20 albums.

Think of 20 albums that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world.

1. Concert in the Park, Simon and Garfunkel
This was the soundtrack to Sunday mornings. The 6 of us squished into the Olds, heading to Holy Cross.
2. The Joshua Tree, U2
The first album of which I anxiously awaited the release date. I stayed up until midnight to hear BLM play it in it's entirety. I didn't love it at first, but it grew on me. When I went to see my Fabulous Uncle, he took me to Joshua Tree National Park (National Monument when he took me, yes Carrie) and showed me THE tree. Amazing.
3. Green, REM
REM is my band from high school. I loved all their albums... until the 90s. Then they made me mad.
4. Welcome Home, 'Til Tuesday
My sister and her best friend and I listened to this album a lot. I played it for Mike the summer after we met. It was the first time he'd ever heard of them. It was not the last time I introduced him to something new.
5. Home, BoDeans
I found this band somehow-- I think through my friend Cathy? When I moved here I said something about it being good work, to which Nicky replied 'if you can get it'. I knew I'd found a fellow fan. I first met Normie and Alicia riding to see the BoDeans with Nicky and Devon.
6. The Breakfast Club Soundtrack, various artists
We quoted this movie, a lot. Truth be told, still do.
7. Essential, Divinyls
This band came to me through Tom. I instantly fell in love.
8. Violent Femmes, Violent Femmes
The Official soundtrack to One Act Festivals. In Southern Maine in the 80s, anyway.
9. Staring at the Sea: the Singles, The Cure
This bridged One Acts in high school and freshman year of college.
10. The Innocents, Erasure
I learned of Erasure through my friend who was also involved in Theater UMF. I had a crush on him, but I figured out later he was gay. I think I really just liked him because he wasn't pushy and liked good music.
11. Upstairs at Eric's, Yaz
Julie, my fellow RA, turned me onto Yaz. I found out later that Vince Clark was also a member of Depeche Mode (who makes the list of significant songs but not albums) and Erasure. I love it when I'm consistent.
12. Greatest Hits, james
Kiya mentioned hearing a james song in the X Files Lightening Boy episode. Dave knew the band, so then I needed to. Another one of instant love. Now the kids love them, too.
13. Mutiny, Too Much Joy
This is the soundtrack to doing the nursery in our first house.
14. Stunt, Barenaked Ladies
The first BNL show we saw... which lead us to the next 2 albums. BNL is to my transition to parenthood what REM was to high schoool. Those years of not sleeping come rushing back when I hear these songs.
15. Lost and Gone Forever, Guster
The kids first rock concert included Guster, Ben Folds, and Rufus Wainwright. Another band linked to parenthood-- and the good and bad it brought into our world.
16. All You Need Is Live!, Cowboy Mouth
A great live band. I was singing Let It Go in my head while the maternity nurse was putting on the relaxing yoga music during Cate's delivery. I needed something with a lot more energy to get the job done!
17. Wonderlick, Wonderlick
The parent band, Too Much Joy, is WB's all time favorite. I prefer the mature version. (For the record, Girly is entering the Hearts and Stars phase...)
18. Who The Hell Is John Eddie?, John Eddie
When I think about Mike and Katie dating, I think John Eddie. Debbie and Rick, too. But not them dating :)
19. Hot Fuss, The Killers
The kids loved this album too. All These Things That I've Done means we're in the van, headed somewhere.
20. Boys and Girls in America, The Hold Steady
My newest craze. They're all about dangerous sex and drugs-- totally opposite me-- but something about the storytelling mixed with the raw, straight up sound makes my day. One of my students took my advice and gave 'em a listen. The cycle continues...

life happens while you're making other plans

Yesterday turned into one of those days that you just have to figure out.

I had a student who needed a 'cookie' from a tree for a science project, but didn't have a chain saw. Well, he could have found one to use, but he was using that as the excuse to not do the project. Anyone who knows me realizes why I immediately jumped in and offered the use of our chain saw and to come cut one of our trees. He jumped at the chance to help us: since the project is due Friday, days to come cut were limited. Yesterday was it. I got him home, found the tree to cut, donned the snowshoes to get through the ocean of snow in the back yard... and got a phone call from my mom. Mom, upon the advice of my brother, had taken a snowboarding lesson at Sunday River. The lesson went well... but her practice runs on her own, not as well. She'd broken her wrist and needed help. Um... right. Let me make a plan and get back to you. Boy was cross country skiing at BMOM with his after school group. Girly was in tears because she didn't get into art club. I had a student running a chainsaw in my yard. I was supposed to be filling MEA stress bags. No one home at Bestfriends-- either one. Good times.

The plan came together as the path of least resistance: finish the tree project, get Boy, bail on the volunteering, and head to the mountain to grab the patient and drive her to Biddeford. Gramma decided the kids needed food first, so she treated us to a sit down meal (I was expecting drive through, but I guess she didn't want to try to eat in the car or something. I see the logic in that.) Girly and I rode with Mom in her car, WB and Boy followed in the van. We dropped her at about 9 in Biddeford, chatted with Dad for a few minutes... and turned around and headed home. The kids slept, thankfully, and we got home around 11. Not bad, all told.

Mom is probably at the ER now. I haven't heard any updates, but there was a chance of surgery and pins. It could have been worse. But it does get me thinking of the medical future potential. We've hit the age where our parents could require as much assistance as our kids. WB's dad had a hip replacement last year. Mom's wrist. I hope we stay in the physical realm and don't have to deal with any mental issues, although I do worry-- Parkinson's on WB's side, Alzheimer's on mine. It could certainly get worse. I hope it doesn't.

stop yelling at me!

The one feature of my van that really leaves me less than thrilled happens every spring. When it snows or rains and then gets really cold overnight, the van doors freeze shut, and no one is strong enough to wrestle them open. So, when someone tries to open the door and fails, the van yells at us until it warms up enough to get it open. Yesterday was one of those mornings... and the kids had to climb in and out through the trunk. The interior lights stay on, and the beep of warning starts. And continues. Not fun.

The only solution I've found to be effective is to ignore the screaming van and drive into school, with the heat on full blast. That starts warming the seals from the inside, and then when I arrive I climb up onto the roof and use the window scraper to release the seal from the outside. I'm sure I look insane-- but if I can't stop the beeping, then I am truly going to go insane.

I don't mind winter-- but the transition season is what gets me. I can live with it constantly below 32, and enjoy it when it's routinely above 40, but this in between stuff is for the birds.

winter wonderland

I'm not sure if these pictures show it clearly, but that's a lot of bleeping snow out there. WB's best guess is in the 18" range... the kids lost my yard stick earlier this season, and it still hasn't been located, so it's all about perspective. It took us about 2.5 hours to dig ourselves out. WB plows with the 4-wheeler while I work on shoveling and cleaning off the cars. Today I had to strap on showshoes to make the path to the compost and the electric meter. I haven't had to do that in a long time.
One of the local 'kids' decided to attempt our neighbor-on-the-hill's driveway-- right after the town truck left a bank as high as my waist. It didn't take long before he was asking to borrow a shovel, and it took him lots longer to return it. He did get himself out, claiming to have "learned my lesson". I, however, am certain he'll attempt it again next storm-- boys with big trucks don't take defeat easily, even if it is at Mother Nature's hand.
We are heading into the traditionally snowiest part of Maine winters. I hope today was the worst of it, if only because I don't know where we'd put another foot and a half of snow.

Thanks, Krazy Karoline!

Such talent my sister has... and we are lucky to be the recipients of her skills. Thanks for the prezzies!

from Katieland

Because I always enjoy playing with my friends.

1. A is for age: 38.. and rapidly approaching 39!

2. B is for beer of choice: Sam Adams Winter White. It should be out soon, if it isnt' already...

3. C is for career right now: alt ed teacher

4. D is for your dog's name? I have no such creature. Nor do I desire one.

5. E is for essential item you use everyday: my glasses!

6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: The Closer or The Medium. Depends on which day you ask.

7. G is for favorite game: Trivial Pursuit. Which I still don't own.

8. H is for Home town: Peru or Biddeford, depending on who you ask.

9. I is for instruments you play: used to play piano and clarinet.

10. J is for favorite juice: Not a big juice fan.

11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: none, although there are a few sunshines I'd like to motivate...

12. L is for last place you ate: home

13. M is for marriage: can't imagine life without him.

14. N is for your full name: MummaNanny... the one that makes me happiest.

15. O is for overnight hospital stays: too many... 3rd grade for dehydration, 5th grade for unknown stomach pain, birth of both kids, and one night as the mom of an asthmatic 4 year old. That was the scariest trip.

16. P is for people you were with today: Weather Boy, Boy, and Girly

17. Q is for quote: I get by with a little help from my friends

18. R is for Biggest Regret: not visiting SF with my fabulous Uncle

19. S is for status: happily married

20. T is for time you woke up today: 9 something. The power went out, so the details were lost in translation.

21. U is for underwear you have on now: Cotton

22. V is for vegetable you love: so many... right now I'd be happy to have some brussel sprouts in the house.

23. W is for worst habit: watching too much tv

24. X is for x-rays you've had: just had my feet checked. Surgery on the second foot when we have the cash... and I agree to be laid up for 6 weeks.

25. Y is for yummy food you ate today: left over fish, mushroom risotto and brown sugared acorn squash

26. Z is for zodiac sign: Ares.

You like me, you really like me!

I was awarded the When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade Award by Julie, who is a famous writer of romance novels who grew up around here. Her dad cleans my teeth, of all things. At least he's not my GYN, I guess...

Anyhow, turns out other people see me as a half-full kind of person. And now I get to highlight some other half-full peeps, too. What a great job for a vacation Saturday.

It works this way:

1) Link back to the person you received the award from, and

2) Nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award.

I lemonade the following:

1) Weather Boy

2) Katie

3) Mike

4) Beth

5) Amity

6) the glass is pretty full

7) Krazy Karoline

8) SJ

9) Sara
10) Phenomemom

And, while having lunch today, WB noticed a drink special for a Lemonade Martini. I passed, as it was a bit early in the day to be that tipsy, but I guess we all know what my word of the day is! Now that you mention it, I believe I have a lemon in the fridge and some booze in the cupboard...

Hope... forshadowed

The West Wing is one of my favorite all time series, written by one of my favorite all time creators. If you have never seen Sports Night, you owe it to yourself to 'flix it. I swear, the man may like his nose candy, but he knows how to write a brilliant script.

Today I caught a few episodes rerunning on Bravo. It was during the election campaign at the end of Bartlett's administration. An aging Vinnick had just earned the Republican nomination; Josh told Leo he was sticking by Matt Santos, a young, Spanish American with limited Congressional experience who was refusing to end his campaign. The young, inexperienced, smart, well spoken Dem beats the aging, conservative, upper class white Republican. Um... wow. No wonder I had so much hope last November.

where's the pea?

(No, we do not spoil our kitty... why do you ask?)

reality

So my dear hubby WB wrote about a new Food Network "reality" show. It got me thinking about the kinds of reality shows I enjoy. It has been well documented that I do not enjoy Survivor, and have not watched since the first season (although WB did for awhile, but he's done now too. Yea me!) The Mole was cool, but once Anderson Cooper left, it went downhill. Amazing Race isn't bad, but they started losing me with the eat-a-ridiculous-amount-of-gross-food challenges. Plus you can predict the pairings-- family members, dating and always fighting couple, gay guys, etc. But the ones I really love are the creative ones. Top Chef is also a good way to pass some time, but Padma drives me insane and Tom is a bit too much like Eyeore for me to get sucked in. My all time favorite, of course, Project Runway. I love it all-- the flamboyant personalities, the crazy garments (on the models AND designers!), the "make it work" need to not disappoint Nina. I find it fun, and dramatic, and a real representation of the unreal desire to break into fashion designing, where it is hard to predict why you are in one day, and out the next. And I like that you win based on talent, not based on forming alliances and scheming to get people voted off. Now, if the producers would stop fighting over PR leaving Bravo and heading to Lifetime-- talk about reality tv!-- I could get my fix on.

ridiculous

Last night, International Date Night, WB and I had not planned a date. The odds of us finding a sitter with Valentine's being the first Saturday of Feb vacation were not on our side: we figured we'd have a VD observed sometime later. The Kids had come over in the afternoon because their mom had worked the night before. Boy 2 hatched a plan to have our kids sleep over there, and through the wonder of vacations, it happened. Suddenly, WB and I were alone on VD... and we jumped in the van and headed for the movies.

Now we have never been a big movie-going couple: even when we were single, dinner and a movie but a dent in the wallet. During the sleepless baby years, I couldn't stay awake long enough to watch the rented movie, never mind get to the theater and get my money's worth. Recently, though, we've become Saturday night NetFlix watchers. For $10, we watch 4 DVDs. That is a cost/enjoyment ratio I can support.

But we usually pay to see one movie in the theaters each year. It's not like we've made it a formal plan or anything-- it just seems to work out that way. WB wanted to see Slumdog Millionare, and decide it could be our VD date. The kids left at 5:50, making the 9:15 showing our only option. I hadn't gotten cash or anything, but figured the $13 in my wallet would be sufficient. Imagine my shock when it cost us $16 for two tickets! Ridiculous! Thinking back, I don't remember the last movie I paid to see during the 7 o'clock hour, never mind the late show. I'd rather see a matinee for less money than say I saw the same movie at night for more money. (Yes, I know, I'm cheap. All good Maine Girls are. :) Now I remember why I rarely see a movie in the theaters-- sticker shock. Ridiculous.

Now, it should be said that Slumdog was very well done, and while parts of it were shocking and parts depressing, parts were uplifting too, and it was well worth seeing. I would feel better about the price if the studio execs would do something radical, like say give 1% of 1 day's take to something-- reducing the national debt, buying paper for a public school, giving to a food pantry-- but I don't think even Obama can bring about that kind of change. So, until I forget the shock of a full priced ticket again, I'll be waiting to see the rest of the Oscar nominees on video.

in which my luck might be changing

Last night I was pulled over for having no left headlight nor rear left license plate light. The officer was very nice, and only gave me a verbal warning. Girly was a bit concerned, but it all worked out as it should have. I didn't even have a panic cry reaction! So it only cost me the embarrassment of being pulled over and the price of a couple of new lights. I'll take it over that plus a ticket any day.

enjoy every sandwich

As my friend SJ mentioned earlier, today started by shaking many of us up. I saw the accident, probably within moments of it's happening. I had one of those "this isn't good" feelings, and it was sadly right on. By 8:30 my mom heard the description on the news and called to confirm it was someone else. Other friends called or emailed later in the morning to check in. Many of the kids in my room are affected by the deaths; students and staff across our district are affected as well. We'll feel the vibrations from this for a while.

I've had lyrics from a couple of BNL songs running through my head. There's a line in Helicopters that starts "This is where my life changed in a day". I remember back to another tragedy that happened during my first teaching life, and how that family's life changed in a day. In a second. What if's surround everything... and there is no way of knowing why. How can this be part of a Master Plan? I can't believe all this pain is for the Greater Good... but it makes even less sense if it has no meaning at all.

Another song is about a fatal car accident. The refrain repeats "You're the last thing on my mind". It's a haunting song that always gives me chills, and I hope it never has any bearing on my life. You never know when it's your turn, however, which is probably a good thing. My dad stole a line from his friend, and I've heard it many times: there's not much you can do when it's your turn, but I just hope I'm not sitting on the plane next to you when your number's up. I'm sure it will be a while before I come down the hill and look right and not see the image planted in my head today. Like SJ, I'm thankful that this was not our fate today, and like the rest of the community my heart breaks for the families left behind.

Warren Zevon was dying of cancer the same summer Devon was, and his experience is, in my head, linked to hers. On his final Letterman appearance, Dave asked him if he knew anymore about life and death than the rest of us. His answer was that we should enjoy every sandwich. Today I was reminded of that, again.

be who you are

I went to high school with the gay guy in this video. I think he was in my sister's class, and I haven't thought about him in 20 years. I didn't know he was gay back then, but it wouldn't have mattered to me then nor does it now, except to say I'm excited that he survived our very white and very straight community and was able to get out and be himself and live his dreams.

desperate times

call for desperate measures! I found this log on the side of Rt 2 today on our way home from the Bangor Auditorium. So, I turned around and went back for it. It's bigger than it looks-- Girly rode next to it as it went all the way to the back of my seat! It was also very pitchy-- I bought a bottle of rubbing alcohol when we stopped in FarmTown for groceries. We were safely in the breakdown lane, so no logging trucks were going to kill us. It may only get us a day of heat, but that's one more day than we had-- and a free day at that!

oh what the heck... what's one more?

A List -- Scattegories Style

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and randomly tag 10 people (including me). Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real. . .nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Have Fun!!

1. What is your name: Rachel
2. A four Letter Word: read
3. A boy's Name: Ryan
4. A girl's Name: Rebecca
5. An occupation: researcher
6. A color: red
7. Something you wear: ring
8. A food: raisin
9. Something found in the bathroom: rolls of tp
10. A place: Reed State Park
11. A reason for being late: resting
12. Something you shout: rats!
13. A movie title: Running Man?
14. Something you drink: rum
15. A musical group: Replacements
16. An animal: rat
17. A street name: River Rd.
18. A type of car: Renault
19. Something scary: republicans
20. Ice cream flavor: rum raisin

another one

Also stolen from Facebook. Posting here is double duty-- anyone not on FB can read, but those of you on get it twice. I don't care which one you read :)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Mom just liked the name Rachel, Margaret is for my Dad's mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. They were all Margaret someones, and called the someone. Logical Mom decided to just name me what she was going to call me.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
"Ok, Buckaroo, thanks for being my teacher." Graduation. Gets me every time.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I have horrible handwriting, but it is distinctive.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Tunafish that I've made with good mayo. Otherwise, I'm in a salami phase.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
All kinds. 2 I carried, 2 who I treat like I carried, and a whole bunch I teach all day.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Who, me?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Nope

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
oatmeal, but only sometimes. I really dont' like cereal.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No and I hate wearing shoes that have ties

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
chocolate chip cookie dough

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
probably their eyes-- I've never thought about it.

15. RED OR PINK?
turquoise over pink.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
that I can be overwhelming to shy people.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
living, my uncle. no longer living, my grandmother.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
tan pants and socks.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Jon Stewart

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
turquoise

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
anything baking, especially if vanilla is in it.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Mike


26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NCAA Mens Basketball tourney. Love Dicky V and the Cinderella teams!

27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown... turning gray :(

28. EYE COLOR?
Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. Tried once, hated the experience. Love my glasses.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Mexican

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Suspenseful, sure, but never scary.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
something from NetFlix.... NYPD Blue Season 1, Disk 1 I think

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Green turtleneck sweater

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer, but I don't hate winter.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle for a high school adult book club

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
haven't had one since forever

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Lie To Me. It wasn't great, wasn't awful.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
laughter and love yous

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
California

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Sure. All kinds... :)

46 WHERE WERE U BORN?
Bangor, Maine

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
First time in anatomy lab my freshman/his junior year of college. For real, when he was coaching middle school soccer at school and my teacher friend made me say hi.

more from SJ

One Word... Or Maybe Two

Fill in the blanks and share, borrowed from Facebook.

Where is your cell phone.....coat pocket
your hair .........brown
Your father? ....... well read
Your favorite thing? …. modern comforts
Your dream last night?.... can't remember
Your favorite drink? ........... margarita
Your dream/goal? .......... financially solvent
The room you are in? .... living room
Your fear? ......... being hated
Where do you want to be in 6 years? right here
Muffins? ............. Yes!
One of your wish list items?......... no debt
Where you grew up? ........... Biddeford
The last thing you did? ...... checked Facebook
What are you wearing?....... favorite sweatshirt
Your TV?........... flat screen
Your pets? .......... kitty
Your computer? ...... school owned laptop
Your life? ......... great
Your mood? .......tired
Missing someone? ...... always
Your car? ........ toyota minivan
Favorite store?..... Goodwill!
Your summer? ....... freedom
Your favorite color? ........ turquoise
When is the last time you laughed? ........ hour ago
Last time you cried? ........ January graduation
Three of my favorite foods? ......... low salt chips, mexican, veggies
Three places I would rather be right now? .... Bozeman, MT, a friend's kitchen, warm beach

I give up

The washing machine died in mid cycle tonight. Soaking wet clothes, full of water, and dead. No idea why.

I am going to cry.

***UPDATE***
The little thingy that lives in the lid that pushes the button on the machine to tell it it's safe to agitate because the lid is down is gone. WB rigged something up to get it through. It was 11 PM when we discovered the problem. At least it's a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.