What cha got in your wallet

Well, we finally did it. Applied and got a Capital One Credit Card. The only reason we got this card is for free airline miles. Used the card today. Charged our trip to Vanuatu. Boy, oh boy! Did this every rack up the miles! Too bad I don't like to fly.

Shadow boxing

Duke is driving me crazy. He stands and watches shadows. He dances and watches shadows. He wags his tail and watches shadows. He lays down and watches shadows. This constant shadow watching is getting on my nerves. I truly believe he suffers from OCD. This dog really needs a psychiatrist.

The things children say

I stopped in to visit a friend today in an elementary building where I used to work. As I was walking down the hall, I stopped to talk to a student, I think he is in 1st or 2nd grade. Here's how the conversation went:

"Hey, do I know you?"

"I don't know, do I know you?"

The student told me his name, I told him mine.

His eyes lit up and he stuck his head into his classroom and announced, "Hey everybody! Mrs. O is back!"

Several students came out in the hallway to say hi and give me hugs. (they are so good at that).

After greeting them, I suggested they should return to the classroom before we get in trouble, told them goodbye and then headed down the hallway. As I was walking away, I heard one of the students say, "That's Mrs. O? She used to be a lot older!"

Don't you just love children, you never know what they will say. Personally I love Sara the magician beautician who cuts and colors my hair in a style & color that must make me look younger.

We're having a heat wave

By Gosh! We ARE having a heat wave. I think the temp was above freezing today. To celebrate I wore my fleece jacket outside without my winter jacket on. A little chilly but I am tired of winter jackets. Winter sotrm is predicted for tonight but the brunt of the storm is supposed to be south of us. Guess we won't be "celebrating" any more snow days off work.

Finished my fleece jacket (which I wore today), now I'm crocheting. Don't know what I'm making but the pattern sure is pretty. Colors are tan, blue, yellow and pink. I'll post a photo in a couple of days - of the crocheting and the fleece jacket.

Cats and Dogs

The hubby worked 3rd shift last night. Normally, when the cats wake up, he gets up and feeds them (it could be 2 am, 3 am, whenever). If he doesn't, Leo, the little boy cat will knock everything off the dresser, fireplace, bathroom counter - anything to get attention. The hubby chuckled last night as he hinted I will have to get up to feed the little buggers. Nothing got knocked off last night. However, there was a huge cat fight around 4 am this morning. The fight started by the window in my bedroom. I through a pillow and the hubby's balled up PJs in the direction of the hissing and fighting. It didn't work. The fight escalated. I got up to break it up. The took it behind and under the bed where they know I can't reach them. So, I opened the cupboard on my night stand, brought out the catnip and gave it a shake. Out come both cats. I lured Leo out of the bedroom and shut the door in his face. When I turned around, Allie -the girl cat, was standing on the bed by my pillow. I put the catnip in the cupboard, moved Allie and crawled back in bed. Leo stood outside my bedroom door crying; don't know how long 'cause I went back to sleep. The empty cat dishes and the unopened can of food are still sitting on the counter where the hubby left them. The cats can eat dry food today!

The dog. The hubby normally lets the dog out when he gets up in the morning. Since the hubby isn't here (he is working 1st shift after working all night), the dog hasn't been out yet. I got up at 7 am because I assumed the dog needed to go outside. After all, he normally goes out between 4 & 5 and then again at 7:30 for me on weekdays. I open the door to his room and he can barely open one eye. I open the back door and invite him outside. Ha, I don't blame him. It's cold out there. But wait! I just got out of bed for you dog! You are going outside. He finally complies and is busy doing his duty when I spot the Chronicle carrier hoofing down the street. I slip my feet into my crocs and rush out to the end of the driveway while the dog is at the end of his leash choking and barking on the steps. Don't know if he finished his business but he is back in the house and sleeping on the carpet.

The cats keep giving me the evil eye. The forget who they are dealing with

Weekend Plans

My B Swap partner received her box full of items beginning with the letter B. Here's my photo of the items. After I took the photo, I realized I forgot two items, those went in the box last. I've never done a swap like this before so I hope I did a good job.

I could get used to working three day work weeks. This has been great. Anyway, it's Friday and the weekend has arrived. I managed to leave the library looking pretty good today. Got my reports done & prizes distributed to almost all the students who earned them. Played a mean "trick" on a class of 5th graders suffering with the disease "substitute-itis". They were out of control and unruly with their teacher away. While in the computer lab which is directly off the library the 5th graders were extremely loud. After repeated requests to them to respect the class in the library, I finally went on the program Syncroneyes and shut all of their computers down. When the substitute came to me and stated "one of the students" accidently shut all of the computers down" I told her it looked like they weren't doing what they were supposed to be doing anyway & she should take them back to their classroom. Never did take credit. The teacher with me in the library encouraged me to get them out so her class could have a quiet end to their library time. Feel bad for the sub but they can be noisy in their classroom without disturbing the library patrons.

Anyhow, weekend plans: sleep, sew, laundry, bake, and go out with Sherry & her sisters to celebrate Sherry's birthday - is it 43 years OLD? Hopefully I can finish my new sweatshirt and take in the seams on the jacket I finished earlier this week. It is big enough for two of me.

Let's see how much I accomplish.....

Back to work

well, after an extremely long weekend, it was back to work today. We had Friday & Monday off for mid-winter break and then Tuesday was a snowday - no work. So, upon returning to work today I did not have the usual mess to clean up since I was the last person there. This gave me the opportunity to get caught up on some paperwork and reports that were piling up again.

Finally made it to Zumba tonight. Found out our original instructor, Courtney got a new job - we will miss her but wish her the best of luck. Stepped on the scale, not good news. This lack of exercise and poor eating habits lately showed up on the scales. Definitely need to start logging everything I eat again and couting stars/points. I now have a goal to lose 34 pounds by June 15.

SNOW DAY!!!!! again

What do other people do on snow days? Here's what I did this morning (along with 4 loads of laundry). Note to friends - please save your junk food wrappers - wrappers from potato chip, individual cookies, granola bars - anything with the shiny foil inside and bright colors outside.

Dancing with the Stars

The new list is out for Dancing with the Stars. I'm not too impressed. The hubby thought the list was a spoof.

Here's the list and my opinions:

*Marlee Matlin – actress extraordinaire she was rendered deaf as a infant by a bout of roseola infantium. I would love to see her win

Penn Jillette – of Penn and Teller – writer, actor, producer. He looks like a very big guy - probably not too graceful on the dance floor. Maybe he will surprise me.

*Marissa Jaret Winnokur – broadway star (born to sing, dance & act) – originated role of Tracy Turnblad on Hairspray (appears a little vertically challenged – which makes her appear chunky or is she just top heavy?) Will be interesting to see how well she does

*Adam Carolla – Comedian – Comedy Central - a possible top contender

*Kristy Yamaguchi – figure skater – Olympic gold medalist - definite top contender

*Christian de la Fuente – Latin heartthrob – actor, producer, writer - definite top contender

Monica Seles – Tennis Champion - will she grunt her way to the top 6?

*Mario – R & B Singer 21 years old held #1 spot for 9 weeks – hip hop dancer but can he adapt to ball room style dancing?

Steve Guttenberg – Movie Star, actor, producer, director, writer (remember Three Men and a Baby) hmmm, he will be fun to watch

Jason Taylor - NFL All Star - Miami Dolphins - can football players dance - perhaps his fans will keep him in the competition

Shannon Elizabeth - Award Winning Actress - hmmm

Priscilla Presley - Elvis' X - but does that make her a great dancer?

March 17 - that's when it all begins.

Could this be my new exercise program? Think of all the money I could save without paying for a Y membership.

Finally

The jacket is finally finished! Four colors, 72 "squares" outside, 72 "squares" of batting, and 72 "squares" inside. Unfortunately, it is too big for me. It was fun to make. Now the work begins on the new skirt. I'll make it out of a cheap muslin first but it will have all the bells and whistles. Stay tuned.

Twenty-three years ago

Twenty-three years ago I gave my hubby the best Valentines Day present - his first child was born. This year the oldest is living half a world away on a little island in the South/West Pacific Ocean. I arrived home from the Y Thursday night to my son, hands on hips saying "Where have you been young lady? Your daughter walked over an hour in 90 degree weather to call you.

I quickly went on line and purchased a long distance calling card so, if she returned the call, I could call her back. Well, she called back but someone had torn the paper with the village phone number off the phone. We had about 20 minutes of talk time before being cut off. After being in labor for 38 hours twenty three years ago, I guess 20 minutes of birthday wishes is going to have to be good enough.

Anyhow, I felt much better after talking to her - even though we were rudely cut off when time ran out. Then, last night while doing random things on the laptop, I noticed I had e-mail. The senders name was some random numbers. Almost send the message to the spam file but noticed the message said: "FORGOT TN SAY YESTERDAY THANK YOU FOR THE SHOES, I BROKE THEM IN ON THE WALK AND THEY WERE GREAT!" She finally has a SAT phone that works.

I sent a birthday package three weeks ago which contained random items and a lovely pair of Chacos. I can't wait until the snow melts and I can again wear Tevas and Chacos. Also in her birthday package was four 1/2 pint jars with cupcakes baked inside, a tub of frosting and birthday candles.

Mid-Winter Break

Today is the start of mid-winter break. No school today or Monday. Slept in today, going to finish that jacket, do some laundry, dust (furniture & floors) and relax today. I'll probably accomplish the relaxing part but procrastinate the rest.

I also need to pack a box for Steph and go the the post office to mail her box and my B-Swap box - can't talk too much about what's in the B-Swap box until partner has receive it..... pictures will be posted later with a more complete description. If you are curious, visit www.recipezaar.com , in the forums section find B Swap, I think it's listed in the contests section. It's a fun way to brighten a gray February. Hmmm, reminds me, I'll be receiving a box of B items too. Wonder what will be in my box????? How's the shopping going Saylaveev?

Slippery Roads

I left work today and headed for home. The roads were snowcovered and slushy but I didn't fishtail or slip a bit. I drove carefully, even switching to two lane less traveled streets and avoiding the busier main street. Didn't encounter a probelm until I exited one city and entered the next. At that point my driving habits didn't change but I almost did a donut as I turned off one street. I was extremely caution at the intersection I nearly slid through yesterday - managed to stop but I doubt the guy 1/2 block away could have stopped so I proceeded through the interesection. The last stop sign before our little community is always slippery, many cars have landed in snowbanks so, I approached the intersection slowly - only to have the Jeep slip slide towoard the ditch. Managed to avoid that catastrophe but needless to say, I'm home in my PJ's. Don't feel like venturing out again, not even to go to the Y for aqua fit class.

Guess I'll go sew a sleeve on the new jacket. Maybe even find time and patience to sew the side seams.

Free Beer and Hot Wings

I worked late last night on the new jacket I am sewing. I was hoping today would be another wonderful snow day. It should have been a snow day. It was colder than last Thursday. The roads were nasty too. Drove through a white out less than a mile from home. Idiot guy in pick em up truck fish tailed when he stepped on the gas at the traffic light and almost took out my front quarter panel. I decided if I had one more close call I would turn around and go home. Listened to the Free Beer & Hot Wings show on the radio on the way to work. They are playing some tapes from Producer Joe's early days in radio. The comedy of it all changed my mood and I made it across town to work. Thank you Free Beer & Hot Wings! Got to school just as the last two busses were unloading and decided to wait - of course I was still listening to the show so it made the wait worthwhile. When I got inside I was greeted with another messy library. Books on the rack facing every which way. The boss still doesn't know how to load a rack!

Attendance was quite low. Was told we have to have at least 75% of the kids in attendance or the day doesn't count. Don't know the final results. After lunch and one more class, moved to 2nd building where I was stood up by three kindergarten classes. Apparently today was day 101 so they watched a movie to celebrate. The 2nd grade class came in at the end of the day with their long term sub. They didn't seem as needy today. Oldest daughter g-mail chatted with me at the end of the day. She is heading back to her village and will be without internet (or electricity and all the benefits of home) until sometime in May. It was nice talking to her and I will miss our chats.

Anyway, the jacket. Last night I accidently sewed the center front seam. Ripped out the seam and went to bed. Tonight I managed to sew on one sleeve. This was after I skipped Pilates and Zumba (which was good because Zumba was cancelled). I slept in the chair most of the evening, watched Dance Wars and then sewed on the sleeve. No patience so I quit for the night. Now, I'm off to bed.

Pretty bad when a couple of guys nicknamed Free Beer & Hot Wings are the high point of my day.

Chain Factor

I found a new game. Something mindless to play instead of doing something constructive. Try it, it's addictive. http://www.chainfactor.com/index.php

Just a warning - this doesn't appear to be a professional game, I have received plenty of error messages, don't be surprised if one pops up. The game is fun despite the errors.

SNOW DAY!!!!!

Eleven inches of snow makes a snow day today! The cats helped me clean the sewing room. We created a raised platform on top of the bed so now I have a great cutting surface and I don't have to bend over to cut. Unfortunately the little girl cat loves the blue fleece I layed down on the table & I don't want to disturb her. I guess I'll do some sewing instead.

Snowman Soup

In the last week I have made snowman soup (hot cocoa) and chocolate chip cookies for seven 3rd grade classes. I challenged them to read books, take tests and score big points. The kids did great and certainly earned a special treat. One of their teachers told me this afternoon that I sparked the kids interest in reading and they were even using MEAP strategies of consulting the text in the books to confirm the right answers! It's things like this that makes me love my job. Unfortunately there are other parts of the job that make me wish I had chosen a different profession.

Made tacos for supper tonight. The boys devoured every scrap of meat. I guess that taco meat recipe is a success. Thankyou to my friends at Recipezaar.

Ok, I'm off to make a list of more "B" items to be on the lookout for my swap partner. More on that later.

Here's hoping for another snowday tomorrow.....

Sunday

I have been busy cooking today. Because of my efforts, my hubby has vegetable pizza to eat for the big game. I made meals for the next week (or two or three). In the fridge are 5 baggies of carrots, celery & radishes for my lunch bags this week long with cabbage beef casserole and shepards pie. In the freezer is taco meat and two baggies of lightly seasoned browned ground chicken. I also chopped up cabbage for coleslaw. In the crockpot is cabbage soup, on the stove simmering is bbq chicken for sandwiches and a huge Rachel Ray pot of chicken/vegetable stock.

Here's one of the chickens. It's hard to see it but there is a can of diet coke stuck up his butt.

I also signed up for a swap on Recipezaar. Never done this before but it sounds like fun. I contact my "partner" and then before the end of the month, pack up inexpensive items that begin with the letter B and mail them to my swap partner. If you are reading this and can think of unusual "B" items, feel free to post them. If you're my swap partner, no peeking or you won't be surprised.

I made a fast trip to the mall to buy a walking foot for my sewing machine. I'm sewing 72 sandwiches of material together to make "squares" for my new jacket. With my regular sewing machine foot, the fabric keeps shifting and the sandwiches are sloppy. Hopefully the walking foot will eliminate this problem.

The SuperBowl is on, I'm moving to the sewing room. I'll hook up the computer so I can watch my e-mail and also watch the commercials. I already missed one good one.

Take this quiz

http://www.eenvandaag.nl/stemwijzerusa/en/

I'm sitting here, alternately reading the paper and checking the computer. I can hear birds singing outside. Could it be the little fellow was wrong yesterday and spring will be here soon? I haven't gone out het to see what the weather is but the sound of birds singing is truly wonderful.

Today is cooking and baking day. I'll put together meals so all we have to do is defrost and cook with minimal work the rest of the week. First step is to season 3 whole chickens and toss them in the oven. Second step is to saute some onions & garlic and brown 2 pounds of ground chicken. Then I can throw meals together - maybe they will last two or three weeks this time.

Drat, the little rodent saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter. This can only be good if it means lots of snow and snow days. I doubt the later will happen since I work for a district that believe in providing a warm safe place for children.

After several days, I finally heard from the oldest offspring who has been on holiday in New Zealand. She says, "It was a very safe trip - you know, within the first day of getting off the plane, I was riding around in a jet ski, later on, I jumped out of a plane, almost got peed on by a drunk Canadian, white-water rafted a class 5 river (it had a 21 foot waterfall!), and we ended the trip today by flying through the southwest corner of Cyclone Gene. Yep, very safe." Somehow she forgot to mention the ride on the motorbike and who knows what other adventures she knows her mother doesn't want to hear about!

Now, she is safely back in her home-away-from-home, Vanuatu. I don't know if safely is the correct work since Cyclone Funa just passed through and Cyclone Gene is rocking the southern portion of Vanuatu.

I should be worried but I'll just leave it in God's hands.