Saturday, January 31, 2009

I Am Glad I Am Not an Air Traffic Controller/Road Rage

I am sitting here in an air traffic control tower watching GS work. It is an anniversary of ours, of sorts, and I brought him dinner. Crazy job...it isn't a very busy tower, but oh so much to remember, and oh so many buttons and phones and blips...just not for me. I'll stick to hormonal teenagers, thank you very much.

Today was a busy day. Crazy ex-wives to deal with, crazy ex-husbands to deal with, orchestra concerts, play dates, and an anniversary, of sorts.

Things I noticed today:
1. Best laid plans can go down the tubes very quickly...as quick as picking up the phone and saying hello.

2. I love a really good bowl of oatmeal...and it is healthy for you too...go figure I like something that is healthy.

3. Sometimes the right thing to do is a very hard thing to choose...and things are not just black and white...gray is a shade that comes into view too often.

4. Being a mom sometimes means driving all over gods green earth.

5. My son can really play the cello...I mean he is really good.

6. $900 cellos break too easily.

7. They need to make nose tampons...yes I am still sick.

8. I am so excited to watch CHUCK on MONDAY...I LOVE CHUCK!!! I need to pick me up some 3D glasses.

9. I absolutely love talking to my sister...and, unfortunately, we don't get to do it very often, but when we do the giggles ensue.

10. I think I am afflicted with road rage. I am an Iowa girl and lived in Arkansas and then WHAM I am plucked out of that Midwest existence and planted firmly in Los Angeles, CA having to deal with the 101, the 405, the 134, the 110...and all the other three digit concrete paths to hell. I just hate to drive...hate it. I am a very calm, level headed, kind, good natured person, except when placed behind a wheel and forced to deal with idiots. I just have no patience for other drivers. I realize this is a problem and am going to try to deal with it. Maybe some Yanni or John Tesh Cd's. Or a book on tape perhaps the Bible...that might be my only hope. At least I know it is a problem and that is half the battle they say...maybe this is also the reason I could never be an air traffic controller...at least I know my limits.

Things I am Thankful For:
1. The send button
2. Cello playing teenagers.
3. Fun loving younger sisters.
4. Beautiful little girls.
5. Eating Subway sandwiches in the control tower with GS.

More later

- A Ro

Friday, January 30, 2009

Light Bulb Moment

I love being a teacher...but even more I love being a music teacher...but even more I love being a chorus teacher. My students use their bodies to make music...one of the earliest forms of music...they become one with music. Every once in awhile we leave the note learning and really step into the meaning and the power of music...and every once in a great while my students have a light bulb moment...and that makes my year. Most of these kind of moments are completely unexpected and really unplanned. I'd like to think that it happens when I am totally prepared with a great lesson, but in reality it usually happens when I am just winging it. Today was one of those moments with my Sixth Grade Chorus and especially one little girl. This little girl moved here this year from Japan...I am not sure how long she lived there, but so many typical "American" things just fascinate her. She speaks English without an accent so I am not sure about all of her past. We are singing an African American Spiritual and we finished all the things I wanted to accomplish with about five minutes to go...I know on a Friday even!!! So instead of moving on to the next thing on the agenda I decided to throw out the question: "What is an African American Spiritual" The details of the next five minutes of discussion are not as important as the outcome. My students and especially this little girl started to realize things about a part of our culture that they didn't realize and that music and especially singing moved so many people to a better life and sometimes freedom....so many many people. She had never realized this and the expression on her face was priceless...I am so lucky to be able to be involved in that kind of moment for her....so very lucky.

Things I Noticed Today:
1. I miss my kids when they go to their dads.

2. I love it when GS has the day off and London Broil is on the menu.

3. Even sick...I can have a good day at work...maybe that is the key??

4. Having a Friday lunch date is oh so much fun...and a beautiful day to sit outside and not be cold...

5. Singing harmony is not for everyone...and it is hard to convince 8th graders that I know best.

6. Singing in Portuguese is not for everyone and it is hard to convince High Schoolers that I know best.

Things I am grateful for:
1. Sixth Graders from Japan.

2. Sleeping in...5:30 instead of 4:00.

3. Advil

4. Sunny California Days!!!

5. Lucas...8th grader who I don't teach any longer going out of his way to say hello to me.


More later

-A Ro

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sick Sick Sick Part 2

My vocal jazz student motivated me to get out of bed and go to school...as well as the fact that I had two middle school classes that I wouldn't want a sub to have to handle. It is chorus so it couldn't be just any sub it would have to be a music sub and those are hard to come by. So I trudged kleenex, chapstick, hot tea, and purell in hand and went to school. Taught my three classes got out of the rest and came home and slept for about 3 1/2 hours. Went to the grocery store to feed the two hungry children before Andrew had football practice. Had every intention of fixing something for GS and I but really didn't feel like it. GS truly earns his name (Godsend) by offering to pick up dinner for us on his way home. YIPEE. I didn't have to cook.

Things I noticed today:
1. I have this really bad habit of feeling so GUILTY when I am sick and I give my responsibilities to other people, and when I get off of my training schedule. Even though they are so willing to help I still feel so guilty.

2. Hot tea when you are sick is the best thing...but a venti latte would be better...darn Dr. for forbidding me to drink caffiene.

3. I hate being sick...did I mention that.

4. When you are sick and have to get ready for work it takes about 10 times as long...nothing is appealing to wear and the hot shower feels so good...and we all know how I get when I am running behind....

5. This list is short.

Things I am thankful for:
1. Sue for bringing me great stuff from her garden 2. Lisa for taking our two classes by herself 3. GS for bring home dinner and doing the dishes 4. Vicki for bringing my kids home 5. Being able to sleep for 3 hours.

more tomorrow...sniff, cough.

-A Ro

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Sick Sick Sick

Ok...I tried not to admit it...I tried to fight it, but I can no longer do it. I am sick...so there...I said it now could it just go away. I hate being sick, I do go on with life, but it just makes me so upset to be this way. Now I am not a baby, I don't complain and lay around in bed, no I get up and put one foot forward and go through my day, but I am silently miserable. In fact I didn't even get up and go for my run today. I a had strep throat a couple of weeks ago and ran, but this head cold crap made me unable to breathe, itchy eyes, and a constantly dripping nose...I know too much information. I need to be better...I need to exercise, I feel like everything I have worked for must not be blown because of my runny nose...get it blown...runny nose...Oh for heavens sake I am trying to cheer myself up. I have to be ok with taking a couple of days off for sickness and not have it ruin everything I have done. I will be sick and stay focused.

Things I noticed today:
1. I was completely on schedule this morning...oh wait I didn't have kids this morning...hmmm

2. I felt really rested when I got up this morning...oh wait, I went to bed at 8:30...

3. I need to get a phone tree for my vocal jazz students...I wanted to call in sick today, but I knew that 26 high schoolers would be standing out in the cold waiting for me...I know I know I need to rethink that word...cold.

4. I need to thank my vocal jazz students for forcing me to get out of bed this morning and not wallow in my sickness.

5. I need to figure out a way to keep chapstick close at hand...maybe a lanyard around my neck, naw that would be un-fashionable and even in the depths of sickness I am still a diva.

6. I really miss my kids when they are at their dads...funny I can't wait for them to go and then I can't wait for them to come back.

7. Katharine and Kaley cannot sit by each other any longer...do you hear that!!!

8. I don't miss the snow and ice storms plaguing all of my friends and family in the midwest.

9. Dinner tastes so much better when it is on the table ready for you when you get home...thanks GS...

10. My son who one second says he hates history because he will never need to know that information and in two seconds flat comes downstairs and relays this story he read about in his history book that totally caught his eye and excited him...only a teenager.

Things I am thankful for: 1. GS for giving me a so badly needed back rub!!! 2. GS for having dinner ready and waiting for this sick starving gal. 3. Roger for just being a great colleague. 4. Laurie and Mandy for waving to me when I was leaving like they were really going to miss me. 5. Little Makayla who just loves to sing and is really good at it. AND one last big one...Little Harper is in her mothers arms...YEA thank god.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Mornings Just Suck When You Are in a Hurry

Today started out great I ran my 3.5 miles even though I feel a head cold coming on...but when I got home it just went down hill...Remember last post when I said that I needed to work on the fact that I get totally frazzled when I am minutes off schedule. I just do, I can't help it, so today when we were running late...totally not my fault this morning...ahem...13 year old son, I lost it and we got into a HUGE fight...now to his benefit he was feeling crappy and not moving all that well...as he injured his calf muscle. (Must have been that awesome catch in the end zone for a touchdown at Sunday's game.) So my frazzledness added to his teenage agnst caused a not so pleasant morning, but I love the guy and he loves me so we don't stay mad very long...

Things I noticed about today:
1. Mornings just all around suck when you are in a hurry.

2. The treadmill that I run on at the gym...my favorite one, (I know it is a treadmill, but for some reason it is my favorite one) is not right in front of a TV...so I usually don't watch because to look right or left causes me to run that way and almost fall off the treadmill...anyway...since I can't watch TV this causes me to do a lot of thinking and remembering things that I need to do, but alas no way to write down the thoughts that come into my head. ie - Call my friend Vicki about the bowling party which I forgot to do until just now... I am SUCH the post it, to do list, kind of girl. If I don't write it down more than likely I won't remember it. I keep telling my students if you want me to remember it...write it down and stick it to my desk...They are very good at doing it, maybe I need one to stand next to me on the treadmill so I don't miss a thought.

3. High School-like drama is not only for high schoolers...sadly.

4. My friend Kim gave me this "Mon-key" and it made me very happy...it is cold outside in the morning here...(I know I know I need to re-evaluate my definition of cold)...but it is to me..OK?!? Anyway I have a few keys on my school lanyard and only one opens my door to my classroom, so now that I have a "Mon-key" I know which one it is...see below:Isn't that just the cutest thing...I need to find out where to get some more!!!

So no more cursing as I freeze...(I know I need to re-evaluate my definition of freeze) trying to figure out which key opens the door to the warm refuge of my classroom. Yes I do live in California...not Antartica.

5. It is much more rewarding to teach someone who doesn't think that they know it all already.

6. I can enjoy Tuesday night without kids without going out to eat...I can fix leftover chili and a salad and eat with GS without needing to go to REDS my favorite BBQ joint...hmmm maybe REDS would have been nice tonight...

7. I know they say that snot is necessary, but why do we need so dang much of it. I hate feeling sick...it just messes up everything.

Things I am grateful for today: 1. Mandy lunch buddy and a great work distraction 2. Sue - tireless accompanist who I couldn't live without 3. Lisa - great class-roommate 4. Kim - "mon-key" giver 5. Andrew - teenage angst giver whom I also could not live without.

That is all for now...more later.

- A Ro

Monday, January 26, 2009

Low Fat Chicken Enchiladas

It seems like I always start my blog with "Well" Not today, today I am starting my blog today with the things I noticed today.

Things I noticed today:
1. It always take my children (8 and 13) longer to get out of the car, at school, with all their stuff than it does to get into the car...they seem to just lollygag.

2. If I am even 5 minutes behind schedule I get cra
zy...this is something I really need to work on.

3. I cook a wonderful dinner (see below) that isn't
that crazy but my kids would rather eat a turkey sandwich (8 year old) and a pizza bagel (13 year old)...why can't they just like grown up food...and Bella isn't even that picky.

4. I can't wait to write in my blog...even though I only have one follower (thanks Darlene)...very silly, the things that excite me.

5. I love to read the various blogs I follow...this i
s so new to me, am I crazy for liking to peek into other peoples lives???

6. I hate getting on the scale...but who really does, well there must be someone but if they like to get on the scale they probably don't need to get on the scale...hmmm

7. My students don't always listen to me...for example three vocal jazz students of mine who have rehearsals on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7:00 am...yes 7:00 am came to school today Monday at 7:00am yes today Monday 7:00 am...no rehearsal today, they swore that I said we had rehearsal today...my one day to "sleep in"...which means up at 5:20 instead of 4:00...

8. My dog, as cute as she is, is always under foot...

9. I should upload all of my picture first and then write...blog and learn


Good for you Chicken Enchiladas


I got this recipe from Kelly's Korner's recipe site, but I changed a few things...


INGREDIENTS
10 oz (2 1/2 cups) cooked shredded chicken (i used leftovers from a chicken I roasted)
2 t. olive oil
1 c chopped onion
1 can sliced black olives
1 c your favorite salsa
8 oz reduced fat mexican shredded cheese
1 jar/can enchilada sauce
1 can red. fat cream of mushroom soup
10 low fat whole wheat tortillas


You saute the onion in 2 t. olive oil, then add the chicken, salsa and 3/4th of the cheese. Cook until cheese melts.Stuff the tortillas with the mixtureRoll the tortillas and place seam side down in a coated pan.

Mix the jar of enchilada sauce and the cream of mushroom soup in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed tortillas.

Cover with coated foil and place in the oven and cook at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes...

They are about 220 calories an enchilada and that is a rough figure...GS loved them he gave me a big high five. I loved them and they are good for me...not a bad combo. Now if I could just get my kids to try them.

I get up tomorrow at 4:00 am and go for my 3.5 mile run...wish me luck.

Things I am grateful for: 1. My blog 2. my attitude today 3. great colleagues 4. Getting up and getting to do something I love...teach 5. a day to sleep in 6. Harper is doing better and opened her eyes..thank god.

More tomorrow


- A Ro


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Super Bowl Bound

Well another great day...I had a wonderful run 3.5 miles. I never think I can do it, but then I do and it really starts my day right. It felt good, and my mood is so good when I do... I did grocery shopping and kept within budget...not an easy feat. I am currently roasting a chicken in the oven and it smells so good. It is a chicken I bought a couple of weeks ago real cheap. Usually I buy the chickens real cheap put them in the freezer and then throw them away months later when they are no longer good...not this time freezer burn!!! I am using some of the chicken tomorrow to make chicken enchiladas that I got off of Kelly's Korner's recipe blog...maybe I'll be good enough to share the steps with my blog. Still can't figure out how to promote this dull and dreary blog...maybe that is my problem?? Anyway....I decided that my Rich will be called from now on GS for Godsend. He really is and I like cute nicknames. He is expecting a call from ex-wife tonight to discuss kids. She has decided that she wants to have weekly phone calls to discuss the week with the kids, because he is her kids dad so she wants to co-parent. She also called me a fat ugly B***. She doesn't even know me...I love her kids though so I'll play nice.

Andrew had a football game today and they WON!!! He scored a touchdown!!! Here are some pictures. It was cold...I know, I know 60 degrees should not be considered cold when I am an Iowa chick, but it was gosh darn it. Bella and I were cold.
Bella with her DS...


Andrew after the game
Action Shot...

I am very thankful for a great day with my kids...They are the best. Tomorrow is another work week and week four of my training, but that means a day off of running.

Things I noticed today:
1. Parents of the other team are usually sour pusses...especially when they lose...am I like that??
2. People do really live to be 96. My friend Vicki's aunt is 96 today.
3. I quickly forget what cold really is...
4. I really like my blogs, writing and reading.
5. My son really does love me when I am on the phone with him and I tell him I love him and he says "I love you more..."

Things I am thankful for:
1. The sun on a cold day.
2. A good run.
3. Patient Bella
4. Sticking within budget.
5. My Mom!!!

Later

- A Ro

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Stay in Your Pajamas Day


Well it is a rainy day here in Southern California...a rare occurrence. So Isabella decided it would be a "stay in our pajamas" day. So we are putzing around the house and then we are going to watch our netflix "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium". Sounds like a perfectly marvelous day. I worked on some financial stuff and organized a little.
Bella in her pajamas

Yesterday was a great day. Andrew wasn't feeling so well but wanted to go to school because it was Viewpoint's Middle School Geography Bee. He came in second last year. Well this year he WON!!! He got all of his questions right. He gets to take a test to see if he will advance to the state competition. I am so proud of him. He also won his basketball game. Good day for Andrew...except today he is so sick...fever, headache, cough. I hope he just gets better. I hate seeing him so sick. I got up and ran my 2 miles...and did a little weights. Tomorrow is my 3.5 mile run...YIKES...

more later

- A Ro

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday January 22, 2009 8:49

I am exausted not sure why. Maybe because it is a Thursday and I need the weekend!!! I need to get up tomorrow and RUN...I also need to stop the picking...a few fried here...a bite of fried rice there...it is all going to add up and bite me in my large butt...I have this goal and really need to cut it out!!! Andrew had another great basketball game they won, but he came home with a horrible headache and went to bed. Bella and I went to the mall, while we waited for Andrew, with Rich and ate dinner and walked around a fablous store...TARGET. I love TARGET. I am very excited to see Andrew play tomorrow...I'll try to take some pictures. Speaking of pictures a blog I read has this fun photo tag...You pick the fourth folder, and the fourth picture and post it. Here is mine.

This is my daughter Isabella in 2006 at a summer camp that her dad was a conductor for. She is showing her new jump rope...She is sooo cute with her little piggy tales.

I am still trying to figure out how to network my blog...and I really want to personalize it some more. I think it would be so much fun...

Gratitude: 1. For a good rehearsal 2. For my beautiful daughter 3. My talented son 4. the fun of blogs 5. great students.


- A Ro

Thursday January 22, 2009

Well it seems that I have a problem blogging at night...probably because I am a single mom with two kids, homework, dinner, dog, and all of my own stuff...Plus I am trying to stick to this running schedule which has me getting up at 4:00 am three days a week. I guess that isn't too bad. Anyway...to fill in the other events. Andrew had a basketball game on Tuesday night, which I forgot to write about. He is my little guy...not very tall and just a guy waiting for puberty...anyway he scored two baskets that tied the game. He played for about 5 minutes total and score more points than some guys who played a lot longer. He is on the top basketball team in Middle School and I was worried he wouldn't be able to hold his own...wow was I wrong. Today Isabella performed in an assembly at her school. The third grade french class sang the french version of the Hokey Pokey...it was soooo darn cute. My little Bella up there dancing and having a blast. I have more West Side Story rehearsals today and then Bella and I get to go to the mall and have dinner with Rich while we wait for Andrew to get back from another basketball game. I am looking forward to that. Last night I got some nasty texts from Rich's ex wife. She used her sons phone and then had the audacity to deny doing anything. I felt bad for Justin he just gets put in the middle so much. She called me discusting...fat...ugly. It really upset me, I know it shouldn't but it did. It really set a bad tone for last night. I really want to find some other blogs to read and start networking. Just curious.

More later

- A Ro

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Januray 21, 2009 10:31

Well I didn't get to write yesterday...it was a great day. I got up and ran my 3 miles and it sucked to get up so early, but it felt good to get it done and it always makes me feel good. Andrew had a fit yesterday morning, he didn't want to go to his Jazz Lab rehearsal. It frustrates me because I am the kind of mom who goes out of my way to say yes to him and he thows a fit because he doesn't want to do something. I think it is important if you start something you finish it. I need to try to understand better where he is coming from. The day went well, I really enjoyed listening and watching the inagural events. I think that we are on the right track. I hated Michelles inagural outfit, but LOVED her ball gown. LOVED Aretha Franklin, the John Williams piece, and watching Yo-Yo-Ma's face when he performs. I enjoy watching Obama speak and I am kinda obsessed with that whole family. Curious to know all about having young kids in the White House. I am very hopefull for this country. We had our first rehearsal of West Side Story, and I enjoy working with those kids. They are so excited and I just love the show. Kids were with John last night and Rich and I enjoyed our favorite restaurant and some great alone time. More later

-A Ro

Monday, January 19, 2009

Monday January 20th

Thankful for a day off...very good day. I really did good on my eating and even though it was a struggle today I am thankful. I am amazed at the power of these blogs. A facebook friend got me hooked on a blog by a lady in Arkansas named Kelly. She has been keeping a blog of her pregnancy. She and her husband have been trying to have a baby for awhile now and she finally got pregnant and she had her baby and her baby is very sick. She is in NICU and barely hanging on. What made an impact on me is how many people are following her and praying for her. I am hooked on her struggle and her faith. I read her blog everyday and look forward to updates. I want my blog to be that way. I want to start a community of people reaching for the same goals and way of living. I, obviously, have not found that yet, but maybe someday. I am so grateful for today and look forward to tomorrow, a new semester, a new president, a new musical to begin, and another day forward.

Gratitude: 1. A beautiful house to live in 2. A wonderful mom...who called me today 3. A great new recipe, and a yummy dinner 4. A chance to sleep in 5. Two beautiful children, a great friend, and a game of UNO.

More tomorrow

- A Ro

Mid-day Report

Well I was looking forward to today...cleaning my house, and just hanging out. Day off of running so I got to sleep in and just recharge for a new semester that starts tomorrow. I have been so hungry all day. I just can't stop thinking about eating. I am not sure why but it is driving me nuts. I know that these days come and go and usually I would just eat whatever I wanted and give up...i am trying not to make that happen today, but it is only 4:15 and I have to get through another bunch of hours and spending a lot of those in the kitchen so I can prepare dinner. I will be strong, I knew that this particular journey wouldn't always be easy, but just GETTER DONE!!!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sunday January 17th 2009

A good day!!! I got up and wanted to run my 3.5 miles outside, but it was sooo windy here. So I trudged to the gym and got it done. I am proud of myself. 2 weeks down 14 to go...YIKES. I was kind of sore from my stregnth training yesterday, but it is a good kind of sore. I got lots of stuff done, with many breaks to do my favorite pasttime...the LA times Sunday Crossoword. I picked up the kids at 2:30 and took Andrew to his flag football game, and then rushed him to CSUN for his orchestra rehearsal. Took attitude from DExH, but was calm and handled it well. He doesn't want Andrew to play flag football...but I think it will be OK. It is a very relaxed league and good for him. He gets to play with his friend Brandon. I was proud of myself. Good eating day and I ended week two...tomorrow weigh in and we shall see. Very tired and the bed will be a welcome place.

Gratitude: 1. For a good run 2. For a patient Isabella 3. Talented athletic boy 4. A great partner in this life 5. Rich getting to talk with both kids.

More tomorrow....

A-Ro

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Saturday January 16 2009

Awesome day...it started out with a 2 mile run and some strength training. John had the kids so I mostly putzed around the house and got quite a bit done. I went through some of my pictures and scrapbooking stuff I really want to start that back up again. Isabella went to a Hannah Montana taping last night with a couple of friends and Ainsley's mom sent some really cool pictures. Here is one.
Miley Cyrus, Emily Osmet, and the brother...along with Ainsley Isabella and Lily.

I am excited that I started this blog and look forward to keeping it up. Feel good about today. Am very lucky and blessed to have a wonderful man in my life, two beautiful kids, a great family, a great job, and awesome friends.

Gratitude for today 1) Had a great run and workout 2) Ate very healthy 3) Got so much done in my house 4) Had a quiet peaceful evening 5) Remembering the happy past.

Till Tomorrow

A-Ro

An introduction

Me and Rich (a godsend)


This is me and my beautiful daughter Isabella


My handsome son AndrewOur terrific dog Maggie

New Beginnings

Well this is very new to me...I have been on other blogs so I decided that I needed on too...I have so many goals and dreams for 2009 and lots of random thoughts about life. I have been on an incredible journey for about 3 years now. Most I will share some I will not. My biggest goal so far is to run a 10K. The one I will run is in April, so that journey is at the front of my mind and I know training will be hard, but I am almost two weeks into it and so far so good. One side benefit of this is I will finally lose the weight I want and just be a stronger and healthier me. I have a wonderful family, good friends, great students, and an adorable pooch...So stay tuned...