Another year.

Oh boy, another year has come and gone. It was a quiet celebration. But Jarle made a delicious gourmet meal for me. A lovely chianti stained risotto with a pear reduction and gorgonzola with walnuts. Just so very tasty, it's definitely going on the "make again" list. He also made homemade brownies. What a sweetie pie, I can't believe him sometimes. I'm so lucky. The dinner also came with a mix cd he made and a new book to read. I can't wait to read it. It's the new one bye Audrey Niffenegger. She wrote Time traveler's Wife (unfortunately it was made into a movie).

The whole day my students knew it was my birthday because they announced it over the announcements and all the kids kept telling me happy birthday yesterday. I even got a few today. It was nice.

I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the 2 schools. I feel so behind. I find that writing things down on a calendar is a must. Especially for meetings. Do you have meetings like me? I mean it's either and IEP meeting, an art meeting, a parent meeting, or an after school activity, or something. I never leave when school is actually over. It's amazing. And I go home with tons of stuff to do. It's like I'm a new teacher all over again. Hopefully by November I'll have it all worked out.

I need to get ahead with a litttle planning and I think i'll feel much better.

Then there's the wedding. We have an engagement party 2 weekends from now and I'm so excited. Mostly his family and friends will be there, and a few on my side. My parents, my younger sister and my best friend. It will be nice. I'm making it an excuse to buy a nice dress for the evening.

So busy busy. The fall weather is beautiful right now, I can't wait until the leaves really start changing. That'll probably happen in the next week or so.

So 34 isn't looking so bad these days. Bring it on.

This is really funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU3N5c2Kxnw

Enjoy your day!!

Do you ever get the urge?

I'm talking about purchasing music on itunes. It's so easy, and once I get on I can't stop myself. This week I had the urge to purchase folk music. I know what you may be thinking... What is she freaking doing? Well, I happen to really like folk music. I was probably the only kid in any school I went to who knew who The Kingston Trio was. Ahh, parental influence. I listened to my parents' music (Motown, 60's, folk, Helen reddy, beach boys, rolling stones, Marvin Gaye, Tina and Ike, and more...) until i broke free in the mid-eighties. There I dove into new wave, pop music, the cure (oh I heart them so), Brit pop, Debbie Gibson. One of the first songs I remember really loving was -Eye of the Tiger - . It was voted the best song in second grade.

I do love music. I love it all. The good, the bad, the embarrassing, the loud, the teenie bopper... all of it.

So with the passing of Mary (of peter, paul and mary), I felt the need to re-claim the original songs that introduced me to music. Folk is great. it's heartfelt, soft, feeling, emotional,universal, and fun. So yah, I bought "Puff the Magic Dragon", "Big Yellow Taxi", and one of my all time favorites ,"Kodachrome". I plan on enjoying a little peace and love, and making it a low-fi weekend.

Here's to satisfying the urge fo folk music.... may it reign forever.

Here's to the musical parents I have, I'm so happy that music has been and always will be such a part of my life.

"The times, they are a changing."

I thought Labor Day weekend was supposed to be Labor FREE!

Ahh, it so nice to sit down at the end of the day and just relax. After a hard day of hard labor outside, I'm looking forward to relaxing the rest of the day away. We worked so hard on our yard today. We've been trying to figure out what to do with certain eye sores, huge over-hanging branches, grass seed, weeds, crabgrass, and other random stuff.

I love a yard, but honestly it's a whole lot more work getting it to be less maintenance. We're still getting tons of rocks, and random objects (files, tubes, little cars, barrettes, hose) coming out of the ground. I am sure that our backyard will someday be an anthropologist's dream to see how lazy homeowners lived in the early 21st century in Alexandria, VA.

But lazy we are not, and the work is paying off a little bit. It's been almost a year since we bought our house, and we've done quite a lot of work. It's been rewarding, and now it's just about time to take on some big projects again, or at least try to decide what changes we think we want to make. Not sure yet...

So anyway, after a long days work I'm looming forward to a nice drink, cheese and crackers, some pasta and a fresh salad, and homemade peach pie (that I made) with some ice cream on top. What a day. What a weekend. It feels good to be home.

Holey Moley is it September already?

How time just vanishes, and I don't even realize it. School FINALLY starts on Tuesday, and I think I'm ready. I had 2 classrooms to get in order because I'm going to be teaching at 2 different schools. One school is my "home school" and the other I'm only at 2 days a week, however, it still somehow became my responsibility to get 2 rooms together. Argh.

But it's done. And they're both ready for students.

We had 3 days of pep talks. Which is fine, I'm all for supporting teachers, lifting them up, but 3 days? I enjoyed hearing 2 of the Freedom Writer come and speak, and I liked this other guy a lot (forget who he was). But did we need 9 keynote speakers? I don't think so.

So finally, I'm ready for students. Bring them on! They're going to be full of energy and excited, I can feel it. I got to meet a few of my future students this morning, and they seemed really cute. It's been a while since I've taught the little guys, but I'm ready. I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

What else? I have no idea...Lots of things. In the midst of planning the wedding too, of course. Came up with some actual ideas that may work... We'll see. Don't want to give anything away in case i don't do it. But yes, I am still making origami cranes. I have about 600 more to go. I think Jarle is going down to C-ville next week, so he's going to measure the place we're getting married at, and making sure we can fit the tables and chairs etc... it's at some one's house, so... I have no idea how it's working yet.

I'm so excited too-- because next week I'm going to go try on dresses! yay!! My best friends from high school are coming along to see and help me. So it'll be fun. I have no idea what I want, or even what might look good on me, so it will be nice to get their help. They're honest-- I think .....

Anyway, I'm ready for the weekend to begin and hopefully I'll have a little time to relax in between the school planning, yard work, and cleaning (our house has been so neglected the last 2 weeks).

Happy last unofficial weekend of summer! Enjoy it well!!!

Back from the Beach...

Well, I got a week at the beach this year, and I was so glad I got to go. I spent time with my niece, Riley. We had a good time. I don't really get to see her all that often, but we got to spend a lot of quality time together. Our schedule was really nice:

Wake up
Eat breakfast
Ride bike to beach
Walk on the beach, play in the surf
Ride bike back home
Play tennis (or laugh trying)
Swim in the pool
Go home and eat lunch
Ride bike back to beach
Swim, play games, relax, read
Ride back home
Change, shower
Cocktail hour
Dinner
Ride bike to Boardwalk
Eat Ice Cream
Ride bike back home
Relax
Read
Go to bed

Repeat 7 times.

That's a schedule I can deal with. It's always a little hard for me to leave the beach. It's one of my most favorite places. We've been going to Bethany Beach since I was 7th grade, and it's just such a part of our family traditions. The years I haven't been able to go has been heartbreaking. I'm always longing for the beach. I love love love the beach.

One of the cool things I learned to do at the beach this year was make hats. My mom showed me a knitting pattern and I actually made one! It didn't even take that long. Last night I made a second one. They turned out really nicely. I had no idea I could do that.... I thought it would be really hard to figure out. I'll have to post pictures later. I plan on making one for everyone this winter. Merry Christmas!!

We also did a little wedding planning. BUT, I won't totally bore you with that. Except these few things:

I've decided to make 1000 cranes for decorations (to be determined how exactly)
We're planning on have a signature drink
Jarle's list is so much bigger than my invite list...
It will be outside

That's about it so far.

And now school is just around the corner, and I'm busy trying to figure out what to teach to elementary students in 2 schools. Trying to figure out what my schedule is... and a little nervous that I'll have 2 principals to deal with...

Oh well, work has to happen at some point, it's just a matter of not thinking about it as work. And with all the other things going on, it might be that work becomes the least of my worries...

hahahah!

Ok, enough for now. More to come.

I have to share the goodness

The Swell Season. If you saw "once" you know what I'm talking about.

http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=111679769&m=111828142

Well worth checking out, watching and listening to. Love it!

First Slide-- NYC

Trying out slide

New York City-- Hope this works!!

http://widget-bb.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3530822107884967611&site=widget-bb.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle">

long time no post!

I know it's been forever, but it's summer! And I have some HUGE news!

I'm engaged!

Yes, J and I are going to the leap! So excited, and couldn't be happier. It happened on our trip in Italy. We got back this past weekend, and I have tons of pictures to post. I took way too many and I'm still going through them all.

I also got a new job. I am going to be teaching in 2 elementary schools this year. Not the best possible situation, and I'm going to have to dig out a lot of my old lesson planning out. It's been a while, and I'm a little nervous about the little guys. I also feel a little guilty about leaving my current job, but it was time.

I'm looking forward to biking to work (hopefully) and being able to plan things for the long term.

So--- LOTS going on. Busy busy busy... But that's ok, I like it that way.

I will post pictures soon!! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

NYC!

So here I am, on an unexpected trip to NYC! I love this place. It's amazing. I've been here about 2 1/2 days now, and I feel that I have very little under my belt. There is so much to see and do, and i wish I could just spend the whole time wandering.

I'm actually here for the Lincoln Institute a National (should be international) Educator Workshop in Aesthetics.... gosh, they have a flair with words. Basically it's educators, arts administrators, college professors, and teaching artists from around the world, and many
disciplines who come and create, and discuss ANYTHING art. It's hands on, very reflective! The workshops are amazing, and the leaders of our workshops are even more so... I love every second of it.

I'm taking tons of pictures and I hope to put them all out when I get home. I can't believe how the time is flying here. It's really good for all my senses, and everything really feels alive for me. There's tons of action, movement and involvement in every aspect of being here. It feels energizing. I don't know how I'm going to be able to remember everything here, but I'm sure trying to document. Probably more than I should. I should take time to observe, relax, and just be in Manhattan,

Tonight I'm off to a concert in central park and hopefully a few lovely beverages in a nearby establishment. WOW! I hope I can carry this feeling in what I'm teaching in a few weeks. It's hard to believe it, but I'll be going back to school in just a couple of weeks. However, I think I have a new skills, and new ideas to pull from.

Now if I could just get over these darn stress dreams.

Off to....

NYC!

I can't believe it. I wasn't planning on a pre-trip before the big trip, but I got accepted to the Lincoln Center Institute. It's a set of art workshops for 5 days. I haven't been to NYC in years, and I've only been once. I'm a little nervous about it, but I think it will be fun. There are 6 of us going from our school district. The only think I gotta say about it, is that we're totally unprepared. After getting all the info about the workshop, I don't think I'll be ready to participate. We were supposed to read a book and some articles before we left, and none of us have those. I even tried to order the book on line, but it's too late! Oh well, we'll wing it. But I have a feeling that this is going to be more than we all anticipated.

We even are going to have to have to write a paper, comment on line, and keep a journal.. WOW.

But I'm still looking forward to it. NYC will be fun and exciting. I'm even looking forward to the train ride.

And then it's a few days home, a few loads of laundry, and some major re-packing and we're off to Italia!!! Yippee!

This summer is really turning out to be busy and exciting.

Hey! It's me!

On Etsy!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27234488

Tell all your friends!

Ahh, school districts

Well, they're up to their old tricks again. First I got hired for the new are position, then it became a 1/2 time position, then maybe not. So now I'm being re-issued a contract for the detention home. After moving through the stages of grief in a period of 24 hours, I have finally come to accept that I WILL be doing another year at the detention home.

Of course it's going to turn out to be one of those things where, they are going to make a final decision in August, and well, it'll be too late for me, because we're in school already at the D-home.

So I'm shifting my mindset again. It'll be ok. I really hope that the detention center becomes a dictatorship... but I'm afraid with all the former military members on staff now, that's exactly what it will become. -le sigh-

In other news, I have a fantastic opportunity to go to NYC this Sunday. It's for the Lincoln Center Art Institute. I get to go with a few other teachers from our district. It'll be fun. 6 days! That's going to be a long time away from home... But I'm so excited. I think this will be good for me, and I get to see and hear from other teachers from all over. I think it's a full day 9-5, but I'm totally excited to be in a huge city and seeing all the sights, and experiencing so much.

Then I come back and 4 days later we leave for Italy! Phew!

So the world is good. Everything is fine. I just need to figure out how I'm going to teach next year. With the restrictions on so many supplies at my school, I'm going to be so limited. I'm thinking about teaching comics. Lots of drawing.....though.

Ahh- Happy summer everyone. Hope you're enjoying.

Oh- and P.S. I'm getting busy on my etsy sight! I'll let you know what will be on it, and when I have it up and running-- hopefully by the end of tomorrow.... So excited to just be out there. Now for the website..... hummmmm....

coming soon..

A new art position. I'm headed back to elementary school this time. It should be a good change. I'm looking forward to the change. I've taught a few years of elementary, and I pretty much know what to expect. I really just hope that it's the right direction for me.

Done

Interview..check
Organize art closet...check
Recycle... check
Organize paint supplies....check
Finish assessments for half my classes...check
Organize leftover photo copies...check (wow, I never do that)
Last Monday with students... check

Now I just hold tight for a day (hopefully) and wait for the answer back from the interview. Then I'll know where I'm at and maybe-sorta relax about it all.

Glass of wine in hand...check.

Home Stretch

2 more days with classes, then grade day, and then.......?????? I have no idea. Our official last day is June 30th, but we have no classes. I guess that means clean up? Who knows. My room will be spotless if I come back and use it, or if someone else is here.

Today is also the day of the transfer interview. Wish me luck! I have everything ready. I know it's just a transfer interview, but I just wanted to be totally prepared. So I updated my resume, made sure my portfolio is in some sort of order..... Now I just have to be able to answer questions in a coherent way.

Ha!

Well, happy summer everyone!!! I have just over a week until I can start enjoying the feeling to the max!

The beginning of the end.

Well, we're coming to a close over here at the D home. And just as the year started.... it has ended. I saw one class today for 20 mins. I just can't wait to be done this year. It could be the last one here. I applied for a transfer, and I have an interview with that principal on Monday. Elementary school will definitely be a change, and I'm not sure it's totally what I want, but I figure it can't hurt to wait out in a more cohesive place.

The D-home is definitely going through some changes. They have a new assistant superintendent, and he's definitely more authoritarian. I hear (rumors) that he has a military background and is going to treat this place more like boot camp. I'm in favor of some consistency and some regimented behaviors, but it would be hard for me to feel comfortable in a place where there are going to be "drill sergeants" yelling and giving orders (I picture some drill sergeant type character saying drop and give me 20 as I'm teaching about perspective or something).

Who knows what will happen? I wish that the position at the high school hadn't been dissolved. There's a slight chance that this will be just some sort of a stepping stone.

Part of me thinks that I would just make a better mentor to a kid who was from the D-home. I could really connect to them by volunteering at the center. I feel like I'd be filling a void.

Summer vacation is on it's way, and that is a thing of joy. I can't wait to be eating gelato while meandering around the Venetian streets. I'm so looking forward to a change of scenery, culture, and food. I can't wait! It's going to be great.

So- with only a few school days left, keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for me on that interview, and that we all make it through the final days of the school year unscathed.

The big push.

Things are getting a little tougher around school these days. I don't have a count down calendar going yet, but I think I might need to make one tomorrow. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but maybe after this coming weekend I will.

I haven't heard about the transfer position, but I'm sure within the next week I'll know about an interview. I'm still on the fence about it, but I guess either way I'll make it work. I wouldn't mind being able to walk out the door of the detention center for good after this school year. It would be bittersweet, but also welcoming to know that I wouldn't have a huge weight about my shoulders day in and day out.

I'm not sure there's a perfect job out there for me, but I know this is not it. As an art teacher it's thrilling to have a small setting, but it's so transient you can't really get anywhere. I feel mostly like I'm on a bed of quicksand. Every time I make a move I slowly get pulled under. Not a good feeling.

Oh the joys of being a teacher, so up and down. It's the end of the year, I'm bound to be feeling a little tired. Unfortunately, I think it's a bit more than that this year.

Any who-- things to look forward to:

ITALY!

So excited, I really am trying to spend more time thinking and planning for that. Now that most of the planning is done, I'm really ready to go now. But, we have a little over a month before our plane across the Atlantic. I still don't know much Italian, but maybe if I make some flashcards I'll start memorizing some phrases. We have cd's, but haven't both found the time to sit and listen to them... opps, maybe I can upload them to my ipod and just have it going for the entire plane ride... Ha!

Can I just say?

THE DECEMBERISTS COMPLETELY BLEW ME AWAY!

ANDREW BIRD COMPLETELY BLEW ME AWAY!

BOTH AMAZING! GO SEE THEM IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!

YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Yes, I am yelling at you... you must must see them..........

Concert Time!

Yay, I'm so glad this day has come. Finally I get to see the Decemberists and Andrew Bird. I can hardly stand it, I hope this day goes really fast. I have to leave work on time today, get home to take care of the dog, and then head out to pick up J at work. Driving into DC won't be that bad, since I'm going the opposite direction. But I have a feeling driving through DC may be a bit of a challenge. The concert is all the way out in Columbia, Maryland. Which isn't that bad in theory, but factor in the beltway of traffic, and things get a little hectic. I hope we make it there on time. I don't want to miss anything. Plus, we have actual seats. We're not on the lawn. I'm hoping our seats are decent, but I really have no idea!!!

YAY! I hope this day goes fast!!!

Lucky 13?

I guess when there are 13 days left of school things might get a little bit crazy. Like, for a few days your classes maybe wonderful, focused, managing themselves, and then just when you think the end of the year is going to end peacefully, positive, and happy.........

dun... dun............duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

Yep, that's what happened today. My last period of the day, 10 minutes to go before the end of class and a kid throws a chair across the room, throws hard punches at the staff, has to be restrained, but then the staff has to literally tackle him to the floor, and 2 staff basically lay on him on the floor underneath another table.

In the meantime, all my other students, step out of the way, while their mouths are gaping open. I couldn't believe that the table broke, and supplies went everywhere. For some reason, the other students handled it all really well. I immediately went for the 2 pairs of scissors that were out, and got them safely in my desk.

Why would this kid do such a thing? Well, he was mad at the staff for taking a "symbol", which basically takes away a privilege. So he kept talking about it, and the staff gave him another warning, which means you go to your room NOW. He didn't want to go to his room. Well, now that's exactly what he'll get. 72 hours alone in his room.

There hadn't been something that had happened like this in a while in my class. But you really never know when it could happen. You can't get too comfortable here, and I guess that's one of the reasons why it's so difficult to work in a place like this. You want it to be consistent, and challenging, and inviting, but then something like this happens and you realize a kid could do anything at any moment. Although, most kids don't. He's really an exception to the rule. Even kids that have done something violent won't ever do something violent in here. Just today I have a kid who I knew was brought up on 3 charges with a knife, and I gave him a glue gun to work with. I've also given him scissors.

It's a delicate thing. These kids can be ticking time bombs and our job is supposed to be about giving them some skills for their life. However, those needs are not being met here. Most kids don't even have a counselor, just a parole officer. Don't even get me started on the detention staff, they're so passive aggressive and inconsistent.

All I can do is what I do.

Thinking

So, there is a chance to leave my current position, but I'm not too sure what I should do. I've been working at the detention home for the last 3 years, and while there have been some good moments, there have been a lot of things that I've had to overcome to make my classroom work for me. (and sometimes it still doesn't)

On the plus side -- which is the most important -- the students. I love them, they love my class. On the minus side, it's so transient. Another minus, there is a constant struggle between the staff of the D-home and school staff to manage the classroom. I appreciate that they are there for my safety, but I definitely would run my classroom differently without them. It sometimes causes a lot of problems because the d-home staff can be extremely passive aggressive, and that doesn't work for anyone. On the plus side, I love the teaching staff. We get along, it makes it more supportive, however I feel a bit isolated because we don't really work together where curriculum is concerned (good and bad).

Minus - it's been a roller coaster of a ride, and I feel burned out. Coming in and out of a jail everyday is a little bit like being an inmate. I do get to leave, but I hate feeling on edge. Because it's been said to us that safety comes first, We are always reminded about the dangers of this and that-- especially with art (although I still use sharp objects in the classroom).

So- the age group is great. I love teaching HS, but I can't create a program. It's hard to get their work shown, and it's hard to do lengthy projects.

It's draining. I know nothing will change with the Juvenile Justice System, and kids will always be rotating through this place.

So--- what do I do? Well, there's another art position open in my district. It's for elementary school. I don't know how I feel about that, except that I've taught elementary before. It's usually not my favorite age group (kindergarten is hard for me), but they are fun. The second thing is it's a small school. I think I really like the idea of teaching at a smaller school. Only, I would still only see my students once a week....which stinks.

The school is extremely close to home... I could take my students outside, on field trips, I could have more at my disposal... It sounds good so far-- except I worry that it may look like a step back for me professionally. Sometimes when people see a resume like mine, they think twice. I haven't stayed in one age group in my 10 years of teaching, but I don't really think that's a bad thing. In fact I've progressively spent more time at each school I've been at. I'm not sure if I'll ever find the perfect fit, but I honestly can't imagine doing more than 1 more year at the D-home.

So I guess right now I'm trying to weight my options... I'm leaning towards Elementary again. Ahhh, I don't know.. I really don't.

Bummer

Man, I overworked a painting today. I absolutely hate it. I kept trying to rework it, and to no avail. I completely destroyed it, I knew I should have stopped at a certain point, but kept trying to add to it. Layer after layer it just looked worse and worse.

Oh well, at least it was a very small, it was kind of like a test run on a new idea.... so no real harm done, just sometime spent. I did enjoy the time, however. I set up my drawing table on our enclosed porch, and the weather was just perfect. So I really loved being semi-outside. All the natural light that comes in is really nice.

I'm a little bummed, especially since I spend more time on preparing stuff for my students and less time on my own artwork. Times need to change, though. I've been saying this all year long, but I really have to make a promise to set aside time for artwork. I need to try to work my ideas into smaller pieces. I just don't get the results i like when I work small....

Really? That much longer?

Oh my, still 4 more Mondays to go. I hope I can make it. It seems like all my teacher friends are getting finished up already. But our last day with the students is June 24th. I think it will help to map out the final month of my classes, and I can just keep pushing through. I don't want to do anymore huge projects. Maybe if I keep it to small things, the time will just fly. It's hard, because my kids are always coming and going. It's hard to know where they're skill level is at, and most of the kids who come in at this point are done with school. So the effort will be close to nil.

Oh well, the weekend is shaping up to be wonderful. I've gotta get my little art corner set up on our enclosed porch and make sure I use it at some point over the long weekend. J and I also plan to get out and about, do some hiking at a near by park. I hope so, if the weather is anything like today (which it's predicted to be just so) it'll be wonderful. I love being outside! Maybe a picnic?

Happy Friday to everyone out there tomorrow!! Enjoy!!!

Notes on a "sleep study"

This illustration is funny.

These are just words I jotted down from last night. I went into a sleep center at about 8:30 last night and came out of the sleep center at 5:30 this morning. I've never done anything like this before, and it took me a long time to finally get one done.

For those of you who do not know, I've always struggled with getting sleep. I have the stereotypically symptoms-- can't fall asleep and can't stay asleep. But, this last year it's been very very bad. I haven't really had a good sleep in over a year, and before that it went in cycles. I never really did anything about it until this year. And I've tried everything from warm milk, yoga, natural remedies, to medication, eliminating caffeine, and wearing myself out! Nothing has brought back a normal cycle of sleep. So I figured that even though my insomnia is probably anxiety related, there might be something else going on. So with the help of my doctor, she recommended a sleep study, and that it might tell us something.

So- here you go:

-Strange electrodes
-Camera watching me

- TV on (Idol on, Adam sucked, but so did the song)
- Sleeping alone

-Closed door, strange it's not my own

- Sheets unfamiliar, not my scent

-Low buzz from the lights

-Bad landscapes on the wall

- Wish I had brought my pillow

- Is this camping?

-Two books beside my bed

-Teddy is my technician

-Wonder what other channels I get, probably just basic cable

- Not exactly a hotel room, and definitely not my home

- Can I turn out my own light?

-Can I get up to go to the bathroom?

-Thank goodness for a personal day tomorrow

- Maybe 30 electrodes? I lost count

-Did I dream? I can't remember

It was a pretty strange experience. I wasn't really comfortable at all, but I guess I did manage to sleep there for a little time (however, they did have me take my meds.). The worst part was all the electrodes. They had to put them on with some kind of gel, and it was really hard to get out of my hair. I think this is one out of 2 or 3 sleep studies depending on what goes on with the information. I kind of wanted to see what it would be like if I hadn't taken my meds. But I'm almost positive I wouldn't have had one wink of sleep.

One of the funny things about the night was that I could tell someone was in for sleep apnea, because I could hear her snoring in the room right next to me. It was very loud.

The technicians were really nice and friendly. They definitely know what they're doing. They had me do a series of eye moves in the beginning and end of the study. I had to keep my eyes open, blink really fast, move my eyes left and right, and hold my breath. I also had to sleep on my back, which I hated. I always sleep on my side or even the front.

J dropped me off and picked me up, and we both immediately tried to go back to sleep when we got home. I ended up getting a few more winks when I got home, but I'm still tired from the whole ordeal.

I'm not sure if this will really help with anything, but maybe they can give me some kind of sleep schedule or something, to get my system back in check.

Tomorrow it's back to school. It's so nice to have a day off midweek. I feel very naughty, but I definitely couldn't have made it to school today.

All I can say..........

........is that "Lost" better have an actual ending. If it doesn't I'm going to be really mad at the writers next year.

That's right loyal fans, one more season to go. As if they couldn't drag it out any longer. I will not give anything way... this season was crazy though... WOW.... Tons of different things going on, and working up to this season, they surely led us to believe certain things... But that's what I love about the show. If you watch, you will be rewarded. If you don't, well, then you're not getting the whole picture. You have to remember stuff from seasons' past, and you have to try and guess where they could possibly go with the story line.

I really just like how it's playing out. Certainly you can enjoy it on just an action/survival level, but there's also lots of underlying stories, beliefs and philosophies going on...

One of my favorite shows ever. One more season to go.

NO, say it isn't so..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090511/ap_on_bi_ge/us_farm_scene_preserving_native_chile

A sad story that seems to get written every year. This is probably one of the things I miss most about New Mexico.... It's the flavor. It really truly is. Nothing else like it, and so addicting.

Photo catch up.

Ok, I'm really bad about posting photos. These are a few from Easter weekend. J and I went down to Charlottesville to his mom's house and a really nice time. A sunny day, and tons of kids running around everywhere collecting plastic eggs filled with chocolate and treats (I should post a few of those hunting ones).


Jarle and I. His mom lives in a really beautiful area overlooking a valley. I love it!!!

The valley.

Who can resist the Cadbury mini eggs?? -not even the cute little chick.

Allergies

I'm so done with these allergies. I don't think I've ever experienced such a bad year with these. It's non stop stuffiness or the other. Yuck. Sneezing, coughing, gross stuff... you know what I'm talking about. I'm just ready to be able to breathe normally again.

My kids think I have Swine Flu--- nice. NO students, I do not have the swine flu-- maybe SARS, no just kidding.

This week has been going relatively well, despite lack of sleep and the perpetual drip from the nose. I came back on Monday, from having a sub on Friday, and the sub didn't follow a single plan. My room looked a mess, and there was paint everywhere. WHAT?? How can that possibly be? Anyway, after a freak out, I let the students see what was left over from the Friday before, and told them what I found....it hasn't happened since... I don't know why the substitute would let them get away with not cleaning up, and being so wasteful.... disappointed.

Anyway, almost nearing the end of this week, and it'll be a busy one again. Down to Richmond to visit J's family and then my parents will come down from PA on Sunday for Mom's day. I'm trying to figure out what to cook for my parents... I want to do something nice... I was thinking baked polenta with a red pepper sauce and some cheese somewhere in there. And a nice salad, and some kind of chocolate dessert.... hummmmm..... Yes, I think that sound like a winner!

Anyway- have been slacking on the painting this week do to how I'm feeling, and the fact that my students are working on altering books. So I''m just a step ahead of them... So I've been trying to do a page a day. I'm thinking that some of them get the concept. Others couldn't care less, and then some of them are just plain stuck. One of the things I thought they would like would be doing transfers. A few kids are really getting into it. But some of them don't want to bother with all the steps-- so they collage.

I myself, really enjoy doing transferring. It's fun, you can do so much them. I've done so many.

Oh man-- for you "Lost" fans out there... only one more episode left this season-- HOLY COW! I won't give anything away, but this was a very interesting season....... VERY. Too bad there's only one more episode, and then we have to wait again until February.... boooo....

Ok, I better go, next time I have to do some picture posting, I've taken a few pictures of my little art sketches, and some from Easter, and some from my students... I'll get around to it someday.

Gypsy Jazz kind of morning.

I came into work early this morning, really too early, but I was up-- so why not. That seems to be the story of my life lately. So with that in mind, I needed a little change up to my usual suspects when it comes to music. Django Reinheardt used to be in the regular cycle of play, and I took it out of rotation. But today in my car, there it was. Staring me right in the face. LOVE HIS MUSIC.

Wonderful guitar, that has deep, soulful, timeless, and melancholy tones. Just listen to "La Mer". Ahh- it makes you wish you were sitting by the fresh open sea air waiting for your love to return. Just beautiful.

Is it hot in here?

It's been one of those strange weather patterns. Hot hot hot! I think it was about 90 degrees yesterday. But it didn't keep us from being inside. In fact, we had already settled on going on a little hike around Burke Lake ( lovely man-made lake in the middle of suburbia). It was beautiful because most of the time we were under the trees. It goes about 5 miles around, and I can't believe my little dog, with little tiny dog legs made it all the way around. It was truly amazing. We all drove home, tired, sweaty, and very thirsty, but it was well worth it, I hear it's going to rain for most of the week later on.

In the meantime-- I guess I'll just have to paint. I actually completed 2 small paintings, and I've started a third. I hope I keep this up. I really want to get through this little sketchbook, because I promised myself that if I did, I would get to pick up some encaustic painting supplies. I love the encaustic paintings I've seen lately, and I really want to try it out.

Here are some AWESOME examples of what other artists have done..... I can't wait to try it myself.

http://www.international-encaustic-artists.org/gallery/gallery_painting.html

You gotta love the internet.

So I'm preparing my students for painting with acrylics, and because everyday we get new students, or kids usually end up missing a demo I thought I'd look for a quick YouTube video. Well, there are some ones that will do... but I couldn't believe one in particular.

I clicked on it because it said "color mixing". She didn't even paint! She was definitely pretty, and wearing a nice slim shirt that showed off her "assets" and talked about mixing paint, but didn't do it. I was like, this can't be real! I almost died laughing because I was sitting there the whole time thinking "ok, when's the painting happening?"

Haha! Oh well, no biggie, just funny.

$10 steal

http://www.middlesisterwines.com/rebel_red.html

I actually am a redheaded middle sister, so this wine only called out to me because of the label. However, it's actually pretty good. I just opened it, had a lovely sip. It's not bad for a blend. Fruity, light bodied....yummy! And only $10!

Our house...it's coming along.

Here's the Dining room. We painted it a nice warm yellow. The curtains are there to hide a hideous door we'll eventually get rid of. There's nice light that comes in from the yards. This part of the house may get larger, if we decide to add on. Who knows what we'll do.

Here's our quaint living room, with the barking Lhotse. I love this room, although we don't sit in it quite so much, because we've moved the tv downstairs to the basement. I just love all the wood, and our books. It's small too, but we plan to enclose the porch next year and make that part of the living room to expand the space. Bigger is better??? I don't know. All these renovations sound a little scary to me.

Here's our completed basement. It turned out nice. We painted it just a neutral white. We're thinking about changing it. But we like it right now. We also bought carpet tiles. HIGHLY recommend them. Easy to assemble, and easy to switch out. It's already come in handy because our bathroom down here and an issue.... not pretty. Luckily we could just pull those few tiles out, and put down new ones. It's cozy down here. This is Lhotse's hang out too, she stays down here at night time....

Pay no attention to the disarray. I rarely go in this tiny room. But it holds our desks and computer....oh... and if you can tell, J's clothes. In his defense, the closet is so-- small. He refers to this room as his "dressing room"... how snooty... I pick on him all the time. ;-)

Our bedroom. It's nice and cozy. I love the shade of blue. It's so relaxing. Our bed is comfy too.


So I left out the bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen (no one wants to see the kitchen, it's horrible).

I'm sorry it took me so long to post these, but I just haven't been able to put them up.... I can't wait to get pictures of the garden (I'm hoping to get things planted next week)

Enjoying the last few days of spring break. -sigh-

Spring Break!

My first few tulips started to arrive! I love them! They're my favorite. If it warms up a bit, I might have to take some time to sit out there tomorrow to draw them. It's just a little too darn cold!! It doesn't feel like spring! Where's the spring like weather???

Another pic of the tulips. It's so satisfying, especially since I thought the bulbs were eaten by the squirrels...

Today me and a couple of friends made it down to DC to go to the National Gallery. We just walked around the Impressionist rooms and saw a photography exhibit...

R and E checking out a Monet. I like this one too.

Hope every one's having a great week!! Spring Break is just moving too fast! I wish it would slow down just a tad.

UCONN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go UCONN. Not sure if they can pull through, but I hope so, they're in my brackets to take it all. I had PITT going so far, I wish they could have made the final 4. That would have been sweet. What an awesome game though.

Even if you don't follow college basketball, which I don't really anymore, so many of the games have been nail-biters. I could hardly stand watching, because it was so tense! A lot of the games were won by one or two points!

Amazing.

So GO HUSKIES!!! One more week until we find out who's game reigns supreme!

Concerts galore

We just got tickets to the Shins! Yay, one of my most favorites! Add it to the list. I guess I should stop buying concert tickets now, but there are so many good ones to choose from in the next few months... It's hard to not want to go.

But, we're up to 4 concerts, and when you tack on those stupid fees they like to charge it adds up. It's all well worth it. Good venues, for sure we'll get to actually SEE who we're listening to. It will be great.

First up Death Cab for Cutie w/ Cold War Kids and Ra Ra Riot!! A week and 1/2 to go! (I'm hoping for special guests-- but I doubt that will happen....maybe Jenny Lewis could pop by? Or Mr. Birght Eyes himself...Connor Oberst....??? hummmm???) We'll see what happens.

All this means that spring time and good weather gets closer and closer everyday. It sure is taking it's sweet time getting there, though. I can't wait for my tulips to finally bloom, and to get the veggie garden started!

Certainly has been a while...

I'm behind in everything lately. It doesn't matter. I think that's the fact of waiting for Spring Break to come around. At work I'm trying to tie up a lot of loose ends, hang artwork, take pictures, make signs, trying to figure out what I'm going to teach for the rest of the year... It's a lot. But I do have pictures to post of that art show my kids had last week.

It was a really good way for the community to see my students' work. I got some good feedback, and a lot of people hadn't expected anything like what they saw. There were some really good examples of portraits, design projects, and black and white drawings. I think a lot of people tend to still look at art as crafty... not fine. And there is a place for everything. I think when people hear where I work, they automatically lower their expectations of my students. Which sucks, but it's also my job to keep the expectations high!

It's hard. My lessons are so varied, depending on who's in my class at the time. A lot of times students come to me from no art background at all.... (I think I had art in 3rd grade). So it's a mixed bag. I love it when a project just takes off, though. It's so rewarding. And rare.... Right now, one of my classes is really enjoying the color and design projects I'm throwing at them. But that will get changed soon.

Next we're working on observational drawing, with using tone and shading. I'm trying to prepare them for painting. We've been asked to create an art piece for outside near and around the green house they just put on our facility. It's great, gives them a chance to make some art that will be up for an extended period of time. It won't be easy to assemble, but the plan is to paint flowers, herbs, veggies, and other things that will be growing in the green house.

We'll see. I hope it works.

I'm also incredibly behind on making any new artwork for myself. It seems to be a constant problem that I can't figure out how to tackle. I miss not creating art, I need to make it a habit. Stop talking about it, or wishing it would just happen and just DO IT! Argh!!

In other news, I'm going to try to be growing a vegetable garden in our yard. We cleared an area where there's lots of light, some shade an easy access to the hose (not hard, our yard is not big). I'm hoping that throughout the summer we'll get tomatoes, peppers, chile, sunflowers, marigolds, lettuce, squash, and basil! I've also planted my two herb plants from last year-- rosemary and thyme. I hope they can thrive.

Nothing is planted yet, and I'm trying to start with seeds... We'll see what happens. I hear it can be difficult, but I'm checking on them everyday to make sure they stay moist. Hopefully in about 10 days I'll have little plants, and hopefully in another 10 days it will be warm enough to plant them!

Wow, so that's an update.

We managed to book a hotel in Venice! So excited that our Italy trip is happening...... it may be the last one for a while considering all the financial issues. International School teaching is calling my name again....

Good times 2....or even three!

My students art will be showcased in a community celebration in Alexandria! I'm so excited. Through some frequent communication with other staff members where I work, and really displaying how much I really want my students artwork to be shown on the outside-- it's finally all coming together!

It's going to be a lot of work to get everything together, I only have 2 weeks, and....it's only for one night. So that means put up, take down in one night. But it's all for the sake of art, and my students, and finally allowing their work to carry as much weight as their peers.

I've never known if it was the lack on interest, lack of communication, or just laziness between the community members that this has never happened. But I hope to get more out there, and drum up interest for other outlets, shows, and maybe even an anthology of their work..

Anyone got any ideas on making an anthology???

OK-- so that's really good news and here's one more--

We just got tickets for The Decemberists! They canceled their tour last round-- and I was soooo disappointed. What makes it even better is that Andrew Bird is touring with them!! I can't wait to get some whistling action from Mr. Bird!!

So that really is triple good!!

I really needed that.

Couldn't resist posting....

Did I mention that it's so NICE to have my dog with me again. She's so cute, I just want to squeeze her all the time... All 10 pounds of her!

Snowy day

Wow, I was so excited to wake up to a winter wonderland this morning. It was crisp clean and just really beautiful. No school today either, which was really nice. Although, we'll be making it up. But nothing beats waking up a little later, feeling a little cozy, and spending that extra time with your main-squeeze.

J and I woke up to a winter morning, actually had some breakfast together, and did a few things around the house. I know, not exactly too romantic, but when you finally find extra time to put up a toilet paper holder, or mop the floor, or cook a nice minestrone soup... it's really nice.

Here are a few pics.. Including Lhotse...


The snow today-- about 4-5 inches. Just beautiful with the sunshine. But really chilly.

Lhotse sniffing around on the deck. It was a love-hate relationship for her.

Oh no! The buds on the trees, I hope they thaw out.

Last night, I tried really hard to capture the snow falling, it was just beautiful, and really peaceful. Who knows, might I be inspired for my artwork??

Ok-

I just like taking shadow pictures... It's a thing..

One picture of me happy!

Miami Beach..

Ok, so we went like, I dunno... a month ago? Maybe it's because I look back on that mini-break as not the best trip in the world. It could have been the unseasonably gold weather in FLA (like 40 degrees... and I don't mean celsius). Or that Miami beach is ubber touristy, or the fact that we were kept awake on our final night there until the next morning by our nasty neighbors...

It was fun, don't think I'll ever venture down that way again for any reason (so many better places in the world). The people watching was fun, but it still doesn't out way that they're all intolerable. The beach-- pretty, lots of palm trees, and blue ocean as far as the eye can see.

Then there's the architecture. A fan. I do love the Art Deco style, and the neon lights are a lot of fun.
So here you go......

The last day there was the nicest, and we spent a day people watching and had a really good brunch outside. Then we saw this guy walk by with a chinchilla (?). He was playing with it. Obviously, he's way cool. I wonder how often he changes his shirt?

Yeah, these people were fighting chilly waters (although lovely) and a lot of wind. It was amazing to watch them paddle by from our hotel (not our hotel is not here, it was horrible. We got a lovely night at the Ritz and then had a serious downgrade.....)

See! It was cold, this old lady is all wrapped up in a fur! With a fancy red, white, and blue, sequin hat. She's cold!! She's gonna stay warm, so stay out of her way!

Ahh--- serene Key Biscayne, at the Ritz. Highly recommend it. It was everything you would think it would be. It was also the warmest day. We tried to stay as long as we could so we could enjoy it all......

The mighty RITZ!

The only way I'll go back is if I can stay here.

Italia here we come!

We've been talking about forever, and thinking about it for months and months. And finally, we bought the tickets yesterday!! We are actually going to Italy! I'm so excited! I haven't been out of the country since I moved back from Egypt-- that's right, not even Canada. Although I did find myself in places I never thought I'd go-- Kansas City, Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas. So on to some amazing other places.

We have a 10 say trip that will fly us into Venice. Then we'll head to Florence for the rest of the time. My only wish is that we could stop over in Frankfurt so we could do a few days in Bonn, Germany... but that's not going to happen this time.

I'm so excited, especially for that to come at the end of my day yesterday. I have something to mark on my calendar and prepare for. I suppose it is time for me to take up learning a little bit of Italian. I don't know anything! Except...

Ciao!

The IN-justice system

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/23/pennsylvania.corrupt.judges/

I've been watching this unfold for a week or so. It just gets more and more interesting. Depressing, sad... I feel like today's youth is totally screwed.

Sorry. It's not such a bad world out there, but when I see such a connection with students and the corrupt bureaucratic systems damaging them, it becomes frustrating. As a teacher I really question how much actual good we're doing in our jobs. Yes, education is SUPER important, but it's even more important for students to feel that they can make a change for themselves. And there's absolutely no support for them once they leave the D-home. A switch has to turn for them. They need to feel like they are worth it.

Just ask my female students about the Chris Brown/Rhianna news story. They totally supported Chris Brown and even insinuated that Rhianna made it up or "tripped and fell" . Where's the self-worth there? Regardless of what happened, I was aghast that they would not support a female, close to their own age, who has been obviously injured by this male. Famous or not, they think it's ok that this violence was ok. Obviously, most (if not all) of my female and male students have witnessed a violent act to someone close to them (especially family) or to themselves.

I could go on. Especially after today. ALL of my classes were great, until the last one. There was fight in my class. Nothing I could do about it. The 3 kids were bigger than me. The detention specialist was in my room, but he could only do so much. Luckily I had my duress alarm. Hit it, and people came running in. But not before a chair and a trashcan got thrown across the room. Horrible. And not a damn thing I could do.

I'm kind of at a loss today, very unexpected... not sure what the rest of the week will hold.

I think a batch of chocolate chip cookies are in order. Warm cookies always help!

Slumdog WINS!!

The fantastical adventure of a boy who's fate is to win millionare and the girl of his dreams!

YES!!

I loved that film, and if you still haven't seen it, you should. One of my favorites ever.

I can't even tell you how upset this makes me

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29142654/?GT1=43001

So close--

We were 25 minutes away from a normal school schedule last week, and I'll shoot myself, because the English teacher I mentioned on Thursday at lunch how the week had been going so well. No interruptions, no meetings, no random lock downs.

Well, I spoke to soon. I will never do that again. Friday, 25 minutes from finishing the last class of the day, students were sent back to their units. We were all wondering why. Well, the superintendent of the d-home felt like she needed to have a meeting with her staff.

Couldn't it have waited 25 minutes? I mean come on. Positive change and education, have no chance when people like that create an environment where those things aren't regarded. I understand that safety comes first in a place like this, but how are we supposed to create any sort of consistency when inconsistency is so -- well-- consistent.

This week is no better. 2 half days for "parent conferences". It's been on the calendar for a year, and no one brought it up until yesterday. No parents could have a chance to show up today or tomorrow. I understand that our students are transient, and we sometimes don't know who's going to be here on any given day. However, we could MOVE the dates, or give ourselves a chance to notify the parents, so they have a chance to come or not.

ARGH!

So this week isn't normal either. And next week is a short week because of Presidents' Day. I like my holidays, don't get me wrong-- I love them, I value them... I need them.

Maybe we'll have our chance in March-- no holidays whatsoever...

And don't even get me started about how students aren't able to complete projects. Maybe not frustrating for them, but totally frustrating for me.

I need a zen moment.........

-----Aum shaantih----------------

Random purchase

I don't really do this very often... drink coke that is...

But today I really needed that syrupy-brown-overly sweet flavor. And I was shocked! Really shocked about how sugary it REALLY is. I don't understand how people can drink that all the time.

At the same time, here I am, drinking it, feeling a little naughty, feeling a little guilty, and smacking my lips together..

Coke is it.

THANK YOU OBAMA!

"You are probably not that good a rapper. Maybe you are the next Lil' Wayne, but probably not, in which case you need to stay in school..."

I love this quote-- a direct quote from the President..... I might hang it up in my classroom.

Much Better

Coming home early from school....... good.

Looking at the snow from the inside.................better.

Seeing the snow pile up while you stay toasty warm..........excellent.

Baking and eating fresh-baked, warm, chocolate cookies as you are watching the snow fall outside from the inside because you got home early from school.................. priceless.

Difficult things

What to do when you feel like your in between a rock and a hard place. Hummm... I don't know. Part of me wants to just hide out and wait until it all blows over. Nah, I can't do that. If I let things fester, they eat me up inside. So I guess what I need to do is just not push it further under the rug, and deal with it.

I just needed to put that out there..

Not to worry, I'm kind of hoping the chocolate cookies in the oven will ease my mind on this cold and snowy day...

Humm, maybe I'll have a little hot chocolate too. That's never bad.

GOOD IDEA!

http://www.dizzler.com

You must try it!

Type in an artist, genre....whatever!
It plays any song you want!!!

Amazing! There are some things I do love about technology..

Yes, I love technology.............and I love you, you see. But I still love technology...

Hair today, gone today

So, some of you might remember a little protest I started over 4 years ago... I called it "My silent protest against Bush". Well, I said I would grow out my hair until we got a new president. And seeing how yesterday that was accomplished, I figured I should really follow through. SO-- I am. At 3:45 pm today I will be getting my hair chopped. I plan on donating it to "Locks for Love". A program that uses real human hair to create wigs for children who need them. I have plenty of hair. I will probably be taking off a whole foot, so I think they'll actually be able to use it.

I'm really excited for the change. My hair has been though some really bad stages, and it's finally time to really start fresh. I've always thought of hair as just something on the top of my head. I can do whatever I want with it. So I'm not really that nervous. I've gotten used to it, but I also hate laying on it, putting it up into ponytails all the time because I don't feel like doing anything with it, using tons and tons of hair conditioner, spending oodles of time brushing and combing it. Ahh-- I'll have so much more time on my hands now...

I always hear people talk about how they felt that their hair was something more symbolic, and I guess that's why I grew it. I wanted something good to come from me growing out my hair for 4 years, because everyone knows what a treacherous 8 it's been!

So here's to moving on, starting fresh. I have a good feeling about this, and I'm not just talking about my haircut.... I'm talking about the US.

01/20/09

It's finally just around the corner. And I'm deciding on a haircut. I'm not sure I'll be able to do it on the actual day, so maybe within the next week.... I'm kind of anxious. I've grown to like my long hair.

But-- it's only hair. And I'm going to donate it. Although donating hair, doesn't actually mean they'll use it. Hopefully my cut hair will be long enough to donate and be used.

It also would be nice to have a "style" of some sort. I would save lots of money on hair conditioner and shampoo... and save time. The thing with my long hair is that it's thick and wavy . Which means it takes work and care to keep healthy.

So if you have an idea out there, I'll take it. I'm looking into some kind "bob" haircut. We'll see what happens! If it doesn't work, I'll just grow it out again!

Somethings are sweet...

Sweet thing, this Friday will be a work from home day. Don't ask me why. It's just what I was told. So I'm not going to ask too many questions. I'll take a 5 day weekend any day. Thank you Inauguration!

Something else that's sweet- The last weekend in January I get to go down to warm Miami Beach! I'm really looking forward to some mid-winter sunshine, and an ocean breeze. I can't imagine that it will not be a nice trip. Beautiful scenery, good food.... a change of pace.

Another thing that's sweet -- as I write this a friend of ours is finishing up a storage closet for all our random stuff in our house. Which is great, because having an old house is nice, there's character.....but no closets.

P.S.

If you read yesterday's I was talking about the upcoming event.... well, they're also closing the bridges and will only allow buses for 2 days.... YIKES!!!

DC Craziness

Here is a map of my area.

http://www.nationalrealty.biz/map/virginia.gif

Basically getting around here takes a lot of patience. A lot. I know when to travel, and when to wait, and when to get out there and take my life into my own hands. However, in the following weeks, driving anywhere could be considered the riskiest thing to try.

Why?

The inauguration. Of course it's over a long holiday weekend, and then schools and the federal government is closed for the inauguration. But try to take advantage of the weekend and leave town. You'll never get back, especially if you drive.

The latest scare according to NPR is that there will be upwards of 1.5-2 million more people in the area to witness this historic event. A lot-- and I mean a lot-- are probably going to be driving here. Especially if they're within 4 hours. So the major highways are sure to hit major back up.

They're (and I'm not sure who "they" is) is predicting that there will be back up of 20-25 miles in the metro area. And on major highways the delay could reach in the direction of Richmond (which is actually 2 hours away) and to the west it could reach all the way past Winchester, which is 2 hours west. And not to mention other delays up in Maryland!

So what are we to do? On one hand I would really like to get out of town and spend the 4 day weekend somewhere else, where it's low key, and quiet-- and I'll watch the inauguration the tv...

On the other hand, how the heck will be ever be able to return?

Driving isn't a great option for the return, and certainly flying at this point is out of the question. So, I'm thinking possibly a train. It's going to be interesting how this all plays out. Many people are asking me why I'm NOT going downtown. Yes, it's a historical moment, I was a part of it by taking part in the democratic process of voting, but there is absolutely no way I will put myself down on the mall to not see anything in the freezing cold. Am I excited for the new president... you better believe it. But I don't think Obama would mind at all of I stayed in somewhere warm and watched.

The only question in my mind is....where will I be watching.

And....we're back

What a nice holiday I had of 2 weeks. I can't say that I did that much, but I had a heck of a time just relaxing and catching up with "stuff". J and I traveled to PA twice, and made it into DC a couple of times, trying to catch the pre-inauguration happenings.

Break started for me around the 20th of December. I had a good start by having an amazing meal at Nora's, in DC. It's a certified organic restaurant, and well, they deserve it. The food was fantastic, and it felt like I was sitting in someones dining room, not a stuffy, trendy upscale type place. We both had the vegetarian tasting meal, with a great start to a creamy and delectable black bean soup, followed by an amazing onion tart....with goat cheese and roasted red peppers, and finished up with vegetable risotto (I was stuffed) and a molten chocolate cake. YUM! Needless to say I was a happy camper. Much better than than the vegetarian "flan" at a very different place--- don't do it, it's disgusting. I would happily go there again and again. It was a great way to start the break.

After that we actually ventured to this Russian Bar, for an outstanding martini! Of course! What else are you gonna drink it a red velvet lounge with the staff all in black and using their accents. The music, was less than stellar (Russian electronica??). But it was a fun way to end the night.

The rest of that weekend went by and before we knew it we were headed up to PA to see my family for Christmas, but not before we gathered all the goods to create a nice couple of meals for my family. This year in lieu of gifts J and I decided to cook fom my family. So we bought the ingredients for a nice french onion soup (plenty of cheese and bread especially) for Christmas Eve, and then for Christmas I was going to make a really nice baked pasta and spicy broccoli.

In case you haven't guess it was a pretty low-key kind of Christmas for us. My parents had quite a year, and we all figured as long as we got together that would be just fine. If only my sisters had felt that way.... Unfortunately they don't really get along and avoided all contact this year. Oh well.

Christmas Eve was nice. We just ate a late meal, and chatted. My sister's boyfriend played some music on the Mandolin. Just really relaxing. Christmas day was quiet as well. It was just J, me and my parents. We all woke up late, started to cook, and then ate. After that, J and I went to a traditional Christmas Day movie : Benjamin Button. It was good, very much reminiscent of Forrest Gump, particularly because it had the same screenwriter or something... But good. Nice effects of aging etc...

Boxing day was a little different. J and I were still there, and then my older sister and niece arrived. We had a big lunch and then decided to get on our way.

The next few days we kind of took a little break. We made it to see Slum Dog Millionaire-- A great movie, highly recommend it. I laughed, I cried.. a fantastic growing up/gangster/love/comedy/slightly Bollywood type movie that was seamless. I loved it.

We also managed to get downtown to the Hirschhorn Museum and looked at all the new exhibits. A few nice ones. One all of different kinds of portraits....

New Year's was spent up and PA again, although in a different direction. J and I went up to visit ATO. We had a really low-key New Year's by staying in and playing the Wii! Which is completely AWESOME! I loved it so much that I really want one. Although, I really do think it's more of a social way to play video games. I don't think I would have as much fun all by my little self. We bowled, skied, played tennis, raced, hula-hooped, practiced yoga poses...among other things. It was hilarious for us all to be making such huge movements that had some very little impact. We ended the old year by drinking a little champagne, and woke up in the new year to the sounds of almost-2-year-old O running around playing.

We made the trek back to VA, and just after I parked the car in the drive way I became seriously...ill. Ugh... What a way to finish out the end of a holiday (and it wasn't even a hangover). I was sick through the 3rd, and managed to make a recovery right before school started. I spent hours not being able to keep anything down, and poor J wondered if I should have gone to the hospital. But I survived. And I feel fine now.

Now it's the onset of a new year, some new students, and some new projects for them to do. I just have to make them student ready. The first 2 days back have been pretty good. Some students are finishing some self-portrait projects they started before break. But sadly, most are unfinished. 15 students left over the holiday and we received 20 new students. Quite a turn over. So we started tessellations. Always a good one to get back into the swing of things. Next I'd like to do an architecture study of DC. There are so many interesting buildings and styles in the area.

Debating on an art position that's opened up at a "normal" high school in my area. I certainly like my job, but it really has it's moments where I don't. And obviously there really is no way for me to build a program, or continuously improve students abilities for the long term. All I really do here is expose them to newer things, or different things. It is so rare to have a student for more than one project. And I kind of long for some growth in teaching.

Decisions, decisions.......

So the new year should be looking up. I've already been sick, so I'm looking forward to a healthy and happy year. I have a house that's my home now, and steadily improving it everyday. A great relationship with someone who loves me for being myself. What more could I want? Well.......

Some things I NEED to do... Create more art. I NEED TO. Not just because I should, but it's really who I am. It's pretty sad when all I seem to do is make sample projects for my students to see as examples. It's not at all what kind of art I prefer to do... (although sometimes it is).

So-- we're all back. Happy New Year to all of you! May you have a healthy, happy and wonderful 2009.

Tis the season

I can't believe it's close to the end of the year. It feels like just yesterday I was getting ready to start a brand new school year. It's amazing how time just keeps moving us forward. I have to say that Christmas time is a lovely time, but not right now. The weather has been so erratic. It was up to 67 degrees yesterday!!! What's up? I dunno, but I think the temperatures are going to be falling and falling yet again. Which is the way it should be, no?

Any who, J and I finally got up the tree, and it looks good. It's a little bit on the small side, but slightly larger than last year. I love the decorations we have. I have a lot of sentimental ones from when I was a kid, and even some of the ornaments that were from my parents' first trees when they were first married. They weren't expensive by any means.... (99 cents and Dart Drug for12 round, glittery balls in green and red). But they hold memories of hanging on so many of our family trees. And that's the best part.

I'm also on a baking spree. I've made 3 batches so far. Chocolate chip (of course), lemon cookies, and peanut butter balls. I am still setting out to do at least 3 mores (Russian tea cakes, chocolate, and Linzer cookies). I love to bake, and this amount of baking only happens once a year. Plus, they make good gifts. And since I have neighbors this year, I feel like I should extend a batch of cookies there way.

So, there's about 2 1/2 more days of school, I have kids finishing up some self portraits (too big, they're never going to finish them) and the girls are working on prints (which are coming out nicely, but it's hectic trying to clean it all up). The kids are pretty low-key these days. A lot of students are actually finishing up their sentences, and are able to go home before the holidays. But each day we get a couple of new ones in...

I'll be glad to have a break. We've never gotten 2 full weeks off before, and it's much needed for all of us. It's been so erratic these past few months, and even though we're all handling it well, and doing our jobs, we need this break. I kind of wish we could have a year 'round schedule so we could more breaks like this.....never going to happen.

NO huge plans this Christmas time. Just spending it with the family and some friends. I hope to catch up on some reading, and painting (for myself) and watching some movies, and of course trying to catch up on some sleep (easier said than done).

So this isn't much of a post. But I did get a new camera, and I'll be taking pictures throughout the holiday season.....

Ok. Merry Everything.....

The Fall

Have you heard of this movie? It came out a year or two ago. I'm not sure what the reviews were like, but I thought it was an amazing film. Not only was it filmed all over the world, the cast of characters are fantastic.

It's a surreal movie about this guy who tells a story to this little girl while they're both in the hospital. He uses the story to get her to do things for him and her imagination runs wild with the story. It's a fantasy really, and it's as beautiful as it is sad, happy, funny, dramatic, and strange. Everything I could ever want in a movie!

I highly suggest that you check it out, even if it's just for beautiful imagery of the countries they shoot in - China, India, Romania, Italy, England, Argentina, Cambodia, Fiji...just to name a few.

It also didn't hurt to have Lee Pace as the bed-ridden patient... I LOVE HIM!

Dog???

Oh to go to a shelter and look at all the cute little faces of all the dogs. That is what I did two times this week. J and I came to a decision that we can really get a dog, and we can really take care of it. And we've decided to try and adopt one from a local shelter. And-- this must be the place to do it, because there were some really sweet dogs. But especially this one little guy.

This one little guy is called Colton (would be changed if I had him-- but anyway). He's a black labradoodle. He's 3 months old, and the shaggiest cutest thing you'd ever want to see... I'll even post a pictures in hopes that he becomes mine.

He is totally trainable, sweet, warm, and loves to be around people. I think he'd be the perfect mix for us. We have a yard, and room for him to grow into. He will get huge.. No doubt. His cute paws are huge. I mean HUGE! He's not even close to being full grown. But if we got him now, he'd be totally easy to care of.

So, are you sitting, are you waiting, are you wondering why I don't have this cute pup in my grasp yet? Well, hold on to your mittens my friends. There's a short wait list. In fact, there's just one person ahead of me on this list. Wait for it...............

It's Barack Obama. Yes. The Obamas might get "MY" dog. I'm thinking, I Obama my vote, and carefully carved his likeness on a pumpkin. Isn't that enough? Apparently, animal shelters in the area are in the know about the Obama's family needs for a certain type of pet. He did say a mutt, didn't he? Well, they're looking for a labradoodle, and they would want to adopt rather than buy a dog. Totally respect that.... So Animal Shelters in Alexandria, Arlington...etc.. are putting in bids for Obama to take the dog from them. So, the likelihood of me actually getting this dog as a part of my family is kind of slim. I can only hope and pray to the gods above that this shelter may actually choose me. I'd love to find out now. But I guess I may not know until January. In the meantime, the pup is stuck in the shelter.

I'm willing and waiting... I think he should be with us. So cross your fingers, I hope I really get this cute, loveable, adorable chewing machine.... It would be the best Christmas ever.