Special Topics

Trees <3

2009-12-11T07:41:00.000-05:00

This section of 495 has the best trees... and today as I was sitting... stopped in bumper to bumper, I got to have a good look at their presence. Lovely.

Overwhelming Wipe Board

2009-12-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

I had to write a lot of directions today... it exhausted even me... and by the day one student with a propensity for erasing key letters from my board had gotten to the E in Use.

Cemetery!

2009-12-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

My school is bordered by a huge cemetery that just begs to be photographed. I will get some better shots soon. P.S. the kids are petrified of it... waha

Scrabble Competition

2009-12-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

For 2 weeks my Targeted Instruction class is having a scrabble competition. At first they hated the idea... but now they are totally into it. Here is one of their boards... pretty good for 35 minutes! Only one misspelled word.

My Life on the Road

2009-12-07T06:26:00.001-05:00

I spend a lot of my time on the road... a lot! probably 3 hours a day. Sometimes, though, the sky makes it worth it.

Snow!

2009-12-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday it snowed for most of the day. It is really beautiful today.

Yellow Belt Achieved.

2009-12-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

We had our second belt exam, and all made it to Yellow Belt!! We also broke our first boards with only minor injury ;)

Think Snow :)

2009-12-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

This is certainly what we are doing here in VA tonight!

Cat Grass

2009-12-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to get Calli to stop eating our other plants and then throwing them up... Mike planted cat grass for her... we shall see!

Bagels!

2009-12-02T09:12:00.001-05:00

Bagel Cafe may be becoming an addiction...

Rental Car

2009-12-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

Since my new car was keyed I needed a rental while it was in for paint... the enterprise gave me a new Chrysler Seabring... with no gas. Nice of them.

Another Baltimore Sunrise

2009-11-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's hard not to make every day's photo the sunrise from school - because it is always amazing.

Planning is My Life

2009-11-29T09:16:00.002-05:00

Funny how the school weeks seem to drag on... but when it comes to planning they just fly by! Thanks to J. I have a fool proof planning method that I'm pretty sure I will use forever.

New Haircut.

2009-11-27T09:27:00.001-05:00

Here I am in the red red red bathroom of Alchemy (<3) in Orlando, FL after a fabulous haircut.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:34:00.001-05:00

An beautiful table setting by my mother of china that has been in our family for over 100 years. The day was just as wonderful; filled with family(s) and friends!

Florida Citrus

2009-11-25T10:33:00.002-05:00

At Steph's dad's house we were treated to amazing pasta in lemon butter sauce with freshly grated Parmesan... the lemons came from his neighbor's tree. Awesome.

Cupcake Bakery!

2009-11-24T10:30:00.001-05:00

New (kind of) cupcake bakery in the Waterford Town Center put out quite the display... though I fell for the Original frozen yogurt (which was tangy and sweet and unlike anything I have ever tasted) with blueberries and Oreo crumbles. It made for a nice quiet reprieve while Steph and TJ shopped for new Cell Phones.

Grapefruits on the tree

2009-11-23T10:29:00.001-05:00

Stephanie's back yard looked like it must have been filled with geese laying huge golden eggs... only it was really a grapefruit tree. I miss this about Florida.

Blueberries!

2009-11-22T10:28:00.001-05:00

Blueberry pancakes in the winter require frozen berries... and after a good rinse I set them out to dry on a paper towel. They left this awesome version of tie-dye.

New Bag :)

2009-11-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

I have been on the look out for a winter/fall bag to replace my favorite turquoise spring one... something not black. I struck gold today at Ross with this eggplant Nine West bag. I'm in love for sure.

Dinner Art.

2009-11-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

Mike took me out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill tonight. We drew, as always. Can you tell who drew flowers, and who drew mathematical equations?

Word Wall

2009-11-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

I was told my classroom must have a word wall... so a word wall it has! I have to say I am pretty proud of it.

Grammar!!

2009-11-18T19:25:00.000-05:00

We do grammar every day - needless to say I am getting much better at it myself. Can you diagram this sentence?

Inrto to Ms. C

2009-11-17T21:30:00.000-05:00

This week I figure I'll give you some glimpses of my classroom - since I live there now :p I didn't have the beginning of the year to introduce myself to my students, so I constructed the bulletin board by my desk as an introduction. The kids have been all over it!

Another Stunning Sunrise

2009-11-16T20:02:00.002-05:00

Getting tired of sky pictures yet? The sunrise over Font Hill in Baltimore this morning was so stunning - and it just kept getting more amazing. I have about 15 pictures of it, because I kept thinking that this was the peak. I finally caught the magic moment here.

At the Car Wash!

2009-11-15T19:49:00.001-05:00

Among the many errands run today my new car got her first bath! I love the car wash.

November Sky

2009-11-14T19:48:00.001-05:00

Pretty good sunset tonight. Out with the gang for dinner at the Boulevard Wood Grill.

Cat Tent

2009-11-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

Mike brought home a tent... shaped like a cat... and the cat LOVES it.

Outback!

2009-11-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

Dinner with my boy at outback. mmm... bread.

Calli's Shelf

2009-11-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

Almost two weeks at home with us and Calli's initial skittishness seems to have disappeared. Here she is on her favorite observation shelf

Reainy Days

2009-11-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

This week so fat has been rainy, and sort of dour. I have to admit, thought, I do enjoy me a good spooky looking tree against a grey sky.

Baltimore Sunrise

2009-11-09T18:17:00.001-05:00

I apologize for the blurriness of the photograph... but I was driving (I really need to stop doing this). The sunrise this morning was lovely, especially with the Baltimore skyline in the distance. It seemed to bode well for the day - which was beautiful. My first solo teaching day was awesome.

Salt Bagel.

2009-11-08T10:37:00.002-05:00

Since Callie decided to come into our bedroom this morning at 5:45 and meow mercilessly until I got up (Mike got to sleep, of course)... I went to Bagel Cafe and got myself a coffee and a salt bagel. These babies take me right back to New York. Granted by the second bite I end up scraping most of the salt off... but that flavor remains.

Cumin.

2009-11-07T18:45:00.002-05:00

Preping your own spices always seems to make food taste better... and your kitchen smell better! Enchiladas tonight for J & J. It is good to have an excuse to cook - over the past week I have gotten lazy.

Office Supply Heaven

2009-11-06T19:30:00.003-05:00

Today my department team lead brought me the most amazing surprise. Every office supply a teacher could ever hope for. From her own pocket she made sure that I have everything I need to start my first solo week of teaching. I will never forget this gift.

Teacher Clothes!

2009-11-05T19:35:00.002-05:00

Oh, I feel more like a teacher every day.

dinner

2009-11-04T19:12:00.001-05:00

Having a new cat is no easy feet - and I have a feeling she is one of the good ones. But she's so damn cute.

Bulletin Boards!

2009-11-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

Spending a lot of time trying to make my classroom my space before students are welcomed in. Instead of coming home and collapsing I went to Jo-ann and bought some fabrics for my bulletin boards.

First Teacher Day

2009-11-02T21:43:00.002-05:00

Well.. here goes... everything!

Welcome to Firehouse!

2009-11-01T17:22:00.001-05:00

Firehouse subs for lunch with Mike. Oh man. Talk about food with memories attached. This is college lunches all the way.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T16:17:00.004-04:00

We brought our kitty home today. For the first few hours she was pretty freaked out. Now, though, she is snuggly and curious. She has been all up in my window sills. She's not supposed to jump after the surgery, so I'm having to watch close.

Retail Therapy

2009-10-30T14:05:00.002-04:00

A little worried about our kitty who is going into surgery today. The vet discovered a slight heart murmur that only presents when she is stressed out, but still... nerve racking and I had to make the difficult decision to not take her to the cardiologist. It will just be too much $$. So what do I do when I'm upset? go to target and try on $6 dresses. Having a little fun with dressing room mirrors.

Cat Preparations.

2009-10-29T13:56:00.001-04:00

Mike and I are getting ready for our girl to come home on Saturday. We can't wait!

Presents!!!

2009-10-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting one of these huge L.L. Bean Boat bags for a very long time. Matt and Shannon got me one as a gift at the rehearsal dinner. They said it was for school, but already I am using the heck out of it.

New Family Member?

2009-10-27T18:39:00.002-04:00

Today I went to the animal shelter and fell in love. The pet deposit is getting paid tomorrow... and then off to set it up!

New Car Love!

2009-10-26T18:37:00.000-04:00

ok... so it's not the most artistic shot... and I didn't take it either. But it's me new car and i'm pretty excited! 2010 Mazda 3.

BFF :)

2009-10-25T09:13:00.000-04:00

I am never happier than when this girl is in my home. She truly makes life worth it. She never fails to make me laugh, and that is the greatest gift anyone could ever give.

More Blazing Trees

2009-10-24T09:10:00.000-04:00

From my balcony you can see that fall is truly in full swing here in VA.

Bouquet Toss

2009-10-23T09:07:00.000-04:00

My brother's wife getting ready to toss the bouquet!

Brewer's Alley Rehearsal

2009-10-22T09:04:00.000-04:00

My brother and his wife had their rehearsal dinner at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, MD. It was lots of fun, and the table settings were beautiful. The beer wasn't so bad either!

Peppers Prevail

2009-10-21T09:03:00.001-04:00

Even through a few cold snaps... some how the pepper plants I planted too late in the season are beginning to produce.

Fall is Falling

2009-10-20T09:02:00.001-04:00

Self Portrait #2

2009-10-19T13:54:00.002-04:00

Second self portrait of the 365, and pretty much only because I spent the last 90 minutes straightening my hair... trying out possibilities for M & S's wedding. What do you think... curly? Straight?

New Boots :)

2009-10-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

I have been pondering this $35 purchase for forever, since my old knock off boots are in rough shape. Yesterday I bit the bullet, and boy was I glad I did! I ended up locking myself out of the hotel shuttle... at the airport, and had to stand out in 50 degrees with wind and wait for USAA to come to the rescue. I felt really stupid. really. stupid.

Fall Flowers

2009-10-17T12:59:00.004-04:00

It has been cold and miserably rainy here for three straight days. It's starting to wear on me. Last night Matt and Shannon brought wine and flowers. The wine is long gone but the flowers are really making my day. I used to try to always have flowers in the apt, but that habit got pricey. Nice to have little bursts of sunshine around.

Cake for Company

2009-10-16T21:12:00.000-04:00

I <3 baking. I try not to do it... since the results usually are harder workouts and irritation with myself. But when company comes around it's hard to resist! Carrot cake for dinner with Matt and Shannon.

Presents!

2009-10-15T21:41:00.002-04:00

Really, who doesn't like presents? Bought my gift for Matt and Shannon today.

Beltway Traffic. sigh.

2009-10-14T19:45:00.002-04:00

Ah, the Mormon temple. Known well by those who spend years of their lives sitting on the Capital Beltway. I, in fact, spent 3 hours on it today... but have come out with, what I believe is, a teaching position at SEED. Thank the lord.

Autumn Sunrise: Romantic Lighting

2009-10-13T19:28:00.003-04:00

Ok, so maybe you are tired of seeing pictures of sunsets and rises, and the exterior of my hotel... but these are things I would like to remember. Maybe it is just because I am reading an Austen inspired novel, but I can just see a horse drawn carriage pulling up under these lights instead of our hotel's Ford Expedition. I'm not in any way capable of editing photographs, so I am just going to tell myself those three light spots are faeries.

Excitement!

2009-10-12T21:14:00.004-04:00

I know I am jumping the gun here... but I am really getting excited about working toward all of the things these folks dream about education. Especially Maxine Greene... She is amazing.

Product Placement.

2009-10-11T20:58:00.001-04:00

Days are getting cool enough now where my feet and hands are always cold. Irritating... but tea takes care of the hand problem!

Sweet Water Tavern

2009-10-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

Sweet Water Tavern is my favorite celebrating restaurant. Their donut rolls (seen above) are one of my favorite things to grace the planet. Great food and great friends to celebrate that SEED school finally called me back! And while I do not have an official offer yet, one would certainly seem to be on the horizon.

Tips.

2009-10-09T23:33:00.003-04:00

The biggest perk of my job? Tips for driving people around. $90 in two weeks... For a girl who lived off on $100 for a month this summer, this is serious business.

Blue Skies & Blushing Trees

2009-10-08T23:42:00.000-04:00

Fall is upon us.

Self.

2009-10-07T14:30:00.001-04:00

Lack of inspiration today took be back to something I read. A 365 should include sporadic self portraits as a means of truly documenting a year. Here I am, headed to work.

War Paint

2009-10-06T19:25:00.002-04:00

I think my makeup is as tired as I am. After the second application of the day I am off to "close" the hotel I "opened." Thank god for overtime pay.

Amazing Underwear

2009-10-05T15:30:00.001-04:00

I went shopping today for a black jacket for work, and while I was out was looking for new undies. I found this amazing pair. I think I'm in love.

A Shoe for all Seasons

2009-10-04T22:15:00.006-04:00

Slowly but surely the fall shoes have emerged. It's gone from flip flops and open toes to work shoes and... Vans! Whenever I drag these checkered babies out of the college it seems to take 10 years of my psychological age. That is why they were the perfect footwear choice for out viewing of Zombieland tonight. Awesome flick. (p.s. it is really annoying Mike that they are not lined up correctly... flush with the wall.)

Two for One Saturday!

2009-10-03T23:38:00.004-04:00

I ran out this evening to pick up some dinner to bring back to work and I was struck by the picturesque sunset. I thought for sure I had my picture of the day!
But as I was headed back with said food I glanced in my side view mirror and saw the sky had evolved in awesome contrast to the sky ahead of me. Lots of sky pictures lately. Must be mom inspired!

It's Not Easy Being Green

2009-10-02T11:59:00.002-04:00

Can you see him? He's pretty sneaky! Green wall... green shirt... green drink. My silly brother.

Work Order Hell

2009-10-01T22:02:00.004-04:00

The last few days have been consumed with these evil yellow slips. the water heater in our apt was leaking... so they came for 2 days to try and fix it. They said it was fixed, but when I went to take a shower this morning? No hot water! grrr. and all because they didn't relight the pilot.

Blue Light Special

2009-09-30T23:28:00.002-04:00

In the trees in front of the hotel there are blue icicle lights. Usually I find them sort of awkward, but on a chilly night like tonight they somehow felt appropriate.

Fresh Basil

2009-09-29T13:48:00.003-04:00

So I have been growing basil all summer, and not using it. I just don't have many recipes that call for fresh herbs, but I thought it would be fun to grow. Well the plants are getting so big the pot keeps tipping over in the wind... so I figured it was time to lighten their load a little. I found a really simple fresh basil pesto recipe and made it to leave for dinner for Mike while I am at work. AWESOME. Just the right garlicy zip, and a real clean flavor.

A Sunset's End

2009-09-28T20:20:00.000-04:00

The sun set over the neighborhood, and as it petered out and the porch lights came on there was a real moment of serenity.

Date Night!

2009-09-27T22:08:00.002-04:00

Tonight Mike and I went to see Inglorious Bastards. Everyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I am only happy in a movie with no strangers near me and a seat empty in front of me to put my feet up. It is an issue of personal space and comfort that is very important to me. really. Anyway - perfect movie conditions tonight. The film was great too.

VT!

2009-09-26T22:14:00.003-04:00

Today we spent the day at Bailey's in Ballston drinking beers and watching VT beat Miami into the ground. It was pretty fun.

mmm... ice cream.

2009-09-25T19:32:00.004-04:00

To round out my first week of gainful employment Mike and I went out for dinner and ice cream, Friendly's style. As you can see... it was amazing.

Fiery Sunrise

2009-09-24T17:55:00.004-04:00

Here is a perk to going in to work at 7am... sunrises like this in front of the hotel. ridiculous.

New Job Attire

2009-09-23T20:50:00.004-04:00

Today was my 3rd day at my new job. Monday I went to the mall to scour some cheap new work shirts. Thank heavens for the 70% off rack! I had my doubts about this shirt, but it looks great with pinstripes.

Lightning Strike Coleus

2009-09-22T16:13:00.005-04:00

Not actually their name, but I think it is fitting. For so long I thought this Coleus was just going to be another dark purple leaf, but then last week this strike of bright pink came in along the center stem. I am in love.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

2009-09-21T21:39:00.004-04:00

Every week we buy bananas. Sometimes Mike eats them all... sometimes he lets them go brown. I was away for the week and apparently this meant a break from bananas? So it gave me an excuse to bake.
First day of work was a success.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-09-20T13:58:00.004-04:00

I flew back home to Virginia this morning after a fabulous visit to my family and friends in Florida. I snapped this shot from my window seat as we descended into the DC area. I love that you can see the different depths of the Potomac... and also the haze of pollution... ugh.

Street Light Romance

2009-09-19T13:56:00.003-04:00

I have a total soft spot for street lamps. I think they give off the most romantic light. This one is at the end of my parent's driveway. Just another reason why them buying a house was so awesome.

Central Florida Zoo

2009-09-18T13:50:00.003-04:00

Today I went to the Central Florida Zoo in Sandford, FL with my mom and Steph. It was about the hottest most humid day I can imagine... but it was totally worth it. These Scarlet Macaws are one of the first things you encounter. Their reptile house (herpetarium) was really my favorite part, though. I was so mesmerizes by the snakes that I didn't even think to photograph. Oh, and did I mention that is the one part of the whole place that is air conditioned? A good time was had by all.

Dress for a Fall Wedding

2009-09-17T13:44:00.001-04:00

My mom and I went shopping for dresses for my brother's wedding in October. We set out to the mall fully intending to spend a full day trying on dress after dress. Amazingly, however, we walked into Dillard's, each tried on one dress, and bought them! Who would have thought it could be so easy?

Boggle

2009-09-16T13:38:00.004-04:00

As has been previously stated: I have dog envy. This precious little mongrel is my best friend's pooch. He is a Boston terrier beagle mix (i.e. a "boggle". It is pretty amazing that he sat still long enough for me to get this shot... though his tail will not be restrained!

Florida Sunset

2009-09-15T22:02:00.006-04:00

I am in Florida for a few days staying with my parents. My mom has her own photo project (http://backyardsky.blogspot.com/), so tonight I went out with her to look at the sky. You know you are in FL when you get skies like these.

Tae Kwon Do Adventures!

2009-09-14T21:28:00.004-04:00

So the awesomest people in Herndon (from here on in read this as Jim, Jen and me) had our second Tae Kwon Do class today. It was awesome. And really fun and hard. For the love of adjectives. anyway. Our small group instructor branded us with our names in Korean tonight. I think it looks pretty cool.

Movie Night

2009-09-13T21:58:00.002-04:00

Tonight Mike and I had planned on eating dinner in and going out to the movies. Somehow, though, there were no movies showing between 6:30 and 9:30... what are the chances. So we stayed in. So much better.

Baby Cucumbers

2009-09-12T18:39:00.004-04:00

For about a week now my cucumber plants have been producing bite sized little veggies. I am endlessly entertained by counting them, watching them grow... and for the first time today harvesting them. While the harvested cucumber in question is not shown in this image it is quite a beauty.

SEED School of Maryland

2009-09-11T17:45:00.003-04:00

Today I had an interview for a teaching position at the SEED School of Maryland. If I got this position it would be a really amazing opportunity to work in a place that really stood for something. It is in south Baltimore, but once you pass through these gates you really do feel secure and removed from the city around you. Several people in my life have expressed some concern about the safety of the area I would be working in, but I have to say I think it would be worth it. Check out the foundation's website. I think it is an amazing idea. http://www.seedfoundation.com/

Baking Therapy

2009-09-10T13:38:00.004-04:00

I have a job interview tomorrow. It is a job that is all kinds of complicated and it's in Baltimore and I can think of a million reasons why it is the wrong job for me... but there is a huge part of me that thinks maybe it is perfect. Who knows. Anyway - when I get stressed out I bake. And I just happened to have a jar of organic peanut butter that is no good for spreading (too oily) so I figured cookies were in order. These babies will get packed up and shipped off to work with Mike tomorrow. Let me assure you, though... from the 3 I already ate - they are amazing.

Couch Land

2009-09-09T21:13:00.002-04:00

I am either sick or have horrible allergies right now because today has been misery. I thought it was going to be one of those days where I didn't leave the apt. Aside from an upper body workout this morning all I did all day was relax... Until Jim got me up for a walk.. then back to sitting. So I am living in couch land.

Pretty Bird

2009-09-08T21:01:00.002-04:00

Tonight we went to sign up for Tae Kwon Do. It's going to be awesome. At the academy they had lots of animals (still unsure why), but they made for good entertainment. This bird was my captive audience as she was too young to fly.

Oh, for the Love of Pizza!

2009-09-07T08:05:00.002-04:00

Last day in NY - we packed up camp, showered, did a bit of shopping and headed to the local pizza joint. How could we leave this wonderful state without indulging this need. Paper plates and everything. We ate it all. It was amazing. Just as amazing as it looks.

2 for one Sundays

2009-09-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

While I know this is a one photo a day project I feel like I would be misrepresenting this day if I didn't post two.
We got up early on Sunday and hiked the gorge at Watkins Glen (read... walked up many steps). It is just how I remember it from childhood... only the hike seemed shorter now. Breathtaking beginning to end. When we had finished, and had Subway for lunch for old time's sake we went back to the campground for an hour to hang out. Jen and I had a blast on the new playground the built at the campground. We decided adult gyms should just be more difficult versions of kids playgrounds. More people would go.
Being up on lake Seneca and in the heart of NY wine country we got a little dolled up and went out tasting. The wine was o.k., the views were spectacular, and the company was fabulous.

Campfire Fabulousness

2009-09-05T07:50:00.001-04:00

Saturday Matt and I spent a lot of time riding bikes around Stewart Park in Ithica, having lunch at the Ithica Bakery (amazing), playing guitars in a little guitar shop, and rummaging through a used book store. Once we finally made it to camp in Watkins Glen it was almost 5pm. The crowning glory of the day, though, was the very first 'smore of the trip. I wish I had captured the look on Jim's face as he bit into it... and the subsequent giddy laughter.

Darts in a New York Bar

2009-09-04T07:44:00.004-04:00

After 6 hours of driving, mostly through PA, we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and headed out to see what Ithica night life was all about. Upon first glance it seemed we would not be disappointed... as we were entering Micawbers Pub (the only one of about 4 bars that seemed to contain people)a guy was shoved out of the bar and directly into a police officer. He then proceeded to try to go back into the bar. No such thing was going to happen for him as the cop pushed him away and his crazy girlfriend started hopping around saying "Guido, don't... Guido, it's ok... let's go Guido." And we thought NY might have changed. The bar continued to be a mystery to us as the people here were mixtures of everything you can imagine. We just watched Jim and Matt play darts... and some sketchy couple make out.

Speed Quarters?

2009-09-03T23:59:00.002-04:00

Post Dated for the sake of staying out too late... to play speed quarters! Apparently I didn't play enough drinking games in college because this was a learning experience for me. Getting ready for a long weekend of camping in upstate NY! Super excited, but as in the past when I am away new photos will be posted upon my return with the date of capture.

Harles Barkley

2009-09-02T20:23:00.004-04:00

Really, I could take a picture of Harley every day and it would be good. He flirts with the camera, I think. Today he was sunning himself by the window and chewing the hell out of his football. So cute.