Bowl of cherries

Dusty

2010-02-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

My blog, that is.

Pondering revamping the whole premise to something more forward-looking.

Or I could just continue to use it for whining :)

It is sunny, about 60 degrees and a beautiful Seattle day! Good luck to those in DC area!

The scream.

2009-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

You know that painting, The Scream? Perfect. I mean PERfect depiction.

Do you ever wish you could just scream and then everything would be ok and your friends would still smile at you, naiively thinking, she's pretty nice most of the time?

Reconstruction surgery. Definately a good idea for me as I am very vain. Surgery went just ducky. But, did they listen when we told them that I am very allergic to tape? F&ck no. Because I was so drugged up to deal with the incision fun I did not notice that not only had they put yards of tape on me, but that the inflamed rash had spread to my back, legs, arms.

So now, delight of delights, they (those who use their powers for EVIL) have me taking prendisone for the systemic allergic reaction, aka my skin is on fire. Have you ever taken prendisone? It makes you feel even MORE postal than you already felt for having an allergy that could have totally FUC&king been prevented.

Please send me peaceful karma and virtual chocolate. If I can just make it through the next few days.

Back to Rain and More Rain in Seattle!

2009-03-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

Sigh. At least my umbrella is cheerful!

A wonderful non-profit:

2009-03-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

DonorsChoose helps support teachers and their classrooms. Please visit my page, and if you feel like it, throw a couple bucks at my requested grant.

Thank you!

What do you call it?

2009-03-02T20:07:00.001-08:00

An "anniversary?" It's been a year. March 6, 2008, to be exact. That week I found a lump. No, not me. This is probably nothing. But I make 2 appointments: one with my regular doc and one with the mammogram people. Those guys give me any appointment time I want when I say I found a lump. Still, I am not freaking out.

The doc says could be just a cyst, but you should go get a mammogram. Yeah, says I. Got an appointment. I had a whole 24 hours between these 2 appointments to just putz around and think it was just a cyst.

Then the mammogram. She looks poker faced and says, we'll go ahead and just check this with the ultrasound. Ultrasound lady did not bother with poker face. "IT'S CANCER." WTF? I could not speak because I was lying down and the tears were all pouring back into my throat. And, because, hey it is just a cyst, I was at this appointment all by my freaking self. She tried to hold my hand, but she was pretty much a gadget/machine person, not a comfort the idiot person.

Well, that was my week 1 year ago. And I wonder why I cannot get my head around work this week. Think I'll go scream now.

Truffle salt and other goodies!

2009-01-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

I had the day off to go hang with my sister while she had an icky girl procedure done. She went home to her heating pad and percocets, and I went downtown for a little shopping: Pacific Place for O&Co and WSonoma (gift cards)!

O&Co had quite a few items on sale - some of which I bought (the olives). My other two goodies are truffle salt and two of their "grassy" olive oils to try out.

Now I am in search of great applications for the truffle salt, besides french fries (which are an AMAZING host for this, I must say)!

Williams Sonoma loot included a Lodge cast iron Grill Pan (pre-seasoned) and a new oven thermometer. Not exciting but much needed.

Paris. And, I lied.

2009-01-25T18:31:00.001-08:00

Need to settle on WHERE in Paris we should stay. If you have thoughts on this please share them. Do you have a favorite arronidissement? Do you have a favorite street? Please share!

And, here is the bit about me lying. Unfortunately the LA Times ran a series of photos by the White House photographer of behind-the-scenes during the first days of the new administration. This is my favorite:

Gentleman. And President.

Penny for your thoughts

2009-01-24T21:04:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am a bit obamobsessed, but this is the last* post about him and then I will just calm down, already!Yep, that's his new custom, superslick blackberry.

*give or take

First day's work

2009-01-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

This from NYT, 01/21/09:
The new president effectively reversed a post-9/11 Bush administration policy making it easier for government agencies to deny requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act, and effectively repealed a Bush executive order that allowed former presidents or their heirs to claim executive privilege in an effort to keep records secret.

“Starting today,” Mr. Obama said, “every agency and department should know that this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information, but those who seek to make it known.”

Pinch me, pinch me, pinch me....

Welcome to the future!

2009-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

"...We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness...."

photo Huffington Post

Where have you been?

2009-01-04T11:39:00.001-08:00

What did you love best?

2009

2009-01-02T18:38:00.001-08:00

Our goal for summer, 2009.

Happy new year everyone!

Warmest wishes for your holiday!

2008-12-17T20:43:00.001-08:00

Best wishes to all my blog friends and a most happy new year!

Mahna mahna

2008-11-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is a blast from the past but probably before most of y'all were born!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYJuKX2j-Cw

Adopt a Classroom and get your donation matched!

2008-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

I recently went in search of grants and other ways to raise money for use in my classroom. Unfortunately as a Title 1 school (over 50% of our students are free/reduced lunch) teachers do not receive budgets and parents are unable to run/fund auctions. I do spend a lot of my own money on my classroom, but at some point I have to stop and look elsewhere.

That is where "Adopt-A-Classroom" comes in. They allow a teacher to select specific items needed for the classroom and for multiple donors to chip in toward those items, knowing the money goes ONLY toward that item needed.

Happily a donor matching program has just been introduced!

In celebration of Adopt-A-Classroom’s 10th Anniversary, Jones New York In The Classroom has agreed to add $50 to any donation made to my classroom. This offer is for the first 800 online credit card donations made at www.adoptaclassroom.org starting November 1, 2008.
This is a great opportunity for me and my students. In addition, if adopted, I will automatically be entered to win aa $10,000 classroom grant.

Click here to adopt my classroom and have $50 added to your donation!

Thanks to Jones New York In The Classroom and Adopt-A-Classroom, a small gift can make a BIG impact.

Note: All donations are tax-deductible. 100% of the donation goes to my classroom. Adopt-A-Classroom takes $0 out for administration.

Vote on Tuesday!

2008-11-02T16:56:00.001-08:00

On a separate note: Wednesday is my last day of CMF chemo sessions. Taking as many of my friends who were previously chemo buddies as possible, feeding them chocolate, and that will be my celebration for now. (Champagne just doesn't sound good ---- YET! )

I've been demoted - but in a good way!

2008-10-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Dr. says that instead of me doing 26 weeks of chemo she is reducing my "sentence" to 24 weeks - that means I will be done 2 weeks sooner. I am glad but cautiously so - I want those pesky too-fast-growing cells zapped, yessiree. And I am superstitious about celebrating too soon - like someone/thing will come rain on my parade.

Crazy, no????

Gorgeous fall day in Seattle!

2008-10-18T13:01:00.001-07:00

If I didn't have a cold I'd run right out and take a bunch of pics to post! Instead I will provide you with the above image which captures some of the colors!

Oh, and 5 more weeks of chemo (out of 26) - yay!

Adopt a Classroom

2008-10-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Please click on the link to chip in and help special needs kids!

I heart Tina Fey!

2008-09-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Funniest you-tube yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHHYOh5qja8&feature=related

Back at work!

2008-09-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Actually have been since the beginning of last week. VERY busy getting to know kids, classroom in shape and creating programs for all the kids!

Thank you bl0gger friends for emails inquiring as to my whereabouts! Still reading your blogs but just a little less frequently! :)

(Photo: Indiana Progress, Indiana, Pennsylvania, 28 December 1921. One of them is not actually me.)

Update on The Strike.

2008-09-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

(Photo by K. Lambert, Seattle Times.)

Perhaps the end is in sight, thank goodness! The latest news, centered on today's rally, is that the district has moved in their negotiations due to pressure from PARENTS!!

Remember.

2008-09-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

Think.
Should we, in fear, give up what our country stands for? http://www.npr.org/blogs/news/2007/09/judge_rules_provisions_of_patr.html

Crafts: how to make your very own belt

2008-09-08T14:27:00.001-07:00

Ha ha. I have covered up my sewing machine for the duration of the school year, sad but true. However, you can create your very own belt out of zillions of fabrics and ribbons using your laptop!!!! Who knew? My Belt Designer. Well, maybe everyone else out there knew.

All their belts are on sale right now, too.

So little self-control.

2008-09-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I loved the name. I loved the color. The model has legs that are 10' long, and so will I when I wear mine. (Just need to get a special mirror.) They are "Mooching Trousers" from Boden USA. I love love love Boden. Almost as much as chocolate.

Yum tacos!!!

2008-09-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Autentica! Taco truck, Taqueria La Pasadita, is parked in the Northgate area of Seattle. It's been there for ages and I had never tried it -- until today! It was my spouse's idea who considers a meal to be a good appetizer to another meal sometimes ;) ! The chicken taco was spicy and loaded with yummy crunchy salsa and veggie stuff. One taco is about 4-5" in diameter so, really, one is just a snack, right?

Here is a website that reviews taco trucks (who knew?): lostacotrucks.com.

Considering going private...

2008-09-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered taking your blog private? Why? Why did you not?

I am so hyper-sensitive these days about being on strike and feeling very little support from my more conservative friends that it is making me wonder. If I blog about the strike I will be judged by people who drop by my blog. If I don't blog about it I am hiding a major thing going on with me right now. After getting yelled at by a perfect stranger yesterday I am just not up for being judged.

The local news tips toward the district, some more heavily than others. It is frustrating that the situation is not being covered evenly. Here is the least scewed report I could find.

You are never going to believe this.

2008-09-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today, while getting chemo, I got trash-talked for being on strike. A man, easedropping on a conversation I was having with the nurse, yelled at me for having the nerve to ask for a 14.5% raise (we aren't) and that I am personally committing "education blackmail." He had his facts wrong and no empathy for the fact teachers are so low-paid to start with.

But, getting yelled at while the nurse is trying MULTIPLE times to get the IV in - this was really too much.

On Strike.

2008-09-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

No really. This is a new place for me. (Before I became a teacher a year ago I had worked in business.) Now the teachers' union is on strike, following 4 or more months of inconclusive negotiations regarding our contract. At issue: allowing teachers to use their judgement in curriculum and instructional matters, and wage. News of the strike is reported here.

You may feel philosophically for or against unions and striking. However, please remember that of all professions teaching has historically been inadquately respected, paid and supported. May I please ask your support?

Thank you Pink Putter!

2008-08-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Pink Putter, for the lovely compliment you have paid my blog!

Today I continue setting up my classroom. We have a brand new building - lovely with large, open spaces. My classroom is still littered with items I need to put away! Wish me luck! ;)

My welcome

2008-08-22T17:55:00.001-07:00

Here is the fabulous chalk art that my almost 13-yr old daughter and her friend made on our driveway:
It says, "STOP. In the name of love..."

And, here is my dog at the door greeting me.

Slow news day. What can I say?

Weekend at the ocean

2008-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Walks at sunset.
Beautiful dune grasses.

Wetsuit weather.

Beach dog.

Skipped the martini and got

2008-08-13T18:03:00.001-07:00

a Kate Spade wallet -- on massive SALE!!!!!
Check out the KS sale, and don't forget to use the promo code, "welcome2ks."

Tiptoeing past denial

2008-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today is my halfway point in chemo, so I guess that warrants a mention. And a martini! I am 13 treatments into my 26-treatment chemo gig, and I am 4 months past the surgery. Given I am this far in I guess I can try to get past the denial stage and move toward acceptance.

Nah. That's boring. Think I'll stick with the martini idea!

Meet Slick.

2008-08-11T17:24:00.003-07:00

Out with the old fridge: he no longer de-hydrated or did that suction thing that keeps the door closed. Plus, we had to have a LOT of magnets to hide his dings and general shabbiness.Here is Slick. We researched at Sears, Home Depot and then the local dude, Albert Lee. Slick matches the dishwasher (but not the stove - maybe next year for that one...).

My destiny today

2008-08-11T13:55:00.001-07:00

Claustrophobia, here I come!

Getting ready for work...

2008-08-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it will take more than getting my keycard

on a stylish lanyard to TRULY be ready for teaching in the Fall. However, check this baby out, purchased at eBay store, DaisyMae Creations.

Just screams ready for work, doesn't it?

10% Discount and Free Shipping at Boden!!!

2008-08-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Use this link, Boden, to get free shipping at Boden.com!!!

Covet

2008-08-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Just about everything in the new Johnny Boden catelog. Esp.:

Iced tea, the old and best way

2008-08-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Growing up I spent many an hour next to, and occasionally in, The Pool. Possibly the best part of this dangerous-to-my-skin habit was the iced tea served at the snack bar. It was called Bartel's Special, I think. Delicious, and screams summer-by-the-pool. The ingredients are:

2-3 sprigs of mint, crushed
2/3 cup orange juice
1 1/3 cup black tea, sweetened
big squeeze of lemon
lotsa ice

Put the mint in the glass first, then the orange juice, then tea, then ice. The proportions of orange juice and tea are flexible - adjust to taste!

Projects update

2008-07-31T15:56:00.001-07:00

The Hat, inspired by Lisagh's, began as this.

Then, with much moral and practical support from Lisagh, the next iteration looked like this.

The brim called for topstitching. I blew through many brain cells on this step, concentrating so hard the veins on my temples were throbbing. But, the stitching came out pretty even. However, the jury is still out as to the overall complete effect:

Next project will be a skirt made from fabric purchased online. The skirt pattern is one I found on Tarilyn's great blog.

Memory enabler!

2008-07-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

Check out this cool freebie: Remember The Milk. I love anything that helps me stay organized and provides me a fall-back when chemo brain kicks in! Now if I could just remember what I needed to put on the list...

Beware SPAM from tagged dot com!!!!!

2008-07-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

I got an email last night that looked to be from a friend of mine from grad school. I opened it, and MUCH TO MY HORROR it accessed my entire contact list and spammed them with a "friend" request from me.

If you received such an email from tagged . com please delete it before even opening.

Look what Lisagh is making me!

2008-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

I want to be like Lisagh when I grow up... actually, what I really want is her new car :). Seriously, she is very talented. Lisagh makes a host of wonderful things and sells them in her Etsy store.

Here is the belt she is making me:

Land's End: FREE SHIPPING

2008-07-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Too bad I just placed an order with them yesterday. BUT, here are the codes you need to get free shipping, plus a ridiculous amount of "fine print":

Enter the Promotion Code HOT and the PIN 683866350 in the space provided.

Or if you have a Lands’ End “Personal Shopping Account”...
1) Make your selections
2) On the Order Review page, click “Promotion Code” in the section labeled “Apply another payment method”
3) Enter your "Promotion Code" and PIN (shown above). That’s it!

Or call 1-800-800-5800 and give your "Promotion Code" and PIN to the customer service representative.

Limited Time Offer - Receive FREE Shipping* and handling on up to two orders to U.S. addresses (includes U.S. territories, APO/FPO) when you supply a valid Promotion Code and PIN at the time of order. *3-7 day delivery to most addresses. Please allow 1-2 business days for order processing, plus 1-2 additional business days for items with monogramming, engraving, hemming or inseaming requests. Drop shipments and items requiring Specialty Shipping excluded. This offer has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. Applies only to merchandise purchased from landsend.com and Lands’ End consumer catalogs. Not redeemable at Lands’ End®, Sears® and Kmart® retail stores; at Sears.com and Kmart.com; or for Lands’ End Business Outfitters purchases. Employees of Lands' End, Kmart and Sears Holding Corporation are not eligible to receive this offer. Consumer is responsible for applicable taxes. Offer valid through 11:59 p.m. CDT July 29, 2008.

Not valid on previous purchases or when combined with any other promotional offer.

An oh-so French scarf for the fall?

2008-07-23T22:20:00.001-07:00

I love this scarf pattern - it is called Clapotis, designed by Kate Gilbert. The pattern is free on Knitty.com.

Fun fabric for the next project!

2008-07-22T15:58:00.001-07:00

I ordered a couple yards of this over the weekend. I can't decide which to make: shorts, skirt, hat, or some house stuff, like powder room towels with this as trim.

Wetsuits! Get your wetsuits!

2008-07-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well, in the northwest, the water is plenty cold ALL summer. So we wear full wetsuits for body surfing, regular surfing or just playing in the ocean. If your kids need wetsuits, I have a deal for you. Check my listings on eBay for Billabong and Rip Curl wetsuits that are gently used and freshly cleaned.

Monograms galore

2008-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

MonogramMe, a blog and store, offers an amazing array of items you can get as gifts or for the house - all monogrammed. Best of all, get free shipping now until July 30.

My current fave is the portable coffee cup, of course!

The Pink Clutch is a companion blog.

Incredible quilt

2008-07-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

Oooo, how I would love to win this quilt:

Pick me. Pick me! Pick me!!

Projects: some pictures

2008-07-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

A sweater! This is the back and front pieces of my "Central Park Hoodie." (So far so good - except the sleeve which I will probably be frogging and starting over.) This terrific pattern is available at Knitting Daily.

Below is the start of a sock. The needles are tiny (2). Therefore, the first sock may be done before I retire. Or may not. Both wool and pattern were purchased at Fiber Gallery - they are SO patient and helpful!

Here we have a hat (well, a wanna be hat). This project is inspired by Lisagh! It is Vogue 7600 and the fabric is Amy Butler. I hope mine will look half as good as hers!

And, on a different note, here is the filled out gardening corner project. Really just a bunch of annuals stacked up to accent the deck corner. (Hmm, the lobelia looks thirsty...)

1st post to Cherries!

2008-07-20T23:12:00.001-07:00

Ta da!