I Gotta Admit...
*...that I had a pretty good day at work today...and it was all because ONE student wasn't there. My "challenging" kid has been living up to his reputation and while I am trying my damndest, I don't feel that I'm handling him very well. He makes me want to tear my hair out and 9 out of 10 times, he is the reason why I am not having a good day. He makes me doubt my skills as a teacher because I feel that I am failing him. He's had a traumatic early childhood, but when he acts up and gets physically violent and defiant, I lose my cool. But without him in the classroom today, so much was accomplished...and today was a good day.
*...I'm getting old! Lol...yes, yes, it happens to us all, but damn, I am SO feeling it! I've got aches and pains all over my body and I just realized something...my hair is graying! I've had a bad back for years, but when the weather gets cold like it's been, even a double dose of Motrin can't help. Last night I had a pounding headache, achy back, and my knee...remember how the kneecap popped out? It's been feeling funky lately. And the latest thing...I think I may have carpal. My wrists and forearms feel tweaked and I can't even open a water bottle without wincing. Feeling old...
*...I am a sucker for Irish accents...so much so that it may get me in trouble. I just don't want to go down that path that leads to nowhere but heartache...lol...if I should even call it that! I'm pretty sure I'm on a one-way street all on my own, but sometimes I can't help myself. S-U-C-K-E-R.
*...I really enjoyed my Starbucks today...along with the company. It was great to catch up and compare notes, so to speak. But more than that, I gotta admit that while I'm glad you are "ridiculously happy" in your life right now, a part of me was somewhat disappointed. Can't quite explain, but nevertheless, it was great to see you...looking forward to hanging again soon.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Blast From the Past
In a span of one week, I've either received a phone call, a text, or have run into someone that I haven't seen in a helluva long time! That saying of "everything happens in threes" rings so true!
- Got a call from 'Part2'...lol...my original "Summer School" twin! Even though she moved from the Bay years ago and despite us losing touch for years at a time, whenever we do get back in touch, it's as if time never passed. We catch up on each other's lives, but our closeness has never wavered and it's as if the two best friends from elementary school never parted ways. Sometime in the summer, I got a call from her cousin, also an old classmate of mine, and he did tell me that she was expecting her second child. We made plans to meet up, but our plans fell through. But he did pass my number to 'Part2', but it was only last week that she got a hold of me. In the 30minutes or so that we talked, I told her about my divorce and she told me about her new baby girl. Again, one would never guess that it's been years since we last spoke. Coincidentally, she called me today to let me know that there's been a death in her family. She'll be coming to the Bay for the funeral, and though it's under such sad circumstances, it will be great to see her again.
- For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting these random texts and I've been clueless as to whom has been sending them. They'd never be personal texts to me; rather, it'd be forwards. I finally had to ask, "who is this?" because I was curious and it turned out to be a friend of a friend who happened to change cell numbers. Apparently, I didn't make the mass email/text when the changes were made...lol...mystery solved!
- When it's been years since you've last someone, you're not quite sure if it's truly them unless you hear someone utter their name...or in my case, unless you see their nametag! Ran into F while I was shopping and as I stood in line, I couldn't help but stare. Was it him? Was it not? As he passed me, I took a quick glimpse at his nametag and at the same time, he noticed me and did that whole, "Hey! I know you!" thing. It was a trip because as I was talking to him, I kept thinking, "This fool does NOT remember my name!" Lol! It was very cool to run into him since the last time was from my SF State days...'tis always fun to think back to those college days and how we were all young and stupid...but now that we're older, it'll be cool to catch up and see where our lives have taken us thus far.
MyKidz
When I think of my current class, I get bummed. Why? Because it's so long until summer vacation! Damn, that's awful! It's not that I don't love my students...because I do. It's just that I'm having a hard time LIKING them most of the time. There's a difference.
We just had a field trip to City Hall and the Main Library downtown. Thankfully, the weather was cooperative and no one got lost or sick. A few students were left behind because they had missing assignments...and of course, I had to deal with their angry parents afterwards, but that's another post. But see, to ME, I believe that field trips are a PRIVILEGE. They are such a great learning tool and an experience that I wish every kid could participate in. I LOVE the opportunity for these kids to have a taste on the world outside the safety of our school walls...because A LOT of them are so sheltered...and egads, so spoiled. But still, these special trips are reserved for the kids who work hard and who deserve it. Maybe I'm being harsh here, but if you can't turn in all of your work, if you don't turn in your permission slip and money by the dealdine, if you are causing trouble ALL THE TIME, my policy is that you WILL be left behind.
But see, it doesn't end there. While we are on the field trip, I still expect my students to follow the rules. Yes, they are excited and whatnot, but still. And then for these very same kids to COMPLAIN about little things is beyond me! I see it in their diva faces...the world revolves around them...and they DESERVE whatever it is their heart desires.
Sorry...with that kind of attitude, I've no problem shooting you down. Plus, when I see you treating your parents like c-r-a-p, talking back, and even blaming them for your stupid and careless mistakes, I WILL PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE. Shit...when did 8-year olds get free reign over their parents??? While I will never, ever place a hand on a child in anger, it doesn't stop me from thinking that some of the kids nowadays truly deserve a good-ass whoopin...hands down.
Anyways...the field trip itself was incredible. I never tire of visiting City Hall. It's such a magnificent and beautiful historic building...and the day that we happened to go, it was being prepared for a Gala Ball to commemorate 75 years of the San Francisco Ballet. City Hall is called the "People's Palace"...and I couldn't help thinking that it would be almost like a fairytale to attend an elegant evening there. How corny, I know! Just walking down the grand staircase in the domed rotunda would be almost dreamlike...lol...ok, I'll stop. Aside from me enjoying the beauty of City Hall, my class was "ok." They don't impress me much...and I don't think they really care to. That sucks.
How many more months of school???
In a span of one week, I've either received a phone call, a text, or have run into someone that I haven't seen in a helluva long time! That saying of "everything happens in threes" rings so true!
- Got a call from 'Part2'...lol...my original "Summer School" twin! Even though she moved from the Bay years ago and despite us losing touch for years at a time, whenever we do get back in touch, it's as if time never passed. We catch up on each other's lives, but our closeness has never wavered and it's as if the two best friends from elementary school never parted ways. Sometime in the summer, I got a call from her cousin, also an old classmate of mine, and he did tell me that she was expecting her second child. We made plans to meet up, but our plans fell through. But he did pass my number to 'Part2', but it was only last week that she got a hold of me. In the 30minutes or so that we talked, I told her about my divorce and she told me about her new baby girl. Again, one would never guess that it's been years since we last spoke. Coincidentally, she called me today to let me know that there's been a death in her family. She'll be coming to the Bay for the funeral, and though it's under such sad circumstances, it will be great to see her again.
- For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting these random texts and I've been clueless as to whom has been sending them. They'd never be personal texts to me; rather, it'd be forwards. I finally had to ask, "who is this?" because I was curious and it turned out to be a friend of a friend who happened to change cell numbers. Apparently, I didn't make the mass email/text when the changes were made...lol...mystery solved!
- When it's been years since you've last someone, you're not quite sure if it's truly them unless you hear someone utter their name...or in my case, unless you see their nametag! Ran into F while I was shopping and as I stood in line, I couldn't help but stare. Was it him? Was it not? As he passed me, I took a quick glimpse at his nametag and at the same time, he noticed me and did that whole, "Hey! I know you!" thing. It was a trip because as I was talking to him, I kept thinking, "This fool does NOT remember my name!" Lol! It was very cool to run into him since the last time was from my SF State days...'tis always fun to think back to those college days and how we were all young and stupid...but now that we're older, it'll be cool to catch up and see where our lives have taken us thus far.
MyKidz
When I think of my current class, I get bummed. Why? Because it's so long until summer vacation! Damn, that's awful! It's not that I don't love my students...because I do. It's just that I'm having a hard time LIKING them most of the time. There's a difference.
We just had a field trip to City Hall and the Main Library downtown. Thankfully, the weather was cooperative and no one got lost or sick. A few students were left behind because they had missing assignments...and of course, I had to deal with their angry parents afterwards, but that's another post. But see, to ME, I believe that field trips are a PRIVILEGE. They are such a great learning tool and an experience that I wish every kid could participate in. I LOVE the opportunity for these kids to have a taste on the world outside the safety of our school walls...because A LOT of them are so sheltered...and egads, so spoiled. But still, these special trips are reserved for the kids who work hard and who deserve it. Maybe I'm being harsh here, but if you can't turn in all of your work, if you don't turn in your permission slip and money by the dealdine, if you are causing trouble ALL THE TIME, my policy is that you WILL be left behind.
But see, it doesn't end there. While we are on the field trip, I still expect my students to follow the rules. Yes, they are excited and whatnot, but still. And then for these very same kids to COMPLAIN about little things is beyond me! I see it in their diva faces...the world revolves around them...and they DESERVE whatever it is their heart desires.
Sorry...with that kind of attitude, I've no problem shooting you down. Plus, when I see you treating your parents like c-r-a-p, talking back, and even blaming them for your stupid and careless mistakes, I WILL PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE. Shit...when did 8-year olds get free reign over their parents??? While I will never, ever place a hand on a child in anger, it doesn't stop me from thinking that some of the kids nowadays truly deserve a good-ass whoopin...hands down.
Anyways...the field trip itself was incredible. I never tire of visiting City Hall. It's such a magnificent and beautiful historic building...and the day that we happened to go, it was being prepared for a Gala Ball to commemorate 75 years of the San Francisco Ballet. City Hall is called the "People's Palace"...and I couldn't help thinking that it would be almost like a fairytale to attend an elegant evening there. How corny, I know! Just walking down the grand staircase in the domed rotunda would be almost dreamlike...lol...ok, I'll stop. Aside from me enjoying the beauty of City Hall, my class was "ok." They don't impress me much...and I don't think they really care to. That sucks.
How many more months of school???
Saturday, January 19, 2008
In No Particular Order...
Seems like ages since the last time I posted...and it's not because there hasn't been anything blog-worthy to share...it's more like the "I should really subscribe to my own internet service instead of relying on a connection to some random neighbor.." Lol. And because I am never sure of how long I will be connected, here's a quick run-down of what's been goin' down with MnM in the past few weeks in no particular order.
Some birthdays have come, gone, and are quickly approaching. Quick shout-outs to Chelle, Ana, Ethan's Mommy, Nico-man, Soleil in MN, Jadon's mama, MY mama...and for tomorrow, my dad and Mr. Kam. My Lolo's 93rd is coming up and so is Bina who's turning 11...wow, how quickly she's grown up! And if Kuya Sam were still with us, he would've turned 38 on the 21st...I miss you much, rest in peace...
The weather has been up and down, rainy and windy, sunny and clear, but always bone-chilling cold in the night. Thankfully we haven't had any terrorizing storms as of late and I can only hope that we're done with 'em. I've succumbed to being that sucker for not making it out to the beach for a walk/jog because of the cold, BUT I did buy myself a balance ball so I could still get my exercise on at home. Unfortunately, I got hit with body aches, headaches, coughing, sore throat, and runny nose earlier in the week...went to work ANYWAY, but paid for it midweek. Had to go home early on Tuesday and was out the entire day on Wednesday. I nursed whatever I had with chicken soup (thanks Mom!), tea, NYQUIL (knocks you the f-out!), and good ole' fashioned (and much needed)sleep. I must've been out for 20+ hours! I'm good to go and I'm up and about now...being sick SO bites.
School has been...gosh, what's the word? Um...challenging. I haven't been feeling the love lately...not sure if it's the love of teaching that's waning or if it's the kids. As tough as my kids have been in the past and despite the not-so-good days, I've always felt a connection with my kids early on in the school year. But as it is- five months now- there ain't one to speak of...and it saddens me. I don't feel like I'm getting through to these kids and to be quite frank, 3/4 of them are spoiled with bad attitudes up the wazoo! I had two really bad weeks in a row- not one day was a good one- and I just got fed up. Last Thursday, the entire class practiced being silent. That's right, S-I-L-E-N-T. Plus, they had so much work to do that they didn't have time to speak. Call it harsh punishment or whatever, these kids deserved what they got and all I gotta say is that they had better learned from it. Or else. Can you believe it, but I'm already looking forward to summer vacation?! (*On one of those bad days, I got a call from Nico. His mom didn't know he had called me, but here we were having the funniest conversation! He had called to see how I'm doing and to tell me that he missed me. Aw, did I feel loved or what?! If only he knew how much his call cheered me up! Love that kid!)
In the news: the Sunset! Yessir, my hood has been making it on the news as of late. Sometime last week, there were two incidents involving the MUNI streetcars- 1) a car was hit as it was backing out, apparently didn't notice or see the approaching streetcar...nevermind that it's BIG, LONG, LOUD, and ORANGE...2) a man fell off the boarding area, got caught underneath, AND was dragged for twenty blocks....TWENTY! And here's my most recent that freaks the hell outta me- a body of man was found covered beneath some sand at Ocean Beach. If ya'll are familiar with the parking lot, you know that they are numbered. Well, the body was found closest to #17...nevermind the fact that is the exact spot that I pass each time I go walking. Gives me the creeps...OH, and just the other night, the familiar sounds of the police helicopters were roaming above, probably with searchlights on. Nice.
Other random stuff...bought the cutest boots at DSW only to find out that they're not the most comfortable. (and yes, I DID try them on and walked around in them at the store!) My Apu is in the hospital AGAIN. Seems like she's been in and out every month... Been watching a bunch of DVDs lately: Bend It Like Beckham, A Lot Like Love, Shakespeare in Love, and Malena. Finished reading the Darlington pick, "Eat Love Pray." A tough memoir to stomach because of the issues with divorce and love of self...it was almost as if I was reading about myself in many parts. I also reread "God's Blogs" because it's a quick read and yet, its short excerpts speak volumes. I've just started on "Atonement," but I'm getting impatient because I want to see the movie already. Attended Michael's art showing at BacioCafe last Sunday bringing along with me Jen, Andrew, and son Joshua. Had my unfortunate nightmare again that had plagued me for so long in the past...wondered WHY and WHAT triggered me to have it...and decided it was because I had to pay yet another final invoice to my freakin' lawyer AND the fact that it's been a year since my townhome in Woodbury was foreclosed. Speaking of home, my lil' place is getting cozier and now that I've got myself a microwave (it's red!), life is good. Lastly, I'm still fascinated by all things Ireland and fancy myself going there and having a romantic love affair with a pub singing local with the accent that just melts my heart, but for now, the dream must be set aside for the time being. Sometimes the saying, "We'll always have what we had" just doesn't cut it, but if it's all there is to it, then I guess it'll have to do...
Seems like ages since the last time I posted...and it's not because there hasn't been anything blog-worthy to share...it's more like the "I should really subscribe to my own internet service instead of relying on a connection to some random neighbor.." Lol. And because I am never sure of how long I will be connected, here's a quick run-down of what's been goin' down with MnM in the past few weeks in no particular order.
Some birthdays have come, gone, and are quickly approaching. Quick shout-outs to Chelle, Ana, Ethan's Mommy, Nico-man, Soleil in MN, Jadon's mama, MY mama...and for tomorrow, my dad and Mr. Kam. My Lolo's 93rd is coming up and so is Bina who's turning 11...wow, how quickly she's grown up! And if Kuya Sam were still with us, he would've turned 38 on the 21st...I miss you much, rest in peace...
The weather has been up and down, rainy and windy, sunny and clear, but always bone-chilling cold in the night. Thankfully we haven't had any terrorizing storms as of late and I can only hope that we're done with 'em. I've succumbed to being that sucker for not making it out to the beach for a walk/jog because of the cold, BUT I did buy myself a balance ball so I could still get my exercise on at home. Unfortunately, I got hit with body aches, headaches, coughing, sore throat, and runny nose earlier in the week...went to work ANYWAY, but paid for it midweek. Had to go home early on Tuesday and was out the entire day on Wednesday. I nursed whatever I had with chicken soup (thanks Mom!), tea, NYQUIL (knocks you the f-out!), and good ole' fashioned (and much needed)sleep. I must've been out for 20+ hours! I'm good to go and I'm up and about now...being sick SO bites.
School has been...gosh, what's the word? Um...challenging. I haven't been feeling the love lately...not sure if it's the love of teaching that's waning or if it's the kids. As tough as my kids have been in the past and despite the not-so-good days, I've always felt a connection with my kids early on in the school year. But as it is- five months now- there ain't one to speak of...and it saddens me. I don't feel like I'm getting through to these kids and to be quite frank, 3/4 of them are spoiled with bad attitudes up the wazoo! I had two really bad weeks in a row- not one day was a good one- and I just got fed up. Last Thursday, the entire class practiced being silent. That's right, S-I-L-E-N-T. Plus, they had so much work to do that they didn't have time to speak. Call it harsh punishment or whatever, these kids deserved what they got and all I gotta say is that they had better learned from it. Or else. Can you believe it, but I'm already looking forward to summer vacation?! (*On one of those bad days, I got a call from Nico. His mom didn't know he had called me, but here we were having the funniest conversation! He had called to see how I'm doing and to tell me that he missed me. Aw, did I feel loved or what?! If only he knew how much his call cheered me up! Love that kid!)
In the news: the Sunset! Yessir, my hood has been making it on the news as of late. Sometime last week, there were two incidents involving the MUNI streetcars- 1) a car was hit as it was backing out, apparently didn't notice or see the approaching streetcar...nevermind that it's BIG, LONG, LOUD, and ORANGE...2) a man fell off the boarding area, got caught underneath, AND was dragged for twenty blocks....TWENTY! And here's my most recent that freaks the hell outta me- a body of man was found covered beneath some sand at Ocean Beach. If ya'll are familiar with the parking lot, you know that they are numbered. Well, the body was found closest to #17...nevermind the fact that is the exact spot that I pass each time I go walking. Gives me the creeps...OH, and just the other night, the familiar sounds of the police helicopters were roaming above, probably with searchlights on. Nice.
Other random stuff...bought the cutest boots at DSW only to find out that they're not the most comfortable. (and yes, I DID try them on and walked around in them at the store!) My Apu is in the hospital AGAIN. Seems like she's been in and out every month... Been watching a bunch of DVDs lately: Bend It Like Beckham, A Lot Like Love, Shakespeare in Love, and Malena. Finished reading the Darlington pick, "Eat Love Pray." A tough memoir to stomach because of the issues with divorce and love of self...it was almost as if I was reading about myself in many parts. I also reread "God's Blogs" because it's a quick read and yet, its short excerpts speak volumes. I've just started on "Atonement," but I'm getting impatient because I want to see the movie already. Attended Michael's art showing at BacioCafe last Sunday bringing along with me Jen, Andrew, and son Joshua. Had my unfortunate nightmare again that had plagued me for so long in the past...wondered WHY and WHAT triggered me to have it...and decided it was because I had to pay yet another final invoice to my freakin' lawyer AND the fact that it's been a year since my townhome in Woodbury was foreclosed. Speaking of home, my lil' place is getting cozier and now that I've got myself a microwave (it's red!), life is good. Lastly, I'm still fascinated by all things Ireland and fancy myself going there and having a romantic love affair with a pub singing local with the accent that just melts my heart, but for now, the dream must be set aside for the time being. Sometimes the saying, "We'll always have what we had" just doesn't cut it, but if it's all there is to it, then I guess it'll have to do...
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Ho-Hum Weekend
I hope ya'll are keeping dry, safe, and warm during these stormy days. Da Bay has been hit with monster rains and intense winds powerful enough to split and uproot trees. The damage of the aftermath near my neck of the woods is eerie- branches scattered everywhere, gigantic trees split down the center, and leaves covering the roads like freshly fallen snow.
Friday morning's drive to work practically gave me a stomach ache. It reminded me of the Minnesota winters and traveling in the snow. Not only was I decked out for the weather (heavy jacket, boots, gloves, scarf, and hat), but driving in the torrential rain gave me the same exact feeling as we'd travel down those slick snow-covered roads in Woodbury, MN. Being surrounded by frozen lakes on either side of the road, my stomach churned with anxiety and with fervent prayers that we would make it safely to our destination. All it would take was one slip that could send our car sliding out of control off the road and into the lake. Of course, if the lake wasn't completely frozen over, then into the bone-chilling water we would go! This worrisome feeling, this panic-stricken paranoia, this fear of a tragic slow death by drowning consumed me to the point where I would feel sick to my tummy. It never failed each time we ventured out...and this is how I felt last Friday on my way to work. Okay, so I'm not surrounded by frozen lakes, but the trees that line the sides of the roads hovered ominously. Their branches were swaying so violently that I was half-expecting all of them to crash down...which some of them did! My prayers during my lil' commute was this: "Please God, let me get to work safely...don't let any trees crash down on my car...please let the tread of my tires be okay so that I don't spin out of control...and please get that ass in back of me to stop tailing me!" Thankfully, I did get to work safely and on time.
The storm didn't let up for the entire day and for many parts of the Bay, that meant no electricity. Fortunately, loss of power didn't affect my fam or me, but we were prepared. Despite the rain, I went to Target after school. As I was browsing, I happened to pass by the flashlight section and it was completely wiped out! Empty!
Saturday's storm was horrid, but in the afternoon, we were treated to a short reprieve. Although the temps were still ass-biting cold (lol...Sis, you like that? Thank Jane for me for that one!), I headed to the beach to check out the waves. My weatherbug was been blinking every so often since yesterday and it warned of high surf and possible flooding. The Great Highway was closed and it was neat to see runners and bikers alike taking advantage of all the free space. (Oh, and just a sidenote: I am not a hardcore runner, nor do I desire to ever be. In fact, I am trying to get out of that mode where the cold weather deters me from walking at all. It's painful at first...having that cold wind in your face and having it cut through your body, but once you get warmed up, the pain slowly dissipates. I often get that guilty feeling when I've decided NOT to go and then I see all these people running their hearts out. But did I feel that guilt seeing hardcore runners out in the storm? Running in that pouring rain...it's maddening, really! It's freaking H-A-R-D-C-O-R-E, that's what it is! But as much as I'd like to continue getting in shape, running in a storm and risking pneumonia is not a priority...) I'll tell you, I love living so close to the beach and hearing the waves is just so calming...BUT, when they say monster waves, they aren't kidding! It's pretty scary....AWESOMELY so. But as I marveled at the sun breaking through the clouds (and after taking a few pics!), I thought about the movie, "The Day After Tomorrow" and how we were in the eye of the storm. With global warming and its adverse effects, the reality of that movie is, in my opinion, a huge possibility. I could go on about that, but I'll save that for another post...
When it's cold and dreary out, all you want to do is stay in bed and cuddle underneath the covers, right? After some hours of putting together a microwave cart and rearranging my kitchen (I don't want to get into that right now...lol), I threw in "Bend It Like Beckham." I've never seen this before, although I've wanted to buy it for sometime. All I knew was that it was a movie about soccer (football!) and how an Indian girl defies her family for her love of the game.
I LOVE this movie! Not only is it a girl empowerment movie, but for many other reasons, too: 1) it has Keira Knightly...I dig her!, 2) the producer is the same one who did "Bride and Prejudice"...there's even a Bollywood scene, too!, 3) they show parts of England and Germany...Europe, a future destination for me, 4) all the soccer/futbol scenes is inspiring...makes me want to run laps (NOT in a storm...) and do situps! and lastly, 5) Jonathan Rhys Meyers...hubba, hubba...the coach from Ireland (helloooo!!!)with the s-e-x-y accent...need I say more?
(I mean...I COULD, but I won't...). LOL...yah, it's official...I'm crazy!
I hope ya'll are keeping dry, safe, and warm during these stormy days. Da Bay has been hit with monster rains and intense winds powerful enough to split and uproot trees. The damage of the aftermath near my neck of the woods is eerie- branches scattered everywhere, gigantic trees split down the center, and leaves covering the roads like freshly fallen snow.
Friday morning's drive to work practically gave me a stomach ache. It reminded me of the Minnesota winters and traveling in the snow. Not only was I decked out for the weather (heavy jacket, boots, gloves, scarf, and hat), but driving in the torrential rain gave me the same exact feeling as we'd travel down those slick snow-covered roads in Woodbury, MN. Being surrounded by frozen lakes on either side of the road, my stomach churned with anxiety and with fervent prayers that we would make it safely to our destination. All it would take was one slip that could send our car sliding out of control off the road and into the lake. Of course, if the lake wasn't completely frozen over, then into the bone-chilling water we would go! This worrisome feeling, this panic-stricken paranoia, this fear of a tragic slow death by drowning consumed me to the point where I would feel sick to my tummy. It never failed each time we ventured out...and this is how I felt last Friday on my way to work. Okay, so I'm not surrounded by frozen lakes, but the trees that line the sides of the roads hovered ominously. Their branches were swaying so violently that I was half-expecting all of them to crash down...which some of them did! My prayers during my lil' commute was this: "Please God, let me get to work safely...don't let any trees crash down on my car...please let the tread of my tires be okay so that I don't spin out of control...and please get that ass in back of me to stop tailing me!" Thankfully, I did get to work safely and on time.
The storm didn't let up for the entire day and for many parts of the Bay, that meant no electricity. Fortunately, loss of power didn't affect my fam or me, but we were prepared. Despite the rain, I went to Target after school. As I was browsing, I happened to pass by the flashlight section and it was completely wiped out! Empty!
Saturday's storm was horrid, but in the afternoon, we were treated to a short reprieve. Although the temps were still ass-biting cold (lol...Sis, you like that? Thank Jane for me for that one!), I headed to the beach to check out the waves. My weatherbug was been blinking every so often since yesterday and it warned of high surf and possible flooding. The Great Highway was closed and it was neat to see runners and bikers alike taking advantage of all the free space. (Oh, and just a sidenote: I am not a hardcore runner, nor do I desire to ever be. In fact, I am trying to get out of that mode where the cold weather deters me from walking at all. It's painful at first...having that cold wind in your face and having it cut through your body, but once you get warmed up, the pain slowly dissipates. I often get that guilty feeling when I've decided NOT to go and then I see all these people running their hearts out. But did I feel that guilt seeing hardcore runners out in the storm? Running in that pouring rain...it's maddening, really! It's freaking H-A-R-D-C-O-R-E, that's what it is! But as much as I'd like to continue getting in shape, running in a storm and risking pneumonia is not a priority...) I'll tell you, I love living so close to the beach and hearing the waves is just so calming...BUT, when they say monster waves, they aren't kidding! It's pretty scary....AWESOMELY so. But as I marveled at the sun breaking through the clouds (and after taking a few pics!), I thought about the movie, "The Day After Tomorrow" and how we were in the eye of the storm. With global warming and its adverse effects, the reality of that movie is, in my opinion, a huge possibility. I could go on about that, but I'll save that for another post...
When it's cold and dreary out, all you want to do is stay in bed and cuddle underneath the covers, right? After some hours of putting together a microwave cart and rearranging my kitchen (I don't want to get into that right now...lol), I threw in "Bend It Like Beckham." I've never seen this before, although I've wanted to buy it for sometime. All I knew was that it was a movie about soccer (football!) and how an Indian girl defies her family for her love of the game.
I LOVE this movie! Not only is it a girl empowerment movie, but for many other reasons, too: 1) it has Keira Knightly...I dig her!, 2) the producer is the same one who did "Bride and Prejudice"...there's even a Bollywood scene, too!, 3) they show parts of England and Germany...Europe, a future destination for me, 4) all the soccer/futbol scenes is inspiring...makes me want to run laps (NOT in a storm...) and do situps! and lastly, 5) Jonathan Rhys Meyers...hubba, hubba...the coach from Ireland (helloooo!!!)with the s-e-x-y accent...need I say more?
(I mean...I COULD, but I won't...). LOL...yah, it's official...I'm crazy!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
"I’m pregnant…pass the potatoes."
(Molly Ringwald in 80’s flick "For Keeps")
First of all, NO…I'm not talking about myself. Good Lord.
It was the funniest thing. During lunch the other day, my co-worker was telling us about an upcoming event for the 3rd Grade including all the paperwork involved when all of a sudden, without changing her tone of voice and seemingly continuing her train of thought, blurted out that she was pregnant. It was so unexpected that we all had to do a "Huh? What?" double-take of sorts. As we then began to grasp what was said and excitedly started asking questions, she pulls another one of us by saying, "I'm having two." TWINS! Wowzers!
I have to step in here for a sec. I mean, while I do understand that everyone has different personalities, this is so NOT what I'm used to. I had this similar discussion with BFF as I was there when she announced to her family that she, herself, was expecting. BFF's hubby has just graduated and I was invited to the family shindig. We were at a restaurant, seated at a round table, and albeit that her sister already knew, when the news was broken, there was hardly a peep above a whisper that was spoken. Even from the way BFF announced it…."I’m expecting…" was soooooooo calm and quiet. Her mom had a look like, "What is it that you're expecting?" When the soon-to-be grandparents finally realized what she had said, it was STILL quiet...they were elated, of course, but quiet nonetheless. This announcement from my co-worker was no different...and I find it a little funny. Why?
Okay…let me explain. If it was ME who was announcing that I was pregnant, a noise patrol officer (if one existed) would have to start making arrests. Alright, so everyone's family is not as loud as mine, but man, one would not be able to hear themselves think amid the sea of hysterical and chaotic laughter and excitement. We are THAT loud, I shit you not. What can I say? We're just excitable people!
Another example of how I cannot contain my excitement and happiness...another co-worker, Erica, announced that she was expecting...btw, there is a GRIP of lil' Cornerstone babies being born! Anyways...a few of us were talking and she leans her head and comes in a bit closer and asks, "Can you react calmly?" And c'mon, when you hear those words, you KNOW the news is going to be big. I asked her why and she repeats her question, but this time with a big smile on her face. By this time, I already knew, but HAD to ask to confirm. Can MnM react calmly?!
How can anyone react calmly to such good news? Seriously?!
At least with Erica, there was some sort of warning...a preview. With yesterday's news, I think the field trip and pregnancy announcement was uttered in one single breath. Then, okay, by the way, I’m having two. HUGE NEWS people!
Well...maybe I'm just silly, excitable, and naturally happy like that...in any case, congrats to all the soon-to-be and new moms at Cornerstone!
(Molly Ringwald in 80’s flick "For Keeps")
First of all, NO…I'm not talking about myself. Good Lord.
It was the funniest thing. During lunch the other day, my co-worker was telling us about an upcoming event for the 3rd Grade including all the paperwork involved when all of a sudden, without changing her tone of voice and seemingly continuing her train of thought, blurted out that she was pregnant. It was so unexpected that we all had to do a "Huh? What?" double-take of sorts. As we then began to grasp what was said and excitedly started asking questions, she pulls another one of us by saying, "I'm having two." TWINS! Wowzers!
I have to step in here for a sec. I mean, while I do understand that everyone has different personalities, this is so NOT what I'm used to. I had this similar discussion with BFF as I was there when she announced to her family that she, herself, was expecting. BFF's hubby has just graduated and I was invited to the family shindig. We were at a restaurant, seated at a round table, and albeit that her sister already knew, when the news was broken, there was hardly a peep above a whisper that was spoken. Even from the way BFF announced it…."I’m expecting…" was soooooooo calm and quiet. Her mom had a look like, "What is it that you're expecting?" When the soon-to-be grandparents finally realized what she had said, it was STILL quiet...they were elated, of course, but quiet nonetheless. This announcement from my co-worker was no different...and I find it a little funny. Why?
Okay…let me explain. If it was ME who was announcing that I was pregnant, a noise patrol officer (if one existed) would have to start making arrests. Alright, so everyone's family is not as loud as mine, but man, one would not be able to hear themselves think amid the sea of hysterical and chaotic laughter and excitement. We are THAT loud, I shit you not. What can I say? We're just excitable people!
Another example of how I cannot contain my excitement and happiness...another co-worker, Erica, announced that she was expecting...btw, there is a GRIP of lil' Cornerstone babies being born! Anyways...a few of us were talking and she leans her head and comes in a bit closer and asks, "Can you react calmly?" And c'mon, when you hear those words, you KNOW the news is going to be big. I asked her why and she repeats her question, but this time with a big smile on her face. By this time, I already knew, but HAD to ask to confirm. Can MnM react calmly?!
How can anyone react calmly to such good news? Seriously?!
At least with Erica, there was some sort of warning...a preview. With yesterday's news, I think the field trip and pregnancy announcement was uttered in one single breath. Then, okay, by the way, I’m having two. HUGE NEWS people!
Well...maybe I'm just silly, excitable, and naturally happy like that...in any case, congrats to all the soon-to-be and new moms at Cornerstone!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
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