My BIG Project - Christmas 2009

Some of you all notice my status on facebook a few weeks ago, and know that I've been working on a sewing project. Ya see, every year during Christmas break, I like to take on a sewing project to keep me busy. Two years ago, I made 7 Christmas stockings (for my future kids, too...whenever they decide to arrive...not that I am ASKING for 5, but I made enough "just in case"). Last year, I made curtains. So...this is what I've been up to lately:

Making CUELLOS:

Cuellos translate to "necks" in Spanish. Doesn't really have the "wow" effect, the same as it does in Spanish, but it's fun to say (Quay-yo's). Say it again...CUELLOS. Ya, I told you it was fun!

Anyway, I got the idea when I was in Chile for 18 months, fighting the cold and being outside most of the time walking. Vendors would sell them, but they were small...only enough to cover your neck (hence, the name). But, I wanted a larger one to cover my ears, nose, neck, and mouth. So, a nice friend of mine, Loly (from San Pedro, Chile) made me one and I still wear it! It's my favorite article of clothing, and it goes with everything!!

So, this year, I made one for everyone in my family...20 TOTAL! I know, it took me a few days to make all of them. After 3 days of making one, ripping it up, and starting all over again....6 times....I finally figured out the pattern (thanks to Google search engine, and some creativity).

So, here you have it: TONS of cuellos! I would love to make one for each of you, but sorry...no more time! Maybe next year. OR...maybe I'll go into business one of these days and you can purchase your very own for a small fee! :)

Photo 1 (at top of post):

Several cuellos laid out. This is how I tried to choose a color for everyone. It got kinda crazy w/ 20-something in front of you. The entire floor was COVERED in cuellos! Fun, right? hmmmm...

Photo 2 (middle of post):

This is ALL of them I made. If you got one...do you see yours somewhere in the pile?????

Photo 3(below):

This is what one looks like up close: They are 2-sided, and you can fold it so that it looks two-toned. Very fashionable, eh?! I made them long enough to cover the neck, ears (mostly), the mouth, and nose. They sure are cozy when it is below zero, and very windy!

Photo 4 (below):

This is a picture (although kinda blury) of how you can adjust the length. Just roll up one of the colors, and you don't have to take it off when entering the store! How convenient, right??? It also helps that you don't have to take it off & on all day...it messes up my hair!

Photo 5 (below):

These are completely washing-machine approved! I wouldn't recommend putting them in the dryer very often, since they will probably shrink a bit, and start to get those nasty balls all over the place! But, I wash them with regular laundry and add a pinch of liquid fabric softener to help the static issue, and to make them smell NICE!

Photo 6 (below):

How do they look? Here are some of the family members sporting their new attire, the famous cuello. Just in case you can't imagine how to wear them, here you go (Ollie & Lini)...the first, of my youngest sister, Becca, and her new hubby, Tim...sporting their cuellos while everyone was opening gifts.

The second, of my youngest niece, Katelyn, and as you can see...it's a bit small for her! I tried making some for the nieces & nephews with the "scraps" I had leftover, but as you can see...they turned out extra LONG and extra THIN! not so good....oops!

So here you have it---PROJECT CUELLO of 2009

STATUS: Complete.

Christmas 2009 - Favorites

CHRISTMAS 2009:

~ My Favorite Thing(s) ~

What was YOUR favorite thing(s)  from this Christmas season?

Christmas Goodies

What is your FAVORITE thing to eat @ this time of year? The ONE thing that you absolutely could NOT do without? Something that calls your name.....?

Christmas Songs

HERE'S ANOTHER QUESTION TO SPARK SOME CONVERSATION:

(1) What is your FAVORITE Christmas Song?

(2) What Christmas song is your least favorite, and why?

As always, leave your comments, and mine will go FIRST!  :)

Christmas Quiz

Well....I have a few questions for you.  Let's have some Christmas FUN!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(1) What the ONE thing you want most of all this Christmas?

(2) What is the one thing you are probably going to get, that you wish you wouldn't?

(3) If you had $100 to give to someone this Christmas (other than yourself), who would you give it to and why?

(4) What is on your Christmas tree this year?

(5) Honestly, which do you like better...giving or receiving?

(6) If Christmas colors weren't green & red, what colors would you want them to be?

(7) Do you have a favorite Holiday tradition?  If so, what is it?  If not, what tradition would you like to start (or why not)?

Put your answers in the comments.  

Mine will go first!  ha ha.

I know. I KNOW.

Yes, folks...I'm STILL alive!

I know. I KNOW.

Life has been busy lately, okay...gimme a break!

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Basketball supervision...sometimes twice a week!

Traveling to KY over Thanksgiving Break...and NO, I don't have any pictures to show. I was too busy actually ENJOYING time with family & relaxing!!

Writing my final reflection paper for my Master's class.

Getting ready for Semester Exams @ school.

Making final preparations for Christmas...christmas tree lighting, stocking hanging, song playing, nutcracker arranging, homemade christmas tree bow fluffing...etc, etc, etc.

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I'm sure there is a LOT more to say, but that's about it...believe it or not!

So why then, such a LONG break between posts? Well...for those who really miss me...I am just a busy girl, whose taken some time to stop WRITING so much, and actually READ others blogs and comment on them when I feel so inclined to do so. I have taken a much needed break. I have been working ahead on getting my Mater's class finished up early, so I can concentrate on my students more. I have been trying to work hard at school so I can spend more time with Steven. I've been trying to get the "deals" on my Christmas shopping for this year.

So there is the LONG AWAITED update, ya'll.

Take it or leave it.

That's all I have to say.

Tail-Gate-ing

How do YOU define "Tailgating"?

Coming from TN, we used to tailgate in High School to all of the football games. We'd all meet at the Minute Mart (or was it Mini Mart?), right down the road from our beloved Clarksville High, and get in one LONG line to go to the football game.  We'd have our faces painted, ripped clothing on, posters made, hair up, horns honking, toilet paper/paper mache, painted cars, and lots of YELLING....we were ready to go to the game IN STYLE. Now...the tailgating happened just as it says...we rode in trucks, with the tailgates down, one behind the other.  We rode together, tailgate to tailgate until we arrived to support our team!  Now THAT is what true tailgating is...to me.

However, this weekend, I went to my first Mizzou Football game, and attended my first ever tailgating experience Mizzou style.  Let me tell you something...I was cracking up!  This is where we had to park, and we were 2 hours early:

Not even kidding...the stadium is about a mile in front of us!  And yes...they even had a bike lane for bikers...but I swear it's for game day...so people don't get ran over!!!  So...where does the "tailgating" part come in, you say? ...well, as we headed up the hill, every few cars or so, we'd see a small gap in between the cars (and no...I didn't bust out my camera for a shot or two). People had put out their lawn chairs, plugged in their radios, and busted out their coolers...full of sandwiches and booze!  ha ha ha!!!  I about died...the whole way to the game we heard, "Hi there!  How's it going?  Go Tigers! Go Mizzou!"  It was quite the site. So, they'd open up their "tailgate" or trunk, and eat outta their car, while enjoying lots of CARS passing them by....(hmmmm...doesn't sound like fun to me...am I missing something, here?) 

Anyway, we had on our walking shoes and kept heading up the hill, to meet Steven's work crew (at 10:30am), who'd been "tailgating" since about 8am that morning.  At 12:15, this is what they looked like, all drunk & hootin n hollerin all kinds of obscenities:

They were all parked up in the lot next to the stadium...their SUVs had brought all kinds of food & beverages, and everyone was just chillin!  You know you're Mormon when the first thing that come outta someone's mouth is..."Hey, Steve...how's it going?...aww, man...I don't think I brought sodas with me....there are just a few waters around here somewhere, though."  ha ha ha...at least someone was thinking about us!

Anyway, we went to the game & it was a LOT of fun!  We stayed until half time, and then we left.  Talk about a strange way to tailgate!  But it sure was a good time for good laughs, great fun, and lots of beverages!

New American Idol Judge

Well, I certainly was nervous about this one!

I REALLY thought Paula was gonna come back to the Idol stage, but it turns out...

I WAS wrong!

Ellen Degeneres....who'da thunk?

Not me.

Well, what kind of credentials does she have?  Check out this routine of hers here:

So, what did you think of it?  I thought it was really funny!  ha ha!  

Actually, I DO remember a night when she was a "guest judge" and she was very funny (or wait a minute...was that on dancing w/ the stars?  SYTYCD?  hmmmm...can't remember).  She actually had great things to say, and it was a "night to remember".  

This season, I'll certainly miss Paula!  BUT, at least we'll get some good laughs outta Ellen.

MY STYLE

I normally don't do QUIZZES, but in light of my recent & crazy experiences from HELL (with bugs, of course), I ended up taking a fun lil quiz (thanks, Beverly)

Go here to take the quiz.

(ps- if you want to post your results, paste them into a Word document first, then paste them here...just FYI).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tamara, you are an Earthy Casual

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

Putting your style to work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips to make your home a little happier: 

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars.

2. Your Happy Place Make this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

You know your style.

oh. mY. GOsh. GROSS!!!

It is a three day weekend.

All is supposed to be nice & relaxing.

RIGHT?

Well, mine didn't start out quite so nice:

Imagine waking up to a nice, cool morning.  

(*ahhhhhh*)

I thought to myself...I should open up the windows and let some fresh air in as I work on my lesson plans and school work I need to get done this semester.

To my surprise, I went to the computer room and found not-so-cute BUGS crawling all over the curtains, blinds, WALLS, everywhere around the window, in the window, on the sill, everywhere!  

GROOOOOOOSSSSSS!!!!!

So, I go downstairs and get out my can of RAID and sprayed the crap outta them!  *die, sucka...DIE*...I was literally yelling and getting so excited to kill the dern things, yet I was completely grossed out by the fact that there were literally hundreds of these things infesting my cute lil apartment!  

So, while Steven was at work, I decided to drown them in RAID and leave the hideous sight for my husband to see when he got home (I needed some sympathy for seeing such a disgusting site, and taking care of it myself...right?!?!). Well, I just couldn't stand it any longer...I just cleaned it up a few hours ago and found MORE pouring out a small hole in the right hand corner of the window!  I couldn't believe it!!

So, for your viewing pleasure (or...just in case you don't believe me), here are the soon-to-be-famous-pics of my not-so-great comedy-tradgedy this morning:

First, the ziploc bag where the "winged ants" will remain, as proof of what I encountered this morning.  Apparently, when bug men are called, it's helpful if they have a specimen to work with.  Nasty!  Whatever...I just did my job.  You can thank me later.

Second, the few that came out, risking their lives and mourning the loss of their amigos who had just been put in the ziploc...here are the last brave few who ended up drowning and joining their amigos in the ziploc:

I did it again...

My hair is almost ALL GONE!

SOOOO..I decided to get it cut & colored before school begins.

Here's how it all started:

ME: "Could you do it like you did last time, only make it a bit darker in color?"

Her: "Well, what was it exactly that I did last time?"

ME: "You know, kind of A-lined, stacked in the back, not TOO short, but longer in the front, and a little off-the-shoulders-ish."

Her: "Oh yeah! Ok, that will look good. Now, you said you wanted to go dark, right? How about a little red in it, too? That will look great!"

ME: "Sure! I love reds! I trust you, so just do whatever you think would be best!"

So...here you have it! 2 hours and 2 1/2 inches later...not exactly what I expected, but nonetheless...
So what do I think about it now?

1. I AM still getting used to it, so I'll let you know in a day or two.

2. Little darker than I expected, although I like the redish tones in it!

3. WAAAAY shorter than I expected.

4. It'll grow out fast...always does!!

5. I HATE the way it smells after it is freshly colored! yuck!

Wonderful time of year

This is one of my favorite times of year...and no, it's not because of the weather!

I like it because...

school is over

spending time with friends & family

peaches (and other fruits) are in ripe & yummy

SunShine

swimming

Beaches

Getting a tan

Memories of one of my favorite days

Loads of beautiful lily pads

Visiting Historic Nauvoo

- - - - -

Yes, Steven & I recently celebrated our 2nd Anniversary. It's our little tradition to go to Nauvoo, attend the temple, see the sights, get eaten by bugs, and just sit and "get away" in a small town.

We did a few things for the first time on this trip:

-eat at the most talked out buffet of the Nauvoo Inn. The salad bar is pretty shabby, but the "hot bar" was something to speak of...fried chicken, lobster, fish, delicious cinnamon rolls, casseroles, and freshly cut meats...yummy yummy!

- we drove down Parley Street and read through lots of the names of the pioneers that died on the trek out west. It was amazing to see that there were literally thousands of names!

Well, we didn't take lots of pictures, but I'll post a few to share of our trip. Most of these were made by my "auto-pilot" function on the camera, so they aren't great quality or anything, but hey--they are pictures, right?!?!?!

1. Here we are, relaxing at the Hampton Inn, in Keokuk, Iowa. We had just checked in, and decided to snap a shot before heading up to Nauvoo to do some shopping!

2. I told you...I LOVE lily pads. Seriously, they are my favorite plant. I'd never seen them in person before, until I went to Nauvoo. The road to Nauvoo is right by the river, and you can see these lining the highway for about 10 miles or so. So beautiful, and well worth the trip!

3. Ok, so this area was roped off, and there were bugs EVERYWHERE! Steven was getting nervous that someone would come by and we'd get in trouble (I don't know if you were really supposed to get up in the wagon), but I needed a picture of me in one. So, here it is! Vio-la!

4. Seriously, it took us 10 minutes to get this shot! It was so hot outside, and I didn't have a great place to sit. So, this is the best one...please ignore the messy hair and rolls. Gotta love pics by the river!

5. Souvenirs. Every year, for our anniversary I wanted to get something memorable. Something that would be useful...something that wouldn't rust, die, or collect dust just sitting on a shelf. This has become one of our favorite traditions in Nauvoo--shopping from store to store, trying to find the "perfect" gift for ourselves. Last year, we couldn't find one BIG gift for us, so we decided on two separate smaller gifts, and this year we did the same.

For me, I bought the above...three little iron stars. I will use them to decorate the walls of my home. Haven't decided exactly where yet, but I'm excited to put them some place special. As for Steven, he purchased the book below. He LOVES reading, and has already been caught flipping through the pages.

And there you have it...for better or for worse, our weekend in a nutshell (or blog post, if you will). Hope your weekend was fun!

New Shampoo

Introducing....

Aveeno Natural Shampoo & Conditioner.

I really enjoy trying new Shampoos.  Maybe I'm even addicted. It seems like everytime I get a new haircut (which I need to do soon), I try a new shampoo.  The kind I just finished using was Bath & Body Works.  I REALLY like their hair care products as well, but they were not on sale this week, so I went to Wal-Mart to check out their selection.

I browsed the isle for quite some time, sniffing and smelling the many varieties they have. This one was the first one that caught my attention, and it's the one I ended up purchasing. I've been using it for 2 days now, and my hair has NEVER been so soft and luscious looking!

The smell...refreshing!

The before & after...amazing!

Try it!  You won't be disappointed!

Love that Hair Video

So, today in my Writing class, we got to spend some quality time in the computer lab. You see, we each have various writing lessons we have to present, and for today's class, we actually got to go and play around in the computer lab. Anyway, we had a pattern poem today called "LOVE THAT" and we filled in the blank.

Well, it's not the BEST creation I've ever finished, but HEY--it was fun. And so, I thought I'd share it with you!

First...the poem!
- - - - - -
LOVE that hair!
Like a pig loves to stink.
I said I love that hair
Like a pig loves to stink.
Love to call it in the mornin'
Love to call it in the night.
I say "Hey there hair!"
- - - - - - -

And now...for the debut of the coolest & most outrageous video EVER:

Oh....I....Wish I were an Oscar Meyer Weiner

C'mon now....join in with me in singing the HOT DOG national anthem:

"Oh...I...wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner

'cuz that is what I'd truly like to be.

For, if I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner

then everyone would be in love with me!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Seriously...I used to know a lady who drove a beat-up old van, and everytime we'd ride with her somewhere in it, and see anything related to a hot dog, she'd salute and sing the song.  Ahhhh...such memories...LOVE it!  

I have actually been past one of their cooporate factories (I guess that's what you call them) and it was really cool.  And yes, I put my hand to my forehead and sang the song out loud!  It was run!

I also had an experience about a year ago, where one of their prized Weinermobiles (did you know they had a contest several years ago where you could win a day to use the Weinermobile and there were about 20,000 entries?)...anyway, it was parked in a local motel parking lot here in Central Missouri. I again, saluted, sang, and thought seriously about going and parking myself beside the automobile until someone came out to let me take a tour inside.

Some fun facts about the weinermobile: (bet you didn't know these...)

1.  In 2007, a Weinermobile driver in Wisconsin was arrested. He had a license plate that said "yummy" on it, and the plate was allegedly stolen. Well, the policeman forgot to look at the fine detail...it said it was a stolen license plate ONLY if it was not attached to a weinermobile.

2.  Again, in 2007, a Weinermobile was towed on Chicago's famous "Magnificent Mile" for parking in a "no parking" zone. It's license plate said "WEENR" (I wonder if that is in texting language, or if someone can't spell correctly in the corporate office).

3.  On July 17th (yes...just 3 days ago), a Weinermobile crashed into a home in Wisconsin. The driver thought she was going in reverse...and after slamming on the gas (and not hitting the brake quick enough), rammed into a house destroying a garage and ruining the home foundation.  Here is a picture of the mishap:

Fun facts about the Weinermobile drivers:

1.  They are refered to as hotdoggers (no, I didn't make that up, either).

2.  There are seven Wienermobiles in existence currently, with each assigned a part of the country. The hotdogger position of driving the Wienermobile is an open position to U.S. citzens and the duration of the job lasts for one full year: from the first of June until the following first of June.

3.  Each vehicle only holds two hotdoggers.

4.  Both current hotdoggers and Oscar Mayer recruiters visit college campuses across the country in search of the next round of hotdoggers.Only college seniors who are about to graduate are eligible for applying to this hotdogger position.

5.  Currently there are about 500 hotdogger alumni.

Summer so far...

Well, kiddos...I haven't been on here in a LOOOOONG while, I know! I've just been in the summer rut...and life has been full of meaningless activities. Ok, so a few things have been grand and meaningful, but mostly...just random things to take up time and fill my day with joy.

So, here's my list of summer "fun":

1. Summer school has ended! That was over and done a little over two weeks ago. Now, I stay up until really late (last night was 3:30am...tonight it's already 1:30am). I work on school projects (Steven's at work, so I don't feel so guilty) or just play games on the computer or Wii.

2. Not taking a shower until LATE. This is something that I love doing. I'm not really sure why, either. When I think about it, I feel gross and wonder why in the world I continue to do it. So don't freak out...I just sleep in until 10 (and sometimes 11), work, play, then shower around 3 or 4. Nice, I know!

3. Games, games, games. I am really addicted, ya'll. I just bought a plane ticket to visit my sister and nephews who are in Texas right now and will be leaving in T-minus-two-weeks. And I don't know what I'll do without my favorites: Biggest Loser Challenge, Luxor, Pyramid, Mario Kart, Super Mario 3, & Guitar Hero World Tour. Most of the first games are addicting games on King.com. You can challenge others and play in tournaments. You get "jewels" for playing...I have 998, and I'm still not sure what you actually do with the things. Ya...and you thought facebook applications (farming, scrabulous, bumper stickers, etc) was dumb!

5. Sewing. (the picture above is the actual one I'm working on) This is something my mother taught me to do when I was little...simple cross-stitch stuff. When I got back from Chile, I wanted a really HARD one to do, and something that I'd frame and hang in my home. Well, folks...I can guarantee that it's been hard...so difficult that I only take it out once a year, if that. I hope to finish it by the time school starts back. However, I'm not sure how much longer I can do it...my neck aches, my fingers are tender from being poked so many times, and my butt cheeks hurt from sitting for so long!

6. School. As far as my online Linguistics class goes, I only have my final research paper to complete and the final exam. I've finished the book, done the online posts, and watched the videos and typed up my commentaries...Cha-Ching! So, I don't have much more to go. Next week, I start a one-week intensive writing class. We are supposed to write for at least one hour each night, and bring in stuff to share/edit in writing groups. I've vowed to work on my blog some during that time, and rant and rave about all sorts of cool stuff...so get ready, 'cuz it's sure to be interesting!

Well...that's about it, I guess. I'm off to play a few rounds of Pyramid before I go to bed, then to call Steven and see if he'll sing me a "good-night" song like he did last night.

*I'm so overworked*

Two sweet boys

These are two of my nephews, Sione & Filipe. They are Marlena's boys. They are so adorable, and they live in Arizona...too far away for me to see on a daily basis. Once in a while, I get to talk with them on the phone, but all we talk about is the "zoon" (zoo), "spida-man" (you know what THAT is), and what they ate for dinner.

I love these boys and wish they lived closer so I could hang out with them more often.

Your Aunt T loves you, boys!

Sione:

Filipe:

Put both of them together &
what a pair of handsome boys!

Crocodile Tears in my Pillow

What a terrible day!

First, the kiddos at school were terrible!

Second, the Kind of Pop died today, and he is my all-time favorite!

Third, Farrah lost the battle to cancer today.  What a fighter!

Time for FUN!

Have you ever wanted something SO BAD that you saved money for what seemed like forever? Then, when you finally had the money, it seemed like it was NEVER on sale? Then, you thought about purchasing it anyway, but just couldn't do it?

Well, that has been my thoughts lately, until last night.

I finally did it.

I broke down, and bought it, along with another surprise. But then, is it even possible to own the first without the second? No, not in my mind!

What did we buy, you ask?


&
I know, I know...Steven & I are spoiled! But, we sure are having FUN!

good & WORST

The Good:

This is my 150th post!

The WORST:

This has been a day from HELL!!!  A student stole my cell phone today!  

So, if you could email me, facebook me, or call me with your digits (I still have the same number...luckily), I'd appreciate it!

Who's your Idol pick?

OR

ADAM vs. KRIS

Who's gonna win Season 8?
...Opinions anyone?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KRIS ALLEN

Things I LOVE about Kris:

• originality
• has a funky jaw-thing when he sings, but i think it's cool
• love the way he can make ANY song modern
• plays multiple instruments
• very humble
• i would actually buy his CDs

My favorite song this season from Kris:

"To Make You Feel My Love"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ADAM LAMBERT

Favorite things about ADAM:

• he's been the one who I picked to win the whole thing from the very start
• Gay, NOT gay, who cares? The boy can sing!
• Although not such a fan of all the screeches and screemies, he is SOOOO talented
• Stage presence
• Very polite in saying thank-you to everyone

My favorite song from Adam this season:

"Tracks of My Tears"

Super Saturday

This is NOT going to be a long post, I promise....rather, a quick update.

Today, Steven & I went as "chaperones" for our 9th graders end-of-year trip to SIX FLAGS in St. Louis.  We took off at 8am, and arrived home at 8pm.  What a LONG day it was!!!

My afterthoughts:

1. MAN, I'm glad I'm not 15 anymore!  WAY TOO MUCH DRAMA

2. They don't make bus seats comfortable enough to ride in for two hours...let alone twice in one day!

3. Funnel cakes are good, but TWO of them are WAAAAYYYYY too much!

4. Not to self in the future:  NEVER give a 9th grader more than $20 to spend on a field trip of this sort...they'll just spend it ALL the last 10 minutes and buy stupid stuff:  3 ft long pixi stix, over-sized hairy monkeys, superman capes, large lollipops, enormous turkey legs that they can't finish in time that end up getting passed around the bus, or ANOTHER refill of soda for the ride home.

5. Seriously, riding rides was a lot of fun! Especially when today was overcast until around 2 or 3. Perfect weather for walking, very breezy, and didn't even have to wear sunscreen!

6. Go before Memorial Day, when the lines are shorter, and the water park is closed...no seeing scanky girls in bikinis trying to sneak onto the regular rides.

Hope you all had a GREAT weekend!  I'm tired and going to bed, now.

The GOOD & the NOT-SO-GOOD

Things I need to be grateful for today:

• I finally am finished typing my exams
• I have my last few weeks of teaching school planned out (sort-of)
• Steven & I made the BEST homemade pizza tonight
• I went downstairs to find some beautiful flowers today
• My Mom & Pop gave me a gift certificate to my Favorite Restaurant...all I have to do is find time to go one weekend
• I will be playing the piano at church soon (hint, hint), so that means I get to practice! Back to the 'ol piano!  Maybe that means my next purchase should be a Baldwin...whadda ya think?
• My Idol pick *Adam Lambert* is in the final 3!
• I love watching American Idol on my new t.v.
• I'm going to be released from my church duties tomorrow
• I'm so busy, I'm actually glad I'm not a *mom* yet!
  

Reasons what I am not-so-grateful today:

• I have sit here at the computer WAY too long today working (NOT playing...ugh!)
• I still have to actually TYPE (or record on paper) my lesson plans for the next few weeks
• I have a PILE of papers to grade downstairs, and if things had gone according to plan today, they would have already been graded
• My kiddos just got done doing a HUGE cultural project involving writing a paper, making a PowerPoint presentation, making food, etc etc etc.  Out of the 3 classes I have graded, I have found a total of  SIX projects (and they worked with partners) that are completely copy & pasted from an online source (illegal, I might add), or totally copied into a translator and THEN copied and pasted onto the paper.  I mean, these are my BEST kiddos (5 out of the 6 of them, that is).  I have already confronted 2 of them, and now on Monday I have to go and face 4 more of them.  Just approaching them w/o being TOO judgemental is hard. I know these are junior-high kids, and there is a *small* part of me that thinks "maybe they think as long as they put the website on their resource list, it is okay" or "maybe if I only copy every other sentence and stick an AND or BUT in there, it is okay".  I really don't know what to think, and I am HIGHLY upset by this!
• Steven's arm is hurting again...and we STILL don't know what the heck is wrong with him.  One day it's his elbow, the next day it's his wrist, then his knees, ankles, etc etc etc.  It's frustrating not being able to help him, and it's even MORE frustrating for him, I'm sure.
• MY BACK IS KILLING ME FROM BEING HERE IN THE COMPUTER CHAIR SINCE 10 AM THIS MORNING! (it's now 10pm this evening!)

A new addition to our family...

Yes, I know what most of you all are thinking...and you thought WRONG!  

I am not preggers just yet!  he he he

Let me introduce you to the newest member of our lil family:

Samsung 40" LCD TV

Yes, that's correct!  We have finally upgraded to a nice boob tube (instead of the rear-projection 20" screens). After doing lots of research for some time, going around and checking out what each store recommends, and comparing deal upon deal, I finally broke down and make my purchase tonight!

And the BEST part about it is:

1. No diaper changes necessary

2. No arguing back EVER

3. It will NEVER tell me no (and when it does, I can replace it quickly)

4. I can still read to it, pet it, & clean it but it might get tricky trying to rock it to sleep every night. But, I'm willing to live with that fact.

5. I can finally watch a movie w/o my glasses since the screen is so large!

6. I got a GREAT deal on it!