Tell Me Why Tuesday

Yes folks it is time again for Tell Me Why Tuesday, that blog post that lets you take a peek into all that confuses me.  Well, not all that confuses me, that might take a couple of posts, but here is a few items.  Enjoy it like you enjoy watching

1.  Why did that soccer gene skip me, I mean all of my siblings and now my daughter are soccer pros? #doodlejumpsoccerisaboutallicanhandle

2.  Why do I prepare and prepare and prepare for the first day of school, but still feel unprepared? #didyouknowmymiddlenameisneurotic

3.  Why does it take boys longer to get ready the older they get? #beingachickmagnetisn'teasy

4.  Why does a half hour in the social security office seem like an eternity? #sittinginplasticchairswaytoonearotherpeopleslowstimegreatly

5.  Why does watching Phineas and Ferb totally make my day? #perrythesemiaquaticegglayingmammalofaction

6.  Why does dinner taste so much better if you don't have to cook it? #richgothomebeforemeacademyofcuisinearts

7.  Why do people not obey the crosswalk feature of our street? #agameoffroggeranyone?

8.  Why does this list only consist of eight items? #didimentionschoolstartstomorrow


Wish me luck!!

More Later

- A Ro

The Last Hurrah!!

The last weekend before school begins is always filled with fun and letting loose.  You know, one last hurrah before the school year begins.  Fun fun fun!!

Except in our household.  In our household it is filled with...normal stuff.

The kids were with their dad so Rich and I had the whole weekend to ourselves.  You would think that these newlyweds would fill their alone weekend with romantic walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, and gazing into each others eyes.  Well that would be real nice, but real life was on the agenda for us.  Trip to the grocery store, cleaning the house, and laundry.  We did squeeze in a movie and dinner.  Yep, dinner AND a movie...wow.

Friday night I did get the opportunity to go out for drinks with some of my middle school teachers.  Our principal is promoting an atmosphere of stress free teaching.  It was a lot of fun and I really enjoy my colleagues.  Thankfully, we didn't see any parents or teachers, because you know nothing would have scared the kids more than seeing their teachers, all of their teachers, out having fun and laughing.  Sometimes I think they think we have a cot in our rooms and never leave.  I drank club soda...with lime, I know party animal..

Saturday afternoon my friend and I went and did a little school clothes shopping...for me that consisted of two new bras and a very useful pair of Gap black pants.  Boy, hold me back, things are getting out of control.

That night Rich and I went to our favorite sushi place and went to see the movie "The Other Guys".  It was very funny and the dialog was great.  Afterward, a trip to Target.  Can you believe the kind of crazy life I lead??

Sunday was a wild Yoga class and the aforementioned chores, it is a wonder that I can even roll out of bed this morning.

And you know what I am going to do today with the last few hours of freedom...I am going to the social security office to officially change my name.

Whoa...now that's going a bit too far.

More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 35

It was a very busy but fulfilling week.  I was back at work in full swing getting ready for my students to come back.  The Middle and High School start next Tuesday and the little guys (including Bella) start on Thursday.  I am very excited to be going back and starting this year.

Here is my week:

Sunday:

Healthy Right?!?

I have been making a batch of whole wheat pancakes on Sunday and eating them during the week.  I use pure maple syrup and they are oh so good.

Monday:

Pirate Ship Hat

On of my favorite guys hung out in my room on Monday with Bella and his sister.  Faculty kids get really good at entertaining themselves.  He wanted to make a pirate ship hat so that is exactly what we did.

Tuesday:

GOAL!!!!

Andrew agreed to volunteer to be a line ref for Bella's soccer region.  He had to take 6 hours of classes and 2 hours of field work, plus take a test.  Of course, he passed and will now have to don the high black knee socks, oh so fashionable black tennis shoes, short black shorts, and bright yellow jersey.  He is, needless to say, very excited.

Wednesday:

My Happy Place on My Desk

I put up my new pictures today on my desk.  I love having everyone so near to me even if it is just pictures.  I have a couple more to bring, but this does make me happy.


Thursday:

Let the Games Begin

We had our back to school BBQ tonight.  It is so fun to see all the kids and they are so excited to see their friends and teachers.  It is a great way to begin the year.

Friday:

Little Critters

I found some evidence of a critter in my room.  I can't tell you how happy I was to have our wonderful maintenance men hurry right over and cleaned everything up and set this trap.  I am very lucky to work at a school where everyone takes such good care of you.

Saturday:

She Found a Friend...As Usual

I know this is a horrible phone picture, but it was such a neat thing.  Bella went to the Skirball museum today with her dad and this is a Noah's Ark exhibit.  She loves museums and animals, so this is right up her alley.


It was, as usual, a great week.  I got a lot done and got to have some fun too.  I am lucky to be working at such a wonderful school, and have a job that makes me so happy!!

More Later

- A Ro

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my Mother's birthday. 

Lately when I think of my Mom I, of course, associate her with all of her wonderful children and grandchildren.

 

She spends endless amounts of time worrying about us, taking care of us, visiting us, shopping for us, and loving us.  And the way she has taken Rich and his kids under her loving wing just makes me love and appreciate her all the more.

She loves Andrew even when he is too cool for pictures.

She loves her Bella the first granddaughter.

 

 Those twins, my oh my how she loves Grandpa John's granddaughters.

 

She loves her sweet and cuddly Ty.

And her busy busy JoJo

And her sweetie pie Sami.

And boy oh boy does she love her red headed Abby.
 
We have consumed her life, and I would venture to say that she really doesn't mind.

But my Mom is so much more than that.  She is an amazing and dedicated music teacher.  She has given the gift of music education to so many students over her long teaching career.  She always works so hard at everything she does.  Whether it be going back to school while raising three kids, canning and preserving her vegetables and fruits from her garden, sewing, scrapbooking, or making her home so special and welcoming.

I love my Mom for all that she is and for all that she does....

...plus she is one cool chick!!

I love you Mom.  Happy Birthday!!


More Later

- A Ro

Hurts So Good

Disclaimer:  No I didn't read Eat, Love, Pray nor did I see the movie.  I did, however, take my first Yoga class last night.

I have decided that since I have been profoundly happy lately, and the whirlwind of school lunches, after school activities, early morning classes (which ultimately lead to even earlier morning runs), dirty dishes, homework, and the constant conversation with myself about what can I wear that doesn't need ironing are right around the corner, my chakras might need a little reinforcement.

However, I do have this little voice in my head that is a little hard to deal with sometimes.  She is constantly trying to sabotage my wanting to take care of myself.  You know the voice I am talking about...the one that tells me that two cookies would be WAY better than one, and tells me that it would be much nicer to sleep for an extra half hour than don those darn running shoes.  Well last night on my way home from work she has the audacity to try to convince me that it would be much nicer to plop on the couch and stare at the ceiling than to go to my Yoga class, especially since I've never been and doing something new and out of my comfort level really gives that "voice" something to say.

Thankfully, I have the Rich voice of reason to combat the party pooper voice, and he scooted my butt and my Yoga mat out the door.

Well, it seems like there are a lot of people who need a chakra overhaul, (or simply want to be Julia Roberts without the leave of absence, and frequent flier miles,) because it was a packed class.  The "oh don't worry you can hide in the back so people don't see your moon salute" concept was shot out the door. 

So I placed my yoga mat in the small space left and sat down.  The nice Yoga lady asked if there were any new comers and usually I wouldn't want to draw attention to myself, but I reasoned that if I do fall on my keister that I wanted people to know that I was not a pro but a Yoga virgin...you know the sympathy vote.

I liked the beginning...the centering, the breathing, the sitar playing, but it quickly turned into stretching...pulling...planking.  I did all the "positions" just fine, but had trouble with keeping my breath centered.  I mean after the "up dog" "down dog" "warrior one" "warrior two" "deep planks" and a couple of "oh my goodness I don't think that my pelvis is supposed to be able to that" moves, I was having trouble breathing at all. But then came the end...back to the floor, eyes closed, and centered breathing...ahhh.

I liked it, I need it, I will be going back...because I think that now my chakra can kick that voice's butt.

In a nice centered way, of course.

More Later

- A Ro

WHOO HOOO Random Dozen

Well let me tell you I am excited as all get out that Linda over at 2nd Cup had reinstated the Random Dozen, so here goes my randomness...I am a little rusty so bear with me. 

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?
I love the tostada.  I love all the lettuce, beans, meat (usually chicken), cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and of course that 2000 calorie shell.  Sometimes I can contain myself to only eat a couple of bites of that shell and that can only be about 500 calories or so right?!?...keep in mind the question wasn't what was your favorite HEALTHY Mexican dish.  However, I think THAT might be like asking you your opinion on jumbo shrimp...

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?
Well, let me tell you one thing for sure, we might have walked to school up hill both ways in a snowstorm, but I didn't have as much homework as kids these days.  I am sure didn't start right away, I mean I at least had to check Facebook and text all my friends to see if they were going to be on video chat later...oh wait I wasn't able to do those things back then...come to think of it I wonder what the heck did I do with all my spare time??  Well there were those boys with the mo-peds...

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?
I like IKEA when I have the time to battle the freeways to get there, buff up on my Swedish, use my warehouse tracking skills to find my stuff, and follow the 27 step picture diagrams to put it all together.  Otherwise Target is much more user friendly.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?
I loved the pizza days...other than that it was ham sandwiches with white bread, mustard, and Doritos smushed on top.  Come on you did it too...didn't you???  Ahhh the good old days.

5. Is religion a crutch?

For me...no.  For others...yes, and it breaks my heart to see that.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?
We live in California and every sport is big...as you can play most anything year round, but I would have to say baseball.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?
We can put food on our table, clothes on our backs, save for a (short lived) rainy day, and all this while doing very important work (teaching) which I love...I'd say that I am the definition of rich!!


8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire
Just took my CPR First Aid course for school...so I'd have to say the first two, although I am not sure how I'd do in a real live emergency (pretty sure my colleagues who are reading this are hoping that I am not a first responder).  I KNOW that I would not be any good at changing a flat, so that is out.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing
I want to pop and lock baby...hip hop all the way.  It looks fun and I always wanted to be the cool kid and I am sure that a 41 year old who can hip hop would be the coolest kid out there.

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?
Telling my kids that their dad and I were getting a divorce.  Funny how as devastating as that was for my kids they are so much better off because of it.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.
You mean other than learning how too cook a hamburger on an old fashioned popcorn popper?? Or how many pieces of peanut butter toast it would take before I got sick?? Or how to fashion a pizza box into a sled?? Or how to survive without mom or dad??

Pretty much everything that I am today I learned in college...being on my own, and just figuring things out.

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?
Since my Dave Matthews Band concert I have the song Everyday stuck in my head "Pick me up love from the bottom up to the top love, Everyday."  Great song to have stuck in my head!!

In Summary:  I suddenly have a hankering for a Dorito ham sandwiches, a tostada, and to slide down a snowy hill in a laundry basket (and that has nothing to do with the fact that it is 110 here today).   I feel that my life is a constant blessing and I am very rich, but wouldn't mind winning the lotto (just don't want to jinx myself with all the "I have everything I need" talk)  And Kindergarten, shmindergarten everything I've needed to know in life I learned in college...except how to change a tire, read Swedish, and hip hop dancing...hmmm maybe I should go back!!

More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 34

I started back to teacher days today, and I feel very excited about this new year.  We get kids next Tuesday so I have a lot of stuff to try to get done!!  Plus sharing wedding pictures with all my colleagues is a very time consuming thing :)

My Project 365 is a little late and definitely not as exciting as last weeks.  It is full of inanimate objects...not too sure why except for the fact I was busy getting things organized and ready for this week.

Sunday:

Comfy Spot

We fixed up the balcony off our bedroom today.  It is a very nice spot to relax.  Very serene.

Monday:

Back to Soccer

We had our first soccer practice today.  Bella is very excited about this season and she is lookin' good!!

Tuesday:

Ahhh!

Organized my scrapbooking closet today.  Went through and organized pictures and feel ready to start scrappin' again.  I am only 4 years behind so I should be caught up again in no time...uh huh!!

Wednesday:

Red, White and Blue as Far as the Eye Can See

School clothes shopping...check!!  It is so easy to get ready in the morning, grab blue shorts, grab red white or blue shirt, and done.  I love school uniforms.

Thursday:

Wouldn't You Like to be a Pepper Too??

I got this lunch box for Bella for her birthday, just for fun but she wants to use it for her school lunch box.  Lunch box...check!!

Friday:

Wedding Pics Ready to Hang

Just purchased some frames for our wedding pictures, just waiting for Shutterfly to send the pics.  I'll be sure to post pictures of the pictures...ha ha.

Saturday:

A Dream Come True

Rich got me tickets to Dave Matthews Band concert for my birthday and tonight was the night.  It was an absolute dream come true.  I have wanted to see him for about 18 years and finally someone bought me tickets and said "Come on let's go"...what a guy.  It was a great night and concert.  Thanks honey!!

A seemingly calm week, but I got a lot done.  I hope you all can forgive the late posting and the ordinary pictures.  But they perfectly captured this week for me.  

Again, it is obvious that I am blessed and I am in such a wonderful happy place right now in my life.  I am so thankful!!

More Later

- A Ro

My Big Day

My wedding day was everything I had hoped for and more, and it something that I think about often.  Most brides can't really remember the specifics of their day as it goes by in such a whirlwind of chaos.  Mine went nice and slow, no stress, just family, and lots of amazingly precious moments.  I know this sound crazy but I am a changed person because of that day.  I was shown how much this amazing man loves me, how much my family loves me, and how God's grace and love brought us to that special day.  I felt my dad's presence and his love, as he would have been so happy for me.  I worked very hard at making it a special day, but it was well worth all the effort...it was absolutely perfect.

Alright enough sap...here are some of the moments I speak of.  If you hate pictures of happiness (and a lot of them)...please close your browsers now.

Rich's kids did not attend.  We wished with all of our hearts that they could have been there. We know that we did everything in our power to make that happen and it just didn't.  We missed them, and love them, but it wasn't going to ruin our beautiful day. 

The location was amazing and just gorgeous.

We wrote our own vows and speaking to each other, from the heart, in front of our families was so breathtaking and beautiful.  I pretty much cried through the whole thing. 

It was a beautiful ceremony.

The reception was so much fun, and the food was so good.  Rich and I spent most of the afternoon decorating it and it turned out great.

I had pictures of Rich and I then and now, and a scrapbook of "Our Story".

My theme was family, so I decorated the tables with pictures of our families.  I made the frames and they really turned out great and everyone enjoyed looking at all the pictures.  I must publicly apologize though, my brother Ryan's families frame and photo got left at home...sorry guys!!

It was nice to have those special people as decorations.

The cake was beautiful and delicious...

...and we didn't even smash it into each other's faces. 


But the most important part of the day was sharing it with very special people. 

 My boy...look how handsome he is.

My beautiful Bella.

Rich's family.  His sister Suzi, his brother Mike, sister-in-law Kelly, Shelby, and Johnathan.  It was so nice to have them there.

My brother Greg, sister-in-law Michelle, and JoJo.

My brother Ryan, sister-in-law Stacia, Sami, and Tyler.

 

My sister Kate, brother-in-law Dustin, and Abby.

I love my sweetie pie JoJo.

Red head Abby breaks my heart.

Handsome Tyler.

Adorable Sami-pie.

My fabulous siblings.

My amazing Mom.

My Aunt Sara and Uncle Tom (not pictured) came from Wisconsin...what a nice surprise.

The girls. Michelle, Me, Stacia, and Kate.

We were so glad that Stacia's brother and his family could join us.  Mates, Nikol, Matsey, Cade, and Zane. They were such a great family and we were so lucky to have them there.

Our families are the greatest.  To have Rich's sister, and his brother and family there was so special.  They all welcomed me into their family and I am so greatful.  My sister-in-laws Michelle and Stacia took all the pictures (with help from Nikol and Mates), and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. 

I am so blessed to have the kind of family I have.  They are so loving and generous and have taken Rich in and made him feel a part of this great big family. Sharing this day with them was a dream come true.  I love and miss them so much.

It was a beautiful, perfect, day.  Filled with love, laughter, family, and moments etched on my heart forever.

I am truly blessed.

More Later

- A Ro