Today is our first ever snow day!

Yup, that’s right – our first ever snow-day. The girls were tickled. There wasn’t really that much snow, however the streets were covered in ice until about noon.  The kids had a great time sliding on the streets.

Once the roads started clearing up, we journeyed down to the nearest grocery store, stocked up on snow day munchies and then hit up Red Box for some handy, quickly vended entertainment! And of course – on a snow day, with a girl filled house, that means:

CHICK FLICKS!!

Hooray for chick flicks! I love cheesy, romantic comedies that are guaranteed to make me smile, laugh and cry all in one sitting! Can’t get much better than that right? Except for the chocolate, can’t forget the chocolate!

So I’m off to finish reveling in my overdose of romance and comedy. Anybody want to join me?

I HATE DMV!!

Yes. I’m shouting. What is with DMV? Do they go to a special training entitled how to piss off the most people during your work day? It seems as if no matter what I do, I go back and they calmly state “Well in  <insert random date, usually about 2 weeks prior to your visit> the regulations changed and we can no longer accept what we told you to bring in. Now you must give us a DNA sample, Brain biopsy and the umbilical cord from your first born child” — What’s that? You know longer have that — oh that’s too bad, I’m afraid we can no longer accept any of the logical forms of ID — like Military documents, after all — what does the military really know?”

Now – I’m used to red tape. Being a military wife means understanding that everything must be filled out in triplicate, five different times and sent to 40 different units before any task is even started. DMV however, takes the prize for most annoying and bureaucratically screwed up organization in the world. I’m fairly certain that even if you compared it with some 3rd world countries governmental procedures, even then — DMV would take the prize.

I absolutely hate DMV. I’ve decided since I can’t prove I reside her in NM, why bother to get a NM license? After all… if I can’t prove it, how can they? If they can’t prove it, I’m not required to get a NM license. I guess I reside in a huge void somewhere. Oh sure, I actually eat, sleep and live at a nice house in Albuquerque, but I do NOT reside there. There is no proof.

Now I can prove I’m married. And that my hubby lives here. But back to my question, why bother? I figure 3 strikes they’re out. I’ve tried 3 times to get my NM license, each time a new and different thing is required, and each time they don’t bother to give me ALL the info so I can be prepared for whatever absurd request they make, so obviously they don’t care if I get my license, why should I?

Hmpf. I’m more than a little miffed.

Well I’m off to fight some red tape, although I do believe that I’ll do it with my Hawaii license in hand.

Wondering where I’ve been? Probably not, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I’ve been working!!! Whew! Can you say — Moola? Can you say  personal satisfaction? Can you say — whooped? I realized that after 3 years off, I’m not used to working full days. And boy the house and the errand list certainly show it! Trying to get is all done is certainly a challenge. The family is not used to me not being able to take care of it all. Overall though it’s been good, and since I got my first paycheck, great even! So nice to feel like I’m making a contribution.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of working. The knowledge that I’m making a contribution to the family. I know when I’m home, I’m making a contribution, but I always feel badly about spending money, or causing expenses — when I’m working, I know that I helped earn that money, and don’t begrudge spending it! Of course we’re not spending it now, we’ll not much of it, the majority is going to pay off Maui debt, and then saving for the house. Hopefully this spring we’ll be in the position to buy the property my sister is currently renting. Then she won’t ever have to worry about not having a place. She can rent it from us till she’s ready to buy, or we might just keep it for an investment – who knows? But we really would like the property in the family, so were trying to get to the point where we can make that happen.

It’s good to be on track again. Ahhh….I’ve missed work. Weird I know.

Another side effect of returning to work is that I’ve been having the weirdest dreams — they are vague now, but they are so vivid when I wake up, and definitely bizarre. Hmmmm…..veddy interezting…….

Alright, I’m off to catch up and comment, you all have a great weekend, enjoy you time off, I know I will!

Question of the day:

What’s the longest you’ve gone without working outside the home?

Is it possible to fall in love through a commercial? Never mind that I’m married or 15  10  5 years his senior. Forget for a moment that he’s probably nothing like he comes across in the commercial. Forget for a moment that he’s adorable and I’m… well, I’m not in the best shape of my life (I’m in shape, round is a shape). Ignore all that and let me just enjoy the simple pleasure of his 3 minute appearance.

I don’t know what it is, or why I’m so in love – but for some reason I’m absurdly attracted to him. I think it’s his smile, I’m a sucker for sweet smile, and I can tell, even though he doesn’t really smile that his smile is sweet!

This brings me to the last section of the Kween’s challenge — Simple Pleasures.

So – this commercial is one.

From there we have:

A good book on a rainy day

A jacaranda tree in bloom

Seeing a turtle while snorkeling

Watching whales breech

A hug from my husband

Playing with the dog

My daughter’s smiles

Snuggling with the cat

Taking a great photograph

Getting to the height of a hike

A warm bowl of green chile stew

A day in my pj’s watching chick flicks with the girls

Cranking the radio up and singing out loud with radio

The smell of cinnamon, vanilla, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or apple pie

Rich dark chocolate

A freshly brewed pot of coffee

A baby’s belly laugh

Gently falling snow

Twinkling stars

A soft summer rain

A riotous thunder storm — with lots of lightening!

Coming home to a clean house

Crawling in to a warm bed on a crisp night

Sand in between my toes

The sound of the wind on a tree covered mountaintop

A good haircut

Laughing so hard it hurts

Truth be told, I love life. I love to laugh, and I’m fairly easy to please. Most of my pleasures are simple pleaures.

* Edit *

I just heard the terrible news — Heath Ledger has died. I can’t believe it. We love him, Knight’s Tale, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot, Brothers Grimm. Very sad. A true loss.  You will be missed!

The Kween asks us: to go back in time and REMEMBER WHEN. There are actually 2 challenges this time, and I like both so I’m going to do the other one, maybe tomorrow. This one was just so much fun and begged for me to do it, so here it is!

I remember:

• When we got our first VCR it was a huge top loader — we were the coolest thing on the block

• When our family got the Atari game console. We could play Pong, Star Wars, Space Invaders and of course Pac Man and  a few other great games, again, we were the hit of the neighborhood

• When TV’s were so big, they were considered furniture

• when there was only like 8 channels
• when we got cable TV and went from 8 channels to 30.
• When 8-tracks were replaced by cassettes
• When cassettes were replaced by CDs
• When Videos were replaced by Laserdiscs (which we still have)

• When Laserdiscs were replaced by DVDs
• When cameras had those weird square disposable flashbulbs

• When children played outside from dawn to dusk, regardless of their age
• When you could get a spanking in school
• When silly putty and the Sunday comics was true delight!
• When a 10 speed meant complete freedom for a 12 year old.
• When phones first got call waiting and 3-way calling
• We got our first answering machine and were amazed we could receive messages even when nobody was at home.
• Beeper and pagers
• The first cell phone, it was the size of  brick and had to be plugged in to your car

• When $5.00 worth of gas would get my sister and I around for an entire week
• When you could go to a movie and get popcorn, candy and a soda for $10.00 and have change.
• When MTV first aired with VJs and really had music videos, and you spent all day with MTV on,  raving about the latest videos with your friends on a  phone with a cord

• When gas prices hit $1.00 / gallon
• When Dear God it’s Me Margaret and Forever had to be read by every teenage girl.
• Who Mork was

• Why they stopped making De Loreans

• When my family got it’s very first “microwave” oven
• When Avon ladies used to go door to door
• The Fuller Brush man
• When Toss-Across was the greatest game ever

• When playing hopscotch, Chinese jump rope and Red Rover were the best way to spend a day with you friends
• Station wagons, with sleeping bags in the back for long road trips – and no one wore seatbelts
• When Michael Jackson was known for his music and talent, not his weird behavior.
• When Frisbee in the park was an all day affair.

I think I could go on for ever. It was thinking about all of this, and I realized that my family was usually on the cutting edge. We weren’t the first to get some of these things by any stretch of the imagination, but we were very often the first in our neighborhood to get some of the newest technology. Like cable, VCRs, Atari etc. All in all it was a good time. The question is would I give up the toys I have now to go back to that simpler time?

It’s a tough question, and not one I’m sure I can answer.

This was a fun challenge, now be-bop over to the Kween’s site and read other Remember When’s or better yet, read and then write your own and join us!

Now, Question of the day:

What was favorite toy in your childhood?

Featured_Grownups asks:

In your own words, tell us how the internet has changed your life… start and end where ever you choose.  It can be silly, sad, serious, dramatic.  Make it a mystery or story, poem or song… or just tell us; it’s your writing, it’s up to you.

suggested by our own prettynosyarentu

The miracle of Internet -

In the beginning — no wait scratch that.

We got our first computer back in the early 90s. Ducky was just a toddler and loved to stand up at the huge keyboard with its black and green screen attached and pretend to be typing away. This was a Zenith 100 — DOS based computer. Really, just a fancy typewriter, although it played some games and those with skills could get other things from it (that unfortunately did NOT include me). I used this to write my college papers on, but still counted on the library for research materials.

In the mid 90s we made our first real computer. Yep. That’s right I said made. Hubby is in computer maintenance by trade – and he discovered if you assemble your own they were much cheaper – so he Frankensteined our first machine. Actually it was a pretty darn good little machine, and my folks still have most of it at their house for the grandkids to play games on.  This machine included a magical component – one that allowed us to connect with other machines and a vast expanse of information – a modem. We started our online experience with AOL – and for many years this is where we stayed. I was back in college by this time and ahhhh the wonders of Internet research! Oodles of information just a couple key strokes away! No more lugging tons of books, just one or two to supplement my Internet works. Pure Bliss. The best part? I could do my research at midnight in my pajamas. Who could beat that?

Back then, email wasn’t a huge part of our lives, because let’s face it, most of our friends and family didn’t have email. Some did, and some had AIM – and it was great to be able to stay in contact with these distant folks, cause let’s just say it, my letter writing leaves something to be desired.

We did finally move away from AOL, I had learned that I could use Netscape as my browser and not be limited by the AOL design. Eventually, we just tossed AOL altogether. In CA we discovered the wonders of Broadband Cable — ahhhh once again we had hit upon computing bliss. Instant access, no waiting for page loads, easy navigation — it became a must-have in our minds.

By this time we had made friends all over the world and the internet allowed us to stay in touch with all our friends and family. The wonder of eBay encouraged hubby to stock up on enough car parts to build a 3^rd M3 if he should need too. He also was connected to a SIG that gave him all the information how to do just that. Great.

In Hawaii I decided one more time to return to college. This time the island of Maui didn’t have the program I wanted – in rides Internet to the rescue. On-line programs meet my educational needs and allowed me to complete my Master’s instead of waiting until we returned to the mainland. While in HI – Ducky (who’s previous fascination with the computer at age 1 & 1/2 should have given us clues) begin her love affair with the computer. She started a Xanga – and developed online friends. She eventually all but abandoned her Xanga for her myspace (traitor) but not before getting me completely hooked on blogging. I’ve made friends here on the pages of Xanga. I keep up with some of my oldest and dearest friends through email and IM programs. I conduct most of my business via the World Wide Web — I order transcripts, plan vacations, buy airline tickets, reserve concert and show seats and look up directions. I check store locations and hours, and sometimes whether or not the item I’m looking for is in the store. I often shop right here at the desk – only leaving to refill my coffee cup. I can even check if books I want are in the library and at what branch they will be at.

The Internet has kept connected, reduced my shopping time, kept me informed and best of all — introduced me to a wide range of fun and interesting people.

All in all – it’s been a good journey, well worth the travel. I can’t wait to see what’s around the next bend!

 Naviagate on over to Featured_Grownups and read about other Internet adventures — better yet share yours and let us read them!

Very Successful week. I worked Thursday and Friday. Today I didn’t get a call in the morning today, and went out to run some errands – I got two calls while I was out! I think I’ll be able to stay quite busy. It was so great being back in the classroom.

Thursday was 5th grade. The class was evidently a high level class… with several students being pulled out for gifted services.  The class was highly structured – little room for student input or creativity. Well behaved class and very smart. The lesson plan was there – well laid and all the class routines were in place. The class knew just what to do and what was expected out of them. The said I was the best sub they’d had.

Friday was a total opposite. 3rd grade class I got the call at 9:45 — Arrived by 10:05 and was shown to a messy, cluttered room.  You couldn’t see the desk, or the work table. The kids were noisy and energetic. There were no plans – the teacher came in after awhile and gave me the schedule and the work for the day. The class combined in the afternoons with the SPED inclusion class next door. This class had several students that were special needs, matter of fact, several were in the process of being tested in order to move next door. It was noisy, chaotic and unorganized. In this class not only did the students say I was the best sub, the EAs and SPED teacher next door complimented me several times. The SPED teacher asked if I would be willing to sub for her.

Guess which class I enjoyed the most?

Yup. The 3rd graders! Although the organizational aspect tweaked my OCD just a bit – and I thought of all the things I would do in my own classroom, I loved the freedom the students had in the 3rd grade classroom. Granted a little structure and classroom management goes along way, but they were free to talk and ask questions, to be active in their own learning. Not just read from a text and answer questions. My classes have always tended to be a little noisy and chaotic. I used to tell my husband it was organized chaos. I like to encourage creativity and active learning. I like to keep students engaged and active. I don’t want my students bored and learning by rote.

I’m so glad to be back in the classroom! Man I’ve forgotten how much I love to teach. I certainly don’t do it for the money! You know when you finally find what you were meant to do, how right it feels? Like when I met my husband – even though I fought, I always knew he was the one for me, the one who fit. That’s how teaching is. Corny, but oh so true I’m afraid.

What in your life fits you just right?

Aha! Some success! I got my first sub job. The best part? The school is one right down the road from the house. It is actually the elementary school I would love to one day teach at. I’m very excited. The only thing is after I got the job we went out to dinner. While we were out I missed ANOTHER call from the sub services… I don’t know what the job was but it looks promising that I’ve received two calls in the same day!

I’m so excited to actually be working. It’s been 3 long years since I’ve been in formal classroom. Luckily I went to Tar – jay and Wally world and picked up a few work outfits so I’d be ready. Over the last three years my wardrobe has been reduced to jeans, shorts and t-shirts. It need a little work attire infusion.

We’ve been watching movies while Ducky beads. She’s making the presents for her friends. She didn’t have time before Christmas, so she’s catching up. She had bought all the beads, but likes to have something going on while she beads. We’ve decided we’ll return to reading out loud when Duckman goes home. I used to read out loud ever night for about an hour. We’ve read all the Harry Potters, (except #7) The Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings, 2 – 5 book series by David Eddings, and countless childhood classics like Where the Red Fern Grows. We’ve been doing it since the girls were born. We started out with picture books and worked our way into chapter books, and eventually to novels. We haven’t had the opportunity to do it in the last 9 months to a year, and I think we’ve all missed it. The girls have both demanded that we read #7 out loud, they say they have to hear it out loud, to make it real.

Tonight we’re watching Jeff Dunham — who the girls turned me onto from youtube.com. All this is an older one and doesn’t have Achmed, it’s still pretty darn funny! I’m off, to laugh and relax – I’ll be back to let you know how the job went!

I’ll leave you with a little taste of Jeff Dunham:

 I met yesterday with a great xanga lady Terrific58. We had a great lunch, at least I think so.  We talked for several hours — about all things – schools, personal histories, children, travel, work, can of course, xanga and photography. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Terrific58 and my camera. I don’t spend enough serious time with my photography, I’d like to remedy that!

I put up a new background, not sure how I feel about it. I hope that it loads faster as it is a much smaller picture file, but I think I need to go darker green — opinions? Of course I’m still debating about changing the theme around here. I keep going and messing with themes, but just don’t like the overall look. It’s so hard to do anything in there. Ugh. This is the part of computing that I’m totally illiterate at — programming and design. I navigate pretty well through the rest of the stuff, but that stuff is like reading Chinese for me. It just doesn’t make any sense. I’m debating about going to  a) dragons, b) wolves, c) New Mexico or d) nature — using my own pictures. Suggestions??

I’ve been spending some time over at myspace as well, but to be honest I just can’t get into it. I like the blogging aspect of xanga, and myspace just doesn’t have that. Which is OK I guess, if you’re more into instant type messaging, but why not just use a messenger program though? Again, like reading Chinese, I just really don’t get it. I know there are a lot of xangans that have myspaces and are very active with them. So I guess I want to know what the difference is and what makes myspace fun for them. See, I have a limited amount of time to blog and spend on the computer, That will decrease significantly once I start working again. It has to be fun and worth my while. I’ve been going over to myspace mainly to check in with my friend who used to blog here, but shut down her xanga. I miss her, so I’ve begun to visit over there!

Since my twokinds blog was so well received (I really do miss her) I thought I’d throw another twokinds question out there:

There are two kinds of people, those that have a myspace (and use it, just opening one and never visiting it doesn’t count) and those that don’t.

What kind are you?

Results of Morning person question:

7 people were morning people

11 were night owls

2 – were definitely NOT morning people

2 – were not really morning people but were forced to act that way

1 – was neither and just liked to sleep

and 1 morning person got up at the absurd hour of 3:05am (Baldmike2004) – he gave a perfectly logical explanation, but for me, the only reason to be up at 3:00 am is if I never went to bed!

There used to be a blogger called TwoKinds. Every day or so he/she would post a short blog about “there are two kinds of people…”  An example might be “those who play a musical instrument, and those who don’t”. Simple and direct, everyone would comment what kind of person they were. The next post TwoKinds would reveal the results of the previous question and ask a new one.

As I lay in bed this morning, fighting off the urge to get up, I realized that I had a twokinds question. My hubby is a definite morning person. As he’s aged, he’s required more sleep, he now runs best on 7 hours. That’s up in last 21 years from the 5 1/2 he previously needed to function outstandingly. Not only does he need a ridiculously small amount of sleep, as soon as he opens his eyes, he’s as awake as he’s ever going to be. He could solve algebra problems the second he sits up. He gets up, showers immediately and is ready to charge the day.

I, personally, find this abhorrent. Now, I’m not a grump in the morning. I’m pleasant and happy. But, it takes me a good solid hour to wake up fully and want to do ANYTHING, besides drink coffee and sit at the computer or watch TV or read. I don’t want to clean, I don’t want to start my day, for goodness sakes I don’t want to work out. I just want to take some time, get over the yawns and clear the sleep from my brain. I CAN do any or all of those things, I just don’t want to.

My mother-in-Law and I discussed this and I discovered that she is like me and hubby’s dad was just like him…. hmmmmm…. I had previously thought that maybe hubby had developed this annoying habit after years and years of competitive swimming in which he had to be in the pool by an inhumane hour each day for his gazillion mile workout. Now I’m beginning to see it may instead be genetic.

I’m much more of night person – I love to be awake at midnight or later, doing my own thing in the quiet of the night. Often I will stay up till 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning just reading. Hubby prefers to be in bed at a decent hour so he can get up and start his day at the crack of dawn.

There are two kinds of people in the world, those that are “morning people” and those that are not.

Which kind are you?