the great glass elevator

zombie day

2009-05-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

ug. today has been hard. still feeling crappy...hopefully it is just a cold and not swine flu! eek! annie has had multiple meltdowns today...still can't figure out why, but I have suspicions now. I think it is a patience thing. She wanted to go outside, but couldn't wait or be bothered to sit down for shoes without losing it. When she resorted to hitting me, time outs ensued. and to think I was trying to get her outside to play!!

started a log for katie to track her eating and sleeping patterns. i think annie woke her up from two different naps today. great.

despite my illness, exhaustion and frustrations, I'm in a decent state of mind. maybe because its naptime.....

long time...no rant

2009-05-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it has been a long while with not much to say. Now that I'm at home I am needing a venting place. So here it is.

I survived a Target run today with BOTH girls. Annie was so good and Katie just slept in the sling. Can't believe I made it without any meltdowns. Of course I forgot the stuff I wanted to return, but I can do that later I suppose. Goodness knows I'll need to go back there for formula soon enough!

Not too sleepy today so will get more cleaning done again. What a crazy life!!

crap in my eye

2008-12-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

1. I WILL NOT have pink eye. I am a grown woman. I don't share make up at slumber parties. This sore, red tear duct is NOT pink eye.

2. I do not feel like cleaning. Ever.

3. I miss my dog.

4. I have work to do at work, but not enough time to really do it.

5. I am so not ready for the field trip this week.

6. I am even less ready for Christmas.

7. I am not stressed about this at all.

8. Clearly I am in denial.

trick or treat

2008-11-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

pumpkins!

2008-10-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

So little monkey went to the pumpkin patch. She of course LOVED it. She loved walking around, all the pumpkins, the ponies, the rides, the train. ALL of it. Of course this place, as seen in this photo, is Pa's Pumpkin Patch. Of course it is. My Grandpa wouldn't have had it any other way. It is totally the type of place he would have brought us to, so tonight was a suprise for me too. It was nice to have such great memories of him even though Annie won't meet him.

not none, ONE!

2008-09-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe she's ONE. I've been a mom for 1 year. I didn't break her...or me! It has been a surreal ride so far, but I've enoyed it so far. It feels normal to be mom now which is very cool.

Miss One Year Old did very well at her party...all things considered. She finally relaxed and played with guests, opened a few presents and of course enjoyed her very own cake. I think I even enjoyed it!

Now of course that she'll be a big sister before too long, it will all change again. But I told myself I could handle the fears of being a mom to one, so the mantra continues: I can handle being the mom of two....under the age of two!!!!

an open letter to Joan Allen:

2008-08-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Allen,

It appears you are in a movie titled "Death Race." Is this an error, a sick joke, or did you lose a bet? You're a decent actress who I have enjoyed in every movie I've seen you in. Are you not aware of the demographic of a movie called "Death Race?" This movie is for guys and generally requires no thought. No offense to those who will no doubt enjoy Death Race, its just not a movie that is going to make you feel good about yourself afterwards. (I'm not sure it would provide any emotioal properties!) Just because you were in the Bourne movies, which are action style movies, does not give you any logical transition to Death Race. I'm sorry to see your career circling the drain so. See you in Death Race II.

strange morning

2008-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

So for the first time this summer I woke up before 6am and remained completely awake. What was more strange is that it is now 7:30 and monkey is still asleep. We're going to the library at 9, so she can keep sleeping!

I was awake thinking about all the possibilities that await in our future. Will I be able to be really preggo and take care of monkey all by myself for 2 months? Will I feel resentful? How will monkey react to his absence? Will he go active duty and can we afford it? Will I work...part time maybe? Will I have to move in with or stay with my parents? Can I take care of the dog in all this?

Total madness I know, but with the twin realities of being preggo again (yay!!) and havinf my husband enter the military in some capacity I just couldn't stop myself.

I'm OK now because I told myslef I was getting hysterical for nothing as usual. One step at a time. I can do this. I can do this. I am doing this.

I thought I was done with Junior High

2008-08-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not done with junior high in the way that I work there, but I am so over acting like I'm in 7th grade. I took lil' monkey to a playtime for tots at the library. We came late bcause she didn't start her nap right away. We walk in to the small room and no one acknowledges us. Not a "hi" or a "go fuck yourself." Monkey took awhile taking it in, but got busy. She kept trying to make eye contact with the mom nearest to where she had moved to, and despite the fact that she wasn't speaking to anyone, she stonewalled her. Like her cute smiles of a greeting shouldn't be acknowledge in some cursory way. Ok. Fine.

No one spoke to me the entire time. I saw one mom leave with her little girl because no one spoke to her either. They were also the only minorities in the room. These women talked about the special programs they have their kids going to or complained about being preggo again. I hated them all. They either looked like a nice neat stepford mom or a rich-yet-choosing-to-be-dirty hippy.

I don't know if I'll go back there. There is a Saturday morning story time so we'll try that hoping for normal people who do normal things in their lives. The Stepford/Dirty Hippy moms were scary. Is that what stay at home moms are like? How do they see me? How did they judge me so instantly that not one person could say hello? I felt like we invaded their special time. No, ladies, this was advertised so that anyone could come here. Grrrrr.

Thats all for my rant today. I feel better.

wordie fun

2008-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

bag o' fun

2008-07-18T10:28:00.001-07:00

hanging
Originally uploaded by mrs.magpie

So I was totally excited to make my first bag from "Bend the Rules Sewing." It actually wasn't too difficult. I even figured out how to freehand stich the decorative bits!! The worst part was using LINEN. Ack! Threads everywhere...refusing to crease!! But overall I was able to complete the project without too much swearing or ripping out of seams. The problem now is that the bag, as cute as it is, is actually too large for me. I don't need a large-ish tote right now. So I will probably give it for a gift at Christmas.

I will probably make myself the All Day Tote from Lotta. Seems more practical for me now. But this will wait until my present for Amanda is done and my new bedroom quilt is done. Whew. I'm tired already!

let this be a lesson to you all

2008-07-17T14:04:00.001-07:00

Mosquitoes that is...

If you come into my house, the "Noqsuito" will getcha. And then we will laugh at your demise and watch you dehydrate and die in this little cage. Stay away!!!

In all seriousness, the Nosquito has done the trick. For some reason mosquitos congragate at my front door so any entry or exit is an invitation to bugs. This wasn't a big deal until this year when they started eating my child. This had to stop!! Now I know that any bugs that do make it in will get killed before the morning. Excellent!!

nerding out!

2008-07-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I finally got to watch Act 1 of Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog!! It was worth the wait!! Totally funny...it makes me want to watch Buffy reruns all day. Especially the one where they sang. And Serenity. I could watch that again too.

Mr. Whedon, thanks for making new stuff. Keep it up.

smells like Sydney

2008-07-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I took a walk at the beach. Not ON the beach, but at and near and around the beach. Which was so sad for my little dog who LOVES dog beach. It's just that I also brought lil Monkey and strollers and sand do not mix. There is also NO WAY ON EARTH that I could manage a excited terrier off leash on dog beach and a not-yet-walking-but-loves-to-crawl baby. So we walked on the sidewalks and the smell hit me yesterday: Sydney. It was the humidity really. It was so humid down there. I remember walking home from class to have it start raining hard, but be completely stopped and SUNNY when I finally got home to pull my -now wet with rain- laundry off the line.

It has been 11 years this month since I was there. Since I really grew up. I went there sad and lost, and came home free from all that. I knew I could do it...what ever it was. I could be alone and not be lonely. It is wierd trying to explain what I was like before that experience...my husband doesn't see it, but I think that is a good thing. It reminds me that we can all go through dark and lost times and emerge, maybe not as found, but not so dark about it. I see some of my female students starting that path of lost, and I try to convey to them, not thru lectures or stories, that IT GETS BETTER. It does. I love my life as crazy and strange and imperfect as it is, and I had to be the insecure, sad and lost girl who only wore black, grey and navy.

Thank you Sydney. I miss you and hope you are doing well. Hope to see you soon!

vacation

2008-07-02T14:14:00.001-07:00

Santa Inez Summer 2008

The Top 30 “WTF?!” Moments in LOST History : Apropos of Something

2008-06-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Top 30 “WTF?!” Moments in LOST History : Apropos of Something
makes me want a little LOSt right now!!!

learning

2008-04-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

So I watched lil' punky LEARN today right before my eyes. I have her a new sippy cup at lunch. I held it the first few times so she got some milk from it. Then I sat it down in front of her on the tray. She puts her arms out and opens her mouth trying to will the cup into it! I just kept watching because she soon realized that the cup would not get there on its own. She reached her hands down to the cup and helped herself to milk. SO COOL! I was so proud of course...like a mother lion watching her cup make its first kill. Well maybe first kill is a astretch, but seeing that independence grow is amazing and of course scary.

WOW.

not organized

2008-01-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

This Kitchen Folio is totally what I need to keep life organized. I know most of this info can be found on the computer, but in a crunch does that always work? I love the after Chrsitmas wish list.....oh well.

Be Be Mine

2008-01-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

I so so so want the Ju Ju Be Be Mine Wristlet as my new mini purse/wallet combo. I already pack small, but this is so organized and cute!!!!

holiday craft-splosion

2007-12-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

So I have been a crafy little elf this year. I did an ornament for an ornament exchange party. I made little angel balls. :) I attempted to photograph one of my best so I would remember it, but the photo came out like this:

So I repositioned myself and proceeded to drop it. So instead I have this:

Here is my booty that I got in exchange:

I gave a lot of it away, which was nice. Home made holidays!

And yesterday I made ALL of us new stockings. And they don't suck...completely. I made a lot of errors, but by the 4th one I had it down.

I also made but did not photograph the doggy blankets for my canine relatives. They are fleecy and cute! Yay! All this plus baking and a newborn!

in the swing of things

2007-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

So I've been back to work for just over a week now. Things still feel strange, but are settling down. There were big changes at work for this year, so that has been an adjustment all on its own. I'm just 3 months behind everyone in adapting to them. All my former lunch compadres have other plans now, so that is wierd too. I do like teaching though, and 8th graders are so much more fun than 6th graders. I can make fun of them so much easier!!!

The little one is adapting too. She is learning to nap at grandma and grandpa's now. That situation is such a blessing!! I love watching her grow. It still amazes me that I helped make her.

I am even looking forward to crafting. Yay!!

great quilts!

2007-12-01T11:20:00.001-08:00

yarnstorm: sunshine after the rain is very inspiring. I want to make us a new quilt, and maybe I'll have to look into the Log Cabin pattern.

This post from Whip UP gives lots more inspiration. Must.. gather.. fabric.. soon...

great quilts!

2007-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

yarnstorm: sunshine after the rain is very inspiring. I want to make us a new quilt, and maybe I'll have to look into the Log Cabin pattern.

Sew,Mama,Sew!

2007-12-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

Sew,Mama,Sew! Blog created The Ultimate Handmade Holidays Master List. It is full of so many awesome ideas for the holidays and beyond.

two unlikely rockers

2007-11-29T12:30:00.001-08:00

giving thanks

2007-11-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

The first thanksgiving photos

"what is with these birds??? help me!!!"

"I get leftovers when?"

opposable thumbs aren't just for apes

2007-11-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

So my girl is a thumb sucker. It is so cool watching her progress from jamming her hands into her mouth to sucking on a select fingers to finally discovering the thumb. Ah, the marvelous thumb! How it bends the other way. The poetry! The dexterity!!

It is just plain super cute.

quilt inspiration!

2007-11-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Crazy Nine Patch Quilt looks so awesome!! I love it!

headed back

2007-11-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

So this is my last week home with the wee one. I'm back to teaching on Monday. So wierd. I haven't really taught since June! It has been quite a summer break! She has been in a bit of a funk the past few days - waking up in the middle of the night and all, but things are way more predictable around here. We've gone "Baby Wise" so I have a bit more understanding on how to make her happy and meet all her needs. She's not like clockwork, but that is OK. She WAS sleeping through the night no problem, and I'm sure she'll get back to it once she gets out of her funk.

One change that may be affecting her is the bottle only lifestyle I'm switching to. I have been breastfeeding with a feeding tube supplement for a few weeks now. It was a great way to ensure she was getting what she needed, but as she has gotten bigger the amount of formula has been increasing making my small milk conribution small indeed. It was becoming quite a pain in the arse to get the bottles and the straw thing all the time. Then the other day, she faught me at every feeding. So I've decided that it is so ok for me to be a bottle only mom. It is not what I wanted, but it is what we've got. She is phasing out the quality boob time until there is no more. At least I'm done with the straw!

So it will be quite a different pace heading back to work. I wonder what I'll teach on Monday?

revenge of the roids

2007-11-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds hemmroids funny. Cool Mom Picks: Because You Pushed it Real Good

van nation

2007-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

So we did it. We bought a min-van. It doesn't feel so mini though! So does this mean I am destined to be a soccer mom? I only hope so if it means punky (like lil pumpkin head, not brewster) is a swift and graceful athelete. I think nothing say mini van like "Girl Scout Leader." A van full of girls and stuff. Yes, yes I like that image sooooo much more. A van full of patches and pigtails, band-aids and bandanas. On my honor.

Ps the Honda Odessey we got is awesome! Eevery other mom out there and I love it!

sanity?

2007-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

So I have the rest of the month to be at home with my girl. It will be so strange to go back to work! We are slowly finding a rhythm to our days, and I am finding bits of sanity scattered around my house. I just lick them up and keep them in my pockets for later use.

I have been really awed by people's generosity and helpfulness. It is like we are a part of a really cool club now. I have reached a new higher status in life now: a mom. I get it. It is good. This is what being feminine is really all about. I had no idea. It is strength when you thought you had none. It is calmness is the storms. It is creativeness and boldness. It is doing what needs to be done when no one else will. It is not minding the smells or stains, but taking care of them anyway.

I like this new definition, and I like knowing that it will evolve too.

bunny slippers

2007-11-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

How freakin' cute is she?? Love the bunny slippers. If we all looked so cute in slippers!

first halloween

2007-10-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

So much fun for her first Halloween. Of course I was the one having the fun! I'm sure next year will be more fun for her!

moving along

2007-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

So everyday becomes a bit easier...or at least less suprising in some ways. The evenings are still strange and a struggle when nothing seems to please her. I am very nervous of the family wedding we are going to tomorrow night. I am anticpating complete meltdowns by me and my girl!

I am also reluctant to buy clothes for this inbetween size that I currently inhabit. I mostly still wear maternity, but they are getting rather loose. I never was this size as a not pregnant person so I have zero bottoms to fit my bottom! So we are going shopping today. Very adventurous I know, but it can be done!

Someone is awake now....

snuggle

2007-10-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have to admit I love having my girl fall asleep on my chest. Tonight is cool enough for a blanket which makes it even more of a snuggle. The dog has even joined in and curled up on my feet. Deep breaths....enjoy the good things.

going herbal

2007-10-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

So as I write this I am letting my cup of tea cool. This is special tea that mothers have been using for centuries (so says the box) to help milk flow. I'll try it all right about now. After a week of guessing, not pooping, now pooping and puking I really really really want to be a normal breastfeeding mom. I HATE the "breastfeed, give a bottle, and pump" cycle that I have to endure to encourage milk production. It makes my little Monkey frustrated when there isn't much for me to offer her which in turn makes me super sad.

I am having a very hard time keeping faith and a positive attitude right now. There are moments in the day when I want to curl on the bathroom floor and cry for an hour. Maybe I should take my pump in there...we could be friends. I hate feeling like I'm broken...like I've failed because logically I know that is not true. Unfortunately logic takes the occasional backseat these days.

She's doing better this week...we have more regular poops so at least she's getting enough finally. Hopefully the herbal horsepills and the tea will do something, and we are going to the lactation consultant on Friday. I don't know what they can do, but maybe just talking to someone about this will help.

Today was hard. for me that is. I just want things to be normal hard, not like this. I keep hoping that if this problem gets fixed that I will start to feel better emotionally. My body did a spectacular job of surviving natural childbirth, but my 'motions have not. I know Scarlett say that tomorrow is another day, and maybe that's what I have to cling to. With God as my witness she'll never go hungry again.

homecoming

2007-09-26T13:07:00.001-07:00

So this sweet girl is finally home! the first night was pretty shakey, but last night was better. Not great, but better. Today we're on our own and I've showered and even put on make up. Now she's passed out on my belly...life is good.

on the go!

2007-09-16T12:03:00.001-07:00

here's my first attempt at mobile blogging. Isn't my dog cute? Now if he could only stop injuring himself!

for the "when I ever get time" file

2007-09-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. I love it all. I love that Make/Craft is having a contest for cool halloween stuff that people make. I.want.to.make.cool.things.but.will.NOT.have.TIME.

book reviews

2007-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

So in my waiting period I have taken up reading of the books I always wanted to get to, but didn't have the time. So far I've read two.

1. The Nanny Diaries. I'll never see the film because of its horrible reviews, but the book was entertaining. Nothing to lose sleep over, but an interesting peek into that kind of life. What horrible parents! Reccomended for light and easy reading.

2. Good Harbor. Picked it up because I loved The Red Tent, also by the same author. She writes well, but this is no Red Tent. Interesting, but left me feeling unfulfilled. It had potential, but was rather bland toward the end. Read The Red Tent again instead.

Now I'm reading Many Waters, the 4th in the Wrinkle in Time series. If you can call it a series. I never cared about Sandy and Dennys, but L'Engle seems fairly religious in this one, so it is interesting. I miss Charles Wallace and Meg already...

sadness

2007-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite authors from childhood has died. I need to go re-read them all again.
Madeleine L'Engle

Long Hot August

2007-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

and three more weeks to go!

For no ggod reason have I stopped writing. I am very much with child and I am getting restless. It takes a lot of energy to do much these days, so my activites feel rather limited. Blah! I can barely take my dog out for a short morning walk with out returning sweaty and tired. I feel as ready as I can I suppose. I guess I don't know HOW I'm supposed to feel. I'm anxious, apprehensive, excited and curious. I'm just trying to remain open about this whole upcoming experience because I can't control many of the details at all.

I like this picture of me best right now...mainly because my gargantuan belly looks so funny to my awesome dog!

bedding hunt

2007-05-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Target : MiGi Splash 6-pc. Crib Bedding Set
I haven't seen this one before, and I think I like it!

busy day

2007-05-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cleaned the house like my mother in law was coming - check
Husband had stitches removed - check
Husband had ALL stiches removed - check
Had extensive ultrasound of baby - check

Found out baby's gender - DENIED!!
Had house appraised for refi - check
Went and got husband a tatoo - check
Had awesome fish and chips sans beer - check

All this and it is only 7pm. No wonder I'm tired.

moms

2007-05-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

feelin' it now

2007-05-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

So I am offically feeling pregnant. I can't lay on my back...that feels wrong. Eating is feast or famine depending on the time of day. My feet - specifically my heels- hurt alot. And I really am showing now. It is all so strange. I know that it will all be fine, but I get this looming feeling of "what did you get yourself into now? Oh well, I know I can be a worrier!

In other more exciting news, I got the CUTEST fabric for the baby's quilt. Noah's ark with bright primary-esque colors. I can't wait till I'm done with my stupid class to get it started!

help me obi won kanobi, you're my only hope

2007-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I have finalyy heard about the R2-D2 mailboxes. There is one in my town, and I must have a meeting with it. I can't beleive in all the pictures people posted that no one did the Leia/R2 video clip from Star Wars. What an awesome pose!! My awesome picture will be coming soon!!

new toy!

2007-04-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Frank got a new toy from PetSmart for his birthday, but this wasn't it. He ate that one within 5 minutes of getting it home. So today we walked over there to exchange it and got 2 amazing air kong squeaker balls. These balls are bigger than average, and Frank has not left it alone yet. He squeaks the crap out of it! It is so we a soggy now, that it needs to dry off outside before it comes in the house to be loved!

new me

2007-04-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hoorah! A new me has emerged from the sickness cocoon. I cleaned myself up and went maternity shopping with my mom and aunts today. It was a very fun day plus I got lots of cute clothes! It was nice to hang out and talk to moms who were supportive and nice to me. I felt like I was joining the club. Very nice.

I also had to call animal control tonight! I ran into a stray German Shepard mix/pup. He had bloody paw marks all over the area he was resting in - which was right out side the back gate to my condo. Lucky for me has super friendly. So much so he tried to come in with me and my dog! Too bad after I called he took off somewhere. I hope someone finds him!

sinus pressure anyone?

2007-03-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I just feel like whining about the incredible pressure going on in the right side of my skull. I have been blowing yellow crap all day. Uck. I want this to go away. Forever. And Ever. Halleluia. Ha. Le. Lu. Ya.

sick! again!

2007-03-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

So really the only downside of pregnancy has been my low immunities and the inability to take normal OTC medications. I have been sick twice in the last 3 weeks. Great. Love it. My nose is running like a leaky faucet and all I can do is "push fluids" and "rest." Wow. That is so helpful! Ug. Hopefully today will be the last of the drippy nose and it will move on to annoying cough. At least then I can go to work looking like a normal person.

big news

2007-02-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

So Mrs. Magpie is going to be Mama Magpie. Yay!

nerd alert!!!

2007-01-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

I so totally want this shirt!! I want to re-read all the Harry Potters in preparation for the next book. I can't wait!!!!

singin in the rain?

2007-01-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

Look what I came home to today: Puddles....in the house....not good.

ink hell

2007-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

After much research and purchases of the wrong ink cartridges, the correct ink, and ink jet cleaner, I finally discovered why my printer won't print! A little tube has disconnected. That's it! How easy!! or not.

I have spent about an hour wrestling with my printer. I have not won yet, but I will!! It seriously has been like trying to artifically inseminate beetles or refuel a jet while flying. I don't have enough room to get in there properly and I do not have enough hands to do the job. What I need are Oompa Loompas with their little and lithe fingers.

I will be victorious!!!

to be continued.....

tick tick tick

2007-01-02T21:07:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

So Baby New Year 2007 is off and running! I really want to write more, so that is a mini resolution of mine. I don't really care for resolutions made on January 1 because they seem so arbitary, but I HAVE been meaning to write more so this seems like a good opportunity.

Mr. Magpie has been working on the bathroom again. WE - yes we - installed crown moulding in the bathroom yesterday. What a pain!! Turns out that nothing in our condo was square or plum so getting everything to fit together on wonky walls was interesting. We used this "waterproof moulding" made from 100% recycled polystyrene. I really like the environment friendly aspect of this stuff. It also didn't chip or split like MDF and looks great! Now Al Gore can come take a crap in out bathroom!!

holly jolly

2006-12-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

I've really been enjoying the holidays as they ramp up. I helped host my work party which went over well, and finally got up the Christmas decorations. I really love the ornaments and my nativity set. I have the nativity set from Willow Tree and it is beautiful. My favorite thing about the nativity set, even since Iwas a kid, was having the wise men make their way across the room to join the rest of the gang in January. Just makes me smile every year.

relative dating

2006-11-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

In my 6th grade science classes we introduced the topic of relative dating. Before we read the selection on the topic, I asked if this topic meant that we were going to talk about boyfriends and girlfriends. Ha ha. Well one of my students in my second group said that relative dating meant dating your cousin. More ha ha ha. Another chimed in with "relative dating is when your family tree doesn't fork." I laughed so hard! I love it when my students get the joke and can make me laugh too. Great day. This is almost as good as all the Uranus jokes in 8th grade astronomy unit!

man. fire. good

2006-10-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

DSCN1458
Originally uploaded by mrs.magpie.

With the winds whipping across the beach at San Miguel, Mr. Magpie needed to make a kick ass fire ring that was taller on the windy side. He took great pride in our awesome fire and fire ring. Camping is so fun, especially when all you have to worry about is when to take a nap and building fires and roasting marshmellows. Esta bien!

Retro Postcards

2006-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

I love the look of Retro Postcards. Here is some good tips on creating your own!

fake concert tickets!

2006-08-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Popjustice has created a nifty online generator for concert tickets. You plug in the info you want to have - the ideal lineup, your band, etc- and poof! Now you have ticket stub to share online. Cool!

dumb dog, why are you following me?

2006-08-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

My dumb dog tweaked a ligament in his hip after rolling off the bed while sound asleep. Nice one. He will heal, but it is possible that he can reinjure the joint. Knowing my dog, he will. I'm trying to think positive though!

A little help from upstairs can't hurt either. Frank will soon be sporting one of these tags!

"crazy Frank"

2006-08-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

My amazing dog continues to injure himself. This time I think it is Strains & Sprains. We'll see. In the meantime, everytime I call the vet they refer to my dog as "Crazy Frank." Is there any other kind?

the devil is on TV

2006-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

This summer of watching TV has forced me to watch the commercial for Countrywide. Not only am I tired of listening to "no one can do what Countrywide can," I am now convinced that their spokesman is in fact the devil. Satan himself. I couldn't find a picture of him, but next time you see that ad....think...is the devil seducing me through my TV again?

good idea:

2006-08-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Animaniacs finally on DVD.
bad idea: no one told me about it and got it for my birthday. I'm a little bit excited here!

roller derby

2006-08-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went roller skating in an indoor rink. I haven't laced up a pair of quads since high school. I missed it!! My husband and I had so much fun it was silly. I felt right at home in skates. Not as smooth as I once was, but comfortable enough to move freely and not fall. It is funny, but I always felt a sense of freedom when I skate. That feeling came right back to me. The best part is that my husband wants to do that again. Right on!

see no evil indeed!

2006-08-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

My third birthday party! The blind monkey is my neighbor, Bobby. The deaf monkey is my cousin, Kyle. I think it is a little more than appropriate that they had me shut my mouth!

crafty girl!

2006-08-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

So I finally am learning to sew! Yay!!
This is the start of the quilt I am making. I believe it is called "Irish Chain." A friend of my mom is doing a kick ass job of teaching me the basics.

narnia nerd alert

2006-07-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

So my next closest character was Caspian. So I guess that's not too bad!

ebay adventures

2006-07-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

So I'm an eBay seller now. How cool. Well it will be cool if someone buys the CPA prep course I'm selling. I'm getting strange messages from people wanting to buy it outside of eBay. I haven't addressed those querys because the answer should be NO duh! If I wanted to sell it to a random person with no hope of getting the cash I would. It is a lot of money. Money that will help our renovation process. I think someone will buy it before the auction is over. I hope anyway!!

crashing

2006-07-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

So I used to think those Mac ads with the two guys were so cute. I'm a PC gal and would NEVER use macs. Ok, until now. Windows died on me this week and I lostEVERYTHING on my computer. Real cute. Makes me want to punch that fat dumb PC guy. I've spent the past two days putting things back to normal, but I did not realize how much we use the computer for so many different things.

quality naps

2006-07-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Someone is having a good Saturday.

MSN f-ing blows!

2006-07-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

So that title may be a tad severe, but I am glad to say that I am D O N E done with MSN. Do they realize that every hacker everywhere sends worms and buggies thru their crap service. I can't check my mail with out a "blocked intrusion" from my anti-virus. So I've happily switched to Gmail. Very nice. Now if I could only forward my old mail to my new gmail... I guess that is what tomorrow is for!

It's all good

2006-07-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

I am such a sucker for this super cute shirt! I just wonder if I'm getting too old for this kind of stuff...

Winning Streak

2006-06-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yay for my class!!

So two years running my class has won the field day competition for our grade level. I know that it is silly and doesn't mean much, but I'm proud of them. I'm proud that they wrote a stupid cheer and did it every time. I'm proud that Luis wore the Nacho Libre outfit and ran around the field with our flag. I'm proud that they were proud of their flag. I am proud that no one sat out of the events. Not the Hispanic kids, not the white kids...no one! I enjoy getting into these kind of events and helping the kids relax, have fun and kick ass all at the same time. Once again a little bit of teamwork and good attitude took them far.

Oldnavy.com

2006-05-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Oldnavy.com is looking for pin up dogs! Frank is our obvious choice!!

Super Nerds Unite!

2006-04-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

I attended the super nerd celebration known as the "National Science Teachers Association." I completely geeked out and was marveled by nerds who measure black holes and active galaxies, nerds who invented new spinning tops, and nerds who want to make teaching science a good thing in the lives of young people. Of course I got lots of free geeky stuff...mainly lots of posters from NASA and pencils. I splurged and made a few purchases too. I resisted the stuffed Einsten doll and stuck to stuffed germs. Sadly they were fresh out of syhallus and gonherria, so I snatched up HIV, Hepatitus and Mono. How cute!

Cozy dog!

2006-03-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

cozy frank3
Originally uploaded by firestarter20.

I can't decide if this or #4 are my favorite of the cozy pictures.

cute husband

2006-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

My husband was such a little cutie at age 6. I love the OP shirt too. So early 80's. Love it!

Loophole

2006-02-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

So on Friday, I found out from my District Office that I was not authorized to teach my subject. In fact I had not been authorized for the last year and a half. Needless to say, I was a tad upset and took it up with my principal. I told the nice lady that someone had either made a mistake a year and a half ago or she was wrong. She told me she would investigate.

This morning the first email I read told me that there was a nice little loophole that gives the school board the option to authorize someone like myself who has 12 units in my subject. Yay! Loopholes! I knew there was a real reason and now I knew what it was. I was very much relieved.

spell "nerd"

2006-01-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

You're a Speak & Spell!! You nerd, you. Just
because you were disguised as a toy doesn't
mean you weren't educational, you sneaky
bastard.

What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

2006-01-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Stupid Creatures are so cool! I want to make some!

sew scared

2006-01-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

So my mom suprised me this Christmas and got me a sewing machine. I have always wanted to know how to do those sort of things, but now the situation is at hand. I'm totally afraid of getting into this. I feel like it will just create a giant mess with little output. Ah, such is the creative life!

Pees and Poops!

2005-11-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Pee and Poop as cuddly little friends! If only I could read Norweigen and buy one!

A girl can only hope!

heeeeeeer's Satan!

2005-11-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

So we dressed up our little dog for Halloween. He was not a huge fan of the outfit. I think this is mainly because it made a wierd sound when he moved. As humans we are familiar with the sound that windbreakers or trackpants make, but dogs.....

who knew?

2005-10-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

65% General American English

20% Upper Midwestern

10% Yankee

5% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 9 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

death and taxes

2005-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Big dude and I just spent the last 2 hours going over property tax bills. What a nightmare! We finally figured it out (applause applause!) and things are not nearly as bad as we once thought. Silly supplemental bills....silly tax assessors who can't process stuff in a timely fashion or use the English Language. Silly, silly!

Little dude has been a wild one lately. He's makin' me nuts! He is terrible on the leash now. He pulls all the time and he drives me crazy.

But the westher has been providing wonderful views of Catalina Island. I love going for a little walk on the big hill to see the island. Very cool!

new year

2005-09-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

So the summer came and went. Too fast!! Ending the summer with such a devastating storm is a terrible way to end a nice summer. Katrina really reminded me how truly fragile we are. We have all this amazing technology, but nature is still the stronger.

On another thought, it feels so much better teaching having one year under my belt. I feel so much more in control and am able to prevent the fires that I spent so much time putting out last year!

babies

2005-08-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

So I went to visit my friend who is a new mom. Way trippy experience. She made a person.....The baby was of course a cutie and I wasn't scared of it so that was nice. It makes me think all about making my own people (collect them all!) and I am content for waiting a bit longer. I am not ready to be mom next summer. So that's good...I was glad to realize this.

worms are wrong

2005-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

So yeah. My dog had worms come out of his ass on my birthday. So there was no art festival for me. Only a trip to the vet. Now of course, he won't eat and had wierd poops. Now he's sleeping like a rock. I just want him to eat like a normal dog!!!

good food?

2005-07-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dude. I hate it when my dog doesn't eat his food. Is he ill? Is he full from all the treats at class last night? Is it the heat? What is it? If only I was a pet pyschic!

summer update

2005-07-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow I turn 29. What a crap age to be. Just on the edge of the 30's. I might as well BE 30. At least I don't have to work tomorrow.

So far this summer has been nice. I'm working on my tan, started a really good novel, and have the next 24 hours to get my office together. Should be good.

We went camping this weekend. It was fantastic! The weather was great and we all got along fairly well. Our dog, Frank, had a good time too and was very well behaved. He even jumped around in the creek there. Frank still does not care for crashing waves, but he does like water!

So this morning I have been totally loafing around, but oh well. Frank and I need to work on our dog training. He's on to sit, stay and come. I have not been a good trainer this week, so I better pick up the slack in the coming week.

team collingwood

2005-06-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

lush

2005-06-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

lush
Originally uploaded by not martha.

This is mainly for my sister in Seattle. Pookie- go to Lush. Quickly. Smell all the wonderful things. Buy something. Enjoy many times.

Summer!!

2005-06-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hoorah!!! It is finally summer! School is out for the next 9 weeks and I have a job lined up for next fall. Couldn't be better! Well it would of course be better if I didn't have to work the day camp. Oh well. That shouldn't be too hard.

There are some things I want to catch up on in the next 9 weeks:
1. Get dog to stop peeing in the house.
2. Take CPR class and get credential from the hobbit at my university.
3. Shed some lbs.
4. Grow out hair.
5. Get a tan.
6. Get photos organized.
7. BTSA
8. Plan for next year's classes: Syllabus for computer class, 1st quarter of Science.
9. Write more...here!
10. Read a book.
11. Complain to Mattress Gallery about piss poor service.
12. Move back into bedroom.

I'm sure there is more. I'll have to add to my list to keep myself accountable.

they call her flipper...

2005-06-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Flickr...Flipper... faster than lightning. Ok, so really it's flickr and it is super neeto so far.

Republican!

2005-06-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

My favorite Aussie Rules Rugby Team has a republic! I love this image!

freekatie.net

2005-06-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Stop the madness! LittleJoey Potter must be resuced from the clutches of evil!!