To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

So lately I've been having trouble getting a full night's sleep. I can usually fall asleep easily, but something always wakes me up. I usually have to pee at least once during the night. Lately, though, the problem has been crickets. Yes, crickets. I had this problem when I lived in Keller. These crickets would get in between the bricks on my porch and chirp to no end. The volume was what I couldn't get over. It was like they were giant mutant insects with indestructible exoskeletons that would not succumb to the mass amounts of bug poison that I would find myself spraying on them at 3 in the morning so I could get some sleep. Now they are back. They chirp so loud that they wake me up out of a dead sleep at least 6 nights a week. I need to know how to get rid of them. Anyone have any tips?

It was a huge problem last night because I was having a dream that I was on a date with John Krasinski and it was going really well. He was really into me. (No one tell Zach, though, because he gets very jealous). And just before he walks me to my door - the stupid cricket right outside my window starts squealing like an angry hyena and wakes me from my slumber. I don't often get to have dreams about dating cute celebrities, so I'd really like it if they weren't interrupted. I've got to kill the crickets!!!

Coffee Shop Thoughts

I am currently at my favorite coffee shop, River Nile Coffee, to get some work done. I can't work at the office because it is 90 degrees there and I can't work at home because I keep finding other things to do. So, I come here for the great lattes, free WiFi, and quiet atmosphere. Well, til now anyway. There is this annoying kid jumping from couch to couch, screaming all the while, and basically ruining everyone's coffee shop experience. There are no less than 7 people here with laptops that look like they mean business. I realize that this is not the library, but can you please control your kid???? If you don't want to supervise them while you socialize over your coffee, then get a freakin' babysitter. That's all I'm saying. People always say that your own kids won't annoy you when they act like typical kids. I think that is true until they learn how to walk and talk. After that, all bets are off. Mark that down as reason number 458 as to why I'm not looking to procreate: No more quiet coffee shop time. Though, if it were my kid, they wouldn't be running around acting like a jack ass either. I'm just saying.........

Revelations

Tonight I went with Tara and Clara to The Ginger Man in Ft. Worth. It was a super cool place and I hope we can go back sometime.

Sarah Bart told me to try this beer, so I did:
I didn't like it. Thanks Sarah.

This was our view from the patio:
I got really close to a bullseye while tossing the darts around!
Then I had the revelation that beer is just not for me. I tried. I didn't really enjoy it. So I order this rootbeer and I loved it!

No Soapbox, Just Pictures

I know that I've been on my soap box here lately, but I'm going to try to keep it light hearted. Being opinionated can be an endearing quality, and also a flaw, so I'll try not to push it ;-)

So, today I made a bunch of stuff - including some delicious meals. I guess I'm embracing my inner John Mackey, but I like to take pictures of my food now. It just looks so good and I want to capture it for prosperity!

Breakfast was scrambled eggs with garden veggies, a side of blueberries, and a latte.

Dinner was curried chicken salad lettuce wraps and fresh garlic green beans.
I made this J for Jennifer
And I made this J for me
And another set of magnets

I'm really enjoying my summer and I'm going to be super sad when I don't have time to do all this stuff anymore. I guess I'll have to take it to the office and do it during my lunch break.

Thoughts on thoughts.......

So, I'm a week into my "28 is great" campaign. So far I think that things are going well. I have a more positive outlook on the next school year. I'm trying to trust my gut. I'm taking baby steps. However, I'm not ready to be set up with people's plumbers.

Just because I'm pushing 30 doesn't mean that my biological clock is ticking. I don't hear it at all. I never have. I have a laundry list of things that I want to do before I would even ENTERTAIN the IDEA of having A child. Maybe someday I will change my mind about procreating, but ya know, maybe I won't. I guess I'm just getting more and more impatient with crazy folks assuming that I should be ready to start a family. Anyhoo - I wasn't going to post this article I found, but after today I feel compelled. I think I might just start carrying it around to read to people that inquire about my lack of buns in the oven, because I'm just about at a loss.

These are snippets from an article called Mama Don't Preach, by Amy Reiter

"If you're living a child-free life, you probably know what I'm talking about: People who start out celebrating their own decision to have kids and end up casting aspersion on your choice not to -- or at least not to have them just yet. They'll carry on -- with great concern about your ticking biological clock, of course -- about how their lives before children were (and implicitly, your life without them is) empty, lonely, devoid of meaning, even downright selfish.......I'm past 30 and a brand-new parent. At this point in my life, though not before, having a baby feels completely, euphorically right for me. I'm deliriously happy with my decision to spawn. But who am I -- or who is anyone else -- to say that having a baby is the best thing for everyone?
Not only do I not think that the only meaningful life is one that includes children, but I'd also go so far as to say that there are people in the world who should not have children. I'm not talking about people who are, say, prone to abuse. Those people are givens. I'm talking about perfectly nice, everyday folk who don't really want children. People who are happy with their lives as they are and are uninterested in turning them upside down to meet the needs and whims of a growing child.........You're not being selfish. Your life won't be empty. And you're certainly not destined for a sad, lonely end. People can find meaning in their lives in ways that don't include progeny."

Yeah, so take that.

A Birthday Reflection

I know that this looks like a novel, but stay with me. This was cathartic for me....

I remember several years ago when I couldn't believe I was turning 23 or 24 because I surely didn't feel that old, but the last few birthdays I have definitely felt my respective age. I remember last year thinking that I really did feel 27 and I was very optimistic that it was going to be a much better year than 26. Well, it wasn't - for different reasons, though. Really the last two years have been the most trying and difficult that I've experienced yet in my short life. I haven't felt like myself for quite sometime and I've often wondered if I would ever get back to when I was the happiest. I remember when that was - it was 2001-2002, and I think that would've made me 22. I had just graduated and was starting grad school. That first year of grad school was awesome. I didn't have quite the real world responsibilities that I had after that second degree, but I had enough that I felt a sense of accomplishment. I had so many great things happen that year and I had so much fun. I remember now feeling the best I'd ever felt, even though I should have taken a few more chances. Did I know it then or is this all hindsight? It seemed like after that 23rd birthday things never seemed to be quite the same. Everyone remembers that birthday - the infamous one in San Antonio. The second year of grad school was really hard for me. I was overextended, I was ready to move on, I was having to work through things I never expected I would have to. It was my first dose of reality, I guess. The first two years after grad school were hard - teaching lessons full time was great, but it was barely paying the bills. I got my job offer at Hillwood a few days before my 26th birthday and so I thought for sure things were heading back up hill. Wrong again. That first year teaching was a huge struggle. I remember feeling so optimistic on this day last year, thinking that opening a new school would have it's struggles but it would be better because I was over that first year. Wrong again. Dean and I had no idea what we were about to have to deal with. So, here I am, on my 28th birthday trying to figure out what made 22 so great. How do I get back there? Not to 22, but to how I felt then. Everyone always tells you that your 20's are about finding yourself and struggling to get a place in the real world, and now that I'm on the tail end of it, I would have to agree. Even after the strange path that has gotten me here, I am optimistic once again that 28 is going to be a great year. I feel so much better about teaching now, and just not being in a transition year is already going to make things better. Recently I had a conversation with a good friend who told me that life is about choices. So, I choose to make 28 a great year and I am ready to make some changes and set some goals for myself to get back me.

Here are some of the things I plan to do before I turn 29:
-Take a vacation that doesn't include a band convention.
-Go on three dates. Admittedly, boys scare me. They are one of the few things I fear. And if I go on three dates with the same guy, that counts!
-Take more pictures. There are years of my life that I have no photo documentation of. I must take more pictures of everything.
-Read more. (That will be easy this summer.....)
-Ask for help. I don't do that much.
-Surround myself with positivity.
-Trust my gut and take a few chances.

My fortune cookie today said this: Life if full of little decisions - like white or brown rice. Right on fortune cookie.

Pictures!

So, I have a lot to say today. And I have lots of pictures that I wanted to post, too. Here we go. Anyhoo - I decided on a whim on Monday that Dean and I should carpool to Denton so that I could see Amy and Josh's new place and he has class at night and the poor dude has to drive up there five times a week. Luckily the Nators live very close to campus, so the timing worked out perfect! We went to Greenhouse for dinner and I had an evening of firsts. I tried polenta for the first time and it was delicious! Here is the dish (I already took a little nibble)......

Then, I decided that this would be the night that I would drink an entire beer. I've never done that before because I've always thought it tasted disgusting, but after sampling a few last month with Tara that I liked, I figured I'd give it go. Josh decided that I should try a Blue Moon (I think it was Belgian Wheat). And guess what? I liked it!!
Here's the proof! Josh is giving the approving thumbs up in the style of one Stephen Campbell.
Here are the Nators in their new kitchen, which is awesome! Amy is practicing her omelet flipping skills and apparently Josh is not amused. Lighten up Ferms!
This is my birthday present to myself: new place mats for the newly painted kitchen. I loved the color and couldn't resist. I think they look great.
Here are some more pictures of the newly painted kitchen. I don't think these picture give the full effect - I think it looks better in person.


These are just a few pictures of the living room.


One more thing......Everyone needs to go to iTunes and check out this chick Colbie Caillat. Her debut album came out today and her music is awesome! I've listened to it three times already and I can't get enough. It's a breath of fresh air from all of the not-so-awesome crap they've been playing on the radio lately. Seriously - check it out. You won't be disappointed.

A Word on Comedy

As I drove to teach this morning, I heard a commercial for a Bill Engvall's new sitcom. (I'm not really sure on the details of this guy, but I know that he's one of these blue collar comedy folks, and I think you all know my stance on blue collar comedy.) They described it like this: "In the spirit of Jerry Seinfeld".........

Ok, stop right there. DO NOT attempt to EVEN compare the ignorance of blue collar comedy to the comedic genius of Jerry Seinfeld. Jerry has a gift. Jerry doesn't glamorize redneck ignorance. Jerry is clever. I guess I like him because his comedy is smart. I'm not trying to be some comedy snob, but you absolutely CANNOT compare the two. They are on different poles of the world. Opposite ends of the universe. Light years apart. Maybe it's me getting older, but I'm starting to really despise any sort of pop culture that glamorizes being stupid (ie Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson) or that glamorizes just plain being ignorant and ignorant to the rest of the world (ie blue collar comedy) or that glamorizes being skanky to get what you want (ie all of these stupid bachelor shows where the skankiest girl of all always ends up with the guy). Why can't we glamorize being educated and successful? (And I'm not talking about Donald Trump, because he's an idiot). I guess that I just look at the generation I'm teaching and I want and expect more for them, especially the girls, than thinking that they have to be dumb, blonde, and skanky to be somebody. My goal is to always try to be the contrary for these girls: smart, brunette, and not skanky. Back to original point - Bill Engvall will never be on the same playing field as Jerry Seinfeld, unless of course smart and witty comedians are playing ignorant and immature comedians in a game of baseball. Moral of my story: GET AN EDUCATION!!!!!!!

(stepping off my soap box now)..........

Goodbye Ripe Wheat, Hello Harvest Brown!

I apparently like to choose colors having to do with the fall harvest. Repainting the kitchen and dining room was no small task. My hands haven't hurt this bad since I took my comps in grad school. I'm really glad that I repainted, though. It really warmed the place up and it looks so much better with the granite. The darker it gets outside, the more I love the color. I think the color goes better with the brown in the living room, too. Here is a picture of the new color. The rest of the kitchen is still a mess, so once I've got that cleaned up I will take more pictures. Notice my reward waiting for me in the chair........


For my next home improvement project I will be getting crown molding put up. Hopefully that can get done before school starts next month. I can't wait to get that put up because I was very sloppy around the top edges! I kinda did that on purpose so I would have more of an incentive driving me to get the molding put up soon. How sad am I that I'm starting to play mind games with myself? I blame sleep deprivation.

This is How I Feel About Painting:

I know that I will like the new color better......I've just got to get it done. I'm going to try to do the first coat tomorrow morning and the second tomorrow night. Stay tuned for the 'after' pictures!

Things Are Starting to Bloom

I checked on my tomato plants today and I saw the beginning of what will hopefully be a delicious pasta sauce in the near future! I wasn't sure that they were going to make it through the monsoon of 2007, but I guess they liked the rain.

Here are some pictures of some stuff I made today:
Fun picture frame

Fun flower necklace

Inspired by Suz

What I really need to be doing is repainting the kitchen. Yes, repainting. I decided that the yellow is not working with the new countertops and so I found a better color. I just need to get motivated to get it done - especially since it is going to take two coats!

Summer Vacation Update

In the midst of my summer, I decided I needed a vacation from vacation. I feel like I've been going nonstop since school let out. I've just had a constant stream of things keeping me busy and it was all fun, but now I need a break for me. So, I've kept myself occupied doing things that I've been wanting to do since last summer. I've been working on my scrapbook, making stuff, and I've got a few books I still want to read. Summer is going by too fast, so I want to make sure that I can get everything in that want so I'm not bitter and resentful once school starts up again! These are my favorite necklaces that I have made so far:

The Smith family moved in just around the corner over the weekend and the last few days have been one adventure after another getting them settled into their giant rent house! Natasha and I are even taking a road trip to Houston later today to pick up their new car. It hasn't been boring since these guys arrived!! It will be nice to have them so close for a while. Here is a picture of Natasha and Sarah running on the bubble wrap ( a trick we learned from a nine year old). Like I said, not a dull moment yet!

Sicko

I decided on a whim to go to a late showing of Sicko tonight. Wow. I haven't fully taken it all in yet, but as with other Michael Moore documentaries I left feeling sick to my stomach. Mostly because the stories told in the film. I am little weary of him because I know that he is somewhat of an alarmist, but on the other hand - someone needs to be! I know that most of what he is saying is true because you hear about the state of health care in the country almost on a daily basis if you watch the news. These stories are not the first, second, or even 25th that I've heard about people with insurance not being covered for necessary medical treatment. The most compelling part of the film was when Moore took 9-11 rescue workers to Cuba to get free treatment that they were denied by their HMOs in the US. The HMO companies are quick to point out that they are not denying treatment, just coverage. It makes you think. It makes you feel lucky you aren't sick (knock on wood). It kinda made me want to move to France.

Look What I Made!

I am trying to embrace my inner craft queen this summer while I have the time. My new obsession with etsy.com isn't helping. I saw these cute little bubble magnets on there and had to figure out how to make them. I found a website that gave instructions so I got my supplies today and made my first batch! It was so easy. I am planning on making little pendants like the ones at The Funky Monkey next. Hopefully they will look even better!

A Party Weekend

I can't believe that after all the fun I had this weekend I didn't take any pictures! The Friday night party was old school fun and I don't have any pictures to show for it. Perhaps some one will have to animate it in cartoon form for us to look back on later. Of course Will and Brett were the life of the party. The only thing that would have made it better was if BG was up here. It was so good to see our old friends Heath and Virginia, and get to know Virginia's new husband. But no party would be complete with out the awesome Amy and Josh, the Alcocers, and the McBrides. Then Saturday night was barbecue fun at the Skeltons' new house, which is beautiful. And I had the best banana pudding while I was there. I think that their dog even got a little tipsy from the leaking keg. It was pretty funny!

Every one stay tuned for next month's bash, and hopefully we will have pictures to show for it!

And it is possible that I will go see two movies this week. This has been an unprecedented summer of movie going for me! I want to see Sicko because I'm not ashamed to say that I like a good Michael Moore documentary and I want to see License to Wed because I have a huge crush on John Krasinski. I'll let you know how they were once I've seen them.