"Temporary, but Harmless Darkening"

In an attempt to share the most unflattering photo of myself with the entire world, I present the following:


Last night I took a couple of chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets. I woke up this morning with a black tongue. I knew this could happen (I've consumed more than my fair share of the chalky pink tablets) but I've never actually experienced it. I'll be honest with you - I thought it was very cool. Gross, but cool.

Other odd coloring? Is it me or do my eyes look like they are different colors?

I'm thinking of running away with the circus.

Not Too Much Detail

I know I've posted this student's art twice already (here and here), but I cannot get enough of his creations. It always makes me smile to see a doodle or two when I collect his paper.

Interview

Normally I wouldn't jump at the chance at being interviewed, but there is a new tag (well, new to me) flying around blogland that looked like fun so I had to participate. This is definitely not the kind of interview that makes my hands sweaty and my heart race.

Here we go. These were were the questions that Amber at Viva Voce asked me.


1. How did you and your husband meet?
After college I got a part-time job at a local department store working in the men's department, the same department at which Mitch also worked. I was dating someone when we first met so I didn't think much of him other than he was a nice guy and would make a good replacement for my sister's loser boyfriend. A short time after starting that job, my boyfriend and I broke up. Mitch and I got know each other a little better after one special night in "pant land" (I actually folded while we talked - Mitch just talked) and the next time we were both in the store, he asked me out to dinner. Ten months later we were engaged and a little over a year after that we were married. We look back now and laugh at my ridiculous thoughts of setting him up with my sister. I didn't realize how different they were at the time, but those very differences are what worked out beautifully for me because I don't think either of us could have found a more perfect match. And to think, I wasn't even planning on turning in my application to that store.

2. What do you love best about your new house?
I honestly can't say what I love best about my new house. One of my favorite things is having a place Mitch and I can call ours, a place we made together. It's fun looking at something like the kitchen faucet and thinking about the day we were at the plumbing store picking it out. There are so many memories like that one, memories only the two of us share and know about when walking around this house. Some favorites: There is just something about that green wall in the kitchen and the laminate floors throughout the house. The green makes me happy and the laminate is exactly the blend I wanted. I adore my chair-and-a-half in the living room. It is by far the best place to read (and, ultimately, nap). I think our bedroom set is my favorite furniture in the whole house. The headboard and baseboard are grand, the bed is high up so I can dangle my feet, and there is something striking about the black finish.

3. Complete the statement “I recommend…” (it can be a show, movie, book, restaurant, website, activity, etc.)
I'm recommend "The Office" and "30 Rock." These shows have me laughing hysterically every Thursday evening.

4. What one item in the kitchen best describes you and your personality?
I would have to say the stove top. It takes me a while to warm up to new people, places, situations. Once I've warmed up, though, I think I'm easy to work with. I don't have a lot of complicated buttons or gadgets - I'm straightforward.

5. If you knew could you try anything and not fail (and money was no object), what dream would you attempt?
Hands down it would be to start my own photography business.

6. This is a bonus question from Tyler. "Kids drive me to drink, and I know many other teachers feel the same way. What are some things you do to relax after a stressful day at work?"
Well, I usually cry on the 30+ mile drive home. Just kidding. While I have shed a tear or two, the drive usually puts me in good spirits and is a great time to unwind. If I'm still worked up after I get home, I'll vent to Mitch and then we'll relax that night in front of the tv. Running also helps a great deal, as does escaping into a good book.


If you are interested in having me interview you:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Mondays

It never fails, my Mondays always get away from me. I don't normally have any more to do on Mondays than I do any other day of the week, but for some reason I'm always running around like an insane person trying to keep up with the day. I never do keep up. Are Mondays extra crazy days for anyone else?

Turtle

During our marriage classes, my husband and I were told what animals describe our personalities and the way we deal with difficult situations.

I am a turtle. When things are upsetting or uncomfortable, I retreat into my shell and stay there until I feel it's safe to come back out. I like to deal with things by myself, which often means in my own little world away from others.

This past week was an extremely tough one for me. Despite the blue skies and warm weather, life was anything but a bowl of sunshine. So, I went into hiding; I let myself escape for a while. I dealt with things the best way I knew how, and I now I'm ready to come back out of my shell and join the rest of the world.

Friday Find

My cousin emailed me earlier this week with the link to a program sponsored by Xerox. The "Let's Say Thanks" program allows people to send cards for free to those serving our country in the armed forces.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tag, You're It

I've been tagged by Teacherwoman!


4 favorite memories of 2008:
1. Telling the parents that Mitch and I would be moving back home
2. Picking out furniture, appliances, fixtures, etc. for the house
3. Library book sales
4. Motorcycle ride with dad

4 favorite movies of 2008:
1. The Dark Knight
2. The Bank Job
3. Sex and the City
4. What Happens in Vegas

4 favorite foods of 2008:
1. Grandma's mashed potatoes
2. Mom's dinner rolls
3. Popcorn
4. Chocolate

4 favorite places in 2008:
1. Hawaii (Mitch and I were technically only there one day of 2008, but I'm still counting it!)
2. Bike trail
3. Parent's backyard
4. Grandparent's farm

4 events of 2008:
1. Move back to hometown
2. First wedding anniversary
3. Mitch's graduation from the academy
4. House!!

4 Things I liked in 2008:
1. Spending time with family
2. Date nights with Mitch
3. Getting back into running
4. Finding a point-and-shoot camera I liked

4 reasons I'm looking forward to 2009:
1. Getting my first dog
2. Starting a photo blog
3. Running an organized race
4. Hosting a party in my new home

4 people I tag: (only if you want!)
1. Amber
2. Hilltopper
3. Amanda Jo
4. Caity


Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Shoveling Snapshot

I picked the perfect time to do my shoveling yesterday morning.

Snow Day

Another blizzard rolled into the state last night (the millionth of the season) and school was actually cancelled today. I was surprised, relieved, and excited.

I thought about wasting the day away by going back to bed and then watching TV all day, but I guess another part of me had other plans. For a day of no work, I have been working pretty hard. I can't remember the last time I've gotten so much accomplished in one day. I decided to document the day with photos to show you how productive I can be when I put my mind to it!

I used my dishwasher for the first time. In fact, today was the first time I've ever used a dishwasher. I would mark this one down as one of the greatest inventions of all time! (You don't know what you're missing out on, mom and dad!)

After pulling the garbage to the curb, I shoveled the two-foot high snow drifts that were in front of the garages. I can tell you right now that I'm going to be sore tomorrow! I will not argue with my husband if he wants to invest in a snow-blower.

I worked on some lessons for my Algebra 2 course.

I did several loads of laundry.

I swept the hallway, kitchen/dining room, and living room. My husband will never believe this - it's a good thing I took a photo!

My plans for the rest of the day include blog reading and then simply relaxing. I have a neglected book calling for me and there is a show or two that I would like to watch on TV tonight. I'm so very glad I worked hard this afternoon because it's going to make this evening that much more enjoyable.

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Mad Gabbing With Mom and Dad

Yesterday morning Mitch and I did some shopping for groceries and other important household items. We have made countless trips already and minutes after returning home, we had another list started. It will be nice to be settled and not having to run out to the store every day for something or other.

After our shopping trip, we cleaned and finished putting things away. A week after moving in, we have only a handful of things to find homes for. It's exciting to be almost done!

You know what else is exciting? Yesterday I did my first load of laundry in my new machines! While it was still fun, and everything came out clean (as far as I could tell), I'm not sure I'm completely sold on the front-loading washer. Of course I love her for the plain and simple fact that she's a washer, but there are a few things I'm skeptical about: the volume of clothing she can hold (which manufacturer's claim is the same as top-loading washers) and the amount of water used (where is all the water?!). I'm sure I'll get over these things in no time, but I'll forever hear my husband calling me old-fashioned for worrying about it in the first place. Perhaps he should watch what he says or he can add laundry to his list of chores (which is currently everything other than laundry - yes, I'm spoiled).

Last night we had our parents over for dinner and games. It was the first time they were able to come over to our house to do something other than help us paint or move. It was a fun first "get-together" at our house. We ate pizza and played Mad Gab. Mitch and I received this game as a wedding gift and it was the first time we were actually able to play it. It is a ridiculously fun game - it had us laughing all night. I highly recommend it.

Today as been pretty uneventful so far which has been nice. Another trip for groceries/household items is in store (boo!) and then Sunday dinner with the in-laws (yay!).

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

The Past Week

I cannot believe it's been a week since my last post. So much has happened since then that it definitely feels like more time has passed. I have been extremely busy this past week completing everything on my 2009 Goals list. So, now I'm done for the year and ready for 2010. Oh wait, I haven't even had a chance to think about my goals yet! I can't complain, though. My busy has been a good busy, a very good busy.

Last week Friday my husband and I signed our names on a couple dozen documents and in return received shiny new keys and a mortgage! We are now official homeowners! While this place definitely feels like home, it's still kind of hard to believe it's finally ours.

All of our things were moved out of the storage unit on the 31st, the furniture was delivered on the morning of the 2nd, we closed on the house on the afternoon of the 2nd, and all of our things were moved out of my parents house on the 3rd. Since then life has consisted of emptying out boxes and putting things away, trips to the store to buy the necessities, emptying out more boxes and putting things away, more trips to the store to buy the necessities we forgot the first time, and then emptying out more boxes and putting things away.

I'm slowly learning where I've put everything (and whether or not I really like it there), what each light switch does (not sure I appreciate the placement of the garbage disposal), and the sounds the house makes (I love the little click our thermostat makes). It's hard to believe that one day soon these things will be the norm and I'll forget that it was ever something I had to get used to.

As soon as I have things organized and boxes put away, I'll post new photos so you can see the house furnished and "lived in." Don't expect to see anything up on the walls, though. I have yet to figure out what I want to do and since I feel completely overwhelmed even thinking about it, I'm avoiding the task for a while. Who would like to come help?!

On Monday, I started back at school after a 16 day vacation. Monday definitely went a lot better than I thought it would. I thought I would have a SERIOUS case of the Monday blues, but I actually felt like a normal person and, after a few hours in the classroom, I felt as if I had never been gone. While I love having breaks, I'm definitely a person that needs to be on a schedule and working. Although, I wouldn't mind my work load to be a little smaller. Things are a little crazy right now (oh wait, they always are), with semester finals next week. I cannot believe I'm almost half-way done with the school year! Time is definitely flying by on the work front.

Yesterday, my husband and I got cable and internet set up, so I took some time out of lesson planning and test writing to just hang out in my chair watching my favorite shows and getting caught up on your wonderful blogs. I'm so very excited to be back in blog land!

Have a wonderful weekend!

2009

I haven't made a New Year's resolution in years. New Year's has never been my holiday of choice nor have resolutions been my idea of a good time. This year, however, feels different. Something inside of me is saying that this is my year. Well, at least my year to set a few goals and tackle them. I don't think this is the year I win the lottery and get to travel around the world - I think that might be 2010.

I debated and debated yesterday whether or not to actually post my goals for 2009 on this blog. I'm a nervous person by nature so I try to avoid anything and everything that will cause me more anxiety. Sharing my silly little goals with the world seemed like a bad idea, but then I remembered who my readers are; I realized that even if I wrote that one of my goals was to stop picking my nose, you wonderful ladies would be backing me up 100%. Needless to say, the side of me that was screaming "Post your goals!" won and here I am. So, without further ado, here are my goals for the year of 2009.


* Start a photography blog *
Photography has been a passion of mine since the age of 15 and I thought it was about time I started sharing my passion with others. Twelve years of playing around with cameras, however, does not guarantee you'll see any masterpieces. I'll keep you posted as to when I get that blog up and running.

* Complete one photography course *
There have been several photography classes I have been eyeing over the past year or so and I've decided that instead of just thinking about all the things I could learn from one class, I'll actually take that one class and actually learn those things. Quite a concept, huh?

* Run one organized race *
I've only run one organized race in my life and it was back in high school. I think I'm long overdue to run another. I have my sights on a half marathon! The thought thrills me and makes me want to puke at the same time.

* Host one party *
I figure that since I'll have a house (I'll be an official homeowner by the end of today!) there really is no excuse for me not to have some kind of party at my place. I'll let you all know the date and time early so that you can mark it down on your calendars. I realize some of you will have quite a ways to travel!

* Watch one movie on my list *
Only one, you say? My husband made fun of me for only choosing one movie, but as I explained to him: I can't remember the last time I was able to cross a film off my "Movies to See" list. My husband and I don't watch a lot of movies and when we do, they aren't films that I had on my list. Hence my rationale for only saying one.

* Read one novel on my list *
Only one, you say? Well, when the library has book sales twice a year and you get 15 books or so at each sale, one tends to get distracted with those books and the list gets tossed aside. Plus, I have a tendency to get sidetracked at the library when I do go in search of a book on my list. I always manage to find something else that looks really good and that I'd rather read at the moment. Hence my rationale for saying one.

*Read one book series on my list *
I have several series that I want to read but like I mentioned above, there are good reasons for me only choosing one. I think I may read the "Twilight" series so that I can stay hip with the times.

*Read one instructional book on my list *
I only have two instructional books on my list (at this point in time) but they are both a little intense, so I think my brain will only be able to handle one, especially with all my other book distractions.

*Celebrate 25 days of Christmas *
I did not like how the Christmas 2008 season went down and I'm not going to let the Christmas cheer pass me by in Christmas 2009. If nothing else, I'm forcing it upon myself! Only kidding (or am I?)! There is definitely no reason for me to be a scrooge - I'll have a new house to decorate and cable television with cheesy Christmas movies all month long.


So there you have it, folks. 2009 is going to keep me quite busy!