mic check

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Letter to a Young Marine (that 53% guy) - well-crafted letter about the what is at the heart of being an American.

Occupy Wall Street

This is high hypocrisy.  The nerve of Newt Gingrich (a Presidential Candidate) to tell people to "get a job" as if it is that easy.  The nerve  of him to say that the people of the Occupy Wall Street movement didn't "pay" for the park they are occupying - when it is a public park - That they don't pay taxes - truly shows how ignorant he is about what is going on .  For being called the "intelligent" candidate, it sure does speak volumes that he is so stupid.  When he complains that OWS protesters  are so "entitled" is him speaking from his Privileged and entitled Freddie Mac  lobbyist pedestal. 




What is going on that this is allowed to happen?

Baltimore print studios

I had a great time today at Baltimore Print Studios. The traveling print truck that is making it's way across the country- made a pit stop in Charm City! Emily and I each made a poster!

Parents: "I ate all your candy"

This is a hilarious Jimmy Kimmel bit - check it out! 



This should cut down on my morning routine!!

Antique Shopping

My friends Stephanie and Matt and I travelled around Maryland yesterday, driving through the countryside and along scenic byways to go antiquing.  I bought a stool to use as a plant stand, and I also bought this awesome entertaining book by Betty Crocker.  I love the images and as a book that was published in 1959 on entertaining, it is a really neat look into what life was like then.  Pretty cool!

Summer Tomatoes. Is there anything better?

Buschetta:

Ripe, sweet tomato(es), chopped, de-seeded
Basil, minced
Olive Oil
Garlic

Make garlic olive oil by smashing garlic and stirring in olive oil - stir so oils in garlic are released.  Chop tomatoes, mince basil (fresh) and drizzle oil in mixture.

The bread:
French loaf, cut in rounds
Brush garlic olive oil on rounds
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
Cracked black pepper - light
Broil until golden

Add Bruschetta and salt as desired.  Delicious!

What are your favorite tomato recipes?  I have them coming out of my ears!  :-)

Cromwell Valley Park

Pictures from the walk this morning with Cooper

Teaching

The Save Our Schools rally on Saturday was about sending a message that teachers do more than "just" teach and that there is a fundamental misunderstanding about what exactly teachers do.  People who view teachers as just "babysitters," or "get the summers off," have no idea what it means to want to teach children and young adults. 

From the Save Our Schools Website:
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.

As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.

A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!


I want anyone who thinks they can just step right in and become a teacher to try it.  Yes, I dare you.  It takes a person who truly cares about their subject, and most importantly, their students.  It's not for everyone.  I work incrediblely long hours during the school year.  I am at school at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 or 6:00 every night.  During the day, I am constantly "ON" - in front of a classroom of students - being held accountable for the lesson I am presenting everyday.  When I am not in class, I am still available.  Available for spur of the moment student meetings, study sessions, sometimes crying sessions and kleenex are involved.  I then take work home with me, grading, lesson planning, committee work - all the other "stuff" I need to do and didn't get time to do because I have an "open door policy" for my students.  If they need me, I'm there - that's how I roll.  :-) 

Being a teacher is like no other job.  There is no other job that allows you to influence so many people.  It just so happens that teachers inspire and kindle a love of learning.  Isn't that what makes an "enlightened citizenry?"  Citizens who are global thinkers, who care about their community, have empathy for others, and in turn when they become lawyers, or doctors, or stay-at-home-moms, they think critically about issues in their community and make change for the better. 

Sure, doctors, and lawyers, and police officers are all important for society.  Absolutely.  But TEACHERS.  Teachers can motivate, empower, build self-confidence, make students think, and all of this is for a better FUTURE.  Because after all, it's the kids that will be running the world, right?

Here is an article written in the Washington Post about the Save Our School rally last Saturday. Please read Matt Damon's Speech.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Those nay-sayers need to think back to their favorite teacher.  What did that teacher do for you?  How did that teacher change your life?  Lawrence O'Donnel tries to make a point about why teachers have become targets instead of other public servants.  I think he gets a little off track, but I see his point.  What do you think?

Squirrels, termites, and bats, oh my!

Well, if one more person tells me that "these are the joys of home-ownership" I will slap them.  How many of them have to deal with Squirrels, termites and bats in the span of 4 months.  I didn't think so, now shut up.

Bat hanging outside my bathroom.

At 3:30am on Friday night/Sat. morning I woke up to Cooper barking ferociously.  I panicked a bit because my phone was downstairs and if I needed to call 911 I was out of luck (good lesson).  Anyway, I listened (really only hearing Coop), and when I got out of bed, that was Cooper's cue to go running out of my bedroom, down the stairs and into the living room.  I waited, thinking that if there was an intruder, I would hear other noise, and since I did not, I peaked my head around over the railing and saw Cooper standing in the middle of the living room barking at a flying object circling the room.  I could tell right away this was not a bird, that it was probably a bat.  Oh joy. 

So I called Cooper up into the bedroom, shut my door and hoped the bat would disappear.  Did I need to mention I didn't get to bed until 2am because I was at a concert?  So I was tired and not about to deal with it at that moment.  (Besides the fact that I was a little freaked out)

So to make a long story short, this bat, after several attempts each evening to get it out of my house, remained in the basement in some nook or cranny until last night when I left the basement door open for 3.5 hours.  I had some bat guys come this morning and they couldn't find him.....honestly, it doesn't mean he's gone, I guess I'll know tonight. 

Bats are so good for us - benefit the environment, cut down on the bugs, I'm happy there are bats in Baltimore, but I am not happy I couldn't get this one out of my house for 3 days, and I was even less happy when he/she swooped and flew around my head.  Be gone with ya! 

That's been the adventure of the last several days.  Oh the joys of home-ownership.

Sea otters to brighten your day

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

The folks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium do amazing work!

I am so angry

I am so mad about this debt ceiling debate that I feel like fire is coming out of my ears.  I can't believe the selfishness of republicans in Congress - that they would sign a pledge saying they would highjack the American economy by not raising the debt ceiling unless their "needs" or "demands" are met.  It sounds to me like they are treasonous - that they care more about their own necks than the average American.  That they don't understand the word "compromise" nor do they understand that that is what politicians DO.  HELLO- that is your JOB.  Get a friggin grip!  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let's put the country before your conservative "Principles."  Their terrible two year old behavior is what makes Americans so disappointed in their government.  I tell you what - if this doesn't get done, it will be the first time I truly in my heart will think my government has failed. 



So who is working for America?  Nice attitude John.  This really helps. 

If you want your brain to explode check out the ridiculousness on this website.  It makes my blood boil.

http://www.cutcapandbalanceact.com/index.php

Now - listen to this:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Summer time

This is a video from Dirty Gold - California Sunrise - I love this song!  So old school - done by 18 year olds. Listen!

Updates

Hi all, sorry for the lack of posts!  Let's start off with Pile of Craft.  :-)

My mom and I had a wonderful day.  We drove down to the Charles Village to St. John's Church.  Inside there were rooms and rooms of crafters - everything from jewelry to stuffed toys - glass works to knitted works.  Here are few pictures:

I picked up a few cards of crafters I really liked:

blockpartyprints.etsy.com

jubadaba.etsy.com

namoo.etsy.com

bowerbox.com

jaimezollars.com

survivedesign.com

peneloperakov.com

Check them out!  After the craft extravaganza, we went to lunch at Ms. Shirley's in Baltimore.  I love Ms. Shirley's.  Wonderful brunch/lunch joint - really good sandwiches and above all, the sweet potato fries.  Oh man.  I took a picture so you could see.  :-)

Second update:  the Weekend Warrior in me

So I've been very busy doing stuff around the house.  I finally got the kitchen, living room, and dining room walls painted - the beige is gone.  I've also been working on minor repairs and just finishing the unpacking process!  I set up my craft room, which I LOVE LOVE!  Anyhoo, it's been busy around here, and there is a big list of things to do (as I am sure there always will be), but I am enjoying my inner handy-woman! 

Here are some BEFORE pictures - I had to scrape three layers of paint off of the stairs - I really didn't want to paint a 4th layer on!  So I sanded and scraped, primed, and then painted.



AFTER:

This was Cooper's response as I was working yesterday:

Here is a pic of my craft room - ready for action!  PS- I made that sewing machine cover :-)



Third Update:  I also just finished teaching for CTY - Center for Talented Youth - for three weeks.  I taught 3rd and 4th graders a class called Through the Microscope for three weeks.  It was awesome, but I got hired the day before it started - it sort of dropped in my lap - which I was grateful for, but that meant a LOT of day-to-day prep and work.  I've never taught this class before, so I had to figure it out as I went.  I ended up getting great feedback, and the kids had lots of fun, I hope I can do it again next year!

So that is what I've been up to.  Having a great summer so far.  My tomatoes are growing, the heat is ridiculous, but Coop and I are staying cool.  I hope everyone out there is braving the heat as well!

Getting Excited about Pile of Craft!

This Saturday is Baltimore's answer to the craft movement.  Pile of Craft, put on by Charm City Craft Mafia will host a bazaar of craft.  Everything from pottery, clothes, bags, prints - more than you can imagine!!  I'm getting really excited for it! 

 

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my friend Ubah's new baby and catch up with my friends Ubah and Stephanie.  What a wonderful day.  We had a great lunch and talked and talked and talked.  Just before leaving there was a torrential thunderstorm - the electricity even went out!  But driving home there was a beautiful rainbow.  I quickly grabbed my camera and these ar the best shots.  It was just magical.  Everyone was gawking and looking up at the sky and pointing.  Amazing.  We had a shared moment of awe.  It isn't often that you can see rainbows like this - so bright - so disctinct; I felt very lucky to have had such a wonderful day.

It is HOT today!

I couldn't resist this picture of Cooper!

The fan is running full blast - "too hot to play, I think I'm just going to lay here!"

So I was just online trying to figure out what I needed to do to get Cooper a Baltimore City License and then I was looking up dog parks in the City - there are only three!  And one of them is at the City shelter!  How inconvenient, and what a shame.  I know in other cities there are lots of dog parks - why not Baltimore?  Maybe I should look into this!  :-)

My Garden

Cooper and my Tomatoes

Thyme, Sage, Mint and Basil

Verbena, Salvia, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susan, Lavender, Tickseed, Milkwee, Shasta daisy, Yarrow

Bleeding heart, Bachelor Buttons, Bee Balm, Violas, Feverfew, Columbine, Hosta

Almost all of these plants are from my mom's garden - look how they've taken off!  Along the side of my yard by the fence, I have planted Forcythia to try to create a hedge and some privacy.  I truly love to sit out in my yard and read a book in the morning, or work in the garden.  I love to watch the plants and flowers grow! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day.

My new addition

Hi all,

Winston left for England and arrived safely last weekend. I still miss his BIG personality, and it was heart-breaking to see him go.  But I decided to get my own dog, and he arrived and we've been adjusting this week.  He is a 3 year old mut/mix and his name is Cooper.  He is sweet - he loves to be pet, play with his squeaky ball, and run, run, run! 

The last day of school - classes was today.  Tomorrow is Reading day, and then exams.  I can't believe the year is over!  It has been a good and tiring year.  For once, I am exhausted with my life, not my teaching life - does that make sense?  I've had so much happen in the last 5 months - I can barely wrap my head around it all.  But the school year - my teaching life - has been good.  I have felt the least in control, but you know what?  It's been ok!  Surprise!  :-)  Anyway, I am looking forward to summer, working on the house, and being with Cooper.

Thank you to all of my friends and family for their support, encouragement, and love over the last 5 months.  It means so much!

Oh man.

Well, so much for my promise to do better.  Sheesh!  Well, the last month has really flown by.  I am finally all moved in - but not unpacked, sadly.  I have been sick twice in the last two weeks, including right now, and to be honest, I haven't really had a "happy" moment in the house yet. 

Of course, some things are falling apart - my gutters got fixed so  there is not a waterfall down the side of the house, but while up there, the gutter guys said that my porch roof is in REALLY bad shape.  I got a roof guy to look at it and he said he could fix it for $2,100.  Whew!  The garbage disposal is broken and when my dad went to replace it with a better one, we found that when they renovated the kitchen, they hard-wired the outlets and the disposal directly into the main line of the house, which means the electricity can't be cut to those things.  That makes changing the disposal difficult without getting electricuted.  Huh.  If I hear one more person say, "Welcome to the joys of home ownership," I might scream.

I'm still unpacking and yet trying to stay on top of my work for school, trying to manage my health, and to be frank, my sanity!  I also found out this week that I am a victim of identity theft.  Really?  When are things going to start settling down?  When am I going to feel settled?  At what point is the drama going to end?  I'm getting a little tired of it.  I feel like I've literally had 3 months of pure stress and I need a vacation from my life.

I keep reminding myself - one day at a time.  Sometimes, it just feels like words. 

Anyway, I hope everyone out there, forgives me for my absence, hopefully things will be turning a corner soon!

Sorry I've been gone so long!

Many of you know I am in the process of purchasing my first house.  I am very excited about it, but I have also had a rough road of it.  A flood in the basement, electrical coming away from the house, and mold due to the lack of maintenance, has made the process quite the roller coaster.  I just found out today from my real estate agent that things are moving forward and I should be able to close on the house March 15th (as long as there are no more hiccups!). 

Winston is still winning my love and affection, and I am super excited to take him to DC next weekend to see Eloise.  She is now standing and "island hopping" between chairs. 

School is fine - next week is the week before Spring Break, and so it is a bit of a crunch time.  After spring break, the semester will fly by. 

I will promise to do a better job of blogging - but the next few weeks might be sparse as well.  Scheduling movers, painting and nesting are what I plan to be doing.  I'll be sure to send pictures!

I can't resist

What!?!?!?!  Does anybody understand this?   What do the State of the Union Address, the Five Pillars of Islam, a bunny and a chainsaw have in common?  I have no clue, and neither does he. 

I can't help laughing at his lunacy, but it also makes me really mad that he is even given the time and air space to influence so many people.  Ugh.
And this:



It didn't matter where we came from, the color of our skin, we were all the same??  I don't think so!




I couldn't have said it any better Anderson.

For the record, John Quincy Adams did fight against slavery, but he certainly never saw it abolished.  He was also not a founding father.  His father John Adams was.

From the Encyclopedia Brittannica:

It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. It establishes false estimates of virtue and vice; for what can be more false and heartless than this doctrine which makes the first and holiest rights of humanity to depend upon the color of the skin? It perverts human reason, and reduces man endowed with logical powers to maintain that slavery is sanctioned by the Christian religion, that slaves are happy and contented in their condition, that between master and slave there are ties of mutual attachment and affection, that the virtues of the master are refined and exalted by the degradation of the slave; while at the same time they vent execrations upon the slave trade, curse Britain for having given them slaves, burn at the stake Negroes convicted of crimes for the terror of the example, and writhe in agonies of fear at the very mention of human rights as applicable to men of color. The impression produced upon my mind by the progress of this discussion is that the bargain between freedom and slavery contained in the Constitution of the United States is morally and politically vicious, inconsistent with the principles upon which alone our Revolution can be justified; cruel and oppressive, by riveting the chains of slavery, by pledging the faith of freedom to maintain and perpetuate the tyranny of the master; and grossly unequal and impolitic, by admitting that slaves are at once enemies to be kept in subjection, property to be secured or restored to their owners, and persons not to be represented themselves, but for whom their masters are privileged with nearly a double share of representation. The consequence has been that this slave representation has governed the Union.

-John Quincy Adams
http://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/8/116852/Document-John-Quincy-Adams-Slavery-and-the-Constitution

Snow and Ice

Last night we got a helping of snow and ice.  It is exam week, so I don't HAVE to go into school today - hooray!  So today it's just me, Winston, and a fresh batch of chicken soup.  Yum!!

My Homemade Soup!  I used this awesome recipe!  This is the second time I've tried this.  Instead of using a 4 lb chicken, I used 2 chicken split breasts and 3 turkey drumsticks.  I roasted the meat before adding it to the soup.

This is Winston playing - he spent about 5 minutes doing this - the video is the tail end (pardon the pun).
He is a sweet dog, and I am loving having him in my house.  The drool, hair, and sloppy kisses are ok by me - he is a love.  It snowed last night and last weekend.  The pictures below are from taking him out on a walk in the snow.  He loved it!

Happy New Year!

Nothing quite like bringing in the new year with a cold.  yep.  First my niece (of course), then her mom (of course), then my mom and I.  Sheesh. 

I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Years celebration! 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but my friend Debbie and her husband Wayne have just moved to the UK.  I am sad to see them go - they are such great people!  But, they had to leave their beloved dog Winston here for 4 months for quarantine.  I picked him up from the kennel on Thursday and so far he has been doing a lot of sleeping.  He get these bursts of energy and we play and go for a walk, but otherwise - sleep.  He is a sweet dog, and so far I am glad to have him!  :-)

Isn't he sweet?!?!?!