Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I heard someone call it the least pressure filled of the holidays. Christmas is so tied up into commercialism and New Year's is all about who you are with and what party to go to. Thanksgiving is simple - family comes together to eat a great meal and appreciate each other and what they have. Plus, any holiday where pumpkin pie is a major part is good in my book, even if I am the one that makes it every year!

So, here's a list of what I'm thankful for, in no particular order:

• I'm thankful for my relative good health, my good job, a roof over my head, and food on my plate.
• I'm thankful for a loving family that, even though it has problems, manages to make it work out in the end.
• I'm thankful for my puppies who have provided so much love and happiness in our home this year.
• I'm thankful that my sister and Darren are FINALLY getting married this year.
• I'm thankful I have a job which I feel makes a difference every day and that I enjoy.
• I'm thankful that I live in a country that, while I don't agree with the government's position on a lot of issues, I am still proud of and excited about the direction it is about to take.
• I'm thankful for the little things that make life enjoyable: reading a good book, enjoying a glass of wine, taking the dogs for a walk, lazing in bed on a Saturday morning when it's raining outside.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Election Day is here at last

This has been the longest election season ever. I'm not exaggerating either - this whole thing started about 21 months ago, only a few short months after the last major federal election. It's been rough - the up and down Republican primaries, the fight to the finish Democratic primaries, the debates, the endless political ads. One would think that by the time Election Day arrived, no one would go vote because they'd all be so sick of it.

Fortunately, that isn't the case at all.

Reading this morning's headlines, the news is full of stories about huge lines, machine failures, ballots getting too damp because the voter had to stand in the rain. Christine Amanpour from CNN likened the lines to some of the elections she's seen around the world - Iraq, South Africa, Afganistan. And what floors me is how, instead of getting upset or frustrating, people are happy to be there. They taking this election so seriously that a 2 and a half hour wait, while mildly annoying, is something they are willing to undertake. It boggles my mind. After so many years of fighting to get people to the polls, they seem to have woken up this morning understand that this is their duty, their one big job in this democracy.

So, I have a renewed sense of hope in America this morning. And while I have my personal preferences as to who should win, I'm happy to know that no matter how this election turns out, the American people took their job seriously and came out to vote.

Welcome Toby!

Last week, we had a new puppy join our family. Meet Toby! He's Riley's half-brother (same dad, different mom). Riley and Toby get a long really well. They love to play with each other, which calms them both down. Toby is much mellower overall than Riley is. Here are some more pictures of my new boy and some with Riley too!

Election Parallels

Having no gainful employment, I find myself watching a lot of West Wing. I was given seasons 4-7 for Christmas last year and have finally gotten to season 7, the final season and the one in which a new president is elected. I am amazed that this show, released in 2005-06, so accurately predicted this year's presidential election. This is what I mean. . .

Arnold Vinick - a southwestern Republican Senator who is older than the average candidate. He tries to distance himself from his conservative base, but chooses a running mate that appeals to the Christian right and fundamentalists. John McCain anyone?

Matthew Santos - a Midwestern Democratic congressmen who is younger than the average candidate. He started behind in the polls, but overcame the frontrunners and energized the Democratic party and many independents. He chooses a party veteran for his running mate with significant foreign experience. Oh, and he's the first presidential candidate who is also a racial minority. Barack Obama?

I just find it fascinating that a full three years prior to this election, the West Wing writers so prefectly mirrored what is happening now. Now, let's just hope that the Chinese-Russian conflict that the White House has to deal with doesn't come true!

Lost Again

When a person doesn't have a spouse/kids, community ties, or really any friends nearby, that person can feel that their job is their life. When the job goes away, it hurts.

So, here's my second early fall without gainful employment. At least this year I am in the substitute pool, and after running into a colleague today, he promised to spread the word, so I should be able to get some work. My benefits are gone, my daily interactions are gone, but at least I'll have an income. The hard part is keeping my spirits up - I love teaching and not being in the classroom is rough. I'm trying to stay positive and I continue to look for jobs. Send good vibes for me - something will show up eventually.

I Heart NY

I have been looking forward to this trip since I bought the tickets, but I really started getting excited in the past month. Now that I'm here, I so happy. I love Seattle, but there is something about the NYC area that is unlike anywhere else.

I went into the city on Thursday and met up with Sean for the day. We sat in Washington Square park for a bit (kinda bummed it's under construction), had lunch at El Caliente, then we took the Staten Island ferry out to SI and back. It was about 10-15 degrees cooler on the water than in the city. We then went shoe shopping (for him, not me!) and stopped by the shiny McDonald's on 42nd street for a milkshake. We met Mandy when she got off work at 5pm and she and I went bridesmaids dress shopping. We found a couple good ones, so it was a really productive trip.

Dad and Val came down on Friday. We hung out, had lunch, went out to dinner when Mandy and Darren came home, and then chatted until they went back to their hotel. On Saturday, Darren and I went with Val and Dad to Hurricane Harbor (Mandy was working a wedding). We had fun, but it was crowded and understaffed. We came home and then went out to Charlie Brown's for dinner (Val was craving a steak). They went back to their hotel around 9pm and left the next morning. Poor Mandy didn't get home until 12:30am.

Yesterday we went to church at the cathedral where Darren and Mandy will be getting married. It was amazing. Such a beautiful church and really homey feeling. Then we went to pick up a few things that they needed at the store before heading over to Darren's parents to hang out in the pool. Mr. and Mrs. F are on this crazy diet, but it's working for them! Mr. F has lost 35 pounds! It's pretty amazing. We swam for a couple of hours after eating a BBQ lunch. We came home last night and had ice cream before heading to bed.

Today isn't too exciting - I'm doing laundry and I'll be running over to Costco to order a cake. I know how to have fun! The Poconos trip is later this week, so we're all looking forward to that.

Heading to the East Coast

I'm about two days away from heading back to the NYC/NJ area for three weeks and I'm getting excited. I haven't seen Mandy and Darren since January, haven't seen Sean and the rest in a year. I'm excited to get back into the city. I miss the food! I miss the constant movement and things going on. We're doing our annual Poconos trip in the middle - four days in the house we've used twice before. It'll be a blast - a few new people and most of the old. Woot!

I'm going to miss mom, but she'll be joining me for the third week. I'll really miss Riley. He's totally wrapped himself around my heart and I love him so much! He's the cutest little pup. How could I leave this face?

Happy Independence Day!

Once again it's time for my annual Independence Day Blog. Not sure why this started, but every year on this date, I feel the need to write something about the state of the nation. I'll get to that in a minute, but first I want to repost something that came across a mailing list I belong to this morning. They didn't credit it to anyone, so I'm not sure who wrote it, but it kinda makes you think about the beginning of this nation.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

• Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
• Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
• Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
• Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken
from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

It really made me think about what those men sacrificed for their ideal of freedom. How many people today would make that same sacrifice? Our men and women in the military would and many sacrifice everything. The question I still ask, though, is why is it necessary for them to do so? It's hard to see families torn apart for a war that I can't get behind. I honor those who are over there, but are we honoring them by sending them?

On another point, last year I tried to be more positive and made a list of things that I hoped to see in the future. I'm happy to see that two of them have come true:

+ I can pick the candidate that is best for the job rather than "not as bad as the other guy."
For the first time since I was able to vote, I'm excited about the election. In 199, it was simply Clinton Part 2, so I was just excited to be able to vote. Yet, since then, I haven't been able to get excited about any candidate. Gore? Eh. Kerry? Really? However, I am really excited about Obama. I know I'm setting myself up for potential disappointment, but a candidate that thinks that talking to our enemies instead of invading their country? A candidate that actually acknowledges the need for a domestic policy? One who sees the need for alternate energy sources instead of more drilling? I'm hopeful for the first time in years.

+ Non-whites and non-males will hold more offices high in politics.
Wow. Who knew that in one year we'd have both a African-American and a woman as viable presidential candidates? It was an exciting race to watch, and while I'm glad that part was over, it was really cool to have people who are so underrepresented in politics up there as role models.

So, overall, I'm hopeful. The eight year reign of fearmongers and liberty-supressors is almost over and I can see light on the horizon. Maybe next year's message will be one of joy and pride.

Oops.

So, I kinda forgot to post here. I blame the dog. He's quite distracting and doesn't like to let me get any work done.
Well, the school year is done and overall it went quite well. Being on a non continuing contract, I don't have a position next year, although I do have hope. I have gotten good vibes from my principal, a good review from my asst. principal, and a friend of mine will be on the interview committee. I really hope to be back there next year - it's a great school with great people and the population I want to work with.
I'm heading back to NYC from July 15th to August 6th. We're going to try to do some wedding stuff while I'm out there since I won't be back until next June at this point. Thank god I have Jenna to help me out! Auditioning the band, eating the food, and trying on dresses - it's going to be a full schedule. Also, Poconos V will be right in the middle of the trip - it's going to be crazy!

Riley Vs. His Bed

And here we have Riley learning to pull his bed out of his kennel so he can attack it thoroughly. Watch out bed, you may have met your match!

Riley the Ferocious Part Two

One of Riley's favorite toys is the evil red laundry bag. It's really just an old laundry bag of mine with a hole in it, stuffed with shredded paper, and tied in a knot. He loves the stupid thing and it's hysterical when he decides to drag the thing across the floor, especially when he ends up walking on it!

Another Welcome . . . to the cutest doggie ever!!

We have a new friend living with us as of last night! His name is Riley and he's just about the cutest little puppy ever! He's 10 weeks old, part Bichon, part Shih tzu, and has a beautiful mix of white, brown, and black hair. He loves to snuggle and attack his little red squeaky toy. He's also an excellent napper. I'm so in love with this little guy! Here's a video of him and the red toy!

We took Riley to PetSmart today - we can't let him down on the ground because he's still susceptible to the puppy virus, which he can pick up in places with a lot of other dogs. He didn't quite know what to think of the whole thing. He was really scared at first and kept trying to crawl up into my hair to hide. After a little bit, he started to relax and look around him. He especially liked seeing the other dogs. Growing up at a breeders, he's used to other dogs around. He wasn't sure what to think of the two women who fawned over him. At that point, mom was carrying him and he was hiding in her jacket a bit. He then fell asleep in my lap on the way home.

Welcome Young One!

Eric and Kirsten has their baby! Little Chase Nicholas was born on Saturday (2/16), is 7 lbs, 12 oz. and 22" long. He looks like a cutie! He also kinda looks like a grumpy old man! I guess I'm an aunt now. I'm a slacker - Mandy is engaged and Eric's a Dad. Hmm. Whatever - I'll get there in my own time.

Top 5 Baseball Movies

Every year around this time, two things happen. First, I start yearning to get into the garden and plant, even though the ground is still mostly frozen. At least this year, the growing season will start earlier! The second thing is I start getting excited about the upcoming baseball season.

I always miss watching the game when the Word Series finishes, but after a long summer and exciting fall, I'm okay with break. We get into the holidays and sports are far from my mind. Then come January. There is nothing to recommend January. About this time of year, there's a flurry of activity among the teams - trades, fan activities, and the talk of spring training. However, the actual season won't start until the very last days of March. So, to get myself through this troubling time, I have a few go-to baseball movies that I watch yearly. In my entirely biased opinion, the list is below...

5. Eight Men Out - A great cast in this one, it's about the players who threw the 1919 World Series. I love John Cusack in most anything he's in, so that's a bonus, but this is a cool story about one of those ultimate baseball stories.




4. Field of Dreams - "If you build it, he will come!" I grew up watching this movie, but it never gets old. It's about a guy who hears voices and is urged to build a baseball field in the middle of his corn field. In doing so, the men from the 1919 Chicago White Sox (see previous entry) get to play again and eventually, he get to meet his dad, whom he never had a good relationship with. Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and that guy from West Wing. :-)


3. Fever Pitch - I'm not a Red Sox fan, but this movie transcends one team. It's just lucky that it happened to be the year that the Sox won the Series for the first time in 86 years. Plus, cute little story and I am a Drew Barrymore fan. Based on a Nick Hornsby novel inwhich the sport was originally soccer. The 1997 British movie stars Colin Firth.


2. The Rookie - A heartwarming story about an older guy who, after a bet with the high school team he coaches, tried out for the majors and makes it. It's a great story, made even better by the fact that it's based on a true story.




1. A League of Their Own - Yeah, I know it's a girls movie, but hey, I'm a girl! Plus, it's got Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, Rosie O'Donnell before she went bonkers and Madonna in a role that seemed a little too easy for her to play. I don't know how many times I've used the line, "There's no crying in baseball!"

There are some other great ones out there that I love to watch - The Natural, Mr. Baseball, and Mr. 3000, which makes me laugh every time Bernie Mac sings the Mr. Softie song. But, these are the five that I need until that first pitch at Safeco on March 31st.

A Good Loss

At the urging of my mother, I joined Weight Watchers Online with her a few weeks ago. I've known people who had really good results with WW, but I was a bit skeptical. Well, here I am, moving toward the end of my second full week and I'm down about five pounds. The clubhouse opened up last weekend and I've been in there twice this week, taking a brisk walk on the treadmill while listening to my audiobook. This seems to be going well so far, but we'll see on Monday, weekly weigh-in day. Woot 5 lbs! Only 25-30 more to go (when did I gain so much??)!

End of Semester Stress

So, the last day of the semester is Friday. It's that time of year that I feel guilty doing anything but grading essays, entering grades in the computer, evaluating students,
grading final exams, and generally wrapping up the semester. The weird part is that this time around is a lot less stressful than in previous years. This is because my entire schedule isn't sifting around next week. With a few exceptions, I'll have the same kids in the same periods until June. It's rather nice. However, those essays are still yelling at me from my bag.

Shopping for the Dress

I was informed earlier this week that mom, Mandy, and I would be going wedding dress shopping. We didn't have high expectations, but this would be the only opportunity that all three of us would have together, so we could at least give it a shot.

We dropped Darren off at the mall across the street. With a Sears and an REI, we figured he could entertain himself for a bit. Our appointment was at 11:30 and after checking in, Mandy was sent to pull about three dresses she liked. We had looked at a few online and found one of them. We saw another that we thought was really nice, and on a whim Mandy pulled a third that was a little different, but she liked the bodice of.

We met Sandy, our dedicated saleswoman, at the dressing rooms and started the process. She tried on the first one. It was nice, but a little blah. It just didn't show off her excellent shape at all. The second was the one we saw online. Mandy was kinda "eh" about it. She tried on the third and it fit her really well, made her look great, but was a little overwhelming and not really what she had expected her to like. Sandy went back and pulled two more dresses - the first was a bit plain and was off in a matter of minutes. The second, however, was incredible. It showed off her slim body very well, made her look taller, didn't overwhelm her, and was gorgeous. When Sandy placed the veil on her head, I started tearing up. So did Mom. Mandy hadn't stopped smiling since she first glimpsed herself in the mirror. We all knew that this was the dress. It wasn't anything we would have expected to choose, but it was perfect. They say that when you find the dress, you know, and that was certainly what happened with us.

Only 14 months until the wedding!

Obama wins Iowa!!

I thought about it, but I didn't dare hope too hard. However, last night, Obama won the Iowa Caucuses and is now onto New Hampshire with some momentum. Here's his speech after the caucuses last night...

Resolutions vs. Goals

I hate New Year's Resolutions. You start the year with these great ideas about how you are going to change for the better. Usually these resolutions have to do with organization and health. I have fallen victim to this in the past, but rarely have I done anything about my resolutions past the first couple weeks of the new year. So, I have resolved not to make any more resolutions. Instead, I'm making a list of goals that I would like to attempt this year. The difference between a goal and a resolution is that if you fail to make a resolution by the end of the year, you feel bad about yourself. If you don't make a goal, you adjust the goal or the time frame. There is less guilt involved. Here, now, is my list of goals for 2008:

1. Lose 25 lbs by Mandy's Wedding
2. Buy a car
3. Move out of mom's condo
4. Pay off one of my credit cards
5. Readjust my retirement portfolio

I think that's a good list of goals. Granted, a lot of them deal with money, however, I think they deal with different areas of my financial health.

Hope everyone has a lovely new year and best of luck with those resolutions!