Being Mrs. Farrell

2010-09-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

Racism

2010-03-03T07:53:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I let things like this bother me...seriously, I should avoid newsxb of all forms so I can just focus on happy thoughts, but I was reading this article on Yahoo this morning, and I don't know what was more disturbing: the article or the crazy people who comment on the article. Seriously? Are these people for real, and if so, why are they roaming the earth? I think I'd like to be racist against dumb people.

Racism is a sad thing, no doubt. Though I also don't think we should be so overly sensitive either. Have I just been oblivious as a child to "stereotypical" antics just to be entertained and wasn't even aware of it? When I was watching Speedy Gonzales and Slowpoke Rodriguez, was I laughing at the expense of another Mexican child crying? When I was in 5th grade and painted my face black to sing "You Be Illin'" at our school's talent show, was I really being insensitive to the black students at our school? Surely, I didn't do it intentionally. It honestly never crossed my mind! I just wanted to look like DMC.

I also think - and I'm being completely honest here - that maybe white people aren't imitated and mocked (or offended) because we are so boring. For real! We have no culture, no defined thing that sets us apart from other races. How do you make fun of a white person? I dunno - put on sunscreen and eat a cheeseburger!? Wear a polo shirt and khakis? Seriously, if you were to throw a "white person"-themed party, what would you decorate with? What would you serve? What would you encourage your guests to wear? Can't come up with too much, can you? Maybe that's why no one wants to throw a caucasin themed party - cause it would be boring! I guess its because America is such the melting pot that there is hardly one dominate race anymore. What is race anyway?? White people can be described as American, French, Australian, Jewish, British....just like black people can be American, Nigerian, Haitian, or Trinidadian. It's just a skin color. So, why all the animosity?

I'm just defending not so much the Compton Cookout, but more so the Tijuana Sunrise party. (I have no idea what these parties consisted of or to what extent they went to). I guess I am guilty of throwing a Mexican Fiesta party myself, complete with Mexican decorations, sombreros, and Mexican food. Does that make me a racist against Mexicans? Does that mean I was mocking Mexican people? I am fully aware that my Mexican friends do not wear sombreros on a daily basis and that it is just a symbol of their heritage. I also threw a Luau. Does that mean I was mocking Hawaiians? I guess I am just so confused where the line is and when it is actually crossed.

White hood, I get. KKK, I get. Even a noose, to an extent, I understand. Those are all clear symbols of racism made to hurt others. Symbols of hate. It's ashame really that people have nothing more to do with their time than concentrate on hurting others.

It's sad that people would try to make others feel uncomfortable in the skin they're in. All I keep telling myself is that all I can do is raise my children to love everyone, and in this case, I would hope ignorance is bliss. If I don't put those negative thoughts in their heads, maybe they won't even give it a second thought. Hate breeds hate. Hopefully love breeds love too.

Joe Stack is whack!

2010-02-18T12:51:00.001-08:00

I know I have been MIA, and it's ashame because I hate to have THIS as my comeback post, but I am so frustrated! I am watching Fox News, and they're reporting on this whacko Joseph Stack who flew his plane into the IRS building in Austin, Texas.

What is wrong with people these days? I understand that not everyone is of sound body and mind, and that's been going on for years. It's called mental illness, and I can somewhat wrap my head around that. But what I don't understand is why these people feel the need to kill others to make themselves feel better. To channel their anger, they feel the need to hurt others AND then be the major coward and kill themselves in the process. God forbid we actually stick around and take responsibility for our actions. Not to sound incredibly insensitive, but why not just go kill yourself and get it over with? I am in no way condoning suicide, but I would rather that person take just their own life than plan out this big production and hurt others in the process. Innocent people dying because you are mad at an agency or the government or the country for that matter is just stupid. Since when did suicide go from a private event to something we have to see on the national news?? So, just do us all a favor and get it done quickly and quietly. Or even better, why not get help when you feel yourself spiralling out of control??

It also makes me so mad that people can blame everyone else for their misfortunes except themselves. Yes, bad things happen. Yes, sometimes it's not always fair. But that's life. This has been going on for centuries, and life is what you make of it. Children fighting cancer don't get through it by saying, "oh, woe is me." It's the positive attitude and the will to live that gets them through it, and what more of a crappier hand is that?? Ugh....it's just so frustrating.

And it's not just this Joe Stack whacko...this includes that other nutball that took out fire at Fort Hood or that crazy that shot the students in Alabama or that spineless jerk who killed all the people at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, that's just to name a few, and that's sad. That's hard to stomach for a mother bringing children into the world. It's hard to handle when I can raise my children as best as I can and send them out into the world, and one day some unstable, trigger-happy coward can change everything because he had a bad day. THAT is not fair.

It's time for people to stop blaming everyone else. It's time for people to take responsibility for their actions. It's time for us to start looking on the bright side and making do with what God gave us. Joe Stack, you are WRONG. Violence is NOT the answer, and what you did today will make no difference in your arguement with the government. It will only make us remember you as a sick, pathetic coward of a man, if we remember you at all.

P.S. I am really sorry about the insensitivity on the subject of suicide. I do think that it's a horrible, final thing to do, and I don't think anyone should ever have to get to that point. Life is precious, and there is always someone who is worse off than you are.

Crockpot Pork Chops - for the lazy chef

2009-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Even if you can't cook or don't like to cook, this is the easiest recipe EVER!

A few weeks ago, I saw some pork chops on sale, and I bought them on a whim. I usually just pan fry them, not having any idea what I am doing, and they come out so dry and chewy. Gross. So, I googled pork chop recipes, and I found this one and decided to try it. It was a HIT in my house...the pork chops just broke apart, and the whole meal was soo good. What was even better was that it's made in a crockpot, so there is NO WORK!!

Here's the recipe from http://www.southernfood.about.com/.

It's called Jade's crockpot pork chops, made easy with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, sliced
4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 can condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup (I use both to make it saucier)
4 to 6 pork chops, boneless or bone-in
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Lightly spray slow cooker with butter or garlic flavored non-stick cooking spray. Put onions and potatoes in bottom of slow cooker.

Top with pork chops, salt and pepper.

Pour soup over chops. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until tender.

Serves 4 to 6.

I know it doesn't look great in the Crockpot, but for real....just try it. Once it

s bubbling and done, it is soooo delicious. I also add garlic powder, basil and a few other spices...but that's totally up to you.

Good luck and comment to let us know how yours comes out!

Crazy Ella

2009-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm a Milkaholic

2009-08-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

My name is Angelle Farrell, and I'm a milkaholic.

It's true! I love milk!

I mean, I have never had such an obsession with it like I have for this pregnancy. I have been drinking skim milk for as long as I can remember, but when Ella was about to turn one, I bought a gallon of 2% milk so I could gradually ease her into drinking milk. Well, I eased myself into drinking it to because when I tasted it, it was soooo good! Oh my, so much better than skim milk. What have I been missing all this time?? Is it REALLY that much more fattening?!!?
So, now I can't get enough of it. It must be one of those pregnancy cravings...
Some woman crave pickles and ice cream.
I crave milk!

Life is Good

2009-08-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Why is it every time that I go to the gym in the morning, I feel FABULOUS that day? You would think I would remember that feeling all the time, and it would encourage me to go to the gym all the time! I guess that's not an uncommon feeling though. Anyway, my doctor told me yesterday that my weight looked really good for being 25 weeks preggers, and that made me feel really great, so that too encouraged me to continue with the gym. It doesn't hurt that it's also good ME time, even if I am sweating.

Life is also good because I am just LOVING the blogging job. I mean, for real. My new goal is to write five articles a week right now while I can. It is just so much fun, and I can't get over how popular it's getting. I had an old friend from Mandeville (well, she was actually a counselor with me at Robindel back in the day), but she contacted me to tell me about her business. Her and her mom went into business making baby clothing and monogramming it. I checked out her website, and it is ADORABLE things (that I will most likely end up spending tons of money on). She's such a sweetheart, and she loved my blog - so she's sending me some "freebies" for me to try out so I can blog about her company. How cool is that?? I can't wait to see what she sends, and I am even more excited to write about a company when I know the owner.

If you want to check out her website before the article hits my blog, it's http://nolababybowtique.blogspot.com/. I'll keep it on both my blogs too in case you ever want to come back to it. Great stuff for VERY reasonable prices.

So, I am really feeling this blogging gig. All this writing I have been doing makes me feel so....relaxed and released. Purpose. I mean, I know I have purpose when I am running a household and raising my little angel, but it's like I feel like I still have a brain being home all day. I can at least get SOME use out of this journalism degree I worked so hard for. Plus I feel like I have this obligation to mothas all around the world to let them know about what products are out there. Every time I love an item or hate an item, I am always emailing my friends with babies to tell them about it. Now I can just run to my blog. It's a great refuge.

Anyway, I'm having a great Friday (if you couldn't already tell), and I guess I should put it to rest. Thanks to all my readers on ALL my blogs. I hope I can entertain you in some way, shape or form!

Angelle

"That Mom"

2009-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like "that mom."
That was me today.

I woke up and took a shower, but I decided to wait to dry my hair. Well, I started working on my other blog and didn't realize the time, so I didn't have time to straighten my hair. So, I brushed it, which made it only fluff out into a ball of cotton candy.

I became "that mom" that I always want to lend my straightener to.

Then I gave my face a one over. Not a stitch of make-up, white and pasty as ever. I put on a little powder and mascara, but it didn't help much.

I became "that mom" that never wears make-up.

Then I grabbed Ella on one hip and my giant diaper bag on the other shoulder. I'm in diaper bag transition right now, so I am using a functional but GIANT open bag with no zipper. The openness of it made my bra strap hang out, and my dress was nearly falling off.

I was then "that mom" that doesn't have time to straighten herself up before she leaves the house.

I always said I wasn't going to be "that mom," so I officially declare today the ONLY day I am allowed to be "that mom" since my body is just so physically tired. I'm going to let this one slide, but tomorrow it's back to make-up, cute outfits, and having it all together. Maybe that's how "that mom" got sucked into the "that mom" routine. She never realized she was ever in the rut to begin with.

Ok, I am babbling...did I mention I was tired??

Tribute to Ruthie

2009-07-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Lacie's grandma passed away this week. She was 91 years old. She had gone downhill this summer, and after they ran a ton of tests, they really couldn't find anything wrong with her. I think her body was just giving out on her. She wasn't eating anymore, and they had to insert a feeding tube to keep her healthy. I think they all knew what was coming when she stopped talking and hardly recognized the family when they would see her. But no matter how much you prepare yourself for losing someone so close to you, it still hurts. I've been reading all the wonderful, thoughtful comments people have been leaving for Lacie on her Facebook, and I read one today that really stuck with me. They said, "we could all be so lucky to have lived such a full life as Ruthie." She really did...it's amazing to think she's been on this earth for 91 years. I thought the same when my Aunt Yolande died.

My heart goes out to her family...her only child Lomie, her son-in-law Floyd and her two granddaughters. I know Lacie would've liked her to be there for her wedding in October, but now Ruthie can watch from above, with a front row seat better than anyone else in the church. My prayers and thoughts are with her family and friends today and tomorrow for the funeral.

It makes me sad that I can't be there. These are the days that I really hate that I live so far away. If I weren't pregnant and maybe if my parents were home, I might try the trip alone but I just think it will be too hard to get there by tomorrow. I am sad though, and I wish I could be there for my friend.

Here's a beautiful tribute video Lacie and her sister put together for their grandmother. We'll never forget you, Ruthie!!

Blackberry Baby Blues

2009-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

When I became a mother, I felt empowered. I felt I had joined this club that I had never been a part of, and people came out of the woodwork to offer me advice and comfort and compassion. And I felt I had a magical power bestowed upon me, some sort of mystical commanding way to somehow make everything fall into place, and everything was ok.

And then the pain medication wore off from the hospital...

No, seriously...being a mom has been one of the most rewarding and unbelievable experiences I have yet to have, and I have only just begun. And the job becomes even more intensified as times goes on. You know, the old thought in the workplace is usually that the more time that goes by and the more experience you gain, the easier it gets. But parenting is sooo not like that! It seems the older they get, the more you NEED to know and the harder it is to keep it all together. It's overwelming at times.

I felt that way, at least...until the clouds parted and replaced my old cell phone with a shiny, red Blackberry Curve. I will add that I used to think those people with those "big and bulky phones" had no use for those things, and that they probably were slower than molasses. Well, I'm here to tell you I've been reformed, and now I'm a believer!!

I brought my Blackberry home, and I immediately started putting names and phone numbers in. It was sooo easy to operate this gadget, and usually I am a woman who HAS to read directions, but for this one, I really didn't need to! This phone even has tutorials built in! Before I even read one manual, I entered email addresses, took photos, surfed the web, text messaged friends and started entering appointments into my calendar.

Some of you may be saying, "well my regular phone does all that," and so did mine, but what separates a regular cell phone from a smart phone is the full keyboard! I was able to text message so much quicker with a full keyboard rather than having to hit the number seven FOUR times to get one single "S"!

I am spoiled, I know.

Another thing that separates a regular cell phone from a smart phone is the speed of the internet. I can take a picture of our daughter and email it to her grandmother in the next state with the click of a button. And I receive emails instantly as well. My husband and I love the quick internet access for road trips because we're always fighting about who sang what song in what year. God, I love technology!

I decided on a Blackberry rather than any of the other smart phones out there again because of the full keyboard. I didn't like the fact that the only way to dial or text was to touch a screen (I already hate touch screen computers - ever try putting your debit card pin number with your finger?! Aack!) I imagine a touch screen wouldn't be so bad every so often, but I like to make contact with a real button sometimes too! It's kinda similar to wanting to talk to a living, breathing person when you call customer service. Plus, the Blackberry Curve is so slim and sleek, it really doesn't seem much bigger than a regular cell phone.

The greatest feature it has as a mom is the calendar. I have tried to be organized with calendars, big and small, pocket-sized, wall-sized...I've tried them all, but the thing about calendars is you have to fill them in! But now, any time I make an appointment, I just whip out my handy dandy cell phone, enter in the appointment, and voila! It even sends me a reminder before the appointment happens. It's soooo convenient!!

So, if you've been thinking about embarking on the new horizon of a smart phone, I am here to tell you it is TOTALLY worth it!
It's something every mom in the "mom's club" should have!

I Gotta Lotta Love for the Booger Sucker

2009-07-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Being a mother, I have come across many new and interesting inventions to make raising babies easier, but I must say, I have died and gone to heaven on this new one.

It's the Graco NasalClear Aspirator, or as my husband and I call it, the "boogie sucker."

One of the joys of daycare is the neverending, snotty colds our angel comes home with, so she has pretty much been sick all winter long. Our first bulb aspirator from the hospital unfortunately became a chew toy for our Min Pin Zoe (and just thinking about the "prize" on the inside still gives me the willies!) But since that aspirator, we've never been able to find a good replacement, until now!

We found this gem at Wal-Mart for about twenty bucks. It's battery-operated, and it claims to play music to distract your child while you suck her brains out with a push of a button. I am thinking to myself that "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" cannot possibly distract my child from me going for her nostrils with a suctioning device, but it really does work! The very first time we used it on her, I got a really good suction on her nose. Her eyes squinched closed and she kinda caught her breath a little. I really thought maybe I had sucked up a kidney or something. But then she looked at me and giggled. She gave me a look as if, "how did you just do that?"

Since then, it's the only aspirator we use when she's got a runny nose. It makes her feel so much better, and it sure does beat that smelly bulb aspirator (have you ever smelled the inside of one of those?? No matter how many times you clean it, it reeks! So gross!)

Now, I will say that you have to read the instructions before you operate it (husbands!!) The first few times we used it, it seemed like it just wasn't working all that great because we didn't see any mucus. Once we read the directions, we realized sometimes if the mucus is thick, you have to use a little water in between uses to flush the tip out. Since then, it works like a charm, and all her snot flush right into the clear collection cup for all to see (vile, I know, but don't lie, you KNOW you want to try it now!)

So, I award yet another inventive gadget to making raising babies even easier, and I give the Graco "Booger Sucker" five stars!

American Idol - my guilty pleasure

2009-03-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a couple of years ago when one would ask me if I watched American Idol, I would turn my nose up and say NO WAY. I hated the show. I hated everything it stood for. I was probably just jealous. Maybe I figured if I couldn't be American Idol, then it doesn't deserve me as a viewer!! I don't know...but I hated it.

Then about three or four years ago when I was commuting from Garyville to Baton Rouge everyday, I started listening to Kidd Kraddick in the morning. I loved the show, but every week they would go on and on about this dang show! It still didn't make me like the show, but at least I knew what was going on later when the office breakroom was discussing it in detail. Every so often I could inject an opinion since Kidd Kraddick would play clips. I could fit in with the TV socialites. I went on with my weekly updates, and all was good.

And then one night towards the middle of that particular season, I happened to catch the middle of an episode on tv. I considered changing the channel is disgust, but I thought, maybe I should just see what all the hype is about?? So, I indulged myself. It was cheesy, and it was comical at points. Some singers were actually pretty good. I liked rating them using my own little voice background and singing ability. It made me feel like I had an edge above the average viewer.

And then there was Chris.

Ahhh, Chris Daughtry. He was a vision. I caught his performance (and I can't remember what he was singing that particular night), but I was hooked. I thought, why is this even a competition?? Why isn't he just the winner?? Should I vote?? No, that would be absurd! I hate this show. But I love Chris. I mean, for no reason should this hottie patottie NOT be the next American Idol, whatever an American Idol is. He was dreamy. And so I watched again the next week. Like a caffeine addiction, I fed myself weekly episodes intraveniously. I couldn't wait to see what stops he would pull out the next week. It was great. Not only could I participate in breakroom chatter, I was a vital member of the committee! Every morning we would convene over watered down coffee and discuss the drama that took place the night before.

And then....like a jolted punch to the stomach, he was kicked off with still three contestants left to go.

WHAT?!?!

Are you serious?!?! How can it be?

I was devastated. For real! I was sooo shocked and mad and angry at America for not voting. I mean, I sure as hell wasn't going to vote, but they should have!! How could they!?!? Poor Chris. Why did I let myself get sucked into this stupid show!!?? I vowed the night he was voted off to never watch that debacle again. The next Tuesday night, I completely ignored the TV altogether. I was curious....but NO. I couldn't do it. I had to NOT WATCH for Chris' sake. I took comfort in knowing that we'd be hearing from him again on the radio....and we did. Now, I did snap the tube on for a few minutes of the last episode of that season to see the gray-haired, joke of a dancer Taylor Hicks take the trophy. WHATEV! I was done.

The following year, it started all over again. I told myself that that was just a blip. I was not going to get hooked again. My mother-in-law was living with us at the time, and one night while flipping channels, I stopped on American Idol. I sometimes struggled to find something we could both enjoy since I was such a Lifetime rerun junkie, so I handed her the remote and said she could watch whatever she wanted. She said, "no, let's just see what's going on here." So, we watched...and like a recovering drug addict giving into temptation, I relapsed. And I liked. And we liked. And we BOTH got hooked. In fact, the whole household was hooked. Soon we were planning our dinner around showtimes. Each week at 7pm on Tuesday night, we were all gathered around the TV like a 1950s poster family. And although this was an addiction I did not like to admit, it brought me closer to my in-laws. We loved discussing different performances. My father-in-law loved to disagree with me about Sanjaya. It was bliss. I watched an entire season, and I didn't self-destruct. It was surprising...and nice. That was the year that Jordin Sparks won. We all picked her to win, although I did love little Blake too.

Last year, I watched most of the season alone or with Bart. It wasn't quite the same. I didn't watch as faithfully without my in-law cheerleaders. I found new comfort in texting with my friends Christina and Michelle. It gave me a something to look forward to each week, a way to keep up with two more friends on a weekly basis. Every so often I would call my mother-in-law, and it gave us a lot to talk about. You see, she also watched faithfully from Baton Rouge. She liked David Cook and David Archuletta, and we were pretty good at choosing the right person to get voted off for that week. I got the feeling that she missed her AI partner as much as I missed mine.

A few weeks after David Cook won that last season, my mother-in-law returned to our house for her final visit. We never got to watch another season of American Idol together again. I suppose I'll watch it out of obligation now. I still do enjoy watching the different contestants take the stage. It's fun to critique them and talk about them with friends. I still like being the master of the breakroom chatter.

For some, it's just another show on the boob tube.

For me, it's a guilty pleasure that will always remind me of my time with my mother-in-law.

And maybe Mrs. Bev's catching a couple of episodes of American Idol from heaven.

My Best Friend's Wedding

2009-03-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend, one of the most amazing things happened.

My best friend LACIE got engaged.

Now let me tell you a little something about Lacie. She is no ordinary girl. She is an extraordinary woman who has gone through one bad internet date after another. She has PATIENTLY waited for the right man to wise up and find her...all the while, enjoying her life along the way. She is the last my childhood friends to get married, and yet she is probably the most unique and wonderful person you could ever meet. She is my twin with teeth (inside joke!)

On the outside, she is a beautiful woman. You'd never know she once had hot pink hair, wore dog collars and plastic silver skirts. She has always marched to the beat of a different drum, and that is what makes her what she is. She is a huge ray of sunlight....always happy, always smiling. She's been such a great friend throughout the years....always remembers your birthday or sends little cards out of the blue for no reason. She loves real mail as opposed to email, yet she will respond to your email in 2.3 seconds. She has made me laugh every day since the day I have met her. Growing up, we have shared clothes (many many clothes), we've shared heartaches and we've shared so many memories. And she's always been there for me when I needed her...lending a shoulder to cry on (which I have done MANY times!) Plus she is SUPER smart. She's maintained straight A's for as long as I have known her, and yet she's so humble, you'd never know it. She's never had her nose buried in a book. In May 2009, she will graduate with her PHD. Yes, she will become Dr. Lacie Lin Marie Michel soon-to-be Bogen. She is an amazing individual who has long deserved happiness and a fairy tale ending.

I've had the incredible priveledge of growing up with her....going to kindergarten with her, playing cabbage ball and having recess on the playgrounds with her, being around for her first boyfriend, her first date and her first kiss (hell, she was in the ROOM for MY first kiss!) We graduated 8th grade together, graduated high school together...and after she finished Loyola, we went to the same college, and we even graduated COLLEGE together (ok, so she had a masters and I had a bachelors - what's your point!?) After college, we lived together - which was a roller coaster adventure that I wouldn't have ever changed because we got to enjoy the ups and downs of single lady life together too!! Those were some of the best memories in those apartments.

And now she's met the man of her dreams - a guy so perfectly crafted for her that she couldn't have created him better herself. He truly seems to be her soulmate, and he has asked her to marry him this past Saturday. We are sooo super excited for her - it's like having another sister get married. I know he realizes how special and wonderful she is.

They have set their wedding date today - Halloween. October 31, 2009. I wouldn't have expected anything less. I am so excited for the next seven months...the experiences that she will have, the memories she will make, and the unforgettable wedding that she and Chris will have. And I am even more excited for what follows that special day....

CONGRATS LACIE AND CHRIS!!!

I LOVE YOU BOTH!

Spring is in the air...

2009-03-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

I just love Spring.

I love flip flops and pedicures and flowers in bloom. I love flowy skirts and pastel colors and green grass. I love hot pink azaleas and trees with leaves and beautiful colors. I love fresh shaven legs and sun dresses and easter eggs. I love long afternoons with plenty of sunlight and cool breezes. I love bumblebees and gardening and barbecues; crawfish boils, patios and swimming pools. I love sunscreen and tanned skin and fresh air.

I LOVE SPRINGTIME.

Winter is just bundling up and coats and long pants and dead trees and early nights and heaters and flannel and runny noses and dry everything.

I love Spring.

This is just funny.

2009-02-28T09:20:00.001-08:00

Who is this guy!?!?

2009-02-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

As I was searching for the correct information for my blog below, I stumbled upon this headline on my least favorite news supplier, CNN. All I can say, is
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!

Education chief favors longer school year
Those lazy days of summer may become a thing of the past if the new secretary of education has his way. Arne Duncan, the Cabinet secretary charged with overhauling America's educational system, is studying programs that keep kids in school longer to boost their academic achievements.

Grose Politics

2009-02-28T07:54:00.001-08:00

Has anyone seen the story on the news about the mayor who was caught with an emailed picture of the White House with watermelons photoshopped in the front yard with a caption saying, "Guess there'll be no Easter egg hunt this year?" The mayor is resigning, even though he says he didn't get the racial joke of the email.

Regardless of whether he is lying or not, that's not the thing I am so angry at. I am angry at the media. Why is it when they reported this dumb story did they feel the need to show me the picture he was caught with? Isn't showing the picture on national tv no better than the mayor having the picture in his email to begin with? Isn't showing the public the photo creating more racism and animosity between whites and blacks? And not only did they show us the poor-tasted photo, but they also told us the name and showed us the picture of the mayor. Perhaps they wanted to televise his home address and social security number too?? How is all that information newsworthy?

Why couldn't they just have reported that a mayor in a southern California city is resigning for sending a racial email? Why destroy this man's life for one small mistake? The media needs to take a chill pill. They really are out of control lately. There needs to be some kind of censorship on what they can and can't release to the public. Blood-thirsty, ratings-hungry decisions like these are what drove me away from the industry after college. It's no wonder I am a middle school teacher with a journalism degree!

I'm back!

2009-02-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back. I have my new laptop, and I have just so much to blog about. So much going on.

I'll start with this early Saturday morning weigh-in.
Since the end of January, I joined Weight Watchers. I wanted to shed my "baby weight" and be a thin, fit mommy for Ella. I even go to the weekly meetings for extra motivation. Yes, I wake up eaaarly every Saturday morning for my 7am meeting so I can just get it over with. And I started off with medium gusto, and I kinda lost my steam for a while. The weight was coming off so slowly - almost not at all, and I wasn't doing horrible. I mean, I wasn't doing great either. There were trips home and my anniversary dinner and who can forget Valentine's Day candy. Holidays for a teachers are double trouble because kids give you candy and they expect it too! And then I had to buy girl scout cookies from every child who asked.
Excuses, excuses, excuses - I know!

So, when I got the flu last week, I lost a few lbs fast. It was a nice jumsptart, and it really got me motivated. This past week, I really got it in my head to be committed. I turned down donuts (which are at school almost daily!), and I started eating my lunch in my room to avoid any temptation of school lunches (which are horribly fattening, by the way!) and down in the teacher's lounge (people are always putting leftover sweets on the tables). I did soo well.
And Friday was our annual Chili Cookoff for Go Texan Day (don't ask, it's a Texas thing), and I was soooo worried about seeing all that food the day before I weighed in, but I did well!!

I woke up with Ella coughing last night, and yet I still dragged myself out of bed at 6:30am to go to my weekly weigh-in. And I walked in there, stripped off my jacket and shoes, stepped on that scale with confidence, and I ONLY LOST A MEASELY .8 LBS!! I was so bummed!! Seriously, I wanted to cry. What did I do wrong?? I guess I need to just keep on keeping on. I took a little time off from my Zumba class when I was sick, but I am definitely back at the YMCA this week. But geez!!! Why is losing weight so freaking hard??

So, I've lost 7.8 lbs since I've started. Hopefully, it will be much more of a loss to come. I'm not letting this get me down. I'll just work my butt off today cleaning house.

Where have I been!?!

2009-01-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

Clearly, I need to blog more.
I have so much to say, but so little time. Damn working for a living!!!
Will write more when I can...

I love being a mom.

2008-12-04T21:14:00.001-08:00

Before I was a Mom...

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom...

I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom...

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom...

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom...

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important
and happy.

Before I was a Mom...

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the
wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

December Madness

2008-12-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Wow...since when has December been so crazy?? Oh my! School is crazy. We're trying to cram everything into the next three weeks, and it is nutty. The kids are wound up, and it seems like a zillion assignments are due.
Meetings out the wazoo.
Grades due next week.
Three observations in the next week and a half.
I took the PPR exam tonight which is the last exam I have to take to get certified. Woohoo. I have no idea how I did.
Christmas shopping.
Decorating.
Daycare.
AHHHHHHHH!!!

Ya gotta love it.

Testing

2008-11-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

I feel special...

2008-11-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, I originally had this posted on Ella's blog, but this is more for me than it is for her. Last Friday one of my students gave me a paper telling me that I was her favorite teacher and that she loves the way I explain things to the class. And she wanted me to go to her volleyball game Monday. I felt so special...I mean, I have only been there a little over a month - but this little girl is so sweet, and have I mentioned yet how much I love being a teacher.

Anyway, Monday morning she comes to my classroom with this big corsage flower thing with all these ribbons hanging down. Now, I've heard about these mums. I've seen them pinned to other teachers' bulletin boards when I was a sub. Apparently its a big thing in Texas - they give them out for homecoming courts and possibly dances? All I know, is the way I love attention, I would've been a mum-a-holic in high school if this was cool at ole St. Charles. So, she made me this mum...thats her picture on the button. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever?!

So, Monday was their last volleyball game, and I attended proudly. There were several other teachers there being honored as well. I guess since I'm a first-year teacher (and a nerd), I made it out to be a really big deal in my head, but it really touched me. I stayed for almost all four games...my student won her game (she's a really good player too!) - I should've gone to more than just this last one! Oh well...there's always next year.

Next Friday is the last day of the second six weeks. I have been super busy trying to get everything graded and work made up. I have a lot of students that aren't doing to well. My mentor tells me thats normal, but I really take it to heart. Things are so much different for some of these kids than it was for me when I was their age...but that's another whole story for another whole posting!! So glad it's the weekend!!

Natchitoches Weekend

2008-11-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Bart, Ella and I had a great little getaway this weekend. It was very spontaneous, and that made it even more fun. I love not making any reservations sometimes. I loooove Natchitoches. It is the cutest little town with little shops and the river and old houses and hills. Its just so quaint. And of course there's Northwestern and all the memories that come along with it. When we drove through downtown, there was obviously a rowing race going on, and I remembered when I was on the rowing team. How did I ever wake up every morning at 5am for practice to go in that cold a$$ water and freeze my ta-ta's off?? I guess that's why I was so skinny and yet thought I was so fat! Ha ha!

We passed by a lot of old hangouts. Nicky's mexican restaurant for one - fun times. Oh, and I got a snapshot of the McDonald's while we were trying to decide what we would pick up for lunch. Look at this pic.....only in a cute town like Natchitoches would there be a waterfall in the drive-thru line!!

We also had a blast hanging out with our friends Tyler and Veronica and our godchild Breanna. She is such a cutie. We always have fun with them...we were hanging out at her sister's house. Her sister was in Baton Rouge for the weekend, so we just kinda used their house while they were away. They have this really pretty house with the most perfect backyard. I love the outdoor fireplace...I could sit by that thing every night. And then we had fun with their electric scooters. And Tango had fun with the basketball. Ha ha.

Well, I am tired and am ready for a new week at school. I graded a lot of papers while we were in the car. Still not done though.

Without a Paddle

2008-11-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ok...so, its a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I'm watching a movie I have seen many times, but I think its been overlooked. I don't remember it being a big hit at the movies, unless I just missed it. It's called "Without a Paddle." It's about these four guys who have been best friends since they were kids. One of them goes on to do great things, but passes away (I'm not giving the movie away...it happens in the very beginning). Anyway, the remaining three boys decide to go on an adventure in memory of him. Needless to say, their adventure is the movie, and it is HILARIOUS!! It stars Dax Shepard (from Baby Mama), Matthew Lillard (from Scream and Scooby Doo) and Seth Green (from Austin Powers). They are sooo funny...I laugh out loud every time I watch it, and even though they're boys, the movie brings you back to your childhood. Matthew Lillard and Seth Green deliver outstanding performances - Seth Green's character is so adorable. Burt Reynolds even makes an appearance.

If you have not seen this movie, do yourself a favor. It's been coming on MTV this weekend. Here's the imdb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364751/

Election 2008

2008-11-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am SO ready for this election to be over!! The commercials are driving me nuts...not just the McCain and Obama commercials, but the local commercials as well. They are so vindictive! I voted last week during early voting. I'm off from school for Election Day, so I surely don't want to spend my day off waiting in line! It was great to vote early...there was no line at all! Now, I will say I have been enjoying the Saturday Night Live skits during the election...I don't normally watch SNL anymore (I mean, its just not the same anymore), but I like Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, and since I've been so into this election, the satire is refreshing!

I'm so not going to get into my political views on here because its just not that kind of blog, but I am very excited for Tuesday. Either way, history will be made. Bart has got me listening to AM talk radio and watching all the coverage, but I'm kinda glad. It's nice to be informed. Guess we will know one way or another by Tuesday. Woohoo!

P.S. If you're reading this and you HAVEN'T voted yet, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE ON TUESDAY!! Your vote DOES make a difference either way!!

$1.99 - holy smokes!!

2008-11-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

I stopped at the Valero a couple of days ago, and when I saw how much the gas was, I almost ran into the gas pump. It was $2.09!! I was so shocked, I had to take a picture of it!

Then Bart went yesterday to the Racetrack on Highway 6, and he said gas was $1.99!! Oh my! How awesome is that?? I don't know how the economy is doing, but the gas prices rock! (and yes, it IS sad that I am excited that gas costing $1.99!)

Like Totally 80s!

2008-10-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

This week at school it's Red Ribbon Week, and if you don't remember what that was from school - it's the Drug and Alcohol Awareness week. Anyway, everyday is a different dress-up day for school. Monday was red, white and blue (I think it was something like "America joins the fight against drugs.") Tuesday was "Block Out Drugs and Alcohol," and everyone got to wear hats, sunglasses, and black under our eyes. Today is "A History of Red Ribbon Week," so we got to dress like our favorite decade. Mine of course was the eighties!!

I cut up an old sweater and made leg warmers. I dug out some big, circular silver earrings and a tacky necklace. I pulled a tight side ponytail into a purple scrunchy, and my makeup was made up of frosted blue eye shadow, blue eye liner, and cotton candy pink lip gloss. The only thing I was missing was a fingerless lace glove. Ha ha! It was so much fun!! I love being a teacher.

I went to Randall's grocery after school to pick up some 7up for my ailing mother, and everyone gave me funny looks. No one looked at me with a smile to say, "nice costume." They just gave me freaky looks as if to say, "are you really wearing that?" I mean, really? Do you really think me, a 30-year-old woman, is going around in everyday life with a side pony, frosted blue eye shadow and leg warmers?!! C'mon people!!

Tomorrow is "Fight the War Against Drugs," and we can wear camouflage. And Friday is crazy hair and clothes day....hmmmm. I can definitely do that.

Ready or Not, Here We Go

2008-10-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

Well, there's no easy way to start this thing other than to just get started. I created this blog to express myself. I love Ella's blog so much. It helps me stay connected with friends and family, and it's the best thing ever!! So because I love it so much, I wanted one for my very own. I have random thoughts and things to get out sometimes, and where else to express that kind of poetic therapy than my very own blog! And here we are...

I have to say my life is pretty great. I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband. I couldn't have asked for a more involved, giving person to spend my life with. He adores Ella. He wakes up in the middle of the night to feed her - even if he has work the next day. He dresses her. He changes diapers. He loves bath time as much as she does, and he's always taking her for walks in the backyard to just "look around." I'm sure lots of new dads out there do this very same thing, but its just so heart-warming to see my husband do it. He's really great.

Then there's Ella. I am so grateful that she was born a healthy, bouncing baby girl. She's growing so fast, and every day I have to pinch myself that I really gave birth to her. I mean, it seems like just yesterday Lacie, Jenny and I were living in Baton Rouge, getting into trouble and loving the single life. And now here I am with this little person that depends soully on me for survival. I love motherhood though. I love having that power of being the one who can calm her when she's upset. The one who can make her laugh even when she's starving for a bottle. The one who can put her to sleep in 3.2 seconds. Hee hee. Its an unbelievable feeling, and every day I can't wait to see what happens next.

My newest happening in my life is my teaching job. I decided to become a teacher when I moved to Houston. I loved the marketing thing, but once I left Your Other Warehouse, I was done with it. I wanted a career change no matter what it was. Quite honestly, I've always thought about being a teacher. My sisters are teachers. Lots of friends and family members are teachers, and I always envied them when they got to decorate their classrooms. Ha! I was always crafty and creative when it came to kids. I loved being an RA at Southeastern. And when I did some searching in Houston, I thought back to what I love to do most in life....what was some of the best times of my life. It was Camp Roindel. I loved it for sooo many reasons, but it all came down to the kids. So, it just seemed like a logical direction to turn. I enrolled into a program to get my certification a year ago, and here we are. Now, I'm teaching 8th grade Language Arts, and I loove it. I love teaching. And if I must work, what better a job than a teacher when I have a little baby. I get off at 3:30 every day, and I'm off holidays and summers!! It rocks!! So, so far so good with that.

Most of you know, my first teaching job was a long term substitute job I took teaching Communication Applications. Comm App is basic communication skills, interviewing, etc. I looooved teaching it so much, and that's my ultimate goal as a teacher. Meanwhile, Language Arts isn't so bad. I just feel like a dope sometimes. I can analyze a story till the cows come home, but all these strategies!! We never really spent so much in-depth time with stuff like that when I was in high school - or if we did, I don't remember (and I loved all my English classes). I don't know....I'll get it! It's just gonna take a little time.

I miss my family and friends every day. I'm not just saying that. I really mean it. I miss taking time out to meet Jenny and Lacie at Chilis. I miss slumber parties at Mel's house. I miss LSU games. I miss eating mexican food with Stina. I miss seeing my nieces' dance reviews and baseball games and carnival balls and sporting events. I miss the family birthday parties. I miss going see my mom and dad whenever I want. I'll miss my mom and dad's house when they move, and I hate that I can't spend more time there while they're still there. I just miss everything, and sometimes it just gets to me. I like Houston...I really do. The shopping and resources are to die for. The public schools are truly unbelievable. There is no better mexican food, and there is always so much to do. But it's not home.

Anyway, that's my life in a nutshell. I promise not all my posts will be that long....I just had to get that out. It's an exciting journey ahead....teaching, motherhood, superwife. Who knows what will happen next.

angle

Coming Soon!

2008-10-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

I decided that along with my Ella blog, I wanted to create a blog just for me too. Mine won't be as fancy as hers, but I will write a lot. I just wanted an outlet to express my random thoughts and funny stories about my goings on. There's always a bit of humor in my life. I'm an 8th grade English teacher now (and that's always generates funny stories) and I can share some of my motherhood stories that may be a little too much for Ella's blog. So I am sure to have lots of funny stories and interesting things to say.

Hope to see you back soon!

angle