Hmmm...I have been posting long enough that there are a few interesting searches pointing to me...most of them vulgar enough that I don't want to repeat them (what is with the sickos out there?) but the one I am really wondering about is "Wheeeee hampster". Huh?

I have learned that there is a book (or perhaps just the start of one, hard to tell) called "The Empire of Solee". Cool. I always wanted an empire. : )

One one last comment on hits...there are at least 20 people who have been to my site today...WHY IS NO ONE SAYING ANYTHING???? Ugh. Now that Amy and Joie are off doing other things (I think we need a 12 step program to get Joie off the Sims) this place is like a cone of silence. Bleh. I need some grown up interaction (Not THAT kind of interaction you pervs!), people!! I spend all day with 3rd graders! Help me!!!

The Simpson's are so funny and yet so profound. The episode tonight got me thinking...

You wanna know what bugs me? (I'm sure you are all jumping up and down with excitement!)

People who claim that not voting at all is the same as saying "I don't like either candidate" and then complain about how the country is being run. In my humble opinion, not voting is simply saying "I don't care." If you don't like the democrat or republican candidates, then vote for one of the others. If you don't like any of the names on the ballot, then write someone in. Make a choice and commit to it. VOTE. Otherwise you are just another person who doesn't have an opinion. No matter how opinionated you happen to be on non-election days.

"I just want to be
safe in my own skin."

Dido

I am not the only one dealing with the agony of interviews and waiting for phone calls. Joan is out there pounding the pavement for her dream nursing job and from the sound of it, doing a damn good job of it. Good luck, Joan!!!

Speaking of the agonizing wait...

MINE IS OVER!!! I have been unofficially informed that I am being offered the 3rd grade jobshare position. I still have to wait for the official red tape to be cleared and all the final hurdles of agreeing on details and signing contracts to be leapt, but the job is MINE!! Whoo Hoo! I am very excited and ready to jump right in with both feet. I am going to be a REAL TEACHER!!!

Watched "Fraility" today. I am not sure I like it. It was a well done story (for the most part) and of course it had the little interesting twist at the end that I like so much, but I don't think I agree with the philosophy of it. Hmm. I hate to say too much here for fear of ruining it for someone. Watch it and then send me an e-mail - we'll talk.

OMG! That was SO fun! I don't know about you, but I love those adventure games were you have to click on things and figure out clever ways to use them to solve puzzles. When I was much younger I played Leisure Suit Larry (hehe...you could make him jump into bed with a girl!!! At 12 years old I thought that was quite funny. Come to think of it...I think it's funny now! So much for growing out of my sophmoric sense of humor!) and I currently have a copy of Douglas Adam's Starship Titanic. However both of the aforementioned games were much too hard for me and I never got to finish them. This little adventure is just the right amount of difficulty for me (probably means that it's TOO easy for many of you - you guys are SO CLEVER!) Anyway, go check it out...but be prepared to spend some time there...I think all in all I was adventuring for 90 mins or so and there is NO SAVING.) Thanks to Joanie for sharing it!

I was having trouble yesterday...Is blogger working today?

Today's news...
Mikey got his new computer and has spent the day setting it up and transfering files and whatnot. He likes it but it is full of differences and he's having trouble getting everything back to the way he likes it. For my special treat, I got the fancy new black and silver keyboard, because Mikey uses the split keebie (he bought it special). It types so nicely. I like it. I don't like the huge mess of computer parts and packing boxes that has taken over my entire house! Oh well.

Still no news on either job. I was told they would be making a decision on the 3rd grade position today and I am really hoping that Kelly (the other teacher) lets me know ASAP like she said she would. I am not even thinking about the other job any more. I am sure they have filled it and I have just not received the little postcard telling me so.

I spent the day cross-stitching and lounging about. Lazy me. I also watched Gosford Park, which was not at all what I was expecting. I am going to have to watch it again to truly get the idea because I think it is a good movie...just not the thrilling comedy murder mystery I thought it would be. More of a commentary on English society and the difference between the upper class and the serving class. There was also a well done "ugly American" character who I thought was quite amusing.

is this thing on???

Mikey doesn't like my plan to fast.

My fleeting fame is over...I am back down to 15 hits a day. ah, the fickle hand of fame...

I envy people who have memories. Not that I have none, but I have so few. People talk about their first memory being when they were 2 or 3 or 4. I can't think of anything I truly remember that goes back farther than about 5 or 6. Why? Have I blocked things out? Do I just have a crappy memory bank? That is probably it, because it isn't just my young years I don't remember. I have trouble remembering things from a few years ago. I was thinking in the shower. The number of truly vivid memories I have from my elementary years can probably be counted on two hands.

I remember getting hit in the head by a volleyball while my dad and his friend, Mr. Thompson (who had a tank of piranhas in his class) were playing some one on one. It hurt like everything, but I didn't cry and Mr. Thompson told me I was tough. I must have been in about 1st grade.

I remember listening to my parents argue at the dinner table. They weren't really shouting or anything, but something in the tone made me put my fingers in my ears and yell "Stop it!". I don't remember what the argument was about or how they reacted. I have no idea how old I was.

I remember sitting at a kidney shaped table for reading groups and the teacher asking what page we were on. I said the number quietly and then for some reason that I don't understand now and I don't think I understood then, I shouted it as loud as I could. Everyone, including the teacher, stopped, looked at me and then went back to finding their page. No one said a word. This would have been in 5th grade I think.

OH! I remember standing in the cloakroom of my kindergarten (or maybe 1st grade) class and laughing because my friend Rick (we called him Ranger Rick - does anyone get that?) tore his snapped up jacket open and shouted "Superman!!!!"

Why do so many of my few memories involve shouting? Hmmmm. Veddy Eenterestink...

I am fasting today. I have feel as though I am somehow contaminated. I want it to go away. I will start over anew.

For several day snow I have been getting lousy sleep. I have no idea why, but it's like sleeping is a total waste of time. When I am in bed I toss and turn and wake up every time I do so and when I finally get up, it's like I haven't slept at all. I have huge disgusting bags under my eyes that everyone can see because I don't have any makeup to cover them up and for the last two days I have had a pain in my left temple whether I am awake or asleep. I can actually feel it in my dreams. Bleh.

A bit for information about Paul Wellstone in case anyone is interested in writing a condolence letter to his family.

"Right now, to our knowledge, neither the campaign nor
Wellstone's remaining two sons have announced how they would
like his death to be commemorated. If you wish to send a letter
of condolence to his campaign, you can mail it to the
following address:

Wellstone for Senate Campaign Headquarters
PO Box 14377
St. Paul, MN 55114

Make sure that you write "In memory" on the outside of the letter --
that way the campaign will be able to sort the mail more easily."

*Address provided by the MoveOn organization, a group dedicated to peace and returning the little guy to the center of political decisions. If you feel that big business is making all the decisions for you or that there are too many politicians ready to send YOUR family to war, you might be interested in receiving their newsletter. Check it out.

Mitch Hedburg. He's FUNNY!!

"Wearing a turtle neck is like being strangled...by a really weak guy...all day long. Wearing a turle neck and a backpack is like being attacked by a weak midget."

"If you have legs and you're flammable you are NEVER blocking a fire exit."

"Everyone looks cool in a blacklight...except me...cause I thought I got the mustard out."

"The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how good I get, I'll never be as good as the wall."

"This shirt is dry clean only. Which means it's DIRTY."



And then there is Nick Swardson. Also very funny.

"I quite smoking pot and for the whole first week I thought I was psychic. Suddenly I could remember where I put stuff. I was like - where are my keys?...they're in my pocket...how did I KNOW that?"

There was more...i laughed alot. I love friday night stand up on Comedy Central!

Thank you, Amber, for making me aware of some very sad Minnesota news.

Senator Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash today along with his wife, daughter and several staffers. I have to share Amber's feelings of grief and remorse. Senator Wellstone was one of the kindest, most dedicated, honest politicians I have ever read about. He has done wonderful things for the state of Minnesota and he will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.

so i checked my hit counter today after several days of ignoring it and was amazed to find that my hits were WAY up. Instead of 15 or so each day I had
84 on Tuesday
28 on Wednesday
40 on Thursday and
30 on Friday

wondering how this was even possible i checked into it...the are all from google searches relating to Arnold Chrysler and his coat hangers. I had no idea that people were so interested in him! lucky me! whoo hoo!

My cousin was recently talking about a phone commercial encouraging you to buy the "silence" option for your phone...effectively stopping your phone from ringing. Something that you wouldn't have to worry about if you didn't have a phone. I heard a new Tom Petty song (something about The Last DJ?) that made me think of her...

"the man upstairs wants to see
how much you'll pay
for something you used to get for free"

Or something like that...I only heard it once and it was a long day...

I received an apple from one of my students today. I must be a teacher!

Being in this adorable third grade class has done wonders for my outlook and esteem. They are wonderfully sweet, very attentive, charming, caring, polite, friendly and fabulous. I interviewed yesterday to be one half of the team that teaches them. Since I have given up hope for the 5th grade job, I am hoping that my disappointing interview skills didn't completely ruin my chance. I will keep you posted.

wow...i guess that has been building up for awhile. i'm glad it isn't inside anymore.

Damn it all to hell. Sometimes being a teacher is one of the most frustrating, irritating, drag-you-in-the-dirt-and-kick-you-in-the-teeth jobs out there. Don't get me wrong, it's the only things I want to do and at times it is the most wonderfully satisfying job, but...ugh...sometimes...

I turned around this morning to catch one boy holding another boy in a headlock - arm around his neck, choking him. When I asked him why he said "he was bothering me". Normally, I tell them that violence is not the answer, ask them what they should be doing instead and tell them that I don't want to see it anymore. Normally that is enough. Today I got to thinking about how much he really could have hurt this other boy and I got mad. I told him that he would be staying in at recess to talk to me. (I also kept the other boy in because I didn't know what exactly had happened and I had a feeling from previous experiences that he had been doing something inappropriate.) I told them both exactly how disappointed I was to see them doing that, especially since they both KNEW perfectly well that is was not allowed, the reasons why and what they should have done. I made them both write letters of apology to each other. They did and then they went out to recess. Case closed.

But it isn't. Because nothing I do is going to make a difference. These kids are getting another, much more palatable lesson every day from every form of media out there...if someone is bothering you...bomb the shit out of them. Show them who's boss and don't back down for anything. Walking away from a threat or a fight is supid, cowardly weakness and doesn't prove anything. If they were to listen to popular opinion these days they should not only fight back, but they should pre-emptively attack - that other kid has fists...we know it...you can't actually see them right now...but they are there...and he COULD use them against us. Why should anyone listen to one substitute teacher? Who the hell cares what a lefty, tree hugging, anti-violence peace nut thinks? War - anger - hurt - that is where the real answers lie and if we blow ourselves up and destroy everything to prove it...well, so be it. They had it coming.

Tonight I am disgusted with humans as a race. We lie, we cheat, we steal, we kill, we hate, and worst of all...we teach our children to do the same. it's frustrating, terrifying and jsut plain discouraging and from down here in my pit of dispair i can't see any way out of it. there are just too many haters out there and the lovers can't and/or won't do enough to counteract it. Bleh. To hell with it all.

I apologize to most of you who are reading this...my friends and family are some of the most wonderful. caring, loving people I know and I can't thank you enough for being who you are and helping me be who I am. I love you all and hope that rather than pissing you off, I inspire you to redouble your effort. If I didn't know that there were people like you out there...buried in the seas of ignorant, hateful people...I would surely lose my last shreds of hope and then were would I be? Thank you and PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL.

I had a nice conversation with my cousin today. Out of the blue she called up and we chatted. It was so nice to hear her voice. : ) Thanks for calling, Ames!

Final exam is finished. It was 19 multiple choice questions. How EASY! It was a closed book test, which is a little funny considering that I took it at home with the book sitting not 3 feet from me. However, I did not use the book! I hope she can tell that by the fact that it took me 10 minutes to finish the test. No time to look things up that way! The autograder told me that I got 19 out of 19 correct. Yay! Now I just have to focus on that paper and I am home free!

I finished the last of my unit discussions! HOORAY! Now all I have left is my research paper and my final exam. I am progressing will with the paper. I have no idea what to expect for the exam! Yikes. The end is near. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just hope it isn't a train!

Still no word on the job. I have heard rumor that they are doing more interviews or calling people back for re-interviewing. That doesn't bode well for me since I have NOT been called back. Ugh. All I can do is wait and see.

In case you were wondering what he did with all those coat hangers...part two of the saga

why does everything i write become haiku these days?

i do like jello
best when covered with whipped cream
mm mm mm mm mm

in a foul mood
need a movie and snuggles
i'm going right now

cleaning all morning
should forks be left in the sink?
biting my own tongue

Real or not? I can't decide. Either way it is amusing. Here's a small excerpt...

15 October 2002
A most extraordinary trial is going on in the High Court at the moment in which a man named Chrysler is accused of stealing more than 40,000 coat hangers from hotels round the world. He admits his guilt, but in his defence he claims that – well, perhaps it would be simpler just to bring you a brief extract from the trial. We join the case at the point where Chrysler has just taken the stand.

Counsel: What is your name?
Chrysler: Chrysler. Arnold Chrysler.
Counsel: Is that your own name?
Chrysler: Whose name do you think it is?
Counsel: I am just asking if it is your name.
Chrysler: And I have just told you it is. Why do you doubt it?
Counsel: It is not unknown for people to give a false name in court.
Chrysler: Which court?
Counsel: This court.
Chrysler: What is the name of this court?
Counsel: This is No 5 Court.
Chrysler: No, that is the number of this court. What is the name of this court?
Counsel: It is quite immaterial what the name of this court is!
Chrysler: Then perhaps it is immaterial if Chrysler is really my name.
Counsel: No, not really, you see because...
Judge: Mr Lovelace?
Counsel: Yes, m'lud?
Judge: I think Mr Chrysler is running rings round you already. I would try a new line of attack if I were you.


And that is just the beginning! Read the rest yourself!

Got one big project turned in for school. Only two little ones and one big one left. And the final exam. ugh. I have decided that I have way to many things going on and I need to have less. Therefore I am postponing taking any more classes until the holiday break when I can really have some time to focus without cancelling jobs and taking days off. I feel like a quitter doing it, but I would rather not take the class than fail the class. bleh.

My "brother" from Germany is the best! Before he went home this summer I was told him to be sure to send me a postcard. I have a small collection on my wall, mostly of places that I have gone. Since he left he has sent me 2 from his home town and 1 from France. Today I got another one from an island in the North Sea called Langeoog. My collection is growing by leaps and bounds thanks to Ulrich! : )

blue eyes, orange bill -
what are you delivering
here to my mailbox?

Just in case anyone cares...
I still haven't heard anything about the job. I even called the district office to see if they could tell me anything and they said that "no decision had been made". Bleh.

Ode to the rubber duckie found by my mailbox...

little, yellow duck
bring a smile to bathtime
sqeak, my duckie, squeak

I am pretty sure that finding a mini rubber duckie has significant meaning, but I am not sure what it is. Any ideas?

Borrowed from In Passing

Bread Is Dangerous
Important Warning for those who have been drawn unsuspectingly into the use of bread:

1. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.
2. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests.
3. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations.
4. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.
5. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month!
6. Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis.
7. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after as little as two days.
8. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter, and even cold cuts.
9. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person.
10. Newborn babies can choke on bread.
11. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute.
12. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling.

In light of these frightening statistics, we propose the following bread restrictions:

1. No sale of bread to minors.
2. A nationwide "Just Say No To Toast" campaign, complete with celebrity TV spots and bumper stickers.
3. A 300 percent federal tax on all bread to pay for all the societal ills we might associate with bread.
4. No animal or human images, nor any primary colors (which may appeal to children) may be used to promote bread usage.
5. The establishment of "Bread-free" zones around schools.

On Vacation

1. DisneyLand or DisneyWorld? DisneyLand. It's close by. I prefer Magic Mountain over either of them.
2. Amusement park or Themed park? Amusement. I LOVE rollercoasters! And the Pirate Ship. And those REALLY BIG swings...vestibular stimulation is a good thing.
3. Seashore or Mountains? How about the seashore with mountains off in the distance?
4. Hotel/Motel or rental house? Rental house. With a maid.
5. Guided tour or aimless meandering? Aimless meandering. Tours always take you to the "Hard Rock Cafe"-y places and I want to see the "Mom and Pop" places.
6. Drive or Fly or Boat? Fly to a place where I can go boating and not have to see a car for days.
7. Close or far away from home? Far away. I want to see the world.
8. Daytrip or by the week? By the week. It's hard to see Italy in a day.
9. Camping in a tent or the Holiday Inn? Holiday Inn. I can't go camping without drowning in the rain. Just ask my father...
10. Rent a car or drive your own? Rent. A fancy, red convertible sports car that goes fast. Why not?

I am reading a facinating blog tonight. It is written by a homeless man. I haven't figured the whole thing out yet, but he uses a library computer and has become fairly famous - interviewed by USA Today and what-not. He has quite a following of people, both supportive and not. It is interesting and a real eye opener. Having always lived in a home with all the basic necessities and many extra treats, there are quite a few aspects of homeless life that I have never thought about. Kevin, the author, is a well spoken, intelligent man with quite a bit of insight. The following is a quote from his blog.

"Bleeding Hearts
I've always had a little problem with the cliche, "Bleeding Hearts." I first heard the phrase when I was a kid, and like most kids, I took the phrase literally - and I agreed. Yes, hearts do bleed. They bleed constantly - that's what they're made for. As a matter of fact, hearts bleed so much that blood has to be constantly pumped back into them. And even more importantly, when hearts stop bleeding, they die."

Found a cool blog today...
It's called "In Passing" and it is made up of conversations that the author overheard. There are some very amusing things to be heard if you are evesdropping at the right time and place! For example...

"Every time I do this, I always hope that maybe once, just once, the professor will walk in and announce that we're going to be burning all these midterms in a big bonfire, or something. Instead of taking the exam."
"Uh-huh. What exactly would you say the probability of that happening is? I'm thinking zero."
"Not zero. Slim, but not zero. Actually, it's really infinitely bigger than a zero chance for the midterm bonfire. I mean, it could happen, so there's got to be some chance. I mean, there's a chance of a meteor dropping through the roof here, isn't there?"
"How big a meteor?"

--Two guys sitting behind me in the lecture hall, shortly before a midterm (which didn't wind up being of the bonfire variety.)"

Another amusing example...(so that you won't be able to resist going...)

"I think general stupidity, as opposed to fatal stupidity, is harder to evolutionize out though. So you've got some dim cats, and some bright cats, but no cats that run into walls until they're comatose, or jump out windows into traffic."
"I suppose you're right, evolution's slow. And if we did wind up with a breed of sentient cats, we probably couldn't feed them cat food anymore."
--A girl and a guy walking on Oxford st

And finally...

"And I say 'Stop right there, mambo-man!'"
--A guy talking rather loudly (though somehow without shouting,) on Sproul Plaza

Just a bunch of questions. Random and no doubt uninteresting bits of information about me...

1. Your name spelled backwards. Eelos or Egnalos
2. Where were your parents born? Washington and Minnesota
3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? Trillian, a program that runs all your chat programs from one handy spot.
4. What's your favorite restaurant? My mother's kitchen. Best of all...it's free.
5. Last time you swam in a pool? This summer in Hawaii on my honeymoon.
6. Have you ever been in a school play? I had supporting roles in many school plays in high school. Always wanted to play the lead, but that always went to my best friend. Ah, well.
7. How many kids do you want? none, yet.
8. Type of music you dislike most? heavy metal that is all screaming and distortion and no lyrics at all.
9. Are you registered to vote? Yes.
10. Do you have cable? satellite
11. Have you ever ridden on a moped? No, but my FIL says he will take me on his motorcycle sometime! : )
12. Ever prank call anybody? No
13. Ever get a parking ticket? Yep, several while I was in college. Parking was a competative sport there. I also got a summons to appear in court when the car dealership screwed up and the person who bought my ex-car started racking up thousands of dollars of parking fines. I didn't have to pay for any of them OR go to court. Lucky me.
14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Maybe some day. Not at the moment.
15. Furthest place you ever traveled. Russia
16. Do you have a garden? Yep. This summer we had tomatoes, corn, green peppers, watermelon, and a variety of herbs.
17. What's your favorite comic strip? 9 Chickweed Lane. It has a Siamese cat named Solange. That is cool.
18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem? Yes, but there is one spot where I get confused and end up in the wrong verse.
19. Bath or Shower, morning or night? Shower whenever it disrupts my sleep less. Unless I am sick or achy in which case I grab a book and soak in the tub.
20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Life as a House with Kevin Kline
21. Favorite pizza topping? Extra cheese, mushrooms and onions. Yum.
22. Chips or popcorn? Both, please.
23. What color lipstick do you usually wear? None. I can't stand the stuff. I do use chapstick when I need it.
24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? Huh?? I didn't even know you COULD.
25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.....
26. Orange Juice or apple? Apple.
27. Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you dine? To the Yellow Basket (a burger place) with Smooshdumplings.
28. Favorite type chocolate bar? Twix, KitKat or 100 Grand. I like them to crunch!
29. When was the last time you voted at the polls? Presidential election, 2000.
30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? This summer, shortly after getting back from my honeymoon.
31. Have you ever won a trophy? I don't think so. But I won an award recently! : )
32. Are you a good cook? Mikey says I am.
33. Do you know how to pump your own gas? Of course.
34. Ever order an article from an infomercial? No, but not because I didn't want to!
35. Sprite or 7-up? Either one. Or Sierra Mist or Cheapo Lemon-Lime Soda. As long as it doesn't have caffeine.
36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work? Waitressing and working at the grocery store.
37. Last thing you bought at a pharmacy? Um...I plead the fifth.
38. Ever throw up in public? As a kid I tried oysters on the half-shell at the boardwalk...
39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love? True love, of course. I wouldn't turn down both at once though!
40. Do you believe in love at first sight? More than that...I believe in love at first contact. I knew I loved my husband after talking to him for 12 hours online.
41. Ever call a 1-900 number? Nope.
42. Can ex's be friends? Depends on what they did to become your ex.
43. Who was the last person you visited in a hospital? It was so long ago, I don't remember. Maybe Mikey when he was in Urgent Care?
44. Did you have a lot of hair when you were a baby? I don't know...Perhaps my father would like to field that question?
45. What message is on your answering machine? um...i don't remember...hmmm...
46. What's your all time favorite Saturday Night Live Character? The shark. "CandyGram, Ma'am." hee hee!
47. What was the name of your first pet? I have had pets for as long as I can remember. The first one that belonged to me (and my sister) was a rabbit named Cinnamon.
48. What is in your purse? My wallet, a pen, chewing gum, feminine hygiene products, a couple of receipts, Carmex, a packet of mini kleenex, a highlighter, coral from Hawaii, a bracelet, and some Chinese lucky money.
49. Favorite thing to do before bedtime? Snuggling SD and reading a book
50. What is one thing you are grateful for today? I am greatful for the heat in my house. It is freakin' cold out there today (I know that all my family members are mocking me right now as they get snow, but 65 IS cold for us!)

I made some adjustments that have left me feeling slightly more relaxed. First I cancelled the subbing job I had for today so that I could stay home and work on school stuff. Second, I had dinner with my girlfriends. And third, I stopped thinking that frantically rushing around was getting more done that taking my time. So I have a much better attitude now. Thanks and my apologies to anyone who had to listen to me whine last night...Joie, Eric, Mikey, everyone...you're wonderful for putting up with me! : )

On the plus side, Joie gave me an award...most inspirational blogger. Thanks, Joie. That means a lot to me. One little ray of sunshine can melt a whole lot of ice.

WEBLOG wannabe 2002 weblog award awarded to Sol in the category of Kindest andMost Inspiring Weblogger

I can't do this...I just can't. I have the time pressures of 3 different jobs, the stress of waiting to hear about this other job, a month's worth of school work to do in the next week, housework that I can't put a dent in, my hormones are out of control and my freakin' hands and feet are FREEZING. It is all just too much. I am losing my mind. Don't be surprised if the next time you hear from me I am babbling incoherent rantings about bunny slippers and lime jello. Good night.

check this out...it is amazing. I love Legos!

oh, by the way...after I fixed the phone it rang non-stop for the next hour...trying to make up for lost time, I guess! One of those calls was an offer for me to interview for another position (50% 3rd grade) next Wednesday. So, if by some disasterous chance, I don't get this 5th grade job, I have something to fall back on. Lucky me!

Here's a hint for anyone who is eagerly awaiting that special phone call telling you that your dreams have come true and they are hiring you for exactly the job that you want...MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE IS HUNG UP PROPERLY! All day I have been on pins and needles waiting for the phone to ring. Turns out that I didn't hang it up properly when I finished talking to my father TWO NIGHTS AGO and it couldn't ring if it wanted to. UGH!

(update...yep...it's been two days...i just got a call from someone who said he tried calling me all day yesterday. bleh.)

HEE HEE HEE...Joie posted the funniest joke in America not too long ago...Mikey found a link to the funniest jokes of many countries and shared it with me. For those of you (like me) who aren't fond of following links I share with you the ones that I like best...

from England
Two weasels are sitting on a bar stool. One starts to insult the other one. He screams, "I slept with your mother!" The bar gets quiet as everyone listens to see what the other weasel will do. The first again yells, "I SLEPT WITH YOUR MOTHER!" The other says, "Go home, Dad. You're drunk." (I wanna know...why weasels?)

from Scotland
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like his passengers. (Wasn't this one of Jack Handy's Deep Thoughts on SNL?)

from Germany
A general noticed one of his soldiers behaving oddly. The soldier would pick up any piece of paper he found, frown and say: "That's not it" and put it down again. This went on for some time, until the general arranged to have the soldier psychologically tested. The psychologist concluded that the soldier was deranged, and wrote out his discharge from the army. The soldier picked it up, smiled and said: "That's it." (Very clever, indeed!)

from Belgium
Why do ducks have webbed feet? To stamp out fires. Why do elephants have flat feet? To stamp out burning ducks. (This is a country of sick, sick people! I like it!)

from Canada
When Nasa first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ball-point pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem, scientists spent a decade and 12 billion dollars to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300 C. The Russians used a pencil. (Why are they picking on us? But I notice they aren't saying what THEY used? take THAT you mean Canadians!)

from Wales
A turtle was walking down an alley in New York when he was mugged by a gang of snails. A police detective came to investigate and asked the turtle if he could explain what happened. The turtle looked at the detective with a confused look on his face and replied "I don't know, it all happened so fast." (That one's for you, Amy!)

I watched "Down to Earth" last night (Chris Rock dies before his time due to an mix-up in heaven and is given the body of an rich, old, white guy). There were several scenes that made me laugh...and I don't mean a little laugh, I mean an all out belly laugh. One of my favorites...

A shady looking character walks up to the pearly gates and says, "C'mon, please?"
Peter replies "For the last time - NO! Go to hell."

hee hee...that is funny and you know it!

Jonatha Brooks sings that change is the only constant in life. How true.

I was thinking sappy thoughts while I did my chores this morning...

To me marriage has a special sound...the sound of my wedding band as it clinks against the washing machine or the dishes or my glass at dinner time. That little, barely noticeable sound is a constant reminder that I am now a married woman. That someone met me, got to know me, judged me in every way and still found me desirable enough to commit to spending the rest of their life with me. That there is someone who loves me so much that they have promised to stick by me through all the chaos that is my life. That if I am sick or sad or happy or excited or frightened or confused or giddy or simply just existing - there is someone to share it with. Every little tap of my ring is an echo of the promise that was made to me. I love that. I love being married. I love my Mikey. : )

Nervous energy is a wonderful thing when put to proper use! So far today I have done laundry, done dishes, gone to the DMV (thank GOD I made an appointment! I was done in 15 minutes instead of waiting for an hour!), mailed a card, straightened the slipcovers on my living room furniture, cleaned off the dining room table, cleaned BOTH bathrooms, changed the sheets on the bed AND got some schoolwork done. HOORAY! And just in time for the inlaws to come to dinner.

On the other hand, this waiting is KILLING me! With each passing hour I am less sure of myself and more convinced that they will see through my feeble attempts to pretend that I know how to teach and give the job to someone who might actually know what they are doing. I was so cocky yesterday...today I am scared silly. *deep, shaky breath*

wheeeeee...what could be more fun than garden gnomes? Why - bouncing garden gnomes on paddles as part of a fun break-out game, of course! Go check it out!

(My apologies to anyone who read this before I edited it to make sense! I beg a thousand pardons!!)

Whew. I am done with the interview. My heart can stop thumping around inside my chest like a jackrabbit and my muscles can stop twitching. I am so jumpy right now. *deep breath* Okay. I think it went well. I answered my questions with a good level of competence and intelligence. I didn't mangle any of my sentences as I have the habit of doing when I am nervous. I caught myself before I pulled a GW and said "facilate" instead of facilitate. All good things. The two guys that were also interviewing were really good though. I don't know...I just don't know. Jodi said we should hear in the next couple of days or so. Will I be able to handle the suspense for that long? I guess I will throw myself into my schoolwork in an attempt to get way ahead and distract my whirling brain. Hold off the spontaneous combustion for a few days at least! : ) Thanks for all the support and good wishes that were sent my way this morning. It was a big help. I can only imagine what I would have been like without it!

You know what really sets me off? People critisizing MY family. I know that none of them are perfect and I know that quite a few of them have flaws and faults that make them difficult to understand at times. I will be the first to admit that we're a bunch of wild and crazy wackos. However, I DO NOT LIKE hearing others critisize. Especially people who could strive for their whole lives and still not be able to reach the levels of caring and respect and love that flow through my family like water.

"...I'll jump to my conclusions,
but I'll LEAP to your defense..."

So Smooshdumplings and I finally went out and hacked up the rose branches that were strewn all over our yard, putting them in a nice neat pile. Why not put them in the greenwaste can and get rid of them? Because there were so many of them that we could only fit about a third of them in the greenwaste can! That rose bush really needed to be taken down a peg or two. It was having some serious delusions of grandeur. We need to wait until Tuesday when the parents-in-law come with the long handled clippers to get the last little bit. One of the most gung-ho branches wound its way under a roof tile and continued growing. I'm not entirely sure we can get it out without actually damaging our roof. Damn rose.

"Crazy? Some people think that walking down the street muttering to yourself is crazy. I'll tell you what crazy is. Crazy is walking down the street with half a cantelope on your head, saying 'I'm a hampster. I'm a hampster.'" - Leslie Nielson as Dick Steele in Spy Hard

It's free movie weekend!!! Hooray! Guess what we watched this afternoon...

Having trouble thinking of an appropriately mushy nickname for your sigoth? Have no fear...this name generator can help you out! Some suggestions...

Snoogyloveydarling - Cuddlecake - Loverkin - Moopsiefoof - Snoogypook - Cuddlyloveyface - Moopiedumpling - Woogyloverpie - Moopiesnoogle - Wookiemush - Smooshdumplings - Sweetiemush - Honeysmoosh - Poofiepooh - Snoogywuggy - Moopiepums - Woogysweetiemush - Pookiepoo - Schmoopieschmoopie - Snookiebunch - Babypie - Poochiepoo - Wookiepums - Sweetiesnuggyboo - Doodlewunny - Snooglepie - Loveypooh - Sweetiewuggypoo - Moopiekins - Snuggygoo - Sweetiewuggy - Schnooglelove - Moopsiegoo

I think I will refer to Mikey as Smooshdumplings from now on. SD for short. hee hee. : )

what a waste of the day. i have been doing nothing but goofing around on the internet for the last 2 1/2 hours. i spent a long time looking at name generators (mikey is trying to get more serious about writing - there are lots of sites out there that will make up character names for you) which led us to looking at names in general. i had my name analyzed and got the following:

The name of Solange has given you the desire for creative, artistic or musical expression in an original way. You strive to be different and have the self-confidence to implement your ideas because you have the perseverance necessary to see something through, despite obstacles. Although you meet new people easily, it is not easy for you to maintain a relaxed, harmonious relationship. With increased familiarity you are inclined to speak your mind in a forthright, sometimes argumentative manner which creates annoyance and often hard feelings. In an argument, you usually emerge victor, but at a cost. This name does not offer the softness of expression for long-lasting compatibility in close associations. Any weakness physically would be centred in the skin and liver, or in the head causing head colds, sinus conditions, headaches, or hay fever.

***BTW - if you follow that link please disregard the cultiness of the site...I swear I was just there to look at names!

I found lots of names I liked...
Girls - Aurora, Emerald (Emmy, for short), Gaia, Tahira, Willow, Miliya, Samiya (Middle Eastern?), Samara, Sameena (Sam or Meena, for short), Querida, Sukaina, Aleka, Kiana **I like the nickname Sam for a girl, but I don't like Samantha much**

Boys - Michael, Alexander (Zander), Benjamin, Echo, Coyote, Jamil, Jaran, Temur, Rafiki, Kai, Mikah, Dmitri, Storm **Boys names are hard...I like unique, but solid.**

Now before anyone gets freaked out (or too excited!) there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON that I am looking at names...just wasting time.

why is it so hard to find people i can relate to? i am a relatively normal person. i like normal things like puppies and sunshine and hanging out and gossiping and kids and reading and lots of other things that I KNOW other people out there like. so why can't i find anyone to talk to??? why is it that the people i come across are all a little more intense or crazy or angry or obsessed? obviously there is something wrong with my criteria for someone to talk to...because it can't be EVERYONE else that is messed up. ugh. thank the powers that be for amy and joie and mikey. because without them i would be alone!

This is my new blogchalk:
United States, California, Temecula, , English, Sol, Female, 21-25, teaching, reading. :)

okay...I wrote out my three cards. Three lucky people will go out to their mailboxes in a few days and be rewarded with the pleasure that is my written word. whatever. I hope they enjoy. I didn't do #1 or #5. I suck.

Interesting (or perhaps not) side note - "suck" is a phrase I never understood and only used because it was "cool" until one day a parental figure told me not to use it and suddenly it had a whole new meaning. Interesting how adults trying to protect children (or themselves, maybe?? *eyebrow raised*) often open their eyes to things that were never before seen. hmmm.

So anyway...i meant that in the figurative, slang sense...and I will try to do the two I missed tomorrow. Promise!

I don't "do" performance art.

Hello? Hello? Hello?
Is there anybody out there?

Yikes. It is already Saturday and I have yet to do many of my good deeds for the week...

1. pick up the trash along my walk path today
2. smake homemade bread and store in a recycled bag
3. take shorter showers this week
4. send cards to 3 people
5. fill the bird feeder

I can do numbers 1, 4 and 5 today. I better get going. I have a new batch coming up tomorrow! : )

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT BY MIKEY:

Something unique and odd that I thought I'd share and maybe get somebody else to join (unlikely!): November is National Novel Writing Month, which basically amounts to a contest surprisingly similar to the 48-hour game contests I've entered: write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days (and just like our game contests, no prizes!). I'm gonna give it a shot and see what happens. I always wanted to write something, so why not? Check out the website at:

www.nanowrimo.org

Even if you're not interested, the website is pretty amusing.

This morning, Mikey and I spent several hours volunteering our time at a book sale. I, being the people person, stood at the entrance, smiled pretty and handed out bags (all you can stuff in a bag for $3. not bad, huh?). I also answered questions and made sure that the people leaving with bags of books had remembered to stop at the cash register on the way out. Mikey, being my shy boy, arranged book, straightened tables and generally made the place look nice. It was a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning and I feel very good about it.

The only unpleasant thing about it were two women who came very early. The book sale didn't start until 10 am. From about 7 am on there were people (including a couple of boy scouts - isn't that cute?) helping set up and sort the books. It looked very crowded already and we kept having to tell people to wait until 10. Most of them were very understanding, but these two women ignored all the people who politely told them that they shouldn't be there and went plowing through the nicely stacked tables and boxes. Finally, one of the ladies in charge went over and said they would have to put the books down and come back later. One of the women began shouting in a shrill, LOUD voice that she was there to buy books and if they were having a book sale they should let her do exactly as she pleased and that she wasn't going to wait until 10 because it would be too crowded and that there was nothing anyone could do to get her to leave. I mean, she was really shouting. It got to the point where I thought we would actually have to call the police to have her removed. They finally decided that they were done looking over the books and were going to leave. Well, we didn't have the register set up yet and weren't ready to deal with them (it still wasn't even 9:30 yet) and someone told them that they would have to wait. This set her off again shouting about how she was being treated and this was no way to run a business. She eventually got out a 20 and started trying to force it on anyone who came into range saying "Here? Is this enough to make you happy? Does this make you happy?" To get rid of her, the boss man finally took the money and told her to leave. It was a disgusting display of spoiled, rotten, the-world-owes-me, egocentric, horrible behavior. I am sure it is wishful thinking, but I hope that woman realizes just what an ass she made of herself and is at least a little embarrassed. It was pretty bad. However, the stink that she was making made it very easy for us to convince the other patrons that they needed to wait until 10. No one wanted to be like her!

The rest of the time was lots of fun. There was even a creepy, crazy guy who hit on me right in front of Mikey. *shudder* I am just glad that Mikey was right there. I was able to just say "I'm so glad you found the books you were looking for (self-help books, no less!). Have a nice day." and turn to Mikey as if he was about to ask me a question. Now I should really got to work paying the bills. bleh.

Whew. Crisis averted. Everyone is happy. : )

I was talking to a couple of girls from last year's 5th grade and they were just so sweet! Names have been changed to protect the innocent, of course!

ANDREA: when is the next time you will be a sub for NVES
ANDREA: or dms!!!!
sunangel: i am hoping that i will get a job at Nicolas Valley and be there all the time!
sunangel: i have an interview on monday!
ANDREA: That will be so exciting if you get the job for full time!!!!
sunangel: i know. i am really hoping! i would be teaching 5th grade.
ANDREA: I am proud of you even if you do not get the job!
ANDREA: FiFth is a wonderful grade to have a job for
sunangel: aww! that is so sweet you guys! thanks! you know, i didn't even know how much i liked 5th grade until i was in your class.
sunangel: now it is my favorite!
ANDREA: If you get the job can you please let us know right away so that we can see you there!!!!
sunangel: okay! i will. that would be fun!
ANDREA: never try MIDDLE SCHOOL the teachers always get mad at us kids
ANDREA: to us they are sometimes mean
sunangel: hehehe...i don't think i am the right kind of teacher for middle school.
ANDREA: You would lose your mind in MIDDLE SCHOOL the first hour!!!!
sunangel: hehehe...i'm sure i would. okay, girls. i have to go. it was nice talking to you. i will let you know how the interview went! : )
sunangel: have a good night!
ANDREA: Ok, have a good night also have "A VERY GREAT INTERVIEW" WE hope that you get the job!
sunangel: thanks! bye!
ANDREA: TEll MR. HOMMEL to have a great halloween and a great night
ANDREA: bye
ANDREA: bye, we will pray that YOU GET THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!
sunangel: i told him. he says thanks. bye!

Isn't that nice? Those kids were great. And I miss them. That is the hard part about 5th grade. You don't get to see them the next year. They go on to middle school and very few of them come back to tell you how they are. : ( Imagine having empty nest syndrome every year 30 times over! It wouldn't happen if I didn't get so attached. But if I didn't get so attached...I wouldn't be the teacher that I want to be. The heartache is worth it. : )

WHOO HOO!!!!!

I just got a phone call from the district office informing me that I have been selected to interview for a 5th grade position at Nicolas Valley on Monday!! This is MY job. THIS is what I turned down the long term position for. THIS is what I want to be doing! *deep breath* wow. yikes. kazam! OMG, I am SO scared and excited! Whoo Hoo!!!

Mikey and I moved our desks around a couple weeks ago in a way that makes it very easy to walk from one desk to the next if you are furry feline friend. Our kitties are greatly enjoying it and spend much of their time lying on various parts of the desks. Sometimes on both desks at once. As I type there is a little grey bit of fluff reclined across my desk with her head draping over the edge onto my keyboard. I think she wants attention. : )

I slept in this morning and as usual, I had strange dreams. It was a long, epic thing about how my sister, a couple of friends and I all time-travelled to a place where the others were hoping to find someone (dates? that would be too wierd, but I think that is what it was!). We wandered around and eventually realized that not all was as it seemed and these people were attempting to hurt my little neice and nephew. Being the heroic aunt I discovered the deception in time to rescue them from being drowned, only to find that I couldn't find a place to put them that would be safe. The only place I could find away from the evil people and the pools and the ocean was an abandoned bathhouse sort of thing. I knew that there was the possibility that someone would find them, or worse yet, that they would somehow turn on the water and drown themselves. That is about when I woke up.

As an aside to this dream, I met with my father and my stepmother at a restaurant. We ended up talking about blogs and they told me that they no longer read my blogs because none of my posts were "interesting or inventive". I tried to explain that I have been working long hours and that I have been trying to find little ways to make a difference and improve the world. They weren't impressed. They simply said that they didn't read it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I was in tears with frustration. Not so much at their disinterest, but at the harsh way they were dismissing all my attempts. I finally left the conversation and returned to the bulk of the dream (going on to do something heroic - perhaps trying to make up for something?).

Now, before anyone starts thinking how mean and nasty my father and stepmother must be (they aren't, they are wonderful and they are some of the only people I know of who DO read my blog) you must realize something. Like my dear hubby said when I told him about the dream - "Wow. It's really sad that you can never be good enough for YOURSELF!" Obviously, it was ME who was being so coldly dismissive. During the day I am telling people how hard I am working and at night I am telling myself that I am not working hard enough. I have some serious issues!

Okay, so here's the latest...
Yesterday on my way out at the end of the day I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing for a long term position that would start around Thanksgiving. Of course, I said yes, not being one to pass up a job. The interview went very will. However, after getting home and talking with my hubby I decided that taking on a long term subbing position (with full responsibilities and no benefits) was not a good idea. Especially with the contracted positions that have been mentioned to me lately.

(night falls, cue next day)

Today as I was leaving the principal asked me to wait and talk to her. Being the TOTAL FREAK that I am, I immediately started wondering if I had done something wrong during the last couple of days. I AM A FREAK. Anyway, she wanted to tell me that they were done interviewing and they thought that I would be the best one to take over the class. I had to explain that I was very flattered and glad that they thought so highly of me but that I really needed health insurance and all the other things that come with a contract. The whole time I was wondering if I was making a HUGE mistake. She was very wonderful and said that she would be sure to pass my name along to other principals that I was looking for a job and put in a good word for me. I think I made the best decision. I think I made the right decision. I think...what? Oh, well, yeah. I AM trying to convince myself. Why? : )

What Is Your True Aura Colour?
brought to you by Quizilla


Yeah...that's me! : )

Life is GOOD!!! I just got a phone call from the teacher I subbed for long term last year. His wife is also a teacher who is job-sharing. The teacher that she shares her class with is talking about having to quit because of family concerns. Lucky me, the first thing they did was call me up to see if I would be interested in taking over if she does quit. Nothing is certain. The teacher might end up staying, but to know that they thought of me and liked what I did last year enough that they want to work with me again...that feels SO GOOD. Now, instead of having no job opportunities, I have two. More like an opportunity for an opportunity, but that's a start!

I had some moments of seriously questioning my ability to be a teacher and to read how others are reacting to me. I truly felt that I was going to be offered a job and it just didn't happen. I was worried that it was because they didn't really want to have me there and all the positive things I had heard were just more of those "little white lies" that people tell so as to not hurt your feelings. Now I am thinking that the reason I didn't get a position over the summer is because I was being to cocky. I was talking to my grandma and came to the realization that I have never really had to try hard to get what I want. I mean, I work hard at whatever I am doing, but my future always seemed to just fall into my lap. I wanted to be a teacher, so I was accepted to a great education program. I wanted to sub, and I did. I wanted to get a long term position and there it was. I wanted to teach summer school and someone handed me a class. It's like everything just happens the way I envision.

When that didn't happen this year I was shocked. And worried. Could I get a job if I actually had to go out and GET one? I think that it was a test. If I didn't get everything handed to me what would I do? Curl up and cry? Or get out there and try? Give up or pound the pavement? Whine about it and feel sorry for myself or make the best of what I DID get? I hope that whoever was testing me has seen that I am willing to work and work hard. Maybe that is why it is suddenly raining opportunities around me. Or maybe I am crazy and this is just how it is and it has nothing to do with me or what I want. Either way, I like it. : ) And either way, I am greatful.

This conversation (slightly edited to be more understandable) took place today and clearly states my feelings on family...particularly MY family. You guys are the greatest!

sunangel: he's lucky to have such a loving family. we are pretty damn lucky!
Turtle: yeah. we really are lucky
Turtle: and the more you learn about others families the better ours seems
sunangel: no kidding. even other families that are good, are never as fun and interesting as ours!
Turtle: I think it has something to do with out level of acceptance
sunangel: i think you are exactly right.
Turtle: we think everone in the family is great no matter what they choose to do
sunangel: no kidding. even other families that are good, are never as fun and interesting as ours!
Turtle: I think it has something to do with out level of acceptance
Turtle: we think everone in the family is great no matter what they choose to do
Turtle: and because they can choose to do anything they choose what they like and are therefore better at it
sunangel: i think you are exactly right.
sunangel: we are all allowed to do what we need to do and everyone tries to learn from it.
sunangel: rather than trying to stop it or change it
Turtle: and that is why everyone in the family seems so succesful and talkented
sunangel: and happier iwth it!
Turtle: talented even
Turtle: frudian type I think
sunangel: and with the talking thing...we talk like crazy because we know that we are listened to and respected. we feel secure in expressing ourselves.
Turtle: yeah, so much so that some of us get kicked out of restraunts for it

Yeah, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! : )

While looking through various peace sites I found this idea. Don Morris shares my feelings of frustration and hopelessness when it comes to changing the world for the better. He made this page as an effort to start a grassroots Peace movement. All he is asking is that you think of ONE thing you can do on ONE day to make the world a more peaceful place. Check it out. I really like it and plan to focus this day on Peace. Please share this idea with people like ourselves who are hoping and praying that the human race will find a way to accept Peace and give up violence and hatred. Remember, it all starts small. One person can make a difference. Even if you don't have a whole day to give, whatever time you can set aside to share Peace is wonderful. Mr. Morris has listed several things you can do individual, as a small group or, if you are motivated to do so, as a large group. Take a look. I'm sure you will find something you can do!

Joie is one of the bestest people in the blogger world and quite possibly the real world too! : ) She spent much time today helping me pretty up my blog and for that I am greatful! Joie ~ you are ab fab! Everyone go tell her how superb she is...what are you waiting for? GO! NOW! : )

Look at the cool new toys on my blog!!! : )

How have I felt today? Pretty good. I have used the weekend well, I think. I have gotten the school work done that needed doing, I have cleaned up a little, and most importantly, I have relaxed a lot. I feel much better about how I am going to handle thing than I did on Thursday night! Tomorrow starts a whole new week of pressure and stress, but I am more confident in my ability to handle it. Now, I'm going out to trim the roses and that strange vine thing that is growing over my kitchen window. Ciao.

Hee hee...I now have a hit counter on my blog. Granted, it was free and it doesn't seem to work very well, but I can tell that I have had 25 hits in the past two days from 11 different people. Fun, huh? : )

Found this great idea on the Simple Living Forum. I liked it so much that I had to put it here. Please, if you are interested, share it on your blog and encourage others to participate.

The idea is a simple one. Commit yourself to doing a set number of good deeds each week. I am going to commit myself to 5 deeds a week. A good deed is anything that you do that helps someone else. Anything that you do with the intention of helping (even if you get some kind of benefit, too, like donating to the salvation army and getting a tax reciept) counts. The idea is that you have made a commitment so you are more likely to actually do it and that being able to share your accomplishment and get praise from others will reinforce the habit.

Since it is Sunday today, I think that I will make my plans for the week each Sunday and report back on how well I do in following through. I want to hear about what you are doing, too!! If you post on your own blog, leave a link for us to check out. Okay, so here's my plan for the week...

1. pick up the trash along my walk path today
2. make homemade bread and store in a recycled bag
3. take shorter showers this week
4. send cards to 3 people
5. fill the bird feeder

For the past few days I have been feeling very stressed by my class deadlines. I am not used to writing papers and reading chapter after chapter! Yesterday and today I woke up with a nasty crick in my neck that I am sure is related to my tense shoulders and my bad computer posture. I spent most of the summer doing nothing and feeling very lazy. So when school started I felt very motivated to work. I started subbing again, I took on a tutoring job and I went back to a weekly babysitting job I was doing last year. Adding the class in was maybe biting off a bit more than I can chew. However, I am enjoying all of it and I don't really want to give any of it up. So for now I need to really work on managing my stress.

There are many things I am doing. This journal is one of them. I come here to write out my frustrations, fears, joys, and sadnesses. I use this as a connection to someof my closest friend and family. I can whine and complain or laugh and joke. Often all I need is to feel like someone is listening! Another thing I do is plan. I spend time making lists and organizing myself so that I rarely get caught unprepared. I get ready for work the night before so that I can relax in the morning. I try not to put things off. It doesn't always work, but it helps. My friends and family are also a big source of relief from stress. Mikey makes me laugh until my sides ache. Or gives me shoulder rubs. Or breakfast in bed. Dang - he's pretty awesome! : ) And my parents and siblings are always there to talk to. I have friends here that I see when I need to see an adult that I am not related to. On my own, I try to remember that I need to make time away from work/school. Instead of working non-stop on the computer all day long, I make myself go for a walk or play with the kitties. All are ways I will get through all the busy in my life without losing it!

What stress relievers do YOU use?

As part of my class on health education, each day I will be attempting to journal at least one stressor or emotion felt and my reaction to it. Stay tuned! : )

Wow. There are some interesting (pronounced "goo' - fee") people out there. Here are some of the most "interesting" things that Mikey and I have found today...

This one is more creative than goofy. (Of course, all that means is that *I* don't think it's as crazy as some others. That means very little!) At least it would be a fun way to learn about the table of elements. This guy made his own Periodic Table Table complete with samples!

A company in Japan is selling Bow-lingual, a tool used to translate canine/human speech. Now you can have a real conversation with your best friend!

Read this book for some real money saving tips - Living on Light. We spend a couple hundred a month on food. What a waste. Not a believer? Check out this interview conducted by
Paul Willis and the Austrailian Broadcasting Corp. and
her personal website.

I'm hungry after wasting all morning on this silliness. Off to lunch...

I am a bad homeowner. I received not one, but TWO notices from the homeowner's association today. I hate that. I don't like being told what to do. I KNOW that I knew there were rules when I moved in, and I KNOW that the rules are there for a reason and I KNOW that they need to be enforced. But, damn it, I don't like it when rules interfere with what I want to do!!! : ) Yes, I sound unreasonable. But it ticks me off that I paid an arm and a leg to own a piece of property and seems like everyone and his brother is sending me letters telling me just how little control I have over it. And if you know anything about me, you know that I have a few control issues! Why the hell did it cost so much if I don't have some kind of OWNERSHIP!?!?!?! Grrrrr. Obviously I am going to have to move somewhere further out of town next time. This here city life is stiffling me. Dad-blame-it!

So, today has been productive. I don't feel guilty for not working at all! We did the laundry, washed the dishes, made a fancy crock-pot dinner, cleaned the dining room, mowed and trimmed up both lawns, and I got some school work done. Now I am tired and cranky. And to top it all off, both my favorite conversationalists are out of commision this weekend, one being drowned in Hurricane Lili and the other left computerless by her hubby. I think I will take the night off. Firefly is on, you know. : )

Got up at 7 to feed the cats and called in to find a job for the day. I was told (electronically, of course) that the system was temporarily down. Rather than calling the sub desk as I have done in the past, I simply turned off my alarm and went back to sleep. I feel awful that I am not earning money today, but to assuage my guilt I will be spending much of my day cleaning dishes, mowing lawns and generally returning our little home to a state of livabiliy. When I am done with that I will work on my classwork and prepare work for my tutoring students next week. So at least I am not sitting in front of the boobtube, watching soaps and eating bonbons. : )

Yesterday I got some wonderful news. Nicolas Valley, my favorite school in the district, is looking for yet another 5th grade teacher. My pals there (the rest of the 5th grade team) made sure that I knew about the position, that the principal knew that I was looking for a job and that they would LOVE to have me there. No guarantees, but at least I know that I have some major support there. If it goes to a teacher who is already contracted, I am out of luck. But if they give it to someone new, I am confident in my chances. Hooray!!!! And even if that doesn't pan out, I will get to be part of the 5th grade team from April to the end of the year because there is a teacher who will be going on maternity leave and she has already asked me to fill in for her if I am available.

Hmm...there was something else...uuummmm...nope, it's gone. Oh well, if it's important I will think of it. In the meantime, everyone say a prayer or cross your fingers or do whatever it is that you do to wish my pal Joie good luck and a safe hurricane experience. She is right in the path of Hurricane Lili. Joie, I hope that you are having a good time and STAYING OFF THE ROOF, you crazy girl.

I was very afraid of today...I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to handle it! This was my schedule...
7:00 Wake up
8:00 Leave for subbing
4:00 Finish subbing, leave for tutoring
5:30 Finish tutoring, leave to watch Angie's kiddos
?:00 Finish babysitting, fall into bed!

Hmm. Writing it, it doesn't look as tough as I thought. Well, it turned out that the subbing class was very nice to me, the tutoring went well, and Angie got home hours before I was expecting. Then I got home and Mikey shared that he also had a super duper day. The stars must have been aligned in my favor! Now all I am worried about is writing up my discussion piece on the next two chapters of my text in time for the due date - tomorrow! Crikey!! : ) (That was for you, Goddezz!)

Yikes. my class started yesterday (online) and i am already overwhelmed at the thought of being in school again. papers and readings and notes and tests and projects and all of it susceptible to the whims of my computer! did i say YIKES already? : )