February

February has always been the toughest month for me. The dark effects me; the holiday season is a fond but distant memory; my patience level with students, co-workers, and loved ones decreases. Historically it has been the month that I look for other jobs even though I enjoy my job and feel that it is the career for me right now. So I am overall relieved that March is just a few short days away. I am looking forward to longer days, warmer days, new beginnings, and outdoor activities with loved ones.

Life Time Firsts

My niece ate her first Chipotle (as did her mom and dad) on Sunday. Much to her dismay she got a spicy bite of chicken. Her Chipotle experience went down hill from there as she continued to rub her tongue on her arm to remove the spicy taste and inspect her food with the utmost care. (Fortunately her parents enjoyed the experience a little more.) Oh well...I was only lukewarm with Chipotle on my first experience. There is still hope for her.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Fish don't see the water in which they swim. ~Dr. M

Cookie Decorating '07

It was postponed but it happened which is all that matters. It was WONDERFUL to see everyone. Thanks to our wonderful host - M, you did a great job. The MA was a perfect place and I am sure the Hummels now have much to talk about (DC - get that book started). Thanks for travelling, good food, fond memories, laughter and conversations, and your time. For those of you that couldn't make it, you were missed. See you at Cookie Decorating '08 (or hopefully sooner!).

Tortilla Pinwheels

I recently took an appetizer to a party that people seemed to enjoy. The best part of this appetizer is that is it incredibly easy. Cut a few things, mix things together, plop it in the frig...and there you go. I have to give credit to a cousin-in-law, P., who does tortilla pinwheels for family Christmas. (I LOVE THEM). This is not his recipe but his pinwheels are what inspired me to find something like it.

8 oz sour cream

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 (4 oz) can diced green chillies, well drained

1 (4 oz) can black olives, well drained (optional)

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

1/2 c. chopped green onion

5 burrito sized tortillas

Mix all of the filling ingredients together thoroughly. Divide the filling and spread evenly over the tortillas; roll up tortillas. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, twisting ends; refrigerate for several hours. Unwrap; cut in slices 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Can serve with salsa (optional).

Saturday Circle Game (One Day Early)

Prologue:
I missed last Saturday circle game because of painting. I refuse to miss another. I enjoy them too much. There is a good chance I will not have access to a computer tomorrow, so I am writing it one day early.

History & Question:
In 2000 AD I had a good friend start a tradition that involved cookie decorating with our college friends. It is a wonderful tradition that I certainly enjoy and, I think it is safe to say, many others do as well. So the question is what is your favorite tradition that you either started or participate in?

Another favorite: T. and I host Memorial Day Picnic for both our families...I feel so grown up hosting parents, aunts/uncles, brothers/sisters,...and I love spending time with them all.

Lent

I had a friend at work suggest that instead of deleting or giving up something from our lives during the lent season that we add something to our lives. Possibilities are endless: Praying everyday, frequently calling loved ones, giving ourselves a well-deserved break to think and relax, doing our share to clean up the environment in which we live (that can be taken in several ways...pick your own), etc, etc. I think the idea is a wonderful one, an idea that can enrich our lives. The problem for myself seems to be thinking of an idea that seems worthy enough as well as one that seems "do-able". I know the idea is not to pick the most convenient - that seems like it would be defeating the purpose - but I also want to choose something that I believe ,with a little bit of effort and thought, I could accomplish and add to my life - not just for the current lent season, but for a lifetime. It will take some time to think.

Boondogglers

I have to brag a little on my cousin-in-law (the lead singer of the Boondogglers - yes, I can get autographs) and the rest of the band. (click here for the definition of a boondoggler). The band is terrific and knows how to entertain and the band's followers know how to enjoy themselves. If you are in Columbus on a night of a gig it is well worth your time to stop by and enjoy the music as well as the company. Thanks for the entertainment Friday night...as always it was a great time. And to the friends and family that enjoyed it with T. and I, we appreciated you coming.

BLOGGING HIATUS

T. and I recently started painting our family room. (I'll wait to comment on how I think it looks until it is completed - with furniture back in place.) Unfortunately this means my computer has been temporarily disassembled and there will be no blogging until the project is finished (I am currently hi-jacking someone else's computer - Thanks, M). This is disappointing for me, as I am now addicted to blogging, but I hope the painting and reassembling of the furniture will be done by tomorrow.

NEW BLOG FRIEND!

My cousin recently joined the world of blogging. Check out her blog at http://takingtimetoponder.blogspot.com! It is sure to make you think and entertain you (simultaneously).

Not for the Faint of Heart

Last week (exactly a week from today) I was teaching 8th period class. There was a girl in the back of the room who I thought was merely having a bad day. Unfortunately it was worse than that. She was having a bad day AND was sick...but decided not to tell me. So what happened? She throw up in the back of my room... EVERYWHERE. And then proceeded to throw up all over the bathroom. A couple of thoughts come to mind when thinking of this situation. 1) I am glad I am not an elementary teacher and have to deal with this on a regular basis. 2) I felt awful for the girl. Her day obviously got worse after that. 3) This incident was yet another observation that confirms the fact that I cannot read minds.

Happy Valentine's Day

Ok, I hate to be sappy, it's not like me...BUT I think this might have been the best valentine's day ever (and it's not even over yet). It's not the best because I received roses, chocolates, or diamonds (in fact we decided not to get each other presents this year). But it is the best because this is the SECOND day in a row that T. and I have been snowed in together. It has been WONDERFUL to have him around since it is the start of his busy season at work when we typically see each other Monday - Wednesday only. T.'s presence is the best possible gift. The second thing to make my valentine's day bright is this picture from my niece. The hug was felt from a hundred miles away.

RECIPE

T. and I made a GREAT recipe the other night on the George. The longer you can let the meat sit in the marinade the better. Enjoy!

Tandoori Chicken

1 8oz carton unflavored lowfat yogurt

1 T Lemon Juice

2 t. Paprika

2 Cloves garlic, minced

1/2 t. Salt

1/2 t. Ground ginger

1/2 t. Cumin

1/2 t. Cayenne pepper

1/2 t. Cinnamon

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

In a small bowl, mix together the first 9 ingredients. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow glass pan and pour the marinade over the pieces, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 1-8 hours, turning occasionally. Cook on grill (George or otherwise) until chicken is done. (Make sure to throw out leftover marinade!)

PS If you try it out, let me know what you think!

Heroes

No, I am not talking about the TV show. I read a wonderful story about the fencing coach at Ohio State University. It is a feel good story. If you need one of those...please Click Here.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"There are too many ways to make sense [of things] to just pick one of them."

- Dr. D.M.

This was an interesting statement from my professor tonight that struck me. Any thoughts on this quote? Do you agree/disagree?

Procrastination

UGH! I should be writing my midterm. BUT I DON'T WANT TO. I hate writing. It is times like these that I think I should pack up the books and save myself the stress. But I know I shouldn't. It is a worthy endeavor...and I will make it through.

36 Sports in 36 Months

My cousin, M, came up with a great idea. She is determined to watch all of the 36 sports at least once at our local university. The idea snowballed and it became 36 sports in 36 months. She decided to make shirts, and I decided to enjoy her in her endeavor.

(PS. The shirts are AWESOME (thanks, M!). Red with black and white letters the include all 36 sports - Iron-on letters rock.)

Why am I doing this?

For several reasons: 1) I love spending time with my cousin and other loved ones who might be joining us. 2) All student athletes deserve our support, not just the football players or basketball players that get constant media and public attention. 3) I love goals and objectives, especially when they are fun.

Saturday we attended our first sporting event...Men's ice hockey. Only need 35 more by Feb. 9th, 2010.

Circle Game Saturday

I was enjoying a nice beverage with my lovely co-workers last night and here was the question:

If you were to pick a sport in which you would excel, which one would you pick? Why?

My answer: Track. I would like to feel what it would be like to be the fastest person in the world. How in the world do legs even work that fast?

Breakfast

Breakfast is my FAVORITE course of the day. So, in honor of my second cold day T. and I decided to go to First Watch*. I order the Tri-Fecta - two eggs, choice of meat, and a delightfully fluffy waffle, and T. orders his Banana Crunch pancake. We thoroughly enoy our time together and breakfast. But the best was yet to come. We march up with our gift card (that my aunt & uncle had so graciously given us for letting them stay at our house) and they tell us the machine is not working so our breakfast is free. NICE. What a perfect way to start off a day. Life is good.

*First Watch is one of our two favorite breakfast places. Marie Scramblers** is the other fav. If you have either one in your area and you haven't gone, you should. Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and IHOP (yes, I know some of you think it is scary-but they have the best stuft French Toast) all deserve honorable mention.

**I am not a big fan of the coffee at Marie Scramblers and First Watch. The way I get over this disappointment is order a big glass of orange juice. I hardly remember coffee even exists.

COLD DAY?

I have had several snow days in my career as a school educator. But today is a first. Today I got a "cold day". Yep, that's right. Thousands of schools across the Midwest are CANCELLED because of the cold. Experts are saying it is so cold that students could develop frost bite in a mere 20 minutes. (Quick question...do students in N. Dakota or Minnesota receive cold days? If so, would they ever be in school during winter months?) In honor of my cold day I think I am going to stay curled up on my couch taking naps during commercials of Regis & Kelly and The View (I'll sleep through Dr. Phil...he bugs me). But don't get too jealous, I will have to leave my couch at some point today. I have my grad class. The university is apparently not concerned about the possible frost bite I could develop while walking from my car to class. I guess they figure if students from say, University of Minnesota or N. Dakota St. can make it, so can I.

Super Bowl XLI

So my beloved Bengals didn't make the Big Game. Well, they didn't even make the playoffs, but that's beside the point. I'll still watch today. I am casting my vote for the Colts...I have to stay within the league. I feel Peyton Manning deserves a Super Bowl win. He's a great quarterback (quarterback rating slightly over 101) and, yes, I have to say it...his commercials are hilarious. So, here's the only time you'll hear me say this...Go Colts.

Circle Game Saturday

I have been raised by two parents who love to ask questions. They are great at it, it is their way of making people feel at ease...and it works. Their questioning techniques have rubbed off on me. I love to ask people questions. The "Circle Game" title developed sometime in college. I would ask a question and then make my beloved college friends sit around the dinner table or on the floor in a circle and answer. Since then I have involved family, friends, and co-workers. Some "play" begrudgingly, but I always end up getting incredibly interesting answers.

So here are the rules... there are none except that you have to answer.

First question: What would a perfect Saturday look like?

Mine would be cooking breakfast for my loved one. Scrapbooking with family and friends. Eating a lovely dinner that my husband cooked for me and spending some quality time with T (husband). Exercising would be somewhere in there as well. Not that I like doing it, but I love the feeling afterward...it would be worth it.

Calley O'Malley

What a GREAT SHOW! How cute were Burke and Christina at the end? But I was truly bummed for Meredith. I am intrigued by next week's previews, although a three part show seems a little much.