Christmas Cruising 2005

[nskjerven]

The waxing is on Saturday at 2pm, so no news yet, but the shop called me and told me to take some Advil prior to the visit, I told her I was thinking of maragritas she said sure that's ok.

Kris, thoughts with you. I don't think I'd fair very well with out Paul around to help with the kids. He is really good about sharing the load. He gets them up in the morning and makes their lunch and takes them to school. I get the afternoon pick up and after school duties. Fortunately with him doing his own thing he can choose to work in the evening and have the morning time to do the kid stuff.

I've had a bit of scraping help here this week. One of my local scrapbook store employees came over this week and gave me some advice. Not much that I didn't know, but sometimes hearing it from an outside source helps. My plan is to clean out my computer cabinet and other storage units and then she and I will return stuff in logical order. I went to the store today and got some containers to hold my pending projects. That's the first step to cleaning out...too many piles here and there. The big issue is just too much stuff and I don't even know what I have now. Hopefully I can get it under control and then be able to scrap at home rather than having to haul my stuff everywhere.

Well back to work for me tonight, got a client meeting in the morning I have to get ready for. I think I have to tell him about my Xmas travel plans. He might just freak out, oh well, if he does then maybe that will give me some more free time...and less work.

Better say good night, I'll check back later,

Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

My boss balked about my taking Christmas off...but my advantage...he's the one who approved it OVER a year ago

Tomorrow I'll have more time to talk...go do what you gotta do and I'll catch up to ya tomorrow

 

[KKB]

Not me for long!
Aisling...Marcus is a sports guy...Hailey is eclectic--she loves school & reading, dance & clothes...Jack is all about animals (and he loves rock & roll too, much to his father's chagrin! Dan listens either to country or sports radio. Jack is always insisting he turn it to a rock & roll station! And he does mean ROCK--although he thought the new Melissa Ethridge song today was a guy singing! I listen to all sorts of music...)
Dan is having a great time in Philly. Said the convention center is great, he is happy w/ the workshops, loves the area around the center. He sounded like he was having a terrific time. I'm jealous!
The kids have actually been great. They got several coupons for free meals at Boo at the Zoo last week. So we hit the local Pizza buffet last night, Happy meals tonight, local mexican joint tomorrow and Pizza Hut Sat!
Girl Scouts painted potttery tonite--Hailey went w/ neighbor girl. Boys & I made blueberry muffins since tomorrow is my day to bring treats. (cheaper than donuts, better, and I don't have to get up earlier & haul kids into the store!)
Weekend is busy...gotta make some goodies/cards for craft fair Sun (baseball fundraiser), birthday party Sat, church & volleyball Sun. OH AND I NEED TO WORK OUT EVERY DAY! I tried on some of my dinner wear for the cruise...not really happy how things were fitting. Thought I had been holding...but it sure seems like these things fit better last year! Note to self...always be sure to try on the clothes you want to wear on a vacation a couple of months BEFORE the vacation!
Well, kids, I'm pooped.
See ya'll tomorrow!
Kris

 

[nskjerven]

Shame on me, never got by hinnie back out to the office....bummer have to get up early to get the work done.

on a moive note....

Narina is starting here on 12/9, might have blown my plan to see it on the ship. Isn't there a place that we can check to see what's playing before we leave?

N

 

[KKB]

Nan--dunno about Narnia....BUT they did premiere Chicken Little last night at midnight on the ship! SO I will make our little buggers wait until the cruise to see it! One more ounce of anticipation!
I have been running through Tenor's posts noting the movies on board. I am excited...several I have not seen yet. May need to be in room for naps occasionally...that will help.
Gotta run!
Kris

 

[minniegrl]

Hi all!
Been lurking a LOT lately.

Nan, I am SO hoping that they play Narnia on the ship. I can hardly get grim to the theater anymore. He knows that he absolutely must take me to see the HP and the Goblet of Fire, so I doubt I'll get him there less than a month later for Narnia. I have been waiting so long for them to make a major motion picture of this book.

Grim has some very big news, but I'll let him tell you all about it.

I also have some pretty big news. I have decided that I am no longer going to teach after this year. Well, I'm not going to teach kids anymore....maybe adults;other teachers. I am just so ready for a change and finally have the guts to do something about it. I am not happy at all, this year especially, and have become increasingly unhappy each year since I moved to AZ. I think a lot of it is because I'm no longer in a junior high setting, but who knows. Its just time to get out of the classroom.

Its kind of scary, but also very exciting. Grim thinks I'll be miserable without all my vacation time, but its never been about all the time off, for me. Granted, I don't have kids, so I can say that. Its about not coming home stressed and still with loads of work to do at the end of the day.

Nan, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow while you're getting waxed, and I'll be thanking the Lord that its not me!

I'm doing a Memory Walk for Alzheimer's tomorrow with some of my co-workers. Its a 3 mile walk. My grandmother had alzheimers.

Tig, did you get my swap items yet? If not, they should be there really soon. They have been paid for, but I had them shipped straight to you.

I think I have my door decorations finished. I have magnetic stockings for both grim and myself, and we have a magnetic Christmas tree with mickey ornaments. What else should I make? What types of signs is everyone else making?

I think I might do a bit of scrapbooking. I need to finish a book for my parents for Christmas.

Night all!

Dede

 

[grimgrinnin]

And now, the news....
















grim

 

[grimgrinnin]

Please welcome the newest member of our family....

Bella!





It was minniegrl's idea, I swear!



grim

 

[domiii]

OOOooooo she's purdy!!!

 

[nskjerven]

Oh my now you've gone and done it....expect that you'll be telling us some other news soon. Always seems that after you do something big like that (the bike) then something else will follow....

Okay, the mom in me tells you PLEASE BE CAREFUL. I had a dear friend who had gotten a ducati had it only for a few months and had a fatal accident. I'm sure you've been told by lots of people to be careful and I know you'll take it to heart since you have such a lovely wife to ride home to everynight.

Congrats on Bella. Minnie Girl, what a nice wife you are....

I'm getting really nervous, even thought about canceling my appointment, I know see it thru, the pain is temporary. I've decided 3 maragritas and tylenol and Paul is driving me.

Mother-Daughter Brownie Tea on Sunday, that's the only plan so far. We might go over to HMB to see a house, but not sure...

Nite,

Nan

p.s. Minnie, come with us to any movie you want, I plan on seeing a few on board.

 

[KKB]

I'm getting really nervous, even thought about canceling my appointment, I know see it thru, the pain is temporary. I've decided 3 maragritas and tylenol and Paul is driving me.



You crack me up!!!!

Dede--I feel your pain (oh, and congrats to you & Grim--you must be so proud! ) There was an article in this AMs paper...the epitomy of what is occuring in our district (maybe the country) right now. An innovative HS History teacher has been teaching his class backward....meaning they start now, and work their way back. Kids love it, and they do VERY well on district test. BUT now, the district has said NO! He has been doing this--SUCCESSFULLY--for years!! Unfreakingbelievable! I understood when they began "scripting" everything...test scores. But this guy has them! SO now it just seems to be about control! ARGHHHHH! Lincoln always used to be so proud of what an innovative district we were. Allow teachers professional judgement to teach CHILDREN. We have become so curriculum driving it makes me SICK! Sorry...I'll get off my soapbox.

Last night my mom watched the kids, and I went to hear a fav band play. A friend planned to meet me, but apparently changed her mind...so I sat ALONE! Not nearly as bad as it seems! Had a 24 year old ask me to join his table (w/ his friend)--I was mildly flattered. One of the band members came over to chat, and when I mentioned he is married to a classmate of mine (he teaches HS and is like 15 years older than us)...the kid kinda freaked! Pretty funny! Then I decided I wanted to dance, so I did (nice thing that it is OK for women to dance w/o a partner--kinda weird if guys do...). Well, some guy thought if I was dancing alone, and he started dancing near me, I must be interested!
I was not rude, but tried not to encourage him! I sat back down at a nearby table (they were watching my phone/keys), and started chatting w/ them as if they were old friends. He tried to buy me a drink (uh, I'm drinking water..)
The couple politely "saved" me from his advances...then we had a nice chat.
Certainly an interesting evening...kinda fun...hope I don't have to do it again!
Weird about my friend. Dear friend from HS. DH & she just returned from 10 days in Brazil, he blew his Achilles, they were gonna catch a movie & catch up w/ me...so I thought! Oh, well, turned out OK.
Busy weekend...so should get to it...
I'll be lurking.
CONGRATS GRIM!!!
Kris
PS GOOD LUCK NAN!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Nan-ADVIL! not tylenol...ibuprofin is an anti-inflammatory med, specifically needed for what you are about to do.

Grim, CONGRATULATIONS! She's Niiiiiice Ducati's are awesome (please be safe on her) bikes!

Dede, I got on this am to tell you I did get the box. Good choice on your swap item I was really confused last night til I saw the number of items in the box and the first name on the invoice. Do you want/need the invoice sent to you?

I am sorry to hear about all the pressures put on you teachers These rediculous, controlling (I truly agree on that issue) rules they put on all of you. I believe teaching should be left to the teachers not administrators. It's like a boss telling you how to do your job only never having actually done that job. Teaching is stressful in itself without having the government make it worse and then....districts losing teachers whom I'd be proud to have teach my own children because of it.
ok, i'm done too...

Kris, sounds like you had a really weird night. Ever find out what happened to your friend?

Happy Saturday Christmas Cruisers

How many more weeks?

Ailsing, Karen, Mom, and all you lurkers out there...Good Morning!

 

[minniegrl]

HI all!

Grim has wanted a Ducati for 15 years, so I decided it was time he had one.
He's very careful and has lots of experience with motorbikes. I know that doesn't mean that some idiot can't just take him out someday, but with the way traffic is out here, in Phoenix, it could just as easily happen to me in my car (or so i keep telling myself!)

We went for a little ride last night. It was fun and a little scary. I think we'll have to upgrade to a bigger, more comfortable bike before I go for any longer rides, though.

Tig, glad you got the package and that you approve
No, I don't need the invoice, they sent me one as well. Just shred or toss it, please.
I thought about just getting 24, but I decided I wanted one, too.

Kris- very weird night....but those are kinda fun sometimes....keeps life interesting. That is so sad about the social studies teacher. There's just so much bs going on in education anymore. We're ponies jumping through hoops, and the kids are suffering and we're getting the blame. Freakin bureaucrats! (sp!)

Nan- don't chicken out because I'm so admiring you for doing that! hehe

So the Memory Walk was pretty cool this morning. There was a good turn out. I walked with 4 of my coworkers...actually I lagged behind with the instructional specialist from my school. We visited and walked at a nice brisk pace, while the others in our group were doing some major speed walking! The park was beautiful and its very close to our new house, so I'm going to try to make a habit of walking there.

Grim took his baby for a ride this morning while I was walking. He drove it up to the White Tank Mountains down the road from our house and took some cool pictures of it with the mountains and cacti behind it.

I have so much that I need to do for school, but I can already feel that I'm not going to do a dang thing this weekend except Christmas shop and hang out

Happy Saturday!
Hi Aisling! Hi Karen! Hi Jill! Hi Everyone else!

bye for now
Dede

 

[nskjerven]

Dede: So Sorry I forgot to tell you my thoughts are with you on the job thing...got to caught up in the bike. I understand your desire to leave. Perhaps time away will help you find a middle ground. My BF (that looks like boy friend, huh?) best friend, is one of those teachers that has to give it 110% and is frustrated by not seeing everyone around her to the same. Now that she is a mom she has changed her view point a bit (she hasn't come back to school yet) but when/if she does she will be giving what is appropriate for a mom with kids, not always 110%. I'm curious about your comment on teaching teachers, what are you thinking here?

Okay, I'm dying to know what's in the swaps...Also, yes that has gotten me motovated to get the box (of boxes) sent, I think Wilson and I can build up ours today and get the box (of boxes) ready to go for next week. As usual Tigg, I'll tell ya when it *really* ships.

Still freaking out here, but the say has come so I can't back out now. Yes, I know the Advil is better for this situtation, but can take it with my other migraine/bp meds....so pain relief is the best I've got and the maragrita....

Well best be moving this morning,

Nan

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Nanette, if you send me the boxes I'll tell you what I have to put in them

Mail me what you got people! We're getting down to that nitty gritty as we speak

Mine are almost ready, I actually am mixing/matching 5 different items for my contributions from Britt, Stef and me!

Dede, I shred- so your invoice will go in that pile. The Ducati sounds like fun but I am more of a classic Harley or Indian kinda girl...Orange County Choppers is one of my local favorites. They make some awesome bikes.

 

[grimgrinnin]

Don't worry kids - I always ride like everyone on the road is out to kill me (and they usually are). This is my 7th bike, so I know what I'm getting myself into.

This does, of course, mean that the cute little sports car is out of the picture. Who needs a convertible when you've got a Duck?

grim

 

[trinibjill]

Hey Grim
Ducks & Suzies go well with converts. aw:

Whoops - convertibles (whatever)

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Nice shot Grim!

As you can tell, I've grown up around bikes Mom's had one as far back as I can remember.

And as Dede said, it's not you I'm worried about, it's the idiots around you that can be the hazard.

I've taught my kids as I taught them how to drive, to respect the motorcycles and give them the right of way. Any person in a vehicle could fare better than those on a mc. We've lost friends as well, so I will reiterate, as I do to my children now each time they go out to drive...Be Careful~

The only reason John and I don't ride is out of respect for HIS parents' wishes. They are a-scared of mc and ask that John not indulge. He is an only child and mc's truly scare them. One day he and I will get one....someday

 

[tiggerwannabe]

click on the photo for more-this is st maarten's dock

 

[minniegrl]

Nan, I enjoy teaching the teachers in my school how to use different computer applications (spreadsheets, web design, etc.). I wouldn't mind finding a job like that. I'm actually open to a lot of different things, but I'd really like to work with technology in some way....editing video, creating presentations, creating online classes/training. I wouldn't mind working with a community/educational outreach program with a large company. I think I could do just about anything except wait tables

I'm gonna see if I can get someone to take me for a ride on their new motorbike!

Later!


Dede