Wow. That's all I have to say about yesterday. My exhaustion has set in full force.
I need to add this to my "100 going on 280" list... but I go through whacked-out sleep phases. There are times when I can't sleep at all, total insomnia. Will go a week or two (or three) only sleeping an hour or two a night. Then there are times (often another week or two or three) when I can't get enough sleep. Right now I'm in the latter category. Perhaps this crap winter weather is to blame. Perhaps stress is the culprit. Who knows.
I went to a comedy show last night that made me laugh only a couple of times. There were moments that I asked myself "Self, do you need to close your eyes for a few moments?" To which the answer was an overwhelming "YES", but it was not socially acceptable. It was not like me. I didn't like that me. I wanted to punch that me in the throat. However, I had already punched myself in the eye, and fallen in the street twice already. Self wanted no more bodily harm.
Talked to Kate on the freezing 68 mile walk back to my frozen car. She asked me to go to FB's and various people in the background wanted me there too. So I did. It was good to see some of the people that I didn't realize I missed so much. Yay for Steph, Dino, Rollie, Hampton Ryan, Dennis, and Jeff! And obviously Kate too.
Eventually I got home. Freezing. Wore 87 layers of clothing to bed.
Yay for almost vacation!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Post-Valentine's Day Valentine
So last night I was babysitting the Kittery family. They have three boys. One 5 year old (B), and twin 2 1/2 year olds (R&L). The Mom was asking me about how Valentine's Day works at my school, and how my V-Day was. I told her that the snow day we had on V-Day was the best possible Valentine I could have ever gotten. I also told her that this was my 11th consecutive Valentine's Day sans Valentine. Her jaw dropped to the floor. She said "Well, you'll find SOMEONE", (gee, thanks...) and then she corrected herself and said "Well I guess there aren't really any nice guys left out there..." To which B replied "Um... Mom... There's a nice, little guy sitting right here..." ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!! He also greeted me when I arrived by running to my car, shouting "YAY!!! MICHELLE!!!" and gave me a huge hug. Love it.
Today is V-Day in my classroom. I've got to get to school pretty soon to make envelopes for the kiddos. We're studying our town's history, so we're doing our V-Day party with homemade colonial foods! The kids are PUMPED.
Best news... 6 school days til vacation! In exactly one week I'll be doing QUITE the happy dance!! :)
Happy Friday!
Don't forget those random acts of kindness!!!!
Today is V-Day in my classroom. I've got to get to school pretty soon to make envelopes for the kiddos. We're studying our town's history, so we're doing our V-Day party with homemade colonial foods! The kids are PUMPED.
Best news... 6 school days til vacation! In exactly one week I'll be doing QUITE the happy dance!! :)
Happy Friday!
Don't forget those random acts of kindness!!!!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Random Acts of Kindness Warm Me Up Like Cocoa
Did you know it's Random Acts of Kindness week?
Betcha didn't.
If anyone hasn't read my myspace blog about how my wallet got returned to me over the summer, I encourage you to do so. I love little acts of kindness. They are the best. I always over-pay my parking meters. I'm going to start paying Dover tolls for people (dude it's 50 cents, and will totally make someone's day!). I often surprise people at work with a favorite breakfast treat that they have once mentioned to me. It's really, really fun. It's especially fun when it's for a stranger. (Especially a CUTE stranger... think of the possibilities...)
Here's a link to the article.
http://dir.yahoo.com/thespark/6457/random-acts-of-kindness-week
They even listed ideas for Randomness. Or RAOK. Here are some of my favorites that are actually feasable:
- Buy a coupon book of gift certificates from McDonalds (or another fun food joint) and randomly pass them out.
- While in a restaurant, pay for the meals at another table. Instruct the waitress to give you that table's check, quietly without notice. Tip the waitress well.
- Drop off a bag of groceries on someone's doorstep.
- Pick up every garbage can you see in the street on a windy day.
- Go to a nursing home and take a perfect stranger out for lunch or bring an anonymous bouquet of flowers. Ask a nurse to deliver it to someone who needs it.
- Buy several hamburgers at a fast-food restaurant and pass them out to indigent street people.
- Buy a dozen long-stem roses and pass them out, one at a time, to any lady looking worried or not smiling.
- Find a horse-mounted policeman and then ask permission to feed his/her horse an apple.
- Buy some inexpensive $5.00 umbrellas. When it starts raining, hand the free umbrellas to those running for cover. Then leave the area.
- Stop by a street news stand or corner hot-dog vendor. Give the proprietor a $20.00 bill. Tell the proprietor to give free merchandise to the next several customers until the $20.00 is consumed. Ask not to be identified by the salesperson as you watch this event unfold.
What a cool idea. Pick something from this list, or from your head, and try it this week!
Check this out too if you find the time... http://www.actsofkindness.org/
Happy Almost Friday!!
Betcha didn't.
If anyone hasn't read my myspace blog about how my wallet got returned to me over the summer, I encourage you to do so. I love little acts of kindness. They are the best. I always over-pay my parking meters. I'm going to start paying Dover tolls for people (dude it's 50 cents, and will totally make someone's day!). I often surprise people at work with a favorite breakfast treat that they have once mentioned to me. It's really, really fun. It's especially fun when it's for a stranger. (Especially a CUTE stranger... think of the possibilities...)
Here's a link to the article.
http://dir.yahoo.com/thespark/6457/random-acts-of-kindness-week
They even listed ideas for Randomness. Or RAOK. Here are some of my favorites that are actually feasable:
- Buy a coupon book of gift certificates from McDonalds (or another fun food joint) and randomly pass them out.
- While in a restaurant, pay for the meals at another table. Instruct the waitress to give you that table's check, quietly without notice. Tip the waitress well.
- Drop off a bag of groceries on someone's doorstep.
- Pick up every garbage can you see in the street on a windy day.
- Go to a nursing home and take a perfect stranger out for lunch or bring an anonymous bouquet of flowers. Ask a nurse to deliver it to someone who needs it.
- Buy several hamburgers at a fast-food restaurant and pass them out to indigent street people.
- Buy a dozen long-stem roses and pass them out, one at a time, to any lady looking worried or not smiling.
- Find a horse-mounted policeman and then ask permission to feed his/her horse an apple.
- Buy some inexpensive $5.00 umbrellas. When it starts raining, hand the free umbrellas to those running for cover. Then leave the area.
- Stop by a street news stand or corner hot-dog vendor. Give the proprietor a $20.00 bill. Tell the proprietor to give free merchandise to the next several customers until the $20.00 is consumed. Ask not to be identified by the salesperson as you watch this event unfold.
What a cool idea. Pick something from this list, or from your head, and try it this week!
Check this out too if you find the time... http://www.actsofkindness.org/
Happy Almost Friday!!
100
I posted this on myspace. I have come up with a whole bunch of things to add to the list, but let's see if together we can come up with 280 things about Michelle. I know it's a lot.... but let's try and do this before my 28th birthday.... We've got about a month and a half.
Ok... GO!
100 things about me… February 14, 2007
1. I am the oldest "kid" in my family, and also the shortest.
2. I am allergic to apples, but not to apple cider or apple juice.
3. I prefer winter to summer, and fall over spring.
4. Spring is, actually, my least favorite season.
5. I come from a huge family. My mom has six siblings, and my dad has five siblings. We are an all-encompassing family that includes "great" aunts and uncles just as important as "regular" aunts and uncles. Also, it doesn't matter if you're blood related, or married into the family… we love you just the same.
6. No one (other than my mom) says, "I love you" in my immediate family. At least to one another.
7. My mom says I have her chin, and my father's nose. My dad says I have my mother's skin.
8. My dad is not big on compliments. One of his few compliments to give me was that he was glad that my brothers and I didn't end up ugly "like that ugly family in church", and I knew EXACTLY which family he was talking about.
9. Last year, my students gave me dating tips.
10. My current class wants me to have 19 babies so they can each baby-sit for one.
11. I went to first-third grade in a three-room schoolhouse. Three classrooms, a hallway, bathrooms, and a closet/teacher's room was all it was.
12. I sneeze very loudly.
13. I give great nicknames.
14. One of my favorite classes in college was "Origins". It was a course in studying creation stories from various religions and cultures. We even read Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. I adored that class. My professor got a call from of the the student's parents. The parent wanted to know if the professor was going to teach the "true" or "right" creation story. My professor replied "Of course!".
15. I fit nicely into a large duffle bag. It's been done.
16. I rub my feet together when I don't have shoes on. I notice myself doing it more when I'm only wearing socks. My dad does the same thing.
17. My mom went into labor for me on April Fool's Day. Unluckily for her, (and luckily for me), I wasn't born until the next day.
18. On my way to go get my class for the first time on my first day of teaching, I wasn't nervous. I felt as if it was what I was meant to do.
19. I cannot live without email.
20. Another favorite college class was "Fine Arts of Boston". Friday nights we would attend lecture, and on Saturdays we would be out in the city for the day studying things like architecture, theatre, and fine arts. It was incredible. I would take the class again if I could.
21. I check my alarm clock at least five times before I fall asleep.
22. I can't see myself at 35, or any older for that matter. It doesn't scare me.
23. I can't stand tomatoes.
24. Or bananas.
25. Kids love me.
26. I have been told that I am a great storyteller. I took that as a class in graduate school…. And got an A.
27. I love to laugh. Sometimes that's a problem.
28. I love board games. I am a nerd like that.
29. I don't watch much TV anymore, but am addicted to Desperate Housewives.
30. My doctor thinks everything is wrong with me, but disregards my concerns about my family history.
31. I can barely swim. I am too embarrassed to sign up for lessons.
32. I hate asking for help when I feel like I should be able to do something on my own.
33. I want to be artsy. I am exploring my options right now, and am discouraged about the money involved.
34. Speaking of money, I'd likely go for a sugar daddy if the opportunity presented itself.
35. I love museums. I am a total nerd for them. It would be a perfect date for me.
36. I am scared of heights.
37. I often have dreams that I am losing my teeth… like that they are rolling around in my mouth and I don't know what's happened until I spit them into my hand. I went to this website and discovered many scary things about this dream. The Greek explanation scared me the most. http://www.dreammoods.com/cgibin/teethdreams.pl?method=exact&header=dreamid&search=teethintro
38. I will be paying my student loans until I am in my early/mid 40's.
39. I can't stand watermelon, or anything artificially flavored watermelon.
40. I can bake like nobody's business.
41. I love the beach, usually when no one is around.
42. I love to tide pool.
43. I go on not-a-dates with my friend Jon. They are more fun than 99% of my actual dates.
44. I burst into tears on the basketball court in 8th grade for no reason. I didn't even know why. Later, I found out that the moment I burst into tears was the moment my grandfather died.
45. I grew up knowing two of my great grandmothers. They passed away about a year apart from one another when I was in College/Grad School.
46. I don't drink alcohol. Never have, never will. It doesn't bother me to be around people who are drinking, so long as I feel safe.
47. I got my braces off (had them for two years) just DAYS before my first day of high school. It was one of the most exciting things ever.
48. I love french fries.
49. I love cucumbers and vinegar, but not pickles.
50. I often pick meals at restaurants that I can have as leftovers the next day.
51. I subscribe to several magazines, but rarely have time to read them.
52. If I could have one talent, it would be that I could sing (and write my own songs).
53. I believe if I had learned how to play an instrument as a kid, my life's path could have been quite different.
54. I suck at ping-pong.
55. I avoid confrontation. It's a problem.
56. I am anal about time. It's extremely rare that I am late for anything. I'll probably be early to my own funeral.
57. My family is still learning the details of my deceased grandfather's life when he lived in Poland. Apparently he was put into a concentration camp. He never discussed details of his life with me. I wish I knew more about him.
58. I know that no one is perfect.
59. I get migraines. They suck. Especially when they make me vomit.
60. When it comes to a first kiss, I do NOT make the first move. I just won't. But after that… watch out big boy!! ;)
61. I don't have a passport. I need one.
62. I haven't gone on an actual vacation in years.
63. If you date me, you'll meet the love of your life while you're dating me, or immediately after. And it won't be me. Happens all the time.
64. I love campfires, bonfires, and fireplaces.
65. I only like camping if I can shower. I know, it's annoying.
66. My (deceased) grandmother gave blood all the time. I have her 8-gallon pin. Every time I drive by a blood drive sign I feel guilty. I feel like she's telling me that it's something I need to do.
67. My birthday is one of the hardest days of the year for me.
68. I hate Easter. I won't celebrate it. In college, I'd eat Chinese food on Easter with my friends who were stuck on campus.
69. I won't pay for manicures or pedicures unless absolutely necessary. I do enjoy a monthly wax though.
70. I love children and want to have my own someday. I can't see myself having them though. Something tells me I won't. And that I won't marry either. Maybe it goes back to me not being able to see myself at 35 or older. I'm not sad about it.
71. My brothers and I regress in age about 15 years when ever we are together. We laugh so hard it hurts.
72. I'm excited to have a sister-in-law. Probably way TOO excited. I have multiple presents for her. She has no idea (unless she is reading this!).
73. I went over four years in college, grad school, and as a "professional" without even a kiss. It's true.
74. I wonder sometimes what my hobbies are.
75. Sometimes I just need clean, fresh, air in my lungs. It happens often.
76. I love going on long walks.
77. I love documentaries. I am a total nerd for them.
78. I graduated from college before my dad did.
79. My dad is the smartest man I know.
80. I love a guy who is handy. Seriously. I'd marry one if I thought I'd ever marry.
81. One of my students wrote a poem about me last year called "My Hero". It was about me. I still have it.
82. I have been told many times, by many different people, that I have incredible breasts. (Sorry to family members reading this!). Who knew?
83. I wish I were more of a movie buff.
84. I'd instantly fall in love with someone who wrote and performed a song for me. I'd have the same reaction for anyone who learned and played "In Your Eyes" by Jeffery Gaines for me. When John Rush performed it at my request, I couldn't look at him. I was moved to tears.
85. I didn't know the importance of eyebrow grooming until mid-senior year of high school. I wish I knew before I had my senior pictures taken.
86. I drink way too much diet coke.
87. I have driven my roommate to the emergency room three times. I went to visit her every day when she was in for her blood clot (but she drove herself that time). She told me I get a prize when I've driven her five times.
88. I'd take up Bikram yoga again if I could afford it. I loved it when I tried it before.
89. I am more weather savvy than world event savvy. It's stupid.
90. I am great at throwing parties.
91. I am afraid of stages. I could never be an actress.
92. As much as I hate to admit it… I love Chef Boyardee Ravioli and Beefaroni. I also love Spaghetti-O's. But I can't stand tomato sauce. Go figure.
93. I love live music. I love it even more if I know it well enough to sing along to.
94. I haven't been on a plane since the summer of 2001. I've had no reason or need to fly.
95. I got my driver's license at the ripe old age of 23.
96. No one has ever been in love with me.
97. I can clap with one hand.
98. Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the whole year. I wish everyone could experience my crazy family. We have so much fun together.
99. I love to give gifts. One of my favorite things is finding just the right thing for someone to make them happy.
100. I can't imagine not living near the ocean. I could never live in a land locked state. I worry that somehow, I'd feel claustrophobic. I realize that that is weird.
I did 100, and will post more.... what are some of the fact about me that YOU all know? And come on, try to keep it clean!
Ok... GO!
100 things about me… February 14, 2007
1. I am the oldest "kid" in my family, and also the shortest.
2. I am allergic to apples, but not to apple cider or apple juice.
3. I prefer winter to summer, and fall over spring.
4. Spring is, actually, my least favorite season.
5. I come from a huge family. My mom has six siblings, and my dad has five siblings. We are an all-encompassing family that includes "great" aunts and uncles just as important as "regular" aunts and uncles. Also, it doesn't matter if you're blood related, or married into the family… we love you just the same.
6. No one (other than my mom) says, "I love you" in my immediate family. At least to one another.
7. My mom says I have her chin, and my father's nose. My dad says I have my mother's skin.
8. My dad is not big on compliments. One of his few compliments to give me was that he was glad that my brothers and I didn't end up ugly "like that ugly family in church", and I knew EXACTLY which family he was talking about.
9. Last year, my students gave me dating tips.
10. My current class wants me to have 19 babies so they can each baby-sit for one.
11. I went to first-third grade in a three-room schoolhouse. Three classrooms, a hallway, bathrooms, and a closet/teacher's room was all it was.
12. I sneeze very loudly.
13. I give great nicknames.
14. One of my favorite classes in college was "Origins". It was a course in studying creation stories from various religions and cultures. We even read Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. I adored that class. My professor got a call from of the the student's parents. The parent wanted to know if the professor was going to teach the "true" or "right" creation story. My professor replied "Of course!".
15. I fit nicely into a large duffle bag. It's been done.
16. I rub my feet together when I don't have shoes on. I notice myself doing it more when I'm only wearing socks. My dad does the same thing.
17. My mom went into labor for me on April Fool's Day. Unluckily for her, (and luckily for me), I wasn't born until the next day.
18. On my way to go get my class for the first time on my first day of teaching, I wasn't nervous. I felt as if it was what I was meant to do.
19. I cannot live without email.
20. Another favorite college class was "Fine Arts of Boston". Friday nights we would attend lecture, and on Saturdays we would be out in the city for the day studying things like architecture, theatre, and fine arts. It was incredible. I would take the class again if I could.
21. I check my alarm clock at least five times before I fall asleep.
22. I can't see myself at 35, or any older for that matter. It doesn't scare me.
23. I can't stand tomatoes.
24. Or bananas.
25. Kids love me.
26. I have been told that I am a great storyteller. I took that as a class in graduate school…. And got an A.
27. I love to laugh. Sometimes that's a problem.
28. I love board games. I am a nerd like that.
29. I don't watch much TV anymore, but am addicted to Desperate Housewives.
30. My doctor thinks everything is wrong with me, but disregards my concerns about my family history.
31. I can barely swim. I am too embarrassed to sign up for lessons.
32. I hate asking for help when I feel like I should be able to do something on my own.
33. I want to be artsy. I am exploring my options right now, and am discouraged about the money involved.
34. Speaking of money, I'd likely go for a sugar daddy if the opportunity presented itself.
35. I love museums. I am a total nerd for them. It would be a perfect date for me.
36. I am scared of heights.
37. I often have dreams that I am losing my teeth… like that they are rolling around in my mouth and I don't know what's happened until I spit them into my hand. I went to this website and discovered many scary things about this dream. The Greek explanation scared me the most. http://www.dreammoods.com/cgibin/teethdreams.pl?method=exact&header=dreamid&search=teethintro
38. I will be paying my student loans until I am in my early/mid 40's.
39. I can't stand watermelon, or anything artificially flavored watermelon.
40. I can bake like nobody's business.
41. I love the beach, usually when no one is around.
42. I love to tide pool.
43. I go on not-a-dates with my friend Jon. They are more fun than 99% of my actual dates.
44. I burst into tears on the basketball court in 8th grade for no reason. I didn't even know why. Later, I found out that the moment I burst into tears was the moment my grandfather died.
45. I grew up knowing two of my great grandmothers. They passed away about a year apart from one another when I was in College/Grad School.
46. I don't drink alcohol. Never have, never will. It doesn't bother me to be around people who are drinking, so long as I feel safe.
47. I got my braces off (had them for two years) just DAYS before my first day of high school. It was one of the most exciting things ever.
48. I love french fries.
49. I love cucumbers and vinegar, but not pickles.
50. I often pick meals at restaurants that I can have as leftovers the next day.
51. I subscribe to several magazines, but rarely have time to read them.
52. If I could have one talent, it would be that I could sing (and write my own songs).
53. I believe if I had learned how to play an instrument as a kid, my life's path could have been quite different.
54. I suck at ping-pong.
55. I avoid confrontation. It's a problem.
56. I am anal about time. It's extremely rare that I am late for anything. I'll probably be early to my own funeral.
57. My family is still learning the details of my deceased grandfather's life when he lived in Poland. Apparently he was put into a concentration camp. He never discussed details of his life with me. I wish I knew more about him.
58. I know that no one is perfect.
59. I get migraines. They suck. Especially when they make me vomit.
60. When it comes to a first kiss, I do NOT make the first move. I just won't. But after that… watch out big boy!! ;)
61. I don't have a passport. I need one.
62. I haven't gone on an actual vacation in years.
63. If you date me, you'll meet the love of your life while you're dating me, or immediately after. And it won't be me. Happens all the time.
64. I love campfires, bonfires, and fireplaces.
65. I only like camping if I can shower. I know, it's annoying.
66. My (deceased) grandmother gave blood all the time. I have her 8-gallon pin. Every time I drive by a blood drive sign I feel guilty. I feel like she's telling me that it's something I need to do.
67. My birthday is one of the hardest days of the year for me.
68. I hate Easter. I won't celebrate it. In college, I'd eat Chinese food on Easter with my friends who were stuck on campus.
69. I won't pay for manicures or pedicures unless absolutely necessary. I do enjoy a monthly wax though.
70. I love children and want to have my own someday. I can't see myself having them though. Something tells me I won't. And that I won't marry either. Maybe it goes back to me not being able to see myself at 35 or older. I'm not sad about it.
71. My brothers and I regress in age about 15 years when ever we are together. We laugh so hard it hurts.
72. I'm excited to have a sister-in-law. Probably way TOO excited. I have multiple presents for her. She has no idea (unless she is reading this!).
73. I went over four years in college, grad school, and as a "professional" without even a kiss. It's true.
74. I wonder sometimes what my hobbies are.
75. Sometimes I just need clean, fresh, air in my lungs. It happens often.
76. I love going on long walks.
77. I love documentaries. I am a total nerd for them.
78. I graduated from college before my dad did.
79. My dad is the smartest man I know.
80. I love a guy who is handy. Seriously. I'd marry one if I thought I'd ever marry.
81. One of my students wrote a poem about me last year called "My Hero". It was about me. I still have it.
82. I have been told many times, by many different people, that I have incredible breasts. (Sorry to family members reading this!). Who knew?
83. I wish I were more of a movie buff.
84. I'd instantly fall in love with someone who wrote and performed a song for me. I'd have the same reaction for anyone who learned and played "In Your Eyes" by Jeffery Gaines for me. When John Rush performed it at my request, I couldn't look at him. I was moved to tears.
85. I didn't know the importance of eyebrow grooming until mid-senior year of high school. I wish I knew before I had my senior pictures taken.
86. I drink way too much diet coke.
87. I have driven my roommate to the emergency room three times. I went to visit her every day when she was in for her blood clot (but she drove herself that time). She told me I get a prize when I've driven her five times.
88. I'd take up Bikram yoga again if I could afford it. I loved it when I tried it before.
89. I am more weather savvy than world event savvy. It's stupid.
90. I am great at throwing parties.
91. I am afraid of stages. I could never be an actress.
92. As much as I hate to admit it… I love Chef Boyardee Ravioli and Beefaroni. I also love Spaghetti-O's. But I can't stand tomato sauce. Go figure.
93. I love live music. I love it even more if I know it well enough to sing along to.
94. I haven't been on a plane since the summer of 2001. I've had no reason or need to fly.
95. I got my driver's license at the ripe old age of 23.
96. No one has ever been in love with me.
97. I can clap with one hand.
98. Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the whole year. I wish everyone could experience my crazy family. We have so much fun together.
99. I love to give gifts. One of my favorite things is finding just the right thing for someone to make them happy.
100. I can't imagine not living near the ocean. I could never live in a land locked state. I worry that somehow, I'd feel claustrophobic. I realize that that is weird.
I did 100, and will post more.... what are some of the fact about me that YOU all know? And come on, try to keep it clean!
First....
I'm on the blogging bandwagon!
I'm not sure anyone will read this, or be remotely interested in what I have to say... but.... it's fine. Really.
I'm not going to make any big promises to write every day or anything like that, but I'll try and write as often as I can.
Here goes something!
I'm not sure anyone will read this, or be remotely interested in what I have to say... but.... it's fine. Really.
I'm not going to make any big promises to write every day or anything like that, but I'll try and write as often as I can.
Here goes something!
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