Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
new car
So I've had a bit of excitement recently. Apologies to those of you that have heard this story.
I had no school two Tuesdays ago because of Rosh Hashana and planned to take my car to the dealer because it still wasn't right (stalling at every stop light, strange warning lights flashing at me etc.) after spending $2,000 since June. So I dropped off the car at 7:45am and planned to wait until they told me what was wrong and try to make a decision then as to whether or not I was going to invest more money. So at 5:00pm after waiting in a room the size of a cubicle and watching horrible cartoons all day, they came back and told me it would be another $1,000 to fix it. It turns out that the part that started all the money dumping was defective - joy. They of course (insert snarky tone of voice) suggested to me that I trade in the car and get rid of it as soon as possible - "would I like to see what they've got on the lot??"
So I looked around the lot, discussed my preferences, what I would use the car for etc and I test drove a 2010 Nissan Versa 4 door hatchback (silver). I really liked it but wasn't about to sign any paper that put me into more debt on the day I was going to get my car fixed - too fast. I told them this was all moving too fast and that I wanted time to think about it. They of course (snarkiness) offered to have me drive it home and bring it back the next evening. I agreed. I drove it to my parents house and my mom had dinner waiting (isn't she the best!) and my parents and I took a test drive together. I drove back home, checked the lock three time to make sure it was secure and went to bed around 10:00pm. What a day!
The next morning I got ready for work and walked out my front door, turned the corner toward the parking lot, and as I walked slowly - very slowly - toward the parking lot, I realized the car was not there - the parking space was empty. I tell you, I actually closed my eyes and took another look, hoping and praying that if I opened my eyes again, the car would be there - that this was some kind of horrible mind trick. Nope. The car that wasn't even mine, that I had practically signed my life away to, was missing in action. Shear panic came over me. My mind began to race and I ran to the Management office to see if anyone was there to report that my car had been stolen. Of course (snark) no one was there and as I repeatedly said, "Oh my God" as if I was some sort of scratchy broken record, I walked back through the parking lot. As I walked I notice a sign, " _________ Towing - strictly enforced." Oh #$%^&*. I never got the parking sticker off my old car (because I never even saw the old car before I left the dealership).
I went back inside, plugged my cell phone (which was dead) into the charger and called the towing company with a shaky voice and weak knees. Yes, they had my car - $220 dollars cash, open 24/7 for my convenience. Yeah, right (complete snarky - my convenience).
I called work, my dept. head came and rescued me and took me to work so I could teach 2nd and 3rd period. My dad drove down and picked me up, took me to the bank, and we went to get "my" car. The towing company just happens to be in the worst part of Baltimore - even in the daylight. It's the kind of place that you have to be buzzed in to, and the people (1 receptionist and 1 cop) working there are behind bullet-proof plexi-glass. I had real high hopes about the car not being damaged. Luckily it wasn't!!!
I paid (let me just say that my management company was great and helped me out), picked up the car, and drove to the Hyaundi dealership to test drive a car very similar. I didn't want to make my decision without at least doing SOME shopping.
In the end, I drove back to the Nissan dealer and bought my new car by 6:00pm. What a couple of 48 hours!! I love it and have no regrets. I feel like the car and I bonded already! We already went through a disaster - it was meant to be, and as I drove her out of that horrid towing parking lot, I felt like I was saving her! :-)
She's cute, and reliable, and safe. Now I just need to give her a proper name. Any ideas?????
I had no school two Tuesdays ago because of Rosh Hashana and planned to take my car to the dealer because it still wasn't right (stalling at every stop light, strange warning lights flashing at me etc.) after spending $2,000 since June. So I dropped off the car at 7:45am and planned to wait until they told me what was wrong and try to make a decision then as to whether or not I was going to invest more money. So at 5:00pm after waiting in a room the size of a cubicle and watching horrible cartoons all day, they came back and told me it would be another $1,000 to fix it. It turns out that the part that started all the money dumping was defective - joy. They of course (insert snarky tone of voice) suggested to me that I trade in the car and get rid of it as soon as possible - "would I like to see what they've got on the lot??"
So I looked around the lot, discussed my preferences, what I would use the car for etc and I test drove a 2010 Nissan Versa 4 door hatchback (silver). I really liked it but wasn't about to sign any paper that put me into more debt on the day I was going to get my car fixed - too fast. I told them this was all moving too fast and that I wanted time to think about it. They of course (snarkiness) offered to have me drive it home and bring it back the next evening. I agreed. I drove it to my parents house and my mom had dinner waiting (isn't she the best!) and my parents and I took a test drive together. I drove back home, checked the lock three time to make sure it was secure and went to bed around 10:00pm. What a day!
The next morning I got ready for work and walked out my front door, turned the corner toward the parking lot, and as I walked slowly - very slowly - toward the parking lot, I realized the car was not there - the parking space was empty. I tell you, I actually closed my eyes and took another look, hoping and praying that if I opened my eyes again, the car would be there - that this was some kind of horrible mind trick. Nope. The car that wasn't even mine, that I had practically signed my life away to, was missing in action. Shear panic came over me. My mind began to race and I ran to the Management office to see if anyone was there to report that my car had been stolen. Of course (snark) no one was there and as I repeatedly said, "Oh my God" as if I was some sort of scratchy broken record, I walked back through the parking lot. As I walked I notice a sign, " _________ Towing - strictly enforced." Oh #$%^&*. I never got the parking sticker off my old car (because I never even saw the old car before I left the dealership).
I went back inside, plugged my cell phone (which was dead) into the charger and called the towing company with a shaky voice and weak knees. Yes, they had my car - $220 dollars cash, open 24/7 for my convenience. Yeah, right (complete snarky - my convenience).
I called work, my dept. head came and rescued me and took me to work so I could teach 2nd and 3rd period. My dad drove down and picked me up, took me to the bank, and we went to get "my" car. The towing company just happens to be in the worst part of Baltimore - even in the daylight. It's the kind of place that you have to be buzzed in to, and the people (1 receptionist and 1 cop) working there are behind bullet-proof plexi-glass. I had real high hopes about the car not being damaged. Luckily it wasn't!!!
I paid (let me just say that my management company was great and helped me out), picked up the car, and drove to the Hyaundi dealership to test drive a car very similar. I didn't want to make my decision without at least doing SOME shopping.
In the end, I drove back to the Nissan dealer and bought my new car by 6:00pm. What a couple of 48 hours!! I love it and have no regrets. I feel like the car and I bonded already! We already went through a disaster - it was meant to be, and as I drove her out of that horrid towing parking lot, I felt like I was saving her! :-)
She's cute, and reliable, and safe. Now I just need to give her a proper name. Any ideas?????
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Balance
I've been thinking a lot lately about a balanced life. I've thought about how hard it is to overcome the entropy or disorder that is natural in life. In scientific terms, entropy is the natural order of things - the way life overcomes it by work. And work requires energy. This is what I explain to my students every year, and somehow it seems like a metaphor for my life.
But what happens when you don't have enough energy (and I also think - time)? That is the foundation for work and ultimately balance - but sometimes you just feel that you work and work and work and it just isn't enough to get to the balance.
How do you find the energy? How do you rejuvenate the spirit? What do you think?
But what happens when you don't have enough energy (and I also think - time)? That is the foundation for work and ultimately balance - but sometimes you just feel that you work and work and work and it just isn't enough to get to the balance.
How do you find the energy? How do you rejuvenate the spirit? What do you think?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It is HOT here today! I am house-sitting for my parents while they are on vacation up north and this morning I got started early. I mowed the lawn - somehow this feels like such an accomplishment! :-) Then I decided to make some fresh tomato soup with all the tomatoes my dad's ONE plant is producing. I have tomatoes and peppers coming out my ears! So below is my new tomato soup recipe - I have to say, it is delicious!
Ingredients:
6 large tomatoes, quartered (I think that is how many I used....I don't remember!)
1 green pepper, deseeded and diced
1 red onion, large slices
1 vidalia onion, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, diced (1/2 inch)
2 cloves of garlic, smashed
¾ cup of chicken broth
1 Tbsp of tomato paste
3 bay leaves
1/3 cup of minced basil plus some to garnish
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
¼ cup sour cream
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Add tomatoes, red onion, green pepper and 1 carrot to baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil, and salt and pepper veggies. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring once. Meanwhile, add Vidalia onion to olive oil in a dutch oven (or large pot). Cool for 2 minutes, then add 1 carrot (diced). Cook on medium for 15 -20 minutes then add garlic and cool for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add roasted veggies to pot and add bay leaves and chicken broth. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, covered. Remove bay leaves, add basil, and using a blender, blend the mixture til smooth. Return to the pot and touch up with immersion blender if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste and then mix in sour cream. Serve with basil on top.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Beautiful day
I've been a hiding a little lately. I feel like a hermit, a recluse, or some other crazy person who just wants to be by themselves. I've always been fine going for days without talking to anyone, just being in my own little world and shutting everything out. That's what it's been like the last few days. I don't want to make contact. So sorry for no posts. :-)
But today I worked outside in my mom's gardens - weeding, pruning, dead-heading, watering etc. Oh it's been an absolutely beautiful day. The sun has been shining and the blue sky has big puffy clouds - the kind that you want to stare at to see if you can make animals out of their shapes. There is a cool breeze and across the street I can see the tops of the trees moving in the woods. As I am sitting here on the patio listening to the birds and unfortunately the cicadas (ugh) a hummingbird popped by to say hello! (Well, not to me, but to the red flowers along the patio wall!)
I know I have lots of things to do (the list I made takes up one full page!) but I have a hard time getting motivated to do anything I "have" to do. It's summer after all, and I will do things I "want" to do! Soon school will be starting and the craziness that is teaching will take over my life. Right now, I wish summer could last a few more weeks.
But today I worked outside in my mom's gardens - weeding, pruning, dead-heading, watering etc. Oh it's been an absolutely beautiful day. The sun has been shining and the blue sky has big puffy clouds - the kind that you want to stare at to see if you can make animals out of their shapes. There is a cool breeze and across the street I can see the tops of the trees moving in the woods. As I am sitting here on the patio listening to the birds and unfortunately the cicadas (ugh) a hummingbird popped by to say hello! (Well, not to me, but to the red flowers along the patio wall!)
I know I have lots of things to do (the list I made takes up one full page!) but I have a hard time getting motivated to do anything I "have" to do. It's summer after all, and I will do things I "want" to do! Soon school will be starting and the craziness that is teaching will take over my life. Right now, I wish summer could last a few more weeks.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Last day watching Ellie :-(
Ellie is taking a nap now and today is the last day of my summer fun watching her before she goes to daycare. I am sad I won't be seeing her every week and I have made my sister promise to give me reports on all developments! She is rolling over, making faces and really just being the cutest thing! She is a cuddlebug, stink bug, and ladybug all rolled into one!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
North Carolina Vacation
My mom and I got back last week from a mother-daughter road trip to Asheville, NC. We had a wonderful time being in the mountains, looking at crafts at The Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visiting the Biltmore Estate (which I had never been to). I loved learning about what life was like at the turn of the 20th Century and about family life for the Vanderbilts. But most importantly, I had a wonderful time sharing, laughing, and having fun with my mom.
"Heather, lean your head out of the window to take that picture!" and "Mom, you are going to see things you never saw when we get home!" These are some of the quotes we had on our trip!
We started Tuesday by going to the Folk Art Center where we looked at pottery, jewelry, glass, paintings etc. The work was amazing, so well done and the craftsmanship was of high quality. I love looking at things that are hand-made because the creativity, inspiration, and hard work show through. To me, there is something spiritual in making and sharing in something that comes from you - part of your memories, your heart, and your spirit.
We wandered around the parkway stopping at every overlook (and sometimes not even at an overlook! Particularly when we spotted some unusual wildflower or a blue butterfly). We decided to make our way to Mt. Mitchell - the highest peak east of the Mississippi I was surprised, I thought Mt. Washington was the highest, but Mt. Mitchell apparently beats it by a few hundred feet. It was such a majestic view.
We decided to eat dinner at the small mountaintop restaurant and had "real Carolina barbecue" and coleslaw. Delicious! On the drive back, we were slowly going around the curves, and what should appear right before our eyes?!?!?!? A big black bear! I shouted "BEAR!" at mom and by the time she looked, she saw his back end go down the mountain. Amazing!
Tuesday we went to the Biltmore Estate. We decided that it was already getting warm, so we did the gardens in the morning and by 10:30 went in for the tour. Luckily they had recently renovated several new rooms and we were the beneficiaries! The luxury and extravagance, but also the ingenuity, engineering, and fore-thought involved in the design, architecture, and building of the estate were astounding. I did not know that Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park and many other famous landscapes designed the land - he said that he made it such that no matter where you were, you could hear the water - the babbling of the brook, or the trickle of a stream. I enjoyed looking at the portraits that John Singer Sargent did of both Olmsted and the main architect Hunt. Olmsted looked like someone you would want to be friends with - he had a scraggly beard and a walking stick in the woods.
We had lunch at The Stables - which were in The Stables! It was really neat the way they set it up! We finished the tour after lunch and went downstairs to see the swimming pool, bowling alley, kitchen, and servant quarters. I learned so much about what life was like, and I enjoyed talking with the guides, looking at the furniture and all that decadence!
On Wednesday we set off for Chimney Rock State Park (which cost a ridiculous amount of money to enter a State Park) but the view was amazing and we definitely saw a different side of the mountains - much more rocky and barren and a whole lot warmer! By the time we left it was 94 degrees!
We ate lunch in a nice picnic spot by Lake Lure and took a leisurely drive back to Asheville, and by "leisurely" I mean curvy and round-about - but it was an adventure!! Before dinner we went to the Antler Hill Village to see the Legacy museum and listened to a storyteller describe the cast of characters that visited the estate. We bought some wine at the winery and then walked over to The Bistro for dinner. Dinner with mom was so wonderful. We had delicious food, (she had roast chicken with garlic and herb mashed potatoes and vegetables, and I had a pork porterhouse with apricots, polenta, and vegetables - yum!), had a chance to reminisce about our trip and all the exciting things we did and saw, and had a chance to talk. It was a lovely time and I will always treasure the time I spent with mom on this trip.
"Heather, lean your head out of the window to take that picture!" and "Mom, you are going to see things you never saw when we get home!" These are some of the quotes we had on our trip!
We started Tuesday by going to the Folk Art Center where we looked at pottery, jewelry, glass, paintings etc. The work was amazing, so well done and the craftsmanship was of high quality. I love looking at things that are hand-made because the creativity, inspiration, and hard work show through. To me, there is something spiritual in making and sharing in something that comes from you - part of your memories, your heart, and your spirit.
We decided to pick up a few sandwiches and pack a picnic lunch and we arrived at Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The temperature dropped to 68 degrees, and the fog and clouds were so thick we couldn't even see the picnic area or pavilion. In fact, we didn't even know there were other people there! But we set up our picnic anyway and watched the clouds roll over the mountains.
We wandered around the parkway stopping at every overlook (and sometimes not even at an overlook! Particularly when we spotted some unusual wildflower or a blue butterfly). We decided to make our way to Mt. Mitchell - the highest peak east of the Mississippi I was surprised, I thought Mt. Washington was the highest, but Mt. Mitchell apparently beats it by a few hundred feet. It was such a majestic view.
We decided to eat dinner at the small mountaintop restaurant and had "real Carolina barbecue" and coleslaw. Delicious! On the drive back, we were slowly going around the curves, and what should appear right before our eyes?!?!?!? A big black bear! I shouted "BEAR!" at mom and by the time she looked, she saw his back end go down the mountain. Amazing!
Tuesday we went to the Biltmore Estate. We decided that it was already getting warm, so we did the gardens in the morning and by 10:30 went in for the tour. Luckily they had recently renovated several new rooms and we were the beneficiaries! The luxury and extravagance, but also the ingenuity, engineering, and fore-thought involved in the design, architecture, and building of the estate were astounding. I did not know that Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park and many other famous landscapes designed the land - he said that he made it such that no matter where you were, you could hear the water - the babbling of the brook, or the trickle of a stream. I enjoyed looking at the portraits that John Singer Sargent did of both Olmsted and the main architect Hunt. Olmsted looked like someone you would want to be friends with - he had a scraggly beard and a walking stick in the woods.
We had lunch at The Stables - which were in The Stables! It was really neat the way they set it up! We finished the tour after lunch and went downstairs to see the swimming pool, bowling alley, kitchen, and servant quarters. I learned so much about what life was like, and I enjoyed talking with the guides, looking at the furniture and all that decadence!
On Wednesday we set off for Chimney Rock State Park (which cost a ridiculous amount of money to enter a State Park) but the view was amazing and we definitely saw a different side of the mountains - much more rocky and barren and a whole lot warmer! By the time we left it was 94 degrees!
We ate lunch in a nice picnic spot by Lake Lure and took a leisurely drive back to Asheville, and by "leisurely" I mean curvy and round-about - but it was an adventure!! Before dinner we went to the Antler Hill Village to see the Legacy museum and listened to a storyteller describe the cast of characters that visited the estate. We bought some wine at the winery and then walked over to The Bistro for dinner. Dinner with mom was so wonderful. We had delicious food, (she had roast chicken with garlic and herb mashed potatoes and vegetables, and I had a pork porterhouse with apricots, polenta, and vegetables - yum!), had a chance to reminisce about our trip and all the exciting things we did and saw, and had a chance to talk. It was a lovely time and I will always treasure the time I spent with mom on this trip.
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