Sorry, that's bad for you too

Yep, finally a study that shows that soda of any kind is bad for you. Well, what did you expect? I had a principal once who wouldn't even drink water. She would get a huge soda and drink it through the day. Yeah, very healthy. I think the study has only come out because they're trying to remind everyone that soda should be considered like a treat. Not a beverage to substitute for water or milk, or good juices. Personally, I don't usually drink soda. I have been taught that it is a treat. And rarely do I have the real thing.... except who could resist an nice iced-cold coke from a bottle............? Yum!

Now only if I could break the coffee habit. Although, it has so many benefits, I'm will to risk it.

If only work was so bad for you that you could go to it either. I have a week and 1/2 left. So not looking forward to it! I'm just going to have make specific plans to break up the year. I already have some intentions for August, September, and October. Then there's Thanksgiving, And then Christmas! So Fall is the easy part. The winter/spring semester is always harder, and that's where the sick days will come in. That will be a long 6 months. But hopefully by February or March I'll know where I'll be going for the next school year.

Anyway, I must enjoy my last few days of summer, next week I'm at the beach, so that's going to be excellent. I'm glad I got it in... but just under the wire.

These things I know

No 1. I make a pretty darn good stir fry, full of delicious items.
No. 2. The Police didn't play "Canary in a Coalmine". Which is a great one, that they could have jammed on, and contains all sorts of environmental lyrics. I would have also liked "Murder by numbers"... .and of course "Tea in the Sahara". Actually I was expecting that one.
No. 3. They could have also handled "Ms. Gradenko". Maybe that's too 80's. (But the 80's are back!)
No. 4. 2 more weeks of freedom, and it's depressing.

Oh- they should have done "Man in a suitcase"!

Why must I be!!!!!! (it's really a fitting song for me)

No...it's dodododo dadadada. Not dodododo dodododo

Yes, it was that time. Time for "The Police". It was a good concert, but as a whole it ranks kinda low. It wasn't that they were horrible. NOT AT ALL! They were very good. It's great that they have been touring. They played a long set and an encore, but a lot of their songs were at half speed. Some of the songs became way too "Sting-a-fied".

We were late. We missed the horrible first band (my sister heard them). It was Sting's son's band. Which brings me to my next point. Is that why they're on tour? To promote Sumner-the-younger's band? Hummm... Me thinketh it is so.

Be that as it may. I saw them. They played a lot of popular songs, and some of them less well known, but I knew them all. Some of their screen displays were a bit cheesy (like the one for "walking in your footsteps" which showed skeletal dinosaurs walking on their faces on the screens... in sepia.....CHEESE!) They did have some screen art that featured their old album covers with the primary colors and the digital portrait of the band. They were expected.

I have to say that "Driven to Tears" was really good, and I was looking forward to ," So lonely". Of course there was "Roxanne". Then like always, in Sting concerts he usually closes with "Every Breath You Take", and so did the Police. It was good too. Then they came back with an encore, and right now I forget what they did. All in all, I'm glad I went. It's more like a rite of passage. I needed to go. The stage looked tiny, and the band looked like the size of my thumb, but I'm glad I went. Musically they were great, but I can't help but wonder if they weren't really that excited to be in Hershey. I mean, I felt like even the crowd was extremely low key, and low energy... I mean the band is in their 50's, and the crowd was in that range too.

Anywho, I can check that off my list. Now who's next??

Sorry, you'll have to wait

Ok- all -of- you- people -who -wouldn't -watch- the- third -season -of- Lost -because- you- wanted- to -watch -in- a -couple -of -nights- during -the -summer... You'll have to wait. I just pre-ordered it. It's out on December 11!! HAHAHAHAHA! Of course you could probably still watch it on-line if you're feeling desperate. What a show, though.

You know, a delay in the release of the dvd's means a delay in the beginning of season 4. As you may have heard in this very blog, they're not coming out with season 4 until late january or February!!!

Ahh-- anyway.. the world goes around.

Good Catch

Let me preface this by saying that I really do like playing catch. However, I don't like trying to catch wine. Which was what I had to do a lot of today, for some reason. Bottles flying off the shelves, and falling out of boxes, and almost landing on the ground. But my handy dandy elbows, fingers, and knees worked really well to catch every single one of them. I guess the only wine coming out of my paycheck this week will only be the ones I buy!

Unfortunately it was a long long day at work. I'm happy to be home, but I'll be doing it all again tomorrow.

Interesting week, it was my first one off since real work ended, and I'm already feeling better about being away from the school. I'm trying not to think about it, since I have such a short time off.

I need a sous chef

I love to cook, however, I think I washed all the items in my kitchen at least 5 times. So maybe I don't need a sous chef, just a huge kitchen that comes with dishwashers. And lots of chopping machines. Everything I made today required the use of my handy little food processor. I loved it! I just wish I had 5!

I wanted to make a good meal for tomorrow. I think the food will be great. And I also made my own mix for margaritas... YUM! I guess I'm from the type of school that thinks," If you're going to cook... then you better cook!" And I do, I just haven't cooked for friends in a while. So I hope everything comes out well. I've prepared a lot tonight. If no one comes, well, then I guess the next day I'm driving up to my parents house and they can eat it.

So, it's been a while since I've written, and I've been busy. I guess I'm still digesting the stuff I did last week. I helped a friend plan an experiential ed program for her school. I'm jealous that she gets to use it. It will be her own program. I'm really proud of her for that. I just wish I could be in a school situation that I could actually use the things that we worked on. I guess some of it will transfer over to my interesting population. We'll see. It opened my eyes to actually how different and still sheltered her area of the world is from big city problems. She's dealing with problems in her school that happen before they get too big. Which is excellent. She's creating a school climate the fosters individuality but examines decision-making. If only all schools would allow their teachers that kind of freedom to create something bold and exciting.

That's not going to happen at my school. Even though, my students are the ones that need it the most. Granted, some of them are so far gone by 16, nothing will bring them around. They have no support, and there's not many places the kids can go to get the chance to change. It's sad, really.

At least now I can probably focus more on the task at hand next year, which is provide a quality and thoughtful art program that helps students to examine their own individuality and expressiveness through the arts. I mean that's my goal anywhere, but I really have to try to make it happen there next year. And I know for sure that I won't have "Sybil" breathing down my neck preventing me from doing good work.....and I won't be living with a crazy woman with her adopted child, and I won't be commuting 4 hours a day or sleeping on some one's floor.

Yes, it will be different. It already is. It's July 3rd. I have exactly a month to keep the good vibes going!

Hooray!

I don't have to set foot inside the D-home again until the new school year. For me, summer has begun. I feel a weight has been lifted.

Although the summer vacation really hasn't begun yet. I still have to do some teacher stuff (like revamping my art curriculum and sneaking in lessons about human needs and human rights), and of course there's always the wine job, which I can't seem to quit.

Oh well, looking forward to the first day (Monday) that I'll be able to realize that I don't have to walk into that place. (heavy sigh of relief)

I'm sorry

RIP Plant. I'm so sorry. I did everything I could except give you what you really needed. Light. But I have to keep my shades closed because it will be unbearably hot. If only it was fall and my windows were wide open, allowing you to get what you need. I'm so sorry.

Actually this plant must have some kind of root rot. Because I really did try everything, and it still died. All the other plants I have are making it just fine. I just feel bad. IT was a living thing, and now.....dead. It probably really needed more light.

Ok- peace out

If it's good enough for Mary Matalin...

So about a month ago I was jogging along the Potomac. And I passed this older gentleman, we exchanged smiles and nods (as most cordial runners do...although this man seemed more stern than most). As I passed him, I thought he looked really familiar. He looks like the guy who talks to Tim Russert. You know, James Carville. And then I thought, no couldn't be him, I bet they live in the city. So I I talked myself out of it.

Well, cut to Saturday, and guess who I served wine to at my tasting table? Mary Matalin, James Carville's Republican wife! HA! Who knew they were kind of like my neighbors. Well, at least in the hood. But I thought that was cool since I do see them on TV all the time, just like all the other talking heads on Meet the Press.

So if Balducci's is good enough for them, it's good enough for me! It might be the strange reason why I just can't quit. Today I had planned to go in there and give my two weeks notice, and I couldn't do it. I feel like I need to keep going and just work there until I eventually move. You know me and loyalty. It's so hard for me to quit things, even though they may not be the best for me at all.

Tomorrow I don't have to report to school work, so I guess I get a mini-break from the place. Which is good. I was thinking I may even drive to the beach. I don't know. It's only 3 hours from here. It might be worth it to just be some where for the day and read a book, eat some snacks, listen to some music. Yeah, we'll see. I won't set my alarm and I'll see how long it takes me to get get ready. I figure I'd be going against traffic, so it couldn't be that bad.

Humm-- now I'm really thinking... Is it worth the gas?? It might be.

So, right now, I'm enjoying a nice glass of Frascati wine with some frozen berries in my glass. It's a nice treat after a really hot day.

Hummmm....beach. Something I'm going to try and dream about as I fall asleep tonight.

Proof I might be crazy

So, I've been painting, but can't seem to find a true focus, and I feel like I'm kind of going backwards. I think that it's good that I'm at least doing something. However, I want to feel like I have a sense of direction. That might be a little telling too, since I feel like life doesn't have any particular direction either.

Oh well, here they are... a little bit of everything. Don't judge too harshly. And the first one isn't quite finished. That one is definitely proof that I'm a little crazy. Second one, I'm not sure is done. I may do more. Anywho..

Last Day lacks luster!

At least it's over. I think that's all I can say about this school year. I will be done dealing with all of it in a few weeks. I'm sad to say that the kids didn't really care about the end of the year. And I know why. I mean would you care if you were in there? No.

I feel like even if the kids are in there, they need some kind of closing, and it really wasn't given to them. I tried by giving out awards to them individually (which seemed rather meaningless), and making chocolate chip cookies (never meaningless). But it was all for not. They're missing all these kinds of things from not being in school and the "outside". And meaningless or not, they need to understand certain things do matter, and are important. They completed something. For some kids it was a few months of school after not being in school for the same amount of time or more. For some kids it was completing a drawing. They need something to hold on to, so they at least know they can finish something.

This year was a huge test for me. I have second guessed everything I've ever done as a teacher and have wanted to really throw in the towel. But I learned it wasn't the kids that made me feel that way. It was the adults. I came in contact with all these ferocious adults who didn't care but craved their own kind of attention and power. For them it wasn't about helping the kids, it was about showing them who had the power to punish. Which really really tears at me. That's not at all what they need. They need compassionate people who are consistent and helping them see the choices that they could be making.

I like to think that I am that way, but I have to figure out a way to not give those looney adults the chance to show that kind of negative attention to the kids. One of those things could possibly be having my own classroom. A kid said to me today," This isn't your classroom." And I said," It is when I am in here." But that's how everyone seems to act. Since it is a unit, and where they hang out , that's how it's treated. However, I have to say, maybe I let it happen that way. But it's a year of adjustment. Now I know how the horrible adults are, and how the kids are. So next year should be better. (only one more though-- I'm planning an escape..as I keep saying)

So even though the day lacked luster, I'm just going to toast myself to a year well managed. I made it through the darkest hour......... And I thought Egypt was bad (and it was). Apparently I must have gained strength from living there.

So here's to another school year. It really can only improve. I'm going to go crack open a bottle of wine, appear to be working for the next 2 and 1/2 weeks, and be glad that I can at least have a month without the interference of strange people in my life.

Scary.. just heard thunder crack. I just hope that means it brings good rain. We need some relief. I'll take good fortune too.

Manic Monday!

Crazy. So much went on today I can't even remember it all at this point. And I'm still up busy doing things. What's up with that?

Well I had work, like usual. And then I headed to the wine place. Work was just the same, except one class completely horrible. Not the fault of the kids, they can't help who the adults are in the room. I swear, why is it that these men like to force the power through the sound of their voice? They have to get louder and louder just to show what? That they can be loud? That's what I think, that's what the kids think. And it's awfully hard for me to reinforce the behavior I want to see in the students when the adults in the room aren't following it themselves. I HATE THAT! It's the worst part of the job, and it will never change.

The English teacher too, I just would not like to be around her at all. Everything is so negative. She seeks me out though... and I just try to grin and bare it all. Not too long from now, she'll be gone. If only I could be gone.

Speaking of which, I know it sounds crazy, but maybe overseas will be an option in a year. I don't know yet. Anyway.......moving on.

Wine job was long, but at least I made up stuff for myself to do. Like seeing which things needed prices, and which ones had none. WHOA! Hard job. I should be grateful I don't have to do much. I pretty much have to be there and I make money.

Had a good wine this weekend.... It's Italian. I forget the name, but the type of wine is Frascati (I think it's the name of the region). It's very nice. And cheap... $10! A steal! White wine, fruity.. nice for a hot day. I'm sure it comes in all prices, but mine was only 10.

The weeks just keep going by, and I feel like summer is going to just fly. I'm expected back on August 2nd. How awful. Everyone I talk to says that sounds good to them, but they don't do the job I do. And most teachers get more time off. But my contract says differently. Then the next question they ask me is," Are you going to work during your break?" Ummmmmmmm. Nope. I'm even thinking of dropping the wine job because I think I'm going to end up actually owing taxes by years end. Not the plan I was hoping for. So basically for teachers to work throughout the year is pointless because we'll just end up paying for it. We'll see.

Ok- better try and relax so I can go to sleep.....way too much going on in my mind.

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......