Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Random Dozen and Then Some

Today was the day that just wouldn't end. It just wouldn't no matter how much I begged, and believe me I begged. Four classes in a row to start off, lunch duty, meeting with a parent, coaching, faculty meeting...it was merciless.

This Random Dozen was a fun one to answer...I hope you enjoy my randomness!!



1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.

In a theater with Junior Mints and a large Diet Coke...too bad I can no longer have the Junior Mints or the Diet Coke...but that is the best way!!!

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?

I can't say that I think about my funeral too much...thank goodness...but I am pretty sure that I want a closed casket. I want people to remember me living not dead. I think maybe cremated might be the way to go. I want lots of music, and I hope lots of people and they need to share funny stories about me...Lord knows there are plenty of those stories around.

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker?

Geez I would really like to think that I am a giver. Let's see I like buying things for other people rather than me. But I really like to be the center of attention. Let's just say that I am a generous Diva...ha ha

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?

Oh for the love of all humanity schedules, schedules, schedules...I will probably ruin every vacation I ever take with my family. However our only vacations have been trips to see my family and then I don't have to plan anything...my mom takes care of that!!

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?

Please tell me I am not the only one who had disgusting ceiling fans. They perplex me on how to keep them clean...now that my Dirt Devil is in heaven (or hell depending on how you look at it) Any ideas???

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.

VH1's save the music.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?

My peanut butter and jelly sandwich cannot have enough peanut butter or jelly

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?

I would play with my necklace. I always get red blotches around my neck when I am nervous because I play with my necklace.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?

I floss and brush and I cannot get into my jammies soon enough!!

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?

nope not yet...but it's early don't worry

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree?

I had a peer once tell me that I looked like Maria Callas the famous opera singer and since at the time I was studying to be an opera singer I totally agreed and felt that it was so.

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated

This is going to be a very unknown fact and a very random song as I don't really listen too much to this artist...but I would dedicate Memories of Us by Keith Urban to GS. Not even sure if he knows how much this song makes me think of him...but it does.


I curse today but am hopeful for tomorrow.


More Later

- A Ro

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Stay in Your Pajamas Monday

Today my daughter declared yesterday "Stay In Your Pajamas Day". She announced to me that she didn't want to get dressed, and she most certainly didn't want to leave the house...(thank goodness we didn't have school due to Yom Kippur)

...except to go get ice cream...of course there are always exceptions to every rule.

I was all for the idea. Pajamas equal comfort...comfort equals happy...happy equals lay around the house all day and do nothing. See how I got there...

I got up all ready to exercise...but it was chilly and the bed was warm...but I drug my butt out of bed and got dressed...but outside the crows must have stayed up all night watching Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" 'cause they were circling and totally squaking like CRAZY. No way no how was I going to go outside and get my eyes pecked out...so I gave up on the exercise thing. I'm entitled to a lazy day...

I decided that today was the perfect day to lay in bed with Bella and watch two hours of The Price is Right. Now I have not seen the Price is Right since Drew Carey became the host. I was a big Bob Barker fan when I was home with my kidlets when they were young...but I was willing to give ole Drew a chance. I watched:
  • A man visiting from Canada win a trip to Canada. Except he had to travel from LA to Canada to use the trip.
  • A bunch of storage bins, milk crates, and stackable canvas boxes went for $800 in the bidding to get on stage. Geez I could put my entire house in storage with $800 gift certificate to Target. These buyers don't know where to shop...clearly.
  • A woman bid $26,000 for a Corvette and an entire garage makeover complete with tools, a drink fridge, an HD plasma TV. Now c'mon...use some common sense people.
  • A woman win a bar for her living room complete with Bartender Classes AND an elipitical maching complete with 10 training sessions. Hmmm drinking and exercise now that just sounds down right dangerous.

I enjoyed Drew Careys sense of humor but couldn't make myself watch the second hour. Now if they would have shown me a good game of Plinko I might have been inclined to give the second hour a chance but alas no Plinko.

I took a nap.

I talked to my friend.

I horribly burnt a pot roast in the crock pot...I think I need a new crock pot as it was on low for only 6 hours....yeah I need a new crock pot.

I almost burnt another pot roast in the oven. Can't blame that one on the oven. Did you know that there is a fine line between well done and rare??

I watched a half dozen episodes of The Suite Life on Deck and the sad part about it was I had seen them all before. This is what I get for having two kids and only two TVs.

Finally the guilt from not exercising this morning made me go out and run 3 miles before dinner.

Clearly I am not meant to be at home for any extended amount of time. It is a good thing that I can hold down a job.

More Later

-A Ro

Monday, September 28, 2009

Weekend Update

I don't have to work today...well I don't have to GO to work today, as I am sure that somehow someway some work, by me, will be done today. It is Yom Kippur so at least I have the day off and don't have to fast.

Anyway this weekend was jam packed...as usual. Here are some of the highlights.

Boy Comes Back From Camp Surf Laundry Ensues

My son was at the ninth grade retreat for the last half of last week. They take all the ninth graders to San Diego to the YMCA Camp Surf retreat (and when I say "they" I mean those teachers braver than I). They surf, they do team building exercises, they don't sleep, they loose their voices, they bring home the entire beach in their duffel bag AND their laundry somehow doubles. He had fun and learned to surf. I remembered why we don't go to the beach more often.

Go See Informant...Bring Thinking Cap

While Bella was at a sleepover, my newly acquired surfer dude, GS, and I went to see Informant. Matt Damon was so good that I forgot that it was Matt Damon. He gained weight, wore a hair piece, and was not at all the Hollywood heart throb. The movie is based on a true story, and it is a BIZARRE story at that. Bring your thinking caps because you are constantly surprised by the turn of events. It is rated R but besides some "f" bombs I can't figure out why. A-Ro gives it two thumbs up.


The Firecrackers Go Boom Boom Boom Despite Intense Heat

Give me 100 degree weather, 12:00 noon, no shade, polyester uniform, high knee socks with shin guards underneath, three quarters of running hard, and I'll give you a very grouchy, overheated, side stichin' little Pink Fuchsia Firecracker AND her equally grouchy overheated mother. However despite the torturous conditions the Pink Fuchsia Firecrackers won their game 2-0. Bella was amazing, and she almost scored twice. I was so proud of my girl. She kept on going and never gave up. It took a bath and lying around the house in her robe for 3 hours afterward to get back to her normal self, but all is good.


Good Friends Good Food and Silly Girls

My good friend and her daughter came over for dinner Saturday night. I made roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, noodles, and salad. For dessert I made chocoate chocolate chip cookie bars. It was a very enjoyable evening. There is nothing like hanging out with friends. It does the body good!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame then Buy Me a Cardi Coat

Andrew had another fall ball "game" on Sunday morning (I put quotes around the word game because they don't keep score,

HOLD THE PRESSES

so let me get this straight...I get drug out of bed on a Sunday morning so I can go watch a baseball game where they don't keep score??? That is just un American).

Any-hoo I had to get him to the field by 7:45...yes you heard it correctly 7:45. I found that to be very un-enjoyable, but not as much as my Bella. She wanted nothing to do with it all. The only way I even got her grouchy butt to the game was to promise her that Monday could be a "stay in your pajamas day". This was before I told her that not only did we have to spend 2 hours and 15 minutes at the ball field, but we also needed to go to Old Navy AND the markets. When I say needed I meant it. Old Navy had cardi coats on sale for 1/2 off and as Old Mother Hubbard so aptly stated "the cupboards were bare". Those cold hard facts had little effect on the Bella girl and she needed an Advil to handle it all. To tell you the truth I think she was still recovering from her heat exhaustion from Saturday. I felt much better when in the frozen food isle of Trader Joes she tells me "Mom the Advil kicked in and I feel much better" Thank god...as I still had Old Navy and Vons to go. She also drew me a super swell picture last night and told me she was sorry for being so grouchy. That's my girl!!



So here I sit in my sweatpants and sweatshirt happy that Jewish people celebrate Yom Kippur and that my school feels the need to give us all a holiday. Life is Good!!!




More Later

-A Ro

Friday, September 25, 2009

Fit Fare Friday - Cincinnati Turkey Chili

I know I missed a Fit Fare Friday...but I now have it all figured out. This week is a very yummy dish called Cincinnati Turkey Chili. This recipe was touted as a 40 minute meal...so I decided to put it to the test...results to follow.

I must say that GS was a little skeptical with this dish because his ex-wife made it and he really didn't like it...

Well...there were so many many things I could say to that one, and I did...however those things are not for your ears.

Any-hoo here is the cast of characters:

4 ounces uncooked spaghetti
cooking spray
8 ounces lean ground turkey
1 1/2 c. prechopped onion, divided
1 c. chopped green bell pepper
1 T. bottled minced garlic
1 T. chili powder
2 T. tomato paste
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. ground allspice
1/2 c. fat-free less-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I used tomato sauce)
2 1/2 T. chopped semisweet chocolate (I omitted)
1/4 t. salt
3/4 cup cheddar cheese (I used red. fat cheddar cheese)

1. Cook pasta according to package directions omitting the salt and fat. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add turkey; cook 3 minutes, stirring to crumble. Add 1 cup onion, bell pepper, and garlic; saute 3 minutes.
Stir in chili powder and next 5 ingredients (through allspice); cook 1 minute. Add broth, beans, and tomatoes (tomato sauce for me because chunks of tomatoes are the reason for all bad things on this earth); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Remove from heat; stir in chocolate (I did not use chocolate...can't have caffeine and I know it is only a small amount...thank you very much Andrew, but I just didn't want to OK?!?!?!) and salt. Serve chili over spaghetti; top with remaining onion and cheese.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup spaghetti, 1 1/2 cups chili, 2 T. onion, and 3 T. cheese

Calories - 408 Fat - 13.8 g (sat 6.6g, mono.3g poly 1.7g) Protein - 24.5 g Carb - 47.4 g. Fiber - 7.9g Chol 67mg Iron - 3.7 mg Sodium - 765 mg. Calc - 237 mg

Many many lessons were learned making this chili:
  • you can live without chocolate in your Cincinnati Chili
  • you can live without chunks of tomatoes in your Cincinnati Chili
  • it only took 40 minutes to make...however this did not include chopping the veggies as the recipe called for them to already be chopped...not sure who they thought was gonna chop them...the chopping elves???
  • GS will never again say "My ex used to make that and I don't like it"
I hope you enjoy this very tasty Cincinnati Turkey Chili.



More Later

- A Ro

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Random Dozen

I read a blog called Second Cup of Coffee. I really enjoy it. She does this Random Dozen post every now and then so I thought I would give it a try. You can share your answers with me if you want.


1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.


My dad wanted me to play softball so badly. He signed me up to play, the first time ever, in Sixth Grade. I am pretty sure that Sixth Grade is not the year to start playing a sport for the first time. In fact I am pretty sure that all Sixth Grade is good for is making you feel down crazy.


2. What's your favorite Beatles song?


I would have to say my favorite Beatles Song is All You Need is Love. Not that I am a big fan of protesting, but it was John Lennon's protest song to the war...a protest song that talks about love is one I can really get into. I also like In My Life.


3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?


A t-shirt that has my high school name and football team, and these Capri sweatpants I have. Hang on a sec...


...aah much better.


4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?


I LOVE hosting parties. I get to pick out what I eat, pick out who I hang out with, and stay in my own home. A truly fulfilling evening.


5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?


I really don't think so. There is something aesthetically pleasing about walking into a library, touching real books, and turning real pages...Plus I really love bookmarks!!


6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?


All three and as a teacher I know for certain that every child learns by doing all three things and not by one alone.


7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)?


I know this is lame, but they have to have some sort of fashion sense, and good shoes. But the biggest kiss of death is arrogance.


8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?


YES!!!


9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?


A picture of my favorite person hanging on my bulletin board...my Granpy. I miss him so much!


10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?


I feel the need...the need for speed...(need I really say more?)


11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?


I use it up...just can't waste it.


12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)


Pumpkin Pie with whip cream...yum yum yum



Check out 2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com

More Later

-A Ro

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Bella's Birthday...Again

We FINALLY had Bella's "friend" birthday party. You see we always go to Iowa on her birthday, you know, summer birthdays suck...and never have time before we leave to have a "friend" party, and when we get back it is full swing get back into school mode. So now over a month after her birthday we finally had our party. If you can even call it a party...she invited three friends to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and to go paint ceramics at Paint a Dream. I almost felt guilty accepting presents so late in the game, but...then again...she got some pretty cool stuff.


The gals at CPK

My friend Mandy and I, we looked like twins. As you can tell I am at the age where I will a) go out in public with no makeup b) will late someone take my picture and c) post it for the world to see...or at least all 5 of my followers.

The funny thing was that out of the six of us and the large menu at CPK we each ordered the same thing as someone else at the table.

I am not sure if singing Happy Birthday and making a wish as you blow out your candle really is very effective 40 plus days AFTER your birthday, but we gave it a shot anyway. Everyone kept saying happy birthday to her as we were leaving.

When we got to the Paint a Dream place it was packed. The funniest sight was a birthday party at the long table next to us. It was a birthday party for a three year old. There were 10 three year olds painting ceramics. I have never seen so many large items being painted with such little color. I mean there were about 3 huge gorillas painted just green, and everything else had so many colors on it they looked brown. The parents kept busy trying to keep everything in one piece, wiping paint off of arms, legs, hair, and frantically painting the rest of the large items with whatever color they had after the little ones got tired of it...which was about 10 minutes into the 2 hour party. By the end, after the cupcakes came out, I didn't know what they were licking off of themselves. I think I would stick to Chuck E Cheese.

My girls did beautiful pieces of art and made Bella a plate with their names on it. However, they really had way more fun painting the sponges...

...note to self...next year's friend birthday...our house, sponges and paint.

More Later

-A Ro

Monday, September 21, 2009

Why Trying to Be Mike Andrew Ruined My Day

Yes it is true. My father, Mike Andrew, was an amazing man. He could do anything, or so he thought. I am just like him, and according to my sisters in law so are my brothers. I seem to think that I can do anything just because I think I can. I know that this sounds like it is a good thing, and most times it is...however there are those times that it just isn't very productive to think that you can do anything.

Today, my friends, was one of those days.

It all started out great. My dear Bella had a soccer game at 8:00 am which means we had to be there at 7:30. Now this sounds to be already a cause for "having a bad day" alarm...not getting to sleep in on a Saturday. Nope not today, got up in a great mood got to watch Bella play soccer in the cool of the day with this backdrop:

Not a bad way to start a weekend:

Got home decided that my list of things to do today was this:

wash sheets
Bella shower and scoot kids out the door to dads
straighten up kitchen
vacuum house
mop wood floors
dust bedrooms
make a grocery list
get hair cut
watch episode of Glee I missed
make beds

Kind of a long list, but definitely doable considering I got home at 9:30. Bella jumped in the shower, I packed her bag and started cleaning up kitchen. Bella and Andrew left by about 10:15. Started to go through recipes and make a grocery list. Around 11:00 GS and I decided to go get Subway before he headed for work. Got home and bid him farewell around11:45. Stripped beds and started laundry and putzed around until around 1:00.

Now the next thing I did really started the "I am not going to get anything done" ball rolling downhill...

I decided to take a nap...and ended up sleeping until 3:00. However it only got the ball rolling...there was still plenty of day left to get most of the things done on my list...AND I had already got many things STARTED.

I had an hour before my haircut appointment so I decided that I would get the vacuuming done.

I pulled out my month old Dirt Devil vacuum.
I love this vacuum...it is just a little canister vac and it does such a nice job on my hardwood floors, my ceiling fans, and all my hard to reach places...

...I love this vacuum.

I got it out...turned it on...and WHIRRRRRRR (high pitched screeching noise) It really didn't sound right...no siree not right at all...something was wrong, very wrong.

Now the next think I did was what really gave that "I'm not going to get anything done" ball really hightailing it down that hill...and I blame my late, great father.

I decided to take apart the vacuum cleaner to see what was wrong.

Yes you heard it...I decided that I could take apart the vacuum and fix it. I just knew that if I could take it apart I would know how to fix it. I know I have never done it before, I know that I have no idea how a vacuum cleaner works, but something in me made me believe without a shadow of a doubt that I could fix it...gosh darn it.

So I got my screwdriver and started to unscrew the screws to get the top off. I got five screws off and went to the last one and wouldn't you know it...it was stripped. No way was it going to unscrew with a regular screw driver. (Not sure why my brand new vacuum had a stripped screw, but it did)

Now most normal people who are not Mike Andrew's child would have just stopped. They would have said "Oh well I guess I can't take apart the vacuum so I can't fix it" They would have gotten out the other vacuum cleaner and went on their merry "got stuff to do" way. BUT NO...NOT ME...

I just knew that I could get that screw out...take apart the vacuum cleaner...and fix it.

So GS told me that I could get the drill and drill a hole in the screw and get it out. So, gosh darn it, that is what I did. I got the drill, got a bit, and tried to drill a hole in the screw. I proceeded to break my bit.

So most normal people who are not Mike Andrew's child would have just stopped. They would have said "Oh well I can't drill a hole in the screw, so I can't take apart the vacuum, so I can't fix it" They would have gotten out the other vacuum cleaner and went on their merry "got stuff to do" way. BUT NO...NOT ME.

I just knew that I could find a different drill bit, get that screw out, take apart the vacuum cleaner...and fix it.

I decided that after my haircut I would got to Lowes and get a different drill bit. I came home with a drill bit that is designed to drill into stripped screws and get them out. The drill bit was too short to fit into the hole...the "extender" that I used wasn't tight enough for the drill bit.

So most normal people who are not Mike Andrew's child would have just stopped. They would have said "Oh well I can't get the bit into the screw, so I can't drill a hole in the screw, so I can't take apart the vacuum, so I can't fix it." They would have gotten out the other vacuum cleaner and went on their merry "got stuff to do" way. BUT NO...NOT ME.

I just knew that I could drill a hole in that screw, get the screw out, take apart the vacuum cleaner...and fix it.

I wouldn't stop...I wouldn't give up...

Then something happened...

I WAS VICTORIOUS I GOT THE SCREW OUT!!!!!!!!!
I took the top off the vacuum...I took the circuit board off the vacuum...

I took the motor out of the vacuum...
I am not sure what I was expecting. Maybe a note that said "here is the problem", or an X that marked the spot.

It was at that moment that I realized that I had no idea what I was doing...and that I wasn't going to fix the vacuum...and at this point I didn't even know how to put it back together. At this point I realized that I did NOTHING else today, but try to fix that darn vacuum. My hopes and dreams of gettin my list done, were in the garbage can along with 75 pieces of a Dirt Devil canister vacuum.

I felt like a failure...Mike Andrew could have fixed that vacuum...Mike Andrew would have just known what to do...

Well, I at least know what to do...

...go get a new vacuum.

More Later

- A Ro

Friday, September 18, 2009

I've Fallen and I Can't Stop Laughing

As you may or may not know I fell while running my four miles on Tuesday.



It is funny to me how quickly you must fall...I mean it must only be seconds from the time you trip until you are eating cement. However the number of thoughts that go through your mind makes it seem like it lasts forever. Here are my thoughts when I fell on Tuesday:



"Oh no I am tripping"


"Oh no I cannot catch myself"


"How can I fall so that I do the least amount of damage"


"Oh crap that didn't work I am about ready to slam into the pavement"


"Ouch"



See too many thoughts for a second of time...just weird.



I do have to say that, in general for me, watching people fall is very very funny. I love nothing more that watching "America's Funniest Home Videos" and seeing the segment "How may falls can happen in the amount of time it takes Grandpa to get out of his shirt" Then they split the screen and on one side they show a Grandpa trying to get out of his shirt and on the other side they just show people falling. They keep a running tally on how many falls happen while Grandpa is trying to get out of his shirt. I am sorry, but I am laughing so so hard that I fall on the floor and have to hold my aching gut.



Does that make me a bad person?



Now I am sure that some of those falls aren't funny while they are happening, but do they look at it later and laugh? If someone caught my fall on camera would I laugh if I saw it? Now granted I am not falling while trying to skateboard with my dog off of the diving board into an empty pool, but come on a fall is a fall.


Thankfully when I fell before (I know I know I am having too much fun with that linky thingy) And I must warn you if you do decide to read that post I did post pictures.

Anyway that time I hit my head...this time it was just my knee and my hand.

My knee and hand are quite sore and my friend Mandy thinks it is infected. I maybe should just go see my school nurse and check it out.

Yeah like that is gonna happen...

The real problem is I am really afraid that I am going to fall again. I have taken most of the risk out of it and I do learn what not to do each time I do fall...so I am cutting my chances down each time. But you would be proud of me...I got up this morning and ran that four miles...and didn't fall. I do know that each time I run I am rolling the "am I going to fall" dice. I, obviously, don't care 'cause I keep doing it.

I must be thick in the head.

Or maybe I am just hopeful that I'll see myself in the next segment of..."How many falls can happen in the time it takes little Johnny to hit his dad in the nuts while wielding a pinata stick?"

If you see me running get the video camera...you might get lucky!!

More Later

-A Ro

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Its a Puzzlement

My life, these days, is full of puzzlements. It really is. I sometimes feel like I am on candid camera, but the pranks are not nearly as funny or outrageous. Here are some recent puzzlements in my life:

  • Timid shy middle school girl comes into an audition and completely changes her demeanor.
  • Out going middle school girl comes into her audition and turns into a puddle at the very thought of singing in front of anyone.
  • Little sweet middle school boy comes into his audition and sings The Rolling Stones like he has been taken over by Mick Jagger himself. What sixth grader listens to the Rolling Stones and can sing it by heart??
  • Cello playing teenager doesn't give a darn about his cello at home and for all intense and purposes seems like he could roof test it and he wouldn't care at all, goes to his audition for his youth symphony and is the only cellist who verbally celebrates his being placed 5th chair out of 16.
  • Said cellist playing like a rock star (according to his conductor) and can't get enough of this concerts repertoire.
  • Seemingly bully-ish new sixth grade boy gets put into my choir and turns out to be completely the opposite. I really should learn not to judge a middle schooler until they turn 30.
  • Worrying about my son being in my class and then having it turn out to be such a great thing. He gets it and I am so thankful to have him in the tenor section, except when he volunteers to bring in baked goods the next double block and realizing that I am his mom who will need to do the baking.
  • Having a "cool" new freshman, in front of his "cool" friends relay his absolute disappointment in not being able to put choir into his schedule.
  • Hearing my son tell GS how lucky he is that he has me to fix delicious dinners.
  • A usually very organized mom (me) not realizing it was assembly dress day.
  • Having a conversation with my son about the state of the girls in his class' clothing decisions, or should I say lack of clothing decisions and have him only laugh hysterically one time.
  • Someone actually buying the friendship pins my daughter made and is selling in my classroom for $.25 a pop.

Alright Alan Funk where are you, or is it just someone up above trying to keep me on my toes.

No...no...I know...it is opposite day and Bella just didn't tell me.

OK world...I am a good sport...I'll play along...surprise me all you want...but be gentle...I am only human...

More later

- A Ro

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Take Me to Reds or Lose Me Forever

Tuesday night means many things around here. It means:


  1. Andrew has cello lessons.


  2. Isabella has art lessons.


  3. Both kids spend the night at their dads.


  4. The Reds' special is half BBQ chicken and Tri Tip.


  5. The Trader Joe's fish that was on the menu for dinner tonight still sits in my freezer.


Now I know that number five is a little confusing...but here is the deal. GS and I always eat alone on Tuesday nights. So I always buy the Trader Joes frozen ahi tuna steaks. First because we like it and second my kids don't...makes sense. However, number four above is also true so most of the time we give in to temptation and go to our favorite BBQ restaurant for the Tuesday night special.



When we went to bed last night we already had the discussion that since we had so many leftovers in the fridge that we would eat leftovers and forgo Reds tomorrow night. We made the decision. We weren't going to give in. We were going to be frugal. We were going to do the responsible thing.



All that changed...I woke up at 4:30...put on my running shoes...and I ran...I ran 3.75 miles and then...



...I fell...yes I fell again...this time I didn't hit my head...this time I was only .25 miles away from home...this time no one saw me...and this time I didn't take pictures...



...your welcome.



So I called GS and was going to have him come get me, but the animal in me a.k.a the crazy person who can't seem to give up...decided that I was just going to finish my run...so bloody knee and hand I ran...with the theme from Chariots of Fire running through my head I ran home.



Needless to say after cleaning myself up I was running late. I hate to run late...did you hear that I hate to run late. If you need reminded of that fact please refer to the little linky thing you just read. (Yes I read that section of my Google Blogger for Dummies...) so I was running late.


I got to school all bruised up and achy and basically just had a funky day.


I needed Reds...


Now come on people...I don't smoke...I don't drink...I can't have caffeine...this is all I got to take the edge off. So I call GS and tell him to take me to Reds or lose me forever...and he said "Nah I really think we should go with our original plan and have leftovers"


Yeah and then monkeys flew out of my ascot.


...of course he didn't say that...you should know better than that. he said "I was hoping you would say that" and then he did a happy dance...in the control tower...with all his co-workers watching...


So we went to Reds and life is good, my soul is healed...although my knee is still banged up and my hand is a mess, but all is right in the world.


Except Kanye West is still a jackass...


More Later


- A Ro


Just curious did anyone get the movie I refer to in the title of this post??

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Firecrackers Firecrackers Boom Boom Boom

Bella had her first soccer game (ever) this weekend!! Go Pink Fuchsia Firecrackers.
Could this be anymore girly? Thankfully my tomboy wanna be was OK with this name and color.



I was so proud of her...she kept saying all day how nervous she was but I could tell she was just excited.


We live close enough to the park to walk so Bella donned her pink bike helmet (and she thinks she is a tomboy) and she we scootered on over.


Well she scootered I walked...what do you think I have a death sentence? Me scootering...HA

Yes those mountains are what I get to look at everyday when I run...OK so Southern California isn't all THAT bad.


Sadly the Pink Fuchsia Firecrackers lost 0-4, but my girl did good!! She is a fast, go getter. She doesn't shy away from the ball, she runs like the wind and out ran many of the opponents. However, she didn't quite know what to do with the ball when she got it despite my son yelling over and over "BELLA DO A BICYCLE KICK". She only missed the ball twice with a kick that would have sent it far if her foot would have actually made contact. Overall a great success for my gals first soccer game. Did I mention that it was hot?
Did I mention that she didn't care?
Did I mention while all the other girls were wilting and out of gas...mine kept right on going?
Did I mention how proud I was of her?
Did I mention that I am a little crazy?
Well I am...the rest of the day I spent doing this:

I wish I had a before picture, but my crazy just made me jump right in. Please tell me that the yellow garbage ties look WAY better than a pile of cords.

Yeah I thought so too...

Wait...you were just trying to make me feel better?

Well just wait and see what I do with this mess...



Yeah I know better call my therapist...


More Later
- A Ro

Monday, September 14, 2009

Fit Fare Friday - Herb and Goat Cheese Omelets

I am as stunned and surprised as you are...yes I actually followed through with my Fit Fare Friday segment. I know I know...


The first Fit Fare Friday recipe is Herb and Goat Cheese Omelet. Here is the cast of characters.

4 large eggs
1 T. water
1/4 t. freshly ground pepper, divided
1/8 t. salt
1 t. chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled goat cheese
2 t. olive oil, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced zucchini
1/2 julienne-cut red bell pepper
dash of salt
1 t. chopped fresh chives (I forgot these....)
(This is what the cut veggies look like...realizing now that this is not a very important picture.)
  1. Combine eggs and 1 T. water in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in 1/8 t. pepper, and 1/8 t. salt. Combine parsley (I forgot), tarragon, and goat cheese in a small bowl.
  2. Heat 1 t. olive oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1/8 t. pepper, zucchini, bell pepper, and a dash of salt to pan; cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove zucchini mixture from pan; cover and keep warm.
  3. Place 1/2 t. oil in skillet. Pour half of the egg mixture into pan, and let egg mixture set slightly (do not stir) Carefully loosen set edges of omelet with a spatula, tipping the pan to pour uncooked egg to the sides. Continue this procedure for about 5 seconds or until almost no runny egg remains. Sprinkle half of cheese mixture evenly over omelet; cook omelet 1 minute or until set. Slide omelet onto plate, folding into thirds. Repeat prcedure with remaining 1/2 t. oil, egg mixture, and goat cheese mixture. Sprinkle chives (I forgot) over omelets. serve with zucchini mixture. Yield: 2 servings (serving size: 1 omelet and 1/2 cup vegetables).
CALORIES 233; FAT 17.6 G (sat 5.8g, mono 7.8 g, poly 2g.); PROTEIN 16g; CARB 3.6g; FIBER 1g; CHOL 430 mg; IRON 2.5 mg; SODIUM 416 mg; CALC 84 mg.

OK here is what I changed. I, as you already know, left out the chives. I also folded the veggies into the omelet, and topped it with 2 T of Trader Joes' Hollendaise sauce which added 35 calories. I also toasted two pieces of whole wheat french bread. GS and I loved this "breakie for dinner" meal. My kids ate Eggs Benedict. I would have put up that recipe but it was a simple as 1. poach an egg 2. toast english muffin 3. open package of already cooked canadian bacon 3. and heat up jar of Hollendaise sauce 4. assemble. Is it crazy that BOTH of my kids eat eggs benedict??? Not like anything crazy ever happens around here.

I hope you like and try this dish. If you do let me know how you like it!!!

And I apologize for the odd pictures. Either I forgot to take the picture I wanted, or took a picture that really didn't mean anything.

More Later

- A Ro

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Another First Day of School

Here we go again...another first day of school, this time it was Bella's turn. She is a fourth grader today!! Yipee!!
Oh alright not really a full out yipee because it really was kind of a heartbreaking morning. First of all my determined, self confident, and carefree girl was actually nervous. Not much makes my Bella nervous. She is one of the bravest girls I know...unless you are brushing her hair and then she is one giant puddle. Anyway she was actually a little uneasy. I suppose that is normal, but it made me a little sad. Not only that, but my little girl is growing up, and that is hard for any mother to take. Thankfully, unlike Andrew, we did have to put on a uniform. Our idea of picking out an outfit is close your eyes and grab a hanger from the pants side and a hanger from the shirt side...it's that easy...thank goodness, cause there are so many other aspects of our morning that can slow us down. Like brushing our hair and gettin' out the dang door.
This is Bella outside her new classroom. It is a temporary building as our school is building a new building. Seconds before this picture was taken she said "MOM don't take a picture of me...people are watching us." She should have just slapped me in the face, it would have been less painful.
She had a wonderful day and seemed to like fourth grade and her new teacher. I was relieved to hear it. Now our only dilema is the fact that her take home binder doesn't fit into her new backpack that Nana got her for her birthday. Now mind you her backpack is plenty big, its just that the binder could hold Einsteins dissertation on relativity. I mean it is huge. They really want you to bring a smallish backpack so that it fits in the locker then they give you a take home binder that is epic...go figure. I somehow managed to squeeze it in, however the jury is still out on whether she will be able to get it out. Dang it...
On a similar note I had a great albeit exhausting day. I had four rehearsals back to back...two high school and two sixth grade. I was beat. I was efficient and got a lot done and it is days like today that I am so thankful that I have a great accompanist, she was awesome. It is almost like she can predict what I am going to do next. She has this amazing way of keeping one step ahead of me and I can't even do that. Now I just need to find an efficient way to keep track of all my music and rehearsal sheets.
...maybe I can rent some space in Bella's binder.
More Later
- A Ro

Things I Have Noticed

I have not done a things I have noticed segment in a long time and I think that it being hump day of the first week of school I should do a "Things I have Noticed" list.

OK OK I know it really isn't hump day if you had Monday off, but cut me some slack will ya?

Here goes:
  1. I hate to back track. I think it is a disorder I have. It really makes me crazy to backtrack. I will take a longer route in order not to back track. It is some problem I have with efficiency. I really do obsess about it. I know...call my therapist.
  2. I have the cutest almost 4th grader. She has her new hair cut, new uniforms, and she is all ready to go...she is a little nervous, but for the most part she is just so easy going I am not worried at all...well at least not at the moment, but it is late and I am sure I'll be able to muster some up before tomorrow.
  3. I really do love my job. I am feeling a little overwhelmed with my load this year, but when I am in front of the kids I am right at home.
  4. I hate getting up at 4:15 to exercise...oh my gosh I am tired, but I am dedicated and somehow I have done it the past two days...I know it's only two days. One day at a time people...one day at a time.
  5. I must not hate it too much because I am missing a new show that I want to watch...Glee so that I can go to bed early so that I can get up at "too early for humans" o'clock.
  6. I watch one show religiously...Chuck. I have never gotten into a show as much as I have gotten into Chuck...however Chuck doesn't start its new season until March...so I thought I would try to watch Glee. It is loosely about the subject I teach. I watched the pilot this summer and really loved it so I guess that makes me a "GLEEK" . I love it!!
  7. We learned this summer from the required faculty reading that we have "mirror neurons" their job is to mirror other feelings. For example if you are near someone who is happy, you feel happy, if you are near someone who is sad you feel sad. If you are near someone who is constantly negative...well you get the picture. My mirror neurons are hoping that I stay away from certain people...and I have started a list.
  8. GS is a godsend...really and truly he is. I don't think I could do this life without him. My mirror neurons really like him!!
  9. It is really hard having a freshman for a son, especially one at the school I work at, and ESPECIALLY when he is in your class. I just get too stressed about his every day life at school...and constantly worry about him...well at least when I am not worrying about backtracking...

I am starting a new segment to my blog...for all 5 of you who are reading. I am going to start "Fit Fare Friday" (see how that works). Every Friday I will be trying a healthy recipe from a magazine I get...

(I'd tell you which one but I have no idea about copyright laws and I haven't got to that section in my "Google Blogging for Dummies" so I'll just be very vague for now.)

So look for that everyone...and by everyone I mean Zach and Kate...love you guys and thanks for reading!!

More Later

- A Ro

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

First Day of School

In the words of Destiny's Child...I'm a survivor I'm not gon' give up I'm not gon' stop...I'm gon' work harder. I hope someone gets that reference. Anyhoo...my point is...I survived the first day of school, but more important Andrew survived having me as a teacher...yes you heard it correctly my teenage son is in my high school choir. Now in all fairness I did apologize to him ahead of time for any embarrassment I should cause him...that gives me complete freedom right??

right??

Oh alright...I'll try to be on my best behavior, but I cannot promise anything...after all I am only human.

We did have a good first rehearsal and he only turned bright red a couple of times, and he is still speaking to me...I'd say a huge success.

It is funny to me how much changing goes on between 6th grade and 7th grade...here is a story between two middle school boys to prove my point:

Sixth grader: Hey did you see that transformers movie?

Seventh grader: Yeah

Sixth grader: It was AMAZING all that action and stuff blowing up and car chases and robots and stuff...wow what a cool movie.

Seventh grader: Yeah it was a cool movie but you have it all wrong...I'll sum up in two words why that movie was awesome.

Sixth grader: OK

Seventh grader: MEGAN FOX!!!

Either way middle school is such a wonderful age to teach. I know some people would say I was crazy, but I do love 'um...every last hormonal one of them.

Bella has one more day of "vacation" a la going to school, but not having to wear a uniform because she is still at daycare. We did meet her teacher...the new one of the group...and she is excited!!

Andrew in his first day outfit that took longer to pick out than his entire birth. Yes I know it is an important decision...and yes he did pick it out the night before...and yes I helped...and no I didn't laugh...and yes he looked very nice.

Can you believe how tall he is? (she says wiping one tear away)

Have I mentioned how lucky I am??

More later

- A Ro

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Alas, vacation is over

Well it is official Tuesday starts another year of school. For me I am in my 7th year of teaching at my current school, and Andrew starts his freshman year...YIKES!!


I can feel the hot flashes and aging already. I cannot believe my little boy is a freshman and a teenager at that. I don't have any gray hair (I don't...thank you very much) but they are a waitin' to come out I tell you.


Bella has a couple of more days as she doesn't start until Thursday...lucky girl.


I am excited about school and all the possibilities a new year brings...new students, new music, new colleagues and a whole new set of choirs I have the privilege to lead to great things. I am such a lucky person, I get to be witness to beauty...daily. I get to show my students that there are other things to life than straight A's and SAT scores. I get to teach the whole student.


So on this labor day...the last day of vacation Bella and I decided to start the year right...with creating the perfect bribe. I know what you are thinking but in this life you gotta get that little edge, that leg up on the other students. Come on how many students gave their teacher that apple on the first day of school...mine are just a little bit...cuter...sweeter...and make you go "MMMMMM" as you bite into it. I'm tellin' you these are no ordinary apples. They are Bakerella's cake pops...a goooey, chocolatey, mouthful of wonderful.

How do you like them apples??

More Later

- A Ro