Clock

Darn that inner alarm clock!

From a very early age, I had a bedtime and a wake up time. I have never been a person that fights going to bed, and I have never been a person that has a hard time waking up to an alarm. I guess it helps that I go to bed at 9:30 each night when I am teaching school.

So, after a very long week and a very active day in kindergarten, exhaustion set in around 8PM. It didn't matter that it was Friday night and many thirtysomethings are out and about at local waterholes and restaurants. I had found a very comfy spot on the couch. By 9:15, I was off to bed. I was ready to cuddle up in my blankets and turn off the alarm clock so that I could sleep in on a Saturday morning.

This was not meant to be. My inner alarm clock wanted me to get up at 6AM just like the weekdays. When I can't fall asleep, I try to think of the color black but even that little trick failed me this morning. I was up at 6AM on a Saturday morning and I don't even have kids. The only up side to this is that I got a lot done today.

Friday!

This has been my first official busy week since probably April 2005. I have neglected most parts of my life that fall out of the realm of professional duties. With a long weekend approaching, I plan to busy myself with a lot of nothing. I will have no plans because those are great weekends. A little lunch on Saturday with Tim. Some football watching on Sunday. And Yom Kippur is on Monday so I have that day off of school! Maybe a weekend will bring something worthy of blog mention.

Things I Want To Do...

1. Ride a mechanical bull. I know this can sometimes look ridiculous and kind of slutty, but I think it looks very fun.
2. Find a reasonable airline ticket to North Dakota.
3. Buy new bed sheets that are really, really soft.
4. Listen to Christmas music even though it is September. It starts sooner and sooner each year for me. I am going to fight the urge as long as I can.
5. Write an interesting blog entry and not bore myself.
   

Where Have All the Bills Gone

I dig Bill Clinton, always have. When I listen to him speak, he inspires me. He is genuine. He cares. I wish I could vote for him again. I know there are people who can't forgive him for the poor decisions he made in his personal life, but I can.

Here he is, after serving eight years as President, and he has created the Clinton Global Initiative. Are there any other former Presidents who have done this much when their tenure is over? This weekend, Richard Branson pledged 3 Billion dollars to the Clinton Global Initiative to help develop renewable energy and fight global warming. This is just a small piece of what Bill Clinton is doing with his time. With his Global Initiative, he is working to solve global issues affecting the world like poverty, HIV/AIDS, reconciling religious and ethnic conflicts, and improving the lives of people all over the world.

I wonder what George W. Bush will do after 2008?

100 Days

I am 100 days away from completing my 2006 New Year's Resolution of not eating McDonald's in 2006. For some, this could be an easy goal and for others, they are shocked by such a sacrifice. I am surprised how easy it has been. Can everything we give up be this easy? What if I decided that I was going to give up television for one year? Could I do it? The same principles come with TV. I watch too much of it as I ate too much McDonald's. It is bad for kids just as McDonald's is bad for kids. It is everywhere as McDonald's is.

No. I have sacrificed enough.

I will say that I had two almost failures in these 265 days. I was in Nevada, Iowa with my friends this summer. We had just spent the day at the pool and there was a McDonald's that we passed as we got on the interstate. It was discussed to grab a shake for the road. At that moment, I almost fell off the wagon, but we all decided not to since we were on our way to a great dinner. The other was a simple breakfast sandwich craving. I wanted that darn McMuffin that is laced with some addictive crack-like substance. Instead, I went to Dunkin' Doughnuts and enjoyed their sandwich. Good, not great.

I will need a new goal for 2007, but I might stick with the McDonald's goal too.

Very Funny

I love it when my expectations are met and exceeded.

The Office on NBC tonight was fantastic. Okay, the story was about the outing of a gay co-worker in the office. Of course, Michael had a great deal to do with this since he is socially retarded. At one point, I was laughing out loud and this is a rare thing for me to do over a television show.

Although the NBC version is the tamer of the two versions (the other being the BBC), tonight was reminiscent of the very inappropriate BBC version. Buy this on itunes or watch it on reruns.

WWKS-What Would Kevin Say

This may sound like an ending to The Wonder Years, but that is the kind of mood I am in.

I went for a walk tonight and I really needed one. I needed to get out and get some perspective and focus. A person needs to reflect on what they can do and what they can't do. I realize that things might annoy me and bother me, but when it comes down to it, I have to let it all roll off my back. There are more important things going on.

Vague and very Wonder Years.

#2 Covers

As if this photo is not disturbing enough with the feathered woman 1985 hair, but now, in the year 2006, someone is deciding that Richard "Hold Onto the Night" Marx really was a good idea after all.

Check out the turquoise bracelet. Priceless.

Clay Aiken came out with a CD today that is basically a cover CD of really mediocre songs. He starts it off with a mild bang singing "Right Here Waiting" by Mr. Dick Marx. Out of all of the cheesy ballads from the 80's, he picks this one. Come on, Clay. What about "Meet Me Halfway" by Kenny Loggins or something from the super sappy Chicago?

The one exception to the mediocre song choice is "Every time You Go Away" by Paul Young. It still sounds like Clay Aiken doing karaoke, but it is at least a good tune.

Keep in mind, I was a CLAYMATE during his run on American Idol. I even enjoyed his first CD, yet I am annoyed by this. A person should really do something special on their second album because it means you might stay around. Clay did not follow through. I reserve about 10% of my musical capacity for cheesy, pop ballads and I don't think there will be a spot for Clay this time around. It is already filled with Heart's "These Dreams" and "Alone".

It's Over

SPINACH is like that first puppy love who shows you what life can be like only to turn out to be that stinkin' cheating boyfriend.

Being from North Dakota, a salad consisted of Jell-O and marshmallows or a nice iceberg lettuce until I met you, SPINACH. You showed me there was a world outside of Ranch dressing and croutons. Along with your passionate vinaigrette, you showed me that fruit could be part of my salad. I didn't just have to settle for shredded cheddar cheese in my iceberg lettuce, but I could have goat cheese or a tangy Gorgonzola.

But then, you cheated on me and broke my heart. It was at the Genuardi's with that fantastic salad bar. I never wavered from my choice. I was never tempted by the romaine or the iceberg. I was devoted to you, yet you were not loyal. You were even cruel with that horrific food poisoning of September 2005! I thought I could never trust you again!

In time, I started ordering you in the restaurants again. I tried the delicious honey mustard salad with pears at Christopher's. I started to chop you up in my homemade pesto. But then, you had to go and do it again! Her name is E. Coli and it makes us sick! You make us sick! I don't know if I can love you again.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Yesterday, I felt like I was digging myself out of a pile of things I had been putting off. Terribly boring things like bills, paperwork, letters to be mailed, blah, blah, blah. But after many stamps, many opened envelopes, and checks written, I am caught up. I can re-enter my life without anything hanging over my head for at least one day.

Let me tell you how shallow I am. I have been a bit of a believing heathen in the past few years. I believe yet I don't go to church. Basically, it comes from my severe love for Sunday mornings. You know the type...coffee, political shows, sleeping in, brunch out. However, the time has come (and this is where you see how shallow I am). I am thinking about joining a church because I would like to make some friends and not just with Jesus. I have one person that I hang out with, but she is gone for a few weeks for work. I have great friends, but they happen to be two to seven states away. I guess I am need for proximal friends.

The Lord is not the only one who is trying to find me friends. I am going to a scrapbooking club next Saturday. I found this group through meetup.com. They have several clubs, but this is one where I can go and meet people and if they are not kindred spirits, at least, I can scrap.

Hey! I'm in My Thirties!

My 30th birthday was celebrated in very Sara fashion.

I started the day at Kindergarten where I stumped the children on whose birthday it was. It couldn't occur to them that their teacher actually had a birthday. We did it up right with some cupcakes and frosting made and enjoyed by the Kindergarteners.

I received several cards, presents, and phone calls throughout the week so it really is the birthday that just keeps giving! It is so nice to be thought of on your birthday. Tim and I went to my favorite Thai restaurant where we enjoyed a sampler appetizer platter, spicy noodle, and some basil fried rice. We couldn't eat it all so we have leftovers. Yum.

After dinner, we went to the new Zach Braff movie The Last Kiss. I knew it was about a guy who struggles with having no more surprises after he turns 30. How depressing. I am not of this mindset. The movie was good for several reasons. First, I love a movie that makes people want to talk about it even after it is over. I liked the music throughout the movie. I thought it was a real portrayal of people at the edge of a so-called adulthood. Go see it. Or rent it when it comes out. At the very least, check out the soundtrack.

A 30 Year Old Midwesterner

Why 30 Will Be a Great Year For Me...

I am still thinking big. The idealism of my twenties has just grown and evolved. I am in a place where these idealist ideas can be cultivated because I have the time and resources to explore them. My big ideas for my 30th year are to complete RAGBRAI, create a haven for us in our new home, and start my own business in the scrapbooking world.

My professional life has been reignited with nine little souls that enter into our classroom with their minds, hearts, and hands open and ready to learn. I feel a great task has been placed into my hands to teach these children.

In my 30th year, I have already made plans to build and maintain the relationships in my life. I used to think it was unhealthy how important I place the people in my life, but I've realized over the past year that it is because of my friends and family that I have a very rich life. I will make seeing friends and family a priority. I will never apologize for my exuberance for my relationships. At the end of the day, I know I have shoulders to lean on and I will be a shoulder to lean on.

Each birthday, I take the opportunity to be more self-absorbed than normal so, thanks. Life is good and getting better.

Right Place, Right Song

You might recall when my friend Courtney and I went to a Cuban restaurant in Philadelphia called Alma de Cuba this spring. Ever since that experience, I have been trying to find out the artist and name of the song on their website. I even resorted to emailing them to ask this burning question, yet I heard nothing.

Fast forward to this evening...

Tim and I walked over to Borders to explore a little. Tim picked up the sixth Harry Potter book in paperback. I had no ambition to buy, but I was enjoying the browsing. As we looked, we heard the exact same song overhead as is played on the Alma de Cuba website. I couldn't believe it. I went to the information desk to see the artist, but it was just a track number for a Putumayo Brazilian album. I went to dig in the world music stacks. I was no fool. I knew this was going to be a challenge because the world music section was always a tough one to find anything. I found three different Brazilian Putumayo albums. I took a listen on the listening machines and found it!

I think that is a strange story.

A New Pod

Dear Shiny Green ipod,
You were my first. You were the one who showed me how much I could love the mix of technology and music. I don't want you to think that we are breaking up. We will still hang out. I'll see you in my car when I listen to you on the road. There will be times when I don't want to bring my new, sleek ipod to the gym. Don't feel like #2. You are always #1 because you were my first. You will never lose your spot on the Midwestern Position's Friday Mix. That was for you and will always be for you. The sleek, new ipod will have other uses than just music. I will store and view my photos on it, watch television and movies on it, and listen to music on it, but remember, you were always the one that shocked the school teachers' lounge with your shiny lime green styling and your new ways. This was long before people knew and appreciated an ipod. You've inspired others to get ipods because I would always say how much I loved you. So, think of the new ipod not as an enemy, but as your new little brother. We are all one big Apple family.

Yada

Why is it that every time I watch Seinfeld, I always see the same episode. It is always the one where Elaine steals the Castanzas' TV Guide, Kramer tries to sell his cigar store Indian, and Jerry is dating the Native American but has difficulty controlling his Native American slurs.

Although I know the show is funny, I more annoyed when I watch it than anything. First of all, George's shallowness drives me crazy. I know that is supposed to be funny, but it just drives me crazy. But there it is. That is what the show is all about shallow nothingness. I only like Jerry and I only sort of tolerate Elaine. But Kramer and George send me over the entertainment edge.

Oddities and More

Quirks. That is what people call idiosyncrasies in their own personalities. Sometimes these quirks should really be categorized as flaws, habits, and/or ignorances, but using the label 'quirk' cleans it up a bit and makes it cute or acceptable.

We all have them. Things that are truths in our lives that might not be understood by everyone who knows us. See, we think we know people, but how well do we know their quirks. I think I know Tim's quirks, but I know there are some still to be discovered. I wonder if Tim knows how much I enjoy the smell of cigar smoke? This is a quirk. Most people are repelled by this aroma. I was driving behind a car today and I could smell it. I almost wanted to follow him as he smoked his stogie in his convertible.

What I appreciate is when people embrace and offer no apologies for their peculiarities. I am sure most people do not enjoy Christmas music or Christmas movies all year long, but I love it. Right now as I write this, I am listening to Elton John's "Step Into Christmas". I enjoyed Will Farrell's "Elf" earlier this week like it was below zero and I was watching for the first time.

I can't wear earrings that actually touch my ears or any other part of my body. They must be hoops or earrings that dangle without touching me. I always have these good intentions with big earrings that have the possibility of touching me, but I take them out before I leave the house because I just can't do it.

I offer up my quirks as a confession and as a call to all to confess. Come clean.

Northern Exposure

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. I know a person who likes anything associated with 1992-1993 because he loved his life during those years. I am not sure if I have years that have a stronger pull than others, but I definitely have 'things' that have that pull.

Today, I watched Season One of Northern Exposure. I watched this show way back when but didn't really appreciate the clever personalities and writing in this show. I think I should also mention that my Hollywood boyfriend, John Corbett, is in this show. This show also makes me crave the wilderness and peace that they show in Alaska, but northern Minnesota would do.

Five is the Magic Number

If you've been wondering about my lack of posts this week, well, I've been quite busy. My days have been spent at the Kindergarten classroom. Along with my teaching partner, I've been cutting, taping, planning, creating, and laminating to make the most inviting classroom I can. Today, we had an hour where the children came to visit and had a mini day. I couldn't have asked for a better first hour of kindergarten. They were so excited to be there and to be five and to be painting and to be a big kindergartener!

Last year, I was with children only 15 hours a week. That wasn't enough for me. So much of my identity was wrapped up in being a teacher for five years and then, with this move, I was no longer a teacher. Well, I was, but only for 15 hours a week. I will be careful to not have my professional life become such a large part of my identity because you never know where life will take you. However, I feel like I have a professional purpose again.

Guts

Today, I was standing at an upscale grocery store checking out the bread when I saw something. Usually, I don't go to this grocery store, but today, I wanted to discover something fun and new. But, back to the bread...

I looked down to the bottom shelf of fresh bread when I saw my first cockroach. I was a little grossed out, but I was surprised too because I didn't expect this from this snobby grocery store. Then, as I was looking, a rude man pushed between me and the bread and stepped on the cockroach. I turned to him in his rush and said, "You just stepped on a huge cockroach." He looked down and reacted with, "Well, that is gross. I'll leave you to tell the manager."

Yes. Yes, I will tell the manager because I live to be bossed around by rude strangers.

I am glad the guts are on his shoe and not mine. Karma.

And I promise, this is the last bitchy post about people who annoy me (for at least a month). That is the best I can do.

Don't Go Out There

Have you ever had a day when you should have just stayed home?

I should have stayed home today. I will warn you. The following post is not a pleasant post.

I think on days like Labor Day, people really lose their minds when they are in public.

First of all, I was standing at Lowe's looking at paint samples and a woman kept and stood next to me. She smelled like she had gas. Over and over again. So, I moved. She followed and continued to pass her gas. This is not an okay thing to do!!!

Then, I went to Barnes and Noble to search for a book about Kindergarten Literacy when I stumbled upon the education section in the bookstore. All would have been fine except another person had set up camp in front of the three columns of education books. She had her many books sprawled all over the floor and she was very engaged in her book. She didn't notice that another person might want to look at books too. About five minutes later as I tried to tiptoe around her piles, she realized I was there. She said, "Oh, I guess I can move." Oh, I wouldn't want to disturb you or make you realize that it isn't always about you.

I left the shopping center annoyed and tried to get on the interstate but people were driving like maniacs. Things were going well with the merging except then someone decided to STOP in the right lane causing all Hell to break lose on the freeway. I decided to just get off the highway and try my luck on the back roads.

My final straw occurred when I decided to venture out again to the local Staples to pick up a few things when I was standing in line and my space was severely compromised! This young girl crowded me to the point where she was bumping into me over and over again when she was flirting with her boyfriend. UGH.

Raised by wolves. Raised by wolves.

Change

I have made a few publishing changes to my blog using the blogger beta. If you are having a difficult time making a comment on the blog using your user name, you have to switch to beta yourself on your Blogger account. I am sorry. I didn't realize this would happen with my switch. You could also leave anonymous comments too.

A New Rule

My new Midwestern Rule was inspired by a woman who gives other women a bad name. I was driving on a mildly busy road today when I was stuck behind this woman who decided that it would be a good time to do her hair, put on lotion, talk on the phone, do her make up, check herself out in all the mirrors she had attached to her car, drive on and off the road, and drive at the same time.

She would ride her brake because she was doing all this and wouldn't want to have a fender bender. This was the most annoying thing that I have seen in a long time. Please. Just stop and drive. Then, when it was finally a passing lane, I could see that the entire passenger side of her car was smashed in. This was further proof that this woman should not be driving.

Gooey Treat

Today feels like fall with the rain and gray skies. This might explain why I have reverted back to my Saturday behaviors of baking dessert and cooking a delicious supper. Today, I am trying out Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake and we'll have lasagna for supper. Funny how I put dessert first.

I haven't baked since I started my health spectacular because sweets are my downfall. I wasn't raised with my Scandinavian blood without having a treat for every occasion. I have strong memories of my two aunts coming to visit each Saturday and my mom would always have at least two kinds of baked goods on hand to put out during their coffee time. The kids would always grab a bar or cookie as we raced through the kitchen to play downstairs.

Last year, I could bake on Saturday and bring the leftovers to Borders on Sunday, but since I no longer work there, I'll have to come up with a new plan. I think I will send them to Borders anyway. Someone once said that I could put out a bowl of chicken broth at Borders and they would eat it.

I Want My MTV

I have a bone to pick with MTV, so-called Music Television.

True, I am no longer of the generation that MTV caters to and I am no longer on the cutting edge of anything, never have been, but I like a music video or two now and again. However, MTV doesn't play videos anymore. They play videos about once a day on TRL and they don't even play the whole video.

So why does MTV feel they should have a Video Awards show. Should a network pat themselves on the back for something they only do about 10% of the day? Let's call the Video Awards exactly what they are...a platform for already established artists to play their mediocre music that sounds and looks like everything else. It is a media driven show that gives celebrities another opportunity to force themselves down our consumer throat.

Well, that is it. I have had it with MTV. I came from the generation that couldn't get enough Real World back in the day when The Real World wasn't just about hooking up and shock displays. Remember San Francisco? Remember London? Well, London was kind of a bust season, but the fact remains that MTV is a disappointment. I can't stand the dating shows with the total lack of connection. I can't stand the MADE shows where teenagers want to become something they are not rather than just being okay with who they are.

I miss the days of videos, unplugged, and real interviews with real artists. You know, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty used to be on MTV, but do you ever see them now? No. They have some musical integrity that is missing in the MTV of today. From this day forward, I boycot that darn MTV.