Saturday, February 25, 2012

Hey! I'm in bed testing to see if posting via text message works.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Be Still

Will these busy days ever end? Days like today I have to remind myself to just Be Still. For a type B person, this constant going.. and doing.. and being.. is tiresome. Zac gave me the new The Fray CD for Vday. Probably my favorite song on it is "Be Still". Here's the lyrics and link to hear it.


"Be Still"

Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still and know that I am here
Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still, be still, and know

When darkness comes upon you
And covers you with fear and shame
Be still and know that I'm with you
And I will say your name

If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer comes
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still, and know

And when you go through the valley
And the shadow comes down from the hill
If morning never comes to be
Be still, be still, be still

If you forget the way to go
And lose where you came from
If no one is standing beside you
Be still and know I am

Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still and know I am


Much love,
EM

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Pinterest

I have gathered so many great teaching ideas through Pinterest. So, it is not completely of the devil... right?


Tonight Zac decided that he wanted to rent a movie from Red Box. What did HE choose? Yes, we watched Breaking Dawn. I'm sorry to say... but I'm still not a fan. Zac kept making fun of me for only looking for faults in the movie. I just can't help it. The acting sucks. The drama is too retardedly dramatic... and does Kristin Stewart ever smile? I mean really... she just married Edward (shaking and awkward) and comes running (way too happily) to Jacob the moment he shows up after the wedding. First, that's not the best way to start a marriage to another man. Okay, I'll stop ranting at that and get on to my purpose for this post.


So, after the movie I decide to start some school work... which leads to Pinterest... which leads to organizing my pins on Pinterest in order to eventually print off my ideas and store them in my new 21 pocket expanding file case I bought from Target.


I hope that one day I will be one of those teachers that provides ideas, printables, and other teaching tidbits to others via blogging. Not only does it benefit its readers, but it allows the blogger to reflect on their own teaching and make modifications when needed.

Anyway, enough with my thoughts for now. Back to reality and school.

Much love,
Em

p.s. - I must end with some pictures of our short lived snow from yesterday. This was Winston's first snow experience. I hope we get to enjoy more before Spring.

The Pack
Bubsy
Coffee has always loved the snow...
and I think Winston enjoys it too.
Gotta love them fighting... :)

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hey Girl!

Finding this blog on pinterest made my night. I hope it makes any teacher or future teacher out there smile a little. I know I will refer back to this site for future bursts of encouragement.

- Em

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Note to Self

After finishing a nice, warm cup of tea... do not attempt to drink the last drops of it by sucking on the tea bag. BIG MISTAKE!

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On another note, today is my father's 55th birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad! I've been so blessed to have such a devoted, successful man to call my dad. He's encouraged me to live a faithful, fulfilled life without constraining me to too many expectations. I've always had a special bond with my dad... and I pray daily that if we have a daughter that she will create this same sort of bond with Zac. I love you, Dad. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me... and everyone around you.
Father-Daughter Dance
Just snorkeling in the bathtub... don't all fathers do that?!
Father-Daughter Camp-Out in 2006
On a cruise in 2006
Ski trip 2009
On the slopes 2009
Snowmobiling 2009

Celebrating my birthday 2011
Celebrating my bday 2011
Father-Daughter Camp Out 2011
Father-Daughter Camp Out 2011
Isn't he cute?!
And doesn't that look like the best camping food ever?

Much love,
Em

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Cheaper is Sometimes Better

So, the crown of my head has continuously been overly oily for the past few weeks. I couldn't figure out why... until I ran out of my aussie shampoo and decided to try to find some new shampoo for oily hair. I could not find ANY at our local neighborhood market Walmart. So, I stared at the various types of shampoos for about 10 minutes trying to decide whether or not to just buy the kind for all types of hair or something random or even just buy the cheapest kind just to save some money. In the end, I decided to buy White Rain. Yes, it was the cheapest... about 2 bucks for 32 ounces and it has a pump. Believe it or not, my hair is now not oily! Who knew! I guess because it is made with primarily water... there is less other crap to cause build up. I am still using my aussie conditioner until it runs out. After that I may try and find a better brand for oily hair. We will see.

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On another note, there are several things that completely annoy me:

- When it is raining, overcast, or just plain sprinkling... PUT ON YOUR HEAD LIGHTS! Gah, I hate when people don't do that. It is a law...
- Don't nag me about something over and over again... it makes me want to put off what you need me to do even more. And if you do nag me about something and don't even acknowledge that I do it, that's just plain stupid and makes me feel like you aren't even living up to your part of the deal.

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My parents are on their way to take me out to dinner. YAY! :) I gotta go finish getting ready... 
Much love,
EM

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Randomness

I have so many random things to post since I have haven't posted in... over a week?!

To start things off I just want to say that I am truly blessed to have three out of four of my grandparents alive. My dad's mom just turned 93 on January 31st. She has now lived 30 years after having triple bypass surgery... such an amazing, quaint and strong-willed lady.


Here's a picture of her from this past Christmas.

Here's a picture of my dad and Granny when she turned 90.


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I also have several movies I recommend watching:
- The Grey (Liam Neeson, in theater)
- The Man from Nowhere (great foreign film... on Netflix)


- Underworld: Awakening (pretty good... in theater)
- The Ides of March (on DVD, pretty good)


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Here is something funny my husband sent to me by email yesterday. Hilarious!

Just some ways you can show your special someone you're a real man:

1. When she asks how she looks, shrug and say "could be better." This will keep her on her toes, and girls love that.


2. Never hold her hand. This can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. If she grabs your hand, squeeze hers really, really hard until she cries. This will impress her by showing her what a strong man you are.


3. Once a month sneak up on her from behind and knock her over. Girls are like dogs. They love to be roughed up.


4. Call her in the middle of the night to ask if she's sleeping. When she says that she is, say "you better be." Repeat this 4 or 5 times until morning. This will show her you care.


5. When she is upset about something, suggest to her that it might be her fault. This will pave the way for her own personal improvement, and every girl needs some improvement.


6. If, I mean when, she's mad at you for not calling her when you say you will, promise her that you will call her at a certain time later in the day. This will ensure that she waits by the phone. Also, tell her when you call you're going to tell her a special surprise. Now she'll be really excited. Now don't call. That's also quite funny!


7. If you're talking to another girl, make sure she's looking. When your g/f looks at you, stare into her eyes, mouth the words '**** you,' and grab the other girl's ass. Girls love competition.


8. Tell her you're taking her out to dinner. Drive for miles so she thinks it's going to be really special. Then take her to a burning tire yard. When she starts to get upset tell her you were just kidding and now you're really going to take her to dinner. Then drive her home. When she starts crying and asks why you would do something like that lean over and whisper very quietly into her ear "...because I can...now go make a sandwich"


9. Introduce her to your friends as "some chick". Women love those special nicknames.


10. Play with her hair. Play with it HARD.


11. Warm her up when she's cold... but not by giving her your jacket, because then you might get cold. Rather, look her in the eye and say, "If you don't stop bitching about the cold right now, you're going to be bitching about a black eye." The best way to get warm is with fear.


12. Take her to a party. When you get there she'll have to go to the bathroom (they always do). Leave immediately. Come back right when the party's dying and yell at her the whole way home for ditching you at the party.


13. Make her laugh. A good way to do this is if she has a small pet. Kick the pet. I always find stuff like that funny. Why shouldn't girls?


14. Let her fall asleep in your arms. When she's fast asleep, wait 10 minutes then JUMP UP AND SCREAM IN HER EAR! Repeat until she goes home and you can use your arms for more important things. Like basketball.


15. Spit often. I hear girls like guys that spit.


16. If you care about her, never ever tell her. This will only give her self confidence. Then you can never turn her into the object she deep down desires to be.


17. Every time you're in her house steal one of the following: shoes, earrings, or anything else that comes in pairs. Only take one of the pair. This way she'll go crazy.


18. Take her out to dinner. Right when she's about to order interrupt and say "No, she's not hungry". Make her watch you eat. Girls love a guy that speaks for her.


19. Look her in the eyes and smile. Then clock her one. Girls love a spontaneous guy.


20. Give her one of your t-shirts... and make sure it has your smell on it. But not a sexy cologne smell. A bad smell. You know what I'm talking about.


21. If you're listening to music, and she asks to hear it, tell her no. This way she'll think you're mysterious.


22. Remember her birthday, but don't get her anything. Teach her material objects aren't important. The only thing that's important is that she keeps you happy. And your happiness is the greatest present she can ever get.


23. Recognize the small things; they usually mean the most. Then when she's sleeping, steal all her small things and break them. Because jewelry is for wussies and Asian ladies.


24. When she gives you a present on your birthday, Christmas, or just whenever, take it and tell her you love it. Then next time you know she's coming over on a trash day leave the trash can open and have the present visibly sticking out of the can. Girls actually don't like this one that much, but I think it's funny.

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I also stumbled across this and found it humorous too.

10 Things 90s Kids Will Have To Explain To Their Children:

While most things we experienced as tots in that headiest of eras seems pretty self-explanatory (plaid was everywhere, Leonardo DiCaprio was the molten ball of light around which the solar system turned, and there was no color too bright for your sweatpants) there are some things that will be a bit harder to explain. Here, a primer for when your future children want to know what the hell you were doing with your boxy, multicolored electronics.

Nov. 23, 2011
By Chelsea Fagan
1. Topanga was at some point in human history considered not only a legitimate first name for a human being, but the kind of name that would inspire in malleable teenage boys a life-long infatuation. Topanga, in our day, was leading lady name-material. Topanga (pronounced Tah-payne-ga, for those who will have only ever seen in it written down) is the name of the quintessential girl-next-door who will live, along with Feeney, in our hearts forever.

2. At some point, we carried around little plastic eggs with tiny screens on them — in these screens lived our hearts, our pets, our raison d’etre, our very own Tamagotchi. We loved them, we listened to their tiny electronic screams of malnourishment, and we occasionally forgot to pick up their poop for long enough that they died a tortured, poop-filled death. They were perhaps our first foray into the life-consuming world of electronics and self-absorption, later to be fully manifested by Facebook.

3. The black Power Ranger was black and the yellow Power Ranger was Asian because…we were so completely ahead of our time and beyond the capacity to even think in terms of something as inconsequential as race that… uh… I don’t know. Casting directors were racist in the nineties.

4. Long before he was spending his days foisting his mediocre children on us, Will Smith was actually the perfect human specimen. He also undoubtedly holds some world record for saving the world the most times while simultaneously delivering flawless catchphrases and giving cool guy nods to the camera. The Men In Black rap song, at the time, was created and received by the public without the slightest trace of irony. Really. He was that good.

5. In some inevitable shift of the time-space continuum in which James Cameron continues to rob humanity of all that is good and sacred in this world, Fern Gully will be known as that movie that ripped off Avatar. It will be up to us to crusade for what is right. It is up to us to explain that Fern Gully was not only a predecessor to Avatar, but far better, in that it contained both Tim Curry as a singing pile of molasses and Robin Williams rapping about animal testing in the pharmaceutical industry. (As a side note, if you have not recently listened to the full lyrics of the “Batty Rap,” I recommend you do, as they are horrifying.)

6. A neighborhood boy who completely disregards your family and puts a ladder directly under the teenage girl’s window to climb up at his discretion is not only acceptable, it’s charming. It’s the kind of stuff that would make said family take the ladder boy under their wing and into their heart. The nineties were a simpler time, one where we didn’t have to worry about things like breaking and entering. Clarissa today would have steel bars on the inside of her window and her father would continually remind her that the next-door boy with his ladder and his touchy hands have no place in his household.

7. Though on the surface, they are the exact same thing in every conceivable way, whether you liked The Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC said more about your character than all of the terrible macaroni art you could ever make for your child psychologist. Essentially, liking *NSYNC meant you liked Justin Timberlake, as he was clearly the Seabiscuit in that race from the get-go. You even liked him with his terrible, icy-blond mini-fro. Liking the Backstreet Boys gave you a bit more of a cultured palate, as there was no clear Diana in those Supremes. Nick was kind of the wholesome, if northern-Florida-redneck safe choice (save for his humiliating younger brother, Aaron). Brian was the shy, sensitive type. AJ was the hottt, dangerous meth addict. Kevin Richardson was mute with sexy, sculpted facial hair. No one liked Howie. Choosing between the two groups was like choosing between two beloved children, but once that line was crossed–there was no going back.

8. “I wanna really really really wanna zig a zig ahh,” has a meaning, and all true nineties kids know it, but we must never share it. Like the Illuminati, it must remain between us, the keyholders. With great power comes great responsibility.

9. Lisa Frank is not the name of a woman, it is the name of a movement, a culture, a way of living. It is a theory, a concept, a belief in something greater than yourself. It is the belief that all girls are entitled to dolphins covered with rainbows, jewel-encrusted frogs, and unicorns in acid-trip colors hugging each other. It is the ideology that no notebook is complete until it literally hurts your eyes to look at from so much color saturation. It is the hope that no school supply, no matter how insignificant, will be left un-bedazzled. It is the knowledge that your eraser cap, and that of your granddaughter’s, and her granddaughter’s after her, will not be some boring little nub–it will be a diamond covered with butterflies in a rainbow of colors. It is the dream of a better tomorrow.

10. Incredibly depressing women in Indiana covered in cats and glass figurines they buy at The Hallmark Store used to troll the web 1.0 to invest thousands of dollars in tiny stuffed animals filled with plastic beans. That happened. Beanie Babies were not just significant, they were the first example most of us had of envy, greed, and wrath. If someone messed up that little heart-shaped Ty tag, so help you God, that was the end of whatever contact you had with that monster of a human being. That tag-less Beanie Baby was now trash, and you had to deal with the consequence. It was at that moment, that de-valued Beanie Baby moment, that most of us accepted the truth… we’ll never have nice things.

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I am so full of randomness today.

Last weekend, Zac and I went to Beef'o Brady's (some bar/grill restaurant) for the first time. It wasn't too bad... and of course Zac had to be the tough guy he is and do the fire hot wing challenge (similar to BWWs). In order to get a free t-shirt and a picture on the wall, he had to eat 15 extremely drenched in hot sauce wings without wiping his fingers or mouth and without taking a drink of anything in under 15 minutes. At first he didn't seem to have a hard time... but then he started shaking and sweating and wanting to puke. But he did it!! His time was about 12 minutes. They even gave him a free milkshake since they were out of milk after he finished. Here are some pictures of his glorious accomplishment.





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We also went to the dog park last weekend and saw some adorable dogs. I have to say that my faves are always the puppies. This time I got to meet an adorable, beautiful brindle boxer puppy. He was only 8 weeks old and such a playful little guy named Bruce. I also loved getting to see the French Bulldog pup again. She's so tough and bully like in such a little body. It was great. Here's a picture of my girls on our ride home from the park - all tuckered out.


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Well I guess I'll end this long post. Hope you all are enjoying this beautifully mild winter weather... looks like the ground hog expects 6 more weeks of it. Maybe (we better) we'll get some much needed extra cold weeks and snow before too long. This weather is great... I know... but I can't help but miss the freezing cold winter I have come to expect.

Much love,
EM