Wednesday, February 28, 2007

I have hit the proverbial caffeine wall

Those energy drinks truly live up to their name. I was still zooming around until yesterday afternoon after only just under two hours of sleep the night before. I wasn't tired at all. I went to my first class which was canceled due to the snow storm, but the prof was still kind enough to show up to collect our papers. At least he postponed the quiz. I then met with Mody to have a hot chocolate at the library cafe since we had time to kill and I wanted to show her my new hairdo. Oh, I neglected to tell you all that...wait for it. I then went to my second class which was sparsely attended. We briefly met with the prof to review our presentation ideas. Then we were free to leave. I am very thankful for our city light rail train. Traffic was horrible in the storm but the trains were running smooth and on time. I then went with H to Barnes and Noble. It is my fav place. I only shop the bargain aisles, being the thrifter that I am, and came away with three books that came out to $25. I came home, watched Monday's episode of Heroes, picked up the kids, and made sure they did their homework.


After that, I was DRAGGING. I called Mody about doing a Heroes marathon on Saturday since she has missed about 5 episodes and then laid down. This was at about 4:30. Well, I didn't get back up until 7 am this morning. And I was still dragging and could have slept in a lot longer. I feel wiped right now. I guess it's what they say, "What goes up must come down." There had to be a downside to those drinks. No wonder they're addictive. It's like how the quickest cure for a hangover is to drink more. Anyway.


Hair: Every 6 months or so, I get bored with my look. I can't afford a new wardrobe or a long trip, so I usually do something to my hair. I don't go completely crazy with bleach and scissors. But I do something very noticeable. I only chop it off about every ten years, so don't worry, I didn't. I wanted color. My hair is a very dark brown and coloring is limited. I can either go with red or a certain level of blond (which comes out a light brown). If I stray too far, it comes out orange or green. A girl in Spanish class has black hair (not natural) and she had big streaks of bright red put in. Apparently, they have to bleach the hair first to attain this level of color. This was a measure I wasn't willing to take. So, we chose a bright red copper and put it in the middle layer of my hair so it peeks out. It's definitely noticeable, and I really like it. So did the kids. I have it peeking through a lot in this pic.

Being red, it will blend in as it fades. But I'm definitely going to have some fun with it.

Barnes and Noble: I walked away with three books. First, I got "Letters to a Young Artist" by Julia Cameron. I made the mistake of thinking this was a different book I had wanted to read "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rilke. I didn't realize my error until I was almost home. I will still read it and then probably pass it on to someone else. The second is "Rival Crock Pot: Slow Cooker Recipes". It has recipes for each meat and also vegetarian meals that you cook in your crock pot. The recipes looked yum and simple. Can't wait to try one.

The third book I got will probably null and void any use of the second book though. It is "The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer in Three Easy Steps". I know, you're asking, "Why are you buying some empy promise of a book?" Well, I didn't buy it on a whim. I have seen this doctor on Oprah and some examples of his work. And what he says about the food we eat is proven science. I am just hesitant to give up some of the "bad" foods, like a LOT of chocolate in one sitting and soda. But it has also not escaped me the toll that they are taking on my body. I want to feel better, fit better in my clothes, and have more energy, and yes, live longer. He promises noticeable results in three days and great results in 28 days. Unfortunately, the Oprah website doesn't have the before and after pics of that show on their website anymore. If I come across any, I'll post them.

Since I listed my blog on a couple of blog lists, I have seen the number of viewers jump dramatically. I want to say welcome to all you reading and invite you to drop a line or two. And if there is any subject, website, or idea you'd like my two cents on, pass it along.

Well, my eyes are drooping and I'm fighting the urge to get another energy drink. Think I will consume a chocolate bar and do my homework. I'll leave you with a few lines of Maya Angelou that I am using for my presentation.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to fit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

My hands are shaking as I type this...

I just drank my first full energy drink. It was a Mountain Dew Amp Energy. I've only tasted one energy drink before, but tonight I had the whole thing. And if you can see the time of post, you will know that it lives up to its name. I put off a theory paper until the last minute and told H that I knew what and how I wanted to write but the challenge was staying awake. He asked if I wanted him to go get me an energy drink and after considering my impending paper deadline on top of a presentation I needed to finish up, I consented. It wasn't the best tasting drink I've ever had, but it didn't make me ill and I drank the whole thing. So, here it is, about 2 hours since my last sip and my fingers are still going 100 mph. I finished the paper, finished my presentation outline, and organized my presentation clips and audio on my desktop, and just need to print up some copies of poems. I can feel the caffeine still flooded in my veins. At 5:30 am, is it even worth it to go to bed? Well, I probably will and I will definitely remember that drink the next time I pull an all-nighter. I'm not as young as I used to be and need that extra boost just to stay awake. This may even become a new addiction. Like I need another one? Good night...er, morning.

Monday, February 26, 2007

My Anniversary


No, not that one. I just realized that my One Year Blogging Anniversary has come and gone. I can't believe I've been doing it for that long already. A year ago, I barely knew what a blog was and was turned on to it by my London buddy, Something McSomethingkins. This blog is the closest I've ever come to keeping a journal/record of my life/happenings/comings and goings. I've enjoyed it greatly, I've enjoyed you greatly, and I hope to continue this joy into the future. Thanks again for reading.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Does Rayovac have a bunny too???

My first baby just completed his very first science fair project. He did an experiment to see if Rayovac batteries last as long as Energizer batteries, as they claim on the package. He ran each set of batteries in a remote control car, recording the time, until they died. He found that Rayovacs, at just under 2 hours, do not even last half as long as Energizers, with almost 5 hours. I am so proud of him because he did the work himself. He ran the tests, recorded the data, and then proceeded to put together a slide show of his data which he then printed out for his board. His dad guided him and helped a little here and there. I only helped decorate his data board. Everything else was all him. Thankfully, I didn't become THAT mom that does all the work for him like Mom Writes blogged about. I am so proud of him. Below are some pics of the finished work.

























Monday, February 19, 2007

Carol Burnett

Man, I wish they still had the reruns of the show on tv. Above are some blooper clips. I remember coming home from school and watching it everyday. It was and still is the funniest show ever. The cast said that it was like putting on a new broadway performance every night. The costumes were designed by Bob Mackie and were amazing. Who could forget the Scarlett O'Hara outfit.


"That gown is gorgeous." "Thank you. I saw it in the window and just couldn't resist it."

Thursday, February 15, 2007

How was your day of love?

It seems that the days of "What did you get?" are not over, even as you get older. That seemed to be the question yesterday, though it is now focused more on the sentiment rather than the scorekeeping of gifts received like in junior high. When asked, many people responded that they had received flowers, dinner, or candy. My response? I got spoiled...or as spoiled as you can get on our budget. When I lamented that I was hungry around lunchtime, he immediately drove to my fav burger place and got me a burger and fries. Earlier, he had also given me a bottle of root beer (there's a backstory to that), a card, and a 1/2 lb. of Hershey's chocolate. The card was beautiful and not too mushy with the simple Love, H signed on it. I think when you add too much wording to a card, it can detract from the loving and carefully chosen words in the card. This is provided that the giver actually searched for the right card with the right sentiment, which H always does.

The backstory to the rootbeer: As newlyweds, we had one of our first real arguments and went to bed upset. I know, people say you shouldn't do that. But I think that getting some rest and resolving an argument when you feel calmer is better than staying up all night, tired and angry, trying to fix a problem that you are still frusted about. Anyway, after I woke up, H had already left for work and I was still a bit upset. Then I opened the fridge to start breakfast and found a single bottle of rootbeer on the top shelf. It was his way of saying sorry and that he still loved me. Needless to say, I couldn't be upset after that and felt really loved. So, rootbeer isn't just rootbeer to us.

What did I get him yesterday? I got him a great card that didn't have the most appealing (to me) design, but it said just what I wanted him to know. I also got him a huge tub of red vines, one of his fav candies. We will also be going to dinner with some friends tonight that we love being around but rarely get the chance to spend time with. (You know...finding time, finding a sitter, aligning schedules.)

I feel amazingly blessed to have H. Our marriage has been no smooth ride by any means, but the hard times make me appreciate the good ones. I love the random moments of laughter, our conversations after the kids leave the dinner table, and the sense of humor we try to find when we find ourselves in a tough situation. I especially love that he loves me, all of me, rough edges, sometimes unthinking, sometimes rude, sometimes sad and confusing, my weird sense of humor, my random thoughts, and my soft (-er than when we married) curves. He says I'm beautiful when I'm makeup-less and cute in sweats. He hugs me for a long time, smiles at me when I'm sad, listens to my opinion, plays with our children, and even still sometimes carries me up the stairs at night. I always say that I knew he was the one for me because I knew deep down that I would NEVER find another person better than him. And you know what? I still have yet to meet one.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Which do you choose?

Here's a question for all you bloggers out there. Tell me which one you find more romantic and meaningful.

1. When a man asks you to marry him and spend the rest of your lives together. He has chosen you to walk hand in hand into forever. You're young, optimistic, and in love.

OR

2. When you have been married for quite some time, you have struggled, fought, loved, laughed, and cried through good times and bad. Then he looks at you, both of you a bit older and wiser, and says that he would gladly do it all over again.

HELP...MY MIND IS MELTING!!!

HELP!!! I'm getting sucked into the the tv/internet vortex again. I have only managed to fold two loads of laundry and complete no homework due to the tv again. I decided to watch the beginning of Regis and Kelly because I love their banter at the beginning of the show. But then they announced who was going to be on the show...Hugh Grant (who I could NEVER turn the tv off on) and Hayden Panettiere (from Heroes, so you KNOW I'm not turning that off). So, I wasted that hour in front of the tube. It's like chips, you can't have just one. So, I then channel flipped and ended up sucked into the Dr. Keith Ablow show, which I never watch and was actually not a justifiable use of time. So, here I am at 12:30pm and I have yet to start my homework. I have got to get a grip on my time or cut our cable. Such a waste of time and brain cells.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

If it were a hotdog, it would be a footlong!

Warning: Extremely long blog post to follow. You were warned.

I really wish that we had three day weekends. I could get so much more done. The weekend is the only real time I have to focus on the house and it seems to get sucked up by extra activities. Before you know it, it's time to start the week all over again.

Last Friday, I started volunteering in a junior high class for my service learning for school. I've been to this particular junior high previously because my sis-in-law works there and I sat in on a few classes. I remembered it being kind of chaotic in the classes. I mean, it is a junior high after all. I signed up to assist a specific teacher this time and didn't know what to expect. I had been told by many people numerous times that this teacher is really "old school" and one of my fellow students even used the word boring. So, I went on Friday with an open mind. At the end of my volunteer time, I felt that this teacher was a perfect fit for me. I'm not sure what "old school" entails, but this teacher had good cooperation from her students, control over the class, and was well organized. I was really impressed by her. I also was able to help the students many times with their essays. I felt that I was very useful. She even let me critique some of the students' essays. I did more in her class in one day than I did most of my last semester of service learning. I'm really looking forward to going back. I'm only required to do 20 hours of volunteering, but believe I will continue to help after that is completed.

Since taking the GRE, I have been receiving info from different grad schools from various places. I have received a packet from a school for business in Indiana. Heeellloooo!!!! I'm an English major....that marked off that I want to teach secondary ed.....and I live in another state! I considered it for a nanosecond until I realized that it's colder there than it is here and that cinched the rejection. Sorry, after two semesters of accounting, I knew business was not for me. I also received a packet from a school in Virginia that seemed very appealing. It was a school that focused on Shakespeare and his contemporaries. I think the degree was a Masters of Letters and it not only taught Shakespeare by the book (catch the pun?) but also through performance. It is a school that produces Shakespearean professors, drama teachers, playwrights, actors, and directors. They had a picture of the period replica stage that is used for classes as well as performances. I have to say that it really appealed to me, focusing in depth on Shakespeare and acquainting yourself through performance as well as through text. Tempting, very tempting. The drawbacks, however, is the location on the farthest coast from where I live and I'm sure there is a nice price tag attached as well. I can't see myself uprooting my family from job and school, just so I can attend grad school on the other side of the continent. Now, if I was younger and single, I'd probably give it a whirl. I know I would.

This just might end up being my longest post ever because I don't plan to stop soon. Last night, we had the privilege of having dinner at a friend's house. These friends are actually also a couple that H helped to buy a house. They had been in a small townhouse with their four kids for some time. They now have a multi-level that has a lot of space. It was nice to hang out and chat while the kids all played in a whole other part of the house.

Today at church, I found out that a friend is about 3 months pregnant. I was so excited for them because they are some of the best people I know and are really great parents. This baby will make #5 for them. It was very unexpected but they are all now very excited. Her son is rooting for a boy since he is the only son. I told her that we had talked about when to have another kiddo and hadn't decided yet. I still very much want to finish school and do a bit of working first. I just don't know though. I can sometimes feel the pull of motherhood and actually look forward to when I'll be able to do it again.

Good news...I got my first paper back in theory and it had a B- on it. It had been a B+, but was reduced because it was late. I didn't mind considering that he had said he wouldn't take any late papers at all and definitely could have deducted a LOT more. I was just glad that he was nice enough to accept it. I cringe to think of getting my Spanish test back. I seriously just pray that I passed with a decent grade. I don't delude myself into thinking that I aced it or even beed it. (I know, it's not a word. But I thought it fit.)

Bad news...my little brother got laid off because the factory where he is working had to shut down temporarily. There is also word that it is being sold. It sucks because he really enjoyed working there and he was providing for his new little family. I hope he will get back there soon or somewhere as good.

Well, I better sign off for now since the typing is keeping Mister awake. Sorry for the length, but like I always said...I keep this blog more for me than for anyone else. But I'm sure glad you're along for the ride.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Did you ever try to push something the size of a watermelon through something the size of a lemon???

Well, I feel like I just endured a final in the middle of the semester. I finished my Spanish test feeling like I did well enough to pass, maybe a little better than that. Just a little, though. I'm relieved anyway. Now, it's 9pm and I need to read a couple chapters of theory, write an article about a magazine ad relating to sign theory, and do some sewing on a costume for my daughter for a school party tomorrow. Sound like too much? Not for...SUPERMOM!!! Just thought I would update you on the test outcome. Will post more later.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Oh Colin, you flirt!

Above is the picture I now have adorning my screen background. Every time I start up my comp or close the window, I see Colin Firth's mischevious and sexy grin and I can't help but smile myself. It's like he shows up unexpectedly and beckons me into his sexy arms and to ride around London with him. Well, a girl can dream! Needless to say, I'm not changing this pic anytime soon.

Heroes update: HOLY CRAP!!! I watched the latest episode today after school and COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!!! Not only did Claire meet her mom, but they also revealed that her real father is...NATHAN PETRELLI! I made a comment to Mody that it would be interesting if Peter and Claire got together after she was older. But that theory is shot now considering he is her uncle. Just in case you haven't caught it before or figured it out........I FREAKIN LOVE THIS SHOW! That's all for now folks!

Just an early morning break

Here I am, at 1:30 in the morn and still not done with my homework. I have a killer Spanish exam in less than two days, a group lesson presentation tomorrow, and a quiz tomorrow morn over Aristotle, Gorgias, Plato, and Augustine. I was also supposed to have started my service learning already and post about it tomorrow. Alas, I still have not started it yet, but will this week. It's only been a month of school and I'm SO tired of it already. One down, three to go. I also found out that by the time I finish all my schooling, I will owe about $30,000 in student loans, if not more. Totally sucks. I'm tired, I'm disorganized, and I'm ready to be done already.

I was pretty proud of the fact that I did not watch even one minute of tv today...even though "Heroes" was on tonight. (I was in class.) I will have to watch it online tomorrow or probably after the test on Wednesday. I did, however, linger on the comp for about an hour this morning. Oh well, some is better than none. Well, break is over and I must return to my studies. Adios!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

A bit of a sabbatical...

What I am going to say in this post is quite the opposite of the subject of my last post. In my theory class this week, we were discussing how our lives nowadays have become so full that we have the need to externalize our thoughts, ideas, and agendas. What do I mean by this, you ask? Well, take your cell phone for example. How many important numbers would be absolutely lost if you broke/lost your cell? How many appointments/events would you miss if you couldn't find your calendar/planner/pda? Our lives have become so full with activities, appointments, phone numbers, and other info that we can not contain it all in our own minds. He also mentioned that someone said our work areas (desks, cubicle, etc) are a reflection of our minds. Yikes! Mine would win an award for the most unorganized mess of a mind in history...ok, I exaggerate a bit. But it's a lot worse than I would like.

This discussion has stuck in my head all week and I have found that it really bothered me. I have let my life become so dependent on externalization and it bothers me that I can not keep it straight on my own. I never wanted to have to keep my life in order with a day planner. Sure, I know they have helped millions and it works well for people, but I just never wanted to have to be that overly busy. So, I started to think about ways to simplify my life, schedule, and priorities. One immediate idea was television. I can easily waste half a day in front of the boob tube if I'm not careful. Afterwards, I feel like a total bum, not having accomplished a thing. A couple blogs ago, I mentioned that I LOVE 'Heroes' and if I could only watch one show all week, that would be it. Well, I remembered this and thought, "Why don't I try that? If that's the only show that I actually feel I MUST watch (addiction? what addiction?), then that should be the only one I DO watch. Sure, I like other shows..."Numbers", "CSI", "Live with Regis and Kelly", etc. But "Heroes" is the only one that I REALLY, FULLY enjoy. So, that's the tv plan.

Next, the internet. There are a lot of websites that I visit on a regular basis that do not warrant any real beneficial reason to visit them so often. I can easily spend two hours on the 'net just browsing through some of these sights. So, I will be narrowing them down to a precious few...mostly email, news, and a few blogs. I have found that although there are some great folks out there in the blogging world, I can not spend all my time keeping up with them. Sadly, my own blogging may be less frequent as well. This saddens me just a bit, but there are a lot of other really important things that I need to devote my time to...family, home, and school (that Spanish homework isn't going to do itself, and try as I may, I can't absorb my reading through osmosis).

There are a number of other things I will try along the way, but I think that this is a good start. I will keep in touch on here and hopefully be accomplishing a lot more with my simpler load in life. Take care.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Need to waste some time???

It never ceases to amaze me the websites that people will come up with and it will become incredibly popular. One of the most recent I have come across is Found Magazine. This is a collection of notes and photos that people find on the street, in parks, etc and then submit online. The notes range from shopping lists to love notes to drug deals. The pictures are random photos that they have found in cameras, on the ground, etc. It's a good website to visit when you want to get sucked in and waste an hour, or two or three.

And another popular website, if you haven't heard of it already, is Post Secret. People submit confessions/secrets anonymously on postcards and a small number are chosen each week to be featured on the website. While it may be interesting to indulge such a curiousity, the downside is that some of these secrets aren't for the faint of heart. Some could receive a R rating.

There is a similar webpage on Live Journal. It is LJSecrets and it posts a lot more secrets, more frequently than Post Secret. Like Post though, some secrets are rated R. It is easy to spend a ton of time on these pages, so beware.