Friday, September 29, 2006
Friday Catch-Up
LLB had a field trip to Maymont and had a wonderful time. Don't ask me what Maymont is or what they did - I didn't go because I had to teach my handbell class. She did say something about a mansion with velvet wall paper and gold on the ceilings.
Because of that little lovely, she had a mountain of homework and a couple of tests and very little time to get it all done in. (Gee, thanks so much for disrupting my already precarious schedule by tossing in a field trip and large history paper...) The paper took two evenings to write. She had to write a story about riding a train across the country - you know, the transcontinental railroad that was finished in the 1860's. She wrote a diary. She worked hard and it is terrific! I am so impressed! LLB HATES to write, but this one came easy - it just took forever...
#1 Son did the football practice thing and had the typical series of exams and homework. He had another math exam this week. He worked his tail off to try to get that elusive A. Well, my friends, he succeeded. He got 105%! Yippee! He was so proud of that grade. (And he should be!) It's amazing that if you do enough problems, you can succeed in math...
Yesterday afternoon it rained. It rained a lot! #1 Son had is first football game in the rain. I wanted him to be cold wet and miserable...(I hate football, can you tell?) They called the game just after half time with the score at 28 - 0 in favor of our team. The boy did get to play and helped his team score a touch down. He was soggy, but he was happy - not cold... not miserable... Some of #1 Son's team mates went out for burgers - they had a great time! Mr. Bug enjoyed 35 cent wings and a $1.50 beer while the boys did their bonding thing. They were all smiles when they got home - a win and a bargain all in one day - priceless!
I taught my handbell classes. Did you know that interims come out on Monday? Now you do. I sent each and every one of my students' parents an email - to some, I told only good things, others found out that their cherubs didn't turn in homework. I cannot award passing grades if homework isn't turned in, can I? These parents fork out $16k per year and the kids didn't do their homework - are you kidding me?? I heard from almost all of the parents. The homework will be in my box this morning. I thought it would be.
I might have to teach a high school level handbell class today. MIGHT - yup you read that correctly. It seems the principal uses my class period to do important things with the HS kids - like have class elections, assemblies, and umm.. I dunno, pick his nose... So, I'm supposed to stand around on one foot and wait for him to decide if my class will meet. That's terrific, isn't it? Well, the kicker is... I do it... Why? Because the money is good. So if you need me today, I'll be the idiot standing around waiting for the phone to ring. (This is almost worse than waiting for the boyfriend to call to schedule a date!!)
I had the scrapbooking ladies over yesterday. Did you know that you can de-clutter, vaccuum, disinfect the bathroom, and get the laundry put away in an hour? I was a maniac, but I got it done! I can't have the ladies see my house in clutter mode... They are just the sweetest bunch! We crafted, we laughed, we chatted, and we ate a delicious lunch that Mr. Bug prepared - they love him because he cooks.
BTW: They all said they are moving in if the Grandbugs don't get here soon. So - Grandbugs - you're on notice...
#1 Son is off to the 8th Grade Retreat this weekend. While the cat is away... we will be chowing down all the foods he doesn't like. I think I'm going to push for my favorite - Osaka - tonight. Since my birthday is Monday I think that I might get my way. We absolutely LOVE the fried rice there. It's just the best! Oh, and the sushi is yummy, too.
Today is a half day of school. Basically, the children go to school to eat lunch. It works for me...
You are now officially caught up on the goings on at The Crossing.
Enjoy your day....
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Love is in the Air...
He is totally smitten with this new girl. I'll call her Emily. You remember her mother is a teacher at the school. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing, but now I think it's great. There are eyes everywhere at school :-) Many eyes keep hormones in check.
#1 Son called his sweet Emily on Sunday afternoon. The boy obviously learned to talk on the phone from his mother. He talked -- and I mean really talked -- to her for over an hour. When I finally put my foot down and told him that he'd talked enough, he very nicely told her that I needed the phone. He walked over and said, "Ah...6 min." (The phone tells you how long you talk.) I laughed. I said, "Try an hour and 6 min."
He said, "Oh, cool."
Yesterday he came home from school still floating...
Ahh.. young love...
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Saturday...
It is finished.
The painters are coming to touch up one little thing, but it is finished.
The cabinets work. The shower door is in. The cleaning lady is coming today.
I still have hair.
Most of it is still brown - thanks to hair dye.
I am doing a load of laundry to make sure that the washer and dryer work the way they should.
When I start baking, I'm going to be using every oven in this house. I can certainly bake a lot of cookies at one time - and I'll get my excersise running from oven to oven. :-)
The ice maker works - I'll be having all of my drinks with ice from over there -- thankyouverymuch.
Gram and Grandpa Bug better get their butts in gear and get down here before I take over!! BWAAHAHAHA
Ahem.. Excuse me.. I don't know what happened just then.
Maybe I'm not as sane as I thought I was...
On to the family update:
The kids had another dance at school yesterday. It seems my son is known as a "HOTTIE". I suppose there are worse things. He's on to another girl.. This one is cute and smart and her mother is a teacher at the school. (This can be good or this can be bad) I'll keep you all posted.
LLB danced with her friends and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Some older girls came over to her and told her that she was a really good dancer - I guess all these dance lessons are paying off. The compliment made her day!
I worked the dance - I served drinks and kept the chip bowls full. I did NOT sneak into the gym to see what my sweet cherubs were up to, but I did keep tabs through the principal. :-) She is a good woman!
Some kids were pretty funny when they came to get their snacks. They walked up to the table where we had three choices of drinks and 4 choices of snacks. The looked the situation over. Everything was laid out on the table in plain sight -- buffet style.
They asked, "Um.. do you have diet coke?"
My thought, "Um.. do you see diet coke?"
My answer, "Not today. We have lemonade, pink lemonade, and orange."
They asked, "Oh.. (swiping pink lemonade) Where's the pizza? I thought we were having pizza."
My answer, "Sorry, no pizza today."
They said, "GRRR! I only came for the pizza"
My thought, "It's a dance - not a pizza party"
My answer : :-)
Friday, September 22, 2006
Friday Feast
Measured in minutes or hours, how much exercise have you had in the last week?
Hmm... I guess I'd have to say maybe 5 hours. I walk with the dog and do ballet. That takes some time... I could use a few more situps, a few more miles, and a few more leg lifts, though...
Soup
If you had to change your blog title to something else, what would it be?
I have no idea. It took me a long time to get this name...
Salad
Name one television show you watched when you were 9-12 years old.
School House Rock - OMG that's the best!! I watched Happy Days. I watched Laverne and Shirley... I watched the Wonderful World of Disney... Oh and Battlestar Galactica... Ahh.. those were the days...
Main Course
If someone gave you $50 to spend with the one condition that it had to be educational, what would you purchase?
Cooking Lessons
Dessert
Do you tend to prefer dark colors, neutral shades, or lighter/pastel hues?
To wear - black, fuscia, pink, navy.
My house - blues and beiges
My yard - green.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Thursday 13
1. Went to Ballet Class - and survived. I even had a "lightbulb moment". The ballet teacher was telling us which butt muscles to use and then she casually mentioned not to use the upper butt muscles. She pointed - as I would do for you, but you can't see me. OMG! I totally got it! I relaxed those muscles and guess what?!! Some of my hip pain dissipated almost immedately. I've been using the wrong rear end muscles!! Who would have known?? Certainly not me! And it's my butt!! 2. Dealt with the builder who doesn't do email very well. He called to tell me that the email I sent to him was incomplete. HAH! He just didn't like the dollar figure in that email! 3. Cleaned Pumpernickel's crate. Did laundry. Started some crocheting for Christmas gifts. 4. Walked Zebbie - at least one mile every day for the past week. Yes, my pants are starting to fit better... 5. Went to my Handbell Directors' Conference and loved every single minute of it. 6. I took LLB to the pediatrician so he could look at the mole on her hand. He says it's fine, but that we can have it removed. I'll be calling the dermatologist real soon. 7. I described to my students how to practice handbells without actually owning a set. I showed them how they can use spoons, paintbrushes, or whatever they happen to have at home. Personally, I think they think I'm totally nuts. I just may be!! 8. I called Mr. Bug a Cupie Doll. I think I need to explain this one. Mr. Bug is balding - ever so "slightly" (read more than he knows). He was up on the hill with the dog the other morning. His curls were standing on end - they were just blowing in the wind. His belly was sticking out and he really and truly looked just like a cupie doll. I tried to be good. I really did! And then it just slipped out.. I called him a Cupie Doll. I still think it is pretty funny!! Fortunately for me, he has a sense of humor!! 9. Told #1 Son how proud I am of him for his efforts at school. The boy works very hard for every grade he gets. He is currently managing all A's and football. Today he came out of practice - loaded down with books and stinky smelly things - and the first words out of his mouth were, "Hey, Mom. I got an A on my Spanish test!" I do so love that kid!! I would have high fived him, but that would have meant that I'd have to carry a smelly thing... Ummm.. NOT happening. 10. #1 Son will be playing Uncle Drosselmeyer in the Nutcracker this year. I called him from the ballet studio with the news last night. He was pumped!! Want tickets? 11. I worked at the ballet studio this week, too. I have to get Mr. Bug to join me there soon so he can move my desk. The way the desk is situated, it's really uncomfortable. I have to slink behind it to work. I'm thin, but I'm not that thin... I tried to move the desk myself, but it is HUGE and HEAVY. I need a Cupie Doll to move it for me. :-) 12. I helped LLB with her trumpet music. Some of those rhythms can be tricky. We worked them out together. BTW: She's got great sound coming out of that thing!! 13. Went to lunch with Mr. Bug today. We met for chinese at our local chinese food joint. It was pretty good, but wow, I'm thirsty!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Where Have I Been?
Well, let me see. I had my ballet class on Wednesday. I skipped my Newcomers' Activity Fair for many reasons, but I really really wanted to go to my ballet class. So, I went. I can still function. I can still move. And -- are you ready for this one? My pants are starting to fit better. I'm sure the extra sit-ups and simply sucking my tummy in more frequently than never have helped a bit.
I had my handbell class on Wednesday afternoon. My kids are terrific! I have one who thinks she knows it all -- wait until she gets a look at the new music I purchased over the weekend. We'll see if she really knows her stuff, won't we?
Thursday was lunch with a dear friend with whom I haven't had time to just sit down and chat. We talked and talked and just caught up with each other. That was so nice. Then Thursday afternoon brought #1 Son's football game. Yes, they won and no, he didn't play. I did heave a sigh once the game was over.
Friday brought the kids' first school dance of the year. #1 Son danced with a new girl he's been eyeing since the first day of school. It seems she's quite cute. LLB was wooed by a bunch of 8th grade boys. She refused to dance with any of them. She thinks boys are dorks. That will change...
I was at a handbell directors' seminar this weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I learned a ton and I'm pumped to get back into the classroom. I got this nifty tidbit from the speaker. She suggested guidelines for the people in the group. Tell them what you expect from them and what your goals are for the year. I actually made guidelines and wrote my goals down. Then I composed a letter for the parents that tells them what I am all about and what I want from their kids. I sent it in to my Director of Music and she's already responded and told me how much she liked it. I'll pat myself on the head now, thankyouverymuch...
The children both had Cotillion this weekend. The aren't in the same class, so there is a bit of a transportation issue when I'm unavailable to drive, but we made it work. LLB had a very nice time, saw some friends, and generally enjoyed herself. #1 Son's first words at pick-up time were, "Gee, Dad, there's a lot of good lookin' girls in that class!" I'm thinking he enjoyed himself...
The house saga continues. The builder wants his final payment. HA! He's not getting it until he's finished. I told him to fix the cabinet doors - some rub, some aren't even, and one goes thunk thunk when it opens. Yes, I could fix them. But, I'm NOT going to do it. The shower door has not been installed... the list of nit noids goes on... He sent me an email that said that he, himself, had fixed those cabinet doors. I'm thinkin' he best bring his tools and fix them again if he's wantin' to get paid... He's supposed to show on Thursday to go over the paperwork for his final payment. Think he'll show?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A Day In The Life
All but 3 of my charges have rung bells before. I had them do some sight reading and they did absolutely great! I heaved a huge sigh of relief. We are off to the Area III Youth Festival in November and I can rest assured - They will play well. It might not be perfect, but that's okay. They will be able to keep up.
That said, I woke up this morning with a really really achy hip. I think I found the problem... Standing on that concrete floor for 50 min. did me in. I had to ring for a while because one of my student's mothers showed up and took her out of class. (I was not happy, but what am I going to do? I certainly can't tell the parent that she can't have her kid. I've been that parent!) I think it may be the table height being too short, as well. At least I may now have an idea what causes my pain... :-)
LLB is staying after school for Drama Club today. She's very excited! #1 Son has football practice and is a bit put out that he can't attend. After Oct. 17th, he will be there.
Dam*ed Football! He really isn't sure he likes it at all. As a matter of fact, I don't think he's really having very much fun, but he made a commitment. It's only a few more weeks. Boy is he going to appreciate his free time in October!!! The child was up until 9pm studying and doing homework last night. He wanted to stay up until 10 to get some extra work done. We told him to get up early in the morning to do that. Ask me if I've seen him yet? HA! He's still sawing wood up there!!
Mr. Bug and I are off to Costco this morning. We really know how to live it up! If you need us, you know where to find us - we'll be in the aisle with the free samples!!
Gotta run!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday Memories
As part of the 9/11 tribute started by D. Challener Roe, I have been assigned Robert Grant Norton of Flight 11. I requested an individual from the DC Area, but was given Mr. Norton. When I started researching - what little I could find about him - I understood why I had him... View More Monday Memories Participants Trackbacks, pings, and comment links are accepted and encouraged! |
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Pickles...
Mr. Bug went to the grocery store last week. LLB had asked him to purchase Claussen pickles for her. If you've never had a Claussen, you are missing out. They are found in the refrigerator case. Mr. Bug made at least 3 passes through the store, asked a grocery clerk, and the store manager. No pickles. He was thoroughly annoyed when he got home.
"I can't believe that there was not one Claussen pickle in that entire store."
"They didn't even know what I was talking about!"
Yesterday, Mr. Bug went back to the same grocery store. He found the pickles. They were in the refrigerator case. They must have been sold out last week.
We had Claussen pickle spears for a quick pre-dinner appetizer. Mmmmmm.....Yummmm..... I'm so glad LLB wanted pickles... I certainly hope Mr. Bug bought two jars!!
Friday, September 08, 2006
TGIF!
The builder was supposed to show up yesterday to finish up the house. Think he came? I knew he wasn't gonna. He never ever shows up when he says he will. I'm used to it now. It used to make me crazy. Now not so much. He called and told me he'd be here today. We shall see, won't we...
#1 Son had his first real football game yesterday. He didn't have to play! Yippeee! They won! Yippeee! The best of both worlds - all the prestige and no injuries!
LLB and #1 Son are getting ready for Nutcracker auditions this year. She's already in 2 dances because those are done in class. She's trying out for Snow - it's the best dance in the whole ballet! He's going for Uncle Drosslemeyer. Auditions are next week. I'll let you know how they do.
Zebbie kept me company while I worked in the Ballet Office last night. If only he could figure out who was in what class when I'd be all set. It was nice to have him curled up at my feet, though.
Well, we gotta make our way to school - no bus today. If they take the bus, we have to be at the bus stop at 7:36. If I drive them, we have to be in the car by 7:55. Those 20 minutes make such a big difference -- in my attitude and theirs!!
7am breakfast
7:30 am Teeth brushed
7:45 am backpacks loaded
7:50 am children in car
8:10 am children at school
8:11 am mom heaves sigh - 2 children at school - no huge crisis trying to get to the bus on time - priceless....
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Thursday 13
1. Ballet class was really fun! 2. I can still walk today. I'm going to take more classes. 3. The hardest thing is keeping all the muscles engaged while attempting to move. 4. I can suck it all in and move my feet, but the minute she adds arms... I have problems... 6. I'll get it eventually. 7. I'm going to keep walking with Zeb everyday and do the exercises she recommended. 8. I might actually get back into shape in very little time. 9. #1 Son's first real football game is today. 10. It is away, so I can't go. LLB has ballet tonight and I wouldn't make it back in time for her class. 11. It is also "Instrument Night" at school tonight. LLB has an istrument, but she doesn't have the cleaning kit. So - I still have to go... 12. Last night was "Meet the 8th Grade Teacher" night. 13. #1 Son has a terrific bunch of teachers this year. Most are ex-military and don't allow superfluous talking and expect only the best from their students. Mr. Bug and I are very pleased. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Twinkle Toes...
I could swim, but I don't have a pool and it's too far to the nearest "local" swimming pool.
I tried yoga - I couldn't move for days after. So, that's out.
I started walking 2 miles with the dog. That's okay. No pain. I even run a little bit up the driveway to tire the dog out. Basically I run 3 steps, he runs in circles and then comes back. We do this about 5 or 6 times on our way up the driveway. You all remember that my driveway is almost 1/4 mile long, right? It's also straight up...
Well, my friends, tomorrow I start a new athletic endeavor... I am taking an adult ballet class with three of my friends.
Don't you all pass out at once now...
Yes, I said ballet.
I know... You are all sitting there with your mouths agape simply staring at your screens.
Those of you who know me well, know that I'm the most ungraceful, unathletic klutz on the planet. I almost flunked P.E. - and not because I didn't change into my gym uniform!!
This ballet thing is frightening you, isn't it? Just know that the ballet lady tells me that all will be right with the world and that she's sure that she can handle my inabilities.
We'll see, won't we?
Monday, September 04, 2006
Monday Memories
I come from an Italian family. I know - I don't look it. I have pasty white skin and blue eyes - just like my Italian grandpa. Every Sunday we went to my Gram's house for dinner - or as we New Englanders say - dinnah. My Grandpa liked to eat - a lot. He liked his family at the table. So, we would sit at the table. It was piled high with different kinds of meat - beef, pork, lamb, and sausages. The gravy (spaghetti sauce) was in a bowl. The Sunbeam bread was piled high on a plate and the butter was the perfect temperature to spread... I'm sure there were vegetables, but I've blocked those from my memory. Gram would dish the pasta out onto plates. Grandpa would tell her to put more on mine - it seems I was too thin and needed fattening up... The dishes were passed, the meat and gravy distributed. My pasta remained white. I put the butter and then the grated cheese. I waited. I knew it was coming. "White spaghetti!", my grandpa would yell from the other end of the table. "Yes." I was quiet - very unlike my cousins. "You need gravy! White spaghetti is no good! Have some gravy!", he'd say. "No thankyou." And then, my Gram or my mom would say something to him to distract him. I would eat my pasta. My only saving grace was that I could eat 3 plates full. He liked that. He did not, however, like it when I lined my peas up under the edge of my plate in a perfect circle that one time. Gram made me eat them cold. They were gross. On the days when we had steak on the grill, we would use the bread and butter to sop up the juice from the serving platter. Grandpa and I would race through our dinner so that we could get to the juice first. (For some weird reason, your plate had to be empty before you could sop up the juice.) There was laughter and loud conversation at that table. I remember the wonderful aroma of Grams' kitchen and her running around shifting dishes in the oven and on the stove in her apron. I remember Grandpa's wild ideas about how things should be done. (Mom and Gram let him talk and then did what they wanted!) I remember the day that my Grandpa tapped his finger on the edge of his empty wine glass. My sister - far more brazen than I - asked him what he wanted. He told her he wanted more wine. She told him it was right behind him on the counter and to get it himself. I stared wide eyed at her with my mouth agape. This was not the man to challenge! Everyone's forks stopped moving. There was an eerie silence. My Gram tried desperately not to laugh as she studied her plate. Fortunately, Grandpa liked Auntie Bug best. He laughed. (She always gave him a run for his money!!) Soon, my children will have their grandparents here to share similar times -- Although, I don't think I've seen my mother wear an apron or ever heard my dad tell my mom how to run her kitchen... They will laugh, tell stories, and be together. That's what family should be all about. LadyBug View More Monday Memories Participants Trackbacks, pings, and comment links are accepted and encouraged! |
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Turf Wars
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Saturday Summary
We had a tree come down across the street and it took out our power for a while. We had finished dinner and were getting ready to hunker down and finish that 1000 piece puzzle when, POOF. We were in the dark.
We ran around and got candles, flashlights, Uno cards and a deck of regular cards. We played a few rounds of Uno. #1 Son kept winning, so we moved on to Balderdash - also known in some families as "Bull Sh*t". (We have been known to call it "Baldershnookie"). After a few rounds of #1 Son creaming us at that, too, and we decided to try poker. We needed something to bet with, so I hauled out my coinage from the laundry room. (I make a good living from what tidbits my family leaves in their pockets.) The last hand - all coins were tossed into the middle of the table. I mentioned that all those coins were to be returned to my laundry room container at the end of the game. This was not for keeps. They all balked. Hah! Guess who won the hand?? Yup - I did!
That will teach them!!
We finished the puzzle this morning.
It was HARD! I mean really really hard...
Who wants it next? I'll mail it to you...
Friday, September 01, 2006
Football Wrap-up
#1 Son was in the first string. He was absolutely thrilled!
BTW: He looked very good in his uniform - #32. (Hey, I'm allowed. I'm the Mom!!)
The first play...
#1 Son is ready. The ball is snapped. #1 Son blocks the guys. Our team scores!! Yippee!!
Well. That about sums up the game.
The other team couldn't score. Our guys were too good. We marched them up and down the field. It was pretty good!
#1 Son: "Hey, Mom! Did you see me?"
LB: "Yup, I did! You did great! You looked really good out there!"
#1 Son: "Did you see me stop that guy?"
LB: "I saw it all, Dear."
#1 Son: "Good. Just checkin'"
Yes, I was there. Yes, I watched. Yes, I talked to the other parents. When #1 Son was standing on the sidelines, I was yacking it up big time. He was on the sidelines for most of the game. I guess that's what happens when your first play is so effective. That's the kind of football I can deal with - one play early in the game. He gets to play and I get to see him safe on the sidelines. :-)
Oh - did you know that football players are stinky? Now you do. The team had this... umm.... aura... about them yesterday - kinda like Pigpen used to have. Every mother was gagging - almost hurling... Every father was basking in the um... putridity... um, I mean scent... I think the stench brought back memories of their own glory days. Every member of the team took his uniform home to be washed... I bet every uniform is soaking in a washing machine right now.
We brought Zebbie to the game. LLB and her friends ran him around for the duration of the game. He sat on my lap for about 15 minutes while LLB took a break. The rest of the time he was running. He spent the evening passed out on his back - toes up - on the couch. He was one tired dog...
So - No injuries
1 disgustingly stinky uniform soaking in the washer
1 very happy boy
1 exhausted dog
Life is good...
Perfect Post
D from Straddling the Line writes so beautifully. Click the link and you'll go right to my favorite post of hers this month. Check her out and leave her some comment love. Teller LBC sent you, k?