Hey folks~
I know...where have you been????????? I've been busy....take a peek at the Summer Kitty and I had!!!!
This is a cool program I learned about at my teaching job that I'm using with my kids...so I thought I'd share with y'all!!
http://www.slide.com/r/TlDBbTOh3z-jHuXgqJHS-tQnYyRGOuOf?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
arm, arm, leg, leg...ok, I'm good.
Have you ever seen on the Discovery Channel or PBS those documentaries about the desert or the "law of the jungle", and have seen those buzzards tearing at carrion with their teeth, nudging each other for that succluent piece of rotting flesh?
I believe I just witnessed that at Festival Foods.
Today is their quad-annual One Day Meat Sale. Yes, caps required. It's a big event. I wasn't even going for the meat sale, since there wasn't anything on sale that I needed, but we did need milk, eggs, fruit, and a large vat of salsa (for the family reunion this weekend). So, because fresh fruit is on sale at the Fest this week, I headed there.
Because I was there, I just made a pass through the meat department, just to see what's up.
I'm lucky I made it out with all my limbs.
There were people pushing, shoving, moving others carts, crowding around the meat bunkers, hunched over the Big Packs of Octoberfest Brats and Chuck Roasts like the aforementioned buzzards. I actually saw one grandmotherly figure (not the small, fragile grandma, I'm talking the big hipped, big busted steel grey permed hair type grandma) rip one pack of chuck roasts out of another woman's hands, saying..." I had my eye on that pack first!!!". I saw another couple with 5 packs of chuck roasts in their cart, debating if they should get 5 more. I should mention that each pack had 2 roasts in them, and I'd say that each roast goes about 3 lbs. That's ALOT of Hot Beef Sandwiches and pot roasts.
I grabbed my one lone pack of cheddy-brats and scurried away. The Farmer Family likes their cheese mixed in with their meat. :)
When I was checking out I mentioned to the check out lady that the meat sale was already in very full swing...she said that people show up at 7:00, an hour before it starts, waiting for the butchers to say..."Ok, Go Ahead". Now, I love my meat sale as much as the next carnivore, but that's just rediculous. It's just meat. It will go on sale again, and todays' sale goes until 8 pm. I think you'll get your whole trimmed tenderloin. They wouldn't be on mega sale if they only had 10 tenderloins in the back cooler.
Good times at the Fest.
I believe I just witnessed that at Festival Foods.
Today is their quad-annual One Day Meat Sale. Yes, caps required. It's a big event. I wasn't even going for the meat sale, since there wasn't anything on sale that I needed, but we did need milk, eggs, fruit, and a large vat of salsa (for the family reunion this weekend). So, because fresh fruit is on sale at the Fest this week, I headed there.
Because I was there, I just made a pass through the meat department, just to see what's up.
I'm lucky I made it out with all my limbs.
There were people pushing, shoving, moving others carts, crowding around the meat bunkers, hunched over the Big Packs of Octoberfest Brats and Chuck Roasts like the aforementioned buzzards. I actually saw one grandmotherly figure (not the small, fragile grandma, I'm talking the big hipped, big busted steel grey permed hair type grandma) rip one pack of chuck roasts out of another woman's hands, saying..." I had my eye on that pack first!!!". I saw another couple with 5 packs of chuck roasts in their cart, debating if they should get 5 more. I should mention that each pack had 2 roasts in them, and I'd say that each roast goes about 3 lbs. That's ALOT of Hot Beef Sandwiches and pot roasts.
I grabbed my one lone pack of cheddy-brats and scurried away. The Farmer Family likes their cheese mixed in with their meat. :)
When I was checking out I mentioned to the check out lady that the meat sale was already in very full swing...she said that people show up at 7:00, an hour before it starts, waiting for the butchers to say..."Ok, Go Ahead". Now, I love my meat sale as much as the next carnivore, but that's just rediculous. It's just meat. It will go on sale again, and todays' sale goes until 8 pm. I think you'll get your whole trimmed tenderloin. They wouldn't be on mega sale if they only had 10 tenderloins in the back cooler.
Good times at the Fest.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A bloggy hiatus
I just haven't been feeling like writing lately....the summer has gotten super busy lately and amongst all other things, blogging hasn't been high priority. here's a few updates:
*the fair went well. I was happy with my results, and i"m hoping next year I'll be able to enter more items of the craft variety.
*My cheesecake is published....check out this link to get there....and good luck making the recipe if you try it out!
*I'm going to be on German TV! A German production company is sending over their version of Emeril and he's going to tour the USA, going to mom and pop restaurants and visiting cooking competitions. The company contacted the Cheesefest office and asked if they could contribute to the show....the office sent them my name and info, and we've been in "negotiations" for Jumbo (that's his name...he stands 6'10'' and weighs in at 340 lbs....BIG guy.) to come to my home and bake with me. I'm so excited. This will be occuring in the spring sometime. Wahoo! I'm now one step closer to being that witty History Channel documentarian. Just gotta get that doctorate and fancy title from a prestigious university.........
*The garden is growing leaps and bounds. I had my first sauteed zuchinni for lunch...tasted like summer. Yum.
*The new carpet has been ordered and I'm working on emptying the room so we can tear up the old stuff.
That's about it. I will probably keep on hiatus for a while, so for my dedicated readers, dont' expect much for a few days or so. Just so you know.,...I didn't get swallowed into the new silo, just being busy....
Catch ya later!
*the fair went well. I was happy with my results, and i"m hoping next year I'll be able to enter more items of the craft variety.
*My cheesecake is published....check out this link to get there....and good luck making the recipe if you try it out!
*I'm going to be on German TV! A German production company is sending over their version of Emeril and he's going to tour the USA, going to mom and pop restaurants and visiting cooking competitions. The company contacted the Cheesefest office and asked if they could contribute to the show....the office sent them my name and info, and we've been in "negotiations" for Jumbo (that's his name...he stands 6'10'' and weighs in at 340 lbs....BIG guy.) to come to my home and bake with me. I'm so excited. This will be occuring in the spring sometime. Wahoo! I'm now one step closer to being that witty History Channel documentarian. Just gotta get that doctorate and fancy title from a prestigious university.........
*The garden is growing leaps and bounds. I had my first sauteed zuchinni for lunch...tasted like summer. Yum.
*The new carpet has been ordered and I'm working on emptying the room so we can tear up the old stuff.
That's about it. I will probably keep on hiatus for a while, so for my dedicated readers, dont' expect much for a few days or so. Just so you know.,...I didn't get swallowed into the new silo, just being busy....
Catch ya later!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thumbs Up and Down
Thumbs Up: To today being Judging day at the county fair! I wait all year, Caroline Ingalls style, for the fair to come around. I've got my muffins in the oven and my bread rising. I also am working the fair this year in the Open Class pavillion, so I get to suck in the fair all day today! Joyous.
Thumbs Down: To me being lazy and not feeling like running all the way to Green Bay last night to pick up a jar of The Godfather's corn relish to enter in the fair. I said I would bring it, but miscommunication, and more realistic, laziness and forgetfulness on my part kept me from remembering to pick up a jar every other time I was in GB this past month. Oh well, his pickle relish is also being entered, so it's somewhat ok. But in my defense, I had a bad headache last night and Kitty was somewhat crabby, so the ride looked less appealing every minute that passed.
Thumbs Up: to looking forward to Grammy's birthday party this weekend at Bay Beach! Kitty will be so excited to be back there for more fun and hijinks! And a Picnic! Kitty loves to eat outside...what an adventure!
Thumbs Down: To only 1 more month of summer vacation. boo hiss.
Thumbs Up: To my dr. being super proactive and ordering a bizillion tests to figure out why Kitty is still an only child. He's leaping on this infertility train and said he will figure out why I keep miscarrying. 3 in 10 months is not OK in either of our books.
Thumbs Down: To have to have 7 vials of blood taken tomorrow for these bizillion tests. My veins seem to know when to inconviently shut down, so I'm sure tomorrow will be lots o fun.
Thumbs Up: To the ring bologna I made on the grill last night. My dishwasher is broken, so i've become pretty inventive when it comes to makeing meals outside. Less dishes. So, if you like ring bologna (Navy girl? I'm sure you do..it's like a giant hot dog!!!) try it on the grill!
Thumbs Down: To the lack of rain....Kitty doesn't like to play outside on the grass because it's so dry. That limits our things to do outside. But her playhouse has been brought onto the patio, so she's happy going in and out of that door.
Kitty's Thumbs Up: To having toaster waffles back in the house. We did a much needed Sam's Run on Monday and we now have more toaster waffles in our house. I know I could have purchased them at the grocery, but when you pay over $2 for one box when I could pay $7.50 for 8 boxes, I figure she can wait until I Get to Sam's. But she's now happily eating breakfast...all is good in our worlds.
Thumbs Down: To me being lazy and not feeling like running all the way to Green Bay last night to pick up a jar of The Godfather's corn relish to enter in the fair. I said I would bring it, but miscommunication, and more realistic, laziness and forgetfulness on my part kept me from remembering to pick up a jar every other time I was in GB this past month. Oh well, his pickle relish is also being entered, so it's somewhat ok. But in my defense, I had a bad headache last night and Kitty was somewhat crabby, so the ride looked less appealing every minute that passed.
Thumbs Up: to looking forward to Grammy's birthday party this weekend at Bay Beach! Kitty will be so excited to be back there for more fun and hijinks! And a Picnic! Kitty loves to eat outside...what an adventure!
Thumbs Down: To only 1 more month of summer vacation. boo hiss.
Thumbs Up: To my dr. being super proactive and ordering a bizillion tests to figure out why Kitty is still an only child. He's leaping on this infertility train and said he will figure out why I keep miscarrying. 3 in 10 months is not OK in either of our books.
Thumbs Down: To have to have 7 vials of blood taken tomorrow for these bizillion tests. My veins seem to know when to inconviently shut down, so I'm sure tomorrow will be lots o fun.
Thumbs Up: To the ring bologna I made on the grill last night. My dishwasher is broken, so i've become pretty inventive when it comes to makeing meals outside. Less dishes. So, if you like ring bologna (Navy girl? I'm sure you do..it's like a giant hot dog!!!) try it on the grill!
Thumbs Down: To the lack of rain....Kitty doesn't like to play outside on the grass because it's so dry. That limits our things to do outside. But her playhouse has been brought onto the patio, so she's happy going in and out of that door.
Kitty's Thumbs Up: To having toaster waffles back in the house. We did a much needed Sam's Run on Monday and we now have more toaster waffles in our house. I know I could have purchased them at the grocery, but when you pay over $2 for one box when I could pay $7.50 for 8 boxes, I figure she can wait until I Get to Sam's. But she's now happily eating breakfast...all is good in our worlds.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Big 100! Let's throw a party!
Can you believe it? I made it to 1oo posts!!!
I know I'm not the most consistent blogger in the blogsophere, but it's a good time!
Since i've put in that feed of who reads my blog, I've been shocked to see that I have readers from all over the nation, and the world!!! I didn't think I had near that many readers, especially since I don't have anything real world shaking or madly exciting to write about!!!
So, In honor of this 100th post, I'd like people to just make a comment in my comment form and tell me where you are from and how you found my little blog. You don't have to continually comment on every post---goodness knows I'm one of the worst lurkers out there---but just pop in once and say Hey! We'll throw a little party via comments!
*********
My information for the fair came in the mail on Saturday. We're getting all ready for the big week next week! Woohoo!
********
Kitty has a new word...Elmo. And she's also learning how to beg. She says "Elmo???" in the most sad voice when she wants to watch her Sesame Street video, and she blinks her eyes and pouts. She quickly escalates to very MAD when Elmo doesn't appear on the screen. Other big advancements: She learned what the elephant says and what the monkey does. She's a one woman zoo.
*******
They finished the new silo. It looks very sharp, all 90 feet of it. it's now currently 50% full of haylage...Farmer's almost done with the 2nd crop of hay.
******
Yesterday we took a family trip to Bay Beach. I didn't know if Kitty would like the little kid rides, but she LOVED them. She rode the ladybugs, the train, the cars, the jeeps, and the planes. It was a surprise trip from Daddy, so I didn't bring my camera with us, so I guess we'll have to go back soon. We then went to culvers, where we discovered that Kitty LOVES chocolate custard. She's definitely my girl, and Navygirl's good friend.
*******
We picked the first of the green beans from the garden. We'll be swimming in crops soon.
********
Don't forget to join the Big 100 Comment Party in the comment box....it's lots of fun!
I know I'm not the most consistent blogger in the blogsophere, but it's a good time!
Since i've put in that feed of who reads my blog, I've been shocked to see that I have readers from all over the nation, and the world!!! I didn't think I had near that many readers, especially since I don't have anything real world shaking or madly exciting to write about!!!
So, In honor of this 100th post, I'd like people to just make a comment in my comment form and tell me where you are from and how you found my little blog. You don't have to continually comment on every post---goodness knows I'm one of the worst lurkers out there---but just pop in once and say Hey! We'll throw a little party via comments!
*********
My information for the fair came in the mail on Saturday. We're getting all ready for the big week next week! Woohoo!
********
Kitty has a new word...Elmo. And she's also learning how to beg. She says "Elmo???" in the most sad voice when she wants to watch her Sesame Street video, and she blinks her eyes and pouts. She quickly escalates to very MAD when Elmo doesn't appear on the screen. Other big advancements: She learned what the elephant says and what the monkey does. She's a one woman zoo.
*******
They finished the new silo. It looks very sharp, all 90 feet of it. it's now currently 50% full of haylage...Farmer's almost done with the 2nd crop of hay.
******
Yesterday we took a family trip to Bay Beach. I didn't know if Kitty would like the little kid rides, but she LOVED them. She rode the ladybugs, the train, the cars, the jeeps, and the planes. It was a surprise trip from Daddy, so I didn't bring my camera with us, so I guess we'll have to go back soon. We then went to culvers, where we discovered that Kitty LOVES chocolate custard. She's definitely my girl, and Navygirl's good friend.
*******
We picked the first of the green beans from the garden. We'll be swimming in crops soon.
********
Don't forget to join the Big 100 Comment Party in the comment box....it's lots of fun!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The 4th of July update and tidbits
Kitty's 4th of July Extravangaza went quite well. Grammy, Poppy, Auntie Mousie and hubby, and the BabyBear came, along with one of my cousin's and her family. We had a BBQ, croquet game, bonfire, and fireworks show. It was a very nice party. The weather was great and all babies were well behaved. Kitty even got a tan line on her tootsies from her cupcake sandals, which is so cute. I was woken up at 6:15 am on the 4th by my folks, calling with questions about the Declaration of Independence and the Founding Fathers. Nothing like giving an impromptu history lesson when you haven't even opened your eyes yet.
My question for them: Why the buzzard are you even thinking deep thoughts about the founding of our nation at 6:15 am??? I know it was Independence Day, but at 6:15 am, you should be watching the early news and groping for your coffee. Maybe reading the paper.
*****
Yesterday we went to a parade in Maribel, a small farming community where my Mum grew up. it was basically a tractor parade, but we enjoyed ourselves. Kitty loved it. She likes to go anywhere where she can wave to people. So, parades are about as great as the grocery store. Good times.
*****
Today Kitty went to her first pool party (man, she's busy! party, parade, pool party....what a social butterfly!) with her boyfriends, G and E, the babies of my two best friends. She had another great time floating around in her ladybug floatie. I enjoyed hanging out with my buddies.
*****
I'm so angry. There's a bar in Crivitz, WI (small northwoods town) who was denied a liquor license, and so he's flying the American flag upside down in protest. How stupid. What respect do you have for our country to brazenly show such disrespect? I know, freedom of speech, but still. On the 4th of July? Maybe it's my history background, knowing what it took throughout the last 250 years to be able to fly that flag freely, but that is just so terrible. Shame on you. SHAME. It make me seethe.
*****
The Godfather made 24 pints of Strawberry Jam with his berries. He's going to be eating jam until the end of time.
*****
NavyGirl and Maverick are in the process of buying a new house in the northwest. It's beautiful. You must head over to her blog to check out the pictures. I'm so jealous...mainly of her kitchen. :) But it's a good jealous. I'm happy for her.
****
I had a dream last night that President Obama picked our house to have dinner with "the common folk". It was SO REALISTIC....I'm still somewhat pondering if it actually happened or not. PS: I made steaks, baked potatoes, and mushrooms. He walked around our property with Farmer and checked out Farmer's convertable and my garden. He was in just his dress shirt and kahki's, very casual. Kitty was very shy. I didn't have my hair done. SO REAL.
*****
That's about it. No news yet about the cheesecake publishing, but I'm checking the website every so often. I'll be sure to let people know ASAP.
My question for them: Why the buzzard are you even thinking deep thoughts about the founding of our nation at 6:15 am??? I know it was Independence Day, but at 6:15 am, you should be watching the early news and groping for your coffee. Maybe reading the paper.
*****
Yesterday we went to a parade in Maribel, a small farming community where my Mum grew up. it was basically a tractor parade, but we enjoyed ourselves. Kitty loved it. She likes to go anywhere where she can wave to people. So, parades are about as great as the grocery store. Good times.
*****
Today Kitty went to her first pool party (man, she's busy! party, parade, pool party....what a social butterfly!) with her boyfriends, G and E, the babies of my two best friends. She had another great time floating around in her ladybug floatie. I enjoyed hanging out with my buddies.
*****
I'm so angry. There's a bar in Crivitz, WI (small northwoods town) who was denied a liquor license, and so he's flying the American flag upside down in protest. How stupid. What respect do you have for our country to brazenly show such disrespect? I know, freedom of speech, but still. On the 4th of July? Maybe it's my history background, knowing what it took throughout the last 250 years to be able to fly that flag freely, but that is just so terrible. Shame on you. SHAME. It make me seethe.
*****
The Godfather made 24 pints of Strawberry Jam with his berries. He's going to be eating jam until the end of time.
*****
NavyGirl and Maverick are in the process of buying a new house in the northwest. It's beautiful. You must head over to her blog to check out the pictures. I'm so jealous...mainly of her kitchen. :) But it's a good jealous. I'm happy for her.
****
I had a dream last night that President Obama picked our house to have dinner with "the common folk". It was SO REALISTIC....I'm still somewhat pondering if it actually happened or not. PS: I made steaks, baked potatoes, and mushrooms. He walked around our property with Farmer and checked out Farmer's convertable and my garden. He was in just his dress shirt and kahki's, very casual. Kitty was very shy. I didn't have my hair done. SO REAL.
*****
That's about it. No news yet about the cheesecake publishing, but I'm checking the website every so often. I'll be sure to let people know ASAP.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
today I....
....Picked over 20 lbs of strawberries in order to teach The Godfather how to make his own jam. Not freezer jam, mind you, but actual processed shelf stable jam. It will be an adventure.
....cleaned my whole house in order for the exterminator to come tomorrow.
....did what feels like 1000 loads of laundry that I now need to fold.
....what a day.
....cleaned my whole house in order for the exterminator to come tomorrow.
....did what feels like 1000 loads of laundry that I now need to fold.
....what a day.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
BUT THE BIG UPDATE IS....
....and I had to keep this one for it's own post.....
My newest cheesecake recipe is going to be published on msn.com's food and entertaining website, www.delish.com. I got contacted by the food editor to get my permission and to ask for more information about my cooking and other recipes. Very exciting. This is the 2nd recipe that I've had published. My first recipe was in Midwest Living magazine.
I'll be sure to post the link to the page when I get notification that it's online!
Look out Rachael Ray....I'm hot on your heels, ready to take your spot as Queen of TV Cooking!
My newest cheesecake recipe is going to be published on msn.com's food and entertaining website, www.delish.com. I got contacted by the food editor to get my permission and to ask for more information about my cooking and other recipes. Very exciting. This is the 2nd recipe that I've had published. My first recipe was in Midwest Living magazine.
I'll be sure to post the link to the page when I get notification that it's online!
Look out Rachael Ray....I'm hot on your heels, ready to take your spot as Queen of TV Cooking!
done with festing
Yesterday Farmer and I went back to summerfest for his birthday present...George Strait tickets. Another excellent show. We had alot of fun. It rained a bit at the beginning of the show, but it wasn't that bad.
Kitty went to Grammy and Poppy's while we were in Brew City. She went to day care in the AM, and then Poppy picked her up. She was so excited to have Poppy in her classroom!
But now we are done festing and are gearing up for the rest of the summer.
*****
Other updates:
Kitty's hosting her 2nd Annual 4th of July Extravaganza on Saturday. So I'm starting to get the house together and plan my menu. Kitty's way of helping is to hang out in her pack n play and not make a mess. :)
We are getting a new silo built on the farm. Yesterday they put the roof on and now they are starting with the rest. Yep, they build it from the top down....they keep jacking it up until the get the entire length. It's pretty cool to watch.
The exterminator is finally coming on Thursday. We have an ant and silverfish problem. I know. Gross. I keep my cupboards clean, the floors swept, the dust to a minimum, but still, ants and silverfish. I just can't keep them out! 7:30 AM on Thursday can't come soon enough.
Kitty went to Grammy and Poppy's while we were in Brew City. She went to day care in the AM, and then Poppy picked her up. She was so excited to have Poppy in her classroom!
But now we are done festing and are gearing up for the rest of the summer.
*****
Other updates:
Kitty's hosting her 2nd Annual 4th of July Extravaganza on Saturday. So I'm starting to get the house together and plan my menu. Kitty's way of helping is to hang out in her pack n play and not make a mess. :)
We are getting a new silo built on the farm. Yesterday they put the roof on and now they are starting with the rest. Yep, they build it from the top down....they keep jacking it up until the get the entire length. It's pretty cool to watch.
The exterminator is finally coming on Thursday. We have an ant and silverfish problem. I know. Gross. I keep my cupboards clean, the floors swept, the dust to a minimum, but still, ants and silverfish. I just can't keep them out! 7:30 AM on Thursday can't come soon enough.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The afterglow.....
Of my concert outing.
I bet some of my dedicated readers were wondering if I actually did sneak my way into Bon Jovi's suitcase....alas, he did not call my name out of the 22,000 ish people at the Marcus Ampetheater at Summerfest on Thursday. So, I'm NOT in London with him and Richie Sambora mixing his new CD. I'm back at home, being the housewife and Mumma I normally am.
But it was an amazing night.
He just puts on such a good show! The energy and fun is awesome. The band's not on tour right now, so they didn't have an exact set of music....they seemed to kind of play from the cuff. It was very fun. A great mix of old and new music. We danced and sang through a 2 hour show. And then fought for an hour to get out of the parking lot. :)
So, I got home, lighter in the wallet, but the proud new owner of a vintage looking Bon Jovi t-shirt and a calendar that i'm going to cut the calendar part off and put all the different pictures around my classroom. my other concert posters are in there as well (only because I don't think Farmer would appreciate a Bon Jovi poster hanging over our marriage bed. :)
If he came to the area again tomorrow, I'd go again.
Because his music is just that good.
And he's just that hot. :)
I bet some of my dedicated readers were wondering if I actually did sneak my way into Bon Jovi's suitcase....alas, he did not call my name out of the 22,000 ish people at the Marcus Ampetheater at Summerfest on Thursday. So, I'm NOT in London with him and Richie Sambora mixing his new CD. I'm back at home, being the housewife and Mumma I normally am.
But it was an amazing night.
He just puts on such a good show! The energy and fun is awesome. The band's not on tour right now, so they didn't have an exact set of music....they seemed to kind of play from the cuff. It was very fun. A great mix of old and new music. We danced and sang through a 2 hour show. And then fought for an hour to get out of the parking lot. :)
So, I got home, lighter in the wallet, but the proud new owner of a vintage looking Bon Jovi t-shirt and a calendar that i'm going to cut the calendar part off and put all the different pictures around my classroom. my other concert posters are in there as well (only because I don't think Farmer would appreciate a Bon Jovi poster hanging over our marriage bed. :)
If he came to the area again tomorrow, I'd go again.
Because his music is just that good.
And he's just that hot. :)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sing with me now!
(to the tune of that conga line song....just follow the beat...we all know the tune)
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow Is Bon Jovi!
TOMORROW IS BON JOVI!!!
I have a cute outfit!
I have a cute outfit!
Thank you God for Kohls!
I have a cute outfit!
Tomorrow in Milwaukee!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow in Milwaukee!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
****I'll be sure to post a play by play review on Friday---Stay tuned!*****
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow Is Bon Jovi!
TOMORROW IS BON JOVI!!!
I have a cute outfit!
I have a cute outfit!
Thank you God for Kohls!
I have a cute outfit!
Tomorrow in Milwaukee!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
Tomorrow in Milwaukee!
Tomorrow is Bon Jovi!
****I'll be sure to post a play by play review on Friday---Stay tuned!*****
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Historygirlie's Top Ten: Father's Day Style
And now, it's time for HistoryGirlie's Top Ten: Why I Love My Dad.....
10. He genuinely loves our mother. We can see his respect for his wife in everything he does. That is the most important thing he taught us...to love your spouse and show your love. He's a quiet man...doesn't say much...but his actions spoke louder than words. My aunts always say..."Marry a man like Poppy, and you'll live like a queen". They weren't kidding. He's an amazing husband.
9. He has a polo shirt that has charcoal grills, hamburgers, and hot dogs on it. He only wears it on the 4th of July...it's charming.
8. He took us on 3 big trips in the Van-O-Ram when we were kids. Florida, Nashville, and Washington DC. He was more excited than we were. We loved those trips, even though we were in the Van. He and I plan on taking a trip to follow Lewis and Clark some day. They are our favorite explorers. We'd also love to follow Laura Ingalls Wilder's paths. He just loves to travel and see new things. If he could, he'd spend every summer weekend in Minaqua in the Northwoods. He also loves the northwoods. I guess he basically loves any place that has lots of water and lots of trees.
7. He loves going to the landfill, Sam's Club, and getting his oil changed. All three are big events in his life. He calls us to tell us about his big day if he's going to any of these three places.
6. He takes excellent care of his father, who's recently been diagnosed with Alzeheimer's or Dementia. He goes out to their house 2-3 times a week to make sure all is ok.
5. He would take off work to go to our big events at school. Even if we weren't guaranteed to play in the big crosstown rival game, he would be in the stands cheering us on. I figure he spent 16 years sitting in the bleachers from when I started to when my sister ended.
4. He took us camping to Jellystone and up north when we were little. He only got one weekend off a month from the mill, and in the summer he spent it with us at the campground. I can almost guarantee that my brother and sister can agree~camping are some of the best memories we have from growing up.
3. He taught us to love the water. We would go to Sand Bay Beach in Door County in the summer, and he'd spend hours just staring out at the water looking for "Ocean Going Vessels". sometimes he'd bring a flashlight at night to see if they were out at night. Now we all keep an eye out for big ships when we're near Lake Michigan or the Bay of Green Bay.
2. He felt bad that he had to work the Southern Swing shift at the paper mill when we were little. He wasn't home at normal times, but when he was, he was 100% DAD. we would have waffles for breakfast when others were having cereal when he worked 3-11; there would be snacks on the counter when we'd get home from school when he worked days, and when he worked nights...amazing suppers and homework help before he went to sleep before work. And, when he wasn't home? Then....our stuffed animals would be set up in funny scenarios when we'd get home or he'd had started on amazing paper-mache projects that he liked to help us make. One time, dad and I made a dinosaur out of a bleach bottle and hanger, and he was sitting in a cardboard pool, complete with trees. It was amazing. But the best thing he did was create a flash card tape. One day he came home and Dad was at work. During the day he had set up the video camera and taped himself going through the all four sets of flashcards so Mom didnt' have to when she was home alone with us. Just thinking of all that love makes my heart smile.
AND....although I could go on forever about my awesome Pappy....
#1: He is the best Grandpa there is. He doesn't flinch when I ask him if he can watch Kitty. When I was struggling with severe post partum depression, he'd just randomly show up to watch Kitty so I could relax or do some laundry or sit in a sitz bath. He loves to take Kitty to Bay Beach or run errands. He's been known to buy little treats because Kitty might like some Animal crackers some day. Kitty likes to march around his dining room table, so he found a John Phillip Sousa CD to march to. Recently, he asks to take Kitty on sleepovers, because he likes to see her all sleepy in the morning. The love he feels for Kitty is so apparent in everything he does.
So, readers, if you love your dad, let him know it. Although I can bet that my dad is better than your dad. :) My dad's the best. The best, Jerry, the Best!!! (He also loves to watch Seinfeld, and he quotes it all the time....it's not annoying, but rather endearing.)
10. He genuinely loves our mother. We can see his respect for his wife in everything he does. That is the most important thing he taught us...to love your spouse and show your love. He's a quiet man...doesn't say much...but his actions spoke louder than words. My aunts always say..."Marry a man like Poppy, and you'll live like a queen". They weren't kidding. He's an amazing husband.
9. He has a polo shirt that has charcoal grills, hamburgers, and hot dogs on it. He only wears it on the 4th of July...it's charming.
8. He took us on 3 big trips in the Van-O-Ram when we were kids. Florida, Nashville, and Washington DC. He was more excited than we were. We loved those trips, even though we were in the Van. He and I plan on taking a trip to follow Lewis and Clark some day. They are our favorite explorers. We'd also love to follow Laura Ingalls Wilder's paths. He just loves to travel and see new things. If he could, he'd spend every summer weekend in Minaqua in the Northwoods. He also loves the northwoods. I guess he basically loves any place that has lots of water and lots of trees.
7. He loves going to the landfill, Sam's Club, and getting his oil changed. All three are big events in his life. He calls us to tell us about his big day if he's going to any of these three places.
6. He takes excellent care of his father, who's recently been diagnosed with Alzeheimer's or Dementia. He goes out to their house 2-3 times a week to make sure all is ok.
5. He would take off work to go to our big events at school. Even if we weren't guaranteed to play in the big crosstown rival game, he would be in the stands cheering us on. I figure he spent 16 years sitting in the bleachers from when I started to when my sister ended.
4. He took us camping to Jellystone and up north when we were little. He only got one weekend off a month from the mill, and in the summer he spent it with us at the campground. I can almost guarantee that my brother and sister can agree~camping are some of the best memories we have from growing up.
3. He taught us to love the water. We would go to Sand Bay Beach in Door County in the summer, and he'd spend hours just staring out at the water looking for "Ocean Going Vessels". sometimes he'd bring a flashlight at night to see if they were out at night. Now we all keep an eye out for big ships when we're near Lake Michigan or the Bay of Green Bay.
2. He felt bad that he had to work the Southern Swing shift at the paper mill when we were little. He wasn't home at normal times, but when he was, he was 100% DAD. we would have waffles for breakfast when others were having cereal when he worked 3-11; there would be snacks on the counter when we'd get home from school when he worked days, and when he worked nights...amazing suppers and homework help before he went to sleep before work. And, when he wasn't home? Then....our stuffed animals would be set up in funny scenarios when we'd get home or he'd had started on amazing paper-mache projects that he liked to help us make. One time, dad and I made a dinosaur out of a bleach bottle and hanger, and he was sitting in a cardboard pool, complete with trees. It was amazing. But the best thing he did was create a flash card tape. One day he came home and Dad was at work. During the day he had set up the video camera and taped himself going through the all four sets of flashcards so Mom didnt' have to when she was home alone with us. Just thinking of all that love makes my heart smile.
AND....although I could go on forever about my awesome Pappy....
#1: He is the best Grandpa there is. He doesn't flinch when I ask him if he can watch Kitty. When I was struggling with severe post partum depression, he'd just randomly show up to watch Kitty so I could relax or do some laundry or sit in a sitz bath. He loves to take Kitty to Bay Beach or run errands. He's been known to buy little treats because Kitty might like some Animal crackers some day. Kitty likes to march around his dining room table, so he found a John Phillip Sousa CD to march to. Recently, he asks to take Kitty on sleepovers, because he likes to see her all sleepy in the morning. The love he feels for Kitty is so apparent in everything he does.
So, readers, if you love your dad, let him know it. Although I can bet that my dad is better than your dad. :) My dad's the best. The best, Jerry, the Best!!! (He also loves to watch Seinfeld, and he quotes it all the time....it's not annoying, but rather endearing.)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The muggies are here! The muggies are here!
So, when I was a kid, there was a local weatherman who would say during his forecast that the Muggy family was outside playing, taking a walk, having a BBQ, etc, when the weather would turn thick and hot. For some unknown reason, this theory has stuck with my family. If it's super thick out, I can bet hard cash on Poppy calling and saying..."Gee, I bet the Muggies are out having a picnic right about now." I can seriously imagine my next door neighbors being the Muggies.
And man, are they back in town.
WI weather is back. with a summery vengeance.
Now, I like muggy weather. I would rather be sticky than cold. I hate the Wisconsin winters. But Whew! That first really muggy day is a doozy!
It's like the first sunburn....just have to get it, deal with it, and then the rest of the summer is easier.
Yesterday was that first muggy day. We spent it at the cottage, but of course, the Muggy family also brought overcast weather and sprinkles. Awesome day to spend at the cottage. And today? Muggy again, but sunny and beautiful. Of course.
So, I broke out my shorts (I never wear shorts outside my yard...capris for me) and Kitty's wearing her smallest, least covering romper and we're planning on going father's day shopping in air conditioned stores this AM.
Wisconsin summer is finally here. Hooray!
And man, are they back in town.
WI weather is back. with a summery vengeance.
Now, I like muggy weather. I would rather be sticky than cold. I hate the Wisconsin winters. But Whew! That first really muggy day is a doozy!
It's like the first sunburn....just have to get it, deal with it, and then the rest of the summer is easier.
Yesterday was that first muggy day. We spent it at the cottage, but of course, the Muggy family also brought overcast weather and sprinkles. Awesome day to spend at the cottage. And today? Muggy again, but sunny and beautiful. Of course.
So, I broke out my shorts (I never wear shorts outside my yard...capris for me) and Kitty's wearing her smallest, least covering romper and we're planning on going father's day shopping in air conditioned stores this AM.
Wisconsin summer is finally here. Hooray!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Screaming Eagle
Well, I don't know if I can call Kitty "Kitty" anymore. Lately, whenever she's excited, upset, running in the backyard, riding in the cart at the supermarket, she feels the need to let out a scream, that sounds like a baby eagle.
ok, so maybe I don't know what an eagle sounds like, but I'm guessing it sounds like Kitty.
It's cute the first 1000 times we hear it. But on Monday, when we were at the market, Kitty felt like squalling EVERY 3 FEET THOUGHTOUT THE ENTIRE STORE. People smiled and giggled, but I'm pretty sure I was red faced the entire shopping experience.
I think her new motto is one of my favorites...
"I sound my barbaric YAWP over the rooftops of the world."
you can ask Green Girl....she's heard it, and I'm sure she can hear it in her house, when Kitty's in the yard OR the house. Right, GG?
Otherwise, she spent last night at Grammy and Poppy's house, because I had training all day at school on Autism. Fascinating subject. I have another training day tomorrow, so she's at her schoool. So, today with Grammy she went and got her picture taken with her cousin BabyBear. Grammy wanted a Summer picture of them for her fridge. They turned out SO VERY CUTE. I wish I was there to see them get taken. She also went to Bay Beach with Poppy to ride the train. She had an awesome time. She loved it. I can't wait to take her back to ride the rest of the kiddy rides.
In other news, last weekend was Breakast on the Farm. I serve on the county Dairy Promotion Board (what a great farmer's wife I am!) and so I help run the breakfast. We served about 5000 people on Sunday. It was a perfect day on a perfect farm. Everyone had a wonderful time. I'm pretty proud of our efforts.
Other exciting news? My wonderful friend NavyGirl became an Auntie-cousin today to a brand new Baby Girl. Her cousin and best friend AND Matron of Honor (whew! she's busy! How did she have time to be preggo??? Just kidding MOH!) had her baby this morning. I'm so excited for her, and I can't wait to see pictures.
But most exciting....????? Tomorrow is only ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL BON JOVI AT SUMMERFEST!!!!! Can you tell I'm pumped? Wahoo!!!!
ok, so maybe I don't know what an eagle sounds like, but I'm guessing it sounds like Kitty.
It's cute the first 1000 times we hear it. But on Monday, when we were at the market, Kitty felt like squalling EVERY 3 FEET THOUGHTOUT THE ENTIRE STORE. People smiled and giggled, but I'm pretty sure I was red faced the entire shopping experience.
I think her new motto is one of my favorites...
"I sound my barbaric YAWP over the rooftops of the world."
you can ask Green Girl....she's heard it, and I'm sure she can hear it in her house, when Kitty's in the yard OR the house. Right, GG?
Otherwise, she spent last night at Grammy and Poppy's house, because I had training all day at school on Autism. Fascinating subject. I have another training day tomorrow, so she's at her schoool. So, today with Grammy she went and got her picture taken with her cousin BabyBear. Grammy wanted a Summer picture of them for her fridge. They turned out SO VERY CUTE. I wish I was there to see them get taken. She also went to Bay Beach with Poppy to ride the train. She had an awesome time. She loved it. I can't wait to take her back to ride the rest of the kiddy rides.
In other news, last weekend was Breakast on the Farm. I serve on the county Dairy Promotion Board (what a great farmer's wife I am!) and so I help run the breakfast. We served about 5000 people on Sunday. It was a perfect day on a perfect farm. Everyone had a wonderful time. I'm pretty proud of our efforts.
Other exciting news? My wonderful friend NavyGirl became an Auntie-cousin today to a brand new Baby Girl. Her cousin and best friend AND Matron of Honor (whew! she's busy! How did she have time to be preggo??? Just kidding MOH!) had her baby this morning. I'm so excited for her, and I can't wait to see pictures.
But most exciting....????? Tomorrow is only ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL BON JOVI AT SUMMERFEST!!!!! Can you tell I'm pumped? Wahoo!!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
An Oprah Observation
So, anyone who knows me at all well knows that I adore Oprah. I really think that my personal Motto could be "What would Oprah do?". I've been to see Oprah live (one of my Best Days Ever) and I watch whenever I can.
So, because it's 4:00 pm, Kitty and I turned on Oprah. Today's show is about waste. She opened the show by talking to the audience about how she hates waste and how America makes so much waste. And then they panned the audience. Everyone in the audience was staring at Ms. Oprah with big admiring eyes and nodding enthustically to everything she said.
I realized just then that Oprah could tell the masses to all go jump off the nearest bridge, and I'm pretty sure alot of people would do just that. It's amazing.
I do admit that I am mesmerized by Oprah. I may be one of them that would think...."hmmmm...maybe that bridge doesn't sound that bad...I could go for a swim....." I follow her advice, especially about fashion. NO MOM JEANS! NO TAPERED LEG! (another Historygirlie Motto)
Oprah is my Queen. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to stop listening to her advice....I just found it amusing to see what I look like when I'm thinking, listening, or looking at Oprah. Very funny.
So, because it's 4:00 pm, Kitty and I turned on Oprah. Today's show is about waste. She opened the show by talking to the audience about how she hates waste and how America makes so much waste. And then they panned the audience. Everyone in the audience was staring at Ms. Oprah with big admiring eyes and nodding enthustically to everything she said.
I realized just then that Oprah could tell the masses to all go jump off the nearest bridge, and I'm pretty sure alot of people would do just that. It's amazing.
I do admit that I am mesmerized by Oprah. I may be one of them that would think...."hmmmm...maybe that bridge doesn't sound that bad...I could go for a swim....." I follow her advice, especially about fashion. NO MOM JEANS! NO TAPERED LEG! (another Historygirlie Motto)
Oprah is my Queen. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to stop listening to her advice....I just found it amusing to see what I look like when I'm thinking, listening, or looking at Oprah. Very funny.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Hitched or Ditched and Sam's Club
So, I just finished watching quite possibly the worst show ever. It's on the CW and it was called "Hitched or Ditched"....basically, the premise is that a long time dating non-engaged couple gets nominated for this show, and then they have 4 days to plan their wedding and decide if they actually want to be married. Most of the time the couple has commitment phobia, and so the 4 days are a rollercoaster of emotions. In this episode, the bride decided ON THE ALTAR if she wanted to marry her boyfriend of 3.5 years.
I thought it was terrible. Yeah, I'm a firm believer of the "Just decide already!" theory, (or as Grammy calls it "Poop or get off the pot") but marriage isn't something that one should just be shoved into. I mean, if these people want to live in "do I want to marry you limbo", then go nuts. But why even agree to go on this show? Why let the cameras in? I know it's all sensationalism, but still. It's (hopefully) the rest of your life!
Aaargh.
But in happier notes, Kitty and I went on our periodic pilgrimage to Sam's Club today. Our Mecca of bulk items. We love it there...Kitty for the hugmongous shopping carts, myself for the fact that you can buy a 1/2 gallon of 3 bean salad and 40 granola bars at one time. Awesome. We also hit up the local JoAnn's Fabrics for all things crafty, and Festival Foods. It was an expensive day. Gulp. Kitty also hung out for a little while with 2 of her boyfriends...AKA 2 of the neighbor boys. They have a mutually exciting relationship. The boys love showing off for her (which includes the ever-flirty "hit yourself on the head and fall over" trick...she loves it every time) and she loves having anyone chase her. The gathering basically consisted of Kitty running around the backyard squalling like a baby eagle, while the boys gallantly rolled over themselves and made sure she didnt' climb up the ladder that Farmer had left in the middle of the yard---he's currently fixing my clothesline poles.
But, to revert back to Sam's Club (I have a migraine and took 3 excedrine migraine pills....things are a bit scattered, and since blogs give readers a small picture into everyday life....well folks, this is how my life works.....) why do people like to buy things in bulk? My whole immediate family adores Sam's....I firmly believe that Poppy (my dad) goes there just to look around at all the stuff. I bet he goes at least every other week, if not once a week. Mainly to buy Feta cheese....I bet we talk about Feta cheese at least 2 times a week. And everytime he goes to Sam's it's a BIG DEAL. Like going to see Santa. I feel the same way. I walk up and down almost every aisle every time I go. Why? I don't really know. Sometimes I wonder to myself....who needs to buy 2 gallons of ranch dressing at one time? Yes, I know...businesses and restaurants and day cares shop at Sam's, so they need to buy in bulk, but really!!??!! the sheer size of some things just amuses me greatly. 10 lbs of bacon! 5 gallon pail of margarine! 3 gallon box of olive oil!!!! 1000 file folders! 10 boxes of pens! It's wonderfully absurd. And I love it. LUV.
So, as I'm sure you're all wondering, what does tomorrow hold for the adventurous Historygirlie and her loyal mini sidekick, KittyCat? Well......I'm going to work more in my craft room----it's known around here as the 6th circle of Hell, because it's always a royal mess, and I want to scrap lots this summer when Kitty's napping---so if I can get another 1/2 hour down there while Kitty's happy, I can get more done. And depending on the weather, I'd like to take Kitty for a walk, and perhaps get some garden weeded. It's terrible, but it's rained so much that everything is mud. not cool. Otherwise, the normal. Load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, read Dr. Suess's ABC's 7000 times.
Life is good.
I thought it was terrible. Yeah, I'm a firm believer of the "Just decide already!" theory, (or as Grammy calls it "Poop or get off the pot") but marriage isn't something that one should just be shoved into. I mean, if these people want to live in "do I want to marry you limbo", then go nuts. But why even agree to go on this show? Why let the cameras in? I know it's all sensationalism, but still. It's (hopefully) the rest of your life!
Aaargh.
But in happier notes, Kitty and I went on our periodic pilgrimage to Sam's Club today. Our Mecca of bulk items. We love it there...Kitty for the hugmongous shopping carts, myself for the fact that you can buy a 1/2 gallon of 3 bean salad and 40 granola bars at one time. Awesome. We also hit up the local JoAnn's Fabrics for all things crafty, and Festival Foods. It was an expensive day. Gulp. Kitty also hung out for a little while with 2 of her boyfriends...AKA 2 of the neighbor boys. They have a mutually exciting relationship. The boys love showing off for her (which includes the ever-flirty "hit yourself on the head and fall over" trick...she loves it every time) and she loves having anyone chase her. The gathering basically consisted of Kitty running around the backyard squalling like a baby eagle, while the boys gallantly rolled over themselves and made sure she didnt' climb up the ladder that Farmer had left in the middle of the yard---he's currently fixing my clothesline poles.
But, to revert back to Sam's Club (I have a migraine and took 3 excedrine migraine pills....things are a bit scattered, and since blogs give readers a small picture into everyday life....well folks, this is how my life works.....) why do people like to buy things in bulk? My whole immediate family adores Sam's....I firmly believe that Poppy (my dad) goes there just to look around at all the stuff. I bet he goes at least every other week, if not once a week. Mainly to buy Feta cheese....I bet we talk about Feta cheese at least 2 times a week. And everytime he goes to Sam's it's a BIG DEAL. Like going to see Santa. I feel the same way. I walk up and down almost every aisle every time I go. Why? I don't really know. Sometimes I wonder to myself....who needs to buy 2 gallons of ranch dressing at one time? Yes, I know...businesses and restaurants and day cares shop at Sam's, so they need to buy in bulk, but really!!??!! the sheer size of some things just amuses me greatly. 10 lbs of bacon! 5 gallon pail of margarine! 3 gallon box of olive oil!!!! 1000 file folders! 10 boxes of pens! It's wonderfully absurd. And I love it. LUV.
So, as I'm sure you're all wondering, what does tomorrow hold for the adventurous Historygirlie and her loyal mini sidekick, KittyCat? Well......I'm going to work more in my craft room----it's known around here as the 6th circle of Hell, because it's always a royal mess, and I want to scrap lots this summer when Kitty's napping---so if I can get another 1/2 hour down there while Kitty's happy, I can get more done. And depending on the weather, I'd like to take Kitty for a walk, and perhaps get some garden weeded. It's terrible, but it's rained so much that everything is mud. not cool. Otherwise, the normal. Load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, read Dr. Suess's ABC's 7000 times.
Life is good.
A post for Maverick....
NavyGuy, or Rearden, whatever you prefer....
I prefer Maverick.....
but anyway......
Yes, I agree with NavyGirlie...you have very little to no control over whether or not NavyGirlie buys Cricut Cartridges, Mr. I-Spent-The-Entire-Weekend-Boring-Mugs-While-building-A-Computer. She needs a creative outlet too!!!!! You build computers, she cuts with Cricuts. :)
And, I definitely will teach Mugs how to create award winning cheesecakes once you find a way to have the US Navy post an aircraft carrier on Lake Michigan. It's hard to teach the art of cooking over the phone.
Well, unless we got Skype, but still. I'm dumb at computers, Mugs has a hard time cooking and talking at the same time. A recipe for disaster. (Ha! I'm punny!)
Plus, we (The Queen Mum and I) are angling for any way to get Mugs back in CowState, so I think the Navy could post you at Lake Michigan...don't you agree?
You work on that this afternoon. Go talk to your CO or something. :)
Besides, someone needs to buy Cricut's when they are 1/2 price...I spent too much already, so I had to just admire longingly this AM at JoAnn's and not purchase.
So, there's my thoughts. Let me know what you think.
Missing all of you out there~
HistoryGirlie (And Kitty and Farmer too)
Ed. Note: For all my other readers....sorry about the personalized post....I just needed to respond to Maverick in the debate we are currently having....I chose this method. :) Check back later or tomorrow for a regular type post!!! Thanks!
I prefer Maverick.....
but anyway......
Yes, I agree with NavyGirlie...you have very little to no control over whether or not NavyGirlie buys Cricut Cartridges, Mr. I-Spent-The-Entire-Weekend-Boring-Mugs-While-building-A-Computer. She needs a creative outlet too!!!!! You build computers, she cuts with Cricuts. :)
And, I definitely will teach Mugs how to create award winning cheesecakes once you find a way to have the US Navy post an aircraft carrier on Lake Michigan. It's hard to teach the art of cooking over the phone.
Well, unless we got Skype, but still. I'm dumb at computers, Mugs has a hard time cooking and talking at the same time. A recipe for disaster. (Ha! I'm punny!)
Plus, we (The Queen Mum and I) are angling for any way to get Mugs back in CowState, so I think the Navy could post you at Lake Michigan...don't you agree?
You work on that this afternoon. Go talk to your CO or something. :)
Besides, someone needs to buy Cricut's when they are 1/2 price...I spent too much already, so I had to just admire longingly this AM at JoAnn's and not purchase.
So, there's my thoughts. Let me know what you think.
Missing all of you out there~
HistoryGirlie (And Kitty and Farmer too)
Ed. Note: For all my other readers....sorry about the personalized post....I just needed to respond to Maverick in the debate we are currently having....I chose this method. :) Check back later or tomorrow for a regular type post!!! Thanks!
Monday, June 8, 2009
The cheesecake recipe and other events
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/cakecheesesweR/white-chocolate-hazelnut-cc.html
click on the link above....you'll find the gold medal recipe. Enjoy! Just an FYI: I substituted pecans for hazelnuts, because I couldn't find hazelnuts in the store. Contact me if you have any questions while making it!!!!!
So, in the afterglow of the big win, today I straightened all my kitchen cupboards, wiped them out with antiseptic stuff, and put them all back together. Whoopie Fizz. What an amazing time. Kitty and I also cleaned up some laundry, put away her clothes, and read the same 3 books 5 times. Right now we love The Animal's Christmas Eve, Elmo's Big Day, and Where are Baby's Easter Egg? At least we are taking a small break from Baby Farm Animals. For now.
I guess we're back to reality after the cheering masses and brass band parade of yesterday's win. Ok, so there was no parade, but I was definitely singing marching band music in my head as I walked back to the car. :) But tonight I do get my hair dyed by my friend M, so I'll have very few roots left. Wahoo!!!!!
click on the link above....you'll find the gold medal recipe. Enjoy! Just an FYI: I substituted pecans for hazelnuts, because I couldn't find hazelnuts in the store. Contact me if you have any questions while making it!!!!!
So, in the afterglow of the big win, today I straightened all my kitchen cupboards, wiped them out with antiseptic stuff, and put them all back together. Whoopie Fizz. What an amazing time. Kitty and I also cleaned up some laundry, put away her clothes, and read the same 3 books 5 times. Right now we love The Animal's Christmas Eve, Elmo's Big Day, and Where are Baby's Easter Egg? At least we are taking a small break from Baby Farm Animals. For now.
I guess we're back to reality after the cheering masses and brass band parade of yesterday's win. Ok, so there was no parade, but I was definitely singing marching band music in my head as I walked back to the car. :) But tonight I do get my hair dyed by my friend M, so I'll have very few roots left. Wahoo!!!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A cheesecake championship
So, today was the day.
The big day.
The Cheesefest Cheesecake competiton. The day I seriously train for, like athletes do for their sports.
I start really thinking about what kind of cake I want to make at Christmas time. I make at least one to three cakes a month, trying to figure out what to do. Farmer and his family enjoy training season.
So, this competition, I decided on a White Chocolate Lemon cheesecake with a raspberry ripple, and a white chocolate cream cheese frosting. This decision did not come about by chance. I have two theories....here they are.....
#1: It's June. people like fruit flavors in summertime. The light taste tastes good. Its' refreshing for summer. People don't like heavy flavors like pumpkin, carrot, or chocolate peanut butter in summer. those are fall/winter flavors. So, I automatically dismiss those flavors from my idea list.
#2: A cheesecake with layers is more impressive than a one layer cake. Think about it. A layer cake always gets more Oooohs and Ahhhs than a sheet cake, right? The same is for cheesecakes. So I like to find an intricate recipe that has at least one layer....people are impressed to cut into the cake and wow! there's a ripple in there! unexpected and tasty!
So, I made the cheesecake yesterday, because c-cakes have to cure overnight in the fridge for best flavor. It takes multiple steps to get the cake done, so it was a joint effort between Farmer and I. Farmer was in charge of keeping Kitty out of the kitchen. A very important step.
Today Grammy and I decorated the cake togehter---I can bake, but I can't use a frosting gun. Mom's also in charge of the decorations for the area of the cake. Again, I have great ideas for the decor, but mom's just better at the execution of the decor. She can tie a mean bow out of tuille and twistyties.
We get to the wet, dripping, soggy festival grounds and get the cake set up. (did I mention it was 50 degrees out todoay and rained all day yesterday and this morning??? yeah...it was pleasant....Kitty was so bundled up all we could see was her little face in the stroller) There are 14 cakes present.....big competition. A few I was able to write off right away...not pretty or appetizing, messy, and just icky looking. The judging started with judging of the look of the cake...not the taste. I knew i was good there....it was one hot looking cake.
Then they started cutting a piece out for the taste testers. There were 4 judges, one radio guy and 3 actual bakers. Yikes. It's like watching TV....they take tiny bites, make concerned faces and lick their lips slowly. They made their way around the cakes, making notes as they went. At one point I was trying to help Auntie Mousie see what the judges were writing on the sheets....she stands almost 6 feet tall, but even with me boosting her up (not noticably, as if she was standing on my back or anything) but she couldn't make out what they were writing about my cake. My cake was 2nd to last in the judge order. One judge was a double dipper...several tastes with teh same spoon. Ick. Another judge really liked my cake. he took several tastes. but with different spoons. :)
The tension was palpable. Grammy, Auntie Mousie, and myself were holding hands, partially out of excitement, partially because we were fricking freezing standing outside in the 50 degree rain. Then they tabulated the results. The radio guy made a couple quick announcements, and then got down to business.
3rd place: a Kaluha and bits cheesecake (don't know what the bits were...toffee???)
2nd place: Tuxedo cheesecake (a multi-layer chocolate and white cheesecake, with a brownie layer! I'm gonna try making that one soon!)
And.....
1st place:::::
SummerTime Delight Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake by HistoryGirlie!!!!
WAHOOO!!!!
I'm so pumped. I haven't won 1st place before....it's a great day. My prize? $100 and a personalize cheese cutter with engraving on it. It was great. They sell the pieces after the contest and mine sold out immediately. One judge stopped me and told me it was an amazing cake....and she was a baker!!!!!
So, my summer got off to a great start. Next up: Farmer County Fair.......Look out! Historygirlie is coming out with guns blazing!
WOOHOO! 1st place!!!!!!
Because I'm not one of them....those that keep recipes to themselves....I'll post my recipe for the cake tomorrow. It takes over 3 hours to make, so you can imagine the intricate recipe. I'm worn out....from the competition, and because Kitty was wired tight all night tonight....If every day were like tonight, TLC would be making a TV show out of the Farmer family instead of the Gosselins. It would be humerous to anyone other than her parent, who was trying to put her jammies on for 25 minutes. Obviously, running around in your diapie and giggling is SO MUCH FUN. We'd get one leg in, and then she'd take off again, kicking off the jammies as we went.
So, this champion is off to watch Family Guy in bed. Not only did I win, but I also have clean sheets on the bed. Bliss. :)
"We are the champions, my friend...."
The big day.
The Cheesefest Cheesecake competiton. The day I seriously train for, like athletes do for their sports.
I start really thinking about what kind of cake I want to make at Christmas time. I make at least one to three cakes a month, trying to figure out what to do. Farmer and his family enjoy training season.
So, this competition, I decided on a White Chocolate Lemon cheesecake with a raspberry ripple, and a white chocolate cream cheese frosting. This decision did not come about by chance. I have two theories....here they are.....
#1: It's June. people like fruit flavors in summertime. The light taste tastes good. Its' refreshing for summer. People don't like heavy flavors like pumpkin, carrot, or chocolate peanut butter in summer. those are fall/winter flavors. So, I automatically dismiss those flavors from my idea list.
#2: A cheesecake with layers is more impressive than a one layer cake. Think about it. A layer cake always gets more Oooohs and Ahhhs than a sheet cake, right? The same is for cheesecakes. So I like to find an intricate recipe that has at least one layer....people are impressed to cut into the cake and wow! there's a ripple in there! unexpected and tasty!
So, I made the cheesecake yesterday, because c-cakes have to cure overnight in the fridge for best flavor. It takes multiple steps to get the cake done, so it was a joint effort between Farmer and I. Farmer was in charge of keeping Kitty out of the kitchen. A very important step.
Today Grammy and I decorated the cake togehter---I can bake, but I can't use a frosting gun. Mom's also in charge of the decorations for the area of the cake. Again, I have great ideas for the decor, but mom's just better at the execution of the decor. She can tie a mean bow out of tuille and twistyties.
We get to the wet, dripping, soggy festival grounds and get the cake set up. (did I mention it was 50 degrees out todoay and rained all day yesterday and this morning??? yeah...it was pleasant....Kitty was so bundled up all we could see was her little face in the stroller) There are 14 cakes present.....big competition. A few I was able to write off right away...not pretty or appetizing, messy, and just icky looking. The judging started with judging of the look of the cake...not the taste. I knew i was good there....it was one hot looking cake.
Then they started cutting a piece out for the taste testers. There were 4 judges, one radio guy and 3 actual bakers. Yikes. It's like watching TV....they take tiny bites, make concerned faces and lick their lips slowly. They made their way around the cakes, making notes as they went. At one point I was trying to help Auntie Mousie see what the judges were writing on the sheets....she stands almost 6 feet tall, but even with me boosting her up (not noticably, as if she was standing on my back or anything) but she couldn't make out what they were writing about my cake. My cake was 2nd to last in the judge order. One judge was a double dipper...several tastes with teh same spoon. Ick. Another judge really liked my cake. he took several tastes. but with different spoons. :)
The tension was palpable. Grammy, Auntie Mousie, and myself were holding hands, partially out of excitement, partially because we were fricking freezing standing outside in the 50 degree rain. Then they tabulated the results. The radio guy made a couple quick announcements, and then got down to business.
3rd place: a Kaluha and bits cheesecake (don't know what the bits were...toffee???)
2nd place: Tuxedo cheesecake (a multi-layer chocolate and white cheesecake, with a brownie layer! I'm gonna try making that one soon!)
And.....
1st place:::::
SummerTime Delight Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake by HistoryGirlie!!!!
WAHOOO!!!!
I'm so pumped. I haven't won 1st place before....it's a great day. My prize? $100 and a personalize cheese cutter with engraving on it. It was great. They sell the pieces after the contest and mine sold out immediately. One judge stopped me and told me it was an amazing cake....and she was a baker!!!!!
So, my summer got off to a great start. Next up: Farmer County Fair.......Look out! Historygirlie is coming out with guns blazing!
WOOHOO! 1st place!!!!!!
Because I'm not one of them....those that keep recipes to themselves....I'll post my recipe for the cake tomorrow. It takes over 3 hours to make, so you can imagine the intricate recipe. I'm worn out....from the competition, and because Kitty was wired tight all night tonight....If every day were like tonight, TLC would be making a TV show out of the Farmer family instead of the Gosselins. It would be humerous to anyone other than her parent, who was trying to put her jammies on for 25 minutes. Obviously, running around in your diapie and giggling is SO MUCH FUN. We'd get one leg in, and then she'd take off again, kicking off the jammies as we went.
So, this champion is off to watch Family Guy in bed. Not only did I win, but I also have clean sheets on the bed. Bliss. :)
"We are the champions, my friend...."
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Graduation Reflection
So, Thursday night was Papertown's High School Graduation. And, as high school staff, it was required that I attend.
Now, most of my colleagues grumble and moan about having to attend....it's not paid extra, it's not during contract time, we aren't given the same amount of comp time to make up for it, yadda yadda, union-contract-lingo. And, really, I do understand what they mean. I get it.
However, I think differently.
I enjoy attending high school graduation. I've been there long enough now that I've seen these kids grow from gawky freshmen, afraid of shadows and the gym hallway (the football team can be intimidating) to being Seniors, who rule the school. I had the opportunity to teach them in many different subjects. I've seen them celebrate at State Football, dance the night away at Prom, and help them deal with their "HUGE LIFE MOMENTS", which to an adult are not that big. I love watching them walk across the stage, shake the Principal's hand, and get their corny picture taken with diploma cover in front of the American Flag. I tear up when I see some of my favorite kids make the big walk, and I celebrate that some of them will NEVER enter my classroom again. I cheer when that kid who had all bets against them for graduating smiles at the crowd when his classmates cheer his achievement.
I think that this year I'm so schmaltzy about graduation because I truly loved this graduating class. They were a wonderful group that showed what is good about KHS. They were the athletes, musicians, actors, academics, and just all around good kids. Yeah, I know they were also huge drinkers and had more sex partners than I can imagine, but when they were in my classroom, they were just fun. They also knew what was fair. For lack of better words, I was "picked on" via an online format last year by some students who were not being fair to me....a bunch of the then-juniors found out about it, and took care of the whole situation before it could get blown fully out of porportion. They weren't being bullies, but rather just righted a wrong. Then they came to me, informed me of what happened, and promised to help me deal with it again if it reoccured. THat's only one of the reasons why I love this graduating class.
So, yeah. Graduation can be a pain. I'd rather be in my sweats at 8:00 pm, but it was worth wearing my heels and girdle to help them transition to the next big moment in their lives. The handshakes, hugs, and congratulatory words meant so much to them that night. I'll miss them next year, not having them pop in and say "Hey Mrs V!" and give a big wave before they move on to their class. But I know that I did my job getting them ready for the next big step. I'll be excited to see them in a few years and see what they have done with their lives.
Godspeed, Graduates. I wish you all the best.
Now, most of my colleagues grumble and moan about having to attend....it's not paid extra, it's not during contract time, we aren't given the same amount of comp time to make up for it, yadda yadda, union-contract-lingo. And, really, I do understand what they mean. I get it.
However, I think differently.
I enjoy attending high school graduation. I've been there long enough now that I've seen these kids grow from gawky freshmen, afraid of shadows and the gym hallway (the football team can be intimidating) to being Seniors, who rule the school. I had the opportunity to teach them in many different subjects. I've seen them celebrate at State Football, dance the night away at Prom, and help them deal with their "HUGE LIFE MOMENTS", which to an adult are not that big. I love watching them walk across the stage, shake the Principal's hand, and get their corny picture taken with diploma cover in front of the American Flag. I tear up when I see some of my favorite kids make the big walk, and I celebrate that some of them will NEVER enter my classroom again. I cheer when that kid who had all bets against them for graduating smiles at the crowd when his classmates cheer his achievement.
I think that this year I'm so schmaltzy about graduation because I truly loved this graduating class. They were a wonderful group that showed what is good about KHS. They were the athletes, musicians, actors, academics, and just all around good kids. Yeah, I know they were also huge drinkers and had more sex partners than I can imagine, but when they were in my classroom, they were just fun. They also knew what was fair. For lack of better words, I was "picked on" via an online format last year by some students who were not being fair to me....a bunch of the then-juniors found out about it, and took care of the whole situation before it could get blown fully out of porportion. They weren't being bullies, but rather just righted a wrong. Then they came to me, informed me of what happened, and promised to help me deal with it again if it reoccured. THat's only one of the reasons why I love this graduating class.
So, yeah. Graduation can be a pain. I'd rather be in my sweats at 8:00 pm, but it was worth wearing my heels and girdle to help them transition to the next big moment in their lives. The handshakes, hugs, and congratulatory words meant so much to them that night. I'll miss them next year, not having them pop in and say "Hey Mrs V!" and give a big wave before they move on to their class. But I know that I did my job getting them ready for the next big step. I'll be excited to see them in a few years and see what they have done with their lives.
Godspeed, Graduates. I wish you all the best.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Don't worry.......
I do exist.......
May was an incredibly busy month at the Farmer Ranch. We had three weddings in three weeks, meetings, farming, teaching, teething, more ear infections, Mother's Day, etc etc etc.
Therefore, I took a month off of anything that required massive thought once Kitty went to bed. Which included blogging.
And by the looks of my household, that also included cleaning my house and doing any resemblence of ironing, except for a few pair of pants in the morning when I needed to wear them and NOT look like a ragamuffin.
Because it was a super busy month, I'm not going to go into specifics about each event, so here's a quick synopsis of the major events....
MOTHER"S DAY:
Brunch with Grammy at the Casino---excellent breakfast...about 7 different breakfast meats. I was in (literally) Hog Heaven. I got a Cosy Coupe for Kitty to play with....you know. the little red car with the yellow top. She adores riding in it. It will be a fun summer for both of us.
GARDEN:
Mother's day weekend we planted the garden and my flowers. Everything is up, and we only lost one cuke plant due to frost. Because my post-partum depression is so much better, I think I'll enjoy the summer and my garden much more this summer than last.
THE GODFATHER'S WEDDING
the week after Mom's day, my brother got married. It was a perfect day, and everyone had a good time. Kitty was flower girl, and she marched down the aisle like an actress at the Oscars. I was so proud. The dinner was EXELLENT, as were the Malibu and Diet Cokes. Yikes. A bit tipsy....but they are happily man and wife and home from their Hawaiian honeymoon.
NAVYGIRLIE"S WEDDING
I officially became a member of NavyGirl's family after serving as her "Aide to the Queen" for her wedding. Her wedding was wonderful, classy, and a boat load of fun, just like her. I had so much fun....for details and other stuff, peruse her blog.
MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial day was a huge day for Kitty....Farmer and I went to fleet farm and bought her a swing set!!!!!!!!!! Later that day we went for a car ride in the convertable and then to the park to play with our friends. Kitty had a royal blast going down the slide. I can't wait to have our own swingset built to play on!!!
KKII and A's WEDDING:
This past weekend we were back in Madison for KKII's wedding. The whole friend group was able to attend, making for a very fun weekend, sans kids. Bucky Badger showed up for the wedding dance and did the Chicken Dance with the bride and groom. Super fun, and a great start to the summer.
KITTY:
Remember Kitty's ear troubles? The tubes? The Infections? well, even though the tubes are in and supposedly functioning well, she's still gettng massive double ear infections. ICK. We had her in to the dr last week for an ear check, and they were infected, and (brace yourselves) draining OUTSIDE of her ears. The infection goop was running down her face and filling up her outer ear. I'd have to clean them out several times a day, and it was seriously the ickiest stuff ever. Think honey, but thicker and stinkier. Gross. So, Farmer took her back to the ear specialist yesterday and they put her on drops. He said this is not good, but it's not necessarily bad or strange either. It's just something. and it's icky.
On another Kitty front, she's moving up to the next size room at school. In 3 weeks, she'll be a Koala instead of a Bunny. I'm unsure of this....I just don't want her growing up so fast!
FARMER:
Farmer and family started haying yesterday....which means cutting hay down at teh base, letting it dry, then chopping it up and shooting it into the silo. Farmer loves his tractors, so he likes this time of year. I'm ambivilant, but we make do. It's the true start of summer at our house.
HISTORYGIRLIE:
This is the last week of school. Huzzah! HUZZAH! I'm so excited to be off for the summer. I have big plans for the summertime.
Also, this weekend is the big local Festival o'Cheese, which means the big cheesecake competition. There are 17 entries in the contest, and I'm pumped. My flavor for this year is.......white chocolate lemon cheesecake with a raspberry ripple. It's helluva good. Honest. I'll be sure to post my results on Sunday evening.
So, that's that. For all my royal readers, there will be more random posts this summer. Be ready to read about all my adventures being a toddler's mom, while trying to weed the garden, fold the laundry, avoid working in the barn at all costs, feed the Farmer, all while trying to just enjoy the back porch with a good book and a Diet Coke on Ice.
Let the summer fun begin!!!!!
May was an incredibly busy month at the Farmer Ranch. We had three weddings in three weeks, meetings, farming, teaching, teething, more ear infections, Mother's Day, etc etc etc.
Therefore, I took a month off of anything that required massive thought once Kitty went to bed. Which included blogging.
And by the looks of my household, that also included cleaning my house and doing any resemblence of ironing, except for a few pair of pants in the morning when I needed to wear them and NOT look like a ragamuffin.
Because it was a super busy month, I'm not going to go into specifics about each event, so here's a quick synopsis of the major events....
MOTHER"S DAY:
Brunch with Grammy at the Casino---excellent breakfast...about 7 different breakfast meats. I was in (literally) Hog Heaven. I got a Cosy Coupe for Kitty to play with....you know. the little red car with the yellow top. She adores riding in it. It will be a fun summer for both of us.
GARDEN:
Mother's day weekend we planted the garden and my flowers. Everything is up, and we only lost one cuke plant due to frost. Because my post-partum depression is so much better, I think I'll enjoy the summer and my garden much more this summer than last.
THE GODFATHER'S WEDDING
the week after Mom's day, my brother got married. It was a perfect day, and everyone had a good time. Kitty was flower girl, and she marched down the aisle like an actress at the Oscars. I was so proud. The dinner was EXELLENT, as were the Malibu and Diet Cokes. Yikes. A bit tipsy....but they are happily man and wife and home from their Hawaiian honeymoon.
NAVYGIRLIE"S WEDDING
I officially became a member of NavyGirl's family after serving as her "Aide to the Queen" for her wedding. Her wedding was wonderful, classy, and a boat load of fun, just like her. I had so much fun....for details and other stuff, peruse her blog.
MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial day was a huge day for Kitty....Farmer and I went to fleet farm and bought her a swing set!!!!!!!!!! Later that day we went for a car ride in the convertable and then to the park to play with our friends. Kitty had a royal blast going down the slide. I can't wait to have our own swingset built to play on!!!
KKII and A's WEDDING:
This past weekend we were back in Madison for KKII's wedding. The whole friend group was able to attend, making for a very fun weekend, sans kids. Bucky Badger showed up for the wedding dance and did the Chicken Dance with the bride and groom. Super fun, and a great start to the summer.
KITTY:
Remember Kitty's ear troubles? The tubes? The Infections? well, even though the tubes are in and supposedly functioning well, she's still gettng massive double ear infections. ICK. We had her in to the dr last week for an ear check, and they were infected, and (brace yourselves) draining OUTSIDE of her ears. The infection goop was running down her face and filling up her outer ear. I'd have to clean them out several times a day, and it was seriously the ickiest stuff ever. Think honey, but thicker and stinkier. Gross. So, Farmer took her back to the ear specialist yesterday and they put her on drops. He said this is not good, but it's not necessarily bad or strange either. It's just something. and it's icky.
On another Kitty front, she's moving up to the next size room at school. In 3 weeks, she'll be a Koala instead of a Bunny. I'm unsure of this....I just don't want her growing up so fast!
FARMER:
Farmer and family started haying yesterday....which means cutting hay down at teh base, letting it dry, then chopping it up and shooting it into the silo. Farmer loves his tractors, so he likes this time of year. I'm ambivilant, but we make do. It's the true start of summer at our house.
HISTORYGIRLIE:
This is the last week of school. Huzzah! HUZZAH! I'm so excited to be off for the summer. I have big plans for the summertime.
Also, this weekend is the big local Festival o'Cheese, which means the big cheesecake competition. There are 17 entries in the contest, and I'm pumped. My flavor for this year is.......white chocolate lemon cheesecake with a raspberry ripple. It's helluva good. Honest. I'll be sure to post my results on Sunday evening.
So, that's that. For all my royal readers, there will be more random posts this summer. Be ready to read about all my adventures being a toddler's mom, while trying to weed the garden, fold the laundry, avoid working in the barn at all costs, feed the Farmer, all while trying to just enjoy the back porch with a good book and a Diet Coke on Ice.
Let the summer fun begin!!!!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Reading is Sexy
1) What author do you own the most books by?JK Rowling's Harry Potter books. all 7.
2) What book do you own the most copies of?I don't own multiple copies of books...at least I haven't found a multiple.....
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?Most wisconsinites end sentences with prepositions, so it doesn't bother me
5) What book have you read the most times in your life?Gone with the Wind, Baby Farm Animals
6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?Charlotte's Web
7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?Peter Gay's The Enlightenment.....it was rough going.
8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?Oh goodness, I can't pick just one. That'd be like eating just ONE m and m.
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be? I dunno. So many are so great. Probably To Kill A Mockingbird. I would force NavyGirl to read Gone with the Wind.
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?Pope Joan
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie? Walden. SNOOZE.
14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?All the smut I have read. Lots of romance novels while laying out in the sun
15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?Dictionary of the Kahazars. As I Lay Dying. (My mother is a fish!) I loved both, but they were hard....lots of hours with the professor in office hours trying to figure out what they are saying.
17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?French...they make better bread. .
18) Roth or Updike?Haven't read either..
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?Nope, not them either. .
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?Chaucer.
21) Austen or Eliot?These ladies aren't familiar.....I mean, I know them, just haven't read them.
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?The classics and the canon. Lots haven't been read.
23) What is your favorite novel?Gone with the Wind
26) Essay?I like Doris Kearns Goodwin...not too many essays, but the ones I have read are good.
28) Work of nonfiction?America's Women; 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroins.
29) Who is your favorite writer?JK Rowling...I love the imagery...also Phillipa Gregory (IHenry VIII!)
31) What is your desert island book?Phillipa Gregory's series.
32) And finally... what are you reading right now?The Pleasure Palace (I promise, it's not smut)
4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with? Rhett Butler....someone so rakishly handsome can carry me up the stairs and ravish me sometime!!!
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't think I'm that well read to determine that.
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character. I once dreamt that books were illegeal....woke up in a cold sweat.
16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen? haven't seen anything obscure.
24) Favorite Play? Steel Magnolias, To Kill a Mockingbird
25) Favorite Poem? To my Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet....I read it to Farmer at our wedding
27) Favorite Short story? Not really a short story fan.
30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today? Toni Morrison. Just don't like her.
Now....I tag two people.......
Green Girl in Wisconsin......I think that her personal library is going to be my lending library this summer....
AND.....
I'd like to hear what Navy Girl's SISTER has to say...I'm guessing she's a reader too!!!!!! Perhaps you could e-mail your answers to Navy Girl and she could let you do a "guest post".....OR, I guess you could just e-mail me the responses!!!! You pick!
2) What book do you own the most copies of?I don't own multiple copies of books...at least I haven't found a multiple.....
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?Most wisconsinites end sentences with prepositions, so it doesn't bother me
5) What book have you read the most times in your life?Gone with the Wind, Baby Farm Animals
6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?Charlotte's Web
7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?Peter Gay's The Enlightenment.....it was rough going.
8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?Oh goodness, I can't pick just one. That'd be like eating just ONE m and m.
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be? I dunno. So many are so great. Probably To Kill A Mockingbird. I would force NavyGirl to read Gone with the Wind.
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?Pope Joan
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie? Walden. SNOOZE.
14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?All the smut I have read. Lots of romance novels while laying out in the sun
15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?Dictionary of the Kahazars. As I Lay Dying. (My mother is a fish!) I loved both, but they were hard....lots of hours with the professor in office hours trying to figure out what they are saying.
17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?French...they make better bread. .
18) Roth or Updike?Haven't read either..
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?Nope, not them either. .
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?Chaucer.
21) Austen or Eliot?These ladies aren't familiar.....I mean, I know them, just haven't read them.
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?The classics and the canon. Lots haven't been read.
23) What is your favorite novel?Gone with the Wind
26) Essay?I like Doris Kearns Goodwin...not too many essays, but the ones I have read are good.
28) Work of nonfiction?America's Women; 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroins.
29) Who is your favorite writer?JK Rowling...I love the imagery...also Phillipa Gregory (I
31) What is your desert island book?Phillipa Gregory's series.
32) And finally... what are you reading right now?The Pleasure Palace (I promise, it's not smut)
4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with? Rhett Butler....someone so rakishly handsome can carry me up the stairs and ravish me sometime!!!
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't think I'm that well read to determine that.
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character. I once dreamt that books were illegeal....woke up in a cold sweat.
16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen? haven't seen anything obscure.
24) Favorite Play? Steel Magnolias, To Kill a Mockingbird
25) Favorite Poem? To my Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet....I read it to Farmer at our wedding
27) Favorite Short story? Not really a short story fan.
30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today? Toni Morrison. Just don't like her.
Now....I tag two people.......
Green Girl in Wisconsin......I think that her personal library is going to be my lending library this summer....
AND.....
I'd like to hear what Navy Girl's SISTER has to say...I'm guessing she's a reader too!!!!!! Perhaps you could e-mail your answers to Navy Girl and she could let you do a "guest post".....OR, I guess you could just e-mail me the responses!!!! You pick!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
observations, quick thoughts, and ruminations
*Spring is back in CowTown....it rained yesterday and today, and the worms are out on the sidewalks. ICK. I hate it when the worms come out.
*It snowed today, but it's supposed be 70 degrees on Friday. Freaking odd weather.
*Kitty has started massively pulling hair. she pulled her teacher's hair today, and removed a clump of my locks this evening. It earned her a time out and a frown from Mumma. If this continues, you can just call me Supernanny, for the amazingness of my timeout skillz.
*Farmer's birthday is Friday....which means...Perch Plate for Historygirlie!!!
*Navygirlie comes home on Thursday! Huzzah!
*How does one get into ballroom dancing as a kid? That's one skill I would love to have. Not that the polka dances that I attend really need the ability to samba or rumba, but still...how fun.
*I think I'm being snubbed by my cousin....I haven't recieved neither a save the date or an invite to the shower...when everyone else has...hmm....
*Jillian Michaels is a butt-busting sloot. Ok, maybe not a sloot, but still! her workouts are intense. However, I turn 30 in 3.5 months, (30!!??!! sniff...sniff...not adjusting well)and I want to look hawt at 30. So, Jillian is going to kick my keister every day between now and then. I'm not joking....every day. look out folks...this slightly nerdy, documentary loving history nerd is going to be looking good!!!!
*I think I'm the only person in america that doesn't love Adam Lambert from American Idol. I don't like his severly dyed hair and eyebrows...yes, I think the eyebrows are dyed too. He looks werewolf creepy. not a fan.
And....my last odd life tidbit....and I'm saving the best for last....
*one of my administrators today told me (in front of two other teachers AND two students) that he thinks he needs to go on one of those medications that help men's urinary incontinence. YES. you read that right. he came back from a bathroom break and announced that to the group, and also that he's been having hair growing out of odd spots. I've worked with this administrator on several projects, so I get him better than others, so it didn't shock me as much, but STILL!!!! Ahhh....love the surprises in life.
And on that disturbing thought for all of you.....Good night!
*It snowed today, but it's supposed be 70 degrees on Friday. Freaking odd weather.
*Kitty has started massively pulling hair. she pulled her teacher's hair today, and removed a clump of my locks this evening. It earned her a time out and a frown from Mumma. If this continues, you can just call me Supernanny, for the amazingness of my timeout skillz.
*Farmer's birthday is Friday....which means...Perch Plate for Historygirlie!!!
*Navygirlie comes home on Thursday! Huzzah!
*How does one get into ballroom dancing as a kid? That's one skill I would love to have. Not that the polka dances that I attend really need the ability to samba or rumba, but still...how fun.
*I think I'm being snubbed by my cousin....I haven't recieved neither a save the date or an invite to the shower...when everyone else has...hmm....
*Jillian Michaels is a butt-busting sloot. Ok, maybe not a sloot, but still! her workouts are intense. However, I turn 30 in 3.5 months, (30!!??!! sniff...sniff...not adjusting well)and I want to look hawt at 30. So, Jillian is going to kick my keister every day between now and then. I'm not joking....every day. look out folks...this slightly nerdy, documentary loving history nerd is going to be
*I think I'm the only person in america that doesn't love Adam Lambert from American Idol. I don't like his severly dyed hair and eyebrows...yes, I think the eyebrows are dyed too. He looks werewolf creepy. not a fan.
And....my last odd life tidbit....and I'm saving the best for last....
*one of my administrators today told me (in front of two other teachers AND two students) that he thinks he needs to go on one of those medications that help men's urinary incontinence. YES. you read that right. he came back from a bathroom break and announced that to the group, and also that he's been having hair growing out of odd spots. I've worked with this administrator on several projects, so I get him better than others, so it didn't shock me as much, but STILL!!!! Ahhh....love the surprises in life.
And on that disturbing thought for all of you.....Good night!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Huzzah times Two!
First Huzzah....To my dear girliefriend NavyGirl on her 27th birthday!!! I can't wait to celebrate with you when you come home next week!!!! Perhaps we can get together some night, You, Me, and Farmer and go out for dinner to celebrate!
Second Huzzah....To a wonderful parishoner at St. CowTown Catholic Church....
WHO PAID $410 FOR MY CHEESECAKE A MONTH FOR A YEAR DONATION AT LAST NIGHT'S AUCTION!!!!!
(The auction was a fundraiser for the local small Catholic school...it's a fun night and alot of younger parishoners come out for the night)
Seriously....$410 for 12 cheesecakes. I was so nervous that they would make something like $20 for them, but suddenly the bidding was going fast and furious, and going higher and higher. I had Farmer's pants leg in a vice grip, and getting more and more excited.
I must admit...it was a bit hard to fall asleep last night after that....
Now, I just hope that they turn out each month!!!!!! NO CRACKS ALLOWED!!!!!
(Now, if only I can come up with a way to make myself some money with my mad baking skillz. Any ideas???)
Second Huzzah....To a wonderful parishoner at St. CowTown Catholic Church....
WHO PAID $410 FOR MY CHEESECAKE A MONTH FOR A YEAR DONATION AT LAST NIGHT'S AUCTION!!!!!
(The auction was a fundraiser for the local small Catholic school...it's a fun night and alot of younger parishoners come out for the night)
Seriously....$410 for 12 cheesecakes. I was so nervous that they would make something like $20 for them, but suddenly the bidding was going fast and furious, and going higher and higher. I had Farmer's pants leg in a vice grip, and getting more and more excited.
I must admit...it was a bit hard to fall asleep last night after that....
Now, I just hope that they turn out each month!!!!!! NO CRACKS ALLOWED!!!!!
(Now, if only I can come up with a way to make myself some money with my mad baking skillz. Any ideas???)
Monday, April 13, 2009
E.T....E.T....E.T....
You know, in the movie E.T., when E.T. breaks into the fridge and drinks a bunch of beer and gets a bit tipsy? And then he runs around the house yelling his name over and over again? E.T....E.T.....E.T.....
Well, that's turned into my daughter.
Two days of being with grandparents and aunties and uncles and cousins and marshmellow peeps and being the total center of attention made my kitty a bit crazy yesterday afternoon. My parents house is very open and circular, and so Kitty was waddling in her twirly skirted Easter dress (she's got big diapers and she walks without bending her knees....hence...waddling) all excited, waving her arms, and repeating her name over and over again. Seriously, if she were all brown and wrinkly, she would have been a picture of E.T. My brother just followed her around, waddling, and saying his name over and over again. (I think the copious amounts of Peeps and chocolate got to him too) She was also all excited because she figured out how to say her name, so we hear it all the time. (GreenGirl....the "cubbie" you were hearing at your house was actually her attempt at her name....it took awhile, but I figured it out)
Seriously. Adorable. Grammy and Poppy were totally charmed. Add in her amazingly huge Easter Bonnet---I had to find the bonnet with the most "frills upon it"at the local dime store, so the brim was HUGE, come on, everyone, sing along..."In your Easter Bonnet...."---and her green and pink madras plaid easter dress and sandals with cupcakes on them, she was a perfect Easter Girl. Don't worry, I'll post a picture when I get time.
*******
In other happenings, my washing machine blew up this morning. It's leaking water from the bottom. I turned off the hoses leading to it, after a frantic call to Poppy (Farmer's busy this AM with vet check and just general farm chores) but the water still comes. This totally puts a crimp in my plans to get all my laundry done today on my day off. Shuzbut. I guess I'll have to attack Mt. Wrinkle instead. or scrub my kitchen floor. Or bathroom floors. Or a number of other chores.
I found my cheesecake recipe for the annual cheesecake contest. I must say...It's fricking amazing. I'm not revealing the flavor yet (I don't want anyone stealing my recipe!!!!) but everyone loved it at Grammy's house yesterday. It's a hit.
However, GreenGirl, if you'd like me to bring one to book club this week, I'd be more than happy to. Just let me know.....
Check ya later!!!!
Well, that's turned into my daughter.
Two days of being with grandparents and aunties and uncles and cousins and marshmellow peeps and being the total center of attention made my kitty a bit crazy yesterday afternoon. My parents house is very open and circular, and so Kitty was waddling in her twirly skirted Easter dress (she's got big diapers and she walks without bending her knees....hence...waddling) all excited, waving her arms, and repeating her name over and over again. Seriously, if she were all brown and wrinkly, she would have been a picture of E.T. My brother just followed her around, waddling, and saying his name over and over again. (I think the copious amounts of Peeps and chocolate got to him too) She was also all excited because she figured out how to say her name, so we hear it all the time. (GreenGirl....the "cubbie" you were hearing at your house was actually her attempt at her name....it took awhile, but I figured it out)
Seriously. Adorable. Grammy and Poppy were totally charmed. Add in her amazingly huge Easter Bonnet---I had to find the bonnet with the most "frills upon it"at the local dime store, so the brim was HUGE, come on, everyone, sing along..."In your Easter Bonnet...."---and her green and pink madras plaid easter dress and sandals with cupcakes on them, she was a perfect Easter Girl. Don't worry, I'll post a picture when I get time.
*******
In other happenings, my washing machine blew up this morning. It's leaking water from the bottom. I turned off the hoses leading to it, after a frantic call to Poppy (Farmer's busy this AM with vet check and just general farm chores) but the water still comes. This totally puts a crimp in my plans to get all my laundry done today on my day off. Shuzbut. I guess I'll have to attack Mt. Wrinkle instead. or scrub my kitchen floor. Or bathroom floors. Or a number of other chores.
I found my cheesecake recipe for the annual cheesecake contest. I must say...It's fricking amazing. I'm not revealing the flavor yet (I don't want anyone stealing my recipe!!!!) but everyone loved it at Grammy's house yesterday. It's a hit.
However, GreenGirl, if you'd like me to bring one to book club this week, I'd be more than happy to. Just let me know.....
Check ya later!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
They've got the right stuff!
So, last night a 15 year dream came true.
I waited so long. I wished for this, when I was a "tween".
Last night, I saw New Kids On the Block (NKOTB) in concert in GB.
Yes, they are back. And better than ever.
I was a fan when I was in 4th grade. I LOVED THEM. I had posters, pajamas, big pins on my stonewashed jean jacket, shoelaces, fan magazines (TIGER BEAT!!!), but no concert ticket. My mom and dad wouldn't take me to Alpine Valley to see them in all their neon glory.
But Farmer, who enjoys granting my odd wishes, gave me tickets to NKOTB for Valentine's day. However, he didn't want to go, so I got to take my good friend M with me, who was also denied that glorious concert ticket 15 yrs ago.
I was so excited. and The Kids didn't disappoint.
They had the dance moves. they had the harmonies. They had Jordan Knight singing an incredibly high falsetto, Danny's great street dance moves, Jon's quiet handsomeness, Joey belting out "Please don't go Girl" (I'm not going anywhere, Joey, just call me) and, of course, Donnie's Boston Hat and smoking hot abs.
Yes, all 5 guys got even HOTTER in the last 15 years. and now I'm an age that can appreciate the MAN-ness of them. mmmmmm. Yummy.
Don't worry, I didn't hide in their bus and let them take me on the road with them. I'm back in CowTown, feeding Kitty, and listening to my Greatest Hits CD.
But it was an amazing night, full of nostalga and love for a band that I had started to forget.
Thanks, Farmer, for giving me back a piece of my childhood. I'll be Hangin' Tough for a long time.
ed. Note: Don't worry, Jon Bon Jovi....I may love the Boys from Beantown, but the Jersey Boys will always come first in my heart. I'm still Livin' On A Prayer that you'll call me up and take me away. at least for one night. :)
I waited so long. I wished for this, when I was a "tween".
Last night, I saw New Kids On the Block (NKOTB) in concert in GB.
Yes, they are back. And better than ever.
I was a fan when I was in 4th grade. I LOVED THEM. I had posters, pajamas, big pins on my stonewashed jean jacket, shoelaces, fan magazines (TIGER BEAT!!!), but no concert ticket. My mom and dad wouldn't take me to Alpine Valley to see them in all their neon glory.
But Farmer, who enjoys granting my odd wishes, gave me tickets to NKOTB for Valentine's day. However, he didn't want to go, so I got to take my good friend M with me, who was also denied that glorious concert ticket 15 yrs ago.
I was so excited. and The Kids didn't disappoint.
They had the dance moves. they had the harmonies. They had Jordan Knight singing an incredibly high falsetto, Danny's great street dance moves, Jon's quiet handsomeness, Joey belting out "Please don't go Girl" (I'm not going anywhere, Joey, just call me) and, of course, Donnie's Boston Hat and smoking hot abs.
Yes, all 5 guys got even HOTTER in the last 15 years. and now I'm an age that can appreciate the MAN-ness of them. mmmmmm. Yummy.
Don't worry, I didn't hide in their bus and let them take me on the road with them. I'm back in CowTown, feeding Kitty, and listening to my Greatest Hits CD.
But it was an amazing night, full of nostalga and love for a band that I had started to forget.
Thanks, Farmer, for giving me back a piece of my childhood. I'll be Hangin' Tough for a long time.
ed. Note: Don't worry, Jon Bon Jovi....I may love the Boys from Beantown, but the Jersey Boys will always come first in my heart. I'm still Livin' On A Prayer that you'll call me up and take me away. at least for one night. :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A post for NavyGirl
NavyGirlie (and Maverick, by default)~
Be forewarned. When your first born child is popping his/her eyeteeth, I am going to send to whatever middle of nowhere military base you will be on a brand new copy of "Baby Farm Animals" so you, too, can read it 6 times in an hour because she won't play with anything else, and she also won't eat anything and throws her food off her tray.
Seriously. If you were in CowState, I'd drive to whereever you are and let YOU read "Baby Farm Animals" to the crabby Cat.
I've tried reading other books, I've tried the tried and true favorite toys, I've tried a Sesame Street video....NOPE. Just Baby Farm Animals.
I think Baby Farm Animals is going to be hidden on a high shelf for the weekend, or I may run screaming into the forest. OR, she'll have to go hang out with the Cows with Daddy. He can sing Row Row Row and Itsy Bitsy, while reading Baby Farm Animals....because we did that once tonight....mid book, we had to break into a verse of Row Row Row. once we came to the end of the ditty, we went back to the book.
So, I blame you for all this....after all, you did give her this book, the good friend that you are. :)
But we need to chat on the phone soon:
*my student teacher
*All things Wedding
*All things Kitty and FG
*Your time of day shower
*Our TV shows
*Random other stuff
But: don't call tonight 8:00 pm CowState Time. Grey's is on, and I need to see what happens during Izzie's surgery. Farmer knows to come in very quietly if he gets home after 8:00 pm.
I can't wait to chat with you....miss you and lots of hugs~
Historygirlie
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Next Stop: Migraine City
Hello Readers~
I'm back to my precious blog. Once again, it's been one heck of a week or so. Last week we had a lovely funeral for my much loved uncle...my mom's brother. He passed away after quadruple bypass surgery...not the surgeon's fault...his body just couldn't handle that surgery. Uncle D was an excellent man and father, and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
But that, combined with the fact that I am barely over (emotionally) my misscarriage, caused my enemy Mr. Migraine come to visit. I've been dealing with a come-and-go migraine for about 10 days now. Grrrr. I've been making faithful visits to the Chiropractor (thank goodness for insurance) and it helps short term, but it hasn't solved it yet. I've taken so much excedrine migraine that I think my body will be permanantly buzzing. I haven't blinked since Monday. Joy.
*******
In other news, Kitty is being Kitty. She's fallen in love with singing songs. Her specialities? Row Row Row and The Itsy Bitsy Spider....both complete with little hand motions! It's just adorable...the first 50 times you sing them in a night. I'm pretty sure Farmer's going to hear me muttering "row row row your boat" while rocking forwards and backwards in my sleep sometime soon. In fact, her first question ever asked was "row row??" She just suddenly one day began saying it after I finished another verse of Itsy Bitsy. You can't say no to a girlie who looks at you with pleading in her eyes, saying "row row???" So adorable.
*******
Farmer has been busy getting all the tractors tuned up for the spring planting season. He's excited. He loves being on his tractors, so the faster things dry up in the fields, the better.
************
Last night was the annual CowTown FFA Alumni Fundraising Dinner and Auction. Farmer and I are faithful attendants each year. Farmer was Mr. FFA in high school, and has served on the FFA Alumni board in the past. Our FFA chapter is very active in the community, and I'd bet it's one of the best FFA programs in high schools across the state. The auction is classic....It's actually a fun night. A traditional chicken dinner, and then there's an auction where anything from tractor grease to alfalfa seeds to strawberry jam to 10 lbs of asparagus to framed embroidery pictures are sold. Farmers are willing to spend big bucks on the most random stuff. Two jars of Strawberry jam sold last night for $15. I know, it's a fundraiser for an excellent group, but STILL! the canner in me had a bird. You could make a bazillion batches of jam for $15!!!!! I laugh every year. I donated a homemade cheesecake a month for a year. It's worth about $200, but it only brought in $85. But overall, most things brought in less money than normal. You could definitely tell that farmers have been hit hard lately by the god-awful milk prices. But the rumors last night were that we'll start getting paid more for our milk. Thank goodness. Higher prices can't come soon enough.
*******
My bridesmaid's dress came in...My sister picked hers up yesterday, and she said that they run small. Oh boy. That's not good. She ordered hers super big because she didn't know what her figure would be after having the baby, and hers fit pretty well. YIKES. I have the distinct possibility of looking like a stuffed sausage. My mum is running to pick mine up tomorrow, so I'll know what I'm up against in the next two months diet wise.
******
Michael Sarver just RUINED "Ain't too proud to beg" on American Idol. It's my favorite Motown song, and he turned it into a Gospel-Give-me-an-AMEN!!! type of song. GRRRR.
**********
I'm excited. My wonderful girliefriend NavyGirl is having her bachelorette party in her hometown, and she'll be having dinner that night in CowTown! I get to go! I'm pumped. It was supposed to be in Madison, and I wasn't able to make it down there. I forsee good times ahead!!!!
*********
Ok......Historygirlie OUT!
I'm back to my precious blog. Once again, it's been one heck of a week or so. Last week we had a lovely funeral for my much loved uncle...my mom's brother. He passed away after quadruple bypass surgery...not the surgeon's fault...his body just couldn't handle that surgery. Uncle D was an excellent man and father, and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
But that, combined with the fact that I am barely over (emotionally) my misscarriage, caused my enemy Mr. Migraine come to visit. I've been dealing with a come-and-go migraine for about 10 days now. Grrrr. I've been making faithful visits to the Chiropractor (thank goodness for insurance) and it helps short term, but it hasn't solved it yet. I've taken so much excedrine migraine that I think my body will be permanantly buzzing. I haven't blinked since Monday. Joy.
*******
In other news, Kitty is being Kitty. She's fallen in love with singing songs. Her specialities? Row Row Row and The Itsy Bitsy Spider....both complete with little hand motions! It's just adorable...the first 50 times you sing them in a night. I'm pretty sure Farmer's going to hear me muttering "row row row your boat" while rocking forwards and backwards in my sleep sometime soon. In fact, her first question ever asked was "row row??" She just suddenly one day began saying it after I finished another verse of Itsy Bitsy. You can't say no to a girlie who looks at you with pleading in her eyes, saying "row row???" So adorable.
*******
Farmer has been busy getting all the tractors tuned up for the spring planting season. He's excited. He loves being on his tractors, so the faster things dry up in the fields, the better.
************
Last night was the annual CowTown FFA Alumni Fundraising Dinner and Auction. Farmer and I are faithful attendants each year. Farmer was Mr. FFA in high school, and has served on the FFA Alumni board in the past. Our FFA chapter is very active in the community, and I'd bet it's one of the best FFA programs in high schools across the state. The auction is classic....It's actually a fun night. A traditional chicken dinner, and then there's an auction where anything from tractor grease to alfalfa seeds to strawberry jam to 10 lbs of asparagus to framed embroidery pictures are sold. Farmers are willing to spend big bucks on the most random stuff. Two jars of Strawberry jam sold last night for $15. I know, it's a fundraiser for an excellent group, but STILL! the canner in me had a bird. You could make a bazillion batches of jam for $15!!!!! I laugh every year. I donated a homemade cheesecake a month for a year. It's worth about $200, but it only brought in $85. But overall, most things brought in less money than normal. You could definitely tell that farmers have been hit hard lately by the god-awful milk prices. But the rumors last night were that we'll start getting paid more for our milk. Thank goodness. Higher prices can't come soon enough.
*******
My bridesmaid's dress came in...My sister picked hers up yesterday, and she said that they run small. Oh boy. That's not good. She ordered hers super big because she didn't know what her figure would be after having the baby, and hers fit pretty well. YIKES. I have the distinct possibility of looking like a stuffed sausage. My mum is running to pick mine up tomorrow, so I'll know what I'm up against in the next two months diet wise.
******
Michael Sarver just RUINED "Ain't too proud to beg" on American Idol. It's my favorite Motown song, and he turned it into a Gospel-Give-me-an-AMEN!!! type of song. GRRRR.
**********
I'm excited. My wonderful girliefriend NavyGirl is having her bachelorette party in her hometown, and she'll be having dinner that night in CowTown! I get to go! I'm pumped. It was supposed to be in Madison, and I wasn't able to make it down there. I forsee good times ahead!!!!
*********
Ok......Historygirlie OUT!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hello!!!!! Can you see me through the fog????
I am starting to hate the weather in CowTown. It's March. I HATE March. Sunday it snowed like crazy, yesterday was rainy, tonight they are bellering about fog and freezing fog and freezing rain. But tonight's fog comes and goes, which is even more frustrating. Straight up fog, fine...we don't leave the house. But come and go fog? Can I go to the store? Am I going to come out with my milk and lunchmeat and not find the car? Sometimes I can see my neighbor's house, sometimes not.
I'm so ready for capri's, peep toe heels, and summer skirts. Time to put the sweaters away.
Ok, enough on the weather. My regular weekly update:
*I'm finally starting to feel better, physically and emotionally. For the last month I've been dealing with some gynelogical problems....I had another blighted pregnancy, but this time it didn't want to miscarriage....my body thought there was a pregnancy but it was fooling itself. Then the dr thought it was an ectopic pregnancy, but then decided it wasn't. So last week I had a procedure to finally end this misery. It didn't hurt, per se, but it's just the resolve and healing of everything. So, I'm back on my feet. Finally. Huzzah.
*Kitty is a wandering walking girlie. She's so on the move. But, I think walking is easier. She was faster and sneakier when crawling. Now, she's more unsteady. But she's SO PROUD of herself. She's moving like a big kid now, and she's the main attention of the whole day care center. Everyone has been waiting for Kitty to walk. Today they went on a stroller ride around the inside of the center (too rainy to go outside) and at every new room, Kitty had to get out of the stroller and show off her skillz. She's such a ham. when she'd enter the room walking, she'd stop, applaud for herself, and then keep walking, while clapping. Show off!
*Kitty's also started to enjoy hiding from Mumma. THis weekend, she climbed two flights of stairs, closed the baby gate behind her, and hid in our bedroom with the door closed. She then was facing the door, waiting for me to open it. She's also done this in the laundry room and under the computer desk. Little Fart. :)
*Farmer's getting the equipment on the farm ready for field work, even though they are covered under a bizillion inches (ok not really) of snow, slush, and yuk. I think he's getting ready for spring to come too. He likes hanging out on his tractor.
*This weekend is a big one. It's Brother's fiancee's first two (of three) bridal showers and also the big bachelorette party. SHe's so excited...her mum's coming home from California for two weeks for the big events. The events should be very fun. I'm looking forward to a night out with the girls.
*It's Grandpa Farmer's birthday party on Sunday. His actual birthday is on St. Patrick's day, but we celebrate on the closest sunday. I hope I'm not too hungover...it's hard to celebrate with your inlaws when your head is as big as a watermelon, and dry as the sahara.
*Corned Beef and Cabbage One Week From Tonight! This Irish Lass is very excited. I only get this meal once a year.....yum yum YUM.
Ok, time to exersize. I just watched the first 1/2 hour of the Biggest Loser, and if those people can shed that kind of pounds (Yes, I KNOW they have chefs and trainers and aren't juggling work and babies and overworked husbands, and a lot more jiggly motivation than I do, but still) I can lose a few before the big wedding. At least enough so that my back fat doesn't flap over the top of the dress. Yes, Ugly Picture. I agree. Hence, the unappetizing workout in my very near future.
Historygirlie......OUT!
I'm so ready for capri's, peep toe heels, and summer skirts. Time to put the sweaters away.
Ok, enough on the weather. My regular weekly update:
*I'm finally starting to feel better, physically and emotionally. For the last month I've been dealing with some gynelogical problems....I had another blighted pregnancy, but this time it didn't want to miscarriage....my body thought there was a pregnancy but it was fooling itself. Then the dr thought it was an ectopic pregnancy, but then decided it wasn't. So last week I had a procedure to finally end this misery. It didn't hurt, per se, but it's just the resolve and healing of everything. So, I'm back on my feet. Finally. Huzzah.
*Kitty is a wandering walking girlie. She's so on the move. But, I think walking is easier. She was faster and sneakier when crawling. Now, she's more unsteady. But she's SO PROUD of herself. She's moving like a big kid now, and she's the main attention of the whole day care center. Everyone has been waiting for Kitty to walk. Today they went on a stroller ride around the inside of the center (too rainy to go outside) and at every new room, Kitty had to get out of the stroller and show off her skillz. She's such a ham. when she'd enter the room walking, she'd stop, applaud for herself, and then keep walking, while clapping. Show off!
*Kitty's also started to enjoy hiding from Mumma. THis weekend, she climbed two flights of stairs, closed the baby gate behind her, and hid in our bedroom with the door closed. She then was facing the door, waiting for me to open it. She's also done this in the laundry room and under the computer desk. Little Fart. :)
*Farmer's getting the equipment on the farm ready for field work, even though they are covered under a bizillion inches (ok not really) of snow, slush, and yuk. I think he's getting ready for spring to come too. He likes hanging out on his tractor.
*This weekend is a big one. It's Brother's fiancee's first two (of three) bridal showers and also the big bachelorette party. SHe's so excited...her mum's coming home from California for two weeks for the big events. The events should be very fun. I'm looking forward to a night out with the girls.
*It's Grandpa Farmer's birthday party on Sunday. His actual birthday is on St. Patrick's day, but we celebrate on the closest sunday. I hope I'm not too hungover...it's hard to celebrate with your inlaws when your head is as big as a watermelon, and dry as the sahara.
*Corned Beef and Cabbage One Week From Tonight! This Irish Lass is very excited. I only get this meal once a year.....yum yum YUM.
Ok, time to exersize. I just watched the first 1/2 hour of the Biggest Loser, and if those people can shed that kind of pounds (Yes, I KNOW they have chefs and trainers and aren't juggling work and babies and overworked husbands, and a lot more jiggly motivation than I do, but still) I can lose a few before the big wedding. At least enough so that my back fat doesn't flap over the top of the dress. Yes, Ugly Picture. I agree. Hence, the unappetizing workout in my very near future.
Historygirlie......OUT!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
It's a Beautiful Day!!!!
Big news out of the Farmer Household today!!!!!!!
Are you ready????????
KITTY TOOK HER FIRST STEPS TODAY!!!!
Bum-bum-bum-bum!!!!!!!!!
Sound the trumpets and bang the drums!!!!!
SHe has learned to stand up, but she never took steps, but today....
we were practicing standing up, and i was a few paces away from her sitting on the floor, and I told her to walk to me, and lo and behold, she did!!!!!!!!!
She's 17 months tomorrow, so it's about time. I swear, that surgery answered prayers. Angels were in the operating room.
My kitty's growing into a full blown Cat. My heart sings with joy, but is also sad. She's getting to be a big girl now. My baby is growing up.
So, in your own individual houses, do a jig, have a treat, give hugs all around, and have a grand old time! Kitty is walking!!!!
(and yes, I do think that this post deserves the bazillion exclamation points!!!!! Here's a few more!!!!!!!!)
Are you ready????????
KITTY TOOK HER FIRST STEPS TODAY!!!!
Bum-bum-bum-bum!!!!!!!!!
Sound the trumpets and bang the drums!!!!!
SHe has learned to stand up, but she never took steps, but today....
we were practicing standing up, and i was a few paces away from her sitting on the floor, and I told her to walk to me, and lo and behold, she did!!!!!!!!!
She's 17 months tomorrow, so it's about time. I swear, that surgery answered prayers. Angels were in the operating room.
My kitty's growing into a full blown Cat. My heart sings with joy, but is also sad. She's getting to be a big girl now. My baby is growing up.
So, in your own individual houses, do a jig, have a treat, give hugs all around, and have a grand old time! Kitty is walking!!!!
(and yes, I do think that this post deserves the bazillion exclamation points!!!!! Here's a few more!!!!!!!!)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The promised Update
So, the surgery went well. Kitty was a pure trooper. I was amazed that it only took about 15 minutes from the time we handed her over to the nurse until when Dr. came out to the waiting room (which was SO SURREAL.....I've been a dedicated medical drama watcher since ER started in 1994....so having a Dr. come out to the waiting room in scrubs and that head scarf and say "Mr. and Mrs. Farmer??? The surgery went well".....I felt like I was the guest star on Grey's Anatomy.).
She was a bit crabby when she came out of the sleeping gas, but that's normal. As soon as we quieted her down (A big sippie of Juice was involved) and got her out to the car, she was herself. A bit groggy, but she was herself. A big breakfast when we got home (juice, biscuit, fruit, cheese slice) and she was totally back.
We practiced standing up tonight and maybe it's because I'm wanting it so, but I swear I saw a difference in her balance. She was doing so well. No steps (even I didn't expect that) but she was more solid on her feet.
She got crabby again this evening, and at one point (just after getting her drops in her ears) she reared her head back and smacked me right in the nose. I felt like TWP, a friend of NavyGirl's (see the connecting story here). However, I don't think my nose is fractured.
But the combination of faceache, corresponding headache, and tension backache (it was a long morning) I didn't do my exersize tonight.....I guess I'll be exersizing on Sunday instead. I think God understands.
So, we are back to daycare tomorrow, and Mumma's back to work. These days spoil me. I desperately want to be a stay at home mom, and so it's hard to go back to work when I'm home for a random day during the week. It just felt so nice, having lunch with Farmer, getting stuff done during the day, seeing a full episode of Dr. Phil.......domestic bliss. I even got laundry put away.
I'll be sure to update you dedicated readers on Kitty's progress thoughout the weekend, if I can. It's a busy weekend for the Farmer family. Kitty has a sleepover, I have Craft-o-rama, Farmer will be farming......lots of stuff. Check ya later!
She was a bit crabby when she came out of the sleeping gas, but that's normal. As soon as we quieted her down (A big sippie of Juice was involved) and got her out to the car, she was herself. A bit groggy, but she was herself. A big breakfast when we got home (juice, biscuit, fruit, cheese slice) and she was totally back.
We practiced standing up tonight and maybe it's because I'm wanting it so, but I swear I saw a difference in her balance. She was doing so well. No steps (even I didn't expect that) but she was more solid on her feet.
She got crabby again this evening, and at one point (just after getting her drops in her ears) she reared her head back and smacked me right in the nose. I felt like TWP, a friend of NavyGirl's (see the connecting story here). However, I don't think my nose is fractured.
But the combination of faceache, corresponding headache, and tension backache (it was a long morning) I didn't do my exersize tonight.....I guess I'll be exersizing on Sunday instead. I think God understands.
So, we are back to daycare tomorrow, and Mumma's back to work. These days spoil me. I desperately want to be a stay at home mom, and so it's hard to go back to work when I'm home for a random day during the week. It just felt so nice, having lunch with Farmer, getting stuff done during the day, seeing a full episode of Dr. Phil.......domestic bliss. I even got laundry put away.
I'll be sure to update you dedicated readers on Kitty's progress thoughout the weekend, if I can. It's a busy weekend for the Farmer family. Kitty has a sleepover, I have Craft-o-rama, Farmer will be farming......lots of stuff. Check ya later!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
KittyCat Update
So, Farmer took Kitty to her Ear Nose Throat doctor today, and the good doctor said that she needs to have tubes inserted IMMEDIATELY. He took a peek in her tiny little ears (which are so cute!) and said that there was a considerable amount of fluid in there (STILL) and that the outside of the eardrum is starting to turn red again, in both ears, which means infection is on its way.
Yikes.
So, he said he wanted to get tubes in her tomorrow. There's no time to waste. So, now Kitty is scheduled for surgery at 8:30 am tomorrow. So, tomorrow I'm off from work, and so is Farmer (at least after 6:30 AM...he'll go to work in the begininng of the morning). She'll have a slightly rough day tomorrow, from the anestesia, but the doctor said she'll be able to go back to day care on Friday! The amazing amuont of pressure in her ears will be gone tomorrow. She'll be able to hear us clearer tomorrow. She'll start to find her balance tomorrow. Her speech will start to become clearer tomorrow.
It will be an amazing day tomorrow.
I've been afraid that she's been delayed, but our primary doctor said that it's her ears that's been keeping her behind. However, when I see much younger kids in her room walking and talking clear, and Kitty just can't....well, it makes my heart hurt. I don't want her to be "that kid".
DISCLAIMER: I'm a teacher, people. I know that there's NOTHING WRONG with being "that kid". They are as accomplished as everyone else. But you can't tell me that every parent doesn't wish for their kid to be the smartest kid ever. With no problems or issues or troubles.
But anyway.
So, tomorrow's the day. I'll be sure to update y'all tomorrow evening.
***************
I'm still giggling at the thought of Justice Clarence Thomas waving a rally towel at the State of the Union address. It just tickles me.
****************
Big snow coming to CowTown tomorrow night. What do you think the chances are for a snow day on Friday. I know we can't handle another snow day, but a girl can wish, right????
******************
Day one of Exersize during Lent is accomplished. I hulahooped for 25 minutes. I know, what????Hoola Hooping? Yes, folks. I have a hula hoop that weighs about 2.5 lbs, and it's made to help sculpt and thin down the abdomen. My Mumma picked it up for me at the farmer's market last summer....so I did exersize for day one. Huzzah!!!
Yikes.
So, he said he wanted to get tubes in her tomorrow. There's no time to waste. So, now Kitty is scheduled for surgery at 8:30 am tomorrow. So, tomorrow I'm off from work, and so is Farmer (at least after 6:30 AM...he'll go to work in the begininng of the morning). She'll have a slightly rough day tomorrow, from the anestesia, but the doctor said she'll be able to go back to day care on Friday! The amazing amuont of pressure in her ears will be gone tomorrow. She'll be able to hear us clearer tomorrow. She'll start to find her balance tomorrow. Her speech will start to become clearer tomorrow.
It will be an amazing day tomorrow.
I've been afraid that she's been delayed, but our primary doctor said that it's her ears that's been keeping her behind. However, when I see much younger kids in her room walking and talking clear, and Kitty just can't....well, it makes my heart hurt. I don't want her to be "that kid".
DISCLAIMER: I'm a teacher, people. I know that there's NOTHING WRONG with being "that kid". They are as accomplished as everyone else. But you can't tell me that every parent doesn't wish for their kid to be the smartest kid ever. With no problems or issues or troubles.
But anyway.
So, tomorrow's the day. I'll be sure to update y'all tomorrow evening.
***************
I'm still giggling at the thought of Justice Clarence Thomas waving a rally towel at the State of the Union address. It just tickles me.
****************
Big snow coming to CowTown tomorrow night. What do you think the chances are for a snow day on Friday. I know we can't handle another snow day, but a girl can wish, right????
******************
Day one of Exersize during Lent is accomplished. I hulahooped for 25 minutes. I know, what????Hoola Hooping? Yes, folks. I have a hula hoop that weighs about 2.5 lbs, and it's made to help sculpt and thin down the abdomen. My Mumma picked it up for me at the farmer's market last summer....so I did exersize for day one. Huzzah!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tidbits from the Farm
*Wicked was wickedly awesome. NavyGuy has become my third favorite man on earth (behind Farmer and my Dad) for allowing me to accompany NavyGirlie to see the awesome show. I LOVE IT. I must go again so I can watch the details instead of learning the story line. However, the next time I see it it will probably be performed by a high school troupe....in other words, I don't get to the THEATRE (yes, -re....and said with a snobby British accent....it's fancier) very often.
I do believe that it has become my 2nd favorite musical ever....I doubt anything, ever, will replace Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat ( I Heart Joseph) but It may have just replaced the Sound of Music as second. Somewhere, the hills are crying.
*Kitty goes to the ENT specialist to see about tubes. Farmer gets to take her, since her appointment is in the morning. I hope he doesn't just blow her off and will help us with her never ending earache. Send a happy thought her way.....I think she's getting sick of people looking in her ears.
*I think that Hillary Clinton should always wear Bright Pink. She looks awesome and glowing tonight on the State of the Economy Address. However, Nancy Pelosi looks TERRIBLE in that mossy green...she'd fit in with my brother in law and his hunting clothes. It also has this odd little crocheted section up the front, but it doesn't go all the way to the neckline, which is almost worse than the crocheted part. Plug-ugly.
*At my school, we have a 10th grader who is severely pregnant. I saw her waddling down the hall today, wearing her pre-maternity jeans, boots with the fur, (with the Fur! sing along time!!!) and a non maternity top.....so sad. My heart hurted for her.
*Hurted? what kind of grammar is that? and I teach the youth of America........
*Is it sad??? I really like the Boots with the Fur song. I don't know what it's really called, but it makes me dance in the car when I hear it. I also like that Panic! at the Disco song "I don't feel like dancing..." I just cant stop wiggling when that comes on either. And also "All the Single Ladies". I'm so so SO not any of these songs....I'm more Willie Nelson or Joseph Soundtrack than those songs.
*Lent starts tomorrow. Good Catholic School Girl that I am (and because I'm married to an even better Good Catholic Boy) I've decided to give up fast food (I'm an MSG and grease junkie....the fattier burger and fries, the better!!!) (and I'm really good at driving past McD's and sneaking in for a diet coke from time to time....I love me some fountain sodas too!) and I'm going to exersize every day but Sunday. I figure, even the Lord took a rest....so can I, because I HATE to exersize. But I will do it!
*If I were a senator/representative, I'd get really tired of clapping and standing up all the time during this speech. What if your leg hurt, or you had a migraine or backache? That standing would be brutal. Could you just hoot and hollar from your sitting position? maybe wave the Steelers Terrible Towel? Slap those noise-maker tubes together that you sometimes get at Packer Games? That's really funny to me. Picturing crabby old Justice Clarence Thomas frantically waving a Bright Yellow Terrible Towel over his head, while John Mc Cain is beating frantically on a cowbell. It would be like a high school football game....only with better surroundings.
*Haha!!! Obama just mentioned Orrin Hatch, and the camera went to him, and he wasn't paying any attention!!!! He was reading the program! When people started clapping, he looked up in surprise and stood up and clapped with everyone else. Hey Buddy! You need to pay attention!!!
*OK, I must really get down to work and research for my grad paper. Which isn't nearly as exciting as blogging random thoughts.
I do believe that it has become my 2nd favorite musical ever....I doubt anything, ever, will replace Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat ( I Heart Joseph) but It may have just replaced the Sound of Music as second. Somewhere, the hills are crying.
*Kitty goes to the ENT specialist to see about tubes. Farmer gets to take her, since her appointment is in the morning. I hope he doesn't just blow her off and will help us with her never ending earache. Send a happy thought her way.....I think she's getting sick of people looking in her ears.
*I think that Hillary Clinton should always wear Bright Pink. She looks awesome and glowing tonight on the State of the Economy Address. However, Nancy Pelosi looks TERRIBLE in that mossy green...she'd fit in with my brother in law and his hunting clothes. It also has this odd little crocheted section up the front, but it doesn't go all the way to the neckline, which is almost worse than the crocheted part. Plug-ugly.
*At my school, we have a 10th grader who is severely pregnant. I saw her waddling down the hall today, wearing her pre-maternity jeans, boots with the fur, (with the Fur! sing along time!!!) and a non maternity top.....so sad. My heart hurted for her.
*Hurted? what kind of grammar is that? and I teach the youth of America........
*Is it sad??? I really like the Boots with the Fur song. I don't know what it's really called, but it makes me dance in the car when I hear it. I also like that Panic! at the Disco song "I don't feel like dancing..." I just cant stop wiggling when that comes on either. And also "All the Single Ladies". I'm so so SO not any of these songs....I'm more Willie Nelson or Joseph Soundtrack than those songs.
*Lent starts tomorrow. Good Catholic School Girl that I am (and because I'm married to an even better Good Catholic Boy) I've decided to give up fast food (I'm an MSG and grease junkie....the fattier burger and fries, the better!!!) (and I'm really good at driving past McD's and sneaking in for a diet coke from time to time....I love me some fountain sodas too!) and I'm going to exersize every day but Sunday. I figure, even the Lord took a rest....so can I, because I HATE to exersize. But I will do it!
*If I were a senator/representative, I'd get really tired of clapping and standing up all the time during this speech. What if your leg hurt, or you had a migraine or backache? That standing would be brutal. Could you just hoot and hollar from your sitting position? maybe wave the Steelers Terrible Towel? Slap those noise-maker tubes together that you sometimes get at Packer Games? That's really funny to me. Picturing crabby old Justice Clarence Thomas frantically waving a Bright Yellow Terrible Towel over his head, while John Mc Cain is beating frantically on a cowbell. It would be like a high school football game....only with better surroundings.
*Haha!!! Obama just mentioned Orrin Hatch, and the camera went to him, and he wasn't paying any attention!!!! He was reading the program! When people started clapping, he looked up in surprise and stood up and clapped with everyone else. Hey Buddy! You need to pay attention!!!
*OK, I must really get down to work and research for my grad paper. Which isn't nearly as exciting as blogging random thoughts.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A New Great Word
So, today while discussing the ever important Current Events (some of my kids seem to live in a concrete bunker 15 feet below ground, and after school hours the only outside contact is through My Space...so I feel it's my responsibility to expose them to what's up in the world) a student brought up the Chimpanzee that mauled a woman and had to be shot by police, after being stabbed by it's owner.
NOTE: I was trying to have them discuss the stimulus package....they wanted to talk about mauling chimpanzees.
But anyway....
I realized that the word "Chimp" is a great word.
Say it aloud, friends.
Chimp.
Chimp.
It has great potential. Such as..."You big Chimp!" "You are such a Chimp." and so on.
It ranks right up there with my other favorites...Weiner. Weasel. Dork. Futz. Mixmox (that's a Steffek Family Special...it means things are all mixed up.) and now....Chimp.
There's my deep thought of the day.
Maybe discussing CHIMPS is better than the stimulus package.
NOTE: I was trying to have them discuss the stimulus package....they wanted to talk about mauling chimpanzees.
But anyway....
I realized that the word "Chimp" is a great word.
Say it aloud, friends.
Chimp.
Chimp.
It has great potential. Such as..."You big Chimp!" "You are such a Chimp." and so on.
It ranks right up there with my other favorites...Weiner. Weasel. Dork. Futz. Mixmox (that's a Steffek Family Special...it means things are all mixed up.) and now....Chimp.
There's my deep thought of the day.
Maybe discussing CHIMPS is better than the stimulus package.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Yes, I do Exist
Hello, friendly readers.
I have not:
A. jumped off the bridge
B. abandoned modern life for living in a tree house, wearing animal skins
C. been "unfound" in a VERY long game of Hide 'n' Seek.
D. been taken hostage by crazy sophomores, and forced to teach science or math
I just haven't felt like I've had much to post about, really. I go to sign in to blog, and then I sit there with a big case of writer's block.
There just hasn't been much going on around the ranch lately.
Well, I take that back. Here's an update for the past month for you all, and an especial shout out to Navy Girl's Mumma. NGM....ONLY ONE WEEK TO WICKED AND TWO WEEKS TO CRAFT-O-RAMA!!!
TWP: ONLY TWO WEEKS UNTIL WE FINALLY MEET! I'm very excited!!!!!!
Anyway....
*Kitty has been sick since Christmas with earaches. Yesterday was the last day of her fourth consecutive antibiotic. Farmer took her to the dr. today to get her ears checked again.....and the infection still isn't gone. GRRRRR. So we are now going to an ear specialist to get it figured out. But we can't get in for two weeks. another GRRRRRR. but Dr. says that this could be the reason that her vocabulary is delayed----you can't learn to mimic and repeat if you can't hear what the original speaker is saying---and also for delaying her walking. She can't find her balance.
Talk about mommy guilt. I thought she was just being lazy. whoops.
So, we'll have an answer in two weeks. Thank God. M y poor kitty. my heart hurts when she doesn't feel well.
*The Farm has been quiet. just gearing up for spring and planting season. Farmer hurt his ankle this morning climbing the silo, so now he's in an air cast. Huzzah. i'm just glad this didn't happen in the summer time.
*Teaching has been going great. The kids are good, but sadly, and this is my fault, they aren't as great as last semester. Last semester was a version of Camelot (well, before the whole Guenevere and Lancelot fiasco) so it's hard to top them.
*grad school has been a bit light lately, huzzah, so it's giving me time to do some personal reading. I demolished the Nanny Diaries last week, which was a good read. I got so mad at the parents that I had to "put it in the freezer" (ok, not really, but I did have to put it down for awhile), but now I'm on to Choke Creek, which is also an excellent read. I'm almost done with it, and it's super recommendable.
OK. that's all I have. I promise to post more often. Honest, NGM. I will provide Farmer's Wife updates on a more regular basis.
I have not:
A. jumped off the bridge
B. abandoned modern life for living in a tree house, wearing animal skins
C. been "unfound" in a VERY long game of Hide 'n' Seek.
D. been taken hostage by crazy sophomores, and forced to teach science or math
I just haven't felt like I've had much to post about, really. I go to sign in to blog, and then I sit there with a big case of writer's block.
There just hasn't been much going on around the ranch lately.
Well, I take that back. Here's an update for the past month for you all, and an especial shout out to Navy Girl's Mumma. NGM....ONLY ONE WEEK TO WICKED AND TWO WEEKS TO CRAFT-O-RAMA!!!
TWP: ONLY TWO WEEKS UNTIL WE FINALLY MEET! I'm very excited!!!!!!
Anyway....
*Kitty has been sick since Christmas with earaches. Yesterday was the last day of her fourth consecutive antibiotic. Farmer took her to the dr. today to get her ears checked again.....and the infection still isn't gone. GRRRRR. So we are now going to an ear specialist to get it figured out. But we can't get in for two weeks. another GRRRRRR. but Dr. says that this could be the reason that her vocabulary is delayed----you can't learn to mimic and repeat if you can't hear what the original speaker is saying---and also for delaying her walking. She can't find her balance.
Talk about mommy guilt. I thought she was just being lazy. whoops.
So, we'll have an answer in two weeks. Thank God. M y poor kitty. my heart hurts when she doesn't feel well.
*The Farm has been quiet. just gearing up for spring and planting season. Farmer hurt his ankle this morning climbing the silo, so now he's in an air cast. Huzzah. i'm just glad this didn't happen in the summer time.
*Teaching has been going great. The kids are good, but sadly, and this is my fault, they aren't as great as last semester. Last semester was a version of Camelot (well, before the whole Guenevere and Lancelot fiasco) so it's hard to top them.
*grad school has been a bit light lately, huzzah, so it's giving me time to do some personal reading. I demolished the Nanny Diaries last week, which was a good read. I got so mad at the parents that I had to "put it in the freezer" (ok, not really, but I did have to put it down for awhile), but now I'm on to Choke Creek, which is also an excellent read. I'm almost done with it, and it's super recommendable.
OK. that's all I have. I promise to post more often. Honest, NGM. I will provide Farmer's Wife updates on a more regular basis.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Proud to Be an American
So, I've been in a presidential state of mind lately. I've been watching the mini-series "John Adams" on DVD for the past two weeks, and have learned quite a bit about the founding fathers and the Revolution, and the one thing that I've really taken away from the viewing experience is bravery.
John Adams and his cohorts Washington, Jefferson, Rush, and even the nasty Pickeney from South Carolina were the most brave men that I've ever experienced. In writing the Declaration of Independence, they were separating themselves from everything they've ever known. England had supported (and royally pissed them off, pun intended) for so long, and in the scene where they read the Declaration on the steps in Philadelphia, you can see both bravery and true fear in the men's eyes. They were basically signing their own death certificate, if they were caught by the British. They were committing treason against the crown, but they knew that if they were to be truly happy as a nation, they needed to break from England. They were travelling into the unknown, and they were taking their family and countrymen with them. They didn't know how they were going to run themselves, but they did it anyway. That, my friends, is true bravery.
Then, later in the episodes, Adams goes to France, where he is completely taken for granted and ignored in the presence of the mighty Benjamin Franklin. Instead of sulking or going home without doing his job, he instead went to Holland to strike a deal. Bravery. Going against the plan. Getting the job done, no matter what. He was terribly sick, missing his beloved friend Abigail, and all alone on his venture. But he went. He was a success. Bravery.
Then he serves as an unpopular president. He believed he wouldn't be remembered in a good light, and that history would hate him. But he made the decisions regarding the Alien and Sedition acts and other actions during his presidency. He moved into the unfinished White House in a rough territory, and basically lived in one room with his wife. Bravery.
(I have to leave it here, because I don't know how far Navy Girl is in the series....but Bravery abounds in the last few episodes)
And now, today, I watch Barack Obama be elected to the 44th presidency. The first man of color to be elected to the office. He inherits two wars, an economy in the gutter, following a president with the lowest popularity rate ever, and is going to raise two beautiful young daughters and care for his lovely wife in the glaring media spotlight of the White House. But yet, he's encouraging the entire United States that we can change our situation. Change Is Here. And he accepted this position freely.
I think Barack Obama is one of the bravest men on our planet tonight.
He has a challenge ahead of him, but his head is high and he's ready to go.
So, after watching the John Adams series and observing the newest presidential election, I'm indeed proud to be an American. We are a country that was forged out of nothing but the guts and determination of our Founding Fathers, and is has survived an attempt at takeover by the British, an internal War that could have torn us apart, two World Wars, and the threat of Nuclear War for over 45 years. We've come out a bit bruised at times, a bit embarassed some moments, but truly stronger for the experience. I'm proud of Us, the United States of America. Throughout our history, we truly have been brave.
I pray that Mr. Obama is able to shoulder his oncoming burderns with the bravery he will need. Like he said, things are going to get worse before they get better, but I hope that America also has the bravery to work it out with our President and allow him to do the things he thinks is best. He'll need all of our good thoughts and prayers.
Godspeed, Mr. Obama. The United States is ready to help you on your brave mission.
John Adams and his cohorts Washington, Jefferson, Rush, and even the nasty Pickeney from South Carolina were the most brave men that I've ever experienced. In writing the Declaration of Independence, they were separating themselves from everything they've ever known. England had supported (and royally pissed them off, pun intended) for so long, and in the scene where they read the Declaration on the steps in Philadelphia, you can see both bravery and true fear in the men's eyes. They were basically signing their own death certificate, if they were caught by the British. They were committing treason against the crown, but they knew that if they were to be truly happy as a nation, they needed to break from England. They were travelling into the unknown, and they were taking their family and countrymen with them. They didn't know how they were going to run themselves, but they did it anyway. That, my friends, is true bravery.
Then, later in the episodes, Adams goes to France, where he is completely taken for granted and ignored in the presence of the mighty Benjamin Franklin. Instead of sulking or going home without doing his job, he instead went to Holland to strike a deal. Bravery. Going against the plan. Getting the job done, no matter what. He was terribly sick, missing his beloved friend Abigail, and all alone on his venture. But he went. He was a success. Bravery.
Then he serves as an unpopular president. He believed he wouldn't be remembered in a good light, and that history would hate him. But he made the decisions regarding the Alien and Sedition acts and other actions during his presidency. He moved into the unfinished White House in a rough territory, and basically lived in one room with his wife. Bravery.
(I have to leave it here, because I don't know how far Navy Girl is in the series....but Bravery abounds in the last few episodes)
And now, today, I watch Barack Obama be elected to the 44th presidency. The first man of color to be elected to the office. He inherits two wars, an economy in the gutter, following a president with the lowest popularity rate ever, and is going to raise two beautiful young daughters and care for his lovely wife in the glaring media spotlight of the White House. But yet, he's encouraging the entire United States that we can change our situation. Change Is Here. And he accepted this position freely.
I think Barack Obama is one of the bravest men on our planet tonight.
He has a challenge ahead of him, but his head is high and he's ready to go.
So, after watching the John Adams series and observing the newest presidential election, I'm indeed proud to be an American. We are a country that was forged out of nothing but the guts and determination of our Founding Fathers, and is has survived an attempt at takeover by the British, an internal War that could have torn us apart, two World Wars, and the threat of Nuclear War for over 45 years. We've come out a bit bruised at times, a bit embarassed some moments, but truly stronger for the experience. I'm proud of Us, the United States of America. Throughout our history, we truly have been brave.
I pray that Mr. Obama is able to shoulder his oncoming burderns with the bravery he will need. Like he said, things are going to get worse before they get better, but I hope that America also has the bravery to work it out with our President and allow him to do the things he thinks is best. He'll need all of our good thoughts and prayers.
Godspeed, Mr. Obama. The United States is ready to help you on your brave mission.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Product Review: The Magic Bullet
So, a dirty secret: I LOVE INFOMERCIALS. Anything from music collections to cooking tools to yard tools....I'll watch them all and want to buy just about each and every one.
So, for Christmas, I asked for the Magic Bullet, one of my top 5 favorite informercials. I saw that you can buy it in stores now, so I thought what the heck. And, hooray, Santa brought me the Bullet! I was very excited.
So, I've tried a few things now in the bullet. Farmer and I have made fruit smoothies, made of frozen fruit, ice, and a splash of juice. They were thick, but tasty, but my complaint was that it really only blended the things nearest the blade. There wasn't a thorough mixing of components, which left big icy chunks in the bottom of the Drink Mug (with color coded lip rings!)
Next: I whipped up some frozen chocolate Chai one morning, but I didn't blend in the ice, I just poured the Chai over ice. VERY TASTY....it mixed up much more thoroughly than regular stirring, or even using a shaker. However, one thing I learned really REALLY quickly is that when you want to do more than just "pulse" the ingredients, and want it to blend, you had better have the blade screwed in SUPER TIGHT, because otherwise the twisting it into lock mode, and just the blades spinning around, will loosen up the blade from the mug, making your chai go all over. Not fun.
Tonight was the big test.....the main meal. I made alfredo sauce in the shaker, according to their recipe book. Now, this was tricky, because I make, if I may brag, amazing homemade alfredo sauce. Farmer loves it. It whipped up very quickly and easily, and once whipped again after microwaving until hot (only 1.5 minutes on high!!! so fast!!!) it was super thick and creamy....and so tasty too! (so, i just referenced a classic TV show....whoever guesses it correctly gets bonus points)Farmer said it was very good alfredo, especially the combo of sauce and the steak that I fried up to put on top (because it's not a meal without meat)
So, the overall grade, so far, of the Magic Bullet, is an A/B. So far, I'm liking it alot, and looking forward to using it more.
Now, if only I could get my hot little hands on a Snuggie, a Ron Popeil Rotisserie (Just Set It And....FORGET IT!), the Jack LaLaine Power Juicer, and the Malibu Pilates chair....life would be perfect.
The weather is frightful
So, my un-wished-for cold day is here. I would desperately like to be at work today....not because I don't like being home, but because the end of the semester is next Friday and I'm only budgeted 3 days to teach the entire vietnam war, and now one of those days has been taken away. My Honors kids NEEDED to be at school today. We NEEDED to learn. Even they recognized the NEED for a normal day of school.
But alas. It's -42 with the windchill right now, so Kitty and I are homebound. Which is really ok, because I think Kitty's throat is sore from her cough, so she needs a little extra TLC.
The only kicker is is that Farmer is fairly certain that we won't have school tomorrow either, because the cold is here to stay. So now I'm trying to figure out what we are going to do next week if we aren't in school tomorrow either. They have their unit exam on Tuesday and their cumulative all semester final on Thursday. Thankfully I've made them very aware of this schedule coming up so they can't pull the "I didn't have enough warning!" excuse.
So, now today is being dedicated to laundry and ironing, and watching more John Adams while Kitty is sleeping. Maybe Mt. Wrinkle will be diminished to a small hill by the end of the day!
But alas. It's -42 with the windchill right now, so Kitty and I are homebound. Which is really ok, because I think Kitty's throat is sore from her cough, so she needs a little extra TLC.
The only kicker is is that Farmer is fairly certain that we won't have school tomorrow either, because the cold is here to stay. So now I'm trying to figure out what we are going to do next week if we aren't in school tomorrow either. They have their unit exam on Tuesday and their cumulative all semester final on Thursday. Thankfully I've made them very aware of this schedule coming up so they can't pull the "I didn't have enough warning!" excuse.
So, now today is being dedicated to laundry and ironing, and watching more John Adams while Kitty is sleeping. Maybe Mt. Wrinkle will be diminished to a small hill by the end of the day!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Oh! My Ear! and other tidbits
Well, it's been another week in Farmerville. Alot happening, but not much to blog about on a daily basis.
*******
Kitty has another ear ache, along with a chest cold. The dr. put her on Zithromax, but it's not nearly as tasty as Amoxicillian, so tonight I had to pin her down on the floor and squirt the meds on the back of her tongue. Thank god we only have two more doses of it to give.
*******
I got great news yesterday...Navygirl is coming home to Cowtown in February, and.....we're going to see Wicked at the PAC!!! She got her birthday gift early from Maverick and she's taking me! We are so excited to be going to the theatre (you must say theatre with a slight british accent....so much more exciting)....the PAC is about the classiest place she and I get to at this stage of our lives. Maybe someday we'll be going to military balls, or classy HistoryChannel soirees, once we're documentary commentators.
What do you think, Navygirl? do you think HistoryChannel has classy soirees?
*******
I got John Adams documentary DVD for Christmas, and I'm through 3/4's of it, and I want so much to blog my thoughts about it, but Navygirl hasn't watched it yet, (she got it for christmas too!!) so I'm refraining. But she better get going....I have so much to say.
******************
Ribfest, Winter Edition, is on Saturday at Grammy's house. Grammy wants to have one last hurrah, to quote her, before Auntie Mousie's baby comes. I asked her if we weren't allowed to party (because look out....an evening of eating ribs with your family is a Rafter-Raising event) after Grandbaby #2 shows up....she didn't find me funny.
*************
I'm in a creative funk lately. I have all these craft projects going, but I have zero ambition to do any of them. grrrrrr. And some of them have due dates. yikes.
***********
As I was lurking on another blog (I'm a TERRIBLE LURKER) I noticed that today is national DeLurking day, but I wonder, how does one know that someone is lurking? is there a function on Blogger that I haven't discovered??? hmmm....this interests me.
**********
Farmer has gone snowmobiling tonight, and all I'm listening to is the sound of my typing. the silence is the best sound I've heard all day.
***********
Bitter frigid weather coming. Joy. :(
*************
Ok, that's about all the tidbits I have. HistoryGirlie.......OUT!!!!
*******
Kitty has another ear ache, along with a chest cold. The dr. put her on Zithromax, but it's not nearly as tasty as Amoxicillian, so tonight I had to pin her down on the floor and squirt the meds on the back of her tongue. Thank god we only have two more doses of it to give.
*******
I got great news yesterday...Navygirl is coming home to Cowtown in February, and.....we're going to see Wicked at the PAC!!! She got her birthday gift early from Maverick and she's taking me! We are so excited to be going to the theatre (you must say theatre with a slight british accent....so much more exciting)....the PAC is about the classiest place she and I get to at this stage of our lives. Maybe someday we'll be going to military balls, or classy HistoryChannel soirees, once we're documentary commentators.
What do you think, Navygirl? do you think HistoryChannel has classy soirees?
*******
I got John Adams documentary DVD for Christmas, and I'm through 3/4's of it, and I want so much to blog my thoughts about it, but Navygirl hasn't watched it yet, (she got it for christmas too!!) so I'm refraining. But she better get going....I have so much to say.
******************
Ribfest, Winter Edition, is on Saturday at Grammy's house. Grammy wants to have one last hurrah, to quote her, before Auntie Mousie's baby comes. I asked her if we weren't allowed to party (because look out....an evening of eating ribs with your family is a Rafter-Raising event) after Grandbaby #2 shows up....she didn't find me funny.
*************
I'm in a creative funk lately. I have all these craft projects going, but I have zero ambition to do any of them. grrrrrr. And some of them have due dates. yikes.
***********
As I was lurking on another blog (I'm a TERRIBLE LURKER) I noticed that today is national DeLurking day, but I wonder, how does one know that someone is lurking? is there a function on Blogger that I haven't discovered??? hmmm....this interests me.
**********
Farmer has gone snowmobiling tonight, and all I'm listening to is the sound of my typing. the silence is the best sound I've heard all day.
***********
Bitter frigid weather coming. Joy. :(
*************
Ok, that's about all the tidbits I have. HistoryGirlie.......OUT!!!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
An updated post regarding 2008
Dear Readers:
As I was rereading my last post, I thought that I sounded like I moped my way through 2008. My year wasn't all medications and fieldwork and mopeyness. Here are some of the awesome highlights of 2008.....
*the continuation of Bumble Book Club....looked-foward-to evenings full of good reads, good conversation, and good companionship
*my 7 foot tomato plants....Seriously....7 feet tall! Thankfully I had time to can this summer...they were awesome and kind of a neighborhood sensation.
*4th of July party with my family....we had some wicked games of croquet and best of all...Kitty and Grammy got to go swimming in her little pool! Great times for all.
*The County Fair....my favorite weekend of the year. My Caroline Ingalls comes out in Mid-July, and I love watching my baked goods and embroidery win ribbons, or in the case of my chocolate chip cookies....be RIPPED OFF!!! Grrr, still, to the judge.
*Kitty's art projects. we've filled 2 scrapbooks already!
*Teaching my Brother to make pickled garden products. We had such a great time making pickled mushrooms, brussel sprouts, and relish. Hopefully that will become a yearly thing.
*Auntie Mousie's wedding....it was surreal to watch my baby seester get married, and then quickly get preggo. We had fun with the final planning, showers, various girdles (for myself, Auntie Mousie is a stick) and bonding moments.
*Having some time to do my crafts...namely, my weekend away in Door County with other Scrapbooking friends was a needed relaxation, and thanks to Farmer and Grammy for helping me be able to go.
*my awesome Honors American Studies students....while they may be trying at times, there is at least one moment of laughter each day, and I love watching them learning.
*All my wonderful friends, at work, at home, and all over the nation (wow, I have friends from sea to shining sea! Manifest destiny at work)
So, there.....there's some great things that have occured throughout 2008....there are many more, but I'm out of time. Time to go to the last holiday party of the year!
As I was rereading my last post, I thought that I sounded like I moped my way through 2008. My year wasn't all medications and fieldwork and mopeyness. Here are some of the awesome highlights of 2008.....
*the continuation of Bumble Book Club....looked-foward-to evenings full of good reads, good conversation, and good companionship
*my 7 foot tomato plants....Seriously....7 feet tall! Thankfully I had time to can this summer...they were awesome and kind of a neighborhood sensation.
*4th of July party with my family....we had some wicked games of croquet and best of all...Kitty and Grammy got to go swimming in her little pool! Great times for all.
*The County Fair....my favorite weekend of the year. My Caroline Ingalls comes out in Mid-July, and I love watching my baked goods and embroidery win ribbons, or in the case of my chocolate chip cookies....be RIPPED OFF!!! Grrr, still, to the judge.
*Kitty's art projects. we've filled 2 scrapbooks already!
*Teaching my Brother to make pickled garden products. We had such a great time making pickled mushrooms, brussel sprouts, and relish. Hopefully that will become a yearly thing.
*Auntie Mousie's wedding....it was surreal to watch my baby seester get married, and then quickly get preggo. We had fun with the final planning, showers, various girdles (for myself, Auntie Mousie is a stick) and bonding moments.
*Having some time to do my crafts...namely, my weekend away in Door County with other Scrapbooking friends was a needed relaxation, and thanks to Farmer and Grammy for helping me be able to go.
*my awesome Honors American Studies students....while they may be trying at times, there is at least one moment of laughter each day, and I love watching them learning.
*All my wonderful friends, at work, at home, and all over the nation (wow, I have friends from sea to shining sea! Manifest destiny at work)
So, there.....there's some great things that have occured throughout 2008....there are many more, but I'm out of time. Time to go to the last holiday party of the year!
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Year In Review---2008 style
So, I promised a year in review of the Farmer's wife life, but yesterday I just didn't get around to it, so here we go!
(ed. note: I stole this idea from pretty shiny....I'm not that creative to come up with this all by myself)
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
*I managed to get through taking my daughter to daycare for the first time, and didn't need to be committed afterward. It took about 2 months, but I did it!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
*No, I didn't keep my last resolution...it was to lose weight, and I actually gained weight in 2008. grrrr. This year's resolution is to find happiness everywhere, and in that happiness is to be a bit thinner, at least by my Brother's wedding.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! Lots of friends had babies this year. And Auntie Mousie is due any week now!!!!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thank Heavens, no.
5. What countries did you visit? That sounds like a vacation, which we don't do. :) I don't even remember leaving the state this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A new couch, new carpet in the family room, and a second pregnancy
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? With Kitty growing and learning every day, I have so many days to remember. thank goodness I scrapbook.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? learning to be a successful mom
9. What was your biggest failure? I have yet to fully embrace my life as a Farmer's Wife. Maybe some year, I'll learn to fully love the fieldwork and cows and the amount of time they take up.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I worked my way through Post Partum Depression, and regular depression after that. But I"m fully off my meds and being successful every day!
11. What was the best thing you bought? so many cute outfits for kitty! She's so cute, she needs cute outfits (just ask Grammy)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Farmer's. he dealt with me and lack of feelings and energy this summer with banner behavior. Even though he doesn't "get" depression.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Mine. Sometimes I threw fits.
14. Where did most of your money go? Kitty, Festival Foods, Target. Darn You Target.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? all of Kitty's advancements, the success I felt in my classroom and my awesome kids, when I created an awesome scrapbook page.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "What's New PussyCat?" "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" (Auntie Mousie's wedding....whooooo. Yikes)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder?b) thinner or fatter?c) richer or poorer? all of the above
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? took more time for myself. It would have helped alot.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Sitting on my heinder.....get moving Historygirlie!
20. How did you spend Christmas? with my wonderful family, both small and large.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I fell in love a little more every day with my family.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Brothers and Sisters. As dysfunctional as they are, I want to be part of that family.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No, I have very few things that I hate...most of them are things like meatloaf. I HATE meatloaf.
24. What was the best book you read? Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts. Excellent look at the strong women behind the Founding Fathers.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The morning show on WIXX, a local radio station. Murphy, Maino, and Katie in the morning make me laugh all the way to work.
26. What did you want and get? Oh, I don't know. I had so many blesings this year.
27. What did you want and not get? A second successful pregnancy. We, the doctor, Farmer, and I, tried so hard to be successful.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Mama Mia....I went to see it with some cousin/girlfriends, and our Moms! It was a wonderful evening out.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 29, and a bit freaked out by being 29....it's so close to 30. yikes. But my wonderful Friend NavyGirl came over for a sleepover the night before, (even though we had an ant infestation in my cupboards) and we had a true blue sleepover with lots of chatting and munching. Then, on my birthday, Farmer took me out for fish, and gave me my precious laptop! It was a wonderful birthday.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? To have found my happiness a little earlier (like last January) but I'm now content. All is good.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Teacher, who tries to be hip, but just misses the mark. All worn with big high heels.
32. What kept you sane? Medication, Deep Breaths, Good Cries, Kitty.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? by fancy, I picture crush...so, my normal list....Bon Jovi, Will Smith, Oprah (a girl crush....I want to be Gayle King, her best friend)
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Anything with education. This new administration had better fix up NCLB ASAP. .
35. Who did you miss? NavyGirl.....KHS and room 0007 just doesn't feel the same.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Well, I knew her, but I finally got to KNOW her this year...Mrs. Z, my teaching partner.....she's a great lady and someone I can relate to....An ok but not great replacement at KHS for NavyGirl.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. To roll with the punches, and take things as they come. No need to fret about what's not even here yet.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Oh! What a Beautiful Morning! Oh! What a Beautiful Day! I've got a beautiful Feeling!!! Everything's going my way!!"
*I sang this to Kitty every morning while I changed her overnight diaper, and so it kind of became my personal mantra to help get the day started off well.....sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. But Kitty now sings along on the Oh! part. :)
(ed. note: I stole this idea from pretty shiny....I'm not that creative to come up with this all by myself)
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
*I managed to get through taking my daughter to daycare for the first time, and didn't need to be committed afterward. It took about 2 months, but I did it!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
*No, I didn't keep my last resolution...it was to lose weight, and I actually gained weight in 2008. grrrr. This year's resolution is to find happiness everywhere, and in that happiness is to be a bit thinner, at least by my Brother's wedding.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! Lots of friends had babies this year. And Auntie Mousie is due any week now!!!!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thank Heavens, no.
5. What countries did you visit? That sounds like a vacation, which we don't do. :) I don't even remember leaving the state this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A new couch, new carpet in the family room, and a second pregnancy
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? With Kitty growing and learning every day, I have so many days to remember. thank goodness I scrapbook.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? learning to be a successful mom
9. What was your biggest failure? I have yet to fully embrace my life as a Farmer's Wife. Maybe some year, I'll learn to fully love the fieldwork and cows and the amount of time they take up.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I worked my way through Post Partum Depression, and regular depression after that. But I"m fully off my meds and being successful every day!
11. What was the best thing you bought? so many cute outfits for kitty! She's so cute, she needs cute outfits (just ask Grammy)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Farmer's. he dealt with me and lack of feelings and energy this summer with banner behavior. Even though he doesn't "get" depression.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Mine. Sometimes I threw fits.
14. Where did most of your money go? Kitty, Festival Foods, Target. Darn You Target.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? all of Kitty's advancements, the success I felt in my classroom and my awesome kids, when I created an awesome scrapbook page.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "What's New PussyCat?" "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" (Auntie Mousie's wedding....whooooo. Yikes)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder?b) thinner or fatter?c) richer or poorer? all of the above
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? took more time for myself. It would have helped alot.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Sitting on my heinder.....get moving Historygirlie!
20. How did you spend Christmas? with my wonderful family, both small and large.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I fell in love a little more every day with my family.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Brothers and Sisters. As dysfunctional as they are, I want to be part of that family.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No, I have very few things that I hate...most of them are things like meatloaf. I HATE meatloaf.
24. What was the best book you read? Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts. Excellent look at the strong women behind the Founding Fathers.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The morning show on WIXX, a local radio station. Murphy, Maino, and Katie in the morning make me laugh all the way to work.
26. What did you want and get? Oh, I don't know. I had so many blesings this year.
27. What did you want and not get? A second successful pregnancy. We, the doctor, Farmer, and I, tried so hard to be successful.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Mama Mia....I went to see it with some cousin/girlfriends, and our Moms! It was a wonderful evening out.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 29, and a bit freaked out by being 29....it's so close to 30. yikes. But my wonderful Friend NavyGirl came over for a sleepover the night before, (even though we had an ant infestation in my cupboards) and we had a true blue sleepover with lots of chatting and munching. Then, on my birthday, Farmer took me out for fish, and gave me my precious laptop! It was a wonderful birthday.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? To have found my happiness a little earlier (like last January) but I'm now content. All is good.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Teacher, who tries to be hip, but just misses the mark. All worn with big high heels.
32. What kept you sane? Medication, Deep Breaths, Good Cries, Kitty.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? by fancy, I picture crush...so, my normal list....Bon Jovi, Will Smith, Oprah (a girl crush....I want to be Gayle King, her best friend)
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Anything with education. This new administration had better fix up NCLB ASAP. .
35. Who did you miss? NavyGirl.....KHS and room 0007 just doesn't feel the same.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Well, I knew her, but I finally got to KNOW her this year...Mrs. Z, my teaching partner.....she's a great lady and someone I can relate to....An ok but not great replacement at KHS for NavyGirl.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. To roll with the punches, and take things as they come. No need to fret about what's not even here yet.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Oh! What a Beautiful Morning! Oh! What a Beautiful Day! I've got a beautiful Feeling!!! Everything's going my way!!"
*I sang this to Kitty every morning while I changed her overnight diaper, and so it kind of became my personal mantra to help get the day started off well.....sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. But Kitty now sings along on the Oh! part. :)
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