Check this out! So true!

Day Twenty & Twenty-One

Halfway there guys! Wuhoo! I kinda feel bad though, because it's not hard at all anymore. Even when I accidentally almost click on some gossipy site, then remember I can't, I don't miss it. It's nice really.

So yesterday I went to school all day, as usual. But I got out a little early (8:00 instead of 8:50) from my night class, so that was extremely nice. I was still exhausted when I came home though and pretty much went to be straight away.

Today I observed again at the high school and tried to talk my host teacher, who usually doesn't take interns, into letting me be her intern next semester. She's CONSIDERING it! Very exciting. Then I got home for lunch and Dave got off for lunch too! So I made use some homemade veggie soup. Super easy (no pun intended)! I just dumped 2 cans of beef broth and cut up carrots, potatoes, and onion into a pot and boiled it for awhile. I also added whatever spice smelled like it would "go"/work into the pot. It took, total, 30 mins--prep and all! It was nice.

Tonight we're having hobo dinner--easy clean-up! Very excited about that. Then we're watching "Half Nelson." I'll tell you if it was good later, but it looks good! Tomorrow starts my spring break, but I have quite a bit of homework to do during the week. Hopefully I can have fun and still do a good job. Monday I'm heading to my good friend Sheena's house for the night and then on to my parents' on Tuesday. Haven't seen any family since Christmas! So, Brandy, Shannon, if you want to plan any get-togethers I'm available for dinner! :) Ok, I gotta tidy up and then start dinner since it takes an hour to cook.

Day Eighteen and Nineteen

Is it odd I remember very little about yesterday??? I know I went to school and it was freezing all day, blustery snow here and there. I had to stay late at school for a diversity/black history month event (which was really cool actually). We watched three black TV shows: "The Cosby Show," "A Different World," and "Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Then we had discussion about African Americans in the media and TV and their portrayal. Very interesting. Plus, it was kind of odd being the minority for once. I would like that experience again. I think everyone should be in the minority (political, religious, racial, etc) more often because it helps to understand other viewpoints. Anyway-very good discussion.

Today it snowed on and off all day and never rose above freezing, and I mean FREEEEEEEZING! Uber cold. Dave didn't work this morning b/c of how cold it was, so we went to the coffee shop for breakfast. That was very nice--we don't get to do that together very often. We both slept better last night than the last few nights, so that made the morning much more relaxed. Then he worked in the afternoon and I got to the homework. I guess I didn't realize exactly HOW much I had to do today--but when I finally did it blew my mind. Yeah. Two final drafts, one close reading paper, one resume', one diversity dialogue write-up, one lesson plan, and two finished books (not the entire things, just the end of them) later, at 10:15 pm, I'm finally done with my work. Granted I did go to Bible study and work out for the last 2 hours, but other than that I've been on my butt working. NOT a fun snow day. The schools here were out today and will definitely be out tomorrow as well, but of course that doesn't include the university--poo, I would have enjoyed that! So I get to go to school all day and drive home late tomorrow night, hopefully not in the ice and snow. Good night all!

Sunday and Day Seventeen

Yesterday was fun. Church, then we came back, had a good lunch, and then chatted to Dave's parents for a bit. Then I got to watching my TV shows--which were superb this week. Circie (sp?), on Survivor, has totally taken control and that is just awesome cause if anyone were thinking they'd just vote her off instead of making her a power player. That's why I love her! She's smart and funny and knows how to verbally dislike someone without pissing the wrong people off in the game--how DO you do that??? Guess you just have to have that smile and laugh. And James, he's really upsetting me this season. He's annoying. Especially since he's letting a coy little Parvati dictate everything he does?! He really must be stupid over her.
Anyway-enough TV. Last night we had a big dinner at church for the youth--bfast for dinner--it was great! We all had such a good time eating and playing games (like DDR) together. Really good stuff.

Today was a ROUGH day. I slept very little last night because I was so stressed about teaching today. I woke up every hour after 1 until 6:45. Yeah. The lesson went really well by the way--except I was going to show a video clip from the internet, but pretty much EVERY site was blocked inside the school. That wasn't a big deal though; I never make technology a huge part of my lesson plans because more often than not it doesn't work. I also had to video tape myself teaching, and that went smoothly too! Camera worked perfectly! All in all I really shouldn't have been worrying, but between stressing over STILL not having a renter for the other side of the duplex, teaching today, and planning small group for tonight, my head was overfilled with mindless stuff. Then today, the dog was just nuts. There were dogs in the yard adjoining ours that aren't normally out and he barked his HEAD OFF! No manner of sternness was working today. My nerves are SO shot! Anyway--I'm going to bed! I am behind on sleep and I've got to get to school early tomorrow morning and won't be back (again) until late tomorrow night. ugh. G'night all!

Day Sixteen

I hardly think about Hollywood gossip anymore--isn't that crazy? Although I do miss my Entertainment Weekly and Glamour really badly. But I still love my Survivor--get to watch it tomorrow!

Today I slept in late and then Dave made us a omelet and grits brunch. Then we hung out and talked for awhile--seems forever since we just had a long conversation--it was so nice! Then I did homework for a bit while he did some woodworking. Then we made chocolate strawberries together and drove up the mountain to watch the sunset! Then we cooked together (nicely--it's amazing, considering how small our kitchen is!)--chunky veggie & beef spaghetti (yup, carrots too Landon!--yum!) and garlic bread. We just got done watching a french film called "Blame it on Fidel" about the early 70's in Chile. It was about a nine year old girl whose family becomes communist and she has to deal with aftermath of moving to a smaller house and being surrounded by people and ideas she's not so sure about. Very very good. The little girl was an AMAZING actor--can't believe how well she did being so young! She couldn't have been more than 9 or 10. Anyway--we're about to head to bed. Just thought I'd tell you about our wonderful Saturday!! See ya tomorrow!

Day Thirteen, Fourteen, and Fifteen

Pix--the new addition to our family-->Fred, Dave's amazing tiling job in our kitchen, and Dave and Sleepy lounging this afternoon.

So the last three days have been a bit hectic. Wednesday I slacked off most of the day and then realized how much work I actually had to do and tried to cram it into the 3 hours before Wednesday night prayer meeting (which didn't work, I stayed up late doing homework). Wednesday at church we were presented with a candidate to be our new pastor! He's actually our youth/associate pastor right now, and I definitely think he'll make the vote--he's got ours! Thursday I had my first psychology test of the semester (which did NOT go well-better/unrushed studying would have been good) and taught my first lesson at school. The lesson went really well and I'm glad I got to try it out on my fellow students before teaching it on Monday to high school students. I am going to change a few things to do with pacing for sure. Today Dave didn't end up working b/c of the rain (they're building a garage and can't frame when raining) so we lazed around most of the day. At 1:30 I had a meeting at Cherokee high school to see the facilities and see if I might want to do my internship there. They will be looking for a new English teacher next fall (right after I graduate!!!), so that's a possibility too. Plus, they are in the process of building a brand new, state of the art high school (1.6 million dollar facility) so teaching at a new school would be awesome!!! Anyway-I don't know anything yet, obviously, but I had a great meeting and got a really good feel of the school--I like it! It's small and, as a teacher, I would have a bit more free reign to decide how and what I teach! This evening we went to a friends' for an awesome steak dinner and just got back. So that's the week so far!

Afeared

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
The part that is crazy, dances and sings to random things will go away
The part that still likes to club but rarely gets the chance will fade into the background
The part that loves drinking Brew & View's rasberry beer while watching a $2 movie will become pale

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
My style may stay the same somewhat, but my love of spaghetti straps will diminish
My humor and sarcasm will lose luster, the smiles will be so nice and sincere
My hair will always be pulled into a ponytail, or cut short altogether

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
Language will become rich with literary terms and lacking in colloquialisms
Laughs will come at the appropriate times, no bawdiness even smirked at
Little measures of my soul converted to all that's "appropriate" and "P.C."

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself...I want to teach with all my soul, but I want to keep my soul.

Sunday, day Eleven, and day Twelve

Sunday was hectic. I came home after church to have a nice afternoon of Survivor, Cashmere Mafia, and October Road; alas, it was not to be. Halfway through Survivor the telephone pole outside our house blew a fuse. Sounded like a gun went off right outside our house! Then I looked outside and there was smoke coming out the top of it and a tree down. The rescue squad was out there within minutes and had the tree cleared away right quite like :). But, something happened and our cable internet was also disrupted. THe internet co. couldn't figure it out. After small group that night I watched the rest of Survivor at a friend's house and by the time I got home the internet was working again--weird. Anyway-I did end up getting to see all my shows :).

Monday was hectic. I observed at the high school again in the morning and then went to another high school to tour their facilities. Then I was SUPPOSED to have a meeting with a possible renter, but they didn't show up. I also had my night class so I had to drive to school last night as well. I didn't get home until about 8:15. Then Dave and I had a VERY late dinner and watched "After the Wedding," a Swedish (I think) film--very good (if you like foreign, mostly subtitled movies).

This morning I was supposed to have a meeting with another potential renter--they also turned out to be a no show. I'm starting to fear we will never get this apartment rented to a person who doesn't smoke or own a pet...ugh. I'm seriously thinking about compromising, on the pet thing that is. It's snowing here!!!! Just a bit, but it's pretty! It's around 29' and falling, but I still don't think the snow will stick around. My second class got cancelled so that's why I have time to blog right now. I have one more class and then a study session for my psychology class--which doesn't start until 7:30 so I will have to stay for the rest of the day and miss dinner with Dave AGAIN. I feel like we never eat together anymore, except on the weekends :(. I should do some reading. Peace!

Day Ten--our Valentines

We didn't get to celebrate Valentines on the day so we celebrated today! I got up and Dave brought me breakfast in bed. I had heart-shaped pancakes, freshly brewed coffee, and chocolate covered strawberries (he MADE them this morning and they were DELICIOUS!). Also on my bfast in bed tray there were flowers (the ones shown in the small cup) and then two more bouquets (table pics) on the side table! WHAT a wonderful husband. PLUS, and this is TRUE love people, HE DID THE DISHES afterward (pictured)!!!! I gave Dave a Wallace and Gromit movie (he loves those) and Toblerone chocolate (also loves it). Then we watched the movie on the laptop in bed! Such a nice Valentines day. Now we're going to walk the puppy and then possibly go to Asheville for dinner ;). YAY! Happy happy day :). See ya later!

Day Nine

Today started with an adventure that took most of the day to finish. For the last 48 hours the water pressure in our house has been pretty bad. By last night you couldn't even flush the toilet anymore. This morning the shower wouldn't work. So, I called the water treatment plant and asked if there was a possible pressure problem on our branch. They said "no," but that they would come and check it out. They came by (rather quickly I might add) and told me that our water was actually spilling into the next yard and that "no," it wasn't the meter so it wasn't their problem (but very kindly told me that). They did turn off our water for us though, so that the water meter wouldn't keep running up the bill. So then I called about 27 plumbers (really like 5), and they either didn't answer the phone or they had moved to a different city. When I FINALLY got up with someone he came right out and took a look at it. Come to find out he had done some work for Dave and the boys he builds houses with and knew all of them and said that it would be a cheap fix. I was extremely relieved as I had been trying to find someone to fix it all morning and it was then 1 pm. He came back by about 3 and it was all fixed by 4! And it only cost $65!!! Amazing! And now we have water again, can flush the toilets (yay!!!!!!!!!) and I can take a shower. That was my adventure for the day! Fun huh? So I didn't even think about watching TV today--a pretty easy Lent day.

I just got done reading half of an adolescent literature book called "The Giver." Some of you may have read it in high school. It's a more boys-geared sci-fi book that's SUPER interesting. It's about an alternate community that you basically make no choices in. Each year of your life until 12 something changes a big, ex/ at 8 you stop wearing hairbows if your a girl and at 9 you get a bike. When you turn 12 you are assigned your job for life! It's really interesting and very short and light reading. I'm really excited about it because it shows me a male-friendly text I can use when I teach. I didn't read many of those when I was in high school.

Dave and I are on the way out the door now to go to a friend's for a campfire. It's a good, mild night for it. Well--see ya tomorrow! Happy Friday :)

Just a thought

"To stand against torture and arbitrary detention is not to be squeamish. It is to be civilized."
Check this out if you're interested about what this is.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/opinion/14kristof.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

Day Seven and Eight

Happy Valentines everyone! I woke up early to make Dave french toast this morning for Valentines. I usually sleep until 8 or 8:30, but he's gone to work by then. We decided just to exchange cards this morning since I'll be gone all day today (until at LEAST 9:30 pm) so I wouldn't get to enjoy flowers or candy anyway (we'll celebrate this weekend). It was really nice to be able to have breakfast together though. While I cooked he made our lunches for today (his for work, mine for school)--very time efficient--that's the way I like it! In classes all day today and actually have all my work done (surprisingly--and even some done early). Have a night class starting at 6 and then afterwards maybe go see a movie (Jumper), but not sure yet.

Yesterday I did homework all day--seriously. I sat on the couch and wrote a paper for HOURS! Probably would have been more fun had I started before the day it was due. Oh well, it was only the first draft. Then we went to church for Bible study (our church is reading through the Bible this year and we talk about our reading on Wednesday nights). That was nice. Then I came home and did homework for a couple more hours. Ah, fun stuff. I just can't seem to do anything fun on school nights most of the time. I just keep thinking that I have homework I COULD be doing, so I might as well do it. Yeah, I'm a nerd.

I packed myself an extra helping of veggies in today's lunch because I knew teachers would bring in candy (sure enough!) and I would probably end up eating a lot of sugar today :). Well, I'm off, I still need to catch up on some reading. Happy V day!

Day Five and Six

Well--Monday wasn't bad. I did my first observations at the high school for this semester. I'll be there every Monday for 1st and 2nd period. I'm observing a senior English class and it's a lot of fun. It's pretty laid back and the teacher is hilarious. I guess after teaching for 30-some years you let more things slide because you realize what's important and what's not. Last night we had our small group over for dinner. That's was loads of fun--great conversation and food.

Today I had class as usual, nothing special. I did get pretty upset at my last class though. Our conversation/group discussion headed towards Project (Red), which many of you know I really like and support. Project (Red) is an organization of businesses that sell products for a higher price so that they can give 40% of the profit to helping people with AIDS in Africa. Now, none of these businesses claim that they don't make any money off of this--they flat out say they profit from it. The whole point though is that when you buy something for yourself, the company AND Africans profit from it. Some of the people in my class basically said that by supporting this organization we were just making the problem worse by not treating the problem but the symptoms and we were promoting consumerism. I realize that there are other problems in Africa that we aren't helping by supporting this organization--but people with AIDS cannot get "well" and this organization helps them live their lives as healthily as possible. I just can't stand when people tear down an organization, call it crap, and then give no other suggestions or ways to make it better. What's the point? If YOU aren't going to help in some other way than just keep your mouth shut--cause tearing down something that does SOME good by you doing NO good is no help to anyone.

Ok--I'm done ranting. I'm going to go watch Harry Potter 3 and be happy. Good night all!

Sunday

I had tears in my eyes when Yau Man came around the corner. I rolled my eyes as Parvati came into view. I giggled as Johnny Fareplay gave his peace sign to the fans; wearing a hat that said "will lie for food". Survivor Micronesia folks. I can't believe he bit the dust the FIRST episode! All that mush about his baby-mama and how he just wanted to be back with her and be a good dad (to his as yet unborn daughter--hellooo, you can't be her dad until she's born).

I watched Survivor today (obviously)!!! It was SO so SO much fun. I loved every minute of it. This season is the fans (uber Survivor fans--like myself--who have been watching the game forever and actually know the characters) and the favorites (favorite Survivor players from past seasons who didn't win). First observations: I can't BELIEVE James is hooking up with Parvati-THE biggest flirt in the entire history of Survivor. And WHAT is up with Ozzy and Amanda--she is so annoying and fake with her "you're so sincere and truth worthy" speech--give me a break. She's the one on last season that got the record for the most pixelled out crack/boob time ever on Survivor. Oh Survivor--I love you. I also watched Cashmere Mafia-cause it's just fun and absolutely terrible at the same time. It's totally the 2000's version of Sex and the City with powerful, corporate women.

I also, completely robotically, clicked on an article on Yahoo about Heath Ledgers memorial service--then felt INSTANTLY TERRIBLE because I realized that was included in the gossip area. I got off of it right away. Ugh. I'm going to have to get better at this.

Well, Today was really nice. Had a great breakfast with Sophie and Dave and then, after church, a HUGE lunch (roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies) with other friends. Then we had a relaxing afternoon before we headed back to church to help with youth. Well-that's pretty much it for today. I could gush more over Survivor, but out of the people that read this blog I'm guessing MAYBE two actually watch it. See ya tomorrow!

Day Four

Today was a tough one. I got up late and leisurely started my Saturday. Had my quiet time while I had breakfast and then did some writing and reading homework. Then, I wanted to watch TV. I had gotten on the internet and had already checked facebook, yahoo, and checked all family and friends' blogs, and even browsed on ebay--I wanted to watch TV so bad. I thought maybe I would just surf Youtube just to see if they HAD the TV shows I wanted to watch so I could watch them on Sunday--but I knew that would be too tempting, so I refrained. I made myself get off the internet and do more homework while I waited for my lil sis Sophie to get here for the day. Then she got here and everything was ok after that.

We both worked on our papers that were due soon (or today) and then decided we would go see the 4:15 showing of Fool's Gold at the theater. It was really amusing--I wouldn't go straight to even cute. The plot was pretty bad. But, I laughed a lot, maybe BECAUSE it was so bad. Matthew McConaughay is a pretty man-so it wasn't hard on the eyes. :) We had a good time. Then I came home and cooked us breakfast for dinner--pancakes, bacon, eggs, & coffee--good stuff. Now we're gonna chill and watch the first Harry Potter movie. Good day all together--but a tough start for Lent. And to think, it's only day 4! I have 36 left! Stay strong--I can stay strong. It's a good thing I didn't give up movies too, I don't think I could do it guys. And they say the writer's strike might end in the next week!

Day Three

It's early to write today's post--but I figured I'd do it now because hopefully I'll be more productive for the rest of the day afterwards. Got up late this morning in hopes that a long night's sleep would rid me of this flu-like mess. At first I felt MUCH better. I got up, ate breakfast, and then did some reading for homework. Then I took the puppy for a walk around town and did some errands. I stopped into the coffee shop and had a cup of coffee. Still good. Then I went grocery shopping. I got home and then absolutely crashed. It was 2 and I hadn't eaten lunch yet, so my hands were shaking and I could barely stand by that time. So now, after a bowl of pasta, I'm slowly recovering but still drained. Maybe i was a bit too ambitious. I think I need a nap, but I'll work on a paper for a little while first. I want tonight's dinner to be special--just Dave and I and nothing to do!!! So I'm trying out a new recipe and will hopefully have the house spick-and-span before Dave gets home :). Lately we've had something to do every night, so not rushing off somewhere and just having the evening to the two of us will be nice. Ok-I need to work on this paper before I absolutely fall asleep. Day three is going ok--although I almost, on impulse checked pinkisthenewblog today--but I didn't--so that's good. One of my friends asked me if I wanted them to tell me what was going on in the gossip world. I told them that would kind of defeat the purpose :). See ya later!

Day Two

Feeling slightly better now. Got up this morning and couldn't hear out of my right ear there was so much stuff in my head. My hearing is a little better, but still not great. I drank some tea w/ honey (which I don't do unless I'm really sick, cause hot tea is icky), took some cold meds, and drank a glass of Airborn--hoping if I had a bit of everything something would work. Then I went to school.

Classes were ok--not sure how I did on my test. Also--and this makes me really mad--I found out that my advisore screwed up and I have to take another class next semester--making my hour count 18 for my semester that was supposed to be 15 (a much easier number). Now I'm in the library trying to write my journal entry due tonight and finish my research paper.

I really just want to watch TV and do nothing. I want to ignore HW right now. Which is why it's a good think I can't watch TV--because it really has no purpose and I just need to get stuff done.

On that note--I guess I'll do HW. I have to pick up dinner @ 5 before I head to my night class, so I gotta get to it. Peace!

Day one

Today was good. I got up and some girls came over and had breakfast and coffee with me. Then I started my homework. Then IT hit me. I think IT is the flu--and it sucks. My head feels like an over-inflated balloon. My throat is scratchy. My sinuses are painfully expanded and my nose is filled with snot. I'm exhausted and all I've done all day is sit on the couch and read and do homework. This sucks. I wasn't really tempted to look at the gossip pages or watch TV. I just wanted to sleep. It's 9:08 and I think I'm heading to bed soon. Tomorrow I have my first test in Chaucer and a research paper due in Composition. Both are half done (studying and the paper). Maybe I'll wake up feeling better. All I know is--if I feel this bad tomorrow I am NOT going to school, because last time I felt this bad and drove I totaled our car. Goodnight all! Happy Ash Wednesday.

Freedom

Today is the last day of Hollywood gossip and TV guys. I'm getting ready to check pinkisthenewblog.com for the LAST TIME for the next 40 days. I decided I'm NOT breaking my fast on Sundays for that for sure. I will watch Survivor on Sunday afternoons (during Lent you're allowed to break fast on Sundays b/c they are supposed to be a celebration--though generally of something religious not TV). I'm not going to give up movies though--but I will cut down. I'll probably not watch as many through Netflix for the next 40 days and I may not go to the movies often (being once a week usually). So here goes eh? Wuhoo!

Today I had a great conversation with my least favorite teacher. Well, I guess you could say I had a good conversation with my least favorite teacher's colleges. They kept stopping by and were really interesting. My least fav. teacher is my psychology teacher--and not because I don't like the subject. He's a BIT of a pompous ass. Sorry, but it's true. He must have mentioned his history in teaching and how prestigious and a "big deal" he is at least 5 or 6 times during the first two classes. Plus--he's TERRIBLE at time management. We've been through so many classes and we've yet to really get into ANYTHING. He says he'll deal with "housekeeping" for a few minutes and ends up talking for the rest of the class period about nothing important. This is Educational Psychology--I believe it is really important--and we're not getting taught anything! Anyway--that's just my days rant.

Had a GREAT conversation about the use of Americanized African films (Blood Diamond, Last King of Scotland, Constant Gardner, or Hotel Rwands) in my Post Colonial Lit. class. P.S.--if you want to check out a real African movie see "Tsotsi"--but don't forget you'll be reading subtitles. Good stuff--I love controversial discussions. I also love that we call black people in America "African American" when they are definitely not from or have any more understanding of Africa than the white people who we don't call "European American" or whatever else they may be (Canadian American, Dutch American, etc etc). Yeah.

Ok--I out. Dave is cooking tonight and I'm trying to teach him how to cook pork chop. Peace! And remember...

TOMORROW IS ASH WEDNESDAY--which starts Lent.

Lent

Lent begins on February the 6th and ends March the 22nd, the day before Easter. I don't usually celebrate Lent, but this year I am. Traditionally one fasts for Lent--I can't do that because my iron would drop and I would not be well. However, I'm going to fast in another way--pop-culture media. I am not going to look at gossip magazines of any kind (including my Entertainment weekly and my Glamour) or blogs (pinkisthenewblog.com--very sad). I spend too much time on these things and they are very distracting. I'm also not going to watch any TV. Now, as some of you know, I don't actually have TV channels in my house, but I watch A LOT on computer. This is going to be very difficult as the new Season of Survivor starts on the 7th--so I don't get to watch. But, on Sundays during Lent there are breaks from fasting so I may allow myself to watch those episodes on Sunday--haven't decided yet. I originally said I was going to give up movies for Lent as well, but I may have changed my mind. Movies are things Dave and I do together and how I get to spend time with friends I don't know well yet. So, I haven't decided if I'm going to cut those out too.

You all know I'm addicted to pop-culture media, so this is going to be hard, but I believe I can do it. I WANT to do it--cleanse the palate. I'm going to keep an up-to-date blog during this time to tell you how I'm getting on and so on. If I DO decide to do movies as well it will be even more difficult-VERY difficult--but I might. Pray that I'll learn something from this time and that I'll use it wisely (not finding something even more useless to fill its spot).

Well, that's it! Now you know. I encourage you too to celebrate Lent this year and give up something that you really like but may not be all that beneficial to your life. Or something that you enjoy and want to sacrifice for Lent to help you focus more on something else--perhaps your quiet time with God or your children, I don't know. I would love someone to go on this journey with me.

Gotta get to the homework now. Ta ta!