Where In The World

Just recently, I added a counter to the bottom of my blog. I'd seen this counter on other blogs and it was pretty neat. It told me the cities that I'd had visitors from on a daily basis. I average about 20 visitors a day and it was interesting to see where those visitors were coming from. Some I knew who they were but others were a mystery. I even had some hits from other countries!

Anyway, I have to admit I'd become a little addicted to seeing the cities and trying to guess who might have stopped by and left a comment. It was a fun little game. Unfortunately I wasn't too great at it. It all kind of makes me wonder who these people are that stop by. I love getting comments and "meeting" new people so to speak through my blog. I wanted to just shout out for those people from other countries or other cities to leave a little hi in the comment box!

Well, I had the counter set up by city and now it's gone freaky and started just listing the countries. It's pretty weird how the thing just changed itself. Well, I deleted it, went back to the Neocounter site and re-selected the daily cities counter. I put it on my blog and low and behold the stupid countries one popped up again. I did this whole routine of deleting and making a new one twice now and I'm at the frustration point. That comes so quickly when I don't understand what I'm doing.

So, if you're a Neocounter expert and can help me please do so. Otherwise, I'm just going back to being blissfully unaware of who stops by here. And if you're a lurker, feel free to say hi in the comments. I won't bite...promise!

**Post Script: I think I may have figured it out! I think I had just signed up for a free trial so I went back and paid the relatively low fee for a year's worth of looking at who stops by and viola...my old counter is back! This seems like a fix, but given my experience with technology this could be a band-aid that is already losing it's sticky grip. We shall see! **

They Don't Get Much Better

Today was good on a lot of levels.

It was Friday.
It was payday (and my step raise kicked in...not much but more than I was getting!).
It was mac and cheese day in the cafeteria (you know the really cheesy clog you up for a week cheesy kind).
There were also veggie sticks in the cafeteria.
My lesson plans are in and I'm 93% ready for Monday morning.
I had a very enjoyable dinner out tonight.

And today's goodness is running over into tomorrow.

It will be Saturday.
I will get to sleep late.
The only chore on my plate is laundry (let's face it...it never goes off my plate!).
I'm going shopping (okay so it's only grocery shopping but shopping is shopping!).

So, like I said...the days don't get much better than this!

Laughter Is Good For The Soul

I'm one of the lucky ones. The easily amused lucky ones I mean. During a really horrible year in college (I had the roomie from hell) I had basically forgotten to take some time and laugh. My mom reminded me that I've always been a happy person and sometimes you've just got to laugh to keep from going insane (or to prison for killing aforementioned roomie). She told me that as a baby/toddler she'd hear me in the other room just laughing and entertaining myself. I think those moments were pretty precious to her. So, apparently it started young. Yep, I often crack myself up and find humor in the most absurd things.

For example, I have certain words that just tickle my funny bone. Wiener (and not for any dirty reason) is one of them. I remember being in Houston on a Girl Scout trip one year and seeing a department store called Wieners. What an odd name for a department store don't you think? It was probably a men's store... Anyway, that word just stuck. I have a couple of friends that will toss it into the conversation just to get me going and I'm ashamed to admit that it works pretty well.

Another word is Twinkies. This one is sorta steeped in a dirty history (which to my mom's probable delight I'll skip sharing) but that word just makes me giggle. It could have been the context in which it was used but I'll never say the word the same again. I'm giggling now and I'm just typing it! Good grief.

Well, yesterday I got to add another word to the list. Waft. I know...seems like a harmless word. It all started before our Open House (like meet the teacher sorta) at school and one of the other teachers asked me to sniff her to see if she smelled like Subway. I (apparently not so subtly) leaned in and sniffed. I didn't smell anything sandwhichy. But just to be sure I gently fanned my paper in my hand to waft any scent over to my nose. (Yes, this is how tired teachers spend the night...sniffing each other.) Anyway, she asked what I was doing and I told her I was seeing if any scent wafted over.

Apparently, she'd never heard the term waft and wanted to know if I'd gotten confused and meant queefed. I quickly assured her that I wasn't the one confused! Well, that started a whole waft conversation and ended up with her telling another teacher to "Waft this!". I'm sure something is completely lost in translation but the scene was pretty funny. Well, today everything was waft this or waft that. And I spent a good portion of the day giggling to myself.

Words aren't the only thing that amuse me, but I think I should wrap this up. I would imagine many are thinking I'm something of a nut and well...maybe you're right. But I'm a happy nut!

Lock Down

Our school went into lock down today. That basically means that you need to stay in your classroom and lock your doors. You also need to know where your kids are at all times. The whole lock down happened because a prisoner escaped from a local prison, killed a prison guard, took a hostage, and was considered armed and dangerous. I suppose this situation is bound to happen what with living in a town known for it's prison system. The whole situation was resolved by late this afternoon, but not without the death of at least one person and several people probably traumatized. Thankfully, the kids were blissfully unaware of what was happening outside of the school walls.

The world we live in is a scary one. In college, the professors don't teach you what to do when the angry student confronts you with a gun or what to do with the verbally abusive parent who thinks you can do no right in regards to his child. How to comfort the child that had no food last night and no one to tuck her in isn't a class you'll find in any course catalog. The strength and courage to put yourself on the line for a child that isn't yours is something that you must already have inside when you decide to become a teacher.

Even though I knew we were relatively safe inside our classroom and our day continued without upset, I couldn't help but think about what we'd do if for some reason we weren't completely safe. And I knew that I'd do whatever I could do to protect those sixteen babies in my classroom. One of my boys asked me later in the afternoon why we went into lock down. I told him that sometimes it is important to practice ways that teachers keep students safe. He replied with, "You'd keep me safe?" What else could I say? "Of course I'd do anything I could to keep you safe." Whatever that anything might be, I know that something inside of me would would allow me to do it without a second thought or a moment's hesitation. And that is kind of scary too.

Religious Field Trips

Don't fret...this isn't a religious "I'm-going-to-convert-you" type of post.

Having grown up in the middle of the Bible belt, my faith and love of God has always played a major role in my life. Thankfully, I was blessed with parents that taught me the importance of God and took me to church and actively lived their faith as an example for me. Regardless of what your faith is, I'm sure you can agree that having parents that practice what the preach is always an asset. Anyway, while my parents took me to church and lived Christian lives in front of me they didn't raise a religious nut either.

Please don't misunderstand, my faith is strong and important to me. I believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, was born of a virgin, and died and was resurrected to save me from eternity in Hell, but I also don't try to push that on to other people. Christians have gotten a bad rap for being a bunch of religious nuts who are judgemental and hypocritical. And some are, but most of us aren't.

Anyway, religion as a whole has become a fasination for me over the last several years. Some people might see that as my faith is wavering, but I assure you that it isn't. I know this interest began when I met my friend Becky. She was raised Catholic (and I hope she doesn't mind me saying that on here) and I was raised Baptist. When we were roommates in college she would sometimes take me to Mass with her on Saturday night and she'd occassionally come to Sunday school and service with me on Sunday morning. She never pushed her religion onto me and hopefully she feels the same way about me. It was neat to get to see and experience something totally different from the way I was raised. And she was always patient with all my questions about her faith. I'm curious by nature so I asked everything and anything. I really enjoyed picking her brain about the Catholic faith.

Here lately, I have another friend that allows me to indulge that curiousity in regards to the Jewish faith. Sometimes I worry that I'm offensive in my lack of knowledge of the faith, but he's always patient with helping me understand certain traditions. I honestly find it fasinating! Anyway, something was said today (and now I can't even remember what it was) but I discovered that one of our new teachers is Jewish too. She was impressed I knew that today was Yom Kippur. I really should have said it was because it was written on my calendar but nonetheless she was impressed. Of course I didn't know what it meant (evidenced in the fact that I wished her a Happy Yom Kippur to which she replied that it's not exactly a happy holiday) but she appreciated it all the same. Hey sometimes it really is the thought that counts! She's not a religous nut either (her words) because she's rather relaxed on certain things in her faith.

I mentioned to her my enjoyment of learning about other faiths and she said I'd have to come with her to a service sometime. That's when I told her about how Becky and I would visit each other's church. She loved the idea of a religious field trip to explore another faith. We spent about twenty minutes talking about the differences in our faiths and comparing notes on the parts that were similar. She even jokingly gave me homework (find out three facts and bring her an article of Jewish clothing...silly girl!) but I think I'm going to take her up on the offer to visit her church. I mean synagogue. Anyway, I think it'll be neat to go and add this to my religous experiences.

Now, I feel like I should add that while I do enjoy learning about other faiths this only strengthens my own faith. I feel that I bring an open mind to the table (though not so open my brains might fall out) and can experience it without worry that I'm converting or losing my own faith along the way. I still feel strongly that my faith is right and true, but it never hurts to say that you've got some knowledge about other religions under your belt. And that is how I look at it...learning about something new while not forgetting what is most important at the center of my life and faith.

I think that makes me a well-rounded person right?!

Use Kind Words

At our school we model and encourage everyone to be friends. More importantly we use the term friend instead of classmate. For example, I remind the kids daily that we have to walk quietly in the hall because we don't want to disturb our other friends in another class. It really helps build that sense of community and friendship. Lately, I've been having to remind my students daily to use nice kind words with their friends. And that is a little troubling.

Then I realized that lately I'm having to remember to use kind words with a friend of mine. And that's even more troubling.

Remember when everyone was your friend and your world basically crashed when the hurtful words "I'm not gonna be your friend anymore!" were tossed out? I've been on both sides (though mostly in my younger days) and I think it hurts all the way around. With my kids, I can remind them that it hurts when we hear that (even if we don't really mean it) and that we need to treat people the way we would want to be treated. As grown-ups it's a little more complicated.

What do you do when you treat someone (insert friend's name here) the way you'd like to be treated and his/her response is nothing? I really think it's a fine line between getting one's panties in a wad over nothing and truly having the right to be upset. And right now I'm not sure which side of the line I'm on. That is a frustrating place to be.

This isn't something I'm proud to admit and it's cost me a few friendships through the years but I'm the type that would rather shut down and walk away rather than confront someone about how they feel about a friendship with me. I remember this one friend, Trisha, in middle school. (I know...middle school...we're so mature about things at that age but just go with it.) She was really nice and friendly to me and others in our circle and then suddenly she just stopped talking to me. She'd say hi in the hallway, but that was it. I didn't have the courage to flat out ask if I'd done something or if she didn't want to be my friend anymore. I didn't want to hear the answer if it was yes. So, I stopped talking to her and the friendship simply faded. I still don't know if it was because I'd done something or not...I never did ask.

Unfortunately, I'm still that way in friendships and now that I'm older relationships. I'd rather break ties first than be the one left. And instead of having a huge blow up I simply keep silent and back away. That sounds pretty pathetic huh?

Anyway, I don't know if this post was just a ramble or if I have a point I'm trying to make. I just know that I have a friend (at least that is how I think of our relationship) and I'm kind of tired of trying to reach out to come back with nothing. I don't like not knowing where I stand. I don't like not having control over this situation.

I miss my friend.

A Right Trial In The Kitchen Department

Remember a few weeks ago, my gracious neighbor put my new battery on my car in exchange for a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies? In theory that seemed so reasonable and easy to do. In actuality, well it was my usual kitchen disaster. Okay, perhaps the word disaster isn't quite right since the ultimate result was pretty sweet.

Saturday I picked out a recipe (www.foodtv.com was a huge help since oatmeal raisin cookies aren't in my recipe box) and checked to see what ingredients I'd need to buy. Yes, I picked the recipe that had the least ingredients...is that wrong? Anyway, after a quick trip to the local grocery store I had my oats and raisins and I was ready to go.

Along time ago, my mom taught me that you double check all ingredients and equipment before you start mixing to make sure that you have everything. Well, all I can say is thank goodness I checked. And that's when I discovered that I had the hand held part of the mixer but the beaters were mysteriously missing. How the heck am I supposed to cream the sugar and butter without the beaters?! This was almost enough to make me scrap the whole idea of cookies.

I didn't think I could put off this any longer...I mean I've been driving that car for several days and I figured he'd need some cookies soon too. So, I grabbed a whisk and decided I could cream anything if I beat it long enough. Off I started on those cookies. I was doing great until I came to the flour part of the recipe. I opened the canister and dipped in my measuring cup and came out with flour and some tiny moving things. What the heck? I'm not great in the kitchen but I'm pretty sure flour isn't enriched with bugs. I quickly dumped the whole canister of flour and took the trash out. Thankfully I had a bug free new bag of flour in the pantry.

At this point I was beginning to wonder if perhaps cookies were such a smart idea. No beaters and unexpected bugs (which my mom later clarified as weevils). But when you've got a bowl full of cinnamony oatmeal cookie batter you've got to follow through. I put in the first batch and prayed that they came out okay. Amazingly, the first batch came out and smelled pretty good. I let them cool and then gave them a taste test. They weren't bad so I kept baking.

Four batches later I had several dozen cookies cooled and ready to be delivered. I haven't heard anything back from him about the cookies but I didn't hear any ambulance sirens in the night either. I guess I shouldn't go on and on about what a bad cook I am (I mean I can cook) but it usually comes with some amusing story or the smoke alarm going off.

Now if you'll excuse me there is an oatmeal raisin cookie calling my name!

Ugh....

...it's that day of the week. Chore day. Ick, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I'm just typing it! Apparently sometime this week when my back was turned my closet barfed on my bedroom floor. The dishes got together, decided to get themselves dirty, and then passed out in the sink. And the towels in the bathroom...well those lazy things can't be bothered to get on a rack. So, I've got to go around and clean up their messes.

Ungrateful household items...

Seriously...More About Me

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a problem. I mean I love to talk about me and share little bits of useless information about myself with anyone who happens to stop by this piece of the world wide web. I think I might have....vain-ness (I love inventing words!).

Anyway, while I'm waiting for the Rx to kick in here are 35 more things to know about me.

1. Where is your mobile phone? Currently it's in my purse, but I'll take it out in a few minutes because it's Big Brother night and my friend D and I always watch together via text.
2. Relationship? Hmm...with what? Single at the moment but there is that inappropriate crush that gets more crushy each day. Don't you hate when that happens?!
3. Your hair? Brown (seriously I wish I had hair like they describe in romance books...silky light brown milk chocolate locks)and currently in need of a trim.
4. Work? I teach...and usually a lot more than just what the TEKS say I should.
5. Your sister(s)? I'm an only child.
6. Your favorite thing? That's probably like picking your favorite child and you had ten of them. I have a lot of favorites...ice cream: mocha almond, hobby: scrapbooking, place: home...more specifically the bed in my home, thing to do on a rainy day: read
7. Your dream last night? I dreamed I had three flat tires but the tires weren't just flat but sort of like they liquefied on the pavement.
8. Your favorite drink? A&W Cream Soda and anything fruity with vodka if we're talking about alcohol.
9. Your dream car? Hmm...I'm not sure. I like the look of the Dodge Durango (but that is a dream because I'd have to sell my liver on the black market to pay for the gas).
10. The room you’re in? living room
11. Your shoes? kicked off right by the door. I have a little pile that I move each weekend, but I really should just buy a shoe organizer for the front door since that's where they always get left!
12. Your fears? being left...anywhere
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? A wife and mom staying at home
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Great friends from college...we went to Schlitterbahn for a wet and wild weekend!
15. What are you not good at? Remembering to change the oil in my car, drawing, keeping my facial expressions neutral when I'm feeling something.
16. Muffin? I'm not sure what this question is asking me so I'll go with the safe answer and say I like them.
17. Wish list items? A house with a scrapbook room and a spare bedroom, a new car
18. Where you grew up? On the edge of West Texas also known as Abilene
20. What are you wearing? Oh geez...how embarrassing...a tank top and panties.
21. What are you not wearing? bottoms
22. Your pet? I don't have one but I left at home a dog named Sophie and a cat named Dex. Jake is my mom's baby and completely ignores me.
23. Your computer? A dinosaur that takes up 90% of my desk
24. Your life? Really good most days!
25. Your mood? Happy and well just a tad bit guilty
26. Missing? My parents and a sock that the dryer ate.
27. What are you thinking about? That inappropriate crush, the itch on the bottom of my foot and how my mom couldn't find Everyone Loves Raymond funny?!
28. Your car? Ford Escort.
29. Your kitchen? At the moment a complete disaster. What?...you've never been too lazy to do the dishes?!
30. Your summer? Absolutely wonderful!!
31. Your favorite color? purple
32. Last time you laughed? Just a sec ago at something Ray said on Everyone Loves Raymond. I laugh a lot...I'm so easily amused!
33. Last time you cried? Sunday. I was driving home and I heard the Allen Jackson song "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" and it made me just remember that day and how I was worried about my mom. And then I thought about what I'd do if I lost my mom and well...that always makes me cry.
34. School? Every day!
35. Love? God. Family. Carbs. Travel. Friends. Scrapbooking. Raunchy romance novels. My bed. Commercials. Being a girly girl. And so much more....

One Tuesday Morning

It's hard to believe that it has been six years since the attack at the World Trade Center. Just this morning, I mentioned that fact to another teacher as I was writing the date on my white board. We both took a moment to remember and reflect about the effects of that day and then we had to get on with today. I know that sounds callus. And I'm sure there are many people that are still struggling to get on with today because they are mired down in the hurt and pain from that Tuesday morning six years ago.

I suppose that 9/11 was my generation's "you'll always remember where you were" event. I know that I won't ever forget. Despite it being a national tragedy, I was in the middle of my own personal crisis that day. My mom was in the hospital recovering from surgery that we weren't sure she'd pull through. My whole world had shrunk to me and how fast could I get back to the hospital to be with my mom. (I was in college and had classes each day...2 hours away.)

I remember waking up that morning (later than my friend Becky...my roomie at the time) and hearing something on the radio about an airplane accident in New York. Y'all know I don't watch much news (and I watched even less then) but I did turn on the T.V. and Becky and I were horrified to discover that it was a deliberate attack. Still not even sure what to think or feel we went on over to the dining hall for breakfast. Every T.V. in the room was tuned to some news station. I remember feeling like this was so unreal. I went on to class only to have our professor tell us to go home and watch the news...we were seeing history in the making. And that is exactly what we did...went home and watched the news.

Everyone has their own memories and thoughts about that day, but I think the important thing is that we remember.

So Long Summer

I think summer has officially come to an end for me. This weekend was the last hurrah of the summer. It was the annual Schlitterbahn trip. I had a ton of fun, got a little sun (despite my best efforts to avoid it!), and think it was the perfect way to cap off a wonderful summer.

One would think I'd be water logged from all the places I've been this summer and one would be correct! From beaches to water parks, I've had plenty of sun and water to last me till next summer. After I wash the swimsuits they will be heading for a long sabbatical in the dresser drawer.

I know fall is usually a time for slowing down and getting back into a routine, but it's one of my favorite times of year! I've already got a beautiful fall wreath hanging on the door and it makes me smile every time I come home. There are so many exciting things that happen between now and the end of the year. I can't wait! For instance, my birthday (which is quickly approaching...three weeks actually!), football games, Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, holiday parties and get-togethers, wrapping...can you tell I really love this time of year?!

So, with so much waiting to begin it's time to say goodbye to summer. I had fun with you, but as with all good things it must come to an end. Thanks for the memories and I can't wait to see what you bring next year!

It's A Guy Thing...Right?!

Let me begin by saying that I mean no offense to those girls that kill their own bugs, know a spark plug from a sparkler, and remain completely calm in the face of minor home repair. Let me also say that I'm not that kind of girl! So, I truly admire you chicks.

Yesterday was a little bit of a no bueno day...starting with the fact that my car wouldn't start. Sitting in the car listening to the sound of nothing as I turned the ignition I immediately wished for a man...any man. A man seems to make those bug, sparking, and home repair situations so much more easier to deal with. Anyway, the battery was dead. Unfortunately not horror movie dead but really dead. Thanks to a sympathetic co-worker I made it to work on time and safely home with a new battery.

And even more importantly, the guy next door was willing to switch them out for me for the small price of a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies (I think I'll leave out the part about my cooking skills!). But, he did mention that I should replace the battery terminals. More specifically the hot end of the terminal.

Are you picturing how blank my face looked?!

Well, anyway I took myself down to the local Auto Zone after work and felt like I was entering some sacred man place. I must have had some awed expression on my face because the sales guy just smiled and asked if he could help. I told him that I needed the hot end of a battery terminal. Then he started to ask about the number of connectors and he lost me. I simply handed him my sassy girl sticky note and said this was all I knew. Hopefully I've gotten the right part.

So, my question (any guy feel free to answer!) is does car knowledge come along for the ride with that Y chromosome? I mean do guys "just know" or does someone teach them? Whatever it is I sure am glad guys have it and that they are willing to take some pity on girls that don't!

Happy No Labor Day!

I hope everyone takes some time today to just sit back and enjoy a little time off from all the everyday hustle!

In The Hot Seat

I volunteered to be "interviewed" by a fellow reader and posted below is a sampling of questions. They range from the nice to the naughty and everywhere in between. I think these things are fun and interesting because these type of questions usually dig a little deeper into the interviewee and make the interviewer think a little past what-is-your-favorite-color type questions. Enjoy getting to know a little bit more about me (probably some things that wouldn't normally just come out in a post!) and if you'd like to take a turn in the hot seat let me know!

What is your favorite soup?
My favorite homemade soup is my mom's Southwestern Soup. I bet everyone has a recipe for something "kind of like that" but I think my mom's is the absolute best! It's thick and hearty and perfect for cold days. It's also very easy to make and practically fool proof (which sometimes I need!)

And because I'm a nice kind of gal I'll even share the recipe!

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. dry ranch dressing mix
2 med. onions
2 cans ranch style beans
2 black beans
2 cans whole corn (with the liquid)
1 can hominy
1 large can diced tomatoes (with the liquid)
1 can mild (or spicy depending on your taste) Rotel
1 lb. Velveeta cheese

In a large (and I mean LARGE) soup pot brown the ground beef and onions together. Drain away any unwanted grease. Add the ranch dressing mix and stir together. Add all of the remaining ingredients (except the cheese) and bring to a boil. Slowly add the cubes of Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. It's the dump and heat method...very easy and very good!

And when I feel lazy my favorite soup is Campbell's Select Italian Sausage with Pasta and Pepperoni.

If you were going to buy underwear for a man, what would you get?
This is kind of tricky to answer as I don't really buy underwear for guys. I guess I would say that I'd probably buy briefs in colors. And perhaps one or two pair of goofy boxers (the kind with cartoons or inappropriate crotch jokes on them) just to add some variety to the mix.

Have you ever stolen anything on purpose?
Yes, I stole a hot glue gun stick from Michael's Craft Store when I was about 6 or 7. My dad found out I'd taken it and made me return it to the store and apologize. Also in college I one time changed the price sticker on a book at Wal-Mart so I didn't have to pay full price. That was a moment of weakness and being broke. I haven't stolen anything else.

Does anyone have naked pictures of you?
Yes. (I think the interviewer was referring to those embarrassing naked-baby-in-the-sink type pictures all parents have...right?!)

What one thought turns you on more than anything else?
Being with a guy that is totally turned on by the good girl in me and the girl that wants to do the unexpected and break all kinds of rules and taboos. Oh, and that guy should have a great mouth! You can tell a lot about a guy by the way he kisses and uses his tongue. ;)

There you go...more about me. Now, who wants to go next?!

I Want To Be Loved Like That

My friend Becky reminded me of a movie that I haven't seen...well probably since I last saw it with her. Anyway, she has always had good taste in movies and when she mentioned it the other day I had to go out and buy it. Last night I watched The Mirror Has Two Faces and I enjoyed it a lot. It's a great movie for the girls who feel they aren't the prettiest or size-twoest in the world. I think my absolute favorite line was from Greg when he said "I don't care if you are pretty, I love you anyway!"

Girls, don't you just want to be loved like that?!