of her.

I remember the day she was born-- a round, chubby baby who was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to our family. Since her mom was a working, single mom, Amanda spent a lot of time with my mom, my dad and stepmom, and me. I remember reading the same book over and over to her (The Best Nest, and One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish). She loved playing with My Little Ponies, and even at the very young age of three loved brushing her hair and picking out the right clothes. That certainly hasn't changed.

I remember when she graduated from 6th grade and sobbed at graduation because her family was moving and she didn't think she'd ever see her friends again. They ended up moving a few blocks away. Crisis averted.

When she graduated from high school her family was going through some great emotional upheaval as her mom and stepdad were divorcing at the same time, and the house was being sold and once again her life could have been a bit turbulent. But you never would have known it at her graduation party-- she was already the wanna be Martha Stewart we all know her to be today.

I remember meeting at my dad and stepmom's's house at 5 am in August, 2000 to load the cars and drive what felt like forever to Gunnison to drop her at college.It was so hard to leave her there! It brought back a lot of memories of being dropped at college myself, and wondering what my parents felt when they left me on my own?

Her wedding was a fairytale-- twinkly lights, chocolate-dipped strawberries, cake with flavors like strawberry champagne, chocolate with raspberry, yellow with peach, toll house, and german chocolate, and a delivered bouquet that "didn't match my colors!". That last one almost sent her over the edge, but it really was a beautiful bouquet! I remember sitting at the rehearsal watching the slide show of her life, and wondering where in the world all those years went?

And now Amanda will have earned a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics-- it's taken her ten years but she never gave up. What a testament to her drive and perseverance--- late nights, too much coffee, debt, and having to deal with the closing of the first program she had put so much time into to begin with.

It will be a wonderful time in two weeks watching her receive her well-deserved degree. Secretly, I'm hoping she does a little "woo-hoo" dance on the stage--- but that's so out of her character!

We are so proud of you, Amanda!!!

2010-04-11T14:30:00.005-06:00

I DVR The View every day. Last night when I sat down to watch Friday's show I was thrilled to see that Pioneer Woman was a guest! She made all kinds of yummy things to talk about-- most of which I'd already seen on her blog at one time or another. I was hoping for the best ever chocolate sheet cake that I made last Sunday for Easter, but it wasn't there.

I do tape this show every day, but sometimes (more and more, it seems) I fast forward through some of the hot topics because I can't stand how they all talk over each other, and the segment with PW was typical. Everyone talking at once, couldn't really follow any one thread... annoying. But what was really annoying? Having her segment be the very last one, and only about 5 mins long.

And really, Whoopi? What are those dress-like things that aren't dresses you are wearing lately? Not flattering at all.

SNL last night-- watched a little before I couldn't keep my eyes open. Watched a little this morning (I heart DVR) before I left the house. I'm not a big Justin Bieber fan but the skit with TF as a teacher and JB as a student--SO SO funny. He was hilarious-- I love when the musical guests are in the skits, too.

Went to a stamping/papercraft class today--made the cutest container to hold cards. Would like to make more, but the container isn't to be found anywhere! I'm pretty good with finding impossible stuff online, so I'm not too worried. I'd much rather find it on the first or second try, however.

A Non-Post Because There's Nothing I Feel Like Sharing

2010-04-08T09:13:00.003-06:00

Petite Vanilla Bean Scones

Ingredients

SCONES

3 cups All-purpose Flour
⅔ cups Sugar
5 teaspoons Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
2 sticks (1/2 Pound) UNSALTED Butter, Chilled
1 whole Large Egg
¾ cups Heavy Cream (more If Needed)
2 whole Vanilla Beans
GLAZE
3 cups Powdered Sugar, Sifted
½ cups Whole Milk
1 whole Vanilla Bean
Dash Of Salt

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Split the vanilla beans down the middle lengthwise and scrape out all the vanilla “caviar” inside. Stir caviar into cream. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Sift together flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut cold butter into pats, then use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour. Keep going until mixture resembles crumbs.

Pour vanilla cream into flour mixture and stir gently with a fork just until it comes together.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and lightly press it together until it forms a rough rectangle. (Mixture will be pretty crumbly.) Use a rolling pin to roll into a rectangle about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. Use your hands to help with the forming if necessary.

Use a knife to trim into a symmetrical rectangle, then cut the rectangle into 12 symmetrical squares/rectangles. Next, cut each square/rectangle in half diagonally, to form two triangles.

Transfer to a parchment or baking mat-lined cookie sheet and bake for 18 minutes, removing from the oven just before they start to turn golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

VANILLA GLAZE

To make the icing, split one vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the caviar. Stir caviar into milk; allow to sit for awhile. Mix powdered sugar with the vanilla milk, adding more powdered sugar or milk if necessary to get the consistency the right thickness. Stir or whisk until completely smooth.

One at a time, carefully dunk each cooled scone in the glaze, turning it over if necessary. Transfer to parchment paper or the cooling rack. Allow the glaze to set completely, about an hour. Scones will keep several days if glazed.

Springtime in the Rockies....

2010-03-24T08:33:00.001-06:00

2010-03-10T23:14:00.006-07:00

Every night before I call it a night I do the regular winding down kind of things that most people do. I lay out things I need the next day: my work bag, my lunch bag, any things that need to be mailed, etc... If I don't do these things I rush around in the morning and leave later than I plan to. Not a good way to start the day. I also turn off all the lights downstairs, make sure the door is locked (which it always is--I have a "thing" about being home and having unlocked doors), pick up stray cat toys because my cats are slobs (wonder where they got that from?), head upstairs, wash my face (hands down favorite part of the day), brush my teeth and head to the bedroom.

Right after I turn the light off and right before I slip into my unmade bed (I'm really bad about that) I stop and move the curtain of my bedroom window enough that I can look out over the lawn. It's dark, the property light from the adjacent apartment property, and usually the moon, light up the area enough so everything is clearly visible. I'm on the second floor so the view is more sweeping than if I was at the patio door downstairs. I love how the moonlight illuminates the lawn that surrounds the property. I especially like it when it's snowed and it's white and clean-looking, but lately have found the bare, brown grass to be comforting for some reason. It's dark outside, so it doesn't really look bare and brown.

Each night I do this, and each night I look for something that might have changed, something that might look a little different. I wonder if I'm looking for something in particular. I haven't determined yet if I am. It just feels like I am looking for some signal that no matter how things change, they always feel the same.

Time to go look out the window.

2010-02-19T19:37:00.004-07:00

What a weird week-- the library at school was so slow. Besides the kinders and first graders that come on a schedule, hardly any kids came in at all. I was on the computer almost the entire time I've been at school this week-- some for CCIRA, a lot for just stuff. Thank goodness there ARE computers or I would go stir crazy. I've actually been working on getting all the long overdue books back or paid for-- so many books out since school started and the fall! I don't know if they just don't do much about trying to get them back at this school or if they've just kind of given up. Such a lot of money wasted if books aren't returned--so that's my goal for the next few weeks.

2010-02-14T11:05:00.002-07:00

Heading to the big box scrapbooking store to make a couple of free cards at their weekend event. Need to get gas for the car, maybe get a few groceries. Getting back into the habit of taking a lunch is not easy-- but necessary if I don't want to stop by the first fast food place I see on my way home from work. Last week was really slow in the library I'm at--which was okay because I had a lot of CCIRA stuff to do on the computer.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2010-02-13T10:00:00.003-07:00

I didn't watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics last night. I guess I don't usually--- not for any reason, I guess I'm usually either not home or forget. I do wonder why we have to be inundated with the mistakes or bad news from everyday life-- the "gaffe" in the ceremonies, the death of one of the lugers... over and over and over. It seems to be human nature to point out flaws--I know from past experience (principals-- take note. Encouragement goes a long way to help build morale, rather than pointing out your perception of what we're doing wrong).

Yesterday I was the taxi for my niece-- doctor's appt and Target. I waited in the car during the doctor's appt-- mostly because I knew it would be a long wait and I wanted a little nap! It was almost two hours, and when she called and said she was waiting for her prescription I discovered my car battery was dead. I'd left the lights on while I was sitting there waiting. DUMB! And as is so typical for me, I had been meaning to renew my AAA membership for two months and still hadn't done it. But I knew I could do that over that phone so I did, and 30 min later had a car that started. No car-to-car jumper cables nowadays I guess--the tow truck guy had a nifty little box o' battery power that he hooked right up to my battery and vroom-- there you go. Very slick.

I {heart} AAA.

2010-02-12T23:20:00.003-07:00

So glad it's the weekend.

Busy week...I keep waiting for the time when things slow down a bit but it's just not happening. This weekend has less on the calendar than the last few have and that's a good thing.

I've been looking at things to order as gifts for various times and people in the next year for the literacy conference. Each time we have a board of directors meeting, they get a gift from me. Each time the conference committee meets, they get a gift from me. These aren't big things necessarily, but it sure is fun figuring out what I want. It's even more fun to spend money that's not my own. The first gift will be a cellophane bag with sticky notes, a really neat pen (blue) and a really neat clip (purple)---all with the 2011 conference logo printed on them. In January the conference committee all get a pretty nice gift--this past year we all got a keychain digital photo frame. My theme is On the Road to Literacy, so some of the gifts will be chosen with that in mind-- travel kits, roadside car emergency kits, etc. It's like shopping for Christmas but having someone else pay for it!

2010-02-07T23:53:00.004-07:00

Today is one of those days I'm so grateful to be retired and not have to go to work tomorrow morning.

I spent Wed afternoon through Sat afternoon at the CCIRA conference. I've attended this conference for many, many years (since I first started teaching) but now I'm attending and seeing it through a different lens. I'm next year's conference chair, so there's lots to learn and do. I was so tired last night I could barely stay awake for any length of time and did finally fall asleep while B watched a movie on the Disney channel. Today hasn't been much better. We saw a show at the ACenter and I kept closing my eyes "just for a second". I'd be in bed now but I just finished printing the certificates for the area spelling bee tomorrow morning.

It snowed today and I hope it snows again tomorrow. It's winter, for goodness sakes. I don't exactly want the kind of winter the east coast is getting at the moment, but a little cold and snow would be nice for a few days.

But I'd also like some sleep.

2010-01-25T16:54:00.002-07:00

So.

I've been back working for two weeks and I have to admit, I'm looking forward to the end of March when I'll be done. It's really kind of a challenge to walk into someone else's library at a completely different school three days a week and do things the way they do them, even though you know the way you would do them is different. And better. Not better as in smarter or more professional, but better meaning more user-friendly, more efficient, better for teaching kids (and teachers) routine. There are a few things that just don't work for me-- so tomorrow I'm going to modify them a bit and see if the teachers can go with it.

I do enjoy being back with kids (temporarily--don't get me wrong), and most of them are really pretty nice and friendly. There are a few that are not, however. I've had several kindergartners talk back to me (and their teacher)--and not just minor kind of stuff. One of them threw a handful of gravel in the para's face during a recess last week, with no consequences.

Worst part of the job? Getting up in the dark and driving to work in the dark. Really... not fun.

Project Life

2010-01-04T16:27:00.003-07:00

One of my nieces is joining me in a year long effort called Project Life. It's a scrapbooking kit that can be used to document the year in photos and words. I don't know about K, but I am woefully behind in my photos! I took some on Jan 1 of our breakfast at the diner, but after that it's been all about me going through tissues at an amazing rate, watching movies, and nothing else much that's interesting. I'm pretty good at improvising so I'm not too concerned, but I guess it's made me realize how boring I am!

One more week til I go back to work for a few months. I'll be a half-time librarian at a school here in A from Jan-end of March. I'm kind of looking forward to the routine, not looking forward to walking in not knowing anyone. I never have been really good at that. Like churches and many other organizations, there are unspoken standards and norms for parking your car (yes, people have designated parking places even if they aren't marked) and for who sits where in the lounge for lunch/pews for services and where they sit at staff meetings. It never takes long to figure things out, but it's always like the first day of school at a new school.

2010-01-03T21:03:00.005-07:00

I've spent the weekend blowing my nose, wiping watery eyes, blowing my nose some more, and irrigating my sinuses every few hours. I'm pretty sure it's all due to allergies which is probably better than a cold, but my gosh it's getting old. Thank GOODNESS for Puffs with lotion...my poor nose is having a tough time of it. And while I don't feel spectacular, you know what's really good about all of this? I don't have to go to work tomorrow! That's one thing I love about being retired. If I don't feel well, or have had a really busy day, I can be a couch potato the next day. And the next. And the next.

On New Year's Day B and I went to breakfast at a Denver area landmark--Davies Diner. It was so good--and so cheap! My two egg, bacon, hash browns, and hotcakes breakfast was 5.75. B's chicken fried teak breakfast was 7.95. And the drinks were 1.25. One of our biggest complaints about going out to eat these days is the cost of drinks. Almost all restaurants are over 2.00 for iced tea or soda--most close to 2.49. While that won't break the bank, it definitely adds to the bill. Yes, I am really that little old lady that complains about the price of drinks now.

Time to go blow my nose.

2010-01-02T10:13:00.003-07:00

Finished the book ----->.

It was actually pretty good, but I do wonder now if DB writes with thinking how it will be done in a movie now, since all of these books end up on the big screen. Next up: Push-- which was made into the movie Precious. Haven't seen the movie yet, but I've heard the book is intense. It's a little book so shouldn't take too long.

I was hoping to get to the grocery store to get the makings for beef stew today but I feel like staying under an afghan all day now. Blowing my nose every five minutes is getting old. I think it's due to severe allergies because I'm also sneezing, but it's annoying. The neti pot is my friend.

2009-12-29T23:58:00.002-07:00

New book--------------> over there.

I'm about a third done. Not bad, but a lot of things to pay attention to and remember. Not my favorite kind of book when you have to do that.

2009-12-29T23:37:00.004-07:00

I've become on of those people. One of those people that have replaced blogging with facebooking. I don't twitter (although every few weeks or so I read a couple of people I pretend to follow but don't really follow)--I just can't take on one more social connection, I guess.

One of my favorite things about the Christmas time is getting Christmas cards with photos in them. I have a special scrapbook album I use for just those pictures, and it's fun to see how families have changed over the years. One thing I've seen more and more of is people sending Christmas photo cards with only their kids or grandkids in the photo. Okay... I'll agree the kids are cute and all, but I.don't.know.those.kids. Most of them I've never even met. There are a couple of people I'm fairly close to that I've finally convinced that they actually need to be in the photo as well (spouses too...) but it's not something you can really suggest to everyone. "Hey--thanks for the photo. But I'd rather see you in the picture, too--so change that for next year, okay?"

The not-so-new cat has really become a part of the family here at the local casa. For a couple of weeks he hid someplace upstairs, and would come down to eat then run back upstairs. He would run away anytime I came near him, and was pretty anxious about most everything. He has a habit of licking his nose once or twice when he's nervous about something, and he hasn't done that for quite some time now. He stays downstairs with Izzy and me all the time, and he and Izzy have become race around the house buddies. He loves to be petted and scratched, and he jumps up on me every now and then--which I take as a sign of trust. Hopefully someday he will come upstairs at night and sleep on the bed as all my other felines have done, but that may take awhile. For now, he's just trying to make himself at home. And we're awfully glad to have him.

2009-12-10T18:51:00.002-07:00

Started a new book -----------> I read this author's blog, and thought I'd try one of her books. It's a really easy read, and I need those kinds of books these days. I don't read fiction as much as I used to, but non-fiction takes too much energy and presence of mind to digest, and I just don't have it at the moment. Next stop: books on cd. Then I won't even have to read them.

It's been bitter cold here for the last week. On Tuesday the high reached 7 degrees, and yesterday the low was -7 degrees. Today was a balmy 37 degree high. It actually felt decent-- after days of well below freezing temps, it did feel balmy.

While I don't miss working, I do miss the Christmas energy around school this week and next. Secret Santa, looking forward to a school break, etc... We used to do Christmas projects but not much of that is done anymore. We used to make red and green paper chains to decorate the room (can't do that now because of the motion-sensor security that would be set off by things hanging from the ceiling), wrote letters to Santa and had the 6th graders write back as "Santa" (don't do that because Santa is too Christmas-y), had extra recesses just because (recesses are verboten nowadays except at lunch)... the weeks before Christmas was a fun time. Now it's more like "way back when" for those kinds of things.

Time to go dig out the Christmas movies.

2009-11-27T14:11:00.002-07:00

You have to read the post below to appreciate this one.

I discovered that I could order this item online at joann.com on Black Friday and get the same deal. This morning I got online and got the message that their website was down for maintenance. Interesting timing, me thinks.

After running a little errand this morning, I stopped by Michael's to see what they had on sale. Not much, really-- I did pick up a few stocking stuffers. But I also found the other item I had been looking for--for five dollars cheaper than advertised at Joann. They had two left. I bought one of them. So there.

Where were all the shoppers today? There wasn't much traffic--not much more than usual, anyway. Not as many shoppers in the few stores I stopped in. I'm not much of a shopper these days anyway-- I much prefer online shopping anymore.

I've officially turned into my mom.

2009-11-23T18:35:00.003-07:00

I was out and about for a little bit today to pick up the rest of the groceries needed for my things for Thursday and to do a little of this and that, and was so annoyed by people that I finally came home. Drivers that can't drive properly, people not paying attention to what they are doing in a store like standing in the middle of aisle blocking anyone from going around them, people who work at stores and don't know the answers to basic questions. Really, people? This is how we're going to do it this season? Really? (I've been watching too much SNL Weekend Update).

On BLACK FRIDAY there is something going on sale at Joann for a ridiculously low price. It normally sells for 199.00-- the sale price is 74.99. I've wanted this thing for a long time, and I don't WANT to go there at 6 a.m. on Friday so I stopped by and asked if I could buy it that night, then come back sometime on Friday and return it and repurchase it. [Blank stare] from the high school-type aisle organizer person. "Ummm, I don't really know". Surely most of you know what the next statement should be from her. "But let me find out". This is basic customer service, people. As my coworker Kristin used to tell her first graders... "We're not building a rocket and flying it to the moon".

Me: Is there someone around here who might know?
Worker Bee: Ummm, yeah. She starts talking into the mic that is clipped on her apron. A disembodied voice comes through on her earpiece, but I can't make out what the voice is saying.
Short person: Ummm... yeah, you can buy it tonight and then bring it back and return it then buy it again.

So I go to the aisle where these items are located, and there aren't any on the shelf. I head back to high school person who is now in the bead aisle chatting with a fellow high school worker person.

Me: So.... do you have any of xxx?
Worker Bee: Ummm. I don't really know.
Me: (Counting slowly in my head.. one...two...three...) So, is there anyone around here that might know?
Worker Bee: Ummm... yeah. Again she talks into the mic on her apron, again the disembodied voice answers.

Wait for it.... wait... you know the answer... "Ummm, no but we'll have them out on Friday."

And....... rim shot.

2009-11-23T00:04:00.002-07:00

Almost finished with the MS book (over there---->). I borrowed it from a friend and have had it for over a month, and just started it this afternoon. I think I was avoiding reading it, concerned it would be too dark and sad. It is sad, but it is a pretty good read. One thing I really like is that it has the facts, not all the speculations and error-laden reporting done by the media.

Hard to believe it's the week of Thanksgiving. I went to buy some groceries for things I'm making for Thursday, and finally stopped because I can't believe how much things cost these days. I guess tomorrow I'll head to Big Box Super Store where the prices are more reasonable (hopefully).

B and I are getting together wed evening to make his super yummy stuffing and shoo fly pie. I love love love the stuffing he makes. I don't know that we will bring it to the family dinner, it's made with all savory breads (rye, pumpernickel, etc..) and most of my fam probably wouldn't eat it. I don't care for those breads, but I love the stuffing.

I found what looks to be a really good chocolate cake recipe on a blog, but it has 2 cups of sugar. That seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?

Brrrrrrrr. I wish I had an electric blanket to turn on before I hop into bed tonight.

2009-11-09T13:06:00.002-07:00

I've been reading some blogger accounts of Pioneer Woman book signings in a couple of other cities and all I can say "Shame on you Little Bookstore in Salt Lake City !" To not be prepared for such a huge gathering is one issue (it actually sounds like most of the bookstores are not prepared for the number of PW fans) , but to be outright rude and snippy to SO many people standing outside because they weren't allowed in--even though they had tickets? Inexcusable.

Even though the Denver signing was crowded, and the room was really warm, and it took forever, the worker bees doing the fan wrangling were actually pretty friendly and understanding.

Score one for the Tattered Cover.

2009-11-04T21:48:00.005-07:00

I {heart} my massage therapist.

I've had some pretty bad lower back pain for a little over a week now. It's a really noticeable ache, one that makes me catch my breath when I move a certain way. Getting out of bed each morning has been a challenge. Sleeping has been a challenge-- every way I turn is less comfortable than the other. Today I had my regular appt with Karen-- Super Human Massage Therapist. As I was lay/laid/lie (I hate that word) on the massage table, I was completely uncomfortable. When I got dressed and headed home, there was barely a noticeable ache. And she didn't even massage my back! She does what she calls "energy work"-- which I usually decline when she offers because I really love regular massage. Today I was in so much pain I was willing to try anything. It always just feels like she's resting her hands on the area for quite awhile--- and she makes comments like "Now it's releasing" Now it's reorganizing". I don't know what she feels, but it worked today. I know there's a strong likelihood it will return and if ir does we'll just give it another go (that's why you can't just go to a chiropractor once and be "cured"-- if a person doesn't change the way they walk, or the way they sit or stand, then the pain always returns).

But for tonight, I think I will sleep a little less painfully.

2009-11-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Started a new book---Look over there------------ >

I think it will be one I read in small bits here and there. Probably not an easy read.

2009-11-02T23:04:00.009-07:00

Tonight I did something I almost talked myself out of, but am so glad I did it anyway. I went to a book signing at the Tattered Cover-- Pioneer Woman's new cookbook just came out last week. I almost didn't go because I didn't want to go by myself, but I am so glad I went. You know how "the universe" works things out sometimes? When I arrived there were quite a few empty seats (I was pretty early) so I chose one and sat and started looking through the cookbook. Not too long after, a very nice woman sat beside me and that helped make for a lovely evening. Brenda--if you find your way here to my blog--welcome! And thanks for being so easy to talk to! And thanks for giving me a copy of your recipe!

Pioneer Woman was gracious, and kind, and humble, and beautiful. Her cookbook is full of wonderful recipes, but also wonderful stories about her family and the ranch. I took several photos while she was answering questions, and then my battery icon started blinking--then it dies. No worries, I had a spare which I popped in, and discovered it was completely dead as well. Those that know me well know I.never.have.a.dead.camera.battery. In this case, I had checked the second battery in the charger last week, and since no light came on to indicate it was charging, I assumed it was full of juice. Nooooo... what that meant was the outlet I was using to check wasn't working as it should, so the light wasn't blinking because ... well, because it wasn't. I did get pics and was happy with what i got, but I would have liked to have had a photo of the both of us.

It was pretty obvious the TC wasn't prepared for the number of people that showed up for this event. When I arrived almost two hours before the event, only about 60 chairs had been set up. I knew immediately that would not be enough. By 7:00, half an hour before the scheduled start, the place was packed. And I mean packed. The room was wall to wall people, up both stairs two and three deep, and the first floor was filled, and up the stairs to the second floor. The TC people said when they were preparing they had no idea she was the "rock star" she was. I was so glad I got there when I did--I got a chair, and only had to wait about an hour to get my book signed.

I ended up having to buy a book there (full price--dang!) because the two I ordered from amazon hadn't arrived on my doorstep yet (my UPS deliveries come after 5:30 usually) so I headed on downtown and just bit the money bullet. When I got home I stopped and checked my mail. Guess WHAT I got in the mail today? My two cookbooks! I forgot amazon ships by the postal service, not UPS. Ah well... that just means someone else might benefit from my not checking the mail before I went.

All in all, a really nice evening.

Thank you, universe.

2009-10-31T21:39:00.004-06:00

Searching and searching for the picture you know you have somewhere, then doing a google search for "barfing pumpkin"... priceless. This is my favorite Halloween picture ever--first seen years ago on my sister's now long-neglected blog. Come back, sissy, come back!

It's been almost one whole week since new cat came to live with us. The first couple of days and nights were fairly uneventful, but he hid under the bed almost the entire time. He's now pretty much made himself at home. He sleeps on my bed during the day-- as does Izzy. They both have claimed their respective snoozing spots--mere feet away from each other. Izzy still chases him up the stairs and hisses and growls, but it's pretty half-heartedly and I'm sure she's only doing it because she'll lose her street cred if she doesn't. The chasing back and forth almost seem like playing-- if so, that sure didn't take long.The one thing that has NOT happened since new cat arrived--- Izzy hasn't awakened me at 4:30 a.m. with the usual paper tearing , meowing, batting me on the back.

The cat still has no name-- he's completely white, is still really timid and runs away when I try to approach him. He's definitely NOT a Snowflake, a Casper, or a Shadow. He's a pretty big cat, and meows a little, but chirps more than meows. Hopefully a name will make itself know in the next few days. I'm sure he's tired of hearing me call him "Baby".

2009-10-20T19:32:00.003-06:00

[crickets chirping] Anybody out there?

New book started over there ----- > Most of the customer reviews have been fairly lackluster...so I hope I'm not disappointed.

When I read other people's blogs I always think they have much more interesting things to write about, and I always like reading what they do and what they say. When it comes to my own blog, I almost always feel like I don't want anyone to know what I'm doing or thinking. After awhile that starts to make a person feel like they don't want to see or talk to anyone. Not such a good idea usually.

First of all, I can't believe it's nearly the end of October! B's birthday is coming up, then Katrinka's birthday, then Thanksgiving, then yikes, it's Christmas! On Sunday the high was 83 degrees--today it was cold, drizzly and a high of about 40. Personally, I kind of like the cold and drizzly weather.

This weekend I'm headed to Estes Park for a weekend scrapbooking retreat, then on Sunday night a new kitty is coming to be part of the family. I just hope the current queen of the castle doesn't mind too much.

2009-10-07T18:57:00.003-06:00

I'm going to make this tomorrow. Yummmm.

Slow Cooker Granola

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/crockpot-granola-recipe.html

- 5 cups oats
- 1/4 cup honey *(see note below)
- 1/4 cup melted butter *(see note below)
- 1 T flax seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins and cranberries)

Put all the dry ingredients into your crockpot. You'll need at least a 4 quart.

Melt the butter in the microwave, and add. Add the honey. Toss well.

*note: if you add this amount of honey and butter, the granola will be cereal-like, and not trail-mix like. If you'd rather the granola clump together in pieces, you'll need to add more honey and butter. So if you'd prefer your granola that way, you'll need to add at least 3/4 cup of honey.

Cover, but vent with a chopstick. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring every so often.

If you can smell the granola cooking, go stir. It will burn if you don't keep an eye on it. But it won't burn as quickly as it does in the oven!

Dump out on some parchment paper and let cool. Eat with milk like cereal, warmed with milk like oatmeal, or as is. Seal well in an air-tight container or in a ziploc. Granola freezes well.

2009-10-03T08:55:00.002-06:00

Happy 28th Birthday to my niece Amanda! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

2009-09-23T14:16:00.003-06:00

Started a new book: Wrestling With Moses. See info over there ------>

Lately I've been getting all my book titles from interviews I hear on NPR. It makes the books much more interesting when I've heard and interview with the author.

2009-09-23T13:56:00.002-06:00

I know I need to get another cat. Of course I can't be certain, but I'm guessing another kitty would help the crazy one I have now be more friendly. Hopefully. Please let it be true. I just have such a hard time deciding on a cat. I just want them all.

Every time I go to Pet Smarty to get cat food I stop and look at the kitties up for adoption. There are little kitties (oh so cute) and there are adult cats. Today I saw a cat that was 10 years old. I so so wanted it. But I think I need a little kitty. One that Crazy Cat can be lord and master over, or at least pretend to be.

Even though the last few times I've been at the store I've always seen one (or more) I would take, I have left empty-handed. There are usually three little kitties to a cage, and the thought of separating them makes me teary. Even though I know they are going to be separated eventually, I can't make it be me that does it. Today there was one that mewed and mewed at me til I went over and talked to it. I almost brought it home, but it looked just like the one I have now and I'd really like a different-looking one, I guess. I know my friend Heidi still has the one I was considering taking, but it's a longhair and I'm not sure I want a longhair. But I feel like I should take it to help her out--even though I know she wouldn't care if I didn't.

It would be so much easier if a little kitty just walked up to my door and had a sign that said "Take me!". Choosing and leaving some behind is too hard for me.

2009-09-10T23:59:00.001-06:00

I love this photo. She looks so innocent but I know her, so I think she looks like she's about to do something naughty.

Believe me, I know.

2009-09-10T23:49:00.003-06:00

Celebrating KR's birthday at White Fintz Farmy recently-- and this photo is called a Miracle Photo. We all have our eyes open, and have decent expressions on our faces.

I hadn't been to WFF in forever. I don't even remember the last time I was there. I'm not a big fan of fried chicken because most times it's pretty greasy. I loved this chicken--it was perfect, and not greasy at all. And the best part of the restaurant (besides all the silly things outside that are for kids but CP made them for grownups that night)? There's actually an adults only room! No rugrats banging their spoons on the table incessantly. We didn't sit there, but good to know for next time!

2009-09-10T23:44:00.002-06:00

Lifted from Pioneer Woman--I need to make these. And soon.

Bacon Onion Cheddar Biscuits

10 slices thick cut bacon, fried and crumbled
1 cup finely diced onion
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco, etc.)
10 tablespoons milk (whole milk is best)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 heaping cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in shortening until all combined. Combine milk, oil, and egg in a separate bowl. Whisk together.
Combine flour mixture, milk mixture, bacon, onions, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Stir gently until all combined.
Spoon batter into greased muffin tins.
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes on 375 until golden.

Serve warm.

2009-09-03T17:28:00.003-06:00

I.cannot.wait.for.this.book.to.be.published.

2009-09-03T17:23:00.002-06:00

As I was reading blogs today I was happy to see that my cat is not the only pet that destroys personal belongings. Today Sizzle posted a photo of the CLOTHES her cat eats...then returns hours later (yes, that means exactly what you think it means).

I emailed her a few photos of a few of the paper items Izzy has destroyed, with a note telling her how happy I was that my cat didn't eat clothing. She replied saying her OTHER cat chews paper. Oy, she's got the trouble for sure.

2009-08-31T21:42:00.008-06:00

This weekend niece KT and her boyfriend had a bbq to celebrate moving to their new place and the addition of Olive, the dog they picked up the week before. It was great fun-- and there was dancing involved. Kt is a great hostess and loves to cook. I think she will come to love entertaining...when she does it more. When you aren't used to it you wonder if you're doing it "right"---even though it's your own home and whatever you choose to do is right. Olive seemed to have a good time, too-- and was very protective of her porch in the backyard!

I know school is back in session--- the second full week, actually. It's kind of weird this year because I have to admit, I haven't really thought about it much. It mightbe because I've been busy with CCIRA conference work so I have plenty to keep me occupied, but it just feels a little strange when I do think of school this year.

Looking forward to fall-- the Harvest Festival, cropping retreat... Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!

Now...everybody dance!

2009-08-20T22:48:00.005-06:00

In the last 24 hours I drove nearly 500 miles to and from southern CO. I went to Westcliffe to do a grant writing presentation at one of the local councils in the literacy organization I'm working in at the moment. I went down last night and spent the night in Pueblo because I didn't want to drive through crazy traffic first thing in the morning. Today on the way back I took the long way home---through Cotopaxi, Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, Minturn... all those wonderful little mining towns. They have such character--if I'd had time I would've stopped and walked around--but it was really hot driving home, and walking around in the sun wasn't something I was really wanting to do. I did get some wonderful photos of the scenery--mostly as I was driving (Funny Laurie will relate to this---I think I frighten her when I do that on the way to our cropping retreats). I did pull over quite a bit and look at the scenery--unbelievably beautiful. It was a long ride home (nearly six hours) but very much worth it.

After this weekend I am done with big commitments for a little while. It's been non-stop for quite a few weeks now, and I'm ready for some down time. Although even when it's down time at home, I am working on the literacy conference for 2011--emailing authors/speakers, etc.. It takes a lot of time-- and I seem to be spending a lot of my free time doing it. A lot. I think I need to just dedicate certain days/times to the work, instead of whenever I have free time at home. What happens is then I have no free time at home and I get burned out on doing the work instead of enjoying it. I also have three library books I need to get read before too long-- see... no free time!

2009-08-16T21:06:00.001-06:00

Started a new book ------>

2009-08-12T16:21:00.003-06:00

Today, many of my acquaintances have what may be called The Wednesday Blues, for tomorrow marks the first day back to work after a summer of no school. While I don't miss getting back into that routine of rising early in the morning, choosing work clothes, getting to school on time and being exhausted at the end of the day, I do miss the energy that comes with the start of the school year. Even though the kids don't return until Aug 24, there's catching up to do and a sense of "we're all in this together". I do really miss that feeling, but certainly not enough to get a teaching job!

Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to look at a kitten that I may consider bringing home. I would hope that a companion would help my current cat realize that she's not the center of the universe and chewing on all things paper around the house is not behavior becoming of a pet. I am just looking tomorrow-- nothing beyond that is planned, but if this is a sweet cuddly cat... we'll see. She's about four months old and her coloring is really unique.

Here, kitty kitty.

2009-08-05T10:46:00.004-06:00

My beautiful niece and her husband.... more pics on my facebook page.

2009-08-04T14:25:00.004-06:00

I've had to enable captcha commenting because I keep getting spam comments in Chinese or some such language. I don't read those languages, so I'm tired of rejecting them on my comment moderator. Sorry to make you go an extra step to comment-- it sucks to be you.

Got back very late last night from the general area of the country where Chicago is located. I actually got INTO the big city twice while I was there-- riding the L both times because we were so far out from the city we were the last stop before the airport on the train, so that was the only way to get into the city without paying $50 for a cab ride. Which we did do once so we wouldn't be late to see Jersey Boys. but we were almost late anyway. Seriously, rush hour traffic on a Sunday?

I took a lot of great architecture photos-- this is probably my favorite.

More later.

2009-07-30T06:01:00.002-06:00

I'm off to the Chicago area for a few days for a Creative Memories consultant convention. I'm up earlier than I ever get up these days---but I really don't like that panicky feeling of rushing to the airport. I don't even like getting there right when I think I should--it's still a little anxiety producing. This is probably due to an occasion long ago when I had a friend drive me to the airport, and she was very late in picking me up. The whole way there she's chatting away and I'm completely stressed about how slow she's driving. I checked my bags, ran to my gate, and they were just closing the doors to the ramp that leads to the plane. Now that's cutting it way too close. You know everyone on the place that's already seated are glaring at you as you walk down the aisle, trying to find an overhead bin with some small space left for you carry on bag. The having to climb over the two people already in their seats--not fun. So today I am leaving myself plenty of time to do what I need to do. Even if it means getting up at o'dark thirty.

My friend Liz is coming with me as a guest--I hope she doesn't get too bored. We have tickets to see Jersey Boys on Sunday-so that should be fun. I've seen it twice, she never has. She's definitely in for a treat.

See ya on the flip side.

2009-07-24T15:15:00.001-06:00

A friend posted this on facebook. I have no idea who these people are, but watching this is SO much fun.

2009-07-21T17:11:00.003-06:00

The vet appt went without a hitch---even getting the kit cat into the carrier wasn't that challenging. I put some little treats in the back of the carrier, and as soon as she was in, zipped it up. The only bad thing about that technique is that it usually only works once. These cats, they be mighty smart. The drive to the animal hospital was completely uneventful-- there was a little bit of meowing when we got started, but not a peep the whole way there and back on the highway. I am attributing that to the long drive from Utah when she was coming to me. She seems to be used to a highway ride in the car.

Dr. R thought said she was between two and four years old-- older than I was expecting. Something about some lines or something on her teeth or in her mouth? Her official age for the paperwork was deemed to be two years so we're going with that.

Izzy also got micro chipped, and a rabies shot. She was pretty quiet during the check-up, but hissed when she got her temperature taken. Not a surprise.

I also got an air-freshener device that plugs into an outlet, and it emits a pheromone exclusively designed for cats to help change bad behaviors. The vet said it should make Izzy be more calm and not so destructive, and hopefully sleep through the night. I guess we'll see! I'm willing to try anything!

note: Without intending to I conked out on the couch about 5:45 and woke up about 7:45. Maybe I got the human person pheromone sleep through the night device instead of the kitty one.

2009-07-20T19:18:00.004-06:00

Enough with the hot. Ready for some cool.

Tomorrow has the potential to be a banner day. Izzy is meeting Dr. R (the vet) for the first time. We have a new cat carrier that's not made of plastic--it's black mesh with a comfy black lambskin-type pad on the bottom. Right now the carrier is sitting on the living room floor, unzipped, with her new favorite toy sitting inside. My hope is that she will venture in at some point tonight just to check it out.

The purpose of the vet visit is just to have her checked out, and hopefully determine approximately how old she is. Since this will be the first time I've had to get her into a cat carrier and drive any distance with her, I'm really hoping it's not too stressful. For me, that is.

"I know this is the sack that has my new little sparkly cat toy balls
you got at the craft store. Open the bag now and nobody gets hurt.
Muwahahahahahaha."

2009-07-08T17:06:00.003-06:00

I feel like I worked all day.

I did work all day, but not the regular "job" type of work that made me tired. I spent the day scrapbooking with someone at their house--we've spent four Wednesdays together scrapbooking, and have two more to come, before she heads back to school responsibilities. I have gotten SO much caught up during these Wednesday get-togethers--and while I still have quite a few projects to organize and complete and won't be finishing anytime soon, lately I've been wondering what it will be like when I do catch up and consider myself finished. Right now I have completed around 35 scrapbooks--all with anywhere from 25-40 pages (double that for the number of actual sides). I have three more that are really close to being finished (just need some journaling). I can't imagine not having photos to scrapbook. I guess I'll just have to start taking more pictures.

Back to tired. I don't know exactly why I'm so tired, but I do know being awakened by a cat every.single.freaking.morning anywhere from 2:15 to 4:30 is taking its toll. The only night I've slept straight through is the night she got out and I didn't know it. Recently I have just stopped getting up-- I've been getting up to feed her in hopes it would shut her up, but eating usually just revs her up for more bouncy play. The last two nights I haven't not gotten up when she tried to get me up--and I can usually make it til around 7:30. I can handle 7:30. But the break in continuous sleep is still taking its toll. Can you give a cat Benadryl? (I'm KIDDING!)

2009-07-04T17:56:00.003-06:00

Twilight Zone episodes all day long-- I'm a happy camper.

Breakfast with the family this morning and it was so so good--they make killer green chile (it says so in the menu and now I agree). The place was jam-packed...even though it's in downtown Denver, I think it's more like a neighborhood diner-type place. Next time I'm sitting at a different end of the table. I'm done being the designated talk-to-the-ten-year-old-who-doesn't-really-talk-all-during-the-meal person for at least one get-together. That's something we can take turns on.

I did like being able to clone my belly out of this photograph. Gotta love that editing software.

Such a lazy kind of day. No bbqs, no bike rides, no fireworks for me. Just a cat who has meowed non-stop the whole time I've been home-- I guess that's better than finding my checkbook chewed to pieces.

2009-07-03T09:56:00.002-06:00

By now Jen has arrived and is probably unpacking around the clock to get settled in Washington. Elke is basking in the St Thomas sun and drinking beverages delivered to her while she's in the water. David is on a performance tour of Europe with the Colorado Symphony... and I'm here blogging, getting ready to watch what is probably a repeat of The View. Where's the equity of that?

There is so little going on for me at the moment that most days the only reason I get dressed is because I have to out in the real world and feed someone else's cats. For many days it's been way too hot to even want to get dressed-- but I could use a few days in a row of cool weather so I could get some things done around the house---and there is a lot I could be doing. I don't mind the hot so much, but when it's really hot I have zero motivation to do anything, much less pick up around the place and do laundry.

Tomorrow the fam is getting together to celebrate KT's one year of clean living. I had lunch with her yesterday and have to say, I enjoy hanging with her SO much. She's smart, funny, and hard-working and her life is an open book. She's waaaay more wise than her 23 years--probably because she's lived a lifetime already.

Maybe a trip to the library is in order today.

So are you still awake after this so very interesting post?

2009-06-17T00:37:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to Funny Laurie!

2009-06-15T07:16:00.005-06:00

New book over there----> I didn't finish the one about the Supreme Court justices-- I really tried, but just couldn't. Too political for me.

Each morning about 4:30 a.m. my cat starts to try to get me to get up and feed her. I try to hold out til around 5:30, but she's very persistent. This morning her persistence took several forms: tearing to shreds (with her teeth) a gift bag sitting on the floor, and going downstairs to find one of her favorite toys then coming back up on the bed and bouncing all over the bed playing with the toy.

I did get up and feed her around 4:45 today, and was hoping she would conk out after that. Riiiight. At 6:30 I just decided to get up. On Saturday it was the same scenario and I didn't get up, and went back to sleep using a weighted eye pillow and didn't wake up til 11:00. I hate doing that, so today just got up. I'd been awake reading until a little after 1 a.m. so wasn't thrilled about five hours of sleep, but figure there's always time for a nap if needed.

I have to admit it was nice being up at the beginning of the day. And I was rewarded with a chance to take some really great shots of the NOW sleeping kitty. Click on that photo-- you'll be glad you did.

And now it's an hour later and she's wide awake and bugging me again.

2009-06-14T15:51:00.004-06:00

This storm started as a dark, dark sky, then a little hail, then torrential hail. The storm last nearly half an hour. Lots of thunder-- and LOUD hail! Pics on my facebook page--if you're on there.

That little camera shoots pretty good video!

2009-06-11T12:44:00.002-06:00

At the moment is is so dark in my living room I need the lights on to do anything. Looks like a storm is coming/is here and when it's this dark that usually means rain rain rain. I think I'd better get my socks and tennies rather than my flip flops today. Brrr--I don't enjoy cold feet.

I am in the early stages of booking authors and speakers for the 2011 literacy conference I'm chairing, and today I sent an message to the person who books the person who played the hoodlum character on Happy Daze. Yes, I'm trying to avoid searches from google-ites. Once I was having a relatively unknown local author for a day at my school, and read her book to every class within the span of a week. By Friday I was so bored with the book--and wrote about that fact on my blog. The next day she sent me an email letting me know her publisher had let her know her name was showing up on a blog. It was a little embarrassing.

HW has written quite a few children's books (chapter books--a series) so would be perfect for this conference. I met him and heard him speak at the fancy dinner I went to in November. I know his usual fee is $25,000-40,000, and I don't have ANYWHERE near that, so in my message I included info about exactly what kind of $$ I did have. I know there's probably no chance it will be successful, but you don't know til you ask, right?? And I wouldn't even stick my thumbs in the air and say "Ayyyy!" when I saw him--so that's got to count for something.

2009-06-10T01:43:00.006-06:00

Went to see Rent tonight, and we stopped at a 24 hour Starbucks on the way home, so didn't get back to B's area til around midnight. He dropped me at my car, we chatted for a bit, then he said, "Oh no!" My car window was completely shattered, glass all over the place inside in the front on the passenger side, glove box opened and rifled through, and my car registration laying on the seat. Nothing was taken, and I think it's because they had tried to pry the window frame off, and I think the window shattered when they did that. The bent window frame also caused the lock to stop functioning, so in order to get anything they would have had to reach inside pretty far. All my cds were there, all my KEYS to my house, B's house, KF's house--all still there. My messenger bag in the back seat with all my reading conference paperwork--still there. There were quite a few big flat pieces of glass still hanging from the frame but since it is tempered glass it wasn't like they were shards. By the time I had driven less than quarter of a mile, they had all fallen out. B loaned me his jacket to wear on the way home--it was freezing.

The part that is almost as annoying as the actual incident-- knowing I have to spend time filing a claim, getting estimates, getting it fixed, paying a deductible.... I hope karma bites them in the ass.

Update later: I called the insurance company around 10:00 this morning, was at the body shop at 11:20, and left with a rental car at 11:50. I didn't even know I GOT a rental car! The insurance adjuster said the insurance company would have classified it as undrivable for safety reasons--so when they asked me this morning if I could drive it I of course said yes because after all, it was only a window. He changed the claim to reflect the new classification, I signed here and there and here, he handed me off to the rental car person, and I was on my way in less than thirty minutes. I can't believe how easy and effortless it all was. I remember many years ago it took weeks to even get a body shop appt, no rental car, lots of paperwork--- so different! I should have my car back Friday most likely-- and I'm driving a smooth Chevy Impala. Two rental cars in the span of less than a week-- wheeee.

2009-06-09T14:05:00.002-06:00

I could have gone my entire life without allergies and been perfectly content.

It's been about five or so years now that I have been the recipient of seasonal allergy symptoms--and for the past few weeks it's been very noticeable. I'm not congested, but I have a terrible sinus headache pretty much all the time, a runny nose, a dry, persistent cough and am fatigued most of the day. I'm glad I'm not stuffed up because to me that would be way worse, but I'm ready to be done with all of this. There is a sea of cottonwood fluff outside my carport door--seriously, a SEA of it. It's probably ten feet long, three feet wide and three inches tall. For some reason leaves, fluff, dirt all accumulate in the Bermuda Triangle of my back door area

Here's what I haven't been doing lately:

--reading (because usually within about ten minutes of starting, I'm dozing)
--working out (really, coughing the whole time, and with a sinus headache? No.)
--cleaning house (blech)
--getting up before 9 a.m. (give me a reason why I should)
--going to bed before 12:45 a.m. (see above)

Tonight I have tickets to go see Rent. I.can't.wait. I love this show--and two of the original cast members are traveling with the tour, so that's a treat.

Time for a nap.

2009-06-03T20:49:00.002-06:00

I don't especially like that I've become a blogger that only posts once a week now. I guess FB has begun to fill that need to post-- and it's certainly easier to post a few sentences a couple of times a day than to write a narrative once a week or more. I guess a lot of it has to do with the feeling that my life is so mundane that there is no need to record it here. But I know I really enjoy reading other blogs, so maybe there's someone out there that still checks here for updates.

Saw a great play last night: "Quilters". The play is set in 1870, and the story revolves around Sarah, a pioneer mother who is writing her daughters a letter asking them to come together to work on what she knows will be her last quilt. There are 16 vignettes--each symbolized in a quilt block: Rocky Road for the trek west, Double Wedding Ring for the weddings of the characters, Log Cabin for the building of a home. At the end, a giant quilt of all sixteen blocks is displayed--it's really very moving. The set was very, very plain but the quilt pieces were beautiful. It's not necessarily a play I'd choose to go see, but I'm so glad I did.

2009-05-27T22:26:00.012-06:00

Look! New book over there------->

The Big Wedding was beautiful. High school pal CP's daughter got married in the Eisenhower Chapel on Saturday-- what a beautiful chapel, perfect for a wedding. This is the only chapel left of the four that were built on the former Lowry Air Force Base--and as the name suggests, was President Eisenhower's church of choice for several years when he was visiting the "Summer White House" on the base. Too bad those big electrical boxes are so prominent in the front of the chapel!

High school pal MG came out from Virginia for the wedding, and the four of us pals spent the night at a hotel Mon night, then hung out on Tuesday. It's always so fun to hang with them-- we're all a little silly together, and we actually enjoy doing nothing for a good part of the time we're together. We only stayed over one night, and there were three of us in one car, but by the look of this trunk you'd think it was a major road trip.

The hotel had a manager's reception at 5:30 which meant free beverages. Mmmmm...amaretto sours all around! Actually, two drinks per person to start with--why waste time?? There's also a stray screwdriver in there on the right, but it was so awful I didn't drink it. We think maybe it was 3/4 vodka and a tablespoon of orange juice.

CP brought along a big basket of goodies she had gotten for her birthday. It was FULL of stuff--soda, cheese, crackers, summer sausage, Slim Jims, several kinds of candy, tortilla chips, a jar of salsa, microwave popcorn.... and a lot more. This is the before picture........

And what it looked like after we opened it.
We also had leftover wedding cake, leftover wedding mints, a big bottle of Kahlua, and two coolers full of water and soda. Needless to say, we barely made a dent in everything we brought.

And one last photo to show you what my everyday life is like at the moment:

2009-05-24T19:02:00.008-06:00

Brrrr....it's been a cold rainy day around these here parts. It's been a pretty lazy Sunday-- a two hour massage this morning, a nap this afternoon. Not much on tv tonight-- so maybe I'll pop in a movie.

It's the end of the school year for most, and I've subbed more than usual the last couple of weeks. I've enjoyed all of the assignments, and have been pleased to find, upon arrival, a fairly easy day with the classes each time. It's definitely been interesting to see how different teachers run their classrooms, and what instructions are left for a sub. In many of the libraries I've subbed in they haven't even left me a schedule or a list of classes. In the classrooms I've only gotten a seating chart once, and it didn't include last names. It was for a teacher that is super organized, and at the top was a note: "I'm not sure this is accurate-- we may have changed seats since then". I think the casual attitude is probably due to the fact that I know the kids in all these classrooms, which makes sense, but it's still sometimes a little unnerving to walk in cold like that.

I'm still trying to let go of the idea that the people I shared a school with are my friends. I'm not sure that's entirely accurate anymore, or maybe it never really was, and it's been a pretty tough realization. When my birthday came and went with no notice except for the obligatory facebook entry, I knew it was time to move on. I had been sending birthday cards and giving gifts to my still-teaching friends all year-- and thought I'd at least hear from a couple of them. When I realized last week they were having their year-end party as always and I hadn't been invited, it was blatantly clear I wasn't considered part of their world anymore. It made me wonder if I ever really had been. I know it's not intentional, but I realize I'm not a consideration for them. The same thing happened when I left my first school for this one-- except for LM who has really tried to stay in touch. Teammates I taught with for years and years were never heard from again. Phone messages are not returned, neither are emails.

The thing I find so bothersome is that for the nine years I was there I made sure anyone who had left the school in previous years was included in all news, invitations, retirements, care and concern, etc... There have been at least two major events in the last couple of years that I found out about long after the fact, and by complete accident.

It's always a little sad (okay, more than a little) when you discover your relationships are not what you thought they were for whatever reason. People move on, life gets in the way, and people have their own worries to deal with. Life goes on. Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, la la how the life goes on.

2009-05-13T23:07:00.007-06:00

When I came home from Minneapolis, this is what was waiting for me. On the far right is my patio door, and the white thing with drawers is a white thing with drawers--where my cat likes to sit and watch the world go by. On the floor...shredded... is my bank statement. It wouldn't be so bad... but I frequently find little messes like this. She loves to chew on paper. If I wad up a note or something and throw it in the small trash can, she immediately dives into the trash can to retrieve it. I can't leave any receipts laying out--those are her favorite. Last week I caught her chewing on the corner of some of my scrapbooking paper.

If you click the pic and look in the lower third of the photo you'll see the once new and now ratty fuzzy mouse she love love loves. It has an opening on the bottom (closed with velcro) where I can put in catnip. This is absolutely her favorite toy. In fact, she's playing with it right this very moment. I hope it lasts a while longer because I haven't seen any more like it anywhere.

This is also the cat that will play fetch as long as I'm willing to throw.

This cat is weird.

2009-05-13T22:20:00.003-06:00

With best pal Mikey at a Rockies game recently. A Rockies game they actually won.

I made Mike take this photo because his arms are so much longer than mine--and I think it's one of my favorite pictures ever.

Mike and I have known each other since freshman year in high school--and that's a long, long time. We were both in marching band and concert band--which means we forged a bond at a very early time in the school year. Before the school year started, actually. Marching band practice always started in the summer--marching west down Grandview Avenue in front of that church, then marching back the other direction.

I still hang with quite a few of my high school band friends-- and every now and then we meet with my high school band director and his wife for dinner. I'm really glad those people are still in my life.

2009-05-11T10:04:00.009-06:00

While I was in Minneapolis we went on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. The boat had to go through a lock--which was really kind of fascinating. In this photo the boat is getting ready to head to the lower part of the river. You can see the walls on the side are wet--that's because we were just lowered 60 feet from where we started. Really pretty interesting to watch.
Yesterday was the Loud Bryant Family Mother's Day Festivities at Tired Amanda's House. We didn't start until 4 p.m., so even though we spent the same amount of time together as usual, it felt way longer since we left around 7 p.m. It was fun, the food was pretty good, and I was really tired when we got back to my place. I was glad I didn't have to go to work today. These are the times I love being retired--when I have a late night or a busy day and don't have to go to work the next day. THAT is the great thing about retirement.

Mmmm.. banana pudding. Or rather "Nanner Puddin'" When Katie announced she had a surprise --and told us she made banana pudding again, everyone clapped and cheered. Amanda kept insisting that "banana pudding was an INGREDIENT and couldn't be the name of the dessert!". We told her to just hush up.

"Only one paper plate per person! The goal is to have as few dishes to wash as possible!"

My family is crazy. And so are Amanda's dogs. Here one of them (I can never tell them apart) pawing crazily at the tv screen because there's some animal on it. We made Amanda rewind it three of four times because it was so funny.

2009-05-07T15:22:00.002-06:00

Busy, busy, busy.

The days and most of the nights have been super busy--schmoozing with publishers to see if they have authors they can recommend for my conference, being schmoozed by publishers that want us to use their authors. Swanky dinner on Tuesday night for a chosen few educators in the Mountain Region--lots of details to share but I need to wait til I have more time to write.

It has definitely been interesting to observe the group dynamics of the people I am am here with. I've tried to be more of an observer than a participant for most of the events--and I think I've learned quite a bit about how each individual interacts with other individuals in this group, and I've learned what I can and can't say to this or that person. It's definitely been a learning experience.

Back home tomorrow--looking forward to seeing She Who Bites. I've missed that little biter.

2009-05-04T20:02:00.002-06:00

Walking is highly overrated.

Today was spent walking the exhibit hall for hours and hours, introducing ourselves to publishers that might have speakers and authors we can invite to our conference. Since my conference isn't until 2011, I didn't really put myself out there so much--the person who is doing the 2010 conference needs to face time with them more than I, so I'm just kind of following her around.

Tonight the whole group went on a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River--very relaxing. It was an event planned by the outgoing president of our state council. It's a standing tradition that this person plans some kind of "Colorado Event" during the week sometime--so that should be fun! We'll be in Chicago the year I do that, so hopefully I'll find something fun to do in that area.

It's only 8:00 CO time, but I could easily go to bed!