A Little Inspiration to Keep Us Going!

Still Here

I know that I haven't been posting much, at all, lately. I've just been busy with the end of the school year and in a little of a blogging slump.

I've been working on a new template. You might see some funky things going on, but I'll get it straightened out as quickly as I can.

If anyone is still checking in, I'll be back.

Where'd She Go?

Sorry about disappearing. I think I'm on a break. It wasn't planned, but I just can't seem to get into writing anything right now. No need to worry. I remember going through this last year, too.

The end of school is so taxing. The kids are mentally done, and it's like pulling teeth getting work out of them right now. I come home absolutely exhausted. It's not helping that my school's A/C is on the blink, and we've had temps up into the 80s. My classroom is not very large and holds 32 computers, 3 printers, a TV, and about 30 bodies. Hot doesn't even begin to describe it.

Things are good here. I'll try to post here and there, but it may be sparse for the next month. One of my summer projects is going to be a massive change to my blog. Don't know what yet, but I've got to get rid of this slow-loading template. Everyone, including me, has complained about it for too long.

I'll be popping in and out here and on Facebook.

Time For A Do-Over

Okay, I've been around blogger for awhile now (since 2006!). And it's past time for a new look. My header and footer pictures are hopelessly broken, and I'm tired of the way it looks, and how long it takes to load, and how cluttered it has become.

I kept putting it off thinking I'd tackle this project and learn how to create my own template. I learned a lot of html and how to tinker with my blog while we were waiting for our referral. In the last two years, I've pretty much done nothing more, and it shows.

In case you haven't been able to figure it out, this is my call for HELP! So many of you have such cute blog templates. Can you recommend some people to me? The cheaper, the better.

New Giveaway Blog

5 Minutes for Mom has a new blog. It's 5 Minutes for Giveaways. Who doesn't like to win a prize? Go check them out. Be sure to let me know if you win anything.

Housekeeping Time

Every now and then I find myself with a hodgepodge of things to post. This is one of those times.

First, you must go here and read this post. It's awesome!

Want to bring a smile to a child who can use a little fun? Get details below:

It's that time of year again! Overwhelmed with Joy is hosting her annual holiday cooking extravaganza. Click on my sidebar for the link to past recipes, and click below to get details for this year.

And, finally, I've been tagged!


Tammie got me.

Do I even have any secrets left to share? I think my 100th post pretty much put it all out there, or all that I was willing to share online. Hmmm......

1) I saw my husband's face and my child's face online before I ever saw them in person.
2) I got my first paying job at 10. I would stop at a small shop on my way home from school and sweep for $1.00. After a while, the owner showed me how to ring up the occasional customer. I felt very grownup.
3) While I was thinking about #3, a ladybug landed on my desk. I'm at school before students arrive. I've taught here for seven years and have NEVER seen a ladybug inside the building, much less on the second floor in an interior room.
4) I have entered the Pillsbury Bake-off twice. I didn't make it past the first step. I want to try again.
5) I graduated from high school in 1979. My 30th reunion is coming up next year. I look at my classmates names at classmates dot com, and I don't remember most of them...at all. I do treasure my 33 year friendship with Lori, the only high school friend with whom I am still in contact.
6) I have left only one job involuntarily. My position was eliminated. I went into a depression that lasted eight months. It was the hardest time in my life, and the best thing that ever happened to me. There was some controversy behind the decision as two jobs were combined and the other person retained. I had a proven success record taking revenues from just under $200,000 to over $1,000,000. She had an affair with the owner. My department fell apart, and the revenue bottomed out again. I was happy to hear that news. Yes, I am that shallow.
7) I barely passed typing in high school. I teach typing (now called keying) in high school. Luckily, I got better. My fastest typing speed I've ever recorded in front of my students was 112 words a minute.

Phew! That was tough. Now I'm supposed to tag seven more. Is there anyone who hasn't been tagged yet?

1. Overwhelmed with Joy
2. Kiy
3. P*ug M*ama
4. Marcia
5. Theresa
6. Jim
7. Wendi

'Cause We All Need A Little Sparkle and Charm

My friend, Kathryn aka Overwhelmed with Joy, has been working on her new online boutique for the longest time. This week she celebrated its launch.

Be sure to pop over there and see all the cute, girly things she has going on.


Grab this button

Bloggy Milestones

In the last 24 hours, I hit two milestones: over 600 posts and over 50,000 visitors.

To celebrate I'm going to share a video I found yesterday. My favorite Broadway show is Les Miserables, and one of new favorite performers is Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible). Enjoy!



Vacation photos coming soon...

For Joss Whedon Fans

or Nathan Fillion fans or Neil Patrick Harris fans.

I was very excited a few months ago when I read that they were working on a web series. Jim sent me a link this morning, but I didn't know what it was for. It's here. The web series is available for free this week only.

Enjoy!

Which Of These Things Is Not Like The Other?

Last night's episode was awesome. My top four were the top four. My bottom three were the bottom three. There's usually somebody up on the chopping block that I want to see make it through to the next week. Not last night. They could have sent all three home, and I'd have been a happy camper.

SPOILER ALERT!

The bottom three were Spike, Andrew, and Lisa. I have not cared of any of them since the show started.

Lisa seems to be a decent cook, but she has the nastiest attitude I've ever seen. She's a girl in serious need of anger management. She's also exhibiting some signs of paranoia. I really don't think anyone sabotaged her rice last night. I think she got busy and forgot to turn it down.

Spike is just Spike. He was more concerned with playing the game than with putting out good food, and it almost came back to bite him in the end. He got lucky. I don't care what you say Spike, no palate is ready for olives and grapes.

And Andrew...good ole Andrew. The man who once threatened that the only way he'd leave Top Chef is if security guards came and dragged him off stage. Well, he took it like a man and left with his head up high. I'm not convinced that only his head has been high this season. He gives manic a whole new name. His dish sounded just awful, but more importantly, he refused to follow the rules. He was determined to do it his way. In some situations that would be commendible; in a competition, it's suicide.

I love Richard. He's a natural leader. He's polite, compassionate, and innovative, and he seems to be putting out some awesome dishes.

Stephanie was an early favorite. I still like her a lot. My only concern with her is whether or not her nerves can handle it. She seems to get rattled sometimes.

Dale is one of the controversial ones. So many people hate him and want to see him gone. Not me. I think Dale is right up there with Richard and Stephanie with his cooking talent. His Achille's heel is his temper and lack of maturity. When he works alone or is partnered with the right person (Richard), he puts out some amazing food. He can self-destruct though when he's partnered with chefs he doesn't respect. See Wedding Wars.

Antonia is the dark horse here. She's been coming up the ranks. She started out as just mheh for me. Her dishes seemed okay. Not great, not awful. Then I got annoyed with her attitude when she and Lisa were paired for the whole Polish sausage debacle. She's bounced back since that episode and done very well. I'm wondering how much of that attitude was influenced by Lisa. And should a Top Chef be that easily swayed by another chef?

I know this isn't my usual type of posts, but I've really gotten into this season of Top Chef and no one around here watches it, so I don't have anyone to talk to about it. That means you get stuck listening to all my thoughts. Lucky you!

And sticking with the food theme, I actually one two prizes in the last week. One from 5 Minutes for Mom's two weeks of toys giveaway, and the other from A Chelsea Morning. Notice the food theme in both gifts? How funny. You watch, I'll turn Sera into a foodie in no time.

My Predictions - UPDATE

Will win - David A.

Should win - David C.

Dark Horse - Syesha

Over-stayed their welcome - Jason

UPDATE: Have you ever seen anyone more relieved to be voted off? He was so ready to go. I think he was sandbagging his own performance.

Still Here

I know that I haven't really written much lately. Things are going great around here. I'm just tired. We're down to our last month of school, and I'm worn out. When I get home at night, I can barely speak two coherent sentences, much less write anything.

Sera is doing great. She's funny, smart, sassy, and definitely two. She has abandoned clothing. She will still wear it out, but when she's home, she pulls her clothes off. She's gone to bed in a diaper only for the last two nights. I wonder how long this phase lasts? It may be her way of celebrating spring. Though you'd never know it by the temps the last few days.

Sera and I spent Monday night in the guest room as she decided it was time to get up at 11:15 pm. The guest room solution worked out pretty well. I was able to lightly doze as she played on the bed. I had her blocked in on one side with pillows and the other with me. She stayed pretty close to me, and I woke anytime she moved away. At one point, she got on her hands and knees and began kicking her legs out behind her. Imagine a bucking horse. She started cackling and calling me. I reminded her that it was time to sleep, and she settled back down. At another point, I woke up because she was kissing my cheek, my nose, and my forehead. That was the sweetest moment, but I still reminded her to go to sleep. She eventually settled in and slept.

She's interacting more and more with other people. She now says good bye to the other kids in daycare by name. She recognizes our favorite Chinese restaurant when we pull in. She drops whatever she's holding, and says, "out, eat." She is an outside girl. She loves being outside.

This will be the first weekend in over a month where we don't have to be somewhere. We've been or gone out of town three of the last four weekends. On the fourth one, we had Sera's birthday party. I'm ready for a weekend at home.

Our new night time routine consists of two readings of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, two readings of I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, and one reading of Guess How Much I Love You. The first reading is usually straight through. The second reading is more about discussing the illustrations and jumping around to whichever page Sera wants.

We're still around, and life is still good.

So, What Do You Think?

Was she calling to invite me to lunch?

Maybe she wants me on the ticket?

Maybe she wants to be my new bff?

Whaaa?

You don't think it was her calling?

You mean they'd put her name on the caller ID just to fool me?

I wonder why they'd call me?

Oh yeah, I live in Indiana.

Heartwarming

Dolphin rescues stranded whales

Laugh Break

If you're in the need of a good laugh, do I have some videos for you!

The first one has been around for awhile, so you may have seen it.

http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/01/video-of-the-day-sarah-silverman-is-f-king-matt-damon/

The second one is the rebuttal. It actually brought tears of laughter to my eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIQrBouWRiE

Be forewarned, these are strictly adult videos and not safe for work, but they are really, really funny.

Blog Love

UPDATE: I haven't participated in WFMW in quite some time because I ran out of ideas! I still enjoy reading everyone else's though. I wrote this post yesterday, and then realized this would be a great idea to pass along. After all who would be more interested in making a book of their blog than fellow moms. This idea sure works for me!

A fellow adoptive mom has started a new online business. It's called Book My Blog. She can take part or all of your blog and turn it into a book, including all your pictures. If there's a post or two in there that you don't want included, it can be left out.

It's a new business so I'm sure they'll be quite willing to work with their clients and make a great product. I know I can't wait to see it.

My plan all along was to make a book of my blog for Sera. I've used it as her baby book. I plan to print mine after April. It will cover our wait, our referral, our trip to China, and our first year home.

I had given thought to copying and pasting everything to a Word document and then taking it to a printer. It would have been incredibly tedious. I did find a website that would do it, but you have to download their software and do all the layout yourself. They just print it for you.

This site will extract from your blog. You won't have to do anything but enjoy the finished product. And the best part is that the business is owned by Ruby's mom.

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder*

Somehow over the years I decided, quite unintentionally, that my personal needs weren't the priority, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Once upon a time I got my hair cut every six weeks and highlighted every 12. At the same visit, I'd get a manicure, but I did my own nails every Sunday night. It was how I prepared for my work week. Twice a year, I'd replace the majority of my wardrobe. I'd go on a big shopping spree every Fall and every Spring. I never even gave any of this a thought.

I think it started when we were caring for our niece. We had just gotten married and bought a new house. I was also transitioning from a career in hospitality to becoming a teacher. Tuition ate up a lot of my budget. I started tightening those purse strings when it came to the frivolous extras.

Even after it was just the two of us again, I had become stuck in my thought process. If we had extra money, I could always think of something that was more important to spend it on. During our adoption wait, extra money went towards the adoption or buying ahead the things we'd need or taking mini vacations while we still could.

Since Sera came home, extra money goes to her. She is always far better dressed and groomed than I am.

I haven't had my hair cut since March, and that's the last time I had to color done, too. Luckily, I'm not really gray yet. Either that or my eyes have failed me enough that I can't see all the gray. It's probably the latter. I bought two sweaters and one pair of pants for the new school year.

What made me think about this? The giddiness I felt when I put on my brand spankin' new pretty rose bra this morning. Last week I went crazy and ordered FIVE new bras. I bought the standard beige and black, but I also got one in rose and one in blue. Yep, I live dangerously.

The old bras are and all their holey-ness are heading to the nearest landfill. They deserve to be retired. After all, they put in about six years of hard work.

I can't blame this on being a mom as I've only been one for nine months. I can't blame my husband because he's the first to tell me to treat myself. Why do I consider my personal needs such a low priority?

*Can you name the movie where this song is performed?

Veddy Veddy Interesting

http://www.gotoquiz.com/candidates/2008-quiz.html

I'm not going to post my results on this quiz as I decided long ago to leave politics and religion off my blog. I will say that my results surprised me as my number one candidate according to this was not someone I'd seriously considered. My current number one and two candidates instead came in as three and two on this quiz.

I have no good excuse for not posting in so long. It just seems that by the time I sit down at the computer in the evening that I'm wiped out. The brain is fried, and I can't think of anything to say.

Life is good. We had a great holiday. We didn't go anywhere or do anything special, and it was absolutely wonderful. We holed up at home and recovered from our various ailments. We ate turkey and potatoes for days. We watched movies, and most of all, we played with Sera.

She's starting to add phrases to her vocabulary. Her favorites are "I see you" and "sit down." Her newest game is to run up to Shadow's side and tickle him. She wiggles her fingers over his side and giggles and says, "tickle, tickle." He turns to look at her to see what she's doing, and either his head or his tail knocks her down. She then laughs hysterically, gets up, and starts all over again. It's really funny to watch because the top of her head finally clears his back when he's standing. Have I mentioned he's a really big dog?

Sera is very clear on what she wants and doesn't hesitate to make her wishes known. We're hearing a lot of up, up, up and go, go, go and no, no, no and yeah. When her nose is stuffy, she points to it and says nose, then she reaches towards the tissue box. When she wants music, she pumps both arms and wiggles. She demands cheese, milk, and juice all the time. Luckily, she's fine with the diluted juice, and she loves water. She still loves to go owsigh even though it's really cold out there now.

When I pick her up from daycare, she runs to her cubby and grabs her coat sleeve. As soon as we walk in the door at home, she tugs at it and yells, "off." After I take hers off, she pulls on mine and says, "off." Then she plops to the ground, sticks her feet in the air and yells, you guessed it, "off!" She refuses to wear shoes, socks, or slippers at home. Jim and I are always wearing slippers at home, but she wants nothing to do with hers.

All dolls aren't nanas anymore. Hers is still called nana, but if she sees a picture or a commercial now she calls them babies. She gets very excited when she sees doggies, duckies, and kitty cats, any animal for that matter.

Over the holiday break, I became mommy. I think she picked up the word from daycare. The lady who runs her room has her son in that room, too. I think Sera hears him call his mom mommy and picked up the word. It had taken her so long to even get to mama, that we hadn't even really started using mommy at home. She still calls me daddy sometimes, but she stops and corrects herself now.

We had two minor breakouts on Saturday and Monday. Saturday night, we went out for an early dinner and stopped to pick up a few groceries. We put Sera in the cart with the car in front. She's been afraid of it in the past, but loved it that night. When we finished shopping and I got her out of the car, I noticed her hands were bright red and that she had hives on the back of her hands and wrists. She also had one spot on her cheek. By the time we got home, her right eye was puffy and teary. Jim got her bath ready while I searched for dosing instructions on Benadryl. By the time she was out of her bath, everything was back to normal, so I didn't give her any medicine. We remembered that she'd been playing with the pepper mill at dinner and thought she might have a reaction to the pepper on her hands. Then it happened again. On Monday when I picked her up from daycare, they told me that she had broken out in a few hives on her face, but they quickly cleared. They didn't seem to bother her either time and didn't appear to itch.

I know that hives are an allergic reaction. It could be to food, cold temperatures, or something on her skin. It was cold Saturday night, but she didn't go outside on Monday. She had pepper on her hands Saturday night, but not Monday. She had pizza and some of my spaghetti for dinner on Saturday and spaghetti for lunch on Monday. You'd think that was it, right? But she's had spaghetti plenty of times, at daycare, at home, and even at Carraba's where we ate Saturday night. I called her doctor's office on Monday. There's nothing they can do without seeing the welts themselves. Even then, it would probably be a referral to a dermatologist. They said it was probably not the spaghetti because she's had it before without problems and it was just a coincidence. We're just going to keep an eye on her for now and see if it happens again. If it affects her breathing, we'll head to the ER, but for now it was just a few random welts.

Part of me thinks I should never feed her Italian again. Part of me wants to make it for dinner right away, so we can see if she reacts again.

We put our tree up over the weekend, too. Sera loves it. She loves the lights. She also loves her new toy. Her Christmas tree plays music when you press the star on top. I had a $25 gift certificate for Amazon and bought it there. I just checked Amazon as I was going to link to it, but the price has more than doubled since I bought it. It's being sold through one of their affiliates. Toys R Us has it for a much more reasonable price.


In one of the classes I teach, I have the students take a personality assessment test. Here's one I found the other day. It's not the one I use in school, but it's fun! Which HP character are you?

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Turkey Talk

About two weeks ago, Jim and I were lying in bed about to go to sleep. We were chatting and semi-listening to the evening news on the TV. I had set the sleep timer for 20 minutes. I didn't catch what the story was, but I heard the anchor say something about a terrible turkey tragedy. I looked at Jim and said, "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

That television episode ranks up there as one of the funniest ever in our book. We both immediately started laughing and talking about it. When we caught our breath, we both had the same idea. Blog post!

I know it dates us and many of you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. Thanks to Jim's crackerjack research skills, I can now share this with you.