Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not the easiest read of the year, but definitely a very satisfying one. You will be inspired by Greg Mortenson's personal mission to build schools in some of the most volatile parts of the world: Pakistan & Afghanistan. His ability to understand and embrace a culture often misunderstood in the western world is an eye opening experience. The determination and courage it takes to do what this man does is incredible. He is truly the best example of actions speak louder than words I have seen in a long time. Instead of talking about what needs to happen - he is doing it. Bravo!



View all my reviews.

2008

2008: A Year in Review

Places I traveled:

Colonial Heights,VA
*saw my whole family play a Wii (especially TJ & Johnny boxing)
*surprised Em & E on their birthday
*enjoyed Christmas with my family

Atlanta, GA
*stayed at the Ritz
*stepped inside the Georgia Pacific headquarters and felt important
*ate at yummy restaurants like Ted's, Gladys Knight's Chicken & Waffles
*had a drink at the top of the Westin while overlooking the city
*toured the Coke Museum & Millenium Park...alone
*visited the Georgia Aquarium where I fell in love with a whale shark

New York City
*finally saw RENT (on Broadway that is)
*hung out in Greenwich Village
*had Pinkberry, and then continued to dream about it
*bravely went to the Bodies exhibit
*shopped, shopped, shopped

Galesburg, IL
*met my beautiful nephew Dimitri
*got to sleep in a room where Carl Sandburg once stayed, which just happens to be in my sister's lovely new house
*ate at a delicious Creperie'
*walked an Italian Greyhound

Greenville, SC
*stayed with Heidi & Spencer and went swimming
*had a delicious fried turkey
*ran my best time in the Electric City Turkey Trot 5K – 30:15

Spring Lake, NJ
*showed Em Ryan's old house
*saw the ocean
*ate 7 lb. Lobsters

Chicago, IL
*toured the city
*took in some improv at The Second City
*drank handshaken margaritas made with fresh squeezed lime juice
*picked up a copy of the November 5 Chicago Tribune

Napersville, IL
*shopped in the adorable downtown
*celebrated at Kara's wedding
*ate Chicago style pizza

Books I Loved:

The Book Thief
Shadow of the Wind
Moloka'i
Marley & Me
Kite Runner
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Water for Elephants
The Other Boelyn Girl

Things I Learned:

Worry less about what others think of you.
Give thanks for your blessings – every day.
If you wake up and want to do something – then do it if you can!
Work is work – end of story.
Hug people you care about often.
Anything is better than watching TV.
I feel better when I write, and best when I talk about it.
Knitting something for someone else makes me feel happy.

Proud Moments:

*I have a wonderful marriage to an amazing guy (4.5 years!)
*I taught myself how to knit.
*I kept running even after I hurt my knee.
*I'm organizing a Pennies for Peace campaign for my school in 2009.
*My blog (Thanks Heather for getting me started again!)

Update: Mission Organization

Just wanted to let anyone out there in the blogosphere who is interested that Mission Organization '08 is officially over. Our humble abode is officially spruced up for the new year. I am wiped out. G'nite.

A short list of what I did:

*cleaned out built in cabinets in living room. (Now Ryan has a place for his photography gear!)

*organized media room (aka the basement, but let's call it the media room because that's where we watch movies, and it is what all the fancy people are doing)

*rearranged and organized the last frontier (aka neglected guest bedroom - it is a very happy room now that it has had a facelift, and I just love it)

*cleaned everywhere

*framed and arranged some photographs by my favorite camera man

*found lamps & finally hung pictures in the guest room formerly known as the purple palace

*even made my first cup of coffee in my French Press -- oh la la!

The Bears

I have decided that I am a Chicago Bears fan. I know, I know, this seems totally out of the blue. However, this came to me when I was at my parents' house over Christmas break. My dad & Ryan were watching football and the Bears just happened to be playing. That's when I realized that I was a Bears fan. I knew right then and there that the reason I hadn't ever been able to connect with an NFL team was because they never seemed right for me! Whenever Ryan would convince me that I needed a team to root for he would always make suggestions (usually based on how many old VT players were on the team). I would try to like a team for the heck of it, and I tried many - Broncos, Ravens, Falcons, Giants, Browns (my precious Lee Suggs #22 played for them...sigh). They were good teams, but I felt something was missing inside. Then it hit me...hey! I love Chicago, AND I love Bears! BINGO! So, GO BEARS...GRRRRR!

Mission Organization

I have been given a gift...a gift of vacation time. i feel the need to do something productive with this time instead of just wasting it away. Since we have been in our house over 2 years now, I feel that I have really come to know what we use & what we don't use on a regular basis. When we moved in, we did a great job of unpacking for the most part. But then, there were all of these other "things" that just got tossed in a spare bedroom closet or even better, the basement. So, my mission will be to take all of those random things and assign them to places that make sense. I really want to maximize the space that we do have. I also think it would be fun to be one of those container people, you know what I'm talking about. They open a cabinet or drawer and BAM everything is so fantastically arranged in boxes and containers. Those people don't have to dig...and I like that! So, I'm off, to get containers and get organizing! Sorry this blog was so lame, but that is what is on my mind at the moment.

The Spirit of the Season

I'm not an in your face kind of person when it comes to matters of faith. Part of that might be my Catholic roots in the midst of the sometimes unaccepting Protestant community where I live. However, that is neither here nor there. Today there is something I would like to share with you. For Christmas this year my parents got me the Willow Tree Nativity set. It was something that I saw awhile back, and just thought it was perfect. I was very excited when I opened it! Well, it came in about a hundred boxes and plastic bags. But as I was unwrapping it, I couldn't help but be moved by the miracle it represented. I love those small, quiet moments of your life where you realize the magnitude of something you may have skimmed over before. I don't know why our hearts are touched when we might least be expecting it, but you can't help but feel a sort of inner peace when yours is. One part of being a Catholic that I really enjoy is the emphasis that Christmas is just starting on December 25. I love the symbolism of Epiphany on January 6, twelve days after the birth, when the wise men came and the good news was then spread to the world. Those twelve days after Christmas give you a chance to settle down after the madness of the holiday and reflect. So when others may rush to pack up their tree and decorations, whisking Christmas away, I like knowing that I have some extra time. Merry Christmas!

Favorite Christmas Albums of All Time

I have a lot of Christmas music in my house. For a while I loved getting new Christmas albums every year. In the past few years I have been a little disappointed by some of the ones I have bought. I think, "Hey! I love this singer, this will be a great one." Only to get home and find that their songs are a little too "breathy" or "jazzy" or "groggy." Here are my top four in no particular order...

1. Bing Crosby's White Christmas - it doesn't get any more classic than this. Bing is the ultimate Christmas crooner. He makes me want to sit by the fire and sip on a Hot Toddy. Actually, scratch the Hot Toddy, I have never had that, and it sounds pretty disgusting. Let's try Hot Cocoa instead.

2. Amy Grant's Home for Christmas - this was THE Christmas album for me growing up. Amy's sweet voice, blend of contemporary and classic, and my own nostalgia is perfection. It takes me back, and I love that.

3. Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas - no popular Top 40 artist to date has been able to recreate the rocking album she delivers. Some might have a great song or two, but every song on this is delicious! Part gospel, part pop this CD is always the first one I listen to when I want to get in the holiday spirit after Thanksgiving.

4. Christmas with Coniff - from my parent's own collection, this record has been around for as long as I can remember. It went on a hiatus when record players did, but I still remember the cheerful voices beckoning me to go on a sleigh ride.

Purl Stitch

This morning I taught myself how to do the purl stitch. Now I can do the Knit 1, Purl 1 (k1p1 for all of you knitters out there) pattern. This is the pattern that makes the little "v" that many sweaters have. Check out my first attempt. (If you click on the picture, you can view it larger.) Now I am one step closer to socktopus! Very exciting!

Socktopus

Socktopus

And that is why I want to learn to knit....how freaking adorable is that? I know what little Dimitri will be getting in the future! ;o) I guess I need to get started if I am going to master some of those techniques before he is in Middle School.

I Survived the Class Christmas Party of '08

I can now breathe a sigh of relief. For the next 364 days I do not have to deal with the craziness that is a class christmas party. Not sure why I am being so grinchy? Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine 20 children, a dozen parents, and at least 3 goodies bags. Take that and multiply it by 5 doughnuts, 3 grapes, 1 apple, and a juice box. Throw in a snowflake "craft" that involved nothing but liquid glue and glitter. For fun, add decorating gingerbread cookies and blasting Christmas music. Mix in questions like, "Can I have thirds?" "What else are we going to do?" "When can I decorate MY cookie?" "Is that a pinata?" "When are we doing the pinata?" "Can I do MY cookie now?" "When will it be the sing-a-long?" "Why aren't we having recess today?" "Was that the whole party?" "Someone called me a dummy!" "He took my doughnut!" "I want to eat my cookie now, can I?" "She's making fun of me....STOP MAKING FUN OF ME!" "I don't like this!" "He said I was stupid." "I did not." "Did too!" "NO I DIDN'T" Sprinkle with tears and Merry Christmas Everyone!

I Knitted!!!!

So, this will have to be quick because I should be getting ready for work....ahh!

I decided I wanted to learn to knit. I thought it would be a fun hobby that would be a little more productive than surfing the internet or watching TV. I went to Michael's and got a book, some needles, and some yarn, and left feeling excited about my new hobby. Well, after 3 hours of watching You Tube videos and looking at my book all I had was a big knot. I was frustrated and went to bed where I dreamt about two hands that were knitting - how mocking, right? At school I asked everyone I knew if they could knit - no one could. I even went so far as to ask my class if they knew how to knit and about 5 girls raised their hands. So, I knew I had a backup plan - no matter how sketchy learning to knit from an 8 year old might be. Then, yesterday afternoon I sat down, rewatched a few YouTube movies and continued to get nowhere. I was getting frustrated. I knew it was hard and that it would take me awhile to get the hang of it, but I couldn't even master the basic stitch...how was I ever going to make those beautiful blankets? Ha! Finally, after dinner, I decided to try one more time...I casted on, got the first row, then, got another, then another. I started screaming and Ryan looked over and was like, "WOW! You're knitting!" Indeed I was!

Here is a pic of my first attempt....not pretty, but lovely to me all the same.

"Where Everybody Knows Your Name...."

Yesterday I had a revelation. It was a good one, and I felt really happy! When you grow up in a place and stay there throughout your entire childhood there is a sort of comfort you get in feeling a part of a place. You have a history there. I grew up in a pretty small place. In fact, I lived in the same house, in the same room until I went to college. It was in all reality, a great place to grow up. Despite all of the griping I did in my teenage years, but who doesn't do that, right? I could walk through my backyard to get to my aunt & uncle's house. I rode my bike, towel around my neck and goggles on my handlebars, to swim practice every summer morning. I went to elementary, middle, and high school with the same people. You would always see people you knew while shopping with your parents in Ukrop's - former teachers included.

It wasn't until recently that I finally looked around and realized that Ryan and I were on our way to building a similar place for ourselves in Lynchburg. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be living in this city, I would have laughed. Lynchburg isn't exactly the place that I imagined for myself. It is a place, much like the place where I grew up, where people have lived their whole lives. Everyone you meet has family or old friends here. There aren't a lot of people, like Ryan and I, who move here randomly. Transplants I like to call them. We moved here knowing nobody!

Over time, and without even being aware of it, we have become a part of this community - however small that part might be. So here is a short list of things I love about this small, ultra conservative, crazy place I call home.

1. My Friends. I have met some of the best friends I could have ever wanted here. Although it is hard to meet people who are like us here, we have managed to find some wonderful people. I love that we can pop over to each other's houses on a whim, see each other at church, and get together for fine Mexican cuisine regularly. We make our own fun, and I like that.

2. Rivermont Avenue. I freaking love our neighborhood. I love our home, and all of its quirks. I love our quiet, little street. I love being able to walk out of my front door and onto Rivermont for a walk or jog on the sidewalk that runs along this adorable, historic street. I feel so lucky to have found it! Everyday when I drive home, I feel happy that I am here.

3. The Cavalier. Yes, I do go to a place with that hideous name. Ha! It truly has become our neighborhood "Cheers!" I find it hilarious that we can walk (from our house) to this dive of all dives and have people call us by name, and pretty much have our beer waiting for us. I mean, how awesome is that? It also doesn't hurt that they have THE best burgers and fries with homemade ranch. End of story!

4. Downtown. Those of you reading this that are Lynchburgians might be thinking, "What downtown?" But, if you look closely at our downtown it has the bones of something that will one day be really amazing. I am such a supporter of the revitalization of downtown that I hate going into new developments like, Wyndhurst, ugh! In the 4+ years that we have been here, we have watched it go from a ghost town to a place where new shops, lofts, & restaurants are slowly creeping in amid lots of renovation construction. I can't wait to see what is next for DT!

5. Running Community. OK, so I am by no means a hard core "runner." I do enjoy running and doing 5K's (Thanks Heather! She was the one who got me started, and is the best runner I know along with her boyfriend Gregg!) but I would call it more of a hobby than a passion. But, I just love that there are so many people around here who love running. It is really motivating to see everyone out and about. I love how there are always tons of races going on for people of all abilities. It reminds me a lot of Richmond! *Sigh*

Christmas Parties

I love a good party - making a fun appetizer or dessert, getting dressed up, listening to festive music, hanging out with friends and family. There are so many fun things to do this time of year it can get overwhelming! It is all worth it though, because you know that in a month, it will all calm down. Your decorations will be put away, the music will go back to what it was before, your pants won't be so tight, and your bank account will start to replenish itself. But then, maybe your life goes back to being a bit too normal. I think that Christmas should always be the biggest and brightest celebration of our year! If we celebrated all the time, it wouldn't feel special. But, don't you think we need just a few more parties every now and then to make life a little more glam? Maybe you go to fun parties all the time and you are sitting there thinking that I'm a big lame-o. And I'm not talking about the occasional birthday party, 4th of July picnic, or such thing. I've come to realize that people get so busy with their own lives and their own schedules that we sometimes don't stay as connected as we can. We spend the year going at a frantic pace, too busy all the time. Then, when December rolls around we try and play catch up with the people we have missed all year. Why? That is why I think we should make more occasions, celebrations! Everyone likes to be invited to a fun party. You don't need presents and a "holiday" to do it. Start thinking of new things to celebrate like a "Post Christmas Cocktail Party." Wouldn't it be great if in mid-January we all got together to celebrate the fact that we made it through another holiday season? It would be a fun way to ease out of the festivities without having to quit cold turkey! So I say that when this year's holidays are coming to an end...party on, party people!

Empty Nest

My sister just left after being in Lynchburg with us for the past 8 weeks. I am sad. That is all. At least Jimmy is here.... :o)

Guilty Pleasures

We all have them. Lately, it seems that a lot of people try to be superheroes and deny the fact that they have these weaknesses. They like to pretend that they only eat carrot sticks and read works of literary genius - and I am not discriminating against carrots or great books I think those things are great. BUT, let's be real people. Even my cat has a guilty pleasure. See #1 below. Oh, and don't worry - Emily was finished with that bowl of ice cream (which Molly smelled from across the house.) But anyways, one cannot survive with this kind of strict, no nonsense life for long. So, I propose that we start embracing these guilty pleasures for what they are - funny parts of our personality.

I will even start this ball rolling by listing some of my own guilty pleasures.

#1 - Ice Cream - If eating a bowl of ice cream when the need arise means that I will be 2 pounds heavier for the rest of my life, then so be it because who wants to live without this delicious treat? Not I! Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream, Butter Pecan, Strawberry....(and don't even get me started on Dibs!) Enough said.

#2 - US Weekly - I have a subscription. Yeah, laugh it up - or roll your eyes if you have to. Yes, I know some of the stories are a little fake. Yes, I know that I am feeding the celebrity worship problem in our nation. But hey, it's not like I'm standing in line for hours to get a glimpse of the Jonas Brothers. One of the best feelings I have every week comes on Saturday morning around 11:00 when the postman comes to deliver my new magazine. I can rest assured that after a long week of mental exhausting 7 years olds, I can relax for the 30 - 40 minutes it takes me to read this delight from cover to cover.

#3 - Snooze Button - Just try and deny that you don't use this, I dare you! I personally feel that the Snooze button was one of the best inventions, ever. There is nothing better than setting your alarm for 5:45 and then snoozing your way to 6:30. I mean, it's like you cheated your way into 45 extra minutes of glorious, lovely sleep. And is it just me or are those snooze minutes THE best sleep of the night?

#4 - PJ's - For those of you that know me, you know that I love to shop and accessorize and find the perfect outfit. I really do like dressing up, it makes you feel good. However, you better believe that when the door closes on my workday, I come home and almost immediately put on some comfy clothes. (All jewelry must go at this point, too.) And who says PJ's can't be cute?!

#5 - Pop Music - Britney, Christina, Beyonce', Mariah...I just love those gals. You know why? Because any song that makes me what to bust a move is fine by me. Yeah, I know. It's not the "coolest." You won't find it playing at your local coffee shop while you sip your organic coffee in your recycled sweater BUT when I'm having a bad day there is one surefire way to make it better - pop in some pop, crank it up, and shake your groove thing! Trust me - no one is watching and if they are - all the more hilarious.

So, those are just a few of the many things that I secretly (and for some of you) not so secretly love. If you haven't tried those things - go ahead, live a little. You might just find yourself a little more smiley.

Twilight

I feel like I didn't really have anything to say when I first sat down to write tonight (at the urgent request of my followers - and by followers I mean, Heather), but now I feel like I have too much to say! SO, one more thing before I go....

Do you Twilight fans out there REALLY like this book as much as you say?

I read the book and also went to see the movie yesterday and I must say that it's still just a little much for me. I mean, come on people, isn't it just a little bit too sappy?! Doesn't it move slower than a grandma in pumps? Ok, I'll admit, Edward Cullen (the movie version) is dreamy. But, PEOPLE...this book is the cheesiest, just put it in a blue box and call it a day. Let's not be sucked in by the hypnotic powers of Edward - we need to call a spade a spade!

Confession: I do not like it, and I feel like a hypocrite - but somehow I am still dying to know what happens to the star crossed lovers, Edward & Bella. OH, and did anyone else feel that Bella was just a little too angry and whiny in the movie? UGH! She was a lot more likeable in the book...

Soup

Ok, so maybe it was my last blog about Despereaux - which is also a tale about soup (if you don't know what I mean, yet another reason for you to go read the book!) that put soup on my brain. Don't you just love soup? I mean, what in the world is more comforting than a big, hot bowl of homemade soup. Now, I'm not talking about the canned soup you buy in a store. I like that in a pinch, but it's always super dehydrating from the sodium and has weird textured vegetables and even stranger pieces of "meat." Sorry, I can't eat the meat in canned soup. I mean the kind that you make in a big pot, chopping and blending and stirring and seasoning! I find making soup to be very therapeutic. I freaking love making soup. I pride myself on my very own "Chicken Noodle Soup" which I developed and have tweaked over time. It is one of my recipes that I don't know how much of this or that I put in, I just do what feels right. I guess I just understand it! Recently I tried one of my sister in law's recipes for "Chicken Corn Chowder" and it was absolutely amazing (as is her "Tomato Bisque!") I just feel the need to become a master soup maker, and I just want to learn how to make as many soups as possible! I am like the soup monster! TO SOUP!

The Tale of Despereaux

Well, another book is being ruined by Hollywood. The Tale of Despereauxis the latest victim. If you have never read this book, you should. When it first came out about 4 years ago, my friend (and library media specialist guru) Jody, recommended it to me. I read it in about a day. I loved it so much that the following weekend, I read it aloud to my husband, Ryan, on the way to Richmond. Now, my husband is a great guy, but he is not a children's book enthusiast like I am. In fact, he doesn't even really read fiction all that much apart from the rare book or two every now and then. He really prefers anything science related - especially if it is really hard to understand - like quantum psychics...but I'm getting off track. Anyway, he ended up loving the book just as much as I did much to his surprise! Well, I have been using it as a class read aloud ever since - and every class has been spellbound by this book. Upon first glance, it is just a fairy tale, one which centers around a mouse. You are even tempted to groan at first and say, "Not another book for kids with a mouse hero!" or "Who likes mice anyway?!" (Trust me, you won't if you ever have one as a visitor in your home...but I digress again...) But upon reading the first chapter you are instantly in love with this tiny, big eared, big hearted mouse. Despereaux falls in love with a human princess - breaking all mouse rules as he is touched by the beautiful princess and even talks to her! GASP! Despereaux is sent to the dungeon and the story unfolds taking you to meet a troubled rat and a lonely, misunderstood girl. Just another story right? The thing about this book is that the narrator speaks to the reader, even asks questions as the story is told. This small touch that Kate DiCamillo uses casts a magical spell on the audience, especially a young audience. Every time I have read this book, my students get so involved that they even answer these questions aloud. It makes my heart so happy to know that there sit 20 second graders who don't need pictures to enjoy a story, all they need are words. For some, it is one of the first novels they hear, and I love that it speaks so directly to them. When you look even closer at this book, you see real examples of the often complicated themes of unconditional love and forgiveness - presented in a way that even small children can understand. I guess that is why I love this book so much. It is a quality piece of literature that doesn't seem stuffy or unapproachable. It teaches all of the right values in a world that is somewhat selfish. I just hope that the movie won't stop kids (and adults) from reading it. Maybe it will encourage people to find it that may never have known of its goodness!

Molly

A lot of people don't get to appreciate the real Molly. Most of the time, she hides when "strangers" are around. However, that scaredy cat is not the super cuddly, friendly pet that I know. If you are one of the few people that Molly has chosen as a part of her inner circle - she is hilarious. She runs to the door when you come home, follows you around the house, gets a really pink nose when she is happy, and loves to be cuddly (okay and a little crazy, too). It's amazing how this little bugger makes me so happy! I think we have the best cat in the world.

China Press = Check!

When we moved into our house one of the things I fell in love with was the china press in the dining room. If you are unfamiliar with this term, it is basically a shallow "closet" that is used like a china cabinet. Well, the closet was a mess, the shelves were pieces of junk and not at good heights. Basically, my dad came down (being the amazing handyman that he is) - ripped everything out, and started all over. This project has been two years in the making, and I'm so happy with the way it turned out. Tonight I decided to get out all of the china boxes and arrange everything. Doing this made me realize how glad I am that we registered for this china. So many people told us that we would never use it and it is outdated, however, I completely disagreed and had to have it! Granted, we haven't used our china since we moved in, but, amazingly it has been used several times. I have pulled it out for anniversary dinners, job celebrations, family dinners, and even birthday cake. I am a strong believer in making things into celebrations - and sometimes all it takes to show someone that you think they are special is blowing off the dust on a fancy plate or glass. So cheers to fancy things in a sometimes all too casual world!

Thanksgiving

This time of year always makes me nostalgic. Thinking about all of the family traditions I have grown up with as well as those I have grown to love in the last few years makes me feel a part of something special. While driving back from the Thanksgiving holiday with the Knapp's, I had a lot of time to think about some of these traditions.

It is comforting to know that some things have been the same for years and years. At my house, we always eat at E's, we have to have place cards there are so many of us, we will eat homemade rolls, dumplings, & pumpkin chiffon pie, we will play cards until midnight, and we will have enough leftovers so that Thanksgiving is a 3 day affair. At the Knapp's we will eat monkey bread, drink a little champagne and even more wine, have a beautiful, elegant dinner, and eat apple pie for dessert.

It is fun to see what new traditions are replacing old traditions, like running the Turkey Trot instead of watching the Macy's Parade.

And it is a blessing to know that while some traditions may come and go (i.e. frying a turkey on the driveway, while drinking beer and playing football), the heart of every holiday isn't in what you do or where you go. It's in the people that are there growing up and evolving alongside of each other so that each person's life is intertwined in this crazy, beautiful thing we call family.

I Have Brown Hair...

For the past four years I have been a blonde. This era has come to an end (for now). I have been psyching myself up for about 2 months now in order to have the courage to go brunette! It is definitely a big change - I think more for me than anyone else. I'm still not all the way used to it, but then again, I don't stare at myself in the mirror all day long either. I'm definitely happy with the way it turned out - my hair stylist did a great job. It is kind of fun to do something completely different, I feel like a new person! In fact, I ran into several people this weekend and I got one of two reactions: Reaction #1 - WOW!! I love the new hair - it looks great! Reaction #2 - casual glance up at new hair and then business as usual. I'm getting a kick out of it, really. It's kind of interesting how changing one thing about yourself can make such a big impact. Some of the awesome things I've noticed about life on the brunette side are:

1. People take you more seriously.
2. I won't have to worry if my roots are showing!
3. My hair doesn't look so greasy at the end of the day.
4. My blue eyes pop out more.
5. Certain colors don't wash me out as much.
6. I feel stronger and sassier!

Disclaimer: I am a Gemini, so the future of my hair is still up in the air. Until then, rock on fellow brownies!

Girls on the Run

This morning Heather, Emily, and I woke up early and braved the 25 degree weather to support on of the coolest programs around. The school where I work has a "Girls on the Run" team. The girls "train" for months learning about running and staying fit while also learning important lessons about self confidence and the dangers of peer pressure. We went to the "Celebration 5K" to show our support of these amazing girls. I was so proud of ALL of the girls there. It was inspiring to see all sorts of families, moms and dads running with their girls, there to encourage them along the 3.1 mile race. It just made you smile inside to know how awesome these 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders were going to feel once they were finished. Because what they accomplished today is more than just a run on a pretty challenging course - it is a step in the right direction for building strong, confident girls who will one day become strong, confident women.

Marley & Me

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maybe it's because I don't have a dog and I wanted to life vicariously or maybe it's because I am a pet owner in my own right, but I LOVED this book. It was such a great glimpse into life, where it takes us, and the people and pets that help us get there. A must read for anyone with a heart. HA! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and best of all, you will fall in love with the world's "worst" dog.


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Insane in the Membrane

If you are a teacher, you will be well aware of the many and vast excuses we use on a daily basis to explain the erratic behavior of our students. Here are a few of my current favorites:

1. "There is going to be a full moon soon." Usually said about twice a month.
2. "They are still hyper from all of that Halloween Candy." Mentioned in mid-November.
3. "Oh, it is going to rain." Of course it will... and to piggyback "Because of all this rain, they haven't been out to recess in days."
4. "Christmas is coming!" Yes, in about 5 weeks people.
5. "They just need a day off." Right after Election Day & Early Release Day.
6. "Could you believe how hyper they were about a few snowflakes?" Yes, and so were you when you were under 10...in fact, I still get excited.

What this boils down do is this simple fact....kids will be crazy during all changes in weather, around any vacation days, during any phase of the moon, and in any month in which there is a holiday. So, can we please just accept the fact that kids are pretty bonkers no matter what. Let's face it, we were all kiddies once and yes, we were just as crazy. (Some of us still are...but those people will remain nameless!)

Charlie Browniest

Lately I have been so grumpy that I feel like a total Charlie Brown. I guess it is the fact that this school year has been the worst ever, because I know I am a generally positive and happy person. But for some reason, this unhappiness at work is seeping over and causing me to reevaluate other parts of my life as well. Part of me likes being in tune with what is going on, but at times it is a real burden. For example, I don't mean to be overly critical, but is it to much to ask people to do what they say they are going to do? What happened to the days of making a commitment and sticking with it? I know that things come up unexpectedly, but part of me thinks the world we live in makes it so much easier to back out of things that people shouldn't through a lame text or email. It is hard sometimes to say no to someone or something, but personally, I would rather someone tell me no up front than to make me clear my schedule and then find out last minute that it isn't going to work out! GRRR! Now don't get me wrong, I am not totally innocent from doing this. I think the difference is in the quantity of backing out. If a person continues to back out over and over how many chances do you give them before you stop extending invitations. It is just really draining to deal with - making me feel like, you know my number call me when you figure yourself out. Until then, I'm taking a vacation from organizing anything.

Home Ownership

So, this weekend we were planning on relaxing and spending time with friends. However, that all changed Saturday morning. I woke up to the sound of pouring down rain. It was kind of strange being that it was the kind of rain that one would find in a spring thunderstorm. I was pretty bummed because I wanted to go out for a run (I hadn't since returning from our trip) but I decided to make the most of it and start reading a new book. I was really getting into Marley and Me when Emily told me there was a puddle forming in our dining room. UGH! I knew we had a small leak, it had shown it's ugly head a few months earlier, but it had never started dripping from the ceiling. So, I wiped up the puddle and decided there was nothing we could do about it until Monday. Then, I went down to the basement to start going through the assortment of random boxes that have been accumulating down there. That's when I saw the second leak! This wasn't funny or cute anymore. I mean, buying an older house (ours is circa 1948) comes with its fair share of problems, but you are never happy about them when they come up. When we bought it over 2 years ago, we knew what we were getting into. We knew we had a lot of work to do and often joked that we hoped we didn't end up like Tom Hanks in The Money Pit. In fact, in the beginning it was kind of fun - like,

oh, what a great memory this will be ripping up carpet and putting in flooring or this is a great time to learn about replacing the wax ring under a toilet or what an adventure trying to fit both of our clothes in a ridiculously small closet!

Now it just feels exhausting and so...groan...adult. When did our weekends become the setting for Tim Allen's Home Improvement? To make matters worse, as soon as we exposed the pipes in question the leak stopped, just like that! How convenient right? So now, not only do we not know where the leak is coming from, we also have to now recover the pipes. But, all in all, like the bad dog, Marley, in the book I'm reading - this is our home and I hate to admit it, but I love it in spite of itself.

Chicago

So, let's be clear here. The Windy City (which is in fact, very windy) is often referred to as the Second City. New York, of course, holding the blue ribbon. However, in my opinion this place is second to none. Arriving here I had no expectations. I didn't know what the vibe would be, or really, what the city even looked like. I had seen the odd building here and there, and of course, knew about the bean, but other than that Chicago was a mystery. Walking out of Union Station, I had a flashback to my first time in Manhattan. I loved Manhattan - the honking cabs, blaring lights, hundreds of people moving around everywhere - it all seemed so important! I felt it was the best place on Earth, and I was happy to be a part of it, if only from the outside. I loved it so much that I went back many more times, each time exploring a different part. But, now that I have been to Chicago, I have realized that my love affair with New York might be coming to an end! It is hard to admit this, but there's a new sheriff in town. This city, is really like no other. From the El train circling the loop creating a low rumbling every few minutes to the views of the Chicago river and Lake Michigan to the many and diverse neighborhoods everwhere, there is no finer American City than this. Sure, nothing can beat the Manhattan skyline, but on all other points of contention, Chicago in my mind takes the cake. Plenty of shopping, amazing restaurants, museums and theatres, and most importantly city-dwellers that don't take themselves too seriously. What can be better than a big city with a friendly heart!

Doctors and Other Oddities

I've never liked going to the doctor. Well tonight I realized why I might feel a little uneasy - maybe if the doctors didn't call what they did a "practice." Yipes! I mean, seriously, how wrong is that?

OK, and one more thing - why do they call it a toothbrush. Let's not discriminate people, we like to brush all of our teeth don't we? Enter the teethbrush!