Sunday, August 07, 2011
{this *soaked* moment}
Monday, August 01, 2011
{this *local* moment}
I feel the need to break the 'no words' rule here... everything edible on this plate except for the dressings and spices were grown or raised within our zip code. That was a very satisfying meal.
Friday, July 29, 2011
friendship pasta
Last week, the men and the kids took off for HP 7.2. I have a whole soapbox speech about this series being turned into movies when kids were reading the books from which I'll spare you, but needless to say I chose not to go. Mrs. Bestfriend didn't go either because she's just not that into it. For dinner, we created a blue cheese pasta recipe using mushrooms and onions, and I will say it was pretty darned good. While looking through my kitchen to see what I could make for our party tonight, it hit me: summer squash.
Here's the recipe, without pictures because I'm not Pioneer Woman or a food blogger.
1 lb of cooked pasta, your choice
3 decent sized summer squash*, diced into 1" squares
1/2 an onion, diced (I used a bunch of green onions*, because that is what I had... you could use garlic if that was your preference too)
1 green pepper* (again, going with what I had in front of me. Skip the pepper, use a hot pepper, whatever sounds good to you.)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 oz blue cheese
2 oz feta cheese (or parmesan)
heat some EVOO in a pan and saute your onion and pepper. (If I'd had any mushrooms in the house, I'd have used them and added them here.) When those are softened, add the summer squash and cook for about 15 minutes, letting them soften up nicely. I covered the pan and turned it low so they'd simmer and not burn. When you start to run low on moisture, add about 2 tbls butter. When the veggies look the way you like them (I like mine pretty broken down) add the cream and cheeses, stir, and pour over your pasta. If it was winter, I'd probably then pour it all into a casserole dish and bake it, maybe with some break crumbs on top, but it's just fine without that last step. We have some vegetarians joining us tonight, so I left out the meat, but you could totally add chicken or shrimp as well. Give it a try and let me know what you think :)
*The veggies are from our Thurston Family Farm CSA. Have I mentioned I LOVE my weekly baskets?
Here's the recipe, without pictures because I'm not Pioneer Woman or a food blogger.
1 lb of cooked pasta, your choice
3 decent sized summer squash*, diced into 1" squares
1/2 an onion, diced (I used a bunch of green onions*, because that is what I had... you could use garlic if that was your preference too)
1 green pepper* (again, going with what I had in front of me. Skip the pepper, use a hot pepper, whatever sounds good to you.)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 oz blue cheese
2 oz feta cheese (or parmesan)
heat some EVOO in a pan and saute your onion and pepper. (If I'd had any mushrooms in the house, I'd have used them and added them here.) When those are softened, add the summer squash and cook for about 15 minutes, letting them soften up nicely. I covered the pan and turned it low so they'd simmer and not burn. When you start to run low on moisture, add about 2 tbls butter. When the veggies look the way you like them (I like mine pretty broken down) add the cream and cheeses, stir, and pour over your pasta. If it was winter, I'd probably then pour it all into a casserole dish and bake it, maybe with some break crumbs on top, but it's just fine without that last step. We have some vegetarians joining us tonight, so I left out the meat, but you could totally add chicken or shrimp as well. Give it a try and let me know what you think :)
*The veggies are from our Thurston Family Farm CSA. Have I mentioned I LOVE my weekly baskets?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
{this moment}
Sunday, July 17, 2011
{this *working* moment}
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Backbone of the World
Anyhow, Tuesday was our Red Bus tour. Because of the record snowfall last winter, the Going to the Sun road, which connects East Glacier and West Glacier, was still buried under 12+/- feet of snow, so our route was mixed up a bit. We went to Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and then into St. Mary as far as we could get on the Going to the Sun before the road was closed. One trip is certainly not enough to really experience this place. If we weren't 100% sure we'd be visiting this park again before our tour, we were by the time we returned. Between the evidence of global climate change being right in front of you, the sheer beauty of the mountains and lakes, and the small crowds, this is certainly our kind of park. If anyone is up for a visit in summer 2013, let us know. I know I'm considering taking the train into West Glacier next time, and trying to get to Logan Pass from that side...
PS-- I forgot to create a contest with this one, so leave a comment, and I'll send you a picture. Easy Peasy!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
upcoming posts
I owe you a Glacier post and a trip home post, and maybe a I'll-go-anywhere-with-WB-but-hate-going-alone one. And probably a George RR Martin one, too. I promise I'll get to them as soon as I've read my book club book and gotten our teeth taken care of. Promise.
Friday, July 08, 2011
{this moment}
{this *late* moment}
Thursday, June 30, 2011
always look on the bright side of life
As I mentioned a few times on FB, I've been fighting a fever all week. I tried to keep it relatively on the DL... first of all, no one wants to be sick while they're on vacation. Secondly, my sister and her husband had plans to head off on their first night without kids since, well, having kids in the first place... 10 years ago. So sick or otherwise, I was not letting them back out.
I woke up today and knew I wasn't going to kick this without help. Off we went to the local urgent care facility; it's like a doctor's office that runs like an ER. After a 10 minute wait, a very nice doctor (but no where near as nice as my own family doc) saw me. "Normally I'd have waited this out, but we're traveling and I don't want it to get out of control." "Really? A fever for 3 days and trouble breathing: I think it's already out of control!" Ok, gotcha.
One script later we were out the door. Episodes like this make me think about our insurance system. I feel incredibly lucky to have the policy we do. While cost is a factor when we go to be seen, it's not a limiting one. If we need to be seen, we go. But I know that is a luxury to many. I can't imagine living paycheck to paycheck, praying no one gets sick because there is no money to pay the office visit ($104 and change for today; I paid my $15 copay) never mind any medicines. (I hate to imagine what even generic azithromycin cost.)
I am officially on the road to recovery; my sister and brother in law are on their get-away; and WB's presentation is done, to rave reviews. While this was not part of the plan, it's sometimes good to be reminded that needing medical care out of state is still less damaging financially than getting sick at home is for many.
I woke up today and knew I wasn't going to kick this without help. Off we went to the local urgent care facility; it's like a doctor's office that runs like an ER. After a 10 minute wait, a very nice doctor (but no where near as nice as my own family doc) saw me. "Normally I'd have waited this out, but we're traveling and I don't want it to get out of control." "Really? A fever for 3 days and trouble breathing: I think it's already out of control!" Ok, gotcha.
One script later we were out the door. Episodes like this make me think about our insurance system. I feel incredibly lucky to have the policy we do. While cost is a factor when we go to be seen, it's not a limiting one. If we need to be seen, we go. But I know that is a luxury to many. I can't imagine living paycheck to paycheck, praying no one gets sick because there is no money to pay the office visit ($104 and change for today; I paid my $15 copay) never mind any medicines. (I hate to imagine what even generic azithromycin cost.)
I am officially on the road to recovery; my sister and brother in law are on their get-away; and WB's presentation is done, to rave reviews. While this was not part of the plan, it's sometimes good to be reminded that needing medical care out of state is still less damaging financially than getting sick at home is for many.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
{this moment}
Sunday, June 26, 2011
bringing a pic-a-nic basket into Jellystone*
My sister's family lives about 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, and so a day trip in is a requirement of our visits. We entered through West Yellowstone again so we could see the swollen Gallatin River first hand. Because we spent a lot of time at Old Faithful on our last visit, we decided to steer clear of the old girl and focus our attention on other locales.
James had mentioned that the record snowfall this winter in the mountains meant more than just near floodstage rivers: the bison were out and about because there is so much snow in the forests. We were about 15 miles into the park when we saw our first herd at Madison. We thought those guys were close... until we saw the two running down the road between the vehicles. Um, yea, you guys totally get to decide when and where you go anywhere.
We checked out Fountain Paint Pots, Midway Geyser Basin, and then hung out in the Canyon region, checking out the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. For those of you who remember my claw-like grip two years ago, you'll understand why we did not hike down at all, but stuck around at the safe distance of Artist Point.
If you ever have a chance to go, do. Even the best of pictures don't do the views justice... and mine are by no means the best pictures. There are parts of the park that seem surreal, and parts that are just magnificent to behold. It is very understandable that this place is what became the first national park. We're already planning our next trip back...
*Today's contest is an easy one: who might have titled this post? Comment away, to win a 4x6 shot of this:
According to my sister, this is the quintessential Yellowstone shot. It's of the Lower Falls from Artist Point.
James had mentioned that the record snowfall this winter in the mountains meant more than just near floodstage rivers: the bison were out and about because there is so much snow in the forests. We were about 15 miles into the park when we saw our first herd at Madison. We thought those guys were close... until we saw the two running down the road between the vehicles. Um, yea, you guys totally get to decide when and where you go anywhere.
We checked out Fountain Paint Pots, Midway Geyser Basin, and then hung out in the Canyon region, checking out the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. For those of you who remember my claw-like grip two years ago, you'll understand why we did not hike down at all, but stuck around at the safe distance of Artist Point.
If you ever have a chance to go, do. Even the best of pictures don't do the views justice... and mine are by no means the best pictures. There are parts of the park that seem surreal, and parts that are just magnificent to behold. It is very understandable that this place is what became the first national park. We're already planning our next trip back...
*Today's contest is an easy one: who might have titled this post? Comment away, to win a 4x6 shot of this:
Saturday, June 25, 2011
in your eyes
For the first time since flying anywhere as an adult, I shed no tears. Sure, I didn't enjoy the experience: I had to have physical contact with my boarding pass at every second (and made sure the kids knew they COULD NOT PUT THEIRS DOWN); I had to Lamaze breathe my way through some turbulance; my neck is still a bit tight where I was the monkey in the middle between WB and some (thankfully scrawny, but still) guy I didn't (and still don't) know. But, nothing was so overwhelming that it had to leak out through my tear ducts. Small steps, my friends, small steps.
There were some interesting sights along the way. There are many reasons I don't expect my children to ever take up smoking, but seeing the Room of Shame at Dulles might be the clincher. Inside the plexi-glassed walls of this small room (maybe 12x12?) were about 20 sad individuals, sitting there in the smoke filled haze, staring blankly ahead and trying to OD on nicotine.
Our stay at O'Hare was a bit more exciting, as we landed in terminal B, had to get ourselves over to F2D (which did not have us leaving security, however, so I really have nothing to complain about. Plus actually walking more than 20 steps at a time was nice, too.)* Anyhow, we got ourselves some Chili's to Go salads and parfaits, and were settling in to watch the weather in Quebec City (since that's where the plane before ours was headed) when we were relocated to F11, which is a much more old school gate. Down the hall and down the stairs we went, crammed into a huge room of our own (with NO smoking allowed, however), all of us waiting for 5 different flights. Each one would get called, people would line up and head out onto the runway to walk up the stairs onto the plane. Lather, rinse, repeat.
*Grammar freaks out there: where do I put this period? Inside the parenthesis? Outside? One in and one out? I always struggle with such details, and you know how they impact my stories...
Now, those of you who grew up playing obsessively with Little People, those airplane steps are as steep as recreated in plastic form. Going up wasn't a problem, but coming down.... I was working hard not to have my own SNL*. Actually, having come down those stairs I think Chevy may have been a bit hard on President Ford, although Ford didn't have to carry his own luggage while navigating his way down... but still, that was not easy.
*WB was having the very same thoughts as he tried to get safely to the tarmac. Ah, marriage. One mind, one soul, hundreds of bad jokes.
In keeping with the tradition, each of these posts will include a 4x6 picture giveaway: all you have to do is comment back to me (on the blog directly or on FB whenever it decides to feed in). The title of this blog is a reference to an older movie where the girl was petrified to fly, and the boy eventually goes with her on a plane, and talks her through take off. It's the most perfect movie ending, because when they get to cruising altitude and he's saying something about as soon as the captain turns off the seat belt sign they'll be safe... and the movie cuts to black with the airplane 'ding'. Earlier in the movie he'd stood outside her window, in his trench coat, playing Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes through his huge 1980s boom box. Name the movie, or the actor with the boom box, and you'll get this shot:
(And yes, I sang this song to myself, and it worked. We all have our own ways of coping... and after our layover in DC, I am thankful I use music and not cigarettes.)
There were some interesting sights along the way. There are many reasons I don't expect my children to ever take up smoking, but seeing the Room of Shame at Dulles might be the clincher. Inside the plexi-glassed walls of this small room (maybe 12x12?) were about 20 sad individuals, sitting there in the smoke filled haze, staring blankly ahead and trying to OD on nicotine.
Our stay at O'Hare was a bit more exciting, as we landed in terminal B, had to get ourselves over to F2D (which did not have us leaving security, however, so I really have nothing to complain about. Plus actually walking more than 20 steps at a time was nice, too.)* Anyhow, we got ourselves some Chili's to Go salads and parfaits, and were settling in to watch the weather in Quebec City (since that's where the plane before ours was headed) when we were relocated to F11, which is a much more old school gate. Down the hall and down the stairs we went, crammed into a huge room of our own (with NO smoking allowed, however), all of us waiting for 5 different flights. Each one would get called, people would line up and head out onto the runway to walk up the stairs onto the plane. Lather, rinse, repeat.
*Grammar freaks out there: where do I put this period? Inside the parenthesis? Outside? One in and one out? I always struggle with such details, and you know how they impact my stories...
Now, those of you who grew up playing obsessively with Little People, those airplane steps are as steep as recreated in plastic form. Going up wasn't a problem, but coming down.... I was working hard not to have my own SNL*. Actually, having come down those stairs I think Chevy may have been a bit hard on President Ford, although Ford didn't have to carry his own luggage while navigating his way down... but still, that was not easy.
*WB was having the very same thoughts as he tried to get safely to the tarmac. Ah, marriage. One mind, one soul, hundreds of bad jokes.
In keeping with the tradition, each of these posts will include a 4x6 picture giveaway: all you have to do is comment back to me (on the blog directly or on FB whenever it decides to feed in). The title of this blog is a reference to an older movie where the girl was petrified to fly, and the boy eventually goes with her on a plane, and talks her through take off. It's the most perfect movie ending, because when they get to cruising altitude and he's saying something about as soon as the captain turns off the seat belt sign they'll be safe... and the movie cuts to black with the airplane 'ding'. Earlier in the movie he'd stood outside her window, in his trench coat, playing Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes through his huge 1980s boom box. Name the movie, or the actor with the boom box, and you'll get this shot:
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ready or not
We're getting ready to head off to Montana again*, and I've spent the day prepping the house and the luggage... and reminiscing about our journey 2 years ago. Then we were driving; this time we're flying. Two years ago, it was raining, and had been raining for days and days and days. Now, we've had the most beautiful weather ever. All sorts of flowers and plants are ready to pop, and it's making me sad that we'll miss it. But, as was true 2 years ago, my nephews are growing up without me, and seeing them live and in color is way cooler than seeing any old flower :)
*I know I shouldn't be announcing to the world that we're leaving, but our house will not be empty. We have a highly qualified house sitter, as well as my constable father in law coming to mow on a very regular schedule. So no worries. It's all good.
I've had a few requests to blog our trip again. I don't think it will be as exciting, since we'll get to our destination in 1/4 of the time, but I'm happy to oblige. Maybe this time the exciting bits will be when my kids take over the writing to describe my flying phobia. Either way, see you tomorrow from mountain time.
*I know I shouldn't be announcing to the world that we're leaving, but our house will not be empty. We have a highly qualified house sitter, as well as my constable father in law coming to mow on a very regular schedule. So no worries. It's all good.
I've had a few requests to blog our trip again. I don't think it will be as exciting, since we'll get to our destination in 1/4 of the time, but I'm happy to oblige. Maybe this time the exciting bits will be when my kids take over the writing to describe my flying phobia. Either way, see you tomorrow from mountain time.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
midsummer's eve
As a friend pointed out, tomorrow brings us on the downward slide towards the winter solstice. I choose to ignore that fact for a bit longer and just bask in the glory of long days and short nights. To honor the day, we used our first farm basket from Thurston Family Farms and made swiss chard artichoke dip with this beautiful greenery and
and grilled chicken and steak ceasar salad for dinner.
After dinner, the kids made the desserts they are best at:
Happy Midsummer to all... and to all a good night!
(PS: Happiest of birthdays to two of my favorite people! love you!)
and grilled chicken and steak ceasar salad for dinner.
After dinner, the kids made the desserts they are best at:
(PS: Happiest of birthdays to two of my favorite people! love you!)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
{this moment}
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
as we head into summer...
Marks of authenticity.
This is not comforting today, as we head out on summer vacation. Sunshines: don't get yourselves too scarred up. I have proof that you're alive, and I truly would like it if you stayed that way. Remember, if anything bad happens to any of you... I will NOT be ok!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
{this moment}
Saturday, June 11, 2011
vacation...
I got a hug from a sunshine this week. He'd gone out to wait for his bus as I was picking up. My back was turned as he came back in; I turned around to find him waiting for me. "Have a good summer Buckaroo"...
You too, honey. All of you. Have a good summer. Have a safe summer. And I'll see you soon.
You too, honey. All of you. Have a good summer. Have a safe summer. And I'll see you soon.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Saturday, June 04, 2011
16 on 16
It's pretty easy to say "I do" that first time, especially if you're relatively young and have never lived with anyone, because you have no idea what you're promising. But that doesn't mean you don't mean it when you say it, and that it is not worth the promise.
The first year really is the hardest. Combining 2 individual lives, with different ways of making dinner and doing laundry and keeping house is not easy. If you can survive the first year, you can survive anything.
Time apart is as important as time together.
Talking is what keeps a marriage functioning. Talk about the weather, politics, groceries, or who needs to line up the sitter. But just keep talking.
You're going to disagree about things: you're separate, intelligent people. Disagreeing doesn't mean you don't belong together; it just means you have your own ideas on things, and you care enough to share those ideas.
If you're lucky enough to have kids, don't forget that your relationship needs to outlast their childhood.
Finding the line between living to work and working to live is key.
It doesn't matter if you squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom or the middle.
Do what you used to do when you were dating. That's what made you fall in love, and it will help keep you in love.
Include your kids in what you used to do, too. You'll see it through their eyes, and it will give it a whole new meaning.
Celebrate the big anniversaries and the little ones.
Don't neglect Date Night.
Be honest, but never cruel.
Passion does fade, but what replaces it is pure magic.
Friends are as important now as they were in the beginning.
While you had no idea what you were promising at that ceremony, be thankful you trusted yourself enough to know you knew what you were doing. Because you really, really did.
The first year really is the hardest. Combining 2 individual lives, with different ways of making dinner and doing laundry and keeping house is not easy. If you can survive the first year, you can survive anything.
Time apart is as important as time together.
Talking is what keeps a marriage functioning. Talk about the weather, politics, groceries, or who needs to line up the sitter. But just keep talking.
You're going to disagree about things: you're separate, intelligent people. Disagreeing doesn't mean you don't belong together; it just means you have your own ideas on things, and you care enough to share those ideas.
If you're lucky enough to have kids, don't forget that your relationship needs to outlast their childhood.
Finding the line between living to work and working to live is key.
It doesn't matter if you squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom or the middle.
Do what you used to do when you were dating. That's what made you fall in love, and it will help keep you in love.
Include your kids in what you used to do, too. You'll see it through their eyes, and it will give it a whole new meaning.
Celebrate the big anniversaries and the little ones.
Don't neglect Date Night.
Be honest, but never cruel.
Passion does fade, but what replaces it is pure magic.
Friends are as important now as they were in the beginning.
While you had no idea what you were promising at that ceremony, be thankful you trusted yourself enough to know you knew what you were doing. Because you really, really did.
Monday, May 30, 2011
{this moment}
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
{this moment}
Friday, May 20, 2011
theme of the week
I do enjoy Indexed... her ability to summarize the complex emotions I'm experiencing and put them onto a 3x5 index card amazes me. And, if the truth were told, focuses me too.
Tomorrow is another day....
Tomorrow is another day....
How to win.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
if tomorrow never comes
Yesterday, a friend of mine passed away. We did not see other every day, or even every month, but we're the same age and so our lives had a similar path. We met when we were single, and followed each other through dating, marriage, and motherhood. She chose to homeschool, and minimally I'd see her every spring when I'd come in to review portfolios. She contacted me recently about setting that date. And now, I will not be seeing her and joking about being a 'certifiable' teacher... and nothing seems to make much sense.
Part of what is hitting me so hard is that our lives followed a similar path. We're the same age, with children the same ages (although she has twice as many). When I look at my kids, I can't help but wonder how they would fare if this tragedy had happened to us. I want to show WB where I keep all the important documents, just to be sure he knows. And then I think about her husband and kids, and that they are actually living this horror.... and I realize just how selfish I am being.
No one likes facing their own mortality, and this is precisely what her passing has done. We have all sorts of platitudes about the gift of each day, but we all go about our lives thinking we have tons of time to do what we want, to plan for the future, to experience everything. Truth is... we have no way of knowing whether our fate is to die of old age in our sleep or to battle against cancer for years and die at 52 or to have a brain aneurysm at 41, having no idea that morning that it will be our last. For as much as we know, there is so much that we don't, and we have to rely on faith. And relying on faith in the face of something that makes no sense is not easy, and yet it is all we can do.
Unsurprisingly, I've spent the day with Garth Brooks' lyrics running through my head. I do take comfort knowing she was the type of person to live fully, and I am sure all her friends and family know how much they mean to her. I'm just really sad that they'll have to spend the rest of their lives without her constantly reminding them of what they know is true. She loved every bit of her life, and it is a real tragedy that she is no longer with us.
Part of what is hitting me so hard is that our lives followed a similar path. We're the same age, with children the same ages (although she has twice as many). When I look at my kids, I can't help but wonder how they would fare if this tragedy had happened to us. I want to show WB where I keep all the important documents, just to be sure he knows. And then I think about her husband and kids, and that they are actually living this horror.... and I realize just how selfish I am being.
No one likes facing their own mortality, and this is precisely what her passing has done. We have all sorts of platitudes about the gift of each day, but we all go about our lives thinking we have tons of time to do what we want, to plan for the future, to experience everything. Truth is... we have no way of knowing whether our fate is to die of old age in our sleep or to battle against cancer for years and die at 52 or to have a brain aneurysm at 41, having no idea that morning that it will be our last. For as much as we know, there is so much that we don't, and we have to rely on faith. And relying on faith in the face of something that makes no sense is not easy, and yet it is all we can do.
Unsurprisingly, I've spent the day with Garth Brooks' lyrics running through my head. I do take comfort knowing she was the type of person to live fully, and I am sure all her friends and family know how much they mean to her. I'm just really sad that they'll have to spend the rest of their lives without her constantly reminding them of what they know is true. She loved every bit of her life, and it is a real tragedy that she is no longer with us.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
{this moment}
Monday, May 09, 2011
the dangers of cutting
I attended the school board meeting tonight; to say it was painful would be an understatement. We're losing so much with these cuts, and it's our kids who will suffer. And any cut will affect kids-- whether you're cutting paper supplies or kitchen workers or teachers.
If you don't want these cuts, please come to the informational meetings and say so. Write letters to the editor saying our kids can't endure these losses to their education. Call your board members and tell them to vote down this proposal and request increases. Get involved. This impacts all of us.
Mt. Valley Region: 6:30 Monday June 6 Mexico Town Office
Nezinscot Region: 6:30 Tuesday June 7 Buckfield Town Office
Dirigo Region: 6:30 Wednesday June 8 DHS SCC
If you don't want these cuts, please come to the informational meetings and say so. Write letters to the editor saying our kids can't endure these losses to their education. Call your board members and tell them to vote down this proposal and request increases. Get involved. This impacts all of us.
Mt. Valley Region: 6:30 Monday June 6 Mexico Town Office
Nezinscot Region: 6:30 Tuesday June 7 Buckfield Town Office
Dirigo Region: 6:30 Wednesday June 8 DHS SCC
Saturday, May 07, 2011
{this moment}
Monday, May 02, 2011
the morning after
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” MLK, Jr.
I find myself sad today, more than anything else. Sad that it took us 9+ years to achieve this goal. Sad that it was still a goal after 9+ years. Sad that thousands of others died in the quest for this one man to no longer live. And sad knowing that this does not mean the end, but only that things will change.
I am sure there is a 'break-glass-in-case-of-emergency' plan somewhere among Osama's followers, and I am frightened thinking about what grief that will cause. I am worried for my sister who is teaching overseas, and for my friends who plan to do the same next year. I am worried for our troops who are fighting in multiple locales... and while I hope this news brings them home, I am doubtful. My thoughts linger on people in southeastern America-- and Japan and Haiti and all the other sites of recent devistation-- who have lost everything of substance and so many friends and family that it hurts to consider what they are enduring. And I wonder: how does the death of one man-- a man filled with hate, for sure-- make any of their tragedy any better?
I believe in the power of love and the goodness of humanity and the-sun-will-come-out-tomorrow way of thinking. The sun did come out today, as it did here almost 10 years ago when bin Laden's unthinkable plan went into action. I wish this death could bring back those lost in New York City and Washington, DC and that field in Pennsylvania... but they are still gone, and we are forever changed by that day. We are probably forever changed by today, too. I hope that this is the end of it, that there are no repercussions, and that our troops can come home and we can all coexist. I'm just hoping for peace...
I realize I am in the minority that I am not rejoicing in his death. While I am thankful that he is no longer here causing problems for others, I am not sure we will be free of his legacy of hatred for some time. I am also sorry that another human being was charged with ending his life: I cannot imagine the toll that takes on someone's soul. It is why I don't believe in the death penalty: I have no doubt that there are people and situations that demand the final punishment, but I do not think it right to ask another human to fulfill that role. And so today I find myself sad more than anything else.
I find myself sad today, more than anything else. Sad that it took us 9+ years to achieve this goal. Sad that it was still a goal after 9+ years. Sad that thousands of others died in the quest for this one man to no longer live. And sad knowing that this does not mean the end, but only that things will change.
I am sure there is a 'break-glass-in-case-of-emergency' plan somewhere among Osama's followers, and I am frightened thinking about what grief that will cause. I am worried for my sister who is teaching overseas, and for my friends who plan to do the same next year. I am worried for our troops who are fighting in multiple locales... and while I hope this news brings them home, I am doubtful. My thoughts linger on people in southeastern America-- and Japan and Haiti and all the other sites of recent devistation-- who have lost everything of substance and so many friends and family that it hurts to consider what they are enduring. And I wonder: how does the death of one man-- a man filled with hate, for sure-- make any of their tragedy any better?
I believe in the power of love and the goodness of humanity and the-sun-will-come-out-tomorrow way of thinking. The sun did come out today, as it did here almost 10 years ago when bin Laden's unthinkable plan went into action. I wish this death could bring back those lost in New York City and Washington, DC and that field in Pennsylvania... but they are still gone, and we are forever changed by that day. We are probably forever changed by today, too. I hope that this is the end of it, that there are no repercussions, and that our troops can come home and we can all coexist. I'm just hoping for peace...
I realize I am in the minority that I am not rejoicing in his death. While I am thankful that he is no longer here causing problems for others, I am not sure we will be free of his legacy of hatred for some time. I am also sorry that another human being was charged with ending his life: I cannot imagine the toll that takes on someone's soul. It is why I don't believe in the death penalty: I have no doubt that there are people and situations that demand the final punishment, but I do not think it right to ask another human to fulfill that role. And so today I find myself sad more than anything else.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
why I love the cold
So I was sitting here, innocently reading Pioneer Woman and snacking on some low salt bdubs, when a tick crawled across my keyboard. Somehow I was able to calmly get myself to the bathroom, fill an old pill container with rubbing alcohol (all the while keeping my eyes on that bleeping creepy crawler) and roll the bastard into it.
At least when it's snowing and cold, I don't have to deal with ticks. I hate those creatures more than I hate mice. And I really hate mice.
I'm going to go freak out now.
At least when it's snowing and cold, I don't have to deal with ticks. I hate those creatures more than I hate mice. And I really hate mice.
I'm going to go freak out now.
{this moment}
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
5x7 Folded Card
Wishes For Grandma Mother's Day 5x7 folded card
Personalized Mother's day cards by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Friday, April 22, 2011
{this *Earth Day* moment}
(PS: Any predictions on when the last of this Northern facing pile will melt? We could do our own little contest, and the winner could get some sunscreen or clothespins or something equally as cool...)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
{this *late* moment}
Thursday, April 14, 2011
This is why.
Today was swimming along. I was handing out books for 6th period and a few of them said "I don't need one." They were working on job applications, or doing make up work, or just not 'into it'. And so I let it fly, because I keep my classroom pretty real*. "Sometimes I wonder why I even bother."
"Because you love us and you want to help us succeed."
Point taken, with probably the truest statement of the week. Even in the midst of chaos, we're moving forward.
For the record, they paid better attention and were more involved in the discussion than when they all have their books open.Who knew? Clearly not me...
*I've been reading Confessions of a Pioneer Woman like it's a novel. Don't ask me why it took me this long, but I am currently hooked. Maybe it's because I finished my last novel and am resisting starting the next one? Anyway, because I pick up speech patterns like no one's business, her phrases have been floating through my head all week. Just keepin' it real about keepin' it real.
"Because you love us and you want to help us succeed."
Point taken, with probably the truest statement of the week. Even in the midst of chaos, we're moving forward.
For the record, they paid better attention and were more involved in the discussion than when they all have their books open.Who knew? Clearly not me...
*I've been reading Confessions of a Pioneer Woman like it's a novel. Don't ask me why it took me this long, but I am currently hooked. Maybe it's because I finished my last novel and am resisting starting the next one? Anyway, because I pick up speech patterns like no one's business, her phrases have been floating through my head all week. Just keepin' it real about keepin' it real.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I just stick out my chin, and grin and say....
As I look around me, everyone is struggling. Kids are in constant crisis, and not just my sunshines. I hear reports of students crying, getting in trouble, losing their cool. Teachers, too, are on the brink... budget questions loom, and we have no idea what is going to make the cut or not. In short, people are on edge, and are in some serious need of a break. And we need more than a Kit Kat bar.
So where do we go from here? I go back to where I always go: strengthen your relationships. Check in on your friends and neighbors. Be kind to others, if only because you can. We may not be able to control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. I choose to see my glasses as half full, even when the logical side of me knows they are probably mostly empty. And on those really bad days, I do try to channel Scarlet O'Hara, and to help others do the same.
So, my dear friends and kind readers, thank you for taking the time to check in on me. I could survive with a lot less things, but my world would not be the same without each and every one of you.
Hang On...
So where do we go from here? I go back to where I always go: strengthen your relationships. Check in on your friends and neighbors. Be kind to others, if only because you can. We may not be able to control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. I choose to see my glasses as half full, even when the logical side of me knows they are probably mostly empty. And on those really bad days, I do try to channel Scarlet O'Hara, and to help others do the same.
So, my dear friends and kind readers, thank you for taking the time to check in on me. I could survive with a lot less things, but my world would not be the same without each and every one of you.
Hang On...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
{this moment}
Monday, April 04, 2011
... and we're back!
So I know I've been quiet... I haven't forgotten you all, but I have been too distracted to write all those thoughts down. It's too much to explain, so let me try to sum up:
*It's now April, and we're in this weird not-yet-fourth-quarter-because-of-snow-pushed-the-end-of-third-quarter week. Vacation is 9 working days away. Not quite sure how this has all happened, but here we are.
*This year continues to challenge me, mostly emotionally. Things get really bad, and I stand on the edge of breaking, and then am able to step back and breathe. Today was a good day: multiple kids showed some serious gains and self restraint. Tomorrow is a new day, and one never knows, but today was a good day.
*I was overwhelmed with the love and well wishes from all my peeps on my rather snowy birthday. It is always overwhelming to be carried along on such a wave of love. One of the best parts of being a teacher is getting to watch kids become adults. In the midst of all sorts of chaos that seems like it's the most important thing EVER (do you remember your SAT scores, or the score of the championship game? Me either!) they figure out who they are and what matters to them. And when they take the time to send me birthday greetings, it melts my heart.
No matter what, I love my job. I can not imagine doing anything else, and if I'm lucky, I'll never have to.
*It's now April, and we're in this weird not-yet-fourth-quarter-because-of-snow-pushed-the-end-of-third-quarter week. Vacation is 9 working days away. Not quite sure how this has all happened, but here we are.
*This year continues to challenge me, mostly emotionally. Things get really bad, and I stand on the edge of breaking, and then am able to step back and breathe. Today was a good day: multiple kids showed some serious gains and self restraint. Tomorrow is a new day, and one never knows, but today was a good day.
*I was overwhelmed with the love and well wishes from all my peeps on my rather snowy birthday. It is always overwhelming to be carried along on such a wave of love. One of the best parts of being a teacher is getting to watch kids become adults. In the midst of all sorts of chaos that seems like it's the most important thing EVER (do you remember your SAT scores, or the score of the championship game? Me either!) they figure out who they are and what matters to them. And when they take the time to send me birthday greetings, it melts my heart.
No matter what, I love my job. I can not imagine doing anything else, and if I'm lucky, I'll never have to.
Friday, April 01, 2011
{this moment}
Sunday, March 20, 2011
{this *spring* moment}
Saturday, March 12, 2011
{this moment}
Saturday, March 05, 2011
{this moment}
Thursday, March 03, 2011
even half full glasses empty sometimes
Have you ever had one of those days where you feel completely ineffective, and you start to wonder why you bother?
Welcome to my week.
(I'll be back when I've regained my stride.)
Welcome to my week.
(I'll be back when I've regained my stride.)
Friday, February 25, 2011
{this moment}
A Friday ritual from my friend Wendy, who got it from SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.
Although I'm not the best rule follower ever... they're about the same 8 hour {moment} so as far as I'm concerned, it works.
[And, it is way easier to do this on Friday when it is the Friday of vacation :) ]
[And, it is way easier to do this on Friday when it is the Friday of vacation :) ]
Thursday, February 24, 2011
right there in the middle of vacation, a PLC broke out...
Another teacher friend posted this on FaceBook this morning, and it made me think. Go check it out, I'll wait.
http://prezi.com/aww2hjfyil0u/math-is-not-linear/
So, my math teacher friends, what do you think?
http://prezi.com/aww2hjfyil0u/math-is-not-linear/
So, my math teacher friends, what do you think?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
{this moment}
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
seriously.
So I'm reading my Time magazine while the students are taking a State sponsored drug and alcohol survey, and I see a new ad. For organic tobacco. Irony much?
Seriously, people-- this organic craze has gone a bit too far.
Seriously, people-- this organic craze has gone a bit too far.
Friday, February 11, 2011
{this *birthday* moment}
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
thankful
I've had two friends, Amity and Deus ex Machina, post about being thankful recently. There is so much for which I am thankful. In no particular order...
Enough. I have all that I need and much of what I want. We have food, heat, shelter, clothing, reliable transportation, toys, and the ability to share what we have with those we love.
Relationships. There are so many people who enrich my life. I am lucky to have people to lean on bad days and to celebrate with on the good ones.
Vocation. I have found a job that I love, that allows me to give back and help make the world a bit brighter, and challenges me regularly. And provides me with a sufficient paycheck and time with my family. It is the best of all possible worlds, and I count my blessings daily.
Home. I love where I live, on this dead end road in this drafty old farmhouse. I love the change in seasons, and being able to experience heat in summer and snow in winter, the beauty of fall and and spring, and yes, even mud season! It's never boring around here, and I am grateful for the variety.
Optimism. My glass is always half full. I am glad to not be the Debbie Downer of the room.
Bestfriends. Knowing that you can call in an emergency, no matter the time of day or night, and have the unconditional support you need... it is a blessing.
Marriage. I am often struck by how lucky I am to have found someone to share my life with... and that it is truly a joint venture. Together we are raising two amazing children, and are growing closer with each passing year. I used to think that was true for everyone, but I now know just how blessed we are.
Enough. I have all that I need and much of what I want. We have food, heat, shelter, clothing, reliable transportation, toys, and the ability to share what we have with those we love.
Relationships. There are so many people who enrich my life. I am lucky to have people to lean on bad days and to celebrate with on the good ones.
Vocation. I have found a job that I love, that allows me to give back and help make the world a bit brighter, and challenges me regularly. And provides me with a sufficient paycheck and time with my family. It is the best of all possible worlds, and I count my blessings daily.
Home. I love where I live, on this dead end road in this drafty old farmhouse. I love the change in seasons, and being able to experience heat in summer and snow in winter, the beauty of fall and and spring, and yes, even mud season! It's never boring around here, and I am grateful for the variety.
Optimism. My glass is always half full. I am glad to not be the Debbie Downer of the room.
Bestfriends. Knowing that you can call in an emergency, no matter the time of day or night, and have the unconditional support you need... it is a blessing.
Marriage. I am often struck by how lucky I am to have found someone to share my life with... and that it is truly a joint venture. Together we are raising two amazing children, and are growing closer with each passing year. I used to think that was true for everyone, but I now know just how blessed we are.
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