Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Happy Thoughts! :-)

Just some happy thoughts for today:

*I've received some great feedback from friends on my blog. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful "peeps" in my life.

*Worked at my second job today - still enjoying it!

*I have a Professional Development Day tomorrow in Boston on teaching the Bill of Rights (http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/).

*Book Club tomorrow with the girls - The book this month was called My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (http://www.jodipicoult.com/sister.html). Fabulous book!!! Very controversial topic! Check out the book!

*On Friday, I signed up for a Scrapbooking class. This will be my second class that I have ever taken on scrapbooking so it should be fun! I can't tell tell ya's about the class yet because a certain person reads this blog (It's a gift!).

*Looking forward to my night out on Monday w/ Janet and Lauren - They are heading up to my neck of the woods for the evening (Thanks ladies!). I'm still deciding where I should take them for dinner - probably somewhere in Newburyport.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Started my Second Job Today


I know . . . a few of you are probably wondering how, why, and what the fudge! :-)

I've been looking for the past month for something part-time. I didn't want anything stressful or any job that I had to work late (I get up at 5:00 am folks!). I could use the extra money so I thought that a part-time job would be nice - added bonus -it would keep me out of trouble. So, about a week ago, I was walking around downtown Newburyport and saw a business that was looking for someone - flexible, permanent new hire. It's called Pawsitively Best Friends. It's a doggie (and kitty) boutique. I adore animals so I applied. I interviewed and the owner offered me the position a few days later.

Today was my first day. There is so much to know but since I adore animals, I thought this part-time gig would be fun. I think that I'm going to enjoy it. People can bring their pets into the store (and for all of those folks out there that really know me - I'm in heaven with the dogs!). They sell everything you can imagine for dogs and cats. I think it's going to be a fun place to work.

To my fellow pet lovers: I get a 20% discount folks so let me know your wish list of goodies for your pets - :-)

Monday, November 28, 2005

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Am I asking for too much?

Another vent session:

A few weeks ago, I thought I would try the Internet dating thing. I heard some good stuff about EHarmony so I figured, what the hell! I'll try it. It took me three hours to fill out the online questionnaire. At the end, I clicked on the final box to submit my answers to EHarmony. What was the response? This! "I'm sorry! But you fall under the 20% of the population that is considered incompatible!" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! I mean, in some ways, it is funny - but in other ways, it's sad.

So, I figured, what the hell again! I'll try another online dating thing - Match.com. I just checked my account and I've had 21 views. 21! No emails of interest though -

So, my lovely low self esteem starts to work in overdrive! What is wrong with me?? OK, I'm not gorgeous! I'm not thin. But, I think I have other things going for me???? I'm not asking for much. Just a nice guy to hang out with - dinner and a movie. Go into Boston. Check out some concerts. Apparently, even this is asking for too much.

I really don't know how to met anyone. I'm not into the bar scene anymore. Not exactly a healthy environment for me for personal reasons. I figured that I would try this Internet thing again.

I've asked my friends and colleagues if they know of a nice guy. They all tell me the same thing - they don't know anyone. I'm starting to think they are just telling me this so they won't hurt my feelings.

I haven't been on a date in over five years!!!! Yes, you read it correctly! Five Years!!!!!!!! I'm going to be 35 in Feb. I'm being to realize that maybe it's just meant for me to be alone. Maybe I'm just meant to not be in a relationship. Not have children. It's a sad place to be - alone. I know I have family and friends that love and care about me. So, what is wrong with me?

Thanks blogging world for listening to me vent about my lack of a love life -

Saturday, November 26, 2005

RENT - You have to see it!



Just saw Rent - you have to see it! It was absolutely amazing!

I never saw the musical but I thought this movie was done rather nicely - you'll be singing the songs as you leave the theatre!

Shopping Hell!

Random Thoughts - Part II

Every once in awhile, I get these random thoughts in my brain. I sometimes just want to talk about them but who is here is listen? Ellie the Cat? So Blog World, here it goes!

*Why is it that I'm so addicted to Pumpkin Pie? Why is it this time of the year, we eat the most pumpkin pie ever? Ask my Mom - I adore Pumpkin Pie!! Being my b-day is in February, I would have Mom make me a Pumpkin Pie for my B-day instead of a cake! How wrong is that? Bless Mom - she would run out and try to find that Pumpkin so she could make her Pie for me. I'll eat anything with Pumpkin in it - yes, I'm an addict!

*Testing! As in state mandated testing. Living in MA, my students have to pass the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) to get their high school diplomas. Currently, the content areas consist of English and Math. Within the next three years, it was consist of Science and History (my area). Now, our students are Newburyport High School are doing very well on MCAS. Last year, we only had 4 students who didn't pass MCAS and need to retake it. However, according to the No Child Left Behind crap, our high school is considered below average. I don't get it! Read this recent article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/26/education/26tests.html?hp&ex=1133067600&en=0aeb43a99bc04144&ei=5094&partner=homepage). I just wish the government would keep their noses out of education and let the educators run the schools. These bureaucratic idiots (who, by the way, the majority of our legislators were educated in PRIVATE schools!!!!), are trying to telling us how to run and what to teach to our youth! They just don't get it! I would love to have our two senators (Kennedy and Kerry) come in and try to teach my classes for just one week! All of this testing bowls down to one thing: the state and national governments need to get their shit together and realize that they both have to have common assessments and testing. I'm not an advocate of testing but sometime needs to be done! If not, the government will take away money from our schools that test below national standards. Now, that's the answer folks! Let's take away money from a school system that is already struggling. Gotta love our politicians! They just don't get it! UGHY!!!!!!! And, what do you do with the kid that simply doesn't test well?????? OK Mr. Politician, let's just encourage them to drop out of high school since they can't pass this test! UGHY!!!!!!

*Are you ready for the cold weather???? I have to say no. On Thanksgiving Day, we already had about two inches of snow on the ground. Made for a very cold New England day!

I guess that's all for the venting. Please feel free to comment. I really want to hear from folks! :-)

Friday, November 25, 2005

Took Ellie to the Vet Today


Ellie was NOT a happy camper today - I had to take her to the Vet for her annual check-up and shots. The Vet is located in Atkinson, NH.

Once Ellie is at the Vet, she is fine. She checks everything out in the office. The Vet Tech adores her - she thinks Ellie is cute (Of course my baby girl is cute!). There was actually another cat in the office walking around. Well, this cat decided to introduce itself to Ellie by hissing at her! Poor Ellie! Ellie is still in her carrier and looks terrified at this other cat.

Overall health report for Ellie: Ellie weighs 7 lbs 4 oz. - she hasn't gained any weight since her last visit. Ellie's heart, stomach, ears, teeth, etc. looks great. The Vet said Ellie is in great shape!

The car ride is the worst part for Ellie. She just doesn't like riding in the car. Usually, she makes a mess in her carrier. This time, no mess! I was so proud of her for not messing in her carrier. As I drive, I talk to her and try to comfort her. The whole ride, Ellie is meowing in that painful meow that no one wants to hear! :-(

When we got home, I rewarded Ellie with a can of tuna! :-) Now, Ellie is a happy camper!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Happy Turkey Day!


Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Color Day 2005



Freshman - An original cheer.

M-Dawg T-Shirt for Color Day 2005

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Top Ten Thankful List - In No Particular Order


*My family! My Mom, Dad, and Sis are wonderful - if it wasn't for them, I'd truly go crazy!

*My friends! Over the years, I've been so fortunate to have some wonderful positive folks in my life who really love and accept me for me. I do the same for them.

*Ellie the Cat! Ellie is my baby girl - :-)

*My job! I have finally found a school that has a positive working environment, supportive administration, and great student population.

*My blog! I'm starting to like this online journaling thing. It's very therapeutic! :-)

*My students! For making me laugh and enjoy my job!

*My MP3 Player! Just love listening to music at all times! Currently have over 1,300 songs downloaded into it - still have 13,700 more to go! :-)

*My friend Pat! She invited me over to her house for Thanksgiving. :-)

*My condo! It's a great place to live! :-)

*The New England Patriots! Go Pats! :-)

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

What does NHS look like from the sky?



About a month ago, I went flying at Lawrence Airport with one of the visiting German teachers, Armin. He received his American pilot's license a few years ago and really wanted to get some flight time in while he was visiting the United States. Armin has been flying small planes for over 15 years. I'm a pretty daring individual so I said that I would go up with him. Sarah Ledbeater, a colleague of mine that was hosting Armin, also went up in the plane. An avid photographer, Sarah took some great shots with her camera as well from the air. Claudia, the German teacher that was staying with me, opted to stay on the ground and just watch. :-)

We flew over Newburyport (Plum Island) and Amesbury. The bottom picture is an ariel view of my high school. You'll notice the football stadium at the bottom of the picture - there was a freshman football game going on that day. The top photo is a shot of Plum Island. If you look to the left of the photo, you will notice the Merrimack River dumping into the Atlantic Ocean. The day was perfect for flying - not bumpy at all. Sunny. Clear skies. Gorgeous! And, Armin had a perfect take-off and landing.

Being up in the air brought back memories of when my Dad used to fly and I would go up with him. I guess I was his co-pilot. :-) It's such an amazing experience being up in the air and feeling like you don't have a care in the world. So freeing! Exhilarating!

The Meaning of Life

OK, it's a serious question to be asking this early in the day. My students were studying the five major world religions and today we were focusing on Buddhism. I was doing my wonderful PowerPoint presentation on Buddha and one of my students asked me if I knew the meaning of life.

My response: I feel it's different for everyone. For me, the meaning of life is acceptance of self, happiness, and laughter. I like the idea of Buddhism - being at peace with yourself and the world. I also like the idea of a lack of interest in materialism. Society today is way too materialistic! I asked my students if they could live without their IPods and computers - response: No!

Does the suffering of the world upset me? Of course it does! Do I do anything about it? Probably not as much as I should. Encouraging others to practice those random acts of kindness or donate their time to a charity more often may be the answer.

Don't worry . . . . Be happy! :-)

Monday, November 21, 2005

Short Week


Three day week! We have school today and Tuesday. On Wednesday, we have Color Day. For those of you that don't know what Color Day is or means, it's a day of school spirit! Craziness! Yelling! Screaming! Cheering! Going deaf!

The four classes compete against each other. Freshmen make up an original cheer, sophomores do a poster parade, juniors do an original song, and the seniors do a skit. In between all of these acts, you have the cheerleaders perform, the coaches get up and talk to the school, and the classes cheer and yell! The auditorium is decorated by each of the four classes with a theme. The whole point of Color Day is to support the football team for the Thanksgiving Day game against Amesbury. The whole school is in the auditorium for two hours of this craziness. School spirit will be at an all time high during this event.

Go Clippers! :-)

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Artwork in Amesbury



Today, I went to the Amesbury Cultural Center to check out some local artwork. A colleague of mine from the art department had some of her photography on display - it was amazing! I also checked out some other art studios in the area. We have some amazing talent in this town - photography, jewelry, baskets, oils, acrylics, etc.

The above picture was completed by a local artist - Sue Earabino.

Congrats to Aileen and her hardwork for working on the Cultural Center. :-)

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Ellie the Cat



No, this is not Ellie the Cat. I haven't had a chance to take the pictures of Ellie off my digital camera yet. I have been taking pics of my baby girl! Why? Because there have been a few requests to see some pics of her on my Blog. I guess she is a popular kitty with my family and friends - OK, I do talk about her all the time, I know! :-)

I saw this pic online and decided to steal it. This is the exact pose that Ellie does when she stretches on my floor - it's so adorable!

This month marks the anniversary of when I adopted her at the MSPCA in Methuen, MA (http://www.nevinsfarm.com/). It was November 2001 and I was living in my apartment in Derry, NH. I was feeling a tad lonely - I really wanted a pet. According to my apartment complex, I was not allowed to have a dog or a cat. But, the rebel in me said, "Screw that!" I am more of a dog person but I thought a dog would be high maintenance and more obvious than a cat. I thought having a cat would be easier. I asked my friend Annette and her daughter Jordanne to come with me to help me with the adoption process. As I walked around the facilities, all I wanted to do was adopt all the animals! As I got to the Cat Room, I walked around to see what kitties they had available. I slowly walked by one cage and this black and white kitty stuck their paw out of the cage at me! I couldn't believe it! I thought that the cat picked me - so, I opened the cage and took the cat out to hold it. The card on the cage stated it was a female and a year old - the name was Spaz. She was so tiny! She had gorgeous green eyes that looked like jewels. As I talked to her, she kept looking straight into my eyes. It was almost eerie the way she looked at me - so, I decided to adopt her! I had to use Annette's address and name to adopt her since my apartment complex didn't allow pets. Technically, Ellie belongs to Annette! :-) Actually, I paid Annette the $75.00 for the adoption. That $75.00 has been best money spent!

I took my new kitty home and renamed her - Ellie. Short for Eleanor. Yes, I named my cat after Eleanor Roosevelt - only a geeky history teacher would name a cat after a First Lady! I didn't like the name Spaz - it didn't really fit her. I thought of what a powerful person Eleanor Roosevelt was and thought that my cat should be named after her. Ellie is her name. I don't think cats understand or know their name anyway.

I took her to the vet after the first week and he told me that Ellie was actually around 6 months old - not 1 year old as the card at the MSPCA originally stated. So, I really don't know Ellie's true birthday. I use the month of November as her birthday.

To my baby girl Ellie- I love ya!

Friday, November 18, 2005

TGIF

Fridays. What can one say about Fridays? For some folks, it's a pay day. Others, it is the start of a weekend. For me, it is the start of relaxation. No worries over the next few days. No setting the alarm clock - although Ellie the Cat will make sure that I am up at 5:00 am. :-)

The big plans for the weekend:
  • I have an annual meeting for my condo association on Saturday morning. The main topics will be fees and assessment. I'm sure with the energy costs going up my condo dues will be going up too. Currently, my dues pay for maintenance of the building (inside and outside), snow removal, trash removal, landscaping, swimming pool upkeep, heat and water, and master insurance.
  • In the evening, I will be attending a play. My friend Carla is the assistant director for the play at her high school. I enjoy plays and musicals so I told her that I would like to see her students perform. The plan is then to go out to dinner after the play.
  • On Sunday, another friend of mine is doing an art exhibit in Amesbury and I'm going to check out her art work and some other talented local artists. The various forms of art to be presented will be photography, paintings, jewelry, and baskets.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Students Taking a Survey

I'm in homeroom right now. The students are taking this Risk Assessment Survey about drugs, alcohol, and sexual behaviors. I'm almost afraid of some of the responses they are writing down. The school community I work in is quite affluent. However, that doesn't mean that kids don't do drugs or alcohol here. They do. We've been told that our school does have a problem with drugs. Every high school in the US has a problem with alcohol.

The kids were making jokes about the survey as they were responding. I had to intercede and explain to them to take this survey seriously.

I know they are kids - and, kids just behave like crazy kids. But, just answer the questions! They don't put their names on it so it's anonymous. Be truthful about it.

It really scares me that these kids are so sexual active at such a young age. I don't think they get it. I'm not being a hypocrite. I didn't have sex until I was in college. All my friends were sexually active in high school - I felt that I wasn't emotionally ready to handle all that responsibility at such an early age. Even having sex in college (I was a junior in college by the way) was a huge issue. I was educated by my parents on the topic of sex. I was not educated by my friends. I saw so many of my high school friends get pregnant at a young age.

OK, maybe all of these statements should go under the random thoughts entry. :-)

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Happy Birthday Mom!!!



A special birthday wish goes to my Momma -

Mom-

You have been such an inspiration to me. You are one of the strongest people I know and no matter what the obstacle you may encounter in your life, you overcome it! You are always there for me whenever I need anything. You accept me for me - no questions asked! The support you provide to "your girls" is incredible!

Thank you for all you do -

Love Ya Momma-

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Random Thoughts

OK, here are my random thoughts for today:

*Why does our military have to be in Iraq? I obviously know this answer but I don't agree with it. My cousin Danny is now stationed in Kuwait. The next move will be Baghdad. Our idiot of a President is trying to prove a point and it's costing our country the lives of thousands of men and women. Some members of our congress are trying to get our troops out - good! Some of our members of Congress are wanting our troops to remain - bad! Historically speaking, the war in Iraq is another Vietnam. There will be no winner! The sooner our government and the public realizes this, the sooner our men and women can come home.

*Kids say the darnest things! I adore my students!!! Whenever things get crazy or stressful, my students will say the cutest things to put a smile on my face. I guess this is one of the many reasons why I adore my job. :-)

*Congrats to my cousin Jenny - it's a boy! Congrats to her and her husband Matt.

*Practice random acts of kindness! :-)

Monday, November 14, 2005

Garfield Mondays

Mondays. Ugh! I'm not a huge fan of them. Luckily, this is a B Day so I had a Senior study in the cafeteria first thing this morning. Not exactly a challenging way to start the day. I did get a ton of correcting completed.

I sometimes wonder if we could start our week on Tuesdays, would we feel the same way? The feeling of "Oh my God, this sucks that I have to be here." I have no reason to complain for the most part. My day at school starts at 7:15 am and I go until 2:20 pm. I usually stay after school for at least an hour or so to do work or stay for extra help. I will go home and relax for a few hours. Then, I will start my school work. I either will do correcting or work on curriculum until I go to bed at 10:00pm. I work hard for 10 months a year. Those two months off, it's playtime baby!

The only thing that gets me through Mondays is to know that all my colleagues are feeling the same way! Luckily, my students make the days good (most days).

I am looking forward to the Thanksgiving break.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Sunday - Play Day?

Ah, Sunday. A day of rest. Sleeping in feels great! Except when Ellie the Cat wants to play with her Mommy. :-) She is my baby girl! When Ellie is up, EVERYONE has to be up!

Plans for today: Do some school work, work on scrapbooking my Europe trip, and make dinner. I have one of my colleagues coming over tonight for dinner. She's had me over to her place numerous times so I felt that it was my turn to host a dinner.

It's a beautiful New England day - this weekend has been nice - a typical sunny, cool Fall day. The leaves are "leaving" us. The air is crisp. It's just one of the days that you are happy to be alive and enjoy! :-)

Saturday, November 12, 2005

In a funk

I've been in this funk lately that is really tough to get out of for some reason. Professionally, I like where I am and where I am going. Personally, it is a different story. I realize that my life revolves around my job. Not a good thing. This year, my goal is to work on having a more personal life. With a few exceptions, I'm not staying late every single night after school like I have in the past. I know that I need to get a life outside of school. It's so tough. Most of my friends now are married or in serious relationships. Trying to meet new people is difficult.

For the dating scene, a few years ago, I tried Match.com to try Internet dating. Not into the bar scene - not a healthy environment. I had a few dates. Nothing too spectacular. Recently, I tried EHarmony because I heard of few success stories from some of my former colleagues at Timberlane that tried it and had great luck with it. So, I spend three hours answering the questionnaire. The questions pertained to every topic: finances, relationships (past and present - men, friends, family, etc.), career, etc. The end result: I fall under the 20% of the population that is considered "incompatible"! Ughy! Maybe Dad is right - maybe I am too damn picky! I feel I have to be picky - I was in a miserable relationship for seven years (too much drama and personal to get into it - all my close peeps know what and whom I am referring to). I tend to be attracted to assholes and abusive men so I'm trying to be smart about this dating thing. It's an endless cycle!

I've been getting active with organizations to meet other people outside my normal circle: I joined a professional educator's association for women. I'm in a book club. Any other suggestions from folks would be appreciated too - :-) I think it is important to have friends from all kinds of backgrounds.

I do admit it is hard for me to open up. I have major trust issues. A lot of this stems from my childhood.

Such a drama! I'm just feeling lonely - I know I have a lot of family and friends that love and support me. I'm not questioning that - it's the companionship issue that I'm missing the most right now.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Happy Veteran's Day!



A special thanks to all of the Veteran's of past and present conflicts!

Dinner in Portsmouth with a Good Friend



Last night, I met one of my friends for dinner in Portsmouth. I met Carla when I was teaching at Timberlane Regional High School. Carla and I used to team-teach a course called World Studies - an interdisciplinary course in English and History. I really miss teaching with her. Even though we both have gone our separate ways in our teaching, we still have maintained our friendship.

We ate at 43 Degrees North - a yummy restaurant located on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth. We started out with a salad and some bread. I had this wonderful beef dish - pan seared 9 oz. cherry bacon wrapped filet, Yukon gold potato terrine, creamy gorgonzola sauce, apple cider caramelized onions & brussel sprouts. Exquisite meal! Carla had a yummy fish dish that was the special. For dessert, I had Creme Boula and Carla had this unique Candy lollipop cheesecake thing. Great food -great conversation - great company! I would highly recommend this restaurant - a little pricey but definitely worth it!

It's always so great to catch up with Carla. She is teaching and going to graduate school at UNH so her schedule tends to be a little on the crazy side - I remember those days very well of having no quality YOU time while in grad school. Hang in there and all your dreams and goals will come true! :-)

Thank you Carla Lou for the wonderful evening out - :-)

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

St. Mere Eglise, France - July 2005


This photo was taken at the Paratroopers Museum in St. Mere Eglise, France.

On D-Day, the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were dropped into the St. Mere Eglise area. St. Mere Eglise was the first French town to be liberated by the Americans.

As you can see, it was an absolutely gorgeous day! On this same day we saw the American cemetery, Utah and Omaha Beaches, and a German cemetery.

While touring the beaches, one can't help but think about the thousands of men that were killed or wounded that day for our freedom. A few members of my tour group had loved ones that were present at D-Day so I'm sure it rather emotional for them.

Grades are Due!

I am so proud of myself! I have been a correcting fool the past two weeks. My students did a huge project - the World Religions Scrapbook Project. It was turned in on Oct 28th and I officially finished grading all 90 of them today! :-) A project of this capacity normally takes me at least a month to correct it. Plus, in the middle of this correcting craziness, I hosted a visiting German teacher. And, I also graded the Islam quizzes.

Why, you may ask, did I grade everything? Well, I wanted these projects and grades to be on this next report card. For some of my students, it would make or break their grades. They worked so hard on the projects and I really felt that their hard work should be shown on this report card. Grades close on Thursday.

I am very impressed with this freshman class this year. They are very motivated and well behaved. They are just sweet kids. :-)

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Professional Day from Hell???

OK, I get that I need to be professionally developed. I get that according to my contract, I have to attend these professional days. However, can't the administration make them a tad more interesting???

Ughy! Total waste of time! Hours of waste! All I kept thinking about was all the correcting and grading that I could be working on. Grades are due on Thursday by Noon. The pressure! I just can't stand it.

Positive note: Parent Alliance arranged for the us to be fed - they created quite the spread for lunch today. And, as a faculty, we were able to eat our lunch together! I sat with folks that I hardly ever see in the building - which is a great thing!

M-Dawg In Cologne, Germany - July 2005


Just thought I would share a photo of my trip this past summer.

This is the Dom which is located in Cologne, Germany. Over 90% of the city was bombed during WW II so most of the city has been rebuilt. The Dom is currently being renovated.