yeah i know

Beach Life

2012-01-29T15:18:00.000-05:00

Living on the beach has it's bonus points. One is having a dog that loves water. Another is listening to the waves at night and watching the stars with out light pollution. Yes, there are down points: escaping hurricanes and living away from my husband.

The weather has been abnormally warm here. It has been almost 70 degrees for the last two days, which has been completely distracting me from grading English papers.

Finally back to being connected

2011-10-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

Finally have internet again, wheeee. Here are some photos from the wedding. Including one of my bouquet that I worked on for 8 months.

It's official!

2011-09-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

The dust has settled and the smoke has cleared, and I'm married.

I can't believe that I'm married to my soul mate, my best friend, my confidant, my sidekick in life.

After all our planning, stresses, our being apart, we managed to pull off an amazing wedding. The weekend was perfect. Our families love each other, our friends all got along for the entire weekend, and the weather and farms allowed for a beautiful backdrop to even the simplest of cameras.

I cannot wait to get back the photos from our photographer. I'm sure they will be incredible, because Neverland Farms is incredible. Everywhere you turned, it was decorated with beautiful flowers and greenery. My Aunt told me at the reception that this place was very me/us. Outdoors, relaxed, with a touch of sophistication.

Ha, I know this all sounds egotistical, but I really haven't had a chance to sit back and reflect on how last weekend went. This is my time to toot my horn, and to give props to my prodigious husband. I found a true partnership with him. We discuss everything. Sometimes it could lead to a disagreement, but we always to find a way to come back and settle like adults with a conversation. Hence, is why the wedding weekend wound up perfect. We agreed on every little detail. Down to the cabins of where 70 of our friends and family stayed. Ok, well, half of it was our family. He had his entire family there (including his brothers from Austria). I had my entire immediately family, plus all my extended family. It was the first time in twenty-some years that all of the cousins were in one location.

Now it is just time to go through all the paperwork to get my named changed, especially for work.

Ah...blissful

Oh that English sense of humor...

2011-08-11T11:55:00.000-04:00

Riots are no laughing matter, but I'm glad to see someone has a sense of humor despite the chaos occurring around them.

Can I just say how much I love passive-aggressive notes.

Wheeee!

2011-07-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

It's the beginning of my Bachelorette weekend! Wheeeee! And,.....I have no idea what is planned. All I know is that today we are floating down the Broad River and what outfits I'm to wear.

Friday: bathing suit, casual outfit/pjs, sleeping bag

Saturday: another bathing suit, casual cute, tennis shoes, dressy (this I bought a new hot dress and a new hot shirt to go with my seven jeans), and heels

Sunday: Casual cute for outdoors

As a girl, it is really difficult to pack for an entire weekend that I do know what the activities will be....let alone for a weekend that I have no idea what will be taking place. I'm excited. A little nervous, but mostly excited.

I also have to forget that I have a lot of stuff to do for the next two weeks. I'm leaving again on Monday to go back up to NC to complete my in-processing, then driving back to ATL on Wednesday to only leave again Thursday for AZ to come back Sunday. Then the week I come back I need to pack up what I'm moving, celebrate my mom's birthday and then finally move that Sunday. Catch all that? Neither did I. The kicker...I haven't made a single lesson plan.

Flame War via FaceBook

2011-07-27T15:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I made the mistake of chiming in on a political conversation via Facebook. I have been apathetic about politics and the news for a couple of months now. Felt like I could take a break from the mental anguish that the talking heads caused my brain.

So, when I saw (what I thought was a completely innocent post) question about the Tea Party, I thought I would jump in the conversation. I support that there is a group out there that is fed up with the way politics are going these days, well, have been going these days.

next thing I know it turns into a 40+ comment flame war. I bowed out after my second post. BUT, I have to laugh because it reminds me of the college humor post An Honest Facebook Political Argument

2011-07-25T16:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, so last blog entry was very "woe is me" whining. I apologize for that. Guess that's what happens when I wake up in middle of the night worrying.

I have so much on my plate and I haven't even begun to take inventory on where to begin. Good thing the wedding planning is pretty much done. I have confirmed that I have a job waiting for me in NC, I just need to complete my in-processing. I also need to lock in my beach apartment, stupid credit check. I should this week start completing a syllabus for this up coming year.

Oh! Just say that the shooter in Norway will only receive 21 years if he is convicted! I am floored. Of course, I am judging another country's legal system with America's legal system standards. I know that is not right, but it really is hard to wrap my brain around 21 years in prison for 94 deaths. Pre-meditated killings! This guy set off a car bomb then dressed as a police man to gain the trust of the teenagers at the camp to get them to come near so he could start picking them off one by one.

21 years means that he will be serving 1 year for every 4 deaths he caused. Please tell how this could be justified?

2011-07-25T01:33:00.000-04:00

So after a long drive back from NC looking at beach apartments, I met with the wedding photographer. It was fun capturing shots, because being cooped up in a car for 8 hours and immediately jumping in front of the camera made for some goofiness.

I was having fun until he showed me some of the shots on his camera. He was saying "oh, isn't this a great shot!" and I'm going "My face has swallowed my eyes and I have no jaw line!"
Now, here I am up at 1am because I can't sleep. All I can think about is how much weight I have gained and how much working out didn't work. I cannot even tell exactly how much I weigh, because my scale is broken. For example, a few minutes ago I stepped on the scale (if I am going to be stirred from sleep, I wanna know) and I get 174. I step on it again and I get 146, I step on it again and I get 159, I step on it again and get 198. Seriously?! I Have NO idea how much I weigh. I do know, however, I'm fat. And I'm going to be a fat bride. I haven't gotten in my wedding dress since I bought it in February. I'm scared that I'm not going to fit. Cause, right now I hate photos of myself. I don't want people taking photos of me, and I refuse to be in photos. . . So now how the hell am I to pick 5 good photos from today's session?

What pisses me off the most is that I'm tired of people telling me I'm not fat. I look great, I'm pretty. It's a bold face lie, and we all know it. It doesn't make me feel better, It doesn't even make me feel pretty. All those comments do is make me feel fatter. And now i'm moving to a beach town where the standard wardrobe is a bikini.

I started taking Healthy Trim three days ago. Let's see if this will help, because so far nothing has. Including eating lean cuisine lunch, yogurt, and baked chicken for 1 month straight. This kills me. I want my old body back. I want my size 6, hell I will even take a size 10 at this point.

Brilliant! Well, more brilliant if blogger posted in Comic Sans.

2011-07-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

I’M COMIC SANS, ASSHOLE.

BY MIKE LACHER

- - - -
Listen up. I know the shit you’ve been saying behind my back. You think I’m stupid. You think I’m immature. You think I’m a malformed, pathetic excuse for a font. Well think again, nerdhole, because I’m Comic Sans, and I’m the best thing to happen to typography since Johannes fucking Gutenberg.

You don’t like that your coworker used me on that note about stealing her yogurt from the break room fridge? You don’t like that I’m all over your sister-in-law’s blog? You don’t like that I’m on the sign for that new Thai place? You think I’m pedestrian and tacky? Guess the fuck what, Picasso. We don’t all have seventy-three weights of stick-up-my-ass Helvetica sitting on our seventeen-inch MacBook Pros. Sorry the entire world can’t all be done in stark Eurotrash Swiss type. Sorry some people like to have fun. Sorry I’m standing in the way of your minimalist Bauhaus-esque fascist snoozefest. Maybe sometime you should take off your black turtleneck, stop compulsively adjusting your Tumblr theme, and lighten the fuck up for once.

People love me. Why? Because I’m fun. I’m the life of the party. I bring levity to any situation. Need to soften the blow of a harsh message about restroom etiquette? SLAM. There I am. Need to spice up the directions to your graduation party? WHAM. There again. Need to convey your fun-loving, approachable nature on your business’ website? SMACK. Like daffodils in motherfucking spring.

When people need to kick back, have fun, and party, I will be there, unlike your pathetic fonts. While Gotham is at the science fair, I’m banging the prom queen behind the woodshop. While Avenir is practicing the clarinet, I’m shredding “Reign In Blood” on my double-necked Stratocaster. While Univers is refilling his allergy prescriptions, I’m racing my tricked-out, nitrous-laden Honda Civic against Tokyo gangsters who’ll kill me if I don’t cross the finish line first. I am a sans serif Superman and my only kryptonite is pretentious buzzkills like you.

It doesn’t even matter what you think. You know why, jagoff? Cause I’m famous. I am on every major operating system since Microsoft fucking Bob. I’m in your signs. I’m in your browsers. I’m in your instant messengers. I’m not just a font. I am a force of motherfucking nature and I will not rest until every uptight armchair typographer cock-hat like you is surrounded by my lovable, comic-book inspired, sans-serif badassery.

Enough of this bullshit. I’m gonna go get hammered with Papyrus.

hi.

2011-07-20T12:45:00.000-04:00

I can't walk away from my blog...I tried, I paused, I even bought a new journal. I haven't written a single word in my journal. I probably will, personal thoughts jotted down throughout the next year, but for now. I'm back.

So much has occurred since I last wrote in this blog. Getting closer to the wedding, got a job teaching, and I will be moving in less then a month.

I have been struggling to find a job since I graduated with my Masters over a year ago. Finally, I can say I have a job teaching! I won't be a history teacher, not yet. This next year I will be teaching children of military personnel English. yay! I always said I wanted to work for the DOD, and now I have my chance. Except, it doesn't come with out stress. Unfortunately, I will be living almost 500 miles away from my love. At least, for the first year we will be separated. Sucks, majorly. One shitty year for a lifetime of happiness.

I have never lived outside of Georgia. Okay, let me reiterate, I have no memory of living outside of Georgia. I moved to the Peach State at the age of three from the Tar Heel State, and now at 31 I'm moving back to the Tar Heel State. At least I will still be in the South. I do, however, get to live on the coast. After this weekend, we will find out exactly how on the coast I will be living. There is a possibility I will be living the beach bum life, but with a job.

I will not...will not, be cheering for them Tar Heel Boys, however.

2011-04-19T17:15:00.000-04:00

I can't blog anymore. After 6 years almost to the day, I am afraid I have to close up shop. These last few months of blogging have been me writing with a self-censoring. I no longer have a forum in which I can come and open up my heart and pour out the feelings and the thoughts I have. I'm sure some of my longer time readers have noticed the disjointed and surface level topics. I just can't write without the questions coming back at me in my personal life.

Many people know, that blogs are a place to vent, a place to air grievances, a place to tell funny stories, for me a place to jot my ramblings in my head...even if those ramblings don't make sense completely. Even if those ramblings may contain feelings that I must get out in words in order for me to work through and then come to another conclusion of feelings by the time I'm done with the blog entry. I can't do it anymore, or, I probably should find a new blog.

It's not fair that I have to give up one more thing in my life.

Awesome

2011-03-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

So one of my friends posted this video up on FB. I had to share, because it is brilliant. It has been a long time since I have seen something that combines politics, intelligence, and pop culture all into one presentation.....and be funny!

Oh, completely different side note. Doesn't Death Cab for Cutie's "Meet me on the Equinox" sound kind of like a Rush song rip off? It is a good song, but very Rush-like. Okay, back to watching the above video, this song just popped up on my radio station while writing this.

more flowers!

2011-03-25T16:07:00.004-04:00

oh, so exciting! The fabric flowers are coming along! I figured out how to do lace flowers, that look super cute, and calm down the orange and green flowers. I've also added some yellow rick rack, plus I have more fabric and felt to create more flowers. So far, I think I've spent 30 dollars and I think that will be more than enough for my bouquet. I think the blue fabric and rick rack will work for the guys' boutonnieres. So I only really need more rick rack and fabric for 4 more smaller bouquets. Then I need the floral wire, tape, buttons, and ribbon to tie it all together.

So I'm thinking probably about 40 more dollars needed to complete the rick rack bouquets. hey! spending only 70 dollars compared to the 400 dollars, I'll take it! Of course, the savings of $330 can now go to my over budget dress. yay!

bouquet update

2011-03-23T17:13:00.002-04:00

So thanks to Jill, I singe the edges with a lighter...and whaoloa! the flowers are coming along nicely. Now, I'm on the search for a pistil that will work. Also, I need to look at floral wire to use as stems. We are on our way!

My own Bouquet

2011-03-22T21:29:00.006-04:00

So I'm trying to DIY for my floral bouquet. I've decided to go with something like THIS. I'm sure it will be cute, if I can figure out how to make it look better than what I've got.

So I started with some rick-rack ribbon (Available at Joann's Fabric Store). Some matching thread. I'm using a 100% nylon thread to ensure it holds up through carrying and tossing.

I then cut a section of ribbon (about a 16 count of bumps), and using my threaded needle and trusty thimble I got to work.

I bunched together all the rick-rack ribbon onto the needle before pulling the thread all the way through the ribbon.

Next I did a couple of stitches between the first rick-rack bump and the last rick-rack bump.

I used a bigger holly ornament for the "pistil", because I realize, now, that a 16 count for the thinner ribbon maybe too big.

Also, I need to figure out how to seal the ends of the ribbon, because it is starting to un-fringe. argh. Well, it is def a learning process. I'm sure I will get this down, and hell it may only cost me $30 for all 6 bouquets and boutonnieres instead of the budgeted $500.

woot woot

2011-03-14T12:05:00.004-04:00

I am so excited my sweetheart is home. It is nice to have him here. We immediately dove into wedding stuff. First on the list, picking out stuff for our registry. I think he was excited because he got to use the scanner gun :D

I was amazed on how easy it was to pick out our China pattern. We were able to come to an agreement on a pattern fairly easy. Either we have similar taste or he's already learned to say "yes, dear". Love it.

Next we snapped some photos for the Save the Date. We have an engagement photo session with our professional photographer, but it sure was fun to go out with my camera and my BFF to get photos on a gorgeous day.

Today, I pretty much have spent all day working on photos and job applications. It's that time of year again for schools to start analyzing what teachers they need for next school year.

2011-03-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

6 months from today, I will be married. Wow.

What?

2011-03-09T18:28:00.002-05:00

Video streaming by Ustream

Can someone please translate for me and others who have no idea what the hell is he ranting about? Seriously, this is hilarious because otherwise I think the whole world would cry for our favorite spoof actor.

Things I love

2011-03-09T16:52:00.003-05:00

Ok, this is more of a place I love. Trader joes. yes, Trader Joes. If you have not experienced shopping for your groceries there, you need to stop everything and go. Now. I have always enjoyed shopping for my fresh veggies, cheese, and coffee there. And the prices are always wonderful. yesterday was the first time I hit 100 dollars shopping there. And that was only because of the wine. I bought a case of wine for 33 dollars. good ol' 2 buck chuck.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Whole Foods, I know, I know I cheated. I bought a double cream gouda cheese. It was yummy. I did not get to enjoy all of this cheese, however, since a certain dog decided she wanted some of that awesome cheese too. Bitch.

So yesterday, at my Trader Joes, they had the same cheese! For 50% the cost and I think it was a bigger slice of cheese. At Whole Foods, they charged 6 dollars, at Trader Joes....3 dollars. Yep, awesome.

2011-03-07T13:56:00.002-05:00

Oh My!!!! So excited! My baby is coming home! Such great news. Well, I guess I better start cleaning up the place. Kinda been living like a slob. come on, you would too. This will probably be the last time in my life I get to lay around, eating crap food, and do nothing. Ok, so not the last time, but def the last time I don't clean a damn thing and let piles of stuff get everywhere.

I know some of that is contribute to painting the living room and rearranging the office/guest room. So, I really wasn't completely lazy the whole 6 weeks he's been gone.

Also, this week I'm back to hitting the job applications hard. I went to a job fair this weekend, so hopefully something will turn up from my 10 resumes I handed out to the different Charter Schools. I'm trying to get my references to write me one letter so I can copy and mail out with my resumes. Last year, the different school systems had them fill out several different forms. So, hopefully, I will be able to cut down on time by having all the letters ready and in hand.

Also, I'm brushing back up on my elementary curriculum. I start another long term sub in a couple of weeks teaching the little ones. I've gotten so used to talking to the older kids, this will be a big adjustment for me to work with the little ones. Wow, are they little.

Speaking of little, my little nephew is home with his parents. He's such a cutie pie. He's put on some more weight (he was only 4 1/2 pounds). That's what you get when you are a month early. I cannot wait to go visit him! Well, they will def be here for my wedding, so I'll see the little peanut then if I don't get to travel out there to see him earlier.

Oh today is a great day!!!!

2011-02-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

I knew I shouldn't have brought Girl Scout cookies into the house. They haven't been in here for longer than 12 hours and I'm already diving into the Tagalongs like I have a metabolism of a 14 year old boy playing soccer.

You know something, the whole market of Girl Scout Cookies is raising girls to be really good drug dealers. Seriously, they have a product everyone wants, but can't have too many of due to health concerns. They hold onto a product until once a year and then it is mad rush frenzy and people can't get enough of them! Then the girl's set up underground operations, okay well not underground more like in front of grocery stores, to lure customers to buy some just when they said no earlier. If the person had the will power to say no to a picture of a girl scout cookie, but those bitches set up booth waving around the product under your nose and look at you with those precious eyes pleading "you want to buy cookies from me, because you want me to win the grand prize of being the best cookie seller out there". How can one say no to that? How?!

Sorry, I need to take another bite of a another cookie to calm myself down.

2011-02-23T17:31:00.002-05:00

Working! well, subbing all week. yaya! I cannot wait until I have this long term sub position. It'll be with the little ones, but it should be a great experience. Also, hopefully an in with the school. It is the same school that I taught at before and have been subbing for all year. I am just amazed at how hard it has been trying to find a job. I know what I want and I went above and beyond obtaining the credentials needed for this career path, yet no job. Well, at least no full time job.

I have been painting, was on a great pace until me and a little molly bolt are having words. Stupid thing got halfway into the wall and now it won't come out. I need some needle nose pliers and really don't feel like digging through the tool closet. I kinda need to fix this if I want to paint. I've been putting these things in for the curtain rods and then painting over them so they blend in with the wall. I'm happy with the wall color, very calming and finally makes this place feel like home! Love the place, love the fiancé but he's afraid of color. Also, kinda of why i'm in charge of picking wedding colors. No pink. Def no pink. Which is funny, because I do like pink. I have a pink phone, a pink soccer bag, shin gaurds, soccer ball, and a pink hula hoop (helps with the abs). Wedding, though, not feeling pink. Probably, because it is a fall wedding, pink doesn't belong in the fall.

Hmmm....wonder if I can get a teaching job in Wisconsin? I'm sure my girl G and her man would love for us to move there. Well, me, because someone would have to stay and finish up their MBA and that whole job thing that's paying him for his MBA.
Actually, I did fill out an online application for Wisconsin school system, I was told two weeks ago that my application has been terminated due to inactivity. Which, well, inactivity on your parts dudes, not mine! Good thing, though, I'd get fat off cheese.

I bought some double cream Gouda cheese yesterday from Whole Foods, can NOT wait to try it out.

Ok, back to attacking this stupid bolt.

2011-02-20T11:01:00.002-05:00

So I am really getting annoyed with the neighbors. Trash has been appearing just kicked out of someone's car. The most recent trash victim, a wendy's frosty and spoon. Also, the amount of dog poop that is not being cleaned has gone up tremendously. Plus, there is probably about a pack's worth of cigarette buts laying around a 20 feet radius.

I really don't want to wind up being THAT neighbor, but I am not sure what else to do. I guess I could use the fact that we (I say we, when I really mean the fiancé, but it was kind of me pushing he to run for HOA) are on the HOA and strong hold the neighbor. But, that would be bitchy. Plus, I would have to catch her in the act of littering. I have way too much on my plate to be constantly staring out my window to check to see if she is in the wrong doing. Also, I have my sanity. Even though for the past month I've been technically living alone with three animals, so the fiancé better hurry up and get home because it looks like crazy threshold is creeping a lot closer than wanting.

Alright, now that is off my back, I am headed to a bridal show with my girls and my mom, wish me luck that I find some great ideas. Because, right now, I have none.

I don't care if this is a fake circulating email, because it's funny

2011-02-16T16:08:00.001-05:00

HELL EXPLAINED
BY A CHEMISTRY STUDENT
The following is an actual question given on a University of Arizona chemistry midterm, and an actual answer turned in by a student.

The answer by one student was so 'profound' that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well :

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving, which is unlikely.. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.

Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct..... .....leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.

2011-02-12T13:24:00.003-05:00

Wow, my drinking tolerance has gone down. One bottle of wine and I feel like I'm three sheets to the wind. That and plus this whole no smoking thing...what's going on with me?

I went through every emotions of cigarette withdrawal last night. Including trying to rationalize and making a deal with myself. You know saying things like "It's been a month, so I can have one and go another month with out one". I seriously feel the steps of recovery, almost like a drug addict quiting drugs. When your body is so used to how to have something apart of a routine and the physical addiction, it becomes hard to completely get used to not having it.

Music!

2011-02-10T17:49:00.003-05:00

I heard this on a tv show the other day. Ok, yes, it was the new 90210, whatever. Anyway, I went searching for it, because it just one of those songs that catches your ear. Reminds me a lot of Duffy and her style. It's nice to see there is other women vocalists out there like Duffy, such as Adele, and now Florence and the Machines...oh Florence sing it!

Here is the song Dog Days, I'm sure you've heard it by now. But, I'm still stoked about finding Adele's video above.

wow

2011-02-10T13:43:00.003-05:00

7 months. I'm getting married in 7 months. Wow!

It's been 2 weeks since the fiancé has been in India, with 4 more to go before he comes home. I keep thinking that we have plenty of time to figure out wedding stuff, but we don't...not really.

I need to mail out the save the dates, get the lodging in order (yep, already), and start picking out bridesmaid's dresses. I already have my wedding dress. oh, it is a dream. I can't wait to wear it in 7 months. My mom, dad, and brother, and sister-in-law love it.

When I tried it on, I thought "this is exactly what I was looking for (not going to tell y'all, keeping the suspense until after the wedding)" As soon as my mom got up and put the veil on me...i started crying. Which in turn made my pregnant sister-in-law cry.

The lady helping me says that the veil does it every time. I told her to put the other dresses up, I didn't even want to look at them. When you know, you know.

In other news, I haven't had a cigarette in a month. wohoo!!!! I have been chewing the hell out of some straws, though. The cravings have gone away, except for certain situations. And, I have yet to venture into a smoking bar. So far the bars I've gone to have a beer have all been smoke free establishments. I may have to wait another month before that happens.

BM

2011-02-09T15:22:00.002-05:00

how is it that every time I go on vacation, I can not take a poop. I know, this isn't a proper conversation topic, but it's on my mind. I have gone on week vacations and not one bowel movement. The moment I get home....BM

It's funny how your body can shut down when you are uncorormfatabple. I'm not saying I'm having a bad times on my vacations, I mean that it's not comfortable in the local bathrooms.

Just a funny thought.

NO internet?!

2011-01-28T08:31:00.002-05:00

Ok, wedding ceremony and venue...check, caterer....check, decor...need to finalize, but check. Wedding dress style...check. Wedding dress? not yet.

So, the next 6 weeks the fiancé is in India for work. It seems like such a long time, considering we have never been apart for more than a week. Good thing we have internet, well, unless we were Egyptians.

Egypt is in middle of protesting against their authoritarian government. Fun times when they are pissed off at a "president" who has been in power for 3 decades. Seriously, this dude has been in control of Egypt since I was born. This guy is our friend as well as Israel's friend, but people get fed up with the same power in control. There's a reason why our presidents only get to serve 8 years.

Anyway, back to my initial connection between internet and Egypt. Apparently, as a way to combat the protesters, the government has disabled the internet. Yep, you read that right. Protesters have been using twitter and Facebook as a way to organize the rallies, so the government has disabled the internet as a way to break down communication. Gasp! Does this mean that the Egyptian protesters actually have to communicate and make plans the old way?! I mean, secret meetings in empty homes or in schools after hours making plans for the next protest with the "leaders" of each disgruntle group? Kudos to the idea, but it won't stop the protests.

gettin my state of the union on

2011-01-25T21:58:00.004-05:00

well, if I was a math, science, engineer, or technology teacher I would be happy with the State of the Union tonight.

actually, I'm having a hard time picking out what statements are things that have been completed this year and are on the budget from items that are how we can be a better country in the future.

oil companies are no longer getting help from the government, so does this mean we can stop spending ridiculous taxes on gas at the pumps?

oh, healthcare..... "unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses" what does this mean? Well, I do agree with the statement about the law stopping coverage for "pre-existing conditions", but I'm confused the first statement he said, businesses still have to do paperwork for health coverage.

oh, did you know the worst of the recession is over? I didn't, because I'm still jobless, even though President Obama just told everyone who wants to change careers to become teachers. Um, Mr. President Obama, I've been trying to do this for the past 3 years. Still....no job, because everyone was cut from their jobs. So recession is over?

cutting tens of billions of the military of items they can do without? Cutting excess spending where ever its found,annual domestic spending, medicare and medicaid, malpractice insurance to cut down frivolous lawsuits.

Social Security....eh

ask millionaires to give up their money....what! they are the ones who donate their money to educational programs. Where do you think these scholarships come from!!!!!

Ok, Ok, I'm going to have a brain aneurysm

tahdah

2011-01-23T12:03:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize trying to find a location to hold a wedding would be so stressful, and expensive? Really, I swear if you take on the word "wedding" to something the price skyrockets.

Well, I think we found our location. It's just perfect, laid back, classy, and beautiful! I think we also realize we are pretty much going to be eating ramen noodles for the next 8 months.

clears throat

2011-01-18T09:53:00.007-05:00

Lots of stuff happening since I last posted. I mean, a lot of stuff, so where do I begin?

Oh, shall we begin with......I'm getting married!

Like wow, totally, awesome, like, seriously, I'm getting married. I am blown away and ecstatic. Haha, I have a fiancé. I'm still trying to get used to saying that. Of course, in true "us" fashion, we have already begun the process of planning our wedding. fiancé has his spreadsheets, I've got my jot list (and tons of magazines).

The first thing is trying to find a location. Wow, I had no idea how big the wedding industry actually is. Seriously, tack on the word wedding and next thing you know price goes up ten fold.

It's okay, I have faith, we will find the perfect location within our budget.

I guess, y'all have figured out that this blog will be all about wedding stuff from her until the date of the wedding. And, hopefully, a job announcement somewhere in the middle of all the fluffy posts.

Can't Wait

2010-11-18T16:01:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow's my sweetness' bday. So excited, really can't wait to give him his bday present.

Well, I still haven't finished his bday present from last year. I was cross-stitching a pillow for him.... maybe I'll have that finished by the time it's his 50th birthday.

Today was a nice day. One of my good friends is in town and we decided to spend some time at Park Grounds. Haven't been there since I've/we've moved, so it was a perfect day to sit, read (from my brand new Kindle 3rd generation) some Sherlock Holmes, and let the dog run around the park.

Credit Cards....

2010-11-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

We all have them, and we all have problems with them. My problem, I needed them three years ago to help pay rent. I haven't used them in three years, but I also didn't have money to pay them. Somehow I felt like my late fees, overcharge fees, skyrocketed percentages all helped with the "bail out" of credit card companies.

I would have the conversation with the customer service rep who would call me non-stop. I would tell them...um...I don't have a job, no one is hiring and I'm over qualified to do part time work, trust me I tried. They would listen and then ask "well, can you pay the minimum of 300 today?" "Hello! NO! I can't, didn't you just hear me, I don't have a job!"

Well, somehow beginning of this fall, the credit cards companies are now okay with me being jobless and put me on payment programs. Oh and all those late charges? wiped clean. All those over limit fees? wiped clean. And those high interest rates? turned to 0%.

I guess they figured they already made thousands of dollars off of me, they would cut me some slack.

Today, the last and final card (who would call every hour on the hour, I think I tallied up 46 missed calls in 3 days from them) finally decided to work with me and put me on a program. Of course, It was I who had to force this option. Amazingly, they had the option available. They kept asking me, how much can i pay a month. I guess trying to get me to say a number and then sticking with that number. My tactic, i can pay depending on how low the number is going to be.

In the mist of figuring out my "situation" the guy asks me if I had been looking for a job. Of course I have been. I give him the spiel I've given the other companies. When I finish, he asks, "so is teaching the only field you are looking for a job?"
Excuse me! my response "I just got finished paying 20K for a Masters in Teaching and 300 dollars for my two teaching certificate, OF COURSE IT IS THE ONLY FIELD I'M LOOKING INTO"

Jeez, it's not like when I just graduated from my undergrad in Sociology. Then I could look where ever I wanted for a job. Teaching?! I couldn't even apply to a teaching position without going through the process I went through.

Jeez.

2010-10-17T18:13:00.002-04:00

Grading, woot woot

So as I'm grading homework and quizzes, I'm watching the new Tony Danza show "Teach" and Oprah's shows about education.

first of all, I want to say "thanks" to Oprah. Finally saying what needs to be said, this is our country we are talking about. Having a poor education system will result in a poor democracy in the future. Argh.

Regarding Danza's show. All I can think about is, man, it's not fair. I've busted my ass to jump through the hoops to become a certified teacher. Now, here I am, a teacher with no classroom of her own. yet, an actor can come in with a tv camera crew, no educational training, graduated college 40 years ago....and have his own classroom?

It's interesting to watch, b/c I'm sure I looked exactly like he did the first time i stepped into a classroom. It also shows the public that teaching is not this piece of cake job every thinks they can do. But, come on! Where's my classroom?

2010-10-16T14:20:00.002-04:00

i hate being sick. Especially, when it causes my nose to completely stop up.
So i decided to purchase one of those Nettie Pots. you can only use it if you are able to blow your nose. if you have complete nasal stoppage, be prepared for the saline solution to come out of your eyes. Awesome.
But, when it does work, it definitely clears you up. Except now, i'm stopped up again. I was going to use it again, well, about 3 more times today.

Why? because tonight is date night! yay date night! finally, after it's been postponed for three weeks. I have no idea where we are going tonight, but I plan on playing around with my makeup. I always go for one color swoop, but i have some new eyeshadow and this awesome eye primer stuff....yay

yes, i'm excited about makeup, I don't want to hear it.

Cute, Cuddly, and Feisty

2010-09-27T08:33:00.002-04:00

Welcome the newest member of the family! General Adolf Audi OS Shitler the 52nd. Uh Huh, alright, he's awesome and y'all are jealous.

Actually, General Shitler's name kinda fits him. He's barely weighs a pound, he's no bigger than our hands, and he is not scared of anything. Mollie is super sweet and plays with him, well, until he starts attacking her tail then nice time is over. Now McGee has gotten to the point of grooming him. It is funny to watch McGee and General play together. McGee forgets that he is 15 pounds while the little one is 1 pound. They get to wrestling and then the little one disappears amongst McGee's fat and fur.

Having the little one in the house has been a nice break from the stress. Plus, I feel all couples should raise a pet together.

2010-09-24T08:14:00.002-04:00

Purging is still continuing... I feel like I'm being almost soup nazi about tossing out things. Especially with my clothes, if it is the wrong size then it's out.

Well, this morning is the beginning of the end to a long long week. I have worked doubles all week. Teaching during the day and waiting tables at night. And I still feel poor.

I have an interview for a long term position next week. At least I can feel like I have some steady money coming.

Purging

2010-09-21T20:28:00.002-04:00

Due to the yard-sale, I and the BF, well mainly I, have gone through each room and each drawer and decided to purge.

I feel good, even though we only made 28 dollars. There is still a lot of stuff, but a trip to Goodwill is in order. This time, I'm going to make sure and get a tax receipt. I have never written off Goodwill on my taxes. I go about twice a year and donate items, I just never thought of the benefits that come with it financially.

Since I am still in a financial pinch. I will defiantly pick up a receipt.

I got to teach yesterday, and will be teaching tomorrow and Friday. The nice thing about having the education I have, the teachers who ask me to sub trust me enough to actually conduct a lesson. Every time I step in front of a class, it just solidifies that I have made the right decision in my life.

Well, back to purging. I am being more militaristic about throwing stuff out. If I don't love it, if it doesn't fit, if I have no idea where the rest of the components (i.e. all the electrical cords) are located....it's being tossed. No sense of keeping items that are not being used or will possible never be used.

2010-08-31T17:13:00.000-04:00

Maybe I should open a bed and breakfast.

2010-08-23T17:24:00.002-04:00

yep, I'm watching the marathon of Housewives of New Jersey. Yep, I sure am!

So, in order to get some sort of income coming in, I picked up shifts at the local Mellow Mushroom. Part of me hates the fact that i'm back in the restaurant industry. but, it's something easy to do while I'm looking for a teaching job. Also, they are fully aware about my situation and substitute teaching. Which is good.

I feel like I'm contributing something to the household. The BF has been awesome, but I hate not being able to bring anything to the table. It's so hard for me to not be working, makes me more stressed out then working crazy amount of hours a week stresses me.

Well, this year's gonna be interesting, let's hope something comes through soon.

2010-08-17T10:26:00.003-04:00

I received a teacher's catalog in the mail. Been flipping through and finding really cool stuff to use in a classroom....now if I can get my very own classroom.

In other news, well, as we all know my life consists of job searching so there really is no other news. Plus, I really have not been watching the news, so I am really out of the loop when it comes to current events.

I am, however, kicking but in Scrabble.

hanging in there.

2010-08-13T09:31:00.002-04:00

wanna talk about irony? ok, so maybe it is not irony, but more funny.

I had an interview on Tuesday (yay) with a brand new private school. The headmaster wanted me to start that day planning and then the next day/week take over the AP History and Gifted History classes. Brilliant! My dream job, I get to teach the creme de la creme of students at a brand new school. Being the only History teacher means I will be able to shape and set the standards for the History dept. of that school.

So....you are thinking....what's the kicker?

Since it's a brand new school I would only get 200 a week. With me having to drive over an hour one way, my gas money would take up my paycheck. I have run every scenario in my head trying to figure out how I can teach at this school and still live.

My next interview. Complete opposite from the first. I was asked a series of questions, hopefully, I answered them correctly. The school.... did not make AYP and has a graduation rate right below 80%, and 95.5% of the student population is economically disadvantaged. But! I can get a full salary and benefits.

I think working there would def give me a challenge. With my social work background I think I also would understand the mind set of the students backgrounds, which puts me above the other teacher candidates.

It is funny how life can throw you such twists.

2010-08-09T12:02:00.002-04:00

I keep feeling like I keep getting the crap end of the stick. For three years now I have been working very hard to get my life on track. I finally found a career that I absolutely love and want to do so bad. I will make such an impact on our world by being a teacher.

I feel like I wasted my summer trying to pimp myself out to schools. Only come to find out that my school did not do their end of the paperwork for me to get my certificate. My cert is currently on HOLD. why? because they are waiting for documentation in which i gave my school back in APRIL.

I really sincerely believe this is the reason i have not been called about an interview for a teaching position. Why would a school want to choose me with a HOLD on their certificates while another teacher already has theirs. Doesn't matter if I have a higher degree and better grades than that other teacher...they HAVE their cert and I DON'T.

Man, I could have used my summer better, i.e. going down to the Gulf and volunteering my time cleaning up the oil. Going to Africa and volunteering my time teaching consequential victims of civil war. WOW

2010-08-08T21:26:00.002-04:00

positive energy....positive energy....

I have to keep thinking that tomorrow's the day for me to get hired.

This weekend was for us to be shut in and get the closet and drawers cleaned out. Still debating on goodwill or yard sale. I'm thinking yard sale to get money, but I usually always give to goodwill at least twice a year.

Unfortunately, our shut in weekend was not completely to plan. One of my professors lost her son to cancer. So, I decided (since she is also one of my references) to show my support after realizing (with help from a friend) that funerals are for the living.

I'm glad I went, only a handful of students went. Including the dean and other professors. She was happy to see our faces, and we all sat together. It kinda made me wish I made more friends in Grad School. the people I sat with remembered me and came up to talk to me, so in a a way I didn't utterly piss people off with my obsessive competitiveness. It is sad to think about a parent losing a child. It is sad to think that he lost his battle to cancer at the young age of 37. He left behind a 5 year old girl. At the funeral she (the daughter) looked as if the loss of her father hadn't quite hit her yet. So sad.

2010-08-06T10:18:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had the feeling you just blew your chances?

I received a phone call about a teaching position, at that moment it was about teaching AP American History. The American History portion, I am super excited about...well b/c i'm a history nerd. Now...the AP part. That scared me a little. I wanted to be honest, so she asked me to take a look at the website and call back. I did, now i'm excited about teaching AP (seems like there are more references and materials available to AP teachers than reg. teachers).

I call back, her secretary is asking me, who are you again? and now i'm waiting for a call back.

Part of me just has the feeling of I lost my chance. Damn it, why do I have to have that streak of honesty and professionalism?

2010-07-29T12:45:00.002-04:00

I finally get to visit St. Augustine! History nerd alert. It's the oldest (continuously lived in) city in America. Yeppers! All the great explorers came through St. Augustine (not to be confused with the actual saint, who believed in just wars)

so, any way, I'm hyped up and can't wait. Right now I'm brushing up on my knowledge about St. Augustine to remind me who landed, who discovered, De Leon's fountain of youth thingy.

You know, the exciting stuff.

One Year, Thank You

2010-07-22T18:09:00.004-04:00

One amazing year it has been with one amazing guy. I am so proud to say I have finally found my soul mate. My true equal partner in life. I know I can be a pain sometimes, well more often now being jobless and antsy when you walk through the door. But having your face be the last I see at night and the first I see in the morning everyday makes it worthwhile. Well...at least on my end. We were busy on our actual year anniversary so I didn't get a chance to post this, but here it is now. Plus, I know we aren't going to "celebrate" until I get a job. BUT! I love you all the same.

*imagine I knew how to post music playing in the background* *now imagine "fly me to the moon" playing*

What a great website

2010-07-22T16:15:00.003-04:00

I just wasted, ok it wasn't wasted if I enjoyed every moment, an hour reading through these passive-aggressive notes. New favorite website!

argh. again

2010-07-22T10:31:00.003-04:00

So, the job search is making me frustrated. Especially when it is nearing the beginning of school. People keep telling me not to worry.... that helps?

I will probably get called two weeks after schools starts, which means I'll be three weeks behind. "But, school has only been in session for two weeks?" well, that means I'll have to make up two weeks and hurriedly get a unit plan ready in one night...that's another week lost by playing catch up.

I should probably go ahead and create a syllabus and lesson plans now for both SS and Lang. Arts...just in case.

There is an group that helps teachers look for positions in private schools. Kind of like a headhunter. You have to "apply" like you are applying for a job before this group can help you. I've "applied" twice and have been denied twice through the initial review of my qualifications. I finally got fed up with being denied, so I emailed them back (even though there is an appeals process to follow...which I am following) asking... "so, if I have a Masters and pending teaching certificates, what qualifications are you looking for to make a "good" candidate in which you will help look for a job?"

I really should have added how one private school thought my resume was impressive and wish they had a spot open for me to come teach AND they want me to reapply next year just in case an opening occurs. so HA!

In other news: well, there really isn't other news, my life is job searching at the moment.

2010-07-19T12:22:00.001-04:00

I just want my test results!!!!

I've been waiting a month to find out if I passed my Teaching Certificate tests, and now the website states I have to wait until after 5pm today.

Come On!!!!

2010-07-13T12:39:00.002-04:00

There's nothing like spring cleaning in middle of the summer. Lawd! Am I hot. I have pulled out every appliance in the kitchen and vacuumed, dusted, and mopped behind each of them.

Let me tell you how scary it is to vacuum a hot water heater. Every noised it made, I kept jumping back thinking "this is it, it's going to explode"

Granted, it's a very rare occasion for one of these things to blow. Especially a hot water heater turned all the way to the max heat and a 1 inch layer of dust....combine that with a vaccum cleaner, any second this thing is going to blow!

glad, that's done.

wow, fresh food and exercise makes such a difference in attitude

2010-07-08T13:47:00.003-04:00

Finally went grocery shopping, which means back to yummy home cooked meals.

Today's lunch, a delish salmon salad. basically it's salmon combined with hummus (homemade thank you very much), celery, lemon juice, and dill. Yumm!

Also, did a good ab work out for 40 minutes today, mixed with great yoga stretches. Fun. later it'll be to the pool again (for the 3rd day in a row)

Tan is coming along, meaning i'm no longer pasty just "glow".

house is scrubbed down and back to cleaning schedule. BF and BF's dad steam cleaned the carpets this weekend, they look great. bonus= i didn't have to do them :D

Now, if i can only get rid of these stupid gnats in my hosue. I already moved the fridge and scrubbed under it. today i'm going to try and figure out how to move the dishwasher to scrub under it. bleh

cranky

2010-07-01T12:38:00.001-04:00

so, i've been a little cranky lately. My bad.

today is a fresh start, well, at least a fresh out look on my situation. I have no control over my test scores, just have to wait. All I can do is just keep applying for jobs. And, well, i'm snacking on almonds instead of a big mac, so that's a restart to diet.

2010-06-30T14:54:00.003-04:00

sometimes, i give up.

i have never had a couple of months completely not go my way. I think the last time I felt this utterly disappointed in my life's direction was June of 2007. Yep, y'all can go back and click on my past posts during that era in life.

It's this feeling of dependence that probably drives me to think I am incapable of doing anything correct. Right now: it's finding a job, losing weight, having a clean home.

First the job thing: I have done everything that I am supposed to do in order to become the best damn teacher out there, so what's missing? A job offer. I graduated with a Masters and top of my class. I'm waiting on my test results and someone else to approve my certificate. In the meantime, no one wants to even offer me an interview. I am completely dependent on the universe and her offerings.

Second, losing weight: I have been trying the swimming laps, cutting out calories, instead I am growing bigger. I cannot fit into pants I bought 4 months ago, and I've been eating less than I had 4 months ago. people keep telling me I don't look fat, but seriously, stop lying. Every photo I have a beer gut and two chins, plus my dark circles under my eyes make it look like i've been punched...twice.

Third, keeping a clean house: every time I turn around there is a new pile of shit. I cannot, for the life of me get things organized. Once I finish a closet, I come back to it two days later and it's a complete wreck again. Once I clean three garbage bags full, as soon as I dump them in the trash, there's another three bags. And these are things I can't get through meaning the amount of dirt and dust makes me gag. It's overwhelming, and impossible to even go by my daily cleaning list. Right now i'm sitting at the dining room table covered in my laptop, external harddrive (that i'm trying to back up in order to FINALLY install my present from january), the scrapbook material for my friend's baby, my grocery list, a dirty plate, pile of mail, my job search book, keys, my portfolio, a chinese menu, trash from the external harddrive, study material, and a cathair brush.

The dining room table was spotless when I left last week for Missouri. This is just an example of the place. How am I supposed to entertain the BF's parent's this weekend?!

Clean house equals a clean mind. Right now nothing is going right, including the World Cup.

2010-06-17T00:05:00.002-04:00

still watching the World Cup....wow! today was def a day to watch the games.

Regarding my "diet", with the BF in India and me studying and trying to prolong not smoking...my diet consists of to go food and junk. I did find some awesome pate at Trader Joes, I highly suggest to go get some.

I have been able to swim my laps. I keep scraping up the bottom of my big toe, now it's down to raw flesh (it surpassed the hard layers of wonderful callous). I have now started on swimming under water as long as possible. Really trying to test out my lungs.

In the meantime, I am studying for my content area tests that I am taking on Sat. Yep, I said tests. That will be 8 hours of test taking. First 4 hours is over Language Arts, the second 4 hours is over Social Studies.

right now I am really concentrating on my Language Arts. If you have been a long time reader, well, you know my grammar sucks. Cheers!

2010-06-11T12:17:00.001-04:00

If y'all need me, I'll be watching the World Cup

USA! USA! USA!

2010-06-10T22:43:00.002-04:00

Sorry I've been gone for a couple of days. Went back to my hometown to help my parent's out at their store. After 24 years, they have decided it is time to close the doors. Last year, or maybe the year before, both of them retired from their full time jobs. They were going to spend more time at the store, but decided they enjoyed traveling more. This and a combination of a shitty economy...well...means time to retire again.

I thought I would have ballooned back to eating 2000 calories a day, but this whole keep track of what I eat actually kept me at a 1400 a day....that's including going out to eat and having McDonald's in the morning! Wahoo!

The one thing I don't understand, though, is that I have not lost any weight on the scale. I know my exercise has not been consistent, but my eating has dropped about 500 calories a day...that alone for one month should have dropped some off the scale.

I think tomorrow I am going to measure with the tape and compare to day one. If there is no change there, well, then it is time to join a gym and go daily. Waiting on the weather has not done any good, considering that it has rained for over a week straight.

2010-06-02T11:07:00.003-04:00

tip for the day:

spoil myself with a nonfood treat.

Well... technically I did yesterday by shopping, but I did shop for our to-do list. I think after my hike today, I will lay out by the pool and finish reading my Nora Roberts book.

2010-06-01T20:36:00.003-04:00

wahoo!!!! Another day, another under 1400 calories.

So embarrassing today, went to Tuesday Morning. (Favorite store, ever)

I deposited some checks last week and the funds were supposed to be cleared today. Standing at the register on the phone with my bank trying to clear my funds while the lady behind the register is being so sweet and patient. My bank pushed through enough funds to cover today's purchase but now the rest of the check is on hold until the 3rd. Huh? 1/2 the check was already cleared (finally got to pay bills) and the other 1/2 is on hold? The funds are there, waiting, begging, and holding.

yesterday, got the new mattress, today...realized neither one of us had a good night sleep. BF says it's the sheets, I'm hoping that is the case 'cause that would suck if the new mattress sucks.

2010-06-01T13:19:00.002-04:00

I did it!

I managed to have a yummy food day and stay under 1500 calories!!!!

I'm telling you, use the Self.com food recipes. They are easy, delicious, and healthy.

We went to Jason's Deli for lunch, and stuck to the healthy side of the menu and got a side of fruit. So these decisions are creeping into our weekend "let's stop and grab something quick" choices.

So on a different note, anyone want a mattress and box-spring set? The BF and myself decided to take advantage of the Memorial Day sales and bought a new set.

I was laughing with my mom about this: : Happy Memorial Day, thanks for making our country safe....buy cheap stuff from the store to show our appreciation

My father did get to spend some time this weekend with some of his old Vietnam buddies. I think that was enough celebration in our family this weekend. Thanks Dad.

2010-05-30T15:08:00.001-04:00

Got groceries for the month. Gonna try and fix all the yummy recipes that Self.com has to help keep a 1400 calorie a day eating plan. And, boy, do some of these recipes look good.

This is where I'll start posting pictures :D

Attack a Healthy Snack

2010-05-26T14:15:00.002-04:00

I can do this one...easy...

I love cottage cheese, banana chips, and the such. yumm....seriously someone has to remove the cupcakes and velveta cheese with chips out of my place...stat...

So pool yesterday, and headed to the pool again today.

Bonus news, I haven't smoked a cigerette since Sat night. I'm seriously in craving mode, probably b/c nicotine curbs appetite. I def need to go do laps now. That reminds me how much oxygen my lungs need.

Did I mention, I hate the breast stroke, really, I hate it.

Ok, so I took a break

2010-05-25T15:56:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I did great for a week and then took a week off. I was a little distracted though with scrubbing down the house getting ready for family coming to town. ....and....celebrating the fact that I graduated with a Masters. Wahoo!

Did you know that cleaning burns calories? But, playing video games does not.

Today was a fresh start (yesterday was a day to eat a smorgesboard of snacky leftovers). Went the the pool for an hour. Swam laps and ab workout for 30 minutes and the laid out in the sun reading for the other 30 minutes. I'm going to try and complete this task everyday for the remainder of the month...remember the last Self tip I posted was feel the burn in the gym daily.

Today's tip: Surrender Sweets

cut out all added sugar and sugar like substances. Including sodas. This one maybe a little hard, considering I have a crap load of left over soda from my party. I feel it will be ok, b/c I am not a soda drinker normally. Seriously the only "soda" intake is an occasional redbull.

BUT, i do, however, have to take away sugar in my coffee. Time to switch back to soycreamer.

I guess weekends still count

2010-05-15T13:14:00.002-04:00

So, yesterday didn't do so hot with the veggies.

Probably, because I didn't leave the house to go to that awesome produce stand. But, when I ordered Chinese, I made sure I got the Chicken and Eggplant in a black bean sauce.

The soups and only part of my dinner portion kept me around 600 calories for dinner. considering I didn't have breakfast (growing trend here) and ate lunch...I stayed under 1500 for the day.

not bad, considering I was apparently consuming around 2000 without realizing it.

So...today's tip: indulge in 150 calories of junk food, or some guilty pleasure food item. I need to figure out how to make my shakes around 150, maybe by using fruit juice instead of milk?

Skinny cow ice cream sandwiches are 150 per sandwich, which makes me happy.

It's going to be interesting to keep tally for the weekend. Everyone always tends to over do it on the weekends. Tonight, mine will be done with beer. Going to a friend's graduation celebration tonight. And, well, there's a reason they call it a beer belly.

Well, for the first week, not so bad on trying to just kind of calculate how I eat. That's the most important step for weight loss, realizing what you are consuming.

next week I'm going to add on exercise. Because, my eating habits are great IF I exercise 3 times a week. It's pool weather and swimming laps is a great way to exercise, especially when I hate running.

Day Five of this darn "diet"

2010-05-14T10:22:00.004-04:00

So. The Salmon for dinner last night was awesome. I HIGHLY recommend the recipe I posted yesterday.

Tj Eckleburg made a good point, I do need to add photos. Not of bikini ones, but I should have taken photos of the salmon, milk, weight scale, etc.

I'll get on that.

What killed me yesterday was lunch. I went out to lunch (which I really needed to get out of the house and wear something else besides pajamas)

Went to this great little cuban place http://www.incstreetfood.com/

The idea is street food. Yummy food is what I say.

I got the Crispy Shrimp Tacos topped with coleslaw, pickled carrots & chipotle crema.

The best I could calculate with the sides and such was about a 900 calorie meal. BUT worth it! And considering I did not have breakfast, that worked out. I also did better about slowing down eating meals and not eating in front of the computer or tv.

It was really nice sitting at the dinner table with BF and talking about our day while eating such yummy salmon, couscous, and corn. (kind of a fiesta day)

Today's tip: Become a Veggie Junkie

This will be great! Summertime to me is fresh veggies we picked from the garden that day. When I was driving to the restaurant yesterday I saw a little produce "stand" (they grew into an actual building). I'm gonna go and pick up some tomatoes, corn on the cob, eggplant, salad makings...ok well first I have to see what they have to offer.

What day are we on again?

2010-05-13T10:18:00.002-04:00

So....yesterday was going great. After dinner time I was at 1100 calories, but then I had and drink red wine and have a fruit smoothie. tsk tsk, but both were just oh so yummy!

Well, at least yesterday was better than Monday and Tuesday's calorie counts.

Also, the tip about slowing down eating and not eating in front of the tv...is really hard. I didn't think it was, but I didn't even notice when I ate lunch that I was watching an episode of 90210 (oh hush) and dinner I scarfed down quickly.

I did, however, sip slowly the red wine and enjoyed every drop.

So, today's tip: Eat Salmon

The recipe that Self.com gives sounds yummy: Marinate in a mixture of lime juice, garlic and cumin; chill for 20 minutes, then grill for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, flipping once.

Totally going to have this for dinner.

In other news!!!! I graduate with my Masters next sat. I so freaking excited. Now if only I can find a job. Which is going to be hard b/c on Monday one county just laid off 579 employees (mostly teachers) another county is on a hiring freeze, and another county is closing a couple of schools. Yay!

Day Three of Jumping Starting the Diet

2010-05-12T12:43:00.002-04:00

note to self: Olive Garden's soup and salad is not as healthy as one might think: end note to self

So...I was a little cranky yesterday. But! The milk thing does work, I remain "full" until lunch. Then I had a glass of milk with my tuna sandwich...apparently that didn't help with the calorie count.

I have to switch out my 2% for low/no fat milk. I can't bring myself to go soy milk. I like soy creamer, but I love milk too much to switch all soy.

So today's tip: eat slowly and don't eat with distractions (tv, computer)

this one maybe hard to accomplish. I love watching a tv show while eating dinner, the whole multitasking world we live in. The other is the whole eating slow thing. 40 hour week jobs have gotten us used to cramming down our lunches in a fast 30 minutes. Unfortunately, that has stuck with me now and even for dinner.

So, tonight I will turn off the tv and sit at the dining room table, I mean isn't that why we have one?

2010-05-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

Please tell me how this diet thing is supposed to work without starving oneself?

Breakfast- coffee with sugar, 8oz of milk

lunch- tuna salad on toasted bread, 8 0z of milk

and I'm already at 940 calories?! For a 1200 calorie day, that only leaves me with 240 calories left for dinner? And I'm supposed to have two snacks a day as well? so if I have the healthy recommended two snacks, that's 180 calories....so that leaves me with a 60 calorie dinner...

wow, maybe I should have had the tuna with no mayo (which there is only 99 calories in one tablespoon...which is one of my "snacks") and no bread (which two slices of toasted wheat is 260 calories...which means that's the rest of my "dinner")

arghhh....this wouldn't be so bad if I had a kick my ass exercise routine daily, but right now my routine consists of housecleaning and walking out to the mailbox to mail out applications and receive rejection letters.

This is gonna be a long month, I can feel it now.

Day Two of Jump Starting Diet

2010-05-11T09:08:00.003-04:00

so yesterday was hard. It's the snacking that kills me, if I didn't have the snacks...then I would have been less than 1300 calorie day. Considering I did not burn any calories (except for pushing around an old purely steel vacuum cleaner)

But, I did complete the tip for the day :D

Today's tip: Milk in the morning

Well, I already had my coffee before reading this tip, but here goes a big glass of milk (8 oz to be exact)

Other things I've accomplished so far before 9:30 am: two loads of laundry, fed the animals, let the animals out, dusted, and swept, and applied for three jobs. Not bad. Let's see how the rest of the day goes.

Not sure which work out I'll be completing yet.

it's summer time, which means, it's time to get into a bikini

2010-05-10T14:16:00.005-04:00

So, I've decided it's time to lose weight. I mean, serious weight.

I've been saying this, and, well, haven't done anything. And, well, 30 years old has proven that my metabolism has quit working.

I just found out the scale I've been using every time I visit my mom is broken and tells a lighter weight than I really am. Great.

So, I keep signing up for the Self Challenge (Self magazine). So, in order to keep up this blog and lose weight, I'm going to track and document my progress. Self states I can lose one size in one month. So let's try it!

Starting point:

5'5"

162 pounds

size 12

waist: 37 inches

hips: 39 inches

thighs: 23 inches

Today's Tip: Keep a food journal

Breakfast: 6 cups of coffee with sugar

Lunch: left over spaghetti

Snack: 8oz slim-fast shake made with milk and ice

Dinner: skinless boneless chicken breast, canned corn

Snack: bagel and cream cheese

2010-05-03T12:39:00.002-04:00

The house is coming along. Today I'm hanging the pictures and shelves and odds and ends. Then we will be able to sit back and think about what is next. Starting to feel like home. Actually, just being with the BF feels like home.

School is finally finished! I will be graduating with a Masters and Summa Cum Laude. Yep, that's right beyotches! I made 3.9something (last grade hasn't posted, but it's an A)

Now, let's see who is hiring. I'm pretty much shotgunning the approach with my applications. Hopefully, someone will bite. If not, they can bite me. No, not really.

In other news, good job Arizona. Finally, trying to regulate a federal law on the state level. Now, let me reiterate, I have no problems with immigration. This country is built on immigration, melting pot is what makes America awesome. I do, however, have a problem with illegal immigration. There are rules and regulations in place, and there are many of folk who follow this process and have no problems (yes, I do realize there are a few exceptions b/c come on it is government so there is bound to be some horror stories. overall, however, no. )

My other issue, is we are in middle of dealing with some heavy economic times and money being sent back to another country, yes I have an issue.

The argument that illegals are doing jobs Americans don't want to do, is horse crap. And, that argument is a slap in Americans' faces. You get hungry enough, you will do jobs that sucks but pays. I know, I used to clean homes.

ok, need to go back to drinking coffee and not et worked up about this issue.

2010-04-20T21:00:00.002-04:00

yep, i'm posting again about my buddy Thomas. Hilarious comedian and needs to get more coverage!

Here's his most recent show:

2010-04-02T09:36:00.002-04:00

I really need to get a teaching job, and soon.

I just finished yesterday my last day of student teaching. I'm surprised I did not cry. The students baked me a cake and made me homemade cards. Even from students i never thought in a million years would show any kind emotions toward any teacher gave me a sweet card.

Just think I've only been with these students for 3 months, and I was able to get to know these students so well. I can only imagine how well I will get to know students and make a difference in their lives for an entire year.

my teacher told me that she keeps a folder labeled "why I teach" and keeps cards from students. I think I'm going to start a folder myself.

Now it's off to pack for my cruise vacation!

2010-03-09T11:47:00.002-05:00

i swear, one of these days I will be living in normalcy. Right now it is still boxes piled high in half the rooms. At least we have got all the furniture where we want. Now, it is just all the extra little stuff that I still can't believe I was able to have stored and organized in a 600 sq ft. place....and a barely 400 sq ft before that!

ha! I just realized I wrote normalcy. My mind is still always half thinking about teaching, which is good.

A little history lesson on the word "normalcy". The word that is supposed to be used is normality. But, our good 29th president Warren G. coined normalcy during the 1920 election.

Warren G. came into office as Woodrow Wilson brought our boys back home after whooping those Germans. Except, our country was devastated and thousands upon thousands of those boys were dieing from the Spanish Influenza Epidemic. So Warren G. saw this country needed to get back to life before the "Great War" and ran with the slogan "Return to Normalcy"

Whelp, now it's in our dictionaries and spell checkers. Just in case y'all were wondering

homelessness

2010-03-02T14:52:00.003-05:00

So this was sent to me, about statistics of homelessness in America and Georgia. I, well, being me, kind of ripped it apart. No ill will toward the person who sent it to me, actually I care deeply for them and don't wish to see them get overtaken by scare tactics.

Well, I decided to post up here for y'all. The red are my comments to the bullet points. So enjoy, take which ever viewpoint you wish.

Homelessness in the USA & Georgia

Why Are People Homeless?

Two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness over the past 20-25 years:

· A growing shortage of affordable rental housing

· A simultaneous increase in poverty (National Coalition for the Homeless) These go hand in hand. More people are in poverty needing more affordable housing, therefore reducing the number of affordable housing.

Other factors contributing to homelessness:

· Foreclosures – 32% jump in the number of foreclosures between April 2008- May 2009. Six million jobs have been lost since the start of the current recession. (National Coalition for the Homeless). this is the back lash of the mortgage companies lending to people who cannot afford it, of course with pressure from the democrats saying everyone should have the right to own a home. yes people have lost their jobs in the recession, but a good chunk of people sold their homes upsidedown to make ends meet while looking for a new job

· Poverty – In 2007, 37,300,000 million people in the U.S lived in poverty. Children are overrepresented, composing 35.7% of people in poverty while only being 24.8% of the total population. (U. S. Census Bureau). i live way! below the poverty line, the poverty line goes up according to the number of children a person has...and well, most of these women have more then 3 children so their poverty line is about how much you make now

· Eroding Work Opportunities – With unemployment rates remaining high, jobs are hard to find in the current economy. Even if people can find work, this does not automatically provide escape from poverty. the eroding job market are the entry level jobs requiring a college degree. those who have worked for years and made lots of money and are put out of work are taking the entry level jobs, while those who qualify only for entry level jobs are going back to college, like myself, to earn higher degrees to compete with these long timers for entry level. BUT, folks trying to escape from poverty only have a high school or GED diploma and only qualify for hourly rate jobs, but (i've seen first hand) they rather collect from the government that pays them more than hourly pay.

HomeStretch clients typically rely on public transportation to get to work. Many available jobs are not

accessible by public transportation further reducing their opportunities for gainful employment. in atlanta, this is true. the public system does suck, but people find away to get around to fun activities, they can find away to get to jobs. many jobs that are jobs that poverty level folks qualify are on transit system lines, though. Every Walmart, Target, Kroger, (and i'm listing the jobs that pay a better hourly rate up to salary) is on a transit system line, sometimes it takes one or two bus changes to get there, but it's available.

· Decline in Public Assistance – Extreme poverty is growing more common for children, especially those in female-headed and working families. (Children’s Defense Fund and The National Coalition for the Homeless, 1998). what is this trying to say? there is no public assistance for children? if so, that's a load of crock. Dept. of Family and Children Services is the largest, but there are hundreds, just here in the metro atlanta area, that help poverty stricken children. also, this is from 1998.... so has this declined from 1998 or is this the stat used in 1998? I worked for DFCS in 2003-2005 and there was more than enough public assistance

· Lack of Affordable Housing – Since 2000, the incomes of low-income households has declined as rents continue to rise. (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2005). rent is based off income. here in atlanta Affordable Housing, Housing Choice, Section 8, Public Housing whatever it wishes to call itself, has changed from giving people a free place to live with out putting any rent towards the place. Now, it is a sliding scale according to income. even then, rent for a two bedroom apartment is no more than 400 dollars a month.

Additional factors include:

· Lack of Affordable Health Care medicaid, emergency heatlh, free clinics ALL for FREE for poverty and homeless

· Domestic Violence - this i whole heartly agree with, there needs to more programs for women to leave an abusive husband, there are programs in place and the batterwomen's shelters are well hidden from the husbands, but sometimes too hidden from the women needing them

· Mental Illness this is unfortunate, b/c a large number of homeless are mentally ill and do need help, the services above only can help so much

· Addiction Disorders that's your own damn fault, why should I as a tax payer pay for you to live when you spent your own money on drugs? if you are hungry enough you will spend it on food. of course these assholes are reasons for crime and home invasions. still there own damn fault for getting to that point.

How Many People Experience Homelessness Over a Period of Time?

· A study conducted in 2007 by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty states that approximately 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness 3.5 million is only 1% of the national population....not as bad as people what to scare others into thinking that tomorrow they can be homeless

in a given year.

· 19,095 – unduplicated count of homeless persons in households in the state of Georgia (HUD 2008). in 2005 there were about 3.32 million Households, not population in georgia, so of those homeless households is .5% yep not even a whole percentage of households in georgia that are homeless

· 6,840 - unduplicated count of homeless persons in households in Atlanta, Roswell, DeKalb, Fulton Counties (HUD 2008). 1% of atlanta's population is homeless which should be higher than the state, b/c it is the largest city and homeless people stick to the most populist city due to handouts and access to things listed above

Additional Statistics and Mythbusters (Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless)

· Atlanta is the poorest city in the US for children- more children live in poverty than in any other city. we are on par with the national level, so how does this make us the poorest city for children? is this the "any other city" in georgia? or is this any other city in America? if it is Georgia, I've already listed the reasons why Atlanta has twice as much homelessness than the rest of the state. As far as America, what by a fraction of a fraction of a point that still is less than 1%? scare tactics

· 48% of all children in Atlanta in poverty live in families with annual incomes of less than $15,000 a year. is this income the income from welfare? or is this the income that a family makes on their own while the other 30,000 comes from welfare? and yes it is 30,000...add up rent being paid, TANF paychecks, Food Stamps, and Medical Bills all paid by the government it adds up to 30K and if you have more children this number increases. kind of why I quit DFCS with my 21,000 gross pay salary

· For children under age 6 living in female-headed families with no spouse present, the poverty rate is 58.8%. 75% of HomeStretch client families are headed by single moms. how many of these children have different fathers? of course there is no spouse present, the women don't marry and have multiple children with multiple fathers

· 40%-60% of homeless people work. so where does their money go? where's the bullet point for what poverty and homeless spend their own working money on?

· Minimum wage in Georgia is $7.25 per hour, which yields $15,080 per year, before taxes. that's pretty damn good, if you want a higher paying job, get a higher degree, can't because of children, then should have thought about that before having children

· HUD says you should pay no more than 30% of your income for housing (30% of minimum wage yields $452/mo. for rent). this stat comes from that sliding scale of rent i was speaking about earlier this is NOT people who are not on the welfare roles should base their own housing on, if that was the case then EVERYONE can claim they need to be living in public housing.

· The average two-bedroom apartment in Roswell rents for $850/mo. (which is 30% of an annual income of $34,000 or hourly rate of $16+ per hour). Thus, you need to earn $16+ per hour to afford that apartment, according to HUD. HomeStretch clients earn about $10 per hour on the average. yeah, and to get a 34K job requires a college degree. also the last part of this bullet point.... minimum wage is 7.25 per hour and the homeless poverty people they pulled from make and average of 10 dollars an hour...so the people we are even speaking about make an average of 3 dollars MORE than the state minimum wage?

· 46% of the jobs with the most growth between 1994 and 2005 pay less than $16,000 per year. and what about the growth of jobs and the salary from 2005 until 2010? can't use statistics of 2008 and 2009 then use the income state from over five years ago.

2010-03-01T02:09:00.001-05:00

stuff moved, living surrounding by boxes.

I've been so busy with school and teaching every time I have a break, it's midnight and time to sleep.

I don't think these boxes will ever get unpacked and organized. The BF is being amazing throughout all of this and really wants to wait so we both can organize together. yay!

Way to go Target!

2010-02-15T10:09:00.002-05:00

So Target bought a whole bunch of globes from China. Not a big deal, cause well, half our shit is imported from China. Except, take a look at the photo above. What's missing?

want a hint?

Wars have been fought her for years.

Want another hint?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finally got his wish.

You got it, The Globe makers didn't mark Israel on the globe, only Palestine for the entire area. Wow, I guess that is one way to win the war, just send information around the world that you don't exist. This is gonna get interesting.

Luckily, Target discovered the issue and is now clearing the shelves of the mistaken globes.

Moving!

2010-02-02T07:34:00.003-05:00

yep, it's super official! All steps are complete. Now.....it's time to start packing and moving.

The official move date is Valentine's Weekend, so happy Valentine's Day baby!

I'm excited, nervous, scared, excited all rolled into one. It's going to be a great move, I can feel it

2010-01-31T16:40:00.000-05:00

it's official. well, one more step...then! it's official.

Getting up early sucks.

2010-01-28T07:21:00.002-05:00

Nope, I did not watch the State of the Union.

Nope, I honestly do not want to know what the State of the Union says.

Yep, I like the fact that my eye is not twitching and my neck is not jerking in an odd one direction twitch.

I've been listening enough about what the speech is supposed to be about from NPR* that I decided this wasn't gonna be a State of Union but, yet, another campaigning speech.

*Side note- yes, i've been listening to NPR, no I've never had a problem with NPR, yes my AM radio is busted and i have no other choice.

The Blue Stone Society

2010-01-23T11:35:00.004-05:00

oh speaking of promoting folks, here is Mark Phelps with his band The Blue Stone Society on Itunes.

I've posted about Mark and his band before (too lazy right now to hyperlink old posts)
But, now his band is getting radio air time, and songs are now available through Itunes

so! go! click on the link! and download his music!

Also, call local radio stations and request The Blue Stone Society.

oh the joys of public internets

2010-01-23T11:24:00.002-05:00

dear lurkers who are skimming through my blog to post your links to whatever it is you want my readers to go check out,

If you wish for me to promote your website, business, whatever else it is.... just email me and give me the link. I will look at your website and see if it is worthy enough for me to promote. If I like it, I will write a blog entry about it, if I super like it, I will place it in my links list to the right of this screen, if i am crazy in love with it i will redirect my blog address to your website.

other than these procedures above are not met, I will delete your worthless comments.

thank you, sincerely master of this blog

Facker McGee

And this is only the begining?!

2010-01-21T22:17:00.002-05:00

Starting to find annoying all the restrictions on "how" to teach.

Can't lecture....must be hands on/project based learning

can't assign vocabulary words as "look up and memorize the definition"....a teacher has to do "something" with the vocabulary words

can't assign reading before class....this one is stupid...if the teacher is going to cover/start teaching chapter N on a Tuesday, that teacher can not assign chapter N to read for homework on Monday night. Must assign reading after you introduce the material to the student.

Me, personally, I learned by listening to lectures and taking notes. Reading the chapter before coming to class, because if I didn't, I was completely lost during the lecture. And, bonus, in order for me to take the SAT, ACT, and GRE, i had to memorize these vertiginously nauseating words b/c definitions were HALF the test. I say vertiginously, because that's how I felt after creating hundreds of flip cards, and no please don't ask me to pronounce this damn word, we all know i can't even pronounce cleavage without sounding like cleavand, nor Maynard, my all time love (that is if the BF can stand to share my heart with the most amazing voice on a man in the whole wide world), so no I can't pronounce vertiginous.

so anyway, i'm banging my head on creating a unit plan with trying to abide to these guidelines...which btw is only a small portion of the guidelines....we are not EVEN gonna go into differentiating.

I love Atlanta

2010-01-20T18:55:00.001-05:00

A forwarded email from my dad, I figure I can share with y'all

2010-01-14T11:25:00.001-05:00

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, IT IS A TRUE STORY.
The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door..

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ... FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, IT IS A TRUE STORY.

I can't help but laugh at this.

2010-01-05T16:31:00.005-05:00

2010-01-04T18:05:00.002-05:00

It's my birthday

It's my 30th birthday

my mom doesn't understand how I'm 30, because she's still 30.

yep, awesome, it's my birthday

Upcoming Stand Up Comedian

2010-01-02T13:30:00.002-05:00

So my buddy Thomas has been doing stand up comedy since August of this (ha! last) year.

Here's a clip of some of his shows. He's a really funny guy, and each show I make it to (usually the free ones, sorry for not being about to support you financially buddy) I can't stop laughing.

So here's a taste for y'all!

Yes

2009-12-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

Thank you news channels for letting me know about the thwarted plots against this country. It makes me happy to know that this country is doing a great job stopping attacks before they get underway.

Thank you news channels for also letting me know exactly what went wrong in this thwarted attacks. I mean, down to the nitty gritty details on what didn't work on these bombs. Or how long a van hung out before being noticed that it had fake parking credentials. Seriously, I'm glad to know these details because broadcasting that to us the attackers sure as hell have NO IDEA WHY THEIR PLANS DIDN'T WORK.

Thank you again, from a "I feel safer and no longer fear stricken" American Citizen

new years

2009-12-28T15:38:00.002-05:00

Alright....I hate making new year resolutions. But, this year the only one I'm gonna make is to lose weight.

I have been flipping through photos and see that the extra weight gain is noticeable. I have reached 155 lbs and that is enough for me to state...."alright time to loose weight!"

Also, over the Xmas break my mom and I saw a dress, super cute, I picked up a large and it was too small, so my mom picked up the x-large and made a comment "these must be missed marked, because there is no way you are a size 13-15" hmmmm.....well....mom, I am, a size ten is now too snug for my beer belly.

SO! here's to the new year, and here's to a new waist.

yay, graduation is here, yay more studying

2009-12-17T17:19:00.002-05:00

I just placed this on my wishlist. Also, kinda a reminder I need to purchase it, b/c sometime next semester I need to take this before May.

I have the History content area study guide, but not sure about taking that test (again, failed it once by 16 points) since my Master's is in Middle Grades.

Hmmm...

The sweet misery of Birth Control

2009-12-17T13:33:00.004-05:00

So my ovaries and my birth control are on a all out war, and my uterus is suffering a major causality in this endeavor.

I've never been good on birth control. minus the craziness it makes a woman/girl/whatever. I've actually been placed in the hospital due to the constant push of estrogen placed in my body. Granted, that particular time, I was on the birth control patch. Where it's a constant uncontrolled release of birth control.

My doctor and I have tried several different types, with the end result being the same: me in pain and throwing away the birth control pills...then walla I'm better.

We have run through so many tests and gone to so many doctors. I've been diagnosed with Chron's disease to Endometriosis. No one knows, and no one doctor can agree. I've even had a doctor throw in IBS for the hell of it. Um, IBS? really? just admit at that point that you don't know and move on.

So, here I am, after a, hmmm....4? 5? year hiatuses from birth control, ready to try again. this time my doctor and I decided on FemCon Fe. Which is a low dosage of estrogen and added iron (you know for border line anaemic like myself).

I'm supposed to chew the tablets instead of swallow them whole. Well, i guess since I'm having major cramps and pain a week before I'm supposed to be on my period is a signal that chewing vs. swallowing doesn't matter.

But, all this is a better alternative to having to deal with Plan B.

How to make a Damn good Chicken Noodle Soup

2009-12-14T16:34:00.009-05:00

Making Chicken Noodle Soup is one of my favorite things to cook. There is nothing more special than bringing someone who feels under the weather a fresh bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. Which was the case with my recent batch of soup. The BF was feeling under the weather, of course with no help from me passing him my cold, but I felt I should cheer him up. While making the soup, I figured I capture some of the images and give ya'll my recipe, which, i don't use one so this will be interesting.

First I start of with a good whole chicken. In this case, I decided on baking a cornish hen. Kroger had a special on two Perdue cornish hens in one package. I made the Cornish Hen before using the recipe on the back of the pacakage...which I suggest y'all to do someday.

Well, simply set your oven to 350, cover the hen/chicken with salt and pepper. Don't need to go too crazy with spicing up the chicken when it bakes, b/c you will be adding more spices to the broth.

While the chicken is in the oven baking (which don't forget to baste the chicken throughout the baking process) get a pot of water started to a boil. Then put in your choice of Vegetable Bouillon. You don't want to use Chicken Bouillon or canned Chicken Broth. You will be adding the carcass later, so which will be too chickeny tasting broth. I like using bouillon cubes that are more on the sticky side than dry cubes, they tend to have a lot of flavor and spices to them.

This part of the broth is your basis. Make sure the bouillon is good and mixed into the water, by having the bouillon boil in the water throughout the baking and deboning portion of this recipe. I choose to use 14 cups of water this go around, which calls for two bouillon cubes.

Ah, my favorite part. Deboning of the chicken! or in this case, cornish hen. Since this isn't a pretty carving like Thanksgiving dinner, you can hack up the chicken and carcass any way you wish. Get your hands dirty and don't be scared to pull off the meat with your hands. Every piece you want to use for the chicken pieces, set aside. I use a tuperware container b/c it's easy to close and set aside.

Once you have removed all the pieces of chicken, take the carcass, all of it, and place into your broth. Let your eye be on a medium to high setting, becuase you want the broth to eventually come to a boil. This will cook off the rest of the meat and make your broth more savory. during this time, I'm sitting on the couch catching up on So You Think You Can Dance on Tivo.

The rest of the ingredients! This can change according to your flavor choice. The basics, though, noodles (duh), onion (i prefer a sweet onion....oh especially vidalias, but pictured here is a yellow sweet onion), garlic, carrots (not pictured b/c i didn't have any), celery (i decided on a green bell pepper due to I grew it in my garden, but I like the taste better than celery), then finally parsley (grown from my garden)

Chop each ingredient (except for the chicken and garlic) up into cubes, makes it easier to cook in the broth, and bite size so each spoonful has all soup ingredients.

Toss the chopped ingredients into the broth, of course after you remove all bones from the broth first. Don't place the chicken or noodles in yet. Don't want to over cook the chicken, or have the noodles become too mushy.

let the broth and vegetables simmer in your broth. next press the garlic into the broth. I use two garlic cloves for this size of soup pot, you can use more garlic according to your personal taste, or size of soup you are making.

After letting the vegetables cook in the broth, and allowing the garlic to fully penetrate throughout the soup, finally add your chicken and noodles. Once the noodles come to an al dente point, it's time to serve and enjoy!

I have not tried to freeze this soup yet, I know some heartier soups freeze well, but not too sure about chicken noodle. This soup, however, keeps in the fridge in a Tupperware container for about a week. Ha! If it even lasts that long. This particular batch only lasted for dinner and next day's lunch.

Lady GaGa before she was Lady GaGa

2009-12-02T17:56:00.001-05:00

Nice to see she has real talent. Oh! And went to college. Thanks Huffington Post

Thanksgiving Football

2009-11-29T22:58:00.002-05:00

So...my Dawgs finally won! It's kinda hard to gloat when my BF was sad about his Jackets loosing...

We did, however, give a kiss for every point on the scoreboard each time our teams had a TD. So, that was a good way of keeping the peace during the biggest rival game in the south. We kept making the jokes of things are going great, but it all depends on this game.

Now this weekend is over with, I'm still thrilled to have him by my side. We are talking at length about our future. Next year is exciting and daunting, but part of me can't wait until it's here.

stolen items

2009-11-24T16:49:00.002-05:00

Hopefully I can recover my stolen items. Speaking of....Hot Rod is still out on the loose. He was arrested this summer on a seperate charge and released on bond...they released him again!!!

Victims whose stolen items were recovered when Atlanta police searched a downtown garage allegedly being operated as an illegal pawn shop can claim their property at City Hall East beginning at noon Wednesday.
Atlanta police spokesman Eric Schwartz said late Tuesday morning that investigators had already contacted three victims who have identified property that was taken from automobiles and in a burglary.

Other victims will need to bring proper documentation of ownership to City Hall East to retrieve goods that were recovered Monday when police searched a garage that detectives said was the base for a major fencing operation.

Police confiscated everything from jewelry to a jackhammer, as 10 officers bolstered by another 10 recruits from the police academy worked through the morning Monday to remove items from the Mills Street garage.

Atlanta police Maj. Khirus Williams told the AJC that police discovered the illegal pawn shop after arresting its alleged operator, David Turner, on Friday night.

Turner, 44, was charged with theft by receiving stolen property and operating an illegal pawn shop. He was released from the Fulton County Jail on $5,000 bond on Saturday.

Monday, police executed a search warrant on the building, which is on a short side street that runs between Marietta and Luckie streets on the west side of downtown.

Among the items taken by police were many power tools, including the pneumatic jackhammer and large air compressor on wheels. Police brought in three rental trucks to haul the items to City Hall East.

Police also confiscated dozens of bicycles, motorcycles, laptop and desktop computers and satellite TV receivers.

2009-11-18T01:21:00.001-05:00

yes please

2009-11-08T22:34:00.002-05:00

Supertramp says it best...but I disagree....

I'm 100% ready, not just a little bit. I'm not the best at fully accepting someone into my life. after recent events, I've come to realize that I've been knocked sideways. Everything I've feared in committing in my life has now come full circle. (wow, don't even try to grammar check that sentence)

I'm tired of shutting down, I'm tired of opening up to opportunities due to my own fears.

All I can really voice is that a door to my past that has cause a good much of fear in my future is finally closed.

I can't control the issues happening in our lives, in regards to politics or current events. I can, however, control who I let into my life.

Tonight, I'm ready. Tomorrow, I'm ready. In a year from now, I'm ready.

2009-11-04T20:01:00.000-05:00