08:32 am - Moving...

We're moving.... into a house...


Email if you want to know more.

11:53 pm

04:39 pm - Confession

So, here is a confession from me. If a topic arises in conversation, and someone tells me that I am wrong about a fact (not an opinion) when I feel very certain that I am right, I feel incapable of dropping the topic until I convince the other person that I am, in fact, right. This has happened a number of times in the past year or so and I realize that it is kind of a silly flaw of mine when I think about what the topics actually were. Here are a couple examples:

1) My friend tells me that typewriters have a different letter layout than computer keyboards. She was convinced that on typewriters the keys went in the order of the alphabet. I could not let her continue believing this.

2) A fellow teacher told me that when we "spring forward" for daylight savings time that it will be lighter (sunnier) when we wake up than before, when it will, in fact, be slightly darker. The principal had to give me confirmation of my view before the other teacher relinquished her view.

3) Just today I had quite the debate with a parent of one of my students (who also happens to work at the school) that a function (in terms of the middle school definition) can change depending on the numbers put in. So if you are presented with (2-->9, 3-->14, 4-->19, 5-->24, etc) that the function could be 4x+1, 4x+2, 4x+3, and 4x+4 respectively. When I explained that a function had to be one rule that worked no matter what number was put in without regard of the numbers being consecutive, so the rule would be 5x-1, he insisted that the book never explained this and that the rule changed in other problems and I should give his kid credit for the problem. It was all very frustrating, so I basically told him that if he could find a problem in the book where the function changes from number to number (which is impossible because they don't exist), that I would give him credit for the problems. Then I had to go sit in on a huge number of parent-teacher conferences. (We had 25 total today).

Well, thanks for reading my little rant. Have a nice day!

04:25 pm - Cause Liza told me to

YOU'RE ON MY FRIENDS LIST, I want to know 36 things about you. I don't care if we never talk, or if we already know everything about each other. Short and sweet is fine ... You're on my list, so I want to know you better!

BE HONEST! COPY FROM HERE THEN SEND DIRECTLY TO ME IN A COMMENT THEN, REPOST THE EMPTY QUESTIONS.



1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
A.
2) What was your dream growing up?
A.
3) What talent do you wish you had?
A.
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
A.
5) Favorite vegetable?
A.
6) What was the last book you read?
A.
7) What zodiac sign are you?
A.
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
A.
9) Worst Habit?
A.
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
A.
11) What is your favorite sport?
A.
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
A.
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
A.
16) Do you have any pets?
A.
17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly?
A.
18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
A.
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
A.
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
A.
22) What color eyes do you have?
A.
23) Ever been arrested?
A.
24) Bottle or can soda?
A.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
A.
27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
A.
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
A.
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.
30) Do you swear a lot?
A.
31) Biggest pet peeve?
A.
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.
35) Do you believe in God?
A.
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.
37. May I unscreen your your answers?
A.

10:46 pm

soooo, I got summoned for jury duty and I must confess that I'm a little freaked. Not about the actual duty itself, but it just seems so annoying to have a week where I "may or may not be into work" and have the possibility of driving half an hour into unfamiliar territory by myself via Maryland highway. Planning ahead for substitutes can be a real pain in and of itself without the "maybe factor" and I rarely get a sub who can actually competently teach math.

And, no, I'm not gonna try to get out of it. But I will be brutally honest about my beliefs, including the one where convicted rapists get castrated, especially repeat offenders.

Sarah says "Hang 'em high!"

Current Mood: weird

04:50 pm - I stoled it...

1. What is your occupation? Middle school math teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? purple and fuzzy
3. What are you listening to right now? country music
4. What was the last thing that you ate? a kit kat
5. Can you drive a stick shift? nope
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? red
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? a guy from high school
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? what if no one sent it to me?
9. How old are you today? 26
10. Favorite drink? diet pepsi, cherry coke, hot chocolate
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? quidditch?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? highlighted once upon a time
13. Pets? one guinea pig
14. Favorite food? bread bowls, oreos, krispie kremes
15. Last movie you watched? the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie
16. Favorite Day of the year? the ones where I don't have to work or grade
17. What do you do to vent anger? talk to my hubby and friends
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Micro-Machines
19. What is your favorite season? Spring for the weather, Summer for the circumstances
20. Hugs or kisses? Footrubs
21. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry candy, blueberry muffins
22. Do you want your friends to email you? ummm... yeah
23. Who is most likely to respond? no clue
24. Who is least likely to respond? anyone I haven't seen on lj for forever
26. When was the last time you cried? I was watching "The Christmas Shoes"... I had a "girl moment"
27. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, clothes, randomness
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? N/A
29. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending this to? N/A
30. Favorite smells? Red delicious apple candles, cookies baking
31. Who inspires you? my mom
32. What are you afraid of? Driving in major cities or unknown areas
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? plain
34. Favorite car? don't have one
35. Favorite cat breed? orange tabby
36. Number of keys on your key ring? Do I really have to dig them out to count?
37. How many years at your current job? 2 1/2
38. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
39. How many states have you lived in? 2
40. Do you think you're funny? sometimes... to some people

Current Mood: blank

04:29 pm - Letter to my 17 year old self

gakked from macbeaner

Dear Sarah,

First of all, stop being so hard on your mom. You may feel she's being unreasonable right now, but she really is giving you more freedom than you realize and she'll be one of your very best friends in a few years. Also, she's really great with advice, so don't be afraid to talk to her about things.

Now, for the big topic... relationships. As you've already experienced, trying to pursue romantic relationships before college is really foolish. You're not planning on getting married until you finish college anyway, so stop trying to get yourself a boyfriend all of the time... everything will come together when the time is right. Until then, enjoy the friendships you have with your guy friends and don't be afraid to make new friends... just watch out for their intentions. Many of them just want to take advantage of you.

Don't ever lower your standards. You know exactly what you want in a guy and don't ever settle for anything less, because you are worthy and capable of having a relationship with such a guy. Oh, and don't let anyone push you into "experiencing new things". Everything will come in its proper time and if you rush things, you'll be guaranteed to regret them later.

When you get to college, try to seek out and join groups right away. As much as you may miss all of the familiarity of home, it will only hurt you if you keep your focus there instead of where you are. I would recommend OSG and hanging out with your roommates and their respective friends. Also, your sophomore year, you may want to get to know that young gawky-looking geek that runs the soundboard for CRU... he'll turn out to be a really great friend.

Befriend the redhead, befriend his friends. Don't get drawn in, don't be stupid.

Well, I think that covers the basics. Don't lose sight of what you know is true and hold to it firmly with all of your might.

06:32 pm

Create your own Friend Quiz here

03:34 pm - Feelin' the blessings...

So... it's been a while since I've posted, but I felt like it today. I've been described by a few select individuals in the past as an "emotional masochist". I used to listen to sappy, depressing music a lot and I often imagine what my life would be like if situations in my past were different or I had made different choices. Now, I'm not nearly as emotionally angsty as I used to be, but I still think about my life situation and what it could be (for better and worse).

An example of this would be today while I was listening to some country music (my music choice since college, to the dismay of some of my friends) and the duet by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson "Because of You" came on. It reminded me of those times in my life when I was betrayed by some of the people that I held nearest and dearest to my heart and how I could have turned into someone who didn't have the capability to love and trust people around me. And then, I realized that I owe a good number of people a huge "thank you" for always being there as my friend, even when I was a huge emotional wreck. Without you, I honestly don't know where I would be.

So, yeah... thank you. really.

For anyone who is curious, my currently life situation is great. I'm thoroughly enjoying my summer vacation, doing a little tutoring on the side. And I got accepted to graduate school... I start courses this fall working towards my Masters of Education. Still loving the married (with no kids) lifestyle and still guinea piggin'. Now if only I could convince someone to clean the apartment and do my grocery shopping for me, I'd be living the dream.

Current Mood: grateful

12:15 am

11:01 am

Your Score: Micah Sanders

You scored 75 Idealism, 37 Nonconformity, 58 Nerdiness

Can we play Scrabble tonight?
Congratulations, you're Micah Sanders! You're good-natured, intelligent, perceptive, and naturally inclined toward technology. You're also quite innocent and loving. You've got a fondness for computers and Scrabble.

Your best quality: You're extremely perceptive
Your worst quality: You can be a little demanding at times

10:56 am

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Quality Time

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
Check out the Book

04:54 pm

12:07 am

08:12 pm - Boring Teacher Update...

Hmmm... I felt I should post since it's been so terribly long. Last Saturday I went to a party held in honor of my two eldest sister-in-laws. It was quite fun... lots of socializing and DDR. However... since my last two weekends have been quite overloaded with events, I have found myself quite behind on my school grading and the end of the marking period is this upcoming Tuesday. I'm just hoping that none of my students are doing so overwhelmingly poor that I'm going to get parents upset at me for not contacting them about their child's grades.

I also had quite an interesting day yesterday when I had to show my principal a paper filled in by one of my students. The assignment was to give detailed steps on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her first three steps were "1. kill a person 2. stab a person 3.steal a person". So meetings were had with the parents and yadda, yadda, yadda. I'm deeply concerned about this student and I know that should be the primary focus of the whole incident, but there's a small selfish part of me that really wishes I had been using that time to get caught up on everything.

Speaking of time ticking away, I should be getting to work now... g'night all!

Current Mood: tired

10:20 pm - So, I was looking back on some old posts...

and I found this one.  I feel that I should repost it because I feel a purpose for it. 

It's been a long time since I posted something real in my journal and maybe this isn't the most appropriate entry given the circumstances, but it's my journal so I'm gonna do it anyway.

"Husbands, love your wives..." (Eph. 5)
It's not a wish or a request. It's a command. Love is not a feeling or an inclination; it's loyalty, dedication, determination to make it work no matter what.

Wedding Vows.
Promises before God. To love, honor, and cherish till death do you part.

Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. Divorce is a very last resort that should be taken only under the most severe of circumstances. Not simply because you "fall out of love" or feel you "made the wrong decision". In God's eyes a marriage is forever and if someone remarries after divorce, then as long as their first wife lives, it is considered adultry.

So, now I have a request. Husbands and boyfriends out there, love your significant other... the one that is supposed to be closest to your heart. Remember that you get out of a relationship what you put in and if you put the time and energy into your relationship then it will be paid back tenfold. You can find a love stronger and more precious than you ever imagined before. A love that can only be obtained through walking a sometimes rough and ragged path together and persevering through every difficulty together.

Girlfriends choose your future hubbies carefully. Make sure it's someone who you trust and who you feel would never hurt you. Make your decision very carefully, cause it should last a lifetime.

Wives, especially those who have been hurt emotionally by their husbands, remember that if you want your marriage to be successful and last a lifetime, that forgiveness is key. I know that there are sometimes circumstances that are beyond your control, but if an act of forgiveness can somehow save your marriage, then don't pass up the opportunity.

I'm sorry if anything I said offended anyone in any way, but it was weighing on my heart and I just had to get it out.

Thank you and have a good night.

09:04 pm - My weekend...

Soo... I know it's been forever since I've made a real significant post, but I guess it's because I never really thought people would notice or care if I let my lj lay stagnant. This weekend, however, I came to realize that this is not the case, so I figured I would step up (figuratively, of course) and post every once in a while.
This weekend was definitely a weekend of rebuilding old bonds. Got to spend some quality time with RenDudeBeckySarahAbby and realized that I'm definitely looking forward to having kids someday, but being around 8 - 10 hyped up kids between the ages of 0 and 7 at the same time made me realize that day is definitely not coming terribly soon.

Saturday was Homecoming at Grove City and we had cold and windy GCC weather. It's definitely not the little campus I left upon graduation. They have a large new student union and new apartments on campus and things are changing so quickly I wonder if I'll even recognize it in 10 years.

Upon returning to Butler I attended a large gather at Ren and Dude's that included many people I don't get to see often. Among them were the Warbles, who live around my hometown; bab5guy, cawilbert, knisha, mario05. I also got some girl talk with macbeaner and ladydraykona. Then I got an extra special surprise when I got to see northstar82 and her significant other and got to meet some of her roommates, including a pot-belly pig, large bunny rabbit, and a cranky bird. It was one of those weekends that went by so fast with so many people that I don't really feel that I spent enough time with any of them. But I really don't want to lose touch again. I've had too many friends fade into the background of my life. Some were out of necessity, but most of them I really wish I had kept in better touch with.

Anywho, it's starting to get late, but to those of you who care: I love you all and have a splendiforous night!

Moral of Today's Entry: A single strand can snap in an instant, but a rope of many strands is not easily broken.

01:19 pm - All things in only 2 questions...

the Perfectionist Thanks for taking the test !

you chose CZ - your Enneagram type is ONE. "I do everything the right way" Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals. How to Get Along with Me Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with all the work. Acknowledge my achievements. I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am. Tell me that you value my advice. Be fair and considerate, as I am. Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive. Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first. What I Like About Being a One being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal working hard to make the world a better place having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people What's Hard About Being a One being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met feeling burdened by too much responsibility thinking that what I do is never good enough not being appreciated for what I do for people being upset because others aren't trying as hard as I am obsessing about what I did or what I should do being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously Ones as Children Often criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers are very responsible; may assume the role of parent hold back negative emotions ("good children aren't angry") Ones as Parents teach their children responsibility and strong moral values are consistent and fair discipline firmly Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Enneagram Made Easy Discover the 9 Types of People Harper SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages You liked the test? so please don't forget to RATE it... but remember! it had only two questions!!! ;-) you wanna know MORE? so check out, what Wikipedia says about your type... ...even more you'll find in Google or do you prefer to You are not completely happy with the result?! You chose CZ Would you rather have chosen: AZ (THREE) BZ (FIVE) CX (TWO) CY (SIX)

10:27 am - Stolen from Shannon

I'M AFRAID OF SILENCE: no, i enjoy it
I TALK A LOT WHEN I GET NERVOUS: no, usually keep my mouth shut
I AM REALLY TICKLISH: not if i can hide it
I'VE BEEN CALLED A TEASE: in my past
I'VE BEEN CALLED "JAIL-BAIT": Never
I'M AFRAID OF THE DARK: nope
I'M AFRAID OF FACING MY BACK TO OPEN DOORS AT NIGHT: nope... do it all the time
I CAN'T SLEEP IN A ROOM IF THE CLOSET DOOR IS OPEN: i tend to leave my closet open
I AM A HOMOSEXUAL: in no way, shape, or form
I BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE: most definitely
I'VE RUN AWAY FROM HOME: nope
I LISTEN TO POLITICAL MUSIC: never
I COLLECT COMIC BOOKS: not since i was a kid
I SHUT OTHERS OUT WHEN I'M SAD: sometimes
I'VE STAYED OUT ALL NIGHT: I used to
I OPEN UP TO OTHERS EASILY: depends on who it is
I AM KEEPING A SECRET FROM THE WORLD: not that i can think of
I WATCH THE NEWS: extremely rarely
I OWN OVER 5 RAP CD'S: i don't think so... but i don't know for sure
I LOVE DISNEY MOVIES: some of them
I AM A SUCKER FOR GREEN EYES: *shrugs*
I AM A SUCKER FOR BROWN EYES: *shrugs*
I AM A SUCKER FOR BLUE EYES: *shrugs*
I DON'T KILL BUGS: buggers go squishy, crunchy dead
I CURSE: not anymore
I'VE CHEATED ON MY BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND: never and frown upon people who do
I'VE SLIPPED AND FELL IN PUBLIC: who hasn't?
I'VE SLIPPED OUT A "LOL" IN A REAL CONVERSATION: i think not
I LOVE SPAM: never tried it
I'M A GOOD COOK: do english muffin pizzas count?
I HAVE WORN PAJAMAS TO CLASS: most definitely
I HAVE OWNED SOMETHING FROM ABERCROMBIE: ummm... no
I WANT A BETTER JOB..OR A JOB: not at this particular moment... ask me again monday after parent/teacher conferences
I'VE TALKED ON THE PHONE FOR 6+ HOURS: oh yes
I LOVE DR. PHIL: never watched him
I LIKE SOMEONE: i love my someone
I AM GUILTY OF TyPiNg LiKe This: not typically
I AM SELF-CONSCIOUS: sometimes
I LOVE TO LAUGH: of course
I DRINK ALCOHOL FREQUENTLY: not typically and never in excess
I'VE SMOKED A PACK OF CIGARETTES IN 1 DAY: never smoked, never will
I'M NOT A VIRGIN: I'm married... nuff said
I LOVE LORD OF THE FLIES: never read the book nor watched the movie
I EAT COUGH DROPS WHEN I'M NOT SICK: i used to... the wild cherry candy-tasting ones when i was little
I CAN'T SWALLOW PILLS: not my favorite activity, but i can do it
I HAVE A LOT OF SCARS: only a couple
I CAN'T SLEEP IF I KNOW THERE'S A SPIDER IN THE ROOM: depends on the size and shape of the spider
I LOVE CHOCOLATE: mmmmm... chocolate
I BITE MY NAILS: only if they break first
I TWIRL MY HAIR: sometimes, i suppose
I AM COMFORTABLE WITH BEING ME: pretty much
I PLAY COMPUTER GAMES WHEN I'M BORED: yesh... most definitely
I TAKE THESE GAY SURVEYS WHEN I'M BORED: shometimes
I'VE SEEN A SHOOTING STAR: yup
I'VE HAD A "MENAGE A TROIS": umm... no
I'VE GONE OUT IN PUBLIC IN MY PAJAMAS: oh yes
I'VE KISSED A STRANGER: define "stranger"
I'VE KISSED SOMEONE FOR THE HELL OF IT: i dunno... not really something i wanna analyze
I'VE HUGGED A STRANGER: yeah... "hi, grandparent's friends!"
I'VE BEEN IN A FIST FIGHT WITH SOMEONE OF THE SAME SEX: nope
I'VE LAUGHED AND HAD SOME TYPE OF BEVERAGE COME OUT OF MY NOSE: probably, but not excessively
I'VE PUSHED ALL THE BUTTONS IN AN ELEVATOR: nope
I'VE MADE OUT IN AN ELEVATOR: unfortunately
I'VE KICKED A GUY WHERE IT HURTS ON PURPOSE: maybe when i was little
I'VE BEEN SKYDIVING: nope
I'VE BEEN BUNGEE JUMPING: nope
I'VE HAD STITCHES: only the dissolvable kind when i got my wisdom teeth removed
I'VE BITTEN SOMEONE..AS A JOKE: yup
I'VE BEEN TO NIAGARA FALLS: nope
I'VE HAD THE CHICKEN POX: twice
I'VE CRASHED INTO A CAR: i niched a car and totaled my car on a truck... does that count?
I'VE BEEN TO JAPAN: nope
I'VE RIDDEN IN A TAXI: yes
I'VE SHOPLIFTED: does stealing a walnut when i was 5 count?
I'VE BEEN FIRED: nope
I'VE HAD FEELINGS FOR SOMEONE WHO DIDN'T HAVE THEM BACK: my entire middle/high school experience
I'VE STOLEN SOMETHING FROM MY JOB: nothing larger than a pen
I'VE BEEN ON A BLIND DATE: nope
I'VE HAD A CRUSH ON A TEACHER: nope
I'VE CELEBRATED MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS: nope
I'VE BEEN TO EUROPE: nope
I'VE SLEPT WITH A CO-WORKER, AND/OR EMPLOYEE: only if falling asleep in the same bed counts
I'VE BEEN MARRIED: still am!
I'VE GOTTEN DIVORCED: nope.. not gonna happen either
I'VE BEEN PREGNANT: not yet
I'VE SEEN SOMETHING/SOMEONE DYING: unfortunately
I HAVE A LIST OF PEOPLE I WANT TO KILL: nope
I'VE DRIVEN OVER 400 MILES IN 1 DAY: ridden-yes; driven-no
I'VE BEEN TO CANADA: yup
I'VE BEEN ON A PLANE: yup
I'VE SEEN THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW: yup
I'VE THROWN UP FROM DRINKING: yup... not a fond memory
I'VE EATEN SUSHI: technically yes, but not raw fish
I'VE BEEN SKIING: nope
I'VE BEEN HANG GLIDING: nope
I'VE BEEN SCUBA DIVING: nope
I'VE BEEN HORSEBACK RIDING: that i have done
I'VE BEEN ICE SKATING: one painful evening
I'VE CRIED IN PUBLIC: i think so
I'VE TRIED TO COMMIT SUICIDE: nope
I'VE LIKED SOMEONE EVEN THOUGH I KNEW I SHOULDN'T HAVE: yeah
I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT SOMEONE ALMOST 24/7: yeah
I'VE HATED THE WORLD: as a whole? sometimes

02:44 pm - Cute Piggies in their new cage!

So we finally got around to building a new piggie cage! ( (Click here for pictures!) )

and the piggies are lovin' it! ( (Click here for pictures!) )

Dial-up users beware! Lots of Pictures!

Current Mood: cheerful