I’m Sorry But I’m a Bit of a Snob!

I have a Confession, I can be a bit of a snob! I can’t help myself. I really think it’s become an addiction.  Ok I’ll confess, I’m addicted to coffee!  My addiction is not the amount of cups I drink per day, but rather the type of coffee I drink.  Perhaps that’s why the couple of cups I do drink in the morning need to be pure perfection!  Every time I am in a store, I head for the coffee aisle to see if any new brands are for sale.  I love going to “specialty” stores and purchasing rich, full body beans.  I need to have numerous bags in my cabinet on any given day to choose from, and it has to be really good coffee, no bargain brands for me, only the best will do.  I just love the thought of opening a bag and smelling the richness pour out . . . just waiting to be made into a rich cup of java fit for a queen!  There are certain things in life that are worth paying for and for me it’s coffee!  Excuse me now while I sit and drink a new brand from Trader Joe’s . . . the beans are from New Mexico! ;-)

Reflection on the past week

 

Spring break week is just about in the past
As always, the week  . . . the time flew by so fast
I think about all that was accomplished, all that was done
Especially during our visit to my soon to be home . . . the city of the sun
I love the lack of “schedules” . . . even on those not stop busy days
I think that’s what I look forward to most . . . when I’m on to the next “phase”
I guess I’m feeling a bit melancholy thinking about another “last
 Because before I know it my career as a teacher will be a thing of the past . . .

The Magnificent Moon

You're the light for the dark paths
You're the inspiration for those that search far and  beyond
You're the power that moves oceans
You're the passion for lovers to gaze upon
You're an amazing mystery . . .

Trip to New Mexico

 A whirlwind  . . . I truly know what that means now . . . I just returned from New Mexico late last night.  It was 6 days and nights of decision making for our new home.  Our first stop was to see the progress of the our home . . . our builder has been sending pictures but to see it in person brought tears to our eyes.  He is doing an awesome job for us and he really has become like family! I always thought that the “picking” out part would be easy . . . not at all!  Trying to stay within the budget yet finding the perfect everything is  really exhausting.  Thank goodness my niece Lyndsey was with us, she has such a passion and eye for color and decorating options.  She spent so much time prior to the trip finding pictures for us . . . “inspiration photos” she would call them. Honestly, I’m sure we would not have been able to accomplish all we did had she not been there . . . Meetings with our builder, cabinet, floor and tile  people started early and continuing through the evenings.  Picking out appliances, knobs for cabinetry and wall colors in 6 short days was mentally draining because of course you want everything to be perfect all while staying within the budget.  To think that the next time we go back our home will be complete, just waiting for family and friends to truly make it our home . . . filled with love, laughter and new memories!

View of the front of the house!

Kitchen table area . . . just waiting to share meals with family and friends!

Another good-by . . .

Yesterday was my last Tech Club session for the year . . . well forever really.  I have been in charge of this club for about 10 years now.  The format for the club is pretty laid back and yesterday was no exception.  There was a lot of chatting and blogging and chatting some more as we celebrating the last day.  Last night as always I went to comment and read the blogs of the students.  There were quite a few students that blogged about the fact it was the last day of Tech Club.  I read the comments, there were few words, but those words . . . wow they made a big impact!  It really felt good to read how much they enjoyed the projects we did and really just thought it was a lot fun!  I reflected how Tech Club is a small and relaxed setting.  I thought how beneficial it would be for student learning if class sizes were kept small and cozy . . . probably not too realistic, but sure would be nice.

Happy First Day of Spring!

Just one thing to say on the first day of spring . . .

REALLY?!?

28 Year Old Memory . . .

 I never had children of my own so when my sister told me she was having a baby I immediately fell in love with her child as if it was my own.  I went to every Dr. appointment with her, took part in the Lamaze classes and even was able to go in the delivery room when Jason was born and cut the umbilical cord !  I knew that he and any other children my sister would have would be my children too . . . and they 
are . . . Jason and his sister Lyndsey are well let me explain it the way my nephew does . . .”We have two moms, with one head”!  Now but back to the memory . . .
When Jason was about 5 or 6 months old my sister and I were walking back from the pool that was in the condo complex where she lived.  I could never get enough of him so of course I wanted to carry him.  We were walking and chatting when all of a sudden my flip flop caught the edge of the sidewalk and in slow motion I felt myself falling with Jason in my arms.  I remember like it was yesterday just thinking “hold him up” . . . “hold him up” so he doesn’t hit the ground!!!  Down I went and thank goodness Jason somehow landed on top of me and never touched the ground.  I was so upset I made Jason scared so of course he started crying too. But my sister, my loving sister would never make me feel bad and just laughed it off to calm me down.  I hadn’t thought of this in a very long time. Funny how other people’s story fuel our own memories!

The Message . . .

 Our social worker at school periodically puts up a bulletin board for students.  The message is is intended to be thought provoking in some way or positive strategies to help them work through difficult situations.  This morning as I walked by the bulletin board . . . less than one week before spring break I thought to myself . . . hmmmm is this message for the kids or for the adults?!?  What do you think?

St. Patrick’s Day

 
I am not Irish, but every St. Patrick’s Day for some reason I sort of wish I was!  I guess I just like the idea of people using this day to have fun and celebrate.  It just seems like it’s an excuse to forget about your troubles for day . . . turn your hair green, wear funky green necklaces, wear crazy green headbands and of course drink green beer!  On St. Patrick’s Day there’s no age requirement to have a good time . . . heck most of the time you don’t even have to 
be Irish!  The only requirement for the day is,  you just want to have fun and honestly I’m all for that!  So Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Irish out there as well as to all of us wanna be s!

The Reminder . . .

About 5 years ago my aunt an uncle needed to be moved into an assistant living home.  It was a very difficult day for both of them.  They always thought they would leave this earth from their home . . . it wasn’t meant to be.  Unfortunately, they are separated because their needs are different.  Most Saturdays my sister and I go with our cousins to visit them.  My aunt’s face lights up when she sees us and is ready and eager to introduce us to all.  Yesterday, we happened to go during the lunch hour.  It was just a “normal” day for the mostly ladies and few gentlemen.  We always try and converse with the people near us . . . especially if they don’t have any visitors.  Yesterday was no exception . . . we started up a conversation with John and Mary.  Both were exceptionally feisty yesterday.  John was being a bit demanding about wanting more ice cream . . . ice cream mind you that he was very happy to tell us he buys!  I joked around with him about his good taste in ice cream in hopes that it would deter his annoyance with the nurse.  He had a few choice words to say about the situation but in the end we had him laughing.  Mary on the other hand was upset because her food comes puréed.  How could she enjoy eating food that tasted all the same . . . we agreed with her and listened to why her food presentation came to be.  Again, we tried to change the subject and I joked with her how she and her husband meet for meals like they are dating . . .(they too are separated due to different needs.)  In the end it makes you realize how so often the “plan” we make for ourselves is not necessarily the way things will work out.  I guess the lesson is to live each day to the fullest because you don’t want to look back with regrets.

A Promise Broken

Yesterday I was made a promise . . . a promise that I would finally feel it . . . 
So I decided to trade in my warm winter coat and dig out my spring jacket.  All day I pictured the scenario . . .  I would leave work as soon as possible, I would walk outside 
and I would feel it . . . So at 3:45 sharp I said my goodbyes to my coworkers and hurried towards the door so I could finally feeeell it!  The sky was a beautiful blue . . . the sun’s glorious rays peeked  through the windows . . . I Envisioned a slow walk to my car . . . the sun kissing my cheeks . . . and the air . . .  that sweet, sweet, smell of the new season . . . 
Slowly I opened the door and . . . but wait . . . this isn’t what I was promised . . . this isn’t what I wanted to feel . . . what I felt was this cold wind hit me in the face!  I  sure enjoyed  the anticipation  far more than the reality . . .

Thinking about next Friday . . . already!

 

Next Friday at 2:30 our spring break begins.  Normally we (the girls . . . my sister, 2 cousins and 2 nieces) would thinking about what plays we will be going to on Broadway, what pampering services we will be indulging in, what new restaurants we want to experience and of course where we will shop!  This year is going to be different . . . this year we are taking a trip to see the progress of our new home  . . . the place where in a few months we will begin a whole new life, our new life in New Mexico.  So no Broadway plays and no pampering . . . but we will be doing some shopping . . . shopping for cabinets, floors, appliances and hopefully when we see the “frame” of the house it will inspire us with some great decorating ideas! The 6 girls will all be going, as well as hubbies . . . so not the “normal girls' trip” ;-) but none the less it will be exciting.  Exciting, but also it’s so surreal, to think that we are leaving the Midwest, the place where I have lived my entire life . . . although after this winter . . . need I say more!  But leaving 40 plus year friends who are like family will be really tough . . . but like I keep telling everyone . . . “there is always a place to put down your head and always a glass of wine waiting for you” . . .

A Look Back . . .

For some reason this morning when I was about to slice for the day, I noticed I’m at almost 200 slices!  I started to look back and reread some of them and was surprised at the emotions that came over me.  While many were lighthearted bringing a smile to my face, some were tender moments shared of family and friends,  and others were deeply personal that brought back memories that I’m glad are . . .  well let me say distant memories.  I thought about how in the beginning of this “blogging thing”  I thought I would never want to share my thoughts publicly.  But then a funny thing happened, I took the step out of my comfort zone, jumped in and then started receiving such thoughtful comments, comments from friends and comments from people I didn’t even know.  And I began reading other people’s stories and slices of their lives. I wanted to comment to them too and share in a tiny part of their life.  It really is amazing how in one way or another we are  all connected to each other . . . we all worry about the same kinds of things, we all want to see the good in things and we all hope that our story or a piece of our life is heard.  So thank you to all that leave a comment to me  . . . share in my life . . . and make this “blogging thing” much more than just writing.  Funny this was not what I had planned to write today, but that’s ok tomorrow is another day!

Having an Alexander Morning!

Feeling a bit like Alexander and the “HORRIBLE,  NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY”
Stumbled into the kitchen to make coffee . . . UGH! another icy blizzard . . .
Stepped into the shower . . . hmmmm house feels a little chilly (somehow the program on thermometer was changed to Saturday)
Eager to have my car back (was without it for 2 days due to it not starting) and as I was pulling out of the garage I noticed the interior lights would not go out . . . so maybe that’s why the battery was totally drained . . .
Had to rush the hubby (and he is not a good one to rush) to drive me to work and then pick me up later because of course I have a long awaited dentist appointment to finally correct an implant gone bad!
And as I look at the clock . . .  it’s only 6:50 in the morning!
Move over Alexander . . . I feel your pain!

Thoughts For People Across The World

I just can’t stop thinking about the Malaysia Airline Flight  that seems to have just disappeared!  How is it that a plane holding over 200 people can just vanish into thin air?  Not a trace . . . no “may day” alert . . .absolutely nothing!  I feel for the families that have refused to leave the airport, waiting for answers . . . answers that no one seems to have.  I heard an expert this morning say, “it’s like a murder mystery without 
a body” . . . but we are talking about over 200 bodies!  I keep hearing the plane was “state of the art” . . . “excellent safety record”  . . . yet they have no clues and again no answers.  I just hope the families get answers soon . . . answers that hopefully can help them find some peace and closure . . .

Thinking about CHANGE . . .

Change . . .
Asks us to reshape the way we think
Moving away from doing what’s always been comfortable
Changing can . . .
Turn dull to exciting
Boredom to adventurous
Change . . .
If we allow ourselves to embrace  it . . .the possibilities are endless!

No chilling this morning!

My normal Sunday ritual is being interrupted today . . . waking up early, sitting in the quiet drinking a hot cop of coffee, gearing myself up to go for a workout. . .
Instead I am re-cleaning my house, checking every nook and cranny to be sure there are no dust bunnies anywhere . . . driving myself crazy that everything is perfect!  The reason, today someone is coming to look at my house to see if he is interested in buying it before I put it on the market.  There are so many reasons why I want to sell “by owner” versus with a realtor . . . so that’s why I want things to be perfect . . . and that’s why I’m driving myself crazy . . . and that’s why I have to stop blogging so I can triple check that all is perfect . . .Wish me luck!

Looking Forward to a Little Pamapering Today!

Pretty toes . . . not for a while
But today that changes I can say with a smile!
So looking forward to the warm soak in bubbles
And for that hour . . . forgetting about any troubles
Taking time for pampering, no matter what that includes
Is just the ticket for altering and adjusting attitudes!

No sign of spring prompted this poem . . .

The last couple of years during the March Challenge, I remember so many creative slices that embraced the coming of spring.  What a difference a year makes . . .

I’m yearning for the robins’ song declaring they are back
The seasonal smells that ensure our seasons are on track
Early changes in the landscape from brown to a lush green
Instead the blanket of white is still all that’s seen
Hopefully one day we look back on this with a smile
A far away memory that’s not happened again in a very long while
This can’t last forever . . . at least that’s what we hear
But only Mother Nature can make this all disappear!

Slice About My Tech Club . . .

The public library for my school community was hosting a contest.  The contest was opened for students to show why they love the library. I introduced the idea to my Tech Club students to see if they might be interested.  They loved the idea, especially when I told them any type of media presentation would be excepted.  The quickly partnered up and got busy.  A few wanted to make an iMovie and the others a Podcast.  I really took a backseat after explaining the rules because after all, it was a contest!  It was heartwarming seeing them jump in and work cooperatively and respectfully with each other.  Listening to each other’s ideas and trying to make the person’s idea fit.  The best part was the feedback I received from the librarian after sending them . . . even better was the smiles on their faces when I shared them with my students.  The one they liked best was that they may want to present their creations to the Library Board!  Win or lose the students had fun and were able to use their creativity!

News Alert For Antibacterial Soap Lovers . . .

Good news, bad news for Bath and Body antibacterial soap lovers.  I was  addicted to the soap buying 6-8 bottles at a time when they were on sale.  Every sink in my house had one of the lovely fragrances. This was until I heard the report about it’s main ingredient Triclosan.  It seems that there may be a link to cancer with the use of this ingredient.  I did some research and while reports are conflicted I have chosen to give up using the soap.  The good news is that Bath and Body will give you credit if you choose to return the soap, even bottles that were partially used!  They now make a new formula of hand soap without this ingredient as well as lovely new fragrances.  So of course I am stocked full and every sink has a new bottle and smell!

Peek In To The First Day of "The Test"

The room falls silent as the directions are read . . .
No questions, so thinking begins in their heads
I’m happy to see strategies are used that have been taught
Teachers would be happy their lessons were not for naught
I sit and wonder if they had enough sleep
Cause now all I can do is take a backseat
One by one the pencils go down
Happy to see not a one had a frown
A successful start to the 4 days of “the test”
And all we want is for them to do their best!

Day Late . . . well make that 2

March 1st and 2nd came and went. . .
Not a thought about the challenge . . . because it starts in March right???
Then the 3rd day and again looking and thinking about Tuesday and what my slice will be because the challenge starts in March right???
Then an email . . . yes from my buddy Michelle . . .
Asking me why I haven’t joined the challenge . . . I plan to . . . it starts in March right???
Boom! Then it hits me . . . it’s March 3rd and I’m 2 days behind!?!
I knew the challenge was coming . . . I planned to try and write each day . . . well how about 30 days ;-) . . .Better late than never!