Monthly Archives: September 2011

The Answer Is Yes: Song of the Day

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{click the image for more information on the band}

If you are reading this in a reader, click on over to see the video.

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Song notes:

1. Should Duran Duran be required by law to play this song at every show? Yes.

Am I disappointed they didn’t play it Monday night? Yes.

Did I enjoy the sing along in the parking lot after the show? Yes.

2. Did the video editor clearly spend a lot of time synching Simon’s movements to the beat? Yes.

3. Do I love all the cheekbones, defined jaw lines and pouty lips in this video? Yes.

Good god, let us not wonder why I have been blinky about these dudes for 30 years.

THIRTY YEARS!!!!!!!!!

4. Would I very much like Simon to shave off that beard? Yes.

5. At one time in my life did I know all the awesome hand movements of this video? Yes.

6. Do I now find the naked baby in this video strange? Yes.

7. Was I previously too distracted by the high-waisted trousers and fitted shirts to notice said naked baby? Yes.

8. Am I now creeped out some perv is going to find me via that search? Yes.

9. Will I watch this video on replay today? Yes.

10. Do I think you should too? Yes.

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Are you a Durannie? Who did you want to marry when you grew up?

What have you loved since junior high – music or otherwise?

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{Don’t forget to CLICK the links!}

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For other songs that have gotten stuck in my head recently: Previous Songs

The Final Countdown: One Week Til Ruby.

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I keep resisting the urge to dwell on all the “lasts” I’ll be having this week. The last Sunday morning yoga class with Michelle before Ruby {so grounding}. The last Duran Duran concert with Jeannie before Ruby {true story, going tonight!}. The last drink at the Shady Lady before Ruby {uh, I guess I need to still make this plan}…

You get the picture.

Next Monday our life changes forever.

We finally meet this little one.

The last few weeks I’ve been feeling really excited and ready to get the Ruby show on the road already – a mix of anxiety and anticipation with a side of exhaustion. Is this what pregnancy is like the last few weeks?

We travel this week.

Try not to be jealous of our crazy trip {or at least what we think our trip will look like}.

We fly to Taiwan late Friday night, experience what I’m sure will be the most excellent Saturday of my life whilst on the plane and land in Taipei early Sunday morning.

Monday morning we hop the high-speed rail and finally go pick up the Rubes{!!!}.

By Monday evening our new little family returns to Taipei.

Tuesday morning we bring Ruby with us for the paperwork Olympics.

Sometime between Tuesday afternoon and Thursday night when we fly out, we pick up our completed paperwork.

As for the rest of our trip, we’re going to let it unfold. We’ll be sure to take lots of pictures.

How do you deal with anticipation?

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: chicken salad (with bacon) on rosemary bread from orphan.

hearing ::  the voices in my head during my 30 minute savasanas. good god, they are a chatty bunch.

smelling :: paint {watching, not doing. i’m fancy that way.}

seeing :: friends, friends, and more friends. good god, i love my peeps. for reals.

feeling ::  ridiculously tired again. i slept through my alarm for the very first time in my life yesterday. is this my body’s way of trying to prepare me for the madness that is our taiwan trip NEXT WEEK?

wishing/hoping :: for fun times our last week before we meet the rubes.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

What Scares Me Most…

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Before I got my teaching credential, at my husband’s insistence, I spent some time working as a substitute teacher. One day, while working in a kindergarten classroom I heard a voice outside my head say what, up until that point, had only said inside my head.

YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

I paused, looked up from the group of adorable kindergarteners sitting at my knees and made eye contact with the speaker.

Huh?

YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

Huh, that’s what I thought she said.

She made some hand motions and gave directions on how I could correct what I was doing.

I turned the book upside down from where it was and like magic, right.

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The important part of this story is the absolute absurdity of that sentence being said to me out loud by another adult.

YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

And yet, in the moments right before I fall asleep these days, this exact thought is whispered in my own head.

YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

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Apparently, I’m afraid I’m going to do it wrong with Ruby.

In my rational brain, I can clearly see this isn’t true. I know there isn’t a wrong way or a right way. There are just ways that work today and those that don’t. Things that work better for some kids and things that totally don’t work for that kid (and so you stop).

But it’s not my rational brain telling me YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG. 

I’m pretty sure this is my inside voice, the one I’m not even clear who it belongs to.

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The other night in yoga class, Michelle, talked about the concept of satya or truth. What is true for your body today? What stories does your inner voice tell you? In other words, what kind of shit talking goes on about your limits or fears?

She said something about how the ego/bully voices are loud, aggressive and mean. The voice of truth is soft and kind, like a friend’s voice.

If you would like to listen (or play with idea for yourself, you can listen here).

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So here’s the deal on the comments today. I’m going to ask for what I need and what I don’t.

What I need: Please share how you talked yourself off this particular ledge – the abject fear of DOING IT WRONG. If you haven’t gotten off there, share that too. Knowing other people are afraid of the same things makes me less afraid.

Or you can simply tell me what scares you most.

What I don’t need: Reassurances that I’ll be a good mama, that’s not the issue, it’s the FEAR I’d like to address.

Things I Hate…

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Lots of folks these days are sharing what they love at this moment. Not feeling it today. So instead you get my current bitch list and I invite you add your own list.

1. Bad music which everyone seems to love except me. See: Train, John Mayer, Katy Perry. {heel of hand squarely to forehead}… Oh my god, people, please stop. I would like to listen to the radio again some day. Don’t make me become even more of an NPR nerd or community radio snob.

2. Boobs, boobs, boobs. Ladies, please when in public, keep the girls dressed. Is it really necessary to put on your mascara with just a towel around your waist? Allergic to your shirt? Get ready at home. Also included: too much cleavage when you do finally get dressed.

3. Locker room surprises. Hey lady wrapped in a tiny gym towel, please DO NOT BEND OVER.

4. Crying at the silliest little things. Little tiny red gingham shirt? Check. Adorable mini red double-breasted coat? Check. A hand-me-down wooden rocking horse from a neighbor kid now called “Big Ruby” ? Check.

5. Loud grunting noises from someone’s boyfriend in the weight room. Dude, save it for the bedroom. And while we’re talking, can you stop staring at yourself in the mirror and hogging all the machines?

6. Endless Sun Salutations in yoga class. Honestly, I’m thinking you didn’t want to plan your class and you just want to wear us out. It’s been a while since I’ve been tortured by relentless salutations {thank you IAY’s fabulous “peak pose” planners}, but if this is you and you think you are fooling anyone, you are not.

7. Petty thievery. Did I mention someone stole one of our dining room chairs? Yes, it was on our front porch, but come on. One?

8. Dairy. It is found in most things I would like to eat. Not the over the top slathered in cheese or creamy sauce {although I’m still not against those things}, but in sneaky places like bread, marinara sauce, and other foods you’d think would be cow juice free. Thank god for food labels.

9. My inability to complete a thought or project. Enough said.

Now you. What’s twisting your panties today?

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: green machine from dad’s and thai noodle salad from bernardo’s.

hearing ::  the clock ticking – 2 weeks til ruby!

smelling :: the weight room.

seeing :: so much love and kindness and generosity and love.

feeling ::  much more light-hearted than last week. many thoughts/mini meditations on ahimsa (non-violence/kindness) this week helped sway me back to a more optimistic place.

wishing/hoping :: for the next two weeks to be peaceful and productive.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 35 – Magic, Faith and Pants That Fit, Damnit

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I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

It’s Not You, It’s The Clothes – If you read nothing else ever again, please read this post by Sally at Already Pretty. It will change your life. Yes, I’m being dramatic. The message is spot on. Write it on your hand next time you go clothes shopping.

There’s Magic There, If We Make It – Sarah from Pink of Perfection has a serious way with words. I’m so happy she is back from her trip and back posting again. This post made me laugh, tear up and feel motivated to be present in the moment.

On Faith – Amy’s personal post on wanting a spiritual home really hit a nerve with me. I, too, have in the last few years been thinking about taking care of my spiritual health and well-being. I’ve mostly been doing it on the yoga mat, however she may be on to something here. For a little background on my feelings on religion.

40 Hours That Are Critical To Your Health and Well Being – Did I ever tell you all about the one where I was so ridiculously ill-suited for my career I was losing handfuls of hair, had an awesome case of acne and chronic tummy troubles?  It wasn’t pretty, so while I understand changing jobs is truly difficult, in some cases, it is absolutely necessary.

Let’s Start With The ABC’s of It – Jennifer Is A Work In Progress participated in the ABC’s of You. Go check out her post and say hi.

How To Make A Good First Impression – they had me at “Stop talking”. Man, I wish someone would have told me earlier in life that listening is way more important than trying to show how smart I am with my incessant chatter. Good to know…. helped a lot with my own personal new school year resolution from last year. Listening is good.

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.


Second Chances and Do Overs: Let’s Talk Fitness, Friends.

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Back in the days before I became a Stay-At-Home-Mom/teacher on parental leave/person without a fulltime job or baby – yet – (otherwise known as July), I was talking about making a commitment to regular exercise when I returned to work.

Uh, well, yeah.

I didn’t return to work and then we tore up the walls in the house and hired painters and I decided to rip the ugly carpet out of Ruby’s room without a plan and well, my commitment to fitness disappeared in a frenzy of the furniture-is-in-the-wrong-room-ness.

Can you relate?

In part of my fitness hiatus I’ve been spending a lot of some time on Pinterest. Hello, new eye candy.

Anyway, there are lots of words of wisdom on the internet.

Who knew?

I would like to think of this time as a second chance for fitness. In a lifelong series of second chances. It is my belief humans requiring exercise to be healthy and sane is a design flaw.

Amy over at Just A Titch has been writing about her fitness journey and she’s got some great ideas about food planning, getting hydrated and rethinking your body image.

Here’s what I’ve learned about myself and exercise.

I love it being done. I’m pretty lukewarm/chilly about actually doing it. {is your head nodding?}

I am a social exerciser. If I am by myself, I’m most likely not going or doing.

The weight room fascinates me.  Where are the women folk? I like lifting heavy stuff and feeling strong.

As it turns out, I like walking outside. Especially in the not-hot part of the day when it is light. I think they call it morning.

My gym is awesome because it is remarkably clean and has the best sauna/steam/soak spot. {Justifying the large price tag? Yes, yes I am.}

Now you – What are your fitness secrets?

What do you do?

Where do you do it?

Who do you do it with?

What time of day do you do it?

What motivates you?

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I’m feeling a bit lost in it all these days. Lots of time, lots to do, mostly just running things through my mind.

Please tell me your fitness secrets (or questions/complaints or whatever) in the comments. Let’s start a conversation.

Anyone want to exercise with me?

Images: click for source

Ramona Is My Hero and The One Where I Ask You For Help

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One of the best parts of being a teacher is my daily read aloud. For at least 10 minutes every day I get to connect with my students through what teachers call a “shared book experience” – one which creates a sense of community, fosters a love of the written word and helps my students become better readers through teacher modeling.

We laugh, we cry, we always ask for another chapter…

But enough about them, let’s talk about me. 

I read to my students because I love it. It feels good to share something with them that I love so much. Seeing their little faces light up and watching them lean towards me as they fall into the story sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Everyday during this one special time, I think to myself, I can’t believe they pay me for this.

Often I’ve wondered if anyone else experiences this feeling and yesterday one of my dear friends posted an advertisement for the library looking for volunteers and she claimed she’d “mow people down to have a chance at being a pre-school storytime reader. ”

Exactly.

So how exactly did I develop my love of reading? 

Was it watching my mom and dad read at home?

Honestly I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have my nose buried in a book.

Growing up, I was obsessed with Ramona Quimby. During my second and third grade years my teacher, Mrs. Meloncon {love her!}, encouraged us to read for pleasure and she read out loud to us every day. We’d crowd on floor around her feet {seeing, of course, who could be closest} and quiet down and listen carefully.

Was it her who introduced us to this naughty little girl and all the deliciousness of a good book?

My best friends, Vicki and Karla, and I would race to the library each week trying to get our hands on Ramona’s latest adventures around her Northeast Klickitat Street neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. We traded books back and forth and wiped the public library shelves clean. It would seem, we couldn’t get enough.

Ramona the Pest, Beezus and Ramona, Ramona The Brave, Ramona and Her Father… always with the likable little pesky sister. Oh wait! Maybe that’s why we loved Ramona! We saw ourselves in her. Little girls trying to follow our inner voices while sometimes getting our feelings hurt and sometimes hurting other people’s feelings. Making mistakes and sometimes getting into trouble.

I love Ramona to this day. A couple of Halloween’s ago, I even dressed as Ramona and all the women at the party I attended that night told me about their deep love of the sometimes trouble-maker, Ramona.

So dear readers, this year I am without a class to read aloud to. This year I will be reading to my baby girl, Ruby. It’s my sincerest hope I am able to pass on my love of reading to our new daughter.

Do you read to your kids/students? Do you have any tips to share for reading with babies? Any favorite books?

ABC’s of Me

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A bit about me which I hope inspires a bit about you.

Thanks to Frugal Babe for the idea!

The Teacher Gets Alphabetized

A – Age: 41

B – Bed Size: Queen

C – Chore I Dislike:

Work – grading homework, so I don’t. Check it and chuck it is my motto.

Home – dishes.

D – Dog: – I really, really like other people’s dogs.

E – Essential start to my day: Social media

F – Favorite color: – All shades of blue.

G – Gold or Silver? White Gold or silver.

H – Height: 5’4″

I – Instruments played: violin, flute and recorder – all in elementary school with limited success. Daily practice? Hahahaha.

J – Job Title: Elementary school teacher (on parental leave), yoga teacher, desk diva, special projects make-happener.

K – Kids: Very, very soon The Ru will be living in our house.

L – Live: In Midtown Sacramento.

M – Money tip I like best: Always have enough money in the bank so you don’t need your next paycheck.

N – Never plan to… sky dive, bungee jump or any other totally optional activity where I may die.

O – Overnight hospital stays: None I can remember.

P – Pet peeves:

Yoga class – a list just for you. Do you do any of these?

Work/school – inconsistency with messages to kids.

Home – hearing someone floss their teeth or hitting their teeth on the silverware.

Q – Quote from a movie: “No Dan, we were bowling partners.” Demi Moore’s character Debbie in About Last Night.

R – Righty or Lefty? Righty.

S – Siblings: Brothers – all older.

T – Time I wake up: Earlier than I would like most of the time. I’ve heard a rumor babies totally help with sleep.

U – Underwear: Yes.

V – Vegetables I don’t like: radishes, green bell peppers (let those things ripen people!), lettuce. Ok, lettuce is more of a ‘why bother’ than a dislike, but it bugs me. I totally eat it when I go out, but not at home.

W – What makes me run late:  the internet (no online mobile to go for me), unexpected traffic jams.

X – X-rays I’ve had: teeth, shoulder, feet.

Y – Yummy food I make: Recipes!

Z – Zoo animals I like: The big cats – lions, tigers, panthers, oh my! Don’t get me wrong, zoos are less animal prison-ish than in the past, but still weird.

What are the ABCs of you?

If you have a blog, please post and link back here.

If not, leave them in the comments.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

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tasting :: nectarines and blackberries with vanilla soy yogurt.

hearing ::  “three weeks from tonight we leave for taiwan”.

smelling :: not a whole lot this week. tiny cold.

seeing :: a crib in my house (!).

feeling ::  excited we’re so close to meeting ruby. thrilled for our friends who had been waiting for 4 years- they were matched with a baby this week(!!!!)

sad/disheartened. three acts of gun violence in as many weeks. very close to home.

wishing/hoping :: people realize guns are not the answer to any question.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

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tasting :: quinoa salads.

hearing ::  podcasts a plenty. thanks, npr.

smelling :: new floor tiles.

seeing :: ruby’s room coming together.

feeling ::  tired.

procrastination + perfectionism + manual labor = hard work.

wishing/hoping :: to see all the resting yogis in sacramento on sunday afternoon for a snooze. will you be there?

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

House Madness: Song of the Day

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{click the image for more information on the band}

If you are reading this in a reader, click on over to see the video.

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Song notes:

1. Oh, Madness. Our house, indeed.

2. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve moved our furniture from room-to-room in the last six weeks. Fingers crossed, I’ll be finished with this nuttiness this weekend.

3. In the meantime, let’s all enjoy this awesome song. {Who knew they were still at it?}

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Have you been through house madness? What did you do to survive?

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{Don’t forget to CLICK the links!}

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For other songs that have gotten stuck in my head recently: Previous Songs