Get out and Play

If you're in my neck of the woods you should be outside today. I just got in, and it was a blast. Went to a BBQ and had fun. It was like a great time. Met new people, saw good friends, played..

AEROBIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right. It was the wave of the future about (gulp) 20 years ago when I got my first Aerobie. The first one ended up in the duck pond in Bonn, Germany, and was not able to be fished out, unfortunately. HOWEVER- the thrower did buy me a new one to replace the old one. And I've had it ever since.

I don't know how you pronounce it, but it doesn't matter, because all you gotta do is play it.

Seriously, you couldn't have asked for a better day to do something outside. Yeah, it was warm, but nice breezes, and good shade under some trees. It was wonderful to actually just have the day off. Almost every week since March I've worked on Saturdays, but not this one. Tomorrow, however, I'll be inside.... but it's supposed to rain, so who cares.

I got my contract for the D-home. I will reluctantly sign it, unless by some chance something better just shows up on my front door..........................nope. Didn't happen. Oh well, this will be last year teaching for the public schools in Alexandria. At least, I think so. I hope so. Unless something really good happens. But I don't fancy working in an institution. It's hard. I don't get to go outside, I can't take my students outside. It's very difficult to work in that environment.

Anyway, last 2 days I'm not teaching. We're going to watch a movie. And they get to choose. They will have a choice between.......drum roll please.....

1. Corpse Bride
2. Labyrinth

They probably have no clue what the second one is, and will will probably choose Corpse Bride. However, I win either way, because I like both. In fact I was so excited to find Labyrinth. I didn't think it existed out there in storeland. I thought it was something that had to be special ordered, or e-bayed... NO!! NO sir! I bought that sucker from Best Buy (which happens to be one of my least favorite stores, by the way).

Anyway, get out there! Enjoy the weather....It won't be long until will code orange and red days!! And I"m not talking about the terrorist threat level.....

Rude!

1. I hate it when people say, "I told you so", and they didn't do a damn thing to help you out. Don't claim something you didn't do for me. No, you didn't tell me to go there, or look there, or do that... NO you didn't. Not at all.

2. I hate when people bump into you and say,"Excuse you". NO, you man.. you.. And here I already am excusing myself... you don't need to do it for me.

3. Stupid drivers that just go through stop signs. NOT on accident.. I'm fully aware that it happens. But on purpose. What's the deal with that?

ARGH.........................

Ahh, almost there..

Well, the final weeks of school are coming upon me. This week is the last week of official teaching. So students are finishing up drawing faces. I'm cleaning up. IT has begun. I would like to do nothing more than forget this school year ever happened. Well, not totally, but on some level...for sure.

Unfortunately I have to show up for a few more weeks, doing random stuff. It won't be fun. It will be boring, but I hope to get a classroom out of the whole deal by the end of the year. That's right! Today I asked, " Can I get a classroom next year?". I didn't get an answer, really, but I hope to get a real answer by the time I am officially done in a few weeks.

I'm still looking for a new job, but I think I'll be there one more year. I may have an opportunity to teach art history at a local community college, but I'm not sure yet. They seemed interested, and I sent out my resume... and then nothing! We'll see. Then there's the possibility of landing a new job. I put a few random applications out there, one even in NC and one in PA. What am I thinking? I do not know.... I like where I live, I just want my job to be better.

Anyway, can't complain about life, I went to a concert on Sunday, and had a blast. I forgot how much fun it is to get out and do something a little different. It was Bloc Party, and they actually were really good. I happened to have a pretty good seat, as it turned out. I was right on the center aisle... about 15 rows from the stage!

First band that came on were "The Annuals" . They were really good. At one point they had 4 people drumming... Can you say percussion? 2 full drum sets for almost the entire show, and then in one song 2 others turned to the side to beat on their own couple of drums! It was great. I couldn't really understand the lead singers words, but it was lively and fun. Kinda sorta had an "Arcade Fire" tip.

Next was a trio-- Noisettes. British band. Good as well, the lead singer had a booming voice, tons of energy.. Don't know how to compare them except to say only slightly kinda sorta like the "yeah yeah yeahs".

LASTLY-- BLOC PARTY! They were so good. The drummer was fun to watch. Not only was he great, he was having so much fun. He would drum with one hand, hold up the other hand with a drumstick. Look at the crowd like he was going to slam the drum, and he would tap a cymbal ever so slightly. It WAS funny, and I think very humorous to him too (I saw him giggle a little). I'm not sure how many people paid attention to him doing that. I noticed.

The other high point was when the lead singer jumped off the stage and.....danced with everyone down the aisle! YES! That's right yours truly got to dance with him as well!! The bouncers didn't know what to do, I don't think they knew he was going to do that. How fun. I don't think I had ever danced so much at a concert actually.

If you ever have an opportunity to see someone you like at Constitution Hall in the DAR museum----- GO! There's not really a bad seat in the whole house.... So try to get the tickets.

So tomorrow....Wednesday. A student and I are going to make vegetarian chile. I don't know why I felt like doing this (I'm not even sure if I'm allowed). But there is this student who is really really interested in culinary school, she and I talk about it all the time. So it's time to actually do something. She's also working on a painting... A huge painting!!! So hopefully she'll finish that at some point too.

Ok, better go figure out dinner... not vegetarian chile.

I count.

That's what I did for most of my time tonight at my wino job. I had to count ALL the bottles of wine. At least all that counting made the time go faster. But I think it was something someone invented so they wouldn't feel like they had to send me home early-- yet again.

Ahh, anyway, tomorrow it's back to school. I don't really know what I'm going to teach tomorrow. It's one of those times when 1/2 the kids are done a project, and 1/2 of the other ones have nothing to work on.... Maybe, how to draw faces.... I'll demonstrate something, they'll watch, they'll work, and then class will be over. I'm so ready to be done, but I have 4 more weeks left...

I'm doing everything I can to not use my air conditioner, but it's impossible now. I bought a couple of fans. It doesn't do much, everyone keeps giving me suggestions..... I don't need any suggestions, I need for the sun not to set on my side of the building. I shouldn't complain. At least I have air conditioning. I'm just wanting to save some money and some energy. Doesn't look like that's going to happen.

So I heard about my former school--- the one in Egypt. yeah. so I've been trying to decide what to write about, but no words can say how horrible I felt when I heard what the senior class did as a prank. What did they do? They did a number of things that included pouring oil all over the hallway, causing distruction to many areas of the school, lighting firecrakers, hiring a marching band, hurting security guards, and my favorite playing soccer with live rabbits and chickens. Yes, read it again. Surprised? I was until I realized where the kids are from, and how they don't have any respect for any living thing other than themselves (and even that's questionable). SO they'll get rewarded, they'll have graduation, they'll go on to run their own country. Sad, but true.

That's all the time I'm giving that. I thought I would write this huge blog about it all, but the truth is I just can't. I would only be recalling what I've talked about in past posts. All I know is that I feel for my friends who are still there having to endure the final weeks of their teaching positions. Don't worry, you're almost done!

Ok- well, it looks like I may try to sleep soon. I don't know if I will or not, but I'll give it a good shot.

Don't worry...

That's what they said on the weather report about 24 hours ago. So I planned my day to drive up to my parents' house to enjoy the nice weather. "The weather won't alter any one's plans", they said.

WRONG! Well beyond wrong. I was driving home from G-burg in a horrendous storm. Thought I was going to die. I think I had heart palpitations. Lots of water everywhere. I couldn't believe that they said it would be "mostly dry". Liars.

Oh well. I'm alive, I got home, and it's not raining today...yet.

If you haven't seen it.. or read it..

"Everything is Illuminated"

Another post coming soon...
I'm just thinking about it.

LOST LOST LOST!

Well, it's that time of year folks! Season Finale time! It's going to be great. I will say no more.

So, today I got to use my camp counselor skills at work today. The detention specialists put together a few games, and left the rest of it up to us teachers. It was fine, but they wanted to "pick" teams. Like call out names and actually choose who we wanted. I said no to that. And people just stood around. So I said," Why don't we just count them off?" And they just stood there looking at me with a strange look. So I said," I'll just number them off 1-4..so there's 4 teams..." (duh)... So I did. Worked out fine, no one had to fear being the last one chosen, and the teachers didn't have to choose students. The people I work with are not the smartest of the bunch.

We did play dodge ball for a long time. The balls didn't hurt, thank god, because those boys can throw really hard. You can only imagine what would have happened with actual playground balls. PAIN! I actually hit a kid, and he moved to duck and it actually hit his face. It was all good. He got me back-- and it was all painless.

Then we watched two teams play team basketball. That's where everyone has to score a basket. That was kind of painful to watch because some kids kept trying, but just couldn't get the ball in the basket. Finally it was over.

Then my team and another one got to play volleyball. I was excited, although I biffed a serve. But that's ok. We had fun, except yet again the detention specialists made unfair rules. So I had to intervene.

Then lunch.. And then the torturous 1 and 1/2 hours of playing bingo. NO one should have to play bingo for that long, especially with a room full of sweaty 16-year-olds. It was ok for a while, but probably should have ended about 45 mins after it started.

Despite the little issues, everything was pretty kosher. Kids like to play. It's amazing how they change when they're doing something they like, or focused on. For a few hours they didn't have to worry about their charges, family members, bad habits, gang affiliations, or being abused. They were just kids. Everyone should be so lucky.

It's days like this that feel normal to me. Camaraderie among staff and students, it builds morale. Yes, these kids need a little morale boosting, why do you think they're in there??? It's days like this that I don't mind being there and teaching there.

Ahh.. so Lost tonight, a little lost in career decisions, but not lost on feeling happy about today.

What?

I think I have school until July 2nd....... only to return August 1st!

I definitely need a new job. And no, I don't feel quilty at all about having more vacation time than the average American because I don't have an average job.

Oh well. I guess I'll just hope for the month of July to be time well spent.

Smelling Wine

Yeah, I know, strange, but it actually does give you the full effect of the wine. For instance, I bought this wine... and I smelled it, and tasted it, and it wasn't all bad. However, if I had just smelled it, I probably would have stopped there. It smelled like grass, and well, to put it nicely-- like farm. It was mostly grassy, but I really wasn't sure what it would taste like. So I tasted it... It tasted like exotic fruit, a little citrus. It was ok. Not my favorite, hopefully I'll be able to get someone to help me drink it.

I helped a few people today, had a few conversations. I think I sold a bottle of wine to a couple that was on their way to being completely blasted. At least the woman was. I hope they weren't driving.... A lot of people do walk around here.

I talked to this older man about Germany and the State Department, and how we have the worst President ever.

I even got to come home early! NICE! I won't argue with my manager if he comes and tells me I can go home if I want to..... So I did.

School was strange. The music teacher... so very naive. So very ignorant of what has gone on all year. But whatever, it was interesting to see him finally upset about something. It's about time.

On a whim I applied to a Quaker school today.

Hummmmmmm, can't wait for tomorrow, the weather is so nice right now, and I'm going to try to spend it outside after school....

My shelves are getting filled, and it's so nice to see almost all my books in one place.

I rule!

I put together 5 bookcases today! And it looks so great. I'm so glad I finally got this done. Now I think my place is looking finished. Well, almost. I still need to get some more pictures up. I can't imagine how long it will take if I ever have a house. But, at least I'll have it the way I want. Hopefully, I won't have to move any time soon, but you know how that goes.

Today I had work. I bought a couple of new wines. (new to me) A Cabernet Sauvingnon from Washington state!!! Really nice. Very "fruit forward" as they say...

I also bought a semillion from Australia (makers of a shiraz I really like). We'll see, I haven't opened it yet. What I need to do is have a wine tasting party and try all of these with some people, so I don't have to drink the whole bottle. I still have a few open bottles to take care of... Maybe that's something I'll have to plan for the summer time.

So-- what else. Iconoclasts-- that series on Sundance Channel! I love it. It's great.
Umm---- painting. Still going. The plan is to have a body of work by the end of the summer. I stretched a couple of canvases this week, and now hopefully I'll get to use them soon. I bought some canvas in Egypt and it's pretty coarse. I think it will be ok. Although I do like to use really small brushes.

I'm applying to a show in this area. I have to turn in something decent by the end of July. Then they jury it (I think) and then the show takes place in early September. We'll see, I'd love to be able to show again, but I guess it's all up to me. Somebody asked me if I had a website the other day. I don't, however, maybe I should really think of getting one together.

So good things are happening. I wish school would end a little earlier, and I wish I could change schools, but I'm going to keep plugging a long. I'll probably be at the d-home another year. Then after that, somewhere else. I don't fancy working for a corrupt system such as this. So I am going to use every tactic I can to get out of it for the following year.

Ok- Monday is soon, gotta try to get things in order for tomorrow...

Oye!

You know, Oye is used in a variety of ways, to get attention, to show disbelief... to show woe, or even say no.

To me I would have to say that it would mean "tired out". As in "oye vey". The yiddish saying kind of used like "oh my" or something like that. It's been a long week. I was basically the dumping ground for kids who were done with testing this week. It was ok for some of the days, but other days I wasn't pleased. But it's over on Monday. I didn't get much done at all.

I'm really looking forward to summer. That won't come until the last week of June (I think) but at least I have something to look forward to.

Today I made it down to Ikea. And let me tell you, it still overwhelms me. There is just so much to look at. I made it out of there ok, but a few dollars lighter. I finally bought some bookcases that will work for my apartment. Now, if only I could put them together. Turns out I need a screwdriver or two. I have none. So I'm a little unhappy that I can't put them together tonight, and have to wait until tomorrow. I could go out and buy a couple of tools (I do have a hammer..and I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land), but since I'm going up to my parents house tomorrow, I figure I could just borrow. I guess I'll just continue to drink wine tonight instead.

It's been a crazy week at work besides the testing. But I'm trying to just do what I can. Can't really write about it. Things are fine with me, just feeling disappointed right now.

It is the weekend, though, I still work Sunday and I have work double time on Monday, but I'm hoping that it means that I get a couple days off next weekend. However, we'll see.

YUM!

I made massaman curry tonight! And it's awesome! Spicy goodness.

And-- my new rice cooker actually cooked my rice. I've heard horror stories about these contraptions. But it worked! And I enjoyed.

The wine isn't bad either... I guess I won't be going for that jog after all... hummm....

Monday Blues

Yeah, not having a weekend really kind of makes the first day of the work week that much harder to deal with..... HOWEVER, it wasn't all bad. I have been teaching the kids to use chalk pastels and draw flowers... AND they're all doing it! It's awesome.

Today I didn't have time for my jog, or to be outside, which was the downside of the day. I had work this afternoon, I did learn some things. Work was extremely boring, and it was hard to find things to do again, but I did help more people than normal. It must have been a wine drinking Monday for a lot of people. I sold a lot of Proseco. It's funny. I like it, but I usually never think of buying it. It's a light sparkling Italian wine, kind of sweet and bubbly. It's perfect for a brunch. Anywho... this is what I learned:

Pouilly Fuisse- a French word for a wine that comes from the Burgundy region in France. It's chardonnay...

Pouilly Fume- a French word for a wine that comes from that same region, it's Sauvingon Blanc-- one of my favorite whites.

I haven't had either one of those types yet, but I hope to soon.. Perfect for summer.

Ok- tired.

Working whirlwind

Not much of a weekend this week. I worked all through it. It wasn't all bad. But I'm tired. I can't wait to go to sleep tonight. Yesterday we had a huge wine tasting event. Had you been here, you would have been able to taste about 50 different wines! I didn't, unfortunately. I ended up tasting about 18. We were short staffed, so I had to be the one to go between all the tables, serve wine poorly(.. get it, it's a pun... oh...sorry, it was a bad pun.) and talk to customers. It was the fastest 5 hours I ever had. Well, in this job, anyway. It was fun. I like when lots of people are there, and you can talk to people, get to know them, remember their faces. I met another crazy French woman who's an artist. She told me all about it, and how much wine she needed for her reception.. All that! She was a hoot. So funny. She counted everything in French, and I was trying to speak French (poorly). Then there was this retired couple. I love them. I see them every weekend. The husband is a pilot, and I think she was a teacher.. not sure. But we had a huge conversation about education and all that. I told her I was also an artist, and we talked about that. They're both retired and live a life of leisure and travel. I told her I wanted to be like her when I grew up. It was flattery, but I meant it. Who wouldn't want to retire and be with their husband and travel??? That's my dream!

Anyway, after that I headed out to College Park, MD. My best friend's brother lives out there, I got lost (I'm not sure how.. I just did). He's turning 21! I can't believe it. It was fun. We just had a dinner with him (which he cooked...and very well), and a few other people. Although, after a few more glasses of wine we had some really philosophical conversations. We talked about justice, death, life, religion, art! I couldn't believe how we just kept going. But it was good. There was a lot to think about, and some of it I'm still thinking about it. I hadn't talked about all that in a really long time. Ahhhh. I almost feel a relieved.

So I ended up getting home at about 1 am. Went to bed, and woke up this morning and headed to work again. It was boring today, however. I did a lot of busy work, making the shelves look nice. Helped some people a bit, but mostly I was trying to keep busy, however it was the slowest 5 and 1/2 hours ever at the store. Tomorrow will probably be similar. Unfortunately.

I did find somethings to tell you about in the wine world.

1. Gatao - A Portuguese wine, pretty cheap. Easy to drink, kind of spritzy! Nice summer libation.
2. Maipe - A Malbec-- from Argentina-- nice wine, red. Mellow and inky red... I bought a bottle to try this week.
3. Tried a really cool Shiraz. It was a sparkling Shiraz. You open it like a champagne, but that's not what it is at all. It really is a Shiraz that has bubbles, so when you pour it out it's like pouring out a bubbly wine. And it hits your mouth and it bubbles, but gives way to this smooth texture. It's strange, and I kind of like it. I didn't buy the one we had out yesterday because one of the ladies I work with says a different one is better. Who knew? We definitely sold a lot of that yesterday just based on curiosity! GOES WELL WITH CHOCOLATE! Yum!

So tomorrow's another day, back to school, counting down the days. Technically the quarter ends on May 29th, however we have an extended year. Not sure how it's all going to go yet. I'm just hoping for the best. I also haven't heard about the transfer..... don't know where I'll be teaching next year.

Peace out!

Feist Friday

I love the new album... can I still call it that, even though it's a CD? It's so good. If you don't know who I'm talking about, you better recognize... Cause she's awesome! Those of you who are stateside will recognize her "Gatekeeper" song on some commercial (I forget which one.,..the song is from her first album... very very good). Having said that she's not even American.. She's Canadian, aye. She also moonlights with Broken Social Scene. Another popular Canadian band..... I like way too many Canadian Bands... Hummm... maybe I should move to great white north?

Anywho-- great music!

It's Friday! Time to open a bottle of wine. Today I'm going to test a Chardonnay. It's almost summer after all, and quite easy to drink right out of the fridge.... "Acacia".. from California. (say it like Arnold is more fun.. Cal-i-fawn-ya).

I ran through a sprinkler today...

Yeah, it was nice.

Wish I had a river... oh wait I do!

But not to skate away on. Just to JUMP in! I know that the Potomac is probably way cleaner than the Nile, but I'm stull not ready put the pinky toe into the drink. I know people sail in it, and row in it, kayak in it. But I don't want to be immersed in it. So I'll just keep looking for a place to do that.

The weather has been great! It's sunny, not hot yet, sun shining. This is what I miss about VA. In fact the other day, I passed by an area with my best friend, and I said to her," This smells like Virginia to me." I'm not sure what it is. The plants growing, grass being cut. I think it actually might be the azaleas. It seems like everyone who owns a house in Virginia has azaleas. And they're great for about a week, and then the pretty flowers start dying off and turn brown, fall off, and you got nothing. But I digress. It smells like Virginia.

Things are moving along. It's May and I have neglected to put in an wine hint in the last time I worked. Humm.. What could be my hint this time around? I can't think of one at the moment. Kinda tired.

I would love to find an alternative to driving. The gas prices are insane in this area. I don't use that much gas, actually. But it's just too dangerous to ride my bike, and still too expensive to do the metro (and I still wouldn't be able to get there). So oil.. A huge problem in this country. But we're still so dependent. I don't even want to drive up and back from my parents' house because it's going to cost so much. And with summer on the way.... it's just going to get worse. So much for road trips!

In other news, still don't know what's up for school next year. I'm not even sure when our school year ends this year. I'm hoping for a transfer. So, keep your fingers crossed. Even so, it's out of my hands, and if I need to work in my current place for one more year then so be it. But, I'll be seriously looking for a way out... and it may be the chance to go international again, maybe this time for good. (that sounded more dramatic then I intended)

Alright, time to relax, read something and watch the tube.

Some days are better than others

So it's Friday, and that's good. It's been one of those weeks. You know, I take time off and then it's like the longest week ever. The kids were wired this week. We had one large class, and I don't know why they decided to do that, but they did. It was a strange one. I made brownies (home made of course) and one kid asked me," Hey Ms., are those special brownies?" HA! I said," Of course, I made them." I didn't walk into that one.... almost... but I decided to throw them a curve.

The weather was nice today. My best friend was here and we walked to Old Town, and hung out down there. Being by the water is so nice. It was so clear you could see the Capitol clearly.

I plan on sleeping in. Then maybe a little laundry and finishing a painting. I want to get a gigantic canvas if this one turns out ok. I guess this one's about 2 feet by 3 feet, which is huge for me right now.

Ok- night night.

Yay! It's May!

I made it back alive from Kansas City. And if you've been following the news you would know about the fatal shootings of some crazy guy who decided to shoot at people at mall. Guess what? It's close to where I was visiting, and on the way home from a day trip we saw the center, the police tape, the people getting questioned. It was a strange sight, It happened close to her home and she frequents that mall a couple times a week to get things for her family. It was really odd having passed that. At first I thought it might have been a fire or even a bomb threat because people were standing around and lots of police....then we got home, turned on the tv, and there it was.

BUT WE'RE OK!!!!!

The trip was good. It was nice to get away from the grind of the DC area, however, I am so tired because of my friend's 2 1/2 month old baby. What a cute little guy, but oh my gosh, it takes a lot to keep a little one content and cared for.

I visited the little "city" of Lawrence, KS. It's supposed to be a city, but it's really a big town. It's like a typical Mainstreet, USA and a college town (it's quaint). Which was kind of cool because there was a wide variety of people, lots to look at. For some reason I kept expecting to see souvenir shops or something because it seemed like a place where tourists would be. That's how nostalgic it was! I wish we could have had a bit more time to walk around, apparently KU has a nice art museum there. But we didn't get there.

And I just realized I didn't take any pictures at all! Oh well. Most of the time there was spent catching up with Amy (sans Travis, unfortunately) and meeting the bebe. it was just nice because it's kind of like coming home. They used to be a permanent fixture for me here and now they're there.

Still don't think I'll be moving there, but you never know where I'll be! HA!

Now I'm back, in my peaceful and clean apartment. I made it to the grocery store, made a kick-ass salad (if I do say so myself), and now I need to watch the news with one-eye closed.

Can I just say how much I hate Bush? A LOT! I know that we shouldn't have a specific date advertised to when troops leave.... SO why not leave that out, and make it secret? Apparently mission was not accomplished back in 2003. NO one really thought so, did they? He flew in on that aircraft carrier and all I thought was," Well I guess he fulfilled that childhood fantasy". But this has not been a successful mission for our troops. I guess you could look at the fact that Hussein is dead, but aren't we forgetting that the American public was lied to in the very beginning. So for me it's not about troops coming out... they never should have gone in!!!

OK- soap box is put away.

I went to a really neat spot in KCMO. It was a wine bar. We got a chance to taste a variety of wines. I got a "flight" called "Red for the Head". (gee I wonder why) It consisted of 3 reds. ALL GOOD! A zinfandel, a petite syrah, and a shiraz. Two of them we sell at my store. We also got a flight of cheese.. really good too. Amy got a "flight" of Italian reds, and Jeremy got a flight of bubbles! We all tried each other's and there was one we all didn't really enjoy a lot, and I think it was one of Amy's ----it was a blend of some grapes... I can't remember what it was...

Ok, short week for me. I can make it! I know I can.

Here's an option

Lately, I've been walking and jogging around the neighborhood and looking at real estate. For fun, I decide to pick up a paper in front of a small row house just to see..... I don't know why I do this to myself, because I already know the answer....

Well, it's a 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, 1400 square feet... good size kitchen.

Then.... I look at the price $779,000.

YEP! That's what I'm dealing with here. I'm a teacher, can't afford a place to live where I teach. At this point I would be willing to buy a windowless basement to not pay rent anymore. It's just too bad I can't.

Other options.. Well, of course there are other options. I could inherit a million dollars from some long lost relative, I could become famous, I could marry a dying billionaire (and then live where ever I want to), and of course I could just move. So I guess I better enjoy where I am for the moment..... before the rent gets raised...

Some good things..

ONE:

http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/art/index.php
Click on : There There.

It's like a story of maps.... It's funny and gives you facts for the next time you play Jeopardy.. yeah, I know you don't play jeopardy.. But at least you can get a kick out of it. Just click on the arrows to follow along

TWO:

The weather. The last few days have been amazing, I've been out and about every chance I can get. I just got back from a jog. Found a great trail (urban trail). It's just so nice. I love it. I think this is really why I love Alexandria. You can just enjoy everything by just walking around.

THREE:

This CHEAP chardonnay I'm drinking right now. It's called: Blackwing. It's no big deal, but easy to drink, nice and smooth. And very inexpensive. I think I got it for $6 ish... It might retail for a bit more, but it's nice... The Shiraz is also very pleasant!

FOUR:

It's mid-week, and you know what that means.. Lost! Last week I missed about 1/2 of it because of the wine job, but I'm back on track this week. Only about 4 more episodes to go, and the reason why it's good to count down, is because it means that it's closer to the end of the school year.

FIVE:

Kansas City, I'm on my way... 3rd time this year. It's getting ridiculous that this is the most exotic place I've been all year long. That's ok.... next on my list??? MANILLA!! (I just need to save for that one.)

SIX:

I actually heard "The Shins" on the radio for the first time ever. We all-of-a-sudden got this new radio station in the area. They some how acquired the "old HFS" music and now this station that once was a classic rock station is now improved!!!!! They also acquired a DJ from "old HFS"... Weasel... Even though he's kind of annoying in his sound, I respect the man for the music he sometimes plays, although it is still not good-old-HFS.... those days are long long long gone.... (which is not a good thing, it's actually kind of sad)

OK-- And number seven, my dinner is done... so, gotta eat.

Let's talk weather.

It's beautiful! Finally we have some sunshine and some nice warm weather to deal with instead of 10 days of clouds, rain and wind. Saturday I had to work, so I wasn't able to totally get out and enjoy it that day. However, I did enjoy some expensive wine...

We sampled some really nice wines at the store. Some affordable for a nice occasion, or unless you have money to burn.... But the rest...too much for me.

There was a wine called "Problem Child". I wanted to buy a case of it! (just for the name, it wasn't my favorite that day) Then there was the "Amon Ra"-- Egyptian name, Australian made. That was a great wine, only $85 a bottle. Then there was the sauterne. A very sweet, desert wine, 1/2 a bottle just $80! WOW! That was unbelievable actually, but really you couldn't drink more than a small glass.

Saturdays are always more interesting because I get to work with people, and I get to drink on the job . Today, not so much. It was boring, and I feel like I'm reaching out desperately to help people. PLEASE TALK TO ME! I CAN HELP. Don't worry, that's not what I do, it's just how I feel. I got a paycheck, but I keep forgetting to pick it up! So I'm not sure if this will benefit me so much. It may just be helping me to keep drinking wine. Which isn't so much a bad thing.

Sunday was a good day. I explored some of Alexandria I've never seen before. It was sunny, even got a little burned, but I didn't mind. There were tons of people outside, enjoying the weather. Then I came back and painted. YES, I know, the skies have parted! I may get a chance to show a couple of pieces in the fall, so I thought I'd start it up again. We'll see how it goes. It'd be great if I could make a complete body of work and show it.

SO now I owe you two lessons in wine:

One- residual sugars (RS)-- it's the left over sugars in wine. Every wine has them, but the less the percentage, the less sweet. It's rare to find even a dry wine without even a gram of sugar in a litre of wine. The sauterne I tasted had probably 100-150 grams! SWEET!

Two- cool fact. Our store is only allowed one case a year of the sauterne I tasted. There was a lady that came by and took it like a shot. She found out how much it cost, and said," oh, no, isn't there something like that for less?" So one of the wine people I work with took her over to the section and showed her the $12 bottles and said," You'd probably like this too." She didn't buy anything, and came back for another shot.

Ok, that's enough for tonight. My feet actually hurt.

Iced Teas say the darndest things.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

Life as we know it

As you may have guessed, I do take a lot of things personally. It's probably my up-bringing. I can't help it and there is nothing to do but accept it. I feel that some of the time it can be a positive thing. I am a dedicated and loyal person. If I let something into my life, I try to do it with the best of intentions, and I really strive to make it important in my life. I don't believe in doing things part way, I feel that it's important to do it the whole way. However, there are negative aspects to this. Meaning, I don't know how to balance, sometimes I'm irrational, and don't include myself in things that seem half way.

This holds a lot of issues for me physically. One of the main things is lack of sleep, and I can guarantee that I won't be getting much tonight. I can't seem to turn off things that run through my brain. Today those things happen to be: V-tech, hip hop, art, censorship, education, women, men, family, government, environment, students.... the list goes on. At some point I have had some serious thoughts about all these things today. For one reason or another. Here are the main thoughts. BE PREPARED.

My roll as a teacher has never been so frustrating. I feel like I have a certain group as a captive audience (literally) and I feel like there is nothing I can do. How can I tell them or get them to believe that they can change? How can I get them to believe that there are good things about each one of them? How can I make sure that they never come back? How can I get them to see that even though they've been thrown away they still count? How can I get the students that really buy into what they see on tv that it's just a figment of their imagination? How can I get popular culture to change? How can I get OUR future to let people count as people not a type of person? How can they learn to value their second chance to change? How can I make sure that they know that life is what they make it?

I'm so frustrated seeing students come back into my classroom after a couple of months like it's a normal thing. I DON'T want them there. And I tell them that (in a nice way).

So what does this have to do with anything... Well, Virginia Tech. This student, whoever he was, probably we will never know who he really was, because no one else does. It seems as if some people were in a place to help the student, but couldn't do anything about it until something actually "serious" had been threatened or done. Having said that, do we know anyone these days? With all the blogs, and web pages, do we know our neighbors? Do we want to know our neighbors?

Someone came to my door about a month a go. He knocked on my door, I opened it. He said," You know, you really should look through the key hole to see who it is. For safety". I thought about it, and you know what, it is a safety issue. But also, in the same thought, why would I think that some one's intention would be to harm me? Maybe I'm naive. I don't know. But he's probably right. I should look to see who's at the door. He only was delivering mail he got by mistake and was trying to return it. Wasn't that neighborly?

HIP HOP--- I like hip hop. I have for probably as long as I've listened to music. REAL hip hop. Solid hip hop that's almost like spoken word. Music that says something, music that speaks to people. Not just a particular kind of person, but people in general. Not to say that all Hip hop is good. What we hear on the radio doesn't seem like hip hop to me. But I guess it kind of falls into the same category.. unfortunately. However what gives anyone the right to say the kinds of things being said, and sold! SOLD! SOLD! With my students believing in it like some kind of religion. The fact that my students slip the word"bitch" into conversation is direct relation to that.... but then I hear very sincerely," Miss Fitzpatrick, I wasn't talking to you." I know they weren't, but why are they choosing that word? And I do talk about that with them. I talk about word choice, I talk about the way they talk the way they show themselves, says something about themselves. But maybe I'm the wrong speaker. Why would this white 31-year-old woman care about us?

But I don't look at it like that. And my actions should show them that regularly. Unfortunately stereotypes crop up everywhere, but I feel it's my job to break them down. Yes they do exist because people see certain behaviors from a certain group of people... and there you go, they assume..... ASSUME!!

I could go on and on. But I feel like this day and age is the worst for stereotypes, and injustices based on the individual. Too much is focused on the individual. What about the whole? Part of the reason why I feel it continues on that way is because we really don't know each other, we don't know our neighbors, we consider ourselves victims in society. What about real victims, what about the people who are throw-a-ways, and cast out by society? People who are told to leave where they are born and raised. THE FREAKIN' WAR? FREAKIN' POLITICS? FREAKIN' ECONOMY? FREAKIN' WASTE'?

We all need to be responsible. Stop passing the blame, stop. and think.

think
Think
THink
THInk
THINk
THINK

Frustration

I just am so frustrated with life today. There's too much going on in my head and I know I won't be sleeping much tonight.

What is going on with the world? And I mean everything!

My heart goes out to the families and community of Virginia Tech. As you may have guessed a lot of people from this area send their kids to that university. I know at least 10 people who attended the school.

What a shame and a shock.

1 oh 5

This is the 105th post.... aren't you tired of me yet? Well, you probably are, but you're all just too nice to tell me to my face... good. Let's keep it that way. I like to believe I'm liked by many.

- Strange day today, a security risk today at school. Instead, time was wasted being berated by one of the old Principal's friend/co-worker/mentor at this program-school. Whatever.. stay in your own lane, as they say. What gives anyone the right to discuss what we do?

- Might get to transfer-- see, there's always a bright side to some things.

- It's Freezing. What happened to spring? No more wind, no more rain, bring the sun and the fun.

- Cotes du Rhone--- if it's good enough for the French, it's good enough for me. There were some French people that came in and purchased a really well priced Cotes Du Rhone... Seriously, trust the French in wine, they know what they're doing..... If you like red wine, you'd probably like it. It's meant to eat a meal with, the wine is lighter than a Bordeaux. I can't handle Bordeaux sometimes, a bit too bold. However, if you're a meat eater-- have a steak and a Bordeaux.

- I hate the lady on the Commit Lozenge commercial. Just stop smoking. YOU ARE WEAK!

- I've got soul------but I'm not a soldier... just wondering if you're paying attention.

- Did I mention it's cold.

- Hurrah! I have a half day tomorrow! I don't have to report until 11:40 am! Nice, and then I have lunch! I teach two periods tomorrow! Although, they're not my favorites...

- Started a new painting, might actually get to show it next fall! I'm going to try to make many paintings, possibly enough for a body of work. We'll see. I need and want to be an artist all over again. I need to stop making excuses. I love to paint, it's a part of me. Maybe that's why I feel so out of sorts....

Ok- well time for the lesson I learned about wine today (believe it or not it wasn't the one above):

Some wines are meant for you to drink now and others are for to hold on to. Like most whites, and some reds. Usually the more expensive, well, you can kind of guess what you're supposed to do, hold on to them. Sometimes if a particular vintage had a good year, you can hold on to it no matter what. However, since no one I know has a wine cellar that's temperature controlled, or a ton of money to just go out and buy cases and cases of wine-- DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE, and just enjoy it.

Songs I heard on the way home

Well, my Ipod doesn't freakin' work when I use the radio thing, because there are so many radio stations, but I did manage to listen to a few CD's:

REM- miss them, haven't listen to them in a while, makes me think of college....
Stevie Wonder -- fun songs, good times, sometimes sad
Rosemary Clooney --- yes related to George Clooney, I love that stuff. And also did you know that .. Mambo Italiano sounds much like the beginning "Love her madly" by the Doors...hummm
Mix CD- included Madonna, Ben Folds, and Magnetic Fields.. what? That makes no sense? Well, you should have heard the rest of the CD... completely random, but I love random
Edith Piaf- I know, overly dramatic french chick, but Je T'aime, what can I say, no one does it like her... the heartache, the pain... I love it.
David Bowie- Yes, he popped up on the radio when I hit the Wilson Bridge..on the radio... "Let's Dance". That was one of my favorite videos back in the day. It was like these red shoes fell from the sky and tore this town apart. At least that's what I remember. I liked that one. Kind of reminds me of the movie "The gods must be crazy"-- ever seen that? It came out when I lived in South Africa, and it was about South Africa and the influence of modern convenience on life in the back country.

ahhhhhhhhhh, ok, I am really signing off now. I have to.

Yep.

I'm drinking a TAD tonight.

wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter wuter..

I should have signed out before I started..............and it's so early.. I'm so ashamed... but not really.

Yep, don't want to live there

Just back from Jersey. While I like my family members who are from there, I just don't see the point of me ever living there. So many gray areas in my life, but that is not one of them. It may be the Garden State, and I'm a vegetarian..but I think I can get good veggies at my own grocery store.

It was a sad day. I didn't think I would get so sad, but I did. I realized that I want to be a lot like she was. She was an amazing woman, my grandma. My aunt and Dad said such amazing words. Funny stories, good anecdotes. My grandma (for some reason we called her Poppop) was an amazing person. She could cook without measuring, she was on Jeopardy, knowledgeable on almost every topic known to man (but never graduated high school). She always had the greatest sayings. One liners... I remembered them all today. It was fun remembering family stories about her.. She taught us to use the proper names for bones, and proper medical names for things. It makes me wish we all had more time with her when she was healthy. The best part of the day was that her Cousin (82 years old) brought pictures of her and him, and my dad!! It was so cool seeing the old pictures. I wanted copies of them. She was a comedian. She lived life to the fullest. And I need to remember to do the same.

We all do.

Done with taxes

I hate tax time, especially this year. It was a bit complicated. I lived in Egypt, kind of lived in a variety a places around the area.... ARGH! It was hard finding forms. In Virginia they don't put the VA tax forms in the library or Post Offices anymore. You have to print them on line-- and I don't have a printer, so I had to print them at my best friend's house. I know a lot of people just do them online, but I couldn't this year, because last year I didn't file that way. So anyway, I figured it all out, got what I needed. It's fine.

I go to mail them today and I have no envelopes... NONE! What the heck? I usually have a box lying around somewhere. ARGH! So I go and make a run to get some. Found some. Started filling out the addresses. So I'm about to go drop them in a mailbox, when ok--- I have no stamps! I knew I had stamps.... Somewhere... So I go all the way home, find the stamps, put them on, and go outside my building and drop them off....

It's done. For 12 more months, only to begin again... Hopefully next year I'll just be able to do them online and everything will be fine... hopefully.

Ok. Well I must get on the road to NJ.

PEACE!

End of the week is almost here..

And it can't come fast enough.....

It's been rough this week. So much going on, and for the most part I'm keeping busy. However, sleep is not happening anymore. And I can't function properly... not to mention the continuous circles under my eyes... ugh..

I had my wine job today, so you know what that means................... Da da da da da da da... WORD OF THE DAY!

Valpolicella- (I actually know this one) Italian wine made from what else, Valpolicella grapes. If you lke Chianti give this a try.

Anoher tip-- if you like a "fruity" wine that's red, choose a young wine like an expensive burgandy, or a grenache, or a French pinot noir.

Well, Friday I'm headed up to New Jersey, yeah that's right, the Garden State, and where they drink wuter, not water. My grandmother passed away a couple of weeks ago, and the funeral is on Saturday. I guess that's why this week is so hard. It will be good to see the family, it's just a shame that it has to be this way.

Anyway I better finish watching LOST and go to bed.

Wine word of the day

Ok, so I'm learning a lot. Today I looked at so many bottles of wine, I thought my eyes were going to explode. So I figure, each time I go to work I'll let you know one thing I learned. Therefore, it will stick in my head, and... being that I am a teacher... you'll learn something too.

TODAY:

"Cuvee"-- Any guesses?

It means a a special blend or batch of wine that is to be of the finest from that winemaker. It also could be from the first press of the fruit.

It's interesting because I don't see it on a lot of bottles, but they aren't the most expensive wines either. So I guess the next bottle I'll have to buy is one with "cuvee" on it so I know if it really is the finest from that particular winemaker...

Hummmmmmmmm, I love my job.

Did you know?

Something I didn't know . There is a "March Madness" for beers and lagers. Some guy came into the store today looking for the winner for the beer ""March Madness". Yeah, I didn't know, but now I do, and so do you! Can't remember what the name of the winner is, but it won.

Ahh, tired from working today. I tried 4 different wines. One, not to my taste. A lot of people liked, particularly men. I could taste what they were getting at.. sense of leather. Not what I like in a wine. But I did like a couple of the other wines and even bought a bottle of the shiraz. We'll see how it goes with what I like to eat.

Tomorrow is Easter. Not really something I have celebrated in recent years. Last year at this time I was in Siwa, desert camping. What a difference a year makes. The year before that? I think I was at the beach! This year I'm selling wine. Well, that's ok. Next year, who knows what will be going on.

I just want the weather to get better again. I can't believe we had snow today. It's the middle of APRIL!

Blogging "The Spy Who Loved Me" (the Egypt part)

Yeah, so James Bond goes to Cairo! I don't really watch a lot of James Bond movies. But I just happened to flip on this one, and there he was-- in Cairo! Ahh-- sweet Cairo. They were walking around the City of the Dead, and showed pictures of the Citadel. Then the light show at the pyramids. The one thing that really struck my funny was the light show. It's a really cheesy thing. And what makes it even better is that it hasn't changed since this movie was filmed. 30 years ago!! The same narrator and music was being played then as it is now.

LOVE IT!

I forget if this one also takes place in Karnak. I think it does. I loved Karnak. Or maybe Luxor... Hummm.. not sure. Either way, both off those places were amazing.

It's Luxor. I'm watching it right now. It's like they went there overnight! In a van! Amazing, from Giza to Luxor in just a few hours! If only.

Now they've just boarded a felucca to Cairo! Amazing! That should only take about oh-- 10 days.

Opps, he didn't 'make it to Cairo. She blew stuff in his face and he's still in upper Egypt... Oh and how convenient... there's a british office in a tomb! Cool! A sheesha gun!! Fantastic.

Oh, now they're on a train. Doesn't look like an Egyptian train. I've been on a lot of those. They must already be in Europe again. Ok, looks like my blogging here is done for now.

Cherry Blossom Time

So it's Cherry Blossom time in our nation's capitol. It was a beautiful day. My friend Ruth and I took the metro downtown and hopped off at the Smithsonian. We wondered through the crowds towards the Washington Monument, down around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson memorial. I couldn't have asked for a more prettier day!


So today was the official day that the cherry blossoms are supposed to be in full bloom. Personally I think they might be a few days off. We saw tons of blossoms. for sure, but they have already started to lose their gentle pink color and have already started to turn pale. Never-the-less, still soft and puffy. Like the clouds today.


Below the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal basin. Lots of people on this side of the basin, If you ever come here, start over by the memorial. It's a lot quieter and less crowded.

There are just tons and tons of blossoms, everywhere you look. The wind was blowing quite a lot, so some of the petals would fall off.

Yep. It's me.

Slowly but surely working our way to the memorial. Beautiful views every step of the way.

We made it around to the Jefferson, and we came across these smaller cherry trees. People were tying wishes on them. A tradition in Japanese culture.

This wish says it all.

The blossoms had a nice fragrance. Although very subtle. It's really nice to play tourist every once in a while in this city because there's no pressure. I can see what I want and go back as many times as I want. I'm glad I got to see the cherry blossoms. It had been a while. Probably since elemetary school. I think later on this week I may pay a visit to one of the museums on the mall.

YEAH! More concerts!

Bloc Party! I think I might be slightly more excited to see the Maccabbes though.. Not sure.

Possibibly seeing Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in KC in a few weeks too!

Music is good.

Drinking on the job

What a great way to start a new job! I started on a wine tasting day! HA! So I was encouraged, no required, to taste. It was fun. I tasted a lot, didn't know what I was really tasting at times, but I'm training my palette, right?

I tasted 30 wines! All different kind of reds and white. Some of them were really great. I have to say that I am really hoping that I can learn something. People came up to me and asked questions, some of which I had no clue. I still am trying to figure out what's on our shelves. I kind of know what can be paired with what, but sometimes I don't know. I worked a long time, and after that I was really tired. I work again today, but only from 1 - 5. This is my first retail job ever! Who needs a gym? I was up, walking around, arranging shelves, throwing stuff out, , arranging shelves, pricing stuff. On my feet for 6 full hours!

Ok- well, I need to get some stuff done this morning. Then it's off to work.

SPRING has finally SPRUNG!

It's spring break everyone, and you know what that means... It means that I'm going to be starting my part time job today. That's what it means. BUT-- it also means I don't have to set one foot inside the D home for 10 full days in a row!!!

I've needed this, and I want to make the most of it. I will be working today and tomorrow, but it's not big deal. I'm kind of looking forward to being around some different people and learning a bit about wine. We'll see how it all goes. Then the rest of the week I can play.

I know this week is going to fly by, I just hope the weather will cooperate.

I am a wino

NO really. I am. I will be selling wine in a fancy dancy gourmet grocery store. Don't laugh. It could be my calling!

Just about there...

Not that there is much space to do things with, but here's how it's going so far. It's small, but it's mine for the moment. Things don't match, and well, that's just the way it is. Above is the living room area. The "Turkey" wall above the couch.

The living room area. Above the TV is the "Jordan" wall. Yes, I put that little bench in front of the radiator together. And it's entirely full of scarves!! The wood floors are so nice. I love them. Down the tiny hallway is the tiny bathroom, but enormous closet. That's where I hide EVERYTHING!

Here is the dining area. Not much going on there, I have a really nice table, but the chairs don't go. The book shelf is built in, but not very wide. So I don't have many books on it at the moment. And I need a plant of some sort.

The bedroom space. Not much on the walls, I have to get some things framed, so I'm not sure what's going to go on the wall yet.

The kitchen, small. But for once I have a kitchen that is fully functional!!!! YES! Just what I've always wanted.

Maybe, a little crazy

Ok, well, it must have been a much better week. It's hard to be in an unhappy routine constantly and feel like you can't come up for air. But Friday and Saturday were great!

Friday, I we didn't have school and attended a mini-conference held at another detention center. It was all teachers and principals who work in D-homes. It was great! It was a chance to see other new faces, people that do exactly what I do (although I only met one other art teacher and she was hard to talk to..hummmm). I actually had a few conversations with people at other places and they were "NORMAL"! There are "normal" people out there who do what I do. I'm so tired of the nit-picky ones I work with. All they know how to do is constantly complain and all that. Some people just don't know when to let things go. I know not everyone is perfect, but I feel like I work with so many squeaky wheels it's damaging what our goals should be as a school. There's only 8 of us, we have small classes sizes, we should be making strides with the school.

But it's ok, because I became inspired. I realize who our population is, I realize their needs. I realize who the people are that I work with, and that we're all there for different reasons. And I'm ok with that for now. I'm not sure where I'll end up next year, but I do know that I'll do my hardest to finish out the school year in the best way I know how. Do you realize that 70% of the students I get have some sort of acute or major mental illness. 70% ranging from Depression to personality disorders. Not to mention the massive changes they're going through as teenagers. Factor in their bizarre choices and lifestyles and you've got -- CRAZY!

Ok, that's enough of that. Friday I did see "Reign Over Me". The one with Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler... very sad.... very very sad. But good.

Ok- let's turn my attention to Saturday. I attended a workshop about Jasper Johns at the National Gallery of Art. I LOVED IT! I LOVE JASPER JOHNS! And I even made a work in his style. It was great! I met other art teachers, and it was great. Even sat next to this band who would be performing that day at the NGA in conjunction with the Jasper Johns show. Really nice guys. From Boston.... Fun. GREAT! (How many times can I say great?)

I didn't know anyone, but I tagged along with these two women who teach at some fancy dancy school near Great Falls (10 mins outside of DC). They were so nice, and one of the teachers is a practicing artist and she's going to give me some information on joining at art guild. She really liked the work that I made (that was funny to me because I haven't painted with acrylics in I don't know how long), and she said I should think about showing my work around here! What a compliment! Anyway.. really nice to hear from a peer that she likes what you do! It makes me want to really set up a little area in my little apartment to paint! I really should. I know I need to.

OK--- next. I applied for a part time job, and got it! I know, it seems a bit strange. How could I possibly need and have time for another job, and what the hell would I be doing! Right? Well, remember that fancy dancy gourmet food shop across the street from me? Probably not. We'll I knew they needed someone a while ago, but the announcement went away, so I figured they hired someone. But this last week, I saw a new announcement. And I thought to myself-- why not? I'm interested in food. Why not get a job with food? So I called the guy Friday, set up an appointment for Saturday and got hired. It's not really for the money. I'll only be working about 10 hours a week. I will probably be working in the wine department! NICE!! AND-- the piece de resistance----- I get 30% off of all my groceries! That right there is worth it.

So I'm taking some twists and turns.... I think I need to. So I'm a little looney. So what? Like you didn't know that before.

Don't believe the hype!

Just as my students are working on propaganda for their current project, many articles have surfaced everywhere showing that we're having a possible world crisis!!!!!!!!! CHOCOLATE SHORTAGE! What? This isn't the first I've heard of it. And maybe it's for real. I mean the earth's climate is constantly changing. And cocoa pods are grown in the tropics. Just like coffee... uh-oh... coffee is next. Anyway, maybe people are acquiring a taste for all things dark chocolate. But who cares? I eat chocolate everyday, and you know why? 'Cause I can.

So who cares if people are jumping on the bandwagon, and buying out chocolate everywhere. It gives me more of a reason to become a pastry chef. Then I can always have chocolate around. Yes folks were coming to an age where delights, pleasantries, and non-essentials will be sold to the highest bidder......

Wow, just like TV.

So eat up, enjoy chocolate, because it's only a matter of time... then comes coffee. Brace yourself, that might create a real stir...ohhh bad pun.

A couple of strange things..

It's really strange that they show "Sonic" commericals in our area. I've never seen one here. And when I mean here, I mean like the entire tri-state area. It's like a huge mystery. Where can I get that new shake? What about those tater tots? I have never ever seen one in this area. EVER. And just for the record, I've never actually eaten at one, but they were all over Albuquerque. And you would expect them to be in the southwest because they're curbside restaurants. People eat in their cars! It's always sunny in Albuquerque.

Another strange thing is when unexpected people call me sweetie, or whatever. It just surprises me. And I never know how to react. And I'm not talking about complete strangers, like waitresses for instance. I'm talking about people I know. This morning I was just typing away on my computer at work, and I hear," Hey sweetie". Ummmmmm, I'm not your sweetie, but Hey right back to you.

Today was long, the week was extra long. Tonight may be one of those special nights where I let loose... yeah, you know what I mean. I'm going over to a friend's house and she's having a small gathering, it's St. Patrick's Day... yada yada yada.

However, I do have to be in good enough shape to drive up to ghettosburg tomorrow. I want to go see my parents and the Lhotse..... sweet sweet Lhotse.... (she's going to go crazy)

Beware of the Ides of March!

Watch ya back, watch ya back!

Seriously.

Friday means nothing to me this week. I'm kind of sad about that, especially since all my grades are finished and in the computer......

Any ideas on how to waste my time at work on Saturday?

Heavy Cloud...no rain

Busted! It was supposed to rain, I felt the drops, saw the clouds... and it didn't come. Oh well. It scared me enough not to walk to Old Towne, so I didn't. I did make it to the fancy dancy grocery store and I discovered that they carried Birch Beer! YES! Birch Beer!

For people who are not familiar with Birch Beer, it's pretty much a mid-atlantic thing. It reminds me of the shore when I was a kid, because that's the only place you used to be able to get it. My family and I used to go to Ocean City, NJ every summer and there was this awesome pizza place on the boardwalk and they served Birch Beer. Now it is seen in a lot of places. It's kind of like Root Beer... kinda. It's got a different flavor, really sweet, and the color of birch.

I'm so tired today. I know it's Thursday, but I still have to go to work this Saturday! A "records" day... whatever. The weather is supposed to get bad again, so at least I won't feel like I should be outside. But I may wish I was sleeping.

Ok-

WOW!

If you're not outside right now, you better get there! It beautiful over here! I just got back from a run. It was my first run out in my new area. I decided to go on the Mount Vernon Trail today. It was really nice to be outside. There were other runners, walkers, bike riders. It felt so good to have a bit of relief. I'm hoping it will elevate my mood for tomorrow.

This morning was hilarious. I made 2 wrong turns on my way to work today. I believe that my mind is trying to tell me something. Who ever heard of taking wrong turns to a place you go everyday? Well, Obviously I wasn't paying attention, but man, I just didn't want to go today.

It's been really hard still. 3 1/2 more weeks until spring break. No plans at the moment, but I don't really care, I just want the weather to be nice. I think it's also supposed to be one of the weeks for the Cherry Blossoms, so hopefully they'll be in bloom, and I can go downtown without the crowds. I can't wait for a week off. It'll be AWESOME!

I don't care

However, entertainment news makes me forget about my own problems.

It's sad, really, but sometimes I really do need brainless information.

This week, yet again, it's no exception.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

All my decisions seem wrong.

Really?

Is it really a Wham! song that is being played in the new singular commercial? Really? Has it come to that? Someone remaking a Wham! song? Really? And didn't they used to put an exclamation point with their band name, or did I just imagine that?

Hummm......

Snow again!

Ok, I'm ready for it to stop now. I really want spring to come so I can really enjoy where I live. Plus, it's March. I probably shouldn't be that surprised.... my sister was born in March and there was a blizzard!

Started reading the autobiography of Ghandi. Read about him in history books (always about a paragraph long) and I thought it was time to sink into 505 pages of his own words. I like his prologue. He didn't like the idea of writing about himself, he wanted to stay humble. But he did write. Impressive, really. I'm glad he choose to do it. Because we can all benefit.

What else...... umm I miss green chili. A lot.

The breaking point

It's over. It's all going to be over on Wednesday. The queen bee...........buzz..buzz....buzz.. is leaving!

After a horrible week, the week that broke me down into a ball of tissues and a river of tears, is over. I exaggerated a bit, of course I didn't turn into those things.... but, I did use a lot of tissues and I probably could have filled a very large aquarium. But as my friend Amy says, "The universe puts out there only what you can handle." Well, obviously that's about all I can handle.

So lets get on with better and brighter, shall we? I've been ready since the beginning of the school year!

Huh?

Reframe = to frame again
Refrain= to hold back

Note to people who have to tell other people not to do certain things, these words are not interchangeable.

Bring lots of tissues

Jona-- look out for this one.

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/reignoverme/

Let it snow, let it snow.

I wish the weather forecast would have predicted this. If I had known, I would have gone to the grocery store yesterday while it was sunny! Oh well, I'll take it. Most likely I won't even have school tomorrow if this keeps going. And I don't mind that one bit. Especially with the ice layer underneath the white fluffy stuff. Let it snow.

The Risotto makes it ok.

I think maybe plan B is now in order (if only I knew what that was). People left and right of me at work are throwing out harassment charges, personal issues, and all that. What about the students? People are acting like they're in ...oh.... I don't know 7th grade! And here I am again, Friday, exhausted from the week's events, and counting down the time I'm going to have to spend with all of these people. It's not everyone I work with, and it's mostly the disappointment I feel about all the situations that are occurring. Obviously the interview was a tell-tale sign of what was to come this year.

Ok- well, enough. I don't want to spend my off time thinking about it. But I do think it's time for me to pull out the comfort food... that's right... my all time favorite... Risotto..........ahhh, yum, warm goodness. And a nice HUGE glass of wine. That's an excellent start to the weekend.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHH

Yep. It's been that kind of day. But, on the bright side of life, it's Wednesday, it was sunny, and "Lost" will be on this evening (which will in turn render creepy dreams).

Half day wasted.....again

Today we were told that the mayor of Alexandria was coming to speak to the students today. The time would be 1 pm. 45 minutes later, he still hadn't shown up. Students were sitting on the bleachers for a long time, we got up ourselves and went back to our classrooms. Finally, he arrived, gave his little speech (which was pointless by the way), and then left. What a waste.

This man says the same thing every time he opens his mouth. I've met him a few times in the last 3 years, and each time is a disappointment. Oh well, I don't know him personally. Maybe speaking in public is not his strong suit. However, he's a public figure and it's part of the job.

Anywho-

Ich bin so traurig...

No dice on "The Shins"... I never thought they'd sell out so soon.. sorry Trixie.. Maybe on the next tour.... Bummer...............

I'm so sad.

President's Day

So, first this was what we were told:

Half a day off, released at 11 am...
Then it was no,...
Half day off, released at 12 pm......
Then it was no...........
You work the full day.
Then today it was no...
Half day leave at 12:30 pm.

TECHNICALLY it's not even a half day, but really, the people who I work with are crazy! How could someone mess this up so badly? I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm happy. I thought I was supposed to work a full day today, and I didn't So that's fine. Too bad we didn't have the full day off because the City of Alexandria has a parade. Not that I'd go to it, but it makes parking unbearable. And, school buses can't go down certain streets.

Apparently, the city said to the school district --hey, we're having the parade at this time-- to the superintendent, and then it was the superintendent's choice to have school or not. She choose for the schools to be open a 1/2 day for whatever reason. Then the city said-- fine but by the way all these streets will be closed at such and such time.. HA!

Alexandria is just one of those places that just becomes more interesting by the moment. One hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. There's tons of fraud, waste, and abuse of the system. You can clearly see it where I work. Everyone who is from here, stays here and you always seem to easily run into someone who works in the schools, and is related to someone who probably put them in that job in the first place.

Frustrating.

The best day to watch TMC

Singin' in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.....

WOW!

Some of you may know that I love old musicals.. and these just happen to be 2 of my favorite.

"Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be....I don't know your name but I'm stakin' my claim"

They sure don't make 'em like that anymore....

Oh and this made my day today

http://theshins.ducatking.com/choose.php?lid=10344

What do you want to get back?

It seems as if the people I work with don't understand the concept of Karma. I don't know. There's lots of names for it, just choose the one you want to use...

Anyway, I would have to say that today was one of the worst days I've had at work (with adults not kids). There was grief about all kinds of things. Things that don't even matter, petty things, things that have NOTHING to do with the kids we're teaching and what they might need from us.

On top of that I was brought in for questioning.... about someone else's problem. I guess I was being used as a witness... maybe? I don't know. I didn't have a problem with that because I don't lie. I'll say whatever I need to say from my point of view.... The problem with this whole questioning thing were the questions that I was being asked. The questions didn't allow me to answer them with complete honesty or the chance to elaborate.

I just have to keep the kids in mind, because some of them are great people. I was talking to this kid today-- family is from Morocco, he's been a few times himself. I told him that I lived in Egypt. He was amazed that I had gone there by myself and that I actually new a few words in Arabic. We had this whole connection going on. It was great. He talked about learning Arabic again. He leaves today. I told him I was glad, and that I never wanted to see him again.. I always say that, it's a good thing. I told him he should really consider trying to learn Arabic again and take some classes, it would make him an extremely marketable person in this day. He could work in his home country if he wanted, do business and travel. He seemed really happy that I was interested in him genuinely. It was a great exchange and was the best part of my entire day.

That's what matters. So now that I'm decompressing from my Friday that seemed so hellish, it wasn't. The extra negative stuff was just unnecessary and I just need to keep it that way. I'm there to teach those kids what I know. If we connect in some way, that's great. It's not going to happen with every kid. I even had a student say he wanted to be an Art teacher this week. I was shocked! I was so happy! Can you imagine a 16-year old boy saying he wants to be what you are? And he means it.

So to everyone out there, put out there what you want to get back.

Happiness is my new couch!!

Yes! It's finally here! Happy Valentine's day to me!! I love the couch! It figures that I lived in a room full of green the first 4 months I got back to the US and now I have a green couch. Of course, nothing else is really green, but that's just fine with me.

So now I can hang some more stuff up and it will start feeling like a home instead of a place that I'm living in for the moment..... So happy, so excited.

In other news.... I got snubbed by my principal today. Big surprise. I was trying to be courteous to tell her a couple of things and she just blew me off...right in front of another teacher. I guess she was having a rough moment. She pretended like we didn't even exist. Just blew right past us, how professional.

Even if she hates my white-ass she should be professional. I don't hate... I regulate...word.

But back to my couch, I got lots of love for that joint. It's off the chain. For reals. I don't know why I just turned all gangsta.... work is rubbing off on me. Although my sister and I continue to claim that we're from the streets... ya heard?

Ice Ice Baby!

Yes! A day off! I'm so happy! It's better than calling in sick. It's the perfect scenario. Unfortunately, this may mean that we have to make it up later on. I don't think we have any built in days. But I tell you, this is just what I needed today. It's the best Valentine's Day EVER! No kidding.

I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas, but I've gotten a lot done. I slept in, I made a latte and ate a leisurely breakfast, made a cake, started some sort of drawing, cleaned a little, took out the trash, ate lunch, and even tried to listen to "W" speak (although I hated every moment of it, I can't stand to look or listen to him, and from now on I'm going to have to look for the transcripts of any of his speeches on line for the rest of his time in office... which by the way is going to be stormy by the sounds of it.... and the hair keeps growing). There's also been some internet using, and tv watching...

It's been like a mini vacation. I've been thinking about going out and walking around a bit. But, I'm in no rush. Ahhh, this should be prescribed.

Finally!

It's only been since 2003 since there has been some issues with North Korea. There are these talks going on....humm.........empty promises.

I feel like being a politician is a lot like being a teacher. And North Korea is like the kid that is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. The student agrees with you, shows a bit of improvement just so you'll get off their back. Depending on what kind of teacher you are depends on where they'll go next...

To me North Korea is a scary place, and the current administration has swept the entire situation under the rug in lieu of the Mideast crap.

We'll see what develops, won't we?

In other news: There's freezing rain, will it be enough to at least let us go late tomorrow (at least)? Only the superintendent knows for sure. Maybe she'll have a nice glass of wine, settle in for the night and make that all important phone call. PLEASE!

Would you?

Would you pay to see "The Police" in concert?

And I know how some of you feel about Sting... but give the band a break.

I would go see them. I was too young the first time. If they're going to pass through here, I want to go.. WHO'S WITH ME?

In other news................

I think it's really funny that commuters in the area had to walk through a bit of trash to get to work today. Somehow a garbage truck turned over or something and all the trash fell down some stairs to a metro or something.... There were comments like," It smells bad" and "It's too early to walk through trash". WHAT? Go live in Cairo, where the smell of rotten food, and dead animal remains fill the morning air everyday. Does it still smell like that on our street Jona?

I have a feeling this "winter storm" comes through, but I have a feeling it's going to miss us almost completely.

Oh well, one can hope!

Winter weather?

We might be getting some serious snow this week. I REALLY really hope so. While I'm not a huge fan of grey skies and slush, I do like the powdery stuff, and if it's supposed to be this cold, then why not snow? As usual, it could pass us by, the weather forecasters around here tend to shy away from a definite answer. But, I'm hopeful.

Oh jeez, I made the mistake of watching "Globetrekker". It's a public television show where people travel the world and show what each area has to offer. I think it would be my dream job. Anyway, even though this show focused on the coastal countries of Arabia, it made me want to visit. I don't think I'll ever lose the travel bug. I want to always explore and see as much as I can.

Ok, better dash off, must get ready for school tomorrow. Although, it may be a short week.

Which one's' mine?

I just looked out the window of my apartment and saw that across the street. I thought it was funny.

By the way.............LOST!!!

snowy, cold, and crazy drivers

It was really nice to go into school later today, and have only 2 classes to teach. But, getting there was not easy. I thought that most of the roads would be easier to navigate and I'd be able to make it to work with out any driving hardships. I was wrong. People were driving crazy! Cutting each other off, changing lanes at a moment's notice, stopping abruptly and speeding up. I even saw a big school bus just go through a light. Fortunately there were no students in the bus, but still. ....... calm down people!

The roads really weren't that bad when it was time to drive to school, but the drivers were.

Anyway, the snow has melted and gone away. There are only traces left in the shade. A little sad that it went away so fast, but good because then it doesn't look so grey and miserable. Like the slush.. I hate slushy streets.

Bring on spring... I want tulips!

Watch it

I have cable, and I caught "Juvies" tonight. It's interesting to watch. I don't know what goes on in court though, so that part is interesting to watch. I can't say that the system works. A lot of kids want to never come back to the facility, but you can never know if they will or not, a lot of it has to do with what they're going back to. Some kids are homeless, they have no families. A few come from a decent home have a slipped up. It really just depends. It really ranges.

I just try to treat them like I would any student. Maybe that's not the best approach, but I feel that it's my style of teaching. I know they're detainees. I know they've broken the law. I don't know how they broke the law and I don't ask. Maybe all they really need is a chance to make a good decision. Even if it means a good decision in my art class.

Back on line

Yeah! I have cable..although, not the package I ordered, and by the way never EVER use "Allconnect" to help you save time and energy for signing up for other utilities... They got everything wrong, and I still have to call... oh well.. At least I know I'll never do that again.

Anyway, it's nice to feel connected to the world again.

Possible snow day tomorrow!!! Let's hope! It's February and I still haven't seen much snow. And if it's going to be cold there might as well be snow.

While unpacking.........

I realized I had way to much stuff
I don't ever need another candle holder...ever
I still can't find my dishes
I have lots of art supplies, photos, and strange memorabilia (why did I keep things?)
I walked up 3 flights of stairs more than I can count
I love my hardwood floors, but sad that 80% of it has to be covered
I love my dining table even though it's heavy
I still have to move all my books
Everything will fit somehow
I broke a glass and cut my foot...first time ever!
Even washing cutlery is fun in a new place!
I need a dresser and places for people to sit
I can't wait to cook my first meal
I love that there is a nice grocery store a stones throw a way from my apartment
With a huge wine and cheese selection!
There is a coffee shop down if you turn left or right.
And....... a William Sonoma
I'm 6 blocks from King Street
I think it's worth the price I'm paying
I can't wait for visitors
Hopefully I won't move for a long time to come

I need sleep.....................

long day into short night

It's been a long day. A long week really. I've been back and forth from Gettysburg so many times, and it's not about to get easier in the next few days. I'm moving.

Which is fine, it's all for the greater good. But I could have done without today. Mostly because of what is going on at work, which I won't really talk about right now. I need to just focus on other things than absorb the stupidity of people around me. It was a 2 and a 1/2 hour meeting today. I really was done in for. I was so tired, and so spent, I just couldn't even deal with it anymore. I really am emotionally drained from that meeting. I really hope that it will bring some valid solutions to the table. I think what's going to happen is that we're all going to be watched for the rest of the year. Every move we make will be documented. Who needs that in their life?

But in other news I did start moving, I think my apartment is going to be cozy. I even got to open a couple of boxes today. I had forgotten about some of the things I have. It was funny. There was even a tin I hadn't opened since I left New Mexico. It was filled with random pictures, magnets. I must have just dumped it all in there. How funny. Anyway, I think I feel good about this place. It's going to take time to find a place for everything to go.

Night..... need some early bed.