100th Monkey

Top Pot Doughnut Dash

2010-04-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Beat my personal best by 8 seconds! 31:36. Still trying to get down to 30 minutes. My running buddy sped up around the last half mile and got a minute ahead of me. Speedy girl!

Knitting

2010-03-19T16:00:00.001-07:00

I've been knitting a lot lately. Sock after sock after sock. I finally had some motivation to take a break and knit a baby sweater for a new friend's baby. This was the second attempt. It's hard to find suitable boy sweaters. I really wanted to make a newborn sweater; my first attempt was. It was ugly, though. Here it is, a cute striped sweater for a 3 month old boy who isn't even a day, yet.

I cannot, for the life of me get this dang picture to rotate. I've rotated the picture and saved it three times, and every time blogger posts it like this.

sore muscles

2010-03-12T21:09:00.001-08:00

I made my sister's corn cake the other day and found myself with a lot of left over heavy whipping cream. What's a girl to do? Make butter, of course!

It's pretty good. I think next time I'll add some garlic and/or salt. Mmmm fancy!

heartache

2010-03-08T20:32:00.001-08:00

In eighth grade, I was sitting at the lunch table with my three friends. I couldn't quite hear what they were talking about.

"Wait, who are you talking about?" I asked.
"We can't tell you!!!" C said, snottily.
"Well, then don't talk about it in front of me."

For the rest of the year, C convinced J and C2 not to talk to me. I finished out eighth grade without any close friends.

When you're 14, life sucks. I was already a nerd so those three friends were pretty important to me socially. Down the street, I had three friends who I grew up with, but they found their route to popularity and we never hung out at school. These friends had a pregnant cat.

Depressed and alone I knew I needed a companion. At first, my parents said no. I remember sobbing and choking out the words, "but I need...." and never finished my sentence. I'm still not sure if they understood what I meant or if they just gave in. They weren't ever very supportive of my social growth.

So, August 8, 1993, I spent the night at my friends' house as their cat gave birth to adorable orange kittens. I had claimed I wanted the kitten with the most white on it who was named Sugar Legs. Mom and Dad told me I could not have her because she was the runt and they wouldn't have a runt again. (My previous runt cat was awesome and I still don't know what their problem was.)

I settled on the fluffiest, then named Sunshine.

I was there when they learned to crawl, open their eyes, and to love pets from humans. I brought her home and changed her name to Soleil. She wore a periwinkle blue collar.

My bed was about four feet high and she could leap from the ground up there. It was a waterbed and would pop often from this trick.

In the summers, she'd "play jungle" by lounging in the long leaves of the day lilies. Sometimes she'd jump out and grab your leg as you walked by and then run away, hoping you would chase her.

Through teen angst, break ups, and unemployment she was there with cuddles and purrs.

Today, at age 16.5, she was put to sleep. I am broken hearted but very grateful that she was there with me through the tough times. I don't know that I could have done any better than Soleil.

Finally some recognition!

2010-02-26T22:04:00.001-08:00

All year I've been waiting for a call to go to a school I enjoyed visiting when I gave watershed programs. The teachers there had asked me if I could sub, but at that time it was voerboden.

Wednesday, I finally got a call to go there and the fourth/fifth grade teachers recognized me! They were happy to see me. I was only there for a half day while they discussed the current math curriculum and the new state test and standards and the mess that's been created. Before the teacher had even come back, seen how the class was reacting to me or that I had done anything she asked, she was already pimping me out to another teacher.

Today, I was filling in for the technology teacher and I stopped by and handed out some cards. One teacher and I were discussing the current lack of teaching jobs and such. I mentioned that I'm not an outgoing charmer like some and so pushing into the field is more difficult.

She said, "you're like my kids, quiet, confident and competent..." yay! Then she went on to say, "I've seen far too often those people who dazzle the interviewers and then when it comes down to it they can't perform."

Amen, lady!

2010 > 2009 by a long shot

2010-02-22T09:23:00.001-08:00

Last week I taught high school French in the district I try to avoid. It went fabulously! The students were impressed with my French speaking ability and the third year students asked all their questions to me en francais as if I were their normal teacher. I loved it and I hope I get called back there!

At the same school I ran into a woman I worked with at the zoo. I'm not sure why I didn't know she was a high school environmental science teacher! I liked her before and now I like her even more. She has my card so I can sub for her sometime, too.

The following day I went back to the school that made me cry. At least one of the office staff didn't remember me. Phew! And my class of second graders weren't too terrible. One threw up and some couldn't focus for the life of them but I just kept giving reminders, sitting with them and asking them questions. No surprise parents, runaways, or awful sub notes. Hooray!

On Thursday, I got an e mail from my boss at the park asking me to be a lead naturalist this summer! I am ecstatic! It means she values me and recognizes my teaching. Part of why I am leaving the environmental education world is because I like to do my job and do it well. I'm not pushy or like to show off. Finally! Someone has seen how good I am and is rewarding me for it!

Also, she knows of a full time permanent job coming up this fall and asked if I would like her to suggest me for the position!! I don't want to give away too many details because 1. I don't want you to apply for it ; )and 2. I'm not sure the agency knows that it is opening up yet.

On top of all this, I get to see my gym boyfriend three times a week. We met outside the gym once, but that was for him to help me with my resume. I won't get my hopes up, but I am enjoying the endorphins of a crush!

High school

2010-02-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

The district I sub in most often is a half hour north of me. There's only one school I won't go back to because the kids are really good in every school I've been to except that one. Ok, that might be kind of a lie. There's the school I'm too embarrassed to go back to because I cried in front of everybody. I guess that makes two I won't go to.

I sub regularly for a high school physics, chemistry and algebra teacher. I have no idea why he requests me. I met him once while subbing for another teacher and he's requested me ever since even though I have never taken physics and can't remember chemistry. Algebra is fun and great but those two classes of his don't especially like me; they're mostly freshman.

Last week he asked if I would be available the 8th and 11th. I told him I would be and was surprised but pleased to be requested for the entire week. This morning I got up at 6 am, drove up there, signed in and met him in the classroom which is usual for us. What was unusual was the surprised look he gave me. There was a typo and he didn't actually need me all week after all.

I drove home in traffic since I was driving towards the city. That took twice as long as getting up there. When I got home I started to get calls for other jobs. One I would've loved: doing office work in HR! But it was starting in 15 minutes and I had already driven an hour and a half this morning.

Now I'm snuggled up in bed and not making any money.

I think I'll knit.

Subbing ...

2009-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

is sucking my will to live.

Picture it, sixth period, language arts block. Nerdy strawberry blonde girl tells me that the boy behind her will be yelling some things out. I wasn't sure if she was warning me that he has Tourettes or what. First thing he did when he got there was yell something in that stupid half cough way. Finally she leaned in and said, "what he is saying is 'flaming bush.'" Oh I got pissed. And I should have banished him out of my sight and into the principal's office for sexual harassment but I didn't. Especially since that kid was an asshole for two periods. He and his friend followed the girl and her friend around the library tormenting them. So I followed the boys.

I'm the sub who leaves detailed notes about every misbehavior I had to deal with. Some of it, I feel, is tattling but I also think that there might be some behavior the teachers are watching and they would appreciate the documentation. And, I hope, that when that teacher finds out about the sexual harassment going on in her classroom, she'll do something much more drastic than I'd be able to do.

Earlier in that day I had a young man wearing a pink shirt. Two other boys decided it was ok to ask him if he was gay because of the shirt color. One decided that no, if he were gay he'd be wearing a rainbow shirt. Piss me off why don't you! And what could I do? Oh yeah, give them Steps. Remember the Make Your Day schools? This is one of them. Does not work.

So...I have an interview in Colorado to work as a field instructor at an outdoor school. Full time and permanent...the two reasons I got out of environmental ed was because those are so hard to find. I don't know, I might not want to move. And they might not want me. But I hate subbing and I'm wanting to be a classroom teacher less and less.

Horrors of subbing II

2009-12-06T16:34:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday I have an interview for a sixth grade replacement leave position. I was pretty excited! But then I subbed a sixth grade on Friday...

I at least got a warning when I checked into the office. "I'm subbing for Mr. V today." A large bearded man started laughing. Thanks. As a fifth grade teacher and neigthbor, he did offer to take any trouble makers during the day. And students did begin to tremble when I threatened them with it. Unfortunately, I couldn't send half the class to him.

Why don't they shut up? I was super close to busting out the "swears." And it wasn't just the talking, it was the pushing, whining, cutting, SHOVING, pulling another student out of his chair.... awful.

Threatened to hold them three minutes after class for wasting my time..which was way more than three minutes. At the end of class I told them that since they were worried about missing their bus, they could work off the time early by closing their yaps. Not one of them stfu. So I held them after. Miss Talks A lot decided to call home to get a ride. Whipped out her cell phone, which I could have taken from her, and when she began to talk the whole class went silent. So I let the rest of the class go and held her in. Offered to talk to her parent...

Dumb girl handed the phone to me. So I told the dad that she hadn't followed directions, shut her yap, and was dancing around the classroom so I was following through with consequences. Dad said, "Ok. We'll take care of it when she gets home." HA! Dumb girl gives me the phone...seriously, what was she thinking?

Wed's interview is in a different district....

Horrors of subbing

2009-11-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

I was excited to sub third grade today. They're cute, but smart and I had recently subbed K at this school so I was sure it would be a fantastic day.

I arrived at school early today to get a good look at the sub notes and prepare for the day. The secretary handed me a HUGE stuffed folder and sent me on my way. One of the first things I read in the folder was about a student...let's call him Forrest. Forrest apparently has some social and academic issues.

In the classroom I found a two page note with instructions on it. Oh, wait, no. This was a generic note that really had no details in it but referred me to her lesson plan book. The lesson plan book was full of chicken scratches that I'm sure made sense to her. Somehow I had to muddle through all this muck. She also failed to tell me when or where to pick up my kids in the morning. What a way to start the day.

Kids came in excited to have a sub and immediately forgot how to behave. And it continued through the entire day. Talking while I was talking. Wandering around. Tattle tales. Just exasperating behavior.

One student asked me if he could fill out his student of the week poster. I asked him to wait until his teacher got there the next morning since I knew nothing about it. He agreed.

Specialist came early at 10:30. I was glad to give my students away for an hour. I had turned on Mean Teacher face and wouldn't walk in the hallway unless they would stfu. We could usually get about five feet before they would start talking again. Computer lab was far away. We had to move from one building to the next. As we entered the next building I hear students say, "Forrest ran off."

Awesome. So I shoo the kids off to lab and run out the door after this kid. He's nowhere to be seen. The custodian who is outside didn't see him. I'm trying to figure out how I can alert the office without stopping my search when he comes running from around the corner. He had gone in another door and claimed he had been with me the entire time.

I stopped and asked him if he understood how scary that was, especially for me--a substitute teacher who doesn't know the kids and then one of them runs away on her. He said he did but he wasn't happy about me talking to him.

I sent him off to lab and I went straight to the office. Once I found it. Immediately when I walked in I began crying. I told them he had run off but that he was safe in lab now. That the other students were really making the day difficult, too. The principal went to get Forrest and when he returned he pulled m into his office where I cried some more. He promised me Forrest would be sent home and that if I needed any help to let him know.

The kids came back, unfortunately. All but one who was probably at home eating lunch and watching tv. We did some work before lunch and I let the line leaders lead the way. They took off. Loud and running down the halls. The librarian stopped them. I finally caught up and gave them the what for. We walk into the cafeteria...no wait I walked. They ran! The lunch ladies talked to them.

As I'm standing there telling them they know how to behave in the cafeteria, they are there every day a mother came up to me and asked if I was the sub.

"Yes," I replied.

"I'm Hank's mother and he's over there crying because you told him he couldn't do the student of the week!"

"What? No. What?"

Another thing NOT IN THE SUB NOTES! His parents came to see him do a special presentation. Came from thirty minutes away. I pulled Hank aside and told him I had no idea his parents were coming and that I didn't know that was what the poster was for. I apologized profusely to the mother and told her it's been a tough day. Hank and I were squared away.

I cried alone in the classroom during lunch.

The principal stopped me in the hall and asked if everything was going better. Not so much. He offered to come in and talk to them about their behavior but never showed. The dad got to witness the kids walking all over me all afternoon.

I'd also like to tell you about M. She had these damn scarves that she wouldn't put away so I took them. They weren't even scarves. They were pieces of fabric she cut at school. Next thing I know she has them in her hands again. She tells me they're Arabic hajab. I told her fine. She can have the scarves back IF she wears them but they are not to be played with. She agrees. Did I tell you how European this girl's name was? She's NOT Arabic but on the off chance she did have some Arabic culture I'd get in trouble for being racist. Anyway, she doesn't know how to put it on and it's cut crooked. LOAD OF BS. This student also did NOTHING the entire day. not one thing.

My head hurts so bad. I'm drinking some framboise...even made a framboise float. Think I'll watch some Deadwood and prepare for middle school math tomorrow. sigh.

I like watching the puddles gather rain

2009-11-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Friday night I realized I wanted to be Blind Melon's Bee Girl. A run to the fabric store and some quick thinking that night and Saturday my costume was complete.

Here are the two issues that annoy me in this, the only picture. The tutu was too big so I wrapped the straps around me a second time thus creating a bustled look in the back. Unfortunately, the tutu still sagged and you can see the belt sitting at my waist with the tutu at my hip. argg!

Secondly, where on earth can you buy yellow and black striped knit fabric for the arm warmers? So I painted some felt and laced them on. Damn Roy for not telling me to rotate them. Of course, he had no idea who I was supposed to be.

Otherwise, quite pleased with myself. : )

Needles!

2009-11-03T19:28:00.001-08:00

I splurged. I'm not supposed to be spending money but I have baby showers coming and in order to complete the gifts I was going to have to spend at least $30 on needles. So I decided to spend $80 and get 9 circular needles and three lengths of cable. That's 27 needles for about $80. mmhmm.

Sorry about the shadow. I needed the macro but I also needed the flash.

The needles are Knit Picks Options Harmony Wood and right now I love them. As long as the cable doesn't come undone from the needle I'm a happy girl.

I'm making another blanket like this for my friend, Jacque's, baby girl due in Dec.

Yeah and I know that two days after I ordered them they went on sale. Oh well.

kids

2009-10-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

At the high school I've been subbing at I turn in attendance using their student numbers instead of names. Not sure why. When I was in school we had Jason A Smith and Jason B Smith and we never had any problems.

I took attendance and a good fifteen minutes I heard some commotion over whether someone was marked absent.

"Did you mark me absent?!"

"I don't know, who are you?"

"Did you call my name?"

"Again, I don't know. Who are you?"

"Jose. You have to say it HO-Ssay!"

Laughing, I reply, "Ok HO-SSay, are you here?"

"Yeah I'm here!"

"Ok, What's your number?" I"m pretty sure I clarified after that with 'student number.'

Innocently he asks, "Why? Are you going to call me?"

"Your student number!" a giggling class replies.

"Oh!" He gave me his student number....followed by his phone number.

Make Your Day program

2009-10-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

In my previous life as a visiting teacher (not much changes, does it?) I had seen classrooms use Make Your Day discipline system. I didn't like it.

Basically, the program says you chose how your day goes and that no one has the right to interrupt another's learning or safety. There are various steps that the students move through. At Step 1, the teacher walks up to the disruptive student, tells them they have chosen step 1 for X behavior. The student goes and sits in a chair and FACES THE WALL! After less than 5 minutes, the teacher walks up to the student, without touching or looking at them, asks the student if they know how they chose step 1. Then the student is asked if they are ready to return to their desk.

If the student is unable to sit and face the wall for five minutes, they move to step 2 where they STAND FACING THE WALL! I don't know what the next step or two is but the final one is a call home and parent pick up.

At the end of class, the teacher has to take five minutes out of instruction time to go through the class list and have all the students state how many points they earned out of 45. If they say less than 45, they must state why. For example, "43 for being off task." Students are pretty honest here. They have to have some average for the week. I don't know what the consequence is if they don't.

Today was my first day implementing the program. I was in middle school language arts and social studies classes. Most of my students were great, but those that weren't really weren't. And let me tell you, the Make Your Day program did not work. I had two students 7th period who really needed to get the Hell out of my classroom. How many times do you send a kid to sit facing a wall? I spent so much time sending those kids to step 1 and telling them to ignore each other that I neglected other students who needed my help and were asking for attention appropriately.

Currently, not a fan of this system.

Second sub job

2009-10-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I became an official subistute (according to my name badge) in my second district. Friday, I had my first job in that district...in a high school science class.

I had a couple anxiety dreams about fights breaking out. As I looked at the schedule in the office I panicked when I saw that I had biology and the dreaded chemistry. I received a D in chemistry in high school. I was relieved when the teacher had left two movies for me to show.

The kids were great! It's so much easier to shoot a look at a high schooler and have them know exactly what behavior they need to adjust than to walk over and discuss behavior with a second grader. I can get them to stop talking by telling them they can flirt at lunch. How embarrassing to be accused of flirting! I can get a different flirter to stop picking on a girl by asking him to be a gentleman and pick up the paper he flicked onto the ground. It's fantastic!

At the end of the day, I did find some paper airplanes in the front of the room. Whatever. They did the assignment. What harm are a couple of paper airplanes?

Monday is middle school!

First sub job

2009-09-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

and I feel like I was subpar. I thought second grade would be a nice way to ease myself into the whole thing. They didn't listen. They didn't follow directions. I would use their teacher's attention getter of clapping, which I hate, btw, and they would be quiet to clap and then start talking again. I tried standing there and waiting. I tried other attention getters. When they wouldn't listen to each other answer questions, I tried group answers. Half of them would answer. Who knows what the other half were doing.

I snatched something out of a kid's hands by the end of the day. They were learning about coins and while I was talking he was shaking his coin bag all around making so much noise. This was after countless attempts of getting attention. I looked at him, he continued to shake it and I grabbed it. Oh not a shining moment.

What else happened today? Girls pushing each other. Cutting. Wandering around the room. Tapping me on the butt to get my attention while I was talking to another student. I'm pretty sure a good percentage of the students were in the bathroom half the day.

And it was early dismissal. thank god.

So...I've learned how important it is to set expectations before getting to the lesson plans. The lesson plans I had weren't even that helpful anyway. But, that's what I'll work on: setting lesson plans.

Next up, middle school.

Where's my sugar daddy?

IronGirl 5k

2009-09-12T14:38:00.001-07:00

I'm not convinced this was a full 5k but I ran the whole thing. 34:07 not my best time but I haven't run since April, save once this past week. As usual I was in the middle of the pack. I beat the speed walker I was having trouble passing but a woman finished the 10k before I finished the 5k. Cuh-razy.

This race was super fun. All women. All pink. Our free shirts are wicking, pink, fitted for women and have flowers on them. The food at the finish was yogurt with fruit and granola and muffins. We all got participant medals.

5ks are starting to feel short. 10k in my future?

potato bounty and troubled worm bin

2009-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

I harvested my potatoes today. Unfortunately, the hilling technique did nothing for them. The potatoes were still all found at the very bottom and I certainly did not get 100 lbs. of them. But they still look delicious!

I went to switch my worm bin around and found the bottom bin was a soupy mess that smells like a cow farm. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is leave it open and stink out the neighbors. Good lord, it's awful!

July 09 tally

2009-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I wanted to beat the number of miles commuted last month but then we had that awful weather and I didn't ride for over a week. Boo! But good lord it was hot. So.... this month I saved 41.14 lbs. of CO2.

My total bike riding for commuting and pleasure was a measley: 77.14 miles!

June 09 results

2009-07-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've had so much fun biking this month! I saved 51.06 lbs of CO2 by riding my bike to work and to the gym. That alone was 42.6 miles of biking. Including my recent 60 mile ride on Sunday, I rode 158.6 miles this month. Do I hear 200 in July?!

Here's a picture post ride on Sunday at Ivar's.

best compliment ever

2009-06-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

I wore this dress to school today:

I got compliments on it in the copy room and was told it looked very Anthropologie. Is that where I got it? *Grin!*

Biking instead of driving

2009-05-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

I added 12.59 lbs of CO2 that I saved this month. I also logged that into the number of miles I have biked. I only counted the number of miles riden instead of driving. If I had included all the miles I biked that number would be...drum roll please, I'm quite proud....106.14.

Here's to more miles in June!

quilt

2009-05-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

First (successful) quilt without Grandma's help!

I made this for EJ and Rachel's wedding gift. I hope they liked it! It's only lap sized, abou 50"x70 maybe? I can't remember now. It was hard to give it away.

Ouchie rhymes with...something I'm sure

2009-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hopped on the Burke-Gilman today and road about 24 miles. Took a side trip to the Union Bay Natural Area to check out my old restoration site from college. I couldn't find it. Everything's over grown, but I think that's what was supposed to happen. Here are a few pics....with just one of my poor knee.

I'd say they're doing pretty well

2009-05-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Lettuce looks all wilty but really I just watered it and so it got matted down.

Crikey! rhymes with Bikey!

2009-05-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

I did it! I went on a 17 mile bike ride with a silly group and stopped at 7 bars around Seattle. I think I only drank at four of them so I wasn't feeling too bad until we left the Elysian and had to bike back to Belltown. Thank goodness for bike paths and a place to crash!

I want to go with this group again, but today it looks like their route was 65 miles and hilly. Silly boys. I was pretty tired after a flat 17. Not sore today, but tired.

But now I want to ride more more more!

Sarcoma Fun Run

2009-04-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like going on vacation and running a 5k! Ran the Beat Sarcoma Fun Run and beat my goal by 8 seconds! AND I ran the whole thing!! hooray!

31:52

crop in ground...or um, planters

2009-03-18T20:32:00.001-07:00

I planted potatoes, garlic and lettuce today! I wanted to plant more but my patio and wallet have their limits.

For the potatoes I am using the cage method. Instead of the wooden box on this site, I took a big blue rubbermaid tub, drilled holes in the bottom for drainage and placed my potatoes in there. Here they are before they were covered with soil.

After I covered them with about 4" of soil. When they sprout, I will periodically cover them with more soil, leaving 2/3rds of the vines sticking out until I am out of room for soil. Then in Fall, POTATOES! Can't even wait!

St Patrick's Day Dash 09

2009-03-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

The most important thing about today was that it was snowing. The flakes were big. The air was cold. The ground was wet. But the most important thing about today was that it was snowing.

The most important thing about running a race is sharing the experience. My friend Jason ran with me. We were wet and cold and huddled under a tree for a while. We were happy to run the race. But the most important thing about running a race is sharing the experience.

The most important thing about a race in the cold and wet is finishing. You can take off your wet shoes and jacket. You can put on dry clothes. But the most important thing about a race in the cold and wet is finishing.

The most important thing about running a race is eating some good food afterwards. And that is the most important thing.

I should have mentioned this blog was brought to you by The Important Book By Margaret Wise Brown. Also, so that i have a record of it my time was 42:05 for the 3.75 mile race. A pace of 11:14. meh

run run run run runaway

2009-03-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

The St. Patrick's Day Dash is in a mere six days. I still haven't practiced running outside. Yesterday, I doubled my endurance on the treadmill so I"m feeling like I might be ok. This weather has really been keeping me from running around the lake, though. And next Sunday it's supposed to rain. Hope I can survive!

new favorite skirt

2009-03-09T22:54:00.001-07:00

I made this this weekend! I LOVE it! So comfortable and it has pockets. You can tell I wore it all day student teaching...a little wrinkly in front. The sides by the placket (plaquet?) that covers the zipper and the pockets are rouched which make a lovely detail. It's supposed to be high waisted but I altered and altered and altered that waist band and still can't get it quite right.

And check out my new tights. On sale at Fred Meyer! They're bamboo and super soft.

March snow

2009-03-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

SWEARS!

2009-02-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

I either want to 1. start this week over or 2. finish it quick! I am cranky and everything just seems to be going wrong.

For example, today, an 1.5" of snow on the ground. All the districts in the area are cancelled or late arrival due to it except the district I'm going to. Yay, I need the money...Boo, I can already tell today is going to suck.

But I left early because I know Pacific Northwesterners cannot drive in weather. I get to the school. I lug all my stuff around the maze of buildings avoiding stairs. I slide and slip up the ramps to the portables. My portable, locked. Where the F is the teacher? Thank goodness the custodian was there sanding the ramps and could let me in. But of course, portables don't have water. So I have to run down to the main buildings, sneak in a classroom and fill up my water bottles for my program.

I get back, students are settled. I have everything sorted and set up and in place for my program. I start talking, the students make the connection that I"m there to talk about water because Mrs. Bell talked about water too....wait, Mrs. Bell? What did she say? That means I brought in all the wrong equipment. I'm supposed to do the OTHER program. F*ck! (no, I didn't say f*ck in front of the students).

I start throwing things back into the bins and telling the students what we're REALLY going to talk about. Teacher gives me two students to run down to my car with me. I left the other equipment so as not to slow us down more. We come back...the model drags snow all into the classroom. I reset up.

The teacher acted flexible, but I could tell she was NOT amused.

Second program. This portable was jammed packed. I could barely get in there. And was there a table for me to set up? Noooo. And there was a sub. A sub with whom I used to work at the zoo. Very difficult person to work with. ANDDD...she applied for the job I had there and I got it instead of her. Ran into her the other day at my student teaching school too. She didn't remember me then..and she didn't remember me today. She asked me how it was doing the same thing over and over again and I said, "not much different than doing [my old zoo job]," and there was no recognition.

Third and fourth programs went better but good lord I just want to curl up in bed. I should go to class. I skipped math last night....science is even more boring than math though.

baked ziti

2009-02-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

I made a baked ziti last night that is to die for! I cooked up some zuchini and yellow pepper in a roasted garlic spaghetti sauce that had whole garlic cloves in it. Then I layered whole wheat penne with more sauce, the veggies, ricotta, provolone and mozarella cheese. I used low fat cheese but I'm pretty sure this isn't a low fat dish. At least I used whole wheat noodles!

neighbors

2009-02-21T14:02:00.001-08:00

The neighbor girls are running up and down the street. They're making that screeching scream thing girls do when they're not really scared but still have that adrenaline pumping. I LOVE it!

These particular girls live in the apartment building right next to mine. In fact, I think our bedroom windows exactly face each other. Our apartments are not large, and I cannot imagine raising a family in them. At night, in the summer when the windows are open, I can hear the family rattling on in Spanish. They laugh so hard I wish I could understand them.

It makes me happy to know that the girls are running around outside and taking advantage of such a beautiful day.

Pants

2009-02-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

I made another pair of pants this weekend. These turned out better. This particular pattern needs some slimming of the legs, I think.

This is the pattern while I"m in the middle of taping together the sheets printed off my computer. Printed on the back side of pre-used paper.

Darn plaid doesn't match up in the front! I'm not sure how I could have done it differently though. My brain just doesn't wrap around it.

Legs are loose fitting which is comfy but might look funny. I'll decide after I wear them today. And I know they are long but think how great they'll work with heels!

salmon-broccoli casserole

2009-02-11T13:56:00.001-08:00

In my attempt to stop eating chicken sandwiches from jack in the box, I cracked open my copy of The Living Heart Diet that I bought when I learned I had high cholesterol. Today I made a scrumptuous salmon-broccoli casserole. My roommate takes pictures of all the delicious meals he makes so I decided to follow suit.

beach day!

2009-02-01T17:32:00.001-08:00

Some pictures from Discovery Park today. I haven't monkeyed with these at all, but I probably could/should.

Did you know barnacles make noise? It's kind of crazy...

new camera

2009-01-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

These are not fancy pictures. The first two are of the same plant with and without zoom sitting in the exact same spot.

This one is obviously of my keyboard using my amazing macro! The lens was practically TOUCHING the keyboard! Look at that piece of fuzz you can see!

I'm off to take more pictures that I'm sure will be posted here soon.

accidentally western shirt

2009-01-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

I went downtown last weekend to Border's just to buy a magazine. Oh, but it's not just any magazine, no, this was/is Burda World of Fashion. The subscription is $80/year so I wanted to make sure I liked it before I ordered.

The magazine is German, thankfully translated. Inside each issue is 40-70 patterns! I've made two from the issue I bought and I am in LOVE! They are stylish and do not need any altering. When I make clothes from the big 4 (McCall's, Simplicity, Vogue and Butterick) things never turn out right. The two shirts I've made turned out great!

I do not have pictures of the first shirt I made, since i've worn it so many times this week it's now drying after a wash. But here is the second shirt I made. The fabric turned out to be a little more flashy than I was hoping for so I threw on some pearl snaps and made it a western shirt!

Clothing and who makes it

2009-01-13T12:59:00.001-08:00

So I was reading this article on Neatorama that is actually a guest blog from the author of the book Where am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People that Make Our Clothes

It makes me wonder what I should do. I feel awful that people in far off countries are making my clothes for $22/month. They live in one room homes with 7 other people. I feel so angry and want to never buy clothes again.

Then I realize this is their only source of income. Some people have left their homes, families and previous jobs because they can make more money by being garment workers. If I stop buying their clothes how will they make a living?

Right now it's a moot point for me as I have no money to buy clothes anyway. Hopefully in a year my situation will change and I'll have to make a decision.

In other news, it's a sunny 40-something degree day and my bike tires are pumped up and ready to go to the gym. yay for bikes!

back to the grind

2009-01-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

My three weeks off are over. I went back to my practicum today and start work and my classes again tomorrow. It felt surprisingly good being back in the classroom.

literary surprises

2008-12-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'm surprised when books that are hailed as being great actually are good reads. Right now I'm reading The Color Purple and am really into it! I'm also reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and like it too. Actually, Huck is a little harder to read because the dialect switches. And for some reason I was under the impression that Huck was black for a good 50 pages until someone told me he wasn't. I obviously never read Tom Sawyer but I thought part of the story of their friendship was that they were different colors back in those days. Goes to show ya what I know.

Ignorance be damned

2008-12-24T02:10:00.000-08:00

It's well after 2am and I can't sleep. I am frustrated with the ignorance and selfishness of people around me, both known and unknown.

First, I would like to applaud Seattle for not using salt on the roadways. Here are a couple of arguments for using salt:

1. "Puget Sound is salt water" um...even so, is Lake Washington? Lake Union? Green Lake?

2. "A little extra salt isn't going to hurt anything." seriously? Are we just adding a dash of salt? Would you go up to your friend's salt water fish tank and shake the salt shaker into it? I think you'd lose a friend. Puget Sound is laden with pollution for the entire region and salt is certainly going to cause a problem.

3. "We use salt all the time on the East Coast and there are still fish there." This one made me laugh out loud. When was the last time this guy looked at species decline in whatever region he was living in? I even wonder how many of the fish he's thinking of are native.

So anyway...that's really grating on my nerves. Today I also got into an argument with my own father about global warming. The man can't cite any sources nor is he willing to look them up for me. He can't explain to me what he means when he spouts off some 'fact' without using a whiny sarcastic voice (and then he still doesn't answer my question). I actually yelled, and I mean yelled, at him when he pulled that on me. This all started when he swept his arm about to indicate the snow and said "This was all caused by global warming." I responded, "Actually, we should expect to see more precipitation in our region whereas the interior of the country will see far less." Here are some other quotes:

"We're in a two year cooling period"
"We're in a warming trend..in the 1600's..." Don't think he ever finished that bit about the 1600's but I heard it brought up a lot.
"What are we going to do when we find out they were wrong?" Um, rejoice? Enjoy our cleaner air and healthier bodies?
"Al Gore is an idiot."
"There are lots of scientists who don't believe it." like whom? and I can guarantee it there are a lot more who do.
Something about "humans can't alter the environment." At that point I reminded him that we're animals and look at the crazy shit we do. We build cars and buildings that can regulate heat, we make machines that let us talk to people on the other side of the world. Thought that might lead into a theology argument but it didn't.

Oh, I think I remember one of the 1600's statements. It was something about what did I think people thought when there was a cooling period in the olden days and people's crops couldn't grow. I said, so straight faced I was so proud, I said "they probably thought they were smited by God." Booyah! And he couldn't argue.

New Goal

2008-12-18T00:37:00.000-08:00

In addition to reading books my students are reading so that I can recommend books to them and bond with them on reading, I also want to read as many books from this list as I possibly can.

Banned Books List

It's so interesting. On Wikipedia's list of banned books, this line stuck out to me immediately:

Black Beauty	Anna Sewell		Was banned in South Africa in 1955 because of the use of the word 'black' in the title

And I was reading about a kid who spear headed a campaign to ban To Kill a Mockingbird because of the racial slurs. He even wore a t shirt to school with those words written all over it and was told to cover up the offensive terms. I can't remember if the school ended up banning the book but I think they at least considered it.

That doesn't make sense to me at all. The book is a snippet of history. I think it's good he read it and was offended. We should always remind ourselves of where we came from as a society in order to continue on the better path.

anyway...

*edit* I've just noticed that both of these goals force me to read Harry Potter next.

leisure

2008-12-17T15:26:00.001-08:00

Ahh...the shopping is shopped, the shipping is shipped and the exams have been examined (A- in PE? pff whatever!). Now I get to read and knit for leisure. Time to enjoy the holidays and the lackof work and school involved.

Books

2008-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

I started reading Holes this weekend and it is such a good little book! So much better than the Twilight series.

I grabbed Holes on my way to the gym. I've never tried reading and working out at the same time. As long as I'm on a stationary bike it works quite well! I went longer on that dang bike than I ever have all while reading. Very enjoyable work out.

let down

2008-12-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

I read Jurassic Park when I was about 13. I remember how tense and scared I was as I read it in my upstairs bedroom on the farm. A couple years later, I read The Vampire Chronicles at the house in town. Again, the suspense made my heart beat fast and my chest tighten.

I haven't experienced that kind of immersion in years. What happened? If I read those same books today would I find them as vapid as the other things I'm reading? Was it just my youth?

I am so tired of authors making characters so dumb! If your protagonist isn't supposed to get something, I sure wish you would write it so the reader doesn't get it either.

sigh, I'll go back to reading Eclipse now.

The Sisters Grimm

2008-11-12T14:44:00.001-08:00

Wow! I'm only about halfway through this book and I love it so far!
This one was recommended to me by one of my students. I've since noticed that a few of them are or have read it. Scholastic rates it at 5th year 9th month! (5.9) *High five* My Students!

I also bought Twilight. So far, so good.
Although it's only rated 5.6. ; )

books

2008-11-08T14:49:00.001-08:00

I just got back from the used bookstore down the street. I love that it is located in the old Ballard library building.

A few weeks ago I asked my students to give me the title of their favorite book because I know nothing of children's literature these days. Today, I bought three titles: The Sisters Grimm, The Report Card, and yes, I caved and bought the first Harry Potter. Sigh. The sacrifices I make for these kids!

Last week a student asked me to help her find a book. She wanted either a drama or a comedy. I offered her Julie of the Wolves and Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Thankfully she accepted the latter. I was really at a loss as to what to suggest! Thus, I have made a pledge to myself and my future students to keep my finger on the pulse of what they are reading in order to make good suggestions.

Here are two books I just read for the first time: (these two were recommended by my host teacher, not students)

Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on a true story. If you don't already know, I LOVE historical fiction. Karana and her people live on an island in the Pacific. She finds herself alone on the island and lives there for 18 years with only the animals to keep her company. It's an amazing story of triumph and survival.
Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful story about two friends. If it doesn't at least make you well up in the eyes, you are souless. ; )

busy weekend

2008-10-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

I really want to sew, but before I can I need to clean my room. Roommate is out of town so I cleaned the living room to perfection. Even rearranged. I wish I had done this before Kat came. I would have been far less embarrassed of our Apt. I also got on my hands and knees and scrubbed out the stains everywhere on the carpet.

So now I'm cleaning my bedroom. Hoping for the same dramatic change. It's a little harder because my bedroom has to be my sleeping and dressing quarters, my office, my sewing/craft room and my piano room.

I'm about to box up my books that I love and want to keep, but haven't had time to use in the past year or two. That'll free up a lot of space for my school books that I AM currently using. Hopefully, when I'm a teacher those books will find their way to my classroom and get out of my hair here.

well, back to the grind!

Debbie Harry goes plaid!

2008-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

list of things that make me happy

2008-10-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

I need to write this down so that when I get stressed out I can return to it and remember it's not all about school and work.

1. my nephews
2. dancing
3. sewing
4. painting? still experimenting
5. music
6. reading for leisure
7. quiet hikes and birds

May come back to add to this.

Frida with Rose Window

2008-10-17T23:58:00.001-07:00

I love the color I get from gouache but it doesn't hold its shape very well with a stencil. Still, I'm in love with this painting.

sad

2008-10-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

I just learned that my friend's two month old died last night. Beautiful little girl. They put her to bed at 6:30 and when they went to check on her at 9 she was cold.

Another friend is experiencing trouble with her pregnancy.

These are two people who absolutely do not deserve this kind of pain. They do everything right and are so loving.

Please help me send warm thoughts to both families.

The King?

2008-10-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

On the excitement of my success with Audrey, I tried my hand at Elvis. Unfortunately, I did not wait until my paintbrush was dry to stencil him. It now kind of looks like he has a bloody nose. Too excited to wait to post so here he is with his imperfections.

Sweet!

2008-10-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to show you what I did with that stencil! But they are drying right now. And I can't find my camera. I'll be back with pictures soon. So awesome!
*******************************************************************
Here it is, with stripe distortion and wrong sized pillow stuffed in there! but awesome just the same!

omg, i'm so excited by this!

2008-09-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

Look at the stencil I made tonight!

Need not wonder any longer

2008-08-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered to yourself, "gee, I wonder what November Foxtrot would have looked like in 1966, or 1978 even!" Well you needn't wonder any longer for the answer is HERE!

I'm thinking about rocking the 'fro for a while....

what? no school?

2008-08-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you don't have class or homework? You go to the library! I finished a book I borrowed from my boss, read a new novel and started another one all in one weekend.

I also sewed a pencil pouch, for my cool new pens for the coming year, on my new sewing machine! It even has an embroidered 'N' on it! fancy!

Next week is the first day of school for my student teaching....yikes!

Summer quarter DONE!

2008-08-21T16:01:00.001-07:00

I can't even explain how hard this quarter was. I don't think it was necessarily the classes themselves, but just going to school in the summer. The last few days have been grey and raining which has actually motivated me to go to class. Today, however, I came straight home after work, I'm watching Oprah and I haven't a care in the world! I even turned in my math final last night and found out today I got 60/60!

Two more quarters of classes followed by student teaching and then I"m DONE!

ooh it's so smooth!

2008-08-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

My new machine came today! It sews like butter! I just want to play but I have papers and projects due this week! arggg!

spending money

2008-08-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just bought my sewing machine, again! Paypal gave me some of the money I lost from the ebay purchase I made that was never sent. This time I bought my machine through Overstock.com. It's refurbished which makes me happy and sad at the same time. I like that I"m not buying something new, but I'm worried that it won't work correctly. I'm pretty sure I get the brother 25 year warranty with it anyway though.

So here it is!

completely worth watching!

2008-07-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

I love Neil Patrick Harris!

auntie was busy

2008-07-28T16:49:00.001-07:00

I like making things for my nephews. These three t shirts were for Alex and the burp rags were for Zach.

summer bike tally

2008-07-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

So, I tried to remember as best as I could, but I entered in my commuting miles into Cascadia Bicycle Club's Summer Bike League database and my current total is 100.0 miles! This summer I have burned roughly 3,333 calories (almost a pound of fat!), and saved about $56.00 by not driving my car (I'm not sure how they come up with this number).

I haven't mentioned that I have not been riding my bike to class. Since my schedule changed and I do not leave work until 4:00 I do not get home until 4:30. I tried to come home, grab some food, get my school things and take off again. I got about a mile from home and really felt like if I continued I would throw up. I turned around and went home. It was just too much.

crafts!

2008-07-19T08:57:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty proud of this blanket. It took forever so it did not turn out very large but it's just big enough to warm up my new baby nephew in his car seat.

nudibranch color palettes

2008-07-19T01:15:00.001-07:00

So, my favorite animal is the nudibranch. Go to this blog and find out why! Also find nudibranch color palettes included!

over heard

2008-07-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

Over heard this at Target, "We don't need a god damned fucking stroller!"

I'm sure you're wondering to whom this lovely woman was talking. Her 9, at the oldest, year old daughter.

weekend

2008-07-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's 7:30 and I'm up on a Sat. I was up late reading but I still couldn't sleep any more. My SE bedroom gets just enough sun hitting it that it warms up quickly in the summer. I've positioned a fan to suck from my room and blow down the hall. The sliding glass door is open. It's the perfect time to chill the apartment before the day warms up.

And the perfect time to get things done. I have a big list this weekend.
1. ~~Do math homework~~ did as much as I could w/o the correct book
2. Do social studies homework
3. Work on health education project
4. ~~Make pants~~ working on them right now
5. ~~Grocery shop~~ check!
6. ~~Shop for a garbage can that ants can't get into~~ hopefully sufficient
7. ~~Buy a hat~~ straw and cute!
8. ~~Go check on my cat at my parents'~~ I'm here
9. ~~Clean room~~ *11:15, done!
10. and most importantly, declutter!

What I really want to be doing is rushing down to the Bay Area to meet my new baby nephew and play with his older brother. I've also been wanting some sister time of eating pizza rolls and watching movies.

Those things wait until Sept. so I better focus on this weekend's To Do before the days slip away from me.

another race

2008-07-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

So I was coerced into doing the Firecracker 5000 last night. Yes, a 5k at midnight. After also being coerced to eat pizza. I didn't do too badly, 34:45. That was with some walking and not having run since the ole St. Patrick's Day Dash.

What really irks me is that I'm not horribly sore today. yeah a little bit but I can walk and squat down without wincing. Which means I could have pushed it so much more.

burst bubble

2008-07-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Turns out my ride from home to class is less than 4 miles. 3.7 to be exact. Sigh. So, my weekly total is 19.8 miles and lbs CO2 saved. I did not ride today because my knee hurt and my back was tight. Considering the issues I have with my back I feel it is a very good excuse. I won't ride tomorrow because we are goign straight from class down town to run the Firecracker 5k. Yes, I'll be running through downtown tomorrow night at 11:55pm. wowza!

It'll hurt in the morning!

2008-06-30T21:45:00.001-07:00

I've been doing fairly well at riding my bike to work every day. That's a total of 5 miles each time. Today I stepped it up a notch. After work I rode my bike to class. That's another 10 miles. A total of 15 miles today and 15 lbs of CO2 saved. If I get into this habit I will shatter my record set last year in no time!

I should have been keeping track this whole time but I'd say we could start the counter today at 40 miles, and that's just since summer started.

a salute to awesome crunchiness

2008-06-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Crunchy Chicken (known to some as Deanna) is a pillar in the online green blog community. Not only is she a fellow Ballardite, but she has challenged us all to make greener choices in our lives.

Have you seen those ads on tv for Always that tell you to buy their product and in exchange they will donate disposable feminine hygiene products to Africa so young girls can go to school? yay for school, boo for disposable...and in an area that does not have sufficient places to dispose of them!

Deanna jumped on this issue faster than a cheetah in heat. She created the Goods for Girls program which donates reusuable cloth pads to villages in Africa. Check it out, it's pretty amazing and if you can, please donate! There is a handy little button to a paypal account.

If you do donate, let me know. We're trying to raise 5,000 for Crunchy's fund so we'd like to keep tabs. : )

I LOVE my bike!

2008-05-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

I just did a practice ride from my place over to Discovery Park via the Ballard Locks. I can't believe I forgot how much fun it is to ride!! It's about 2.5 miles one way so I figure that will give me a good amount of exercise per day this summer. I put my gym membership on hold for the summer assuming my 5 miles a day and walking around a park with kids all day will keep me in shape.

Placement!

2008-05-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

I have news about where I will be placed next year for my practicum/internship! It's the school I asked for specifically! Yay! Next week I have an 'interview' with the host teacher and principal. I think it's just a formality to make sure we don't hate eachother. I'm pretty excited! I've met all the fourth and fifth grade teachers at this school and they're super fun. Exciting!

Birding on Break!

2008-04-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

I had an extra long lunch today while out in Goldbar so I followed some signs to Wallace Falls. I did not get all the way to the falls but took a nice little stroll and did some pshing for birds.

I was sure I pshed in a Yellow Rumped Warbler, but the other bird I was unsure of. Now I'm almost positive it was a Black-Throated Gray Warbler! I rarely get warblers when I psh. Usually, just chickadees, juncos and nuthatches.

YRWA picture: www.nps.gov/cebr/naturescience/warblers.htm
BTGW picture: http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/enlarged.asp?imageID=17231

The Grocery Store Guilt

2008-04-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Crunch Chicken has another eco challenge. This one is called her Extreme Eco Throwdown. She gives suggestions on things you can challenge yourself to do for an entire month. Number 1. is NO PLASTIC! (the best part is that the challenges get harder the higher the number, and she started with no plastic! omg!)

I just got back from the grocery store. I'm not sure how many of you were around when I was told I had high cholesterol and started having break downs at the grocery store because I couldn't find anything to eat. Tonight was kinda like that. My special butter (for my cholesterol) comes in a plastic tub, so does yogurt, chocolate milk has a plastic cap and I'm sure is lined with plastic and don't get me started about bread products.

I can easily make my own bread products. My roommate makes some mean bagels. I'm going to work on finding other ways to reduce my plastic use. I can guarantee you that yogurt and butter are not the only places it shows up in my life.

dream

2008-04-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night and my Grandpa was there. He passed away a few years ago, it was really nice to see him again.

It's rubbing off! and other school news

2008-04-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

Some of my cohortians are making sure I know when they are recycling! I love it! One of my classmates actually thought that someone went through your garbage and sorted the recycling for you. I think my head exploded.

Speaking of school, apparently we have been placed in our student teaching schools. Only one or two of my cohortians know where they will be, though. Honestly, I think that there is some miscommunication that may be being done on purpose between our placer and our director.

Actually, one of the girls who knows where they will be placed is actually applying to do her student teaching abroad. This, of course, put a little bug in my ear telling me to do mine in France. If there was any chance of me saving money until next spring I would totally do it. Unfortunately, I'm living pay check to pay check. My big shopping spree was for bras and underwear last week. Can't even spree for fun things! Ok..some could argue those could be fun too.. ; ) Anyway, i don't think it's possible.

One more.... last week I got to go to an un-named outdoor school with my practicum class. I was so excited. I rode with a parent who is also a teacher so we discussed and it turns out she knows my old uber boss (president of organization), my old camp director AND my good friend and fellow ecobilly (rockabilly with an environmental conscious). So that was cool. But the rest of the experience was pretty lame on the outdoor school's part. My group did not even get to go into the woods until the last half hour of the day. We sat for an hour while a woman, who wasn't even a very good story teller, told a story about one of the founders who grew up in Africa. That day should have been about that particular place and appreciating the PNW environment. The kids were so visibly bored. One good thing about the day was I found out that one of my kids who drives me crazy in the classroom speaks French. All of a sudden he turned into a sweet little boy who wanted to talk to me. His demeanor completely changed en francais.

Leave No Trace

2008-03-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is the lifestyle I've suggested to our roommate, except instead of using it in nature, I want him to use it in our apartment.

I cannot have people over to my apartment because I am so embarrassed by the mess. I will agree that sometimes, I contribute to the mess, but overall my things are such a small fraction they don't even matter. When I walk into the living room, I immediately turn around and walk out, or try to go straight to the patio to sit in a small space of delight.

Today, I did a few small things like: empty the dishwasher, take out the recycling and go through the mail. Roommate came home in the middle of these tasks and I proposed this nugget: "If it takes 30 days to make a habit, and we clean just a little more than the mess we make each day, then after 30 days not only will our apartment be clean, but we will also be in the habit of keeping it clean." He agreed! And proceeded to do nothing. I also giggled and said, "yeah! Like, leave it cleaner than you found it!" since we both like nature and know this rule of thumb.

This weekend, I did give my bedroom and thorough cleaning. Since I cannot control the common space, I can control this space and I'll have to put my focus here.

ohhh it's hurty

2008-03-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

I think running the dash triggered a chain reaction that tweaked my SI joint again. My back was tight, but then yesterday, in the middle of a program for work, TWEAK! Can't bend over, can't stand correctly because I can't have that curve between my back and my butt and can't get out of bed without SERIOUS effort. Fun times!

So I'm on muscle relaxers and fake vicodin again. Thing is, it still hurts. I may need to take more vicodin but I'll wait until later because that stuff knocks me out.

I did it!

2008-03-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

OMG! I did the St. Patty's Day Dash in Seattle today! It's roughly 3.5 miles and guess what? I ran the whole thing! No walking!!!

My time sucked . . . but I'll take one victory at a time!

Here are some race day photos stolen from Jenny! First is of Jenny and me, second is Nick, Jenny and me. My number is under my sweatshirt. It was too cold to take it off yet!

Update: my official time is 37:16 that's a minute faster than I had thought and eleven minutes faster than they originally posted.

Once you start, never quit

2008-03-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Running, I mean. I really haven't run since Dec. 8th and decided I better get my act together since I'm doing the St. Paddy's Day Dash on Sunday. So I went to Greenlake this afternoon. Remember when I was so proud because I was hitting, four, five miles? Yeah, today I'm lucky if I pieced together two. Killed me! It took me almost 40 minutes to get in three miles of run/walk. At least the weather is better...

annoyed

2008-03-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in class, we had to create magnet and charter schools. Two groups created schools that were green oriented. They had gardens and were all about sustainability. Today as I left class I had to pull out plastic bottles that were thrown in the trash because my classmates were too lazy to recycle them.

I am not used to this type of culture.

rub a dub dub

2008-02-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

My tub needed some serious scrubbing the other day. It was disgusting. I went into the cupboard to mix up my normal baking soda, castille soap and vinegar to find no baking soda or vinegar. Annoyed and ready to scrub at that very moment I grabbed the still full 409 bottle that we've had for a year and went to town.

I had to work so much harder to scrub off that mildew with the gross chemicalness of 409! I thought it would just wipe right off but no! I'm so glad I made the switch to the more natural recipe!! I'm sad I used the nastiness, but I'm also kind of glad because my method has been reinforced! hooray!

caucus

2008-02-09T13:44:00.001-08:00

I caucused today. And I think I should get bonus points for the rigmarole I went through to do so. I went to The Odd Fellows building where I assumed I would go but it turns out I live on the wrong side of my street to caucus there. So I had to hoof it up 11 blocks to the school where I'm actually doing my practicum. Then I had to quick fill out my change of address form and hope everything was done correctly.

Anyway, my name is signed next to my choice candidate and I'll be watching at six o'clock to see who comes out on top for Washington!

new shampoo

2008-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Shampoo is very hard for me to buy. I hated to give up the shampoo I've used for years but not only was it not environmentally friendly, they also discontinued it. I was forced to look for something new. Burt's Bees is a well known natural product line so I went for their Super Shiny Shampoo. I LOVE this shampoo! It definitely makes my hair super shiny and glosses my curls. Unfortunately, I have to wash my hair more often with this shampoo because after two days my hair gets pretty stringy. But hey, it's natural so that's not such a big deal!

New Year

2008-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

The calendar has been changed and everything is new again. Last year I resolved to be a better environmentalist. I definitely made some positive changes! This year I will continue to find new ways to improve and do my part.

The biggest change I need to make is to stop eating fast food for lunch. I initially made this decision based on my health and pocketbook but I realize this is also a good move for the environment too!

Happy New Year to you!

My city

2007-12-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

Millesinge. I'm not sure what will happen with this but each time someone visits my population goes up! So go visit and let's see what happens! check it out!

It's official now

2007-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

The results are in, I did better than I thought. 16 seconds better. ; ) 31:44. I can do better and I will do better. Just watch me!

Here's a picture of the mighty racing girls in the car on that blustery morning. (stolen from jenny)

it's not official

2007-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Friday night I went to the Century Ballroom to see Wayne Hancock and do some dancing. Turned out to be a fabulous night for me as I was the only girl in my group of dancing friends! I two-stepped, jived and east coast swung until about 12:30. Oh I also spoke a little French. Got home about 1, woke up at 7 and made it down to Jenny's in federal Way by 8:30am Sat. morning.

It was a cold morning but at least the sun was shining! We drove down to Kent, pinned on our numbers and rushed back to the car to preserve a little heat. I could not fathom taking off my winter jacket and going back into that cold to wait at the starting line. Yes, Sat. was the day of my first 5k.

I'm not sure how I feel about races. There were so many people on that one little trail. I couldn't keep up with Jenny. That girl has a need for speed and she found it! So I was alone and assumed that eventually things would even out and someone would automatically become my running partner. Not so much.

We ran along the Green River and the blackberry bushes along the banks had a straight line of mud from where the river was several feet higher just a few days ago. Huge earth worms littered the path. Most had already been stepped on but one was stretched out to almost a foot long. I had to turn around and save it. I couldn't bear the thought of someone's heartless foot coming down on it.

It was shortly after the worm save that I decided to walk. The trail seemed to go on forever and without knowing where the end was I couldn't keep my legs moving. I had no watch so I couldn't tell you how long I walked for but I don't think it was too long at all.

When the end was in sight, I felt my strides get longer and I passed by a few folks. I saw Jenny rounding the corner to get a spot where she could cheer me on. (Thanks Jen!)

My legs are sore today. I don't remember the last time my legs were sore for running. Even when Phil and I went four miles over Thanksgiving they didn't feel like this. It's a good sore though and it means I ran had and I feel less bad about walking. It also shows what great shape that Jenny is in! Holy crap, girl!

It's not official but I think I came in at about 32 minutes.

Nature is so amazing!

2007-12-04T12:26:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: I do not want people to get hurt or for their property to be damaged, but nature is AMAZING!

Seattle was just hit with over 5" of rain over the past couple of days. We are used to rain, yes, but not quite like this. Our soils have not developed over thousands of years to regularly absorb this kind of water. Flooding is natural, however. That is why we have such fertile areas like the Auburn Valley and fields of tulips up north. When the river spilled over its banks, historically, it would displace nutrient rich silt we still enjoy today.

Over the past two hundred years (give or take) we have cut forests, paved land, drained wetlands and straightened streams. No one can argue that these practices have altered the natural flood regime. We try so hard to control nature that when an event like this occurs, I cannot help but cheer nature on! "Lay your silt! Gouge those river banks! Find your own way!"

I am sorry for those who are facing injuries and damages to their property.

sunchokes!

2007-11-19T17:57:00.001-08:00

They look like ginger, cook like a potato and taste like a yummy! This new veggie came in my CSA box this week. I put it in a barley soup with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and my favorite secret bullion. They are so tasty!! Some say they taste like artichokes..I don't know about that, but I like 'em!

I really hope someone out there is readin this..

2007-11-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

I just came across a hilarious link!! It asks what a powerpoint presentation would have looked like if Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address today! It's awesome. : )

this is a lie

2007-11-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

Get a Cash Advance

Want to see my underpants?

2007-11-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

I had mentioned I ripped apart one of my favorite pairs of underpants. Well, today I made the pattern and sewed up a pair! I used an old staff shirt from when I was a naturalist for the Girl Scouts. I thought the pink thread would be cute but now I"m wishing I had used something that matched better. Oh well. The best part is I"m wearing them right now! ; )

confidence booster

2007-11-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

40 year old men love me. And it's more fun when they're hot!

Now if only they were closer to 30 year old men....sigh.

100th post, 100th monkey has 100 things to say

2007-11-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time last night at book club chez Jenny! I got to meet new girls and chat with two friends I don't see nearly enough! Unfortunately, I bought my book for book club new and so I need to decide what to do with it now. I was joking when I suggested this, but now I think I might do it! You know how you get dollar bills that people try to track across the country? Well this is a way to track your book. You just leave it somewhere and hope someone logs in its location. It's a way to share your books so others don't consume more AND a fun experiment! Now where should I leave mine? In Ballard or on the airplane?

I didn't exercise for an entire week. I will go today, after I digest these three donuts.

I turned on the heat in my bedroom for ten minutes last night. It felt luxurious. It's 59 degrees in my living room and I need to go study, I'm tempted to turn it on out there for a little while to take the chill off. I don't know why I feel so guilty using heat.

I got my zen stone plus. It's bigger than a Shuffle, I learned that last night but I heart it still!

Oh AND Jenny gave me four knitted squares, my sister left one before she left a few weeks ago and my mother's coworker gave me 8 crocheted squares. YAY! Getting closer to being able to put this together!

I have learned that early elementary is not the place for me. I do not deal well with boogers and wet pants. OMG, please don't touch me with those hands! It was awful.

I just ripped the seams out of a favorite pair of underpants that were nearing the trash. I'm going to copy the pattern and try to make a new pair. And I JUST put away my sewing machine. Sigh.

Five out of six

2007-11-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

I ran allllll the way around GL (plus my .2 to make it an even 3 miles) without even my water break. Then I did some more.

All in all I ran about five miles out of six (including warm up and cool down). It took freakin' forever. This is the first time my legs have told me to stop before my heart and lungs did. woot!