It has been so long since I posted.
I've been thinking alot about my old blog and that I miss just being...well...cathartic. It's weird. Like you want people to read but at the same time....um..maybe not?!?!?!
Life has changed so much.
I bought a house. I'm back in school. I'm happy at work. I have incredibly strong relationships with my family and...
I'm so unbelievably crazy in love with the Ginger. Never, ever, did I think that I could be this happy. He believes in me and loves me for who I am. He brings out the best in me and carefully, with kid gloves, handles my neuroses. He's asked me to be his forever and I have never been so honored. He is warm, giving, funny, and thinks of others before himself. He has all of the characteristics that I have valued in upstanding men: he will make an amazing father. I can't wait for our time.
The big day is May 28...well THE BIG DAY is May 27....ish. We're going to the courthouse (whew!) and then having a party on May 28 to celebrate our happiness with friends and family. In preparation, I'm back on Weight Watchers. Watch out, J Hud. LOL!
I'm feeling good. I've been using the program to keep track of weight loss/gain (well, it's only been a week!) but I'v also been way more aware of my food allergies and needless to say...I've felt like a million bucks. Who would hav thougth that actually listening to your doctor tell you that you need to take care of your allergies was legit!?!? Apparently, I confused my teaching degree with a medical one.
So life is good.
I'm so happy, loved...and so aware of the love that's around me.
Too gushy?
Perhaps.
But it's me. Right now. Loves it.
And on the playlist (yes..it's back!)
Left of Center- Suzanne Vega
Africa- Straight No Chaser
Something You Got- Harry Connick Jr
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Shittytine's Day
So here's the thing about Valentine's Day....if you have a Valentine, you think the holiday is total BS. If you don't have one, then you wish you were able to think it was BS
Nuff said.
On a different note, here is why I heart Valentine's Day this year...
Last year I had a Valentine. I didn't get flowers or chocolates. Instead I got sweatpants and a bag of conversation hearts. Here's the thing: my Valentine remembered that I liked those sweatpants and that I LOVE conversation hearts. So even though it wasn't wrapped with a pretty bow (it was actually in the same Target bag it was purchased in) I was so happy that some remembered. I have since thrown out both items. I knokiw it's immature but I'm unable to hold on to things from failed relationships.... I know...immature..but that's my thing...
This year... I didn't have 1 Valentine. I had 16.
I really loved my kids' party.
I had 3 kids new to the country. It was a time to celebrate friendships and more importantly see things through the eyes of 7 year olds.
They had a great time. They're 7. It's easy to amuse.
But I loved seeing the joy through the eyes of children new to this country and thrilled to have a party in school.
And...in case you're wondering...every kid had Valentines. We made sure of that. Every kid gets to participate. Even if that means me scrapping my lesson so some child can fill out Valentines. They probably won't remember Johnny Appleseed..but hopefully they will remember their first Valentine's party in the USA.
Playlist:
Hey There Delilah- Plain White T's
Human Nature- Madonna
Bust Your Windows-Jazmine Sullivan
All My Love- Led Zeppelin
The Tide is High- Blondie
Nuff said.
On a different note, here is why I heart Valentine's Day this year...
Last year I had a Valentine. I didn't get flowers or chocolates. Instead I got sweatpants and a bag of conversation hearts. Here's the thing: my Valentine remembered that I liked those sweatpants and that I LOVE conversation hearts. So even though it wasn't wrapped with a pretty bow (it was actually in the same Target bag it was purchased in) I was so happy that some remembered. I have since thrown out both items. I knokiw it's immature but I'm unable to hold on to things from failed relationships.... I know...immature..but that's my thing...
This year... I didn't have 1 Valentine. I had 16.
I really loved my kids' party.
I had 3 kids new to the country. It was a time to celebrate friendships and more importantly see things through the eyes of 7 year olds.
They had a great time. They're 7. It's easy to amuse.
But I loved seeing the joy through the eyes of children new to this country and thrilled to have a party in school.
And...in case you're wondering...every kid had Valentines. We made sure of that. Every kid gets to participate. Even if that means me scrapping my lesson so some child can fill out Valentines. They probably won't remember Johnny Appleseed..but hopefully they will remember their first Valentine's party in the USA.
Playlist:
Hey There Delilah- Plain White T's
Human Nature- Madonna
Bust Your Windows-Jazmine Sullivan
All My Love- Led Zeppelin
The Tide is High- Blondie
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Goodbye, Clocktower Lane
Today we said goodbye to Clocktower Lane. Nad and J were champs. If it bothered them at all, they did a damn good job hiding it.
Kelly and I were a little bit more misty-eyed about the whole thing and here's why...
Yes, it's just 4 walls and a door. Just a place. Very cute inside....well decorated but always comfy. Close to friends and fam and to "stuff." And now, the Monroes will not be in Columbia.
In fact, they will be closer to me but here is why I think this transition was met with a lot of nostalgia...
Nad and J's house was like the YMCA. When in doubt, come over for entertainment and comfort. As we were packing up today I thought about playing Wii at my surprise bday party, pool in the basement, Banangrams in the living room, etc. Just great memories. Oh lordy how can you not forget about the hose-stealing neighbor and the debacle trying to get the pool table in the house. Oh and there was the ever so exciting bathroom redecoration drama.... I think that house was a symbol of comfort for all of us. We could always go there, "where everybody knows your name."
And now it's not there. Damn those Monroes for not asking all of their friends and family for a vote... :)
But what occurred to me just a few minutes ago was this:
There were great memories...
but there are many more to be had....
because it's not about 9413 Clocktower Lane....
it's really about Nad and J...who love us all and welcome us with open arms whether we're laughing or crying....who would walk to the ends of the earth for us, give us the shirts off their backs and ask what else we needed...
So I'm embracing the new change.
Perhaps it's because I'm looking forward to new memories in the Shihab basement or the new house..
or perhaps it's just because I'm a selfish bitch who likes her Monroes less than 5 min away...
:)
Playlist:
Kiss de Girl-The Little Mermaid soundtrack
Love Story- Taylor Swift
Breathe Me- Sia
The Way I Am- Ingrid Michelson
Chasing Pavements-Adele
Kelly and I were a little bit more misty-eyed about the whole thing and here's why...
Yes, it's just 4 walls and a door. Just a place. Very cute inside....well decorated but always comfy. Close to friends and fam and to "stuff." And now, the Monroes will not be in Columbia.
In fact, they will be closer to me but here is why I think this transition was met with a lot of nostalgia...
Nad and J's house was like the YMCA. When in doubt, come over for entertainment and comfort. As we were packing up today I thought about playing Wii at my surprise bday party, pool in the basement, Banangrams in the living room, etc. Just great memories. Oh lordy how can you not forget about the hose-stealing neighbor and the debacle trying to get the pool table in the house. Oh and there was the ever so exciting bathroom redecoration drama.... I think that house was a symbol of comfort for all of us. We could always go there, "where everybody knows your name."
And now it's not there. Damn those Monroes for not asking all of their friends and family for a vote... :)
But what occurred to me just a few minutes ago was this:
There were great memories...
but there are many more to be had....
because it's not about 9413 Clocktower Lane....
it's really about Nad and J...who love us all and welcome us with open arms whether we're laughing or crying....who would walk to the ends of the earth for us, give us the shirts off their backs and ask what else we needed...
So I'm embracing the new change.
Perhaps it's because I'm looking forward to new memories in the Shihab basement or the new house..
or perhaps it's just because I'm a selfish bitch who likes her Monroes less than 5 min away...
:)
Playlist:
Kiss de Girl-The Little Mermaid soundtrack
Love Story- Taylor Swift
Breathe Me- Sia
The Way I Am- Ingrid Michelson
Chasing Pavements-Adele
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
And they let you teach?
Today I embarked on the week long process of teaching the holidays. To teach one, you have to teach them all. So, we cover, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid, Winter Solstice, Chinese New Year and Kwanzaa. I started off with Christmas today. I found a video that showed the history and how it is celebrated around the world. God forbid MCPS allow us to incorporate a little kid-like fun into the curriculum so we have to do our best to work it in. I chose to use it as a Write to Inform (one of our grading points this quarter) activity. So, after the kids watched the video, we talked about connections, and shared with a partner. A couple of my kids don't celebrate Christmas... 2 for religious reasons and a few others who are new to the country and probably think Americans are nuts.
I realized what a massive failure this "lesson" was...and I use the term lesson loosely here. After looking over their writing I saw two kids that totally missed the boat and a few others that were a bit confused.
In the missing the boat column comes 2 noteworthy writing samples. One started with "Christmas is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people." Yes, this was completely factually inaccurate, but the topic (or hook sentence as I call it) was awesome. And then another student actually wrote a letter to Santa. I asked this student about his writing......I said, "Did you tell me everything you know about this holiday?" He thought for a minute and very carefully replied, "Santa come down da shimney."
Another student kept referring to the "Christmas necklaces." This is his first Christmas. I was trying to make sense of these necklaces that go on the "stairs and the tree of Christmas." Finally, after he drew me a picture (always the go-to strategy when you have no idea what an ESOL student is referring to).....I realized these necklaces were in fact......well...let's see what your best guess is. What do you hink the Christmas necklaces that hang on trees and stairs are?
I love my kids.
It's such a joy that they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Last week, one little boy was really worried and perplexed. When I asked him why he finally unloaded his big worry....How will Santa get into an apartment?
After explaining that Santa wiggles his nose and doesn't always need a chimney, the day could continue as planned.
Although my last post was sort of self-loathing, I have to say, the cheer and excitement kids feel about Santa, and lights, and candy canes, and decorating cookies with my mom (oh yes, she's coming in) and making gingerbread houses (and by gingerbread houses, I mean graham cracker houses with milk cartons) makes the excitement contagious.
and for Tia....just so you know.... all of my kids will have something to open. If anything, they've renewed my faith in the fact that the holidays doesn't have to be about giving. I appreciate all you do for them. Tahirih is warm. :) That is because of you...
On a completely different note..
one of the funniest things about teaching second grade is when you're out. I was out yesterday...and there is always one question that they HAVE to know the answer to:
Did you throw up?
It always goes like this:
Kid: Miss Mutchler! You're back! (hug)
Me: I am back! And I missed you!
Kid: Were you sick?
Me: Yes, I was sick. But I feel so much better now!
Kid: Did you puke?
Every time....
Playlist:
Winter Wonderland-Harry Connick Jr. and daughter
Around This Corner-Sarah Harmer
Rehab-Rihanna
Bell Bottom Blues- Eric Clapton
Girls Gone Wild- Ludacris
I realized what a massive failure this "lesson" was...and I use the term lesson loosely here. After looking over their writing I saw two kids that totally missed the boat and a few others that were a bit confused.
In the missing the boat column comes 2 noteworthy writing samples. One started with "Christmas is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people." Yes, this was completely factually inaccurate, but the topic (or hook sentence as I call it) was awesome. And then another student actually wrote a letter to Santa. I asked this student about his writing......I said, "Did you tell me everything you know about this holiday?" He thought for a minute and very carefully replied, "Santa come down da shimney."
Another student kept referring to the "Christmas necklaces." This is his first Christmas. I was trying to make sense of these necklaces that go on the "stairs and the tree of Christmas." Finally, after he drew me a picture (always the go-to strategy when you have no idea what an ESOL student is referring to).....I realized these necklaces were in fact......well...let's see what your best guess is. What do you hink the Christmas necklaces that hang on trees and stairs are?
I love my kids.
It's such a joy that they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Last week, one little boy was really worried and perplexed. When I asked him why he finally unloaded his big worry....How will Santa get into an apartment?
After explaining that Santa wiggles his nose and doesn't always need a chimney, the day could continue as planned.
Although my last post was sort of self-loathing, I have to say, the cheer and excitement kids feel about Santa, and lights, and candy canes, and decorating cookies with my mom (oh yes, she's coming in) and making gingerbread houses (and by gingerbread houses, I mean graham cracker houses with milk cartons) makes the excitement contagious.
and for Tia....just so you know.... all of my kids will have something to open. If anything, they've renewed my faith in the fact that the holidays doesn't have to be about giving. I appreciate all you do for them. Tahirih is warm. :) That is because of you...
On a completely different note..
one of the funniest things about teaching second grade is when you're out. I was out yesterday...and there is always one question that they HAVE to know the answer to:
Did you throw up?
It always goes like this:
Kid: Miss Mutchler! You're back! (hug)
Me: I am back! And I missed you!
Kid: Were you sick?
Me: Yes, I was sick. But I feel so much better now!
Kid: Did you puke?
Every time....
Playlist:
Winter Wonderland-Harry Connick Jr. and daughter
Around This Corner-Sarah Harmer
Rehab-Rihanna
Bell Bottom Blues- Eric Clapton
Girls Gone Wild- Ludacris
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It's the holiday season
So I finally finished shopping and wrapping presents.
I've recently been brought to this conclusion:
The story of Jesus and Mary, while a really great story, really isn't that far from a fairy tale. So... yeah, I know it's blasphemous, but we all know I'm secretly a Buddhist trapped in a Catholic's body.
On another note, as I get older, I find myself more and more conflicted by the holidays. First, it's commercial. You can say Jesus is the Reason and all of those other catchy sayings but let's get real: if some prophet was really the reason for all of this broo ha ha, wrapping paper would have mangers on it and the Bible section at Barnes and Noble would be wiped out.
I find the story of Santa far more joyous to be perfectly honest...
but here is what does bother me...
As each school year ticks by, I find it harder and harder to find joy in this season when I have so many kids that need so much. I feel guilty...every time...every time...I go to Target and drop 50 bucks I think..."What would (insert child's name here)'s family do with this money?" So at the holidays, it's particularly difficult.
I am so lucky that despite these financial times I have family that has supported my students. Today, mom bought one of my kids a coat and Christmas presents. Tia and Meemaw have bought clothes and other knick knacks. If anything, not only do my kids know they are loved by me, but they know my family loves them too. For 6 hours they are loved and as care free as they can be. I try to remind myself of that.
You can't save them all, but you can't stop your heart from feeling.
Playlist:
Mary's Boy Child- Harry Connick Jr. (I know, I know...sorta contradictory of what I said but I do love the Christmas music)
Got Til It's Gone- Janet Jackson ft. Q-Tip
Miss Independent- Ne-Yo
Baby, I Don't Cry Over You- Billie Holiday
God Only Knows-The Beach Boys
I've recently been brought to this conclusion:
The story of Jesus and Mary, while a really great story, really isn't that far from a fairy tale. So... yeah, I know it's blasphemous, but we all know I'm secretly a Buddhist trapped in a Catholic's body.
On another note, as I get older, I find myself more and more conflicted by the holidays. First, it's commercial. You can say Jesus is the Reason and all of those other catchy sayings but let's get real: if some prophet was really the reason for all of this broo ha ha, wrapping paper would have mangers on it and the Bible section at Barnes and Noble would be wiped out.
I find the story of Santa far more joyous to be perfectly honest...
but here is what does bother me...
As each school year ticks by, I find it harder and harder to find joy in this season when I have so many kids that need so much. I feel guilty...every time...every time...I go to Target and drop 50 bucks I think..."What would (insert child's name here)'s family do with this money?" So at the holidays, it's particularly difficult.
I am so lucky that despite these financial times I have family that has supported my students. Today, mom bought one of my kids a coat and Christmas presents. Tia and Meemaw have bought clothes and other knick knacks. If anything, not only do my kids know they are loved by me, but they know my family loves them too. For 6 hours they are loved and as care free as they can be. I try to remind myself of that.
You can't save them all, but you can't stop your heart from feeling.
Playlist:
Mary's Boy Child- Harry Connick Jr. (I know, I know...sorta contradictory of what I said but I do love the Christmas music)
Got Til It's Gone- Janet Jackson ft. Q-Tip
Miss Independent- Ne-Yo
Baby, I Don't Cry Over You- Billie Holiday
God Only Knows-The Beach Boys
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thankful
There are so many things I still want...one huge one that I'll put aside for this blog.... instead...I want to take a minute to say what I'm truly thankful for. I have so much...so much....
I'm thankful for..
My Mom- who loves me, unconditionally, and is always my biggest supporter. She's taught me how to be a classy woman, how to give and love, and how to always hold your head up high
J-who has shown me the kind of man I want and deserve, who always has an ear, and gives more of himself than most of us could ever fathom
Nadia- again, who loves me unconditionally, who sees the best in me when I see the very worst, who tells me like it is, even when I might not be ready to hear it, who has shown me that 2 old ladies in rocking chairs reminiscing about 50 years ago is possible...
Ame- Who taught me to love myself first, who gives unconditonally, wants the best for me always, and is the St. Francis of our day
Anna- Her joy is contagious, a friend to the end. How rare it is to find someone who genuinely wants to know about you, and doesn't forget where you've come from
Dawn- always optimistic about my future and makes 4 hour conversations on a couch seem timeless
Kylie- reminds me each day of how amazing this world is
Tia- there is nothing I can't say to her...the perfect combination of tender comment and biting sarcasm when I need it. A confidante who you know loves you deeply
Said- despite the challenges, he reminds me each day how pure children are and how simple words that often go unstated can be the light in your day
Boo- Who is happy to see me. Regardless of the day...
Baskin Robbins- not for the ice cream, but for the robbery. Life is too damn short.
NYC-which makes me feel like I'm really living
Roberta- always genuinely interested in what you have to say
Twilight- which reminded me why I love to read and gives me hours of thoughtless peace.
Lindsay- her cards and heartfelt notes are unexpected and much appreciated surprises.
Dad-the uncanny ability to know a person upon first impression has rubbed off on me and has been one of the greatest gifts
Eharmony- who loves my friend almost as much as I do. Truly genuine...and someone I am lucky to call my friend
The Ex- it was a good run....and I still miss him... I'm thankful for knowing I deserve to be loved
My Ipod- from Billie Holiday to Easy E....it always has what I need
Pak- truly cares and cuddles when you need it. Stronger than she knows...
My Cousin Vinnie- who perseveres, and has a huge heart, and never forgets his roots
Grandad- for the penny hand, pink rubber bouncing balls, crabbing, crabballs, and peanut buter and jelly sandwiches in the living room over the cardboard beer trays with Lays chips. I felt more special than I've ever felt.
Colleen- her calmness is contagious. Who sees all children in the best of light and is the definition of someone who lets their child be who they really are
Norma Jean Baker- we all have big dreams and dark nightmares...but you push on through
Violetta- who is always honest with me...even when I don't want to hear it...and reminds me that I'm worth more than I give myself credit for
Uncle Ron- who talks to me after Tia has gone to bed and makes me feel like I belong there..and who loves me enough to allow me to move in.
Priscilla- who is genuine through and through. such a rare find and I'm lucky to call her my friend
Jae- who I can rely on. For anything. Any time.
Dane Cook- when I need to forget about troubles, there is always DJ Diddles
SATC- Too often do I hear lines that relate to my life playing in my head...and I Will Survive
Weight Watchers- who doesn't judge but celebrates and has given me the tools to know I can do what I set my mind to.
Christopher- always so happy to see me...which always catches me off guard
Absolut- sometimes you need to forget about the day
UMD- for making me my own person, not following someone else's footsteps
Grandma Marion- for making my mom feel loved like one in a million
Life's been good to me...
Playlist:
Oh My Nola- Harry Connick Jr
Live Your Life- T.I.
Michael- Antigone Rising
Fighter- Christina Aguilera
You Better Go Now- Billie Holiday
I'm thankful for..
My Mom- who loves me, unconditionally, and is always my biggest supporter. She's taught me how to be a classy woman, how to give and love, and how to always hold your head up high
J-who has shown me the kind of man I want and deserve, who always has an ear, and gives more of himself than most of us could ever fathom
Nadia- again, who loves me unconditionally, who sees the best in me when I see the very worst, who tells me like it is, even when I might not be ready to hear it, who has shown me that 2 old ladies in rocking chairs reminiscing about 50 years ago is possible...
Ame- Who taught me to love myself first, who gives unconditonally, wants the best for me always, and is the St. Francis of our day
Anna- Her joy is contagious, a friend to the end. How rare it is to find someone who genuinely wants to know about you, and doesn't forget where you've come from
Dawn- always optimistic about my future and makes 4 hour conversations on a couch seem timeless
Kylie- reminds me each day of how amazing this world is
Tia- there is nothing I can't say to her...the perfect combination of tender comment and biting sarcasm when I need it. A confidante who you know loves you deeply
Said- despite the challenges, he reminds me each day how pure children are and how simple words that often go unstated can be the light in your day
Boo- Who is happy to see me. Regardless of the day...
Baskin Robbins- not for the ice cream, but for the robbery. Life is too damn short.
NYC-which makes me feel like I'm really living
Roberta- always genuinely interested in what you have to say
Twilight- which reminded me why I love to read and gives me hours of thoughtless peace.
Lindsay- her cards and heartfelt notes are unexpected and much appreciated surprises.
Dad-the uncanny ability to know a person upon first impression has rubbed off on me and has been one of the greatest gifts
Eharmony- who loves my friend almost as much as I do. Truly genuine...and someone I am lucky to call my friend
The Ex- it was a good run....and I still miss him... I'm thankful for knowing I deserve to be loved
My Ipod- from Billie Holiday to Easy E....it always has what I need
Pak- truly cares and cuddles when you need it. Stronger than she knows...
My Cousin Vinnie- who perseveres, and has a huge heart, and never forgets his roots
Grandad- for the penny hand, pink rubber bouncing balls, crabbing, crabballs, and peanut buter and jelly sandwiches in the living room over the cardboard beer trays with Lays chips. I felt more special than I've ever felt.
Colleen- her calmness is contagious. Who sees all children in the best of light and is the definition of someone who lets their child be who they really are
Norma Jean Baker- we all have big dreams and dark nightmares...but you push on through
Violetta- who is always honest with me...even when I don't want to hear it...and reminds me that I'm worth more than I give myself credit for
Uncle Ron- who talks to me after Tia has gone to bed and makes me feel like I belong there..and who loves me enough to allow me to move in.
Priscilla- who is genuine through and through. such a rare find and I'm lucky to call her my friend
Jae- who I can rely on. For anything. Any time.
Dane Cook- when I need to forget about troubles, there is always DJ Diddles
SATC- Too often do I hear lines that relate to my life playing in my head...and I Will Survive
Weight Watchers- who doesn't judge but celebrates and has given me the tools to know I can do what I set my mind to.
Christopher- always so happy to see me...which always catches me off guard
Absolut- sometimes you need to forget about the day
UMD- for making me my own person, not following someone else's footsteps
Grandma Marion- for making my mom feel loved like one in a million
Life's been good to me...
Playlist:
Oh My Nola- Harry Connick Jr
Live Your Life- T.I.
Michael- Antigone Rising
Fighter- Christina Aguilera
You Better Go Now- Billie Holiday
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Barack to the Future
As I was typing my last blog, the news was shared on TV
It is a great day for America.
I hope for a new country and a new sense of pride.
Black or White
Repub or Dem
Change is necessary!
...looking forward to the next 4 years!
It is a great day for America.
I hope for a new country and a new sense of pride.
Black or White
Repub or Dem
Change is necessary!
...looking forward to the next 4 years!
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