Back to Blogging

It seems as if it has been forever since I blogged. And I have missed it. I have missed writing about random things that happen in my day and miscellaneous thoughts that I have as I observe life. As I have committed myself to a partial solitary confinement this week and last, please know that catching a few minutes here and there to read comments that you have posted about former blogs has been a highlight.

My self - imposed solitary confinement has come about because of a grad school project. It is a project that looks at how science, mathematics, and technology effect our understanding of quilting...yep, you heard it correctly, quilting. Yes, it is crazy, and I have been consumed by it for the past two weeks. I even had to get a little tutoring help in chemistry from a science teacher/friend at work. (Side note - Chemistry is a lot more interesting than I remember from high school!) Now the project is 95% done and I am relieved. I must admit, though, I had fun. But as the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end. And in this case, I am MORE than OK with that.

Happy Mother's Day

To my own Mother - Thank you for all you have done. You are a wonderful mother and friend.

To Mama S - Thanks for being a great MiL and for raising a wonderful son.

To all the other mothers out there that are not my own, but are dear to my heart- I hope you have a wonderful day. You deserve it.

Circle Game Saturday

A dear and beloved friend is moving out of the heartland soon. This circle game is in honor of her upcoming transition.

What place in the world would you like to live for a period of time? Maximum of four locations, please :).

My locations will be in the comments section.

The Forever Stamp

The USPS has raised its rates again for the 13th time in 32 years. The new rate for a first-class stamp is $0.41, up $0.02 from the $0.39 we currently pay. The new rates take effect on Monday, May 14th (better get yourself to the post office).

Good news! The United States Postal Service has come up with a great idea for any disgruntled customers out there who are tired of buying the $0.01 and $0.02 stamps to make up for their under priced stamps. Introducing...the forever stamp. Buy it for $0.41 now and use it any time in the future no matter what future rate hikes we might endure. Thanks USPS...good idea. No more throwing money away by doubling up on the $0.37 stamps or spending frustrating minutes trying to figure out where I put the $0.02 stamps from the last rate increase. FOREVER stamps here I come!

Life is good

I am content.

Thank you, A, for this wonderful bear hug.

Amused

My dad sent my mom, my brother, and I an article today from the New York Times that talked about the essential items needed for a kitchen and how much (or little, actually) you should spend on them. I am amused by this article for two reasons.

1) I am not sure that I've ever seen my dad hold a pot besides to dry it after it was washed. (No offense, Dad. It's just that the kitchen never seemed to be your realm, I picture you more in the electronics area...perhaps that's changing?) So I was shocked when the article was not his typical math/science/world event article that he usually sends to us but instead was a cooking/kitchen article. It gave me a small chuckle. I do appreciate the fact that even though he was probably not interested in the article, he sent it on to the three of us knowing we probably would be.

2) I never realized that I was a kitchen essentials snob until I read this article. (What does the author mean that a $10 plastic handle knife is ok? I've ALWAYS heard one should go with the stainless steel.) The aritcle was certainly informative and interesting, although I am not sure I can break out of my ways. My favorite quote: "The point is not so much that you can equip a real kitchen without much money, but the fear of buying the wrong kind of equipment is unfounded. It needs only to be functional, not prestigious, lavish or expensive." Thank you, Mr. Bittman. Point well taken. I will try to remember this in the future and break free from my kitchen equipment bias that I seem to possess. Click here if you are interested in reading the rest of the article.

HAPPY COOKING!

Favorite Cartoons

As a math teacher, I love the cartoons by S. Harris. Click HERE to see more of his work. At some point I would like to buy some various prints to decorate my walls. I know, dorky, but I can't help it. It's my nature.

Confessions

1) I really enjoy my job, but I have started a countdown for summer.

2) I have a love-hate affair with Ann Taylor. Love the clothes and the fit, hate the prices.

3) I bought candy for my students for field day tomorrow...I ate some already.

4) I've turned the air conditioning on in my car already.

5) A student "passed gas" (loudly) in my class today. After several attempts to keep a straight face, I had to laugh. I couldn't help it...I also couldn't look at the student for the next 5 minutes for fear that I'd start laughing again.

Book Review - Einstein's Heroes

Ever have those feelings of "I wish I would have paid more attention in (fill -in the blank with a high school/college subject)________________________ class"? If you've ever had those feelings about science or math, I've got the book for you. I will not pretend it's another Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia. It is probably not a book that you'll stay up until 3 in the morning to finish. However, it does a very good job of making math and science discoveries interesting. It has a nice combination of personal stories intertwined with the nitty gritty details of science and math. One does not feel as if she/he is laboring through a 300 page physics text with no pictures, and one does not need to be a PhD to understand the phenomena being described. So, if you'd like some good, educational reading this summer, pick up Einstein's Heroes by Robyn Arianrhood (yes, I spelled this last name correctly). If you do, let me know what you think. Happy reading!

Circle Game Saturday

I spent 30 minutes of this gorgeous day inside cleaning our shower. I got out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, got out the clorox (sp?) shower cleaner, and even got the old toothbrush out to scrub the caulking. It needed it, but I hated doing it. In fact, cleaning is always something I am glad I did but never enjoy doing.

In honor of my sparkling (kind of) clean shower...here is the circle game question. Format is different. It's fill-in the blank this time.

"I'd rather kiss a pig than clean _____________________."

For me...I'd rather kiss a pig than clean my refrigerator. It's messy, cumbersome, and it never seems like a good time to do it.

P.S. As a side note...I badly burned a pot this week for the first time in my life. I didn't put much water on the green beans and then covered them with a lid. 30 minutes later when I dished out the beans the bottom of the pot was BLACK! We were able to scrub off the charred mess, so the pot looks normal. Is it still safe to use? I didn't melt off any protective covering that will poison us or anything, did I?

Curry-Cajun Spiced Chicken

I've found another recipe I like. I have to, once again, give a hand to my Menno folk who created a recipe book that I am currently investigating. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Yields 6 servings.

1/3 c of honey
3 Tablespoons water
3 Tablespoons prepared mustard
2 Tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
2-3 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
2-3 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced, or garlic powder
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, or about 1 1/2 pounds
hot cooked rice

In 3-quart rectangular baking dish, combine honey, water, mustard, margarine, Cajun seasoning, curry powder, lemon juice, and garlic. Mix well.

Add chicken breast halves, turning to coat. Arrange in single layer.

Bake, uncovered, at 350F for about 30 minutes or till chicken is tender and no longer pink.

Serve chicken and pan drippings with hot cooked rice.

YUMMY!

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

Free next Friday night? Come hear the Boondogglers play! Check out their link on the left.

Get out the Map

Today I took the long way home from meeting my family for lunch because I could. I did it because I needed the reminder that as I grow older and my personality and sanity seem driven more by routine and to-do lists, I can still be (or become, depending on your view, I guess) a spontaneous person. I didn't completely ignore the big highways, but I did not confine myself to them. I got off the highway and visited a college I had never seen before, drove past a couple places that I never knew existed, took some highways that I typical don't drive, and took the "country" roads around my city. It was a beautiful day and a great reminder that I love maps and lazy Sundays. Maybe I should plan more outings like this for myself...but then again that might take away the spontaneity...

Quote of the Day

"...Higher education — especially at the graduate level — involves learning more and more about less and less until one knows everything about nothing."
- David Barash, University of Washington (not a unique quote to him...just found it in one of his papers)

Circle Game Saturday

My birthday is soon. I might blog about it later because it's a weird one as far as ages go, but in honor of getting older here is my circle game question...What age do you feel? Forget your chronological age...

Me? Energy-wise I feel 23 years. My self-image unfortunately does not match my reality. Is that normal?

NPR

I have been exploring the AM dial and lower numbers of the FM (Thanks, Brent and M). I have been entertained by the various talk shows, but I am always drawn back to NPR. It's amazing how much smarter I feel just listening to NPR for 5 minutes in my car. Perhaps smarter is not the correct word, perhaps I feel more exposed to my environment ....more cultured...even if it is sometimes related to the absurd. For instance on my 22 minutes drive home from work tonight I learned three interesting things...

1) There is a book on the best seller list called "The Black Swan". I am not sure of the content, but the author is a professor at the school of uncertainty at U Mass. Huh?!?! Seriously, is someone pulling my leg? Did my not-so-good hearing fail me in that moment?

2) The "grime" is a new music scene springing up in England. It's a combination of rap, techno, and dance hall with an English accent.

3) A man in Nevada (Dr. Hope) has been selling plots of the moon for the past 26 years. He has a couple billion to sell and he has sold $9.3 million dollars worth so far. He plans on building an edifice near the Sea of Tranquility that will house the Galactic Government. Awesome. Any takers?

Ah...Too Be Young Again

Since the beginning of November I have had constant hip pain and sporadic back pain. Finally after pitifully limping around one weekend in March, I decided to go to my trusty nurse practitioner who referred me to a "spine specialist". The spine specialist told me I had something similar to tendinitis and gave me the fashionable SI Loc pictured above.

Here are the lovely advantages of wearing the SI Loc...

1) It seems to be helping, although there are some days that seem better than others in regard to pain. (Unfortunately yesterday and today were not some of them.)

2) It's a constant hug.

Here are the unfortunate disadvantages of wearing the SI Loc...

1) It does not fit nicely under the dress clothes I wear to work. Everyday I have to wake up and make the decision as to whether I am going with function or fashion.

2) No woman wants more "girth" around her middle section.

3) I am a restless sleeper. I toss and I turn. Unfortunately as tight as I may tug on the SI Loc before I go to bed so that it says around my hips, it never stays in place. It usually creeps up somewhere around my shoulders by morning. It's not a pleasant thing to wake up to.

But regardless of the disadvantages...today I make a vow to wear my SI Loc 23.5 hours a day as my doctor told me to. I am tired of pain and I realize that in order to fix this thing, I am going to have to do as I am told. I will try to swallow my pride and pick function over fashion every day until the six weeks is up. For those of you that I see and talk to, please keep me accountable. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sadness

I am very saddened by the events that occurred in Blacksburg, VA at Virginia Tech today. My heart goes out to the victims, families, students, and community.
As I walked across my seemingly serene campus today, I tried to picture what it must have been like, but my brain refused to create the scene of something so horrific. I can not imagine the terror. I take for granted my safety when I am walking around the university of which I attend part-time. I think occasionally about my personal safety when walking alone in the parking garage but never in my wildest dreams do I concern myself about my safety when I walk into my classroom. Instead I think of it as an academic haven...a place to share my thoughts with people who are interested in similar topics. That image of the classroom - as a place of comfort, of community, of safety - has been shattered for the students at Virginia Tech. My thoughts will be with them all in the following weeks.

NEW BLOG ALERT!

I have another friend that just joined the blogging world. I can't wait to read it! Check her out at http://aimlessoasis.blogspot.com. I'll also be added a link to the left.

Circle Game Saturday

This question is in honor of friends Missy, Sherri, Michelle, Tamara, and my SiL, Jessica , who all completed the C. half marathon today. *You all made me VERY proud! Good job, ladies!*

Question: What is your proudest achievement?

My answer...it differs depending on my mood...but starting graduate school is my current answer.

Stoplight

Call me boring, but I love routine. And I am not the best with adjusting to change in my schedule.

For the past 7 months, I could predict which stoplights I would have to stop and at which stoplights I could pass on through without braking on my way to work. It never changed.

Until last week. Early one morning on my way to work, I started slowing down at my first predictable stop, but I was thrown off. The light never changed, I went through, and I was left befuddled. I am sure the driver behind me must have been honking and furious as I slowed down from 50 mph to 15 mph in the face of a green light. But I didn't hear them. My world was thrown off. And it happened again two days later. My morning routine has been altered. No need to worry, though. I will preserver and find new patterns that I can rely on. It's my nature.

Mole Man

My husband is obessed with our lawn. His obsession is not the "roll, seed, and aerate the grass" type obsession (Yes, T, I am making a reference to you). Instead my husband is obsessed with catching the moles that make the unsightly tunnels through our yard. Nothing could make his day better than ridding our yard of one of the pesky vermits. I swear, rain or shine, he is out perusing our yard for new tunnels and checking his trap to see if he caught one of the elusive critters. Today was his lucky day. He comes home from work ...I, of course, am asleep on the couch taking my (almost) daily nap. He is hungry and he's trying to push me out the door. "Wifey, let's go." I move slowly, I'm not feeling the best today. He resigns to my sluggish manner and decides to change his clothes and check his mole trap. I finally gather myself together, grab our coupons for shopping and open the door to the garage. When I step into the garage I am shocked to see T. kneeling over something that is blocked from my view with his cell phone camera aimed at the unknown object. "Stop, Wifey, I don't think you want to see this" he tells me, "I got one!" I know what he's talking about so I shut the door and let him bask in his glory while he cleans up the poor rodent and proudly sends the picture to his dad. I putter around the house until I feel a safe enough time has elapsed for me to enter my garage again. This time when I open the door he is still standing there admiring his kill. When he sees me he starts punching his fist in the air in a victory dance. "This is my fourth one, Wifey. It's not as big as the others, but that's not what matters. Do you want to look at it?" "No, please clean it up," I tell him. But curiosity gets the better of me and I look after he assures me there is no blood and guts. "Oooo, it's cute," I say. T is offended, he feels like I have taken the mole's side and he lets me know. He finally gets the lifeless mole cleaned off our driveway and we get in the car to run our errands. In the car he is still celebrating. "Four! Wifey! I owe all of my success to my dad and mole man on the internet." He is still beaming hours later...and I have to admit, as cute as the little guy was (the mole) I am not saddened by the fact that he will no longer turn our backyard into his wonderland of fun. So the moral of the story...moles of our neighborhood beware...my husband is on the prowl. It is best, for your sake, to pick another yard.

Math History Monday

I love my grad class...
Why I love my class REASON #1. Tonight we talked about the first discovered artifact that signals mathematical thinking. It is called the LeBombo bone and was discovered in 1970 in South Africa. The bone is from a baboon and has 29 distinguishable notches carved into it. Scientists date it back to 35000BC. They also believe that tool might have been created by a woman who was tracking the lunar phases (29 days) in relation to her menstrual cycle. Could it be that women were the first mathematicians?
If you are interested in more information on ancient mathematical artifacts (you know you are...don't deny it!) head to www.wikipedia.com. P.S. Picture is of the 2nd oldest known mathematical artifact.

Why I love my class REASON #2. I swear this quote came out of one of my fellow students' mouths..."Scientist have to play within the realm of reality. If our concept of reality changes, scientist have to change. Mathematicians, on the other hand, can ignore reality completely. Reality does not exist. They can play in Euclidean land forever". I LOVE IT! (Euclidean is the geometry we all learned in high school)

You have one month to get ready

Come join the fun! The Boondogglers will be back at Mickey's on May 4th. Check them out at www.myspace.com/boondogglers or at the link provided on the left. Don't miss out!

What is WRONG with me?

I cooked again last night and it's not even spring break. I loved the recipe. Easy and yummy. That is all one can ask for.
I have to give appropriate applause to my Mennonite folk recipe book from CMF that provided me with this recipe. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 T of taco seasoning
1-2 T of vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
1 c chunky salsa
3/4 c peach preserves
Cooked rice

Directions:
Place the chicken in a large plastic bag. Add taco seasoning and toss to coat.
In a skillet, brown chicken in oil.
Combine salsa and peach preserves, stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes until meat juices run clear.
Serve over rice.

NEW BLOG ALERT!

This is my cousin Brent. I am not allowed to call him B. Read his blog and you'll find out why.

He is hysterical, I laughed out loud already when reading his first blog entries. Check him out at http://arghitsdrivinmenuts.blogspot.com or the link provided on the left.

Canvas Bag - Take Two

I did it. I remembered my canvas shopping bags. I can't say it's the first time I went shopping since the last canvas bag blog, but it doesn't matter. I remembered to take the things out of my trunk and use them. Day 1 of my 27 days of forming a habit. The trick now - put them back in my trunk so that I may have them for the next trip. And for the record, I am pretty sure I saw the cashier cussing under her breath as the bags refused to stay upright in the grocery loading position (just as my friends had reminisced on the earlier blog). I wonder just how many cashiers I will be able to annoy on my mission to rid the earth of my plastic bags.

Teaching - It's the Career for Me

Today was tough. Getting up at 5:45 am to work a job that I haven't done in a week is not a pleasant feeling. I considered begging my husband to figure out a budget that would allow me to stay home with...myself, I guess, since we don't have kids. Once I got to work, though, it felt right. I love talking with the students. They make me laugh, and I hope that every once in a while I can brighten up their day too. And, of course, I hope that when they leave my classroom they feel that they have received a quality education that prepares them to think.
I didn't always feel this positive about teaching. My first two years of teaching were shaky. I didn't know if I could handle the responsibility. I frequently commented those first two - three years that I felt like the oldest 23 year old in the nation.
Right now it is the right place and the right career for me. There are the ups and downs, but that's not unique to teaching. I am happy to be doing what I do, and I am proud to be teaching where I teach.

36 Sports in 36 Months

Calling all OSU fans! My cousins M and B had a great idea. They wanted to support all Ohio State athletes by attending all 36 varsity sports at The Ohio State University. I hopped in on the fun, and the idea became attending all 36 varsity sports in 36 months. M made the great shirts we are wearing in the picture with Jim. We are also planning on making scrapbooks and keeping a blog of our experiences. You can find the blog at http://osuchallenge.blogspot.com. (Link will also be provided on the left).

GO BUCKS!

Quote of the Day - I love to be human

Foreword

In my past few months as a graduate student, I have read many, many papers - as all grad students do. Many have been dull, some have been entertaining and enlightening, few have inspired and energized me. In fact this might be the first one that truly made me excited. And it made me excited about nothing in particular...just excited to be able to experience the world. I read this paper and felt like I wanted to go out and paint or invent something...anything. There are two quotes from this wonderfully idealistic paper that I wanted to share. The second one is lengthy, but I feel worth the read.

1st Quote

"The richness of human life is that we have many lives; we live the events that do not happened (and some that cannot) as vividly as those that do; and if thereby we die a thousand deaths, that is the price we pay for living a thousands lives" (Bronowski, p. 25, 1977)

2nd Quote

"I have described imagination as the ability to make images to move them about inside one's head in new arrangements. This is the faculty that is specifically human, and it is the common root from which science and literature both spring and grow and flourish together. For they do flourish (and languish) together; the great ages of science are the great ages of all the arts, because in them powerful minds have taken fire from one another, breathless and higgledy-piggledy, without asking too nicely whether they ought to tie their imagination to falling balls or a haunted island. Galileo and Shakespeare, who were born in the same year, grew into greatness in the same age; when Galileo was looking through his telescope at the moon, Shakespeare was writing The Tempest; and all Europe was in ferment, from Johannes Kepler to Peter Paul Rubens, and from the first table of logarithms by John Napier to the Authorized Version of the Bible" (Bronowski, p. 29, 1977)

Circle Game Saturday

We skipped a week, so I had to make sure we played this weekend. Don't forget the rules...Everyone has to play. Even you circle game haters. Sticking to the theme of domesticity...

What is an item in your kitchen that you could not live without?

For me, it's my automatic egg boiler that my MIL (mother-in-law) got me a few years ago. As an egg lover, it is absolutely wonderful. I get 18 eggs at a time; 9 stay raw and 9 go into the Egg Head (that is truly it's name). The part I love...you have to poke a tiny hole in the eggs before you boil them, so you always know which are cooked and which are not. Instantly I have breakfast for a few days, all the ingredients I need to quickly whip up egg salad, and an automatic salad garnish. Love it! Your turn.

Can't help it, it is my geeky nature

This is too cool. Saturn has a weather pattern that has formed itself (a while ago) into a hexagonal shape. Click here for the story.

See, there is math in nature. Math is not an innovation that humans dreamed up so that they may torture their youth. (I truly believe some peoplel in society feel that way...unfortunately).

It's the thought, right?

I was excited Monday. At the end of my grocery shopping excursion at Giant Eagle I ran into some canvas shopping bags.

"That's it!!" I thought to myself.

Canvas shopping bags...it's the item I am going to add to my life for Lent. (See blog from February.) I know...sounds silly and trivial. But, although I do little to actually reuse, reduce, or recycle, I am interested in environmental issues. I felt canvas shopping bags were something I could successfully add into my life routine while doing my part to reduce the number of plastic bags I use. I think I will be successful with adding this habit into my life...it just isn't going to happen today.

I was visiting the doctor (story for a later blog) today and then headed in the grocery store. I had my mantra..."Don't forget the canvas bags...Don't forget the canvas bags." Of course, you know what I do...I forget the canvas bags in my trunk. Somewhere between picking up the jar of mushrooms and the bottle of Windex, I remember the bags. For a moment, a brief moment, I envision myself leaving my very full grocery cart in the aisle so that I can quickly snatch the bags from the back of my car. Alas, my desire to do my part for the earth was overcome by the fear that my grocery cart and everything in it would be captured and put away before I could return. So I will save practicing my new habit for a later date. It will happen. Fly Lady, author of Sink Reflections and my personal home organizing hero, told me it will take 27 days to develop a habit. I guess the 27 days starts to tomorrow.

Beef, Tomato, & Noodles

I loved this recipe. It was easy, tasty, and made leftovers for two lunches. A normal sized crock pot is sufficient. Give yourself 6 to 8 hours to let it sit and cook. Sorry, veggie friends, this recipe is not for you. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs stewing beef, cubed
1/4 cup flour
2 cups stewed tomatoes (if you like chunks), or 2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup water
12 oz bag of egg noodles

Directions
1. Combine meat and flour until cubes are coated. Place in slow cooker.
2. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and onion. Add water.
3. Cover. Simmer on Low 6 - 8 hours.
4. Serve over cooked noodles.

SPRING BREAK

I love the fact that because of my profession...teaching...I will enjoy "Spring Break" until my 50's. I am not doing anything outrageous or taking any trips that require me to leave the state. Instead I am enjoying the fact that I may go into work without anybody else there; I may enjoy my friends and family without worrying what papers I should be grading; and I am enjoying the fact that I have the urge to do domestic things. Watch out kitchen! HERE I COME!

N. Ireland Peace Talks

I have to admit that after my three months in N. Ireland in the year of 1998, I have not kept up well with the peace process. However, whenever I see headlines I eagerly read them. Today, good news was announced. After years of turmoil, the country of Northern Ireland has come up with a plan to share power between Sinn Fein and the Democratic Union Party. The road to healing for this country has been a long one and at least the parties have decided to walk the road together...although not necessarily hand in hand. I hope for patience and perseverance for the people of that beautiful country. Here's the article if you are interested in reading.

Battery Blues

I went to take a picture of my 3 hour old nephew on Monday. The batteries in the camera that I had not picked up for about a month were dead. So in the age of technology, I turned to my trusty back up - my razr cell phone. Of course - batteries were too low to take a cell phone picture. AGH!

Why is it that I feel like I have bought 390,561 AAA batteries and cannot find ANY of them. Anyone have a good method of keeping these necessary but annoying things organized? Will we ever be free of these pesky things?

FISH TACOS

I recently read my friend's blog at Dos Pretzels regarding fish tacos. It reminded me of a conversation I had with my co-workers. I told them I really enjoyed fish tacos. (Breaded fish, guacamole, tomatoes...it goes on and on...I love it!) They thought that the concept of fish in tacos was the most disgusting thing they had ever heard of. Your opinions? Yay or Nay for the fish taco?

Welcome, Xavier!

I recently visited my brand new 9lb, 21 in. nephew. He's a cutie! His mom and dad are doing well. His older sister is already learning to share (she put her favorite blanket over him and let him "hold" her new paintbrushes she got from NaNa and Poppa). Pretty good for a two year old.

Circle Game Saturday - One Day Late

Sorry it's a day late - but I had a good excuse. I was celebrating a beloved friend's birthday.

So here it is...

In honor of St. Patrick's day....What are your family roots? German, Italian, Hungaria (inside joke - let's just say that it's a good thing I teach Math and not geography)? And...Do you have any traditions that stem from family origins? This answer may have several parts to it and feel free to share more than one.

I am a European mutt. On my mom's side I have Irish, Welsh, Swedish, and I think a little French. On my dad's menno side we have a little French (I think), German, and some Russian. Any one of my family members is free to add, delete, or correct this list. As far as traditions...my cousin A. makes some YUMMY swiebach (sp?) - type of bread and my uncle D. always makes great pfernessee (sp?) for Christmas. There might be some more - but that's currently all I can think of.

Nicknames

My mom had five other siblings in her family. One of her siblings produced a boy and four girls all with names starting with "K" (they are my first cousins). I always find it amusing that these four women who are in their mid 30s and 40s are still referred to as "the girls". Even my cute, little cousins who are 7 and 11 year refer to them as "the girls". And if I had to take a wild guess, they will be affectionately known as "the girls" for the rest of their life.

Anyone else have affectionate nicknames for family members?

SUPER DUPER EXCITED

Tomorrow my brother and sister-in-law go to what is supposed to be their last doctor's visit before their little bambino is born. I am super excited. Boy? Girl? No one is sure yet. Either way, I can't wait to welcome little Xavier or little Keri to our family. This will be our fourth neice/nephew, and they all make T. and I very happy. Above are our nephews on T's side.

I *LOVE* Airports

I love airports! They are the best place to people watch. I think the true personality of people appear when they begin to rush, squeeze, and politely step their way into Southwest's "A", "B", and "C" lines. My heart always goes out to the mother and/or father with young children who inevitably end up in the "C" line who are forced to beg and barter so that they don't have to sit seven rows away from their five year old. And I am amazed with the man who, out of hundreds of seats, has to sit right next to me. Does he have no sense of personal space? And my last observation...what crazy restaurant puts raisins in their yogurt parfait. I was so dissapointed...I thought they were blueberries. It was a sad discovery.

GRANDMA TURNS 90!

Grandma Ann turned 90 yesterday. I will post some pictures, but take me at my word...grandma is AWESOME. She looks wonderful. At 90 years old she never took a nap yesterday while I took two. The woman has raised or helped raise 6 children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren and 13 of their spouses, 30 great grandchildren and 2 spouses, and 3-4 great great great grandchildren (I have a little trouble keeping track that far down the line). She is a role model to all 80 something of us, and we are so proud of her!

21 of us showed up to help her celebrate in Winter Haven, FL where she still lives by herself in the winter time. It was a terrific weekend, and it was wonderful to see some family members that I hadn't seen in years. It is a large family, and I have to be honest, I didn't know how to handle them when I was younger. It was an intimidating environment for me. But as I grow older, I am starting to appreciate the advantages of our large, loud, electic, wonderful family. I had a great weekend and it was hard to leave everyone (especially to come back to the 40 degree Ohio weather).

Free Directory

There is a NEW, free directory. Avoid the crazy fees charged by 4-1-1. Instead call
1-800-FREE - 411. So what's the catch? You have to listen to ads before you get what you want.

Weird Science

Missing: a chunk of earth's crust. Interesting article . Click here to read. In many ways it is comforting knowing that we do not know many, many of our world's mysteries.

Sick

It's been a while since I have been what I consider truly sick. Don't get me wrong, I have had plenty of colds this season...I work in an older, dirty building with teenagers...it's bound to happen. However, I don't consider myself "sick" with a cold (because it happens too often) unless it forces me to the doctors. Today, however, is weird. I am fine except for the fact that I have a little bit of a hacking cough and can't shake a fever for the past 24 hours that is fluttering between 100-101. The worse part is that I am constantly COLD! I just had to take a break from typing to put my hands in my sweater so that I could cuddle up in a ball to keep warm. Perhaps I am not doing the best thing by heating up my body, but I can't help it. I am tired of being cold! Here's to hoping this thing breaks SOON! My wish for the day is to be WARM!

Quote of the Day

In regards to what education has become...

"Come as you are, leave as you came." - Dr. M's Wife

Some follow up thoughts...
1) Should education be an agent of change?
2) Whose vision should be taught?
3) Are we including all of the voices that need to be part of the educational conversation?

Calling all Verizon users

Did you know that you could send text messages from your computer to a loved one's cell phone? I didn't until my MIL (mother-in-law) clued me in (she's a technologically savvy gal). It is soooo much easier to type a message on a keyboard rather than your cell phone. I am a "ITAP"/ ("T9 Word")...whatever you'd like to call it...user (which is relatively fast), but I might be hooked on this method for the rest of my life. Why? Because I can write really long text messages to my husband (and other loved ones) now within the blink of an eye. I am sure he'll love it. If anyone can fill me in on anymore text messaging tips, please feel free to dole out the advice. And in case there are some out there that have not tried this yet, here's how you do it. Type in the 10-digit cell phone number (no symbols) then @vtext.com. Ex. 5551234567@vtext.com. If you try it, let me know what you think of it. Happy texting.

Circle Game Saturday

February is finally complete, March is here, and spring, in my mind, is just around the corner (hopefully). Here's the new question...(sorry, it is aimed at people who experience or have experienced seasons):

What is your favorite sign of spring?

Now that we have moved into our neighborhood, one of my new favorite signs of spring is the blooming pear trees that line the streets. They are gorgeous. It was a wonderful surprise last spring when I saw them and I can't wait to see them again around mid-April.

Sadness

My prayers and thoughts are with the Bluffton University and community.

Sensitive

It could be the 13 hour day I just worked (hip hip hooray for parent teacher conferences), but I feel like my emotions are being thrown up and down and side to side today. Happy emotions, sad ones, feelings that spring from fear of change, thoughts that spring from guilt, emotions that emerge from pride in something I have accomplished. Change, good and bad, seems to be swirling around in my world. The change is not necessarily impacting me directly but, rather, indirectly. Guilt, unfortunately, seems to swirl in my world too. Is there anyway for any of us to get rid of that feeling? I know some people that say they regret nothing. I am not there. And I am not sure I wish to be there. For better or worse guilt is sometimes my best motivator and teacher. Fortunately to balance out the moments of uncertainty and insecurity there are moments of pride, happiness, contentment, and satisfaction. For some reason I feel more subjected to all of these emotions today.
Here's to a more stable day tomorrow.

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?