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!