How I Spent My Weekend

There are weekends when it flies by and I can't think of a single useful way that I spent my time. However, this is not one of those weekends.

Friday night was spent doing one of my favorite things. We stayed in and watched There Will Be Blood. This was a movie that I have been wanting to see since it first came out, yet I never got to the theater to see it. I thought it was very good. The music throughout the film made me want to jump out of my seat. I kept waiting for something horrible to happen. Of course, Daniel Day Lewis was amazing, but it was Paul Dano who impressed me the most. With his calm yet creepy revivalist preacher character, he made the movie all the more interesting for me.

I have taken to my yard like my life depends on it. I want to grow grass in shady areas and I will. Besides my quest for grass, we mowed and cleaned up a number of flower beds. The hyacinths are blooming along with my daffodils. Sadly, I decapitated my first tulip of the year in a weed-wacking frenzy. I hope that is not a sign of things to come this gardening season. This is not an actual photo of my hyacinths, but let's pretend it is.

I joined my co-worker Allison and her husband at a local pub called TJ's Everyday. They call themselves a 'drinkery' and for good reason. They have over 200 beers from which to choose! I enjoyed a pilsner from a local brewery named Victory.

Owling

I was laying on my couch watching a squirrel out my dining room window. All of the sudden, an Eastern Screech Owl landed on the nearby branch. This was a rare thing in my urban neighborhood. It wasn't any larger than seven inches tall. He spent about five minutes on that branch, but I hoped that he would stay longer. I assume he was just starting his dusk activities of hunting and eating and just couldn't stay.

My backyard has been quite bird busy lately. I saw my first cardinal of the season and the blue jay this weekend. I think they were trying to eat my grass seed.

Reverence

I opened the windows in my house today. The fresh, spring air is enough to make that moment happy, but it also reminded me about how much I love my house. Windows on all sides that allow a cross breeze and the sounds of spring to filter into each room.

I bought fresh blackberries today. I didn't know that this little pint of blackberries would give me a gratitude moment, but it did. I was standing in my kitchen, all by myself. No music. No lights on. I was standing in front of my kitchen window cleaning my fruit purchases of the day when I popped a dark purple berry in my mouth. It reminded me how much I love fresh fruit. Simple.

I cleaned out two flower beds today. I pulled the old hosta stems and leaves from the fall. A task that should have been completed many months ago. I raked old leaves. Another task long past due. As I pulled away the decaying plant life, little sprouts of new hostas were poking through the mulch! It made my mind start to plan, scheme, and decide on how I will compliment these favorite plants this spring.

Five Year Olds Would Love to Vote

The circle time turned political at kindergarten today. Just like the rest of this country, the five year olds are divided between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It all started out so simple...

We decided that we would work towards a dessert party if we are respectful and quiet during Quiet Time. If we reach our goal, we will then have a vote on what dessert it will be!

Then, one of my more passionate students volunteered, "Well, I am voting for Hillary Rod Ham Clinton." Yes, the 'Rod and the Ham' were separated like they were individual words. In the eyes of some students, this could not go without an endorsement for Barack Obama so they threw their support behind Obama.

During this time, I could not get the conversation to come back to what I wanted to talk about. Democracy in action with me trying to push it down. No one said anything about John McCain, but he is a non-issue here in Pennsylvania. All eyes on Barack and Hillary. So, when all was said and done and the children who wanted to say something spoke, Barack was the winner.

Again, I was not encouraging this conversation. I just wanted to talk about Quiet Time, but the people must be heard.

Midwestern Endorsement: Virginia Coalition

Tonight, I heard a band named Virginia Coalition for the first time.

I am having a hard time describing them as a band, but I will say that the combination of lyrics, driving melody, and variety in instruments made me very pleased with my entire album purchase.

For those who know me, I am a sucker for clever and thoughtful lyrics and Virginia Coalition fits that niche. Oh, and the piece that makes them so difficult for me to even compare them to another band is the mandolin that is thrown in to a few songs. I dig the mandolin.

These songs sit on the edge of bluegrass. I dig that bluegrass. Check out their websites for their shows...playing in Minneapolis on April 9! Not in Philly anytime soon though. I can imagine them to be an amazing live band.

A Few Conversations

I was standing in line at the Starbucks at a local outdoor mall. Two girls who looked around 12-13 years old were in line behind me. One of the girls turned to the other and said, "My mom only gave me $100 today to shop."

She was incredibly disappointed.

Then, they both out-Starbucked me in their ordering skills. It went something like this..."Tall Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Creme."

All I can say to the barista is "Tall Mocha, Please."

The final conversation is a guilty self-esteem booster. I was getting my bangs trimmed after school today and the stylist asked how long I had been married. I told her it would be eight years this summer. Her response..."What? Did you get married when you were, like, twelve?!" I'll take that boost.

Midwestern Confession

I am going to admit something to you that is an area of shame. I am not very green. Actually, I am not green at all. It's not that I drive a huge Hummer or leave all of my lights on, but we do not recycle.

This is so embarrassing to admit. But, I hide no more. I am not sure what took me so long, but we have decided to get green like the rest of the world. Like most of our bad choices, it comes from shear laziness.

Isn't it strange how this happens. The moment when your eyes are opened. I was walking out of the grocery store with bags of groceries, plastic, of course. I walked by the recycling box for these plastic bags. Huh? I had no idea it was that easy. So, I decided that I would start to do that. During my car ride home, I asked myself what else I could do. This is what I came up with...

So, our first green step will be to use the blue tub to recycle aluminum, steel, and bimetallic food and beverage cans. We will also recycle newspapers and paper products. I have printed off the recycling schedule to be placed on the refrigerator.

I will have to gather some containers to organize our bottles. We'll have to bring our bottles to a drop off area.

Along with these baby steps to a greener family, I have purchased ten reusable grocery sacks.

This is a start. Go ahead and shame me, but I would rather you give me some ideas, hints, or suggestions for the new greener us.

Big Plans...Again

I didn't see George W. Bush as I stood outside of the White House, but you might notice that I was wearing a green puffy vest. This must have been the reason that some middle school aged kids asked me if I was from Ireland. They were chatting with me and my father at the top of the Washington Monument when they asked this. They said, "You sound like you are from Ireland."

I replied with , "No, North Dakota."

Their reply, "Huh. North Dakota."

I have one more day until I return to being a kindergarten goddess and I will fill it with taking my parents to the airport, getting a large coffee, and going into work to plan for the coming week at kindergarten.

I am making a promise here on the Midwestern Position. Starting tomorrow, I am planning on posting more because I have really dropped the bloggin' ball. I have big plans, folks. Big plans.

DC and Two Cents More

After three days in Washington, DC, we've returned to Philadelphia. My parents are visiting and I was happy to be their uneducated tour guide in DC. For the first time, I went to the top of the Washington Monument and visited Mount Vernon. Along with those highlights, we did the Tour Mobile. I am a huge fan of the tour bus and narrator.
The Washington, DC Metro is fantastic. I love it. If you ever travel there, use it. It is clean, safe, easy to understand, and everywhere.

Now that I have gotten the facts out of the way, it is time for the commentary on teenage tourism in DC.

We were taking in Washington along with thousands of students, ranging in age from 12 to 18. When I was that age, I took two trips with a large group, one to Atlanta and one to Vancouver. I am sure that I was obnoxious and rude to people along with my friends. I think I might even have pictures of it. I am sure that we thought we were clever, creative, and of course, unique in every way.

After spending two days with just this type of teenager, I know we were probably just annoying. Without argument, I admit that we were abrasive and awkward in almost every way, but I doubt that were rude. It seems that it was a rare teenager in DC that would step aside for my parents on a sidewalk or say "excuse me" when they refused to move out of the way. We were always the one to step aside or say "excuse me". Along with this, there were even a few that were talking during the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I gave them the stink eye of judgement.

I have a feeling that it wouldn't be this way if they were with their parents instead of the mob of horomones in hooded sweatshirts. They were all too busy being clever, creative, and of course, unique in every way.

St. Patty's Day

Am I supposed to be celebrating St. Patrick's Day? I had three people ask me this week if I had plans for St. Patrick's Day. I can't remember a time when I celebrated in a traditional sense...beer. However, I live in a strong Irish community where they wear their Irish colors on their cars and have Irish and proud flags that hang from their homes.

I wear green because I teach kindergarten and they are looking for a reason to pinch their teacher. I don't do any St. Patrick's Day lessons or projects. I just don't understand this holiday. Oh, and I have an Irish last name.

Midwestern Endorsement: Reese's Puff and More Junky Cereal

When I was a freshman in college, my roommate was a cereal junkie. Her enthusiasm about the cereal bar at the college cafeteria remained for not only breakfast, but lunch and dinner too. Sometimes, she'd mix it up and make a cereal suicide...you know, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. She would eat cereal in our room and spill bits of cereal on the floor. If she was missing, all I had to do was follow the Corn Pops.

Cereal has always been very low on my love of food scale, but I am experiencing a cereal renaissance. Each week, Tim and I will buy a new box of cereal and see what we think. We do classics like Cheerios and new flavors like the Honey Bunches of Oats with Chocolate Clusters. By the way...very good.

Now I know, my roommate was much brighter than I gave her credit for at the time. Cereal is a staple food in our household now. I have to say, I like the kids cereals that are chocolatey and not healthy at all. I am now looking at cereal as dessert, especially the Reese's Puffs. I know. I know. It is ridiculous for a 31 year old to like this cereal.

A Love Letter of Sorts

Dear Internet Gods,
Today you shined down on my lil' imac. You showed me the way to Songza.com. It is an Internet jukebox where you can search by artist and listen to complete songs, but why am I telling you this, Internet Gods. You were the one who guided me to you. Right now, I am listening to Sufjan Stevens and Rosie Thomas sing a live version of "Say Hello". Without this blessing, I would not have ever heard this ear candy.

Sara

Sad Songs Say So Much

On Dearsugar.com, a writer asked the question, "What's Your Sad Song?" Great question. Such a good question that I am basically cheating off that blog for this post.

We all go through these moments in our life where sad songs seem to be the special version of masochism that we inflict upon ourselves. I am not one of those people who cry to sad songs. Instead, I like the idea that even though I have no good reason to be sad, I just like a sad song. I think I even have an ounce of nostalgia with sad songs. I do not have a playlist of sad songs, but that is not a bad idea.

So, what is your sad song? C'mon. Be honest. No judgement here. Maybe I will love your idea and it will be quickly added to my music library.

Things I Won't Eat

• Octopus - It's the suckers. Those things that are round and can only be described as suckers. I imagine it to be chewy. I don't do chewy. I am going to lump squid into this category too.
  
• Radishes - I always feel like I am going to break my teeth on these red veggies. They are so pretty though.
  
• Black Jelly Beans - I can't stand that taste and I hate the way they turn my mouth black.
• JELL-O - Any flavor, no thank you. I used to like it with some Cool Whip, but not anymore. I think it is texture thing. I fed it to too many people when I worked at the hospital in high school.
  
• Scrapple - Never heard of it, my midwestern friends. Be thankful.
• Peeps - There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who eat Peeps. Those who do not.

Slow Night

Hmmm...I wish I had something to write about. I wish I had something clever to say or an opinion to wow you with, but I got nothing.

Oh. I know. Tim is a handy man. He has repaired a pipe in our basement. I think he has low-handy-man self esteem sometimes, but this whole pipe thing has really given him a handy boost. Go, Tim.

I am counting down the days until spring break when my parents will be visiting me. I am very excited. We have a few day trips planned and an overnight trip planned to DC.

Man, I feel boring tonight.

Ms. Fix-It

After a year and a half of living in our first house, I am finally painting the third and final bedroom. Right now, it has the most annoying wallpaper trim around the ceiling. It has sea life on it. It is stuck like gum in my hair. I took down two feet of the border and it took me one hour. This does not bode well for my motivation to get this room finished. However, I am currently researching how to remove wallpaper. I am reading that fabric softener, soap, and water are all very helpful.

I am not going to go after it for about a week because I have the trim to cover. The last bit of trim in my house that is periwinkle. You read that right. Periwinkle. It is now a crisp, clean white. White is a color that will go with any color. I am thinking about making it a very boring color like tan.

Our life has revolved around home improvement projects and they just keep going. I like it. I like doing something and having a result. I am also going to do something that will shock a few people. I am carpeting our stairs and upstairs that have hardwood on them. It isn't like the beautiful hardwood that comes in new homes. My home is over 70 years old and some of the floors look like it. I have also had one fall down steps that resulted in one x-ray to confirm a sprain and not a break. I do not want to risk this again. Good bye, hardwood. Hello, plush.

And So Am I

As much as I love the seriousness of our political system, I also love the fun that is poked at the politicians. This weekend, one my favorite entertainers, Tina Fey, made her triumphant return to Saturday Night Live. She is a hot mess of funny. Satire. It is a little long, but the whole skit is pretty entertaining. Even when she teases about Lindsey Lohan.


Go ahead. Be offended...or laugh.

Midwestern Endorsement: Jelly Belly Sours

Tim and I went to the local CVS to pick up sidewalk ice because we both have a snow day! It is not the kind of snow day that would make us stay home. It wouldn't even be close to a snow day in either Iowa or North Dakota, but you don't see me complaining.

I am getting distracted...

Ever since my holiday trip to California, I have been mildly obsessed with the Jelly Belly Sours. Tim's mom took us to the Jelly Belly factory store where you can dish out your favorite flavors. Without knowing, I had discovered my new favorite candy. I love every flavor of the Jelly Belly Sours except watermelon. I detest anything flavored peach or watermelon, especially candy. My favorite is the strawberry and raspberry. Every once in a while you will get one that is especially tart and it is my version of Heaven.

Sick, right? How can the pain associated with a yummy kind of sour be so fantastic? I don't know, but the Jelly Belly gods do.

Not every store carries the Jelly Belly Sours so when I stumble upon a package, I must buy it. Well, I don't actually stumble upon them. I hunt the candy aisle at every store with a possibility of having such a treasure.

Cold Turkey and More

I was craving a midwestern specialty this week when I made some Chicken Noodle Casserole. It is one of those classic kind of dishes that you bring to people who just had a baby or they have just lost a loved one. We are neither and just wanted some good ol' noodle casserole. Feel free to replicate it.

On another topic, I am considering not watching American Idol. I have given Fox many hours of my life already with this show and if there is ever a time to go cold turkey with this reality show, now is the time. I haven't started watching it yet and was only reminded today by my friend that it was going on. She has coaxed me to watch this evening's women's competition, but I am not sure if my heart is in it anymore. I am more interested in the competition than what the singers do after the competition.

I went to the dentist today for my six-month check-up. It must be written all over my face that I am not from around here because this woman in the waiting room started up a small-talk conversation with me. Within a few sentences, she said, "You're not from around here, are you?" The dental hygienist is my new best friend. She doesn't know it though. She has a husband who is a science professor too. She just spent three years in Kansas where he was doing a post-doctoral appointment. She has lived here for a few months. She was a talker and I left the dentist know a lot about her. She knew that I should floss more.

Fairway and More

I am enjoying my last day in my four day weekend. On Friday, I took the train to New York City to see my friend. We enjoyed some Italian food in Brooklyn and lots of great conversation. Our time continued into Saturday when we went to a grocery store called Fairway.

I realize that most would not get so excited about a grocery store, but Fairway is very special. I am feeling a little jealous of Amy having the Fairway because I wish I had the Fairway. Great cheese and meat counters and yummy bakery too. I enjoyed a cherry danish.

Along with the Fairway, I enjoyed a party game called Balderdash for the first time. This game has been around for a long time, but this was the first time for me. It is all about being creative and guessing the meaning of obscure words. I won't bore you with the game details, but it seems that I will have to invest in this game.

Finally, I will be using my gorgonzola cheese that I bought at the Fairway to make some yummy gorgonzola butter for our steaks this evening.

My Take

I am a day late with my annual Valentines two cents.

As a kindergarten teacher, I love Valentine's Day. We have been making Valentine creations and reading Valentine stories for the past two weeks. I like to focus on the love of our families and friends. As an adult, I do not like Valentine's Day. I think it is kind of a BS holiday. The pressure and commercialism that is pushed down our throats annoys me. If I hear that Zales song one more time...

I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things and I couldn't believe how many people were buying flowers. They had a special station set up at the front of the store for people who wanted to buy flowers and balloons. I am not sure if Tim meant his take out cheesesteaks to be a Valentine's Day present, but I would take a sandwich over flowers any day. I am not judging the people who do give flowers. Flowers are lovely. I am just too practical and I am glad that Tim knows that about me.

The Weekend

I went to my first Villanova basketball game last night with Tim. Villanova beat Seton Hall by two points in the last seconds of the game. It was a great date night out with Tim. Along with having a good time, I was able to add one more thing onto the list of things I just don't get.

1. Why do people scream at the players and coaches when they are in the nose bleed section? They can't hear you. All you do is scare the little kids around you.
2. Why do gas stations right across the street have a significant difference in prices? One was $3.15 and the other was $2.97.

Along with the Villanova game, I have been entertained by In Treatment on HBO. Each episode is a patient meeting with her therapist. Same therapist and different patient each night. Although the show is a lot of talking, it is interesting. You can watch the episodes online, free.

Torn By Tuesday

Super Tuesday left me with a case of democratic schizophrenia. Is anyone else suffering from this? It isn't a terrible malady to suffer. Hillary would win a state and I would be glad. Barack would win a state and I would be glad. It is like I am being offered a piece of pepperoni pizza and a piece of cheese pizza. Both very appealing. I could enjoy both. I wish I could have both. At this point, I do not have to choose. However, the way the pundits put it, it come down to Pennsylvania and I would have to choose.

Let me say this much...my husband has always leaned to the right of center in the world of politics, but even Tim was talking about donating to Obama. That is huge. This entire process makes me proud to be a democrat because we are going to be the party to nominate either a woman or an African-American.

Tales From My Desk

Being a little embarrassed by my last post about the cuteness of Tom Brady, I hope to redeem myself with this post. Not high hopes. My big mission style desk is more than just a place to put my computer. I do everything there. I am one of those terrible people who eat at the computer. Gross, right. I listen to music at the desk. I scrapbook at the desk. I talk on the phone. So, inspired sitting at my desk, I write the happenings of my desk.

Scrappin'
Many of you know that I sacrificed many of my Saturday nights between 1994-1997 to the frozen yogurt gods at my job at TCBY. During that time, I got what is called (by me, not actual doctors) Scooper's Wrist. Swollen from July nights of scooping that gross Cotton Candy ice cream. Well, on Friday night, after hours of scrapbooking, I got what I call (by me, not actual doctors) Scrapper's Shoulder. This occurs when you are going crazy fast cutting and cropping photos and papers. Imagine, in cartoonish style, me at my desk with paper flying all around me as I am in the scrappin' zone! Kind of like Pigpen from Peanuts but instead of dirt, it is paper. It was only after coming down from this scrapbooking high that my shoulder started to ache. It moved up into my neck for about four days! The only thing I can attribute the pain to is scrapbooking. It is a pain that I must endure because you know how I love to scrapbook, readers.

itunes and Mixed Tapes
Every Tuesday, itunes puts up free downloads. Today's download is a goodie. Check out Yael Naim's "Far Far" and We the King's "Check Yes Juliet". The guilty pleasure that I purchased with an ounce of shame was "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne. She just doesn't appeal to me except for this totally ridiculous song.

Favorite lyric...
" You’re so delicious."
Worst lyric...
"She’s like so whatever."

I am working on a Valentine's Day mix. I do not like Valentine's Day for grown-ups. Like we need another excuse to buy, buy, buy. However, I love Valentine's Day for kindergartners. We are using a lot of glitter glue right now at school. So, it is a pretty big step for me to make a mix for Valentine's Day and give it to all of my friends and family. I haven't decided on the theme, but these are a few that I am considering...

- Songs I Love and You Should Love
- Songs That Are Love Songs and We Didn't Know It
- Songs With the Word "Love" in It
- Songs That I Love Right Now At This Moment
- Songs That Old Boyfriends (1989-1995) Used to In Very Cheesy Moments...probably why I broke up with them...Two Words, One Number - Boys II Men

Who wants part of this Midwestern Mixed Tape action?

Super Bowl

I don't like it when the media forces things down my throat. Let's take the Super Bowl. I don't like when the news media, local mostly, makes a big deal about the commercials, a big deal about the Patriots, and a big deal about how I am supposed to be at a party of some kind tonight. No thanks.
I feel the same way about New Years Eve.
Now, all of that being said, that Tom Brady is a looker.

Something Light and Easy

I like to consider myself a well-rounded woman who has interest in food, culture, health, entertainment, and more. There is a one-stop internet stop that I cruise each day that links me to all these different interests. My first stop is Buzzsugar where I learn about what is new in the entertainment world. It tells me what shows are new, storyline clues, and upcoming projects.

Then, using the left sidebar, I check what is new and interesting in the world of tech with Geeksugar. The tech stuff is usually way to techy, even for me, but I move on quickly to Yumsugar where I can find a delicious recipe or food idea. This site just goes on and on with light and fluffy information on money, health, celebrity gossip, advice, and more.

Midwestern Mixed Tape - Vol. 2

I appreciate Apple and all it brings into the world. I don't need to go on about how I love the Iris the ipod or my computer, Margot the Mac. I also love the songs that Apple uses for advertising.

Midwestern Recipe: Monster Cookies

Along with eating healthy, I have been avoiding my baking cupboard because I know that if I bake it, I will eat it.

However, I have a great excuse to bake this weekend. I will bake some delicious Monster Cookies to give to my co-workers for carrying the load when I was gone this week with my terrible cold.

After five days of cold, I am 95% recovered. I have my energy back. I can taste food. I am not nearly as congested. I don't want to see another cough drop for another year. I no longer smell of Vicks. My hair no longer has that matted, bed-head look that is so alluring. I am vertical.


Monster Cookies

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a very large bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Add the remaining ingredients in order, mixing well.
4. Use an ice cream scoop to put on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Round Two

I hate to write another "I'm Sick" post, but that is what my life has been for the last five days. The boring old symptoms of a simple cold. The most annoying symptoms being a low-grade fever and hacking cough. I can't return to kindergarten as long as I have a fever. We don't want kids there. Why would we want a grown-up there if she is running a fever.

I am annoyed by my inability to taste food too. I wish I was one of those sickies that loses weight when they are sick, but I still eat. I never lose my appetite even if I can barely taste the food.

The past four days have not been a total waste since I have completed season two and three of The Office. I am staying home tomorrow. The decision was easy. I tried to put on some clothes other than pajamas, but I had to lay on the bed afterward because it took all my energy to do that. This would not bode well in a kindergarten class.

That Barack Obama is Funny...I Like Him Too

I think this is pretty funny. I love that it is live and Obama delivered each line perfectly. My favorite is #8.

Ruby Slippers

I deserve smart red shoes. Whoa. Red shoes are so-very-un-Sara! Well, there are moments in a 31 year old's life when red shoes are exactly what is needed. Unlike when I paint my fingernails a blazing red, this is not a practical joke on myself.
Yes, it is January and I will hardly get to wear them, but that is exactly why we need smart, red shoes...because it is January. The picture doesn't even do them justice.
As a kindergarten teacher, there are times when I look in the mirror and think I am frumpalicious. It is up to me to undo the frump. This is a good start.

A Midwestern Mixed Tape, Vol. 1

Before you start to read my blog, press play on today's mix tape. Mixed just for you, readers. Oh, then, open a new window because this post will take only about 30 seconds to read and process and you will want to hear all of the tunes. I am feeling bossy. Sorry...some are just a sampling of the tune.

I don't care what anyone says. Being a kindergarten teacher is a hard job. I won't go into it because, well, that is unprofessional, but I am completely exhausted tonight. There is nothing left for me to give to anyone. I am spent.
Are you like me? Do you have an "I Deserve It" mentality when it comes to your weaknesses? Tonight, I think I deserve the delicious buffalo chicken cheese steak. However, I will stay strong and not give into this temptation. Instead, I will deserve some new tunes from itunes. I deserve songs too.
Have discovered a pattern with this post.

ME. ME. Me.

If this was a perfect world and I was a size 6, this is the completely incomplete list of things that I feel I deserve when I am feeling all selfish and lacking a 31 year old's perspective...oh, I do realize that in reality, I really just deserve to breathe. The rest is up to me.

1. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak
2. Teleportation
3. A Snow Day
4. World Peace...can't forget that one.
5. Some sort of television marathon during that deserved snow day
6. My bangs to have some consistency from day to day.
   

What do you deserve tonight?

Michael Jackson Monday

Did you hear that today was Blue Monday? This is supposed to be a sad and downer of a day because of all of the reasons that people are usually bummed out. Some scientist did a bunch of research to determine that today is Blue Monday. Do you feel blue? I don't. I just feel like it is cold and things are kind of boring.

Okay, maybe I am feeling a little guilty because I should have been doing something helpful and kind to help the world on this MLK holiday. Instead, I used it to get caught up in kindergarten and clean that mess of a classroom. Okay, I guess that helps the kindergartners...and me.

And maybe I was feeling a little something because where I usually just put the ipod on shuffle and the odds are in favor of some folky singer-songwriter, I found Michael Jackson and listened to him the whole way home from school today. The song list went something like this...

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Rock With You
Beat It

Then, I started reminiscing about how I used to listen to MJ in my basement with his Thriller record open to the photo of MJ with his two little white tigers. At the time, I thought those two little tigers were so cute. Now, when I look at it, it is kind of creepy. Man, I loved Thriller. Beat It is my favorite.

Call me a simpleton, but maybe what everyone needs is a little 80's pop music to get them out of the downers.

Midwestern Endorsement: Laughing Cow Cheese

After three weeks of healthy living and eating, I am reaching that common place where I am bored with the foods that I have been eating. So, yesterday was a long day at the grocery store where I took my time to read labels and think creatively to solve this problem rather than use it as an excuse to fall back into unhealthy eating habits.

One of the foods that I am enjoying today after my shopping trip is The Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges. I like turkey sandwiches, but I like mayo or cheese and The Laughing Cow gives me that without the high fat or calories. For example, I eat a whole wheat mini pita, deli turkey, and one wedge of spreadable cheese. Only 50 calories and 4 grams of fat for lots of flavor.

RIP: Maple Frosted

I am in the midst of healthy eating and exercise, but when Tim told me that the Dunkin' Donuts near our old apartment had closed, I was quite sad. Embarrassingly distraught. It all comes down to two words...

Maple Frosted.

It is my favorite flavor of donut and they are the only Dunkin that makes them...that I know of or that I am willing to drive to.

I am taking it as a blessing disguise since I am all about healthy eating. I will rely on my memories of the delicious maple frosted.

Just Another Monday Night

I just wrote a whole post about the difference between pride and self-respect, but then I felt a little bit like Dr. Phil. The long and short of the post was that I think too much pride keeps us from living a rich life full of relationships, moments, and adventures. Nothing new in that thinking.

That being said, I have some topics that I would like to discuss that are not so deepy-deep-deep. My friend is having a baby. She likes traditional names. I hate to boss you, but please share your favorite girl baby name. AND...(this is important)...if you have a strong opinion about a name that is shared by a reader, please keep it to yourself. People say the craziest/rudest things when people share their baby names. I remember when a friend shared with her mother that she was thinking of naming her son, Murphy. Her mother told her that was a dog's name.

I just purchased some new/old tunes from itunes.

"And She Was" by The Talking Heads - I think I will dance as I make my Easy Beef Bourguignonne.
"Watch Us Work" by Devo - I think I must have been going through a 80's thing tonight.
"Raspberry Beret" by Prince - Yep. Definitely going through an 80's thing.

Jersey Girls

I have taken many adventures since moving to the North Atlantic region, but this is the first weekend that I have spent time in New Jersey. I took many interstates and turnpikes to get to my friend Courtney's home to help her celebrate her birthday.

I have met many of her friends and enjoyed their interest in my exotic roots of North Dakota. One of my favorite parts of the weekend so far was going to a local bar where karaoke was being held. These people were serious. So serious that they didn't even need the words that were on the screen. They had been practicing! At one point, this guy got up and he sounded EXACTLY like Bruce Springsteen. He sang three songs and when he was called up for his last song, he sang "Jersey Girl". All of the women except for Courtney and I were swooning. Swooning, friends. At one point, Courtney was talking to another woman and she turned to Courtney and said,

"Have some respect, Courtney."

I have a feeling that this was half in jest and half serious. Too funny. Jersey girls are so much fun. They are a new favorite group of mine.

Parking Wars

Have you heard of this A&E show Parking Wars? It combines a lot of my favorite elements for a reality television show. First of all, it takes place in Philly. It should have all of the decorum and charm that Philly has to offer as they are issued parking tickets in the City of Brotherly Love.

Can you sense the sarcasm?

Now, that being said, I am not saying that all Philadelphians are rude or angry, but I know that the show is going to show this part of the parking authority's interactions with Philadelphia residents.

A tried to give up reality television, but there are just some shows that fascinate me. Parking Wars is about real people doing their real jobs. I like those kinds of shows. I am not a fan of reality shows with competitions or relationship issues.

Tomorrow night, Parking Wars will premiere and I will be watching.

Midwestern Endorsement: Eat, Pray, Love

I am one of the millions of people who have read and liked Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

It is a memoir of a woman who searches for her own recovery from a sad divorce, a passionate but failed rebound romance, and a general dissatisfaction with her life. She implores her new sense of spirituality to guide her to Italy, India, and Bali over the course of one year to discover her own self without the distractions of romantic love, occupational pressure, and the past always ready to drag her back down again.

Many reviews have been full of praise for this book. I like it. I like it a lot, actually. Some reviews have painted Gilbert as selfish and self-absorbed. Well, yeah. The book is about her. She is pretty honest about the ridiculousness that can be be our own narcissistic tendencies, but we all have them and they can all be the reasons for our own undoing. I enjoy how Gilbert can take those "always in our head moments" where we hope that no one can read our minds and find humor and even reflection in them.

A part of me was annoyed to find out that even Oprah loves and has had Gilbert on her show many times. (You know how Oprah kind of bugs me.) It makes sense because this is a story about growth, hope, and knowledge...especially about who you really are as a person.

I like how Gilbert used her past as a driving force and not an excuse to move forward in her spiritual, emotional, and physical life. She did not speak to the sordid details of her failed marriage or wreck of an affair, but more how that brought her to her year long quest and its implications throughout that year.

Maybe because I was partially alliterate (can read, chooses not to...not something that I was particularly proud of) in 2007 or that I was reading bad books, but I enjoyed this book the most last year. Quick. Funny. Thoughtful.

Sicky

As I lay on my couch, I am surrounded by two tissue boxes, one bottle of Delsym, Vicks VapoRub, and a mug of water mean only one thing. I am sick. So much for my immune system of steel. It was bound to happen. I just wish that it was easier to call in sick. I am hanging in there, but I know when the line has been crossed when I will have to call in sick. So far, I believe that I will be able to make it through tomorrow and get to the weekend.
On another note...I used to be clever. This is not a self-depricating kind of thing. I just used to spend more time constructing my blog posts and now I will just slop down any kind of word mix. What do to about this? I have no idea.
On another another note...I am really into biscotti lately. I had no idea they were a low calorie cookie. 90 calories for an entire biscotti. If I ever get a dog, I am going to name her Biscotti Cookie. No joke.

Happy New Year

It's New Years Eve. So what. I know that sounds like a bit of a Scrooge response, but when I think about New Years Eve, my memories are cold - cold- cold in North Dakota. In college, my friends would go out to the bars and actually wait outside in a line in 20 below weather. No thanks. Not being a big fan of crowds, I just avoided most establishments where I might have to squeeze next to some over zealous party-goer.

However, I do have great memories of my parents getting together with my aunts, uncles, and many cousins with lots of treats and fatty junk food. My mom would always bring little smokies. I was always a fan of the meat and cheese tray. The grown ups would play cards or games and we would just play and be wild.

So, tonight, Tim and I will bring in the new year exactly like we like to do it...at home. We love to hang out, eat some dinner, watch a movie, and hang out.

More Peanuts

I received the biography Schulz and Peanuts this Christmas, so it seems perfect to make the trip to Santa Rosa, California to enjoy the Charles M. Schulz Museum. I enjoy Peanuts and enjoy them more and more as an adult. Even Tim made the comment that he might just have to start reading Peanuts again.

Check 'em out.

I realized after reading more about the characters of Peanuts and their personalities, there is someone for everyone to relate to. For me, I am a little bit Marcie, a little bit Lucy, and a little bit Linus.

Christmas in California

We are in California celebrating Christmas with our family on Tim's side. We have a new member to our family, baby Leah. She is our first and only niece. The week will be spent hugging, holding, and playing with Leah.

The weather did not keep us from our destination, but it did delay us. We were two hours late leaving Philly and two hours delayed in Chicago. It never bothers me when we are delayed. I am happy to be delayed if it makes for a safer and calmer flight. Plus, Southwest Airlines gave us a free drink for our troubles.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Red Wine Hurts

Tim confessed to me the other night that he wished that we had some wine in the house. He was in the mood for a glass of wine, but we rarely have any kind of alcohol in the house.

We don't have any kind of problem with alcohol. We just do not drink it at home or on a regular basis. We are more beer drinkers when we have friends over. This is only because I can drink beer. I have come to know that I suffer from red wine headaches when I indulge in the drink.

I see other people drinking wine and loving it. People look sophisticated and quite classy when they enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, but it is just not worth the headache followed by nausea. However, I can drink white wine. It just seems that our daily life very rarely requires such a luxury as wine. Water, milk, soda, and juice seems to work just as well.

Because of this red wine ailment, we are no longer in the running to join a wine club that a friend invited us to join. When I told her that I can't drink red wine and assured her that I like all of the foods that accompany red wine, that didn't seal the deal. They wanted wine lovers.

You Don't Know Sarah

On VH1, I was wasting precious time watching "The Best Songs of the 90's" the other night. I agreed with about one in ten of their choices. For example, I wouldn't say that Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" was one of the best songs of the 90's, but I would claim from the rooftops that Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery" was one of the best songs.

The thing that bothers me about these shows are the celebrity pundits that comment on the songs and artists. For example, some d-listed celebrity goes on and on about how much they love "Building a Mystery" and finishes by saying,

"I can't wait until I hear more from Sarah."

What? So, that song came out in 1997. Ten years ago. Since then, Sarah McLachlan has had two studio albums, a number of live sessions, and a few remixed albums. Why do they find the most common and uneducated, musically speaking, celebrities to comment on this stuff.

Since I am all salty about music right now, let me share some of the sweet about music. I am loving the following songs right now.

Never Said by Liz Phair.
Anyone Who Had a Heart by Shelby Lynne...an amazing cover of an old Dionne Warwick tune. Completely sad.
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson...it just happens to be on an Old Navy commerical.
Chicago by Sufjan Stevens
Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg...also on a commerical for diamonds when the guy gives his gal a necklace in the car.
True by Spandau Ballet

Nothing More Than a Whisper

I had a run back in 1994 when I lost my voice for an entire month. Imagine. A 16 year old girl who thought she had lots to say but was completely unable to do so. It was the trifecta of overuse on my vocal chords.

Lots of talking.
Lots of cheerleading.
Lots of singing.

Well, long and boring story short...my voice came back. I quit cheerleading for that and even better reasons. I started using my voice properly.

Before 1994, I would lose my voice for an entire week during all of my summers at Bible camp where you would sing, scream, yell, and whisper every waking minute. (The whisper for the times that you were supposed to be reflecting and talking with God but really whispering about that oh-so-cute boy who you wanted to hold your hand at campfire.)

Until this morning, I thought laryngitis was really just a memory from my childhood. Then, I plugged in the ipod and tried to sing some REO Speedwagon on my way to get coffee and nothing. Okay. Maybe a squeak.

Well, I can add one more chapter to the lost voices of Sara. I am currently without a voice. Thankfully, I just completed my last day in kindergarten for the semester. A kindergarten teacher without voice is really no good. I am planning on taking tomorrow to nurse my voice back to its normal state. I can't be driving in the car without doing my best to serenade my favorite 80's ballads. That'd be a crime.

"If There's a Cure For This..."

I think my itunes has a personality and likes to play jokes on me. I like to pride myself on the diversity within my itunes and its 2432 songs. However, tonight, when I was updating my sidebar and the ipod random mix, it picked five doozies.

It wanted to remind me that I like old, cheesy songs too.

All Night Long by Lionel Richie
Cracklin' Rosie by Neil Diamond
Love Hangover by Diana Ross
Will You Still Love Me by Chicago
I Haven't Got Time for the Pain by Carly Simon

Sunday Night Grumps

Someone asked me if it is legal that I play music on my blog. I have no idea. I like to think that these are lesser known artists and would be happy to have their music shared with others with my glowing recommendation. I am not sharing in the way that you get to keep these tunes on your computer, so I am going to keep sharing the goods.

Tonight, I have chosen the songs based upon a different friends Sunday night depression. I get that. Not that I am depressed, but I can see how Sunday nights have a way of making people, me included, feel grumps. So, to be the antidote to the grumps, beautiful music, everyone!

Dilemma

I am having a dilemma of conscience.
The CVS Pharmacy has broken my number too pet peeve. My pet peeves are in this order.

1. Tardiness...especially if you walk in and offer no apology for your rude behavior. My time is sort of precious, at least to me.
2. Making work for me...I have a job and all of the other kind of grown up responsibilities. I do not need anyone making more work for me.
3. Tailgating...not the fun kind with beer and snacks, but the kind that is aggressive and able to cause your insurance to go up because I am filing the claim even if you want to pay. You need to be taught a lesson and I am just the gal to do it.

Okay, I am getting distracted. The CVS has made more work for me. I had them print some photos that I had emailed to them this morning. I picked them up and went to work. I opened the envelope and my pictures were there along with two photos of a lovely family and a CD.

I know this family's photos were placed in the wrong envelope. I was bothered. I did not want to go back and give them the CD and photos. It was their mistake, right. Why should I go back and get them out of a pinch. UGH.

This is why...I would want someone to do that for me. So, I did not want to go back today, but I will go back tomorrow.

Constant Cookies

This is the first year since 2000 that I have not done a colossal cookie baking day for Christmas. When I lived in North Dakota and Iowa, I would always bake and bring an enormous cookie and treat tray to school to feed the overfed teachers. However, I now teach in a tiny school and most people are pretty healthy. I could send the tray of treats to the university with Tim, but I just haven't found the inspiration for cookie making.

Don't feel too sad for our empty cookie canisters. I received a box of treats from a student and we've enjoyed the brownies and cookies, but it made me reminisce about the Christmas cookies of my childhood.

In my family, Christmas is the one time of the year where all of the aunts bring their treats in beautifully designed trays. Tray after tray filled with caramel covered marshmallows, rolled sugar cookies, mint brownies, homemade fudge, and more. It was the one time of the year that you could eat cookies all day long and a grown up would just sit and watch and smile. You could have a dinner sized plate filled with only sweet treats and there would be no recommendation to eat a vegetable. It made the grown ups happy that we loved their Christmas cookies.

I do not have a memory of stomach aches or other self-induced ailments. These types of free-for-all cookie frenzies still occur at our family Christmas. Each year, there are more little cousins added to the brood and the binging continues. I would be disappointed if it didn't. It is a great family tradition.

Lofty Ideas

It is fast approaching that time of the year where a large number of mediocre people make lofty goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. I am one of the mediocre people who find lofty goals worthwhile and usually, completely unattainable.

So, why after so many failures do I still find these impressive ideas so appealing? I am not too proud to say that the loftiest New Years goal that I have ever achieved was not eating McDonald's during 2006. So proud, in fact, that it has a permanent spot on the sidebar of this blog.

Here are a few of my ideas. As always, weight loss is numero uno.
1. Lose weight. I won't bore you with the specifics of this goal. Just trying to live a long and healthy life.
2. Learn to sew. I want to make cute aprons and capes for kindergarten. I want to sew valances for my sun room.
3. Learn to swim. I am still embarrassed about the fact that I am in my thirties and still cannot swim. I doubt that I will do this.
4. Read 52 books. Yep, a book a week.
5. Stop reading celebrity gossip websites. God. I am confessing tonight.
6. Not eat McDonald's in 2008. Totally do-able.
7. Eat fish once a week. I hear that could be good for me.
8. Run a 5K. This is the long shot, people. Kind of like biking across Iowa. I need to find someone who is interested in this. The whole running thing is hard. I have to add more and more because I want to lay on the sidewalk for two years after I run for a minute.

Any other ideas?

A Cool Place

If you have been wondering where I have been, look no further than the great white scene of North Dakota.

Brrrr.

When I touched down in Grand Forks, the pilot came on the speaker to announce that it was 15 below zero. That wasn't even the coldest it was all weekend. At one point, the news reported 25 below.

It just made sense to have this insane cold weather when I am visiting Grand Forks because it seemed that everything that I experienced in Grand Forks was classic Grand Forks. For example, I spent more time watching hockey in less than a 24 hour period than I have watched in five years. Not just any hockey game the rivalry of the University of North Dakota and the University of Minnesota. Just so you know...they split the series.

It was a good visit. It always feels good to be home in the midwest.

Collections

I have done a lot of thinking about this.

At this point in my life, I do not have any collections. I do not collect albums. I do not collect any figurines of any sort. I abhor stuffed animals of any kind. All collections have always seen to be quite impractical. I don't want a collection that collects dust.

I have always enjoyed collections that other people have. I saw a snow globe collection on television and even enjoyed it, yet I would never have that type of collection. Impractical.

It occurred to me this morning as I made coffee. I turned from my coffee maker to my cupboard that held my coffee cups. I have 12 lovely purple cups from our dishes that we received for our wedding, but I NEVER choose a purple mug. There are at least four other mugs that I will drink from before I choose a purple mug. This morning, it was a seasonal favorite that was given to me by Tim's mom, the white mug with a Christmas deer.

I stood and sipped my coffee and realized that I should collect mugs. Not just any mugs, but great mugs. Mugs that are unique and different and meaningful.

The mug in the photo is a perfect example. That notepaper is such an important part of my daily life as I try to teach 14 five year olds how to write. I see that paper every day. Even after my kindergarten days are over, I will think of kindergarten when I drink from this mug. Therefore, I am buying this mug. For my new collection.

As I began to write this post, I realized that I have even wrote about two of my beloved mugs already. The rainbow mug that Jodi gave to me and I think of her every time I drink from it. The "I'm In Charge Here" mug given to me from my student when I taught in Iowa. See. I have had mugs on the mind for quite some time.

To Help You Get Into the Mood...

Shrinking Christmas

Let me boast for a moment...I am finished Christmas shopping.

This was a premeditated move that I have been thinking about for months. I was going to do 80% of my shopping online. I exceeded my goal and purchased 95% online with only gift cards and one item bought in a store.

And my former Borders co-workers will not like what I am about to say, but...I was astounded by the discrepancy in price between Borders and Amazon. It makes sense. Borders only sells books and music. Amazon sells EVERYTHING. They can cut prices. So, no matter my loyalty to Borders, I had to go with Amazon because the prices were almost half on everything that I purchased.

Another goal for Christmas this year was to make Christmas smaller, in the material sense. I have spoken to more than three people who have also made this their goal. They are not buying presents for everyone that they usually do. I have heard people talking about smaller gifts. For example, instead of an impractical gift like another Christmas decoration, a person was going to give a bag of coffee beans. Lovely. In my extended family, we have decided not to exchange names. Lovely.

I do not want to make Christmas smaller because I am a Grinch. The opposite in fact. I want to enjoy all the parts of Christmas other than the gifts. The baking. The songs. The lights. The TV specials...especially Charlie Brown. The cards. The photos.

Along with my change of attitude towards Christmas, I am not sending a Christmas letter. I struggle with this every year. Nothing changes in our lives and I do not want to share the mundane details that occur in everyone's lives. So, instead, I am writing my cards and adding a favorite recipe from 2007. I think I will make that a tradition. Lovely.

Are you shrinking Christmas?

I Like Movies

The other night I was laughing with my friend Amy about how we can still learn lessons from John Hughes movies. Well, at the most, maybe we can really just waste a weekend afternoon as one of many play cable.

As I thought more about John Hughes movies, I remembered one of my very favorite, Some Kind of Wonderful. Most will say Breakfast Club or Vacation, but I remember this movie striking a chord with me when I was a moody and melodramatic teen.

Short story if you do not already know this simple story...poor, somewhat nerdy guy pines for beautiful popular girl while his tomboy best friend pines for him and resents beautiful girl. Like most John Hughes movies, there is a happy ending. The guy figures out who he should truly love and who he should share his teenage years.

Tim and I have had so many discussions about Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. I do not like that movie and he thinks it is gut-busting funny. I am actually annoyed by the movie. I think it is John Candy that annoys me because I also take issue with The Great Outdoors and I know that many people adore that film.

So, in the interest of dialogue, I am sure you have a favorite John Hughes film. If you don't know what he wrote, click on his name.

Black Friday

The build up to Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, annoys me to no end. Just as the media builds the hype and the commercials claim the biggest deals, I am just as busy claiming that I hate it and would never do it.

However, I realized that for the last two years, I have actually gone out to the stores and the malls. I had company during both years and shopping seemed like a good idea. I think the trick is not going at the crack of dawn. We went to the new Philadelphia Premium Outlets. I had no idea how close these outlets were to my home. There are many stores that I have very little interest, but they had a Merrell store, Eddie Bauer, and a few others.

I am proud to say that I am 80% finished with my Christmas shopping and I have only purchased one of them at the stores. I have some odds and ends to finish, but most of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.

I'd Read It If I Could

I feel like I have not had any time to just browse a book store the way I like to browse a book store. At least when I worked at Borders, I could just grab a book that I had been eyeing for weeks on my way home. Now, I have to make a deliberate attempt to visit the book store.

So, here I am tonight without a book. I finished the book that I was reading last night and wonder what I will do when the sleepy hour rolls around and I find myself under four blankets and wanting something to read.

For me, books offer a time to be thinking about something. That sounds strange because my mind is a blur and a buzz all day as I wrangle and teach five year olds. Yet, I am not finding time to reflect and dig deep into my thoughts. I see it as a selfish time for me when I am having cozy reading time.

So, in honor of cozy four blankets after a nightly hot cocoa time, I list my next reads...that is when I get myself to the book store.

Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography
by David Michaelis
After watching a PBS show, American Masters, where they told of Charle Schultz's life, I have had a mild obsession with Peanuts. I have always loved Peanuts and have a special affection for them since Schultz was from Minnesota. Having read my share of Peanuts, I knew they were dark, but I always thought they were funny. Even if they were making fun of the sad and mean parts of childhood, I thought they were funny. So, it turns out that Charles Schultz was a bit of a downer. I just want to know more about him and how he could create this ironic and clever story for so many years.

The Assault on Reason
by Al Gore

I am going to read this for the anticipation of 2008 and what I hope is a great change in this country. I am ready for people to start having conversations based on reason and logical ideas. I feel it turning around as I read and watch the pundits. People are on the road to recovery with questioning and thinking about the world and our place in it.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

This young adult book is right up my 16 year old mentality. I have told many people that although I exist in the body of a 31 year old, I revert back to 16 year thoughts every once in a while. I love the idea that these two music lovers are drawn together. I like the idea of alternating chapters written for each teen. This is a perfect example of the type of book that is the opposite of all of the five year old decision-making that I do all day long.

Angry Nut

I was reminded again why I have pledged to stay out of the stores this holiday season.

I stopped at The Head Nut, this great little store near my home where you can get spices, nuts, baking items, and fresh roasted coffee. I always get my pecans, almonds, and walnuts there because they are so fresh and really cheap. I brought my friend there to show her this gem of the neighborhood. However, when the woman behind the counter started yelling at a man who made a snide comment, it all turned ugly.

She wanted us to make an organized line and the man said something like, "Well, there isn't a sign." She got super salty. She said, "I do not need your aggravation." It only continued when her co-worker came into the room and chewed them out for not having customers go out the right door. Just lots of yelling as we wait patiently for nuts.

I felt like I was in Seinfeld and wanting soup. I worried that I would get the angry nut lady and she might yell at me for not knowing exactly what I want. Thankfully, I didn't get her.

The thing with customer service at little shops like that is that people will still come because it is special. There isn't another store where you can get the diversity of treats and goods that The Head Nut offers. However, I get why she was so salty. People can be jerks. She probably takes a lot of grief from people because they come into her store and want what they want at the expense of her sanity.

You Asked for It

When I was a junior in high school, I had to take speech class. We were asked to give a speech about a person that we admired. Flashback to 1994. Knee deep in the Clinton presidency. I had big love for Bill and Hill. More than a normal 17 year old girl should have. However, little did I know that my speech teacher was a big, big republican hatin' Hillary type.

Well, this love has not changed. Fourteen more years later, I am really wanting Hillary to make it all the way.

All of the democratic debates lately remind me of a Saturday Night Live skit with Darrell Hammond as Bill Clinton right after the whole impeachment mess when he comes out to the rose garden at the White House and he says, "Next time, you best bring kryptonite. I. Am. Bulletproof." Right on.

Keep in mind, I also like Obama and Edwards, but I prefer Hillary. They bring their best to the debates and she is such a skilled debater and defender, that it just bounces off of her. It's like she could say, "Nice try."

I like that she is tough. I hope she gets even tougher. Not the crazy, hawkish tough that we have right now in the Oval Office. You can't come out of the Clinton presidency and not have the toughest skin in politics. She is wicked smart, people.

Now, I am not going to go into the ins and outs of her stands and their stands. Nor should you. Or at least on MY blog.

Time Wasted Well

Wikipedia is my new favorite way to waste my semi-precious time. I love the thread of learning that occurs. For example, I decided to look up Tom Selleck because I had read something about his conservative politics, which led me to Magnum, PI, which led me to "Jump the Shark"...a reference to when The Fonz jumped a shark while on water skis in a Happy Days episode. The show was nearing the end and was doing its best to keep viewers. I learn the funniest things just by typing in one reference and seeing where it leads me.

Wikipedia makes me feel less stupid. If there is a reference or a historical event that is mentioned in the news or in a show, I just type it into Wikipedia and my mind is at ease. Sure, it is not 100% reliable, but I am not writing a term paper. I am just being curious.

I spent at least 40 minutes last night reading about The Sopranos. Wikipedia is there for when I need more of something good. I watched the bittersweet last episode of The Sopranos and was left with wanting more. Wikipedia was there for me.

Baking Helps

I am starting what will be a very stressful week.

I have parent-teacher conferences.

I will be getting ready to host my second Thanksgiving.

I have honed some pretty good coping skills for stress over the years. I make lists. I spend extra time at school as to feel prepared for my conferences. I make lists. I spend extra time with my recipe books. I make lists. Well, you get the idea. My computer space is covered with grocery lists, student lists, recipe print outs, report cards. I think it might just be the perfect storm for me. We'll see. I am going to take it day by day with a large coffee instead of a medium.

On a brighter note, I have enjoyed a new cookie recipe that is perfect for this time of the year. I am definitely a seasonal baker. I like to make things with seasonal fruit and spices. So, this week's recipe is Soft Ginger Cookies. I froze them and have high hopes that they will freeze well. Enjoy.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Listen to Rosie

I am still loving Rosie Thomas and wanted to put a few of my favorite songs together for you. Remember...RT writes a lot of bummer songs and a lot of love songs. The whole love song thing is one of my secret music behaviors.