Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My Boo is sick

My dog has been sick tonight.  He never poohs in the house and he did tonight.  He couldn't even get up to go out.  He just laid on the floor and let go.  Cleaning up wasn't so bad this time.  At least it wasn't full on liquid.  But between the throwing up and poohing... he was one sick baby.  I just wish I knew what was wrong with him.  He would barely move.  He didn't wag his tail. At least he has started to feel a little better... I think.  He is moving around some and going out to use the bathroom.  So I wonder what had him sick.  I do know that if he doesn't act like his self tomorrow, I'm liable to take him to the vet.  Alicia takes sophie and duchess to Baird's... that might be where he ends up.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Spaghetti Dinner Recipe

Okay so I said that I was going to start a new diet plan... but what I really plan to do is manage what and how I eat and try to exercise more.  I am not going to guarantee that I will be absolutely successful.  But I will have success.  This means that I probably will not lose 160 in the first 4 months.. but I might be able to manage it in about 2 years or so.  Hopefully sooner than that but you can never tell.  So I plan to keep a record of what happens during the next few months and hopefully I'll be saying something positive about all this. 
First.... the spaghetti dinner secret.
The first thing you do is buy the following ingredients:
1)either fresh tomatoes or get 2 cans of 17oz whole tomatoes or diced. It depends on how long you want to cook the sauce.  The shortest time.. diced.. short time...whole-- which you cut up... longer.. fresh tomatoes.
2) ground hamburger meat ( the bigger the family the more meat you want) I use about 4-6 lbs.
3) tomato paste (1 small can)  I like Hunts but use what you want
4) noodles (depends on how many you are cooking for) I usually have about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs of thin spaghetti noodles..... you can use the kind you like
5) and here is where it can get tricky.... 2 packs of French Italian Spaghetti sauce (dried herbs)
The reason this is tricky is that I have a hard time finding it... so we use the Piggly Wiggly version sometimes.
Now when I can (without the family finding it out) I use a little fresh shaved garlic and a basil leaf...which I take out after the simmering.  Sometimes I add green and red peppers...but this is optional.

So I usually put the water on for the noodles first.. because I don't pay attention enough to keep up with the boiling otherwise.  Then I heat up a pot for the meat. I brown the meat thoroughly before adding anything to it.  Once it's browned.. I drain the grease out of it.  This keeps the fat content down.  If you would like to leave a little of the grease in it, that's okay but think on this.. I usually end up with about 12 oz of grease if not more. 
Notice I still haven't mentioned the boiling water.. that's because I just remembered to check it.  If it is boiling let it.... back to the sauce.  I add the packs of sauce herbs into the meat once all of the meat is brown.  I mix it well and let it cook on low heat.   Let the herbs get into the meat and simmer. Now I get the noodles...Place the noodles in the boiling water a little at a time.  Keep it stirred as you place the noodles in. 
Back to the sauce.... add the paste in first.  Mix it well.  Then add the tomatoes and let it simmer.  Stir it occassionally and stir the noodles enough to keep them from sticking together.....
Now I like have garlic bread with my spaghetti so you might want to see if you can find a low calorie low sodium version... if not just remember to limit your bread intake.  
**** A NOTE ABOUT THE NOODLES
If you are looking to lose weight you may want to switch your noodles to a wheat or spinach noodle.  The taste of the wheat is not much different than the white noodle version and it's healthier for you. 
**Okay so  here is the secret... not a secret.. don't fill your plate to the brim with spaghetti and don't go back for seconds.  If you want more... eat a small bowl ( about 3-5oz) about 2-3 hours later.  This will keep you from overeating. 
***If you are like me and love a good salad with your spaghetti that's great.  Make sure you have about 4-6 different veggies on there.  Eat this about 10 minutes before the spaghetti.  It will also help keep you from overeating.  Plus.. if you like fruit- eat that on an empty stomach and about 5 minutes before your regular meal.  Fruit helps with digesting... if you eat it after your meal you are more likely to get gas and/or as my dad calls it (the runs).
**** questions? post a comment and I'll try to answer as quickly as possible.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

My Baby


You guys want to meet my baby..Here he is... my 90 lb. baby boy.  He was 9 years old in October... No I have not bred him and don't plan to.  Yes I will be devastated when he dies.  His name is JB and he has never slept outside.  The only chain he has been on was when my dad had his heartattacks and I was going back and forth to the heart center at Carolina.  He has always slept in the house.  And most of the time it was in either my or my mom's bed.

wedding gifts

So  I still haven't figured out what to give my friend Tiff for her wedding.  She is fun-loving, a fellow teacher and I think 28.  I know that she loves to dance so I was thinking of some CDs or DVDs but that doesn't include her fiance at all.  He is not the dancing kind... at least not like we are..hahahaha.  I need all the help I can get for this.  I need to ask around and see if she has  registered anywhere.  That would be helpful if she has.  I don't know.. maybe Wanna has an idea or too.  At least I still have a little more time to figure it out.
Great-- Footloose just came on...I really don't like the first 30 minutes of this movie.  So I guess I will find something else... and it will not be Saw or any of the Saw series.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve and I am watching Meet the Santas... I really like the movie. I also had a piece of the best pineapple cake in the world... My Grams makes it. She keeps telling me that I can make a better one but I don't believe her. She makes the bomb pineapple cake and I wish I knew how she did it. I promised daddy that I would make his pound cake, but he has to let me know when he wants it. I don't mind cooking as long as someone else does the clean up. Like that really happens. I end up doing it anyway. I guess I need to find a man that likes to clean. Know anyone? I'll do the cooking and wash the clothes. I'll help vaccum and fold up the clothes. I'll even put the clothes away if someone else does the washing dishes and keeping the crap off the floor. I'll admit... I'm not very good at that. I wish I was a little better but hey we all have our good points and our bad points. I just wish my points were a little more balanced. I do know that most of the stuff that ends up on my floor is books. I read as much as I can and I have a tendency to leave them within reach for rereading. I know I should put them away but I can't seem to help myself....
Hey guess what.. *jinx* I am actually growing my nails a little. Wonder how long that will last but I have been able to keep them a little long. Oh Ace of Cakes is on.... love that show. Wonder if I could cook for them since they have a dishwasher...... I don't have to decorate anything... Just cook the cakes. I'll chat you later... Have to walk the dog.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

So I haven't been blogging in a while

Okay I know that I haven't blogged in a while but that's okay because we had a lot of last minute things to do at school this past week or so... Getting ready for Christmas Break and taking down Christmas stuff in the classroom is redundant but necessary. Oh well, at least I have everything for the students taking care of and if others don't like it then they can pray for me. I know that everyone has their own ideas on what makes a good Christmas but for me it's simple. Family and friends. My birthday is on the 18th and it's real hard for others to understand why I don't view my birthday as a positive thing... but when you grow up hearing "just pick a present from under the tree as a birthday gift" you just don't expect people to separate your birthday and Christmas. I also heard "this counts as both a birthday and a Christmas gift, Mech." That's bull and they know it. They didn't intend for it to be a birthday gift they just forgot that my birthday was this close to Christmas and they didn't get me anything for it and don't plan to buy 2 gifts for me. But that's okay.. I just wish they were honest about it. I have to admit though, Chawanna and Donna make a point to get me something for both. I am so grateful for both of my friends. I don't always remember everything but I try to remember them in all my prayers.

On to the reason for the blog... have you notice that people lose their minds at Christmas? I mean, I try to pick up Christmas through out the year because I buy for the individuals and not the group. You know what I mean, the whole "everyone gets the same" or "everyone gets a gift card" deal. I like a gift card don't get me wrong but I like buying things that I know the person will enjoy and use. I don't expect them to buy me something I really don't- it's nice and all- but I really like watching their faces when they open a gift that they didn't expect to get. It's like Christmas each time. My favorite part is when they say something like "Oh, I didn't expect this" or "I know just where to put this" or "Where did you find this?" Those comments mean something to me.

Another favorite thing about Christmas is getting Christmas cards. I know some of you are wondering what is so special about getting a card and not a present. Let me explain it. Some people buy because they think it's expected of them. Some people buy to make themselves look better in someone else's eyes. Cards are not like that. You really look at the cards before you buy them. You think about the message on the card and is it something that you want to say. Then you think about the reason you're getting the card. Cards are thoughtful and caring. When you get a card that means that someone was thinking about you. Even if you are just someone on their list, they thought enough of you to send it through the mail. So from my family to yours (my pack to yours)... here is my Christmas card to you. I hope you enjoy it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's getting closer to Christmas

It's is getting closer to Christmas... how can I tell? All the Christmas movies playing on the tv. It's not getting colder, at least not more than 10 degrees. I am not really in the Christmas spirit. I haven't even decorated the house this year. The house is usually done by the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, but not this year. I also have begun to lose my temper more and more over the last month. That hasn't happen since college. I am even getting irritated with friends that are as sweet as sugar. Wonder what's going on? I wish I knew. Maybe it's loneliness or knowing that more and more of my family and friends have died. Maybe it's that I really wish that I wasn't as single as I am or maybe the fact remains that I am working at a job that is no longer a joy anymore. The students seem to get ruder by the month not to mention how each year seems worse than the year before. Whatever happen to the times when you got your tail tore up for mouthing off at the adults much less the teacher. Or if you got in trouble at school you also got in trouble at home. I guess it doesn't really matter huh? *Sigh. I don't think that this is going to change any time soon. But maybe I can change my attitude toward things. I think that I am going to sleep on the goodness of my family and friends. Hope for the best at school and pray that I have the strength to beat down the darkness that seems to want to take over. One way or another I will survive to handle another day of life and hopefully laughter. I'll try to decorate this weekend. The niece and nephew would enjoy that. Good night everyone

Monday, November 23, 2009

Field Trips

Why do we go on field trips with 2nd graders? Are we gluttons for punishment? That may be true but I do believe that we have lost our minds when we take 90 some 2nd graders on a field trip with 5 teachers, 4 assistants, and a student teacher that has no clue what she is in for.....But that is okay because the students have to learn how go on field trips without getting lost in the long run. Or if they get lost, know that someone... usually me because I have a big mouth, can find them. Why am I asking these questions? Because I am going on a field trip with 16 2nd graders and no assistant, no parents, and no other adult help.... Why b/c I've lost my mind. Maybe I should have taken tomorrow off and I wouldn't have to deal with the drama tomorrow. I hope that the ones that are not going on the trip will stay home, but if they come to school I will have work for them to do. Don't know exactly what, but I will have something for them to do. I'm apt to say that they need to help in the Kindergarten and 1st grade classes. I probably will give the ones in 3rd work to do.... Don't think that they can help the 3rd graders. Well, I think that I will turn in... or at least tone it down. I am starting to get stiff here. Going to finish watching "Ghost". :)

Monday, November 16, 2009

Facebook


I figured out why Facebook is so addicting. Because other people get on there and talk to you. Some of them actually make sense so it makes for interesting conversation. Do you know how hard it is to turn down interesting conversation? About as hard as it is to just eat one french fry. Facebook is about people connecting and understanding yourself. I am not telling people to get on Facebook and become a member. If they do, great, if not then big deal. I am just one person trying to understand why so many have turned to Facebook and have turned their backs on MySpace. Well, at least most of my friends have abandoned MySpace. But I have been able to find people that moved away and those from high school. I didn't realize that I missed those people as much as I did until I found them on Facebook. I wish that a few more of my friends would get on Facebook and then my circle would be almost complete. It would be great to able to find them and have insteresting conversations.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

getting some work done

So it's Veteran's Day and I actually have the day off without having to take a sick day. I will be trying to get some work done on the computer that I just can't do while in the classroom. The kids don't give a lot of down time there. I know that some people think that teachers are glorified baby-sitters or they have a sit down job--- I think that those people should volunteer in a teacher's class for one week and see all the things we do. I mean really- the accidents, the fights, the talking back, the arguing with everyone, the rudeness, the laughter, the sickness, the fun, the learning, the cleaning up behind them, and all the other standard everyday things that we deal with. The positive and the negative. It is not about all the negative but the classroom is a work in progress every minute. I have fun with my students and I know that they enjoy parts of the school day. But I am realistic that they don't enjoy it all. Otherwise the students wouldn't listen when an adult had to discipline them. This doesn't mean touching a student. You can discipline with consequences. My students know the consequences of their actions. They CHOOSE to obey the rules or accept those consequences when they break the rules. Well, I think that I will take a little break from the computer and go find some snacks. I am getting a little hungry and thirsty. Wonder what the family is up to?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I will figure it out.

Right now I have not added music and photos to my page but I will. As soon as I figure out how. It was so much easier to add stuff to my school webpage. Speaking of, I need to update it and add a little sparkle. If you have suggestions please let me know I am always willing to listen, I just might ignore the advice... but don't be offended, I have a tendency to revisit advice given and take it later. lol
http://www.robeson.k12.nc.us/10302057231044860/site/default.asp
If you teach and you have ideas, please share. Thanks *smile

Back to Rock

Okay so I don't have a lot to say about the fact that I haven't been on lately---except to say... it was not my fault. I was having tech difficulties with the laptop. It took a while to fix. But at least I have it back now. OMG, can't wait for next Friday. I will be taking a half day so that I can make sure that I am in line to watch my movie. Oh well, I plan to have a blast with or without my baby watching it with me. I don't know what to say about the mouse I keep hearing in the house. It is driving me crazy. He will have to go... dead for the count is the plan. One way or another that mouse will die.
I can't believe that I was talked into going to the beach in the middle of January. Have I lost my mind? Anyone want to go with me? I have to do some workshops and I am sorry to say that this will be on a Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday morning. No fun for the nightlife. At least I don't think so. I don't think we can plan for dancing. Unless someone knows something I don't.... Still waiting to hear if anyone wants to go with me..lol. No worries. I'll find something to do. Maybe I'll get a couple of friends together and watch them fish... I don't fish. Love to walk on the beach but I don't fish.

Friday, August 28, 2009

School Has Begun!

Okay so I know that no one should be biased when it comes to the students, but I think that I have a really good class this year compared to the other second grade classes. They are a talkative bunch but if that is all I have to complain about then I'm doing great. I do have some that need help in the basics but it's not like I have 6-7 behavioral problems. I have two that seem to have a problem sitting down... they don't want to... but other than that, it's just the talking that's a major problem. Well see how the year progresses.. I pray that the kids will settle down and learn to work to work quieter. *smile... it could be worse. Thanks be to God that it's not.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

back to work again

Okay so I was the one to decide that I wanted a jump start on my room. And that was a good thing, but I am so tired that I just want to sleep everytime I come home. On the bright side, I have the desks pretty much where I want them, I just don't know about the whole smartboard set up though. I'll see how it works once I get the LCD and stuff hooked up. Normally I already have my computers up and running by the second day and I don't even have the coverings off yet... crazy. More to come later.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

GI JOE

Okay, so I went to watch the GI Joe movie. If you are a purist then you will find a lot to fuss about. If you are not a purist then you will enjoy the movie without wondering why something was changed. I thought it was good, but I noticed quite a few changes but thing again I grew up with comic books and action cartoons. I would love to be able watch a movie without listening to others mouths or phones.... which were not suppose to be on. So I guess that is all that I feel like reporting on the movie...at least without giving away the plot and action sequences. I don't like to be a spoiler for the first weekend a movie is out in the theaters.
On another note... I go back to work tomorrow, trying to get my class ready for the students and open house. GTG

Monday, July 27, 2009

Friends Leaving and summer's going

So I helped Tiff pack up her classroom materials today. She is getting married soon and I need to figure out a wedding gift. Maybe she is registered huh? Well we didn't finish the packing in the car part. The reason is because she has such a small car that we couldn't fit it all in. I can't believe her other friends didn't bother to show up to help. But that's okay, we got most of it done. It's getting closer to the end of the summer and I hate that. I love being able to sleep late and not worry about grading papers or behavior problems. I didn't accomplish anything I set for myself but I don't care. I will later but I don't right now. We are getting together tomorrow at San Jose's for a goodbye lunch. Tiff said that a good number is suppose to show up. I just hope we get our checks tonight so that I will have a little extra money. Even though I will be giving mom a good amount so that some bills get paid, still I do need the money. I really do need to clean my room, but I can't seem to get motivated to do it. I need to reorganize the whole house but I don't have the help for that. Well, I guess I will try to find some lunch. Don't know what I feel like eating though.
Any suggestions for a wedding gift? Please let me know. I need all the help I can get.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Twilight

Okay so I wondered why Twilight fans scream a lot. I personally love the books, the movie, and most of the actors I could watch in other movies, but I hope I don't ever become one of the screaming "Twi-fans" that follow everyone around. That would really hurt my pride and my ears. Can you image having to wear ear plugs because of screaming fans or even having a doctor say, "Well, Mr. Facinelli, (Mr. Lutz, Ms. Greene- insert the actor you desire) I am sorry to inform you that you have a busted eardrum. You may lose 10% of your hearing in that one ear. On the bright side, Comic Con is coming up and I hope to see you there.) Oh, please that's like telling an athlete you broke your elbow but at least the SuperBowl is next week.
Like I said though, I wondered why they scream so much and then I figured it out. The screamers have no clue to the level of their pitchiness. It wobbles with intensity and pitch. The whole scream grates on your ears and makes you want to duck your head in a sound proof room. Oh well, maybe some day they will understand and know to talk in a reasonable voice. Actors have to put on their clothes one leg at a time and pull down their britches to sit on a toilet and use it. Not that I want to smell the use but I know that they do. Biology demands it.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

so now what

Okay so I was taking care of a dog, that wouldn't eat like she should nor was she drinking water as she needed to. I took her to the vet and they kept her because she was dehydrated. I don't know if I want her boarded or to bring her back home with me. Oh well, it will be up to the owner to figure that one out. GTG

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I won a contest

I know it seems crazy but an author that I love to read was having contest for different books. In case you like to read her stuff it is at www.NaliniSingh.blogspot.com and she runs contests a pretty good bit. But I actually won a book and Nalini is sending it to me. Is that not wild?! I might have bought the book yesterday though but that is okay because I can give away the copy I bought and keep the one from Nalini (who by the way is a fabulously sweet person). How crazy is this, but I will be going to town to buy Nalini's new book that was published yesterday but wasn't on the shelves in town. Since I live in Robeson County and there is NO BOOK STORES in the whole county, I have to wait until either Walmart or Kmart gets the book. Or I could drive to Fayetteville but I don't want to go all the way there just to pick up one book, even if I love the series. So right now in my mind--- you can't tell me nutin'. lol ;)

I twitter therefore I am

okay so I twitter too... I thinks it's great to find out what is important to different people. This way I get info without being the paparazzi (is this how you spell that?). I don't think that people should be disrespectful. It's one thing if the celebrity puts out the information about themselves, it's quite another when someone stalks you, goes through your trash, or follows you around all day long. You know I think that would get boring. I teach and I don't like for my kids to follow me around a classroom much less someone with a camera stuck in my face.
I twitter the people that I want to know about at the time. Right now, I'm interested in how New Moon is going so of course I twitter the stars of the movie. While I think it would be grand to meet the cast, I am not going to stalk them to do it. I wonder how they feel about twitter and blogging being a way to out-think the paparazzi? You can twitter and blog anytime and anywhere, without someone shoving a camera in your face or flashes blinding you. I'm just not sure it photos are possible on twitter but hey, it's a thought. So I guess my thinking machine is slowing down. So I will sign off right now. C-Ya

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Waiting waiting waiting

Okay, so once again I am waiting for a book to be placed on the shelves. In case you ladies need a new author I have a few if you are courageous enough to try them. Lora Leigh or Nalini Singh for animal in you, Christine Feehan for the vamp lovers, and for those that love the strange try Jean Johnson, Allyson James, Susan Kearney, or even Robin McKinley. If you want to talk books I am perfectly willing assuming I have read it.
But those are not what I am waiting for: I am waiting for about 3 books: C.L. Wilson (Fading Lands Series 4th book) Nalini Singh, who is a fabulously sweet lady (Branded by Fire) Lora Leigh (next in the Breed Series)

I am also waiting for the new season of NCIS... love it. I wish that Dr. Who would come back on and Blood Ties was not cancelled. But hey life is not for regrets. I have a mission, and that mission- because I have accepted it- is to find Undercover Blues on DVD. lol... I love that movie and I will find it because I have burnt out my VHS tape of it lol. Oh well, I should sign off now. Have a headache so prayers would be appreciated... *smile
Find love and peace guys, that is what I am searching for myself...w/g

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Vacation

Is it really a vacation when you spend your time babysitting or dogsitting? Not that I have a major problem dogsitting, I love my dog and he is getting old so I don't trust a lot of people with him, but it would be nice not to have to worry about him sometimes. I teach 2nd grade and I love my kids, most of the time, but a summer vacation doesn't turn out to be a vacation. I spend it cleaning and taking care of other stuff. But this year I decided to be lazy for about a week. It has been great. Sleeping late and staying up late. Not worry about the time. Then I said yes to house/dog/catsitting. I tried to say no to going back to work for a day (without pay mind you) but "no" was not an acceptable answer to my boss. Great huh? Well I have plans. Just haven't sorted them out, but I have plans to relax.. and for a change only one festival this summer. But there is the Lumbee Homecoming and I really shouldn't miss it. It is this weekend along with the 4th of July fireworks. We'll see.