Monday, November 29, 2010

(Extended) Weekend Purge

Too much to think about.  Too much to write about.  I think a list is in order.

Yep...a list.

1.  What happened to the definition of playdate that meant hopping on your baseball spoked, banana seat bicycle and ridding around the neighborhood until you found someone home?  Now it is many phone calls to plan a visit to a friends house who lives at least one freeway away.  Yep did a lot of that this weekend.

2.  You know what you get when the grocery store sells 20 pound turkeys for $7.00 besides a lot of growth hormones?  You guessed it a lot of turkey leftovers.

3.  What do you get when you must make a side dish to please everyone in the house...OK that includes me.

and my plate didn't even include the macaroni and cheese I had to make for Andrew.

4.  Maggie the dog thanks Bella for making her Thanksgiving meal complete.  This was only after we realized that we were out of dog food and had to make an early morning run to the very busy, overcrowded, last minute Thanksgiving shopper packed market.  Well we couldn't very well eat a delicious meal and watch Maggie starve...yep that is planning for you.

...yeah I think she did OK.

5.  So yesterday we had to run to Target, and not for some great Thanksgiving weekend deal, but for contact solution...did I mention that I am a planner.  It isn't so much that I am not a planner it is just that I have failed many times to make a complete grocery store list.  Anyway, Rich went on auto pilot and missed our exit when coming home and when I asked him what was distracting him Bella replied "Hang on Rich, I got this one...honey I was thinking of you".  She is such a helper.

6.  Speaking of helping, we had such a fulfilling morning on Wednesday.  We went to hand out Thanksgiving fixin's at our local food bank.  It is a very small organization and they really needed help.  Andrew, Bella, and I handed out so much food and we kept thinking how blessed we were not to be on the other side of the table.  It really opens your eyes to what you have.

7.  Speaking of helping...again.  I must give a shout out to my wonderful husband who makes my love for cooking that much easier.  He peels, he scrubs, he carves, and he oohs and ahhs over my cooking.  Then he vacuums, washes cars, folds laundry, and helps me play taxi.  I love spending time with this wonderful guy.

8.  Rich and I didn't have kidlets on Friday night so we went to see a movie.  We went to see Due Date with Robert Downey Jr. and Zac Galifianakis.  Now I am a big fan of Mr. Downey Jr.  I always love a comeback story...you know down and out actor gets his stuff together and comes back better than ever, and I think Mr. Galifianakis is very funny.  However, our opinion (sorry honey I am now speaking for you) was that the movie left a lot to be desired.  Don't get me wrong there were a lot of laugh out loud moments, but then there were a lot of "what??" moments.  I hate reviewing movies because I do realize that my opinion might not match anyone elses, but I wouldn't pay to see this movie.  Because when it is all said and done you are out about $40 bucks when you walk out of the movie with your half eaten bag of popcorn, half full gallon of Diet Coke and empty Junior Mints box.  Of course my comment was "c'mon at least Chevy Chase mishaps could ACTUALLY happen".

Now you must excuse me I need to finish the mounting laundry, find some recipes for 10 pounds of leftovers OR overwork the garbage disposal, and get geared up for the month of December.

More Later

- A Ro

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Project 365 Week 48

Project 365 button designed by http://richgift.blogspot.com


Well it has been a busy, fun, Thanksgiving weekend.  I'll fill y'all in tomorrow.  It is safe to say that this break was much needed and will serve as a refueling tank for the weeks to come.  It gets busy at work with a lot of events, and I have decided to knit some presents, and make some jewelry so... However, I enjoy every second of it.  Have I mentioned that I love this time of the year.

Here is my week...already week 48...geez.

Sunday:
Is This Iowa?

See we do get some fall foliage around these parts.  Some of the trees are really gorgeous.  It really makes me miss Iowa.

Monday:
Happiness

They are back.  They make me happy.  I know I have one already.  Now I have two.

Tuesday:
Getting Ready

I have never done "black Friday".  I really don't like crowds of grouchy people pushing and shoving.  I prefer to take to the computer and use the coupons and deals for this weekend and shop on line.  Many of the deals are just the same, many sites offer free shipping, and I don't have to deal with crowds.  Having said that Rich and I went to one store on Friday...to get a very special girl and boy a gift.  They are totally worth it and the deal is pretty good.  It was not too bad.

Wednesday:
Helping Others

Bella, Andrew, and I went to the Manna House for the first time on Wednesday to help hand out bags of Thanksgiving food, and turkeys.  Bella was in charge of giving out the bread.  She loved helping so much that she didn't want to leave and wondered when we could go back.  It was a great morning.

Thursday:
Giving Thanks

I love cooking, especially Thanksgiving dinner.  It is even more fun because Rich loves it too, and helps out a lot.  The kids helped too by peeling potatoes and putting dishes together.  Only one thing would have made it better..having two more special people with us.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Friday:
Our Tree

As tradition states we put up our tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  We all had fun getting out the boxes and putting up the tree.  I don't have a lot of stuff (so not too many boxes to lift and drag in) and we don't have any special "theme" to our tree, it is just filled with special ornaments and white lights.  As a child my mom got us each an ornament for Christmas and I saved all of those.  My kids get one too (from me and my mom) and all of those are on the tree as well.  Our angel is from my grandparents tree and I can't remember a time where it didn't sit on top of their tree.  She holds a special ornament I got from friends when my dad died, it has his name on it.  It is so nice to take out all the ornaments and remember each one.  This year Rich got to hear all those stories as well and this year he and his family can now start collecting ornaments for our tree too.

Saturday:
Our Favorite

Tonight we decided to head off to our old town and eat at our favorite restaurant.  It was nice to not have to eat turkey and stuffing.  I love Reds.

In Summary:  It is so obvious that I have so much to be thankful for and it was nice to slow down a bit and really think about that.  I am lucky to have a husband who loves my cooking, helps with dishes, goes on adventurous black Friday outings, and loves Christmas trees as much as I do.  The Christmas season is in full swing for this family.

More Later

- A Ro

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Hodgepodge...Gobble Gobble

sorry for the double post...the title-less post could not go unfixed.  Yeah. I know.




It is time once again to answer the new Wednesday Hodgepodge.  


Thanks goodness.

The instructions are easy. 1.read mine. 2. comment. 3. answer your own. 4. go on over to From This Side of the Pond and link up. 5. read other hodgepodges. 


See piece of cake (or pumkpin pie)


1. If you had known what they knew then, would you have boarded the Mayflower?
Heck no.  I love the known and fear the unknown.  Especially the unknown that involves potential danger. 

2. How far have you traveled on a boat and how do you feel about boats in general?
I love being on a boat when I can see land.  I once journeyed out on a boat that ended up in the middle of Lake Superior and I could not see land.  It freaked me out.  Tooling around on a pontoon boat on a lake is really cool, but I need to know that land is somewhere close by.


3. What traditions have you kept, acquired thru marriage, and/or tossed? If you're single what are some of your family's favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

hmmm...the only real tradition that I have is that we put up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I usually cook simply because we are not near any family.  I have had single friends over and would open my home to anyone who needed a place to go.  Andrew, Bella, and I will be volunteering at a food bank today for the first time and I hope that tradition continues.

4. What time is dinner and how many will be round your table? And what is the one side dish you cannot do without on Thanksgiving day?
Dinner is usually at 3:00 and this year it will be four.  The one side dish that Rich requested is my mom's Scalloped Pineapple.  It is very good.  It is very bad for you.  It would be the one dish we cannot live without on Thanksgiving day.

5. Have you ever used a fire extinguisher? Do tell....
Nope.   Thank God.

6. Tell about a situation that caused you dreadful trepidation and feet dragging, only to realize later it was a true blessing. 
The first time I met Rich's kids.  The students that I am closest with told me that of course his kids would like me because I am a wonderful person.  I know deep in my heart that they did like me and still do.  I am very good at reading and knowing kids.  It was a true blessing to have met them and to have had that experience because they have enriched my life so much, and have taught me many lessons.  It was also a blessing because I got to see how wonderful a dad Rich is and how much his kids adore him.

7. Baked, sweet, mashed, hash browned or french fried...which one's your favorite? 
Yes.

8.  In Summary: Clearly I love to cook and am pretty good at it because a) my family keeps coming back for more, although they really don't have a choice b) I actually have a side dish that makes a requested returning appearance c) and I have never had to use a fire extinguisher.  See.  Good cook.


More Later

- A Ro

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tell Me Why Tuesdays

It has been awhile since I have posted our my favorite post topic.

You are welcome.

1.  Why is it that I can complete a master's degree but cannot figure out how to take the videos off the camera and put them on my blog?  #skippedtheaudiovisualportionofmydegree

2.  Why have the morning car rides turned into a mom vs. kids ordeal?  #twentyfourhoursofholidaymusicon103.5

3.  Why is it that I am really enjoying the 50 degree temps around here? #youcantakethegirloutofiowabutyoucan'ttaketheiowaoutofthegirl

4.  Why do I love Gweneth Paltrow?



#sheisagleek

5.  Why does this picture make me wanna scream??

#okididscream...alot

6.  Why do I feel like a 8 year old?  #skinnedmykneeagainrunning

7.  Why does my scale despise this time of the year?  #traderjoespumpkinpieandahalfofacanofwhippedcream


8.  Why do I love my daughter?  #shelovesandforgiveswithherwholeheart

9.  Why do I love my son? #heagreedtoplaythebassforourgleeclubevenifitmeansplayingmariahcarey

10.  Why do I have the greatest marriage? #weknoweachothersowellandloveeachandeverybit

More Later

- A Ro

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Project 365 Week 47

Project 365 button designed by http://richgift.blogspot.com


Man do these days just fly by.  They are my favorite days of the year so I really just want them to slow down just a bit.  Week 47 already...geez.

Here is a peek at my week I hope you head on over to Sara's and look at some other projects.

Enjoy!!

Sunday:
I'm Crazy

Today was my 10K...the second one.  It was a hard course and a hot day.  I really didn't think I was going to make it, however, quitting was not an option so I trucked along and finished.  It was so nice to have Rich cheering me on.  He originally had to work, but the op cancelled so he was there.  Phew.

Monday:
Gleeks

I am happy to say that it looks like our newly formed Glee club has a place on our holiday program.  It is a club so it is run by students and they have all worked so hard to organize rehearsals and get it ready for our "audition" in front of the music faculty.  I am so proud of them.

Tuesday:
Bella's Basketball Game Face

I got to go to Bella's final basketball game of the 5th grade season...and...THEY WON!!!  It was their first win of the season and the score was 4 - 3...yep you read that right.  I video taped it and when I figure out how to upload a video to my blog I'll be sure to post it.  You hear parents yelling "OOH Almost" quite a bit.  Lets just say there is a lot of attempted shots.

Wednesday:
Big Mistake

Tonight at Bella's last soccer practice they had a parents vs. kids soccer game.  I came ready to kick some U10 butt and left wishing I didn't have a butt.  I was so S.O.R.E.  Andrew played too.  It was so much fun, despite the sucking wind about 2 sprints up and down the field.  I can run 6.2 miles but I can't play 15 mintues of soccer without my lungs burning.  

Thursday:
Silly Puppy

Rich decided to pick up Maggie and she just got comfy and stayed there.  Bella thought is was so cute...I agree.

Friday:
Cookie Time

We were assigned to bring treats to our last soccer game on Saturday.  I decided to make soccer cookies.  I put the girls names on some and then their team name on the rest.  I thought they turned out so cute...if I do say so myself.

Saturday:
The Red Bulls

Well the game got rained out but the party went on as planned.  They were all sad they didn't get to play their last game, but they had so much fun hanging out at the team party. 


In Summary:  Basketball done...check.  Soccer done...check.  More free time...check!!

More Later

- A Ro





Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Its the Hodgepodge!!


Week 2 of the HP...sorry I am a little slow today.

1. What is the most amazing weather you've ever seen?

I am an Iowa girl at heart and my most amazing weather is also the most dangerous.  I love a great thunder and lightening storm.  The power and majesty of it all just amazes me.  Especially when I am at my moms and you have nothing but pasture around you and you can see nothing but sky.  Sigh...I miss Iowa.  We don't get that kind of weather here in California very often.

2. What is a sound or noise you love?
In conjunction with the above question.  I love the sound of a thunderstorm.  LOVE IT!!

3. Do you like seafood? What's your favorite seafood dish?
I love seafood and my favorite dish is just a big ole bucket of crab legs...all you can eat preferably.   Rich and I went on our first date to a place in Camarillo that had an all you can eat crab night.  Sadly the place closed.  I hope it wasn't due to my crazy ability to put away some major crab legs. 

4. What part of your day requires the most patience?
I have a middle school class nearly every day so you'd think that might be it, but nope...Getting the heck out the door in the morning requires more patience than my herding cats middle school rehearsals.  You see  I teach a zero block class (7:00 am) three days a week and boy do I do a lot of deep breathing waiting for my kidlets to mozy on downstairs.  Geez people LETS GO is my morning mantra.

5. What's your favorite shade of blue?
The blue of Rich's eyes...awwww.  I know that is sappy, but they are the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.  My son has some amazing blue eyes too...but Rich's are that light piercing blue that just are so pretty (in a guy way of course)
See???
6. Do people underestimate you?
Nope...I think people know me very well and know what I am capable of...if anything I might underestimate myself.  If that makes any sense??

7. When was the last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Here's the thing.  My job requires me to be involved in many MANY performances and I do get butterflies each and every time.  Mostly for my students.  I get way more nervous for them than I do when I have to perform.
8.  In Summary:  Well this is easy I love thunderstorms, the blue eyes of my love, and I am a nervous mother bear who reads like an open book...but God help you if you make me LATE!!

More Later

-A Ro

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I Did It!!

This past Sunday I ran my second 10K.  It was such a hard course.  It was either uphill or downhill, so I couldn't really get into my stride.  None-the-less I did it!

Pre-race

Here is the start of the race...notice the uphill right off the get go.

Starting the second 5K

 Me crossing the finish line...except this guy leaned in...but you can see the corner of my red hat above his big ole head.  It is better this way, I probably looked like hell.

Post race grimace...but I got a medal!!

As I am running this horribly hard course, between thinking that giving birth was easier than this course, I thought of some ways running is just like life and I would now like to list them for you...in no particular order.

1.  It always helps to have someone cheering you on.

2.  Even when you are running a uphill you can always get to your goal as long as you keep putting one foot  in front of the other.

3.  Getting a medal for your efforts isn't always necessary, but it sure makes things more fun.

4.  Preparation always helps.

5.  It is not necessary to stop at every donut shop you pass.

6.  You always feel better after you have reached a goal.

7.  With enough determination short, pudgy, 41 year olds can beat tall, lean, 20 year olds.

8.  Crossing the finish line with the man you love waiting for you and patting you on the back and telling you how beautiful you are even when you look like hell is a wonderful thing.

9.  Headwinds make you stronger.

10.  You really CAN do anything you put your mind to....really.


More Later

- A Ro

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Project 365 Week 46

Project 365 button designed by http://richgift.blogspot.com

Another very busy week in our household, but it seems to be slowing down a little bit...at least for the time being!!

Here is a peek into that glorious busy week.  Head on over to Sara's and check out everyone else's glorious busy weeks.

Sunday:
Cock-a-Doodle-Doo

Final day of Annie...PHEW!!  Here is me and our Rooster.  He is such a great kid.  The kid trying to get into our picture hardly ever smiles, so at least I caught this one on film.

Monday:
Creations from My Bella

On my desk, amoung other things, are these two items; the highlighter dude, and my Bob clock.  Bella sits at my desk and creates.  She made my highlighter dude have a missing tooth, a black eye, and fire hair.  She gave Bob a top hat and a bow tie.  I am constantly finding things on my desk that she "alters".  She is such a funny, creative gal.

Tuesday:
SHARK!!!!

This is kind of cheating as I didn't actually take this picture, but my sister-in-law sent me this picture today and it made me smile.  I have a few more cute pics of my niece and nephew from Halloween for later in the week, but Elvis (the dog) all dressed up cracked me up.  Too cute!!

Wednesday:
Also Cheating...a Little

I asked Rich to video tape my concert this evening.  (I promise I'll post some video of my groups)  Since he was video taping we didn't get any stills.  So I took a picture of the video screen.  This is my Upper School Chorus.  The concert was amazing and I was so proud of all my kids!!

Thursday:
Say Good-bye to Me Now

Tonight I picked up this book.  Now I love Dan Brown and I am afraid that I won't be able to put it down...well I am almost half way done and I've had it three days...so you do the math.  It is a good book.

Friday:
Chicken and Mushrooms in a Marsala Sauce

I had the day off today, so I had the opportunity to actually cook something without feeling rushed.  I made this yummy dish (one of Rich's favorites).  It is a Cooking Light recipe and it was so good.  I would like to say that I'll put the recipe up, but I always say that and never do.  Maybe this time...

Saturday:

A Good Conference

Rich and I went to an all day conference today.  Oh my gosh was it good.  A good gathering of a lot of helpful people, and a great keynote speaker who is an expert researcher.  She had all the stats (good and bad) and really gave us some great ideas on how to fight this.  We walked away with some really great information, and not a doubt in our minds that we are right.

In Summary:  The week started off getting to show off my students, and ended with a good meal and some hope.  I would say it was a great week.

More Later

- A Ro

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond has graciously stepped in to aid all of us in finding something to blog about on Wednesday with her own version of the random dozen.  It is called Wednesday Hodgepodge and if you want to play along head on over to Joyce's blog and answer the questions and link up.  It's that easy.

Joyce, I thank you and my readers thank you.

1. Do you think you're more like your mom or your dad?
Rich told me in his wedding vows to me that one of the reasons he loves me is that I remind him of my dad in that I would do anything for anyone.  We tell a story about the time that my dad was driving out of a grocery store parking lot when he suddenly pulled in to a parking spot, threw the car in park, jumped out of the car, and ran across the lot to stop a rogue cart from hitting another car.  He wanted everyone he met to leave happier because of their encounter with him.  He wanted everyone to be free of harm or sadness.  He really was just a very kind human being and I am proud to be just like him.

However...
I have been told that I am like my Mom by Rich  many times too.  I am very generous and love to make people happy.  My Mom is an amazing music teacher and a singer so I would like to think that I am like her in that way.  I love having a house full of people, I love having my family near me, and I love to cook and bake.  She would also do anything for anyone and has...she is one of the most generous people I know.

Wow!!  I have a win-win answer.

2. Do you like roller coasters?
I LOVE roller coasters!!  My favorite one is California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure.  I don't like rickety old wooden ones that make my head ache.  But give me a smooth and fast coaster any day!!
 
3. How did you name your blog and do you now wish you'd thought about it maybe another five minutes before you hit publish? Would you change your blog title if it were not a huge pain in the derriere? (French makes everything sound a little nicer doesn't it?)
My nickname was A-Ro and it was going to encompass all things...so there you go.  Nope wouldn't change it... Don't think that I wouldn't want a mulligan on some other things in my life....

4. What is the best wedding gift you received? Not married? Didn't get any gifts? Then what is the best wedding gift you've given
Heck...Rich and I didn't do gifts, but we asked for donations to the American Heart Association in honor of our dads who died of heart attacks..so that might be the best gift...the one that helps other people.

5. What is the one bill you most hate to pay?
Sadly, we are still paying off a roof on a house that we no longer live in...gotta love the housing situation in CA.  
I really also hate paying that student loan, but I guess I have a job because of it so...

6. Is the glass half full or half empty?
I am alive another day, I have a man that I adore and who adores me, my children are wonderful, healthy, and beautiful, I have a great job doing what I want, and I have an amazing family.

The glass is half full.

7. What is your favorite word? Okay okay. Calm down. How about one of your favorite words?
Breathe  I use it daily with my students (they are singers) and I use it daily with myself (I am a stress ball)

Good word


8.  Random thought: This is a freebie question...you are on your own.
I thought I would stick my normal summary in this spot.  So...In summary:  I am very lucky to have had the wonderful parents that I have and I hope that I can be that kind of parent to my kids that were and are to me.  I have a little wild side to me, am glad I don't have another fondue pot, and I am always looking at the bright side even when I am paying those student loans.  Mostly we all need to just breathe.


More Later

- A Ro

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Murphy is My Co-Pilot

I do believe in the law of attraction.  I believe that your state of mind has a great deal to do with how your day goes.  Positive thinking and energy breeds positive things, and negative thinking and energy breeds negative things.  It really only makes sense. 

What I have come to find out is that Murphy not only has a law but he speaks softly and carries a big stick.

My world does follow along those lines.  When things are going great they continue to go great, but when one thing goes wrong...man it is down hill from there for me.  For me it starts when I am running late.  When I am running late everything stacks up against me and I cannot catch back up.

Case in point. 

Yesterday I had to be at the theater at 1:00 for mic checks and warm ups for our 2:00 Annie show.  This meant that I needed to leave the house at 12:30 or earlier since I figured I would need to feed my kidlets on the way.  Thankfully Rich stayed home to tackle laundry.

I am very good at setting the schedule.  OK we need to leave by 12:30 so I need to start getting ready and eat lunch at 11:30...obviously, the setting of the schedule isn't the problem.

Rich and I tried to pack everything we could into the morning to TRY not to get too behind since we had lots going on.  By the time we finished shopping it was 10:30.  Surely I could get all the meat trimmed and in the freezer in an hour.  No prob.

Prob.

It was 11:30 and I was still cutting and packing, and 12:00 before I got done.  In my defense, I  really couldn't just stop. I had salmonella screaming at me from all corners of my kitchen.  Just needed to plow forward finish up and hurry.

Note to self - (I seriously mean note to self because this is where it all goes down hill fast with Murphy pushing me along).  When the words "I need to hurry" enter my mind.  I need to seriously drink some herbal tea and do some yoga because those words are an invitation for disaster.

Well the hurrying started, and continued right up to the point where I am driving into a popular burger joint drive through at 12:35. 

OK people we can do this.  We will hurry through the drive through grab our fast food...I mean they call it fast food for a reason...and we will get on the road and maybe make it.

Hurrying through the drive through meant seeing that the drive through lane is entirely too long and there was only one person at the counter in the store.

OK people we can do this.  Let's just hurry right out of the drive through and park and go in. 

Hurrying right out of the drive through meant that I ran over the curb like partition (with flowers) with all four of my tires in front of about 1100 people.

OK people...regroup.  We will just hurry into the store and order fast and hit the road.

Hurrying into the store meant standing behind a very nice older lady ordering with a coupon.  And standing in front of a very grumpy man who obviously didn't realize that the little girl in front of him wasn't a sailor and isn't used to hearing those kind of words, unless it is coming from her mother who is now carrying a boat load of flowers under the carriage of her car.

This is how the next 10 minutes went:

Older Lady:  I would like to use this coupon to get my free salad.
Worker Man:  You need to buy a salad to get one free.
Older Lady:  What?
Worker Man:  It says right here that you need to buy a salad to get one free.
Older Lady: Well....I guess.
Worker Man:  What salads would you like
Older Lady:  Hmmmm let me see.  Does the Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad have onions?
Worker Man:  Hey Paul...does the Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad have onions? 
Paul: No it doesn't
Older Lady:  OK...does it have tomatoes
Worker Man:  Hey Paul does the Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad have tomatoes?
Paul: No it doesn't
Older Lady:  Can I add them?
Worker Man:  Hey Paul can she add tomatoes to the Southwest Chicken Bacon salad? 
Paul: Yes you can but it costs money.
Older Lady:  How much?
Worker Man:  Hey Paul how much does it cost to add tomatoes to the Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad? 
Paul: It costs 20 cents.
Older Lady:  No thanks. 
Grouchy Man:  Hey (talking to me and Andrew) you need to just go up there and start ordering...
Andrew:  I am sorry, but that lady is still ordering
Grouchy Man:  That is bull-%$&

OK??

Older Lady: Can I get the sauce on the side?
Worker Man:  Hey Paul can she get the sauce on the side?
Paul: Do you mean sauce or dressing?
Worker Man: Do you mean sauce or dressing?
Older Lady:  I mean sauce.
Worker Man:  She means sauce
Paul:  Yes we can put it on the side
Older Lady:  I also don't want any bacon.
Worker Man:  You don't want bacon on the Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad?
Older Lady:  No
Worker Man:  Hey Paul can we take off the bacon on the Southwest Chicken BACON Salad?
Paul:  No it is prepackaged that way...


You can obviously see where this is going.

The kicker is that just as she is paying and almost done the manager opens up another line.

I really think that I could have thwarted the demise of my afternoon by just stopping at any of those points and taking a big deep breath and regrouped mentally...but no Hurry Hurry Hurry was the only thing in my mind.

Murphy and I seriously need to have a talk about our relationship and he just may be shown the curb...you know the one that I am dragging behind my car.

More Later

- A Ro

Monday, November 8, 2010

Project 365 Week 45

Project 365 button designed by http://richgift.blogspot.com


So Annie is over!!!

(Phew)

I have my big choral concert on this Wednesday!!!

(stress)

Then it is back to normal!!!!

(yeah right)

Anyway here is my week in pictures...yes I know it is late

(sigh)


Sunday:
Loot

Andrew did not trick or treat this year...he hasn't really been into it for many years now.  He is like me, he hates to dress up.  So when Bella gets home each year they sort her candy and he gets what she doesn't want.  Usually it works out OK.  Truth be told, the Halloween candy sits in a bucket in my cabinet and never gets eaten...well at least not by my kids :)

Monday:

Bella Plays Basketball Too

Today I skipped out on Annie rehearsal to catch my daughter's only home game this year.  She is the starting point guard for her 5th grade basketball team.  She is really good...if I do say so myself.  A real tough cookie.

Tuesday:
Happiness Is...

My drink of choice these days, mostly because it is still in the 90's by noon, is an iced Starbucks drink.  Today, however, I stumbled upon this beauty and had to order it hot.  It makes me happy.

Wednesday:

New Obsession

As if I need a new obsession.  Well this was my comic relief this week.  I am telling you...my kids have been playing this for weeks now and they have tried to get me to succumb, but it took being bored at soccer practice to make me try and now...well let me just say...it is bad.

Thursday:

You Knew it Was Coming

I tried to give you some other pictures besides Annie this week, but...Hey, at least I made it until Thursday!!  Here is our little Annie.  It was a great rehearsal tonight!!

Friday:
OK Last One

We performed some scenes for the Elementary kids today.  Ms. Hannigan was looking fierce so I had to use her for today's picture, even though it is a little blurry.  The little guys loved it, but not as much as some of the teachers who have taught these kids since Kindergarten. 
Saturday:

Soccer Doesn't Take a Backseat to No Musical!!

We did have a very chilly soccer game today and then right to the show.  Bella made a goal with a penalty kick today, her first goal  She got clobbered by this other girl.  She doesn't back down, man, she just gets in there and takes her knocks.  I am so proud of her.

In Summary:  I am very sleepy!!

More later

- A Ro


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Tell Me Why...(whatever day it is)

Well I am drowning in middle school musical tech week...but I'll resurface soon, (hopefully not face down)

In the mean time a few thoughts:

1.  Why does the flu have to hit during tech week?  #iguessmurphyreallydoeshavealaw

2.  Why does homecoming, Halloween, comment writing, and Annie tech week all have to be at the same time?  #blogwhatblog

3.  I love my middle schoolers so much but who do they wear me out?  #haveyouevertriedtoherdcats?

4.  Why is it 50 degrees in the morning but 95 degrees by noon?  #layeringisthenewblack

5.  Why am I so proud of my girl on Halloween?
#alwayssaidthankyou  AND #nevertrampledonlawns

6.  Why did I miss one of my favorite alums birthday on November 1st?? #lucyiamsorryihavegreatpicturetopostcan'tfindit...nextweek

7.  Why does writing 120 comments take so long and consume every free moment? #iamaverydetailedperson

8.  Why does putting on a middle school musical take so long and consume every free moment? #iamaverydetailedperson

9.  Why does this little witch make my heart hurt?
#duh

10.  Why do I adore my husband? #hepicksupalltheslack  #ithinkheactuallymissesme

11.  Why must this list be done?  #ineedtogofindmycatlasso


More Later (I promise)

- A Ro

Monday, November 1, 2010

Project 365 Week 44

Project 365 button designed by http://richgift.blogspot.com


Welcome to my week!!  The sun did make an appearance and it was a lovely week.  Head on over to Sara's blog and check out some other projects.  It is fun to see what everyone is up to these days.

Sunday:





Sweet Treats

These are the goody bags that Bella and I gave out for Halloween.  We Bella had lots of fun putting them together and all of the recipents were very surprised and happy!!

Monday:



Herky the Hawk!!

One of my student's Dad is from Iowa, jsut like ME!!, and they get to go to a lot of Hawkeye games.  We always talk about the Hawkeyes every time we see each other.  Well she got to go to Iowa City to see the Hawkeyes play Wisconsin last weekend and she brought me this Herky.  I was so surprised.  It truly made my day!!  Thanks Amanda.

Tuesday:



Double Trouble

It was twin day for middle school's spirit week.  Here are two of my sixth graders all dressed up.  Don't they look cute!!

Wednesday:



Dress Like Your Friend Day Wednesday

It was the high school's turn at twins day.  Here are two of the cutest twins around Allie and Katharine.  Allie has a cool blog too.  If you have time go check hers out.

Thursday:



Cool Chick

Amongst spirit week this week it was also Great Pumpkin Day today.  The lower and primary schoolers had a big assembly where everyone dressed up in their costumes.  Here is my Hippy Chick. 

Friday:
Homecoming!!

Tonight was our homecoming game.  The primary and lower school choruses performed along with my seniors and a little combo...and yes our mascot plays the bass.  It was so much fun.  Except the game ended in a tie...A TIE I TELL YOU!!!


Saturday:
Grades :(

The worst part of my job...grades.  I have 120 first quarter comments to write.  My head hurts just thinking about it.

In Summary:  It was quite a festive week around here.  Homecoming, Great Pumpkin Day...whew.  I do have a cute kid, cute students, and a very cute Herky to keep me company.  I hope your week was just as fun!!


More Later

- A Ro