Slim Pikins

And the Giant Peach

2011-09-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

Shelby was at the grocery store and found James' other half...

Naturally, a photo shoot:

Thanks Shelbs. You're the best!

So Not the Knees

2011-09-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday night we were out and about having a good time down Main St. See Exhibit A:

Well. We were on our way out, heading back up the street when Shauni grabbed my arm all quiet-sneaky like. "That's Busy Bee Lauren." I didn't get what she said at first but in a split second it clicked. It was not the bees knees. It was the Bee herself. I got so excited I followed her right into the shop she entered.

Immediately upon entry, I felt all awkward and excited and froze not knowing what to do. Froze. As soon as I came about my wits, I ran outside to the group. She hadn't seen me but, darn it, I wanted to meet her. I made everyone wait till she came out. I had to meet her. I greeted her oober awkwardly. Definitely sounded like a fool. A crazy fool. I didn't care. I got to meet her! She was so gracious and kind. Thanks Lauren for putting up with the awkwardness!

Who the heck is this Busy Bee I speak of? See Exhibit B:

Yes, that's Tedward standing by her side. Where can you find her blog? See Exhibit C:

HERE

Redefined

2011-09-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Remember that one family reunion when we not only owned the definition of "puke," but took it to a whole new level? Of course you do. We talk about it at every annual family get-together. Barf Fest 1999. Well, I was preparing for a Relief Society lesson this morning and came across this journal entry. Oh how I wish I could have tied it in to the lesson somehow...

July 26, 1999

I’m in the very backseat of the car traveling on the way toSalt Lake City. We are coming from Boise, ID. We just got done with our familyreunion a few days ago at Pinetop (Pinetop is a church owned girls camp). Itwas fun for the most part. What I mean is it was fun until the last night. Itall started when I woke up from a deep sleep and there was Bethany standingthere looking down at me. I asked her what was wrong and she threw up. LuckilyI saw it coming and I moved (She also told me she was going to puke). That’show it all started. After that I moved by mom and James. Right after I settled,James threw up, then Kevin, Parker, Abby, and Spencer had their turns. Thatnight was my worst nightmare come true. Just smelling it and hearing it made mewant to throw up. I hate throwing up. I’m almost afraid of it. I can’tstand it. Maren and Reed went home throwing up that day and the day before.

The picture featured above was taken prior to bedtime that night. Yep, there's sweet, unsuspecting Bethany smiling right beside me. If only I knew the horrors about to unfold. If only she knew. If only all of us knew... about the Kool-Aide, right? Of course, in the passing years, the journaled trauma has transpired into the most endearing, fond reminiscings. Oh guys. I miss you. You're so far away!

I say we're overdue for another reunion at Pinetop, yeah?

What about Romney?

2011-08-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

I haven't done much research on candidates for the upcoming presidential election but I did come across some critical decision-making criterion. This man...

has a vacation home in the same spot that this guy...

made his greatest strides using baby steps.

That's right. Mitt Romney has a vacation home on Lake Winnipesaukee. Yeah. If that wouldn't win someone's heartfelt admiration, I don't know what would.

See HERE for the reputable reference.

With Gabe in Mind

2011-07-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Browsing Craigslist this evening and came across...

Ketsup? And the eyes? Yikes.

I'm not sure how to comment on this one above.

The point of this one is that his name is "Uncle Tio". Hm.

No one could ever replace Gabe. Never. He's got to make it to 150.

What? You want some more?! This next gal is James's fav.

The ad is what sells it though:

Rahja is loving, loyal, beautiful 8 yr old Australian Shepherd. She is a dog for a woman or family of majority ladies because she was raised by three women and has proven to only allow women to walk her. she is spayed, house broken, walks well on a leash, trained in basic commands, and will play fetch til you stop throwing the ball. She can maintain extended periods of low energy. So if you knit, sew, or just like to watch movies she will sit next to you and love every minute of it.

Rahja does NOT like fireworks...she digs out and runs every 4th of July that she is not brought inside. Other than that, she has no other behavioral problems.

We would like to rehome her because she isn't getting the attention she deserves with health problems in the family and daughters away from home for extra curricular activities and college.

Willing to drive her up the freeway for the right woman/women to love her.

Here was a headliner that we found invitingly enthusiastic:

and another:

And lastly, an excerpt that was randomly read aloud that sounded a little awkward...

Two-Fer

2011-07-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today is a Two-fer. Two quotes fer one post. They come from Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and Barry Moser. I love love this version. It's out of print but you can still order it HERE.

"Nothing cures homesickness quicker than an unexplored tower."

"It's odd what pleases us when our fortunes change."

And Then We Sort of Grew Up

2011-07-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty much, this post is for you Shauni. In honor of your birthday, the old old house, and the new old house:

1991

1993

1994

2011

1998

2011

From Chapter One

2011-07-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Started reading The Moon is Down by Steinbeck. I love it already. Here's an excerpt:

He turned to the colonel. "Sir, I am of this people, and yet I don't know what they will do. Perhaps you know. Or maybe it would be different from anything you know or we know. Some people accept appointed leaders and obey them. But my people have elected me. They made me and they can unmake me. Perhaps they will if they think I have gone over to you. I just don't know."

Oooh! I love it.

Oh, Mikhail

2011-06-30T23:35:00.001-07:00

I'm really feeling the dance fever lately (Not the Saturday Night kind though). I'm starving for culture. I'd pay $700 dollars for a ticket to see Mikhail. Seriously. I'd have to think a little bit if it got any pricier than that. But yeah. He's delicious.

This last one is a bit... no very dramatic and dark. Nonetheless, I love it. *Note- The timing is off on the clip. Dang it. They dance a little too fast. That's okay. I'll just watch my movie at home and you'll at least get a glimpse of the magnitude of his power. He's such a dream boat.

Oh how I wish my gangly, semi-awkward body could express my inner whole in such a portrayal of divinity and grace as the master Mikhail.

Love me Some Scott and Fran

2011-06-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

One of the best dance movies. Ever.

Another Episode

2011-06-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

For all you fans out there in the High Fives and Knuckles club, here's another episode. It's kind of long which means you have a long time to have fun with us today...

I don't know where the Glozelle "goodbye" (see HERE) came from. It just popped right out. Mental note: Cut back on the Glozelle clips.

To wrap it up, here's an outtake for all those who enjoy potty-humor. It's what makes this post worthwhile.

For all you latecomers, here's the link for the past classic High-Fives and Knuckles Reruns (HERE).

Tumblr?

2011-06-20T22:10:00.001-07:00

I don't know what the deal with this Tublr thing is but here we go...

Click the link below:

http://slimpikinsitis.tumblr.com

The Past Little While

2011-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

1. Time- 5:32

Start time of family dinner that we haven't had in a long time and that the grandparents are here for- 5:30

Speed limit- 45 mph

Speed clocked by that darn camera- 56 mph

Family dinner excuse for speeding- worthless

Price of ticket- $171.25

2. The best place to visit on an average of three times a week- Mesa Frozen Yogurt

The calendar that hangs on my fridge noting the daily flavors available- click HERE

The number of days that have at least one uber-appealing flavor highlighted yellow on my calandar- every single one

The cost (with tax) of a size #1- $1.64

3. What is the very best way to spend your time on a Saturday morning after a late night?- FBYWT a.k.a. Family Bonding Yard Work Time. See HERE for past experiences.

The amount of time it takes to drag your sluggish body out of bed- apx. 15 minutes

The warm fuzzy feelings that you feel for your family as you rake up the neighbors pine needles and leaves that have fallen into your yard- M.I.A.

Watching your mom, who is feeling a little intense, ring your own doorbell about 50 times (I'm serious when I estimate 50) to wake your sister up (who hasn't had any prior notice) to come on out and join the festivities- Priceless.

Welcome back FBYWT. It's been awhile.

Oh yeah... There are some things money can't buy, but for everything else, I'm going to have to use my summer savings.

My Boy, Bob

2011-06-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

I watched the Bob Ross show when I was little. He was my hero. He made me believe in myself. He instilled the confidence in me that, in just under an hour, I could paint a masterpiece. I remember that first time I watched his show. My soul was filled with such hopes and dreams for my future career as a painter. I was so excited to get to work.

When push came to shove, I was thrust into the light of reality. Stick figures were my forte and that's where the forte would remain. Even though Bob gave me a false sense of my personal potential, I still love the guy. If I had cable t.v. and his show was still running, I'd watch it regularly. I sure miss seeing a happy tree now and again. Besides, I heard the guy had pet squirrels. Fascinating.

I came across this picture and had to share. Not only is it Bob, but it's Bob made out of Legos. Posting a Lego-Bob is a must. LOVE it:

Source: HERE

One of the Reasons to Be

2011-05-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

There are very rewarding aspects to the job of special ed teacher. Getting notes from students is one of them:

I was gone on Monday and Tuesday. When I came back, there were notes on the board written to me from students. "Second best ever"? I love it. I'm so grateful for my job.

Note: I blocked out the name from your view, of course. You know how privacy goes.

It's Time

2011-05-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been feeling... emotional. It's the end of the year. Pressure is mounting. At any given moment I'm bursting at the seems with... emotion. Let me elaborate...

Last night James was showing our friend a youtube clip. I watched over his shoulder and at the end... teared.

I think I was touched by thought of all the hard work and dedication it took to achieve their showmanship and strength. Yeah.

Here's the next heartstring tugger Jamsie-boy pulled up:

It was the ending that got me. So triumphant. Those tears started to well up again, but I caught them in time. Close call.

Sooooo.... Yep. It's time for school to be over. It's time.

Harry is my Homeboy!

2011-05-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

July 15 is 67 days away. Dear Harry's final installment will be released, emblazoned with charged emotion and omnipowerful magic. How can one loyal muggle-patron and participant of the magical kingdom make the honorable, necessary preparations for the glory so close to come? Surely we can't all stop by and have a go at charging through Platform 9 and 3/4. Surely we can't all sneak spell practice in during break time at work. Definitely we can't all investigate every passerby who might be deemed suspicious of Death Eater status. No, there's but one loyal path to trod. Consumption of the heptalogy. Here's how the plan works:

Thursday, July 14, 2011- Preparations for the grand midnight showing will be in full force. No time for book devouring then.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011- A good day to finish the final, book 7.

Monday, May 9, 2011- The first day to kick off the spree. There are 65 days from this point to finish the race. This leaves 9.28571 days per book.

So, I'm posting a schedule on the sidebar for you loyalists, for Harry. To the doors of the magical kingdom we are about to reenter (or the covers of the books), I exclaim "Alohomora!"

Bernard

2011-04-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in the process of turning the studio apartment on the side of my mum's house into a cozy little dwelling. What could make it feel more warm and welcoming than by adding a classic Ch-ch-ch-Chia? This isn't a rhetorical question. Seriously. Let me know.

Note: James had a bunch of his friend-girls over tonight. The one and only Shelby provided the respectable name "Bernard" for this sophisticated young pet. He's already off to a good start.

Another Note: I got him at Goodwill, of course.

Quotationish Excerpt

2011-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

"Most of the people went quietly, but three children in the front row of the grandstand put up quite a fuss, saying that they had to find their sister Katharine, who'd done something terrible, but a sister was a sister and they'd stick up for her, anyway."

From Half Magic

By Edward Eager

Tra-La-La

2011-04-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read this guy?

He's pretty great. James likes him. I like him. Naturally, there needed to be made a decorative pillow. So that's exactly what I did. All you need to do is print off a coloring page and trace the pattern on fabric. Stitch it up and whah-lah.

Here's the front:

Here's the back:

Yes. They are. Those are real underpants on the back of the pillow.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2011-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Really wish I would have bought one of these when they were available. I waited too long. Dang it. Double dang it.

Here's the shop of the chick that sells them HERE.

Conference Weekend

2011-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Aunt Yvonne and Benjo. Miss you already. I feel like I hardly saw you! Ben, maybe next time we'll find the Pop shop that was shut down. It has to be reopened somewhere. Remember when we stopped at the gas station and asked if the shop was nearby and then that clerk tried to sell you HIS pop instead? What was he thinking? There's no way he had a sarsaparilla behind the counter. Maybe we couldn't find the shop since we didn't invite Bushaw. Next time let's invite her?

Remember that time we watched conference and we were so excited?

I miss you Aunt Yvonne and Ben!

Masterpiece Made

2011-04-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

So remember this gem and how it was a total of $6.50 at Goodwill?

It was a beautiful landscape in and of itself. It definitely sparked my imagination (I'm being serious with no sarcasm). But there was a beckoning for more. I answered that call by adding a few touches. Transfers from another masterpiece. It cost me a total of $0.50 and the addition was rescued from D.I.

With a few clips and some detailed snipping, I extracted the specimen. I'll confess that I felt terrible cutting apart a book but there was no way around it. It had to be done. And now, here's the beyond unbelievable final product:

I wish you could see it in real life. It's pretty legit. Here are some close up details...

The white stream/streak in the above picture is the gleam from the lamp above (I know you were dying to know what the slight disturbance was).

Overall, the project made my dreams come true. I love it. It hangs above my bed. I love it. And it only cost $7.00. What a deal. What a deal.

Afterward: When I bought the painting, I knew I wanted to add something but I wasn't quite sure what. Full credit for the Wild idea must go to my genius mother. She's so smart.

BLASPHEMY

2011-04-05T20:43:00.001-07:00

Thrifty-Nifty

2011-04-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Erica, why haven't you posted any sweet thrift store finds lately?"

I know the question has been on your mind. I've been very busy. But here, let me indulge your insatiable interest and inquiry...

This here is my regal lion statue. Location of purchase, Deseret Industries. She's good lookin, I know. If you look slightly to the left, you might spot my prized manual typewriter which is in perfect working condition. Where did I purchase it? Goodwill. It was $7.99 and not even half-off day.

I hate to reveal too much too soon but I can't resist. For awhile now an idea has been turning over in my head. I saw on some blog that a lady bought a vintage seascape featuring a ship sailing a stormy in the night. She added her own artwork to it, an enormous octopus cleaving to the whole of the ship as if fighting to drag it under. It was rad. I can't find her webpage anymore I sorely wish I would have bookmarked it. Anyway, I started keeping my eyes out for a cool opportunity. It came last week at Goodwill with the price tag of $12.99 (before the half off). Here's a peek at the upcoming masterpiece...

It really is a shame that you have to behold it's fine character from the view of a cellphone camera. Until the car and student loan are payed off, this will have to do just fine. For the final product, I'll borrow someones camera so you can get the full effect of the awe-inspiring piece. What am I going to add to it? Oh, I bet you want to know. It's a surprise. Knowing me though, I'd probably gather it has something to do with children's literature and if you did gather that much, you'd be right.

Continued Story

2011-03-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

Story Continues:

Clarissa joins the race full force and of course Joe is noticing, and liking it. Janet, a little stunned, doesn’t know quite what to do. Should she back down? Should she continue the chase? Deep down, she’s smart enough to know how this ends if the current patterns of behavior continue, but at the same time, she still is in the running. After all, just last week Joe did hold her hand. Joe was regularly flirtatious. And what about the great conversations on the phone lasted well over an hour? Ya know what? It Didn’t count. Joe was really interested in Clarissa the whole time.

How did Janet know? The last great phone conversation she had with Joe ended up being a coaching session consisting of her reassuring Joe that Clarissa would definitely say yes if he asked her out and he needs to just ask instead of hanging around all the time. Lame, for Janet. More lameness occurred at the end of the said coaching conversation when I… I mean Janet told Joe that the whole buddy/flirty friend thing would have to end from that point on because she (Janet) didn’t want to be in the middle of things. Joe didn’t get it at first, then after Janet explained it in simple terms, he got it. The “more lameness” part enters here. Right after the conversation ended, as in they hung up the phone, Janet sent him a text of some conversation related info she forgot to tell him. It was nothing big, but it had to be sent and a text sufficed. His response text was “What will I do without you?”. What a stab to the aching, longing girl’s heart. Joe knew Janet liked him. Why would he tug at that girl’s poor heartstrings like that? Joe. Keep your mouth shut Joe. Please? Oh life. What a ride you are.

This story (actually it was pretty much a journal entry) is dramatic and pathetic. I wrote it the other day and have had a good laugh reading it since. I'll say it once again. "Oh, life". And I move forward. It's a good thing I can laugh at such situations. Besides there's no time left for wallowing. My heart is now occupied with other pressing troubles...

One of my girls is due to deliver her baby today, March 31. I don't know what it's like to be a mother but I think about her constantly and worry. How is she going to take care of her baby? She didn't even know how a baby exits the mother's womb, how a baby comes out, how a baby is born until she was shown a video in the nurse's office not too long ago. Is there anything else I can do at this to help prepare her for the dramatic life change that is about to take place at any given moment? She is so sweet and loves babies but what will she do when her baby is screaming with a fever of 100 degrees? Will she remember how to read the label found on the back of a medicine box? We've been practicing the skill for two weeks... but will any of that stick? She has no clue how her world is about to change forever physically, emotionally, mentally, and etc. Oh how she's on my mind and in my heart.

Oh, Joe.

2011-03-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Story Time:

Janet and Clarissa are great friends with ties unseverable. Clarissa is wonderful. She has many friends and graciously includes Janet in the circle. One day Janet meets Joe from the circle of friends and decides she is liking that fine young fellow, whereupon the fond emotions of springtime and fancy enter her heart and take the center stage. Janet is vocal about this buck but not boisterous about the whole affair. Love and springtime are such a magical mix that spin a girl round throughout the day. Oh how they flutter in the heart of a young lady (okay, Janet wasn't THAT lilty over Joe). Still, Janet likes Joe. Shortly after the newfound fancy takes flight, Clarissa takes interest in Joe too. Dum dum dum.

Pause and Question:

Is it okay for Clarissa to jump in on the pursuit and run alongside in the chase of almighty Joe? Do you overrun your friend in pursuit of your ideal prospect? All is fair in love and war, right? And after all, Joe came from Clarissa’s circle of friends and not Janet’s, right?

Continue:

Clarissa joins the race full force and of course Joe is noticing, and liking it. Janet, a little stunned, doesn’t know quite what to do. Should she back down? Should she continue the chase? Deep down, she’s smart enough to know how this ends if the current patterns of behavior continue, but at the same time, Joe did hold her hand. Joe was regularly flirtatious. And what about the great conversations on the phone lasted well over an hour? Ya know what? That stuff doesn’t count. Joe has really been interested in Clarissa the whole time.

Stay tuned:

More story to come. What will these love affairs bring!?

Fitting For Today

2011-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Hero

2011-02-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

I've never really had a specific "hero" in my life but the other day when I saw a certain Youtube clip, I came close to designating my number one.

And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you you can survive...

HERO Nominee:

Side Note: It's better to watch a second and third time. This kid has so much going for him in life. What a trooper.

The Three Greats

2011-02-24T20:45:00.001-08:00

1. George Washington

2. Abraham Lincoln

3. YOU

For You My Ericson Family

2011-02-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

So tonight at D.I. my buddy Ben made the discovery of the week. I want to say "priceless" but it cost one dollar.

See? One dollar.

Here's the treasure:

That's right. Harry and Hermoine book ends!!! Jealous? I was... am. Here's what they look like with a few Harry Potter books on the shelf:

Can you imagine a full set with this dynamic duo? I know. It's unbeatable.

P.S. It actually cost $2. $1 for each end. Worth. It.

40% and I Love my Job

2011-02-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

One of my students cracks me up every day. Okay, almost all of them do. But this one (we'll call him Bob) is one I never ceased to be entertained by. Today we began writing Thank You/Valentine letters for the upcoming holiday. I wrote "Valentine's Day" on the board since it kept coming up. Bob raised his hand, didn't wait for me to acknowledge his need to comment, and blurted out the fact of the matter, when it comes to the name Valentine.

"40% of people in the world have the name Valentine."

Blah haha. I'm still laughing now. I don't know what I'd do without him in class. I skeptically asked him, "Really?". He insisted, "No! I'm serious! I even know like four people!" So I made him tell me how he knew them. "Okay, I only know three" was the admittance. Then he ended with the "Well I heard that somewhere". I love my job for so many reasons, and instances like this is one of them.

Here's another instance for ya:

As a class, in reading, we've been memorizing the preamble from the Declaration of Independence. It's taking awhile, but they're doing it and they are able to explain what it means, mostly. Today when Bob came into class, he had to tell me about the Superbowl. He was so excited. "Did you see the Super Bowl!?" he asked. "Nope," was my reply. He was shocked. Then he let me know that the Declaration was recited at some point during the game. He was so excited and then he proudly announced that he said part of it along with them. If my heart could ever glow like E.T.'s then it would have been at that moment. I wasn't excited that he could say it. I mean, that's great and all that he can memorize it but my heart glowed because he was so pleased. He felt so confident and pleased. It was just one big pleasing moment.

I love my job.

This One Time, Part 3

2011-02-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

The electric entrance doors zipped open as I stormed back in the battle zone. O.k. I didn't storm in but the doors did zip open. I found an employee up front who graciously agreed to find the manager. I stood by with anticipation and a sure bit of hope. The 5 minutes of wait time felt like 20. Maybe it was because I stood waiting near that stalwart cashier who snatched my dream right from my fingertips. Maybe those minutes felt so extended because I was awaiting a fate that lay in the hands of some unknown manager. Would he be grouchy? Would he listen to my plight and see that I must be rewarded with an exception to the rule?

I felt a little nervous as the short, bald, frowning man walked down the isle toward me. It didn't look too promising. He approached me with a raised eyebrow and a doubtful "Yes?".

"I know your busy sir. Sorry to interrupt. There's a book I'd like to purchase but it has no price tag. The cashier said it had to be taken to the back to be priced, then returned to the shelves the next day...."

He rudely cut me off, "That's right." He then proceeded to restate that same store policy which I'd just relayed to him. Did he even hear what I'd just said? Couldn't he let me finish explaining myself?

"You can come back tomorrow," he snapped.

Pause:

I've been working my tail end off lately. At work, I give 100% in every aspect. I teach. I work hard in behalf of the interest of my students and do whatever it takes that's in my power to aide them in discovering and developing their highest potential on individual levels. These works include anything from helping a student set up a hygiene/showering with soap schedule (AND successfully maintain the practice), to keeping another off pot, to raising levels of academic understanding for all students. Where there's a lot of students, there's a lot of work that gets done which leaves this girl tired and worn to the bone at the end of a school day.

This D.I. incident occurred at the close of one of those days. And from here on out is where the value of this three part post should start to kick in.

Unpause:

"You can come back tomorrow," he snapped.

I tried not to cry but I started to lose it. I stammered, "It's just that I've been looking for this book for awhile. I know it's just a children's book but..." By the time the end of that statement was out, I was clearly crying. He was taken aback, surprised.

He moved to the cash register where I'd made my purchase minutes ago. "Well let's see" he said, "Where is it?". Um, what kind of question is that? How was I supposed to know?

I desperately tried to choke back the scarry sob mode I felt coming on. "I don't know" was my timid, restrained reply.

He saw the cart with the go-back items and picked up two books. At that moment, my precious Snow White literature caught my eye. It seemed to beam rays of light and then instantaneously it was dimmed by the darkness of the D.I. pricing policy.

Rudely interrogating, in disbelief that a girl would be so worked up about it, he insisted "Well, which one is it?"

From this point on, simply stated, I started blubber-bawling. Let's be clear now. By blubber bawl, I mean I was snorting and choking words out in the least graceful way imaginable. This process also includes sucking in short breaths which makes everything come out all choppy.

"Snow White!"

Blubber. Blubber. Snort. Blubber. I knew before it burst from my mouth that it would sound so pathetic. Blubbering over Snow White? Knowing that it sounded so pathetic, but still knowing that it was so important made me Blubber all the harder.

The man's eyes widened. I had taken this matter to a whole new level. I was causing a scene! Then, everything changed. Somehow the dynamics flip flopped. The control of this situation was now in my power. Wide-eyed, he held the book closer to me. He wasn't so rude now. Somewhere inside him there was a reservoir of sweetness! That or he was just flabbergasted.

"Two dollars?" was all he queried, cautiously.

The only thing I could do was nod my head and grab the book. Despite his relent of policy, my tears didn't follow suit. I walked up to the cashier (a different one than the first) and handed her the book. I choked out "two dollars" and she nodded her head. She was all concerned. She leaned forward and whispered "Are you okay? Can I do anything for you?". Obviously I was in pretty bad shape. The look the lady gave me seemed as though she were concerned that as soon as I left the store I'd find a cliff and drive right off. That sounds terrible but man, you should have seen her face. I apologized twice for my radical display then quickly headed out the door.

By the time I got to the car, everything inside me cleared up. By the time I had the car started, I felt fine and was wondering what was for dinner, "Should I make a stop for a burger on the way home? Was I going to go to the basketball game later this evening? Oh, what a day in the life of this girl. I've definitely got to tell my mom about this one time.".

This One Time, Part 2

2011-02-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

So there I was, this one time, at Deseret Industries after school looking for classroom supplies. As usual, I made it a priority to stop by the books section. Perusing, perusing, and what? Lo and behold! A Snow White Book. I knew the instant I saw the cover that it had to be the one. I must submit that there was a major difference between this one and the one in San Fran. This was a larger sized version and printed in the 80's while the true one was so small, quaint and much older. I'm not complaining though. Beggars can't be choosers, right? While I KNEW it was the one, I still had to open to the inside front page to make sure. Yep, it matched the one in San Fran. The picture and wording was the same! "How could I remember the wording?" you wonder. I'll tell you and show a picture of what I'm talking about.

Tell: The picture and writing was/is a little catchy so it was recalled from my brainy recesses in a snap.

Show: Here's what that magical page looked like:

So now that you see what I'm talking about, I'll get along to the good part of the story...

There I stood, book in hand with a thrill of delight. I went straight to the cash register. Didn't even finish looking through the remainder of books section! This neglect of treasure has never happened before, so you know how good of a deal I felt I had. Taking great strides down the isles, I made it to the cash register, triumphant. Once at the register, I organized my loot in piles by price and Snow White was at the very end in the "missing price tag" pile. The guy/clerk informed me abruptly and almost rudely that he couldn't sell me the book without a price tag. "It needs go to the back where it will be priced then it'll be put on the floor tommorrow. If you want it, you can come back tomorrow." Ooooo.K. A logical step forward would be to just go to the back and have it priced, right? Not an option with this guy. It's store policy. He wouldn't budge or let me get a word in edgewise, a word explaining that this wasn't just any book! I started to tear. I know, I know. I was a little teary. And ticked too. Out of nowhere, magically an ever-so-desired book appears and that clerk-guy had the audacity to tell me to "come back tomorrow"? I couldn't talk to him as I swiped my debit card. If I said anything I'd have a tear spill over, for real. That or I'd say something nasty to him. I walked out the automatic doors with poison pumping from my heart to my nerve endings. Actually, I wasn't mad, just stunned and a little panicked.

Halfway to the car, I had a surge of determination. If I waited till tomorrow, the book might be there, but then again, it might not. Had I not just seen an up for grabs, lone binder in the school supplies cabinet the other day and when I went back the next, it was gone? No, that little trick wouldn't happen to me again. No, sir! I would have that book!!! I quickly threw the bags I had in the car, spun around, and dug my heals into the parking lot as I plowed forward, back into the store.

You know something? I got it. I was determined. What?! What happened?! How did I get that book?! That's the best part of the story and it's yet to come. I bet you want to know, don'tcha?Well, stay tuned for Part 3.

This One Time, Part 1

2011-02-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

There was this one time in October of last year that I went to California to visit my uncle, aunt, and cousin. Oh, it was the grandest time. While there, we went to this place:

It's the Walt Disney Family Museum. In fact, Here's a picture of me and my cuz outside in the sunshine.

Are you wondering about the limo? Keep wondering. The museum was pretty rad. Loved it. There was so much cool "stuff". In particular, there was one whole section devoted to Snow White. Of course, the most fascinating item that caught my attention was a book entombed in a glass case, kind of like Snow White in her coffin (she was in a glass coffin, right?). The book was.... Snow White, obviously. Not a big surprise if you're standing in a room plastered with the girl. The luring part about the book was that it was one published when the movie first came out (1937). It was opened to the first page. I read it, naturally. I was hooked. I decided I'd have to get a copy, somehow. So while no one was looking, I jimmied the glass top off and snuck the book into my purse. J/K.

My only option (that I could think of) was to write down info about it (copyright, etc.) and hope to find one online in the near future. I found a few on Ebay. Here's a picture or two:

If you want it too, check it out HERE, where I got the pictures from. I somehow couldn't see myself spending a rough 5 hundred bucks for one. So I sent my cosmic wish out into the universe beckoning for one to come to me at my favorite shopping place, Deseret Industries. Did it come to me? You're dying to know. I know. Stayed tuned for Part 2 of "This One Time". There's a little twist to the story.

Lunchtime Today

2011-01-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I woke up starving and felt that a hot bowl of peaches and cream would do the trick. By the time I made it out to the kitchen, I was late for work. Peaches and Cream? Foregone.

Lunch time came around. Who was so hungry that she was the first one out the door when the bell rang, ahead of the students? That's right. Yours truly and I didn't just buy one greasy, yummy slice of pizza. I bought two. On the way back from the teacher's lounge, glorious food in hand, I hustled my buns in quick-pace mode. Right as I was about 10 yards from the classroom door, a slice of pizza dropped. Pepperoni side down. The face was caked with a thick dirt layer beyond the justification of any 10 second rule.

By the time my prep hour arrived, I was desperate. I'm not exaggerating. I made it to the teacher's lounge with my only cash dollar knowing that there had to be something to fill my gnawing stomach. On top of that, I needed to calm my desperate nerves. I felt peace the moment I saw it. A Kellog's Rice Krispee treat for 70 cents. I shoved the dollar in and hit E... but before I could finish my entry order, change shot out and a pack of Toasted Almonds dropped to the retrieval bin. I stared through the glass at my blue, krispy desire. Not funny. My desperation flooded back. Bitter? No, the almonds were salty and in no way satisfying. I tried not to storm out the door and tear across the campus.

I made it home. I was still so hungry but now with an added side of tire. As I sat at the counter, I relayed my sad story to my mom and sis. During the whole time of relaying the pathetic circumstances, in the back of my head I was trying to find revelation of some genius concoction that could be withdrawn from our empty cupboards. As soon as my sad story ended, I was struck with that desired revelation. My mouth dropped as I saw Las eating some Michaelina's pizza bites. Genius. Heaven's providential dews rested upon me. Food and satisfaction at last! I dashed to the garage freezer. Pizza Bites!!! What was my discovery? I found that freezer stocked with Michaelina's Sallisbuy Steak, Chicken Alfredo, Macaroni Marinara, and some other dreadful Michaelina masterpiece I can't remember the name of. No more pizza bites. I almost started crying.

This morning I was running late again but it didn't matter because I was planning on buying a tasty breakfast burrito at school. I love them with hot sauce. I got there. Stood in the dang student line and with longing eyes requested my delight as soon as I approached the window. The reply? "Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's. Tuesdays and Thursdays are french toast." I almost barked at the kid cashier. By "barked" I mean like the kind of a feverish, feral dog lashing out at an innocent pedestrian. It must be that dang, new poodle we got at home. It's rubbing it's canine cooties off on me.

So after this morning sans breakfast burrito, lunchtime came around. I went to the teachers' lounge and ordered two slices of pepperoni pizza, same as yesterday. I wasn't desperate or anything but I was hungry for two. I walked back to class scared to lose my lunch (Please note that by "lose my lunch" I mean drop it, not throw it up). I watched my step and even smiled as I passed the place of dirty doom from the day before. As I rounded the corner, I saw the classroom ahead. I was so close... Would I make it?.... I didn't drop a slice. That's right. Ate a full lunch today and enjoyed every bite. Every bite of the TWO pieces.

The End.

Poll and a Winner

2011-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

So the little poll on the side? The correct answer is Tiger Woods.

Now for the winner. Remember that one time how there were some embarrassing photos posted about how I look like a poodle? See HERE. Well, somehow at our household we managed to get another dog and he sure is a winner. You could call him my long lost brother...

Which one's the dog? The black one on the bottom. James named him Billy Joel. I know what's probably going through your head now, "Shouldn't she be embarrassed about this timeless photo?". Yes, but here's the deal. I'm tired and the dog is squirmy and this was the best photo out of seven. I'm not takin more than that. Besides, how cute can you look after a day of hammering in the coal mines? On a positive note, I think it captures our stylish poodle-hair-dos quite nicely.

Inappropriate

2011-01-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

This week the speech teacher came in to class to work with the students on expressive language. She asked the students to describe Dustin, a senior (This kid cracks me up. I'm so lucky to have him). One of the girls in the class mentioned that he had two shirts on, an undershirt and shirt. Dustin proceeded to explain, in a manner as if he'd been caught doing something wrong, "I'm wearing my undershirt inside out, because it's inappropriate." I can't even tell you how much I enjoy working with that kid. You'd love him too if you knew him.

----

Let's talk about Kami. I can't get enough of this girl either. For homework, I gave her a list of eleven words with simple, simple definitions. The assignment was to copy the words and definitions two times. On her assignment I wrote "Copy 2x". I gave examples in class of what those directions implied but somehow she came back the next day with her own interpretation. Here's how it went after I asked the students to place homework on their desks:

"Kami? You didn't do your homework?"

"Miss Dyar! I did it!"

I pointed to the directions trying to explain, "You were supposed to copy it two times."

"Miss Dyar! I did my homework! See!"

She then moved the top sheet aside and revealed a 2 photo copies of the assignment.

"Kami? Where did you make the copies?!"

"I went to the library!"

Needless to say, she definitely got credit for her homework that night.

So Far So Good

2011-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Toward the end of the year 2010, I started watching my moves more closely. I'd made it almost a whole year without stitches, which seem so unnatural. Was disaster lurking around the corner? It just so happened that the watching payed off. I made it through clear and free from any E.R. experiences and the aquisition of bad bruises was pretty minimal too. Here're a few memories from 2009:

That one time I was out roller-blading and biffed it.

Closer up...

At least you can't see the chin bone like the incident prior to this one.

Moving furniture around the house

Fell off the chair while stapling stuff to the wall.

This is definitely a gross post but the pictures have been sitting in my phone forever and it's time to move on. Besides, my posterity must be forewarned of the clumsy nature bestowed upon them. Also posterity, when you're chin is still dripping blood ten minutes after the big biff, don't stroll down to the house of the doctor who's your neighbor just to make sure you need stitches. Don't be a doofus. Get in the car and go to your local Urgent Care pronto.

Undercover

2011-01-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

I think I've found my new dream job.

In 5th grade, a D.A.R.E. officer would come to our class and tell really cool stories. My favorite was the one he told about going undercover, posing as a teenager. He dressed up, or rather, down to "hip" clothing and solicited the business of some juvenile selling tickets to a drug party on the corner of a dark street (or something like it). The police showed up to the ticketed festivities that weekend in more undercover garb. Once they were in, crashing procedures took place and the D.A.R.E. officer was shot in the face. Well, maybe he wasn't shot in the face. Maybe they just caught a couple of guys as they flushed goods down the toilet. I honestly don't remember the end of the story. The reason for remembrance of the other details is because I was so impressed that he could pass as a teenager when he was clearly such an old guy (probably mid to late 20's). Such a sneaky feat. What a guy.

Here I am, 26 and on the job for about two weeks at the high school as a teacher. Let me relate some encounters I've had:

1. The first day I have keys- It's morning and I'm standing at the main academic building fumbling around, looking for the right 1 out of 5 keys to open the locked doors. I desperately need to make some copies and all I can think about is how cold it is and would the home made snuggie my mom made me for Christmas be too unprofessional to wear around outside? The doors are locked but students are everywhere since it's about 15 minutes before the bell is supposed to ring (I must inform you that students are not aloud into that building until the bell rings. No exceptions.). So anyway. I'm there, fumbling and one of the security guards starts yelling at me "Hey. What are you doing?". "Um, I just need to make some copies." He then proceeded to remind me "You know you're not allowed in the building before school." I then had to convince him I was a teacher because I didn't have my i.d. on me. Sort of embarrassing.

2. I take some of my kids to the library- We had some stuff to do. We walked in and stood by the desk. I looked a little lost since I'd never been in there before. The librarian addressed the group (3 of us) and inquired, "Do you guys have a pass from your teacher?" I let her know pretty quick that I was the teacher. "Oh! Ha ha!" was her reply. Call me a student again? I don't think so.

3. I ruined my sticker parking pass- So I went to the bookstore to get a new one. Despues me saying "Hi" all cheerful-like, the parking pass lady responded all crochedy-like "Yes?" I was a little afraid. The counter is on a semi-elevated stand so her towering over me was a little scary. "Um, I ruined my parking pass so I need to get a new one" was my reply. She rudely informed me "That will be five dollars." She talked to me like I was so dumb, as if she couldn't believe I was making her say it. "Okay," was my timid reply. There was an awkward silent pause as she stared me down while I fumbled for my wallet. I reached to hand her the money, which she didn't move to accept. Her slow-spoken, condescending query followed, "Do you have your student i.d.? Are you over 18?" "Um, I'm a teacher." After such a meek reply she drew in a breath, shocked. She was so embarrassed and apologetic, and nice from then on. The other lady who works there tried to make her feel better and told her she thought I was a student too. Really? Come on people.

4. I went to the nurse's office- This morning afforded me some dire need for Motrin. I asked the nurse for some and she just stared at me for a few seconds. "Are you a student?" At least she hesitated to ask, right?

So there you have it. I look like a student. This can be taken in many ways as a good or bad thing. I'm going to stick on the good side and possibly put in an application at the police department. Maybe I can be a cool undercover, future D.A.R.E guy. Right. I could have some serious fun with the business, as long as I don't get shot in the head! : )

As a side note, the poll is a little lacking. I'm lovin the votes that are up. Many blessings to you who have submitted. VOTE. As another side note, some good stories are cooking up. There are some pretty funny experiences had as a teacher. Definitely one of the most recent happenings will be posted soon. As another side note, it would be pretty cool if there were some more votes at the poll on the sidebar. It's the one with the weird face above it. VOTE!

How to Deal

2011-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

The other night I was chattin with Mom and James at the kitchen counter. I was a bit stressed and I think James must have been too. While dealing with my emotion by venting, James did some of his own. He tore up the cover of his golf magazine. I think he felt much better. Now, let's play a game of guess who. Who was on the cover of James's magazine?

Let's see. I set up a little quiz thingy on the sidebar. Humor me and take a vote? I'll Let you know the one true answer sometime. I wish I could give you a definite time frame but it's not top on the to-do list; however, if there is an astounding number of votes, I'll hop on it and let you know soonerish. Ah, the suspense!

Steal of a Deal

2010-12-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Long time no post, I know. But I'm back. Maybe. While I haven't been posting, I've still been visiting the regular thrift stores... occasionally. Coolest find lately? SHRINKYDINKS!

You color an image on the plastic then bake it. It shrinks in the oven. What a way to spend time on Christmas break.

Here's my Where the Wild Things Are keychain. The top picture is what I traced onto the plastic. The mini ones are how they turned out after the bake:

Blurry close up:

I got the coloring/tracing pattern HERE. Free pattern. Wohoo!

Goals and Goal

2010-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

I miss playing soccer. I found a league to join and a friend to do it with but I'm going to have to wait for a few months to see how life plays out. My goal though is to at least join a league by summer time. Until then I have to make do with inspirational videos like this...

Pencils Ticonderoga Style

2010-11-12T21:09:00.000-08:00

I really love writing with the Ticonderoga Beginners pencils. They're fat, making them more comfortable to grip. Ticonderoga is a quality brand too. You can feel the difference when you right (Thanks Boo for the intro of those priceless tools to our family). Love it. I found some on Amazon. It's cheaper to buy in bulk and I'm a cheap person, so naturally I went the cheapskate route. Too often this cheapness costs me more than it's supposed to for a cheap person. I ended up paying 20 bucks and got a lifetime supply of these:

Actually, I got 6 boxes of 12 (72 total). I know, such a deal. That's only 27 cents per pencil. Don't be misled by the picture. They're fat, but not too fat like those cheapy ones from the dollar store. Here let me show you by comparison to a "regular" one:

Sorry the quality of photo is so poor. I'm still stuck using the camera on my cell phone. Pathetic, but it is what it is. Here's a picture of its pencil shaving, a beautiful flower:

followed by a close up:

Why oh why am I taking pictures and even writing a post like this? I'll tell you why. I love these pencils. Or is it because I'm avoiding grading tons of papers, specifically the six paragraph reports on the water cycle? I don't know. Actually, I do. Both reasons are valid and ya know what? As soon as I'm done with this post I'm gettin in my p.j.s and going to bed. I'm so tired. So so tired. Over and out.

Awesome

2010-11-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

The word awesome is too overused for my liking, as are the words cute, good, and amazing. But that's beside the point of this post. The title of this youtube treasure is 5 Minutes of People Doing Awesome Things. My fave is the opening wheel chair scene. Can you do any of those cool tricks? When my brother Ry-guy was little he could stick 4 pieces of a diced peach up one nostril. I think that's the closest our family gets to doing "awesome" tricks. Hm. Do you have any cool tricks? I'd definitely love to see them. If you want, I'll even post them for you, maybe.

Golden

2010-11-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

This week in the subject of "reading" we are studying "The Gold Rush". It's some pretty good stuff. This morning I put a pertinent riddle on the board:

"How do you turn soup into gold?"

The students wrote their guesses on a little sheet and turned them in. They had to wait till the end of the day to hear their peers' guesses along with the correct answer. Here are some of the 4th grade guesses:

"by boiling it with a goldin coin"

"you boil it in extremly hot water"

"you boil the soup and it will be soft and yellow"

"you boil it and what and make it into a ball."

"put it in a fire"

"you need the soup to get hard then roll it up and wait till it Dries"

"you put yellow food coloren"

"Soup is gold by its color"

"You can't turn soup into gold."

"magic or something"

"I think you Put the gold in and the soup turns into gold."

"by a wizard or majic or just a put gold in soup"

"You freeze the soup"

"You can't it is in posible! There is no way you can"

"I dont know its kind of inpossible. But I would think that you would have the soup get stale and Put glitter on it and then make it doughy. Then smack on the ground. Dont as me why I wrote that. I was just guessing!"

Some smarty pants said "You exchange the letters with the letters in the word gold." Get it?

So you want to know the real answer? It's, "Put 24 carrots into it."

Hahaha! O.k. Not that funny but it added much needed pep for the day.

Gratitute

2010-11-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Those who scoff at children's literature lack a refined sense of literacy. True, there are garbage children's books; Just as true is the fact that there's the same amount, no, there's more of garbage adult literature.

I found this book awhile back.

Yep, it's a children's book of the most refined nature. I love the author. In the past, I'd foregone many opportunities to enjoy her books because the cover art typically had a lack of appeal, for my taste. You could say that I scoffed at them, possibly included judgments of "Looks like garbage". At any rate, I eventually ended up reading one of Baylor's (author) books and was dumb-struck-awed by the quality of writing. Baylor is an all-around first-rate writer and storyteller who doesn't even need illustrations for her work to reach the status of "perfection". For sure I'd buy her books without a single illustration. She's a master, a Yoda in her own right.

So, Thanksgiving season is happening at your household? This recently discovered Baylor book is so harmonious in timing for the festivities and good feelings. It couldn't be more perfect. I'm thinking you might like it (the book, but I'm sure you'll like the season with all its entrails too).

It all starts when a girl who is unsatisfied with her family's income and economic standing takes matters into her own hands. That sober girl sets her family down at the kitchen table to council her parents on the matter. And with that intro, here's a few excerpts to finish it off...

No wonder

I had to call this meeting

about money.

Can you believe

my father is

sitting here

looking me straight in the eye

and saying,

“But, Mountain Girl,

I though you knew

how rich we are.”

I say,

“We can’t get very far

in this discussion

if you won't even admit

that we’re poor.”

(Hey, it's me with another little two cents. From this point the mother talks about how rich they are in ways other then money. End two cents.)

But I say,

“Can’t you give me

one single number

to write down

on this paper?”

So we start with

twenty thousand dollars.

That’s how much

my father says

it’s worth to him

to work outdoors,

where he can see sky

all day and feel the wind

and smell rain

an hour before

it’s really raining.

...

So that makes

four million

and fifty-five thousand dollars.

Finally,

my brother says

to put down

seven dollars more

for all the nights

we get to sleep

outside

under the stars.

We all say

seven dollars

doesn't seem to be

enough.

We talk him into

making it

five thousand.

So there you have a brief, brief clipping of a delicious masterpiece. Isn't is so poetic? There's more in the story but I can't give it all away! Now, I don't think I can recommend it any more highly then I've been going on about, so I'll be signing off.

Thanksgiving, here we come...

Halloween Happenings

2010-10-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming! It hasn't been very festive at our house. We're all old and busy. No fun. On a lighter note, I broke down and got a laptop. A Mac of course. I've been holding out for so long but it's just so detrimental and frustrating at times not having one. So a MacBook it is. I decided to christen it by taking some pictures to coincide with the season:

Creepy? Weird? Yes? Happy Halloween!

Friday Freebie on Saturday Night

2010-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Here's a cool freebie HERE! There's a whole bunch of other free stuff other than Halloween too. See their homepage HERE!

The Lady Liberty

2010-10-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today I bring you an addition to the "High-Fives and Knuckles" library. First, let me take you back to the days of dorky youth-hood. Remember when you made rabbit ears on every person possible in every photo shot?

i.e.

Yeah. That was so 15 years ago.

Today... I bring to you The Lady Liberty.

I'm here to let you know that you don't have to give up those dorky days. Just enhance the method a tad and you're set to go. Let's keep it fresh people. See HERE for past High-Fives and Knuckles.

Princess Hermione

2010-10-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

We girls at home, we're big fans of this movie:

Naturally, we're also big fans of any movie that features this girl:

So when I came across the following trailer I almost felt as though I'd been struck with a blow to the back of the head. How did I miss putting one and one together?! Whoever put this together was inspired. True, the graphics aren't terrific but what it lacks in clarity, it more than doubles in spirit. Unfortunately, embedding the video in this post isn't an option so you'll have to click on the link to view it HERE. Enjoy.

and Break

2010-10-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

It's October Break. I started it out with a quick jaunt to San Francisco to see my dear uncle, aunt, and cousin. Just what the doctor ordered, I mean, I guess, what I ordered. I felt so filled being with them and look forward to visiting again. In life there are people you don't see for years and when the time comes again for reunion, from that moment of greeting and on feelings of friendship and close familiarity flow seamlessly. Conversation carries on like not a day has passed since last communion. That's how it is with this fam. The above picture is missing Uncle Dave (he's taking the pic) but this photo was taken when we attended the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels show (see HERE for details). They were thrilling and the photo below doesn't do them justice but gives you a tiny glimpse.

After the visit, I arrived home and met my grandma at the airport. She came to visit for the week and it's been so good to have her. She is such a comfort to be around and I think she is so stately and noble. Do you have a grandma as wonderful as mine? I think not (unless of course you are my cousin on my mom's side)! She leaves tomorrow and I'm bummed about it. I wish so badly that we lived closer together. You cousins in Idaho are so lucky to have Grandma. Sorry but I don't have a picture of Grandma visiting!

As far as the rest of the break goes, I haven't done much to make a name for myself. James and I had a torturous game of Scrabble last night. Torture. I don't think we made it past any four letter words. Toward the end I made James let me look at his letters in hopes that I could aid our dire situation. I wasn't much help. I should have focussed more energy on producing my own quality submissions. We even fudged on some spelling. How lame was our game and by what measure? Aside from the measurement factor that I was tortured to the point where I broke and could only laugh to make it through, here is a picture for your "lame measurement" consideration:

As for this Thursday evening, James and I went out long-boarding. Las was gone so I texted her to see if I could borrow her board. She never answered back so I took the liberty of taking it out for a ride. I thought that it'd probably be kosher since she rarely spends bonding time with it. I'm pretty sure it was an o.k. thing to do. If not, she'll probably find out about it via this post (Hey Las) and I won't be in the room. If she does care, I'm pretty sure it won't be enough to remember to bark at me. She's got a stellar boyfriend to occupy her time and thoughts with who's way more interesting than a sister-who's-bored-on-a-Thursday-night-that-takes-her-stuff-for-a-few-breif-moments. Anyway, it was fun to go out with James. It wasn't enormously fun though, so we didn't stay out for long (sorry James).

Here's the photo op of James in motion. He took one of me but the shot made my hips look way to huge. No thanks. Too bad the picture of him is blurry. He's such a handsome young man (minus the knee-high, white socks).

Tis the season...

2010-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

So two years ago this time while James and I were at D.I., a wondrous rack of Halloween costumes popped out at us. James was feeling the festive spirit so he chose a costume to adorn himself in. May I present...

...the young man in all "Hallowed" glory. So yeah. Happy Halloween to you!

As for the student teaching, I'm in a regular 4th grade class. I miss my other students so so so so much but I really like this group of 4th graders. Oh the strings that tug at the heart.

Today I caught a student talking about me to his seat partner. After he said "If you look at her eyes, they sparkle at you" he realized I was standing right by him and heard everything. He was so embarrassed. What a crack up. Anyway, I think it's the nicest compliment I've ever received from a kid (besides the time when Brock, while soaring through the air on the swings yelled out, "Miss Erica! I love you more than my pet dog!"). Good times. Maybe more stories to come. Who knows? I don't. I don't have time to think about bloggy kinds of things. I'm thinking about 42 students. I'm swamped but loving it. Lovin' it.

Busy Busy Busy and no pictures for the post

2010-09-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a little student teaching lately. O.K. I've been doing a lot of student teaching lately. I'm currently in a MIMD (Mild Mental Disability) 4-6 grade class with 10 students. I have one week left then I'll switch to a 4th grade regular ed class for 8 additional weeks. I love the students and my mentor teachers. I feel like I've had more kaffofles than successes in the classroom but I'm learning tons. Now that I think about it, I guess I can chalk the kaffofles up as successes if I've learned from them. Hopefully I have.

About two weeks before school started I panicked about having outrageous behaviors. I had outlandish fears like I'd have a heart attack or I'd freeze in the middle of a lesson and not be able to speak or move a muscle. I was afraid every student would run around the room in utter chaos with myself spinning in circles watching it happen, incapable of interfering. Valid fears? You'd think "no" but I assure you that I was 99% convinced something like that would happen. KNOCK ON WOOD! The students are ideal. KNOCK ON WOOD! I care so much for each one. They are so important to me, and I haven't had a heart attack yet.

I want to share all sorts of quotes that the students have said during the day but I'm afraid that part of that heartwarming and humor is magnitudinally lessened for you the reader without knowing those who spoke those classic sentiments. I'll share a few anyway (of course names are changed)...

Bernard to me (6th grade): I love other teachers more than you.

Interpretation: I love you more than other teachers.

Bernard to the next teacher right after talking to me: I love other teachers more than you.

On a comprehension test the other day one of the q and a's went like this:

Q- Why did fans appreciate DiMaggio (Joe)?

Bernard's A- Because he died he cared about his baseball team and the manager missed him and the team missed him.

Ha ha! I love this kid. He tells me every day I'm pretty and look nice. He then proceeds to tell the same thing to all the other aides and teachers around. He says it with so much cheese that I have to try not to crack up. This is an almost daily occurrence.

Here's another student

Me to Felicity (4th grade): Do you know you're so great?

Felicity: Yeah!

Me: How do you know?

Felicity: My mom gives me lots of kisses every day.

Me to Felicity: You did such a great job!

Felicity: Smokin!

Me: What?

Felicity (shaking her hands like they're hot): Smokin!

Ha ha ha ha! I taught them "Smokin" a couple weeks ago. I said it when a small group did well on something. They all gasped and said "ooooh" in disbelief! They thought I was referring to cigarettes. I explained the true meaning then quickly moved on. I never thought they'd remember it but I guess you never can be sure.

In conclusion, will there be more blog posts? Maybe but not likely. I've got some smokin deals at the thrift stores that I'd love to share but life is way to busy present such quality finds. I guess for now, student teaching it is. I'll leave you with a summary of my life right now, Only one word is necessary... Smokin!

Laughter

2010-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of the most, the very most, soul-satisfying feelings I experience in life happens to be drinking in my mom's gut-deep, face-scrunching, total-body-encompassing episodes of laughter. She's been doing it more often lately than she ever has in the past. I love it. Its more satisfying for my soul than soaking in sunshine or singing in the shower. Speaking of singing in the shower, I'm so out of the habit. I can't believe I've been off the bandwagon for so long. Tomorrow morning, I'm singing in the shower.

Saturday's Steal!

2010-08-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today James and I made a little pit stop at Goodwill for it's half-off Saturday prices. After making our purchase and heading to the car, James said "I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (cd on tape) in the glass case". Duh! Of course we went back in to purchase it! It ended up costing $2.49 and is in "new" condition. Score! It originally cost $79.95 but is now $50.37 brand new on Amazon or $32.85 used. But lets be real here. Can there be a price value high enough to represent our devotion to our beloved Harry? No, but I sure am excited about that $2.49!

Emersonmade

2010-08-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. I've had my eye on this skirt for a few weeks. Isn't it lovely? For goodness' sake, it's knee-length and has pockets and pleats all in one! Wow (with a sigh of awe). Too bad it's a whoppin 148 bucks. Maybe I'll whip one up sometime. Some time when I've attained the artful skill of being able to whip. Anyone know of a pattern similar to this skirt? I guess for all you who just have to have it now for 148 big ones, Emersonmade sells the skirt HERE. Also, below is another photo of the skirt because I bet you, like me, just can't get enough.

In Other Words...

2010-08-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Mary Poppins is a childhood hero of mine. She doesn't beat out Maria Vontrap but she's a tough, close competitor. All these years since the beginning of my magical childhood viewing-times, I've never paused to learn how to say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious backwards... until now. A couple of weeks ago I listened over and over and over and over again to the clip of that song with the magical backward word. Now I catch myself saying it in my head at random times of the day, sort of like the way an annoying song pops up in your head, only Marry Poppins could never be annoying. What? You want to say it too? Here's how it goes:

docious-ali-expi-istic-fragi-calli-rupes(roopus)

If you say it over and over and over and over again, it becomes quite catchy. Maybe if someone makes a rude gesture at you while you're out driving around, you can say it to yourself and you'll feel better. Or maybe if you want to freak someone out that's bugging you and won't go away, you could say it to them too. I'm sure the magic would work wonderfully and they'd leave you alone. If, in ignorance, that nuisance of a person asks what you just said, you can tell them it was a jinx. They won't know the difference and I'm sure after hearing such news they'd definitely leave you alone. How magical. Thank you Mary Poppins.

Easy to See Why

2010-07-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ever watch The Munsters?

Fred Gwynne, who played

Herman Munster, wrote and illustrated

He also wrote and illustrated other mention-worthy books which may be located HERE.

Anyway. The premise of today's featured book (Easy to See Why) is that a little girl, on the way to enter her dog in a pet show, passes by multiple dog-owners who look like their dogs. Or do the dogs look like the owners? Let me give you a few pictoral snippets from the book so you can decide for yourself:

So, after reading the book I got to thinking... Do I look like a dog!?

All I had to do was take two minutes and scan through some photos on the computer. I found myself pleasantly suprised to find that yes, I do! If I ever looked like a dog (or still do) I'd definitely be placed in the category of POODLE. There. It's out in the open. I look like a

Yep, see for yourself. I'm a definite poodle.

Impressive right? How did I not know till now that I have such outer potential? You do too, ya know. Do you know what dog you look like? No? Send me a picture. I'll be glad to identify your match and post it up for speculation.

As a side note: Check out this alpaca all trimmed up to look like a poodle. There are so many new family relations I need to become aquainted with.

Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm

2010-07-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Mom fixed some homemade hash browns not to long ago. They were so good. I've been eating them for breakfast, lunch, but not dinner... yet. I'm going to give you the directions so you too can enjoy their deliciosity (don't be fooled by their looks).

Directions:

1. Get a cheese grater that looks like this

2. Grate a potato. Set aside.

3. Pour oil into a pan and heat that sucker up.

4. Spread the gratings to form a thin patty-like form.

5. Fry it till it's brown.

6. Flip it and brown the other side.

7. Take it out and put it on a plate.

8. Put salt and pepper on it.

9. You must put salt and pepper on it.

10. Eat it (it probably tastes best with a side of eggs, but I just eat it solo).

So there you go. Ten easy steps to obtain a greased-up satisfied stomach.

Hammer Time

2010-07-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

Found this gem for 15 cents at the thrift store on Saturday. I'm lovin' the shades on yellow pants guy and the wristwatch on spatter-paint pants boy. MC Hammer would be so proud. If he only knew. If he only knew.

Note: Click on the picture for a magnified view, if you so desire.

Differences

2010-07-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Word to the Wise... or the Not So Wise

2010-07-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through volume "M" of the World Books yesterday and came across a quote fitting for the end of the summer break (I'm back to school for student teaching in 2 weeks):

"In a government founded on the sovereignty of the people the education of youth is an object of the first importance."

James Monroe, Speech to the Virginia Legislature, December 7, 1801

Ain't it the truth! Em er 'mportant thins ta fink 'bout. Who'da thunk id'll make such'a differnce. Let's gets those young'uns some edjumucation four it's two let.

Friday Freebie

2010-07-16T11:06:00.001-07:00

Cute pillow, right? Tutorial is HERE.

When the Family Gets Together

2010-07-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has a sign posted in her house that states "Families are Everything". I couldn't agree more. Last summer at Loyd and Angela's wedding some of us had a little photo shoot. So fun. I think it's time again for someone in the family to get married. There were themes for each photo shot but I can't remember them all. Here are a few of them:

Below is the post photo shoot. Just hanging with some of the couzos:

Oh What Do You Do In the Summertime?

2010-07-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

I went through some pictures from last summer. Las went house-sitting so James and tagged along to swim. Las had a camera and decided to work on sharpening her shooting skills.

She aimed at capturing the mid-dive photos...

And then some...

James's Captain Underpants "Tra-la-la!" pose

The "Firepower" pose

Lessons From Lucky

2010-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was running an errand not to long ago and came upon Lucky grocery store. Oh man. I haven't seen one of those since I was a youngin so it was so very nostalgic to walk in those front doors. As a child, we used to visit Lucky for all those grocery needs. I learned priceless life lessons there. Of course this present store I found was in a completely different state and looked completely different inside from the original. No matter. Let me share some incalculable wisdom obtained solely from this franchise.

Lesson 1: Avoid cages of balls at all costs. When Boo was little-little, one glance in the ball direction would result in her squirming and bugging till she got those idolized balls. As a reader, you might suggest that a quick swat on the bottom would have done well to deter her insistence? You don't understand. This girl was determined. No swat could stop her devotion to the glorified, bouncy-ball cage of splendor. I remember having to stand there till she got it all out of her system (maybe sometimes I played a little with the balls too). Needles to say, we eventually got smart and let her carry a ball around as we shopped then snuck it away at the checkout. At any rate, stay away from cages of bouncy balls!

Lesson 2: Mom is the coolest and will let you mess around with the blood-pressure arm machine near the pharmacy every time we pick up a prescription.

Lesson 3: If you're ever in a hurry to finish making a delectable dinner for guests, and forget that you don't have any OREGANO in your cupboard, don't drive Erica over to Lucky, shove her out of the car with the directions to "get some, and get it quick" while you wait outside. If you do choose such a routine, the following will occur...

Erica will run in the store to the spice section all flustered because she has to hurry. She'll scramble over to the looming wall of spices and look for ARAGANO. She'll search and search. Knowing that she's flustered, she'll search once more thinking "Slow down girl. You missed it. Hurry, slow down!" After failing to find it, the thought will occur "Duh, maybe it's spelled URAGANO!"

The search process will repeat with lack of success only to be followed by the next somewhat doubtful thought "Duh, maybe it's spelled ERAGANO!" Mind you, the whole time she'll feel some impeding pressure because her mother (still sitting outside in the car) who was really frustrated about the setback is now probably ferocious because the time keeps ticking and ticking and ticking (sort of like when Boo would play with the balls).

After the whole ERAGANO search fails, she'll empty-handedly run like the dickens out to the car, full of trembling courage to approach her exasperated mother. The conversation will go something like this:

Mother: Where is it!!??

Erica: They don't have any here.

Mother: What do you mean? Yes they do!!!

Erica: I looked over and over. I couldn't find it. I checked for all the different spellings.

Mother: O-R-E-G-A-N-O?

Erica: Oh.

Erica will then run back in and buy the OREGANO in less than a heartbeat. Many life-lessons can be learned from this little heart-warming (or should I say heart-boiling) story like make sure you have your ingredients before you start cooking or be a patient mother or don't shove innocent daughters out of car doors while you wait outside. Mind you, those are all very good noble lessons to learn (Mom) but the one I will never forget is that if you need some spice, O-R-E-G-A-N-O is the definite way to go.

Lesson 4: After that last OREGANO lesson you might be thinking my mom was a feisty one, right? Now, now. She's a gem I tell you. Just not in that story, or the time when we were little kids (that naturally quarrel, which was what we were doing one day) and she locked us outside, dripping with sweat, while she in turn swam right in front of our tortured faces. But that's another story altogether. At any rate, this last lesson I'll share is a positive one that shaped my mentality as a young woman (not that I'm old now)...

The checkout lady at Lucky that day was a grueling meanie. Picture a middle-aged woman fraught with frown lines and a furrowed brow. Now picture a little bit of saliva drooling down her chin as she growled. Any question asked of her was responded to with with a tight remark. Basically, she sucked the happiness out of each customer as they wanderingly approached checkout. This woman was a doozie. Bummer that we (the kids and Mom) went through her line. No worry though, we made it through the line and even out the doors.

We all had two bits to say about that rude behavior as we walked to the car. How could she be so rude?! What was her problem?! How dare she?! I was all worked up and in a slight huff when mom commented "Maybe her dog died this morning." What!!?? It was a statement that jerked me into deep thought and feeling. All of a sudden I felt, what was it? Compassion? Surely her dog didn't die. Mom is just so corny sometimes. But maybe, maybe her dad died or she needed money really bad to pay for surgery or.. or.. or..

I've since talked to my mom about that day and she doesn't have the slightest recollection of it (I can tell you though that she definitely remembers the OREGANO incident). There were a couple of lessons that can be taken from that walk back to the car but the one I'm ever grateful for, that has often shaped and reshaped my thinking is this: People act all kinds of ways in all kinds of situations, positive and negative. Rather than reacting instantly, take a step back and remember who that person is, who I am, and where we are going. By doing so, often brash judgements and thoughtless reactions/behaviors are not only avoided, but that invitation of compassion and a sense of understanding connects individuals, allowing them to be more on the same page, at one with another. What a way to avert the mumbo jumbo!

So there you have it. Lessons from Lucky. Pretty cool grocery store, huh? Do you have any grocery experiences? Reminiscing has me now remembering all sorts of grocery goodness. Oh, what fun it is to shop.

Friday Freebie!

2010-06-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Crochet much? Me neither. I only do a straight line back and forth. None-the-less, this cute frog suit pattern is yours for free HERE.

Side note: The suit sort of looks like an alligator?

Feline Feelings

2010-06-16T10:47:00.001-07:00

Here at the household we have feelings when it comes to felines. If you're pro-cat then don't watch the clip. You'll most likely be very offended, like our neighbor girl was when we showed it to her. And yes, upon close examination you can see the cat head drop inside the vehicle. : )

Summer Reading

2010-06-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I got this paper-back book last year for my brother... and got one for me too since they were on clearance. Then, the other day on Amazon, I saw that the hardback is now on clearance for a mere $5.20! I ordered two. Not only is it a great price but when an emergency gift is needed, it's ideal.

Knucklehead is the autobiography of Jon Scieszka's growing up childhood with his 5 other brothers. The book is geared toward boys ages 8+ who love potty humor and mischievousness (the good kind). Naturally, I loved it. It's hilarious. There are 106 pages, almost all of which feature photos and/or illustration. Each chapter is a new story and is no more than three pages. It moves along fast and I devoured it in less than an hour. You can actually read the first 3 chapters by clicking on the cover photo that says "Look Inside!" HERE. It's only $5.20 for the hardback right now HERE!

H is for Hector

2010-06-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of The Gashlycrumb Tinies? I discovered this book a couple years back and cracked up. It's dark, I know. If you don't like dark humor, don't read the book online HERE or watch/hear it sung HERE.

The Name Game

2010-06-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

P90X Baby

2010-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Boo borrowed a couple of P90X dvd's from our neighbor the other day. We did the "Plyometrics" one that works out the legs and buns. Holy cow. After 20 minutes I was drenched in sweat. Drenched. Also, after those first 20 minutes I was ready for a rest so when the 30 second break point came up in the schedule, I took it and continued on resting for the remaining 40 minutes of the program while Boonies toughed it out and finished. Does that sound pathetic? Yeah, it is but I feel no shame, even though one of the groupie guys on the dvd has a prosthetic leg and didn't have any trouble at all. It was nice to be able to excercise in the cool of the house during those hard-pressed, precious, few minutes. I'm definitely going to do it again today and plan on making it the whole way through. To bad you won't be there. It's going to be quite a show.

Last Week

2010-06-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Family-Bonding-Yard-Work-Time...

The scorpion enemy:

The pvc pipe weapon (bravely utilized by mom):

The size and outcome (being mostly dead before its final smashing to smithereens):

There's never a dull moment during those precious early hours shared together while working on the yard. Those scorpions sure do give me the creeps.

Side note: They don't give me the creeps when we drop them into a flaming ring of fire on the sidewalk followed by egging them on. That's pretty cool.

Proverbial Wisdom

2010-05-31T06:20:00.001-07:00

At the end of every school year, my mom gives her kindergarten students a list of the first halves of common proverbs. The students then fill in the second half. Here's some of what this year's kids had to say (their words are italicized and spelled exactly as they wrote them):

You can lead a horse to water but he will splash water on you.

No news is in the male box.

You can't teach an old dog to play video gams.

Where there's smoke, there's sigrix (cigarettes).

A penny saved is in my cut off sock (the girl who wrote this saves her money in a sock).

Two's company, three can not fit.

Don't put off until tomorrow what is bad.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you; cry and say good bye to your friend.

Children should be seen and not spankt.

If at first you don't succeed will have a bad day.

When the blind lead the blind thae bump into the wol.

Better late than school.

So there you have it. Aren't they so smart? I'm going to miss them so much!

Poem For the Day

2010-05-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Liar

Deceiver, dissembler
Your trousers are alight
From what pole or gallows
Shall they dangle in the night?

When I asked of your career
Why did you have to kick my rear
With that stinking lie of thine
Proclaiming that you owned a mine?

When you asked to borrow my stallion
To visit a nearby-moored galleon
How could I ever know that you
Intended only to turn him into glue?

What red devil of mendacity
Grips your soul with such tenacity?
Will one you cruelly shower with lies
Put a pistol ball between your eyes?

What infernal serpent
Has lent you his forked tongue?
From what pit of foul deceit
Are all these whoppers sprung?

Deceiver, dissembler
Your trousers are alight
From what pole or gallows
Do they dangle in the night?

-William Blake, 1810

DONE!

2010-05-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Anytime I walk to lunch with the kindergartners, they want to hold hands. It sounds really sweet, and it is, until there are 5 of them clawing at me. A couple months ago I told the kids there was a new rule that I'm not aloud to hold hands anymore. One wide-eyed, blue-eyed boy is pretty sly, aside from being cute. Awhile back, he just grabbed my hand as I was walking along. When I looked down at him, he kept looking forward without even stealing a glance at my reaction. Just pretended like nothing had happened. Ha ha. He pretty much lassoed my heart and has drug it around everywhere since.

About a month ago, the sly hand-holder told me he is going to Hawaii this summer on vacation. I told him he could take me with him and I'd be his buddy there. No way was that an option for him. Only his family was going. Come lunch time, he wanted to hold my hand. I reminded him of the hand holding rule, since everyone started to gather to pounce on the "yes" response. I almost moved right along, then changed my mind. If he'd take me to Hawaii, of course I'd hold his hand on the way to lunch. I told him so and offers started pouring in from all of the kindergartners. Many offered to take me to Hawaii, some to California, and my favorite offer was "I'll take you to Hawaii AND Chucky Cheese!". Ha ha! If only such offers were valid. My summer would be set.

I had to run to get ice yesterday during lunch. As I walked past the kinder playground to the car, one of the boys on a swing yelled out "Erica! I'll marry you cuz I think you're beautiful and I'll take you to California!". Sweet! Marriage proposal AND a vacation plan. To bad he's not 20 years older... or maybe it's a good thing! It was a decent farewell for the end of the school year. I'm going to miss bartering handholding for vacations.

Other things I'll miss this summer include: digging for dinosaur bones in the sandbox, singing The Princess Pat, Miss Polly Had a Dolly and The Peanut songs, sneaking gummy bears to kids when my mom isn't looking, playing Sharks and Minnows (sandbox style) with the third grade during lunch recess, kid reactions when I reply "Yes, but not here on the playground!" after they ask if they can go to the bathroom, chatting with kids in the back room instead of working on math like we're suppose to, seeing the students be and feel successful, finding a good book match for someone, working with the office staff who have become much more that just co-workers, and the list goes on and on and on and on. Field has been my home across the street from home. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to return in the fall to do my student teaching. Look out!

Thing I won't miss this summer: Crossing guard duty. There were some good moments (HERE and HERE and HERE). There some other moments. The moments are done. Done for good. And I'm quite content with the fact.

Viewpoints

2010-05-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

1. Kindergarten Jess, mentioned before HERE (number 3) and HERE (the whisper story), started chatting today at lunch about going to Disneyland, which will happen for her as soon as everyone (2 little boys and sister w/autism) at home are potty trained. The conversation moved on to how her autistic sister Jen, when asked what you do in the potty, says "poo" or "pee". Jess was excited Jen could respond to the question, which is very positive as she hardly communicates verbally. The end of our conversation went like this:

Me: Well it'll be nice when you get to heaven and she'll be able to talk to you. She'll probably tell you "thank you" for giving her so many hugs (I've seen Jess give her quite a few hugs).

Jess (with raised eyebrows): Actually, I think she'll say sorry.

Me: Why?

Jess (wide-eyed): Last time she gave me a hug, it was too tight.

2. Today, I enlisted aid from some naughty fourth-graders to help me transfer class sets of textbooks from classrooms to the library. Those guys needed to stay busy while the rest of the 4th grade classes were gone on a field trip to The Grand Canyon. Anyway, as we hauled books back and forth, those guys and one girl kept acting like they were about to have a heart attack from the "heavy" labor. I think they honestly believed it was strenuous, no matter how significantly I let them lighten their loads. I thought it was funny that transporting a pile of 3 teacher manuals could evoke painful moans and require a water break upon delivery. I told them that this work would build character and muscle, and to take a look at their muscles now, so they could see how much they'd grown when they checked them out at the end of our painful task. They sort of believed me (the muscle part) and the moaning died down a bit after they showed each other the "before" muscles. I was entertained the whole morning while watching them lug books around like they weighed 100 pounds.

3. So the mini life lesson I got today from the above stories combined:

Like Jess, I'm sure that sometimes when I view present situations through my scope of eyesight and understanding, there is another pair of eyes from above that twinkle, and have twinkled before, with a knowing laugh. Like my fourth graders, I will have to do difficult tasks. I've already had such tasks that I've moaned about and thought were going to almost kill me. In fact, I can think of times that I'd been reminded that character and muscle were being added upon. Past loads, that seemed iron cast and impossible really were completely doable, though I was wanting the nature of the featherweight business, and man, even though I don't have a six-pack now, you should check out my guns.

Time's Up

2010-05-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

My cell phone contract has been up for awhile now but I haven't gone in for a new phone because my old one was still tickin. The back cover fell off a long time ago leaving the battery exposed but, hey, it still worked. Anyway. I went to Walmart with Boo on Friday and, while in the electronic section, found that with a 2 year renewal of contract, the chocolate touch would be given for free. Cha-Ching. That's right. Zero dollars. We went back on Saturday and sealed the deal.

I'm not too into cell phones, meaning I leave mine at home all the time when I go out and often can't find it around the house when I do want it; however, during the ride home, while fiddling around with my new beauty, I felt pretty excited about my improved situation. After arriving home, I even carried the phone around the house with me. About an hour/45 minutes later, after the excitement died down, I forgot about the new phone in my back pocket, unfortunately. Unfortunately? Yes... I had to take a bathroom break and a split second prior to seating myself, I heard a plop in the toilet. For a millisecond I thought "What in the world? That sound didn't come from me!". As I turned around, I saw my phone sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I grabbed it out lightning quick and dried it off but alas, it was no use. It was ruined!

I headed out to the Verizon store (not at Walmart) to see what my options were. I was disappointed to find that my phone, just hours old, could only be replaced if I payed 50 dollars, as it was insured. Huff. Puhlease. I wasn't going to pay one lick for a new phone. What a big fat bummer. My only other option was to trek back to Walmart with a smidgen of hope. The guy who helped me with the phone deal earlier was still there and... in minutes I found myself in possession of an identical brand new phone, at no cost! What a deal.

Side-note: I checked the model display of my new LG Chocolate Touch phone at the Verizon store and had I renewed my contract there, I would have had to pay 129 bucks (with $50 mail in rebate). For the same transaction I had at their Walmart location! What a well kept secret those Walmart hideouts are. From now on, I'm always checking at Walmart first, naturally. Also, below is a photo of my sometimes trusty, prior phone.

Gotta Love It

2010-05-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

A favorite author/illustrator: James Marshall

Favorites of his works: George and Martha series and The Stupids series

Purchase/check out: George and Martha HERE; The Stupids HERE

Friday Freebie

2010-05-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

HERE's a cool tutorial from dana-made-it.com demonstrating the process of making shadow shirts. I'm thinking a Bob Ross shirt would be ideal. Who's Bob Ross you ask? See HERE. The below pictures give a glimpse of the idea behind the process and are from the tutorial, which goes more in depth HERE.

Abduction

2010-05-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

One time James kidnapped my doll. He took a threatening picture and sent it along to me with a ransom note demanding 1 plate of cookies. He's so tricky. I was going to kill him but quickly realized that by so doing, I'd never get Louisa May back. He got his darn plate of cookies and some accompanying severe threats that, should he start feeling brave with kidnapping endeavors in the future, I'd make sure that he'd never see the light of day again.

Louisa May currently mingles with the Wild Things on my bed (when it's made). She comfortably sports homemade, polka-dot pajamas fashioned by my mom. Her cute pink socks came from the dollar aisle at Target. She hasn't been abducted since the first incident and couldn't be happier with the life she's currently living. Luckily, James doesn't read my blog so he won't get any conniving ideas from this post. I hope you find the safety and protection Louisa May is afforded in your coming endeavors this week. Peace out.

Family Keepsakes

2010-05-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

All right. If I must, I must. In yesterday's post, I mentioned finding some pictures that are a "hoot". Shauni read it and said that by mentioning the content of the pictures I might as well have just posted them. Hmm. Here they are. What do you think?

Before the strip-down in the Missississippi, I bet my mom told the Captain not to worry, that no one was looking. No one was... then.

After all was said and done and the fun had been had, there was evidence remaining. The Captain got embarrassed over these snapshots for a long time afterward. I didn't tell him they'd be posted today, but I'm pretty sure he's past the embarrassment part now... hopefully.

I now bring to you the best, saved for last. It's the wedgie one. Priceless. Yep, priceless...

Reminiscing

2010-05-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling through some old photos today in search of one in specific. I got caught up looking through all of them and found so many that would be a hoot to share. Unfortunately, the subjects of those photos probably wouldn't appreciate their presence on my blog (Shauni picking a wedgie and James playing in the Missississippi river in spiderman undies). Maybe I'll get permission to share them at a later date, or maybe I won't get permission and share them at a later date. Anyway here's some photos from one of the albums...

After turning 8 years of age, the opportunity to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (see HERE) was presented to James. As he turned 8 while my grandparents were serving a mission in Nauvoo (see HERE), it was decided that we'd just mosey on over and take care of business there; for one, grandparents were there serving a mission where rich family history took place and, for two, why not?

At the time, I was attending school at BYU-Idaho so I hopped on a flight late, late at night and we the fam hopped on a train early that next morning. Here's Boo and I catching some z's at the station.

After the mini-nap, but before hopping on the train, we stuck money on the tracks to see what would happen. I'd always been awed by the scene in Pollyanna when Jimmy Bean stuck a chain on the train tracks. Would it work with money? Yes, it did.

Upon our arrival in Nauvoo, we proceeded to travel in the rental car. Notice the tightly upholstered, stony gray, mostly uncomfortable driver's seat. Now notice the children in the back. I love pictures that for one, have awkward chair placement and for two, have us kids grouped together (though we're missing Ryan on this trip). My favorite family photos are always the ones that are taken randomly when we're sitting together, all of us crammed in the photo at once (it helps my lack of a photogenic nature to be surrounded by those beauties). Enough said about the below photo. Actually, too much said. Moving along...

The following and last two pictures were taken at James's baptism. Yes, he was baptized outside in the Missississippi river. It was a cool experience. The first photo below is the family (sans James and Dad) and the second one is of my grandma, sisters, and I walking back to the car after the baptism. I love that photo.

Drinkin' and Drivin'

2010-05-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

How's it going? Long time no talk. Here's a good one...

Getting Close to Mothers' Day

2010-04-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Mothers' Day is coming up, which is rather convenient as I've been feeling very grateful for my mom lately. She's simply the best. I wish I had the capacity to express my sentiments in a manner of magnitude that would even come close to the reflection of her inherent, immeasurable quality of character. Alas, here are some tidbits that will have to do, examples of qualities and attributes I've had the privilege of (hopefully) learning from:

1. She values righteousness above, well, the alternative.

2. When she makes mistakes, she's truly humble. For example, last year she got on this kick called "family yard-work time" and held those pow-wows for a couple of weeks straight in the blazing, mid-morning, Saturday heat. (Enter sarcasm) Good one mom (exit sarcasm). It was hellish. After a couple of weeks, we kids gave her a talking to (respectfully of course) and in humility, she obligingly switched the next appointed date to an earlier time of day.

Note: That was not the kind of reflection of mom's humility I wanted to go for, but oh well. Free story for you. On to number three...

3. She knows how to laugh and do so thoroughly. She knows how to laugh harder than anyone I know. For example, a long time ago that wasn't too long ago, she and I were at the deli of the local grocery store. We stood looking at our reflections in the bowed glass. We definitely looked like squatty Oompa Loompas. I waved my arms up and down and lifted my feet. She followed suit. We sat there momentarily, waving our arms doing "The Freddy". She laughed so heartily that I had to stop and watch her laugh. I remember thinking "Shouldn't mom be quiet? People are going to stare!" I was more conscious of her laughter drawing attention than that which would have come of "The Freddy"? At any rate, I loved seeing her laugh like that. I'll never forget it. She can still laugh hard. And I still love it.

Don't know what "The Freddy" is? It's toward the end of the video clip below. Classic dance from some classic girls.

On to number four...

4. She is the hardest worker I've ever met. Ever. On top of that, she is diligent in her efforts, labors, and responsibilities. She doesn't work hard for a week or a month only to cut back and take it easy for however long (not that she doesn't have a balance). She pushes forward, giving her all and then some more, and doesn't look back. Also, her work is always fruitful. If I were an employer, I'd beg her to come work for me. You know what, I think someday I will be an employer (of something or other), and darn it, I will beg her to come work for me.

And now for number five...

5. She has a terrible sense of humor sometimes. If you're ever hungry and want something to eat, don't tell her "I feel like chicken". She'll pinch and poke your arm and say in return, "You don't feel like chicken to me." Terrible sense of humor. Also, don't tell her "I'm tired." She'll reply, "Hi tired! I'm Susan!". Terrible sense of humor. And ya know what? I've kind up picked up on that style too. I feel torturous dread when I hear the corny humor tumble out of my own mouth, but I can't not say it! Aaaah!

All right. There's so much more to say for this post, but I've got to go. I really wish I could post more but you'll just have to come for a visit and drink up her goodness yourself. It you can't stop by, then stay tuned till next year's getting-close-to-Mothers'-Day installment.

Poem for the Day

2010-04-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

toucannery

whatever one toucan can do

is sooner done by toucans two

and three toucans it's very true

can do much more than two can do

and toucans numbering two plus two can

manage more than all the zoo can

in fact there is no toucan who can

do what four or three or two can.

Jack Prelutsky

Photo from HERE

Poem for the Day

2010-04-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness

My heart was heavy, for its trust had been

Abused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;
So, turning gloomily from my fellow-men,
One summer Sabbath day I strolled among
The green mounds of the village burial-place;
Where, pondering how all human love and hate
Find one sad level; and how, soon or late,
Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,
And cold hands folded over a still heart,
Pass the green threshold of our common grave,
Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart,
Awed for myself, and pitying my race,
Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,
Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!

John Greenleaf Whittier

Weekend Find

2010-04-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

So I found some keepers this weekend and, surprisingly, I'm not talking about the books. The lovely skating duo bookends cost me a total of one dollar. I can hear you guffaw "Is that all?" as I relay the thrifty news. If I were the one asking "Is that all?", it would be in a tone of amazement that such a screaming deal wouldn't cost so much more. But I'm not the one asking. I'm guessing that those words probably dripped from your tongue with ample disdain. Here's what some of the household (and visitors) had to say:

Las's- Stupid.

Adrian- They look like trophies from a 6th grade ice-skating competition in Minnesota.

Shauni- Those are ridiculous. Are they really going to hold up books? They're kind of tacky. Are they going to be in your front room? Anywhere you put them, they'll look tacky.

Adam- I don't know what my opinion is of those things.

So, two cheap trophies (one 1988 6th place and the second 1989 7th place) are garbage just sitting on the shelf, or are they? I'm thinking about spray-painting them white to give them a sort of statuesque feel. Yep, I think I'll do that.

More For Reals

2010-04-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Why have I spent so much time in college when I could have been doing something like this?

Quote For the Day

2010-04-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."

Samuel Beckett, "Worstward Ho", 1983

Irish author, dramatist, & novelist in France (1906-1989)

For Reals?

2010-04-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Where do these guys come from?

Scary Mary? Very. Be Wary.

2010-04-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Something of Dreams

2010-04-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

A while back, during one of my literacy classes, my teacher briefly posted a quote on the overhead. It was intriguing and I copied it down quick so I could ponder it at a later time:

"It's in the morning for most of us. It's that time, those few seconds when we're coming out of sleep, but we're not really awake yet, for those few moments we're something more primitive than what we're about to become, we have just slept the sleep of our distant ancestors, and something of them and their world still clings to us. For those few moments, we are unformed, uncivilized. We are not the people we know as ourselves, but creatures more in tune with a tree than a keyboard. We are untilted, unnamed, natural, suspended between was and will be."

-STARGIRL by Jerry Spinelli

I thought it was interesting. I liked turning it over in my head a couple of times. Just the other day, I read through a speech given by Richard G. Scott. You can read the whole thing HERE. One of his comments that caught my attention reminded me of the above quote from STARGIRL:

"One of the most memorable and powerful patterns of communication by the Spirit is through dreams. I have learned that when the transition from being fully asleep to being fully awake is almost imperceptible, it is a signal that the Lord has taught something very important through a dream."

Hm. I do like finding little connections between other's ideas and then comparing those to my personal life. Not only is it enlightening to identify those pieces that fit into my personal experiences, but I like to be on the lookout for/figure out those other ideas that I haven't quite fully realized, if they even are to be.

P.S. The polk-a-dot flower background was getting to be a bit much to look at. I was starting to feel pretty allergic to the whole situation. So, back to plain and simple.

Suzann Perry's Cast Offs

2010-04-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was browsing along D.I. and I decided to check out the "collectible" glass cases. I usually don't float by there but boy am I glad I did because I found a set of The Journal of Discourses. It's a good set, and a full on for that matter. All 26 + the index volume are present and accounted for. There are no internal markings, the binding is taut, and the pages aren't discolored in the least bit. The only 2 imperfections with the set:

1. On the cover of each volume, the gilding of "Suzann Perry" has been rubbed of with only the impression remaining.

2. The outer leather creases (where the cover flap meets the spine) of a couple of the volumes are cracked.

I looked for a set on Amazon awhile back and found the cheapest one to be about $500 out of the question. When I found this present set was $175, I was thrown into a semi-frenzied panic then went into a deep, thoughtful daze trying to figure out how to make this impossibility work. Too bad $175 is a lot of money that's waaay out of my budget. Too bad I can't afford to not have it. I guess it wasn't an impossibility after all, seeing that they now rest on the bookshelf at home. Oh Suzann Perry (sigh). Why did you get rid of this treasure? I'm sure glad you did.

Friday Freebie

2010-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for the freebie "Chipmunk Softie" directions.

Happy Friday Freebie!

Off the Tip of the Tongue

2010-04-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

I like the way these words roll of the tip of the tongue (definition has nothing to do with it). Go ahead and read them out loud to get the full effect:

Clandestine

Clever

Pleasant

Popularity

Prominent

Protrude

Quarter

Quitter

Regal

Resilient

Sadistic

Sardonic

Satin

Seamless

Snack

Sniff

Superfluous

Now, after alphabetizing these gems, I see there seems to be a commonality among them; I like words that begin with C, P, Q, R, and S. Hmm. Are there any words you like to say and/or like the sound of?

Yet Some More!

2010-04-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Here we go again... The first two original posts are located HERE. And without further ado...

And one of the bloopers...

Purchased and Practiced

2010-04-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today I bought the sheet music for "The Way I am", recorded on the above pictured album, and went home to jam on the piano. Needless to say, I averaged singing about a word a minute. It took considerable concentration playing the notes. It's coming along though. I couldn't embed the music video directly to here but if you'd like to see it, click HERE. I would suggest listening to the song without watching the video. The video is full of clowns, which promotes the creepy factor upon first viewing. If you must watch, watch. But if you've never heard the song my recommendation would be to simply listen first. Processing the audio and visual at the same time afford a completely different experience.

P.S. If you come on over for a visit, maybe you'll get a personal concert or something. Just be warned that I might require you to play the bongo drums.

Finished

2010-04-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

I finished reading this last week. As far as ratings go, I'll give the author brownie points for creativity. Haddon wrote with a unique style and "perspective". Overall, I didn't really care for it. It wasn't realistic, though the writing seemed to assume that stance. It reminded me of the movie "The Truman Show". I also didn't like the fact that there wasn't much meat to it. It was a brainless read, which is a good at times, but nah. So to end on the positive note, I'll give it the brownie points for the creativity and it was easy to read through with with a medium level of interest.

I picked up this book today and read the first short story. It was definitely a good read and requires rereading for analysis. I love good short stories.