The Crafty Conservative
For those of you that don't know, I teach Spanish two hours a day at a high school here in town. This high school is the best public high school in the state. We have lots of money and the students are WAY above average (university town). I feel I have to mention this because what I'm about to say has very little to do with my teaching skills. WE WON QUIZ BOWL!!!!
Last night, we competed against nine other schools in the area and I must say, we KILLED THEM! ha ha ha. It's really all about having a good time and not caring about who wins or loses. Yeah, right. I'm so competitive. I was so happy to win! I knew we would. Last year was this school's first year to compete. I was able to put together a few lower level teams for that competition but it was made up of only Spanish I students (they compete SpanI/II and then another level with Span III/IV). With a team of ONLY Spanish I students last year, we got 2nd place. So, this year, I was pretty sure we could win. AND WE DID! Can you tell I'm excited about it? Quiz Bowl day is my favorite day of the year. This year we doubled our number of teams (for all languages--Spanish, German, and French). Word got around about how much fun it was. Our school took home 4 out of 5 trophies. The one we "lost" was for the upper level Spanish and that was because we didn't have any upper level students that were able to compete. I used teams of Span II students in that level and they still got 2nd place! So, next year I'm anticipating a CLEAN SWEEP! Too bad I won't be there. My students assured me that they will email the results to me. They better.
So, just wanted to brag a little about my great students (they really are awesome).
We're going to Nebraska tomorrow to find a place to live and we won't be back until the 30th.
Another shameless plug: If you want any Pampered Chef, email me before Saturday with what you want. Remember: 10% off or free shipping (whichever is greater).
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
My Top 5 Stressers...and other reasons I may not be blogging regularly
The Crafty Conservative
1. We're moving in less than six weeks to Lincoln, Nebraska. We don't have a place to live yet and Sugar Daddy wants us to pack up the house ourselves, even though the university will pay for that.
2. Having a six week old baby in the house doesn't make it easy to pack. With just Frog it's hard enough. But combined, it's near impossible to have 2 adults available at any given time.
3. Our basement is flooded. It has loads of our stuff (already packed and some waiting to be...) down there. SD won't let me go down there. It stinks.
4. I'm behind on the laundry. It's in the basement. So, see #3.
5. I'm tired and I can't think of anything good to write about. The kids are the same (although Frog is taking his singing to a new level with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"...a song we're practicing for the choir). My life is the same. I'm working in the mornings. I come home. I work harder. I stress about all I have to do but can't because my hands are almost constantly full with one child or another. I think that's about it.
Wait! I thought of more.
5.1 I also have to get out my SP4 package. And my thank you notes (written already, thank goodness!). And the baby announcements (waiting on finding out our new address so I can include that). I hate the post office.
5.2 Our social worker is coming next week for a post-placement visit. It's necessary for the adoption to be finalized (May 24th). Our house is an absolute MESS!!!
5.3 We're flying out to Nebraska for 2 days next week. The whole family. All of us. Yep, all of us. We're going to try and find a place to live. Sound like fun? Oh, yeah. Going on a plane and living in a hotel for 2 days with a 2 year old and an infant. Lovely. But, once we find a place to live I think my stress level will go down.
5.4 I'm trying to get a Pampered Chef order together for this month. I'm closing it out April 30th. Shameless plug: If anyone wants to order anything, let me know by email (free shipping or 10% off...whichever is greater). I was going to quit after this month but I have one more show scheduled now in May. Oh yeah, I should probably start getting my act together for that one.
5.5 I'm teaching the lesson in church this Sunday for our women's group. I haven't read it yet. I couldn't even tell you the title.
Maybe now I'm done. I thought this might help getting all of the things I have to do in writing. But, now it's making me feel a little more overwhelmed. So, what the heck am I doing on the computer???? I better get to work!
1. We're moving in less than six weeks to Lincoln, Nebraska. We don't have a place to live yet and Sugar Daddy wants us to pack up the house ourselves, even though the university will pay for that.
2. Having a six week old baby in the house doesn't make it easy to pack. With just Frog it's hard enough. But combined, it's near impossible to have 2 adults available at any given time.
3. Our basement is flooded. It has loads of our stuff (already packed and some waiting to be...) down there. SD won't let me go down there. It stinks.
4. I'm behind on the laundry. It's in the basement. So, see #3.
5. I'm tired and I can't think of anything good to write about. The kids are the same (although Frog is taking his singing to a new level with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"...a song we're practicing for the choir). My life is the same. I'm working in the mornings. I come home. I work harder. I stress about all I have to do but can't because my hands are almost constantly full with one child or another. I think that's about it.
Wait! I thought of more.
5.1 I also have to get out my SP4 package. And my thank you notes (written already, thank goodness!). And the baby announcements (waiting on finding out our new address so I can include that). I hate the post office.
5.2 Our social worker is coming next week for a post-placement visit. It's necessary for the adoption to be finalized (May 24th). Our house is an absolute MESS!!!
5.3 We're flying out to Nebraska for 2 days next week. The whole family. All of us. Yep, all of us. We're going to try and find a place to live. Sound like fun? Oh, yeah. Going on a plane and living in a hotel for 2 days with a 2 year old and an infant. Lovely. But, once we find a place to live I think my stress level will go down.
5.4 I'm trying to get a Pampered Chef order together for this month. I'm closing it out April 30th. Shameless plug: If anyone wants to order anything, let me know by email (free shipping or 10% off...whichever is greater). I was going to quit after this month but I have one more show scheduled now in May. Oh yeah, I should probably start getting my act together for that one.
5.5 I'm teaching the lesson in church this Sunday for our women's group. I haven't read it yet. I couldn't even tell you the title.
Maybe now I'm done. I thought this might help getting all of the things I have to do in writing. But, now it's making me feel a little more overwhelmed. So, what the heck am I doing on the computer???? I better get to work!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
J-lo dream
The Crafty Conservative
I had a dream last night about my blog. So, of course, I have to share it! I was sitting on a couch knitting. I think I was at a store like Barnes & Noble. At any rate, it was a public place. On the other end of the couch were two girls...also knitting. It was a big couch. They were talking about my blog. Of course, I was listening (it was my dream, after all!) and I introduced myself. I said, "Hi. I'm Christy from the blog". Then I started giggling because it reminded me of the J-Lo song "Jenny from the Block". And of course, I started singing, "Don't be fooled by the sticks that I got, I'm still I'm still Christy from the blog". If this were real life, I don't think those girls would keep reading my blog. Especially since if it were real life I'd be just goofy enough to do this exact same thing. I'm glad it was just a dream!
I had a dream last night about my blog. So, of course, I have to share it! I was sitting on a couch knitting. I think I was at a store like Barnes & Noble. At any rate, it was a public place. On the other end of the couch were two girls...also knitting. It was a big couch. They were talking about my blog. Of course, I was listening (it was my dream, after all!) and I introduced myself. I said, "Hi. I'm Christy from the blog". Then I started giggling because it reminded me of the J-Lo song "Jenny from the Block". And of course, I started singing, "Don't be fooled by the sticks that I got, I'm still I'm still Christy from the blog". If this were real life, I don't think those girls would keep reading my blog. Especially since if it were real life I'd be just goofy enough to do this exact same thing. I'm glad it was just a dream!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Another Benefit?
The Crafty Conservative
I get the www.babycenter.com emails for my kids. They send them out every so often saying what should be going on with them and give tips and tricks. I usually skim through them and delete them. Today I got Big Apple's 5 week-old email (has it really been that long already???) and it mentioned that next week I should be able to start having sex again. I told Sugar Daddy and he got a kick out of it. So, is this really a benefit of adopting? Not having to wait? I'll let y'all be the judge.
I get the www.babycenter.com emails for my kids. They send them out every so often saying what should be going on with them and give tips and tricks. I usually skim through them and delete them. Today I got Big Apple's 5 week-old email (has it really been that long already???) and it mentioned that next week I should be able to start having sex again. I told Sugar Daddy and he got a kick out of it. So, is this really a benefit of adopting? Not having to wait? I'll let y'all be the judge.
Monday, April 18, 2005
You Spin Me Right Around Baby Right Around Like a Record Baby Right Around Round Round
The Crafty Conservative
I learned how to spin using a drop spindle last night. I would have taken pictures but I left my camera at school over the weekend (full of pictures that I needed so I could make an 8th grade cookbook...but I was too lazy to drag my butt back up there on a weekend). I'll bring the camera home today and hopefully tonight I can have a few moments to practice (definitely needed!!!) and take a few pics. I used the drop spindle that SD made for my birthday. It seems to work fine but he needs to do a little work on the hook end (just a little sawing action). I also got to try out a friend's spinning wheel. He did the spinning, I just did the drafting to try and get the feel for it. He let me have some of his roving, too. He's a vet student and has access to a lot of fleece. People just give it to him. So, I'm a lucky recipient of that, as well. He's also making a gift to us (courtesy of Big Apple) of some spun yarn, most likely alpaca. It's so I can knit it up myself into something for the baby. What an awesome gift for a knitter, don't you think? I don't know if I'll get totally hooked on spinning. It seems a little labor intensive when I'm most interested in the final product (a knitted garment). But, I'll reserve judgement. I mean, I only did it for about 30 minutes last night before Frog started threatening to destroy our friend's spinning wheel.
I learned how to spin using a drop spindle last night. I would have taken pictures but I left my camera at school over the weekend (full of pictures that I needed so I could make an 8th grade cookbook...but I was too lazy to drag my butt back up there on a weekend). I'll bring the camera home today and hopefully tonight I can have a few moments to practice (definitely needed!!!) and take a few pics. I used the drop spindle that SD made for my birthday. It seems to work fine but he needs to do a little work on the hook end (just a little sawing action). I also got to try out a friend's spinning wheel. He did the spinning, I just did the drafting to try and get the feel for it. He let me have some of his roving, too. He's a vet student and has access to a lot of fleece. People just give it to him. So, I'm a lucky recipient of that, as well. He's also making a gift to us (courtesy of Big Apple) of some spun yarn, most likely alpaca. It's so I can knit it up myself into something for the baby. What an awesome gift for a knitter, don't you think? I don't know if I'll get totally hooked on spinning. It seems a little labor intensive when I'm most interested in the final product (a knitted garment). But, I'll reserve judgement. I mean, I only did it for about 30 minutes last night before Frog started threatening to destroy our friend's spinning wheel.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dr. Sugar Daddy, I Presume
The Crafty Conservative
August 1994: I met an 18 year old Sugar Daddy as soon as he got to the University of Oklahoma. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans, and a hat. He seemed nice enough. He didn't remember meeting me that day.
September 1994: I asked SD out on a "date" to the OK State Fair. We were supposed to see Toby Keith but missed the concert because we were in the karaoke tent. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed nice enough. We didn't set another date.
October 1994: SD asked me out on a date. He didn't have a car so we walked to a free concert on campus. We went back to his house and hung out with his roommates. We made plans for the next night. I saw him the next night. He fixed me dinner. We stayed up all night talking (Kim was there, too). I saw him the next night. We had our first kiss. He stopped dating any other girls after that. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed more than nice enough.
May 1995: SD left to go back home and prepare for his 2 year mission to Paris, France. I went to see him in June. I met his parents and brothers (except Eric...I met him later). We were the only ones in the world that knew we were going to get married. I don't think anyone else thought it would happen. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, shorts, and a hat. We were in love.
January 1998: SD is home from his mission. I'm home from mine (18 months in Guadalajara, Mexico). He's got another girlfriend (long story, maybe later). I break them up. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, and jeans. Apparently, he got a new hairstyle on his mission and the hats are a thing of the past. I was mad at him and then back in love with him again.
February 1998: We get engaged. A couple of weeks later, his ex-girlfriend does as well. We make some calls. People don't understand. SD's parents say we're too young, not ready. My mom wants me to find a guy with a job and a car. I tell her he has potential. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses (courtesy of my friend, Brenda), and jeans. We're engaged!!!
August 1998: We get married in the Dallas Texas temple. He was skinny, wore a tuxedo, and looked mighty fine! No turning back now!
August 2000: We moved to Purdue. SD got his BS from OU that May and it was time for grad school. By this time, his parents are okay with me (I think) and my family now asks SD why he married a girl like me. He's the favorite. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses, and jeans. Still in love.
January 2003: We added a little Frog to the family. SD still working on his degrees. Still skinny, still wearing t-shirts, same glasses (not so nice anymore), and jeans. Did I mention that these are the very SAME jeans and t-shirts that he's had since 1994? It must be love.
March 2005: We added a Big Apple to the family. SD almost done with his degree. Interviewing like crazy. Still skinny, new glasses, and wearing his hand-knit "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. He must really love me.
April 14, 2005: Sugar Daddy, PhD. He defended his thesis today. He's done. School is over for him. It's the end of an era. We're really looking forward to the next chapters in our life. You can count on the fact that he will still be skinny, wearing glasses, t-shirts, and jeans. And don't forget, I'll be loving him oh so much!
August 1994: I met an 18 year old Sugar Daddy as soon as he got to the University of Oklahoma. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans, and a hat. He seemed nice enough. He didn't remember meeting me that day.
September 1994: I asked SD out on a "date" to the OK State Fair. We were supposed to see Toby Keith but missed the concert because we were in the karaoke tent. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed nice enough. We didn't set another date.
October 1994: SD asked me out on a date. He didn't have a car so we walked to a free concert on campus. We went back to his house and hung out with his roommates. We made plans for the next night. I saw him the next night. He fixed me dinner. We stayed up all night talking (Kim was there, too). I saw him the next night. We had our first kiss. He stopped dating any other girls after that. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed more than nice enough.
May 1995: SD left to go back home and prepare for his 2 year mission to Paris, France. I went to see him in June. I met his parents and brothers (except Eric...I met him later). We were the only ones in the world that knew we were going to get married. I don't think anyone else thought it would happen. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, shorts, and a hat. We were in love.
January 1998: SD is home from his mission. I'm home from mine (18 months in Guadalajara, Mexico). He's got another girlfriend (long story, maybe later). I break them up. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, and jeans. Apparently, he got a new hairstyle on his mission and the hats are a thing of the past. I was mad at him and then back in love with him again.
February 1998: We get engaged. A couple of weeks later, his ex-girlfriend does as well. We make some calls. People don't understand. SD's parents say we're too young, not ready. My mom wants me to find a guy with a job and a car. I tell her he has potential. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses (courtesy of my friend, Brenda), and jeans. We're engaged!!!
August 1998: We get married in the Dallas Texas temple. He was skinny, wore a tuxedo, and looked mighty fine! No turning back now!
August 2000: We moved to Purdue. SD got his BS from OU that May and it was time for grad school. By this time, his parents are okay with me (I think) and my family now asks SD why he married a girl like me. He's the favorite. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses, and jeans. Still in love.
January 2003: We added a little Frog to the family. SD still working on his degrees. Still skinny, still wearing t-shirts, same glasses (not so nice anymore), and jeans. Did I mention that these are the very SAME jeans and t-shirts that he's had since 1994? It must be love.
March 2005: We added a Big Apple to the family. SD almost done with his degree. Interviewing like crazy. Still skinny, new glasses, and wearing his hand-knit "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. He must really love me.
April 14, 2005: Sugar Daddy, PhD. He defended his thesis today. He's done. School is over for him. It's the end of an era. We're really looking forward to the next chapters in our life. You can count on the fact that he will still be skinny, wearing glasses, t-shirts, and jeans. And don't forget, I'll be loving him oh so much!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Things to look forward to...
The Crafty Conservative
1. Pictures of Clapotis, the ever elusive yarn guzzling FO #10.
2. Pictures of me and Tiffany at age 15. I'm trying to work on a little "I'm 30 now" retrospective.
3. An explanation of the word "WO", how it came into existence, and how very few people were ever a part of this exclusive "club".
4. Pictures of my birthday presents from Sugar Daddy (homemade ball winder and drop spindle).
5. The announcement of where we will live after June 1st. I still don't know this one but I can let everyone know that we got a job offer at Nebraska. It's a super good offer that I don't think any other school can beat. But, SD won't commit yet. He has until the 18th to decide. So, until further notice, we're waiting for divine confirmation.
Something you don't have to wait for: My birthday update! It's been a pretty darn good day. My mom sang happy birthday to me over the phone this morning (a tradition!). She's newly married so I got a little harmony this year. Not bad!
My students were really good. My Spanish II brought all sorts of goodies including cupcakes and ice cream. I even had candles (a 3-0 pair). After school, I went to the mall to use some great Lane Bryant coupons ($15 off a $15 purchase). Nothing is $15 so I had to spend a little $, but it's my birthday!!! I got 2 t-shirts (lime green, pink/yellow/white stripey) and a green button down 3/4 sleeve shirt. I tried on about 6 pairs of pants but all were too long! Even the petites. That's sick.
I got home around noon and SD let me take a little nap. Then, he finished up the taxes while I played with the kiddos. I "opened" my present from him (he just brought it out of the computer room) and played with my homemade ball winder. We ordered the pizza and then he had to go to school for a bit. When he came home, both kids were sleeping and it was time to go to the movie. We decided to skip the movie (I hate waking sleeping kids!) and just go mini golfing later. My premonition came true. I did not have the energy after my illness to pull out the victory today. In fact, I was crushed. I only got 1 hole in one (pitiful for me!) and SD got 5 (he usually only gets 1 or 2). Oh well, I will be humble in my defeat. hee hee.
After mini golf we took advantage of the babysitter and went to the store to buy baby wipes, 10 boxes of Veggie Tales fruit snacks (the ONLY kind Frog will eat even though the others are made by the exact same company in the exact same flavors...Snoopy, Sharks, or Dinosaurs just won't do for him. They have to be Veggie Tales!), and stuff for smoothies. We didn't get around to making smoothies tonight before the kids went to bed. So, we don't want to tempt fate now by making them. Maybe tomorrow. I'll have to appease myself w/ leftover pizza and grape kool-aid.
What did you do today?
1. Pictures of Clapotis, the ever elusive yarn guzzling FO #10.
2. Pictures of me and Tiffany at age 15. I'm trying to work on a little "I'm 30 now" retrospective.
3. An explanation of the word "WO", how it came into existence, and how very few people were ever a part of this exclusive "club".
4. Pictures of my birthday presents from Sugar Daddy (homemade ball winder and drop spindle).
5. The announcement of where we will live after June 1st. I still don't know this one but I can let everyone know that we got a job offer at Nebraska. It's a super good offer that I don't think any other school can beat. But, SD won't commit yet. He has until the 18th to decide. So, until further notice, we're waiting for divine confirmation.
Something you don't have to wait for: My birthday update! It's been a pretty darn good day. My mom sang happy birthday to me over the phone this morning (a tradition!). She's newly married so I got a little harmony this year. Not bad!
My students were really good. My Spanish II brought all sorts of goodies including cupcakes and ice cream. I even had candles (a 3-0 pair). After school, I went to the mall to use some great Lane Bryant coupons ($15 off a $15 purchase). Nothing is $15 so I had to spend a little $, but it's my birthday!!! I got 2 t-shirts (lime green, pink/yellow/white stripey) and a green button down 3/4 sleeve shirt. I tried on about 6 pairs of pants but all were too long! Even the petites. That's sick.
I got home around noon and SD let me take a little nap. Then, he finished up the taxes while I played with the kiddos. I "opened" my present from him (he just brought it out of the computer room) and played with my homemade ball winder. We ordered the pizza and then he had to go to school for a bit. When he came home, both kids were sleeping and it was time to go to the movie. We decided to skip the movie (I hate waking sleeping kids!) and just go mini golfing later. My premonition came true. I did not have the energy after my illness to pull out the victory today. In fact, I was crushed. I only got 1 hole in one (pitiful for me!) and SD got 5 (he usually only gets 1 or 2). Oh well, I will be humble in my defeat. hee hee.
After mini golf we took advantage of the babysitter and went to the store to buy baby wipes, 10 boxes of Veggie Tales fruit snacks (the ONLY kind Frog will eat even though the others are made by the exact same company in the exact same flavors...Snoopy, Sharks, or Dinosaurs just won't do for him. They have to be Veggie Tales!), and stuff for smoothies. We didn't get around to making smoothies tonight before the kids went to bed. So, we don't want to tempt fate now by making them. Maybe tomorrow. I'll have to appease myself w/ leftover pizza and grape kool-aid.
What did you do today?
Sunday, April 10, 2005
It's Contagious
The Crafty Conservative
I bit the bullet and went to urgent care yesterday. It was getting to the point where I hadn't been able to swallow without immense pain and I was starting to get really hungry. I can only live on freezer pops for so long... It's just a sinus infection gone bad. It hadn't turned into an ear infection (though my ear was starting to hurt, as well). I was prescribed pain medication (for my throat) and antibiotics (for the infection). I didn't fill the pain medication since it would make me drowsy. It's kind of hard to be drowsy when you're taking care of two kids. So, I bought some Chloraseptic to help with the pain and I've been taking over the counter pain reliever. Late yesterday afternoon I was able to eat a tamale and later that night I ate a hot dog. Yum yum yum. I skipped church today since I haven't been on the antibiotics long enough for me to stop being contagious. But, I will be going to school tomorrow. By then, I should be okay.
About tomorrow...I've changed my mind about what I want to do for my birthday. I've decided that we'll get the fabulous Monday special from Mad Mushroom Pizza (large cheese pizza for $3.99) to eat at home with the kiddos. Then, we can drop them off at the sitters while we go to a movie. I wanted to see Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore but not bad enough to pay movie theater money for it. That is, until I was up in the middle of the night last night and watched Ebert and Roper. They gave it 2 enthusiastic thumbs up. I don't usually care about what they think b/c the kinds of movies I like aren't usually the ones that they think are good. But, to hear them talking about this movie, it made me really want to see it. I hope I'm not too disappointed. Plus, I'm still a little weak after the illness and I don't want that to have to be a reason for losing to SD at mini golf!
I bit the bullet and went to urgent care yesterday. It was getting to the point where I hadn't been able to swallow without immense pain and I was starting to get really hungry. I can only live on freezer pops for so long... It's just a sinus infection gone bad. It hadn't turned into an ear infection (though my ear was starting to hurt, as well). I was prescribed pain medication (for my throat) and antibiotics (for the infection). I didn't fill the pain medication since it would make me drowsy. It's kind of hard to be drowsy when you're taking care of two kids. So, I bought some Chloraseptic to help with the pain and I've been taking over the counter pain reliever. Late yesterday afternoon I was able to eat a tamale and later that night I ate a hot dog. Yum yum yum. I skipped church today since I haven't been on the antibiotics long enough for me to stop being contagious. But, I will be going to school tomorrow. By then, I should be okay.
About tomorrow...I've changed my mind about what I want to do for my birthday. I've decided that we'll get the fabulous Monday special from Mad Mushroom Pizza (large cheese pizza for $3.99) to eat at home with the kiddos. Then, we can drop them off at the sitters while we go to a movie. I wanted to see Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore but not bad enough to pay movie theater money for it. That is, until I was up in the middle of the night last night and watched Ebert and Roper. They gave it 2 enthusiastic thumbs up. I don't usually care about what they think b/c the kinds of movies I like aren't usually the ones that they think are good. But, to hear them talking about this movie, it made me really want to see it. I hope I'm not too disappointed. Plus, I'm still a little weak after the illness and I don't want that to have to be a reason for losing to SD at mini golf!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Update
The Crafty Conservative
I'm still sick sick sick. But, I'm starting to get a little more energy back. The food my students made looked really good. But, I couldn't swallow anything! I did have some Potato, Garlic and Chipotle soup. It was a cream soup so I could just drink it. That student gets and A+! The rest of my students were so sweet to me! They made sure I was comfortable during class and most of them wrapped up little samples for me to take home. I'm still not up for "solid" food but Sugar Daddy sure did like the empanadas and the tamales. I think he's saving me one of those.
Monday is my 30th birthday. OH NO!!! SD got a babysitter and we're going to go out to eat (El Rodeo) and then I'm going to beat him at mini golf. My Spanish II students have a party planned for me. We can't break a piñata by hanging it from the ceiling (we could do some major damage) so we are planning on bludgeoning it to pieces. I sure hope I feel up for that! Sounds like a promising day.
The whole family went on an outing this evening. We drove down to the Fleece Fair. It was really interesting. I've been toying with the idea of taking up spinning and some basic supplies are on my birthday wish list. SD wanted to go down and check it out, as well. I will admit that I was way out of my league. I don't know ANYTHING about spinning...except that it looks really fun and I KNOW I would enjoy the final product. Frog liked all the animals that were there. Oh, who am I kidding. He didn't really care about anything except the tops he found today (I hid them about a year ago). Those tops didn't leave his hands until after when we made a little stop at McD's for some chicken mcnuggets. Big Apple was just happy drinking her formula (Similac makes her poopy diapers smell 10 times worse than Enfamil!) and being admired by everyone. "Look at all that HAIR!". Yeah, I know. To be honest, though, it is pretty amazing hair. She's a doll!
That trip was a little too much for my fragile state of being. I slept all the way home and have now drugged myself up sufficiently that I don't think that I will be able to keep my eyes open for another 20 minutes. I'll leave y'all with that. Happy knitting!
I'm still sick sick sick. But, I'm starting to get a little more energy back. The food my students made looked really good. But, I couldn't swallow anything! I did have some Potato, Garlic and Chipotle soup. It was a cream soup so I could just drink it. That student gets and A+! The rest of my students were so sweet to me! They made sure I was comfortable during class and most of them wrapped up little samples for me to take home. I'm still not up for "solid" food but Sugar Daddy sure did like the empanadas and the tamales. I think he's saving me one of those.
Monday is my 30th birthday. OH NO!!! SD got a babysitter and we're going to go out to eat (El Rodeo) and then I'm going to beat him at mini golf. My Spanish II students have a party planned for me. We can't break a piñata by hanging it from the ceiling (we could do some major damage) so we are planning on bludgeoning it to pieces. I sure hope I feel up for that! Sounds like a promising day.
The whole family went on an outing this evening. We drove down to the Fleece Fair. It was really interesting. I've been toying with the idea of taking up spinning and some basic supplies are on my birthday wish list. SD wanted to go down and check it out, as well. I will admit that I was way out of my league. I don't know ANYTHING about spinning...except that it looks really fun and I KNOW I would enjoy the final product. Frog liked all the animals that were there. Oh, who am I kidding. He didn't really care about anything except the tops he found today (I hid them about a year ago). Those tops didn't leave his hands until after when we made a little stop at McD's for some chicken mcnuggets. Big Apple was just happy drinking her formula (Similac makes her poopy diapers smell 10 times worse than Enfamil!) and being admired by everyone. "Look at all that HAIR!". Yeah, I know. To be honest, though, it is pretty amazing hair. She's a doll!
That trip was a little too much for my fragile state of being. I slept all the way home and have now drugged myself up sufficiently that I don't think that I will be able to keep my eyes open for another 20 minutes. I'll leave y'all with that. Happy knitting!
Sick sick sick
The Crafty Conservative
I'm sick. I can't breathe. I can't swallow. I can type. But, I don't feel like it much. I have a crick in my neck. I'm in a bad way. There's no way I can miss school this morning. My 8th graders are bringing in their food projects. This stinks.
I'm sick. I can't breathe. I can't swallow. I can type. But, I don't feel like it much. I have a crick in my neck. I'm in a bad way. There's no way I can miss school this morning. My 8th graders are bringing in their food projects. This stinks.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Still Here
The Crafty Conservative
I'm still around. I haven't been posting much because I was working on a post about an article I read on some US Catholics. I don't think I'm going to put it on my blog. It was just nice to write it. Let me just say this: I'm not a Catholic. I think the Pope is an important world leader. I think the US Catholics that want a Pope that is pro-choice and gay marriage are missing the boat. The Chicago Cardinal said it best on the Today show (when Katie Couric asked him about this possibility). He said that there is no way it could happen because no college of Cardinals is going to elect a heretic to be the Pope. Maybe those "catholics" should join a church that takes a more liberal stand on those issues.
Knitting news: I finally finished Clapotis. yeah. *yawn* I'll post some pics when I get a little more time to post. Right now my Frog is pounding on the gate trying to get in here. Big Apple (the little angel) is sound asleep.
I'm still around. I haven't been posting much because I was working on a post about an article I read on some US Catholics. I don't think I'm going to put it on my blog. It was just nice to write it. Let me just say this: I'm not a Catholic. I think the Pope is an important world leader. I think the US Catholics that want a Pope that is pro-choice and gay marriage are missing the boat. The Chicago Cardinal said it best on the Today show (when Katie Couric asked him about this possibility). He said that there is no way it could happen because no college of Cardinals is going to elect a heretic to be the Pope. Maybe those "catholics" should join a church that takes a more liberal stand on those issues.
Knitting news: I finally finished Clapotis. yeah. *yawn* I'll post some pics when I get a little more time to post. Right now my Frog is pounding on the gate trying to get in here. Big Apple (the little angel) is sound asleep.
Friday, April 01, 2005
WIP's
The Crafty Conservative
This post is going to be pure knititng content. So, if you don't care about knitting (Eric), don't bother reading.
I'm SO CLOSE to finishing the Clapotis. I'm really starting to resent this project. I had to go and buy one more skein of yarn for probably no more than 2 yards. I imagine that I'll finish it tonight if the kids cooperate. So, probably tomorrow.
I cast on for one of the Harry Potter Gryffindor scarves. I'm using Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red and Mango. I really like this yarn. Yep, it's 100% acrylic. But, I really, really like it.
The service we worked with to match us with a birthmother for Big Apple is wanting to send a little gift to the babies that are born and placed through their business. We got our fee donated to us so I feel really strongly about helping them out with this. I'm going to work up a couple teddy bears from a Debbie Bliss pattern and see how they look. If they're quick and easy enough, I'll be making a boatload so they can present them to the adoptive families after placement. Otherwise, I'll probaby make hats and/or booties.
The family that donated our adoption fee has been so good to us! They loaned us a whole big tub of baby clothes for Big Apple. They've given us tons of size 6 diapers (leftovers of theirs) for Frog. They are just great friends. There's really no way to repay their kindness. So, I'm just going to knit for them! The mom chose a couple of patterns for her two kids (a boy and girl...just like us!) and I went to buy the yarn today. She chose a cardigan for her boy (beige cotton w/ scottie dogs and argyle along the bottom), and an a-line jacket w/ embroidered flowers for her girl. Both will get a beret to match (their dad is the French teacher). I want to get these done before we leave Lafayette so they'll probably move to the front of the pack pretty soon.
I'm still plugging away on some of the gifts I'm knitting for Christmas. Okay...I'm thinking about it, at least. I've got a couple of hats I need to do for the CA boys, a couple of sweater for my OK boys, and some socks for my UT boys.
I guess that's it from here!
This post is going to be pure knititng content. So, if you don't care about knitting (Eric), don't bother reading.
I'm SO CLOSE to finishing the Clapotis. I'm really starting to resent this project. I had to go and buy one more skein of yarn for probably no more than 2 yards. I imagine that I'll finish it tonight if the kids cooperate. So, probably tomorrow.
I cast on for one of the Harry Potter Gryffindor scarves. I'm using Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red and Mango. I really like this yarn. Yep, it's 100% acrylic. But, I really, really like it.
The service we worked with to match us with a birthmother for Big Apple is wanting to send a little gift to the babies that are born and placed through their business. We got our fee donated to us so I feel really strongly about helping them out with this. I'm going to work up a couple teddy bears from a Debbie Bliss pattern and see how they look. If they're quick and easy enough, I'll be making a boatload so they can present them to the adoptive families after placement. Otherwise, I'll probaby make hats and/or booties.
The family that donated our adoption fee has been so good to us! They loaned us a whole big tub of baby clothes for Big Apple. They've given us tons of size 6 diapers (leftovers of theirs) for Frog. They are just great friends. There's really no way to repay their kindness. So, I'm just going to knit for them! The mom chose a couple of patterns for her two kids (a boy and girl...just like us!) and I went to buy the yarn today. She chose a cardigan for her boy (beige cotton w/ scottie dogs and argyle along the bottom), and an a-line jacket w/ embroidered flowers for her girl. Both will get a beret to match (their dad is the French teacher). I want to get these done before we leave Lafayette so they'll probably move to the front of the pack pretty soon.
I'm still plugging away on some of the gifts I'm knitting for Christmas. Okay...I'm thinking about it, at least. I've got a couple of hats I need to do for the CA boys, a couple of sweater for my OK boys, and some socks for my UT boys.
I guess that's it from here!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Ranting Lunatic
The Crafty Conservative
Blogger has been making me super mad this week! I've written three posts just to have them be lost forever because Blogger times out. Stupid blogger.
But, my main rant is about stupid things people say about adoption. I think that our having a multi-racial family makes people feel more justified in making comments to us (not just mean comments, but ones that they think are nice or productive...they're not!).
1. We did not adopt out of the goodness of our hearts to take in the "poor, unwanted" children. We did it because we wanted a family and the more traditional way to have a family just wasn't working out for us.
2. We know you don't understand how those young girls could just "give away" their children. You will never understand. It takes a special kind of person to be a birthmother. One that is self-less. One that is thinking about the well-being of her child above her own. I hope that the people that make these comments never have to be in the position to actually make this kind of decision.
3. To go through the adoption process, you want to really have kids. So, this next comment is probably the most absurd and the worst of its kind. "Well, now you're just going to get pregnant", "My third cousin's sister in-law's babysitter adopted and then found out the next month she was pregnant", etc... Now, really. What purpose do these comments serve? How am I supposed to respond to that? "Oh no! I better not adopt this child since I could get pregnant now that I've started the process since EVERYONE else gets pregnant after adopting. I wouldn't want MORE kids!" "So, you're saying that even after having unprotected sex for 6 1/2 years and using major fertility medication for at least one of those years isn't what is going to get me pregnant? It's adopting? Why didn't we do this years ago?" So, please, I'm begging you. Even if you really do know someone that got pregnant after adopting, we don't care.
4. "Where did they come from?" Okay, this one isn't too bad. I know you're curious. Heck, maybe you're thinking about adopting and just want some information. But, when my kids get older and can understand, quit asking in front of them! I don't go up to you and ask the details of how you got your children. "So, which position did you use to conceive?" "Was this one an accident?" "She doesn't look anything like your husband, did you sleep around, or something?" I think I've made my point.
5. I don't have any more, but I needed a number 5. I can't help it. I do want to mention this...I don't mind at all speaking about our adoption journey. I just don't share things I don't want to. These are just things that I've been noticing again now that we've got our Big Apple. As long as I've saved one potential adoptive family the horror of hearing comment #3, this post has served its purpose.
Blogger has been making me super mad this week! I've written three posts just to have them be lost forever because Blogger times out. Stupid blogger.
But, my main rant is about stupid things people say about adoption. I think that our having a multi-racial family makes people feel more justified in making comments to us (not just mean comments, but ones that they think are nice or productive...they're not!).
1. We did not adopt out of the goodness of our hearts to take in the "poor, unwanted" children. We did it because we wanted a family and the more traditional way to have a family just wasn't working out for us.
2. We know you don't understand how those young girls could just "give away" their children. You will never understand. It takes a special kind of person to be a birthmother. One that is self-less. One that is thinking about the well-being of her child above her own. I hope that the people that make these comments never have to be in the position to actually make this kind of decision.
3. To go through the adoption process, you want to really have kids. So, this next comment is probably the most absurd and the worst of its kind. "Well, now you're just going to get pregnant", "My third cousin's sister in-law's babysitter adopted and then found out the next month she was pregnant", etc... Now, really. What purpose do these comments serve? How am I supposed to respond to that? "Oh no! I better not adopt this child since I could get pregnant now that I've started the process since EVERYONE else gets pregnant after adopting. I wouldn't want MORE kids!" "So, you're saying that even after having unprotected sex for 6 1/2 years and using major fertility medication for at least one of those years isn't what is going to get me pregnant? It's adopting? Why didn't we do this years ago?" So, please, I'm begging you. Even if you really do know someone that got pregnant after adopting, we don't care.
4. "Where did they come from?" Okay, this one isn't too bad. I know you're curious. Heck, maybe you're thinking about adopting and just want some information. But, when my kids get older and can understand, quit asking in front of them! I don't go up to you and ask the details of how you got your children. "So, which position did you use to conceive?" "Was this one an accident?" "She doesn't look anything like your husband, did you sleep around, or something?" I think I've made my point.
5. I don't have any more, but I needed a number 5. I can't help it. I do want to mention this...I don't mind at all speaking about our adoption journey. I just don't share things I don't want to. These are just things that I've been noticing again now that we've got our Big Apple. As long as I've saved one potential adoptive family the horror of hearing comment #3, this post has served its purpose.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Down Time
The Crafty Conservative
I had absolutely NO down time yesterday! It was go go go all day. Big Apple was a little fussy (we are blaming gas and promptly bought some gas drops) and Frog was resisting all nappage. He did finally go down at 5pm. At 5:03pm I got out my knitting, desperate to work a little on it. It is SO relaxing! At 5:03 and 20 seconds, Big Apple started squawking. By the time she went back to sleep, Frog was up and at 'em. Sugar Daddy is busy with his thesis (he has to give it to his professor for final review on Thursday) so he came home long enough to eat and give me about a 20 minute break. He left again and I was alone w/ the kids until 10pm. We all got to bed pretty soon after that and I did have a good night's sleep. So, I can't complain too much. But, it was definitely a busy day.
Once SD gets his thesis in, he's not going to have a lot to do. This makes me SUPER happy. There's even talk of having a visit from his brother this weekend. It's always good having another set of hands around...plus it's fun to have him (you can visit anytime, Eric!). I'm confident that I'll be able to finish Clapotis by the end of the weekend. Wahoo!
I also just found out that I don't have school April 7th or April 15th. One is for an inservice. The other is for a snow make-up day that we didn't have to take this year. Having been both a teacher and a student, I am confident in saying that teachers look forward to the days off more than the students do.
I had absolutely NO down time yesterday! It was go go go all day. Big Apple was a little fussy (we are blaming gas and promptly bought some gas drops) and Frog was resisting all nappage. He did finally go down at 5pm. At 5:03pm I got out my knitting, desperate to work a little on it. It is SO relaxing! At 5:03 and 20 seconds, Big Apple started squawking. By the time she went back to sleep, Frog was up and at 'em. Sugar Daddy is busy with his thesis (he has to give it to his professor for final review on Thursday) so he came home long enough to eat and give me about a 20 minute break. He left again and I was alone w/ the kids until 10pm. We all got to bed pretty soon after that and I did have a good night's sleep. So, I can't complain too much. But, it was definitely a busy day.
Once SD gets his thesis in, he's not going to have a lot to do. This makes me SUPER happy. There's even talk of having a visit from his brother this weekend. It's always good having another set of hands around...plus it's fun to have him (you can visit anytime, Eric!). I'm confident that I'll be able to finish Clapotis by the end of the weekend. Wahoo!
I also just found out that I don't have school April 7th or April 15th. One is for an inservice. The other is for a snow make-up day that we didn't have to take this year. Having been both a teacher and a student, I am confident in saying that teachers look forward to the days off more than the students do.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter
The Crafty Conservative
Earlier this morning I wrote a post with this same title. It was a heartfelt, sincere post about how much I love Easter and what it stands for. Then, my computer timed out while it was uploading. So...no more post. Frankly, I don't have the time right now (or the desire) to recreate that lovely, sure to be destined a classic, post (ha ha).
So, I'll leave you with a picture of my lovely Big Apple dressed up to go to a church activity earlier this week. It was a production of "Women at the Well". A lot of my friends participated in it. It was truly inspiring.
Earlier this morning I wrote a post with this same title. It was a heartfelt, sincere post about how much I love Easter and what it stands for. Then, my computer timed out while it was uploading. So...no more post. Frankly, I don't have the time right now (or the desire) to recreate that lovely, sure to be destined a classic, post (ha ha).
So, I'll leave you with a picture of my lovely Big Apple dressed up to go to a church activity earlier this week. It was a production of "Women at the Well". A lot of my friends participated in it. It was truly inspiring.
Friday, March 25, 2005
All My Children
Frog is starting to really take to his "esther" (translation: sister). Big Apple deals with multiple hugs and slobbery kisses like a champ. I love All My Children.
Really, I love All My Children. My grandpa (yes, grandPA) used to watch AMC (yes, the soap opera on ABC) everyday. You see, he trains race horses (so does my dad), and he would come in the house after the morning feeding, eat lunch, drink a 7up, and watch AMC. I was usually right there with him. I grew up with Tad and Erica and Adam. I took a break when I was in school but once I got into college, I picked it back up again. It only takes about a week to get caught up. Soaps are amazing like that. I took 18 months off for my mission to Mexico and then off and on between then and now. But, I usually try and catch it at least once or twice a week. Any more than that is just too slow and drawn out for me. Really, how long can it take for someone to finally come around and tell the truth or get out of the hospital? They just killed off a character a couple of weeks ago. Edmund's dead. I think he's really dead. But, in a couple of years, he'll probably come back miraculously (even though they actually have his dead body...unlike most other soap "deaths").
I can't believe I just wrote a post about a soap opera. If I hadn't banned myself from my Sims game, you'd probably be reading about how Oprah Winfrey keeps coming over to my house uninvited and Neil Diamond is desperately trying to woo Britney Spears.
Knitting news: I'm decreasing on my Clapotis. As soon as it's done I'm casting on for a Hogwarts scarf. Still plugging away on the socks (if that means thinking about them but not actually taking them out of the knitting bag).
Really, I love All My Children. My grandpa (yes, grandPA) used to watch AMC (yes, the soap opera on ABC) everyday. You see, he trains race horses (so does my dad), and he would come in the house after the morning feeding, eat lunch, drink a 7up, and watch AMC. I was usually right there with him. I grew up with Tad and Erica and Adam. I took a break when I was in school but once I got into college, I picked it back up again. It only takes about a week to get caught up. Soaps are amazing like that. I took 18 months off for my mission to Mexico and then off and on between then and now. But, I usually try and catch it at least once or twice a week. Any more than that is just too slow and drawn out for me. Really, how long can it take for someone to finally come around and tell the truth or get out of the hospital? They just killed off a character a couple of weeks ago. Edmund's dead. I think he's really dead. But, in a couple of years, he'll probably come back miraculously (even though they actually have his dead body...unlike most other soap "deaths").
I can't believe I just wrote a post about a soap opera. If I hadn't banned myself from my Sims game, you'd probably be reading about how Oprah Winfrey keeps coming over to my house uninvited and Neil Diamond is desperately trying to woo Britney Spears.
Knitting news: I'm decreasing on my Clapotis. As soon as it's done I'm casting on for a Hogwarts scarf. Still plugging away on the socks (if that means thinking about them but not actually taking them out of the knitting bag).
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Interview Updates
The Crafty Conservative
Sugar Daddy is back from his last scheduled on-site interview. There are a couple of other universities that may try and send him out later next month but as of right now, he's done. Judging from his reactions after each interview it looks like we may be on our way to living in Lincoln, NE.
"Lincoln, Nebraska, has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses, and trails; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place." courtesy of www.lincoln.org
I especially like the link "Where is Lincoln?". Exactly. Where the heck is Lincoln? In the middle of NOWHERE!!! But, you know what? I think I'll really like it there. I'm such a sucker for fine culinary and artistic treasures.
Sugar Daddy is back from his last scheduled on-site interview. There are a couple of other universities that may try and send him out later next month but as of right now, he's done. Judging from his reactions after each interview it looks like we may be on our way to living in Lincoln, NE.
"Lincoln, Nebraska, has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses, and trails; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place." courtesy of www.lincoln.org
I especially like the link "Where is Lincoln?". Exactly. Where the heck is Lincoln? In the middle of NOWHERE!!! But, you know what? I think I'll really like it there. I'm such a sucker for fine culinary and artistic treasures.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Adoption Benefits
The Crafty Conservative
In response to Tiffany's comment about being put together well enough to take a family pic when the baby is so new, I've decided to come up with a short list of adoption benefits (from my point of view).
1. I didn't have to be pregnant. I have not doubt that I would be horrible at it. I would whine and complain. I'm a notorious puker. Everything makes me gag. I can only imagine it would be worse if I was pg.
2. No labor. No pain. I should say, no physical pain. I still get a lot of the emotional stuff. I mean, you guys read my posts while I was waiting. But I'm sure even that is better than labor. Included in this one is no recovery time.
3. Eric...you may want to skip this one. My boobs could not take it. I'm sure of it. They don't need to get any bigger and the thought of breastfeeding isn't appealing to me at all! But, if I were pg, I'm sure I'd do it because I am aware of the benefits (aside from being cheaper than formula!).
4. Our kids are more beautiful than anything we could have produced ourselves. I'm sure of that! Sugar Daddy and I were cute kids, of course, but I don't know what putting us together could produce. A crafting, engineering musical genius? Or, more likely, a bossy skinny uni-browed nerd.
5. We can blame nature for some of the crazy things our kids do. It certainly isn't nurture! I mean, we're doing everything right!
In response to Tiffany's comment about being put together well enough to take a family pic when the baby is so new, I've decided to come up with a short list of adoption benefits (from my point of view).
1. I didn't have to be pregnant. I have not doubt that I would be horrible at it. I would whine and complain. I'm a notorious puker. Everything makes me gag. I can only imagine it would be worse if I was pg.
2. No labor. No pain. I should say, no physical pain. I still get a lot of the emotional stuff. I mean, you guys read my posts while I was waiting. But I'm sure even that is better than labor. Included in this one is no recovery time.
3. Eric...you may want to skip this one. My boobs could not take it. I'm sure of it. They don't need to get any bigger and the thought of breastfeeding isn't appealing to me at all! But, if I were pg, I'm sure I'd do it because I am aware of the benefits (aside from being cheaper than formula!).
4. Our kids are more beautiful than anything we could have produced ourselves. I'm sure of that! Sugar Daddy and I were cute kids, of course, but I don't know what putting us together could produce. A crafting, engineering musical genius? Or, more likely, a bossy skinny uni-browed nerd.
5. We can blame nature for some of the crazy things our kids do. It certainly isn't nurture! I mean, we're doing everything right!
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