I don't know what it is about this year but I can not think of presents for anyone! I have asked for ideas but either they are too expensive for us or they aren't something I really want to get the person. My number one present I don't like to give...
Gift Cards
I CANNOT stand to give gift cards. They don't take any thought really and then I don't even know what the person used it for. I like to see the expression on people's face when they open presents. When they open a gift card they just don't get the same feeling. When I get gift cards I sometimes don't spend them for a while or end up using them on someone else and not myself. I know that isn't what the intent is but it is what happens.
I can't even think of where to look online to get ideas. I watched Opera's Favorite Things, but of course they are way out of the price range. I would like to do some homemade presents but at this point it is a little late and if they don't turn out then I would have nothing.
I think Pat and I are going to try to go shopping on Sunday after church to start looking so hopefully we have some luck. We also need to get some stuff for Vegas, including luggage, which we leave for in 23 days! We got out tickets in the mail so now I am really excited to go! Only 13 of those days are school days and 3 of those are exam days. I can't believe we are already half way through the year. Then when we go back it is going to rush to March when my sophomores take their OGT tests and then softball season will fly by and then it will be the end of the year! It really has been going by fast. I am so thankful for that though because I am enjoying what I do so that makes it go by fast and not make my days drag on and on and on.....
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Is it really November?
I can't believe it! We have been in school for about 12 weeks now and I feel like we just started. Now I know why all the teachers were scrambling to get stuff done at the end of the 9 weeks. I feel like nothing has changed since the last time I posted but I am sure there are some things.
Pat and I headed to Millersburg yesterday morning and made our second "big" purchase as a couple (our first was our sweeper). Pat is now the proud owner of a new (to us) Dodge truck. His truck did not have 4-wheel drive and with winter(yuck) right around the corner, we figured it was better to get a new truck then him not being able to get home. It was really a painless process and the people we worked with were great. It all happened in less than a week which is a little scary but hopefully it is a good thing.
Yesterday we had Lora, Phil, Andy and Sherwood up and went on a wine tour. Darcy and Chad joined us as well. We visited 4 of the wineries in Coshocton and did some tastings. We had a great time and ended here at the house to have dinner. We started at our first winery at 3 and ended at about 7:30 so we did pretty well. It was nice to have everyone together and just have a good time!
Volleyball is over. I had a great time this season and miss my girls. I had 18 girls this year so that was challenging but we made it through and the girls all improved so much. I think that is one of the most rewarding experinces of coaching. Seeing the girls from having no idea about the game and becoming a true team. Yes there were some days that I wanted to pull my hair out but they finally got there and I had so much fun with them.
School is still going well. I am really lucky to have some great kids. Even on days where they aren't on their best behavior I still love em! The best part is when the kids come in and are actaully upset that we don't get to read! I know reading isn't everything but I really think that it can help them. What job doesn't require any reading? It may not be something everyday but I think everyone has to read some.
Luke turned 8 on Saturday and we have his birthday party today. I still can't get over how old he is! He is getting so tall too. Pretty soon he is going to be a tall as me and I am going to have him in class. CRAZY! Now I know how all those people felt when they told me they remembered when I was only so tall or only however many years old.
Well like I said not a whole lot has been going on just our everyday life stuff!
Pat and I headed to Millersburg yesterday morning and made our second "big" purchase as a couple (our first was our sweeper). Pat is now the proud owner of a new (to us) Dodge truck. His truck did not have 4-wheel drive and with winter(yuck) right around the corner, we figured it was better to get a new truck then him not being able to get home. It was really a painless process and the people we worked with were great. It all happened in less than a week which is a little scary but hopefully it is a good thing.
Yesterday we had Lora, Phil, Andy and Sherwood up and went on a wine tour. Darcy and Chad joined us as well. We visited 4 of the wineries in Coshocton and did some tastings. We had a great time and ended here at the house to have dinner. We started at our first winery at 3 and ended at about 7:30 so we did pretty well. It was nice to have everyone together and just have a good time!
Volleyball is over. I had a great time this season and miss my girls. I had 18 girls this year so that was challenging but we made it through and the girls all improved so much. I think that is one of the most rewarding experinces of coaching. Seeing the girls from having no idea about the game and becoming a true team. Yes there were some days that I wanted to pull my hair out but they finally got there and I had so much fun with them.
School is still going well. I am really lucky to have some great kids. Even on days where they aren't on their best behavior I still love em! The best part is when the kids come in and are actaully upset that we don't get to read! I know reading isn't everything but I really think that it can help them. What job doesn't require any reading? It may not be something everyday but I think everyone has to read some.
Luke turned 8 on Saturday and we have his birthday party today. I still can't get over how old he is! He is getting so tall too. Pretty soon he is going to be a tall as me and I am going to have him in class. CRAZY! Now I know how all those people felt when they told me they remembered when I was only so tall or only however many years old.
Well like I said not a whole lot has been going on just our everyday life stuff!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Busy Weekend
Well as our weekend begins it looks like there will be little time to relax. My weekend seemed to start last night. After our last day of volleyball camp the coaches and families had dinner at Renee's house. I made a new crockpot Mac and Cheese that I found on a new blog I am following and it turned out really well! Austin even said it was the best macaroni he ever had! (Take that Kraft). We then swam and it felt so good after being in the gym. We of course played volleyball and had a lot of fun. The downfall, on our way home as I am driving I realize I have lost a contact. Now usually it wouldn't be a big deal but I am all out of contacts and can't order anymore until I go in for an appointment. Again not a big deal but I don't have vision insurance until the first day of work so I don't feel like paying when I can just wait. I hate to wear glasses for a month but it looks like that may be what I am going to do. Mom has a contact at home that she found while cleaning and it isn't the right prescription but it is one of my old ones so I am thinking I may try that, at least while I am at volleyball and such. To top it off I really want a new pair of glasses because the ones I have currently, I am pretty sure I got when I was a freshman in college. So not only are they a little outdated, they don't have the right prescription either. If only I could just order more contacts without paying to see the doctor!
Ok onto today. I of course have lunch with Great-Grandma and Grandma. I will have to write one day about our lunches. We are going to the Yard today and I am pretty excited! I haven't eaten there in quite a while and I love their food. I will say Coshocton is blessed with some pretty good local restraunts. We may not have very many but I think all of them are pretty good to eat at! One may not have the best service but that is why we don't go there very much anymore! Tonight we are headed to the Triple Lockes Theatre, our local theater to see the kids' production of 101 Dalmations. I really didn't think we would get to see it because it seemed like we always had something but it finally worked out. I don't think Chad and Pat are as excited as Darcy and I but they will survive.
Tomorrow we are headed to Lima to Brian and Andrea's for a family cookout. We are taking Taco Dip and Cucumbers, two family recipes. I am going to try to make them tonight as much as possible because we are leaving at 9 in the morning and I was going to get up and make cinnamon rolls in the morning and I don't think I want to get up any earlier!
Sunday we were planning on having a cook-out here with a slip and slide but it doesn't look like that is going to work. It just wasn't a good weekend and not many people can come. I am sure we will still do something but just not sure what. I think I have a softball game too but no one has told me for sure so I don't know and if no one tells me I'm not going. I know that sounds bad but I have gone a couple times to find out it was cancelled and I wasn't very happy.
Well that is the overview of the weekend's events as of right now. We will see how it all goes! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Ok onto today. I of course have lunch with Great-Grandma and Grandma. I will have to write one day about our lunches. We are going to the Yard today and I am pretty excited! I haven't eaten there in quite a while and I love their food. I will say Coshocton is blessed with some pretty good local restraunts. We may not have very many but I think all of them are pretty good to eat at! One may not have the best service but that is why we don't go there very much anymore! Tonight we are headed to the Triple Lockes Theatre, our local theater to see the kids' production of 101 Dalmations. I really didn't think we would get to see it because it seemed like we always had something but it finally worked out. I don't think Chad and Pat are as excited as Darcy and I but they will survive.
Tomorrow we are headed to Lima to Brian and Andrea's for a family cookout. We are taking Taco Dip and Cucumbers, two family recipes. I am going to try to make them tonight as much as possible because we are leaving at 9 in the morning and I was going to get up and make cinnamon rolls in the morning and I don't think I want to get up any earlier!
Sunday we were planning on having a cook-out here with a slip and slide but it doesn't look like that is going to work. It just wasn't a good weekend and not many people can come. I am sure we will still do something but just not sure what. I think I have a softball game too but no one has told me for sure so I don't know and if no one tells me I'm not going. I know that sounds bad but I have gone a couple times to find out it was cancelled and I wasn't very happy.
Well that is the overview of the weekend's events as of right now. We will see how it all goes! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Don't Rain on Our Parade
Or our laundry!
Sunday has become laundry day at our house and since we don't have a dryer it also depends on the weather. Thankfully Sundays have been sunny and rain free...until this week. Pat and I had just had put up our 2nd load of laundry when we looked up and saw some dark clouds. I was convinced that it would just go around us but as I was doing some other stuff outside I started to realize it was not going to go around us but was going to hit us in mere seconds.
I called Pat outside and we hurried to get the clothes off the line. Looking back at it now we should have just left out the dark stuff because it was already pretty wet from just coming out of the washer but lesson learned.
Once we got the clothes in we had the problem of where to put the clothes. I guess I should say I had the problem. I started hanging shirts up wherever there was room and made sure they were either hanging over a register or I had a fan running in the bathroom that I put quite a few items in front of. Ball shorts and socks were hung over the edge of our laundry baskets and a fan was put in front of them as well.
We had to leave to go to Steven's birthday/welcome home party but when we got home most of our clothes were dry thank goodness. There were just a few shirts that had some wet sleeves still from where another shirt had been hanging in front of it.
This whole post leads me to write a list of things I have learned about drying clothes on the line since we didn't do it when I was little.
1. Don't leave your laundry basket outside thinking that it will save you a trip later. Ants are climbers and will get into your basket, you will then carry them into the house and possibly onto your bed.
2. You will need more clothespins then you will ever think.
3. Don't hang t-shirts by the sleeves, they don't dry as well if you would just hang them from the bottom.
4. Get something to hang on your line to keep your clothespins in. It becomes a pain to bend down to get them out of a container of the ground.
5. Don't keep the clothes up too long into the night or the dew sets in and you are back to having wet clothes.
I know most of these are common sense but they aren't things I even thought of until they happened to me!
Sunday has become laundry day at our house and since we don't have a dryer it also depends on the weather. Thankfully Sundays have been sunny and rain free...until this week. Pat and I had just had put up our 2nd load of laundry when we looked up and saw some dark clouds. I was convinced that it would just go around us but as I was doing some other stuff outside I started to realize it was not going to go around us but was going to hit us in mere seconds.
I called Pat outside and we hurried to get the clothes off the line. Looking back at it now we should have just left out the dark stuff because it was already pretty wet from just coming out of the washer but lesson learned.
Once we got the clothes in we had the problem of where to put the clothes. I guess I should say I had the problem. I started hanging shirts up wherever there was room and made sure they were either hanging over a register or I had a fan running in the bathroom that I put quite a few items in front of. Ball shorts and socks were hung over the edge of our laundry baskets and a fan was put in front of them as well.
We had to leave to go to Steven's birthday/welcome home party but when we got home most of our clothes were dry thank goodness. There were just a few shirts that had some wet sleeves still from where another shirt had been hanging in front of it.
This whole post leads me to write a list of things I have learned about drying clothes on the line since we didn't do it when I was little.
1. Don't leave your laundry basket outside thinking that it will save you a trip later. Ants are climbers and will get into your basket, you will then carry them into the house and possibly onto your bed.
2. You will need more clothespins then you will ever think.
3. Don't hang t-shirts by the sleeves, they don't dry as well if you would just hang them from the bottom.
4. Get something to hang on your line to keep your clothespins in. It becomes a pain to bend down to get them out of a container of the ground.
5. Don't keep the clothes up too long into the night or the dew sets in and you are back to having wet clothes.
I know most of these are common sense but they aren't things I even thought of until they happened to me!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Little Behind the Times
So I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird. I never really thought it was a book I needed to read and none of my teachers had it as required reading. Well in pursuit of trying to be as organized as possible for my first year (for me this means know what I am going to do a week in advance!) I am trying to get my lessons semi-laid out for at least the first month of school. Right now I am working on my Honors 10 class because I am the most excited about their unit right now. The theme of the unit is "Heroes." I think so many times in our society that kids are let down by their heroes, ex. Mark McGuire and Tiger Woods. I know that it is not "fair" to put all the pressure on these guys to act perfect but come on act responsible and don't break the laws. ANYWAYS.... I have some great ideas I am pretty pumped about including the kids designing a page for their hero at the Hero Project website. So on to the point..I have been looking for a novel to go along with my hero unit and was looking down the list of book sets that our school has (which is rather limited and maybe a little outdated) I went to the library and checked out some of the books on the list and did some investigating on some of my teacher websites and found To Kill a Mockingbird was one that may fit well so I started reading.
I just finished up a little bit ago and I must say I enjoyed it. I did find my mind wondering and then would have to go back and re-read some parts. I'm not sure if it was because I was in a gym of volleyball players or what but I had a hard time concentrating today. Other times I contribute it to the fact that I was trying to think of how to incorporate the book into the unit and also what I needed to take out of the book to highlight to the students. Overall I think it will fit well and with Honors kids I am interested to see what their take on it is! Well that is all for now hopefully there will be an update on this in a couple months!
I just finished up a little bit ago and I must say I enjoyed it. I did find my mind wondering and then would have to go back and re-read some parts. I'm not sure if it was because I was in a gym of volleyball players or what but I had a hard time concentrating today. Other times I contribute it to the fact that I was trying to think of how to incorporate the book into the unit and also what I needed to take out of the book to highlight to the students. Overall I think it will fit well and with Honors kids I am interested to see what their take on it is! Well that is all for now hopefully there will be an update on this in a couple months!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I should be...
getting ready for work. I am supposed to be there at 11:30 and it is now 10:45 meaning I need to leave in about 15 minutes. My hair is still wet and I need to brush my teeth. I can just not get motivated to get ready! I am really starting to think that I need to put in my 2 weeks notice. I was just writing my July schedule on my dry-erase calendar and just realized how much I have going on with just volleyball. On top of that I really need to start getting my lessons ready for school. I have started thinking of ideas but I really need to sit down and get them planned out in writing and in a little bit more detail. Waitressing just isn't making enough money for me to justify staying there when I'm not even enjoying it that much. 5 summers is enough for me I think.
I will hopefully be posting soon with some stuff about the wedding and honeymoon but I don't have time right now. If you would like to see pictures go to http://s956.photobucket.com/home/lappsnyder/index and we have uploaded quite a few as well as some other people!
I will hopefully be posting soon with some stuff about the wedding and honeymoon but I don't have time right now. If you would like to see pictures go to http://s956.photobucket.com/home/lappsnyder/index and we have uploaded quite a few as well as some other people!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Technology
I can't believe how reliable we are on technology. It really makes me want to get rid of some of it but living 2 weeks without internet has proven that I can't. This is sad. We now have televison, phone and internet. THANK GOODNESS! Trying to plan a honeymoon and class reunion without them has been taxing and drawn out! Well I just wanted to leave a short post letting everyone know that hopefully posts will be a little more frequent eventually....we do have a wedding in a WEEK! We will then be spending the following week in Los Angeles and Michigan so after that then we will be a little more available...until volleyball starts!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Menu Changes
On Sunday we went grocery shopping for the first time. I thought I would be good and cut out coupons and try to get as much stuff as I could at a discount price. We started at Aldi’s and got a lot of the things we needed and only spent $40! I was so excited. Then we went to Beuhler’s and got our meat, produce and other stuff that Aldi’s didn’t carry. We ended up doing their 5 for $19.95 with meat and got steaks, a beef roast and some other things. We did really well about sticking to our list and only getting things that were in our menu for the week (other than the steaks they were a bonus!) I got up to the cash register and pay and get out will all the groceries for $80. I didn’t think $120 was bad for a weeks worth of groceries with a lot of it being things we won’t need to buy again for a while like flour, sugar, some spices and that kind of thing. As we were driving home though I realized all those coupons I spent time cutting out were still in my billfold and I didn’t use a single one of them! After looking over the groceries we would have only saved about $1.50 but still if we save that much every week that could add up! Oh well there is always next week!
Here is our menu for the week which is already off track!
Sunday- Sloppy Joes and Fries- We did have this and added corn on the cob!
Monday- Grilled Chicken with baked beans and pasta salad- I worked till 10 so Pat had a hot dog with left over sloppy joe sauce and I have a ham and cheese sandwich
Tuesday- Beef Roast with Vegetables- We decided this morning to have steaks tonight. Pat put them in the fridge to thaw out so we HAVE to have them. We are also going to have corn on the cob and possibly I will make the pasta salad!
Wednesday- BBQ Pork Sandwiches- We will probably have the Chicken since it is in the fridge and needs to be eaten by June 2nd!
Thursday- Beef and Noodles- We may keep this! I work 5-10 again so it is something I can throw in the crock pot and can both eat whenever!
Friday- Subs- I may make the BBQ Pork sandwiches because it will be the same as Thursday other than I am the 4:00 person so I may get off sooner than 10 but probably not as early as Pat will want to eat
Ok for some reason my italic isn't working so all my changes are showing like they are supposed to be! Sorry!
Here is our menu for the week which is already off track!
Sunday- Sloppy Joes and Fries- We did have this and added corn on the cob!
Monday- Grilled Chicken with baked beans and pasta salad- I worked till 10 so Pat had a hot dog with left over sloppy joe sauce and I have a ham and cheese sandwich
Tuesday- Beef Roast with Vegetables- We decided this morning to have steaks tonight. Pat put them in the fridge to thaw out so we HAVE to have them. We are also going to have corn on the cob and possibly I will make the pasta salad!
Wednesday- BBQ Pork Sandwiches- We will probably have the Chicken since it is in the fridge and needs to be eaten by June 2nd!
Thursday- Beef and Noodles- We may keep this! I work 5-10 again so it is something I can throw in the crock pot and can both eat whenever!
Friday- Subs- I may make the BBQ Pork sandwiches because it will be the same as Thursday other than I am the 4:00 person so I may get off sooner than 10 but probably not as early as Pat will want to eat
Ok for some reason my italic isn't working so all my changes are showing like they are supposed to be! Sorry!
Changes Changes Changes
*Warning this is a pretty long post!* * I also wrote this on Monday but do not have internet at the new house. Hopefully soon though!
Well we are all moved into the house! Mostly everything is put away thanks to a couple easy days with nothing to do. I am missing a bag though. I can’t find any of my shorts. I have no idea where they could have gone. I can’t even think of what bag I packed them in to start looking. All I know is that all bags here have been unpacked and are completely empty! Hopefully they didn’t fall out of the truck on the way here. I still have a few more clothes at Mom and Dad’s that I am trying to get when I am down there. I think about 3 more duffelbags and I will be set. Yes, I have a lot of clothes, but in my defense I have been weeding out quite a bit in the moving process. I have a storage tub full of mainly t-shirts that I am finally parting with! Now it is just decorating. I have put up quite a few picture frames and other stuff that we got at the shower so it is starting to feel more and more like our home but I would still like a few more things. We are trying to hold out until the wedding to see what we get and then using some of our gift money to get the other things we need. I am trying to not go overboard because I figure it will all come together eventually and there are more sales everyday!
Right now the dish guy is here setting up our television. I know it isn’t essential for us to have t.v. but we decided that for $30 a month we would pay for it. Cable doesn’t come out to where we are which we were hoping for so we could do a bundle with television, phone and internet but no such luck. We are still working on the internet and hoping that maybe the county wireless will reach out here. I also need to call Verizon to get our phone set up because our cell phones are not always reliable out here and my phone has not been holding a charge very well. I am sure it is time for a new battery but I don’t think that is going to happen anytime soon!
Wedding stuff seems to be getting into motion again. Thank goodness since it is only about 2 ½ weeks away! We have started on favors and they aren’t taking too long. I sat down Saturday and pumped out about 60 in 3 hours. I know it seems like a lot of time for things people are just going to rip open but I think they will look so cute on the table! Mom and I are both working on the 2nd step when we can so hopefully that will make it go a little quicker. Plus in that 3 hours I cut the paper too and that is all done so now it shouldn’t take that long at all.
We are going to the church today to try to figure out how to decorate there. I really don’t want to do a lot because we have to tear it all down before we leave for the reception. We were just going to do some ribbon along the railing but when we went last week decided that people wouldn’t even see that once everyone was standing up there. We are meeting with the florist who attends the church so hopefully she will have some ideas for us.
This week we are going to start on the books again I think. If we can just get a couple days where we work for a good portion we will be good. Right now it is just attaching all of the parts. Most everything is cut out we just have one more page to do with our address and a place for people to upload pictures too and now we can do that because it is all set up!
Pat just left for his first day at Hertz! I think he was pretty excited to start and even more excited he didn’t have to be there until 10. Hopefully it will be a good experience for him!
Well we are all moved into the house! Mostly everything is put away thanks to a couple easy days with nothing to do. I am missing a bag though. I can’t find any of my shorts. I have no idea where they could have gone. I can’t even think of what bag I packed them in to start looking. All I know is that all bags here have been unpacked and are completely empty! Hopefully they didn’t fall out of the truck on the way here. I still have a few more clothes at Mom and Dad’s that I am trying to get when I am down there. I think about 3 more duffelbags and I will be set. Yes, I have a lot of clothes, but in my defense I have been weeding out quite a bit in the moving process. I have a storage tub full of mainly t-shirts that I am finally parting with! Now it is just decorating. I have put up quite a few picture frames and other stuff that we got at the shower so it is starting to feel more and more like our home but I would still like a few more things. We are trying to hold out until the wedding to see what we get and then using some of our gift money to get the other things we need. I am trying to not go overboard because I figure it will all come together eventually and there are more sales everyday!
Right now the dish guy is here setting up our television. I know it isn’t essential for us to have t.v. but we decided that for $30 a month we would pay for it. Cable doesn’t come out to where we are which we were hoping for so we could do a bundle with television, phone and internet but no such luck. We are still working on the internet and hoping that maybe the county wireless will reach out here. I also need to call Verizon to get our phone set up because our cell phones are not always reliable out here and my phone has not been holding a charge very well. I am sure it is time for a new battery but I don’t think that is going to happen anytime soon!
Wedding stuff seems to be getting into motion again. Thank goodness since it is only about 2 ½ weeks away! We have started on favors and they aren’t taking too long. I sat down Saturday and pumped out about 60 in 3 hours. I know it seems like a lot of time for things people are just going to rip open but I think they will look so cute on the table! Mom and I are both working on the 2nd step when we can so hopefully that will make it go a little quicker. Plus in that 3 hours I cut the paper too and that is all done so now it shouldn’t take that long at all.
We are going to the church today to try to figure out how to decorate there. I really don’t want to do a lot because we have to tear it all down before we leave for the reception. We were just going to do some ribbon along the railing but when we went last week decided that people wouldn’t even see that once everyone was standing up there. We are meeting with the florist who attends the church so hopefully she will have some ideas for us.
This week we are going to start on the books again I think. If we can just get a couple days where we work for a good portion we will be good. Right now it is just attaching all of the parts. Most everything is cut out we just have one more page to do with our address and a place for people to upload pictures too and now we can do that because it is all set up!
Pat just left for his first day at Hertz! I think he was pretty excited to start and even more excited he didn’t have to be there until 10. Hopefully it will be a good experience for him!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Pictures Pictures Pictures
So I have been really bad about putting pictures on here lately 1) Because usually when I have been writing them I have been at school and 2) when I am writing them at home I am usually too lazy to go find my camera! Well today is your lucky day! Pat was emailing some pictures so my card is in my computer ready to go! Here are a montage of pictures from various events!
Sorry there are no captions but blogger is showing the pictures as text right now so I'm not positive what they are in what order! Hope you enjoy!
Sorry there are no captions but blogger is showing the pictures as text right now so I'm not positive what they are in what order! Hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What I Think Heaven Will be Like
Ok maybe not exactly like it but I was pretty ecstatic yesterday when we walked into the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale . It is a giant room full of books that are all 50% off. Usually books from Scholastic aren't that expensive anyway so that makes it even better. I was pretty good yesterday and tried to be a little picky but by the end I had 28 books. Some of those were for Luke and we got one for Matt since he got his staples out yesterday (sorry Layton) but most were for me and my students for next year. I didn't get multiple copies of any book because the books I am interested in teaching next year weren't there but that is ok. I still was able to add to my classroom library. I really think this will be a semi-annual trip for me! I say semi-annual because I think they hold it twice every year, but I could be wrong. The best part was since I signed up early, once I spent $100 I got $25 off! I ended up walking about with 28 books for around $90! That is only about $3 per book! AMAZING! I am so excited to start reading them all!
It's One of Those
no good, feel crappy kind of days.
Yesterday I was starting to feel a little sick because when I woke up my throat was sore but I figured it would go away as the day went on, well it didn't. Then as we were driving home from Columbus I just kept feeling worse and worse. I went to bed early last night but when I got up this morning I felt awful. It was all I could do to stand up and get ready. Thankfully my hair looked ok to throw it in a ponytail and I deemed it a glasses day. I really didn't know if I was going to make it through the whole day but thankfully I am watching movies with the classes today so it is nothing too high energy and so far the kids have been awesome (cross your fingrs that continues). I work the rest of the week as well so hopefully this is just a one day deal! Only 4 1/2 more hours until school is over.
Yesterday I was starting to feel a little sick because when I woke up my throat was sore but I figured it would go away as the day went on, well it didn't. Then as we were driving home from Columbus I just kept feeling worse and worse. I went to bed early last night but when I got up this morning I felt awful. It was all I could do to stand up and get ready. Thankfully my hair looked ok to throw it in a ponytail and I deemed it a glasses day. I really didn't know if I was going to make it through the whole day but thankfully I am watching movies with the classes today so it is nothing too high energy and so far the kids have been awesome (cross your fingrs that continues). I work the rest of the week as well so hopefully this is just a one day deal! Only 4 1/2 more hours until school is over.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Busy Busy Weekend
On Saturday Pat decided that he needed to go shopping to get some new clothes for the working world and I needed some new clothes for the warmer weather so we decided to go to the outlet mall in Lodi and see what we could find. Well we found a lot. I think we ended up shopping for about 3 hours which is probably the longest we have ever gone shopping other than when we did all the Christmas shopping in one day! We did find a lot of great deals though. The only problem was some of the stores weren't true "outlet" malls and things weren't discounted, but that was ok, we just didn't shop there. On the way home we stopped for dinner at Tumbleweed and had the most amazing Chilli Fries ever! When we got home the boys decided they wanted to go swimming so Michelle and I took them and then I can't think of what we did the rest of the night. I know we sat down and talked about what else needed to be done for the wedding and the list just kept getting longer and longer!
Well Sunday was my bridal shower! Michelle and Jennifer put it on for me and it was great! I had pretty much everyone that I am close to there and it was a great time. They played games of course, one was a crossword about Pat and I, another was the Price is Right with household cleaning supplies that were then donated to Pat and I (I hope HE enjoys using them!) and Scattegories with our last name. We also got a lot of GREAT presents! I can't even begin to explain how blessed both Pat and I feel to have such loving friends and family that are willing to help us get our lives started!
After the shower my family sat outside and talked while the boys played in the yard until we decided to have a line dancing party in the building as a warm-up for the reception. It was a lot of fun other than we couldn't remember how to do Louisiana Saturday Night (I think I had it right but nobody else was convinced).
Once we were done with that Pat and I took all the presents to storage for now since we don't have anywhere to put them yet (cross your fingers that we will be moving into a house soon!) There is no more room for anything in the storage building. We have sooooo much stuff in there. Not only the presents but most of Pat's stuff, all of my stuff from college and boxes I have already packed. Moving day is going to be a long day I think!
Speaking of moving day, Pat and I have decided we are just going to move everything in first and then go through stuff later when it is just the two of us. Hopefully it will be a little less stressfull that way and then we will know where everything is. We will definetly need help getting all of the stuff there though if anyone is interested!
I just got a message that Pat got the job at Hertz! YAY!! He will go in for a drug test tomorrow and then hopefully start by the end of the week. I am so excited for him! Now we both have jobs and a house! Now all we need is for this wedding to get here (which is coming faster and faster!)
Well Sunday was my bridal shower! Michelle and Jennifer put it on for me and it was great! I had pretty much everyone that I am close to there and it was a great time. They played games of course, one was a crossword about Pat and I, another was the Price is Right with household cleaning supplies that were then donated to Pat and I (I hope HE enjoys using them!) and Scattegories with our last name. We also got a lot of GREAT presents! I can't even begin to explain how blessed both Pat and I feel to have such loving friends and family that are willing to help us get our lives started!
After the shower my family sat outside and talked while the boys played in the yard until we decided to have a line dancing party in the building as a warm-up for the reception. It was a lot of fun other than we couldn't remember how to do Louisiana Saturday Night (I think I had it right but nobody else was convinced).
Once we were done with that Pat and I took all the presents to storage for now since we don't have anywhere to put them yet (cross your fingers that we will be moving into a house soon!) There is no more room for anything in the storage building. We have sooooo much stuff in there. Not only the presents but most of Pat's stuff, all of my stuff from college and boxes I have already packed. Moving day is going to be a long day I think!
Speaking of moving day, Pat and I have decided we are just going to move everything in first and then go through stuff later when it is just the two of us. Hopefully it will be a little less stressfull that way and then we will know where everything is. We will definetly need help getting all of the stuff there though if anyone is interested!
I just got a message that Pat got the job at Hertz! YAY!! He will go in for a drug test tomorrow and then hopefully start by the end of the week. I am so excited for him! Now we both have jobs and a house! Now all we need is for this wedding to get here (which is coming faster and faster!)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Summer Plans
On top of getting married there are also a lot of day trips I would like to go on this summer. Here are some of my ideas! (Now just to fit them in between weddings, work and volleyball! oh and getting ready to teach!)
Chihuly Illuminated This is an exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art. I saw a brochure for it while we were at Hocking Hills and I think it looks awesome.
COSI Titanic Exhibit Ever since I have heard of this exhibit I have wanted to go. I did a report in elementary school the year before the movie came out and have always been interested in the Titanic. Maybe I could pair this with idea #1?
The Backwoods Festival One day I was admiring some decorations a friend of mine had and asked her where she got them from and she told me it was from this festival and that there were just countless other booths with similar things. I think this is a must do since I will be starting to decorate my own house!
See Lady Antebellum This is one we are going to do because we already bought the tickets! They are playing at the Muskingum County Fair August 20th and we are in the 3rd row! I can't wait. Lady A and fair food...doesn't get much better.
See Luke Bryan Ok I lied it could get better, seeing Luke Bryan and fair food! The only problem with this one is that I am pretty sure I have a volleyball game that night. There is a 2nd performance at 8:30 so depending on where it is I could get there...hmm....The only other time he will be in Ohio this year is the same day as my bachelorette party and I don't think I can miss that one. Luke may have to wait for another year.
The weekend before our wedding we have a wedding to go to and we are of course making the annual trip to Lake Pickeral the weekend after the wedding. The following weekend we have another wedding to attend and at the end of July a wedding reception in Tennessee! I have a feeling this will not be a relaxing summer. Oh well I don't think I would know what to do with myself if it was!
Chihuly Illuminated This is an exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art. I saw a brochure for it while we were at Hocking Hills and I think it looks awesome.
COSI Titanic Exhibit Ever since I have heard of this exhibit I have wanted to go. I did a report in elementary school the year before the movie came out and have always been interested in the Titanic. Maybe I could pair this with idea #1?
The Backwoods Festival One day I was admiring some decorations a friend of mine had and asked her where she got them from and she told me it was from this festival and that there were just countless other booths with similar things. I think this is a must do since I will be starting to decorate my own house!
See Lady Antebellum This is one we are going to do because we already bought the tickets! They are playing at the Muskingum County Fair August 20th and we are in the 3rd row! I can't wait. Lady A and fair food...doesn't get much better.
See Luke Bryan Ok I lied it could get better, seeing Luke Bryan and fair food! The only problem with this one is that I am pretty sure I have a volleyball game that night. There is a 2nd performance at 8:30 so depending on where it is I could get there...hmm....The only other time he will be in Ohio this year is the same day as my bachelorette party and I don't think I can miss that one. Luke may have to wait for another year.
The weekend before our wedding we have a wedding to go to and we are of course making the annual trip to Lake Pickeral the weekend after the wedding. The following weekend we have another wedding to attend and at the end of July a wedding reception in Tennessee! I have a feeling this will not be a relaxing summer. Oh well I don't think I would know what to do with myself if it was!
Friday, May 7, 2010
It's a Little Weird...
to think that this is going to be the last time at Rio.
I know Pat and I will be back to visit especially for Alpha Sig stuff but it won't be the same. Most likely we will never be in the dorms again, we won't know as many people and countless other things. I have been graduated for a year (CRAZY) but everytime I came to visit it wasn't that different because most of the same people were here and I always came to the same dorm that I lived in for 3 years. I guess I am just sentimental but Rio has meant so much to me and I always think how lucky I am to have decided to come to Rio instead of some other options. I got to play college volleyball, met some of the best friends, lived close to my sister for three years and met the love of my life. I don't think you can get much more than that as far as I'm concerned.
Tomorrow will be bittersweet. I think sometimes a little more for me than Pat. He usually doesn't get sentimental about this kind of stuff and I do. It will be great because we will both be done with college (for now) and we will be one step closer to being married, but also there won't be anymore playing corn hole on the first nice day of spring, going to Jimo's or walking around campus late at night (we have about a 0 crime rate here is good ol' Rio). I am sure I have said it before on here but I am going to say it again, I'm just not sure about all this growing up stuff!
I know Pat and I will be back to visit especially for Alpha Sig stuff but it won't be the same. Most likely we will never be in the dorms again, we won't know as many people and countless other things. I have been graduated for a year (CRAZY) but everytime I came to visit it wasn't that different because most of the same people were here and I always came to the same dorm that I lived in for 3 years. I guess I am just sentimental but Rio has meant so much to me and I always think how lucky I am to have decided to come to Rio instead of some other options. I got to play college volleyball, met some of the best friends, lived close to my sister for three years and met the love of my life. I don't think you can get much more than that as far as I'm concerned.
Tomorrow will be bittersweet. I think sometimes a little more for me than Pat. He usually doesn't get sentimental about this kind of stuff and I do. It will be great because we will both be done with college (for now) and we will be one step closer to being married, but also there won't be anymore playing corn hole on the first nice day of spring, going to Jimo's or walking around campus late at night (we have about a 0 crime rate here is good ol' Rio). I am sure I have said it before on here but I am going to say it again, I'm just not sure about all this growing up stuff!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
RSVP's
HOLY COW! I did not expect to get so many RSVP's so quickly. I guess I am just used to not sending in the RSVP until the last day or thinking about it and then sending it in. Today's grand total is 85 people already! I sent out the invites last week! I'm not going to lie it is pretty exciting to come home and see which ones I get everyday. I like that they aren't all coming the same day either. I get about 4 a day so that keeps the excitement going. As you can tell it doesn't take a lot to get me excited these days!
Only 5 more softball games this year. Only 4 for me. I am missing Friday's game because Brian and Andrea's wedding is Friday! We are leaving Thursday afternoon to go up for rehearsal (the dinner is at Jeds YAY) and then the big day is Friday. Sometimes coaching is so frustrating but then other times I love doing it. I really do have a great group of girls and have had very little problems with them outside of playing softball. They seem to all get along which is amazing with teenage girls. I just wish sometimes they would be a little more bothered with losing then sometimes they act like.
Well I am going to bed so I can have some energy for 2nd graders tomorrow!
Only 5 more softball games this year. Only 4 for me. I am missing Friday's game because Brian and Andrea's wedding is Friday! We are leaving Thursday afternoon to go up for rehearsal (the dinner is at Jeds YAY) and then the big day is Friday. Sometimes coaching is so frustrating but then other times I love doing it. I really do have a great group of girls and have had very little problems with them outside of playing softball. They seem to all get along which is amazing with teenage girls. I just wish sometimes they would be a little more bothered with losing then sometimes they act like.
Well I am going to bed so I can have some energy for 2nd graders tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk....
That is how my day started, spilled milk. I was subbing in a kindergarten class today and before all the kids even got in the room a little girl spilled her entire carton, jug, container of milk. If you have never used the old brown paper towels to try to pick up a liquid mess it is not fun. They do not absorb much and I ended up pushing most of the milk in the trashcan rather than actually picking it up.
Everyday that I sub I realize more and more why I did not go into Early Education. I don’t mind being in those classrooms every once in a while but it is not something I could do every day. The kids need constant attention and very specific directions.
Today I was lucky enough to experience craft day. The craft was really neat making a ladybug out of paper plate with dots on each wing and when you open the wings then a math equation is on the body saying how many dots the ladybug has. Well today was the first day the kids talked about adding and I do not do the best at explaining what adding is. I thought I did a pretty good job when we talked about it and the kids seemed to get it but then trying to apply it was a different story. I had to have some moments when I had to stop and tell the kids that they would probably not be acting this way if their teacher was there and that worked for a little while. The kids aren’t bad but they wear me out! Kudos to all those that teach the young ones, they do a great job and have much patience!
Well invitations are in the mail other than maybe 5 that I have to still put together. I really just wanted to get them in the mail so instead of waiting on just a few to be done I put most in the mail and finished the others tonight. So far I think people have liked them. They are different and I LOVE them. I am so glad we didn’t give in a buy the ones we wanted originally. I wish we would have taken pictures of all the different stages we went through to get to our final project. I will post a picture soon!
Everyday that I sub I realize more and more why I did not go into Early Education. I don’t mind being in those classrooms every once in a while but it is not something I could do every day. The kids need constant attention and very specific directions.
Today I was lucky enough to experience craft day. The craft was really neat making a ladybug out of paper plate with dots on each wing and when you open the wings then a math equation is on the body saying how many dots the ladybug has. Well today was the first day the kids talked about adding and I do not do the best at explaining what adding is. I thought I did a pretty good job when we talked about it and the kids seemed to get it but then trying to apply it was a different story. I had to have some moments when I had to stop and tell the kids that they would probably not be acting this way if their teacher was there and that worked for a little while. The kids aren’t bad but they wear me out! Kudos to all those that teach the young ones, they do a great job and have much patience!
Well invitations are in the mail other than maybe 5 that I have to still put together. I really just wanted to get them in the mail so instead of waiting on just a few to be done I put most in the mail and finished the others tonight. So far I think people have liked them. They are different and I LOVE them. I am so glad we didn’t give in a buy the ones we wanted originally. I wish we would have taken pictures of all the different stages we went through to get to our final project. I will post a picture soon!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
GREAT NEWS!!!
Well shortly after I wrote my last post I found out I got the job! Mr. Rinkes came over to the softball field to tell me before the game and I appreciated it so much. I had told myself I wouldn't know until Thursday but finding out a day earlier was fine with me! Now I really need to get my stuff organized and figure out a way to get all my ideas into action in a high school classroom! Now we need to find something for Pat and a house to live in.
In other news, softball is going well. It has been a little crazy with cancellations and injuries and what not. We only have 3 weeks left in the season which feels crazy since it feels like we just started our games. I guess we did because with softball you have to get so many games into just 1 month.
We worked on some more wedding stuff today. Invitations went in the mail today. There are still a few that I need addresses or stamps for but the majority went in the mail today! It feels pretty good to have them all done and on their way! We worked on the books today and while it feels like we didn't get much done we really did when I think about it. I worked on just one page and got them almost done for 80 books. It is just when you look at it and think I only got one page done it doesn't seem like much. Once we get all the pages done and can put them together though it won't take long at all!
That is all for now! Everyone have a great week!
In other news, softball is going well. It has been a little crazy with cancellations and injuries and what not. We only have 3 weeks left in the season which feels crazy since it feels like we just started our games. I guess we did because with softball you have to get so many games into just 1 month.
We worked on some more wedding stuff today. Invitations went in the mail today. There are still a few that I need addresses or stamps for but the majority went in the mail today! It feels pretty good to have them all done and on their way! We worked on the books today and while it feels like we didn't get much done we really did when I think about it. I worked on just one page and got them almost done for 80 books. It is just when you look at it and think I only got one page done it doesn't seem like much. Once we get all the pages done and can put them together though it won't take long at all!
That is all for now! Everyone have a great week!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Just a quick update
Well I am done working for the day because my last class had art so I thought I would take a second and update some things going on
Invitations should be in the mail this week! We are getting the stamps today and I am going to try to put them on envelopes tonight and tomorrow night so we can get them in the mail. It is hard to believe next week is the 2 month mark!
We started mass production on the books. We have a lot of them started and it hasn't taken too long so as far as we can tell we are ahead of schedule on them! I love the idea and can't wait to hear people reaction to them. I think they are just a neat keepsake and have never seen anyone else do something like it!
The programs are still a work in progress. Aunt Elaine has started to play around with them a little but nothing is set with those yet. The only other thing is (are?) the dreaded tablecloths! We still don't have them ordered or even know where we are getting them from.
We have 6 games this week for softball and tonight after the game we have volleyball open gym. I have also started the 30 day challenge on Wii Active and it is working! Wii Fit was ok but Wii Active really works you. Plus it gives you premade workouts to follow and you do different activities each day. I also went for a walk with Darcy at Lake Park last night because I have been really slacking on my Couch to 5K.
I am still waiting to hear about the job! They said they would probably make a decision by yesterday but I haven't heard anything. I'm not at the high school today either so I will probably have to go another day without hearing anything! This is driving me crazy! I guess all good things come to those who wait!
Well I better head to the softball field!
Invitations should be in the mail this week! We are getting the stamps today and I am going to try to put them on envelopes tonight and tomorrow night so we can get them in the mail. It is hard to believe next week is the 2 month mark!
We started mass production on the books. We have a lot of them started and it hasn't taken too long so as far as we can tell we are ahead of schedule on them! I love the idea and can't wait to hear people reaction to them. I think they are just a neat keepsake and have never seen anyone else do something like it!
The programs are still a work in progress. Aunt Elaine has started to play around with them a little but nothing is set with those yet. The only other thing is (are?) the dreaded tablecloths! We still don't have them ordered or even know where we are getting them from.
We have 6 games this week for softball and tonight after the game we have volleyball open gym. I have also started the 30 day challenge on Wii Active and it is working! Wii Fit was ok but Wii Active really works you. Plus it gives you premade workouts to follow and you do different activities each day. I also went for a walk with Darcy at Lake Park last night because I have been really slacking on my Couch to 5K.
I am still waiting to hear about the job! They said they would probably make a decision by yesterday but I haven't heard anything. I'm not at the high school today either so I will probably have to go another day without hearing anything! This is driving me crazy! I guess all good things come to those who wait!
Well I better head to the softball field!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
My Head is Spinning
I don't even know which way is up right now!I feel like everytime I have time to sit down and relax there is something else that needs done.
First softball has started and that means games about everyday. I always thought softball was more laid back than volleyball while I was playing but I think it is opposite with softball. I have to write 4 line-up cards which you wouldn't think would be real tough but it takes time and when you make one change you have to make sure you change it everywhere! I am also seeing how hard it is to keep everyone engaged during practice too. Everything is so specialized in softball it is hard to work everyone in and we don't have enough to really simulate real-life situations. On top of that games are just about everyday because you only have about 1 month to get a whole season in, so practices are few and far between and I have the fear of burning out the girls so I hate to make them practice on all their off days. And that is just the surface. I won't go on you are probably already bored and not reading this if you are even reading it! The past two days have just been frustrating with us losing in the last inning and it seems like our girls aren't even affected by it.
My second interview is this week as well. It was supposed to be Friday but today it was just changed to Thursday. It seems like forever since my first one and I am ready for this one. I just would like to know something. I know that whoever is best qualified for the job will get it and whether that is me or not I have been preparing myself. I don't want to get my hopes up and then it not happen! I guess we will find out soon.
Wedding planning is getting back into the swing of things. We are starting to work on the books again and the invitations are ready! I go to pick the printing part up tomorrow and the part that we made is all done as well so we can start assembling! I will post a picture once we have sent them out but I want to keep it a surprise for anyone that may be getting one. ( I am sure if you are reading this you are getting one!) The suits have been ordered as well and the concrete has been poured in the building. I still can't believe we are almost there!
I have some video of Easter and some pictures but haven't had time to upload them so I will try to do that soon!
First softball has started and that means games about everyday. I always thought softball was more laid back than volleyball while I was playing but I think it is opposite with softball. I have to write 4 line-up cards which you wouldn't think would be real tough but it takes time and when you make one change you have to make sure you change it everywhere! I am also seeing how hard it is to keep everyone engaged during practice too. Everything is so specialized in softball it is hard to work everyone in and we don't have enough to really simulate real-life situations. On top of that games are just about everyday because you only have about 1 month to get a whole season in, so practices are few and far between and I have the fear of burning out the girls so I hate to make them practice on all their off days. And that is just the surface. I won't go on you are probably already bored and not reading this if you are even reading it! The past two days have just been frustrating with us losing in the last inning and it seems like our girls aren't even affected by it.
My second interview is this week as well. It was supposed to be Friday but today it was just changed to Thursday. It seems like forever since my first one and I am ready for this one. I just would like to know something. I know that whoever is best qualified for the job will get it and whether that is me or not I have been preparing myself. I don't want to get my hopes up and then it not happen! I guess we will find out soon.
Wedding planning is getting back into the swing of things. We are starting to work on the books again and the invitations are ready! I go to pick the printing part up tomorrow and the part that we made is all done as well so we can start assembling! I will post a picture once we have sent them out but I want to keep it a surprise for anyone that may be getting one. ( I am sure if you are reading this you are getting one!) The suits have been ordered as well and the concrete has been poured in the building. I still can't believe we are almost there!
I have some video of Easter and some pictures but haven't had time to upload them so I will try to do that soon!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
New Author
Well thanks to Jennifer I have found a new author I like. She isn't new to writing but she is new to us. Her name is Kristin Hannah We both read her book True Colors. Here is what the synopsis says about the book.
The Grey sisters have always been close. After their mother’s death, the girls banded together, becoming best friends. Their stern, disapproving father cares less about his children than about his reputation. To Henry Grey, appearances are everything, and years later, he still demands that his daughters reflect his standing in the community.
Winona, the oldest, needs her father’s approval most of all. An overweight bookworm who never felt at home on the sprawling horse ranch that has been in her family for three generations, she knows that she doesn’t have the qualities her father values. But as the best lawyer in town, she’s determined to someday find a way to prove her worth to him.
Aurora, the middle sister, is the family peacemaker. She brokers every dispute and tries to keep them all happy, even as she hides her own secret pain.
Vivi Ann is the undisputed star of the family. A stunningly beautiful dreamer with a heart as big as the ocean in front of her house, she is adored by all who know her. Everything comes easily for Vivi Ann, until a stranger comes to town…
In a matter of moments, everything will change. The Grey sisters will be pitted against one another in ways that none could have imagined. Loyalties will be tested and secrets revealed, and a terrible, shocking crime will shatter both their family and their beloved town.
With breathtaking pace and penetrating emotional insight, True Colors is an unforgettable novel about sisters, rivalry, forgiveness, redemption---and ultimately, what it means to be a family.
Jennifer had said the book was great but I had a lot of books checked out from the library so I kept putting it off. My pile of books had finally shrunk so I snuck it it. I was a little daunted by the size because I am still trying to read as many YA books so I have plenty of recommendations for my students but even with it being almost 500 pages long, I finished it in 5 days. It was hard to put down and it kept me interested the entire time. I especially enjoyed the 3 sisters aspect. While we don't get to all see each other very often I feel like my sisters and I are pretty close especially now that we are older. If you are looking for a good book this is one I would recommend.
Next book: The Titan's Curse- The third book of the Percy Jackson series (I am already about halfway through thanks to being in Mrs. Neal's class one day while the kids had independent work!)Thank goodness I can read while I walk and make sure kids are staying on task!
The Grey sisters have always been close. After their mother’s death, the girls banded together, becoming best friends. Their stern, disapproving father cares less about his children than about his reputation. To Henry Grey, appearances are everything, and years later, he still demands that his daughters reflect his standing in the community.
Winona, the oldest, needs her father’s approval most of all. An overweight bookworm who never felt at home on the sprawling horse ranch that has been in her family for three generations, she knows that she doesn’t have the qualities her father values. But as the best lawyer in town, she’s determined to someday find a way to prove her worth to him.
Aurora, the middle sister, is the family peacemaker. She brokers every dispute and tries to keep them all happy, even as she hides her own secret pain.
Vivi Ann is the undisputed star of the family. A stunningly beautiful dreamer with a heart as big as the ocean in front of her house, she is adored by all who know her. Everything comes easily for Vivi Ann, until a stranger comes to town…
In a matter of moments, everything will change. The Grey sisters will be pitted against one another in ways that none could have imagined. Loyalties will be tested and secrets revealed, and a terrible, shocking crime will shatter both their family and their beloved town.
With breathtaking pace and penetrating emotional insight, True Colors is an unforgettable novel about sisters, rivalry, forgiveness, redemption---and ultimately, what it means to be a family.
Jennifer had said the book was great but I had a lot of books checked out from the library so I kept putting it off. My pile of books had finally shrunk so I snuck it it. I was a little daunted by the size because I am still trying to read as many YA books so I have plenty of recommendations for my students but even with it being almost 500 pages long, I finished it in 5 days. It was hard to put down and it kept me interested the entire time. I especially enjoyed the 3 sisters aspect. While we don't get to all see each other very often I feel like my sisters and I are pretty close especially now that we are older. If you are looking for a good book this is one I would recommend.
Next book: The Titan's Curse- The third book of the Percy Jackson series (I am already about halfway through thanks to being in Mrs. Neal's class one day while the kids had independent work!)Thank goodness I can read while I walk and make sure kids are staying on task!
Amazing Race
I just got done watching this week's amazing race and thought I would write some of my thoughts about the show. First I think it would be amazing to be on the show. The only downside is that you are racing through all the countries so you can't really stop to enjoy the scenery, but how many other people can say they have done all that the contestants get to do. It would be hard to pick who to go on there with. Obviously I would pick Pat. While we would probably get into some heated discussions on how to do things, I still think we would do pretty well and we tend to work well together when we put our minds to it. The thing that would be our Achille's heel would be getting places. We are awful about directions especailly being each others navigators (that is why we love TomTom usually). I think we complement each other in a lot of ways too. Whatever I am scared of he is fine with doing so on Detours or Roadblocks I think we would be ok unless they were way out there. I'm sure we will never try to get on the show but out of all the shows this is definetly in the top 3 of ones that I would like to go on (Jeopardy and Here Come the Newlyweds being the others)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weekend Update
Well as lazy as I felt this weekend I did quite a lot. Friday we had practice until 6 and then I came home and the boys were in the pool swimming and wanted me to come in with them, so I did. Layton is not scared of the water at all. He kept wanting to take his waterwings off and swim without them, but he eventually consented and kept them on. The boys ended up staying in the pool for about 2 hours with Mom but I came in early to work on some stuff for my interview.
Yes I had an interview on Saturday morning! It was at River View and I think it went pretty well, I will find out at the end of this week so I am sure this week will drag on.
Saturday night I went to Columbus and went on Girl's Night out with Katie. We had such a good time. We started out at the Candle Lab where we all made our own candles. Mine was Rhubarb Pie. It was a little hard to get all the oils to make the right scent but it turned out good. Then we went to Caffe Daniella where we had some good Italian food. It was pretty neat because all these stores are right next to each other and they work together. Caffe Daniella let us take our food over to House Wine so we could eat over there and enjoy some wine. They had a wine tasting machine where they gave you a card and you could put it into the machine and try the different wines that were in the machine. I'm not a big wine person but it was nice to try all the different wines without having to buy a whole bottle.
Today went to church and then just had a pretty lazy day till the boys came back down to swim again. They swam for 2 hours again and Luke was exhausted. When it came to dinner time he was falling asleep on his plate.
Work this week is a little sparse right now but that is ok. I am watching Layton so he will probably wear me out more than a classroom full of kids!
Yes I had an interview on Saturday morning! It was at River View and I think it went pretty well, I will find out at the end of this week so I am sure this week will drag on.
Saturday night I went to Columbus and went on Girl's Night out with Katie. We had such a good time. We started out at the Candle Lab where we all made our own candles. Mine was Rhubarb Pie. It was a little hard to get all the oils to make the right scent but it turned out good. Then we went to Caffe Daniella where we had some good Italian food. It was pretty neat because all these stores are right next to each other and they work together. Caffe Daniella let us take our food over to House Wine so we could eat over there and enjoy some wine. They had a wine tasting machine where they gave you a card and you could put it into the machine and try the different wines that were in the machine. I'm not a big wine person but it was nice to try all the different wines without having to buy a whole bottle.
Today went to church and then just had a pretty lazy day till the boys came back down to swim again. They swam for 2 hours again and Luke was exhausted. When it came to dinner time he was falling asleep on his plate.
Work this week is a little sparse right now but that is ok. I am watching Layton so he will probably wear me out more than a classroom full of kids!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Another good show....
So I think I need to start watching shows when they premier rather than starting when they are almost in their last season. Thanks to Netflix (have I said how much I LOVE Netflix?) I have started watching Lost.
From what I had seen before I never thought I would like the show but I am almost done with Season 1 and really like it. I don't know what it is about the show but it is great and I am hooked on it. Every episode you learn a little more to the puzzle and then they open up another mystery. I keep trying to figure out the people but so far have got none of them right or even close! If you haven't seen it yet I suggest you give it a try! It is never too late, plus you don't have to wait months for the next season to come out!
From what I had seen before I never thought I would like the show but I am almost done with Season 1 and really like it. I don't know what it is about the show but it is great and I am hooked on it. Every episode you learn a little more to the puzzle and then they open up another mystery. I keep trying to figure out the people but so far have got none of them right or even close! If you haven't seen it yet I suggest you give it a try! It is never too late, plus you don't have to wait months for the next season to come out!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Birthday Party
Yes I am 23 and we still have a birthday party for me. Honestly I think it is more of a reason just to get together as a family then anything else, and that is fine by me! I love my family and am so blessed to have them all. They have always been so supportive and helping through the years. I have had a lot of ball games through the years and multiple other activities and I can't remember one thing that I didn't have some family member present. That always meant so much to me. I think that is why it breaks my heart when I am coaching and I see some of my kids that their parents never come to games other than to pick them up. I understand that some parents have to work and our games do start at 5 so it is hard to make it, but then I look at where they work and I know they could make it.
I remember one of my friends in high school that his dad didn't even come to his high school graduation and acted like it was no big deal. I couldn't believe it! My dad gave up time in the fields to come to my softball games and that was huge for him! Also when I was in collge my mom would drive 3 hours to watch a maybe 2 hour game and then drive 3 hours back home. And she almost always brought some type of food. It really makes me realize how lucky I am to have the family I have and the people who may not be blood related but have become family through the years. So if you happen to be one of those people and are reading this then I just want to tell you thank you and I love you!
I remember one of my friends in high school that his dad didn't even come to his high school graduation and acted like it was no big deal. I couldn't believe it! My dad gave up time in the fields to come to my softball games and that was huge for him! Also when I was in collge my mom would drive 3 hours to watch a maybe 2 hour game and then drive 3 hours back home. And she almost always brought some type of food. It really makes me realize how lucky I am to have the family I have and the people who may not be blood related but have become family through the years. So if you happen to be one of those people and are reading this then I just want to tell you thank you and I love you!
Friday, February 19, 2010
I have been busy!
Well for the past few days I have been taking full advantage of having a snow day!
Aunt Elaine and I have been working on getting our little books together and I must day I love them! I just hope that people have fun with them at the wedding, which I think they will. Here is a little sneak peek of what they look like.
The paper that is the background is also going to be used on some of our favors and we had that made from an amazing girl! She has been able to do everything I have asked her (she is also doing our invitations) and had dealt with us changing our minds multiple times (we just did again). It has taken us about 3 days to get it just how we like and we are still working on some elements, but for the most part we are ready to go. Today I cut out a lot of the elements now we are just waiting on the chipboard to arrive so we can adhere the papers to them and embellish!
Oh and I am almost done addressing envelopes! It really didn't take as long as I thought and I think I only have about 50 left. Some of those are because I don't have addresses and others are because I am not sure how to address them exactly. We aren't doing the inside envelope ( I know gasp!) but I just don't see the point so I have just been putting & family instead of listing all the members of the family and I'm not sure if that applies to some of the ones I have left!
Well I think that is all the exciting news for now! Have a good weekend!
Aunt Elaine and I have been working on getting our little books together and I must day I love them! I just hope that people have fun with them at the wedding, which I think they will. Here is a little sneak peek of what they look like.
The paper that is the background is also going to be used on some of our favors and we had that made from an amazing girl! She has been able to do everything I have asked her (she is also doing our invitations) and had dealt with us changing our minds multiple times (we just did again). It has taken us about 3 days to get it just how we like and we are still working on some elements, but for the most part we are ready to go. Today I cut out a lot of the elements now we are just waiting on the chipboard to arrive so we can adhere the papers to them and embellish!
Oh and I am almost done addressing envelopes! It really didn't take as long as I thought and I think I only have about 50 left. Some of those are because I don't have addresses and others are because I am not sure how to address them exactly. We aren't doing the inside envelope ( I know gasp!) but I just don't see the point so I have just been putting & family instead of listing all the members of the family and I'm not sure if that applies to some of the ones I have left!
Well I think that is all the exciting news for now! Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wedding Update
Well today on snow day #12 I headed to Aunt Elaine's to work on our table books. We are making little books out of chipboard to put on our tables at the reception. They are so cute and I love them. They are going to be a lot of work I am afraid though. I hope we can make all the elements seperate and then get an assembly line going to make it a little easier. We got pretty much everything decided on and got one completely put together today so that is the hardest part (we hope)!
I also have all the paper for the favors and we got a lottery ticket so now we can measure them and start making them too.
Also I am getting more envelopes tomorrow so hopefully I can get more of those out of the way!
Invitations are still a work in progress, it seems like just when we think we found something we like we find something else we want to do with them and it changes. They will all come together soon because we are going to have to send them soon!
I started to work on our guestbook pages as well and found out how I wanted to do the pockets isn't going to work so I have a new pattern that makes me cut out odd shapes and won't be as easy as the ones I made tonight, but hopefully they will work. I am wanting to have a scrapbook where people take a picture of themselves at the reception and then we will put the pictures in the book later, but to the side of the picture is a folder that people will slide a business card that they have written a note to us on.
Only 122 days left!!
I also have all the paper for the favors and we got a lottery ticket so now we can measure them and start making them too.
Also I am getting more envelopes tomorrow so hopefully I can get more of those out of the way!
Invitations are still a work in progress, it seems like just when we think we found something we like we find something else we want to do with them and it changes. They will all come together soon because we are going to have to send them soon!
I started to work on our guestbook pages as well and found out how I wanted to do the pockets isn't going to work so I have a new pattern that makes me cut out odd shapes and won't be as easy as the ones I made tonight, but hopefully they will work. I am wanting to have a scrapbook where people take a picture of themselves at the reception and then we will put the pictures in the book later, but to the side of the picture is a folder that people will slide a business card that they have written a note to us on.
Only 122 days left!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Gifts
Well I guess in my last post I forgot to tell about the presents we each received for Valentine's Day. I got Pat a gift card to Woodbury's which I planned on him using at the Virtual Hunt but it was down so he ended up getting a new rest for his bow which worked out perfectly because his what about shot. I also got his a new release for his bow! I think he was pretty happy with my choice.
Pat got me a new necklace! I don't have my camera right now so I can't show you a picture of it but it looks like a combination of the Love Knot and the Love's Embrace necklaces. For my birthday he got me a picture of two black bears lying in a tree and our initials are carved in the tree. I tried to find a picture online to show you but I can't find it! Sorry! I am hoping to do our entire family room in black bear so that will fit right in!
Well no school again tomorrow. That is snow day #12 and and 11 straight days we have not been in school. I think I have done everything I can possibly do for the wedding right now except the favors but we have to wait to get what goes inside of them to start making them to make sure we are making them into the right size. Hopefully I will get them tomorrow so we can get a start on that. I was going to start working on making the guest book as well but I don't have the materials for that either and I don't want to get them until Hobby Lobby puts the materials on sale because I know it will happen soon! I got 25 envelopes addressed and ready to go and am just waiting on the rest of the envelopes to come in the mail.
So now what to do tomorrow....
Oh and P.S. I am up to 11 books already this year. LOOK!! ------->
Pat got me a new necklace! I don't have my camera right now so I can't show you a picture of it but it looks like a combination of the Love Knot and the Love's Embrace necklaces. For my birthday he got me a picture of two black bears lying in a tree and our initials are carved in the tree. I tried to find a picture online to show you but I can't find it! Sorry! I am hoping to do our entire family room in black bear so that will fit right in!
Well no school again tomorrow. That is snow day #12 and and 11 straight days we have not been in school. I think I have done everything I can possibly do for the wedding right now except the favors but we have to wait to get what goes inside of them to start making them to make sure we are making them into the right size. Hopefully I will get them tomorrow so we can get a start on that. I was going to start working on making the guest book as well but I don't have the materials for that either and I don't want to get them until Hobby Lobby puts the materials on sale because I know it will happen soon! I got 25 envelopes addressed and ready to go and am just waiting on the rest of the envelopes to come in the mail.
So now what to do tomorrow....
Oh and P.S. I am up to 11 books already this year. LOOK!! ------->
Monday, February 15, 2010
Valentine's Day/ My Birthday
What a fun filled weekend! Ok not really a weekend more of a week. With snow falling from the sky we have still not returned to school and with new snow falling it isn't looking good for tomorrow either.
Starting on Wednesday Darcy and I decided to have a movie marathon because we were bored. We ended up renting 5 movies and got through 3. We watched Love Happens, All About Steve and Julie and Julia. Here is my take on each:
Love Happens: It was an ok movie. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if Jennifer Aniston hadn't been in it. The story didn't really evolve and I was expecting more romance so it was a bit of a disappointment.
All About Steve: Do not watch this. I had heard it wasn't the best movie but with Sandra Bullock and the other guy (I can't think of his name, the cute Matthew McConahey looking guy from Hangover) I figured it couldn't be horrible. It may not have been horrible because I did laugh at some parts but I'm not sure if that was because it was truly funny or if it was so stupid it was funny.
Julie and Julia: My favorite movie of the night. At points it did seem to drag out and this was not my favorite of Amy Adams movies (I don't think she can top Enchanted) it was still good. I also didn't realize it was based on a true story which I think made it better. We actually fell asleep during this one and didn't see the end but when I got home the next day and went through the mail I saw my new Netflix movie and low and behold it was this movie so I got to watch the end.
Then on Thursday we went to see Dear John. Great movie! I have been hearing a lot of negative comments about this movie and here is my theory why: This is one of the first movies that I have seen and heard a lot of people actually reading the book before they went to see it. NEWSFLASH, when they make a book into a movie they leave things out and change things. I know it is hard to deal with it but I have gotten to the point where I am expecting things to be different and have fun seeing how they fit it all into a movie. OR people didn't like the ending because it didn't end how they thought it should. That is what is great about Nicholas Sparks, he doesn't write for the happy endings, he writes how it usually ends. Most of his books follow that pattern.
Friday came and Pat came up. He had said for a while he wanted to go on a "fancy" date so I gave in. We went to Maria Adonrettos. It didn't have much of a selection but what we got was really good. Their soup of the day was Lobster Bisque so right there I was pretty happy.
After dinner we decided since we were already in Zanesville we would go to Kohls and register. WHAT FUN! Pat wouldn't let me hold the gun but we did pretty good. We had decided we were going to ask for whatever we wanted because if people wanted to get it for us they could and if they didn't we weren't out anything. This is probably the only time we could do this so why not. Plus I hate when I go on registries and they don't have very much and most of it has already been bought! I also like that we can get online and change things, which we already have.
Saturday we met with Suzanne our caterer and got our menu set for the wedding so another thing checked off the list! Yay! Then we went to Luke's basketball game. It is so much fun to watch them evolve and get better. After his game we headed to Newark to register at Target. We didn't think we had much more to get but ended up getting quite a few things! It was fun again! The only problem we ran into was not knowing where we are going to live so we don't know what all we will need but again we can always add things later!
Sunday we went to church and then made a lunch of BLT's and Jalepeno Poppers. We usually don't do well in the kitchen together because we tend to get in each others way but this time we did pretty well. I think it was because we each had our jobs and just stuck to those. Sunday night we went to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Pat wasn't real excited to go but I think he still liked it. Another movie based on a book and they changed A LOT. I still enjoyed it though.
Today was a pretty lazy day and really didn't seem like my birthday other than the phone calls and messages on Facebook. Lora and I were talking on the phone and this is the first birthday in 4 years that we haven't been together. We hadn't talked for two weeks which was really weird but we both just kept missing each other.
Well I think this is probably long enough and if you have even made it to this point you are probably waiting for me to end it so I will!
Starting on Wednesday Darcy and I decided to have a movie marathon because we were bored. We ended up renting 5 movies and got through 3. We watched Love Happens, All About Steve and Julie and Julia. Here is my take on each:
Love Happens: It was an ok movie. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if Jennifer Aniston hadn't been in it. The story didn't really evolve and I was expecting more romance so it was a bit of a disappointment.
All About Steve: Do not watch this. I had heard it wasn't the best movie but with Sandra Bullock and the other guy (I can't think of his name, the cute Matthew McConahey looking guy from Hangover) I figured it couldn't be horrible. It may not have been horrible because I did laugh at some parts but I'm not sure if that was because it was truly funny or if it was so stupid it was funny.
Julie and Julia: My favorite movie of the night. At points it did seem to drag out and this was not my favorite of Amy Adams movies (I don't think she can top Enchanted) it was still good. I also didn't realize it was based on a true story which I think made it better. We actually fell asleep during this one and didn't see the end but when I got home the next day and went through the mail I saw my new Netflix movie and low and behold it was this movie so I got to watch the end.
Then on Thursday we went to see Dear John. Great movie! I have been hearing a lot of negative comments about this movie and here is my theory why: This is one of the first movies that I have seen and heard a lot of people actually reading the book before they went to see it. NEWSFLASH, when they make a book into a movie they leave things out and change things. I know it is hard to deal with it but I have gotten to the point where I am expecting things to be different and have fun seeing how they fit it all into a movie. OR people didn't like the ending because it didn't end how they thought it should. That is what is great about Nicholas Sparks, he doesn't write for the happy endings, he writes how it usually ends. Most of his books follow that pattern.
Friday came and Pat came up. He had said for a while he wanted to go on a "fancy" date so I gave in. We went to Maria Adonrettos. It didn't have much of a selection but what we got was really good. Their soup of the day was Lobster Bisque so right there I was pretty happy.
After dinner we decided since we were already in Zanesville we would go to Kohls and register. WHAT FUN! Pat wouldn't let me hold the gun but we did pretty good. We had decided we were going to ask for whatever we wanted because if people wanted to get it for us they could and if they didn't we weren't out anything. This is probably the only time we could do this so why not. Plus I hate when I go on registries and they don't have very much and most of it has already been bought! I also like that we can get online and change things, which we already have.
Saturday we met with Suzanne our caterer and got our menu set for the wedding so another thing checked off the list! Yay! Then we went to Luke's basketball game. It is so much fun to watch them evolve and get better. After his game we headed to Newark to register at Target. We didn't think we had much more to get but ended up getting quite a few things! It was fun again! The only problem we ran into was not knowing where we are going to live so we don't know what all we will need but again we can always add things later!
Sunday we went to church and then made a lunch of BLT's and Jalepeno Poppers. We usually don't do well in the kitchen together because we tend to get in each others way but this time we did pretty well. I think it was because we each had our jobs and just stuck to those. Sunday night we went to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Pat wasn't real excited to go but I think he still liked it. Another movie based on a book and they changed A LOT. I still enjoyed it though.
Today was a pretty lazy day and really didn't seem like my birthday other than the phone calls and messages on Facebook. Lora and I were talking on the phone and this is the first birthday in 4 years that we haven't been together. We hadn't talked for two weeks which was really weird but we both just kept missing each other.
Well I think this is probably long enough and if you have even made it to this point you are probably waiting for me to end it so I will!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tabbed
Well nothing too exciting has been going on other than 10 days since we have been in school. While it is nice to have some time off I am not getting paid. Also I don't have any days scheduled next week yet so that isn't looking good either! Oh well.
I have been spending a lot of time getting wedding stuff organized and seemed to have gotten some things done (we now only have 13 addresses to collect and I met with the florist!) but I know there is still a lot to do. I was hoping to meet with the girl that is doing our favor paper and invitations to get the envelopes so I could be addressing those, but because of the weather we were never able to meet. She did send them UPS today so hopefully I will get a package tomorrow. Even if I don't work next week I can address and start making favors! I kept looking at how many days we have left but then I was thinking, it is only 4 months away. That doesn't seem nearly as long as the 129 days! I am sure we will get it all done. Or that may just be wishful thinking. The main thing right now is finding tableclothes.
So I guess I had more to say then I thought but when I started this I was planning on talking about my tabs. On the new Windows Explorer (well I guess it isn't that new anymore) there are tabs to open new windows and when you open a new tab it tells you your most frequented websites. Well here are mine:
Yes Facebook is first. It is sad I am trying not to check it as often and have been doing decent too because honestly it is a little boring.
Yahoo is next because that is my email.
In 3rd place is Blogger because well I have now started to check blogs more than Facebook.
4th Coshocton Tribune, usually to check to Obituaries. I know that is morbid but honestly very rarely do they have a story I am interested in!
Netflix follows and I love this site! Not only is it great to get movies in the mail but you can also watch them online. This has helped to feed my recent Office watching spree!
River View: Hopefully my future employer. I kept checking it for the employment opportunities and now it is to see if school is cancelled.
Hotmail is my other email and also my homepage so it actally opens everytime I open the internet but it must not count that, just when I revisit it.
Good ol' Rio. I like to get on here and read the news stories to see what is going on.
Coshocton Public Library comes in last. I have been spending a lot of time on this site ordering book and also renewing books!
Well there ya have it, my most visited sites! Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day and long weekend!
I have been spending a lot of time getting wedding stuff organized and seemed to have gotten some things done (we now only have 13 addresses to collect and I met with the florist!) but I know there is still a lot to do. I was hoping to meet with the girl that is doing our favor paper and invitations to get the envelopes so I could be addressing those, but because of the weather we were never able to meet. She did send them UPS today so hopefully I will get a package tomorrow. Even if I don't work next week I can address and start making favors! I kept looking at how many days we have left but then I was thinking, it is only 4 months away. That doesn't seem nearly as long as the 129 days! I am sure we will get it all done. Or that may just be wishful thinking. The main thing right now is finding tableclothes.
So I guess I had more to say then I thought but when I started this I was planning on talking about my tabs. On the new Windows Explorer (well I guess it isn't that new anymore) there are tabs to open new windows and when you open a new tab it tells you your most frequented websites. Well here are mine:
Yes Facebook is first. It is sad I am trying not to check it as often and have been doing decent too because honestly it is a little boring.
Yahoo is next because that is my email.
In 3rd place is Blogger because well I have now started to check blogs more than Facebook.
4th Coshocton Tribune, usually to check to Obituaries. I know that is morbid but honestly very rarely do they have a story I am interested in!
Netflix follows and I love this site! Not only is it great to get movies in the mail but you can also watch them online. This has helped to feed my recent Office watching spree!
River View: Hopefully my future employer. I kept checking it for the employment opportunities and now it is to see if school is cancelled.
Hotmail is my other email and also my homepage so it actally opens everytime I open the internet but it must not count that, just when I revisit it.
Good ol' Rio. I like to get on here and read the news stories to see what is going on.
Coshocton Public Library comes in last. I have been spending a lot of time on this site ordering book and also renewing books!
Well there ya have it, my most visited sites! Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day and long weekend!
Monday, February 8, 2010
New Show
I don't know if I have written about this before or not, but lately I have been watching The Office A LOT. Last time I was down at Rio Val brought her collection of the show over so Andy could watch them. I had never really watched the show and honestly had no desire to watch the show. Well after about 2 episodes I was hooked. We spent a good portion of that weekend watching episodes and when I got home....jackpot! All the season were on instant viewing on Netflix! So needless to say I have been watching The Office just about everyday since. I finally made it through Season 5 and now am watching re-runs on TBS. If you haven't watched the show here is one of my favorite clips!
Ok so I couldn't find my favorite clip but this is up there! And bonus, NBC has season 6 episodes. I know what I am doing today!
Ok so I couldn't find my favorite clip but this is up there! And bonus, NBC has season 6 episodes. I know what I am doing today!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Read Read Read
I have been busy reading this week. Since I have been subbing I have a new system of reading as well. I always keep one book in my teaching bag and then read another book when I am here at the house. Sometimes the book from my teaching bag does come in the house with me, especially if it is particularly good or if I am close to the end but usually I will have two books going at once. Since Thursday I have finished three books. Here is a brief summary of each and what I thought of them. Oh and one more thing these are all from the YA section in the library because I am on the quest to find books to teach in the classroom!
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
It's the story of an epileptic teenager nicknamed Spaz, who begins the heroic fight to bring human intelligence back to the planet. In a world where most people are plugged into brain-drain entertainment systems, Spaz is the rare human being who can see life as it really is. When he meets an old man called Ryter, he begins to learn about Earth and its past. With Ryter as his companion, Spaz sets off an unlikely quest to save his dying sister -- and in the process, perhaps the world.
My opinion? Honestly not a good book. It took a lot of willpower for me to finish the book. It had an interesting take on the future but there was so much new vocabulary it was hard to keep it all straight and then at the end the author did the whole Star Wars "Luke I am your father" bit that came out of nowhere. The good part of the book? When you are done!
The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier
Twelve-year old Jason is accused of the brutal murder of a young girl. Is he innocent or guilty? The shocked town calls on an interrogator with a stellar reputation: he always gets a confession.
My opinion: WOW!! My master teacher during student teaching kept recommending the book to me because she teaches with it and said how much the kids love it. I think it would have taken me maybe a night to read if I would have sat down and read it. It only took me two nights reading right before I went to bed so it is an easy read. It is really a great book about perceptions and human nature. The end has a great twist!
The Girls They Left Behind by Bernice Thurman Hunter
Like any teenager, Natalie wants to have fun. But it's 1944, and almost all the boys she knows have signed up and are being shipped overseas to fight the war in Europe. Too often she takes the trip to Union Station to wave goodbye to another friend, wondering if he'll ever come home again. And like her other girlfriends, Natalie is getting tired of waiting for the war to be over. There are still dances at the Armories to meet handsome boys in uniform, but is that all a girl can do for the war effort?
My opinion: Great read. This one was pretty easy and I got through the whole thing this afternoon. It is set in Canada which I wasn't expecting but that doesn't change the story much. I don't think boys would enjoy this as much but it was a nice snowy afternoon read.
Next books up: Hot Fudge Monday (A teaching book about grammar) and Al Capone Shines my Shoes (a sequel to Al Capone Does my Shirts)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Percy Jackson- Sea of Monsters
Well I just finished reading another book. This book was actually the 2nd in a series that I love! It is a kid who finds out he is the son of Posiden and is set in modern times. This book talked a little more about the threat of the rise of the Titans and Percy and his friends trying to save their camp.
I think I love these books so much because I have all these ideas in my head of how to use them in my classroom! The author does such a great job of putting ancient myths that most kids don't know about and places them in modern times. He also has all kinds of teaching materials on his website to help out. It is just wonderful.
Well a wedding update...we are having the favor paper printed this week so we can start on that. I am going to over Aunt Elaine's tonight to help a little with the invitations because they still aren't turning out I guess. Hopefully we can make something work tonight so we can get started on them. I appreciate Aunt Elaine so much, she has been working so hard on all of this. Once we get that decided we also need to do something with the programs (or brochures as Pat's calls them) and talk a little more about decorating! We are getting there but it is creeping up on us. Only 137 days left!! Seems like a lot but once softball gets started it will seem like tomorrow.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A little disappointed
Well I just got done with the book "The Christmas List" and loved it! I got it a little late from the library because it was so high in demand and even though it isn't Christmas time it was still a great book! Here is a brief summary of the book from the author, Richard Paul Evans
Dear Reader,
When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final lap of the Daytona 500. At the time, I hadn't considered writing as an occupation, a field with a remarkably low on-the-job casualty rate.
What intrigues me most about Mrs. Johnson's assignment is the opportunity she gave us to confront our own legacy. How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.
As I began to write this book, I had two objectives: First, I wanted to explore what could happen if someone read their obituary before they died and saw, firsthand, what the world really thought of them. Their legacy.
Second, I wanted to write a Christmas story of true redemption. One of my family's holiday traditions is to see a local production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. I don't know how many times I've seen it (perhaps a dozen), but it still thrills me to see the change that comes over Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a dull, tight-fisted miser into a penitent, "giddy-as-aschoolboy" man with love in his heart. I always leave the show with a smile on my face and a resolve to be a better person. That's what I wanted to share with you, my dear readers, this Christmas -- a holiday tale to warm your season, your homes, and your hearts.
Merry Christmas --Richard Paul Evans
This got me thinking that it would be a neat project to have students write their own obituaries and I had been looking for something to do with "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and I think it will fit perfectly.
And that leads to the title of the post. I keep a reading journal where I give brief summaries of the books I read so that way I can remember them and use them as future recommendations for my students. I had one that I loved and then filled it up and of course couldn't find one similar so I went to Barnes and Noble and now have on that does the job but I digress.... I was reading through my journal and in the last year have only read 35 books. For some people that may be enough but a few summers ago I read 20 in one summer so that is why I am disappointed. I do have a rather large stack of books here from the library and since I have to give those back maybe I will read them more quickly and get my numbers back up!
Dear Reader,
When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final lap of the Daytona 500. At the time, I hadn't considered writing as an occupation, a field with a remarkably low on-the-job casualty rate.
What intrigues me most about Mrs. Johnson's assignment is the opportunity she gave us to confront our own legacy. How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.
As I began to write this book, I had two objectives: First, I wanted to explore what could happen if someone read their obituary before they died and saw, firsthand, what the world really thought of them. Their legacy.
Second, I wanted to write a Christmas story of true redemption. One of my family's holiday traditions is to see a local production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. I don't know how many times I've seen it (perhaps a dozen), but it still thrills me to see the change that comes over Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a dull, tight-fisted miser into a penitent, "giddy-as-aschoolboy" man with love in his heart. I always leave the show with a smile on my face and a resolve to be a better person. That's what I wanted to share with you, my dear readers, this Christmas -- a holiday tale to warm your season, your homes, and your hearts.
Merry Christmas --Richard Paul Evans
This got me thinking that it would be a neat project to have students write their own obituaries and I had been looking for something to do with "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and I think it will fit perfectly.
And that leads to the title of the post. I keep a reading journal where I give brief summaries of the books I read so that way I can remember them and use them as future recommendations for my students. I had one that I loved and then filled it up and of course couldn't find one similar so I went to Barnes and Noble and now have on that does the job but I digress.... I was reading through my journal and in the last year have only read 35 books. For some people that may be enough but a few summers ago I read 20 in one summer so that is why I am disappointed. I do have a rather large stack of books here from the library and since I have to give those back maybe I will read them more quickly and get my numbers back up!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Worst Chore (maybe)
So my least favorite chore (as I am living at my parent's house) is putting away my clothes. I don't know what it is but I hate it. I also hated it during college and I think it will continue throughout my life. I really don't know what I am going to do when I have my kids' clothes to put away as well. I don't know if it is because I don't feel like I have enough room for everything so I have to stuff them in to places and that is just annoying or what.
What brought this all on was today I decided I was getting sick of my laundry basket sitting in the middle of my room with clean clothes waiting to be put away and then all my dirty clothes piling up in the corner, so I put my clothes away. After I was done, which MAYBE took 5 minutes I put all my dirty clothes in my laundry basket and guess what, it is almost full again. So here was go on another cycle and it just seems like it is never ending!
I am really thinking about if I ever get to build a house, putting my laundry room INSIDE my closet, that way it is all right there and I really don't have to do much. One can always dream.....
What brought this all on was today I decided I was getting sick of my laundry basket sitting in the middle of my room with clean clothes waiting to be put away and then all my dirty clothes piling up in the corner, so I put my clothes away. After I was done, which MAYBE took 5 minutes I put all my dirty clothes in my laundry basket and guess what, it is almost full again. So here was go on another cycle and it just seems like it is never ending!
I am really thinking about if I ever get to build a house, putting my laundry room INSIDE my closet, that way it is all right there and I really don't have to do much. One can always dream.....
Sunday, January 17, 2010
He makes me laugh
Today Luke and Layton were here at the house because Jennifer had to work and Jason and Dad were stripping tobacco. Luke decided that he wanted to make cupcakes which turned into me making cupcakes. I finally got them done and the icing didn't turn out how I expected. I was thinking buttercream icing should be white and that would be perfect because Luke wanted to decorate them like baseballs. Well anyways it's not white, it is yellow, so we didn't decorate them but they turned out ok. Luke was having one so of course Layton wanted one as well. Jason said no icing at first so I handed Layton a cupcake but was upset that his didn't have any icing. How he even knew Luke's had it on I don't know. So Jason said he could have a little so I put a little on and Layton was happy......for the moment. He went downstairs and ate his cupcake but pretty soon was back by my side saying "More" I looked down and he had eaten the parts of the cupcake that had icing on them but nothing else. He wanted icing on all the other parts of the cupcake! I wish I would have taken a picture or the cupcake so you could see how careful he was to not eat any part that didn't have icing on it! He is too smart for his own good already!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Oops!
I had said that I would post more pictures of some of the presents that I made for Christmas and have never done it so here they are. I didn't get pictures of two though. Pat and I took pictures of things on the farm and spelled out his sister and brother's last name and put them in a picture frame.
This is what I made Jennifer. She had a Mom calendar last year where each person had their own column of what they had planned. I decided to make her one that she can use all year and every year. The slots ended up being a little small so hopefully none of them have too much to do on any day!
This is what I made Lora (hopefully she doesn't read this tonight or tomorrow). We haven't had Christmas yet but we are meeting this weekend when I am down at Rio! She also just got a full-time job so we will have something to celebrate!!!
Well I think that is all, I need to get packed so I can leave right after school tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good weekend!
Monday, January 11, 2010
One more thing checked off!
Yesterday Jennifer, Michelle, Katie and I went to David's Bridal to find the bridemaids dresses. While I wasn't too impressed with the help we got, the lady was actually horrible that helped us, but we found a dress we all liked! So that is one more thing that we don't have to worry about! Now it is getting them all ordered and the shoes to go with them which has turned into quite the ordeal. I would like the girls to wear nice flip-flops with the dresses because anyone that knows me knows that I wear flip-flops all the time and that is my thing. I am wearing flip-flops with my dress and that is something I would like us all to have uniform. Sadly my sister's don't agree with me. Maybe once they see how they look they will change their minds. Plus it's not like it is going to be Old Navy flip-flops they are going to be nicer ones. We shall see!
Friday, January 8, 2010
I hope I Remember
As I am sitting here watching Mr. Deeds I was searching through some blogs and found one that featured a link that intrigued me. Project Life is a goal to take a picture everyday of something in your life and then journal about it. There is a kit that goes along with it to easily to store the pictures and slip in the journaling. I would love to do this for Pat's and mine first year together. I think is would be a great way to preserve our memories. I have really been lacking in taking pictures lately and maybe this would be a way to motivate me more. Now all I need is that camera.....
He's pretty much AMAZING!!
So Pat got his wisdom teeth taken out Wednesday and did pretty well with it. He was groggy for the next day and a half and not swelling (or so he told me). Well anyways the reason he is so amazing is because during one of my blog "strolling" sessions, I came upon this coffee table that I really liked! It was actually one from Pottery Barn that cost $399 but this lady came up with plans and made it for $30. Just to share my great find, I sent the link to Pat with the message "Here is what you can use all your new tools on!" I really didn't expect him to build the thing in the near future or at all honestly. The next day Pat calls and asks what wood I want it built out of because he is going to go buy all the supplies. About 2 hours later I get a picture on my phone of a brand new coffee table! How wonderful is he!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
It's coming together
Well last time I talked about the wedding I was worrying about the invitations and bridesmaid dresses. This week I think we got both resolved. After talking to Aunt Elaine she thinks she will be able to make the folders that we want to use and then we will just order the inserts from a printer. That should save us money! Now it is just making all of them in time so that I can still HAND address all the envelopes. We do have a guest list with almost all of the addresses compiled so that is one step we don't have to worry about! Since not many people read this I will post the template that we are trying to use....
As far as the bridesmaid dresses Michelle and Jennifer made plans to go shopping on Saturday but Jennifer works Friday night and Luke has his first basketball game that day so that wasn't going to work. We are hoping to go sometime on Sunday now, so hopefully that will work out!
We are now underway figuring out our programs and some more in way of decorations! We are getting closer! I can't wait!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Hmm..
Well Pat is getting ready to leave later today and we are faced with the same old questions, "What should we do today?" Yesterday we drove home from Columbus, played Rock Band and beat it and then watched the OSU game with the Clarke's. So now we don't know what to do with ourselves today. Pat has a Woodbury's Outfitters gift card from Christmas that he would like to use so we will probably head in there but then after that who knows? I do have a room and closet that need some major rehauling but I don't think that is on his list of priorities to do before he leaves. Oh well, maybe one day soon!
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