Get a tissue! LOVE THIS! I may watch this every Monday just to get my week started right!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ALIVE!
Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege of mixing my teacher job and my BB job helping Taylor with her very first science fair project. Her project was titled, ALIVE. She studied living things at a newly renovated park here in Spartanburg called Glendal Shoals. After she collected all of her data, I met them at my classroom so we would have access to all my "teachery" things to help get her board together. She did such a great job! The Science Fair is Tuesday night! I can hardly wait to see it sitting there with all of the other ones!!! Here are a few pics I snapped of the afternoon!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Silly Saturday 11
Here are some things that I heard kids say this week. They made me laugh.
1. "I bet who ever slid down that slide has one wet hinney!"
2. "My sister said dinosaurs are coming back in 5 years. She knows, she is in middle school!"
3. Student: "Are you married yet Mr. D?"
Me: "No, why?"
Student: "Well, you look married."
Me: "How exactly do married people look?"
Student: "They're cute!"
4. As we walked back into our classroom after recess, the room was very warm... A student said, "This room is as hot as a squirrel on Sunday." I don't exactly know what it means, but we all had a good laugh!
5. While a kid was taking a AR test on the computer he said needed help with this crazy French word. I said, "are you sure its French?" He replied, "O yea, its a really hard word." I asked him to spell it.... "G-E-R-T-R-U-D-E" Gertrude... I had a teacher named Gertrude one time. Who knew it was a French name?
1. "I bet who ever slid down that slide has one wet hinney!"
2. "My sister said dinosaurs are coming back in 5 years. She knows, she is in middle school!"
3. Student: "Are you married yet Mr. D?"
Me: "No, why?"
Student: "Well, you look married."
Me: "How exactly do married people look?"
Student: "They're cute!"
4. As we walked back into our classroom after recess, the room was very warm... A student said, "This room is as hot as a squirrel on Sunday." I don't exactly know what it means, but we all had a good laugh!
5. While a kid was taking a AR test on the computer he said needed help with this crazy French word. I said, "are you sure its French?" He replied, "O yea, its a really hard word." I asked him to spell it.... "G-E-R-T-R-U-D-E" Gertrude... I had a teacher named Gertrude one time. Who knew it was a French name?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday Night Game Night
Gotta love a Friday night game night!!! I have won one game already. This one is gonna be a while! Hope y'all have a great weekend!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Blog From A Parking Lot
I am sitting in the parking lot of Macaroni Grill right as I type. I am here waiting on a friend of mine who was in town for one night and I realized I am gonna be ready for bed as soon as I get home, but thanks to the Blogger App. I can blog sitting here waiting.
It's funny to me the different things that one might see as you sit in a parking lot at night. Here are a few things that I am observing right now. I feel like s private detective.
1. The Tundra in front of me cannot park. Don't you hate it when grown people cannot stay in between those little white lines!!!
2. The Italian music from the restaurant is a bit too loud in the parking lot for this time of night. Who wants to hear someone belting out opera after 8???
3. There is a car two rows over sporting a Green Bay Packers flag. Guess they are happy. Too bad I don't see any Seahawks flags. I wanted them to win it all.
4. There is a whole row of empty spaces right at the front door for to go orders. What a waste of space right now. Those should be able to be used during non busy times for take out right??
5. There is one car parked way away from all the rest. I wonder if someone left it there to go out with friends or if it's a worker. It could be broken down or maybe someone left it there hoping to be stolen.
Ok. My friend just got here. Happy dinner to me!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
It's funny to me the different things that one might see as you sit in a parking lot at night. Here are a few things that I am observing right now. I feel like s private detective.
1. The Tundra in front of me cannot park. Don't you hate it when grown people cannot stay in between those little white lines!!!
2. The Italian music from the restaurant is a bit too loud in the parking lot for this time of night. Who wants to hear someone belting out opera after 8???
3. There is a car two rows over sporting a Green Bay Packers flag. Guess they are happy. Too bad I don't see any Seahawks flags. I wanted them to win it all.
4. There is a whole row of empty spaces right at the front door for to go orders. What a waste of space right now. Those should be able to be used during non busy times for take out right??
5. There is one car parked way away from all the rest. I wonder if someone left it there to go out with friends or if it's a worker. It could be broken down or maybe someone left it there hoping to be stolen.
Ok. My friend just got here. Happy dinner to me!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda!
Today was a day of shoulda, coulda, wouldas for me...
I "shoulda" taken more running clothes to school today. I forgot my gloves and my socks. Thankfully I had an extra pair of both in my filing cabinet at school, but they weren't my normal running gloves so I was out of sorts. I needed another layer too. The wind was HOWLIN' while I was running and I was pretty much freezing the whole time. I could not believe how many folks I saw running in shorts and a t-shirt... ARE THEY CRAZY?
I "coulda" run faster had the wind not been blowing so hard in my face. I "coulda" skipped running and worked in my classroom all the way 'til band practice tonight. There is so much I need to do in there. I "coulda" copied my class newsletter today before I left school, but I chose to do a Polar Bear webquest instead. I think my students will like it.
I "woulda" stopped to get some cereal while I was out, had I known the box was empty. I "woulda" known my roommate was home and not had a heart attack when I saw that the front door was open had I not been on the phone and paid attention to his truck in the driveway as I got home. I "woulda" blogged a better blog today, but not much exciting happened!
I "shoulda" taken more running clothes to school today. I forgot my gloves and my socks. Thankfully I had an extra pair of both in my filing cabinet at school, but they weren't my normal running gloves so I was out of sorts. I needed another layer too. The wind was HOWLIN' while I was running and I was pretty much freezing the whole time. I could not believe how many folks I saw running in shorts and a t-shirt... ARE THEY CRAZY?
I "coulda" run faster had the wind not been blowing so hard in my face. I "coulda" skipped running and worked in my classroom all the way 'til band practice tonight. There is so much I need to do in there. I "coulda" copied my class newsletter today before I left school, but I chose to do a Polar Bear webquest instead. I think my students will like it.
I "woulda" stopped to get some cereal while I was out, had I known the box was empty. I "woulda" known my roommate was home and not had a heart attack when I saw that the front door was open had I not been on the phone and paid attention to his truck in the driveway as I got home. I "woulda" blogged a better blog today, but not much exciting happened!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Rainy Days
A week ago I was looking forward to this day because some crazy weather man said the "S" word. The excitement started to build like it was Christmas all over again... Could it really be that we may get another snowstorm on the heels of 4-5 inches at Christmas then 10 inches 2 weeks ago? I was already designing the pattern for my next snow luge and planning out all of my in house projects just in case I was "snowed in" again!
But alas, here we are... 36 degrees, and pouring down rain. For those of you who don't live around here, that is way more typical for us... There is this invisible boundary just about an hour north of here that keeps the coldest of air away when there is any moisture near.
The weathermen around here love to talk about a chance for snow, and honestly most of the time the result is a whole lot of hype, lots of milk and bread sales, followed by a lot of let down. As i poured down rain today at school a student said, "snow may mix in Mr. Dearybury." In southern weatherman terms that means you might see one flake for one brief moment. I told him not to get too excited or expect too much... Then I thought.. poor kid, the snow disappointment just hit!
All disappointment aside, I do love days like today. I could not get home fast enough. I was not home 5 minutes and already in fleece pants and bedrooms shoes, topped off with my hoodie sweatshirt. The couch was calling my name, and the blanket near by quickly made a knot around my feet. My poor dogs have been cold since Halloween. Maybe they will thaw out in time for Spring Break. The only draw back to getting comfy so fast was that there was no one here to cook dinner... Of course I had to get back up to feed myself... I guess that's important right?
There are still many days of winter left. Maybe... just maybe, the weathermen will get it right again and we will get another dumping of Southern snow. Until then I will stay wrapped up in fleece and hoodies and enjoy the cold, rainy days!
For those of you wondering, running was not on the schedule for today. I will be back at it tomorrow. Rain or shine!
But alas, here we are... 36 degrees, and pouring down rain. For those of you who don't live around here, that is way more typical for us... There is this invisible boundary just about an hour north of here that keeps the coldest of air away when there is any moisture near.
The weathermen around here love to talk about a chance for snow, and honestly most of the time the result is a whole lot of hype, lots of milk and bread sales, followed by a lot of let down. As i poured down rain today at school a student said, "snow may mix in Mr. Dearybury." In southern weatherman terms that means you might see one flake for one brief moment. I told him not to get too excited or expect too much... Then I thought.. poor kid, the snow disappointment just hit!
All disappointment aside, I do love days like today. I could not get home fast enough. I was not home 5 minutes and already in fleece pants and bedrooms shoes, topped off with my hoodie sweatshirt. The couch was calling my name, and the blanket near by quickly made a knot around my feet. My poor dogs have been cold since Halloween. Maybe they will thaw out in time for Spring Break. The only draw back to getting comfy so fast was that there was no one here to cook dinner... Of course I had to get back up to feed myself... I guess that's important right?
There are still many days of winter left. Maybe... just maybe, the weathermen will get it right again and we will get another dumping of Southern snow. Until then I will stay wrapped up in fleece and hoodies and enjoy the cold, rainy days!
For those of you wondering, running was not on the schedule for today. I will be back at it tomorrow. Rain or shine!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Think About His Love
I just finished reading an article about the Reverend Billy Graham. In the article the journalist asked him if he had any regrets. After 92 years of life, his words of wisdom should influence us all. He said he would have stayed out of politics, took less speaking engagements, studied more, and spent more time with his family.
I was really struck by his 3rd one... studied more. Billy Graham, while not a normal, every Sunday, kind of preacher, is one of the champions of our faith. He is has preached in thousands of places and spent his whole life in ministry. He probably knows the scriptures in a way that many of us would only hope of knowing... Yet, in his humility and wisdom, that was one of his biggest regrets.
After reading the article, I became a bit reflective and began to ponder my regrets. There are so many mistakes that I have made that I cannot even begin to list them all. How many times did I speak when I should have been quiet? How many times did I sit in silence when I should have yelled? I won't bore you with a list, but know that there are many!
I could get all wrapped up in those regrets and feel sorry myself like some people do. I know people who are so wrapped up their regrets right now that they wasted their lives even today.
The important thing about a regret is to learn from it so it doesn't happen again. I am sure right now, Billy Graham is somewhere studying or spending time with his family... He learned. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed with my regrets I think about what all I learned, then I sing this little song so I don't get too bogged down.
I was really struck by his 3rd one... studied more. Billy Graham, while not a normal, every Sunday, kind of preacher, is one of the champions of our faith. He is has preached in thousands of places and spent his whole life in ministry. He probably knows the scriptures in a way that many of us would only hope of knowing... Yet, in his humility and wisdom, that was one of his biggest regrets.
After reading the article, I became a bit reflective and began to ponder my regrets. There are so many mistakes that I have made that I cannot even begin to list them all. How many times did I speak when I should have been quiet? How many times did I sit in silence when I should have yelled? I won't bore you with a list, but know that there are many!
I could get all wrapped up in those regrets and feel sorry myself like some people do. I know people who are so wrapped up their regrets right now that they wasted their lives even today.
The important thing about a regret is to learn from it so it doesn't happen again. I am sure right now, Billy Graham is somewhere studying or spending time with his family... He learned. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed with my regrets I think about what all I learned, then I sing this little song so I don't get too bogged down.
Think about His Love.
Think about His goodness.
Think about His grace,
that's brought us through!
For as high as the heavens above,
so great is the measure of our Father's Love.
Great is the measure of our Father's Love!
Think about His goodness.
Think about His grace,
that's brought us through!
For as high as the heavens above,
so great is the measure of our Father's Love.
Great is the measure of our Father's Love!
I found this video of it on You Tube. Take a moment and listen, be reflective, and remember His love and mercy that makes up for all those regrets!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Reading Goal
If you remember this post, then you know that one of my goals for this year was to read more. I confessed a few days ago about my lack of motivation when it comes to reading, and how difficult it is for me. Tonight that all changes with this book!
A few months ago, a good friend of mine from college put on his Facebook status that he would send a free copy of this book to anyone who promised to read it. I promised, he sent it, and I am starting tonight. I could have been done 4 or 5 times by now, but it looked so nice sitting on my nightstand that I hated to move it. Did I mention that the book is more than an inch thick? Wish me luck!
A few months ago, a good friend of mine from college put on his Facebook status that he would send a free copy of this book to anyone who promised to read it. I promised, he sent it, and I am starting tonight. I could have been done 4 or 5 times by now, but it looked so nice sitting on my nightstand that I hated to move it. Did I mention that the book is more than an inch thick? Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Who Would You Be?
Today I had the privilege of interviewing high school seniors who were applying for scholarships to help fund their college tuition as they seek to become educators. I walked away from the experience so encouraged about the future of education here in South Carolina. The students I interviewed were filled with passion as they talked about their desire to become a part of the most noble profession in the world!
One question we asked each applicant was, "If you could be any story or movie character, who would you be and why?" I absolutely loved this question. I was excited every time a new applicant walked into the room because I wanted to hear how they would respond. Everyone had a great response!
You cannot sit in a "questioning" position like that and not think of your own responses...After all, there was a time at the end where they could ask us questions. What if they asked me the same thing? I wanted to be ready.
As I had time in between each applicant, these are a few of the characters I thought I would most want to be.
One question we asked each applicant was, "If you could be any story or movie character, who would you be and why?" I absolutely loved this question. I was excited every time a new applicant walked into the room because I wanted to hear how they would respond. Everyone had a great response!
You cannot sit in a "questioning" position like that and not think of your own responses...After all, there was a time at the end where they could ask us questions. What if they asked me the same thing? I wanted to be ready.
As I had time in between each applicant, these are a few of the characters I thought I would most want to be.
1. The Flash- Ok, ok.. I know this one is silly. But, with my new found running life, this guy had to be on my list right? Think of all the extra time I would have. 10 miles would take like 1 minute, and I wouldn't even be out of breath, not to mention having a perfectly sculpted body. I could probably do without the lightning bolt ears though.
2. Dr. DoLittle- I knew that the Flash was not the best character so I kept thinking. I thought way back to my first chapter book from 4th grade, The Story of Doctor Doolittle. I remember being so fascinated with this character as I read through this book. Dr. Dolittle was the coolest thing because he could talk to animals. I just envisioned myself standing out on my deck having a little talk with that squirrel that dismembered my cushion!
3. Buddy- Of course this guy had to be on my list right? Who in their right mind would not want to be Buddy? He was raised by an elf, at the North Pole, with Santa as his best friend...He eats candy, Pop-Tarts, and syrup like its going out of style, and never got fat... AND He got the girl at the end!! Honestly, I think that it is Buddy's innocence that makes me drawn to want to be him. Think about when he wanted to hug that raccoon, the outfit he bought for "someone special, and the incident with Miles Finch. In all of those things Buddy was reaching out to others with the most sincere and innocent heart. He always saw the good, and wanted to make everyone around him happy...Smiling was his favorite!
4. Flick- This one would have probably been my answer had I been in the "hot seat." I would love to be like Flick from A Bug's Life because of his audacious and unwavering determination to change the old ways of his colony to something new and better. In the movie, all the ants were doing the same old thing, the same old way, every single day, but Flick knew there was a better way to do things. Sure many of his ideas flopped and he looked ridiculous, but he kept going in spite of the mockery and insults from his very own kind. Eventually, all of his hard work paid off and he saw true change throughout his colony. What if we all were like Flick and had that kind of attitude in just one area of our lives? I think our "colony" would be a whole different kind of place!
So... If you could be any character from any book or movie, who would you be...and why?
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Pain Is Worth The Gain
This week has been one of the hardest weeks for me since I have been running. I am officially half way through my training for my very first marathon in March, and every step has been arduous to say the least. The definition of arduous according to Webster means involving or requiring strenuous effort, difficult and tiring. The effort that I have had to put in this week can only be described as strenuous.
Yes, the feat of running anything over 10 miles is tiring and my muscles are sore, but the hardest part this week has been the mental battle that comes with running. It all started last week when it snowed a foot, and I was forced to the treadmill. I got a little defeated when I couldn't run as fast on there as I do in the real world. Saturday when I finally made it back outside, there was snow and ice everywhere on my trails still making for a very difficult and much longer (time wise) run.
Tuesdays run, I bounced back with a vengeance. I run my like crazy and got some of my running "mojo" back, but that must have been an adrenaline rush caused by finally being back at school and being free from the ice and snow. Wednesday's and Thursday's run found me face first into the proverbial brick wall. Yes, I finished my runs at the distances needed for my training, but it took me about 10 minutes longer than normal. That may not sound like a lot to you, but in the running world...It is a lot.
The whole time I was pressing on through the run, I kept ignoring the nagging soreness and the blister that has been with since Saturday's run when shoe got wet from snow, the new one that formed on the other foot yesterday, and the bruise on my left big toe, due to one simple thought... The pain is totally worth gain!
On March 20th, whenever I cross that finish line, every drop of sweat, blood, and tears that I have spilled over all these last few weeks will well be worth the pain and tiredness I am experiencing right now. There are 8 weeks left until my run. Wish me luck!
Yes, the feat of running anything over 10 miles is tiring and my muscles are sore, but the hardest part this week has been the mental battle that comes with running. It all started last week when it snowed a foot, and I was forced to the treadmill. I got a little defeated when I couldn't run as fast on there as I do in the real world. Saturday when I finally made it back outside, there was snow and ice everywhere on my trails still making for a very difficult and much longer (time wise) run.
Tuesdays run, I bounced back with a vengeance. I run my like crazy and got some of my running "mojo" back, but that must have been an adrenaline rush caused by finally being back at school and being free from the ice and snow. Wednesday's and Thursday's run found me face first into the proverbial brick wall. Yes, I finished my runs at the distances needed for my training, but it took me about 10 minutes longer than normal. That may not sound like a lot to you, but in the running world...It is a lot.
The whole time I was pressing on through the run, I kept ignoring the nagging soreness and the blister that has been with since Saturday's run when shoe got wet from snow, the new one that formed on the other foot yesterday, and the bruise on my left big toe, due to one simple thought... The pain is totally worth gain!
On March 20th, whenever I cross that finish line, every drop of sweat, blood, and tears that I have spilled over all these last few weeks will well be worth the pain and tiredness I am experiencing right now. There are 8 weeks left until my run. Wish me luck!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"Udderly" Ridiculous!
Since the snow came last week my recycling pick up was 2 weeks behind. As I got the bins ready for pick up Wednesday morning I noticed an alarming, udderly ridiculous, amount of milk jugs. This is all milk that I consumed by myself over the last 2 weeks. (My roommate drinks whole milk) WOW! I may sprout an udder! Hopefully this will calm all your fears about me not eating... Trust me... you don't consume 6 gallons of milk in 6 weeks and not eat.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Life Lessons From A 20 Mile Run
When you are running long distances, training for a marathon, like I am lately, you have a lot of time to think and ponder life... Sometimes just the run itself provides you with some life lessons that are comical, serious, and just down right invaluable. For those of you who will never run 5 miles, much less 20, let me share a few of the lessons with you.
1. If you pass a potty, stop and go... There might not be another one for a longgggggg time!
2. If it looks like dog poo, and smells like dog poo.... IT AINT MUD!
3. If it's cloudy... There could be rain, dress appropriately!
4. If you feel a tiny pebble in your shoe take the time to stop and get it out. Your foot is not an oyster and there won't be a pearl in there when you get done moving!
5. Look both ways before you cross the street. Don't depend on the little white dude on the blinking sign!
6. The road is not always flat... Learn to manage the hills or find a different route!
7. Go against the traffic...your face is prettier than your behind!
8. When the signs say detour, closed, turn around, danger... They are there for a reason. DON'T IGNORE THEM!
9. Always wave and smile at people you pass... You might need them somewhere along the journey.
10. Getting in a hurry only causes you to wear out faster...Slow down and enjoy the ride!
1. If you pass a potty, stop and go... There might not be another one for a longgggggg time!
2. If it looks like dog poo, and smells like dog poo.... IT AINT MUD!
3. If it's cloudy... There could be rain, dress appropriately!
4. If you feel a tiny pebble in your shoe take the time to stop and get it out. Your foot is not an oyster and there won't be a pearl in there when you get done moving!
5. Look both ways before you cross the street. Don't depend on the little white dude on the blinking sign!
6. The road is not always flat... Learn to manage the hills or find a different route!
7. Go against the traffic...your face is prettier than your behind!
8. When the signs say detour, closed, turn around, danger... They are there for a reason. DON'T IGNORE THEM!
9. Always wave and smile at people you pass... You might need them somewhere along the journey.
10. Getting in a hurry only causes you to wear out faster...Slow down and enjoy the ride!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Our Friend Martin
Today our school watched this movie, Our Friend Martin, in honor or MLK day yesterday. Watch the trailer and then read the story below about how this movie impacted a student in my class.
This movie, while animated, shows students a very realistic picture of what life was like years ago for African Americans in our country. Throughout the animation there are news clips from the past that show actual depictions of civil rights rallies, and the mistreatment of blacks in the south.
The plot of the movie is centered around 2 6th grade student, (one white, one black) who travel back through time to explore the life of MLK. They meet him as a young man, young adult, grown up, and through his assassination. Their journey starts all because of their white teacher assigned them a project to learn about the life of Dr. King. Like any normal 6th graders, they were not excited about it, but that quickly changed as they started to learn the history of his life.
At one point during the movie the students travel back to an altered present day to see what it would be like if MLK had not fought for civil rights. When they arrived to time, their white teacher was in the same room, at the same school, yet she was no longer allowed to be their teacher because she was white. Her classroom was full of white kids and all of the black students were at another school. Needless to say the 6th graders were shocked and hurt at what they found in this altered world.
At this point during the movie one of my African American students came running to me in tears and hugged me tightly. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that the movie was making him sad. I told him that it was ok to cry, but the movie should remind us how thankful we should be for all that MLK did for us to live together... He looked at me with tears streaming down his face and said... " I am thankful for MLK so you could be my teacher."
Needless to say I became an instant, blubbering mess, and am moved to tears again even as I type this. It was one of those moments in teaching that I will NEVER forget. All I could say back to him was how thankful I was to be his teacher!
OUR FRIEND, MARTIN: Movie Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: Movie Trailers, Our Friend, Martin
This movie, while animated, shows students a very realistic picture of what life was like years ago for African Americans in our country. Throughout the animation there are news clips from the past that show actual depictions of civil rights rallies, and the mistreatment of blacks in the south.
The plot of the movie is centered around 2 6th grade student, (one white, one black) who travel back through time to explore the life of MLK. They meet him as a young man, young adult, grown up, and through his assassination. Their journey starts all because of their white teacher assigned them a project to learn about the life of Dr. King. Like any normal 6th graders, they were not excited about it, but that quickly changed as they started to learn the history of his life.
At one point during the movie the students travel back to an altered present day to see what it would be like if MLK had not fought for civil rights. When they arrived to time, their white teacher was in the same room, at the same school, yet she was no longer allowed to be their teacher because she was white. Her classroom was full of white kids and all of the black students were at another school. Needless to say the 6th graders were shocked and hurt at what they found in this altered world.
At this point during the movie one of my African American students came running to me in tears and hugged me tightly. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that the movie was making him sad. I told him that it was ok to cry, but the movie should remind us how thankful we should be for all that MLK did for us to live together... He looked at me with tears streaming down his face and said... " I am thankful for MLK so you could be my teacher."
Needless to say I became an instant, blubbering mess, and am moved to tears again even as I type this. It was one of those moments in teaching that I will NEVER forget. All I could say back to him was how thankful I was to be his teacher!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Writer.... Not A Reader
Alright, I confess... Here publicly before the world, and all 10 of my daily readers...I am NOT a reader. Reading for me is like a fast acting sedative that lulls me into a deep sleep at an alarmingly fast speed. I hear about people who read chapters upon chapters in just hours, and I must admit that I covet that ability. I have to spend too much time rereading because my ADD (undiagnosed) will not let me focus long enough to comprehend what I am supposed to be internalizing and learning from.
I read tweets almost daily, from a bunch of my old college friends who are now pastors, about all these amazing Christian authors and their insight into Scripture and Christian living yet I cannot make it through one chapter of these books because my brain cannot seem to take it all in. I would love to know what the heck all the fuss is about with these Twilight and Harry Potter books, but I see those things and just laugh. Books should never be more than an inch thick... What in the world?? I do read the Bible, and thank God he gave us wisdom to break it down into VERY small chapters, and even smaller verses!!! Ain't He just good!
The irony in all of this is that I do love to write. When I work on my blog I get such a sense of satisfaction. I really do not care if anyone is reading it, because I can go back and read. Why can I read this... Well, for the most part, it is short, to the point, and usually there is pictures! I love childrens' books for that very reason; they tell a story, they almost always have a life lesson, and they are over in about 10 minutes. Did I mention that they have pictures?
Somewhere long ago in my school years, I missed the reading boat I guess. Maybe I never had teachers who creatively pushed me into reading. Maybe I was out the day they the started the Book It Reading Club that got me free pizza from Pizza Hut. Maybe the library was too quiet for a talkative child/adult like myself. Maybe I got fussed at one too many times for keeping a book too long because I was such a slow reader... Who knows??? I do know that I am the biggest cheerleader for my students when it comes to reading. I want them to love it so much, and I encourage them to read as often and as much as possible. They are better at than me!!! This past 6 weeks my class collectively read over 800 books!!! Yes most were on a 2-3 grade level, but lots of them were chapter books! AMAZING for 17 students!
You may be asking what inspired this post about reading... Yesterday as I logged in to write, I noticed that my blog had a WHOPPING 22 followers. These are people who read my blog daily or at least weekly. They are readers I guess... Why else would they follow, unless of course they are stalking me.... (cue the Twilight Zone Theme just for my friend Teri who worries about online stalkers!!!) I wish that I could go read their blogs everyday too, but there in lies my confession. I am just not a good reader!
A special thanks to my readers... If you see your name, drop me a comment sometime to let me know you are still out there. Thanks for inspiring a blog.
1. Benji (old college friend)
2. Kelly (Have we met?)
3. The Lims (Great people, miss them!)
4. Karen (Never met, but feel like I know her thanks to FB and the Blogosphere!)
5. Jodi (Where in the world are you now?)
6. Kim (Great Couponer!)
7. Stacy ( Great Photographer!)
8. Megan (Great Teacher!)
9. Jessica (Your mama is insane)
10. The Lewis's (Chris and Carol???)
11. Jennifer (Is this Pickle?)
12. Jane Marie (I had no idea you even had a blog. Love the Barbie house!)
13. Lee (MAYOR!)
14. Gina (Don't let your mom see this post. She will defreind me.)
15. The Pass Family (Have we met?)
16. Summer 1
17. Summer 2 (I will let y'all decide who is 1 and who is 2.)
18. Tracey (HEY!)
19. Amanda (What all did you craft this week?)
20. Andy (Not sure who this is)
21. Kimmy (Howdy Neighbor!)
22. Anna ( Be careful, I may be sending you bricks!)
I read tweets almost daily, from a bunch of my old college friends who are now pastors, about all these amazing Christian authors and their insight into Scripture and Christian living yet I cannot make it through one chapter of these books because my brain cannot seem to take it all in. I would love to know what the heck all the fuss is about with these Twilight and Harry Potter books, but I see those things and just laugh. Books should never be more than an inch thick... What in the world?? I do read the Bible, and thank God he gave us wisdom to break it down into VERY small chapters, and even smaller verses!!! Ain't He just good!
The irony in all of this is that I do love to write. When I work on my blog I get such a sense of satisfaction. I really do not care if anyone is reading it, because I can go back and read. Why can I read this... Well, for the most part, it is short, to the point, and usually there is pictures! I love childrens' books for that very reason; they tell a story, they almost always have a life lesson, and they are over in about 10 minutes. Did I mention that they have pictures?
Somewhere long ago in my school years, I missed the reading boat I guess. Maybe I never had teachers who creatively pushed me into reading. Maybe I was out the day they the started the Book It Reading Club that got me free pizza from Pizza Hut. Maybe the library was too quiet for a talkative child/adult like myself. Maybe I got fussed at one too many times for keeping a book too long because I was such a slow reader... Who knows??? I do know that I am the biggest cheerleader for my students when it comes to reading. I want them to love it so much, and I encourage them to read as often and as much as possible. They are better at than me!!! This past 6 weeks my class collectively read over 800 books!!! Yes most were on a 2-3 grade level, but lots of them were chapter books! AMAZING for 17 students!
You may be asking what inspired this post about reading... Yesterday as I logged in to write, I noticed that my blog had a WHOPPING 22 followers. These are people who read my blog daily or at least weekly. They are readers I guess... Why else would they follow, unless of course they are stalking me.... (cue the Twilight Zone Theme just for my friend Teri who worries about online stalkers!!!) I wish that I could go read their blogs everyday too, but there in lies my confession. I am just not a good reader!
A special thanks to my readers... If you see your name, drop me a comment sometime to let me know you are still out there. Thanks for inspiring a blog.
1. Benji (old college friend)
2. Kelly (Have we met?)
3. The Lims (Great people, miss them!)
4. Karen (Never met, but feel like I know her thanks to FB and the Blogosphere!)
5. Jodi (Where in the world are you now?)
6. Kim (Great Couponer!)
7. Stacy ( Great Photographer!)
8. Megan (Great Teacher!)
9. Jessica (Your mama is insane)
10. The Lewis's (Chris and Carol???)
11. Jennifer (Is this Pickle?)
12. Jane Marie (I had no idea you even had a blog. Love the Barbie house!)
13. Lee (MAYOR!)
14. Gina (Don't let your mom see this post. She will defreind me.)
15. The Pass Family (Have we met?)
16. Summer 1
17. Summer 2 (I will let y'all decide who is 1 and who is 2.)
18. Tracey (HEY!)
19. Amanda (What all did you craft this week?)
20. Andy (Not sure who this is)
21. Kimmy (Howdy Neighbor!)
22. Anna ( Be careful, I may be sending you bricks!)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Something New Everyday!
The other day I blogged about Words With Friends. It is basically a Scrabble app on my phone where I can play with friends from all around. Over the last few weeks I have learned quite a bit from my friends, and their creative spelling that turns out to actually be a word. Being an educator, I feel it my duty to share these with you so can consider yourself just a tad smarter today!
2. Bohea- a black tea from China.
1. Sprat- This is a Herring like fish found in the Northern Atlantic and Baltic Sea... I just thought it was Jack's last name... Some of y'all will get that.
2. Bohea- a black tea from China.3. Quid- Slang for a British Pound
4. Qat- this is a plant found in Yemen and Ethiopia and it has "drug like" effects on your body. According to the website I found it on, chewing the leaves provides a euphoric rush similar to that of a high dose of caffeine. It is a very popular crop, similar to coffee, and very expensive... about 10 dollars a pound.
5. Halma- a board game from the Old English days in which players try to move all their pawns into their opponents corners.
6. Porgy- This is the name of family of fish found throughout the world. There are over 100 different types of porgies worldwide!
I guess it's true what they say, you learn something new...everyday!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Be Anxious For Nothing???
Anyone who has grown up anywhere near the church has surely heard the words, "Be anxious for nothing," at least a hundred times. Lord knows I have heard that verse so many times... graduations, mission trips, new jobs, hard financial times, etc.
The verse is found in the book of Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 6. It is a great reminder to all of us not to worry about anything, but to pray about whatever is worrying us instead. Coming from someone who is anxious about a few things right now, that is easier said than done. It is hard not to be anxious and worry about things; especially big things like sickness, loss of a loved one, finances, relationships, etc.
I know people who have this part of life whipped. They don't worry about anything. Nothing bothers them, nothing gets them upset, nothing seems to cause them to get in a tizzy about anything... They are just in a constant state of chilled out. My roommate is like that. I wish I could be more like that. I constantly let my mind wonder about the dreaded, "what if???"
As I read over that verse today though, I read a sentence that was just before the famous phrase of "be anxious for nothing" that seems to be tagged on to the end of verse 5 that I had never seen before. I know that it is gonna help me to erase the worry of "what if" from my brain.....
It simply says, "the Lord is near." Why should I worry when the Creator of the universe is right beside me. Since He is there, there is really no need to be anxious.
The verse is found in the book of Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 6. It is a great reminder to all of us not to worry about anything, but to pray about whatever is worrying us instead. Coming from someone who is anxious about a few things right now, that is easier said than done. It is hard not to be anxious and worry about things; especially big things like sickness, loss of a loved one, finances, relationships, etc.
I know people who have this part of life whipped. They don't worry about anything. Nothing bothers them, nothing gets them upset, nothing seems to cause them to get in a tizzy about anything... They are just in a constant state of chilled out. My roommate is like that. I wish I could be more like that. I constantly let my mind wonder about the dreaded, "what if???"
As I read over that verse today though, I read a sentence that was just before the famous phrase of "be anxious for nothing" that seems to be tagged on to the end of verse 5 that I had never seen before. I know that it is gonna help me to erase the worry of "what if" from my brain.....
It simply says, "the Lord is near." Why should I worry when the Creator of the universe is right beside me. Since He is there, there is really no need to be anxious.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Words With Friends
As if I needed another techy interruption to my life, the Words With Friends app on my iPhone has consumed the 5 minutes of time I had left in my day. It's pretty cool because you can play with all of your friends who have the app or play with a random stranger anywhere in the world.
So far I have played with someone in California, Louisiana, and Maine. You can chat during the game too. The board is a bit different from Scrabble but it's basically the same. If you have the app and want to play leave your player name in the comments and prepare to get beaten!!!
Happy Snow Day #5!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
So far I have played with someone in California, Louisiana, and Maine. You can chat during the game too. The board is a bit different from Scrabble but it's basically the same. If you have the app and want to play leave your player name in the comments and prepare to get beaten!!!
Happy Snow Day #5!!!
Posted from BB's iPhone!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Snow Day #4
Well... Here it is... Snow Day #4. There is nothing we can do about it, but embrace it. I am looking forward to it. I am sure I will have a moment of boredom, but with the busy life I lead, sometimes boredom is a great thing!!!
Yesterday after it was announced that there would be no school again for the 4th day in a row, here are a few status updates that I saw come across Facebook.
Yesterday after it was announced that there would be no school again for the 4th day in a row, here are a few status updates that I saw come across Facebook.
I know... I know... These folks are tired of being stuck... I think we can all relate... Yesterday, I was actually excited about cleaning the toilet because it was something to do.
But what is the big deal about staying home one more day? In 8 days we will all be putting TGIF on our status because we are so tired and ready for the weekend.
As an educator, I am so glad that schools make cautious decisions. There is no amount of days they can add to the end of school that I would not be happy to work to protect Taylor and Sophie and all of my students both current and past. I have seen lots of pics from friends and on the news of roads that are no where near clear. Just because the roads you traveled in your neighborhood and to Wal-Mart were clear doesn't mean all of them were.
I remember one time in High School we were at school and it started to snow... It snowed all day long and the schools kept us there because it wasn't sticking. Finally at about 1:15 they dismissed early. On the way home that day a girl in my class slid off the road and hit a tree. She never made it home. I think of her mother every time it snows, and every time I hear someone complain about being "snowed in" and about how ridiculous we do things around here. I bet her mother would give anything if we could have let that day of school go.
But what is the big deal about staying home one more day? In 8 days we will all be putting TGIF on our status because we are so tired and ready for the weekend.
As an educator, I am so glad that schools make cautious decisions. There is no amount of days they can add to the end of school that I would not be happy to work to protect Taylor and Sophie and all of my students both current and past. I have seen lots of pics from friends and on the news of roads that are no where near clear. Just because the roads you traveled in your neighborhood and to Wal-Mart were clear doesn't mean all of them were.
I remember one time in High School we were at school and it started to snow... It snowed all day long and the schools kept us there because it wasn't sticking. Finally at about 1:15 they dismissed early. On the way home that day a girl in my class slid off the road and hit a tree. She never made it home. I think of her mother every time it snows, and every time I hear someone complain about being "snowed in" and about how ridiculous we do things around here. I bet her mother would give anything if we could have let that day of school go.
So... Relax, take a deep breath, enjoy another day at home, and be thankful someone out there is thinking of the safety of you and your kids.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snows of the Past
As you can tell from the last few days of posts, I LOVE SNOW! There are so many things I love about it.
1. I love how it reminds me of the Lord's forgiveness...I have been washed WHITER than the snow.
2. I love how pretty it makes everything... I mean, even the trash can looks picture worthy with snow on it.
3. I love how it forces us to slow down, whether we want to or not.
4. I love how it gives me time with my family.
5. I love all of the traditions it has created... snowmen, sledding, snow cream, snow days, bread and milk, etc... One tradition my family seems obsessed with is taking pictures in the snow.
Since I have had a lot of time on my hands the past 3 days, I dug out all my old pics and looked at every one. As I looked, I noticed I had lots of "snow pics." Take a look at some of them with me.
That same snow storm was my niece Taylor's first snow. I risked my life for this very picture. I am sure I have one with Sophie too, but I could not find it. :0(
1. I love how it reminds me of the Lord's forgiveness...I have been washed WHITER than the snow.
2. I love how pretty it makes everything... I mean, even the trash can looks picture worthy with snow on it.
3. I love how it forces us to slow down, whether we want to or not.
4. I love how it gives me time with my family.
5. I love all of the traditions it has created... snowmen, sledding, snow cream, snow days, bread and milk, etc... One tradition my family seems obsessed with is taking pictures in the snow.
Since I have had a lot of time on my hands the past 3 days, I dug out all my old pics and looked at every one. As I looked, I noticed I had lots of "snow pics." Take a look at some of them with me.
As you can see from these first 2, it doesn't take much to get us excited about snow. This first pic was nothing but sleet, but it was starting to get white outside so my mom and I had to run out and get a pic. The one below it the shows the snow just barely starting to fall, but I had to get a pic of the car. I guess we do that down here in the south because the snow could be gone just as fast as it started and we want to capture the moment. I laughed when I saw the car pic too. I must have a 100 pics of cars with snow on them.
As I perused the pics, I realized that family pics in the snow seemed to be genetic. This one is of my mom in the snow when she was just 13 months old. I loved that my granny spread a towel out for her to sit on. The one below her is kind of fuzzy, but that is me in the yellow hat and that is Lake Bowen behind me. Wonder how long it had been cold for that to happen?
I realize that snow can be a disruption for some folks. It has gotten in the way of my mom's birthday twice. Her birthday is January 2nd. When she turned 40, there was a HUGE ice storm and it totally ruined her big surprise party. This pic here is a few years later. It started pouring down snow while we were all out eating at Capri's for her big meal.
I will NEVER EVER forget the wonderful White Christmas that we just had, but looking back at these pics reminded me that we had snow pretty close to Christmas once before. This was my Sophomore year of college. We all got real wooden sleds for Christmas, and that year it snowed 2 days after Christmas so we got to use our sleds.
This pic here shows the first snow I had while living on my own. This was the view from my apartment at Green Tree Apartments in Taylors in 2001.
This pic is one of my favorites for 2 reasons. 1. This was my first snow day as a a teacher. We got about 6 inches during that storm. This was in the parking lot at my 2nd apartment in Duncan.
2. The story that happened during the night before this pic... There was a "domestic" dispute in the building beside mine at about 3am. I was awake of course, watching the snow, and this lady got mad at her husband and literally threw all of his clothes off the balcony from the 3rd floor. When the cops came, the man was trying to climb the tree to get his clothes. Let's just say he was NOT DRESSED for the weather!!! It was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
2. The story that happened during the night before this pic... There was a "domestic" dispute in the building beside mine at about 3am. I was awake of course, watching the snow, and this lady got mad at her husband and literally threw all of his clothes off the balcony from the 3rd floor. When the cops came, the man was trying to climb the tree to get his clothes. Let's just say he was NOT DRESSED for the weather!!! It was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
That same snow storm was my niece Taylor's first snow. I risked my life for this very picture. I am sure I have one with Sophie too, but I could not find it. :0(
I found these pics too. Apparently my family has sucked others into our snow pic history. Look at my brother-in-law on the left... Doesn't he look thrilled!!!
Out of all the pics I found, this one was one of my favorites because the snowflake was literally in front of my face. I thought it was so fitting since I absolutely LOVE the snow!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snowmageddon 2011- Part 2
Here are a few more pics from yesterday's fun. Hope your Snow Day Part 2 was great. Enjoy Day 3 tomorrow!!!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snowmageddon 2011
WOW!!! Boy did the snow come. 9 inches at my sister's and my house. We had a BLAST today sledding. SO MUCH SNOW!!!! Check out a couple of our videos.
I hope you all enjoyed your snow as much as we did. 9 inches of snow makes for a heck of a day! There will be more pics and videos soon!
I hope you all enjoyed your snow as much as we did. 9 inches of snow makes for a heck of a day! There will be more pics and videos soon!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Southern Snow
Anyone who knows me should know that I LOVE the snow. I can hardly wait each year for the little snowflake icon to start appearing in our weekly forecasts. The excitement that goes through my body is reminiscent of the thrill of waking up to gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. Yes, I am that giddy tonight just at the possibility of another big snow this season. Here are just a few things that I love about a good 'ole Southern Snow!
1. Everybody gets giddy... You talk about it at school, church, the beauty shop, and with random strangers in line at Wal-Mart. Just the forecast of it a week out, and we still get stirred up... We just can't help ourselves.
2. Bread and Milk... I love that this is our way of life down here. I have no qualms about telling outsiders from the north that it is who we are. We have had a few bad experiences where we did not listen to the weatherman or we were all caught off guard without the staples, so bread and milk are a must. A few years ago we had a horrible ice storm and people were iced in for a week. I think getting bread and milk and a roll of toilet paper is a pretty good idea.
3. No School, No Work... We like to take things slow down here in the South. Why not take a day off to enjoy the fun that snow brings? Whatever you think is so important that it cannot wait a day or two til the snow is gone is not a big deal. Chill out, get some hot chocolate and enjoy the day.
4. Sledding on anything but a sled... Who in the world has a sled? Well, ok, I have one, but a piece of linoleum or a fast food tray work just fine. As matter of fact a friend of mine told me that a piece of under pinning from her mobile home worked better than any sled she had ever owned!
5. Snow Pics... Every time it snows my family is quick to rush out and get pics. Mainly of ourselves, and our cars... Who knows why the car, but I must have 20 pics of different cars in the snow.
All this said, I realize I am blogging prematurely about the forecasted snowmaggedon that is expected to arrive in just a few hours... If it doesn't do anything but rain, then reminisce about the wonderful white Christmas we had just a few weeks ago, and have a great day at work...but if it does snow... Have a great SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Everybody gets giddy... You talk about it at school, church, the beauty shop, and with random strangers in line at Wal-Mart. Just the forecast of it a week out, and we still get stirred up... We just can't help ourselves.
2. Bread and Milk... I love that this is our way of life down here. I have no qualms about telling outsiders from the north that it is who we are. We have had a few bad experiences where we did not listen to the weatherman or we were all caught off guard without the staples, so bread and milk are a must. A few years ago we had a horrible ice storm and people were iced in for a week. I think getting bread and milk and a roll of toilet paper is a pretty good idea.
3. No School, No Work... We like to take things slow down here in the South. Why not take a day off to enjoy the fun that snow brings? Whatever you think is so important that it cannot wait a day or two til the snow is gone is not a big deal. Chill out, get some hot chocolate and enjoy the day.
4. Sledding on anything but a sled... Who in the world has a sled? Well, ok, I have one, but a piece of linoleum or a fast food tray work just fine. As matter of fact a friend of mine told me that a piece of under pinning from her mobile home worked better than any sled she had ever owned!
5. Snow Pics... Every time it snows my family is quick to rush out and get pics. Mainly of ourselves, and our cars... Who knows why the car, but I must have 20 pics of different cars in the snow.
All this said, I realize I am blogging prematurely about the forecasted snowmaggedon that is expected to arrive in just a few hours... If it doesn't do anything but rain, then reminisce about the wonderful white Christmas we had just a few weeks ago, and have a great day at work...but if it does snow... Have a great SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
I Wear Lots of Hats!
I was sitting at home, minding my own business, in my pajamas, when my sister called and asked me to meet her at Fuji. I had already eaten and the wind chill was 17 degrees, but I got my 20 mile tired body off the couch, put on some clothes, and went.
After dinner she just had to go to Wal-Mart. I couldn't let her go alone. It was dark and cold...What if something happened? I would feel awful. So... again, I went.
She need to go to see if they had gloves for the girls so they could enjoy the fast approaching Snowmaggedon that is due to arrive tomorrow night. Since we were in the area of hats and gloves, she started putting hats on me to see which ones looked good on me... (What she was really doing is laughing at me, and the hideous hats that can be found at Wal-Mart.
She snapped some pics of me so ya'll could see, laugh, and vote. She insisted that one of these looked good on me. Which one do you think? Seriously... She liked one of these. Can you guess which one?
After dinner she just had to go to Wal-Mart. I couldn't let her go alone. It was dark and cold...What if something happened? I would feel awful. So... again, I went.
She need to go to see if they had gloves for the girls so they could enjoy the fast approaching Snowmaggedon that is due to arrive tomorrow night. Since we were in the area of hats and gloves, she started putting hats on me to see which ones looked good on me... (What she was really doing is laughing at me, and the hideous hats that can be found at Wal-Mart.
She snapped some pics of me so ya'll could see, laugh, and vote. She insisted that one of these looked good on me. Which one do you think? Seriously... She liked one of these. Can you guess which one?
1. Elmer Fudd
2. Old Man
3. Purplicious
4. Weekend At Bernie's
5. Marvel
Cast your vote now!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Feel Good Friday
Here are a few things that made me feel good this week.
1. 2 boys got in trouble for fighting on the playground at recess. 2 others got away with it no one saw them. After the other 2 got in trouble the 2 that got away with came to confess because they knew it was the right thing to do. There is hope for the world!
2. I got a really nice surprise from my Granny Wartha in the mail this week!
3. I sold a 2nd wave of "fat clothes" this week at school and made enough money to pay for my hotel in Atlanta when I run the Publix Georgia Marathon
4. My principal won the SC Principal of the Year!
5. There has been talk of snow all week... Let's hope it really comes!
6. My house has stayed clean from the Christmas Clean Up all week!
7. I ran 20 miles for the first time back on Saturday. I guess technically that was last week, but I didn't blog about it.
8. I judged a talent show at a local high school and was amazed at some good talent!
9. I got a text from a long lost friend congratulating me on my weight loss.
10. I finally got my automatic shower cleaner working again.
1. 2 boys got in trouble for fighting on the playground at recess. 2 others got away with it no one saw them. After the other 2 got in trouble the 2 that got away with came to confess because they knew it was the right thing to do. There is hope for the world!
2. I got a really nice surprise from my Granny Wartha in the mail this week!
3. I sold a 2nd wave of "fat clothes" this week at school and made enough money to pay for my hotel in Atlanta when I run the Publix Georgia Marathon
4. My principal won the SC Principal of the Year!
5. There has been talk of snow all week... Let's hope it really comes!
6. My house has stayed clean from the Christmas Clean Up all week!
7. I ran 20 miles for the first time back on Saturday. I guess technically that was last week, but I didn't blog about it.
8. I judged a talent show at a local high school and was amazed at some good talent!
9. I got a text from a long lost friend congratulating me on my weight loss.
10. I finally got my automatic shower cleaner working again.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Baby Jed
While I was looking for a baby pic at mama's yesterday, I ran across this one too. This is one of my favorites from way back when. Just thought I would share it. We were on the Merry-Go-Round at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. My poor mama was a victim of 80's hair, while I was suffering from a pug nose. Hope you enjoy! Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"Picture" Bingo
The librarian at school is creating a bulletin board at school titled "Snow Babies." She asked teachers to bring in pics of us as babies. I called mama and she picked out one for me. I went over last night after dinner to pick it up. This is the one I got. What do you think?
I must confess that I did not want to go get the pic. As I said, it was after dinner, I was already in my comfy clothes, it was cold, and I was worn slap out from the first day back to school. I went though because I did not want to be the only teacher without a pic.
When I got to mama's to get the pic, 2 of my favorite "babies" were over there. I was gonna just run in and run out, but they were in the most loving mood, and instantly talked Matt and I into a game of picture bingo. Sophie insisted that she be the "caller outter." We ended up playing 4 games and everyone won a turn except for Nana. We had the best time!
I loved that what was seemingly an inconvenient task turned into such a special little time... all thanks to a baby picture and Bingo!
I must confess that I did not want to go get the pic. As I said, it was after dinner, I was already in my comfy clothes, it was cold, and I was worn slap out from the first day back to school. I went though because I did not want to be the only teacher without a pic.When I got to mama's to get the pic, 2 of my favorite "babies" were over there. I was gonna just run in and run out, but they were in the most loving mood, and instantly talked Matt and I into a game of picture bingo. Sophie insisted that she be the "caller outter." We ended up playing 4 games and everyone won a turn except for Nana. We had the best time!
I loved that what was seemingly an inconvenient task turned into such a special little time... all thanks to a baby picture and Bingo!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Ham Delight!
Yesterday I was at a local grocery store getting some items for lunch this week as I venture back to the working world. I picked up the pack of turkey on the left.... Do you see the color??? It looked like turkey, however it was ham.... HELLO... Ham is pink, not brown... I found a normal one right beside it and took a pic to show the difference in color. I checked the dates and ironically they were the same date. I wanted to tell someone to remove it, but of course no one was around to help. I could only imagine the sweet smell that would have wafted out of the package had I opened it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Christmas Clean Up
Yesterday the mood finally hit me. It was time to clean up Christmas! I hate to do it so bad, but once the motivation comes you better get on it or else it will be Valentine's Day and you'll be the only idiot in the neighborhood with Santa on the porch! (kinda like the 4 people I saw with pumpkins on their porch while I was running today!!!)
I was proud once I finally got it all put up. The OCD in me just welled up with pride as I stood there looking at all my matching bins, neatly organized, and ready for the attic! Well.. I thought it was all there. I made 5 more trips to the attic putting up all the little things I overlooked.
After I cleaned up all the stuff, I proceeded with rearranging my guest bedroom. I seem to do it every year about this time. Since that room typically turns into an extra closet with a 9 ft. tree in the middle of it, it is in need of rearranging.
I started with this sofa bed. I really don't like it for this room, but bought it on an impulse because the display at IKEA looked just like what I wanted. In my room
however, I hated it the second I got it home. IKEA only offered a store credit so I kept it and was gonna sell it. A year later and it's still here.
What I don't like about it is the couch part, so I thought I would try to leave it out as a bed. A few lamps, a night stand, and comforter that I stole from my roommate's bed, and I was finally happy. Don't get me wrong, if you want to buy it, make me an offer. But for now, I'm content with this year's Christmas Clean Up!
I was proud once I finally got it all put up. The OCD in me just welled up with pride as I stood there looking at all my matching bins, neatly organized, and ready for the attic! Well.. I thought it was all there. I made 5 more trips to the attic putting up all the little things I overlooked.
After I cleaned up all the stuff, I proceeded with rearranging my guest bedroom. I seem to do it every year about this time. Since that room typically turns into an extra closet with a 9 ft. tree in the middle of it, it is in need of rearranging.
I started with this sofa bed. I really don't like it for this room, but bought it on an impulse because the display at IKEA looked just like what I wanted. In my room
however, I hated it the second I got it home. IKEA only offered a store credit so I kept it and was gonna sell it. A year later and it's still here.
What I don't like about it is the couch part, so I thought I would try to leave it out as a bed. A few lamps, a night stand, and comforter that I stole from my roommate's bed, and I was finally happy. Don't get me wrong, if you want to buy it, make me an offer. But for now, I'm content with this year's Christmas Clean Up!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
52 Things I Love About My Mom!
This year in honor of my mom's 52 birthday I thought I would post 52 things that make her special to me!
1. She loves Jesus!
2. She loves her kids.
3. She loved and cared for her dog Kokomo even though he peed everywhere. We sure miss him!
4. She is a hard worker.
5. She is creative. She can make a mess of something look great!
6. She loves little surprises. You can give her just the smallest little gift and she loves it.
7. She likes to dance. I usually make fun of the way she does it, but she is good at Shagging.
8. She takes care of us when we are sick. Even though both my sister and I are grown, she is there if we are sick.
9. She texts.
10. She is on Facebook.
11. Salmon Patties
12. Cubed Steak
13. Hamburgers and Fries
14. Chili Beans
15. Mashed Potatoes
16. Sausage Balls
17. Meatloaf
18. Bacon and Eggs
19. Pinto Beans
20. She decorates her house for every holiday and it always looks great!
21. She is always wanting to buy gifts for everyone.
22. She loves to shop...not always to buy, but to spend time with me and my sister.
23. She is my biggest cheer leader.
24. She is the sweetest operator at her job. When a patient buzzes the nurse's station she is so nice to them.
25. She is spontaneous.
26. She loves the beach.
27. She loves to travel.
28. She loves to have me and my sister come for dinner.
29. She is a great Nana... Maybe I will have her some more grand kids one day!
30. She is very thoughtful!
31. She sneaked over here one day and cleaned my whole house!
32. She loves convertibles.
33. She cheered like a crazy woman at my 1st half marathon.
34. She is so excited about my full marathon. She cannot wait to cheer me on.
35. She was my guest at the Teacher of the Year banquet the year I won.
36. When I moved to the Philippines back in '07, she wanted to see where I was living so she went with me.
37. She has good taste in clothes...for the most part :0) You know kids pick on their parents about this one!
38. When I started teaching she helped my cut out laminating for days.
39. She can be a little ditsy sometimes. It makes her special!
40. She is hysterical to play a board game with!
41. She goes to the gym.
42. She is the best iron"er" I know. I wish I could take my clothes to her every week!
43. She does not look 52, more like 32!
44. She always leaves a voicemail when she calls. I don't care what she is calling for.
45. She loves to go the Waffle House when it snows.
46. She likes crab cakes.
47. She loves Mallow Cups... Do you even know what they are?
48. She loves her kids unconditionally.
49. She loves to rearrange her furniture and ours!!!
50. She loves to paint the rooms in her house all different colors, and she likes to paint frequently.
51. She is getting growing older with lots of beauty, grace, and class.
52. She is the world's greatest mom!!!!!!!
1. She loves Jesus!
2. She loves her kids.
3. She loved and cared for her dog Kokomo even though he peed everywhere. We sure miss him!
4. She is a hard worker.
5. She is creative. She can make a mess of something look great!
6. She loves little surprises. You can give her just the smallest little gift and she loves it.
7. She likes to dance. I usually make fun of the way she does it, but she is good at Shagging.
8. She takes care of us when we are sick. Even though both my sister and I are grown, she is there if we are sick.
9. She texts.
10. She is on Facebook.
11. Salmon Patties
12. Cubed Steak
13. Hamburgers and Fries
14. Chili Beans
15. Mashed Potatoes
16. Sausage Balls
17. Meatloaf
18. Bacon and Eggs
19. Pinto Beans
20. She decorates her house for every holiday and it always looks great!
21. She is always wanting to buy gifts for everyone.
22. She loves to shop...not always to buy, but to spend time with me and my sister.
23. She is my biggest cheer leader.
24. She is the sweetest operator at her job. When a patient buzzes the nurse's station she is so nice to them.
25. She is spontaneous.
26. She loves the beach.
27. She loves to travel.
28. She loves to have me and my sister come for dinner.
29. She is a great Nana... Maybe I will have her some more grand kids one day!
30. She is very thoughtful!
31. She sneaked over here one day and cleaned my whole house!
32. She loves convertibles.
33. She cheered like a crazy woman at my 1st half marathon.
34. She is so excited about my full marathon. She cannot wait to cheer me on.
35. She was my guest at the Teacher of the Year banquet the year I won.
36. When I moved to the Philippines back in '07, she wanted to see where I was living so she went with me.
37. She has good taste in clothes...for the most part :0) You know kids pick on their parents about this one!
38. When I started teaching she helped my cut out laminating for days.
39. She can be a little ditsy sometimes. It makes her special!
40. She is hysterical to play a board game with!
41. She goes to the gym.
42. She is the best iron"er" I know. I wish I could take my clothes to her every week!
43. She does not look 52, more like 32!
44. She always leaves a voicemail when she calls. I don't care what she is calling for.
45. She loves to go the Waffle House when it snows.
46. She likes crab cakes.
47. She loves Mallow Cups... Do you even know what they are?
48. She loves her kids unconditionally.
49. She loves to rearrange her furniture and ours!!!
50. She loves to paint the rooms in her house all different colors, and she likes to paint frequently.
51. She is getting growing older with lots of beauty, grace, and class.
52. She is the world's greatest mom!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mama!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
Yesterday I posted about my success and failures with my New Year's Resolutions for 2010. Since writing them down seemed to be good for me last year, I thought I would start this year off by making some new goals for the new year.
1. Running- In this new year, I want running to continue to be a huge part of my life. I love it. As you read this right now, I am either getting ready to go, running it now, or recovering from my first ever 18 mile training run for my marathon in March.
1. Running- In this new year, I want running to continue to be a huge part of my life. I love it. As you read this right now, I am either getting ready to go, running it now, or recovering from my first ever 18 mile training run for my marathon in March.
My goal for this year...at least 2 marathons.
2. Cooking- Since I started eating healthier last year, cooking and eating at home has become more of a regular thing for me. That said, my taste buds are starting to get tired of whole wheat turkey spaghetti and grilled chicken and pork chops.
My goal for this year... Learn how to cook at least 5 new dishes.
3. Pictures- I have over 4,000 pics on my computer. My mom needs half of them because she swears she doesn't have enough.
My goal for this year... Back them up on CD's and give them to my mom.
4. Reading- I am gonna put this one on here again, but lower the expectation a bit. Maybe I will out do myself one and shock everyone.
My goal for this year... 3 books.
5. Kindness- A few times this past year I did some random acts of kindness. No, I won't tell you what I did, and who for, but I will tell you it felt good to randomly do something nice for someone who wasn't expecting it. I should do more of that!
My goal for this year... More Random Acts of Kindness!
What are some of your goals for the new year? I would love to hear them. Maybe I can add some things to my list. Any sharers?
Happy New Year!
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