So, now I sit in the San Jose airport striving to return to the gool ole U.S. of A. This multi-day attempt to return to my homeland has been full of struggle. My mother likes to think that my recent tribulations are a sign that I should not be in Costa Rica, however I like to think that it is more of a sign that I should not return to my homeland. NOT THAT I DON"T WANT TO SEE EVERYONE, in fact, that is the only motivation for my return...it is just that I truly feel like I have found a wonderful place to call home: Montezuma, Costa Rica. And, it is hard for me to feel so torn.
But, I am ready to board a plane now. I had to change my original flight, that was the first of many interesting changes for this seemingly easy trip home. So, I changed my flight and was ready to spend 11 days home. I left Montezuma yestermorn, knowing that I was cutting it close time-wise. I coughed up the money for a taxi and got more than I hoped for. About halfway through the trip from Puntarenas to the airport I was robbed by a police officer. Not a normal happening, at least I don't think. Actually I don't believe it was a "real" police officer, and I am convinced that my taxi driver was in on the deal. So, now I have no Christmas presents, no ATM card, no camera, no IPOD to return to Dad, no large sleeve shirts for the cold I am about to return to, and no backpack. Luckily it was only material items...
But, I missed my flight yesterday. That meant that I had to spend one night in the city of Alajuela, which is not a bad place to be, but surely not the beach I left yestermorn. But all of that is in the past and now I am patiently waiting to board this long-awaited flight to Dallas and then to BWI. I am keeping my fingers crossed that today is a much smoother day than yesterday.
I hope to see lots of friends and family this week. I will be bouncing around Maryland and DC, so let me know when we can play together!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pura Vida
Ok, it been long enough! I finally figured out the smartest way to keep in touch. I write at mi casa (I, thankfully, lugged my computer here with me.), save it on my portable drive, and then share here. It sure beats the time I have wasted staring at a blank internet connection while paying for it!
So, where to begin? First off, I love my new life and am striving to call this beautiful beach paradise home for a long time. I have my hands into lots of potential good jobs, but every thing is yet to be determined…, as I guess it always is. But, I mean that I don’t want to get to into job stuff, for that has been taking up quite a bit of my time lately. Instead, I want to share the fun that I have been having:
I have made some new friends. A couple of my friends I met when I first visited this area during the summer, the others are my newfound buddies. For example, Andrea is my Spanish teacher and she is wonderful. Her boyfriend is the guy that started the Spanish school where I am studying. He is from NY, but very non-New Yorker. We went out for beers the other night at this “hot” karaoke bar. Little did I know… but my new friend Andrea is quite the celebrity in Costa Rica. She was one of the winners of Costa Rica’s version of American Idol a few years ago. So, when we entered the bar, everyone knew her and she was forced (happily) to sing most of the night. It was not hard to see why she swept this country off their feet. Her voice is amazing, and besides my great friend, Kara, she dances like no one I have ever seen.
So, they are great…Oh, here is how my morning started today:
“Kerri, mi vecina, Kerri! Kerri benga…” (English in parentheses) (Kerri, my neighbor, Kerri! Come!)
Que? (What? Note: I had just heard the loudest and strangest animal-like yell from right above my house.)
“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)
“Si, si, pero porque? (Yes, yes, but why?)
And then, not only did I know what my neighbor was so excited about, but I witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. On our roof there were three holler monkeys eating almonds (Well, the people here call them almonds, but it is not what you are picturing. Imagine the seed that an almond grows inside, hard for me to describe, but more like a very large chestnut than an almond…) Anyway, we stood on our front steps (our steps are “sort of” made out of the earth) and watched in awe. The monkeys clearly saw us, but never seemed to care that they now had an audience. We watched them in silence for a long time, until the largest one decided to have some fun and threw his snack straight at us. Yup, he reached back and launched one of the large almond seeds straight at us. My reaction was very different from my neighbor’s. I was amused, she was startled. She told grabbed my hand and we ran into her house (our houses are separated by a wall, but connected). She explained that they can get really mean and that our “pelicula de la manana” (morning movie) was over. I thanked her for getting me and she offered me some of the juiciest pineapple I have ever had.
Then, I took a shower as the monkeys crashed about our metal roof, and got ready for my morning stroll on the beach. I have made it a habit of waking early (Seeing la amenecer (the sunrise) here is out-of-this-world, but it happens at 5 am, so I have only made it to one so far. Lame, I know!) and heading straight to the beach or to the waterfall. Since it is Sunday I don’t have my Spanish class, or my English classes (which happens around 10:30 and 2:00 every weekday) I took my time and strolled further down the beach this morning. The long walk was worth the buena vista (great view) I found after about a thirty minute stroll. I finished my book, The DaVinci Code. (I have never seen the movie or read the book, and it was the best option at the local book swap. It is a good read, but I bet the movie leaves a lot to be desired.) After staring at the sea for a long time, I swam a bit when the tide calmed down. The sea here is POWERFUL! From my apartment I have a gorgeous view of the sea, and am constantly pulled out of slumber due to the forceful sound of the waves. I don’t usually swim in the ocean here, for I have spent enough time near the sea to know that this area of the Pacific is a force to be reckoned with. And, I like my current life too much to end up lost at sea! But, almost every day I do hike up to the waterfall and swim there. There are three connected waterfalls here, and the bottom one is the most easily accessible, of course. The waterfall is about 50 feet and the pool it creates is a swimmer’s dream-come-true. The force of the down-falling water creates a strong current. When you swim against this current it is hard to make progress but it creates the ideal swimming tank. So, that is my new favorite source of expending energy.
Well, let’s see, what else? Everything is PURA VIDA here so far. I not only feel like I made the right decision, but for the first time in a long time I feel like I found a place to happily call home for quite some time…
So, where to begin? First off, I love my new life and am striving to call this beautiful beach paradise home for a long time. I have my hands into lots of potential good jobs, but every thing is yet to be determined…, as I guess it always is. But, I mean that I don’t want to get to into job stuff, for that has been taking up quite a bit of my time lately. Instead, I want to share the fun that I have been having:
I have made some new friends. A couple of my friends I met when I first visited this area during the summer, the others are my newfound buddies. For example, Andrea is my Spanish teacher and she is wonderful. Her boyfriend is the guy that started the Spanish school where I am studying. He is from NY, but very non-New Yorker. We went out for beers the other night at this “hot” karaoke bar. Little did I know… but my new friend Andrea is quite the celebrity in Costa Rica. She was one of the winners of Costa Rica’s version of American Idol a few years ago. So, when we entered the bar, everyone knew her and she was forced (happily) to sing most of the night. It was not hard to see why she swept this country off their feet. Her voice is amazing, and besides my great friend, Kara, she dances like no one I have ever seen.
So, they are great…Oh, here is how my morning started today:
“Kerri, mi vecina, Kerri! Kerri benga…” (English in parentheses) (Kerri, my neighbor, Kerri! Come!)
Que? (What? Note: I had just heard the loudest and strangest animal-like yell from right above my house.)
“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)
“Si, si, pero porque? (Yes, yes, but why?)
And then, not only did I know what my neighbor was so excited about, but I witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. On our roof there were three holler monkeys eating almonds (Well, the people here call them almonds, but it is not what you are picturing. Imagine the seed that an almond grows inside, hard for me to describe, but more like a very large chestnut than an almond…) Anyway, we stood on our front steps (our steps are “sort of” made out of the earth) and watched in awe. The monkeys clearly saw us, but never seemed to care that they now had an audience. We watched them in silence for a long time, until the largest one decided to have some fun and threw his snack straight at us. Yup, he reached back and launched one of the large almond seeds straight at us. My reaction was very different from my neighbor’s. I was amused, she was startled. She told grabbed my hand and we ran into her house (our houses are separated by a wall, but connected). She explained that they can get really mean and that our “pelicula de la manana” (morning movie) was over. I thanked her for getting me and she offered me some of the juiciest pineapple I have ever had.
Then, I took a shower as the monkeys crashed about our metal roof, and got ready for my morning stroll on the beach. I have made it a habit of waking early (Seeing la amenecer (the sunrise) here is out-of-this-world, but it happens at 5 am, so I have only made it to one so far. Lame, I know!) and heading straight to the beach or to the waterfall. Since it is Sunday I don’t have my Spanish class, or my English classes (which happens around 10:30 and 2:00 every weekday) I took my time and strolled further down the beach this morning. The long walk was worth the buena vista (great view) I found after about a thirty minute stroll. I finished my book, The DaVinci Code. (I have never seen the movie or read the book, and it was the best option at the local book swap. It is a good read, but I bet the movie leaves a lot to be desired.) After staring at the sea for a long time, I swam a bit when the tide calmed down. The sea here is POWERFUL! From my apartment I have a gorgeous view of the sea, and am constantly pulled out of slumber due to the forceful sound of the waves. I don’t usually swim in the ocean here, for I have spent enough time near the sea to know that this area of the Pacific is a force to be reckoned with. And, I like my current life too much to end up lost at sea! But, almost every day I do hike up to the waterfall and swim there. There are three connected waterfalls here, and the bottom one is the most easily accessible, of course. The waterfall is about 50 feet and the pool it creates is a swimmer’s dream-come-true. The force of the down-falling water creates a strong current. When you swim against this current it is hard to make progress but it creates the ideal swimming tank. So, that is my new favorite source of expending energy.
Well, let’s see, what else? Everything is PURA VIDA here so far. I not only feel like I made the right decision, but for the first time in a long time I feel like I found a place to happily call home for quite some time…
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Ok, maybe not the end
I love sitting at my parents' house in Ocean City surrounded by my beach-loving clan. Yesterday, as I drove with my cousin to pick up our carry-out dinner, I thought about how different our thoughts must be as we sit and sing the newest hit pop song that bellows from my mom's car radio.
She (an eighth grader) and me (an almost 30 year old woman) certainly have different thoughts running through our minds. But, surprisingly (or maybe not if you know me well) we utterly enjoyed each other's company as we build sandcastles on the beach and talk about life under sunbeams. We even came home and ended a glorious beach day with some abdominal work, stretching, laughing and more talking.
I don't feel that much older than an eighth grader some days, but then reality strikes hard. Reality hit hard this morning as I heard myself conversing with my uncles and father about "refinancing" and "interest rates". As this conversation took place I couldn't resist glancing at my eighth grade cousin to see what she was doing during that "adult" conversation. Not to my surprise, she was juggling a soccer ball in the grass as my dog stared at her longingly.
It is weird to be me these days, for large parts of me long to go back to juggling soccer balls in the grass. But, then again there is another large part of me that wants to hang with the "adult" conversation about money, real estate and love. I am stuck in the middle now, but know that reality won't let me turn back into an eighth grader. I will only get older and will only continue with those adult conversations...that is inevitable.
What I don't believe is inevitable is how I feel about reality. I can easily be a part of those adult conversations that take place on the deck as I juggle a soccer ball from the grass. And, I want to be that "girl" for many more years!
She (an eighth grader) and me (an almost 30 year old woman) certainly have different thoughts running through our minds. But, surprisingly (or maybe not if you know me well) we utterly enjoyed each other's company as we build sandcastles on the beach and talk about life under sunbeams. We even came home and ended a glorious beach day with some abdominal work, stretching, laughing and more talking.
I don't feel that much older than an eighth grader some days, but then reality strikes hard. Reality hit hard this morning as I heard myself conversing with my uncles and father about "refinancing" and "interest rates". As this conversation took place I couldn't resist glancing at my eighth grade cousin to see what she was doing during that "adult" conversation. Not to my surprise, she was juggling a soccer ball in the grass as my dog stared at her longingly.
It is weird to be me these days, for large parts of me long to go back to juggling soccer balls in the grass. But, then again there is another large part of me that wants to hang with the "adult" conversation about money, real estate and love. I am stuck in the middle now, but know that reality won't let me turn back into an eighth grader. I will only get older and will only continue with those adult conversations...that is inevitable.
What I don't believe is inevitable is how I feel about reality. I can easily be a part of those adult conversations that take place on the deck as I juggle a soccer ball from the grass. And, I want to be that "girl" for many more years!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Not anymore
This is the last post of IBeKB.
I don't want to be so public with my feelings and thoughts anymore.
I will email regularly, please do the same.
I don't want to be so public with my feelings and thoughts anymore.
I will email regularly, please do the same.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Change is good...Right?
I am not sure what to call it or even what to think about it yet, but I have been dodging and chucking some wicked curve balls this week. I usually enjoy dancing in that line of fire, but one too many of those swirly curve balls have struck square onto my vulnerable heart. Others are joyfully dancing in the air just waiting for me to catch them. Plus, there are a few that I have launched into the universe, and I have had the pleasure of watching those soar to unimaginable heights.
Luckily, I am a good catcher and thrower!
I thought I wanted to write more here, but I don't (or can't) yet.
I do know that I depart for Costa Rica on September 5th, and that seems like eons from now.
Let's play "Name That Tune":
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again..."
(I would like to know who is the original singer, so share if you happen to know.)
Luckily, I am a good catcher and thrower!
I thought I wanted to write more here, but I don't (or can't) yet.
I do know that I depart for Costa Rica on September 5th, and that seems like eons from now.
Let's play "Name That Tune":
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again..."
(I would like to know who is the original singer, so share if you happen to know.)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Perfect Timing
My friend Gwendolyn is a gorgeous dancer living in China. She sent me an e-mail today that hit the spot. Read on...
MAYA ANGELOU'S
BEST POEM EVER
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the widt h of h er hips, or the nature of her parents.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
MAYA ANGELOU'S
BEST POEM EVER
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the widt h of h er hips, or the nature of her parents.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Montezuma y mi corazon
Entonces, possiblemente de idioma de ingles es mejor ahora...
I am in love with Montezuma and may not be returning home as planned. For the past week I have swam, ran, hiked and laid in the most impressive jungle beach in the world. I am feeling some strange connections here and just can't imagine leaving anytime soon. There are many reasons and stories to share, but know that right now I am staring at the Pacific Ocean watching beautiful Tico children leave school and I just know that there are many reasons for me to stay here a bit longer. I don't know what that means, but I just know that it is how I feel now.
Look up Montezuma and tell me what you think I should do with my life!
I am in love with Montezuma and may not be returning home as planned. For the past week I have swam, ran, hiked and laid in the most impressive jungle beach in the world. I am feeling some strange connections here and just can't imagine leaving anytime soon. There are many reasons and stories to share, but know that right now I am staring at the Pacific Ocean watching beautiful Tico children leave school and I just know that there are many reasons for me to stay here a bit longer. I don't know what that means, but I just know that it is how I feel now.
Look up Montezuma and tell me what you think I should do with my life!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Solamente mi en San Jose
Hola de San Jose!
Traveling alone is now my equivalent of a worthwhile therapy session. I like to think of myself as an independent woman (and I am!), but my life is so full of moments with others that I freak out slightly when faced with alone time. In fact, even when I am home alone I have a dog who provides my sounding board, a phone that connects to whomever will answer and this blog that...well, whatever it is that this blog does.
Since arriving in San Jose, I have impressed gringos with my Spanish (which is far from impressive to those that speak Spanish), traveled both successfully and unsuccessfully by taxi (the unsuccessful story will come soon), and have been staying at the BEST hostel in town. My hostel has not only provided me with a safe place to stay, but more importantly with knowledgable Ticos willing to share their culture and knowledge con una gringa.
Yesterday, I walked around town alone after having desayuno with a couple of new friends here. I did want to lure my new friends into spending the day with me (see the sentence # 3 above), but knew that that was imposing and contrary to my purpose of solo travel. So, I ventured around town alone and was constantly reminded how pretty my eyes are...but, Ticos are much smoother than most men. Nobody touched me, made me feel uncomfortable, or copped a feel. I can't say that about most places I know (including home!).
So, I ventured about and found a great vegetarian restaurant and coffee house. The coffee here is truly to die for, plus the meal I had for cena was worth way more than US$2! The veggie restaurant is named Vishnu, if you are ever here.
Now I am about to embark on another fun solo morning. I have been convinced to take the local bus to the airport to meet Liz and Kristen. The hostel owner and a couple of new friends have told me numerous times how to accomplish this mission and we have even done a few role plays over cervecas! So, I am empowered, ready to speak more Spanish and ready to have some familiar faces by my side!
Wish me luck!
Traveling alone is now my equivalent of a worthwhile therapy session. I like to think of myself as an independent woman (and I am!), but my life is so full of moments with others that I freak out slightly when faced with alone time. In fact, even when I am home alone I have a dog who provides my sounding board, a phone that connects to whomever will answer and this blog that...well, whatever it is that this blog does.
Since arriving in San Jose, I have impressed gringos with my Spanish (which is far from impressive to those that speak Spanish), traveled both successfully and unsuccessfully by taxi (the unsuccessful story will come soon), and have been staying at the BEST hostel in town. My hostel has not only provided me with a safe place to stay, but more importantly with knowledgable Ticos willing to share their culture and knowledge con una gringa.
Yesterday, I walked around town alone after having desayuno with a couple of new friends here. I did want to lure my new friends into spending the day with me (see the sentence # 3 above), but knew that that was imposing and contrary to my purpose of solo travel. So, I ventured around town alone and was constantly reminded how pretty my eyes are...but, Ticos are much smoother than most men. Nobody touched me, made me feel uncomfortable, or copped a feel. I can't say that about most places I know (including home!).
So, I ventured about and found a great vegetarian restaurant and coffee house. The coffee here is truly to die for, plus the meal I had for cena was worth way more than US$2! The veggie restaurant is named Vishnu, if you are ever here.
Now I am about to embark on another fun solo morning. I have been convinced to take the local bus to the airport to meet Liz and Kristen. The hostel owner and a couple of new friends have told me numerous times how to accomplish this mission and we have even done a few role plays over cervecas! So, I am empowered, ready to speak more Spanish and ready to have some familiar faces by my side!
Wish me luck!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Up, Up & Away!
With nerves and a new pair of shoes, I am flying away for the rest of the summer. My first stop is here to present at this, then back to this spot for 25 hours of girlfriend-time, and finally off to here for weeks.
That will be a bit stressful, but the type of stress I thrive on. Then, this place with three of my closest friends will be the exact opposite of stress. Ahhh...
That will be a bit stressful, but the type of stress I thrive on. Then, this place with three of my closest friends will be the exact opposite of stress. Ahhh...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Beauties on the Beach
This has been one of my favorite places in the world since I can remember. If you ever find yourself close to Ocean City, MD stop by this gem of a shoreline and say "Hi!" to my mom. She quit her stressful job and now works in the Camp Store at Assateague. And on Assateague, the biggest stress is whether to hike with the wild ponies or go jump in the waves.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Before Breakfast, After Long Run
At the beginning of the m..o..r..p..h.. process, I lose focus and the ability to form sentences, begin to stare while biting my fingernails, then comes the sudden and consuming thoughts of fried tofu or fresh fruit. (Easy to see where my vitamin deficiencies linger, eh?). In spite of the force of the m..o..r..p..h.. and with age, I have learned to avoid the quick fix of sugar, value local organic goodness and love slow five course meals with my friends.
My attention to organic living renders me a quizzical and serious eater. I am a borderline-vegan (thanks to Inga Muscio for legitimizing this term). Meaning I am a strict lactose-intolerant vegetarian, but am not always in-the-know enough (or with enough minutes to spare) to know about every morsel entering my digestive tract. Thus, I do not claim to be vegan. My wonderfully wacky vegan friends like to debate the validity of someone like me joining their clan, but regardless of who wins the argument that day, I abstain. But, like my vegan friends, I actively learn more about my body and diet every day.
For example, here is info illustrating an obstacle I face (and calling this an "obstacle" is weak on my part, no doubt) when it comes to committing to a true vegan lifestyle.
Check out the vegan-friendliness:
Beers
Wine
Liquor
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Costa Rica!
I will be heading south soon, but I won't be sitting alone on any Spanish-speaking beaches this summer...
Nope, I will be sitting there with Dizzie Lizzie and K-dog for the first week and A-rod for the remaining weeks. Tickets have been purchased and plans are forming!
Great friends, beaches, bus trips, who knows what else...Don't you want to join the fun?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Career's Twisted Path
As many of you know, I often equate my job with an abusive relationship. But, I have been rethinking this erroneous analogy, and even though I have yet to conjure the perfect comparison, I know this is an unfair judgment. I won't ever say that again. Promise.I mean, that photo up above showing water quality testing happening on the Anacostia River is how I spent last Friday. Worlds collided for me as we boarded the Half Shell with Living Classrooms Foundation DC. There are many days when I long for some gettin' dirty outdoor work, such as my old job on that Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat...
...enough dreaming of previous lives, back to my current job. A few months ago I decided to accept a new position at my school and since have felt a resurgence of passion for teaching at this school. Those other photos up there illustrate one of my school's proudest days so far. Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy had its first graduation! Chavez only accepted ninth and tenth graders the first year, and 15 scholars made it all the way to the diploma. As I sat at graduation donning a black robe, I remembered (around March I was wondering...) why I care about Chavez scholars enough to put up with this incredibly stressful and time-consuming career. Next year will be monumental for not only the 2nd senior class, but selfishly for me too, for that class consists of the scholars I worked with when I began working at Chavez. Watching those crazy kids walk and shake on the fact that they broke down numerous stereotypes will produce tears of joy. Lots of tears.
Classes end this Friday and only a few meetings happen next week. And then...
...Summer Fun:
I'm flying to Denver to present at this conference with Simon. This excursion will foster professional and spiritual growth-- for, we will spend 5 days breathing in Colorado air, will present for 2 hours, then will head to Rocky National Park for hiking with Mario. Great.
Then, I am heading south for the rest of the summer. A few months ago I was spending oodles of time researching and applying for "things" to do over the summer weeks off. Coulda spent 6 weeks with rich high school kids in Egypt, coulda volunteered with Ashoka, coulda taught summer school...but, I finally turned all of those coulda's down for some time on a Spanish-speaking beach. I cashed in my travel voucher with Taca Airlines for a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. I only know that I am flying into San Jose, attending my great friend's and cousin's wedding on August 11th, and flying out of San Jose. The rest is to be determined...
...So, do tell! If you were about to board a plane that would land in Costa Rica, what would you do? I have four weeks and am seeking your first-hand experiences!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Car-heads!
With a bit of nostalgia, a newfound fear, plus time to kill, I stumbled
upon this interesting experiment and story. It has been almost 8 years since I owned a car--without a longing to go back to those gas-pumping days-- and biking is
my preferred means of transport. But, city-living and me-on-a-bike
don't always mix. My adult years (worthy of distinguishing from my childhood years, for I am sure there were many more spills back in the day...) on a bike have landed me with an uncountable amount of bruises, painful stitches, a bumpy-lumpy nose, an irrational fear of SUV's driver-side doors, and a love for clearly marked Bike Lanes. I do like
to "put the fun between my legs" as my comrade likes to jest, but there really should be an easier way to please all road-based travelers. I once thought DC took the cake for the Worst Biking City, but after today, Baltimore wins this prize!
upon this interesting experiment and story. It has been almost 8 years since I owned a car--without a longing to go back to those gas-pumping days-- and biking is
my preferred means of transport. But, city-living and me-on-a-bike
don't always mix. My adult years (worthy of distinguishing from my childhood years, for I am sure there were many more spills back in the day...) on a bike have landed me with an uncountable amount of bruises, painful stitches, a bumpy-lumpy nose, an irrational fear of SUV's driver-side doors, and a love for clearly marked Bike Lanes. I do like
to "put the fun between my legs" as my comrade likes to jest, but there really should be an easier way to please all road-based travelers. I once thought DC took the cake for the Worst Biking City, but after today, Baltimore wins this prize!
Veggie Garden Delight
Our green thumbs have been protruding as of late. Been busy in the front and back yards, as you can see. Next up, churning the earth in the back and making it a yard. Plus, building more raised beds for the front. Even the composter exists happily.
Photo Opportunities
This Sunday morn affords one time to do purposeless chores. For example, uploading photos to Flickr and Blogger.
Recent Haps:
Dindin for the Birthday Boy:
School's been fun:
Recent Haps:
Dindin for the Birthday Boy:
School's been fun:
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Summer Storm
Rain pouring, was just snoring as great plans were forming.
Saturday's are my favorite.
Keba is healing nicely. He will have all of his stitches removed by Monday, that will ease our stratching woes. There is more swelling now, but that is to be expected. The pit bull owner dropped off a check for half of the vet bills, that was nice.
Not sure what else...going to stare at some raindrops and listen to some thunder booms.
Saturday's are my favorite.
Keba is healing nicely. He will have all of his stitches removed by Monday, that will ease our stratching woes. There is more swelling now, but that is to be expected. The pit bull owner dropped off a check for half of the vet bills, that was nice.
Not sure what else...going to stare at some raindrops and listen to some thunder booms.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
It's what?
Teacher Appreciation Week
The ever-present humongous knot in my back -- affectionately named different scholars at varied times of the day -- reminds me of how much I am appreciated. So does this article.
Yup...sure am feeling appreciated.
I am also not thoroughly exhausted and full of sarcasm, nope not one lil bit, totally sincere.
I keep telling myself, "Kerri, just remember, 'It is no secret that teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world and, undoubtedly, one of the most important.'"
The ever-present humongous knot in my back -- affectionately named different scholars at varied times of the day -- reminds me of how much I am appreciated. So does this article.
Yup...sure am feeling appreciated.
I am also not thoroughly exhausted and full of sarcasm, nope not one lil bit, totally sincere.
I keep telling myself, "Kerri, just remember, 'It is no secret that teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world and, undoubtedly, one of the most important.'"
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Scary Day Update (see post below prior to reading this)
Last night, as I chatted with one of my favorite aunts, A. interrupted to share some great news with me. The owner (the woman) of the TWO pitbulls (see below) informed us that she was bringing a check over! Wow, what a relief!
Since this horrific event I have been in quite an emotional funk. We spent a week at the hospital, report daily to a stressful environment hoping to evoke a bit of change but oftentimes end up feeling disgruntled, watched our dog be attacked, spent a night without our puppy, then were truly convinced that there was no such thing as human dignity and/or responsibility. Then, early last night, one phone call reinvigorated me with humankind. Despite this noticeable and incredibly large knot in my upper back, I am reinvigorated with this world and human beings.
But, I do need some help with this massive knot on my back.(I even put in long hard miles yesterday and it still won't loosen...)
Since this horrific event I have been in quite an emotional funk. We spent a week at the hospital, report daily to a stressful environment hoping to evoke a bit of change but oftentimes end up feeling disgruntled, watched our dog be attacked, spent a night without our puppy, then were truly convinced that there was no such thing as human dignity and/or responsibility. Then, early last night, one phone call reinvigorated me with humankind. Despite this noticeable and incredibly large knot in my upper back, I am reinvigorated with this world and human beings.
But, I do need some help with this massive knot on my back.(I even put in long hard miles yesterday and it still won't loosen...)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Our Scariest Day
Our lil family went through quite a scare on Saturday! A. and I decided to venture down a block for some lunch. We were both being picky and indecisive, but final selected the Dogwood Deli. Due to lack of seating, we took our sandwiches home to dine on the front porch. The day was just lovely: sun shining; cool breeze; neighbors milling about; Keba chilling with us on the front porch. But, all the sudden A. went into scream-mode with "Stay, Stay!", however Keba's merry self sauntered down the front porch steps, then A.'s screams increased and his voice changed into a voice I have never heard before...Then, I saw the cause.
There was a woman, about my age, walking with her TWO pit bull dogs. I froze, A. screamed more, and Keba began to detect his master's fear. He turned his head back to A. to see why he can't say "Hi!" to the dogs walking down his sidewalk. As he turned to judge the seriousness of A.'s scream (and they were blood-chilling), one of the TWO pits launched and bit into Keba's neck! OH MY GOD! I was still frozen on the porch, but now A. was punching the dog, screaming, the pit owner was screaming, neighbors were gathering and screaming. I finally realized that this dog may kill my essence of pure joy--my puppy--and I joined the fight. Through teary eyes I hooked onto Keba's collar and pleaded for the pit to give me my dog back. This evil pit seemed to have Keba's ear and much of his lower cheek tightly secured in his jaw. OH MY DOG!
A kind neighbor, who was gardening with a smile moments before, grabbed his shovel and began to smack, with the shovel's edge, the pit on the head. This sound haunts me still. There seemed to be no releasing my beloved pet. Then, like an angel, a woman appeared out of thin air, and dropped a bucket of water in the middle of the chaos. This freed the pit's jaw a bit and since all of my body, mind and soul was desperately trying to pull Keba for clutches of this horrific jaw (I was more than willing to give the pit Keba's ear in exchange for my puppy back), I launched backward with Keba in my lap. I scooped him up, ran him inside and couldn't stop his tears or mine. We hugged, cried and shook while A. talked to the girl with the TWO pit bulls.
When A. came inside, after chatting with the pit-owner, we knew we had to drive to the Animal Hospital, even though neither of us was prepared for another one of life's curveballs...Keba did seem fine at this point, but better to be safe, right? Right! Keba's cheek, extremely close to his eye and throat, was seriously cut. There was much blood hiding under his deep golden fur. But, we braced ourselves as the vet explained that Keba needed to stay the night, be put under anesthesia for many stitches and a drain had to be attached to avoid infection. We said our teary-eyed goodbye's and left him for the night.
We woke super early on Sunday to bring Keba home. Showerless and decaffeinated, we drove up Falls Road to bring our baby home. Neither of us was ready for the mangled cheek we were about to see, the teary fur from his night-long cries or the sad look in his eyes, but I guess nothing can prepare one for such hardship. We thanked and thanked the vet, gently lifted Keba into our borrowed ride and took him home.
He will heal physically, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for mentally. He is not perky yet, hating the Elizabethan collar and seems slightly more aloof than normal. He is on pain pills and antibiotics and has an uncountable amount of stitches. OH MY!!
There was a woman, about my age, walking with her TWO pit bull dogs. I froze, A. screamed more, and Keba began to detect his master's fear. He turned his head back to A. to see why he can't say "Hi!" to the dogs walking down his sidewalk. As he turned to judge the seriousness of A.'s scream (and they were blood-chilling), one of the TWO pits launched and bit into Keba's neck! OH MY GOD! I was still frozen on the porch, but now A. was punching the dog, screaming, the pit owner was screaming, neighbors were gathering and screaming. I finally realized that this dog may kill my essence of pure joy--my puppy--and I joined the fight. Through teary eyes I hooked onto Keba's collar and pleaded for the pit to give me my dog back. This evil pit seemed to have Keba's ear and much of his lower cheek tightly secured in his jaw. OH MY DOG!
A kind neighbor, who was gardening with a smile moments before, grabbed his shovel and began to smack, with the shovel's edge, the pit on the head. This sound haunts me still. There seemed to be no releasing my beloved pet. Then, like an angel, a woman appeared out of thin air, and dropped a bucket of water in the middle of the chaos. This freed the pit's jaw a bit and since all of my body, mind and soul was desperately trying to pull Keba for clutches of this horrific jaw (I was more than willing to give the pit Keba's ear in exchange for my puppy back), I launched backward with Keba in my lap. I scooped him up, ran him inside and couldn't stop his tears or mine. We hugged, cried and shook while A. talked to the girl with the TWO pit bulls.
When A. came inside, after chatting with the pit-owner, we knew we had to drive to the Animal Hospital, even though neither of us was prepared for another one of life's curveballs...Keba did seem fine at this point, but better to be safe, right? Right! Keba's cheek, extremely close to his eye and throat, was seriously cut. There was much blood hiding under his deep golden fur. But, we braced ourselves as the vet explained that Keba needed to stay the night, be put under anesthesia for many stitches and a drain had to be attached to avoid infection. We said our teary-eyed goodbye's and left him for the night.
We woke super early on Sunday to bring Keba home. Showerless and decaffeinated, we drove up Falls Road to bring our baby home. Neither of us was ready for the mangled cheek we were about to see, the teary fur from his night-long cries or the sad look in his eyes, but I guess nothing can prepare one for such hardship. We thanked and thanked the vet, gently lifted Keba into our borrowed ride and took him home.
He will heal physically, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for mentally. He is not perky yet, hating the Elizabethan collar and seems slightly more aloof than normal. He is on pain pills and antibiotics and has an uncountable amount of stitches. OH MY!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Strange & Fantastic Commuters
It really is the little things! Life has supplied a few unexpected curve balls lately, but in the midst of hardship came a wonderful surprise. As you may know, we commute daily on the MARC for our round-trip journey from Charm City to Chocolate City. You probably don't know, but for my birthday A. created a book of "coupons" for me to use over the course of this year. These coupons are colorfully illustrated and thoughtfully represent how well he knows me. Some coupon examples: Organic Homecooked Ethnic Meal; Day Hike with Keba; Explor-a-bike Day and so on...
These coupons tickled me so much that I pulled out my coupon collection recently on the train to ponder when and which one I would use first. As we made our way home, I decided to cash in my Day Hike coupon for that weekend. I reached into the depths of my backpack and...what...no way...WHERE ARE MY COUPONS?...no way, they have to be here, I just had them...NO!...(emptied bag onto floor) THEY ARE GONE.. NoooooOOOOO!
A. is so smart. These were nontransferable and couldn't be redeemed without the actual coupon. He smiled mischievously at my dismay as I tried to convince him to recreate, he denied me, and I sank my shoulders with self-disappointment. BOOHOO for me, right?
THEN, about two weeks later, our school secretary told me that I had a phone message in my mailslot. This is not uncommon, so I slowly made my way to my mailslot to see who I owed a return call. The message read, "Theresa called about those coupon."
Ummm, what? I don't know a Theresa, not sure what "those coupon" would/could be, so I disregarded this message by telling myself there must have been an error. (Not once did A.'s coupons cross my mind, but I do usually call people back.)THEN, last week, the same wonderful secretary informed me of a letter that recently arrived for me. This too was placed in my mailslot. I sauntered that way and began to open the letter. This envelope was handwritten and the return address was from Glen Burnie.
I opened this mystery package to find...MY COUPONS!!
Theresa Arney from Glen Burnie mailed my coupons back to me! This incredibly persistent woman sought me out to return what most would have considered trash. She jotted a short note about how she tried to contact me at work but I never returned her call, so she just mailed them to me. Well, jeeze, I sure felt awful for not calling her back, but my Thank You note to her was mailed today.
Oftentimes I find myself disgruntled by human misbehavior. I find people rude, brash and inappropriate (especially those from my Mid-Atlantic region). Sometimes I can shrug these feelings away by looking at the amazing people I surround myself with, for they fill me with reassurance and sanity, but sometimes those yucky people stick with me so deeply I can't sleep. This seemingly simple gesture-Theresa's persistence- made my week, well actually my year. I feel warm and fuzzy inside, smile with ease and don't care about those stupid passive aggressive, rude, inappropriate people out there. Those people can't hold down the Theresa's of the world!
THANKS TO MY FELLOW MARC TRAIN COMMUTER FOR BRINGING BACK HOPE!
Do you agree with this projection of happiness?
These coupons tickled me so much that I pulled out my coupon collection recently on the train to ponder when and which one I would use first. As we made our way home, I decided to cash in my Day Hike coupon for that weekend. I reached into the depths of my backpack and...what...no way...WHERE ARE MY COUPONS?...no way, they have to be here, I just had them...NO!...(emptied bag onto floor) THEY ARE GONE.. NoooooOOOOO!
A. is so smart. These were nontransferable and couldn't be redeemed without the actual coupon. He smiled mischievously at my dismay as I tried to convince him to recreate, he denied me, and I sank my shoulders with self-disappointment. BOOHOO for me, right?
THEN, about two weeks later, our school secretary told me that I had a phone message in my mailslot. This is not uncommon, so I slowly made my way to my mailslot to see who I owed a return call. The message read, "Theresa called about those coupon."
Ummm, what? I don't know a Theresa, not sure what "those coupon" would/could be, so I disregarded this message by telling myself there must have been an error. (Not once did A.'s coupons cross my mind, but I do usually call people back.)THEN, last week, the same wonderful secretary informed me of a letter that recently arrived for me. This too was placed in my mailslot. I sauntered that way and began to open the letter. This envelope was handwritten and the return address was from Glen Burnie.
I opened this mystery package to find...MY COUPONS!!
Theresa Arney from Glen Burnie mailed my coupons back to me! This incredibly persistent woman sought me out to return what most would have considered trash. She jotted a short note about how she tried to contact me at work but I never returned her call, so she just mailed them to me. Well, jeeze, I sure felt awful for not calling her back, but my Thank You note to her was mailed today.
Oftentimes I find myself disgruntled by human misbehavior. I find people rude, brash and inappropriate (especially those from my Mid-Atlantic region). Sometimes I can shrug these feelings away by looking at the amazing people I surround myself with, for they fill me with reassurance and sanity, but sometimes those yucky people stick with me so deeply I can't sleep. This seemingly simple gesture-Theresa's persistence- made my week, well actually my year. I feel warm and fuzzy inside, smile with ease and don't care about those stupid passive aggressive, rude, inappropriate people out there. Those people can't hold down the Theresa's of the world!
THANKS TO MY FELLOW MARC TRAIN COMMUTER FOR BRINGING BACK HOPE!
Do you agree with this projection of happiness?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Challenge!
Decide, Commit, then Put in Many Miles...
If you believe you are brave enough, strong enough and weather-proof enough, commit to the 2007 Seagull Century. (Note: I did not say the 50 miler, or that we are so sweet we melt in water, but I said we commit.)
I will do it!
And you?
If you believe you are brave enough, strong enough and weather-proof enough, commit to the 2007 Seagull Century. (Note: I did not say the 50 miler, or that we are so sweet we melt in water, but I said we commit.)
I will do it!
And you?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Explor-a-bike Part 2
Explor-a-bike day faced a detour when the words "hot springs" summoned my soul.
Steamy bathing was needed, good, and worth another trip. So not too much dirty spray on the butt today, but rain (and, what, SNOW!) is in our forecast, so hope for dirty dirty butt lingers.
Restless. Restless. Restless...Incredibly RestLESS.
Lately, full of unrest.
Maybe it is the moon and its almost-fullness. Maybe it is the fact that I need to start something new. Maybe I miss someone. Maybe there is a void or a craving I am missing. (Like when I just want some chocolate and think a cup of tea will suffice, yet it never suffices. Sometimes a girl just needs a bit of dark chocolate...)
Yep. Something new. I think I want to write a zine.
Steamy bathing was needed, good, and worth another trip. So not too much dirty spray on the butt today, but rain (and, what, SNOW!) is in our forecast, so hope for dirty dirty butt lingers.
Restless. Restless. Restless...Incredibly RestLESS.
Lately, full of unrest.
Maybe it is the moon and its almost-fullness. Maybe it is the fact that I need to start something new. Maybe I miss someone. Maybe there is a void or a craving I am missing. (Like when I just want some chocolate and think a cup of tea will suffice, yet it never suffices. Sometimes a girl just needs a bit of dark chocolate...)
Yep. Something new. I think I want to write a zine.
Explor-a-bike day
It rained a lot last evening. I learned this when I sauntered onto the back deck this morn, it was drenched, but strangely I didn't hear the slightest rain drop during dreamy time last night. A drenched deck means there are puddles all over the city! And, riding over, through and in puddles while perched on my bike is one of my favorite energy burners. I also really enjoy getting my butt covered with mud from that dirty spray from the back tire. Oh, and I hope one of the puddles ends up drizzling on my face. Needless to say...
I am eagerly heading out for an explor-a-bike day. Oh, and I just purchased a snazzy new helmet. And, helmets equal confidence and smarts on a bike.
Plus, I want to check out this spot!, and they are open today.
FUN.
Explora-bike-day.
I am eagerly heading out for an explor-a-bike day. Oh, and I just purchased a snazzy new helmet. And, helmets equal confidence and smarts on a bike.
Plus, I want to check out this spot!, and they are open today.
FUN.
Explora-bike-day.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Anthology of Foliage
Like a mother with her first-born's baby album, I want to watch our plants mature and discover the world.
Palm (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty fawns the dining room. Its sinewy green fingers long to be caressed while bubbles of growth are sprouting.
Baby Coffee Plant:
With waxy leaves shimmerring in the sun and a soft fragrance, this baby keeps our current vino from Mendoza company.
Rubber Tree:
Both of our childhood homes contained a massive rubber tree, with time Keba will be able to say the same.
Kitchen Crew (from left to right): Spider, Dwarf Plant, Philodendron:
This spider has been through the past four years with me, and looks it. But, its buddies are thriving. The dwarf likes medium light, but the philodendron is a climbing sun-bather. Even with their differences, these three seem to get along just fine.
Aloe:
When you are as accident-prone as me, you quickly learn of this wonder. To use it, is to love it.
Philodendrons:
In this pot you will find two varietals of philodendrons: colorful, air-filtering wonders! I want the yellow to drape downward and red/green to spread, spread spread.
Poppop Philodendron:
This is our majestic beast. Sometimes this plant shares war stories from back in the day (just like my daddy).
Living Room Crew (from top to bottom): Prayer Plant, Exotic Angel, Mandarin Orange:
This trio requires the most attention of them all. The fickle Prayer Plant curls and hides, the Angel is difficult to keep happy and moist, and the Mandarin's tips brown regardless of repeated efforts. Despite our trials and tribulations, this crew seems pleasant enough in the living room.
Ficus Tree (donated by Mom Pintzuk):
I love reading in this corner! The only way this corner could bring more pleasure is if the ficus fingers would turn the pages of my read.
Buddha Hoya Rope and Jade:
For some reason, our easy-to-please jade makes me want to dive into a lilypad covered lake (childhood flashbacks of East Lake, but no idea why). Buddha Hoya is loving the radiating heat. Along with the philodendrons, this climber will soon belong to our living wall.
Mixed Climbers: Philodendrons + Buddha Hoya:
This group of three longs to hear bedtime stories and wake with the early sun.
Orchid Surprise (donated by Mom Bowers):
We are trying to nurture a glorious Orchid, keep your fingers crossed. My parents have unsurpassed luck with orchids...just trying to live up to my family's green thumb.
Diffenbachia (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty likes a breathe of fresh air every now and again. Its curled arms are very curious.
Palm (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty fawns the dining room. Its sinewy green fingers long to be caressed while bubbles of growth are sprouting.Baby Coffee Plant:
With waxy leaves shimmerring in the sun and a soft fragrance, this baby keeps our current vino from Mendoza company.Rubber Tree:
Both of our childhood homes contained a massive rubber tree, with time Keba will be able to say the same. Kitchen Crew (from left to right): Spider, Dwarf Plant, Philodendron:
This spider has been through the past four years with me, and looks it. But, its buddies are thriving. The dwarf likes medium light, but the philodendron is a climbing sun-bather. Even with their differences, these three seem to get along just fine.Aloe:
When you are as accident-prone as me, you quickly learn of this wonder. To use it, is to love it.Philodendrons:
In this pot you will find two varietals of philodendrons: colorful, air-filtering wonders! I want the yellow to drape downward and red/green to spread, spread spread.Poppop Philodendron:
This is our majestic beast. Sometimes this plant shares war stories from back in the day (just like my daddy).Living Room Crew (from top to bottom): Prayer Plant, Exotic Angel, Mandarin Orange:
This trio requires the most attention of them all. The fickle Prayer Plant curls and hides, the Angel is difficult to keep happy and moist, and the Mandarin's tips brown regardless of repeated efforts. Despite our trials and tribulations, this crew seems pleasant enough in the living room.Ficus Tree (donated by Mom Pintzuk):
I love reading in this corner! The only way this corner could bring more pleasure is if the ficus fingers would turn the pages of my read.Buddha Hoya Rope and Jade:
For some reason, our easy-to-please jade makes me want to dive into a lilypad covered lake (childhood flashbacks of East Lake, but no idea why). Buddha Hoya is loving the radiating heat. Along with the philodendrons, this climber will soon belong to our living wall.Mixed Climbers: Philodendrons + Buddha Hoya:
This group of three longs to hear bedtime stories and wake with the early sun.Orchid Surprise (donated by Mom Bowers):
We are trying to nurture a glorious Orchid, keep your fingers crossed. My parents have unsurpassed luck with orchids...just trying to live up to my family's green thumb.Diffenbachia (donated by Mom Bowers):
This beauty likes a breathe of fresh air every now and again. Its curled arms are very curious.
Friday, March 16, 2007
No wonder I got the flu!
70 degrees on Wednesday ---> Snow falling on Friday.
Dare I ask if Spring will come?
March's fickle self can bow down, and springlike sunshine can flow any day now.
Hello, Spring? Can you hear my plea? Please come back, please! We will welcome you with blooming buds, tee-shirted arms, and backyard blasts. Come again, won't you please?
Dare I ask if Spring will come?
March's fickle self can bow down, and springlike sunshine can flow any day now.
Hello, Spring? Can you hear my plea? Please come back, please! We will welcome you with blooming buds, tee-shirted arms, and backyard blasts. Come again, won't you please?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Bring the snotty tissues back, please!
Oh, I wish I had a head cold, but NO! I GOT THE FLU!
On Tuesday, A arrived home and immediately decided that my pain needed more than his abundant supply of TLC. He was right, for all day I suffered through aches and chills, waves of nausea, and that same killer headache. Then, as he touched my face to soothe my pain, he noticed that I was burning up. So, he drove to me to the nearest Patient First where gentle nurses and doctors cuddled me, offered me Matzo Ball soup, swabbed up my nose and deep into my throat, and diagnosed me as the tenth flu case that day. I was running a 103 fever and "looked awful". Now, two days later, I am taken TamiFlu and feeling a bit more normal, but still unable sit upright for more than 10 minutes.
First warning sign of the Flu: an unbearable headache.
If this happens, head straight to a health care professional.
On Tuesday, A arrived home and immediately decided that my pain needed more than his abundant supply of TLC. He was right, for all day I suffered through aches and chills, waves of nausea, and that same killer headache. Then, as he touched my face to soothe my pain, he noticed that I was burning up. So, he drove to me to the nearest Patient First where gentle nurses and doctors cuddled me, offered me Matzo Ball soup, swabbed up my nose and deep into my throat, and diagnosed me as the tenth flu case that day. I was running a 103 fever and "looked awful". Now, two days later, I am taken TamiFlu and feeling a bit more normal, but still unable sit upright for more than 10 minutes.
First warning sign of the Flu: an unbearable headache.
If this happens, head straight to a health care professional.
Monday, March 12, 2007
From a pile of snotty tissues
Just as I praised my body's immune system this winter, wouldn't you know it-- A full-fledged-not-getting-out-of-pajamas head cold strikes. Despite all efforts to avoid this hardship, I was unable to go to work and even less able to keep the fragile area below my nose and above my upper lip dry today.
On Friday, I was sent a vicious warning sign: the headache to top all headaches. Yes, this headache was the Queen Bee of Headaches, the not to be disputed champ! But, the weekend offered a mini-reprieve (for the headache dulled after 12 hours of slumber): Saturday contained a hard running workout under sunbeams; long, slow Sunday brunch capped off with sunbeams on our back deck; Sunday slow run---- AND---- this is where my current plight began. For, it was on this run when I was forced to acknowledge my lethargy and snot production.
I ended my run early, and defiantly returned home to challenge my body to bring on the cold as I gulped echinacea like a fiend. But, alas, to no avail. I am sick and after one day, I am sick of being sick!
I already long to be back with my scholars:
On Friday, I was sent a vicious warning sign: the headache to top all headaches. Yes, this headache was the Queen Bee of Headaches, the not to be disputed champ! But, the weekend offered a mini-reprieve (for the headache dulled after 12 hours of slumber): Saturday contained a hard running workout under sunbeams; long, slow Sunday brunch capped off with sunbeams on our back deck; Sunday slow run---- AND---- this is where my current plight began. For, it was on this run when I was forced to acknowledge my lethargy and snot production.
I ended my run early, and defiantly returned home to challenge my body to bring on the cold as I gulped echinacea like a fiend. But, alas, to no avail. I am sick and after one day, I am sick of being sick!
I already long to be back with my scholars:
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Our soon-to-be NEIGHBOR's birthday bash!
*See two posts below for what we did to the house during the recent snow storm.*
Here is the birthday girl, and she just bought a house in Baltimore too!
J & I had only a lil bit o'fun during the birthday surprise...
Here is the birthday girl, and she just bought a house in Baltimore too!
J & I had only a lil bit o'fun during the birthday surprise...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
How Green Can Our House Be?
That's our challenge to each other...
When we decided to purchase a home together, A & I furthered our study of sustainability and green living while striving to continue living an organic and conscious lifestyle. Our new house is/will be completely organic, furnished with all recycled materials/products (which we will build and purchase), lots of healthy light, full of philodendrons and other productive plants (thoughts now of a living wall in the living room), and we are saving for solar panels as we recycle the enormous amounts of trash that pile up next to our back fence. Also, as we continue to learn and challenge each other, we are garnering a large amount of eco-knowledge, plus a deep love with our house and this exciting new stage of the life we gleefully decided to share.
Here is an update:
As we first settled in:
Mom gave us an Amaryllis and it loved the new pad immediately:
The kitchen mess at first:
Recent purchase from a nearby antique store:
A's tofu-love celebrating one of our first nights, YUM!:
The basement, as it stands now:
Painting began when we were mired by the recent ice/snow storm (we ended up with 6 days off from school):
We're almost there:
The finished product:
Questions, comments, concerns (my should-be copyrighted teaching probe) about our work so far?
When we decided to purchase a home together, A & I furthered our study of sustainability and green living while striving to continue living an organic and conscious lifestyle. Our new house is/will be completely organic, furnished with all recycled materials/products (which we will build and purchase), lots of healthy light, full of philodendrons and other productive plants (thoughts now of a living wall in the living room), and we are saving for solar panels as we recycle the enormous amounts of trash that pile up next to our back fence. Also, as we continue to learn and challenge each other, we are garnering a large amount of eco-knowledge, plus a deep love with our house and this exciting new stage of the life we gleefully decided to share.
Here is an update:
As we first settled in:
Mom gave us an Amaryllis and it loved the new pad immediately:
The kitchen mess at first:
Recent purchase from a nearby antique store:
A's tofu-love celebrating one of our first nights, YUM!:
The basement, as it stands now:
Painting began when we were mired by the recent ice/snow storm (we ended up with 6 days off from school):
We're almost there:
The finished product:
Questions, comments, concerns (my should-be copyrighted teaching probe) about our work so far?
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