Miscellaneous Missives

It's New Year's eve, and my plans are fairly subdued. Instead of partying as I did when I was younger, I will enjoy a more relaxed evening with friends. Sometimes, however, I will admit that I miss my partying days. Recent comments have reminded me of this. While we were crossing the street on the way to Christmas eve service, a member of the church staff said, "I don't recognize you without a drink in your hand." He was talking about the fact that I typically have a glass from Caribou in my hand on the way to the morning service. I was thinking, "Yeah, many people have probably thought something similar." I also have a new position with the Community Meal until spring. Instead of volunteering at night, I am also helping all afternoon getting everything ready to go (kind of a co-chair position). While we were setting up this afternoon, I was using my typical wit (that not everyone gets or finds entertaining... sarcasm perhaps). The lady working wi...

Sometimes I get frustrated by the craziness of our world (Pakistan, Darfur, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, etc.). This craziness, the lack of peace, is not only in other countries. The lack of peace is felt here in the United States and more personally in me. If I truly would like to see peace across the world, I need to start with myself. I'm not sure of the song, but it says, "Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me." Today in church we were handed a "both/and star." The two sides represent peace in ourselves and peace in the world. We were asked to keep it to remember. As the pastor eloquently stated, "We seek peace both inwardly and in the world." She ended with Maya Angelou's poem Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem . Its final stanza reminds me of the importance of peace for EVERYONE. "We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers, Look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at our world and speak the ...

Yesterday I was lamenting the short break. I figured I wasn't quite ready to go back to work on Wednesday. This morning I slept in instead of getting up for an early walk when I saw the snow asking myself, "Do I really want to go out in the snow and walk?" After weighing myself I've realized two things: 1) Yes, I really do want to go out and walk. 2)Yes, I need to pry myself away from the confections, wine, eating whenever (and obviously whatever) I choose, and lying around to go back to work. Saying all of this you would think I would be out walking instead of geeking on my computer. I'm going. I'm going.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to see former President Bill Clinton fifteen miles from my father's home. Do you remember the times of peace and prosperity? I think of the damage Bush has done and wonder what was the big deal about Monica Lewinsky. I found him engaging, charismatic, intelligent, graceful, articulate, humorous... As I did when I saw Hillary, Edwards, and Obama, I took notes, but I found nothing I disagreed with as he spoke. I do believe all three candidates have similar ideas and focus. For some reason I trust Bill more (way more) than I do Hillary. Unlike Hillary, he was smart enough to say, "if you nominate her..." Hillary seemed to believe she already had the nomination. He also used the line, "You're laughing, but you know it's true." One of the more humorous lines was when he was talking about "getting lost" as the President and what it's like to be President. While talking about situations such as always enter...

Yesterday I took pictures of the ice fishers (not me) on the lake. It was extremely foggy. It seems I did have the cord to load pictures on my computer, but I forgot the power cord to my computer. Traveling and technology sometimes prove to be difficult. This morning I took pictures of the frost on the trees and ground. I had planned on leaving at seven this morning, but former President Bill Clinton will be speaking 15 miles away. I would like to see him and will leave late this afternoon.

Christmas eve while at a lovely dinner with way too many Republicans, I was asked how I was going to spend my break. My answer was terse yet polite acknowledging my plans to read and correct some five paragraph essays. Yesterday as the snow fell and blanketed Minneapolis, Dad and I looked into the snowfall amounts in his area. At that point I decided to follow him to Okoboji to shovel snow since he has a bad (really bad... can't put coat on) shoulder and doesn't see the doctor until Friday. Although it was not really part of my plans, I am pleased that I could help. I'll leave tomorrow morning. This is another reminder of why I should have a condo instead of a house. Again, I was glad that I could help, but snow is cold, wet, and in this case layered with ice. As we left Minneapolis this morning, I asked Dad to pull over, so I could get his camera since I left my cord at home. I planned on taking pictures, but the roads weren't really conducive to driving and p...

Honestly, I didn't want much for Christmas... bras, panties, and a Bible. Although Dad came through with an external hard drive which I will need consultation to make work (Thanks M!!!), Mother (no longer knows me or wants to know me) gave me nothing from my list (but truly how would she know or why would she care)... I feel like the girl in the Verizon ad with the pony. Each and every time I watch this ad, I laugh (oh, and feel sorry for myself). Merry Christmas to all!!

You Know a Lot About Christmas You got 5/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: "Jingle Bells" was originally written as a Thanksgiving song. How Much Do You Know About Christmas? Hey, what are the correct answers? How do I know "tons" if I only earned 50%? BTW- This will be my last quiz type entry for the season!

Although I have been done with my Christmas shopping for weeks, today will be spent shopping for groceries, a pie, an air mattress (mine seems to have a leak), and odds and ends. The good news is I don't have to buy groceries by myself. Of course, we will need to go out for breakfast first! You Should Have a Gold Christmas Tree For you, the holidays represent a time of optimism and wealth. You definitely have a generous spirit, and you give a lot during the holiday season. You really go over the top for Christmas. Everyone on your list gets a great gift. Even if you don't have a lot of money during the holidays, it's the one time you pretend like you do. Your gold tree would look great with: All kinds of metallic decorations You should spend Christmas Eve watching: Miracle on 34th St What you should bake for Santa: A ton of cookies, cupcakes, and candy. You would enjoy spoiling him. What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

At church this morning, the children's story, Little One, We Knew You'd Come by Sally Lloyd-Jones, was read. It is indeed the message of the season. I'm not sure I agree with all of this, but for me the holidays are a "spiritual time." What The Holidays Mean to You For you, the holidays are a very spiritual time. You have as much holiday fun as everyone else - but you never forget what you're celebrating. You celebrate the holidays in an over the top style. If something is cute, you'll buy it. People end up with a lot of gifts from you - and your house is like a holiday wonderland, full of decorations. During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the...

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 50% You have a lot of Christmas spirit, and it's evident to most people who know you. You love most things Christmas, and you do your best to make sure everyone has a great holiday. While you like the more commercial aspects of Christmas, you truly know what the spirit of Christmas is about. You're all about giving, being kind, and sharing the spirit of Christmas with everyone you know. Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

The first day of winter brought a wondrous white layer of snow to cover the dingy, dirty grime. Although it's certainly not the first snow of the season, it is officially the first snow of winter.

Today was a wonderful start to the holiday. I was greeted by L, D, and baby L as I walked into school. L wanted to know if I wanted to see little L... yeah! Then M, the miracle baker of the treat I'll talk about later, came out of the school with a smile telling me she left me a gift inside. This was followed by a gift in my box and fudge on my desk. Next, my LA colleague brought me a hot cocoa. Maybe the worst gift yet nicest gesture came from a sometimes unruly student who of course came late to school. I took the gift, said thanks, then proceeded with the hectic day. Later he really wanted to know if I had opened it. Of course I hadn't. "I haven't had a chance, but I'll open it now. Do you want to come with me while I open it?" He did, and I hope I had a pleasing smile on my face as I looked at his gift (plastic snowman on a sleigh). I thanked him and said how wonderful the gift was and how nice it was for him to remember me. His smile was the ...

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both and neither... I'm really trying to be more green, but it's difficult during the holidays. 2. Real tree or artificial? Neither... I have a wonderful tiny tree that rotates using the heat of pine scented t-lights. 3. Do you like egg nog? No I do not, although I'm not sure I've ever had it. 4. Favorite gift received as a child? no clue... sad huh?! 5. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes 6. Hardest person to buy for? my colleagues 7. Easiest person to buy for? Michael and Holly... I love their lists!! 8. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail... every other year or so! 9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't know, but I really love it when people actually buy what's on my list! 10. Favorite Christmas movie? Snoopy... with the pathetic little tree 11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Typically around my birthday before Thanksgiving 12. Have you eve...

After my shower this morning I put night cream on my face instead of day cream. Plus I have a grey hair sticking out of my head like a unicorn. Should I go back to bed instead of going to work?

This summer I saw a speaker that I really wanted to bring to our school. After trying to contact her on several occasions, I decided it wasn't meant to be. Of course as soon as I gave up hope, she called to set up a meeting. My next step was to get the necessary money, and it started to come together. S, my language arts buddy, and I met with her and became excited about the venture. We carefully, or so we thought, prepared students to speak (oh, they did well) and prepared for today's assembly. This morning I was nervous. What had I forgotten? What will the other teachers think about the speaker? How will the students react? Is this really the best time to have an assembly? IMHO the afternoon was a success. Although it didn't reach all students, I think it caught those students whom we need to connect with more. The one teacher I thought might think it focused too much on students of color seemed to think it was "awesome." S and I spoke with the spe...

Today I went in to teach and realized I really didn't feel good. I'm sure part of it is because I'm tired (big weekend 500 miles on my car yesterday and late night with friends on Saturday), but I'm having a difficult time with this cold/flu "thing." It is now affecting my throat and ears. Some of the sinus pain was alleviated today as I went in for acupuncture. After acupuncture I came home, put on my baggy flannel shirt and tights, and took a nap. When I awoke, Kitty Klaus was on my sweater I had neatly put on the chest. Since I put it on the chest to wear again and not as a comfortable place for Kitty Klaus, I wasn't real happy although it is cute. He really is a FAT CAT!

Obama's motto is "Change We Belive In." Although it was a little low key event, I walked away thinking Obama may be the one. I will admit part way through his talk I sat back and crossed my arms. He was talking about making higher education more affordable. His plan has to do with graduates "giving back." The comment that offended me a bit was in the way he proposed students to pay back. "When students graduate they can teach or go to the Peace Corps," he stated Did he just compare working in education to working in the Peace Corps? After he was done speaking, I asked him about his meaning. Actually, I went to "put him on the spot." He was very gracious and probably took my hand four times. His rationale was he was not talking about all graduates teaching but graduates with an education degree working in small rural areas or inner city schools where teachers are needed most. I will admit that I was not "star struck," but...

Yesterday while meeting with a couple tech savy people, I mentioned that although I wasn't sure the age of my iBook, it hadn't given me any problems. In the same conversation I mentioned that I had never had a problem with either of my iPods. Today I realized that my iBook was not charging. Last night the green light signifying charging did not appear, but I figured it was still charging since the little icon appeared to show charging. This morning my battery was still around 45%. Figuring it was the power cord ($80), I went to First Tech and bought a new power cord. When I got home it didn't have a green light either. My trip back to First Tech led to a new battery ($120). Since I tend to question things, I told the I wanted to make sure it worked with my computer before I took it home. We plugged in my computer with the new battery and no green light. The sales guy tried to tell me it would be OK as soon as the battery charged, but I was not easily swayed. Afte...

Who says I don't have a life? Maybe I do spend too much time on the computer, but once again, this is funny. If it makes people feel better I am also reading. Currently I am on page 826 (of 983) in The Pillars of the Earth. Maybe if I stay off the computer (good luck), I'll get the novel finished this weekend.

If I am running and working out in my dream, do I burn extra calories? Last night I exercised like a pro. I must have burned some extra calories and lost weight. Right?!

Today I was told about Kiva.org. I checked Youtube.com to get more information. This clip is informative. As soon as I get some money in savings, I plan on loaning $25.00. The person who told me about Kiva.org loaned money which has already been repaid and loaned again.

I don't really have a reason, but I found this funny.

Recently I received a Christmas card with wonderful pictures. It was done by Shutterfly . After feeling guilty about not sending out holiday cards this year or last, I decided to take advantage of the pictures I took this year and make a holiday card. First I went to Walgreens.com (highly recommended for photos!!!), but they didn't have a card that would hold over four pictures. Since I really wanted to add more photos, I checked out Shutterfly and found a card that holds nine pictures. While I was at Shutterfly, I also found an idea for a fabulous gift, but I can't share any more information... 'tis the season.

Saturday I made cookies and did very well. I only ate two. Yesterday it did not go as well; I probably ate eleven. Today I've been home for less than two hours and the count is at six. As I was grabbing two out of the freezer (not a deterrent), I decided to start a tally next to the fridge. Maybe this will be a deterrent as I have a visual of my intake. Tomorrow I should take some to school and get them out of my freezer.

I long for summer when reading gets in the way of life instead of life getting in the way of reading and when going for a walk doesn't require several layers of clothing.

Watching the local news last night I found about a website called elfyourself.com. Since I didn't really feel like doing anything besides geeking on the computer, I decided to play with the site. I've also spent time trying to figure out how to post the video, but I think you probably have to try the link. After I messed around with elfyourself, I went to scroogeyourself.com. Try the links of my family and Jesse ! Don't worry, I e-mailed a copy to my family. We'll see what Dad thinks when he returns from Europe.

This may not be one of Olbermann's finest, but it gives some disturbing facts.

First let me explain the irony of the following situation. The person I am having the conversation with is five inches taller than me and twenty pounds lighter. Fellow Colleague: You need to put some meat on your bones. M: I wish. FC: No seriously M: Yeah, I'll go home and eat a cake. FC: Something substantial M: With the Crisco frosting, the whole cake Although I know the truth about my weight, and the scale continues to remind me, it made me feel a little giddy for a brief period of time between sneezing and blowing my nose.

Typically I do better with illness, but I'm still sick and starting to feel sorry for myself. It's 8:58 pm which is officially the latest I've been up in a week, and it's definitely the longest period of time I've spent without sleeping. After school I had a book study, then I had a book club which was followed by a school performance of The Wiz. Not that I would have stayed past intermission, but I certainly only had enough tissue to make it to intermission. I am on my way to bed since it's been a long day. The good news is I have something to try tomorrow if I'm still feeling ill. A friend says that rubbing Vicks on her feet then putting on socks made her feel better. I know it sounds crazy, but I trust her and am oh so tired of being sick. Goodnight!

Today we are getting more snow, and I'll have to admit there is nothing more beautiful than sitting inside with candles lit watching the snow fall. Maybe later when I'm shoveling in front of my garage and cleaning the snow off my spare car, I'll think it's as beautiful... maybe not.

If I hadn't been so adamant about my choice of neighborhood and off-street parking, I might be in a condo by now. The latest "snow emergency" has reminded me of the importance of off-street parking. Since my dad is leaving a vehicle in my lot while he is in Europe, and they're removing snow from the lot today, I had to figure were to park the car (even or odd side of street) while it is being cleared. Typically I don't worry about this because I would typically be at work or have a garage. Last night I attempted to figure out the snow emergency plan. It seemed I could park on the odd side of the street, but even as late as 5 am this morning, there were cars on both sides of the street. Oh, this is why so many people get towed. Now at 1:55 the lot is cleared, and my next challenge is to see whether or not I can get the car back into the lot after I buried it into the snow infested spot on the road. My current illness will not help since this will be the fir...

Today's Bible verse from my calendar says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." Proverbs 12:15 This could also be my horoscope. Friday while I was feeling miserable at school a colleague suggested that my working out while sick on Thursday wasn't all that smart which I agreed with. After all feeling as though I could puke any second doesn't add to the workout. She also suggested that I didn't need to walk, etc. this weekend. Yesterday I did my two mile walk to (and from) the coop as well as more walking for other errands (Walgreens, TCF, Rainbow, Old Chicago,etc.). By the time evening came, I was feeling ill again. Perhaps I should have relaxed more. I will try better today although I have previous engagements plus snow to shovel. One thing is certain; papers will not be graded this weekend.