Big Brother Needs To Go Blind

Lincoln University, a college in Pennsylvania, has recently come under fire for requiring obese students to take a fitness class in order to graduate. Lincoln University caved on this requirement but still I have to shake my head in wonder at what we have become.

You know the story on obesity. It kills people, causes cancer, heart disease and a whole variety of other problems. At what point though did colleges decide that it was their business to stick their paying students on a scale and measure their body fat? Of course, requiring this class would have given Lincoln University more money. I assume the class was not free of charge.

This class was destined to fail and Lincoln University just comes off like money grubbers. Students would not get anything out of this class to begin with because their approach to it is negative. No one wants to be told "you're fat and you have to spend money on this class that tells you you're fat or else you won't graduate." Most people who are obese already know that they are obese.

A better approach to obesity is to offer incentives. Why not offer rewards and prizes to students who enroll in an optional fitness program through the school's health center? Have a walking club or a Wii Sports/Fit night. Give away prizes to the people to lose the most or walk the farthest.

Whatever happens, let's keep Big Brother under wraps a little better than we are right now. It's just a matter of time before he gets to your flaw or vice.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Today a Facebook friend ranted about not feeling appreciated. She prefaced it by saying that she was probably being a baby about it but the fact that she was unappreciated was really upsetting her. I think we have all felt this way from time to time. No one wants to whine and cry about it but I think we all deserve some appreciation.

Right now tell someone that you appreciate them. Tell your co-worker thanks for helping you with a project or tell your spouse that you appreciate the things they do to make your life better. Thank your parents for taking good care of you and thank your kids for finally cleaning their rooms.

Feeling unappreciated? What do you do that deserves some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

It's Just Another Manic Friday

About 10 years ago I discovered a band from Wales called Manic Street Preachers. Never heard of them? You're not alone. Despite the fact that they sell out soccer stadiums in 10 minutes, they are relegated to playing clubs in the United States. Being a huge fan, this was good luck for me since I got to be upclose and personal in Detroit on October 2.

The long-suffering Brian has been hearing about this band for a long time now. He's listened to my theories on what happened to Richey Edwards and nods his head kindly when I go on and on about seeing them for the first time in the pages of some Brit magazine and the glory days of the Manics, that being the 1990s of course. Brian's suffering would continue as we made a trek to Detroit.

Despite a crazy-long detour in Dunkirk, Ohio the trip to Detroit was without incident. We were warned that Detroit is a war zone and told to try to blend. I was rather surprised to find Detroit a ghost town. Not that I was hoping to find gangs, but the vacated city was a reminder of just how hard industrial cities have been hit in recent years.

We parked for $2.00 in a hospital parking garage that was just a block or so from The Majestic. Once in line, Brian of course had to go to the bathroom. Is this a man thing? It seems like they always have to go to the bathroom when it's least convenient, kind of like children. After stopping at the McDonald's across the street from the club, we got back in line. A Welsh guy struck up a conversation with us and was surprised by the small size of the line.

The Majestic is an old music hall as well as a historical building. The ceiling was falling apart but it was definitely a beautiful building at one time. We waited for about an hour before the opening band, Bear Hands, took the stage. A guy standing near us from Nashville warned us that Bear Hands were horrible. He was not exaggerating. They were easily the worst band I have ever heard and no charisma what-so-ever.

After the opening band vacated, Manic Street Preachers' crew began setting their stage. I have always enjoyed watching stages get set for concerts, especially for bands I really love. I like seeing the guitars and thinking about all the times I have seen that same instrument in pictures or on TV. My biggest thrills came from seeing James' white guitar, Richey's god-like genius sash, and Nicky's boas.

Once Manic Street Preachers came on stage it was an hour and a half of amazing music. Nicky danced around and James charmed the audience with his commentary and thick Welsh accent. They sounded flawless. James Dean Bradfield is an incredible guitarist and he did not hold back tonight. And then there was Nicky. Ah, what can I say about him? I've loved him for so long and it was nice to see him 8 feet from me.

When the show was over we were walking back to our car. We passed the alley behind the club and I saw their tour bus and the gravitational pull was so strong that before I knew it I was standing in an alley in Detroit at midnight...along with about 50 other people.

James Dean Bradfield came out first wielding his own marker to sign autographs. He talked to every fan. And by talk I mean he had long drawn out conversations with everyone. He was extremely nice and genuinely touched by the fact that people were there to meet him. NOTE: The photo seen here is not my best look!

Nicky Wire emerged and I could not have been happier. And I made him laugh even when I told him I didn't need his autograph because I already had one. I don't think I've ever looked happier in a picture.

Sean Moore came out after a while to make a rare appearance. He signed autographs and posed for pictures but I did not approach him. I know that he is painfully shy so I spared him from having to smile in one more picture.

It was a happy night and the "long-suffering" Brian is listening to the Manics upstairs as I type this. I think he's been fully converted.

Dreams 9/27/09

Becky got me into recording my dreams a long time ago. I've slacked lately so here's another attempt:

Dream #1: I dreamed that I was sleeping and was awoken by a scratching sound on the vent. I woke up and it was a white mouse. I started yelling and screaming. I jumped out of bed and the mouse got into the bed. I called my mom and asked her how to get rid of a mouse and she said to put Comet in the vents. I looked around my house and couldn't find Comet.

Dream #2: In my next dream I went to my mailbox to get the mail and there was a home-made CD with a note attached to it. The note was from someone I didn't know and they told me that they were going to kill themselves. I called the police and when they got to my house the police officer looked at the note and said "well, they're dead!"

One Year of Health

This time last year I was home after a morning of surgery. I had a tube, 20 staples, and my lower back was at least 6 inches concave. One year later, I still have a scar from the tube, my back is still slightly concave and scarred, I have no feeling in my left leg but I am awash with gratitude.

A year ago today I was relieved to be finished with surgery but it would be 2 weeks before I learned that my tumor was benign. It was a horrible 2 weeks of worry. When I learned that I was cancer-free, I wanted to dance right out of the doctor's office, despite the fact that I would have to wear my tube for 2 more months. I'm not sure if I ever properly thanked the people who made my life easier while I recovered so let me do so now.

I'm grateful to my parents who visited me and my friends called just a few hours after my surgery. I am not a parent but I can't imagine the fear my parents felt when they saw their child with half her back sucked in and carrying a tube after having surgery at a cancer hospital. Many of my friends visited the next day and I am deeply grateful that they did. They brought their children and helped me laugh at my deflated back.

I'm grateful to Melissa who came to many doctor's appointments with me and made sure no one screwed up. I'm grateful to the lady who carried my books at the library, to all the moms who pulled their kids away from me before they got too close to my tube, the cancer forums where I could post anxious questions anonymously, and to the pharmacist at Target who asked me about the tube instead of just staring at it and giving me a pitiful look. I'm grateful to Brian who cleaned out my back and changed my bandages, especially those first few days because I nearly passed out a few times. It was pretty gross.

Thanks everyone. I hope everyone reading this is as lucky as I am.

Hey Peter, what's happening?

I felt like writing but I really have nothing too pressing to say. So, here's what I've been thinking about.

1. I don't like following celebrities on Twitter. When I first hopped on the Twitter bandwagon I followed Lance Armstrong. Well, I think he's a big jerk so I quit following him and I got tired of hearing about him biking through Hawaii and Paris. Poor baby. The only celebrities I follow now are the down-to-earth gents from My Chemical Romance. However, it's killing my image of rock stars. They tweet about changing diapers and their cars getting towed. Same stuff I tweet about, except for the diapers part. I need to find some 80s hair bands to follow.

2. Dream Update. Last night I dreamed that I was an undercover officer (think 21 Jump Street without Johnny Depp) and I was pretending to be a high school student but I got too caught up in getting my assignments turned in. Imagine that.

3. Book Shelf. You all know I love my vampire books. I've even read that horrid Twilight series. I'm half way through Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris, part of the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire series and the inspiration for HBO's hit series True Blood. Now I am moving on to true crime books, which I have enjoyed reading for many years, since reading Cruel Doubt. I'm going to see if the library has While They Slept by Kathryn Harrison about the Gilley murders. Am I morbid?

4. Music Box. I've been listening to Procol Harum a lot lately and if I could have written one song it would have been Whiter Shade of Pale, even though I'm pretty sure it's just about drugs.

5. Barney! Bernard Sumner's record with his new band, Bad Lieutenant is coming out in September and I can't wait.

6. Luck of the Irish. I've been thinking about how lucky I was that my parents pretty much let me read and listen to what I wanted when I was a kid. Had they not, I'm pretty sure I would just be overly excited about the New Kids on the Block reunion tour and strictly read Cosmo. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Get a haircut!

My hair is really long and I've had enough! So, it's time for something new. I am going to take in this picture of Nicole Richie but ask for it to be just a little longer. Give me your opinions please! Would this style look good? Should I try something else? Should I leave my hair alone? I want to know!

Hit me with technology! Part 1

Today was my first day of training at the new school where I will be teaching this fall. But it isn't just any school. This school is online.

We discussed benefits and delved into the technology. I received a huge phone and a laptop. Did I mention that I'll be working from home? Yes, I'm a lucky duck for sure.

I will be teaching 8th grade social studies and language arts to students with special needs. My students will be fully included and I will be there to modifiy assignments and reiterate the content. Finally I will get to teach the way I should.

Some of the technology is a little intimidating. We're working through modules that are nothing more than power points really. I am hoping that once I get to actually use the databases it will click for me. We'll see.

She don't eat the meat but she sure likes the bone

When I was 13 I quit eating meat. All of it. This decision came after watching one of those 48 Hours specials about the meat industry. If the abuse wasn't enough to appaul you, the farm conditions certainly would. Something about eating something that festered in its own feces kind of grossed me out. I was pleased with my decision and was never one of those preachy vegetarians. You know the kind I'm talking about.

Around 18 or 19 years of age I started eating turkey and chicken again. I would go back and forth with poultry (I've never been one for fish) but I was unwavering on my decision to nix the red meat.

Last week something weird happened. I began to crave red meat. This was not the first time that this has happened but this was the first time that the craving was so intense. I actually dreamed about eating a hamburger. After doing some research on what red meats to start with again and how my body would react, I took the plunge and ate a hamburger.

Go ahead and laugh but my first hamburger in 18 years was a White Castle. They are plain and I recalled liking them at one point. I did not lose the contents of my stomach at first bite but I was surprised at how flavorless it was. In fact the hamburger items I have had this past week have all been pretty bland. But my craving is mostly cured.

Bottom line, if I want it I'm going to have it and the next time I see my doctor I am going to get tested for anemia. I can think of no other explanation for my sudden meat cravings. I think that the body has a way of letting you know if it needs something. For once, I listened to my body.

(Bonus points if you can name the song this entry title came from WITHOUT googling it!! Double points if you know where the picture came from!)

Disaster Zone or Serene Classroom?

This school year is destined to be different from previous school years since I will be teaching students online. No new school clothes or buying supplies that my students can't afford to buy themselves. I will certainly save money but let's hope I don't get lazy.

Recently I was at Old Navy with my friends and Sarah pointed out some comfy lounge pants and I made some jokes about those being my new school clothes. Sounds great, right? But is it? Am I going to gain 50 pounds, wear stained shirts and never wash my face again? I need to be conscious of these things and not totally turn into a disaster.

So, people...if you start to see me pile the pounds on or notice that I've been in the same clothes for too long, tell me. I mean it. If the junk is overflowing in my trunk I need you all to call me out.

I Hate When I Lose Things!

I really identify with this poem today. Enjoy...


One Art
By Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn't hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster: places, and names, and where it was you meant to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or next-to-last, of three loved houses went. The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster, some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent. I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.

---Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident the art of losing's not too hard to master though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

A Meme...just because....

1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? No soap. Soap does bad things to my skin.
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? No.
3. What would you change about your living room? I'd like for the cable drop to be in more than one places so we could rearrange out furniture.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Dishwasher? What's this dishwasher business?
5. What is in your fridge? More condiments than I will ever need, water, Brian's pop, my tea, cheeses, lunchmeat...
6. White or wheat bread? Either
7. What is on top of your refrigerator?Breadbox, cat food, small wine rack.
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? Green, yellow, white and blue stripes.
9. How many plants are in your home? 0
10. Is your bed made right now? I don't make the bed.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Comet
12. Is your closet organized?I try to.
13. Can you describe your flashlight? Silver and big.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? Glass.
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? No
16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? I have one and it isn't too bad right now, thanks to Brian.
17. Curtains or blinds? Both. Blinds and curtains on all windows.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1.
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? No, I have to have a really dark room.
20. How often do you vacuumWith 2 dogs, frequently.
21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Standard.
22. What color is your toothbrush? White and blue.
23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? No but I have a Halloween one that I put out in October.
24. What is in your oven right now? A chocolate cake!
25. Is there anything under your bed? Clothes containers, shoes, book, dust bunnies, probably a cat.
26. Chore you hate doing the most? Cleaning the toilets.
27. What retro items are in your home? A bathroom cabinet, some purses, an end table...
28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? Yes, and now I'm about to have 2.
29. How many mirrors are in your home? 4
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? I found $3 in an old purse last week. Does that count?
31. What color are your walls? Our walls are different colors. I like color.
32. What are you listening too right now? Brian is playing Weezer so that is what I have to listen to as well.
33. What does your home smell like right now? Cake and blueberries.
34. Favorite candle scent? I like fruity scents.
35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? Kosher.
36. What color is your favorite Bible? No Bible.
37. Ever been on your roof? Nooo
38. Do you own a stereo? Yes
39. How many TVs do you have? 2 - one in the living room and one in the Florida room.
40. How many house phones? 3
41. Do you have a housekeeper? I wish!
42. What style do you decorate in? I'm not even sure anymore.
43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? I prefer solid.
44. Is there a smoke detector in your home? Yes, I really need them too!
45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip? Besides obviously Brian and the pets, I can't think of anything. I don't have anything that I couldn't replace if I had to.

What's going on in your world?

It's been a while since I posted so here is what's been happening in my world lately:

1. School's out! School is out for summer and I'm working at a preschool part-time. I have little responsibility as far as paper work is concerned and I love that. The parents are challenging but in a different way than my school parents are challenging. For example, a mom of one of the preschoolers calls several times a day to make sure that her son is okay. He is always fine. He's a happy kid, well-behaved and has fun at preschool. Mom is a school teacher too so she's off this summer. If you are that worried about him, don't stick him in day care all day when you DON'T need it.

2. Clear Mascara I was blessed with dark eyelashes that are pretty long but I love the fact that mascara can accentuate what you've been given. However, mascara almost always ends up under my eyes. Not a good look. And this is why clear mascara rocks! There is no messy residue under your eyes but you get the benefit of darkened and separated lashes with a slight extension. Go try it.

3. Knot me Brian and I visited Temptations in Dublin and learned to knit over the weekend. Lindsey and Julie were the patient teachers. I still need lots of practice and guidance but I'm getting the hang of it. Homemade Christmas presents for everyone!

4. Another One Bites the Dust Last Tuesday, was my birthday. Another year of my 30s is gone. I'm 31 now so I guess I need to get more mature.

5. Etsy Invasion By pure accident, I learned that Etsy allows people to sell their baked goods. I may be invading Etsy sometime soon. I love to bake and I'm actually good at it so I might give it a try.

Cat Scratch Fever

I headed out bright and early this morning and was greeted by a mess of tools on the garage floor. Weird. I assumed they just fell. But it got better. As I was getting in my car I found a small pile of poo next to my tire. Luckily it was not rodent-small. It was definitely of the feline variety.

I did what anyone would do. I called my husband and asked him to get rid of whatever it is. During his lunch break, he came home (he always comes home for lunch so I didn't make him give up his lunch or anything! I'm not that big of a bitch.) and shook some boxes in the garage. Out popped a cat and off he went. Problem solved, right? Wrong.

After doing some much needed shopping, I came home around 3. As I was letting Colby outside I saw a little kitty face pressed against the patio door, crying to come in. I'm a sucker for animals and they all know it. Of course, I went to my yard and gave him some water and food. He followed me into the garage, back outside, and even into my shed while I found the animal carrier.

After very little coaxing, he went into the crate and I took him to the humane society. He was skinny and hungry so I'm glad that tonight he's eating and drinking and safe.

Take My License and All that Jive

I was rolling along Sullivant Ave. (St.?) today, heading back to work from lunch. I was already late as it was and knew I was about to be even later when a boy in blue stepped out into the middle of the street, stopped traffic and pointed for me to pull over.

I knew I was speeding. I am always speeding. I have no excuses but I'm still going to bitch. Here are my grivences:

1. I got pulled over in front of a known whore house. The sign of this "hair salon" contains the words ultimate, fantasy and tanning. Enough said. So I should think that the police have far more important things to do.
2. The cost of the fine was not on the ticket. Okay, I was going 10 mph over the speed limit. I will take the penalty but shouldn't I at least know how much to shell out? Fair is fair. Instead there is a number on the back of the ticket for me to call. When I called they told me that it would take 72 hours for the case to be updated. Ridiculous!
3. Well, it just sucks to get a ticket.

Get into the groove

I often visit The Pink Shoe Cookbook to find some fantastic recipes and recently I paid a visit to the sister site, The Pink Shoe Diaries. The author of both sites posted an entry about blogging about the things you are into. So, here's a list of what I am into. Right. Now.

*Neil Diamond: I've listened to him for many years and even got to see him live in 1998. A few weeks ago Brian asked if I had his greatest hits and I do. On cassette. Lucky me, I scored the same copy, on CD, at a yard sale yesterday for $1.
*Etsy: I have never bought anything from Etsy but give me time. For now, I just love to see the awesome things talented people make.
*Color: I went shopping for clothes yesterday and I did not buy even one thing in black.
*Cooking: I got a little sick from food I had at a restaurant so now I am all about cooking. I love to cook anyway but lately I've been lazy with it. That's about to change this week!
*Running: I run as fast as my three-legged turtle but it is something new that I'm enjoying.

Daily Observations

*I hate music in the morning. I love music of all kinds but when I'm driving to work I prefer to listen to DJs talk. I can't make any more sense of this than you can.
*I love Wednesday nights. It's really the only night I watch TV (Mythbusters and Pitchmen) and I so look foreward to it. By this point the week is half over and I can take anything!
*I am obsessed with books. Since I was 8 I have always had to have a book going. As soon as I finish one book I find myself tearing the house apart for my next fix. It's kind of sad. Right now I'm reading A Secret Word by Jennifer Paddock. Not sure if I like it but I'll keep reading.
*I'm over myself. I'm done worrying about my weight. I think for the first time in my life I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. Thanks, Harper Lee.

What does the late bird catch?

When I was a single co-ed, I could function on 3 hours of sleep and be fine. One quarter I had a 7:30 am class (which meant waking up by 6 at the latest) and went to bed at 3 or 4 am every night. I could wake up, go to class all day then go to work. What happened to me?

I know. I got old(er). Now I am asleep by midnight and I am struggling to get up in the morning. I've tried different tactics over the years. Moving the clock further from the bed, turning the clock up really loud. I can't get up early enough. If someone has a way to motivate me, please tell me how to get up earlier.

Beware: Amateur Ghost Hunters on the Loose!

I have always been interested in the supernatural. I can't explain any of it and I am not entirely sure I have experienced anything especially paranormal but I still find it all fascinating. Last year my friend Aaron, also a supernatural lover, got involved with The Waverly Hills Sanatorium and made their fabulous website. Thanks to this connection he took me and a few other friends along for a lock in at the infamously haunted former TB hospital. A creepy place if I have ever seen one. Yesterday, Aaron, Brian, Anne, and I went to the Mansfield Reformatory, which is now known for lodging spirits.

Mansfield, Ohio is about an hour and a half away from me and an easy drive. The old Reformatory is hard to miss. The stone prison looks more like a castle and as the tour guide stated, it was built to look intimidating. Mission accomplished.

We began the tour with a chat outside covering the basic rules: don't steal anything and don't try to scare people and act like a fool or you will be kicked out. Once inside our tour guide told his own tales of seeing and hearing unusual things and shared the history of the former prison. I was most interested in the mirrored mansions that once hosted the warden and important officials who visited the area. Even though the mansions' paint was peeling and the floors were crumbling, it was still evident that it was once a gorgeous house. One former warden's wife, Helen, died in the mansion and supposedly still wanders the building.

After the guided tour, we were all set free to roam the building until 6 AM. We spent time sitting in dark rooms and listening to sounds. Walking though the cell blocks, I was amazed how small the cells are. My only impression of prison is what I have seen on TV and the reality was striking. Many of the cells still had old reading materials. The huge library still had a few legal journals and the librarian's desk was still intact.

Brian and I left around 1 AM and Aaron and Anne stayed until 3 AM. Of course Brian and I missed the good stuff. Aaron called me this morning and let me know that they heard unusual sounds and some possible EVPs after I had left. That's how it goes.

While I did not see or hear anything out of the ordinary, this was a fun and interesting trip. There is something here for everyone. If you are like me and love history, you will enjoy the stories of the prison and the prisoners while looking at the old fixures. If you are into the supernatural you are surely to find something creepy and if you are a movie buff you'll love seeing the props left behind from Airforce One and Shawshank Redemption. Since I live so close, I will definitely return sometime in the future, despite the fact that nothing scared me. There's always next time.

Check out Brian's review of the trip at The Morning Toast.

What makes you feel better?

What things do you do to make yourself feel better when you're down? When my life feels like a wreck I love to watch Sex and the City reruns. I have no idea why exactly. I didn't care for this show when it was on but there is something so relaxing about Carrie's voice overs and the backdrop of NYC. I have nothing in common with this show. I never rocked an awesome apartment or dated Russians. Regardless, nothing relaxes me more than the Sex and the City clan.

Sick!

It seems like since I had surgery I have been sick. While I was on leave with my tune I was healthy, other than the fact I had a tube! Once the tube came out in late November and I headed back to work, I got sick and stayed sick. What can I do?

I've tried vitamins, I wash my hands and use hand sanitzer, I even added chicken and turkey back into my diet for the extra protein.

I'm currently home sick with a fever and a sinus infection and a few other choice symptoms that make it difficult to leave the house. I'm tired of being sick!

Bath and Body Works My Nerves

I went to Bath & Body Works this afternoon armed with a coupon good for a free item when I spend $10 or more. Since I was fresh out of Wallflowers, I went in knowing exactly what I wanted.

The moment I walked in I was greeted by a very friendly sales associate who asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. I told her what I was there for and she directed me to the right place. About 30 seconds later, as I was looking for my Wallflower scent of choice another sales gal asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. I told her I found it, thanks. I had to do this routine the entire 45 minutes I was in the store. I was offered help SIX TIMES by the same 2 sales associates.

Everyone who helped me were all very friendly and nice. I know they are just doing their jobs but I think that offering someone assistance once or twice is plenty! At one point, a sales rep actually interrupted me from something I was looking to buy to show me another item, which I had no intention of buying. I ended up not buying either item and I just left as soon as I could get away from the over zealous sales people.

My quest to get into shape

Last September I made a pact with myself: if it all turned out well with my surgery, I would do more to stay in shape. My tumor had nothing to do with being in or out of shape but it made me aware of the fact that staying in good shape will prevent --or at least reduce ---hospital visits that can be avoided by being healthy.

In November my hemovac drain was removed and since then I have been left with a loss of feeling in parts of my thigh. Now that some of that feeling is returning, it is time to make good on the promise I made to myself.

I saw at 10tv.com that Heather’s Team is being formed in honor of Heather Pick , who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008, at this year’s Race for the Cure. Heather was Brian’s co-worker and friend. I decided that this would be a nice way to contribute to a good cause, honor a special person, and get myself into shape. Given that this 5K race is in May, it is time to start working.

My first step was to buy running shoes. I went to Front Runner and a sale’s person helped me tremendously. He looked at the tread of my old tennis shoes and watched me walk to figure out the best shoe for me. Not only have I been wearing the wrong size but I wasn’t even wearing the proper arch support.

The sales person brought a selection of four shoes. I walked and ran in the parking lot, no doubt looking like a nut with two different shoes on my feet! I decided on the Asics Fortitude. Just running in the parking lot, I could tell a difference. I had more stamina and less pain. Best of all, the discomfort I’ve been experiencing at my surgical site when I run was greatly reduced.

This week I will begin my running schedule. I’m excited to wear my new shoes! I hope some of you reading this will join me at Race for the Cure.

School Dream

On my myspace page I often post the dreams I have, especially if they involve people I know in real life. Here is a dream I had on 3/4 that involved a few friends. Look for my crazy dream blogs here now and then.

Begin dream: I was in a high school algebra class. My principal (my boss) was teaching it. A bunch of people from high school were in this class but I specifically remember Aaron and Matt being there. Everyone in the class were adults. We were all taking notes. I was panicking because I could not remember some of this math and I did not want my principal to know. Then Aaron's older brother walked past the window and pointed and laughed at us.

Livin' Like Larry

Over the weekend I happened to catch an episode of Spongebob Squarepants called “A Life in a Day.” In this show, Spongebob and Patrick decide to try to live like Larry the Lobster. They decide that living like Larry means living in the moment and ignoring all reason. Spongebob and Patrick end up pulling a bunch of crazy stunts and getting hurt. Larry realizes that Spongebob and Patrick are hurting themselves to be like him so he better explains the concept of "livin' like Larry" as living life to the fullest and not maiming yourselves.

Oddly enough, this episode made me think about how I live. I am not interested in maiming myself but I think I could live like Larry more often. I tend to over think and worry about everything. I don't think I'm ready to totally throw caution to the wind but I think that each day I can do something small to live in the moment. Today livin' like Larry meant taking my class outside for a quick afternoon recess and playing a game of chase with them. I am not sure what I will do tomorrow to live like Larry but I will make sure I do something.

A Lesson Never Learned

I have only been a teacher for a little over a year now and while I feel pretty successful there are things I still struggle with. My classroom has experienced a total schedule overhaul and now I feel like my time management strategies have been lost. This is one area where my teacher's prep program did not prepare me.

While I was in school working on my teaching degree, we had several placements in classrooms throughout the city every semester. Our professors always encouraged us to jump in and be helpful right away. Good advice. As a future teacher I was anxious to get to know the students and to find out what it was really like to be the teacher. However, now that I am flying solo in my own classroom I wish I could have seen how a teacher dealt with the students when there wasn't an extra set of hands. I think more teaching programs need to allow student teachers to spend at least a week just watching. Simply watching how a teacher manages behavior issues without any help or how she gets three kids off to gym and two kids off to art at the same time would have been helpful to see.

Seinfeld Moment 290,456: Can you spare a square?

Tonight I had to make a pit stop and use the potty at Target. What should have taken under 5 minutes ended up being a 20 minute adventure. First, the stall I selected lacked a functioning lock. Can't have that. So I took myself to the neighboring stall and lo and behold the lock worked. I did my business and despite there being a spot for TWO rolls of toilet paper, this stall was toilet paper free. I texted Brian. I figured he is an expert in all things related to the bathroom. he suggested that I wait until the bathroom cleared out then just (quickly) move to the next stall. The other choice being that I ask someone next to me if they can pass me some toilet paper. I had a problem asking someone for toilet paper. Not only would it be weird to have a faceless voice ask for toilet paper, I didn't want someone touching my toilet paper. Call me a germaphobe. So I went with option #1.

Once I finally got the nerve to attempt to leave the stall with my pants still down, I quickly realized a dilemma: women are quiet. Target has super industrial hand driers that actually blow your skin around. They are LOUD! So once the drier came on I couldn't tell if someone else walked in or if the person drying their hands had left because I could not hear the door open or close. Also, after drying our hands, we ladies often spend time in front of the mirror checking our make-up or teeth for food. We are very quiet as we do this. I eventually peeked out the stall door and made a mad dash to the stall next door. Luckily, no one caught me with my pants down.

25 Things About Me

I was "tagged" on Facebook to fill out a "25 things about me" questionnaire. Here is what I came up with. I'm very boring.

1. I am always reading at least 2 books. I keep a book upstairs and a book downstairs and read any chance I get.

2. I only watch TV Wednesdays and Sundays. Those are the only days that there is anything on that I like to watch.

3. I want to own my own business one day.

4. I am a constant worrier. I will worry about anything!

5. I am an only child and I'm perfectly happy that way. Sometimes I wish I had siblings but having a sibling is no promise that the relationship will be good.

6. I got my first pet, a cat, when I was 4 and she lived until I was nearly 19.

7. I love to bake and try decorating cakes and cupcakes. Recently I've been into making my own candy.

8. I met my husband in high school but I really didn't like him very much! We did not start dating until I was 22. When we got a little older I realized that we had a lot in common. We're now very happy and enjoy hanging out together. We can be content doing things together or just doing our own thing. He is my bestfriend.

9. I have 2 dogs and I never thought I would. I was always kind of scared of dogs and would avoid them as much as possible. Now that I have my own dogs strange dogs seem to like me better.

10. My dog, Colby found our turtle, Winnie, at a dog park. She only has 3 legs and she is missing a toe on one of her feet. Given her missing leg, I figured she should come home with us. We've had her for almost 3 years now.

11. I'm a huge procrastinator. I will avoid doing things I don't want to do until the last minute.

12. When I am stressed out I will clean the house.

13. I have a hard time getting and staying organized.

14. I enjoy my job (teacher) but I think I am getting really burned out with the students I work with. I will be changing schools for next year!

15. I enjoy matchmaking even if I'm not very good at it.

16. I like walking around the art museum and the zoo (when it is warmer). When I was on leave from my surgery I went to both places often.

17. One of my biggest pet peeves are people who hog conversations and can't seem to talk about anything other than themselves. Ironic that this is a post all about me but you guys know what I'm talking about!

18. I hate shopping. I can't stand the time it takes to try clothes on and I never seem to like anything.

19. Even though I'd never do it in public, I love to sing and I always sing along with the stereo in the car. And for the record, I'm drumming in that picture!

20. When I was taking my driving test for the first time I got nervous and turned left on red! Needless to say, I did not pass!

21. I really enjoy going to concerts and I've been to well over 50 shows.

22. My favorite season is fall. I like moderate weather. I hate anything that is too cold or too hot. Right now I am anxious for summer!

23. I haven't eaten port or red meat since I was 13 and I've never really cared for seafood. Recently I quit eating turkey and chicken. I got grossed out by something I watched about farms and decided I was done. I don't really miss it. I find myself eating more vegetables and making better choices at restaurants. All good things since I'd like to lose some weight.

24. I really like following celebrity gossip for some reason.

25. I love old movies. I like newer ones too but the older ones from the 50s and 60s are my favorites.

My Health

The last few months, health related, have been difficult. I had surgery in September and still had a drain inserted until Thanksgiving. At my mom's December 13th graduation I felt sick and have been sick every since. Today I went to pick up a cake from my catering co-worker. We both teach at the same 113 year-old-school and we chatted about some of the other schools nearby. She told me about a nearby school, also housed in an old building, that has several staff members with cancer. Makes you wonder about how the environment is effecting these people. Given the fact that I teach in an old buiding and that my classroom is in the basement, I'm wondering if there isn't more to me being sick for nearly 2 months.

Purpose Revisited

I began this blog a few years ago when I was studying for the PRAXIS 2. Everyday I would go some place new to study then review the atmosphere. Well, I took and passed the PRAXIS 2 and am now a teacher. From here on this blog will cover anything and everything I feel like writing about.

Richey Edwards is dead

On February 1, 1995, Richey Edwards, the rhythm guitarist and song writer for the Manic Street Preachers went missing. In the days following some people said they saw him at a passport agengy and a taxi drived claimed to have driven him around Wales.

A few days later, Richey's car was found at a service station near the Severn River bridge, a popular suicide spot, but he was never seen or heard from again. Richey Edwards was sensitive and intelligent, but plagued with anorexia, depression, alcoholism, and a penchant for self-mutilation.

In the years that would follow, the Manic Street Preachers would continue on but as a trio with bassist Nicky Wire taking over song writing duties. Although most of their efforts have been solid, Richey's wit and observations are missed.

There would be more Richey sightings in exotic locales like Goa and the Canary Islands. Any time a body part was found in the Severn it was examined to see if it belonged to Richey. So far, nothing has matched.

Over the winter, Richey Edwards' family finally declared him legally dead. He finally received his obituary in the Guardian. We can only hope that he got to read it from Goa.