Harry Potter!

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Halloween Pumpkin

Happy Halloween!

Demon Kitty carved by Aaron

Playing house

Curious to see what we're filling our big, empty house with?

Living room furniture!

We got the entire set: the couch, loveseat, chair, and ottoman. It was worth the 4-hour trip to Woodland, MS - the perfect couch at such a wonderfully low price! It isn't here yet, but should arrive in about the middle of November.

Of course, it's not as easy to find an area rug that has that same combination. It somehow seems wrong to spend the same amount of money on a rug as we did on the entire living room set. Ah well, here are the two rugs that I'm currently in love with. My all-time favorite rug. This rug is pretty, but doesn't have the flow of the first... it seems too geometric. This rug and this rug are close runners up. They are all gorgeous and match my color scheme perfectly.

I also have the color schemes picked out for the majority of the house, although Aaron refuses to let me pain until after Christmas... the big meanie. Here's my vision: The living room walls are a light shady green, with wine red and darker green accents. The dining room walls are wine red with light and darker shades of green accents. The kitchen will be a combination of these same colors. The master bedroom ... I have no idea, but the master bathroom I'd like in shades of purple with silver accents. The guest bedrooms I'd like to introduce some yellows, since that'll still go with the living room. All trim will be either white or a very light tan.

Less stress, but still exhausted.

We're basically moved into the new house, alhough what had been a bulging two-bedroom apartment is now a nearly vacant 4+1 bedroom house. Aaron and I started looking at furniture in earnest this weekend... but I'm picky. Well, so is he in a different way, so between the two of us, we have a hard time finding the perfect living room set!

I ADORE the house and the neighborhood especially. We've already met two of our nearest neighbors, and they are friendly. One family even brought us a welcoming gift this Sunday!

School is going so much better this past week and then today. Hopefully this week will continue that upward trend. For more school postulations, check my Teaching Reflections blog.

Dysons suck - and I love it!

Behold - the vacuum of power. It is awe inspiring, is it not?
And it is MINE - ALL MINE!!! Mwah ha ha ha hahaha (ha ha) ..... ha

ha?

So maybe it's not quite manical-laugh worthy, but c'mon - this bad boy sucks dirt out of crevices so deep that Satan's smoky shag is a lighter shade.

Have I impressed you with my alluring allotment of alliterations?

And of what, you might well ask, did Aaron's and my Labor Day vacation plans consist?

Vacuuming, of course! We are so pathetic. How pathetic, you may ask?

So pathetic we vacuumed our apartment not once... not twice... but THREE times in two days. We may not have a life, but at least we have clean carpet!

Positively tuckered, positively

To say the least, I am exhausted from the daily grind of school. I normally spend a full 11 hours at school each day. That means that I am on of the first 5 people in the building when it opens at 6:50 am, and I'm one of the last, if not the very last, to leave around 5:30 - 6:00 pm. Today, the Friday of a three-day Labor Day weekend, I didn't leave my classroom until 7:00 pm.

My brain is a constant dull-achy mush.

But, things are going well at school.. Very busy, but good. I'll elaborate more in my teachery blog.

...Well, I don't really have a life outside of school, so what else should I say if I save the school stuff for my teaching blog?

Aaron, of course! Aaron has been supremely amazing throughout this whole school year. He makes dinner every night - and good food at that! None of that pbj, forzen pizza stuff. He helps me brainstorm ideas for lesson planning, he puts up with my classroom crap spread out from pillar to post in the apartment. And he does the vast majority of the housework now too, since when I get home, I just keep working until it's time to crash in bed around 10:30.

And then! Last Sunday I had the ultimate melt down. Stress KO'd me. I was crying hysterically - to the point where I couldn't breathe kinda crying. Completely inconsolable. Poor Aaron tried to convince me that I'm a good teacher; I yelled at him b/c "how could you know? You're in my classroom and even if you were, you're not a teacher so you wouldn't know!!" He tried everything he could think of.

And then he tried tough love. He told me (after I'd been sobbing uncontrollably for around 20 minutes) to pull myself together and move on. Or something like that.

That did not sit well with my frame of mind. Instead of focusing all my attention on how crappy I thought I was, I flew into an immediate rage. I was not clinically sane for about 5 solid minutes. I would have thrown punches at Aaron had he not been walking away. So I kicked a hole in the wall instead and then threw myself on our bed, pushing tne mattress around with my body weight and trying to smother myself in the sheets as I screamed bloody royal murder. I then melted into the carpet, unable to physically hold myself up anymore, where I lay convulsing between fragmented gasps of air and sobs. Out of sheer exhaustion, Aaron was finally able to talk to me again, where I was too worn out to do much more than quietly cry myself to sleep, a puddle on the floor.

And why this meltdown? My thoughts at that time were thus: that my lessons are miserable and do not keep the kids interested, nor teach them anything, and that means more discipline problems; that because so many of my students were failing, it was a direct reflection of my crappy teaching ability; that 90% of my classes were completely uncontrollable and that my classroom management was a joke; and that because it was already the 4th week of school, things would only get worse from here.

For the record, I have since changed my mind, in some form or fashion, about the above statements.

Classes are still rough, but I am feeling exceedingly more optimistic than at any other time since school started. For the record again? Without Nancy and Aaron, I'd still be puddled on the bedroom floor.

Teacher Marm Updates

Stupid computer... not that you can tell now, but I just typed about 20 lines of memorable and personality-filled info on how I'm doing. And then surprisingly enough, it all goes blank, the page reloads by itself, and all my verbage is gone.

Evil.

Just plain evil.

It feels like forever since I've posted anything, probably because my brain is so filled with school work that it has little room for anything else. I've vaguely aware of that stuff called "food," and I sometimes remember that I'm moving into my first house in less than a month (at which point I dutifully pack 3 boxes before getting back to the SIX INCH stack of papers that need to be read and graded).

The team I work with at school is AMAZING. We share all of the same students and we're all in the same hallway, and best of all, we do everything as a team. What are the odds that I'd get the best team in the entire school? Who cares? I got 'em! I was freaking out at the beginning of the second week (tried to do too much, of course), but my team rallied behind me, gave me some fantastic concrete suggestions, and I'm having a marvelous time ever since. Every person has their strengths, and I've already started taken the co-head position as computer geek expert. I'm thrilled! I would hate to just be the weak link always needing their help - but I don't mind asking so many questions when I know that they can rely on me for other things, like figuring out how to set up our classroom blog or entering grades in the evil new grading program.

The students are wonderful and irratating at the same time. They are, after all, 8th graders and full of a unique and continually fluxuating blend of hormones, anger, isolation, optimism, euphoria, curiosity, and a million other things. Sometimes their moods are like the Missouri weather - wait a few minutes and it'll change.

Well, as wordy as I am, I'm sure I could gab on for a long time still... but it's after 10pm and I love my pillow more than I love my keyboard.

G'night all!

Official Home Owners!

OUR NEW HOME!

(more information pending our soon-to-be-released Aerins Summer newsletter.)

iBook G4 and School

2nd day of new teacher induction workshops...got my laptop today... feel so much more stressed and drained than yesterday...

but, I am resolved to remind myself of the positive rather than the usual negative scroller that plays through my head. because i am such an internet junkie, and because they give us these wonderful laptops, i think i'll just create a separate blog for my daily reflections. speaking of which, i think i'll go do that now.......

School, house, rock

The house hunt progresses slowly (if it progresses at all), and time rushes by as if Kronos himself were being prodded in the tush by Zeus. At least it feels like it when I think about school starting up in less than 3 weeks. Before I whine about that, it seems that negotiations fell through with the house in Collierville that we'd really liked. That and when we learned that a nearby street (that ours feeds into) will soon undergo construction to double it in size... well, what with the unfruitful negotiations and this news, the house has lost that loving feeling (Now it's gone, gone, gone... whoooa). We checked out a few houses this evening and were additionally bummed out when two of the houses that we were really hopefuly about just couldn't live up to expectations. Aaron and I both refuse to spend more on a house than it's worth or settle on a house if we're not completely happy with it... but we're starting to be a little bummed about the whole process. Not pessimistic, but not gung-ho or optimistic, either.

Back to school... now there's a phrase to strike fear into many kids' and teachers' hearts. Tomorrow is the first day I'll be able to take control of my room - finally! What with my few remaining days taken up by Aaron's family visiting, new teacher induction, workshops, etc.... I have no days after tomorrow to sit down and just work on lesson plans. I've got the first week mostly mapped out, although I still have to create two review tests (two full days worth) to give me a sort of preliminary assessment as to what the kids know, etc. So much to do... but the hard part is figuring what to do in the first place! Ugh... wish me luck.

On a sort of not so depressing note, I got a complete listing of all my thousands of mp3s on my old Dell and have no begun downloading those songs to the iMac. Of those thousands, I got 107 downloaded so far. Woo hoo!

Updates

Shame on me, I know, for letting my blog fall so far behind recently. This has been a very busy month for us. As my last few posts made obvious, we began house hunting in earnest n ear the end of June. Although my blogs didn't reflect it, after finding a house in Cordova that we liked, we suddenly shifted gears, dropped the Cordova search, and began looking in Collierville. Our reasoning that this is a much more desirable neighborhood. Since then, we quickly found a house that we loved; however, we are now in the midst of tedious negotiations with the current homeowners who insist on selling their house for more than it is worth. Obviously, Aaron and I have no intention of wasting our money for the sake of their pride. We haven't given up hope on this house, but we've also begun looking at other homes again. However, I'm sure that with as many beautiful homes as we've already found in Collierville, we'll have no trouble moving out of this apartment very soon.


Aaron has also recently goaded me into a stict workout program on the bowflex. He's an excellent coach which is lucky for me, since I refuse to lift a finger unless he's right there by my side forcing me along. Both my parents came down the first week of July, and when my mother put Aaron and I to shame with her walking abilities, we were prompted to walk about 3 miles every other day, and at least around the apartment complex every day in between. We've each set a weight loss goal (mine is 130, or 20 lbs. and his is 210, or 20 lbs.) Proudly, we've both already lost 5 lbs.

Lastly, I'm getting more and more nervous about school starting - just a very short 3 weeks away. I can already tell that I've joined a fantastic team. Everyone is so helpful and has a great personality. If only I could just figure out what on earth I'm going to do in the classroom. I always feel like such an incompetent idiot. But, I just have to suck it up and keep plugging away. I always do better than I give myself credit.

Look, Mom! I'm in print!

Although I'm highly complimented that the columnist used a good-sized chunk of my editorial response - and as her clincher, too! - I can't help but notice that the other people quoted hadn't put much thought into their responses. Oh well, you can still check out the follow-up column where I'm quoted - with compliments!

In response to a columnist

In response to an editor's column in the Commercial Appeal.

Although I heartily feel for the mother who is now between a rock and a hard place, I believe that the fundamental question we must answer is - who should raise our children: the government or the parents? Should we allow a public instutituion, full of corruption and politics, to replace the loving guidance of family? How much power shall we give our government that they have control over the intimate aspects of our lives? Because we feel helpless, we turn to our govenment to rescue us; yet, in giving them our power, we weaken ourselves that much more. Rather than abdicating our responsiblities, we must learn to rise up and meet our problems. By turning to the govenment to punish the older boyfriend in this situation, what would be accomplished? The government can only "solve" this problem by momentarily removing him. This, however, solves nothing. The daughter and her boyfriend will be separated for a time, nothing more. When they are again within reach, it is likely that she will continue in her current behaviors. Governments cannot raise children; juvenile detention centers are proof of that. They punish without explaining why, and it is this "why" that is the keystone to solution. It is our family who must provide us with the wisdom and courage to become responsible, mature members of society.

And with all of this said, we must all learn from our mistakes. I can think of no one, including myself, who has not ignored the sound advice of family only to harken back to those words when we are at the end of our mislaid path. As mothers and fathers, we must early on instill our values in our children and continually nurture them against the influences of modern culture. And even still, when they stumble and fall, we must ever be at their side coaching, guiding, loving even when we think they are not listening, for one day they will come to honor our words.

G 14, Hit

Here are the two frontrunners in our house search thus far. Aaron and I really need some input on these two - we can't decide between them! I've also listed some of the pros and cons for each house that aren't obvious when you look through the pictures online. All honest feedback is appreciated!

10357 Ivy Laurel, Cordova - main information page and 360 degree virtual tour
Pros:

• lots of room
• reduced price due to sellers transfering to TX
• spacious front and backyard (huge backyard)
• split bedrooms downstairs
• newer home
• nicer appliances
• butler pantry off of formal dining room
• plenty of attic storage
• trees in neighborhood not going anywhere
• good elem. school nearby
• will probably be incorporated into Memphis later than 1939 Dartford (less taxes)
• private backyard
• spacious/open kitchen/keeping room/breakfast room
• spacious his and her walk-in closets in master bathroom suite
• bonus room upstairs redone by Trading Spaces (entire room made into a "helicopter." Owners agreed to restore room to its former normality, although I wouldn't mind keeping the handpainted trees around the walls.
  

Cons:

• large house to fill initially
• edge of huge subdivision
• because house is on small hill, front view shows subdivision rooftops
• crackerbox-esque house shape
• costs a tad bit more
• no pool
• great room not as open
• stairs aren't as open
• front drive is on slight incline
• laundry room is away from the bedrooms
  

1939 Dartford, Cordova - main information page (the virtual tour is linked from there)
Pros:

• open floor plan
• balcony overlooking great room
• nice inground pool
• a tad bit less money
• beautifully landscaped front and backyard
• corner lot
• established neighborhood with plenty trees
• big window in breakfast nook with gorgeous view
• upstairs bathroom fixture is gorgeous
• laundry room near bedrooms
• gorgeous fireplace

Cons:

• pool upkeep cost and labor
• higher utilities due to pool
• pool takes up 9/10 of yard, with small remaining backyard patch of grass
• slightly smaller house
• older house
• older appliances
• small kitchen
• no his/her walk-in closets in master bathroom suite
  

Living Room Forts

Gotta share the joys in life. Life's too short not to build the biggest living room forts you can.

Houses are better than Easter eggs

And so our house hunt has really begun in earnest now. In the beginning, before we'd met with a broker, we (I) had conservately estimated that we could afford a house in the $180-190,000 range. We met with Ray, our broker, and he said we could easily afford $250,000 - and this on a conservative 28/36 ratio (morgage should be around 28% of gross income and total monthly debt around 36%). Needless to say, it took me a few days to actually believe the calculator. I didn't really believe it until I plugged in all our bills, etc. into my monthly budget, using all conservative numbers of course, just to be on the safe side. And lo and behold, Ray was right - big house, here we come!


We just got back from looking at houses around Bartlett in our new price bracket. All of them were nice, and of course we liked the pricier ones best, but none of them screamed "I'm yours; take me." If I'm going to be spending this much money on a house, I have a difficult time "settling". That, and the drive to work for both Aaron and I would be fairly hefty; we're not too keen on that.

We saw a house in Cordova this past Saturday when we first looked at houses. Purely coincidental, as the only reason that we stopped at this house was so that Tommie could set up the keybox. The home isn't officially on the market until tomorrow. Everything about this house is perfect; except that although it's technically only paying county taxes now, whenever it's annexed into Memphis (could be 6 months, could be 5+ years), the taxes will double. Basically, we'll have to make the decision if an additional ~$83/month and a shorter commute is better than the Bartlett alternative of longer drive and less taxes. Plus, houses are cheaper in Cordova. The house that we like in Cordova would be $30,000 more in Bartlett. All things to make you go *hmm*.

But, whatever house we end up choosing, I know that we'll be in hog heaven. When we're looking at all of these pricier houses, we're pickier than an OCD chimp combing for fleas; but truth be told, we'd be more than happy in any of them if it came right down to it.

On a side note, I'd just like to share a wonderful site with everyone: http://mobile17.smashsworld.com Basically, it allows you to take any .mp3 file on your computer and send it to your cell phone FREE OF CHARGE. You can have literally any sound or song (or animations and graphics) and select which part of the song you want as your ringtone. All you pay is internet access - and that's usually only $1 or so (depending how long you're on there)- or free if you already pay for internet service. And that's just so much cheaper than buying ringtones the traditional way. Everybody, give me a call so I can jam out to InuYasha theme music! :)

Drowned Rat

Drowned Rat
Originally uploaded by empress e.

What do the Aerins do after looking at houses with their realtor all day? Why, they play outside in the rain, of course! It took a bit of coaxing to get Aaron to join me, but after reminding him of how much fun he had in just running from the car to the apartment, (and a bit of illegal puppy dog eye pouts) I got him to join me. Because really, you just can't have fun playing in puddles by yourself.

And talk about puddles!! The rain was coming down in buckets, I swear. I honesly would have been glad to put on goggles to keep the rain out of my eyes - it was like walking/swimming underwater. So the parking areas and little streets became instantaneous raging torrents. I was only too happy to obligingly jump around in them, as all good raging torrents deserve. Back in Kirksville, Aaron and I - along with a few friends - once went "swimming" in the streets during a similar storm, although that one actually had a tornado warning nearby. The nice part about that time was that we went out next to the street and waved the traffic to drive into a huge puddle next to the sidewalk - the splash we got was better than Oceans of Fun. :) Somehow though, I didn't think that I could try that sort of thing here in Memphis... people might not slow down... or they might aim for me instead of the puddle. Either way, I had a blast this evening. We should all play in the rain more often.

Bartlett Options

Thanks to a really great Crye-Leike IT guy, I've found a way to better manage my favorite houses. Unfortunately, I don't see a better way to share that list with you than to make a big list a mile long and post it here, with ind. links to each house. Since the one for Bartlett is currently a mile long, I'm going to hold off posting it here until Aaron and I drive by and hopefully eliminate a few. Until then, you can always look around here, the search perameters are set for our price range and Bartlett. All the houses we favorited in Bartlett are in there.

Because we all need to smile more often

Originally uploaded by seizethedave.

Those of you who know me realize that I'm a flickrholic. In one of the groups to which I belong (Comment on My Cuteness), I found this absolute gem. I'm particularly fond of this picture since it's virtually the Truman mascot, regardless of what that smelly bulldog tries to say. They rule the campus and let everyone know it by pelting them with acorns.

I can't stop looking at this shot - isn't it just the *cutest* little tongue?!

Have a great day, everybody! :)

House Hunt - Give me your input

As I've said before, Aaron and I are embarking on a house hunt now that we both have decently paying jobs. We're meeting up with a realtor tomorrow evening when Aaron gets off work, so I'm sure I'll have something to report after that... but for now, I just want feedback on some of the houses in our price range. Granted, we could buy in Cordova, where houses are much cheaper, but the market is flooded and property values may stay stagnant or sink. We're wanting to stick to Germantown or Collierville, maybe Bartlett. So anyhoo, any and all are welcome to check out the houses listed on this Crye-Leike page, which I've already narrowed down to our price range and location.

UPDATE: At this point, we've narrowed down the Collierville houses to two: 1065 Martinsburg Cv. and 141 Irby Glade Cv. And in Germantown, we're interested in just one or so: 7120 Mimosa Dr. and 7180 Mimosa Dr. I've been asking for feedback on houses from everyone (which I appreciate), but most people are withholding their judgement until they can have more information. Fine, fine. We're going to look at the houses this evening, so I'll be sure and take tons of interior pics of all the houses and post them here.

On the subject of... houses!

Having driven all the way down to S. Hollywood to pick up my new-hire forms, and having spent over 3 hours to get my physical, I now have an appointment next Weds. at 8:30 (S. Hollywood again) to sign my contract. I'll be official! With my new job, Aaron and I can start looking into the housing market. We've got the name of a realtor who has come very highly recommended by Aaron's supervisor and her daughter who works in the reality business. She'll hook us up with a person to figure out loans, etc. ... and I'm dying of curiousity to see how much house we'll be able to afford. I spent a good deal of time looking at housing listings online today... and it always seems like the kinds of houses I like are just $10-20,000 more than we should really afford. Course, I don't really know what we can afford at this point, lol. So maybe we can get the kind of house I like, who knows.

WCWF

Feel free to place your bets on the Chyna vs. O-ren rematch! (If you have any trouble reading some of the captions, just click on it for a much larger image.)

Jobless bum no longer!

So I told you about the last minute notice for the last available English position interview in all of Shelby county-dom - well, I got the job! During the interview, I knew it was going well and that I had most likely beat out at least the applicant right before me, but then of course there was a whole slew of applicants before us. After all, every middle or high school English teacher out there was also vying for this one opening as well. But I impressed the principal with my portfolio, and apparently wowed him with my answers and even questions with which I came prepared. At the end, they said they'd get ahold of my on Friday either way... to which I replied that I hoped it would be a positive conversation. (No real reaction on their part.)

Obviously, it's not Friday yet. The Human Resources guy, Mayo, called me early yesterday morning to ask if I had checked my email recently. (I had not.) He goes on to say that Mr. Joy had already called him back and expressed interest in working with me but needed to know my teaching status first. Because I obtained my TN certification so recently, Mayo couldn't find me in the system, at which point he emailed me effectively saying the above information, and could I send in a copy of my certification? Of course, I'd mailed my certification in to his office as soon as I had received it. (Many moons back.) Mayo soon found it in his files, thus his call to me to disregard the email. But because of the slight confusion, I got an early pleasant surprise. Hooray!

Poor Eric, he hasn't been feeling well lately. He was lounging on the tv tryin to breathe through all of the snot (he's related to the rhino) when he was startled abruptly by my screaming and squealing and thrashing about. (After I got off the phone with Mr. Mayo, of course.) I'm sure he thought I'd converted into a holy roller. He can be so serious at times; it's uncanny for a two-year old. I managed to squeak out a few "IgotajobI'mgoingtobeateacher's" so he wouldn't think I had a parasitic alien trying to break out. The cats just hid under the bed and stared at me with unblinking eyes, most likely calculating the odds on if this crazy person would have the mental facilities to ever feed them again.


And once I had managed to calm down a wee bit, (by replaying the millions of times that Mom told me to "Stop being silly" as a kid) I tried to call Aaron at work. Sadly, he was in the middle of one of his busiest days ever. (He didn't get home until 6:30 and had been at a dead run all day.) So I left a msg. How deflating; it is difficult to maintain the proper level of elation when prompted to leave a msg after the beep. So I called Mom; she's always available... humph, so there. And for the few minutes before some egocentric customer demanded Mom's attention, (I swear, just b/c she's the receptionist...) I got to relate my good news and bask in the motherly praise.

(Skip a bit, Brother.) (Two points if you can place that quote.)

At VBS that evening, Mom apparently told Jeanette and Wendy that I had some big news but then wouldn't tell them what that big news was. (Yeah, she's mean like that, lol.) While I was getting gorgeousified (at least, that was the goal) for my celebratory dinner at the Olive Garden with Aaron, Wendy called to solve the riddle.

"So which is it? Jeanette thinks you're pregnant, but I think you've got a job."

Sorry, Jeanette... it'll be about 2 years before you're right; my uterus is on a tight schedule. (Yes, Mum, I just used the word "uterus" in a public blog - *gasp!* She declares that she's a fantastic little contraction and doesn't get the PR that she deserves.)

Now that I've a steady paycheck coming in, Aaron and I can officially start dabbling in the housing market. (For Jeanette, that also means that my uterus's two-year countdown can begin.) Before all that ever happens, I have 1 1/2 months to plan what I'm going to do in my class. I'd like to have at least the first semester sketched out and all of August fairly outlined. Everything is so impersonal in this big Shelby county district, that I'm afraid I won't be able to get into my room and get the information I need to start planning. I already feel rushed - they hire SO late, and start school SO early... meh.

I like to leave my blogs with a sort of "eh" feeling, and I think I've done that here. (3 points if you can place that [slightly altered] quote!) I need to head to midtown to pick up some forms and arrage for a physical so that I can eventually head back and sign my contract. Plus, after baking an Italian meal (complete with lasagna, homemade Italian herb bread, Caesar salad, and 2-layer carrot cake) for $90, I've got another order for pumpkin bars and a 3-layer mud pie. Booyah for some sideline cash!

Weekend Happenings

Such an interesting weekend I've had! Melinda and her beau, Adam, came down Friday, so good times were gauranteed, of course. They gave us a call around 7pm saying that they'd missed an exit and were around 30 minutes passed the Germantown exit. Talk about feeling guilty! I was the one who had made this detailed - and apparently overly-complicated - set of directions to get down here. But arrive they did, in due time. We spent most of Saturday building up leg muscles and, in Aaron's and my case, getting a thin, pale tan on our even paler shoulders. Walking next to Melinda and Adam, we must have looked like two raw potatos in a McDonald's french fry container.

So what all did we do with our time? We learned that rhinos can exude 10 gallons of snot in the 10 minutes that you're listening to a zookeeper's chat. This is so that they can trap more air-borne particles and thus not only gross out everyone within 25 yards, but also get a better understanding of their surroundings. We also learned that after 5 hours of walking around in the zoo and downtown, $1/person trolley fare is more than worth it. Speaking of which, I also learned that most people are inherently honest. When you get on the trolley, there is no way to police who pays and who doesn't. The conductor doesn't watch you, and you don't get a ticket or receipt when you pay. You just put in the exact amount and sit down. I know for sure that they don't moniter it b/c Melinda only had a $5, and since the machine doesn't give back change, she didn't pay. During our 1 1/2 loop around downtown, I was amazed to find that every single person paid the exact fare, most knowing full well that it wasn't policed. Now really, that's a comforting thought, isn't it? In a time when most everyone's moral outlook on society is so negative, basic human goodness does prevail, and when nobody is looking, too.

On a completely different note (high B flat), I received less than 24 hour notice of an interview today for the VERY LAST available teaching position for either middle or high school in ALL of the Shelby county district. And I barely got that. My application had been on file for awhile now, but as I hadn't heard anything in a while, I emailed the main HR guy about how wonderful I am and how the school system might implode if I weren't immediately employed within one of their schools. He emailed me back this past Friday saying that if I was interested, there was one last opening at Germantown MS and the interview was this Monday at 11:30. Course, because of the busy weekend with Melinda and Adam, I didn't check my email until Sunday evening. Talk about pressure! I have only this one opportunity to get a teaching position in a school that is nearby and not completely overrun by gangs. (That interview is this upcoming Saturday, btw.) I have one hour before I head out and my nerves are running amok. Interestingly enough, did you know that the original use of that word meant to run around in a homicidal frenzy? If my current blood pressure is any indication, I'm guessing my nerves did.

Anniversary Weekend!

It's our 2-year anniversary... not quite sure what to think about that really. I mean, obviously I'm content, proud, all those warm fuzzy feelings. But this weekend doesn't seem any different than any other weekend. In fact, our anniversary weekend plans include Aaron playing video games (his currently verbally abusing our tv) and me working on a new website that Aaron, Chris, and I have started. It's in its infancy right now, so no, you don't get a link to it yet. But as far as any celebratory plans, the biggest thing we're doing is going to see X-Men III: The Last Stand at the Peabody downtown and then going to some fancy restaurant. Now, we were going to see X-Men and go out for dinner anyway, so really, we've only upgraded our regular weekend plans a little. Went from regular movie theater to hugenormous screen and more expensive grub. *shrug* And I'm fine with that... in fact, I'm upset with Aaron for insisting on getting me something when I have repeatedly and concisely informed in that I do NOT want him to buy me anything for our anniversary. Imagne that! How many women get upset when their beaux insist on doing something nice for them? But, the only things that I really want right now are exPENsive - like a $600 Dyson vacuum, a $800 D70 camera, and a $300 KitchenAide Mixer. and maybe a house thrown into the bargain.... but that purchase involves so many 0's that it makes my head swim.

Anyhoo... back to my web designing.... nasty little stats counter html code doesn't seem to be working and I'm about to reach into the moniter, yank it out, and throttle it.

Wish me luck!

Everything you didn't care to know about me

I've resorted to posting one of those "About Me" quizzes. It's not pretty, but there it is.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00 A.M.

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Short answer: diamonds... but really, Long answer: I wear my wedding and engagement rings (gold and diamonds each), of course, but the only other jewelry that I consistently wear is an old $.50 vending machine ring that Alan got at Hastings one time when we where in high school. I would be devasted without any of them.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? DaVinci Code. I agree with KatieB that it wasn't as good as the book. I mean... how ironic is it that Sophie Neveu's role is significantly undercut and that Robert Langdon's role was overshadowing - wasn't one of the book's points that the sacred feminine is minimalized? Or, why was the Opus Dei villanized? In the book, they were innocent and tricked into their actions. The movie completely screwed up many of the messages that the book tried to get across. Meh...

4. What are your favorite TV shows? NCIS (How DARE they get rid of Gibbs?!), Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, and Medium. OMG, did anybody else watch the final episode this Monday? I absolutely LOVE that Dixie Chicks song, "Lullaby". And is it so very wrong to have a crush on Jake Weber?

5. What did you have for breakfast? Nothing, that I can think of. Probably a Twizzler or two.

6. What is your middle name? Marie & Werner

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Crab rangoon, Argolavos (Greek cookies), McD's fries, spinach & artichoke dip... honestly people, I love all food. I'm an equal opportunity eater.

9. What kind of potato chips do you like? Harvest Cheddar Sunchips & Doritos

10. What is your favorite kind of music? Alternative, rock, industrial, musical soundtracks, old country, disney songs... classical... and all sorts of other stuff I particularly love mushy stuff that makes me cry - like "Into the West" from the Return of the King soundtrack and "Lullaby" from the Dixie Chicks

11. What kind of veichle do you drive? a BRAND NEW '06 silver Honda Civic LX that does NOT have a tire imprint on the roof!

12. Favorite Sandwich? Ruebens from The Heidelberg on the MU campus .... Chicken Carbenero from Quiznos... not a sandwich, but I LOVE Roly Poly's

13. What characteristics do you despise? Dishonesty, hypocrisy, narrow-mindedness

14. Favorite item of clothing? my birthday suit! woo woo!

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation - Japan, New Zealand, European tour, Brazil
16. What color is your bathroom? typical renter's white

17. What is your favorite brand of clothing? whichever is on sale for under $20

18. Where would you want to retire? near water and trees and out of earshot of any neighbors

19. Favorite time of day? afternoon and evening

20. Where were you born? Jefferson City, Missouri

21. Favorite sport to watch? Don't watch any sports unless I know someone playing, and even then I barely watch.

22. Who do you least expect to send this back? nearly everyone

23. Person you expect to send it back first? whoever's left

24. Coke or Pepsi? neither, nasty stuff. not a big soda fan, but i do like diet cherry vanilla and diet berry cream dr. pepper

25. Are you a morning person or a night owl? i prefer the term nightingale

26. What size shoe do you wear? 8 to 9 1/2, depending on the shoe

27. Do you have any pets? a gorgeous grey cat named O-ren Ishii Ashenafi Poopoo Kitty Buck - O-ren Ishii from Lucy Lu's character in Kill Bill, Ashenafi from a former student of mine from Ethopia, and Poopoo Kitty Buck is a combination of what she did all over the bed when we first got her and the movie _Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back_. We also recently added Chyna to the family. She came pre-named after the female professional wrestler. I have unofficially changed it to Chickadee Chyna, after the BareNaked Ladies song, "Two Weeks". (Chickadee China, the Chinese chicken, have a drumstick and your brain starts tickin)

28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? visit my blog - http://erinwernerbuck.blogspot.com// and then leave me comments!

29. What did you want to be when you were little? I had a crush on Dr. Bob - a character played by the Muppet Ralph the dog... he and Nurse Piggy... those were the days... oh, anyway, I had a crush on Dr. Bob, so I wanted to be a doctor. Took me all the way to my freshman year in college to decide that the big money was in teaching (hahahahahahahaha... hahahaha..... hahaha..*cough*.... hahahaha... *cough*... *cough*... heh. too funny

30. What is your best childhood memory? Dad telling me beautiful bedtime stories that were from of a book but should have been made into one... playing with homemade play-do with Mom... creating walking trails in the woods behind the house

31. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? babysitter, data entry clerk I, pre-school teacher's aid, telecommunications operator (hey Katie!), substitute teacher, hotdog maker, classroom teacher, cheesecake and dessert entrepreneur

32. What color underwear are you wearing? red with little kung fu monkeys

33. Nicknames? e, sweetpea, bonobo monkey

34. Piercing? 2 ears

35. Have you ever been to Africa? had a vacation home their on the Nile in a previous life

36. Eye Color? green... no, blue!..... auugh!! (What do you mean, an African or European swallow?)

37. Ever been toilet papering? Sorry, self-respect still too intact for that. Maybe next year

38. Love someone so much it made you cry? Of course, many times. some sad, more were happy

39. Been in a car accident? I have been in one (not my car) and my car has been in 5 without me, don't get me started. I can only hope that the bad luck is contained to my old car and doesn't carry over to my precious new baby.

40. Croutons or bacon bits? Sunflower seeds. (Why do so many of these questions try to predict and confine my answers?!) With grape tomatoes sliced vertically, a sprinkle of grated carrots, cucumber slices, bits of broccoli and cauliflower, and lite 3-cheese ranch dressing

41. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

42. Favorite flower? ones full of color with a nice light fragrance that aren't in a vase

43. Favorite ice cream? nearly all of it, i'm not too prejudice in this arena. ok ok, I'll pick - I forget the name, but it's vanilla and cheesecake ice cream with strawberries and pretzels.

44. Disney or Warner brothers? again with the limiting questions! I like Pixar!

45. Favorite fast food restaurant? Roly Poly's, but the nearest one is 3 hours away in Nashville. Around here, hmmm... hard question... don't eat much fast food. When I do, the main requirements are grease and salt. God, I love salt.

46. What color is your bedroom carpet? apartment, so not my choice - a stain hiding brownish tan with grey, black and white kitty hairs

47. Ever fail your drivers test? Nope, got an 80-something

48. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? "from whom"? what wonderful grammer - not expecting that from the average self-quiz thingy. I honestly can't remember... apparently it wasn't that important. Although it wasn't the last one I've received, I did recently get an email from SarahB - Congratulations on the new job, girl! That is amazing! I am SO glad you're out of that old job. You deserve a job that challenges you! If teaching a bunch of college students doesn't challenge you, I don't know what will!

49. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? some home furnishing store once I have a house

50. What do you most often do when you are bored? Add or browse photos on flickr.com or update my blog... or play sudoku and card games on the dashboard (it's a Mac thing)

51. Bedtime? 10:30

52. Who are you most curious to the responses to this questionnaire? anyone - I wouldn't associate with you if I didn't find you at least somewhat interesting

53. Last person you went to dinner with? Aaron, duh and Mom and Megan - we had lunch at Daisy Delight because Ashley works there now! So obviously we had to harrass her a bit before we drove back down to Memphis. It might be months before we're in Missouri and have a chance to tease her again!

54. Ford or Chevy? why would I buy either, BLECH. Give me a Honda, Toyota, or VW... and if I'm not paying, then give me a Lexus.

55. What are you listening to right now? music from RahXephon (kick arse anime series)... before that, "Lullaby" (2x), "He Mele No Lilo" from Lilo and Stitch... and "If I Were a Rich Man" from The Fiddler on the Roof

56. What is your favorite color? blue-green-purple hues

57. Lake, Ocean or river? creek

58. How many tattoos do you have? a few chicken pox scars...

59. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Egg. Religion is not a science.

60. How many people are you sending this e-mail to? who cares? you don't... I don't... next question

61. Time you finished this e-mail? 4:35 pm.

62. Time you posted this e-mail to your blog? 5:40 pm.

Welcome to the Web, Dear!

Come one, come all - to my husband's new blog: Ramblings of an Embryologist!

Contrary to it's name, it's not about his job so much as a political forum.

And while we're here - check out this screenshot of his site!

I'm such a mutanist.

This post is pretty much taken straight from a conversation I had on MSN Messenger, where I
rarely ever abide by grammatical rules.  Deal with it.  :P

today i subbed a high school and helped one of my classes to organize together to lodge a formal complaint against their regular teacher.

(they actually had legitimate complaints against the teacher?)

ooohhh yeah.  
let's see... to name a few, blatant favoritism that the whole class had noticed, swearing about one student to other students, not following the curriculum at all, inconsistent grading (says she'll do one thing and then randomly changes her mind), gossiping about students and faculty to students, terrible classroom management and then blaming the students - to the students, assignments and classroom inconsistent with assessment... that's only about half... can't remember most of it

(what?! how did it go?)

i used my powers as english teacher to talk to them about keeping in mind their intended audience and tailoring the writing accordingly, to organize their letter to emphasize their main points, to use detailed examples to back up numerous points, to understand any arguments that the reader might have and to address them... even how to use a round robin to keep any one person from getting the brunt of any lashback.

even if it wasn't an english class, and even if i was only there that day, i know that i made a difference.  that's what real teaching is all about - seizing the moments that matter to students and turning them into learning experiences.  this problem really bothered the students and they learned so much more because they cared about the cause; it wasn't just for some random assignment.

Rage Against the . . . Self

I'm not sure what trigger me this time, but the second Aaron and I started playing tennis this evening, I was in a (nearly) silent rage.  The target for my emotional self-mutilation tonight was my decrepid tennis skills as I saw them.  

It surprises and worries me each time my blood boils like that.  For however long it lasts, I can honestly see how people can hurt the ones they love in a fit of anger, when normally they are mild peaceful people.  Luckily, Aaron is wise enough to give me space, and I am aware of myself enough to make him.  B/c I know that if he were to get too close and/or get in my face, verbally of physically, I would have been more than capable of joyfully beating the living snot out of him.

That is what worries me most - that in the heat of a rage, I am capable of willfully inflicting harm - and that I want to make somebody else hurt as much as I do.

Luckily, I know that if I stay isolated with time I can calm down on my own as if nothing ever happened.  In this case, my anger finally melted into tears, Aaron called it a game, and I sulked back home... where I chopped brocolli and cauliflower as if it were W's symbolic rod of staff.  Aaron, love him, even tried to give me a hug.  It was too soon though, and I wasn't able to receive anything just yet.  What a great guy... to bear with me through all of my hormonal waves.

Argolavoues/Argolavos

After attending the Greek Fest, I tried with all my might to find the recipe for one of the cookies I'd had there. Much to my dismay, my Dogpile search literally came up empty. The only return I had was from the Greek Fest's own site, and they didn't include any recipes. I tried seaching for all the related terms I could think of, but could never find the cookies I so desired. I then came across an online bakery, Elia Greek Specialty Sweets. Although she didn't have argolavos on her menu, I emailed her my conundrum, and she emailed me back with the following recipe - from a '78 Greek church cookbook! Because these are the yummiest cookies I've had in quite some time, I'm included the recipe. And because Jennifer (Elia's) was SO fantastic, I'm officially pushing her website! It's not so easy to find good Grecian sweets, so you're welcome. :) On the same thread, I'm sharing the recipe Jennifer gave me so that more people can enjoy these cookies. Such numminess should not be squirreled away.

Argolavoues
1 cup butter softened . . . . . . .1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 tsp almond extract
2 cups flour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 egg white, stiffly beaten
8-10 oz slivered almonds

Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in almond extract and flour, mix well. Shape into 1 1/2 inch logs. Dip in stiffly beaten egg white, roll in almonds. Place on cookie sheet and bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 15 -20 minutes. Yields about 30 cookies.

It's a simple recipe, and I think the variety I had used a little honey, but they are well worth it! Go forth, my minions, and bake!

Hopa!

Aaron and I headed to Midtown today to the 48th annual Big Fat Greek Festival. We successfully plumped up on Grecian style chicken served with spanakopeta (spinach pie), rice pilaf, homemade Greek bread and a floyera (rolled baklava). Then, after purusing the marketplace and purchasing an adorable bracelet (blueish beads), we watched various groups sing and dance - complete with Grecian attire. There was a band of children, ranging from 18 to 5 - the littest one was SOOOO cute! I even joined in and learned one of the dances, although at that point, so many other non-Greeks were trying to learn that it was a bit of a madhouse. Regardless, I stuck it out - hopa! And did I mention the desserts? Hooo... honey-licious. We got a box of everything: melomakarona (stuffed honey cookies), argolavos (almond crescent cookies), koulouria (traditional Easter cookies), kourambiethes (sugar covered cookies) paximathia (coffee biscuit cookies), galatoboureko (custard pastry) and indokarida (coconut cookies), kataifi (shredded filo, nuts and honey) and karethopita (spiced honey walnut cake)! I'm a fan of the argolavos, personally.

When we got back home, we played a round of tennis, which would explain why I'm still so tired. I must say, I can tell that I'm getting better. Last week I actually dove for the ball and literally left skid marks with my palms. My personal favorites, however, are when I make Aaron zigzag all over the court trying to follow my returns. Mwa ha ha ha...

Saturday Pastimes

Everyone is ordered to check out this videos, as I found them hilarious and thought I should share the fun.


This first one shows radar tracking of FedEx planes coming into Memphis during a recent storm, which we've been having plenty of this past month.

While you're at it, watch this video of a fantastically talented comedian demonstrating the Evolution of Dance.

Last but not least, learn from the feline masters the art of puppy massage!

Enjoy!

Progression of days

Still can't say that anything has really changed in my world lately. Without any real job prospects, my past is uninspiring and my immediate future is monotonous. Everyone around me continues to be as bloody cheerful about my supposedly sure-fire success as they were a month ago. And Chyna continues to sprawl her fluffy white tum-tum across my computer desk in decreasingly discreet poses. So long as she's comfortable, right?

Interesting day today. Subbed at D.M.S. again for the first time since it scared me far away. That would be the time when I subbed for a 6th grade class (b/c the veteran teacher was run off by the students and had to take personal leave). Yeah, lucky, innocent me... walking into that brouhaha. Let's just say that all but the FBI was called in that day to contain the students. A girl even got in my face and threatened to teach me this that and the other... the next week I hear on the news that she was caught bringing a knife into school. Anyway, after that first taste of public school, I stayed away from all county schools for quite some time... nor have I returned to this school. Until today.

Of course, I was not expecting roses. But, I did learn a valuable lesson. More accurately, I was retaught a valuable lesson. Difficult groups of students can happen to good teachers. Having a class or two of disrespectful hooligans sometimes happens and there isn't much that anyone can do when they're thrust into a classroom for a random day. Frequently now, I've subbed at schools, thinking at the end that it was merely an average day at most, to be complimented at the end by various faculty that I had done an amazing job - that the students liked me and that I maintained classroom management sometimes better than even the regular teachers themselves.

See, schools? See what you're missing! I ROCK as a teacher! Students love me! Faculty loves me! I don't just babysit; I don't just maintain a low-key status quo - I ROCK as a teacher! :P ppbbtttt!!!! :P

Oo, on other news, a pair of camouflaged rifle-toting persons where spotted near a Shelby Co H.S. today. Police were immediately called to the scene, and the news crews haven't really said anything more than what I've just said. (Although they took 6 times longer to say it and used much more sensational words.) Let's just keep in mind that the county schools are the GOOD schools. Regardless of the drug busts, the students bringing knives to school (and threatening teachers), and the random camo sauntering in the soccer field - this is daisies and roses compared to the stories out of Memphis City schools.

Well, on such a cheerful note... I'm going to veg in front of the tv. WIll and Grace, My Name is Earl, and Office Space come on tonight! Woo hoo! Speaking of Thursday night tv, Teachers is a terrible, horrible, pathetic excuse of a show. I don't want to talk about it anymore. It is an empty-headed animal, a food trough wiper. I fart in its general direction. Its mother was a hamster, and its father smelled of elderberries! (I love Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail.) :)

Nothing new

Nothing has really changed since my last post, but I couldn't stand the first blog being so depressing. I've applied for a few more jobs, a one of which I'm qualified for, two I'm not. I figure it can't hurt so what the heck. Fortunately I have some wonderful friends (especially my husband) who are a wonderful support team. I feel bad for them having to try and cheer me up. What can they really say? Not like they can get me a job. No, they're stuck to phrases like "I'm sure you'll get something any day now", etc. Far be it for me to complain about other people caring about me and believing in me... but when everyone is so confident in my impending success, and then I fail... it just makes me feel that much worse. If I'm going to fail, I wish nobody else would have to know about it. I know it's because people care about me, but I hate having to tell people that I've been turned down for yet another job. Like, what's wrong with me that I don't have one? I want someone to admit the truth to me - that yeah, I may not get hired at any school, but that I still have other options, that I won't be completely screwed. I'm tired of unfounded optimism... I want realism with engagable options.

Regardless of whether or not I do get a teaching position somewhere, I would like for Aaron and I to buy a house. I've determined that even if I only substitute for the entire year, if I can make a whopping $800 a month (that roughly equates to subbing in a public school 10 times/month), then we can afford around $1,000 a month for mortgage. But, if we do decide to get a house, I'll probably have to get a part-time evening job or something. I'm going to try and stick to subbing though. I need that exposure in the school systems and to stay around kids. I've been checking out other fields... but if I'm qualified for the job, I don't want it; and if I'm at all interested in the job, I lack either experience or the right degree.

Anyway, that's where I stand right now. Moving in no descernible direction and very grumpy about the whole affair. It's a pity, too; I'm a bloody good teacher. Those schools don't know what they're missing.

Jobless bum

So, I've been turned down for another two jobs. It's already May and I have officially run out of prospective schools where I'd actually want to teach. There's only one opening in Shelby county, so I'm not too optimistic about that one. I actually applied with Memphis City Schools today... If it comes down to it though, I don't know if I'm equipped to handle an inner city school. I look (and am) so young and "fresh off the farm"... they'd spot me out in a second and eat me for lunch. I don't think I could handle it emotionally.
But I'm running out of options. Aaron and I had talked a while back... assuming that I would get a job, and at that point, it seemed a given, our immediate life was planned out thus: this fall, start teaching; a few months later, buy a house; coordinate mating calls so that a baby appears around the end of my second year. We had it all worked out to a T. All hinged on the one thing that doesn't seem to be able to materialize.

And it's not just that... it's the frustration and self-doubt that comes with being rejected; it's being stuck at home feeling worthless; it's not having colleagues and other adults to get to know. I'm frustrated and don't know what to do about it. Without a teaching position, I have no purpose, no drive. I'm worthless.

Cinco de Mayo!

Miracle of miracles, Aaron and I did something other than sit on our rumps last night - we actually went out! And we're not even talking about the cheapie theaters like usual (we did that tonight), but real, honest-to-goodness grown-up activities. I know, I'm as shocked as you! We joined up with Nikki and Brad and two of his friends, Jeff and Eric at a "Mexican" restaurant to officially celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The food didn't taste any more Mexican than it did Italian, *shrug*, but at least it got us out with other people. I feel sometimes like I live in an isolation booth since we moved. After we finished our overly priced lemonaide-itas, we headed downtown to a rooftop party. Which, if I may say, was pretty darn cool. Ok, so the party was a drag, but the view was amazing! Here we were, surrounded by high rises on three sides, facing the Mississippi river, in view of the DeSoto bridge and the Pyramid, and to top it all off, the Redbirds game ended with a huge fireworks display - only two blocks away!
After starting our night off with a bang, we headed to Beale St, which was packed with people coming from the Memphis in May Beale St. Music Fest. A religious fundamentalist group had also picked that evening to picket and pass out flyers, which gave the atmosphere a decidedly interesting twist. We ended up abandoning Eric at O'Sullivan's because he wandered off and stopped answering his phone. Apparently this wasn't the first time this has happened, but I still feel really bad about the whole thing. I can't imagine how awful I'd feel if my friends did something like that to me. Unfortunately, I was a little too tipsy and confused at the time to say anything.
So, although it ended on a rather meh note, I'm just thrilled that I got out of the house finally and got to talk to other adults. I hate not having a full-time job... humans were not meant to live so isolated. I miss my friends!!

Chickadee Chyna

Everybody, say hello to the Buck family's newest addition. Her name is Chyna, but I've been calling her Chickadee Chyna, from the Barenaked Ladies' song, "One Week". Think: "Chickity China the Chinese chicken, You have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'"

Anyhoo, Chickadee Chyna's adjusting very well to the new home. She's already consistently staying out from under the futon and after we put up a baby gate (to keep O-ren from going jujitsu on her) she's very friendly toward O-ren. O-ren's a bit grumpier, but I can't be too hard on her; she's actually taking this all very well. I'm pleased with how well the transition is going.

Hey Mum!

Hey Mum, you get your very own post to help you navigate this site. It's pretty straight forward though, so hopefully you won't have too many problems. I have the site set up to only show just my lastest few posts, the semi-recent can be found over on the right hand side, under Ramblings of Old... and my really old posts can be found under Archives (under the Ramblings).

Be sure to check out my flickr.com pictures. Whichever picture you click on, that's where flickr.com will take you. Once there, look over to the near-top right and click on empress e's photostream. That'll set you up to see more. Or, right below that link, you see two pictures - you can browse through one at a time from there. Just browse around; make yourself at home.

I recommend setting up a hotmail account - just click on this link -> Hotmail. Near the top right of the page you'll see 4 tabs - click on the one that says hotmail and from there you can set up a new account. Once you've got that set up, you can EMAIL ME so that I can send you an official invitation to my flickr.com account. That should make it much easier for you to get a flickr.com account and be able to see all of my pics.

LOVE YOU!

and if you have any questions, I'm sitting at my computer! :) ... until around 5:45, then we pick up Chyna.

Quotes, thoughts, and other interesting occurences

Interesting quotes, I thought:

In this country, American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate. - Marian Wright Edelman, 1992

I am more than the sum of my push-up bra. - e, on why I can't stand Victoria's Secret, 04/30/06

Frightening thought:

Terri Hatcher looks frighteningly similar to Michael Jackson.

Interesting occurences:
Yesterday I got a call from Aaron saying that I should be ready to head out when he gets home b/c we've got a big evening ahead of us. Since our brand of usual excitement ends with seeing a movie at the cheapie theaters, I was in complete shock when he said that we were going to the Grizzlies v. Mavericks NBA playoff game. Apparently, his boss couldn't (or didn't want) to make it to this game, so we were the lucky garbage cans to take care of the tickets. And such a tough job it was, too. All in all, we spent less than $30 on dinner w/ dessert, gas, parking, and 2 near-front row club seat tickets. I even got my face plastered up on the giant tv screen thingy! Granted, it was only because the person next to me (a despicable Mavericks fan) was dancing around... but I still made it! Not only that, but we came away with 4 Grizzlies towels and a fancy-schmancy souvenir cup. Can't beat that with a stick if I tried. :)

On another note, in the same conversation when Aaron said that we're headed to the FedEx Forum, he also said that we are officially getting another cat. I can't remember if I mentioned it before, but a colleague recently divorced, and we are the appointed designees to rescue the poor feline from a completely undeserving ex-husband. Her name is Chyna, after the WOW (Women of Wrestling) wrestler. I'm not at all keen on the name... but since the cat has a few years under her belt, I can't very well change her name. Unless she doesn't respond to Chyna as her name, then we'll see. O-ren thinks Kitty is her name after all. To this refrain of new cat-ness, Mom isn't at all thrilled about the addition. For all that she was against our getting O-ren in the first place, she now can't bear the throught of Princess O-ren Ishii Ashenafi Poo Poo Kitty Buck sharing her throne with any common mrow. Aaron is supposed to contact his colleague today, so potentially I may pick up Chyna today.

Catwalk

As if it were the most normal and natural thing in the world, O-ren went for a 20-30 minute walk tonight with Aaron and I. On a leash. We bought the harness and leash tonight at Petco, so this was the first time O-ren's ever had a harness put on her. But she was the calmest most nonchalant mrow about the entire affair. She would have been the perfect cat to dress up like a baby and push around in a stroller. And out the door we went, examining the big bush, examining bumpers and exhaust pipes. And all the while completely casual about the random vehicles driving nearby and the dogs barking in all directions. Granted, that last part is to be expected. O-ren is a martial arts master, after all.

Poor thing, she's now tuckered out on the floor next to me. Ever so often she mews piteously until I come pet her. She's had a rough day and all. A half hour walk all the way around our apartment building. That would tire any self-respecting cat. Something tells me that she'll curl up between Aaron and I when we crawl into bed. Which, after subbing today at Lausanne (where I made my awesome shirt - see flickr pics) during their sports and art fest, I am exhausted! G'night!

New Vroom

Now that my family has seen my new car - it's time to post hir up here to be loved and admired by all the world. And yes, that's a weird pronoun I used - it's a cross betweem "him" and "her" - basically, gender neutral. I haven't deteremined the car's gender yet. Aaron says it's a boy since the horn is lower than his car's... but I've never seen quite so stylish a male.

Lioness

Lioness
Originally uploaded by empress e.

Is it so strange that I love this picture of O-ren? Makes me think that she's about to whoop some arse.

I'm so tempted to throw up a million more pictures of her, and you know I could too, but I'm guessing Aaron and I are the only ones who could be perfectly content with staring at her all day. I don't know what's wrong with the rest of you people; you should be so lucky! :P

I will be a wonderful mother.

A mother who radiates self-love and self-acceptance actually vaccinates her daughter against low self-esteem. - Naomi Watts

This quote is from today's Oprah episode about how low self-esteem, obsession with outer beauty and fear of being fat is affecting more and more girls at younger and younger ages.

I'm really excited by Ophrah's last few episodes. I'm still not happy with all of her make-up and find the right pair of jeans make-over shows... (see previous posts) ... but I'm positively beaming from this episode and the one featuring Pink (and Female Chauvenist Pigs - see previous post, then buy the book.)

I know I still struggle daily with self-esteem issues, but I am confident that I can raise my future daughter to live with confidence... and to raise my future son to see women as confident and valuable.

Female Chauvenist Pigs - A Must-Read

Wow, talk about taking a long break from posting anything on here. Sorry about that. Would just like to point out to everyone that I've added a nifty java-enabled link to my flickr.com pictures. Just check out the right hand column. (If you don't see anything, please let me know!)

Anyway, I just want to recommend a book that I finished reading...enhaled is more like it. Female Chauvenist Pigs: Women and the Rise in Raunch Culture by Ariel Levy. The book certainly isn't for the faint of heart or those who can't bear to hear sexually graphic language. It's straightfoward and in-your-face-honesty, and it isn't squeamish to use precise language.

Before I get all off on a tangent, let me explain what this book is all about by sharing two of the reviews on its back cover.

With FCP, Ariel Levy becomes feminism's newest and most provocative voice, brilliantly laying bare the contradictions and evasions and self-deceptions that pass for empowerment. - Malcomn Gladwell, author of Blink and The Tipping Point

Ariel Levy has given us an important, lively, shocking investigative report about how and why - in an age of HIV?AIDS and religious fundamentalism - U.S. commercialism has mainstreamed pornography, popularized raunch images (and practices), and revived female 'bimbo' roles. This is a call to arms for women and girls who are being sold pseudo empowerment, phony liberation, and fake rebellion - instead of the realy thinkg: freedom. A must-read for young women - and everyone else. - Robin Morgan

--- emphases mine ---

READ THIS BOOK! Click on the link/post's title to head to amazon.com to buy it!

Spring Break and Young Women

This post is very simple. Go to the link listed (click on this post's title) and read it. You should all know that the adolescent girl psyche is a big issue for me... and I couldn't agree with this article more if I tried.

So Many

Two paychecks away.

Statistically, most Americans are only two paychecks away from being below the poverty line.

What a sobering thought, that so many soccer moms, so many hard-working people, so many people who look down on others who are really no different than they, so many.

Real Beauty

Before I begin this post, I have to share another song that always gets to me - "The Highwayman" sung by Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash... among others whose names don't pop into my head. Actually, now that I think of it, the same title by Loreena McKennitt is also fantastic, although hers is entirely different, based off of the poem by Alfred Noyes. Lol, and that reminds me of so many other great Loreena McKennitt songs, especially "The Lady of Shalott" based off Tennyson's poem. I always have to make sure I have some tissue around for these songs... I'm such a softy.

Anyhoo, to the point of this blog - redefining beauty. One of my passions (beside teaching and racial issues) is the adolescent female pysche. Of course, a huge factor in our society for girls is beauty and all that can entail. I've been thinking lately about the Dove "real beauty" campaigns and similarly how Oprah promotes a "love your own unique beauty" philosphy openly on her show. Now, I'll be the first to chime in that this campaign is leaps and bounds better than what is promoted everywhere else in the media. And yet... it's not good enough. I wonder if Oprah realizes that when she thinks she is doing good - let's say, by showing certain styles of clothing that compliment all figures, that she's really saying something to the effect of, "If you're not the ideal model of thin, you can cleverly hide it by wearing layers" or "If you're not the ideal model of height, you can mask it by wearing these jeans". Same goes for her beauty makeovers - she isn't celebrating unique beauty but instead showing how to "make do with what you've got".

I adore the Dove campaign! No hiding behind layers and sliming trends, for example. Horray for the beauty that is skin! Horray for motherly hips and thigh! And yet... all of the models are what traditional beauty would describe as "beautiful if only they would loose weight". They all have evenly distributed weight, (no pooches or anything of that nature), flawless skin, etc. I'm being extra critical, I know... but I think about it.

And now I must go bawl out my eyes to "The Highwayman" (McKennitt version).

O-ren Ishii Ashenafi Poopoo Kitty Buck!

Things of interest, to me, anyway

Here are a few things that have caught my attention today:

While driving home fromt he mall tonight, we pulled up to a stoplight across from a SUV packed with adolescent males jamming out to Beethoven's 5th symphony.  Now, you've got to admit - it makes sense.

Aaron and I walked into the Wolfchase mall not wanting to buy a thing; we just needed something to do.  We walked out of the Wolfchase mall, having stoically purchased nothing, (NOTHING!) with a to-buy list a mile long.  Although we did not realize it an hour and a half earlier, we were soon painfully aware that we needed 2 pairs of earrings, one bracelet (I swear, I NEED these items), a handful of books (again, NEED), two SLVR phones from Cingular, Gradia III, Kingdom Hearts II, and Final Fantasy XII.  We desperately need these things, people, NEED!  Don't you just love this commercialist, materialistic, buying-stuff-makes-you-happy-and-fills-your-emotional-voids society?  Shop till ya drop, everybody!

A guy's hotness points instantly rise about 2 points when carrying a small child.  Instantly.  And if you can tell that they are good with children, 5 points.  A 5 point eh-just-average guy automatically becomes a 10 point I-want-to-marry-you-and-have-your-baby guy.

Hellur!  I adore Madea.  Aaron and I loved Diary of a Mad Black Woman, so we went to see Madea's Family Reunion tonight.  Madea is the funnist shiznit.  Parts of the movie were slow, and most of the plot seemed like a remake of Diary, but even with all that, it was worth it just for the parts with Madea.  One part especially was fantastic - 96 y/o grandmother, with the aid of 60-something matriarchs, takes a walk through the family reunion.  Along the way they see a group of boys gambling dice, fighting and cussing and a group of girls provocatively dressed and dancing like the/ve got a pole while boys sit and watch.  Saddened by this new generation, the gather the entire clan and give a moving speech, essentially saying that young men and women need to remember their roots and their own value, to be people of value.  *sigh* ... I can't do the speech justice; it was poetical and profound and something that I wish every young person would take to heart.  I'm eager for the day when I can show that clip to a classroom and let them discuss it and make it their own.

"Puff the Magic Dragon" is a beautiful song... but depressing also.  It hasn't failed to make me cry yet.  Also on that list is "Baby Mine" from Dumbo.

Chrisberry

This rant is dedicated to two guys, can you guess?  Chris and Berry.

To Berry -  Poor guy had his appendix removed just yesterday.  Get better soon!

To Chris - Feel free to rant and vent whenever you want - Aaron and I are always here for you!

Testing 1, 2, 3

Aaron found this beautiful little widget that let's me publish blogs straight from my dashboard.  How awesome is that!  Course, I can't change my font to arial... but I'll get over it.  The convenience of this widgit rocks!!

The adventures of Flat Stanley

Our apartment is home to a new guest: Flat Stanley. For those of you who don't know, Flat Stanley is my neice's Kindergarten project. He's a colored paper cutout who is sent all over the world and then reports back to the Kindergarten class, replete with adventures. That being said, Aaron and I took him downtown and did all of the touristy things that we were too self-conscious to do without him. The real kicker is that instead of just printing off pictures and writing a little ditty, I am creating a PowerPoint movie (essentially). I have nearly spent 24 hours working on this project, and it's only been 3 days since we took the pictures. No one will ever know how much time and sweat went into all of the trivial animations and sound effects... and no one except my mum will ever really appreciate it.... but oh well. I'm a tech nerd and am enjoying myself, so meh.

Fizzled

So the longterm sub position for Germantown High School didn't work out. By the time I was able to reach her, she'd given the job to someone else. Which, seeing that she was never there any time I tried to contact her, is rather surprising. Oh well. She talked to me a bit over the phone and was surprised to hear that I already had my masters, asked where I'd gone to school, etc. She said that when the district starts to suffle teachers around that she'll keep me in mind. *shrug* We'll see.

After Aaron and I went to Nikki's for dinner last weekend, I had 3/4 of a chocolate cake that I'd made left over. Since we had just finished eating the last one I'd made for Valentine's Day, I had Aaron take the new one to work. I therefore buy my friends with desserts even though I rarely see any of them. Also, a new nurse there commissioned me for a carrot cake, which although wasn't on the menu, I agreed to make. I need to put the finishing touches on it today and then take it in. I was supposed to use marzipan to shape little carrots for decoration... but no stores I went to had ever heard of it. Ah well. An ugly little cake... not my proudest creation. Hope it at least tastes ok.

In case you've noticed that my quote at the top of the page has changed, let me explain. As most people who know me can testify, Aaron and I are big anime fans, especially InuYasha. I've spent the last few days downloading and singing InuYasha songs since I've run out of episodes and movies to watch and have already beaten Naraku on the PS2. Anyway, "Dearest" is my favorite InuYasha song, and after spending 5 minutes singing it and bawling my head off (I'm such a softie), I decided to share the lyrics with you. So here you go: the first 3 verses and translation.

Romaji Lyrics / English Translation

hontou ni taisetsu na mono igai subete sutete / It would be nice if we could put
away and throw out
shimaetara ii no ni ne / everything except what really mattered, but
genjitsu wa tada zankoku de / reality is just cruel.

sonna toki itsu datte / In such times,
me o tojireba / I see you laughing
waratteru kimi ga iru / whenever I close my eyes.

itsuka eien no nemuri ni tsuku hi made / Until the day I reach eternal sleep,
dou ka sono egao ga / that smiling face willt
aema naku aru you ni / have to stay with me without fail.

I've got to saw though, the lyrics themselves don't do justice until you can hear them sung by Hamasaki Ayumi. Now, go my minions and download this song! And watch the series and movies! Hey Ashlet - all of the InuYasha songs are on your computer now, just search iTunes for anime or InuYasha and you'll have all of my favorite anime songs. Be nice to all of my songs and tell them that I miss them!