AndieSpeak

Happy Birthday to Me!

Andie — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:09:29 GMT

35 doesn't seem like it's going to be so bad after all! Yay!

What's goin' on!

Andie — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 06:29:47 GMT

Dear Friends, I suppose I ought to post and let y’all know what I’ve been up to and what’s new on my end of the block. Let’s see… The school year ended and I didn’t hurt any students. Which is amazing, considering I got all my National Boards stuff in on time. The yearbook turned out quite well—I’ll try to find a link—and I’m quite proud of it. School ended on a Thursday, I packed Friday, and Saturday I was off to California witchcamp with MoonSong and Flame. It was so great to see friends I hadn’t seen for so long!!!! (Misha! Our date is one of my best memories of camp this year. You are such a treasure!) Tuesday night I awoke, realized I had to pee, rummaged around quietly so I wouldn’t wake my cabinmates, found my jammie-bottoms and shoes, grabbed a flashlight, but didn’t turn it on—again so not to wake said cabinmates—and, being half asleep, completely forgot there were steps leading up to our cabin. I’ve been sitting with my class 3 ankle sprain or hobbling around on crutches since then. Still hurts. Have discovered darvocet makes me dizzy, and not in a good way. I will see the doc August 15 and she will tell me if I can walk on it without the use of crutches then. Have gained poundage from said sitting. Wish I could walk and go enjoy the summer sun. Z is amazing. But I always post about that. ☺ Truly, I adore this man. Kitties are cute and healthy, except Athen has a big ole butt. They already eat diet food for lazy indoor cats; I’m not quite sure what to do about it. He’s quite the snuggler these days, and being home alone with him all day long is a treat. I’m happy for his company. Kobe, of course, sits on the chair across from where I sit and ignores me. Have almost completed season 1 of Joan of Arcadia. I think that’ll be enough, but it’s a cute show. ☺ Civ IV is addictive, and I have wasted many precious hours of my life conquering other nations. I will never get those hours back, and yet each day I play and play… Z has taken to calling me his “little warmonger.” Saw my highschool boyfriend last Saturday at his father’s birthday party—and his perfect wife and perfect daughters. He wiped strawberry off his elder child’s hands so that she could shake mine. Pyro flew in from Princeton for the party with his wife and newborn baby boy. Flake flew in from Thailand and told stories about his lovely girlfriend and her daughter that lives with them. It seemed like so many of the people at the party that I grew up with have spouses and kids! I tried not to feel like I am somehow behind. Z sat alone (next to me in my chair) on the grass and stared off into the distance the whole time, quite obviously bored out of his mind. Somehow that was ok. Z’s brother in law stopped by tonight to drop off my antique desk (with the hole for the ink well!) tonight. He took weeks of his spare time to refinish it for me and checked in with Z about the whole thing and I had no clue what was going on until tonight. He'd just offered to store it for me. It looks amazing—there is no way I’d leave it outside to rot now, which is where it was before, under outdoor planters. It’s gorgeous, really. We are going to use it as a bedside table. While he was here, he shared that we will be sitting at the table with The Piranha at the bar-mitzvah. Oh, joy. Flame brought me beautiful flowers last Wednesday and they are still vibrant and cheerful. ☺ School starts in less than a month! I’m doing the yearbook again, and it looks like I have pretty much the same schedule and the same classroom. Woohoo!!!! …I’m doing all right, though I can’t wait to walk again! Thanks for listening!

71 Things You Probably Don't Already Know About Me

Andie — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:55:46 GMT

71 Things you most likely don't know about me 1. Do you snore? Only when I’m sick! 2. Are you a lover or a fighter? Can I be both? 3. What's your worst fear? Illness 4. As a kid, were you a Lego maniac? Not by a long shot. 5. Do you like to have your neck kissed? Yep! 6. Do you chew on your straws? Nope! 7. Were you a cute baby? Adorable. 8. What color is your mouse? White 9. What color is your keyboard? Silver 10. Do you sing in the shower? Every time I bathe! 11. Have you ever bungee jumped? No, and I don’t plan to. 12. Have any secrets? Not a one, although there are some things about me that are inappropriate for some people to know, if that makes any sense. 13. Ideal vacation spot? Greece, in a villa on a white cliff. With Z. 14. Do you think Jay Leno is funny? He can be. I saw him live, once. Tori Amos was the guest musician, and because I was late and running to get in line I ran into Kelsey Grammer—who was the other guest. He’s a big guy to run into. 15. Can you swim? Very well. I grew up in Santa Monica! 16. Have you seen Donnie Darko? Last week, actually. How weird is that? 17. Do you give a flip about the ozone? That whole deal scares me. Have you seen “Sunshine” yet? 18. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? No clue. Don’t like the taste of tootsie-anything. 19. Can you sing the alphabet backwards? Nope 20. Have you ever been on an airplane? Lots of times 21. Are you an only child? No, I have a younger brother. 22. Do you prefer electric or manual pencil sharpener? I don’t use pencils, but if I have to I use the yellow twisty ones. 23. What's your stand on hunting? I am very against zombies. Die, zombies, die! 24. Is marriage in your future? I hope so! 25. Do you like your handwriting? Eh… 26. What are you allergic to? Shellfish. Stupidity. 27. When was the last time you said, "I love you"? This morning, to Z as he was leaving for work. ☺ 29. Do you cry at weddings? Yep 30. How do you like your eggs? Sunny side up, on sourdough toast. 31. Are blondes dumb? Sometimes I think they buy into the stereotype. 32. Where does the other sock end up? The sockmonster eats it. Duh. 33. What time is it? 1:44 pm 34. Do you have a nickname? Many! 35. Is McDonalds disgusting? Most of the time. But then I get that craving…mmmmm…burgers… 37. Do you prefer showers or baths? Showers. 38. Is Santa Claus real? Ahhhhh…I could go off… 40. Are you afraid of the dark? Yes 41. What are you addicted to? Coca-cola. Civ IV. 42. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? creamy 43. Can you crack your neck? Yep 44. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? No! 46. Is drug free the way to be? For me. 47. Are you a heavy sleeper? Usually… 48. What color are your bed sheets? Um…white? I think. 50. Do you like your life? LOVE it! 51. Is your name Alan? No 52. Are you psychic? That depends on what you mean by psychic. Do I sometimes know things? Yes. Can I predict the future? No. 53. Have you read "catcher in the rye"? Yes, great book. 54. Do you play any instruments? I sing. Does that count? 55. Have you ever stolen money? Ooooohh yeah! Long time ago. 56. Can you snowboard? Haven’t tried. 57. Do you like camping? Depends on what kind of camping. 58. Do you snort when you laugh? Only if it’s REALLY funny! 59. Do you believe in magic? Absolutely. 60. Are dogs man's best friend? Not being a man, I don’t feel qualified to answer this one. 61. You believe in divorce? yeah. 62. Can you do the moonwalk? Nope! 65. What was the last thing you ate? Yogurt with raspberries on it. ☺ 66. Do you wear nail polish? Only clear. 67. Wish you could live somewhere else? Than Santa Monica?!? Are you nuts?? 68. What's the most annoying TV commercial? No idea, I have a DVR. ☺ 69. Would you ever die for your best friend? Not just for the fun of it. 70. Favorite band at the moment? Crowded House. Dixie Chicks? Crowded House? Dixie Chicks. Crowded House. (Ok, maybe you knew this one already!) 71. If you could master any musical instrument, what would it be and why? Guitar, so it wouldn’t just be sitting there collecting dust. Plus I’ve always wanted to learn how to play...had a lesson a few weeks ago but I haven’t been practicing because of my foot. Long story.

Meatloaf

Andie — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:09:45 GMT

OMG, I found this on epicurious.com and Z made it and it's amazing! And totally easy. Just wanted to share. :) Zeph's Amazing Meatloaf Makes about 6 servings. ingredients 2 lb meatloaf mix (beef, pork, and veal) 1 cup cooked oatmeal 1 cup finely chopped onion 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup soy sauce (we used half soy sauce and half worcheister sauce) 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup chili sauce (ketchup-based) preparation Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Mix together all ingredients except chili sauce using your hands. Transfer mixture to a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish and mound into a 10- by 5-inch oval loaf. Spread chili sauce over meatloaf and bake 1 hour. We dipped in chili sauce as we ate. :)

Excitement!

Andie — Mon, 28 May 2007 15:55:47 GMT

I'm going! Can't wait to see you! It's been WAY too long!!!!!

More about me, me, me!

Andie — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:43:52 GMT

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, but I was going to be named Ravi, after Ravi Shenkar, but my grandmother bullied my mom into Andrea instead because Ravi would have been “weird” and what would people think? This from the Jewish woman who sent her Jewish son’s family a Christmas card… 2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Yesterday…migraines do that to me. 3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING Eh 4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I don’t really like it, but I eat 99% fat free turkey because it’s the healthiest and easiest to bring to work. 5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? YES!!!!!!!!!!! 175 of them this year... 6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Totally. I crack myself up! 7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? No… 8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS Yep 9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Nope 10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Can’t remember, but of the healthy cereals I like the Kashi one that is a mixture of all the others… I think I liked Life the best, if we’re talking taste, however. 11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I mostly wear boots, so no need, but my tennis shoes? No. 12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? No, I’m a wuss 13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I don’t know. I’m realizing that I do a lot of things for the sake of being healthy, rather for pure enjoyment…while I like being healthy, I’m suddenly craving Life cereal… 14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile 15. RED OR PINK? Blue. 16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Oh, where to start…Stomach? Extra pounds? Yeah… 17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST My grandfathers 18. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? *snorts * Not anymore! Well…books… 19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black sandals that are the twins to Miriams that are finally starting to fall apart and no pants. (black skirt) 20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? cheddar cheese dipped in mustard 21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Kids chittering amongst themselves 22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple with sparkles. 23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Pomegranate, the ocean, The Catboy Cat, Bakeries 24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sweetheart 25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Not really. I wish she’d stop sending me stuff. She's kind of a bitch. 26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Baseball 27. HAIR COLOR? Red, red, red! 28. EYE COLOR? brown 29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No 30. FAVORITE FOOD? cheese 31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings! 32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Spiderman 3 (don't bother) 33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? blue tank with a black sweater…now you have my whole outfit! 34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, definitely. 35. HUGS OR KISSES? It’s a mood thing. And it’s absolutely person-dependant. And how the relationship is going-dependant. I’m not going to hug someone hello if we’re having issues and I want to smack them. 36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Oh…there’s so many…anything from the Baklava Factory… 37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Mischa and Miriam! 38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND Dunno 39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? When Kids Can’t Read by Kylene Beers. Boards. 40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Happy Bunny saying, “Nobody’s perfect. I’m as close as it gets.” 41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V LAST NIGHT? American Idol, duh! 42. FAVORITE SOUND? The Ocean. Z’s hearbeat. Neil’s voice. Kids giggling. 43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles. 44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I think the farthest east I have been would be either Athens, Greece or St. Petersburg, Russia. 45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? They don’t’ call me Pumba for nuthin’! Oh, ahem…um, Share told me I am a gifted writer. But then, she’s never read anything I’ve written… 46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? On the Sunset Strip, baby! (There used to be a Kaiser Permanente, but the above sentence is so much more interesting!)

Crowded House

Andie — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:44:23 GMT

Did I mention I'm going to see them tonight??????? I am so excited!!!!!!!

Give

Andie — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:00:50 GMT

So, last night Z and I are watching American Idol: Idol Gives Back. I was a bit upset because, well, they really staged a lot, did a lot to make you reach into your pocket and give them money. …Which I am all for—giving money to those who deserve it—and I have to say that I applaud AI for coming up with something like this, but at the end, I just couldn’t give it to them. It was too Hollywood for me, I guess. Again, too staged. So, this morning, I hopped on the web and wandered over to BestFriends.org. You may recall that’s my favorite charity to give to. So I gave. You know, it’s been a while. Too long. That’s really not ok. I’m glad I gave today, however, and I’m going to try to do it at least once a month. I’m not writing this to tell you how amazing I am for giving. I’m writing this to ask you when the last time you gave was, and if you’re comfortable with that. If you are, great. If not, maybe you could think about it. I don’t care who you give to, although I recommend that you research carefully. Just give, if you can. Because the world really needs you. (Best Friends Animal Society can be found online at http://www.bestfriends.org/)

Hello Again

Andie — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:38:21 GMT

Ok, so I finished. On time, even. The first part of my ordeal, at least. I only have the rest of my school’s yearbook to complete, and then to start studying for the next step in this project: six, half-hour, back-to-back on-demand essays. In July. Ugh! Just to catch you all up—because you aren’t the only one I haven’t been talking to—I’m totally bummed Gina got voted off, Z and I just got back from a couple of days of relaxation in Napa Valley (and bought WAY too much wine… We are now wine connoisseurs! We are even members of Alpha Omega Winery. Just about the best wine ever! ☺ ), and I’M GOING TO SEE CROWDED HOUSE AT THE END OF APRIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Mischa, how do I get backstage?!?!?!?!?!?!?!) I guess they decided that since they got back together to do Coachella, they might as well do a concert on their own. WOOT!!!!! Yay me! Oh, and Z got us tix for the Decemberists. You might recall that we realized that we’d lost the tickets the night OF the performance the last time they were in town and thusly didn’t get the chance to see them. Another amazing band. I am looking forward to both concerts. I even have the wine all picked out to sit on the steps at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s nice to have some time. I’m very much looking forward to getting back to my magickal studies, and thinking about finally making the choice: belly dancing or guitar lessons. I’ve decided that it’s kind of nice not Doing So Much all the time, and that I’ve realized I love TV. (Did I actually just say that? Type that? Yeah…) I’ve also discovered CIV IV, the video game, and have been putting off the hours it’ll take to achieve world domination completely—due to my project, of course—and will be working on that, too. So, I’m easing back into society. I went to a wedding last Saturday and realized my social skills aren’t quite up to par any longer; I certainly couldn’t be an assistant cruise director at this point! I don’t know if that’s from living under a rock with Z, or just living with Z. But that’s another blog… The winery we are members of: http://www.aowinery.com/

So you know...

Andie — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:29:20 GMT

I sent the following out to the folks in my address book, but then realized that a bunch of you aren't in there. So, here's the reason I've been so out-of-touch lately... Dear Friends, I just wanted to send a quick check-in, because I'm thinking of you--all of you. As you may know, I've been working on a huge project for work (http://www.nbpts.org/). It is quite stressful and takes up a lot of time and energy, which is why it may look like I have fallen off the side of the planet for the last few months or more. I'm happy to report that the big part is almost done (at least my time is almost up...) and I'll be able to crawl out from under the rock where I've been hiding with my flashlight (and computer), and maybe be able to start having a social life once again at some point soon. Ok, after April. My portfolio is due March 31 whether I finish or not. Please don't take my reclusiveness personally!!! I totally love you and can't wait to spend some real time with you!!!! In the meantime, I am using a Mac, which has this neato function that allows me to put photos in to flash at me as my screensaver. :) I probably already have yours there (what better way to feel a connection when I don't have time/energy to actually call?) but if you have more, I'd love to stick 'em in there so I can think of you as I'm working. :) If you are my buddy on Tribe, or have a picture on the LMU website, chances are that I've already stolen those. *wink * I very much miss spending quality time with all of you. Love, Andie

Another one!

Andie — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 22:09:46 GMT

If you're on my list, I wanna know more about you!!! 1. Can you cook? Um. I suppose I can follow a recipe… I make AMAZING chocolate chip cookies, however. And chocolate cake. 2. What was your dream growing up? To ride a black, winged unicorn. Or a black, horned pegasus. 3. What talent do you wish you had? Perfect pitch, and to play the guitar 4. Favorite place? Greece 5. Favorite vegetable? Broccoli, with REAL butter. And some salt. Perhaps even a squeeze of lemon...mmmm. 6. What was the last book you read? I don’t even remember, it’s been so long. Wow, I’ve never said that before. Stupid project. I’m so glad it’ll be over soon. 7. What zodiac sign are u? Siderally: Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Scorpio. 8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Have a bunch of holes in my ears—too many to count—and a hole in my belly button. That isn’t my belly button. 9. Worst habit? Oh, there are so many… 10. Do we know each other off line? Probably! 11. What is your favorite sport? To watch or play...? Oh, wait, I don’t like sports either way… 12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? Depends on how far along a particular entry I am. I flip back and forth hourly. 13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? Talk your ears off 14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Can’t think of anything! 15. Tell me one weird fact about you: You probably know them all already. My wierdnesses are pretty transparent. 16. Do u have any pets? 2 cats, Kobe and Athen. 17. Do u know how to do the macerana? I used to teach it on Princess Cruise Ships! Hey, maybe that can be my weird fact… 18. What time is it where u are now? 1:46 p.m. 19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? HORRIBLE! 20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be??? I’d like to be slim and have a more toned body. 21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? What’s the caper? 22. What color eyes do you have? brown 23. Ever been arrested? Nope 24. What is your favorite drink? Hot chocolate. 25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it? Put it in my “saving for a house” fund and smile 26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? No clue 27. What 's your favorite place to hang at? Snuggling on the couch under a blanket with a kitty purring on my feet and my sweetie’s arms around me. 28. Do you believe in ghosts? Absolutely! 29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? …spare time? I don’t remember. Oh, answer silly questionnaires like this one. ☺ 30. Do you swear a lot? Fuck yeah! 31. Biggest pet peeve? People who don’t do what they say they will do 32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Stressed, but just until March 31…then it’s all about the margaritas!

Happy Winter Solstice!

Andie — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:08:09 GMT

Blessings to you, my dear friends. May the return of the Light bring you love, peace, and joy. What are your interesting plans?

Winter Break!

Andie — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:24:13 GMT

An hour and a half 'till winter break! I'm sneezing and coughing, so it looks like it won't be very exciting for me. The kids keep asking if I'm sick. "How do you know?" I say, as they giggle at my red nose. But yay! Sleeping in, working on my boards, the yearbook, the book my fourth period is working on...wait, isn't this supposed to be a break?!?!

Quotation Request

Andie — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:57:20 GMT

I have been meaning to do this for months... I would like to take about twenty-thirty quotes about reading, writing, books, and character (and anything else inspiring for my kids) and print them on pretty paper, laminate them, and put them up around my classroom for 12 year old eyes to wander to when they aren't listening to me. If you know of one that would be appropriate, would you please put it here along with the person it's attributed to? Yay!

Sesame Street Character Test

Andie — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:57:12 GMT

Elmo You scored 54% Organization, 68% abstract, and 61% extroverted! This test measured 3 variables. First, this test measured how organized you are. Some muppets like Cookie Monster make big messes, while others like Bert are quite anal about things being clean. Second, this test measured if you prefer a concrete or an abstract viewpoint. For the purposes of this test, concrete people are considered to gravitate more to mathematical and logical approaches, whereas abstract people are more the dreamers and artistic type. Third, this test measured if you are more of an introvert or an extrovert. By definition, an introvert concentrates more on herself and an extrovert focuses more on others. In this test an introvert was somebody that either tends to spend more time alone or thinks more about herself. You are mostly organized, more abstract, and both introverted and extroverted. Most people either love or hate Elmo. I hope you love Elmo, because that's who you are. You are both somewhat organized. You have a good idea where you put things and you probably keep your place reasonably clean. You aren't totally obsessed with neatness though. Elmo has the same basic approach. His place is pretty tidy, but he doesn't spend all of his time cleaning it up. You both are abstract thinkers. You definitely are not afraid to take chances in life. You only live once. You may notice others around you playing it safe, but you are more concerned with not compromising your desires, and getting everything you can out of life. This is a very romantic approach to life, but hopefully you are also grounded enough to get by. Elmo's whole life is based on fantasy and his imagination. In the beginning he was a regular character, but now he spends most of his time in this fantasy world. You are both somewhat extroverts. Like Elmo, you probably like to have some time to yourself, but you do appreciate spending time with your friends, and you aren't scared of social situations. Elmo spends some of his time with real friends, but he also needs some time just to chat it up with his goldfish. The other possible characters are Oscar the Grouch Big Bird Cookie Monster Ernie Snuffleupagus Kermit the Frog Grover The Count Guy Smiley Bert

Tell Not Show

Andie — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:37:50 GMT

Directions: From the map that you drew of your life, choose one incident and tell the story. You have 30 minutes. Make it good! Student response: When I was little, I feel off the stairs & I misplaced my shoulder. It hurt real bad & I was about 6 or 7 years old. Well then, after the incident I wasn't allowed up stairs with out an adult. *laughs* I got his permission, printed it onto a piece of overhead plastic and Monday we're going to look at Showing rather than Telling in writing. Maybe he'll have more to say at that point.

For Rorac

Andie — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 17:40:13 GMT

Me: Hey, Adrian, I've just been ordered to wack a student with this ruler. Can I wack you? It's purple... Adrian: Where? Me: Your choice. Adrian: On my arm? Me: Sure. Adrian: *holds up arm* Me *whack!!!!* *snickers*

Retirement

Andie — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:45:26 GMT

I just did the math and realized that I can retire with full, amazing LAUSD benefits on December 4, 2028. I will only be 55 years old. This is, of course, assuming that my math is correct. Wow. The whole concept of 2028 seems so very far away. I have so much to do before then, and so much to look forward to with the free time I’ll have. Just wow.

Time

Andie — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:00:48 GMT

Time management is difficult for me. This year I am doing National Teaching Boards, a program that will basically require me to write a thesis paper and take some nasty, nasty tests in the spring. I am the yearbook coordinator at work—we haven’t even chosen a company yet and I have 36 students to stare at me daily bored and wishing I had something, anything for them to do—and it’s my first year doing so at this school. I have a Saturday writing group once a month that started up again last weekend. I have been asked to join the English Cadre, which I will accept (both of these last two things will support my Boards work) but which means that I will be out of the classroom one Thursday a month for training that I will then need to bring back and present to my department, which I will need to prepare for. I have taken on a HUGE commitment in my religious group. I still have my studies in that department, too, as well as a weekly class to attend. Usually after after-school faculty meetings. My daily magical practice. Oh, and just doing magic for the fun of it. You know, getting the coven together, chanting our favorite song, dancing to some drumbeat one of us made up. Staring at a candle. Something. Journaling, even. I also have a weekly “girlie appointment” that may or may not include getting my nails, eyebrows, toes done. And there’s therapy. And wanting to go to the gym or at least move some. And wanting to cook dinner because it’s cheaper and healthier than going out all the time. And then there’s Z—I definitely want lots of Z-time. We have agreed to have at least one date every two weeks, but neither of us has kept to that agreement. Most likely because one or both has been ill for the last 5—yes, five—weeks, but still. That needs to fit into my schedule. Did I mention to you that last December I started Celestial Ceremonies? Remember that? I was going to facilitate weddings for extra cash. Didn’t happen, although I own the name. No time. I’d also like to see friends and family, watch Lost and Battle Star Galactica (thank the gods for Tivo!), and Go Out—Los Angeles is one of the most interesting places on the planet and I’d love to start seeing more of it. Crocheting; I have so many holiday presents to make and hand-made ones are always so appreciated. And I’m almost done with the queen-sized throw that I wanted to have completed before tomorrow (company’s coming), which is, of course, not going to happen. All of this and I’m a full-time teacher with lesson planning to do and essays to read. I think that we English teachers have it the hardest because of that—the essays. I have 180 students this year; 36 of them for yearbook and 144 in seventh grade English class. I don’t know how people do it. I have a friend who goes to church a zillion times a week, works full time, goes to EVERY hockey game, has a husband she cooks meals for, and still has time for holiday cards. It never fails to amaze me. I get cards from her for my birthday, after a chat where I was upset, for the holidays—you name it, I get a card. The very idea of writing holiday cards to everyone who makes/has made a difference in my life seems out of the question, much less a ‘thank you for the talk, I feel so much better now’ card. I can barely remember birthdays, either. I often feel like I have so much to do that I don’t know what I should be doing Right Now. That generally leads to me turning on “Everybody Loves Raymond” and hiding from the responsibilities that were my choice to take on in the first place. I don’t mind responsibilities, in fact I enjoy them or I wouldn’t have taken them on. I just feel that I don’t know where to start as far as planning my days. Suggestions?

I'm sick :(

Andie — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:14:35 GMT

This is supposed to be the week teachers go back to work in my district. So, of course, I got sick and stayed home today. Bleh. At first it was just sniffles and loads of snot, but last night it moved down into my chest, so now it hurts when I cough and when I do, I get a grody taste in the back of my mouth. Lovely, eh? At least it's not you. I'm really, really stressing because my classroom isn't even remotely ready for kids. As in, everything is still packed and I haven't even set up at all. Even a little bit. They come back Tuesday!! Ack! What a way to start the school year. :( Anyway, I probably ought to go back to bed now. *crawls away*

I'm still here...

Andie — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 17:49:39 GMT

Ok, I've had some complaints that I haven't been posting blogs. It's summer vacation and I'm not sitting at a desk all the time with an hour to watch someone else teach each day, but here's an update on what I'm up to: * Sleeping in late. Instead of getting up at the crack of dawn daily (6 am), I sleep until 6:45 am when Z sparkles in with a mug of tea for me in his hand. *sighs* How do I actually complain about that? I'm not sure that I can. *grins* He's so amazing...(Raise your hand if you're tired of hearing me say that. No hands? He's AMAZING!) * Studying-- lots. Both magick and preping for boards. * Trying to see people I've been putting off for the last few months because I haven't had time * Going to concerts, walking all over the city, doing all the things I never have time for during the school year (dr's appts, dentist appts, apparently I will wash my car at some point, too.) * watching Battle Star Galactica. I have completed season 1 and will start season 2 as soon as I get through Firefly, which Z has not yet seen. (Miriam and Flame, you were right, it's great, although I still prefer Firefly, perhaps because I saw it first...) * Long naps. In the middle of the day!!!!! How cool is that?!? * Art projects. I started crocheting again and I made some neato stuff yesterday. * Spending time with Z. :) * I'm sure there's more but can't think of anything else right now. So that's the last two and a half weeks. I'm ok, things are great, I'm just not often at a computer. :) I hope you all are well, too!

Happy Solstice!

Andie — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:05:05 GMT

Just a short note to send ya some love on this solstice day!

Woot!

Andie — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 21:21:17 GMT

my profile: 2000 views

ROFL

Andie — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 16:53:01 GMT

Allegra: Ms. K, do you have anything sharp? Me: My wit. Allegra: What's a wit? Me: *taps temple* My brain. Allegra: Well, then, Ms. K, can you use your brain to unjam the stapler?

Cuteness

Andie — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 17:36:17 GMT

I want a kitten. It's Stephanie's fault.