And Soon I Get to Be WARM!

Less than a week away!

Time For Reflection

Now that 2008 is coming to an end, I couldn't help but think about everything that has happened this past year. Just a few were:

I started working for U of P.
Jim started working Mon. - Thursday, with holidays off.
I was able to meet my in-laws and loved every one of them.
Jim and I celebrated our first anniversary and still love (and even like) each other.
We were able to have a successful harvest with our garden.
Jim and I began our cake decorating adventures.
I became a member of the local juvenile justice council.
Jim received a clean bill of health from the doctor.
And the best part of all, Jim and I were able to be sealed for time and all eternity.

I remember that as a little kid, adults always would say as you got older, time went by faster. I used to always roll my eyes at that one, but have realized the validity of that statement with each passing year. In such a hurried, automated world, sometimes it is nice to just take a moment and be in the moment. Remembering to just breath. This is always not an easy task.

I look forward to a new year and the possibility that it will bring. I know of my hopes and desires for this new year, but have quickly come to learn that it is not always up to me or turns out how I want. You have to look at it as an adventure, like those reader choice books where you choose what you want to happen next. (I was always one to read the different endings to see which one I would choose.) No two days are the same. Each one has its own surprises, challenges, twists and turns. Living in the moment and cherishing each one. That is what I hope for most of all.

Mother Nature, You Are Such a Tease!

Yesterday it was a beautiful, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. Looks like a great day to go out!

WRONG!!

It is unhumanly cold and thank goodness for thermals! What a tease!

Come On Sun!!

The shortest day of the year has come and gone once again and we are now starting to get more daylight! YEAH!!!

Yummy Goodness!

For all of you huckleberry fans, Tillamook now has huckleberry ice cream! (Or at least I just discovered it today.) Our mouths just drooled as we walked on past it. Since I could only have about a tablespoon full a day, we decided to pass. Kudos to my husband for supporting me.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed!

Well, I go back on Metformin tomorrow and the Clomid has been increased for the last time, so we will see what happens. I am excited to go back on the Metformin, but am not looking forward to the 1st week sickness that goes with it. Hopefully, it won't be as bad as last time and I won't be sick on Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned . . . .

Yeah Me!

I just received my peer review back and they were all positive comments and even commended me for going above and beyond what was expected by the University! I am just glad that is over.

Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful!

Hello, from a "balmy" 14 degrees (with the chill 0 degrees)! Since Mom announced she would not be coming up for Christmas, Mother Nature decided she could go ahead and bring us a blizzard the day after she announced she was not coming, rather than wait for the day Mom usually arrives. (This has happened almost every year she comes for Christmas.)

Unfortunately, I lost the Rock-Paper-Scissors Contest to see who would plow us out, but my husband was kind of enough to volunteer to do it anyway. Since it has finally stopped snowing, we decided to get on it so that we didn't have a bigger mess when we tried to head out to church.

As you can see "Nannook of the North" was well prepared for the task awaiting him.

Here is what awaited him.

If you look really hard, you can see him going. He even shoveled the front steps. What a guy!

For the farmers, I am grateful. However, as for me: I've seen it; it's covered everything nicely; it can now go away. I don't think I will get my wish.

Go Granny and Gramps!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Quick, Someone Take My Temperature!

HELP!!

I am rapidly becoming one of those "sick" people who get a kick off of sweating and exercising. I have been sick with the flu yesterday and today and this afternoon realized I really missed not working out yesterday and today. So when Jim headed downstairs to the treadmill I did the "easy" program on the bike just to get me that little bit of endorphin kick without over-doing it. Even though I have ramped up my frequency and changed my program, unfortunately I am not "losing" weight according to the scale. But I don't care. The endorphin boost is enough. It's a good thing I don't work with the admitting psychiatrist to our local mental hospital. I think I would be bordering on commitment

As a side note, it turns out that the thief(s) who took my debit card number used it at least four times and had it denied each time. (Thank goodness!) It wasn't until the 5th time that I used it and it was denied that the bank called me. (They didn't have the security code on the back of the card.) I am not sure which I am more annoyed about: The fact that I had no way of knowing that the card was being used and denied without my knowledge; or that it took 5 times before a red flag was issued. Jim and I are going to talk to the the manager at the main branch tomorrow to hopefully get some answers to these questions.

I Feel SO VIOLATED!!!

I am just plain TICKED OFF! I received a call this morning from our bank informing me that there has been fraudulent activity on my debit card. Luckily, they only bought a Yahoo Game and a song from itunes sometime yesterday, but I guess that is how the little rats find out if your debit/credit card is any good or if they will get caught before doing the big purchases.

Well, you little slimeball creeps who used my info I hope you get caught. What you have done is really creepy and slimey. You will never convince me or the rest of society any type of justification for you lowlife actions. Thanks to you I now have to wait for over a week to get a new card and go through and change my information on EVERYTHING! I don't know how you got this info since I rarely use my card except for grocery shopping and the once a year plane tickets. But don't get too excited, I won't be your victim again. Just remember Karma sucks, and it is coming for you.

Ain't He Cute?!

Congratulations, Mr. Assistant DA!

(Now don't you all feel better knowing that that "mug" is one of the newest prosecutors in Oregon?)

I just can't help but love him to pieces.

Happy Birthday To Two of My Most Favorite People

Happy Birthday to Cidnie and LuVera!

Since Cidnie lives closer, she got a cake. She wanted it to be a piano cake, which is kind of ironic since I probably would have done something similar for LuVera.

Anyway, it is a 2 layer red velvet cake (her request) with eighth notes and shells at the bottom and treble clefs at the top. The top of the cake has the music notes to "Happy Birthday" and a chocolate piano. We also put a candle that plays "Happy Birthday" when you light it to help finish the theme. I think she was pretty happy!

The notes and the treble clefs are not even or symmetrical, but I was rapidly to the point I just wanted it done. (Transporting it 40 minutes away didn't help either.) Plus Cid had called just as I was icing it to tell me to hurry up. Good thing she will never know of the trauma I went through to get it together. lol That's another story for another day. If you read Heidi Vawdrey's blog entry about her daughter's cake, you will get a general idea. (I know, Jim. We need a KitchenAid mixer.) Oh well. Another learning experience for sure of what to do and not do.

One more project for a niece or nephew down. One more to go! I promise, Zach, it will be done this week!

YEAH!!!

Yeah, my papers are done and the weekly feedback for all students is now done! All I have left is to post final grades, which will take all of two minutes and will be done tonight! I can now finally work on my Thanksgiving Week projects for the 4 days of freedom until the next round!
(Is it bad that I am hoping my next class is cancelled?)

Now on to a mad rush of cleaning the house and making cheesecake and cookies!

Tomorrow the Boyd Sister Holiday Musical Festival will commense (Sorry, honey.)and only laughter, happiness, and full tummies will be allowed!

Last Day of Class!!!

Today is my last day of class. YEAH!!! I am so ready to send this class on their merry way.

My favorite dumb thing a student has said:

"Well, the school only sent me a warning letter about plagiarism and told me not to do it again. Can I get my points back on my assignment?" Um, no, ding-dong. The University has upheld my determination that you flat out cheated and tried to get away with it even though you swore up and down that everything was in "your own words." You got the warning because this was the first time you were caught. You probably have done this before. But since I am the "meanest instructor (you) have ever had", I was not willing to let your bullying tactics scare me into just letting you pass to get you out of my hair. Sucks to be you!

Okay so I didn't really say this, but I sure thought it.

I found this today and dedicate it to all of the "mean" teachers out there:

Are you a Mean Teacher?
By: Laura M Staunton and Barb Erickson
A MEAN teacher insists that each student do the best s/he is capable of doing.

A MEAN teacher insists that students hand in their assignments on time and takes off points for late assignments.

A MEAN teacher does not accept incomplete assignments.

A MEAN teacher requires each student to think carefully and to make her/his own decisions.

A MEAN teacher holds each student responsible for her/his own behavior.

A MEAN teacher makes students keep the classroom, themselves, and their belongings neat and clean.

A MEAN teacher does not allow free time in class until all class-work is done.

A MEAN teacher gives homework regularly, sometimes even on weekends.

A MEAN teacher calls on students who don't raise their hands to answer questions.

A MEAN teacher requires all students to treat each other with respect.

A MEAN teacher makes life miserable for students by insisting that they always tell the truth.

A MEAN teacher produces students who are respectful, responsible, and successful.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE MEAN* TEACHERS! *(MEAN = Making Excellence A Necessity)

Uh Oh!

Uh oh, the winter blahs are starting to kick in! I'm already getting cabin fever and the snow hasn't even hit yet! It's too cold to be outside and I am BORED! The things I want to do means spending money, which does not fit in with our "Get Out of Debt" plan, so they are out.

Are there things I could be doing around the house? YEP! But I just don't wanna.

Cidnie's Cake Teaser

Here is a part of Cid's cake. HEHEHEHEHE You'll have to stay tuned for more!

Am I Cool Now?

So Jim and I went and saw "Twilight" today. We were able to get a seat, because we went 45 minutes early. However, that showing did completely sell out. What was the most interesting is all of the pre-teen and teeny-boppers that were there. (We went to the 2:00 pm show.) I know that both school districts had school today, so hmmmmmmmmmm . . . .

The priorities of some are interesting. I even had one of my own students who claimed to be sick and asked to turn in her final late last night. It turns out she was going to see "Twilight" and needed to stand in line to see it. If I had done that when I was in school, I would have been grounded for life.

Education just always came first no matter what. If you "faked" bein g sick in my house, you eventually would beg to go to school because being "sick" was worse than being at school. You got to do nothing and go nowhere.

Anyway, I digress. I have to say from hearing the comments around us I am glad I haven't read the book prior to seeing the movie. I enjoyed the movie and better yet, enjoyed the company of the person I was with.

A Vegetable Miracle!

As most people know, Jim doesn't do "green". In otherwords, he refuses to eat most vegetables, which means I get sneaky and hide them in his food. Thanks to my new way of eating being insulin resistant, we have been trying new things since I get sick of the same veggies all of the time. Through this process I have even found new veggies that he will eat! i.e. sweet potato fries and spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce He has also found a new love for jalepenos, thanks to a bbq chicken pizza that I make. He asked last night what is wrong with him since he is liking these new things. I laughed and told him his taste buds are finally wakening up!

Should I Be Happy or Sad?

Well out of my 16 students, 13 turned them in on time and in the correct program format! I also ran the papers through the Plagiarism Checker and none of them are plagiarized! Considering that the past two papers I had at least 5 students per paper that I turned in for plagiarism, this is impressive. Now that means I have to grade them all. ugh!

A "Sweet" Trip!

Jim and I had a rough week this past week, so we decided to "run away". So where do you go that's not too far away and something that will get your mind off of the issues that you don't want to think about for a day?

Preston, Idaho, of course!

It's the only place where you can take a "sweet" tour of Napoleon Dynamite filming locations.

No Ward Changes - Dang it!

Well, we were put into a new stake and were told of no changes to the ward boundaries. Oh well. Jim and I were already thinking of putting our house up for sale and this was the push we needed. So stay tuned to the changes in our own lives . . . . . . .

I "heart" my travel agent!

Books make the best travel agents! In a matter of moments you are whisked away to anywhere you want to any point of time you want. You can be in reality or fantasy. It is completely your choice. You can "travel" for as long or short as you want and there are no worries about delayed flights or bad hotels. And the best part of this type of travel, the price is definitely a bargain!

I have always loved reading books. Somewhere there are at least two pillows with two holes burned in them from me covering my night light when I was kid to hide the light so I could keep reading after lights were supposed to be out. (How I did not start a fire is truly a miracle and a mystery! Sorry, Mom and Dad!) I mean, come on, there are just some books you can't put down no matter how late it is.

Currently, I am into the historical - fiction genre about prominent women in history and am loving it. While I realize that not all of it is true, I am learning a lot about history that I missed in my studies in high school and college. (Yes, I know, Mom, I didn't have Social Studies from 7th grade to my Jr. year thanks to GT.) This way of learning is much more fun than sitting in a class listening to a teach drone on and on. I also love biographies and murder-mysteries. I really love Janet Evanovich books and usually read each of them in one night. (I so relate to Stephanie Plum!)

Anyway, if you have any good book recommendations, please let me know. I always get to the library and wonder what adventure to start next.

Calgone - Take Me Away!

Since I can't have this:

I guess I'll go for this:

1 More Week!

I am in Week 8 of class, so next week is my last week! YEAH! I can't wait. This class has not been easy to work with. Unlike the last one, I do not have any students who have stood out and really tried to do their best. Instead it is an exercise in mediocrity at its greatest. That's okay. After next week, they get to move on to other endeavors and so do I.

Does High School Behavior Ever Really End?

Recently, I was talking to a friend of mine who was upset because of some gossip that had been going around about her and now people won't talk to her for things she "supposedly" did. While I have no idea what the real story is, nor do I need to, I just had to laugh because we both commented on how "high school" - like this was. The thing is nobody has ever talked to her and asked her for her side of the story, and trust me she is the type who will DEFINITELY tell you. (She's not one to hold back on her true feelings.) Believe it or not all of the people involved are in their 40's.

It made me think about my own life and people that I know and my own behavior. Currently, I have (or had) someone in my life who I thought was a close friend. In high school we did almost everything together and now she won't talk to me. It's hilarious since I haven't talked to her much since graduation and recently when I tried to email her she has ignored any attempts on my part to try and catch up with her. Since I haven't talked to her in four years or even seen her since she returned from her mission, I can't think what I have done to offend her but obviously I did something. It would be nice to know so that I can make ammends. However, it's her choice on how to handle it, so I need to respect that. Oh well. I still think she is fabulous and successful.

I just have never understood the fakeness or the "you can't be my friend, because you play with so-and-so" garbage. I have always been one to let people know how I feel or what I think. I just don't believe in being fake or pretending to be friends when you aren't. If I say I am going to do something, I will do it or let you know why I can't. There is no reason to lie and get some one's hopes up when I have no intention of follow-through.

Bottom line . . . if you want to be someone's friend, then be their friend to the fullest! If not, that is fine as well, just don't make promises you do not intend to keep (My personal fave: "I'll call you," and then never do.) or give pretenses that you are their friend when you aren't. Just be real. Be your own best-self. Treat others as you would want to be treated. That is what people will admire and appreciate the most.

Oh, Happy Day!

We received "official" word that our ward and stake boundaries are changing next week! We knew that they were coming, but just did not know when. Unlike the majority of women in the Relief Society who boo-hooed (actually more like sobbing - seriously)and carried on about how horrible it was going to be to have the changes, I wanted to stand up and do the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah! Our ward is definitely due for some BIG changes! And maybe, finally, all of the presidencies won't be from the same street and the same people won't have three - four callings! We need to "spread the love".

HALLELUJAH!

Another Birthday Cake Is Coming!

Miss Cidnie (aka Munchkin)'s birthday is coming up on December 1!! (No, she isn't short. She's actually taller than me! I just gave her that nickname when she was a baby and it has just stuck.) She gets to come to Auntie's house for a sleepover tomorrow and one of the things on the agenda is for her to "order" her birthday cake. It should be interesting! She has already told us she wants the flavor of her cake to be red velvet. So stay tuned . . . . .

Hop, Little Froggy! Hop!

Okay, so I got to change my ticker for the first time in quite awhile! Yeah me! I was nervous when I weighed today since I had to be taken off of the Metformin since my kidneys decided that they did not like the medication. However, I have stuck with the diet and exercise and . . . VIOLA! Go Meeeee! Go Meeeeee! It's my birthday! Go meeeeeee!

Michelle's Cake

Here is Michelle's birthday cake. She wanted a "fairytale" type of a cake with fairies, butterflies, and flowers. I think she was pretty happy with it.

The bottom layer is two layers of vanilla cake and the top is two layers of carrot cake. (At her request) Both had a cream cheese filling with a buttercream frosting. (I should have used more buttercream so I could have had a smoother finish. I'm learning!) Everything was edible, except the Tink figurines and the dowels to support the upper layer.

We were able to use spray paint icing, edible markers and some other new techniques, and like the others we have done, we are learning things we will do differently and things we will do the same. It's always a learning process and always fun to try new challenges. The whole thing took about 12 hours to make, and was definitely a learning process. Thank goodness Jim was able to help out!

Health Updates

I know that I have been posting regularly like I used to. This past week I have been going to all-day trainings every other day to try and get my CEUs in for my license and had major papers to grade, so I told myself no blogging until they were done.

Jim got the results of his sleep test and he has been diagnosed with mild - moderate sleep-apnea. At this point he doesn't need a breathing machine, but will need to be monitored to make sure it doesn't get any worse. Other than that he has a perfect bill of health.

I started the medication for my Insulin Resistence last week, and just like I was told, I was pretty sick that first week. After a week of the medication I started to feel like normal again. I also immediately changed my eating habits, so there are a lot more vegetables at our house. I have also had the side effect of losing weight! Woohoo!

So far the change hasn't been too bad and there has been only one day that I would have sold almost anything I had for a gooey chocolate chip cookie with lots of sugar, butter, and most importantly - CHOCOLATE! I was good and resisted, but only because there weren't any in the house. I can actually have regular cookies but only one every two hours. Honestly, what is the fun in that?!

I have found a new love, which is sweet potato fries. Jim and I weren't too sure because we both hate yams, but these were GREAT! Cover them with extra-virgin olive oil and kosher salt and then bake at 400 for an hour and UMMMMM!! Much less starch and carbohydrates.

I begin taking the Clomid on Tuesday, so if I am a blubbering mess in the next couple of weeks bare with me. I can honestly blame it on hormones.

That's the latest and the greatest on our health. Jim is working a ton and school is just the same as always. (Three more weeks to go!) When I get a few minutes I plan on sharing some of the things I learned at one of my trainings regarding the drug world presently. It was one of those things that all parents should have attended. It was fascinating how creative the people are getting. Stay tuned!

Why I'm Married

Last night I was craving ice cream and actually had been dreaming about it all day. When my husband came downstairs to ask me if I needed anything (I was in the midst of grading papers.), I laughingly told him ice cream. He then went to the store and came back with sugar-free, low carb ice cream and Coke Zero to make a float. He even made the float for me, making sure the ice cream was the right portions for my carb intake. All this without being asked! How can you not love a guy like that?! I so *heart* him!

Boys and Their Toys

Here is the oldest of my brothers playing in one of his "big boy" toys. (In my family of origin, planes were a BIG deal.) It's a T-33 that he helped to restore. If you notice at the end the guy dropping the video,it is because he is getting ready to throw up.

Oh, boys and their toys!

Why the IV? Here's the Rest of the Story . . . .

For those of you that were asking why there was a previous point regarding the IV reference, I was having some blood work done and finally got my results today. It turns out that I am Insulin Resistant (Pre-Diabetic) and have PCOS. To make a long story short, I start medication today to help my body process insulin correctly, begin exercising regularly, and change my diet immediately.

If I don't do all of the above, then I am at risk of becoming diabetic within the next 10 years. Now since most of you know I have an extreme fear of needles, being a diabetic is one of my worst fears. So this is why there needs to be a major lifestyle change, immediately. Plus all the other health risks that are associated with this if I don't make some changes.

I am not complaining. I am actually grateful to finally understand what is happening and it explains so much regarding so many things. This is also the kick in the butt I needed to get my butt in gear and make the changes I needed. Plus with the struggles I have had with losing weight, this should help with that which I am really hoping for. I miss my in-shape, skinny self. I haven't seen that person in 10 years.

Bottom line, it's all good. Just a bump in the road. I have been warned that I won't be feeling so hot my first week, so thank goodness it is not a Read & Discuss week for my class. I am not much of a "conversationalist" when I feel like cah-cah. Stay tuned . . . . .

Michelle's Birthday Is Coming!!!

Stay tuned for our next cake! Michelle's birthday is November 1 and she gets to have whatever type of cake she wants. I am kind of eternally indebted to her since she helped the sister missionaries be sneaky and introduce my husband and I to each other. Plus she is the mother of 6 (yes, 6 including one set of twins) kids, so letting her have her way on at least one thing on "her" day is the least she deserves.

Say it isn't snow?!

Yep, that's right. White flakes began to fall today, which means that winter is now here and I am now going into hermit mode. I really wish I could enjoy the winter more and/or enjoy winter sports, but I don't. I am a summer and fall girl, through and through. I love being outside working on my yard and garden. I also love to go for walks without the slipping and sliding. In the winter none of these are possible, except to snowblow the driveway and sidewalks. My husband even thought he would be funny and tell me I could be the first one to use the snowblower this year. This smart-alec comment definitely got "the look".

In the winter, I wear socks 24/7 and only take them off to shower. I need to stock up on thermal garment bottoms because my legs and feet are constantly cold. I really need to be a "snowbird" or go live in Hawaii year round. Someday . . . . . .

Sigh of Relief

Isn't it interesting that something as easy as a 55 gallon water barrel makes you feel more safe and secure?

Ouch!

Ever tried to type on a computer (correcting papers) with an IV in your arm? Not a good time.

7 Straight Hours of Ethics Training

Enough said!

YEAH JUDGE GLASS!!

Emotions Connect Old OJ acquittal, New Conviction

ASSOCIATED PRESS

I had the honor of working with the judge who oversaw this recent case in Las Vegas. She is a FABULOUS lady who is fair to everyone. She doesn't play favorites and doesn't play to the media or to your "movie star" status. Thank goodness she was assigned the case! There are other judges there who would have had a hayday with the media. Go Jackie! Go Jackie! It's your birthday! Go Jackie!

All By Myseeeeeeeeeelf!

Well, tonight will be the first time that my husband and I have not been under the same roof together since we were married. He gets the pleasure of having a sleep study for which I have to drop him off by 9:30 and then pick him at 6:30 tomorrow morning. While I am excited to not be kicked or hear snoring all night, I know this house is going to seem awfully big all by my lonesome. Anybody wanna have a sleepover?

Class Update

Well, the trend did not continue and there were three people who did not bother to turn in their assignment from Friday. One states that she dropping the course and the other two, who knows? I am suspecting that at least one of them will be dropping as well since he has not posted other assignments. Still overall, much better activity than my last class. They have their first written assignment due this week so we will see how that goes.

I am getting smarter about posting all the requirements (Yes, they should already know.) such as the paper has to be in APA format, you have to write in Word, you can't use Wikipidia or Ask.com for a source, and you have to use information from human services organizations since this is a human services course. (I know I am a mean old witch with a hat . . . . . ) This way when they don't do these things, I can just tell them to please reread the post rather than get in a big argument. Plus if they file a complaint, Academic Affairs will see my post and tell them, "Hey stupid! Read the information regarding the assignment." and I get left alone. Basically, if they were warned, they have no legitimate reason to complain, even though I know some will try. This is something that I have learned from other faculty members that save a lot of headaches from "problem" children who like to find any reason at all to file complaints to get faculty in trouble when they don't get an "A" just because they are who they are and so what if they turned in a crappy assignment. I'm learning!

I also read the student's survey results regarding my last class. All of the comments were positive, which is kind of funny since they have to fill them out before their final grades are posted. I wonder if the results would have been different if they were able to fill these out after they received their final grades? Granted only 7 out of the 14 completed the surveys, but hey I will take what I can get! It's kind of funny since one student accused me of being prejudice against here after she found out she got an "F" for the course. She even went so far to say that her getting an "F" couldn't possibly have anything to do with her not turning in her final. Ummmmm . . . . guess what?! This is also the same student who turned in a paper that was taken word for word from another website, but I wasn't able to turn her in for plagiarism since she had referenced where she had obtained the information. (I have since found out that I should have turned her in and she would have been suspended.) At least I know I am not alone. I have read what other teacher's have gone through and know that every teacher gets at least one. It definitely keeps life entertaining!

SALSA!!!!

And there are 1 Doz. Pints for Christmas Presents, too!

(All of the veggies, except jalapenos and garlic were from our garden, and we are still not done with tomatoes!)

A Night of Laughter!

My poor husband is married to a musical theatre freak, so he gets to be dragged to various musical events. This time it was to see Nunsense, starring Sally Strothers as the Reverend Mother. I had seen this play on television and have a recorded version of Nunsense II with Rue McLelahan as the Reverend Mother. They are both hilarious. Even Jim, after the show ended, stated that it was hilarious. I know that a lot of the "Mormons" were scared off from attending, fearing that it was a Catholic only show, but honestly it is not. The author and director isn't even Catholic. If you get a chance, try to see it. Sometimes it just feels good to laugh.

Hmmmmmmm . . ..

Well, my class had their first assignment due last night and everyone turned them in on time! That is such a change from the last time I taught during my student teaching. I even have a full 20 member class. Hopefully, this keeps up.

Ha! Finally, I Got My Way!

Finally, after a year of begging and pleading my husband is getting a physical this Friday for the first time in over 5 years! I don't think there is anything wrong with him. I just want him to get a physical to make me feel better. After the history with my family and the "surprises" that have been life-saving discoveries during physicals, I am a big believer in them.

And The Fun Begins Again

I have a class that begins tomorrow and one that is scheduled to start 10/20/08. It will be interesting having 2 classes simultaniously but at differant stages. Oh well. That also means more money and being that much closer to teaching other classes. (After I teach these 2, I will be eligible to teach all 4 of the classes I am approved for.) Stay tuned as the fun begins!

Need a Wedding Dress?

Anybody need a wedding dress? It's been heirloomed.

Note to Self

Note to Self: Wear gloves when cutting over 20 jalepenos for salsa, especially if you haven't put in your contacts yet.

AAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!

I am in the process of trying to clean out my craft room. During this hideous process one of the things I have had to do is go through the boxes I was "gifted" from my mother in exchange for her serger. Since the foot was not with it, I have had to go through the boxes that she gave me. I have found 11 boxes of fabric. YES, 11 FULL boxes!

Now this may seem like a great find, but a lot of it is fabric from the 80s and 70s and is greatly outdated. (i.e. 3 boxes of valour) Since she didn't know what to do with it, she gave it all to me. AAAAAAGGGHHH!!! Does any one know of any charitable organizations that would accept fabric? I want to keep some of the fabric, but all of it? . . . No way, especially the valour.

By the way . . . I still haven't found the foot! ggggrrrrr

It's a Good Thing . . . .

It's a good thing that right now I'm not rich. I would hire an organizing guru/interior decorator to "just make it functional and look nice" in regards to my craft room. I can't stand it anymore!

Go Bailey!

It's volleyball season, so that means traveling to see Bailey in action. We just went to a game this past week in Pocatello where her team played Highland. They played a best 3 out of 5 round and Bailey's team won the first 3 games. She is really getting quite good and at one point even served at least 10 times in a row! Go B!

Orange Juice Emergency!!! - Calling all cooks!

A friend of mine had her children leave the freezer open and she needs to use a bunch of orange juice in the next three weeks. If you have any tried and true recipes using orange juice, could you please email them to me at lynne52573 at peoplepc dot com? Please ask friends, neighbors, bloggers, whomever you can think of. I know that we could probably find some on the internet, but it would be nice to have some that people have used and know they are good. Thanks so much!

Latest Creation

To thank our neighbor for helping me with the digital editing for our pictures, I originally was going to make a fondant camera cake but decided it was too ambitious since Jim is not available to help due to being crazy, busy at work. Instead I decided to make her a "fall" theme cake. It was a spice cake with buttercream frosting and fondant leaves and apples. I wish I would have been thinking because I could probably have done a cream cheese frosting for the basket weave, instead of the buttercream. (Cream cheese just goes much better with spice cake.) I was really pleased with how the leaves turned out since I experiemented with the colors and used a new fondont press. They apples were all done freehand, and I was pretty impressed with how those turned out as well. I think it turned out pretty good. What do you think?

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Since it has been officially a year since I quit being a mental health counselor, I have been thinking a lot of the changes that have occurred in the past year. I think one of the biggest changes in my life is how my focus and what I consider important has changed. No longer am I so career-oriented and solely relying on myself for all of my needs. I now work as a team with someone else and have a bigger picture in mind, such as family and home. It is all so surreal since for so long I wondered if I would ever be happily married, let alone content with being at home.

Only a couple of months ago I was offered what used to be the dream job and I turned it down, since I now consider home and family more important. I was even offered another job again today, and again turned it down. It's such a weird paradigm shift.

Don't get me wrong. I still miss my job as a social worker for the PD's office in Las Vegas. I don't think I can ever get the forensic social worker in me to ever completely go away, which is why I volunteer doing status offender mediations and am on the Juvenile Justice Council for my judicial district. It allows me to still be a part of the system without being "in" the system. I get to watch the players tear each other apart and I get to walk away unscathed for once. Instead I get to volunteer for only the things I want to do and do only the work that I love.

Not such a bad life. It's definately a more content and happy life. More than I ever thought it could be, but always hoped for.

Look . . . I can be a Barbie Doll, too!

My neighbor down the street, who is a professional photographer, was generous enough to edit a photo I wanted to put in a shadow box with our leis from our temple sealing. She even gave me perfect skin and liposuction! Now if it was only this easy in real life.

This is the first time I have ever liked a picture of myself and am willing to place it on a wall in my home. Another reason why she is the only one who will be allowed to take family pictures.

Can you tell which one has been retouched?

Scary!!!

Aaaaaaaaaawwwwwww!

Yeah!

It is case lot sale time and I have stocked up for the winter. I even updated my storage room food list. Woohoo!! The only thing I have left is wheat, which should be on sale at the end of the month!

My goal is to have to go out in the cold and yuck to go to the grocery store as little as possible. It so sucks to try and push a grocery cart through snow and ice.

Gender Role Rant!

When I was in high school, I was a huge, vocal advocate of gender equality, especially since I went to a school with a bunch of redneck, sexist pigs who felt that all women were good for was staying home and "birthin' babies". To be smart and successfully as a female was not only frowned upon, but could cause you to be ostracised. (For example, when I visited my parents after graduating from USU and beginning to work at LDS Church Headquarters, my business teacher told me he was disappointed in me and thought I would have done more with my life since I wasn't married or even dating at the time.)

While I have grown older and wiser, I still believe in equality, to a degree, and don't feel that there should be hard drawn out lines as to what a "woman's" job vs. a "man's" job in the home should be. Why am I ranting about this?

Earlier today I was talking to a friend on the phone who was in the midst of an argument with her oldest boy regarding mowing the lawn. He was frustrated because he did not feel it was fair that he always had to mow the lawn and his older sister did not, just because she is a girl. My friend told me that none of her daughters (she has 3) would ever mow the lawn, because it's too dirty and is a "boy's" job. I did everything to bite my tongue and quickly got off the phone.

What I wanted to say was, "GIVE ME A BREAK!" And what happens when your daughter grows up and doesn't get married right away, if ever? (I know it is shocking but there are several strong, active, LDS women that this happens to. I am one of those.) So while she is in her "singleblessedness" and decides to buy her own home, because she needs the tax deduction and it makes more sense financially, who is going to take care of her lawn since she never learned how to run a lawn mower, let alone care for a lawn? Or if what if her husband becomes incapacitated in some way or has to be gone for a lengthy time for work and can't mow the lawn? Neighbors get a little testy if you never mow, water, or weed your lawn. And the cost of someone else to do it is outrageous! (Our neighbor told me his son is getting paid $25/lawn each time he mows.) Not preparing your daughter to be self-sufficient, if needed, is doing her such a disservice! The same is true for not teaching your sons to do housework and cook. And with both genders, teaching them about finances such as savings, checking accounts, and interest!

I realize I am not a parent, but good grief! It's not going to kill a girl to learn to mow a lawn or a boy to cook and clean. Their future roommates and spouses will thank you for it, and so will they when they are able to do things on their own and save money by not having to pay others for things they can do on their own. Also if they are to get married, this is a great way for spouses to help one another out and serve one another. For example, my husband is having work 12 days straight right now and mowing the lawn is the last thing he wants to do when he gets home. Me mowing the lawn this week is just a small way to help him out and show my appreciation for him being able and willing to work so hard.

Plus what a great bonding time and teaching moment! Sometimes working on my car together was the only time my father and I could be in the same vicinity with each other and have a pleasant conversation.

Taking out the trash and mowing the lawn is too dirty and should only be a "man's" job? Have you cleaned a toilet that boys used or changed a dirty diaper lately? Talk about dirty!

Okay, I've had my rant now, so now I'll take a deep breath and go make pizza dough for dinner.

Things You May or May Not Know About Me

1. I hate my red hair. I always wanted to be a blond.

2. I hate casseroles. (I know. That almost is blasphemy in the Mormon culture.)

3. I love to cook, especially baking. There is something about making things from scratch and knowing what is actually in what you are eating.

4. I love gardening. Every year I try at least one new type of flower to grow, but I think next year I am going to add more roses and stick with Gerber daises. I know what to expect and I am getting really good at caring for roses.

5. I love working with kids, but the thought of being a mom terrifies me. Hazards of the job of being a social worker. I've met a lot of parents who just plain suck and are clueless.

6. I love to sing, but hate to perform. (Too many bad memories from "friends" and studying with Michael Ballam or as I call him "the devil in carnate.)

7. Crocheting and knitting bores me, but I will do it. If you ever get a completed project from me, I must really like you.

8. I love to learn new things all of the time. I don't know if I could ever get sick of learning. I would like to learn more about photography and cutting hair.

9. My biggest fear . . . . being homeless.

10. My biggest dream . . . swim with dolphins, have a huge, fully stocked kitchen with the latest appliances, and be completely debt free.

11. My greatest regret . . . not taking ballroom dance classes when I was at BYU. Being on the dance team would have been a BLAST!

12. I am PAINFULLY shy. Meeting new people is not a good time for me at all. However, I would like more close friends, not just acquaintances.

13. One of my greatest memories . . . getting to go to President Hinckley's office and spend as much time there as I wanted. It was so cool to go to the security desk, give them my name, and have them tell me to go right in.

14. I am terrified of needles, but think autopsies are cool. The human body is fascinating.

15. I hate flying, but would love to fly in a fighter jet. (I mean, seriously, how cool would that be.)

16. I have no aspirations to be rich. I just want to be "comfortable." (Debt free, solid retirement saved, a year's worth of emergency savings, and still have the income that we currently have.) We're getting there, slowly, but still making progress.

17. I've never wanted a flashy sports car. I've always wanted a Toyota Camry, midnight green with tan interior.

18. I love going to the temple, and always have. Getting my endowments when I did, I have never regretted.

19. One talent I wish I had . . . . organization. I do okay, but I really could use someone with some strong organization skills help me tackle my craft room. I get so overwhelmed that after 10 minutes I just walk away and shut the door.

20. I am a hot chocolate addict. Stephen's Gourmet is what I have to have in the winter. It's my comfort food. I especially love the ones with mint or hazelnut.

The Decision Has Been Made

I just received an email from the University of Phoenix notifying me that I have been accepted as a permanent faculty member! I am really excited and am interested to see where this new occupational path will take me. Stay tuned!

Final Evaluation!

Well, I received my final evaluation last night and everything was positive and my mentor stated he would recommend that I be hired permanently. So now I am in waiting mode, and should hear sometime in the next 2 weeks whether I will be offered a permanent job or not.

The only concern I have is the grades that were given in my class. My class average was an F, but there was nothing I could do since almost half of the class did not turn in their final. Still I am not sure how the deciding committee will take that. I did get an email from one of my students yesterday thanking me for the help that I gave her, so I guess at least one student was happy.

Please keep your fingers crossed and me in your prayers for the next couple of weeks.

Final Grading . . . . DONE!

7 hours later and all of my finals are graded. Only 10 bothered to turn in the final project. One of those was after the last day of class, so I can't accept it and another was submitted by someone other than the student so I can't accept that one either. So there were 8 total. I am a little annoyed since one of the ones that didn't bother to turn in her final I helped on numerous occasions, including over the phone and gave lengthy details on how to complete the assignment.

My class average is now a whopping F, so I am a little nervous of how that will impact the committee's decision if I am hired or not. (Like I can help the fact that people decide not to turn in assignments.)

All I have left is to post their final grades, which shouldn't take more than 3 minutes at most.

I am glad to be done, but am feeling a little defeated that the grades weren't higher. Oh well. There's nothing I can do about it now.

I'm Doin' The Neutron Dance!!!!

I'm done with office hours forever and ever and ever and ever!!!!

I No Longer Have to Water the Yard or Harvest the Garden!!!

At church a neighbor across the street and I were comparing notes regarding are gardens. He asked if I had seen any "critters" in my backyard and had a funny look on his face. I mentioned that I saw a 2-3 in. snake and he laughed and said that he had helped one of our neighbors down the street and found several. When I told my husband, he looked at me sheepishly and informed me that our next door neighbor has seen a 2 foot snake a couple of times in her garden and just leaves it there to catch the mice. Since there is a gap beneath our fence and her yard, any guesses how happy I was to hear this? After stiffling a scream (since we were still at church) and giving him the "wifely glare", he informed me that I no longer needed to worry about the garden and backyard. He'll do it all for me. Gee . . . .ya, think?!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Okay, so I am just plain annoyed with our ward and am really looking forward to the day the ward boundaries change and some of the "clicks" are divided.

Today, Jim and I went to the bishop and told him we had some extra zucchini that we were willing to let others have for free since we had frozen all that we wanted and the plants keep blooming. (I just can't kill a plant just because I'm sick of them producing food. Bad karma!. . I know, dumb.) Since there are so many people who live in apartments and a lot of our ward is on church and government welfare, I thought there may be some people in need and would gladly take them off our hands. (They are over a $1 ea. at the store!) When he announced that a family had some available, and to see him after church for more information, all we heard was laughter. So . . . . guess we won't be so generous with sharing and if a calamity hits they can all "eat cake"!

Gender Wars

So my husband wakes up yesterday and ask, "Honey, is there anything you want to do to get out of the house today?" I immediately answer with an empathic yes and tell him of the errands I need to run, including going to the craft store to look at scrapbook and craft room organization items (my next project).

He then asked, "Okay, anything fun?"

What?! Going to a craft store not fun? Surely, he jests! hahahahahahaha

LOL Poor guy, he doesn't know what to do since I have so many project in the works and he doesn't have any right now. We definitely need to find him a hobby.

Am I Excited or What?!

It's my last day of office hours for ever and ever, whether I get hired permanently or not! Go ahead, ask me if I am excited!

Gotta Love This Time of Year!

I got to eat my first garden tomato today!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Week 8 Evaluation!

Woohoo! Another evaluation and again all good marks. I was even told that I do excellent work! I so needed to hear this because a lot of my students are really giving me a hard time during their final week. The ones who have not been doing their reading or quality work all of class (such as plagiarizing their papers) are now suddenly realizing they are in big trouble for their final project. I even had one ask me to give her an example for each part of the final. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha . . .yeah, right! Oh well! Ask me how much sympathy I have right now?!

I have no problem helping those who really try and actually encourage them to ask questions. I love helping them out. It's so fun to see the lightbulb go off and they get excited about learning.

The ones who have this sense of entitlement, however, are too lazy to do their reading, and want me to basically do their work for them . . . . ggrrrrrrrrrr.

3 more days of office hours! 1 more round of papers! 1 more discussion question! 1 more week until vacation! Every night there is a countdown.

Do You Ever . . . ?

Do you ever have days when life is just absolutely fabulous for no particular reason? Maybe it's because the sun is shining? Or maybe it's because I only have 3 1/2 more days of having office hours? Or maybe it's just because it is? Who cares? Just feel like smiling . . . . just because.

How Long Do Things Last?

I saw this ona friend's work website and thought I would share. It is a list of things around your home and how long they should last before they need to be replaced. It can help to start thinking about when to start saving money for a replacement.


Asphalt Driveway 15 years $2-4/sq. ft.
Asphalt Shingle Roof 25 years $1.25-3.50/sq.ft.
Bathroom Basin 16 years $200-350
Bathtub/Tiles 25 years $1500
Carpet indefinite $25-60/sq.ft.
Central Air-conditioning
compressor/or heat pump 11 years $800-3000
Chimney & Liner 100 years $4500-12000
Dishwasher 12 years $500-1000
Exterior Paint 5 years $1000-2500
Faucets 12 years $150+
Garage-Door Opener 10 years $300-450
Garbage Disposal 10 years $150-400
Hot-Air Furnace 18 years $1000-2000
Hot-Water Boiler 22 years $2000-4000
Oven/Stove 20 years $800-1500
Plumbing 20-60 years $1500-4000
Refrigerator 14 years $600-1000
Septic System 30 years $3000-12000
Shower Pan indefinite $900-1600
Siding 40 years $8000-20000
Sump Pump 5 years $150-250
Toilet 35 years $300+
Toilet-Flush Mechanism 10 years $100-150
Vinyl Kitchen Floor 25 years $35/sq.ft.
Washer & Dryer 13 years $650-800
Water Heater 10 years $350-800
Wood Deck 15 years $10-20/sq.ft.

Mmmmmmmm . . . .

There is something about the Sunday smell of roast and homemade rolls cooking. (Yes, I made the rolls from scratch.)

Our Final Cake

Here is our final cake! We ended up giving it to our Relief Society President. I thought it fitting since she has such a lovely yard full of wonderful flowers. She even talked about it today in Relief Society and began to cry about the thoughtfulness of giving her the cake. I was just glad to not have it in my house, since we are caked out for awhile.

Believe me, this is the least I can do for her. The only way I would be RS President in this ward is if my calling and election was made sure. There is a lot of welfare, single moms, old people that die all of the time, and a nursing home in this ward. Giving her a cake is just a small thing of what she deserves. Sainthood would be more like it.

I HATE Grading Papers!!

I saw this and laughed and had to take a picture. I so concure, since I feel like I am beating my head against the wall after grading 8 papers that were turned in on time and 1 that was 1 day late. The rest of the class hasn't bothered to turn in their papers. Out of the 9:
1 was turned in to Academic Affairs for plagiarism
2 copied the majority of their paper from a website but were big enough to use an in-text citation
1 tried to be sneaky like the others but when she copied from the website she mixed the sentences up so that Plagiarism Checker wouldn't catch her, but now it doesn't make any sense.
1 tried to write her paper without any references and did not even come close to meeting the word requirement, did not use APA formatting AT ALL, and did not create her paper in Word. All of these things were requirements of the paper and she has been told NUMEROUS times.(She was turned in for Plagiarism last time.)
1 The spelling and run-on sentences were so bad that I wasn't sure if I could get through the paper. (She didn't even spell the author of our textbook's name right.)

And just think . . . . I have their final paper to grade next week.

Doesn't Everyone Like to Play In a Fort?

It's not just kids who create forts out of sheets to hide in!

Where's Ratta?

There he is!
This is his newest hiding place when he doesn't want to go in his drawer to sleep.

Frankenchini

Check these out!!

To give you a reference.

What's interesting is that in talking to our neighbors, they have told us that they haven't hardly had anything grow in their gardens this year. I don't know how we lucked out, but we are grateful that we did. We will be sharing the bounty since we are definitely done with zucchini and are waiting to see how the tomatoes go.

Are you kidding me?!

Today I had a student call and during our conversation begin to argue with me that there was not a textbook for our class. (Remember this is the 2nd to last week of class.) When I pointed out to her how the book as been referred to several times for all of our assignments, in the syllabus, by myself, and other students, she let me know that she never has not read the book at all this semester. Could that be why she is failing? Are you kidding me?!

I realize that there are you smarties out there (Okay, I am guilty too.) that never opened your book all semester and did just fine in class. But to argue that there is not even a book and you know you are failing miserably? Are you kidding me?!

One More Thing Off My List!!

Woohoo!! I just created an itemized food storage list and even created a list to have people fill out when they take stuff out of the food storage. I am hoping I will be able to stay on top of the inventory and know where I need or don't need things.

Now I just need to convince my husband and myself to remember to write down what we take out of the storage. hahahahahaha

Shelf life of Things

If you have ever wondered what is the shelf life of various items, here is a guide that i thought was kind of nifty since it covered cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer.

http://www.ziploc.com/?p=b4&sid=email&cid=pfe200808a&rid=100893186

Another Review!

Well, I just received my evaluation for last week and again all good marks.

Next week is my last week of class! I have to say I am excited to see the end and am in need of a break. Plus if I do get hired as a permanent employee, I will no longer have to have office hours!! Jim might actually get meals when he first gets home, instead of "the look" when he asks what is for dinner while I am grading 14 papers that are due by 7 pm.

Labels Added

Okay, I had a couple of people look for some tips that I had in previous posts. Rather than make then read through all of the past posts I have added labels to some of the posts and you can search via the label list on the right side of our blog. Hope that helps!

Have you ever . . .

Have you ever just had one of those days that the more you try to get on top of things, the faster time goes, and how less time there is? I have been having those moments this weekend.

I look at other people's blogs and their day-to-day achievements and just sigh. For example:

Heidi Vawdrey - She is one of those women that I call SUPERWOMAN! She works part-time as a nurse, cooks amazing meals that she makes up herself, runs almost daily (including half-marathon races), and raises her children.

Jaylene - Makes wonderful things for her family and does all of kind of cute things with her kids.

Tina - Has done an amazing job overcoming a horrible time in her life and does a great job in mothering her children in her blended family.

When I decided to stay home, I thought I would have so much more time to do things, but feel like lately I have more to do then I did when I was working full-time. With CFS and Fibromyalgia there are days that even getting out of bed is such a chore, and the thoughts of adding children to that mix just makes me shutter. This is why I am in awe of these women. They do it all! I know, I know, I have my own talents and strengths. I just am having one of those moments where I get frustrated by my own limitations. I remember when I just would go and go and go and never think twice about it. Patience is NOT one of my virtues so I truly believe that this is Heavenly Father's way of teaching me patience and to take time to smell the roses whether I like it or not. Some days I like it and some days not!

I have found myself listening to Michael McLean's "This Day is One of Those." You've gotta love music! It's all good. I just need to remember to live in the moment and not dwell on what is undone. Baby steps, Adrienne, baby steps.

Those Jalepenos Sure Look Big

A week ago Jim came in from looking at the garden and stated that the jalapenos looked awfully big and maybe we should start picking them. I told him to not worry about it, but I would get to them as soon as I could.

Today I went out to look at the tomatoes and decided to look at the jalapenos as well. They really did look big, so I thought I would take a closer look. Yikes! Those aren't jalapenos, they are green peppers!!! Someone switched the tags on the plants.

This is especially funny since just a couple of weeks ago I told Jim how I wished I had planted bell peppers.

It all works out since I will use both for salsa, and bell peppers are more expensive than jalapenos.

Funny Thing Said In Church

Kids can sometimes be hilarious. Especially when you are not the parent and get to snicker without being the red-faced adult trying to get them to be quiet.

Today during sacrament meeting, we sang "Onward Christian Soldiers." The little 4 year old girl that sat behind us sang all the words as loud as her mother would allow. At the end of the song as we waited in silence for the person saying the opening prayer to reach the podium, she yelled out to her mother, "Hey Mom. I'm a good singer!" Even her dad snickered at that one.

Why I Love My Husband . . . .

This morning as I looked at my so-so clean house, cluttered kitchen, and newspaper strewn bedroom I apologized to my husband for being a slacker wife. He looked at me and questioned me as to what I meant. When I explained to him my thoughts, he just shook his head gave me a hug and a kiss and told me I was being silly. He then stated, "Honey, there is no such thing as wifely duties in this house. We are a team and a partnership and we share all of the jobs equally." And the thing is, he really means it. When I made zuuchini bread this afternoon, he quickly followed behind and did all the dishes while I made the bread. Not because he is compulsive, it's just his way of contributing.

How can you not love a guy like that?!

Saaaaaaad Kitty

When Jim has to work, the cat he had prior to us being married goes into mourning. He begins by sitting at the end of the end of the hall next to our bedroom door and eventually ends up on our bed about an hour before Jim comes home. The whole time he keeps waiting for Jim to come out of our bedroom, even though he sees him leave for work each morning. Once Jim comes home he goes right to his bed, because all is right with the world once again.

Is he home, yet?

How about now?

Well, I might as well rest my head while I wait.