Tuesday, December 23, 2003
CHRISTMAS
I dropped S off at the airport yesterday, and began my annual shop-at-the-last-minute excursion. Ah, the beauty of tradition. Bravely, I fought my way through the milling crowds; calculatingly, I stuck to my budget for each of my loved ones- and it was rewarding. I still have adequate "free" money for my trip to Missouri- I must have planned well.
The last week of school was anticlimatic, but interesting. Many students showed their appreciation by the way of small gifts. I received the regular prodigious amount of cookies, fudge, and chocolate. I also got some other interesting gifts such as gift certificates to some fun restaurants, some lotion and bath stuff, candles, and journals. I gave them all neatly printed homework passes on Christmas card stock, with a candy cane attached. They were quite grateful, and the spirit of Christmas served its purpose. On Friday, I sat at my desk, calculating exam scores and answering voice mail after all the students left. School was empty- and for one brief moment I panicked that some of my students wouldn't come back due to deathly illnesses or tragic accidents. I know it's impossible, but I worry that I didn't say goodbye to all of them, and that I may never see some of them again. What an odd feeling.
Tomorrow I leave for Missouri. I am not particularly looking forward to it because of the snow, but I'm glad to have plans either way. I'm just worried that my friend and I might get on one another's nerves. I will be gone for 9 days, in someone else's home, with someone else's family and friends. I'll be out of my comfort zone a bit but I'm sure it will be okay. I hope to have something to report upon my return.
To all who visit my blog regularly- friends and strangers alike- I wish you the very merriest of Christmases. If I don't havea moment to blog before New Year's I hope you enjoy your day immensely. Best of luck to you in 2004!!!!
I dropped S off at the airport yesterday, and began my annual shop-at-the-last-minute excursion. Ah, the beauty of tradition. Bravely, I fought my way through the milling crowds; calculatingly, I stuck to my budget for each of my loved ones- and it was rewarding. I still have adequate "free" money for my trip to Missouri- I must have planned well.
The last week of school was anticlimatic, but interesting. Many students showed their appreciation by the way of small gifts. I received the regular prodigious amount of cookies, fudge, and chocolate. I also got some other interesting gifts such as gift certificates to some fun restaurants, some lotion and bath stuff, candles, and journals. I gave them all neatly printed homework passes on Christmas card stock, with a candy cane attached. They were quite grateful, and the spirit of Christmas served its purpose. On Friday, I sat at my desk, calculating exam scores and answering voice mail after all the students left. School was empty- and for one brief moment I panicked that some of my students wouldn't come back due to deathly illnesses or tragic accidents. I know it's impossible, but I worry that I didn't say goodbye to all of them, and that I may never see some of them again. What an odd feeling.
Tomorrow I leave for Missouri. I am not particularly looking forward to it because of the snow, but I'm glad to have plans either way. I'm just worried that my friend and I might get on one another's nerves. I will be gone for 9 days, in someone else's home, with someone else's family and friends. I'll be out of my comfort zone a bit but I'm sure it will be okay. I hope to have something to report upon my return.
To all who visit my blog regularly- friends and strangers alike- I wish you the very merriest of Christmases. If I don't havea moment to blog before New Year's I hope you enjoy your day immensely. Best of luck to you in 2004!!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2003
HELP
Can anyone give me some tips on how to shorten my list of archives?
gg
Can anyone give me some tips on how to shorten my list of archives?
gg
JE SUIS CONTENT
Oh Glorious Day.
There are times in my life when I actually feel as though the truculent powers of the universe are too busy to meddle in my life and make it miserable, as they are oft wont to do. Last night was such a time. For a full day it was as if the evil overseers of my life were rendered immobile, and I was released from the chain that ties me to the opaque cloud that impedes my progress as I move to and from my daily activities. I have, in the last week, witnessed a gossamer of my dreams manifest itself into reality.
S, the guy I have started seeing on a regular basis has been calling more frequently, and this much to my surprise and delight. Twice he called this week "just to say hi." Of course, the first time he called, I was careful not to call back- I didn't want to look too eager. It was after the second phone call that I realized he was not joking; in his message on my voice mail he clearly said that he missed me and wanted to talk to me, and wondered why I hadn't emailed or called him back. So I have started calling him back, and that more frequently. This has proved rewarding because (although he claims he despises talking on the phone) we talk for great lengths of time, and laugh at just about everything. He is an evocative conversationalist, and we have very balanced discussions. By balanced, I mean that he is not one of those men who has a propensity to make effete attempts at conversation by inserting sexual innuendos every which way, but he can still be very sensual when the time calls for it. His sensuality (not sexuality) is always there- lingering about him- it's very nice, but it's not over powering, thank goodness.
On Sunday he called to ask me out again. This will bring us to exactly one month of dating. And what piquant dates they have been. The word "appreciated" comes to mind when I think of the many things he does to cater to the least of my valleities. Each new date seems to be the zenith of our dating experience until we set up another one, and it far exceeds the one that preceded it. The incorrigible and austere powers of the universe have vindicated me, perhaps.
Last night we went to the Melting Pot, an establishment that serves 4-5 course meals consisting solely of Fondue. It is also renowned for its vast selection of continental wine. The food was superb, the ambience was perfection; our contentment was highly palpable. He had never eaten there, but I could tell he enjoyed it, although the bill caused my heart to palpitate with anxiety. He said it was romantic- odd, I find that he seeks to add a romantic element to all our dates. There was a surfeit of talking, laughing, and kissing, which was mostly initiated by him. Again, nothing overtly or covertly sexual- just innocently romantic.
We closed out the restaurant- we were the last two to leave. We felt bad for the waiter who probably wanted to get home to his girlfriend, as it was close to 12 am. We took the dessert portion of our meal "to go" and drove around the neighborhood for a while, looking at the pretty lights in the Foothills area. He really likes to hold hands when we drive anywhere, so we drove home that way, hand in hand, intermittently humming along to the Christmas carols on the radio.
When he dropped me off at my house, he leaned in for a good night kiss (or two, or three) that lasted for what seemed several minutes. The conversation that floated in and out of the kisses included a request to spend time together on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And New Year's if we both came back from out of town early. I said I thought it would be possible, and that I would enjoy that very much.
Perhaps the most illuminating moment of the night came when he leaned in close to repeat what he had been saying all night long in a variety of ways: that he liked me. He really liked me. He went so far as to confess that he had been trying not to like me. Relieved to hear that I was not the only one under this duress, I confessed the same, and it felt good to say it. Reluctantly, we kissed one last time, and I retired to my bedroom in a state of bewilderment and awe.
I know that some may wonder why I choose to write about my romantic pursuits on my blog. Some may be skeptical, and say that I am experiencing the obligatory moments of euphoria that is typical of the first few months of dating. To these people, I would say that I am inclined to agree, but I would end that declarative statement with the questions: "so what?" It doesn't matter. I truly feel that even if this goes nowhere, the time I have spent with him thus far has been well spent, and well worth it.
I wish I could say more than I already have. I wish I were able to pen my thoughts more vividly, more succinctly, in a less gushy-school-girl sort of way. But that is my reality right now, and I won't apologize for it. I can only hope that 6 months from now, I am still blogging and reporting the same thoughts, the same emotions- but with more intensity and less verbosity.
Je suis content.
Oh Glorious Day.
There are times in my life when I actually feel as though the truculent powers of the universe are too busy to meddle in my life and make it miserable, as they are oft wont to do. Last night was such a time. For a full day it was as if the evil overseers of my life were rendered immobile, and I was released from the chain that ties me to the opaque cloud that impedes my progress as I move to and from my daily activities. I have, in the last week, witnessed a gossamer of my dreams manifest itself into reality.
S, the guy I have started seeing on a regular basis has been calling more frequently, and this much to my surprise and delight. Twice he called this week "just to say hi." Of course, the first time he called, I was careful not to call back- I didn't want to look too eager. It was after the second phone call that I realized he was not joking; in his message on my voice mail he clearly said that he missed me and wanted to talk to me, and wondered why I hadn't emailed or called him back. So I have started calling him back, and that more frequently. This has proved rewarding because (although he claims he despises talking on the phone) we talk for great lengths of time, and laugh at just about everything. He is an evocative conversationalist, and we have very balanced discussions. By balanced, I mean that he is not one of those men who has a propensity to make effete attempts at conversation by inserting sexual innuendos every which way, but he can still be very sensual when the time calls for it. His sensuality (not sexuality) is always there- lingering about him- it's very nice, but it's not over powering, thank goodness.
On Sunday he called to ask me out again. This will bring us to exactly one month of dating. And what piquant dates they have been. The word "appreciated" comes to mind when I think of the many things he does to cater to the least of my valleities. Each new date seems to be the zenith of our dating experience until we set up another one, and it far exceeds the one that preceded it. The incorrigible and austere powers of the universe have vindicated me, perhaps.
Last night we went to the Melting Pot, an establishment that serves 4-5 course meals consisting solely of Fondue. It is also renowned for its vast selection of continental wine. The food was superb, the ambience was perfection; our contentment was highly palpable. He had never eaten there, but I could tell he enjoyed it, although the bill caused my heart to palpitate with anxiety. He said it was romantic- odd, I find that he seeks to add a romantic element to all our dates. There was a surfeit of talking, laughing, and kissing, which was mostly initiated by him. Again, nothing overtly or covertly sexual- just innocently romantic.
We closed out the restaurant- we were the last two to leave. We felt bad for the waiter who probably wanted to get home to his girlfriend, as it was close to 12 am. We took the dessert portion of our meal "to go" and drove around the neighborhood for a while, looking at the pretty lights in the Foothills area. He really likes to hold hands when we drive anywhere, so we drove home that way, hand in hand, intermittently humming along to the Christmas carols on the radio.
When he dropped me off at my house, he leaned in for a good night kiss (or two, or three) that lasted for what seemed several minutes. The conversation that floated in and out of the kisses included a request to spend time together on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And New Year's if we both came back from out of town early. I said I thought it would be possible, and that I would enjoy that very much.
Perhaps the most illuminating moment of the night came when he leaned in close to repeat what he had been saying all night long in a variety of ways: that he liked me. He really liked me. He went so far as to confess that he had been trying not to like me. Relieved to hear that I was not the only one under this duress, I confessed the same, and it felt good to say it. Reluctantly, we kissed one last time, and I retired to my bedroom in a state of bewilderment and awe.
I know that some may wonder why I choose to write about my romantic pursuits on my blog. Some may be skeptical, and say that I am experiencing the obligatory moments of euphoria that is typical of the first few months of dating. To these people, I would say that I am inclined to agree, but I would end that declarative statement with the questions: "so what?" It doesn't matter. I truly feel that even if this goes nowhere, the time I have spent with him thus far has been well spent, and well worth it.
I wish I could say more than I already have. I wish I were able to pen my thoughts more vividly, more succinctly, in a less gushy-school-girl sort of way. But that is my reality right now, and I won't apologize for it. I can only hope that 6 months from now, I am still blogging and reporting the same thoughts, the same emotions- but with more intensity and less verbosity.
Je suis content.
Monday, December 15, 2003
WOMEN ARE COMPLICATED
Here is an example of why. (This is an actual short story)
http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny.us/cybereng/shorts/teleycal.html
Here is an example of why. (This is an actual short story)
http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny.us/cybereng/shorts/teleycal.html
Thursday, December 11, 2003
LIFE IN GENERAL
So I haven't been blogging much lately, and I feel like shit for it. I want to document my life as it unfolds before me. I want to have something to come back to a year or five from now. Some words of reflection to mark my time on this earth. Something with which to comemmorate the milestones of my life.
It hasn't entirely been my fault. My computer has been down and out of whack, and susceptible to the various problems computers are known to have. So far, (greatfully) the greatest inconvenience has been my inability to check email.
To keep myself occupied I have been doing three things. One, spending time in front of the boob tube watching the final painful episodes of various reality shows. These include "The Average Joe" and the ever-pitiful "Joe Millionaire." Last night I tried to watch "Trista and Ryan: The Wedding" but gave up after almost tossing my cookies at all the pink. It's really mind numbing, it really is. I should probably also add here that I'm quite disappointed that Malena from "The Average Joe" did everything but pick an average Joe. Fox network has a lot of nerve, changing the whole goal and purpose of the show. We all know who deserved to be the last man standing.
The second thing I have been doing is playing A LOT of guitar. It would seem that I am falling in love with my guitar as if it possessed the faculties and fringe benefits of a red-blooded male. I love that thing, and will strum it to its dying day. I purchased a new capo the other day and am living on cloud nine. I just learned "Peace and Love" by Blessed Union of Souls, and I'm sure I'm driving the neighborhood batty singing it every night at the top of my lungs. I have also ventured into a little song writing. I have always had a propensity to write music but I am finally taking it seriously because I can accompany myself. Last year, I told my blogger father, Todd, that I planned to play at open mic night at the cofee house down the street in the span of a year. I could be closer to that goal than I had imagined. I have two songs I am working on and I am most satisfied with how they are taking shape and molding into an actual polished song. I love the feeling of flowing, creative juices.
The third thing I have been doing is trying very hard not to spend time thinking about the new guy I'm seeing. People, he makes me drool like you wouldn't believe. We spent Sunday night decorating his tree at the house and putting up other Christmas decorations. He made dinner, and we sang along to various CDs, chit chatted about this, that, and the other, and kissed until I had my fill. He is a fabulous kisser. Everytime we kiss I feel like I'm in a movie- you know that very lucky girl who is unlucky throughout much of the film but finally gets her man in the end. Sort of like the girl in "Sense and Sensibility" played by Emma Thompson. He is handsome and tall and plays the drums for a band (do I go for the musicians or what?). He owns a business, he is into the things I like and most importantly- he makes me feel like I am a queen. Still, I don't want to get excited about it. I want to go so slowly. Soooo slowly. And so does he- so that's good. 5 dates and counting.
I have only 6 more school days of school left and then I'm going to walk out of my classroom and not look back. (Well, not for at least 2 weeks) I will be off to Missouri, and not sure when or how I will blog, but I will have to try.
So I haven't been blogging much lately, and I feel like shit for it. I want to document my life as it unfolds before me. I want to have something to come back to a year or five from now. Some words of reflection to mark my time on this earth. Something with which to comemmorate the milestones of my life.
It hasn't entirely been my fault. My computer has been down and out of whack, and susceptible to the various problems computers are known to have. So far, (greatfully) the greatest inconvenience has been my inability to check email.
To keep myself occupied I have been doing three things. One, spending time in front of the boob tube watching the final painful episodes of various reality shows. These include "The Average Joe" and the ever-pitiful "Joe Millionaire." Last night I tried to watch "Trista and Ryan: The Wedding" but gave up after almost tossing my cookies at all the pink. It's really mind numbing, it really is. I should probably also add here that I'm quite disappointed that Malena from "The Average Joe" did everything but pick an average Joe. Fox network has a lot of nerve, changing the whole goal and purpose of the show. We all know who deserved to be the last man standing.
The second thing I have been doing is playing A LOT of guitar. It would seem that I am falling in love with my guitar as if it possessed the faculties and fringe benefits of a red-blooded male. I love that thing, and will strum it to its dying day. I purchased a new capo the other day and am living on cloud nine. I just learned "Peace and Love" by Blessed Union of Souls, and I'm sure I'm driving the neighborhood batty singing it every night at the top of my lungs. I have also ventured into a little song writing. I have always had a propensity to write music but I am finally taking it seriously because I can accompany myself. Last year, I told my blogger father, Todd, that I planned to play at open mic night at the cofee house down the street in the span of a year. I could be closer to that goal than I had imagined. I have two songs I am working on and I am most satisfied with how they are taking shape and molding into an actual polished song. I love the feeling of flowing, creative juices.
The third thing I have been doing is trying very hard not to spend time thinking about the new guy I'm seeing. People, he makes me drool like you wouldn't believe. We spent Sunday night decorating his tree at the house and putting up other Christmas decorations. He made dinner, and we sang along to various CDs, chit chatted about this, that, and the other, and kissed until I had my fill. He is a fabulous kisser. Everytime we kiss I feel like I'm in a movie- you know that very lucky girl who is unlucky throughout much of the film but finally gets her man in the end. Sort of like the girl in "Sense and Sensibility" played by Emma Thompson. He is handsome and tall and plays the drums for a band (do I go for the musicians or what?). He owns a business, he is into the things I like and most importantly- he makes me feel like I am a queen. Still, I don't want to get excited about it. I want to go so slowly. Soooo slowly. And so does he- so that's good. 5 dates and counting.
I have only 6 more school days of school left and then I'm going to walk out of my classroom and not look back. (Well, not for at least 2 weeks) I will be off to Missouri, and not sure when or how I will blog, but I will have to try.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
THANKSGIVING
I just got back from visiting California. I had to attend a snoozer of a conference there- with at least 9,000 other teachers of all ages, shapes, colors and sizes. Well, I did learn a few useful things. We got to stay in an awesome hotel in Anaheim, though! Compliments of the school. I estimate each room was at least $100 a night- considering that we stayed across the street from Disneyland.
After the two day conference I took off with a colleague to the city of Azusa, where we visited with her friends and drank poor coffee in a most eclectic coffeeshop. We played several rounds of "Sequence", which was fun- especially since I can get competitive at board games, and all the other girls were equal to the task. My partner and I lost, but the experience was memorable.
After Azusa we traveled 5 hours to Modesto, to said colleague's family dairy, where we stayed- in the midst of cows, mind you- for the remainder of the week. It was glorious. The only thing is that it was much too cold and I got very sick. Of course, her family doesn't believe in "wasting" money on upstairs heating, so I consequently suffered during the nights, when I was forced to clothe myself with every item of clothing I had packed in my suitcase (I learned, unfortunately, that I should learn to pack appropriate underwear in cold weather. Wearing a week's supply of thong underwear does NOTHING to keep a person warm...sigh).
My colleagues family had relatives visiting from Idaho (hicksville?) for the week, which was fun. We played several ugly and violent rounds of "Spoons" (an actual family game- and no, not sexual, goofy). Everyone- from the little 9 year old niece to the aging 50ish father- was into it. There was no end to the witty, yet combative repartee that dripped with sarcasm at every syllable. I was in my element.
On day three of the visit, I got to visit the Redwoods in Calaveras County. Yawn. Once you've seen one Redwood...well, you've seen them all. I don't care if there are 5 of them sharing one tree trunk (which is apparently, quite common)...it's boring after you've seen the third tree. Still, the walk in the chilly air was nice. My colleagues mom is one of those Henny Penny's that wants the entire family to gather around each tree and read the history and story behind each one (found in a pamphlet supplied at the entrance of the park; costs .50 if anyone is interesed). So what should have been a 3 minute tour took an hour and a half!
Thanksgiving day we went to church. They're Dutch, you know- and going to church on Turkey Day is an absolute must. The pews were hard, and everyone- I mean EVERYONE was blonde and blue-eyed. I felt quite out of place. But the people were friendly and the hymns were interesting, and I'm proud of myself for having worn a skirt- an article of clothing I rarely wear these days. I looked quiter loverly, even if I have to say so myelf.
I pigged out at Thanksgiving meal. Enough said about that. (Burp)
After the meal we went for a gander around the dairy to see what we could see. They own acres as far as the eye can see and at least 2-3000 cows! I go to pet one and milk another. That was quite an experience, lemme tell ya! I squeezed that teat like I had one day to live and was quite satisfied when I saw a stream of cream run down her leg (sounds like the beginning of a porno...ew). I was okay with the milking part, but it was when the cow gave me her number and asked me to call her that I had a problem. Those teats! Dang- they are so...human like. I found myself looking at my own and getting quite jealous.
The last day of my visit we had planned to go to San Francisco. It would be a virgin visit- as I had never been. We made earnest efforts to go to Alcatrez but damn all the humans in the world- they beat us to it. Everybody and their moms was in SanFran!!!! I saw the usual tourist-y things: the most crooked street in the world, Pier 31? (is that what it's called?) the cable cars....etc.... It was great. Saw a HOT dude at some store downtown and had to hold on to the railing on the stairs- that's how hot he was. Phew.
The trip back sucked- it was so anticlimatic and I was so sick, it hurt. Driving to California is cool (but we had a tire blow out) but the trip back SUCKS ASS.
As you can tell, I'm not myself today. Just in a hurry to get to bed, but wanted to put something out here to remember my trip by.
Next trip: MISSOURI! I'm crazy, I know. I'm going to hang with a girlfriend and her family. I have no doubts we will party hard- and I'm not sure I'm ready. I am, after all, now a seasoned teacher and propriety is of the ustmost concern. Hah.
Anyone have some suggestions for where I should go for New Years?????
I just got back from visiting California. I had to attend a snoozer of a conference there- with at least 9,000 other teachers of all ages, shapes, colors and sizes. Well, I did learn a few useful things. We got to stay in an awesome hotel in Anaheim, though! Compliments of the school. I estimate each room was at least $100 a night- considering that we stayed across the street from Disneyland.
After the two day conference I took off with a colleague to the city of Azusa, where we visited with her friends and drank poor coffee in a most eclectic coffeeshop. We played several rounds of "Sequence", which was fun- especially since I can get competitive at board games, and all the other girls were equal to the task. My partner and I lost, but the experience was memorable.
After Azusa we traveled 5 hours to Modesto, to said colleague's family dairy, where we stayed- in the midst of cows, mind you- for the remainder of the week. It was glorious. The only thing is that it was much too cold and I got very sick. Of course, her family doesn't believe in "wasting" money on upstairs heating, so I consequently suffered during the nights, when I was forced to clothe myself with every item of clothing I had packed in my suitcase (I learned, unfortunately, that I should learn to pack appropriate underwear in cold weather. Wearing a week's supply of thong underwear does NOTHING to keep a person warm...sigh).
My colleagues family had relatives visiting from Idaho (hicksville?) for the week, which was fun. We played several ugly and violent rounds of "Spoons" (an actual family game- and no, not sexual, goofy). Everyone- from the little 9 year old niece to the aging 50ish father- was into it. There was no end to the witty, yet combative repartee that dripped with sarcasm at every syllable. I was in my element.
On day three of the visit, I got to visit the Redwoods in Calaveras County. Yawn. Once you've seen one Redwood...well, you've seen them all. I don't care if there are 5 of them sharing one tree trunk (which is apparently, quite common)...it's boring after you've seen the third tree. Still, the walk in the chilly air was nice. My colleagues mom is one of those Henny Penny's that wants the entire family to gather around each tree and read the history and story behind each one (found in a pamphlet supplied at the entrance of the park; costs .50 if anyone is interesed). So what should have been a 3 minute tour took an hour and a half!
Thanksgiving day we went to church. They're Dutch, you know- and going to church on Turkey Day is an absolute must. The pews were hard, and everyone- I mean EVERYONE was blonde and blue-eyed. I felt quite out of place. But the people were friendly and the hymns were interesting, and I'm proud of myself for having worn a skirt- an article of clothing I rarely wear these days. I looked quiter loverly, even if I have to say so myelf.
I pigged out at Thanksgiving meal. Enough said about that. (Burp)
After the meal we went for a gander around the dairy to see what we could see. They own acres as far as the eye can see and at least 2-3000 cows! I go to pet one and milk another. That was quite an experience, lemme tell ya! I squeezed that teat like I had one day to live and was quite satisfied when I saw a stream of cream run down her leg (sounds like the beginning of a porno...ew). I was okay with the milking part, but it was when the cow gave me her number and asked me to call her that I had a problem. Those teats! Dang- they are so...human like. I found myself looking at my own and getting quite jealous.
The last day of my visit we had planned to go to San Francisco. It would be a virgin visit- as I had never been. We made earnest efforts to go to Alcatrez but damn all the humans in the world- they beat us to it. Everybody and their moms was in SanFran!!!! I saw the usual tourist-y things: the most crooked street in the world, Pier 31? (is that what it's called?) the cable cars....etc.... It was great. Saw a HOT dude at some store downtown and had to hold on to the railing on the stairs- that's how hot he was. Phew.
The trip back sucked- it was so anticlimatic and I was so sick, it hurt. Driving to California is cool (but we had a tire blow out) but the trip back SUCKS ASS.
As you can tell, I'm not myself today. Just in a hurry to get to bed, but wanted to put something out here to remember my trip by.
Next trip: MISSOURI! I'm crazy, I know. I'm going to hang with a girlfriend and her family. I have no doubts we will party hard- and I'm not sure I'm ready. I am, after all, now a seasoned teacher and propriety is of the ustmost concern. Hah.
Anyone have some suggestions for where I should go for New Years?????
