For all my NM homies

Glad to see the Albuquerque is still tearin' it up. I thought that the Sandia's were in background of "No Country for Old Men". And it was!!! Not only that but one of the final scenes-- Central Ave. I don't know if I can remember the cross street correctly... Past where that god-awful, ugly building was-- tall, falling apart. Empty for years! That was it.. Not as far east as San Mateo (I don't think).

The other movie that was at least filmed in NM--- "Wild Hogs". Yep, I know, not my cup of tea either.. the things you do for friends.. Madrid, NM was in that one.

Ok, time to finish up my leftover Thai!! YUM!!!

Catching up...

I guess it was about a month ago, but J and I went down to Charlottesville. We climbed up this little mountain, and it was breathtaking. Humpback Rocks.

On the way to the trail.

Beautiful foliage. It was an amazing day. A little brisk, and slightly windy. But very Crisp, just like fall air should be.

A view from Humpback Rocks. Had to take this shot so J could see it... He's afraid of heights....

So what else has been going on.....

Ok, so no Decemberists. Cancelled tour, I guess it's just not meant to be with that band. I mean, I've tried to see them several times, and then I was away in Egypt. Thought this was my moment. I did get my money back, so now I'll just have to keep my eyes and ears open for someone else who suits my fancy.

Had a great weekend with out them. And I had today off. What does that mean? Sleeping in! Of course. It's my new indulgent habit. Now, you may be thinking, " But you never sleep!" . Well I do now, people. Ambien-----take me away.

Last week I had many doctor's visits. Found out a lot about my health. And what can I say about it? Well, I'm a-o-k. So far. I'm still waiting for blood tests. Last week I got a really strange phone call from my doctor. She built up all kinds of strange suspense with just one voice mail message. However, she also tried to call me like 4 times. I couldn't answer because I was at school. So I called back to make an appointment. The closest appointment was Wednesday! Yikes, I had to wait that long to see what she was going to say??? I had a few sleepless nights, a couple of google researches to try and figure out what she was going to say about my impending test results. I was starting to think about the big "C". Everything we had talked about led me straight there.

Well, I go to the office. She sits me down and says ," You have E. Coli." WHAT??? THANK GOD, I'm thinking. "Thank God", I say. I told her I was worried she was going to tell me something else. She smiles and she starts asking where she thinks that I might have come in contact with E.Coli bacteria. I tell her that I eat salad everyday at the cafeteria, and she says," Ahh, that must be it". In fact I'm SURE that's it too. She said it just must have built up in my system. I had been feeling pretty ill for the past few weeks, loss of weight and all that. But I couldn't figure it all out. NOW it all makes sense.

Just what I needed, E.Coli. I think it must be gone now. Thank God. But I had to tell the people at work. So I told the nurse, and she had the cafeteria shut down and cleaned. And from now on, I'm bringing my own lunch. No more d-home salads... ugh... I don't wish this on anyone either. You feel horrible.

SO the weekend was a celebration of sorts... I'm not dying! I don't have some kind of lymphoma, and I'll be fine. Watched some movies this weekend. And indie one," You, Me and Everyone Else". Good if you like really strange stories that connect people together-- pretty funny too. Then J and I went to see ," No County for Old Men".... Very gritty, dark, real, good story telling, amazing character development, disturbing, and depressing..... You know me. Filmed by the Cohen Brothers, so if you like their style...you'd like this. Apparently much like the book, that's what J said, anyway.

Lots of great meals this weekend too. It all began with Risotto (by J) then ended with Tacos (by me). I'm going to have to prepare for Thanksgiving. Not sure what will be served up in G-burg, but I'm supposed to bring a few items....I think I'll be making a roasted vegetable lasagna, and maybe some kind of butternut squash soup for the vegetarians... me and J.

Working on a painting too. It's kind of disastrous right now. But it will improve. It's for K and S. I just can't figure out what kind of colors to use. They love color, and I only like color. Every time I try to use large amounts of color I hate it. I'm all about toning a lot of it down right now.

Whew-- back to school tomorrow. But a short week. And the next week an even shorter week. Work has been good, though, so I can't complain. I just always feel like there is only so much I can do. I'm considering taking on an extra class with the school that is next to the detention center. Most of the kids at this "halfway house" go to their own school, but there is a hand full of them that stay there the whole day, and I'm sure they can use some creative outlet. So two days a week I might head on over there just to give them a little something.

Alright, wow, my day off is coming to a close. I think it will be time to curl up and read a book and enjoy the last 2 hours of daylight.....

November, already

Time just seems to fly lately, the weather changed, we fell back an hour. The extra hour of sleep probably did me a little good.

I just got my new passport. It only took 4 weeks. Kind of surprising when you hear about the backlog of applicants and all that. I suppose it's because I've had a passport in my possession my whole life. No strange background checks needed. They know where I've been. The new passport is rather strange, though. It's very---- American. It used to be a kind of non-decrypt identification book that just held visas and stamps of various locations around the world. Now, on every single page there is a picture of a national landmark and a famous American quote. That doesn't seem to make sense. Are other countries passports this ornate? Why? Do we really need another reason for other countries to hate us? Are all these things on the diplomat passports? I'm actually kind of scared to travel now. If you stamp on top of the pictures it would be really hard to see what that stamp said, or even a visa. Doesn't seem like homeland security is doing me any favors by adding these images on my piece of identification.

Anyway, glad I have it, let the traveling begin... anywhere in Asia, the islands...Iceland??? I'd go anywhere. J has to get a new passport and then we can plan.

Can't wait for the weekend to get here.... Decemberists! Can't wait to see them. I heard that they put on a good show. I guess other people do to, they're performing over 3 nights at the 9:30 Club.

The BEAST

So, here I am in KCMO, for another trip. I know, hold me back....right? But I do like to see my friends who live here. I must be a good friend, you're thinking.

Well, yes.

But they are good friends too. We do all sorts of fun things together. Like go to scary movies, watch scary movies, and go to haunted houses, drive to scary yards. It's all good.

Last night we went to a haunted house called "The BEAST". We got lost in werewolf forest, which was fun and scary at first, but then just more annoying because we couldn't find the way out. The whole house was pretty amazing. It's built in an abandoned warehouse downtown. I don't know how many floors it was, but there were a couple of really long slides we had to go down. Of course, to make the slides even more slippery they put talcum powder all over the slide and we had white stuff all over our clothes. It came off, but at first, it was everywhere, and mean everywhere. Like I probably swallowed the stuff.

The theme was a New Orleans House. But there were several themes. Like the forest, a torture room, some crazy laser light places, a medieval maze, skeleton-attacking area, hillbilly chain saw room, coffin room, people under the stairs, giant scary alien BEAST! And of course the random people coming out of nowhere telling us to give them our spleen...or gallbladder, can I at least have your gallbladder?

It was a fun time. And after that we made our way to a couple of bars. We went to a really nice, swanky gay bar for a martini and a pizza full of basil. Then headed over to a cabaret bar (do you see a theme?) where there was a performance of Broadway rock tunes! (yeah, well, I couldn't believe I was watching that either...but it was priceless) We saw some good costumes, especially the gal who had pigs blood all over her.....CARRIE! She looked awesome.

It's so funny to see adults waking around in costumes. We saw a bunch of people standing at a bus stop waiting to go somewhere festive. People coming in and out of restaurants.. What a great time of year, really. You get to be spooky, decorate your house with fake blood, carve pumpkins. Nice.

Anyway, it's a great trip so far. I leave on Tuesday -sniff-.

sad

Deborah Kerr died. Not only was she a red-head, star of the King and I, and An Affair to Remember...we shared the same birthday.

Bob Seger comes to mind

Take Down, Shake Down, you're busted.

So, 3, count 'em 3 students got taken down today. And by that I mean heavily restrained by 2-3 adults (big adults). Not a pretty picture, and one of them happened in my classroom. It all happened kinda fast. Before I knew it, a chair broke and a couple of d-specialists had the kid in a couple of restraint positions. The kid kirked out! (freaked out) He actually went down in the hallway and 3 d-specialists took him back to his room--- 72 hours isolation-- at least, and then who knows what? Added time to his sentence.

No sooner did that happen, then a girl kirked out. This time, math class. And another -- PE. And actually another yep, I forgot about the 4th one--- this time, during lunch!

Things IS crazy! I'm fine though, I had to maintain my composure, and I did. I knew the kids wouldn't direct anything at me. If there is one thing I'd have to say about my class it would be that it is a pretty calm place....well, usually. The kids were pretty shocked about how it all escalated, but they were good. Except for the one kid who eventually freaked out at lunch. He was in my class at the time of the incident, and I guess he decided he wanted some attention too...he's like that.

Looking forward to tomorrow. I can't wait to get away from it all.......... Calgon, take me away.

I made a chocolate tart, and that's coming along with me. Can't wait to dig in!

C-ville here I come!

I knew there was another...

AND----------- "Pushing Daisies" is on tonight!! YES!!!!!

Some things..yet again

First, I miss my hair. That's right folks, I made the mistake of going to a place to get my hair trimmed. And what did she do? She chopped it! Don't get me wrong, I still have some length, but then she jacked it all up with some strange layers.... So, no more haircuts for another 6 months. Either it looks bad, or people didn't really notice, because no one except for one kid said something about my hair today. However, it is noticeably shorter.

Pictures to come soon.

Second. It's funny that I pass the place where police officers practice riding their motorcycles. They have to set up all these orange cones, and then weave in and out of them. Then they ride around in formation. hehehehe...

Third: "T" sent me this. It's pretty funny, and some of the comments are hilarious too.

http://gawker.com/news/escape-from-new-york/kansas-city-is-the-new-greenpoint-311864.php

Fourth: Bring forth the Friday! I can't wait to escape out of town!

A few things

I had planned to write about a lot of things last week, but it just slipped out of my mind. So I guess I'll just write about something I thought was really strange at work today.

I had to keep an ear out for phone calls today because no one was in the office today. I'm sitting in the secretary's chair and I'm looking at all the crap on the desk. It's decorated in purple. PURPLE everywhere! Pictures of her kids (or I guess they are her kids). Random things on the calendar. Then I start looking at posters on the wall. You know the kind "Teamwork" , "Responsibility" and all that. So I look at the teamwork one. It's of the "Great Wall of China" and in big letters it says "TEAMWORK: Many hands, many minds, one goal."

WTF, I say. The great wall? Teamwork? Ok, how many people were forced into slave labor? I could go on, but I think you know what I'm getting at here. Is that really the best picture to use? OH MAN! Never mind that it was a wall to keep people out!

I really need to start of thinking about the direction this blog is going to take. Since I'm not doing as much traveling, or exploring, I might just make it into something else. Daily ramblings are too boring, and I really don't want to share everything with the internet..i.e. THE WORLD!

I don't know.

Charlottesville this weekend! Excited for it. It will be nice to get out of town with "J", so looking forward to seeing some fall leaves, seeing some place different. I haven't been to C-ville since 7th grade, and I only visited UVA and the Monticello...both awesome, but I'm looking forward to seeing it with my own personal tour guide..... :-)

Then the next week I'm off to KC! To go into a haunted house or two, oh yeah, and also to see "A" and "T". Maybe I'll be able to post some pictures or something!! Maybe we'll actually take some pictures or something!

Someone's gettin' schooled

Children's Story -Slick Rick
Mary Mary -Run-DMC
It Takes Two -Rob Base & DJ E-Z
I Left My Wallet in El Segundo -A Tribe Called Quest
Flava In Ya Ear (Greatest Hits Version) -Craig Mack, Rampage & The Notorious B.I.G.
The Rain -Missy Elliott
Breathe and Stop -Q-Tip
Ready Or Not - Fugees (Refugee Camp)
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See -Busta Rhymes
So Fresh, So Clean -OutKast
You Got Me -The Roots & Erykah Badu
Sang Fézi - Wyclef Jean
Cut Chemist Suite - Ozomatli
Doo Wop (That Thing) -Lauryn Hill
The Seed (2.0) -The Roots & Cody Chestnutt
Kick, Push -Lupe Fiasco
Geto Heaven, Pt. 2 (Remix T.S.O.I.) -Common, D'Angelo & Macy Gray
In the Ghetto -Elvis Presley

Ok, I admit, I watched Vh-1 Hiphop Honors. It inspired me to make my own mix. So I did. It's the first one. I want to include more, but it's one CD, 18 songs fit. Can't find Skee Lo (I wish). Or else that would have made the cut. Otherwise, this stuff flows. Can you feel it???

Change the weather please

I thought maybe by this time of year the 90 degree weather would be gone. I thought that I could change my tank tops in for sweaters. I thought that I'd be wearing shoes not sandals. Well people, it's global warming. It's not even an "Indian summer". You know why? Because we haven't had a first frost yet. They say by Wednesday or Thursday a change is going to be coming in. So maybe I should be relishing these last few summer-like days. You know, I think I should. I know that by February I will be pining for this summer heat.

This weekend was nice..busy too. Went to the Hirshhorn at night. It was nice. Tons of people there. We were able to walk through the museum. Even saw a video piece that was like this massive domino effect installation. It was crazy.l I think it went on for at least 1/2 hour. The artists used candles, foaming stuff, liquids, air, physics.... It was so funny to watch. We saw some art too, listened to a band, and heard a DJ spin some really bad 80's music (on purpose). It would have been nice to have a crowd there. So next month if they have one, I might encourage a group outing. They even had lovely beverages to purchase.....only, you had to stand in massive lines. But that's what people watching is for.

Also saw "Eastern Promises" . It was good. Kind of like "History of Violence", except I liked "History of Violence " better.

Couple more weeks until KC.

Then a couple more until the Decemberists..

And then a few more until Thanksgiving break.....

Ok, I found 1

"Pushing Daisies"..it's a cute show. I will watch it until it ends...which will probably be after the first 6 episodes.

It's a new show about a guy who can bring things back to life. He has to touch them. Which means if he touches them again, they die. If he doesn't touch them within one minute, another person in the vicinity will die in exchange for the life that was reclaimed. Although, if he touches them again.. or they touch him, they will die...again.

So the premise. He brings to life his childhood sweetheart, only to know that they can never touch. --I know, tears. It's a quirky dramedy. Oh-- and the main character makes pies.

Anyway, not really watching Survivor....I watch about 1/2 of it and then switch channels, sorry "G".

Oh--- Hair is getting on my nerves, and darn long too. The special ed teacher pointed out to me that I still have well over 400 more days to go. Fight the power!

Many things

My throat hurts, I hate allergies.

It needs to rain. The leaves are just just drying up and falling this year. No beautiful colors because we've had no rain. Not that the rain we may get will make a difference in those leaves, but the drought could end.

SO, this should make you laugh...I'm walking down the street from Old Town, I had to pass the workers who are working on the road.. And peep this.. I heard," That hair joint is like pow." I nearly lost it laughing. What did it mean? "I really like your headband." Yep, good thing I can understand the colloquial language around here. Too bad that everything that is an object is referred to as a "joint", but whatever...

Who the heck is sending me "Prevention Magazine"? I'm not old!

The weather around here is gorgeous, but I'm waiting for the smack down...While every bit of me is hoping for a mild winter, I am fearing the worst.

No new tv shows are impressing me at all. Maybe that's a good thing. I won't watch and I can cancel my cable and save $50 a month.

Must start running again....I've been a serious slacker.

An updated version of my exact apartment is for sale on Washington street. Only a mere $300,000...that just makes me sick thinking about it.

Weekend Spectacular

Whoa, time to recover from the weekend. Who would have thought? It all started Thursday. My sister and I ventured once again to the 9:30 club to catch Rilo Kiley. And it was well worth it. Front and center again we watched Jenny Lewis strut her stuff alongside of her amazing band mates. The opening bands weren't bad either. Art in Manila (part of Azure Ray) and Grand Ol' Party.. And we even got a bonus sighting of Winona Ryder! She must be following the band around...who knows.

Then Friday my parents came down and we had a family dinner of sorts. It was nice, and good to see them.... they drove back up to Gettysburg with "P" in tow. I guess I won't see them for a while since they're off to the beach (I'm slightly jealous).

Saturday was great. I caught up on a little sleep deprivation, and took it easy all morning, and made myself pancakes. Walked through Alexandria. Then I came back and prepared to get a little geared up for a little birthday celebration. "K&S" and "J" met up with me at home and then we all ventured out together to the Majestic Lounge to meet everyone else. It was the first time I had friends together from all different areas of my life. And the first time for them meeting "J". Everything was really good. The Majestic Lounge has changed a bit, no more brie (aw shucks) and the waitstaff forgot a bunch of orders. But music was good, until we moved upstairs-- yes less crowded, but music very very bad.

Sunday was great. Spent the day with "J" and we even played a little aerobie. Walked around Alexandria, and then made dinner. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. The weather was excellent, and I wish it could stay like this forever. The colors are muted, we need rain, but the temperatures and the sun are magnificent....it feels a little like NM. Speaking of, Math teacher going to ABQ for the balloon fiesta is bringing me back some green chili items! SO EXCITED !

So bring on the work week, I'm ready for it, and it might seem like a break, because the last few weeks and weekends have been jam packed.

Amazing connections

I had to go to a meeting today over at the new High School. I wasn't looking forward to it, except for seeing the brand new classrooms. Otherwise, we were all just there to get a bunch of irrelevant information (an e-mail would have been sufficient). But anyway, I walked into this art classroom and I was a bit early, so the teacher just let me sit and wait while she was talking to this other art teacher.

So I wait, and she introduces me to the new art teacher. I KNOW HER! I met her 3 years ago when I went to the recruitment fair for international schools. In fact we rode in the same van to the airport in Boston. At first we didn't know what our connection was. But we both felt that we knew each other. We both were struggling to figure it out. And that's what it was. Turns out she was in Hong Kong! It's such a small world. I remember her being really nice, and we talked while we were at the fair. So this is great. It's amazing how people end up going in and out of your life, and then coming back in again!

Tomorrow I'm off to Rilo Kiley at the 9:30 club. Should be a fun show, too bad it may rain, so the walking to and from the club may be a little wet. I'm just hoping my sister shows up on time.

The week has finally lapsed

I'm so glad the week is over. It's been good for the most part. Little hiccups in the road of life. Like my front right tire. Last weekend it was going flat, then it went flat towards the end of this work week. So today I took it into my dealer. They also changed the oil, but told me my tire needed to be replaced...but, they couldn't replace it. So they shipped me off to the NTB place. Well, they changed it. But it's on the wrong part of my car. The new tire is on the back right, not the front right, and mysteriously there is now a nail in the front left tire. Did they replace the wrong one, did they rotate it? What happened? So I have to go back early in the morning tomorrow...yuck. So as soon as they look at my tire, I hope they say it's just been rotated. The bad news is that I'm probably going to buy a second tire. Yes, I guess I'm giving myself tires for my birthday.

However there are bright spots. Saturday I'm going to Arlington to hang out with some friends (new friends), then on Sunday I'm headed out 66 to go to a winery with J. So excited, it's going to be a good time. J and I always have a good time.

This week at school was hectic too. We had some students get shifted around. Some went to another place, parents came to visit, I made kids start to draw a still life (very ambitious of me). I'm a little disheartened by my job this year. I think that comes with any job, it's my second year, I'm used to a bunch of other things, and I don't have to deal with the other principal. But, it opens other chances for me to see what is really going on. The system can only do so much to help these kids. There needs to be some kind of halfway house between the D-home and their "normal"lives. It's sad to see kids learn skills, and be proud of themselves, only to find that they have no where to turn, so they might as well just live life how they used to. I really do love my job, and I'm glad I have it now. If this were 7 years ago I'd be sad, bewildered, and upset about it all. I am upset, but I just want to do the best job I can to make the students I have feel safe. Give them an opportunity to grow and learn. I'm never gonna know what really happens to these kids. I can only offer them my knowledge and my care. Sure, I wish some of them would get over themselves, crawl out from their respective attitudes, and get out of my face (occasionally and rarely), but for the most part I really like them.

So bring on the fall. I'm hoping that this last weekend will end summer. I want next weekend to feel like fall, and I want the leaves to start changing. I want to wear sweaters and jackets.. I want to feel cozy and warm. I feel warm, but not cozy.

Ahh----weekend........enjoy

Concerned thought of the day..

I hate that many of my students feel that the only choice they have in life is to join the Army...... Granted, my kids need discipline, and consistency etc......but is this really necessary? How about letting a student earn a high school diploma first? I mean, really....... Is the army really volunteer? I guess Walmart and the Army are on the same frequency....

Unfortunate realization

You can't carry green chili on the plane anymore.....

Fall is in the air

Oh, it's been so nice today. This morning I had the windows down on the way to work, then this afternoon I was out and about...and now there's no hum of the loud air conditioning unit, and no fans. Just a nice breeze, fresh air, and a happy me.

School is on right now, and I'm trying to get used to the students right now. There too many kids uninterested in expressing themselves, so I'm trying to come up with some many alternatives. But I want them to have some skills. (not computer hacking skills...)

I can actually see myself making it through the year this time. It's about damn time!!!!

If there was one crazy thing I could change right now, it would be to still have cheap summer fruit. But I guess it's almost fall, I have to make way for apples and cider (yum...cider)

Still painting away, but nothing is finished. I have a couple of things in mind, but I had a run in with some really unsavory sales people at Micheal's. I know, shouldn't have gone there in the first place. They made dents in the canvases I brought up to the register, and thought I was crazy for trying to not buy them. I don't want things I paint on to have dents.... CRAZY! So I moved on and went to Pearl. Pearl is an art supply store, but in the past they've been so idiotic it's driven me to drink. However, now they know me, they give me the discount without asking... so I will now only go to them. Unless I happen to be downtown (never happens), I'll go to Utrecht.

Ok, there are so many stories that I've been keeping track of in my head. For example, the student that refused to give me any information about himself, or sign anything. Yeah, he didn't want to do it, so I offered to write it in for him, and then he could sign off on the info.... I go through the questions: name, address, etc... Then: When is your birthday? His answer: September 30th. I asked him to say that again..... he said: September 30th. I said: That's my birthday... So from then on he's been an angel. Signing things, participating in class. It's great. That might be my answer for any kid: That's my birthday too!

No, I wouldn't do that....

Ok, on to preparing for tomorrow...

A mini reunion

As many of you know, I have no high school anymore, but it doesn't really matter because you keep in touch with who you want anyway. Well, here are two of my best friends. All we were missing was Thayna.. -sniff-

I used to be shorter than both of them....