A Far Green Country

A Quote to Ponder...

2008-12-09T08:27:00.000-06:00

A lesson well learned by Your's Truly....

Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you.: Wally 'Famous' Amos (1936 - )

A Few Favorites :)

2008-12-09T08:05:00.005-06:00

While life has been a beautiful, wonderful sort of busy, I thought I would share some of my favorite links with you--both old and new. Each one is fun and entertaining in its own right and I hope you go and have a fun little peek!

Audible Beauty - a devoted collection of to love of all things audible in movies, especially the music.
LOST - Find 815 - an online, interactive game...I'm sooo addicted!
Gaelic Storm - an Irish/Celtic band with a modern twist...I've been a fan since 1998!
Wikipedia - JRR Tolkien - I love reading up on this man...I find him incredibly fascinating and incredibly talented...and hey, wikipedia a favorite site of mine also!
WAJ - Although, this man here, is the most wonderful and fascinating of all--there is no talent here, just mere awe and wonder.

I hope this gives you a few things to keep you busy and entertained on this gloriously, snowy day!

Poll Result

2008-11-30T21:12:00.000-06:00

This last month's poll was about your favorite candies...here are the results!

Which is the best Halloween candy?

Butterfinger	26.7%
Snickers	26.7%
M & M	0%
Reese's	0%
100 Grand	20%
Milky Way	13.3%
Laffy Taffy	13.3%
Mike & Ike	0%
Other	0%

W.A.L.L.-E

2008-11-30T21:10:00.000-06:00

I'm a bit behind in what is playing in the theaters, but I went with a Special Someone, to the Budget theater in Milwaukee...we happen to catch this little flick, and I must say, that if you have not seen it...you have to! It is a very cute, funny movie...and not to mention that the CG is excellent! Definitely one for the buying!

Holiday Absence :)

2008-11-30T19:10:00.001-06:00

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday! I know it's been a long time since I posted, however, I have been busy beyond imagine :) I will be back tomorrow with some fun little stories and anecdotes (hopefully)! Happy Sunday!

A Surprising Moment

2008-11-23T14:10:00.005-06:00

As I drove back from a weekend away, I heard a song on the radio. I'd heard pieces of it in the past, but for some reason, today, this song moved me to tears. It is a beautiful and reassuring song about a Father's love...I hope you enjoy it just as much.

"I Love You This Much"

He can't remember
The times that he thought
Does my daddy love me?
Probably not
That didn't stop him
From wishing that he did
Didn't keep him from wanting
Or worshipping him

He guesses he saw him
About once a year
He could still feel the way he felt
Standing in tears
Stretching his arms out
As far as they'd go
Whispering daddy
I want you to know

[Chorus:]
I love you this much
And i'm waiting on you
To make up your mind
Do you love me too?
How ever long it takes
I'm never giving up no matter what
I love you this much

He grew to hate him for what he had done
'cause what kind of father
Could do that to his son?
He said 'damn you daddy'
The day that he died
The man didn't blink
But the little boy cried

[Chorus:]
I love you this much
And i'm waiting on you
To make up your mind
Do you love me too?
How ever long it takes
I'm never giving up no matter what
I love you this much

Half way through the service
While the choir sang a hymn
He looked up above the preacher
And he sat and stared at him

He said
'forgive me father'
When he realized
That he hadn't been unloved
Or alone all his life
His arms were stretched out
As far as they'd go
Nailed to the cross
For the whole world to know

[Chorus:]
I love you this much
And i'm waiting on you
To make up your mind
Do you love me too?
How ever long it takes
I'm never giving up no matter what
I love you this much

(above link takes you to the video)

Quote for Today

2008-11-21T15:33:00.002-06:00

I found this quite fitting:

"When I give, I give myself."
Walt Whitman

What's Different?

2008-11-21T13:46:00.004-06:00

I am finding myself so happy for this Christmas. This Christmas is the first in a very long time, that I am excited to see come. Don't get me wrong...my last school I was at was a wonderful school, with a great faculty and congregation...I was just getting too burnt out. God knew I needed a change! (For which I am very thankful!)

My new school and church family are wonderful! I am looking forward to a Christmas break that is not spent exhausted and recuperating. Not just time spent with my family and friends, but quality time spent with them. I am finding myself excited about Christmas and the Children's service we are preparing; instead of dreading all the extra work and time that had to be given into it, not to mention the guilt that would follow, because after all...in the grand scheme of things, it's nothing compared to what has been given me.

I am so glad to have found that joy again...that zeal for the season...after all, it was the day when God kept His promise.

The Wonder of Music...

2008-11-20T21:00:00.004-06:00

There is something to be said for Christmas Music. It has a special quality that can compare to no other. The worst day can be miraculously changed when you come home, turn on the radio and the tune "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" begins to float through the house. That bad day seems to just melt away and all that is left is the peace and excitement that this time of year brings.

Sigh.

I love Christmas.

I love the lights. I love the scent. I love the colors. I love the anticipation seen in each face of little ones. I love the overall joy that seems to run across the air, intoxicating each and every person it encounters. Just in writing this post I have a strong desire to put up my Christmas tree and start decorating the house.

I do...I do so love Christmas...

A Good Tuesday Chuckle

2008-11-18T19:39:00.002-06:00

After having a bit of a frumpy day, I found this little video to be quite uplifting and entertaining...hope it gives you a bit of a chuckle as well!

Things You Learn in Kindergarten-Revisited

2008-11-18T12:10:00.000-06:00

Since I've been on hiatus from the blogosphere, I've been going back and reading through some previous posts. I thought it would be fun to reacquaint you with them as well!

Did You Know...that if you and your friends are playing house, the girl with the biggest purse is the Mom?

Yeah, I didn't know that either.

First Field Trip - A Little Story to Brighten Your Day...

2008-11-17T17:01:00.004-06:00

During my years in Michigan, my all-time-favorite field trip of the year, was to the Apple Orchard/Pumpkin Farm; so naturally, when I relocated here to Wisconsin, I very much wanted to find that same experience here...and I did...sort of.

About a month ago, Preschool Teacher and I took our students to a local orchard for a field trip...and it just happen to be the coldest, wettest day of year! We had 22 little troopers though! They bundled right up and tromped through the orchard. They were on a mission! We were there to pick apples and that's what they were gonna do!

When we came inside to 'warm-up', our Apple Guide was introducing the children to the different types of apples; in particular to the apples that share names with people (Molly, Jonathan etc). She held up an apple and asked the children, if they new anyone with the name of Jon or Jonathan. Only one child raised his hand...when I noticed which child it was, I was very confused (knowing that he had no one in his family with this name) but nothing prepared me for his answer of, "Yes! John the Baptism!"

I laughed soo very hard.

I love kids.

Quote of the Week

2008-11-16T20:38:00.001-06:00

Oh, this made me giggle! Have a great start to your week!

"At my age flowers scare me."

George Burns

Winter is Upon Us

2008-11-15T12:11:00.005-06:00

It has happened. The first snowfall. I awoke one week ago today, only to find my new world, blanketed in white. The snow only lasted until mid-afternoon, however, it was long enough to count as the first snowfall. I took some picture to commemorate the moment. Enjoy!

How Old is Your's?

2008-11-13T18:40:00.002-06:00

This is interesting! See if your brain is as old as your body, or, (perish the thought) older!

Read the following instructions since the game is in Japanese:
Procedure of Flash Fabrica Game:

1. Touch 'start'
2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.
3. Memorize the number's position on the screen, then click the circle from the SMALLEST number to the BIGGEST number.
4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you the age of your brain.
Good luck !!

The First Has Fallen...

2008-11-12T18:29:00.000-06:00

Last June I relocated back to Wisconsin when I accepted a new Director/Educator position. We are 12 weeks into the school year and we've had our first faculty "casualty." Our 7th grade teacher has been out sick the last two days...during report card week...and the end of student teaching week. It is amazing at how wonderful this faculty is, that when one of our own is down, we can juggle things in such a way, it would make clowns feel inadequate. Here's to Mr. D's recovery!

Weekends!!

2008-11-07T18:13:00.001-06:00

Yay!!! There are not enough exclamation points in the world to express my joy in the fact that it is Friday!

The People Have Spoken!

2008-11-05T17:27:00.003-06:00

It's not like it was a real surprise. I mean, the way the country has been going the last few years, it was sort of a given. So, congratulations President-Elect Obama...hopefully your promises will ring true!

Each Year....

2008-11-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

I love fall more and more. Fall and I have a very close, intimate relationship. Fall never asks for you to step out the door looking your best or to do anything other than admire its beauty. It wants nothing more than to please and make the admirer happy. So, thank you dear Fall. It was wonderful spending time with you today.

Quote of the Week

2008-11-01T20:27:00.002-05:00

I thought this summed up my opinion on writing today.
Enjoy:

"Writing books is the closest men ever come to childbearing."
~Norman Mailer

A New Beginning

2008-11-01T16:53:00.006-05:00

I have arrived. It has been quite a journey the past few months. Leaving Michigan was a very bittersweet event. Michigan had truly become my home and I had been blessed with a wonderful circle of friends, who became to be family. Saying good-bye was very hard.

The difficulty of leaving, was matched with the joy of coming back home...to Wisconsin. Though having grown-up on the western side of the state, the eastern side is quickly becoming home. I have found my new adventure to be just that...a great adventure. I have met wonderful people, visited fantastic new places, and revisited some favorite old ones.

I can't wait to see what else lay ahead.

Coming Back!

2008-10-31T16:08:00.000-05:00

Hello to you all! I know I've been gone desperately long...but that's what happens when you take a summer course, accept a new job, and move to a different state!

Now that I've settled into my new home and begun teaching my new little ones; I am going to begin blogging once again. It is something I have missed and can't wait to get started!

Off we go!

The Crazy Life

2008-04-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

That is the perfect description of what has happened this school year...and boy has it gotten even moreso! Not only have I doubled my workload this school year, but now I've taken a call (new job) in Wisconsin! So as of June 14(ish), I will be relocating to the Appleton WI area (yeah Stacie)! This unfortunately means that my witty sense of humor and insane babble are on hold once again as I make this new and exciting transition to a new job, new place--new life! I will be back to the blogging community--just don't look too hard for me until the fall...

Happy Spring!

It's a New Year...

2008-02-15T16:06:00.004-06:00

It's been a New Year for almost two months now and this is my first post. Shame on me for being such a bad blogger. It would be different if I had internet access at my home, but seeing as I don't, well the occasional post will have to do for now--at least until life gives me some extra wiggle room!

For fun, I thought I would post some actual pictures of Jack--instead of the "look-a-likes" I've posted before. Hope you enjoy them--he really is a cute pooch. I tried to get a picture with his "Elvis-curl-lip" but he just wasn't going to cooperate!

In all the hustle and bustle...

2007-12-18T14:44:00.000-06:00

this time of year brings many of us to times of nostalgia. I visit this time more than most people I am sure--but especially more so since it seems like every person I've lost touch with in the last 12 years has begun to resurface into my life! (Don't get me wrong--I love it!) But the visit to Nostalgia is inevitable when this much rekindling is taking place!

I do have to say though, I am very glad that the ones doing the rekindling, are those I am glad to rekindle...ex-boyfriends, crabby ex-coworkers yeah, I don't really need to hear from you, thanks. Old friends, roommates, relatives...all welcome! By all means, drop a line--we've got a lot to catch up on!

Jack...the rest of the story

2007-11-21T14:20:00.001-06:00

Jack has now been in my home for 3 months...of those 3 months, he has eaten the garbage 4 times, ran away twice, and barked at the door too many times to count...BUT he's also walked with me well everyday, ignored other naughty doggies while we are on our walks, and has not chewed on anything not belonging to him.

All in all...we're well on our way!

Terrilbe, Horrible, No-Good, Very-Bad Blogger

2007-11-21T14:12:00.000-06:00

That's me. I haven't blogged in almost two months! Truthfully though, it was a choice between sanity and blogging...sanity won out. It's been soo busy this school year that my time has become fractured between school, church, dog, and sleep! The first three are getting the most time slots also!

Don't get me wrong though, the school has been very good and very entertaining! Today was a big day in Kindergarten! It was Thanksgiving Celebration day! I had 11 pairs of eager hands to help set up for their families--and by the end, each little pair of hands was driving me nuts. I explained it to my TA (teacher's aide) as the same as taking 11 super-bouncy balls and whipping them against the wall in a very smal tiny room, while trying to stand in the center and not get pelted to death.

Celebration went well, however, I have since acquired two pumpkin pies, 3 bags of chips and random bottles of soda. So much for the "you bring it, you leave with it" philosophy!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Love Letter

2007-10-03T06:13:00.000-05:00

Dearest One,

I will seek and find you.
I shall take you to bed and have my way with you.
I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.
I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.
I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you.
And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.

All my love,
The Flu

Now, quit thinking about sex and go get your flu shot!

Comic Relief in a Kindergarten Classroom

2007-10-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

This is a conversation I had with one of my students on Monday morning.

Princess Girl: "Teacher! I have the bestest snack today!"

Me: "Really? Wow, what is it?"

Princess Girl: "Sex Mix!!"

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2007-09-27T14:28:00.000-05:00

is not winter...at least in my book. It is Fall. I love Autumn--everything about it makes me happy. The beautiful colors, the pumpkins, apples and most of all, the crisp air that tells you, "Hot Apple Cider Time!"

Jack and I have been enjoying this, our first fall together. Our walks are more pleasant now that the humidity and heat are gone. They are much more humorous now though as Jack does not like walking through leaves that have fallen off of the trees, so he will "hopscotch" his way through them! It's very entertaining.

Evenings of brisk, cool air are here. Evenings of porch-sitting and Hot-Spiced-Cider-drinking. It makes me not want to lesson plan, but to enjoy the season, as it is not one that lasts very long...only a moment really...and then winter will be here.

Winter has it's good points though. Snow-days for one. I have a feeling I will enjoy them more this year than any other school year! (Especially with so many more students than I've had before!) I love each season for it's own reasons. However, I must admit, I really only like summer because I get that season "off" from teaching. That is my season to recouperate. I don't have to think about that now though...nope, only the Fall. That's what I will think of--Fall and it's beautiful colors, smells and whisperings.

Welcome Fall.

It Must Be Full Moon

2007-09-26T14:45:00.000-05:00

My students are driving me batty!!! Let me rephrase that. My Kindergarteners are driving me BATTY!! The Preschoolers and Noah's Ark students are all fine. Those Kindergarteners are out to put my in the Loony-Bin by Thanksgiving! I will be glad when Friday comes!!!

(Yes, I've used this picture before, but it was just sooo fitting!)

Happy Weekend!

2007-09-21T14:27:00.000-05:00

Hope this will give you the inspiration you need when you wake up Saturday morning!

Since the season are changing...I thought I'd try it...

2007-09-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

You Are Fall!

Thoughtful
Expressive
Creative
Poetic
Smart

What Season Woman Are You?

When Judgement Day Cometh...

2007-09-18T11:17:00.000-05:00

I sure would not want to be the Senator from Nebraska...not with this on my record! I can't believe that a person would actually do this!

Curiosity leads to Procrastination

2007-08-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's Labor day--a day of rest...but I'm working. I came to school this morning to get ready for 12 new students tomorrow--boosting my class size to 20! However, as always, I had to do a little procrastinating first.

I was viewing the traffic for this humble little blog and saw that one reader was from Hummelstown, PA. This intrigued me--Is this where they made the ever-famous Hummel figurines, or just a coincidence? I wanted to know.

So I googled the town and this is what I found:

Hummelstown was named the 63rd best town in America in 2006.

Yep. That's it. No history on the town at all. It was first time I was disappointed in Wikipedia. I went back and found the town has a website of it's own. Maybe I would find more there...and I did...

The Borough of Hummelstown was first established as Frederickstown in the year 1762 when Frederick and Rosina Hummel purchased the land. The Hummels proceeded to plan out building lots and sold them to German settlers. By the mid 1800's, the Union Canal with nearby locks was influencing trade and transporation in the Borough. From 1867 to 1929, the Brownstone Quarries operated in the area and provided employment for residents, along with growth for the Borough.

The rest of the brief history of this town can be found here. One thing I am certain of is that the name of the town has no connection to the famous figurines--unless they were related to a woman named Berta Hummel.

Berta Hummel was born in Bavaria in 1909 with a wonderful gift -- an instinct for observing her world and translating her observations into drawings, especially of children. After she became a Nun, Sister Hummel worked personally with Goebel Master Sculptors and Painters to create the new products. The first figurines were introduced in 1935 and were immediately successful.

You can read more about Berta on the Hummel website. Since these small figurines are a large part of my childhood (my mother and grandmother had/have some of these little treasures), I found the background very interesting.

It's amazing how just checking one's blog traffic can lead one into such an unusual post. Happy Labor day!

One Down!

2007-08-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

The first week of school ends today! Woohoo! I am definitely going to have a challenging year with my largest class totalling 19 students (11 of them are 3 years old--the rest are 5)! This is quite a large change from the last 5 years! I don't have my hour of "recoup" time (aka lunch) anymore--not with Kindergarteners here all day. But, as one my KinderMoms said today, "You're always up for a challenge aren't ya?" I admitted I am--but I laughed as I said it.

After today....I'm not so sure!

On Hold: Updated Posts Below

2007-08-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

I am back now from my absolutely fabulous vacation in Wisconsin. It was a marvelously wonderful time--even if it did go fast.

It was during this vacation that I realized something. I need to take a break from blogging. There are no words that can tell you how sad I am about this; however, there comes a point in life that something has to give. I am one who tends to fill her plate very full and well, I need to make some room on my plate for new and different things.

So, for a time at least, I will be saying adieu. But this goodbye is not forever...just for an unknown time. I may make a post here and there, so if you do pop in, check below this post; as that is where you will find new ones.

I wish you all the best and I'll be seeing you!

Jack

2007-08-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I got a dog. His name is Jack. I have no clue as to his breed--he's a mutt...but a very loving, smart, quick-witted mutt. He's learned commands for "sit," "stay," "come," and "lay down."

(FYI, the picture is not of Jack, but it looks a lot like him--only Jack is not a puppy anymore and I don't have a cat!)

At night, Jack is penned up in the kitchen (which is quite large) and he does very well. However, when Jack is penned up in the kitchen when I leave for school in the morning--he gets out. At first, I thought this was a strong little pooch who pushed his way out (the evidence favored this theory), however, on one of my more sneaky moments, I caught the little stinker jumping over the rigged-pen. Grrr. Well, I was going to out-smart the dog. After all, I'm the human. So, I added my high-backed bar chairs to the rigged-pen and it worked!!

For one day.

The next time I did it, the clever little minx somehow jumped out again (my guess is that he pushed one of the chairs over and jumped out that way cuz there is no way he can jump over a height of 4 1/2 feet)! So what do I do now?

I just leave...at least until I can figure out a way to train this dog to stay put! The worst thing he does is sit on the furniture--and he knows that this is naughty cuz he only does it when I am not home!

It has begun!

2007-08-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

What a challenge this year is going to be! The school year has started and my kindergarten classes has more than tripled! (Okay, it sounds waaaayy more than it really is--last year I had 3 this year I have 10.) BUT one big change for me is that this year, we are offering full day kindergarten! So, I technically have FOUR classes I teach instead of 3. Half and full day Kindergarten and then the two preschool classes. On my busiest days, I will have 19 students at once (ages 3 and 5)! Good thing I have a TA!

Second day of school is done--only 178 more to go! Hope your "school" year goes well!

Happy Last Monday of Summer Vacation!

2007-08-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

I decided to take a short (very short) break from classroom preparation and visit Bloglines to take a little quiz (okay, it took all of like 5 seconds):

Your Birthdate: August 6

For you, love is a natural progression from friendship. You are almost always friends first.
In love, you are loyal, steady, and honest. You are not a cheater or even much of a flirt.
You are likely to stay friends with your ex... and open to rekindling something in the future.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 4

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 5

You are most compatible with people born on the 6th, 15th, and 24th of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

Your Power Element is Wood

Your power colors: green and brown

Your energy: generative

Your season: spring

Like a tree, you are always growing and changing.
And while your life is dynamic, you are firmly grounded.
You have high morals and great confidence in yourself and others.
You have a wide set of interests, and you make for intersting company.

What's Your Power Element?

The August Debate

2007-08-17T10:13:00.000-05:00

I am offended--I am angered! (Okay, not really, this is only for dramatic effect.) This is the country of free speech and freedom of the press--well, here is me taking advantage of my rights! I read an article today on MSN Slate and being one that was born in the month of August, I felt it an injustice for this writer to go on a tirade against the month of my birth!

Mr. Plotz states that:

August is the Mississippi of the calendar. It's beastly hot and muggy. It has a dismal history. Nothing good ever happens in it. And the United States would be better off without it.
August is when the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when Anne Frank was arrested, when the first income tax was collected, when Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe died. Wings and Jefferson Airplane were formed in August. The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour debuted in August. (No August, no Sonny and Cher!)

August is the time when thugs and dictators think they can get away with it. World War I started in August 1914. The Nazis and Soviets signed their nonaggression pact in August 1939. Iraq invaded Kuwait Aug. 2, 1990. August is a popular month for coups and violent crime. Why August? Perhaps the villains assume we'll be too distracted by vacations or humidity to notice.
August is the vast sandy wasteland of American culture. Publishers stop releasing books. Movie theaters are clogged with the egregious action movies that studios
wouldn't dare release in June. Television is all reruns (or worse—new episodes of Sex and the City). The sports pages wither into nothingness. Pre-pennant-race baseball—if that can even be called a sport—is all that remains. We have to feign interest in NFL training camps.

This is just down-right prejudice against Augustans! You could take any month and find similar things to say about them. I mean, I'm not a big fan of September (no offense September)...but I do not go Month-bashing! I continued to read the article and Mr. Plotz does acknowledge that there is good in the month of August:

(To be sure, not everything that happens in August is so terrible. Raoul Wallenberg, Alfred Hitchcock, Herman Melville, and Mae West were born in August. Richard Nixon resigned in August. MTV launched in August. And Jerry Garcia died in August.)

There are other great things from August as well; like County Fairs, Sprinkler days, Garfield (the cartoon cat), Lucille Ball, Lord Tennyson, and the guy who invented penicillin? Those are some pretty big-deal events and people. Think how different your life would be without them! This article was actually quite humorous and I think you need to read the whole thing--just don't take it too seriously!

Well, I'm not sure how I should feel about this...

2007-08-16T11:56:00.000-05:00

At first I was worried I would be a rating of "R" (only because after 3 years of blogging, I was unable to remember what I had actually written)!

Mingle² - Online Dating

My one offenses was: death x1

Addiction

2007-08-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

It can be a lethal thing--very deadly--especially when you are suppose to be getting your classroom arranged and you can't because you are sooo addicted to betting this game! I lasted 14.873 seconds...how about you?

Chicken Soup for the 29 Year Old's Soul

2007-08-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

I walked this road
So very long ago
To show the way
So you would know.

I walked the road
With holes in my hands in feet
To make the way
Come follow me.

No, you are not alone
You will be free indeed
The journey begins and ends
With me.

One million miles
It starts with a step or two
What are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for you

You run the race
Thinking you've almost won
Then you may find
You've only begun

You're on the road
Thinking you're far from here
And suddenly find
You're very near

No, you are not alone
You will be free indeed
The journey begins and ends
With me.

One million miles
It starts with a step or two
What are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for you...

What are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for you.

(Michael W. Smith)

Reflection

2007-08-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

This summer has definitely been a time for reflection. The move kicked it off--going through old boxes of memories, and it continued from there to the unpacking of the memories at the new home.

Today is a bittersweet day--a day when the inside emotions are mixed and you're not sure really what your mood is for the day. A day where just the sound of the trees can bring a tear to your eye; a song can pluck a heart-string or a book can transplant you to another existance. Days like these are days of solitude for me, and at times, the small world of my blog will have these moments poured into it. Such is today.

A day for reflection, tranquility and peace. May you find your moments of solitude to be just as serene.

It. Is. Finished.

2007-07-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Harry Potter series has been concluded. *sigh* I don't know about you, but I have very mixed feelings about the fact that there will be no more books to look forward to reading. I must say, I have finished the seventh book (I read it in about 12 hours) and I am very pleased! Book seven is by FAR my favorite. Yes, we did say goodbye to some well-loved characters, but Jo has really done herself proud with Deathly Hallows.

I will say no more here--for a while at least. I know that not everyone can read the book in one sitting as I did Saturday night (I'm still recouping from that)! I look foward to your thoughts on the book! Teehee!

The Singing Trees

2007-07-13T11:36:00.000-05:00

The tea is warm in my hands; the aroma warms me to my toes as I sit on my deck in the early morning light. Through the trees I see the sun awaking to begin the day. I close my eyes and listen as the trees begin to sing. Softly, in a whisper they sing. Their music glides on the air, surrounding me with peace. I sip my tea and listen to the song of the trees. Slowly, I open my eyes. I smile and thank my new friends for their continuing song. The tranquility that only God could create surrounds me...and I am at peace.

The Best Ever

2007-06-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

Just in case you were wondering about the lack of blogging--I am on vacation in Wisconsin. Yep, after the insanity of moving, I ran away back to my old stomping grounds to recoup. It's been a lovely 5 days so far (10 days left)! I had a feeling this would be a wonderful vacation, especially when it started out with a stress-free Chicago! I didn't get crabby at anyone---not even once! That's never happened before. I get annoyed with people on a short trip to Walmart!

Well, anyway, get out there and enjoy the beautiful summer weather! (That is, if it is summer where you are!)

Early Morning Thoughts

2007-06-28T06:12:00.000-05:00

It is sad when you hear fire engines zooming by that the first thought you have is,

"Did I leave something plugged in?"

This was a little disturbing....

2007-06-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.

Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

Done-DaDone-Done....DONE!

2007-06-19T12:50:00.001-05:00

The move is over. Happy Kelli!

Another Reason to Go Back...(I thought of you Stace!)

2007-06-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

I tend to surf the net every now and again. I was in a "literary" mood today and searched for similar websites...and I found this little jewel. When I found this, my first two thoughts were, "I wish I had known about this place the last time I was there!" and "This is the perfect getaway retreat for my dear friend, Stacie!" (Wanna go? Heehee)

There are ten guestroom floors and each is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System! Personally, I found floors 7 (the Arts), 8 (Literature), 9 (History) and 12 (Religion) to be the most Kelli-like.

The best part is that each room is a different theme as well--like a subcategory of the floor's theme! Let's say you were staying on the Literature floor. Your room could have an Erotic, Classics, Poetry, Dramatic, Fairy Tales, or Mysteries theme--and everything in your room from the art to the book collection (woo-hoo!) relate to your room's theme! What little girl wouldn't love to stay in a Fairy Tale themed room?

Now, I've rattled a lot about this hotel so far, but I haven't even told you all the fun stuff yet--so you need to go and visit the site yourself! Check out the pictures and other great details about this unique hotel!

I tell ya, next time I'm there...I'm definitely getting lost in the books!

Glad to Know I'm in the Neighborhood

2007-06-11T14:45:00.001-05:00

Due to the craziness of moving and cleaning two houses by Saturday, here is another fun quiz for you take! Do YOU act YOUR age?

You Are 30 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

It got me thinking...

2007-06-11T14:12:00.001-05:00

Michelle, over at Scribbit, posted about every parents' dilemma of children keeping their rooms clean...the solution she mentioned, reminded me of my last summer that I was in college. Instead of putting in her comments sectionI began telling this memory in a comment on her post, but it was much too long, so I decided it deserves it's own post!

My last two years of college, I lived in a 5 bedroom apartment above a coffee shop, with 4 other women. We all agreed that each person's room is her own space and each of us being in our early 20's, we were old enough to contain our belonings. However, the Community areas (kitchen, living room, bathroom etc) needed to be kept clean and organized. This is what we all agreed to and for the most part, it was relatively okay.

In the summer however, we would have "College Summer Renters" who would move into the temporary vacant rooms for 2 1/2 months, while the rest of us returned to our home areas for work and rest. My last summer in college, I moved back to the apartment a few weeks early--only to find it completely trashed--I mean it was digusting! My little brother heard me speak in ways he'd never heard me speak before--and it was all because of ONE summer renter.

Fuming, I found said Renter and told her to start cleaning up or her belonings would be in the hallway by nightfall and her living quarters would be terminated (she never signed a lease or anything like that as it was such a short amount of time). Well, she must not have believed me--big mistake--because low and behold, after 12 hours of cleaning up the entire apartment, everything she owned was in the hallway.

Now, I must stress here that I did NOT pack her things in boxes or wash her dishes etc. Instead, I relocated her belongings to her "room" and bleach cleaned EVERYTHING else. I had also told her that if I had to clean up her mess, I would treat her stuff the same way she had treated the rest of the apartment's belongings which were not her's. That's right. All dirty dishes, clothes, bedding, etc, I put on her very large (and dirty) area rug, rolled it up and chucked it into the hallway...and what didn't fit in the rug, we just tossed into the hallway in large piles.

Needless to say, she was a little more than suprised...but she definitely learned a lesson that night as she spent the rest of the night (and into the early morning) moving her things back to the Dorms.

Procrastination--I'm good at it!

2007-06-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

I don't put stock in Tarot cards and stuff, but it's a fun way to entertain yourself when you're bored (or in my case, avoiding the evil packing boxes)!

You are Strength

Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.

This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I can't think of a title for this post..really, I've tried for about 3 minutes...nothing!

2007-06-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

Stuff like this really gets me going...especially when we are constantly hearing about the Government's finanicial cutbacks in education. Grrr.

The Perfect Remedy

2007-06-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had those moments in your day when you are reacting to something and in the middle of the reaction you are thinking, "What in the world is wrong with me? Why am I overracting like this? This isn't me."

Yea, that has been me all day, everyday, all week long. Most people would automatically think, Oo! She's pregnant! The hormones are raging! I am here to assure you that is impossible. Other would chaulk it up to Uncle George and Aunt Flo visiting. I've narrowed it down to a few things.

1. I'm moving--I've said this many times before--but, I am now in the final stages of moving from a house where a lot of memories were made. Each time another box is packed, it is like another nail in the coffin.

2. Combine this with the withdrawl of teaching my students everyday and with the surprise visit from Uncle George and Aunt Flo and you might as well just hand the bottle of Midol right over here!

What is the prescription to cure such a rollercoaster time?

Lots of chocolate. Lots of Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Lots of sappy movies and a bottle or two of Riesling.

*Sigh*

The perfect remedy.

What Reader are You?

2007-06-07T08:37:00.000-05:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Literate Good Citizen You read to inform or entertain yourself, but you're not nerdy about it. You've read most major classics (in school) and you have a favorite genre or two.
Dedicated Reader
Book Snob
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Chocolate and Ice Cream

2007-06-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a little test for you. When you read those two items, what is your first thought? I can guarantee that my female readers and my male readers will have different answers.

Gentlemen, I know this will sound like a stereotype, but give me a break, I am not one of you; so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Men will more than likely lean toward the more "primative" uses of these foods (well, chocolate anyway).

Ladies, most of you will probably agree that these are two of the most important esstentials needed in stock whenever Uncle George stops by. Any lady's pantry/fridge will contain these two bits of yumminess at any given time. The amount in stock will vary according to the stress levels felt due to Uncle George and/or Life in general.

Due to the process and fine art of packing and moving to a new home, there are very few items remain in my house--however, I do have the chocolate and Ice cream in both places--just in case Life stops by for a surprise visit.

What's your guilty, little, stress-relieving pleasure?

A Teacher's Reward

2007-06-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Summer has started off wonderfully. This first week after school is always "Crash time" for me. The last month of school is so intense that I'm burnt out at the end! I've been spending some much needed quality time with those I've neglected lately. Most importantly, my couch. Everyday, I would come home and the first thing I would see is my couch pleading, "Come, have a sit, or a nap. Watch some TV." I would always have to answer, "I'm sorry, I can't. I have to go back to school."

Not this week. Monday was a day devoted to my couch. It was a good day. I love the freedom of summer vacation. I can work when I want, for however long I want. I can get up whenever I want...it's great. It is during this time of the "school year" that I really feel the reward of being a teacher.

It Has Finally Come!

2007-06-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Every year when I leave my classroom on the last day of school, a happy Nat King Cole tune always enters my head. Maybe you've heard it before, maybe not; but it is one that always puts a smile on my face.

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

Those days of soda and pretzels and beer

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer!

May your summer be filled with soda, pretzels and beer! Here's to a few days off to recuperate!

Is Your's a Boy or a Girl?

2007-06-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

Your Brain is 73% Female, 27% Male

Your brain leans female

You think with your heart, not your head

Sweet and considerate, you are a giver

But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

It's Happened

2007-05-31T12:33:00.000-05:00

I always knew it would, but never really accepted it. I knew I would not be the only blogger out there who wanted it. What am I speaking of? The embodiment of my blog...it's name. Yep. I googled "A Far Green Country" today (just for fun) and found that there is another one. Now, please don't think that I am upset; I'm not, just surprised. I'm happy at least that it is a Christian blog and not some freaky-mysitical wanna-be blog. I haven't done any reading on it or anything, just the skimming of the side bar. I wonder how many more green countries there are out there?

(And just for the record...my country is older)

:) Good luck on your mission Green Country #2!

Remember When...

2007-05-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

I had placed a "To Do" List on the blog (more for my benefit than your entertainment)? Well, I am very, very extatic to inform you that it has gone from a list of 17 items, down to a list of 5!

Award's Night was last night. I, being the nominated faculty member in-charge of the evening, was dead tired by the end. I had written a script for the faculty play, order props and decorations, decorated the fellowship hall with the decorations, built the props, created a Treasure Hunt, a How Well Do You Know Your Teachers Pastor Trivia Game, and was the MC for the evening. That was a lot for Kelli. The evening went extremely well. The parents, kids and faculty had a blast (the trivia game was my favorite part)! I got home at 8:30 last night and went right to bed--I was sleeping by 9:15!

So, onto the remainder of the To Do list(mental note: this is in no particular order):

1. Pack and clean house
2. Move from current townhouse into new duplex
3. Change oil in car
4. Grocery shopping
5. Kindergarten Graduation

Happy last week of school!!!

:)

WoooHooo!

2007-05-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

Yeah! It's almost here! The end of the year! The fact that there are 2 1/2 days of school left is soooooo wonderfully liberating--I can't explain how much I'm loving that fact--or the fact that I am done teaching real stuff (for the most part)! Tomorrow, we're off to the beach and Friday is clean and pack-up day! Happy, happy, joy, joy, joy!

I do sorta feel bad though cuz my students are not excited at ALL. In fact, they've been on the verge of tears every morning this week! I ask them what makes this year so sad and they look up with these big puppy eyes full of tears and say, "Cuz next year I have to get a new teacher and it won't be you!" Such sweet kids I have. I just smile and remind them that they will get 3 recesses next year--that seems to make them happy again.

Kids are so fickle. :)

The Beginning of the End

2007-05-23T18:33:00.000-05:00

Today marks the beginning of the end. One and a half weeks of school to go. We took a field trip to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. I was a Binder Park virgin, but everyone else (children and parents) seems to have been there before. It is a great zoo! They really cater to the young child with the petting zoo, free Tram rides out to Africa (that was interesting to explain to children who were expecting the real Africa), and the best of all--feeding the giraffes! The best part--watching each and every one of my little students, getting slimed by giraffes tongues! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. *sigh* That's just another time when it is fun to be a teacher.

Have a Great Weekend!

2007-05-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

"The Outhouse"
~unknown author

Ma was in the kitchen fiddling around when she hollers out, " Pa, You need to go out and fix the outhouse!"

Pa replies, "There ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse."

Ma yells back, "Yes there is, now git out there and fix it."

So...Pa mosies out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back,"Ma There ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse!"

Ma replies, "Stick yur head in the hole!"

Pa yells back, "I ain't stickin my head in that hole!"

Ma says, "Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix."

So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole,looks around and yells back,"Ma There ain't nuthin wrong with this outhouse!"

Ma hollers back, "Now take your head out of the hole!"

Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole, then starts yelling,"Ma Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!" To which Ma replies, "Hurt's, don't it ?!"

New Job, Hail, Smoke and Tornadoes

2007-05-16T06:17:00.000-05:00

That pretty much sums up my evening last night. Well, between the hours of 4:15pm and 6pm. I left school for an Athletic Director Meeting over in St. Joe (it's right on Lake Michigan) at about 3:40pm. While at the meeting, somehow I was elected the new Secretary for our League. Yea, now I get to do it for the Board of Education and the Athletic League.

While at the meeting, the sound of rumbling and swooshing fills the conference room. Ryan (a former college buddy who teaches nearby) and I rush to the window to check out the cool storm--well, it was cool until we saw the penny-sized hail falling rapidly and realized our cars were in the unprotected parking lot.

After the meeting was done and I was driving home, I heard weather reports on the radio saying that the worst part of the storm was going through my county (I was not back in my county yet--but very close). There was much talk about funnel clouds and 120 mph winds. I was excited to get home and see it all--just then, I smelt an odd smell in my car. I glanced down and saw smoke floating up from my steering console of my car! Freak out! Yep. I sure did. I pulled off to the side of the road, immediately checked my heat gauge for the car (it was fine), and shut off the car completely, praying that it would stop. I quickly called Pastor--but both of his lines were busy. So, next on the list was Principal. By the time he answered, the smoking had stopped and through the course of the conversation we determined that it was most likely a burnt out fuse.

Principal and I hung up and just as I was putting my phone back into my purse, I happened to glance up and see an odd shape forming in the black clouds a short way away from where I was parked. It was moving suspiciously fast...and in a circular motion. Faster and faster it was spinning and so, I said a little prayer as I started up the car again (I really didn't feel like getting blown-up just then) and took off as quick as I could! Luckily, the path of the tornado was the opposite of the way I was driving. Nonetheless, I was quite relieved to get home without any other incident!

Life has Taken Off and I forgot my Parachute-UPDATED

2007-05-12T05:57:00.000-05:00

It is the month of May and that means that the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, along with my sanity! I ask your forgiveness in advance for spotty posting (it is inevitable) as we have 3 weeks left and so much to do!

Reminders:
1. Entertainment Night Practice for 3 classes (DONE - WOOHOO!)
2. Props and costumes for Entertainment Night (DONE - WOOHOO!)
3. Field trip forms out and returned for final 3 field trips
4. Supplies gathered for 2 Track Days (DONE - WOOHOO!)
5. Judge 2 Track Days
6. Prepare materials for Kindergarten Screening
7. Create and send out schedule for Kindergarten Screening (DONE - WOOHOO!)
8. Collect props and order decorations for Award's Night Play
9. Make 2 large pirate ships from boxes and paint (for Award's Night Play)
10. Pack and clean house
11. Take extra junk to the church for garage sale
12. Move from current townhouse into new duplex
13. Begin reading book for Summer class in MN
14. Change oil in car
15. Grocery shopping
16. Get diplomas ready for Preschool Graduation and Kindergarten Graduation (DONE - WOOHOO!)
17. Still find time to sleep and have fun...wow...it won't ever end!

Hope your month isn't as crazy as mine!!

They Have Joined Forces

2007-05-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

Who? My Grandmother and my Kindergarteners. I'm sure of it.

My students are very aware that I am from Wisconsin and that's where my parents live with most of my family, but very rarely do they inquire about anything else...until recently.

I'm not sure exactly what started it, but they have become fascinated with the fact that I am unmarried. To be honest, they were down-right shocked! "What? You're not married Miss Pliner?"

"No Sunshine, I'm not."

"How come?" chorused all three girls.

"Well, God knows what's best for us all and right now is not the right time for me to be married."

All three girls began to join in with the eligable men they thought would be good for me to marry. Ana pipes up, "You can marry my cousin Dan, he just turned 20. He's a grown-up now!"

Liney says, "No, not him. You can marry my Auntie's friend John. She says she's just friends with him and that's it!"

Sunshine spoke up quickly with, "Well, you can marry my brother's Daddy, JoeJoe. He's not gonna marry my Mom, so you can marry him and then you'd be part of my brother's family too. Then you won't have to go back to Wisconsin all the time cuz you'd have a family here too."

Wonderful. There ya go Grandma, you have 3 little ones itching to help you marry me off.

Another Write-Away Contest

2007-05-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

You may remember that once before, I had submitted an entry for this contest hosted by Michelle from Scribbit. Well, I am once again submitting something. Actually, 3 somethings. I've been posting about my Wyoming Trip, unaware that this month's contest is about vacations and travel. Maybe something will come from this trip after all (other than crabbiness for corn)!

So, if you have posts that would fit this category, go enter your's too!

The Great Road Trip of 2000--Conclusion

2007-05-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Let's recap quickly. At this point, I had been awake for roughly 35 hours. I had been through the middle of nowhere in extreme heat, the freakin' Corn Palace, being pulled over by a cop, a tornado, and all I've had to eat in the past 12 hours were some chips and caffeine. Needless to say, Kelli was not the best version of herself.

As we drove out of the hail-covered gas station and back onto the highway, you could hear a soft chanting of, "Ten more miles. We're almost there. Ten more miles. We're almost there." By this time in the trip, I was so overtired and hungry that everything had become funny. I turned to Eddie and said, "You know what would really top off this trip and truly make it the worst in my life?"

"What?"

"If we got to our hotel and didn't have a room." Now, I only said this because I knew we did have a room. I had called and confirmed it myself--credit card and all.

Eight miles later we see the sign of salvation; The National 9. We'd made it! Hallelujah! We were giddy with glee!

Eddie and I parked the car, leaving Smokey and Mickey there (we had told the hotel there were just the two of us in our room--hey, don't judge, we were poor)! We came into the lobby and I spoke with the receptionist there, explaining to her who we were and what had happened. The entire time I am doing this, she has a very puzzled and concerned look on her face. I finally stopped talking and asked her what was wrong.

"I'm sorry Ma'am but I've been the only one here since 2pm this afternoon and no one has called to confirm a hotel room. We don't even have any room available until tomorrow." (I hate being called "Ma'am.")

Speechless? Yeah, so were we--at least Eddie anyway. Remember Overtired Kelli? Yeah, she can go from everything funny, to everything pissy, in a heartbeat.

"You must be mistaken, I called the number given to me by your National hotline and confirmed our room. Look again."

Nothing.

"So you're telling me that we have no room here?"

"Yes Ma'am." (Grrrr.)

I could feel the heat and anger rise up into my face and shoot out my eyes. I turned to Eddie and said, "You talk. Her. I, Nae. Call. Go."

Eddie went and sorted things out with the receptionist lady, while I went to call and give my lovely roommate an ear full. If I had been myself at this point, I would've felt bad calling her parents' house at midnight, but I really didn't care. Not one bit. Luckily, Nae answered the phone.

"I'm NEVER coming to this Hole-of-a-state-Wyoming EVER again! Do you have ANY idea what this trip has been like--" (This version is probably a lot more polite than what I actually said, but being so tired and angry, I really don't remember much of it.)

After the venting, Nae said we could stay the night at her parents' house and they would feed us pizza.

Eddie returned explaining that sure enough, we did have a hotel room---in Casper Wyoming, an hour and a half away! He was, however, able to get us a room for the rest of the weekend.

Defeated and tired, we returned to the car, explained everything that had happened to the other two who had began to doze off in the backseat.

And for the final time, we climbed in the car, drove another 10 miles (or so) to Nae's parents' house.

The rest of the evening is very fuzzy. I vaguely remember going downstairs. I have no idea where I slept or on what...but I know that when I finally laid down to sleep--I smiled. Even though the trip had been (and still remains) the worst road trip I've ever taken, I was happy to be there for such a wonderful friend's wedding.

Now I've told you mine...what's your worst trip ever?

The Great Road Trip of 2000-Part Two

2007-05-02T06:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if you have ever driven through South Dakota, but everything after the Bad Lands and Mt. Rushmore, is just...empty. Not anything...anywhere. Dirt, grass, an occasional tree, but that's it. It was close to 4pm by now and we weren't even halfway to Wyoming yet. It was hot (90 plus degrees) and since we were poor college students, air conditioning was a luxury we couldn't afford.

On we trudged through the openness of South Dakota...until we saw lights behind us. Yep. That's right, the SDHP; South Dakota Highway Patrol. We quickly began to calculate our speed with our mile-markers and watches--we guessed somewhere around 80 (trying to make up for lost time). Up came the police officer, who asked Eddie to step out of the vehicle, while I called and confirmed our hotel room as there was no way we would make it there by 6pm (it was around 5pm and we still have another 7 hours to go).

Shortly, Eddie came back, ticket in hand, and we were left to continue our journey. On we drove, hoping to find a place to eat along the way. The closest thing we could find was the chip shelf at a gas station that had half of a paved lot and half of a gravel lot. The gravel lot matched the off ramp quite well (that was a little unsettling to drive on).

As we drove, we noticed that more and more motorcycles seemed to be around us. We just figured those South Dakota People took motorcycling seriously...then we realized what weekend it was...Sturgis Weekend. The big bike rally in Sturgis Wyoming. Great. Traffic in the middle of nowhere!

Things continued uneventfully for a while...that is, until we came close to Moorehead, Wyoming. By this time, it was very dark outside--around 10pm or maybe later, I can't remember as I had now been awake for over 30 hours. We were surfing the radio stations (we had been listening to Christian radio and Ag reports for far too long) when across the waves came a weather warning of a tornado, who's path seemed to be heading toward Moorehead, Wyoming. "All cyclists and vehicles should find shelter immediately." Wonderful. I was terrified! I had grown up in a large valley--I had never been in a tornado in my entire life!

We floored the pedal (not really caring about another ticket), trying to make it to an exit so we could hide in a gas station or something. It seemed everyone else thought the same thing. We pulled off to a gas station/Subway Restrauant combo and went inside. It was packed full of black leather and bandanas (the bikers had all gotten there first--they weren't riding in a '91 Tempo.

Eddie and Mickey were very keen to go outside and watch as the Tornado went by the building, Smokey was sweet enough to stay inside and keep me from freaking out. There is something to be said for the feeling you get when you watch a tornado turn and begin making its way toward you. Terrifying really doesn't cover it. That's what happened. The next thing I knew, Eddie and Mickey came running back in and pulled Smokey and I under a Subway booth. (Fitting the four of us under a booth is a feat of achievement in itself, as I and Smokey are both very tall people!) I remember watching the golfball-sized hail pound into the windows and the sound of 10 large trains rumbling all around us. Then it was gone.

We walked back outside, supporting each other as we made our way through the hail covered ground to check out the damage done to Eddie's car. It was covered with golfball-sized dents and both side mirrors were cracked. Not really caring about anything at this point, we once again, climbed back into the car to finish the last leg of our trip. Each of us were vowing and swearing that never again would we ever come to Wyoming. Ever. Unless it was on a plane.

Little did we know that it would be these last 10 miles that would be the worst of all.

*conclusion to come*

The Great Road Trip of 2000--Part One

2007-05-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

We are approaching the 7th anniversary of what is affectionately called, The Road Trip from Hell. A time in the lives of 4 individuals in which death seemed inevitable; especially when you have police pulling you over and tornadoes chasing you. I, of course, was one of these four individuals. The other three; we will give them the names of Mickey, Smokey, and Eddie.

This road trip was something that resulted from my college roommate, Nae, getting married. You see, she's from Wyoming. We went to college in Minnesota. Most people in our group of friends were from Wisconsin. A trip to Wyoming in the hottest month of the summer was not something we were very keen on, but well, friends often do things for each other whether they want to or not.

During that summer, I worked a night shift at the local window factory. I had wierd hours, like 6pm - 4am. Since Eddie was the only one of the 4 of us who owned his own car, he would be the one driving (even if we had to use the mile markers and the seconds hand on our watches to figure out the speed we were driving--the car's speedometer was broken!) So, at 6am, the blue Ford Tempo, pulled into the driveway and we were off! Ready to go! We knew it would be a long trip, but hey--this was all for Nae!

The first 7 or 8 hours of the trip were actually pleasant--at least, I don't remember any horrible things happening during them. However, a foreboding cloud of doom was approaching as Mitchell, South Dakota came into view. I had that gut feeling of unease. We had stopped to have lunch with another college friend of our's who would not be able to make it to the wedding. After the fine dining of Perkin's, Smokey, Mickey and I were ready to head out--but Eddie's eyes were drawn to the one thing that (most) every American who lives in the Midwest dreads--the Corn Palace. Since Eddie was driving, the rest of us didn't have much say in the matter...so off to the Palace of Corn we went. Needless to say, four hours (and many cheesy pictures) after arriving in Mitchell, we were leaving it.

I'm not having fun anymore

2007-04-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

I am quite a nostalgic person. I love going through things and reminiscing...only, I'm not very much loving that anymore. You may be wondering what could have happened to turn this Nostalgic-girl's heart to stone...well, I will tell you.

I'm moving.

Not far...about a mile east of where I currently reside. I'm actually quite excited about it, but let's just say that sifting through 5 years of accumulation (plus the acculmulation I came here with) is not a fun time.

I've only been doing this for about a week(ish) and I'm sick of it (truthfully, about 8 hours worth). I haven't even made it out of the basement yet...and there's two other floors full of rooms with closests and hiding places.

I'm so not having fun anymore.

So instead...a glass of Riesling anyone?

Snap, Crackle, Kiss!

2007-04-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

Each week, a student in class is responsible for bringing snacks for the week. Tuesday, Cherub's mom came in with a really fun snack idea! She had made Rice Krispie Treats, but instead of putting them in a pan like we all do, she had misted a funnel with cooking spray and filled it with the Rice Krispie treat mix. Then she removed the funnel and wrapped the mix into foil to make a Hershey's Kiss! Each child got their own Krispie Kiss! They loved it! Definitely an idea to keep in the files!

Ever Met Your Twin?

2007-04-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

There is the saying that everyone has a twin in the world; someone who resembles you quite distinctly. Well, I have met Stacie's. It is the mother of one of our students here at school. Yep, it is scary how similar they are. Hair for hair, eyes for eyes, face to face...even laugh to laugh! (If you know Stacie personally, you will know she has a very unique laugh that even when you are at the other end of the apartment/dorm hall, you would know it was her laughing!)

It is a little unsettling to know that there is another Stacie out there, (said with great love girl)! If you ever feel the need Stace, come on over to Michigan (hint, hint) and it will just be like looking in the mirror!

A Post Revisited

2007-04-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

I do this every once in a while. I've been blogging for almost 3 years now. That's a lot of posts! Sometimes, I enjoy going back and reading some of them and then "re-sharing" them with you. I found one of those posts today. It was a post I wrote about 8 months ago (so, not long at all), but it is one that is always near and dear to me. One that I will always repost. One I will always support.

You can either read the original here (A Visit with the Poppy Veterans) or continue below, where I have reposted the text. Read it again and take it to heart.

A Visit with the Poppy Veterans:

I thought of this poem today as I was driving out of the grocery store parking lot. You are probably wondering why as it is not exactly a happy-summer-morning poem. It is because I saw the Poppy Veterans at the grocery store today. You know how they stand outside with their little coffee can tin, taking donations and giving away poppy and forget-me-not flowers? Yep, I always get weepy when I see them out there doing it. Every time. It never fails. It always has and always will strike a cord with me because it reminds of someone who has played one of the largest roles in my life and yet spend a short amount of time in it...my Grandfather. He passed away when I as 5 years old (or was about to turn 5 I can't exactly remember). So when I see these Veterans out and about collecting for their comrades, I think of Grandpa because I know in my heart that if he was still alive, I know he'd be out there with a tin and poppy flowers too.

The man I saw today gave me a wavering smile, 2 poppies and about 6 "thank yous" before I drove away. I think it was because I said a thank you to him as I gave him a $5...I wish I could have put more in his tin, but it was all the cash I had at the moment. The man must have easily been in his 80s or early 90s. I hope that whenever you see them, you will not avoid their eyes and pretend they are not there, because these sweet men have done a lot for you. They don't always look for money in the tin you know...sometimes just a thank you and a smile can mean so much more.

Earning Desks

2007-04-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I am an active member of the Soldiers Angels Organization. Even after their return to the USA, many of my soldiers and I still keep in touch. It is a bond that is unique and special in its own right. The following story is one that I received from Eddie, my first SA soldier. I got the goosebumps and the tears, wishing that so many more would embrace this respect for our men and women protectors.

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of the classroom.

The kids came into first period and there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, "Ms. Cothren, where's our desk?" And she said,"You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."

They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."

"No," she said.

"Maybe it's our behavior."

And she told them, "No, it's not even your behavior."

And so they came and went in the first period, still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing, third period too. By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Ms. Cothren's class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom.

The last period of the day, Martha Cothren gathered her class. They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. And she says, "Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom," she said, "Now I'm going to tell you."

Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. And they placed those school desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall. And by the time they had finished placing those desks, those kids, most likely, for the first time in their lives, understood how they earned those desks.

Martha said, "You don't have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but it's up to you to sit here responsibly to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk, and don't ever forget it."

Sometimes, I think we forget that the freedoms that we have are freedoms not because of celebrities, or other famous people. We have these freedoms because of ordinary people who did extraordinary things; who loved this country more than life itself, and who not only earned a school desk for a kid at the Robinson High School in Little Rock, but who earned a seat for you and me to enjoy this great land we call home. This wonderful nation that we better love enough to protect and preserve with the kind of conservative, solid values and principles that made us a great nation.

"We live in the Land of the Free because of the brave."

Please remember our Troops!

Your Visual DNA

2007-04-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine told me about this and I tried it. It was spooky how close it was in it's descriptions!

When you link on -- a series of about 12 pictures will come up -- click on a photo in that category. Just continue to pick the pictures that appeal to you after reading the category.

At the end it will give you a profile of yourself...

A Taste of Childhood

2007-04-19T06:10:00.000-05:00

I came home from Wisconsin on Sunday. I was gone for a week. Needless to say, there is practically no food in my house and I've been way too busy to go shopping yet. By Tuesday night, I had gone through the few TV dinners I had in the freezer. So last night, when I opened my sparse fridge to look for something for supper, I found 3 things. Bread. Peanut Butter...and Jelly.
Yep, that be right--I had a PBJ for dinner last night. I can't remember the last time I had one. I think I was about 7 years old...and let me just say...it was really good.

Happy times!

Severe Vegetable Awareness Week

2007-04-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

"Miss Pliner, I just have to tell you that tomatoes are mean," stated one of my 3 year-old students, (I'll call her Cherub) as she colored.

Confused, I looked up from my own coloring page. "Tomatoes are what?"

"Tomatoes, you know! Those things that mess up your hair and make everything dirty! Remember?!"

I paused a moment, trying to think of what this kid is talking about, and then...CLICK! I started laughing. "Cherub, do you mean tornadoes?"

Cherub, with a very serious look on her face replied, "Well yeah! That's what I've been talking about. Remember, we had to hide in the bathroom and run over to the church after Mr. Principal said go?! Tomatoes! Tomatoes! Tomatoes are mean!"

With tears in my eyes and a stifling laugh in my throat, I just nodded my head in agreement.

Good to be Back!

2007-04-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

Sorry for just running away and not telling you. Things got a little crazy here with all of the holiday preparation that needed to be done! After spending a week back in Wisconsin with my family, I'm back in Michigan. Yesterday was very much an "adjustment" day. Waking up at 5:30AM was a little difficult after being able to sleep until 8 each morning! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter too!

Arnold of the Brown Suit

2007-04-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

At the ripe young age of 88 (ish--he could be older), Arnold is our congregation's oldest male member. He's full of kindness and is just a sweet guy...but don't let him fool you--he's also full of hell! A regular spitfire.

He has one good suit...his brown one. It's no Hugo-Boss or Armani. It has seen it's better days, and to some, it would appear "less than adequate" for church; but it is worn with pride and love for his service to God. Every Wednesday during the Advent and Lenten seasons, Arnold faithfully serves as Usher to both afternoon and evening services. He always greets with a smile and nudges your shoulder as if to say, "Hey kid, good to see ya."

It's always good to see you too, Arnold of the Brown Suit.

Easter Bunny--eat your heart out

2007-04-05T06:10:00.002-05:00

After my post yesterday, I did a little "exploratory" surfing for Turkish Delight recipes. I wanted to see just how different the recipes could be. I've found some recipes with pistascho nuts, some with hazelnuts (which intrigued me), some recipes were the traditional rose and lemon flavored.

Then I met Mrs. Brown.

Mrs. Brown is a sweet, little lady who owns a candy shop in East Sussex. Okay, really I have no clue if Mrs. Brown is this way or not. In fact, I am not even sure if Mrs. Brown is an actual person or just the name of the company. Either way, when I ran across the website of Mrs. Brown's Victorian Sweet Shop; it was as if I was a child all over again. You name the candy--it's there...even candies I have never even heard of!

Surfing through the pages of sugar and merriment, I came upon something that intrigued me enough to check and see if they ship to the U.S. Chocolate Covered Turkish Delight. Sounds yummy! I've heard mixed reviews from various people on Turkish Delight, but come on people...it's chocolate! I'm so very tempted to order--and try it. First I have to find out what 2.40 Euros transfers to in dollars...

Never. Ever. Again.

2007-04-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

As a teacher, I am always willing to try things at least once in my classroom. It's the best way to know what works for you and the class you currently are educating. This year's Kindergarten class, chose The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as their first Read Aloud novel. They loved it! They loved it even more when I told them that after we finished reading the book, we would make a traditional Turkish Delight. There are various different recipes, with various different flavorings, but we decided to go traditional. After all, it couldn't be that complex or hard to do...boy was I wrong.

Now, I have to admit, the TD was to die for. The girls even loved it (which surprised me)! The process however, was very, very long. I have brought the recipe to share with you (if you should ever wish to venture down this road of Delight), but I am convinced that out there is the "quick and easy" way to make it. I can honestly say, next time, I'm going to buy online and have it shipped to the school.

My challenge to you? Follow the recipe. Make it yourself--with your kids helping. Heehee.

Turkish Delight
Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 lemon, the peel cut into strips, the juice squeezed and strained
1 orange, the peel cut into strips, the juice squeezed and strained
4 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to make Turkish Delight:
1. Dissolve the granulated sugar in half of the water over medium heat.
2. Add the strips of lemon and orange peel and the juices.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Soak the gelatin in the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture into a shallow, dampened pan or onto platters, and let it set for 24 hours.
6. Cut the Turkish Delight candy into 1-inch squares.
7. Sift the confectioners's sugar and cornstarch together into a shallow dish.
8. Roll the pieces of Turkish Delight candy in the mixture.
9. Store the Turkish Delight squares in boxes with more confectioners' sugar and cornstarch between each layer.

Or you can visit the site I got the recipe from and view it yourself!

The Watchmaker

2007-04-03T06:23:00.000-05:00

All children; wait, all PEOPLE should see this.

Well, we WERE going to be on TV...

2007-04-03T05:54:00.000-05:00

Our kids were sooo excited! There were no qualms about being to school by 5:30 in the morning! Even I was a little excited about it (though, not so excited about getting up at 3AM and teaching all day)! Nevertheless, we were here. The LIVE coverage van with the reporter and camera man pulled in and the excitment grew--the time was getting closer! Then...the first shoe drops--lightening. Our first TV spot was cancelled because lightening was in the area and they couldn't raise the signal the required 30 feet in the air.

Flashforward 15 minutes and the camera man informs us that either the camera or the tape is broken, so we try to film it right to the van...guess what...it wasn't the tape that was broken. For some reason, the camera was rejecting everything! So, one hour after being at school (the entire time, the kids were jumping rope and playing), we had the sad duty of telling them that we would not be on TV. It was a big bummer...but on the plus side, we made it into the newspaper!

And they were all okay with that. After all, there's always next year, right?

Easter Chuckles

2007-03-28T06:26:00.001-05:00

A relative of mine sent these to me and I just had to share!

Blogger Blues

2007-03-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry. I've tried. I don't know what else to do. I come and visit, but...nothing. It has been a rut of a blogging streak. I seem to go through these every 4 months or so, where I just can't seem to come up with anything remotely interesting to write about. I am working on a post of an "event" that happened last Thursday...but it's just to nice outside to sit here at this computer a moment longer! So, instead, I will leave you with the adorableness of my nephew playing with his new puppy-buddy, Toby; while I leave and go enjoy the 78 degree sunshine! (Toby came just in time for LittleGuy's birthday!)

I have read...but have you?

2007-03-23T11:09:00.000-05:00

I'm still playing catch-up from yesterday's very very early morning (I promise I will tell you later) and so, I leave you today with the following, as I am going home to nurse a headache. Happy Weekending!

Instructions: In the list of books below:

-Bold the ones you’ve read
-Italicize the ones you want to read
-Mark in RED the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole (this is kind of drastic, but there are books I probably won't read)
-Put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf
-Mark an asterisk (*) beside the ones you’ve never heard of
-Seen the movie (#)

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. +Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. + # To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. + #Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. + #The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. + #The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. + #The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. + #Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. * Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. + #Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. *Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. + # Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. * A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. + # Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17.*Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. #+ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. + # The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. + #Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. *The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. #+The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. + # The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. #The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. *The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. *The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. *The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. + Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. # The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. # The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. + #The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. * The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. #+Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. # The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. *One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. #+ Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. #Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. #The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. #+ The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. + # Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. * Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. + # Emma (Jane Austen)
86. *Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. *Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. *Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. #The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. + #The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I'm too tired to post right now...UPDATED

2007-03-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

I've been up since 3AM folks...and working since oh, about 5AM. I've been "teaching" since 5:15AM. My brain hurts. So, instead, I leave you with this fun little quiz I took at lunch. Surprisingly, it was a very accurate result. I'm sure my parents (Hi parents) will nod their head and smile as they read this one.

You Are An INFJ

The Protector

You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity.
Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is.
You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience.
You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.

You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

What's Your Personality Type?

I took this one a few days after the one above. Oddly enough, they both fit quite well.

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

What's Your Personality Type?

Not sure how I feel about this one...

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you.
Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible.
While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks.
Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

This Wednesday's Cuteness

2007-03-21T06:18:00.000-05:00

Fairy-Girl came into school yesterday (I call her Fairy-Girl because she looks like she could be one) and announced, "I'm friggit!"

Me: "You're what?"

Fairy-Girl: "I'm friggit! You know, FREEZING! It's actually quite friggit out there!"

Sssshh! We're in Church!

2007-03-21T05:30:00.000-05:00

How many times have parents said this phrase to their children? I'm sure it is a countless number. Over the past few weeks, I've had this conversation with a few different parents at our church who feel guilty bringing their noisy children to church. Guilty?! Please don't feel guilty! This is often what I tell them. Children need to hear about their Savior too! For parents, I can't seem to stress the importance of this enough. Who cares if your child is misbehaving in church? They are sinners! Just like you and I. They need to be taught about church and what it is we do there, and why we do it. I am so sad when I don't see these young parents in church because of this very reason. Well, it's either that or else the commonplace thought of, "It's just easier not to go. We will go when he/she is old enough to learn." Oh please. Quit fooling yourself! If you aren't going now, then you more than likely, will not be going later.

I stumbled across this article today after school and believe me, I am asking this person for permission to pass out to my Preschool and Kindergarten parents! It is funny, well-written, and full of ideas to teach your child about church-going, without turning it into something terrible. Please, go and have a read. Use the information there and take your toddler to church. We all love to see them there!

Some More Potter Mania--Spoiler Warning

2007-03-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

With the upcoming release of the last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I've been contemplating things that Jo has hinted to readers. I've given my guesses on these things in the past, but I feel that I need to re-evaluate, and even change, some of these guesses. I found some interesting insights on Wikipedia about book 7. Some of these have caused me to change previous views. Wikipedia's information will be here in iltalics, while my responses etc will be in regular type. If you do not want to have any influence as to which way the book could be going, then I suggest you stop reading this post. I don't want to ruin for you!

There are indications that at least two of the main characters will die. In a June 2006 interview about the previously-written ending, Rowling stated that: "One character got a reprieve, but I have to say two die that I didn't intend to die...A price has to be paid. We are dealing with pure evil...They go for the main characters... well, I do".[36]

Okay, this is where the pessimistic Kelli comes out--I had thought inevitably, Ron and Hermione and/or Hargid (two of these three) would the ones to die...then I read the next few sentences and opted to change my mind:

Asked which five of her characters she would like to invite to dinner, she chose Harry, Hermione and Ron, but then hesitated before choosing her last characters, saying "See... I know who's actually dead", unsure whether she was permitted to invite those who are 'dead'. [28]

See, doesn't this sort of put Ron and Hermione in the "safe" category...Hagrid however...

At the Edinburgh book festival, Rowling mentioned that something more would be revealed about Petunia Dursley. Nothing of note occurred in book 6, so this remains to be discovered.[27] "..there is a little bit more to Aunt Petunia than meets the eye...She is not a squib, although that is a very good guess. Oh, I am giving a lot away here. I am being shockingly indiscreet." Rowling repeated this comment at the Radio City charity reading in August 2006.[28] She clarified by stating that Aunt Petunia will not perform magic.[29]

I have thought all along that Aunt Petunia was in fact, a witch herself, but that she hated that fact and so has never practiced magic and never will. The fact that Jo tells us she's NOT a squib, does make me lean a little more toward her being born a witch. However, I could very well be wrong...but how else would YOU explain it?

Oh! By the by...

2007-03-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

I forgot to tell you--I was so busy telling the other people in my life, that I forgot to mention it here--I have decided to return my Call to California and keep teaching here in Michigan! There are so many new things starting within the next year, it would really hinder progress if the Preschool/Kindergarten teacher was to move somewhere else. So, there ya have it. I'm staying. Thanks to all of you for your emails and comments! They did help a lot!

"There are reasons bears eat their young."

2007-03-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

That is a phrase Mr. Principal quotes often. Usually when he comes to school having gotten very little sleep the night before because one or all three children were up in the night.

Today, I would nod along with that.

We have a daycare in our school. There is a 98% of the time that I like it. Today is in the 2% of loathing it. There are very important reasons that I do not teach pubescent, pre-teen children.

Reason #1 the ATTITUDE. Oh. My. God. I can't tell you how much just a little attitude can set off the fuse of this teacher! (A wonderful trait inherited from my father.)

Reason #2 the LACK OF RESPECT to those in authority. Ggggrrrrrr...there is no growl big enough. I guess this one goes hand-in-hand with #1.

These two reasons were the reasons that I marched into the hallway after school and pulled two 12 year old boys into my classroom and put them to work. If you have energy to talk back to a Daycare Worker and to misbehave, then you have enough energy to clean. Oh yes. Manual labor is a great punishment. This is a lesson well learned in my youth. Currently these two young lads are busy at opposite ends of the room scrubbing walls, tables, chairs and floors. Yes, even floors.

And just so you know, the daycare rooms and the hallway have been very quiet ever since.

Side Effects? What side effects?

2007-03-14T06:23:00.000-05:00

No problem. That was my mantra at Friday night's lock-in. No problem. Staying up for 32 hours straight? No problem. Play basketball and volleyball at 3AM? No problem. Adjusting to Daylight Savings time being three weeks earlier? No problem!

It was amazing--I was not tired one bit...until I got in the car to drive home and the 2 TEENAGERS fell asleep in the backseat! Evil...mean...(I was jealous). We had a blast though; AND I must add this: I became cool.
Yep. That's right. I am not only cool to the young crowd, but now, also to the above-12-crowd. I am now officially the "Cool" teacher at our school. Why? Because of a little game called "Cranium." Haven't played it? Play it. Flaunt your ability to make an idiot of yourself and reap the rewards baby.

Short Story Posted

2007-03-13T14:39:00.000-05:00

If you hop on over to Fictional Musings, you will find a new short story I posted. I hope you enjoy it and get inspired to send in your own!

What Teachers Do at Conference

2007-03-13T06:26:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be fun to ask my preschoolers and kindergarteners what they think teachers do at their conferences. Here are some of their responses (so funny)!

I think that they will all sit around and be bored because Miss Pliner told us that grown-ups are boring and that's why she is a teacher cuz kids are fun and now she won't have any fun cuz she's gonna be around grown-ups all day long!

I think they will learn about Jesus and then practice teaching each other about dinosaurs. Miss Pliner would be good at that cuz she knows a LOT about dinosaurs!

I think that Pastor will teach them about Jesus and Miss Pliner will teach them about their alphafriends and Mr. Principal will teach them about soccer and Miss Teacher will teach them to sing pretty.

I wish I could go to teacher conference with Miss Pliner, but she said that it won't be fun for kids. I still want to go so I can keep her company and make her laugh when she is getting bored with all those grown ups!