A jolly jumping juniper
jumped joyously through the jacket
of jiggly jello gently laid
at our Jesuit feet, while
jilted lovers joke about the
genius of our judicious Lord.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Silence
Silence sighed hastily in the corner.
Patience was not a virtue for her.
The room’s dark colored the space between us.
What do you say to silence?
Would she disappear?
I have the instincts of a lemur, so I should’ve seen this coming.
Last night, I sat in the station when Tom introduced me to Silence.
We waited for the train that was late due to traffic.
Who knew traffic occurred on train tracks?
Perhaps it wasn’t late; it just seemed to last forever.
Silence wore too much bling, in my opinion.
The shimmering stars of the oblivion winked down at us.
Silence sat heavily between me and Tom.
That’s the night that the lights went out in Georgia.
Or maybe they were only out at the 9th Street station.
Tom seemed pretty comfortable in the dark with Silence.
She had a “je ne sais quois” that eluded me.
So, now we sit in my room, pictures of Tom cover every wall.
How could he give me this treatment?
Silent, I sit while Silence sighs hastily in the corner.
Patience was not a virtue for her.
The room’s dark colored the space between us.
What do you say to silence?
Would she disappear?
I have the instincts of a lemur, so I should’ve seen this coming.
Last night, I sat in the station when Tom introduced me to Silence.
We waited for the train that was late due to traffic.
Who knew traffic occurred on train tracks?
Perhaps it wasn’t late; it just seemed to last forever.
Silence wore too much bling, in my opinion.
The shimmering stars of the oblivion winked down at us.
Silence sat heavily between me and Tom.
That’s the night that the lights went out in Georgia.
Or maybe they were only out at the 9th Street station.
Tom seemed pretty comfortable in the dark with Silence.
She had a “je ne sais quois” that eluded me.
So, now we sit in my room, pictures of Tom cover every wall.
How could he give me this treatment?
Silent, I sit while Silence sighs hastily in the corner.
Good Morning to You (a poem)
I come from a modest household.
Green grass, white house, painted smiles.
Milk is brought to the door and laid by the news.
The used bottle set out the night before lays shattered on the porch.
I lie on my cot, shivering in the early heat.
I hear bacon sizzling in the hot fat, splattering her apron.
Dishes clink on the table harder than usual.
Another day in hell has begun.
So I followed her tall, full body down the hall.
The heat of the stove glues the sweaty, oily apron to her.
The table is pregnant with eggs, toast, pancakes, and juice.
More food than usual…It’s going to be a really bad day.
Green grass, white house, painted smiles.
Milk is brought to the door and laid by the news.
The used bottle set out the night before lays shattered on the porch.
I lie on my cot, shivering in the early heat.
I hear bacon sizzling in the hot fat, splattering her apron.
Dishes clink on the table harder than usual.
Another day in hell has begun.
So I followed her tall, full body down the hall.
The heat of the stove glues the sweaty, oily apron to her.
The table is pregnant with eggs, toast, pancakes, and juice.
More food than usual…It’s going to be a really bad day.
Friday, May 25, 2007
I am honored...
I was flattered that Barb aka Skittles declared me the winner in her caption contest. She awarded me with a virtual accordion. I will surely be putting in hours of virtual practice on it. Hopefully, after a while, I will sound virtually capable on it. This was my first blog award and I gotta say, I like it. Thanks again, Barb. Here is the photo with the caption that won me this prestigious honor.
"Grandpa began to wonder why his dentures weren't as minty fresh in the morning as they used to be. "
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Retail Therapy...A Woman's Best Pick-Me-Up
Ok, I'm feeling a bit better. Nothing like a little retail therapy to make a girl feel better. I headed to B&N with my gift card and perused the bargain aisles. In case you haven't noticed, I hate paying full price for anything. I ended up walking away with Woman's Day Specials: Budget Makeovers and Chore Whore: Adventures of a Celebrity Personal Assistant. I chose the first because it has some great ideas on color and detail for different rooms in the house. Usually when I look at a decorating book, I notice that most of the "wow" factors and ideas are actually just the products that the company is trying to push onto the reader. I like books that have ideas I can actually pull off without having to open up a charge account at my nearest furniture retail outlet. The second book I bought because I was reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for about the third time and was finding it a bit dark and depressing for a summer read. This story seemed more of a light and funny read and more fitting to my current need for such entertainment. I will let you know how I like it soon.
I am also in the midst of a long list of projects around the house. I am currently finishing up the painting in the upstairs hall. My project to-do list is as follows:
1. paint Tiny's room with the Disney colors of purple and green to match her bedding. The result should look something like this, except the green will be on top and the purple on the bottom and a Tink border in between the two. It will also include a section of wall painted with chalk paint.
I am also in the midst of a long list of projects around the house. I am currently finishing up the painting in the upstairs hall. My project to-do list is as follows:
1. paint Tiny's room with the Disney colors of purple and green to match her bedding. The result should look something like this, except the green will be on top and the purple on the bottom and a Tink border in between the two. It will also include a section of wall painted with chalk paint.
2. paint Mister's room with another Disney color that is light blue and with white trim. I will also use the chalk paint on his closet doors.
3. a craft table for Tiny's room. I already have the table and need to cut it down in height, paint it, and use a circular router to cut out spots for craft containers to sit right into the table.
4. paint the living room in a warm, neutral color.
5. re-texturize the downstairs bathroom and repaint.
That's the list for now. I'm sure there will be add-ons and at least one deletion...probably the last one...but just until later. I might even take a few tips from that new book. It sounds like a lot of work, but I'm really glad for this time to do it and, if anything, it will be a good workout and should look nice when I'm done. I'll also try to take before and after pics to post as well, so you can enjoy the transformation too. Well, I'm going to thumb through my new treasures before I hit the hay. I'm helping out with the kids' activity day tomorrow at school and have to be there at 8:30. I'm looking forward to it. Good night.
Tired and Frustrated
Man, I am so tired. I just finished subbing at a junior high for a resource class. They were a real handful. I was closely watching the clock and wishing that the time would go faster. Afterwards, I ate lunch with my sister-in-law that teaches at the same school. I told her how the classes went and she was really understanding about it. She told me that the classes I had were probably the toughest I could have. These are students that are below level in reading and struggle a lot with school. But she let me know that until I have more experience and start leading the class easier, I will probably have tough days like today. She thinks it's a good idea that I sub and get the real classroom experience before I officially decide that this is the path I will take. As tired as I am and as tough as it was today, I don't think I should make any decisions right now. This is all I can blog for now, I'm tired.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
HI HO HI HO, It's Off To Work I Go.....and a special request
Tomorrow is my first day of substituting. I applied to the school district over the last week; application, fingerprints, the whole nine. Then I received the packet in the mail today with all the info on the sub system they use. So, I followed the instructions to register over the phone and I was officially put into the substitute pool. I made the call for that around noon. At 3:30 p.m., I received a call from their automated system offering me a sub job for tomorrow. I hadn't even been in the system for much more than 3 hours, and I already received a job offer for tomorrow! Amazing. I, of course, accepted it (after making sure H could pick up the kiddos from school). It told me where to go, for what teacher, for the subject of English, and the period of time I will be there. I will be there for the full day and it starts at 7:30...yeah, that's A.M.! But they do get out a bit earlier than some schools too.
I have to say that I'm a bit nervous. I've only subbed twice before, and that was for my cousin who taught kindergarten at a Catholic school. I did well with the kids, but then again, I did have a height and age advantage over them. Tomorrow, I'll definitely still have the age advantage, but not by a whole lot. The students are also way past ABC's and 123's. I told Hobby that I hope it's not an AP class because the students would then probably have an advantage over me in knowledge on a lot of things. I also have to say that I'm pretty excited. This will definitely help me gain more classroom experience, without the buffer of a regular teacher around. It will all be on me. Yikes. Hobby and Mody have both expressed confidence in me and my abilities. I hope their confidence is well-placed. I told Hobby that if, by the end of the day, the students haven't tied me to a spit and roasted me...it will have been a good day. Well, I just wanted to share this new development with you before I hop into bed. No staying up late tonight, not with a 7:30 a.m. report time.
One final thing, my little brother is dealing with something right now that is pretty frustrating for him and our family and it can also determine the course of his life and that of his wife and daughter. I don't want to elaborate further, but I am desperately asking for your prayers and thoughts for him. He really needs them right now, especially with the number of incompetent, unhelpful people around him right now that are supposed to be helping him. Please, just say a quick prayer or send a good thought or vibe out for him. I would greatly appreciate it.
I have to say that I'm a bit nervous. I've only subbed twice before, and that was for my cousin who taught kindergarten at a Catholic school. I did well with the kids, but then again, I did have a height and age advantage over them. Tomorrow, I'll definitely still have the age advantage, but not by a whole lot. The students are also way past ABC's and 123's. I told Hobby that I hope it's not an AP class because the students would then probably have an advantage over me in knowledge on a lot of things. I also have to say that I'm pretty excited. This will definitely help me gain more classroom experience, without the buffer of a regular teacher around. It will all be on me. Yikes. Hobby and Mody have both expressed confidence in me and my abilities. I hope their confidence is well-placed. I told Hobby that if, by the end of the day, the students haven't tied me to a spit and roasted me...it will have been a good day. Well, I just wanted to share this new development with you before I hop into bed. No staying up late tonight, not with a 7:30 a.m. report time.
One final thing, my little brother is dealing with something right now that is pretty frustrating for him and our family and it can also determine the course of his life and that of his wife and daughter. I don't want to elaborate further, but I am desperately asking for your prayers and thoughts for him. He really needs them right now, especially with the number of incompetent, unhelpful people around him right now that are supposed to be helping him. Please, just say a quick prayer or send a good thought or vibe out for him. I would greatly appreciate it.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
Just a quick post to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day. H decided last night that we would all head up to a nearby ski lodge for the night. So, we packed our bag and headed out. We reserved a nice room with a view of the pool and the mountains. After taking a dip in the hot tub and pool, we headed back down the mountain to eat at a great bbq restaurant. (In case you haven't noticed, I really like bbq.) We went back to the lodge for the night and enjoyed a Mother's Day brunch at the hotel the next morning. It was a really great way to celebrate the day. I told H, after he paid the brunch bill, "You know I would be just as happy with a rental movie and a chocolate bar, right?" To which he answered, "Yeah, I know. So would they." (referring to the kids) I like it when he is impetuous like that, and we end up doing something cool at the last minute. Well, that was my day. I hope your's was as great...we deserve it.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Life Since the BFA
I have been quite neglectful of my postings lately. I can blame it on the fact that since I finished school, it seems that my brain has been on a sort of forced hiatus. It knows that it doesn't have to work hard at any particular thing right now and has chosen to take full advantage of it. Seriously, I have been keeping house, which is nice when it is already pretty clean (thanks, Mom), and also looking into my grad school options. It turns out that the grad program I planned to apply for next year at my current university is in its last semester. They have decided to terminate the program from their curriculum after the current cohort ends. Unfortunately, they did not broadcast this very well and I had to find out by calling my advisor when I could no longer find the program on their website. I also had to then call Hobby to let her know about it, since she planned to apply as well next summer. There is a light at the end of this unexpected tunnel though. Another local university just started up the same program this summer. It is too late to apply for this year, but there are no indications that it will shut down next year. I have heard that it is a great school, and it is slightly closer to my home. The hitch, however, is that it is considerably more expensive. So, I will definitely have to start looking into scholarships or be prepared to be indebted to student loans for quite some time to come.
I have really been enjoying my time off. A couple of nights this week, I have found myself on my back porch, sitting at my new patio table, with a good book and a feeling of complete contentment and happiness. Last night, we decided to bbq chicken kabobs and salmon. I also made real mashed potatoes (not the flake stuff) and a cake (don't be too impressed...it was from a box). We invited over a couple from church that we really enjoy hanging out with and their kids. It was nice. They are in the midst of moving and were thankful for the dinner break from unpacking and cleaning. It was just great to hang out with them and let the kids run wild. I love when my house is clean and I don't worry when someone pops in at the last minute (again, thanks, Mom).
Mother's Day....Sunday. Can't say we have anything planned, but I'm pretty low-maintenance and easily pleased. I have cards for our moms, but of course, I haven't mailed them yet. I really need to start my workout back up. I've been incredibly lax with that and my clothes aren't going to stretch out to accomodate me.
Jobs...I turned in my application to the school district for substitute teaching. Before I can start though, I need to get fingerprinted so they can run a background check. I'll be doing that on Monday. They have you indicate what grades, schools and subjects you want to teach. I marked all secondary schools (jr. high and high school) in the district and about half the subjects listed. I told Mody that at least there was a benefit to taking all those general ed classes over the years for my degree...I feel pretty comfortable subbing in many different subjects. I also told her that there are subjects that I should definitely steer clear of, like driver's ed (wouldn't be able to resist scaring the driver) , physics (they actually teach this in high school?), and music (I think they'll want someone that actually knows what they are doing). I'm excited to start though. It will give me a lot more classroom experience and I'll be able to make some contacts in the schools.
In the meantime, I have been enjoying the gift cards I received for graduation. As mentioned before, I preordered the new Harry Potter. I also went to JCPenney's yesterday and purchased two new pairs of slacks to wear when I work and a pantyhose-like girdle (like I said, I haven't been exercising) to smooth out my frame. The brand is called My Shapz, like a Spanx copy. I was excited to see how it held up. Well, it definitely smoothed me out and the torso section was long, which I like. However, the legs were kind of short and it showed when I walked where it was squeezing my thighs a bit. The torso also had a very thick seam running right down the middles of the front and back. So, it would show right through the shirt as if I had had a horrible operation and had a long, wide scar running up my front...not attractive. And, when I undressed later, after about 6 hours of wear, I found that they had a hole on the side, like a stocking run. How that got there, I have no idea. I'm debating whether to return them to the store or call the company. Either way, I want a refund. I will then take that refund and try to order a pair of Spanx instead. Hopefully, I will have a better experience with those...at least until I get my butt (and thighs and tummy) in gear and work out more to shed these few lbs. that I would prefer to ditch.
Well, folks, it's almost 1:30 am and I should head to bed soon, despite the long nap I had earlier and the caffeine-riddled Excedrin I downed a little while ago. Good night and good dreams.
I have really been enjoying my time off. A couple of nights this week, I have found myself on my back porch, sitting at my new patio table, with a good book and a feeling of complete contentment and happiness. Last night, we decided to bbq chicken kabobs and salmon. I also made real mashed potatoes (not the flake stuff) and a cake (don't be too impressed...it was from a box). We invited over a couple from church that we really enjoy hanging out with and their kids. It was nice. They are in the midst of moving and were thankful for the dinner break from unpacking and cleaning. It was just great to hang out with them and let the kids run wild. I love when my house is clean and I don't worry when someone pops in at the last minute (again, thanks, Mom).
Mother's Day....Sunday. Can't say we have anything planned, but I'm pretty low-maintenance and easily pleased. I have cards for our moms, but of course, I haven't mailed them yet. I really need to start my workout back up. I've been incredibly lax with that and my clothes aren't going to stretch out to accomodate me.
Jobs...I turned in my application to the school district for substitute teaching. Before I can start though, I need to get fingerprinted so they can run a background check. I'll be doing that on Monday. They have you indicate what grades, schools and subjects you want to teach. I marked all secondary schools (jr. high and high school) in the district and about half the subjects listed. I told Mody that at least there was a benefit to taking all those general ed classes over the years for my degree...I feel pretty comfortable subbing in many different subjects. I also told her that there are subjects that I should definitely steer clear of, like driver's ed (wouldn't be able to resist scaring the driver) , physics (they actually teach this in high school?), and music (I think they'll want someone that actually knows what they are doing). I'm excited to start though. It will give me a lot more classroom experience and I'll be able to make some contacts in the schools.
In the meantime, I have been enjoying the gift cards I received for graduation. As mentioned before, I preordered the new Harry Potter. I also went to JCPenney's yesterday and purchased two new pairs of slacks to wear when I work and a pantyhose-like girdle (like I said, I haven't been exercising) to smooth out my frame. The brand is called My Shapz, like a Spanx copy. I was excited to see how it held up. Well, it definitely smoothed me out and the torso section was long, which I like. However, the legs were kind of short and it showed when I walked where it was squeezing my thighs a bit. The torso also had a very thick seam running right down the middles of the front and back. So, it would show right through the shirt as if I had had a horrible operation and had a long, wide scar running up my front...not attractive. And, when I undressed later, after about 6 hours of wear, I found that they had a hole on the side, like a stocking run. How that got there, I have no idea. I'm debating whether to return them to the store or call the company. Either way, I want a refund. I will then take that refund and try to order a pair of Spanx instead. Hopefully, I will have a better experience with those...at least until I get my butt (and thighs and tummy) in gear and work out more to shed these few lbs. that I would prefer to ditch.
Well, folks, it's almost 1:30 am and I should head to bed soon, despite the long nap I had earlier and the caffeine-riddled Excedrin I downed a little while ago. Good night and good dreams.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Minor Adjustment
A friend informed me that she was having trouble with my page loading on her comp. I hope I have fixed the problem. Please let me know if it still gives anyone any trouble.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Now What?
Today was odd for me. Now that my family has left and things are quiet, I'm a little unsure about what to do with myself. I have never really been home while the kids were at school, with no homework to worry about or an endless list of housework to do. We got the house pretty spic and span last week and I just had to straighten up a bit today. I also ordered a couple things online, did some laundry, vacuumed, ran an errand and I had nothing really important to do after all that at about 1:30. I didn't know what to do with myself. I ended up reading a bit. I am rereading Harry Potter #6. I also pre-ordered #7 today with one of my grad gifts, a B&N gift card...do my friends know me or what?! Other grad gifts included a couple of books, jewelry, cards, and some odds and ends. I had a blast that day. We had a nice shindig here at the house afterwards. It was so much fun.
My parents left yesterday and I'm always a little sad when they leave. My dad was able to fix a problem with our car too about a couple of hours before we left for the airport. I love it when my daddy fixes things for me. I think it makes him feel good too that I still need him...which I do cause I don't know a carburetor from an engine valve. Yeah, I don't know why they make you work on a lawnmower engine in junior high mechanic shop. It's not like we're going to constantly have problems with lawnmowers later in life. Anyway, I found out that my university will not be offering the grad program I want next year. They didn't really let anyone know about it either. So, it looks like I'll be attending another college in the area, one that costs almost twice as much. At least they have the program. I will be setting up a meeting with that program's advisor soon. I will also be painting my father-in-law's house, and maybe helping a friend with her new house. H is hinting at me becoming a real estate agent. Not sure if that will happen. Will keep you updated though.
My parents left yesterday and I'm always a little sad when they leave. My dad was able to fix a problem with our car too about a couple of hours before we left for the airport. I love it when my daddy fixes things for me. I think it makes him feel good too that I still need him...which I do cause I don't know a carburetor from an engine valve. Yeah, I don't know why they make you work on a lawnmower engine in junior high mechanic shop. It's not like we're going to constantly have problems with lawnmowers later in life. Anyway, I found out that my university will not be offering the grad program I want next year. They didn't really let anyone know about it either. So, it looks like I'll be attending another college in the area, one that costs almost twice as much. At least they have the program. I will be setting up a meeting with that program's advisor soon. I will also be painting my father-in-law's house, and maybe helping a friend with her new house. H is hinting at me becoming a real estate agent. Not sure if that will happen. Will keep you updated though.
Friday, May 04, 2007
I DID IT!!!
I knew that graduation was going to be great, but man, it was awesome. I had a lot of fun and just couldn't stop smiling. I was able to sit next to a classmate and chat a bit. The outstanding undergrad chosen to speak gave a great speech about why we study humanities. We lined up and when they said my name, I felt so proud and happy enough to burst. I kept looking up at my family in the seats and my son was smiling at me and my daughter kept blowing me kisses. When accepting the diploma cover, I got to hug a couple of my professors. After the graduation, we headed back to the house and there were a ton of friends there already. We were chatting, laughing, hugging, and the kids were running wild. It was great. As a gift, my parents bought us a new dining set and a new patio set. I'll post pics soon. Most of the LonDolls were there and I finally got to meet Mody's boyfriend. He's from Ecuador and seems really nice. The girls got me a gift card to Barnes and Noble and I was really excited. They know the way to a Word Nerd's heart.
I was having so much fun chatting that I didn't eat until everyone had left. This was seriously one of the very best days ever. I am exhausted, but so happy. We also got good news that my bro-in-law and sis-in-law are expecting a little girl. They have three boys and a little girl, and they are all incredibly cute. Can't wait to see what this one will look like. I better get to bed since I am having a really hard time keeping my eyes open. Hope you're having a great day too.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
3 Days Until...
Graduation is on Friday. I'm so excited. My parents will be coming in tomorrow and my brother and his family will come in on Thursday. I've had to give myself a reality check more than once that I am actually done with my undergrad work. I keep thinking that I have homework to do and classes to sign up for. I have to remind myself that my 9 year journey is finally going to pay off, I am actually going to put on the cap and gown and walk.
My house is still in shambles, but I'll be busting butt on it today. Whatever I don't finish up, I'm sure my mom will whip out in the first hour she is here. That's how she is, a go-getter. I am so grateful for my parents. They always just expected us to go to school. My mom, having been married twice before meeting my dad, always stressed the importance of being able to take care of yourself and your family. My dad showed me it was possible when I watched him working two jobs, going to class after work, and staying up late to do homework. He wanted to make life better for his family, and worked hard to do it. They have always been really loving and accepting of our decisions in life.
After the graduation, we're going to party back at our house. We'll be BBQing, eating cake, and maybe a little dancing. We party hard around here. As for after graduation, my parents will be staying until Monday and then I start a little side job for my father-in-law. He has a place south of here that he is remodeling and wants me to finish up some painting for him. It will go quick, but he offered to pay me to do it. I also received an interesting email from the university about a job opportunity in the local schools, helping high school students prep for college and informing them about financial aid. It looks like something worth checking out. Other than that, I'll be signing up to substitute teach in the nearby districts. We'll have to see how that works out.
Well, I better get to work on the house. I still need to buy new locks for the windows, storage baskets, and start planning the menu for the rest of the week and the party. Hope you all have as great a week as I will.
My house is still in shambles, but I'll be busting butt on it today. Whatever I don't finish up, I'm sure my mom will whip out in the first hour she is here. That's how she is, a go-getter. I am so grateful for my parents. They always just expected us to go to school. My mom, having been married twice before meeting my dad, always stressed the importance of being able to take care of yourself and your family. My dad showed me it was possible when I watched him working two jobs, going to class after work, and staying up late to do homework. He wanted to make life better for his family, and worked hard to do it. They have always been really loving and accepting of our decisions in life.
After the graduation, we're going to party back at our house. We'll be BBQing, eating cake, and maybe a little dancing. We party hard around here. As for after graduation, my parents will be staying until Monday and then I start a little side job for my father-in-law. He has a place south of here that he is remodeling and wants me to finish up some painting for him. It will go quick, but he offered to pay me to do it. I also received an interesting email from the university about a job opportunity in the local schools, helping high school students prep for college and informing them about financial aid. It looks like something worth checking out. Other than that, I'll be signing up to substitute teach in the nearby districts. We'll have to see how that works out.
Well, I better get to work on the house. I still need to buy new locks for the windows, storage baskets, and start planning the menu for the rest of the week and the party. Hope you all have as great a week as I will.
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