Project 365 Week 37

Well once again I am a little late with the Project 365.  It has been a busy week.  I know, I know, that is what I ALWAYS say, well if the shoe fits...buy it!!  ha ha.

Anyhoo, my week consisted of a fight with the mean misunderstood lady at the DMV.  Soccer with Andrew reffing AND Bella playing.  We also cast our Middle School production of Annie.  I got some cute pictures of my nephew JoJo.  Finally, I almost was a unwilling member of a Zumba Yoga rumble. 

Here is a sneak peak...but you'll have to come back to get all the details.

Sunday:

Playing with Fire

We got out the fire pit and of course chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.  It was the perfect night to sit outside and enjoy the fire.  She looks so spooky.

Monday:

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Here are some of the pictures we hung today.  We Rich got a new laser level and we went to town.  I love walking down this hallway now!! 

Tuesday:

Yoga

Took a Yoga class tonight.  Yogees are very serious about their center and calm.  Zumba-ees are very serious about their hooping and hollering.  See the problem???

Wednesday:

One of My Favorites

Even though we hung this on Monday I caught myself just staring at this picture today.  It is one of my favorites so I grabbed my camera and snapped it.  It truly captures the happiness we both felt after our beautiful ceremony.

Thursday:

The DMV

I thought since it was a no school day for us that it would be a great day to go get my new license.  Little did I know that a) other people were off today b) this line was to just to CHECK IN c) I would get a stubborn DMV chick and d) not too many people in California get married in Missouri.  Trouble.

Friday:

The Sun Will Come Out...TOMORROW!!!

We posted the cast list today.  It is always one of the hardest things I do at work.  We had over 59 people audition which means that we get to disappoint about 50 middle schoolers.  I hate doing that.  They get this idea the if they don't get the lead or the part they want it means that they aren't good enough.  What they fail to realize is that sometimes their beautiful voices don't "fit" the part they are auditioning for.  For example, we have boys who's voices aren't done changing yet and no matter how beautiful their voices are they can't play a part written for a man.  Hopefully I can make them all undersand.

Saturday:

My Big Boy

This picture makes me SO happy.  Look how "official" he looks.  He is such a grown up boy.  I love this guy!!  Plus I can't believe we got this picture...I think Bella took it.

In Summary:  I love fire pits, and pictures of our wedding.  I love the calming effects of Yoga until the Zumba-ees show up.  Someday, I'll get over my DMV experience and having to disappoint so many of my students.  Mostly I am thankful this week for my kids, Rich, and my life.

More Later

- A Ro

Whoa...Random Dozen Already??

This Random Dozen snuck up on me, in a good way...

Here goes!!
 
1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.
White albacore tuna, real mayonnaise, a little onion, and Swiss cheese on hearty wheat bread.  Wow, that is a good sandwich...I can almost taste it.

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?
I am a big old sucker for a sappy love song...just ask Rich.  I don't like cheesy love songs, and there is a difference albeit subtle.  A song always moves me, I guess I am in the right profession.
  
3. What is your favorite board game?
I can't think of the name.  I know you are saying to yourself "how can it be her favorite game and she can't even remember the name of it"...cut me some slack I am working on my second week of school.  Anyway it has categories.  Some are just questions like spell a certain word backwards, or some of the categories are actual performance ones like humdingers, blind pictionary, and sculptureades.  I know that one of you knows the name of that game.  Nonetheless, it is my favorite.


4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?
The older I get the more patient I am with small children.  I realize they are just kids and there is a reason for everything they do.  And since I am older I know they are not mine, and I can give them back to their parents.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.
I would have to say contact solution.  I have come close before, but I need it every night so I better keep it stocked.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"
Absolutely.  Being in love is the greatest feeling in the whole wide world.  Even if you lose you are so much the better for having felt those feelings.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.
Wow...good question.  I have seen the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the Grand Canyon.  One that I haven't seen that I really want to is Mount Rushmore.  It is crazy that THAT is the one that I haven't seen yet as I lived most of my life a state away.  Maybe someday.

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
I am a very forgiving person so it is way more painful to be disappointed in myself.  That little voice in the back of my head that keeps me from eating an entire bag of dark chocolate M&M's but tries to talk me out of early morning runs also keeps me in line.  She is brutal.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
Well according to Carpool Queen it is my insanely organized Tupperware cupboard.  From what I understand no one keeps their Tupperware cupboard so organized.  I cannot stand disorganization in general, but to have bottoms and no lids or lids and no bottoms makes me crazy...crazy I tell you.

10. Are you a crafty person?
I am a very crafty person.  I love crafting...not so sure I am the best at it, but I love to do it.  Finding the time is the big issue...but my craft area is very organized.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?
I love Chicken and Tri Tip on the grill.  I love potato salad and chips and guacamole.  Really any BBQ food is fine by me.

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.
We got the fire pit out on Sunday night and roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.  It was the perfect night for sitting outside and relaxing.  I love leisurely activities.


In Summary:
I am so glad to have loved even though it has broken my heart a couple of times.  I am a little neurotic with my Tupperware cabinet and my craft area, but it is OK because if it wasn't organized I would be terribly disappointed in myself, and we can't have that. And it seems like my perfect day would be a tuna sandwich for lunch, a big old BBQ for dinner, sitting at a fire pit roasting marshmallows while listening to sappy love songs and playing that game...you know the one.

More Later

- A Ro

Tell Me Why Tuesday

I am telling you I totally need a button for this Tuesday post.  Yeah and I totally need another couple hours in a day too, but that isn't happening. 

Anyhoo...here is my weekly musings about why things are the way they are.

1.  Why do I always fall on my butt when someone important is looking? #atleastmyskirtdidntflyup

2.  Why does Shutterfly refuse to allow me to upload my pictures? #corporateconspiricyorusererrorhmmm?

3.  Why does Cheesecake Factory insist on using take home containers that have little ridges on the bottom? #dontthinkiamaboveusingmytongue

4.  Why don't parents realize that I don't make school policy? #angryparentanditisonlydayfive

5.  Why does it have to rain on my week for outside lunch duty? #kharmabecauseichoselunchdutyonashortweek

6.  Why did Bella and I find it necessary to not only Tivo Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam but also have a movie night to watch it?  #wewoulddoanythingforjuniormintsandpopcorn

7.  Why can't some people realize that when you sign an agreement you need to follow that agreement?  If you don't then there are consequences...#duhyouarenotabovetherules

8.  Why is it that some people can do whatever they want no matter how wrong it is, and never pay a price?  #injusticeissounfair


9.  Why am I on a soapbox? #dontworryimdonenow 

10. Why did I not know about dark chocolate peanut M&M's until yesterday?  #mywaistlinethanksyou

There you go...any insight is much appreciated!!


More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 36

It is once again time to look into my week.  A picture for everyday of my year.  What a great way to remember these days that go by so quickly.


Sunday:

Recycled

My Mom had this messenger bag that she gave to Bella.  We went and picked out some patches and ironed them on and then puffy painted around them.  She loves it and I love the fact that I don't have to go out and buy a new school book bag...Win Win!!

Monday:

I'm Ready, I'm Ready

My planner and my to do list all ready to go for the first day of school.  Not too long of a list...and my first couple of days aren't too busy.  That is the way I like it...ease back in.

Tuesday:

My Big Boy

Thanks to my friend Lisa we got a picture...he smiled because he didn't want to look bad in front of another faculty member...good move by me.  He looked so good.

Wednesday:

Wow!!

This is what my girl did in her after school art class this week.  I can't believe how good that is.  She has been working very hard and making such wonderful art works.  I am so proud of her.

Thursday:

Bella's Turn

Bella started Fifth Grade today.  What a big girl she is becoming. She was very excited about her new year and her new teacher.  I can hardly take it...

Friday:

Ooops

My intent was to take a picture of our desert BEFORE we ate it, but I guess the call of the cheesecake was too much for me.  Rich and I had a date night.  We went to eat at PF Changs and then went to the mall and had a piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake.  It was very yummy, as you can tell.  We had so much fun and must have sat at this table just talking for an hour or so.  Sometimes we find ourselves just talking and talking about the years between High School and when we found each other again.  So much to find out about this amazing man.  I enjoy these talks so much.

Saturday:

 

Movie Night

We found a park that held a movie night.  The movie was The Princess and the Frog.  I had not seen it so I talked Rich and Bella into going with me.  We got our lawn chairs, ordered food from a local Mexican restaurant, and sat under the stars and watched the movie.  We all really enjoyed the movie and the time spent together.  Next weekend is Old Dogs, so we'll have to go again!!

What a great week!!  School started, but we still had time to spend together as a family.  I am going to enjoy a long weekend and great second week of school.  You'll have to visit next Sunday to see what that looked like!!

More Later

- A Ro

Too Much Power

A couple of weeks ago Bella's soccer coach sent out an e-mail asking parents to volunteer to be line refs for the upcoming season.  This would require 11 hours of side line reffing that could not be done during our soccer games, not to mention the 8 hours of training it would require.  Needless to say the response was overwhelming.  People couldn't wait to jump at the chance to wear a yellow jersey, short shorts, high black knee socks, and black tennis shoes for 11 hours of your life. 

The sarcasm should be obvious. 

But in case it wasn't, I'll tell you who couldn't wait to do that...ME.  In fact, I can't imagine doing that. Not only the poor fashion statement, but it would take only one angry parent yelling at me and I would be in fetal position asking for my mommy.

Then the remarkable happens...my son steps up and volunteers to do it.  This teenager who barely leaves his room to eat volunteered to go to all the training, do all the games, AND wear shorts that don't go below his knee.  Wow. 

He asked me if I was going to come watch any of the games he was going to ref.  I told him that I didn't think that would be a good idea because that same woman who would be in fetal position if a parent yelled at her would go mama bear on anyone who yelled at her kid.  I don't want to walk down that road...not a pretty sight.

Today we went to pick up the uniform and we also picked up these bad boys.

His yellow and red cards. 

On the way home I got a lesson on how to pull them and when to pull them.  After this brief lesson on soccer rules it became even more apparent why I should never be a ref...the rules of soccer are very subjective and way to complicated.  I would need to consult a flow chart with every call, and clearly that would not be very efficient. 

We also decided that everyone needs a set of these cards, and you should be able to pull them on people who commit various personal fouls.  For instance, if you drive slow in the fast lane...yellow card.  Do it twice, red card, and you must leave the freeway.  Be unnecessarily rude...yellow card.  Do it twice, red card, and you must never speak again.  If you commit a fashion faux pas, immediate red and you must go home and change.  You see we realized that if everyone was able to do this we all would be much nicer to each other, think twice before we said or did something stupid, and the world would have to endure less butt cracks and daisy dukes.

Of course Andrew in his short shorts would be exempt...naturally.


More Later

- A Ro

The Random Dozen...Gotta Love 'em.

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
What insect are you NOT afraid of would be easier to answer...ladybugs.  Post a picture?!? That would certainly do me in.

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
I don't use plastic water bottles, I bring my own reusable produce and grocery bags to the market, I don't use plastic baggies and I use reusable lunch items.  So I guess the most green thing I do is cutting down on plastic use.

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I have the recurring dream that I am late for school and have no idea where I am going or what I am supposed to do. 

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
I have never missed a flight (as she knocks on wood).  I am so OVER paranoid about missing a plane that I never cut it close.  I am the one sitting at the airport hours before my flight...just in case.

5. What do you consider your best feature?
Wow to answer this question I must compliment myself.  Not sure that I can do that.  OK...I'll try.  I love my hair, I love my eyes, my sense of humor, and my kind nature.  Oh you only wanted one thing??

6. What was the last concert you went to?
I went to see Dave Matthews Band two weeks ago.  It was a dream come true.  Rich got me tickets for my birthday and it was an incredible concert.


7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
Probably singing out loud (very loud) when I wasn't supposed to.  See I am a singer so I don't hold back when I sing and sometimes, just sometimes, I come in early...very embarrassing especially when most people don't sing at all.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
I really do a combination of all three.  I can whistle so I probably do that most, but when a song gets in my head I sing it loud and proud.


9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
My runs take me through some very beautiful scenery and I always try to be thankful that my runs are full of natural beauty, so maybe He is trying to tell me that I need to run more.


10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
I will teach my first Middle School Choir class of the year.  The biggest middle school choir yet, so it is make or break it time.  I need these kids to get hooked on choir and love music.  I guess it has the potential to be a very memorable day.

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Taco Bell all the way!! Have you had the Mexican pizza, or the Crunch Wrap Supreme (which I fondly call the heavenly hexagon) ??  I mean c'mon Mexican fast food...yummy, metallic bell that I would have to travel 2000 miles to get to, not so much.

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
I do think that men and women can have platonic friendships, but you have to be careful because they can certainly lead to other things when one isn't looking.  Because good love affairs usually begin with great friendships.

In summary:  My answers are very boring this week.  I don't like bugs unless they are animated and voiced by Jerry Seinfeld and even then it is difficult. I believe that I can have a friend that is a man as long as he can tolerate singing, Dave Matthews Band, and Taco Bell.  I realize that everyday could be memorable to one of my students, so I must treat each one as such...and as hard as it is for me to realize I am a beautiful and wonderful woman.

More Later

- A Ro

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