(sigh)

I just want to take a moment to say:


NO MORE BABIES!!!!!!!!!!!

In the last three days I've learned of six pregnancies....Would everyone please stop. You're making my maternal clock twitch*. Gah.



*This does not mean I am angry, quite the opposite. Just frustrated (some times).

Update time?

Spring Break is finally upon me. It began this Monday after a workday. However, the true do-nothing-ness comes this weekend after I finish up my intersession class. I have been teaching a small group of 4th graders about Mexican culture through Art. I know, it sounds really funny- me, teaching about Mexican culture. Don't laugh. I'm awesome! We've been connecting Aztec (primitive) to Modern art (Kahlo and Rivera). Tomorrow we take a field trip to see an exhibit of Contemporary artists from Mexico City. Ah the connections!!! Told you I was amazing. Love my group. Seven little babies with so much to learn. It's been so different for them to come to school and work on ONLY art for three hours. They don't want to leave. Amazing!

I will update pictures this evening. In the meantime I have many errands to run. Passport things you know. Very important. For that whole Vienna trip thing!

Some things.

1. I got sick again last night. I think I may have eaten a tainted doughnut. Regardless, I have thrown up three times already this year. That just doesn't happen in my life too often. Weird. Plus, I have the burst blood vessels that make it seem like a rash. Nice.

2. I've changed blog colors again. My mood changes with the seasons. It's not SAD, it's CAD. Always looking for new color arrangements.

3. My brother thinks blogging is lame. Ha. He thinks it's for people who just need to talk. Hit that on the head with me. Thanks.

4. I have two weeks until spring break. This is exciting! I hope the weather picks a temperature gradient soon and sticks with it.

5. I'm waiting to cut my hair. The whole lice thing threw off my plans. I say two weeks and it'll be goodbye long hair.

6. We are falling in love with Durham/Chapel Hill. There's a lot here for those who aren't visiting. We'll be here for a while.

Hitchcock

Ever since I took a film class in college I have loved watching old movies and analyzing them. Slowly, I am making my way through the AFI 100 (original 1998) list. This afternoon I watched Rear Window for the first time. I really enjoyed this film. I can't believe that I hadn't seen it until now. The restored version is beautiful- such vibrant colors. I love the technicolor films of the 50's and 60's.

Rear Window is nothing like I expected. I had little knowledge of the plot going in to it. The story is seamless and very interesting. It's not novel to us, but for '56 or whenever it was released it was quite a shock. Watching your neighbors out of boredom and the responsibility that brings along. I was hooked instantly and it held me through the entirety of the film. Grace Kelly was beautiful. I found the acting a little too reserved but how could you not today? Everything is so "raw" and "real" which, what does that mean anyway? I wish we could see a glimmer of the class and preparation that went into filming this movie with our selection today. And the lighting! I have always adored the way the Hitchcock's movies were lit. I can't remember a recent movie that used it to frame actors as well or added to the suspense. Sure darkness and dim light equals suspense today, but I love the feeling of looking at an elaborately set up photo.

Good movie. Not a very technical review, but I don't want to spend too much time. Some probably don't like this film. Who am I to judge, I can't stand Casablanca. Go figure.

Vertigo is on. More Hitchcock...delightful!

It's becoming more real

I purchased our tickets to Vienna this evening!!!!!! Woooooooo! Vienna! Pumped!

Ben Folds

It's been less than a year since we last saw Ben Folds. He's coming to Durham and we have great seats. Can't wait for our suburbs to be rocked once more! Totally taking my camera this time. Pictures later then
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KID BOOKS!!!!!

Seeing as I work with children, it is only natural that I would love kiddie lit. And boy do I enjoy a good bed-time story. I'm not kidding here. Mike's read me to sleep on some not so great days. Today we spent some time out of the house and did some shopping at Barnes and Noble. I found a perfectly delightful new book that inspired me to write this entry. I have come up with a list of TEN CHILDREN'S BOOKS YOU SHOULD OWN (in no particular order). Browse my selection and perhaps add some to your collection. I have so many choices and it was hard to narrow it down. Let me know what you think. Also, come up with your own list and blog about it. It's fun to revisit some of these well-thumbed through books. Happy Reading!!!

The Grinch: Dr. Suess
A classic. In the magical world of Suess everything goes, including Christmas stealing green men with teeny tiny hearts. A good read for anytime in the year.

Mo Willems childrens books
Willems has changed the face of children's books with his stellar production of the Pigeon series, Elephant and Piggie series, Edwina, and his newest entry The Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. These books are simple, engaging, witty, and wonderfully illustrated. He has the right proportion of humor and story line. Always a storytime favorite!

Strega Nona: Tomie de Paola
Ever the loving Nona, Stregna Nona and the following series of books follows Italian tradition and lore to bring a fun and adventure to young readers. Magic rings, overflowing pots of pasta, and wonderful illustrations make this a must have on your shelf.

Diary of a Wombat: Jackie French
A modern classic recently released. It's a tale of a loveable wombat with not so loveable habits. It's a fun read with great art work. LOVE it!!!

Mouse Paint: Ellen Stoll Walsh
Need to teach kids how to mix paint colors. This is the book for you. Also provides a great starting point for art projects. Too cute!

Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak
Pure Adventure and creativity. A piece of childhood to really hang on to.

Olivia: Ian Falconer
What adventures! Birthdays, Parties, Bands. It's no wonder this little pig has earned the love of little kids.

Wingdingdilly: Bill Peet
After working for Disney for nearly a decade Peet branched out to create a memorable collection of children's books. Wingdingdilly is merely one of my favorites. There are too many to list here. I can't forget his autobiography either. Magic!

Harold and the Purple Crayon: Crockett Johnson
Who knew one simple purple crayon could take you so many places.

George and Martha: James Marshall
Two hippos that are friends! Wacky hijinks! Awesome!

Dogsitting

Last year we watched a pair of dogs for a weekend. It was successful and we were asked again to sit some dogs. They are two very complex dogs with complex lives. Their food and walking regimen the first time around was silly. Luckily it was less ridiculous but just as enjoyable. Our weekend was really laid back. We had to walk the dogs like four times a day and so we were outside a lot. It was nice not doing much for a change. However, no cleaning at home was done and that is never good. Curly is the large dog. Tipper is the tiny dog. She is shy, he is not. This led to some fun pictures.

she liked to sit in this little corner of the kitchen.

Goodnight Beard

Every once and a while Mike's beard becomes so large that it deserves discussion. For around two months Mike didn't trim or shave his beard. Why this poses a problem:
1. kissability- i would rate a 3
2. visability- this would change weekly with every new cm.
3. overall appearance- there just comes a point, you know.
4. He sometimes looks like a prison inmate
5. his beard is red to begin with, but oh my word.... RED!

Finally he brought himself to trim. I documented said journey with some hilarious snapshots of the various stages of debearding. I was one happy wifey!

*Please insert your own captions

New Year!

It's a new year and so much has happened already. I can't wait to get blogging, it has been a while. But today we have to drive to Greensboro to pick up a bass. Mike will once again be playing his beloved instrument. Although this time he does not have to worry about being good since it is for RTOOT. Have I not explained RTOOT? Well, there's at least one more blog!

oh Kinders!

this week has been slowly driving me crazy because it's been so busy. Friday and the weekend was much welcomed. However, mid-week, I had some light entertainment from a five year-old. During morning car duty I opened the door to a van like I do every day. Out pops this little cutie pie that makes you just melt inside. He was wiggling a bit and mumbling something to me as he hopped down. Upon asking him to say it again he stuck his arms out to the sides, palms up and did a shimmy while singing "bow chicki bow bowwww"!!!! This made my life (and my day!)

Yule Blog

In order to adequately prepare for our upcoming greenesque Christmas blog/card I thought it would be nice to reflect on last year's letter. Not that I'll actually reflect in this blog, more I want to give you an opportunity to let you reflect on the past post. I look forward to writing this year's second annual post with Mike. It's hard to believe it's our second Christmas as husband and wife. Wow! Love it. Here's the link to our Yule Blog. Enjoy!

prayers answered

My Dad got a job yesterday. Working for SAIC (ooh, those beltway bandits) and will be better off than when he left Ford. This certainly makes things lighter and more festive for the season. It's hard seeing your competant parent not be able to find adequate work for three years. God has truly blessed my parents. I was out of college, Jeff recieved free college, and there wasn't much debt. Happy day! And as my dad would say "just in time for the smoochie shuffle". Commence shuffling!

more babies!

Bill and Becky have a baby girl! Congratulations on Cecilie!

Eagles of Death Metal

John came down yesterday for the Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Lincoln Theatre. What a stellar show. Not familiar? Eagles is the brain child of Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Jesse is good ol' southern boy with down home religion, guilt, and an on/off moral switch. Upon entering the Lincoln theatre we were greeted by the delectable sound of the Duke Spirit, an English rock band that hails from London (where else). This was a great way to start off the show. I was quite impressed by the female lead. And I love the song "This Ship Was Built to Last". I've never heard of these guys before but apparently they play Letterman soon.

Well Jesse came on to stage with the same veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis. It was sexy. It was spellbinding. It was sensational! I haven't seen stage presence like that in a while. And this isn't the fake, make me want to throw-up, forced emo presence. This was something truly special. It was a great show in a nice venue. Solid A-. I could have enjoyed a slightly longer show. However, breaking three strings shows true talent.

Along the way I took some pictures. They are fun. Check 'em!

This was just the beginning

So Elvis.

VOTED!!

I have done my little part, even though I feel it's not enough. Today was my first day at the polls and I was nervous and excited and proud and nervous! But hey, I made it through- AND they had my registration! Plus, get this....NO LINE!!! Only two people in front of me with a dozen polls to choose from. Sweetness.

Time for Mike and I to buckle down, order some pizza, watch House until LATER, and drink some delicious wine.

You might not have known...

Kate recently tagged me in her blog to share 7 facts you may not have known about me. Here are the rules: I have to write 7 little known (or unknown) facts about myself and then tag 7 other people to do the same. I don't actually know seven other people who haven't been tagged AND still write in their blogs, so here we go anyway!

1. I really resented my parents when we moved from Jersey to Maryland when I was in 4th grade. I don't remember being angry but it still hurts my mom when she thinks about it. I'm actually quite glad about where it finally led my family.

2. I love tearing out the bookmarks from Real Simple and actually using them in my current reads. I have a couple great ones with pigs and one with flowers that I've used for my last four books. They're so bright and cheery.

3. I, in an "I'm not crazy" kind of a way, believe that PA in trying to pull Mike and I back. Our family is there- sans my immediates, and a large portion of our friends are there. I call it the Pennsylvania Pull.

4. I'm terrible at correspondence. Awful. I hate the phone and see it as a necessary evil. I don't like checking email. I love writing letters but haven't actually had much time. I believe part of it is a result of moving so often. Constantly restarting- which requires much effort and therefore less time for your past. But while I don't call or write often, my friends are often what occupy my mind.

5. I don't see myself teaching for 30 years. I want to always have art and crafts be part of my life but I'm not sure how. Some days I want to open a "paint your own" deal of a shop. Sometimes I want to create adorable but sleek accessory pins. I have several in mind and wish I had some time to work on them. I'm ambitious, but there are only so many places in education you can go, and I will never become administration. I also want to earn a master's but am torn between art history and studio art- not art education. This is not a realistic dream for the time being.

6. I really wish I had a house. Selfish and simple. I become very jealous when I see other people who have a place that's all theirs. Even if I find the house completely repulsive I think, "wow, they're doing so much better than me. What have I done wrong?"

7. I love the fact that I know so much useless information. It is this information that helps connect the world together and relate point A to point B. It's amazing when you can pull out an obscure movie refrence and relate it to a current book topic. Just silly that way I guess.

I heart Plants

I also heart my Nikon D40. Now I'm still shaky on the aperture/shutter speed/ anything technical in photography- I was really good with my simple Pentax SLR- but I think I have a great eye for composition. Always have in just about anything- it's why I was good in theatre too. Great sense of the overall picture. During intersession Mike's family came down for a weekend. We did many things but one of my favorite is the NC Botanical Gardens right down the road in Chapel Hill. It's such a lovely place and it's still in bloom- thanks North Carolina! Well I took along my trusty and loved D40 to just wander and get lost in the beauty that God has given us. Excepting for the mosquitoes, I loved wandering by myself. I enjoy and realize nature's potential best this way. I want to share some of my pictures. Just a few of my favorites!

Intersession was nice.

Intersession was a nice break from school life. I had two weeks off and two work days. So much was accomplished and I had a relaxing time with myself. Waking up when the sun was shining was a novel idea. Reading became a priority during these two weeks. I was able to read the Lost City of Z by David Grann. Grann is a writer for the New Yorker and his book comes out this February. It is the story of Col. Percy Fawcett- Amazonian explorer extraordinaire. Truly a remarkable story with seamless writing that shifts reader from past to present. I highly recommend this book about the wild and life changing adventures of a man who sought to map the dense jungles of the Amazon. Exploration was his love and ultimately his downfall. Classic history-lovers book. I absolutely consumed this book! (A picture of Col. Fawcett to the right)

I also recently finished the white corridor by C. Fowler. It is part of the Bryant and May detective series. Its end was unexpected and closed neatly but it was tedious to wade through, a very complex and convoluted plot. Not my favorite read thus far. I just began reading Vanished Smile: the Mysterious Theft of the Mona Lisa by R.A. Scotti. Excellent and vivid thus far!

In addition to reading I was able to travel home to see my family. I enjoyed a day visit with Molly, baked the boys cookies and cupcakes, watched my brother in a Rugby game at the academy, and visited Sarah in Pasadena. Very busy and very fulfilling trip. Lots of miles driven!
I always love going to the Naval Academy. Quite beautiful and lush but slightly magical. Very few people know the hardships encountered just to earn qualification to apply. I am so proud of my brother and I think, alright I know, I become overwhelmed when I go. His opportunities in life will overshadow mine. I know this. I've been a couple times this fall and I hope to be going to the Army/Navy game in Philly this year. So some pictures from the yard.

Home for the holiday

Yesterday was the start of my two-week mini break. Our intersession is a much needed break from everything at school. Mike can not leave his responsibility of the store so a much needed trip to Pittsburgh is out. Instead I am heading to DC today. I will be staying for several days and will be seeing lots of lovely people. I've already got a busy schedule, but let me know if you'd like to see me. Yay holidays!