I just like taking shadow pictures... It's a thing..
One picture of me happy!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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......
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, February 23, 2009
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!
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.
YES!!
I loved that film, and if you still haven't seen it, you should. One of my favorites ever.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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----------------
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----------------
Friday, February 06, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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.
I love this quote-- a direct quote from the President..... I might hang it up in my classroom.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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...
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...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
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!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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.....
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.....
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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!
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!
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