Funerals

It has been a rough week, one of our school teachers passed away earlier this week and the funeral was today. With all the things that were planned for the school week everyone kept busy, but, I digress. Back to funerals. I know that the idea behind funerals is to celebrate ones life but those left behind are mourning and being a sympathy cryer, I cry, quite a bit. I never find myself knowing exactly what to say and this morning had trouble deciding what to wear. After staring at my closet, trying one outfit and deciding it wasn't conservative enough, I settled on a black pencil skirt, a blouse, and a black suite jacket. I have to say that I was a little surprised at some of the attire of attendees. Don't get me wrong, I am all for being comfortable, but jeans, really? I know that a good pair of jeans can be expensive but expensive doesn't necessarily mean appropriate. There is a place for jeans, and I know this is my own personal opinion and issue, but a funeral is not that place.

Stitches . . . literally

In a few days I get my stitches out. So what some may say but it has become a growing irritant. Because of where I decided to slice myself open and give myself my first medical emergency in four years I had to have my left pointer finger immobile, which isn't so bad until I try to buckle into the car, put on a coat, pull up my pants, pick something up, and the list goes on. But, my biggest gripe is the cost of my little adventure. Being a young person with no health issues who hardly has need for a physician I do not have a primary care. I get annual check ups at the hospital health fairs but beyond that I am usually a no fuss kind of girl. So, when I decided to get into a fight with a pumpkin and cut my finger open my first thought was an urgent care but being the time of night and on a Sunday I had to go to out local emergency room. Which, for the most part wasn't too bad really. Waited an hour to be seen, spent maybe 15 minutes withe the doc and was on my way out the door. Here comes my irritant, as I am checking out the lady tells me I can go to my primary care for stitch removal or come back to the emergency room. . . but the emergency room will charge me for stitch removal. Excuse me I said, and she repeated herself. I am thinking to myself and have been since that evening: Come on, really, charge for stitch removal. If I had been ingenious enough to cut my hand several hours earlier I could have gone to an urgent care for three quarters the cost and gone back for free stitch removal. Not only will I now have a emergency room bill but I will have a physicians bill and probably a stitch removal bill. If I had a primary care to go to, I would also be charged the office visit that would be required for stitch removal sine I didn't cut my hand during regular office operating hours. As a kid my dad used to take our stitches out for us, for the cost of a hug, I think I will go see him.

Nevada Day

The day started early with hot chocolate, breakfast croissant sandwiches, and staking claim to a spot on main street for a parade. This years theme was honoring our military, past, present, and future. It was great to see so many branches of the military supported; current, and past. You can always tell when it is a election year. Candidates come out in mass as parade entrants to get in their last few visual prospects before election time; and being that we are a battle ground state it wasn't to surprising to have both Obama and Romney entrants also. Once you got passed the politicking it made for a nice parade in a bath of sunshine after our chilly and wet week. Following the parade we went to our local large park for the carnival and observation of the traveling Vietnam Wall. Powerful would be an understatement. Seeing the wall itself is breathtaking but seeing people leaving things, and searching for loved ones made the experience even more breathtaking. There was also a separate wall for lost soldiers  of our current war. Afterwards there was discussion with the kids about the meaning of the wall and the importance it exudes. It was a very powerful day but a great day in so many ways. The community came together and celebrated our states birth, honored military men and women of past and present, and observed a loss of lives.

busy, busy, busy, pumpkins, and apples

I haven't posted in a while, I haven't read a book in a while, I haven't baked in awhile, I haven't done anything but take care of my family, plan for six grades, and continue my own education. I did however this last weekend partake in one of our family traditions: Apple hill. We pile into the car early in the morning and make the two hour drive over the hill to Camino (Placerville), California so we can pick our own pumpkins and apples, have fresh made cider, apple dumplings, apple pie, shredded beef sandwiches, take in the mountain air, and visit some great family farms. Of course we an buy pumpkins at the store, make our own cider, apple pie, and dumplings but there is something about getting out there and picking your own pumpkins, harvesting your own apples, and supporting local (okay, maybe not so local for me) farmers. We enjoy ourselves as a family, and, although the weather hasn't really changed, this little trip signifies a change in seasons for us, and a new phase of the year.

Things I don't understand

There are some things, alright a list of many things, that I do not understand but one of which is starting to irritate me. I know that men and woman are different; men are from Venus and women are from Mars, so the saying goes, and some people have their secrets. I try my hardest to obey the boundaries, not ask questions, and let things be. I always figured when my significant other was ready to discuss it, he would, but those times are becoming farther and farther between. He use to eventually come around and talk to me and now his choice of a conversationalist is a mutual friend of ours. While he is pushing me away, he is choosing to talk to someone else. I understand that loss is difficult especially when it is a truly loved one such as a parent or sibling that had a life end way to early and unexpectedly and I understand that each year on the anniversary of the death there will be certain emotional upheavals until the heart begins to heal. Why does this process include pushing away the one person in life that you have pledged to be a partner with, share things with, and open up to others? I don't get it. Everything can probably be chalked up to the man versus woman emotional differences . . . and it is one more thing I need to learn to deal with.

Great Reno Ballon Race

It has become tradition, once a year, to pull ourselves out of bed before the sun comes up to see the Great Reno Balloon Races. The events start with a glow show then dawn patrol, and usually ends with a mass ascension. The last couple years we drove to the convention center, paid the dollar per person and rode the bus right into the park. This year I thought that I would try to park, I was able to park at the university and walk up with the kids but for the sake of ease and convenience, I think we will stick to the annual bus trip. It means getting up a little earlier but it definitely pays off. The kids enjoy the miniature donuts that we partake in every year. The field is full of little ones in PJ's, college kids who have been up all night, families and friends from around the world, and an experience one will not soon forget. Because of our wonderful Nevada weather dressing warm for the pre dawn festivities is a must and we always bring a few blankets in tow with thermos's of hot chocolate and coffee. Layers are a plus so you can shed clothes as the sun comes out and warms the day. This year we had some new balloons; a globe, a shark, a strawberry, a pepsi can, and a man with sunglasses to name a few. We also had some good old dependable balloons such as Smokey the bear, the Wells Fargo Wagon, and Darth Vador. This year mass ascension did not take place due to the unstable air conditions so for the first time in a couple years we were able to wonder around and take really great pictures of the balloons that are hard to get during mass ascension. Both experiences are great in different ways.

A picture of dawn patrol

Up, Up, and not so away . . . 

Newbies

Oldies but Goodies

Busy Busy Busy

The last week has gone by so quickly. Amongst all the excitement of a teaching job there was a graduation party, and a birthday party. I am quickly learning that the first week of school is exhausting. It isn't entirely a bad thing, it is just a busy week. On another note one beautiful young lady tried out for the volleyball team and made it and a beautiful little lady will be moved to first grade instead of staying in kindergarten. What an exciting week!

Turning up

Well  . . . I think things are finally turning up. I had interview for a 5th teaching job on Monday, which I felt really good about it. When I got the call back I was a little saddened by not getting the position but the principal and vice principal liked me enough to find a way to hire me. It was kind of nice to know that they like me enough to make something work so that I could be a part of their team. The position isn't something I had originally seen myself doing but it is an adventure and I am going for it. So . . . the last couple days have been a whirlwind of human resources and trying to get classrooms ready. So exciting!

Movie, Movies, and Movies

Yesterday I took a break from my reading goal, worrying about whether or not I would get a job, and spent the day watching movies. I went old school and enjoyed a day of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, and Ginger. Sometimes there is nothing better than a classic.  Watching movies with such Iconic actors reminds you of why they are iconic, why they are the standard. A lot of classic stars carry an elegant nature that you don't see very often anymore.

On another note, I watched a more recent movie called The Red Baron, as you may have guessed, is it a movie based on the german flying ace from world war one. The movie focuses mostly on The Baron's military career as a pilot but you see a personal side to the man that is intriguing. I truly enjoyed the film and would't hesitate in recommending it. Yes the movie is based on historical information but because of the movies basis there is a lot of action that pulls in those that need more than a great story to stay interested in a film. The movie has a little bit of everything for everyone.

A little discouraged

I know that this is a difficult time for people to obtain jobs, especially in particular fields. I have been working as a substitute teacher for my local school district the last year and a half, graduated with my teaching degree in May of 2011. I currently have applications filed with three districts close to where I live, which allows me to send a letter of interest when I see an opening I would like to be considered for, and nothing. On several occasions I have been sent an e mail from a principal saying that they will be reviewing applications for a certain teaching position and if interested to let them know. I respond to the e mail stating my interest and then never hear. It has been the same on the few interviews I have been on, we like you, we think you are great, but then someone else gets offered the position. I know for the charter school I was lacking the Masters degree that they "preferred." Otherwise I am at a loss. There are quite a few teachers that request me as their go to for a substitute. After a long term substitute job in which I took on all the duties of a teacher, to include planning, I was told I would make a great teacher by many of my colleagues I had worked with during the time at this school, a couple of them even wrote me letters of recommendation, so why is it I can't manage to land a job? I know the job market is tough and that there are many teachers, especially ones who have several years of classroom experience out there, but how does one get long term classroom experience when they aren't even allowed out of the starting gate?

Hot August Nights, Cars, Cars, and more Cars

In Reno, Nevada, where I live it is that annual time of year. The time of year where we see the warmest days and the hottest cars. The streets are filled with the automobiles of the past. Model T's, Muscle cars,  and the long forgotten "boat." Hot August Nights is one of the few annual events held in the area that I make sure to attend every year. There is something about the smell of rubber after watching a drag race that causes your seat to rumble because of the purr from an engine. The music, the cars, the crowd, are reminiscent of days that have past an older generation by and a small glimpse of what that generation was for those of who missed out on the experience. The event brings generations together through a love of cars.

Right versus wrong and Apologies

Occasionally people will sit down to discuss things and it becomes a right versus wrong scenario because someone feels like there is only one way to see it, one person right and one person wrong. I had a discussion yesterday with a friend and the conversation quickly turned into right versus wrong and a tiredness of apologizing for things we don't even know we are apologizing for. It is funny how it can be drawn so black and white when it involves emotion and feeling. Sometimes there is gray area, sometimes there isn't always a right and wrong sometimes there are emotions, perceptions, and understandings. What kills me though is if people, me included, would just listen instead of focusing in on what small part of a conversation they focused on things would be much easier. I think . . . that sometimes the things we focus on also give us away, showing that we know what we are doing. 

As far as apologies go they should be only given if we truly mean them, otherwise they are empty. Everything doesn't need an apology, sometimes it just needs for someone to listen and acknowledge what part, no matter how large or small, they played in the events that occurred. 

Libraries

The long lost library. I am an avid Barnes and Noble lover, I admit it, but in the face of a down economy, and in general, it makes more financial sense to preview first. I found I would pick a book at Barnes and Noble based on the back cover or the flap. I would then bring the book home and get through the first few chapters and either do to the story or the way it was written, I couldn't bring myself to finish. A waste of money. The nice thing about the library is I can read first, or not read, and then decide if I would like to spend the money to make the book part of my permanent collection. As long as I remember to return the books to the library on time.

I have also decided that I am going to try and make it through a list of 200 books. The list is compiled of 100 best reads by a board from Random House and the other 100 books are best books determined by readers. Do to the availability of books I will not be able to go in order and I have decided to give myself one year. Some books I will be able to get through quicker than others do to various circumstances, but this is my goal. First book: Of Mice and Men.

Lost Light

My one day read was Lost Light by Michael Connelly. The book takes a look at our retired detective and a case he just can't let go of. This book was a little less predictable than the last one but given the events that occur through out the story you can tell where the close of the case is going. The last chapter throws you a little loop but helps close loose ends and allow the main character to finally feel settled. I would give this book three out of five books for the reasons I have mentions.

City of Bones

My latest read is City if Bones by Michael Connelly. In some ways the book was surprising and in other ways the book was repetitive. The book is based on the finding of 20 year old bones and a detectives journey to find out what happened. The story was easy to follow and characters well developed. I have to admit, I almost didn't read the last chapter thinking that what had occurred up to that point was truly the end of the story and the last chapter was one of those that was going to leave m feeling disappointed, because I had felt the story was truly over. As a I read the brief chapter it brought closure to the main character and an ending worthy of the story. I would give this book three and half bones out of five. Although it was a good read some of the repetitiveness left the story somewhat predictable.

NBC

As I am sure it has been mentioned across the internet, in circles around the water cooler, text messages, Facebook posts, tweets,  and phone calls the NBC coverage of the summer games has been disappointing. Most of us have either seen or heard the promo's and gaffs telling us in one form or another who received which medal for what competition before it has been aired in the United states but what about the events we aren't even hearing about? I understand that as a cooperation NBC is going to make decisions what games it thinks will draw in the most viewers and of course affect the bottom line. NBC has also set up an on line viewing website, but you have to be a member of a paid cable or satellite company. You can view four hours worth of videoing streaming as a non cable or satellite company member but once our four hours is up . . . With a week of the olympics left, some of the sports just beginning, and some starting to wind down how are those who are interested in something other than what NBC decides to show us going to see?

Friendship

Friendship is a funny thing. I read an article that mentions friends are around for certain parts of our lives when they are needed. Some friends come and go and some friends have those certain characteristics that make them lifers. I have been friends with a particular woman for six/seven years and we know practically everything about each other but I find myself wondering lately if our friendship time is up, that it is time for us to move on. I have had my fare share of friendships that ended for one reason or another but I am having a hard time letting this one go. We have been through quite a bit together and she is one of the few people that has been there no matter what through some nasty things but . . . she has also turned and walked a way from me on a few occasions. I am told that I am a loyalist, maybe too much. Without airing things all over the place we have both made mistakes, heck, last week I wasn't a big enough person to allow certain things to roll off my back and I walked out of her "open house." I thanked her for inviting us and then told her that we had to go. We haven't spoke since. I owe her an apology, I know that, and I will give it, but once the apology is said there will be an awkward silence between an explanation and acceptance. The hard thing about this is that somewhere between the explanation and conversation I will feel like I am turning my wheels, like I am not really being listened to and at some point we are going to this whole dance again. I am old enough to have learned to admit my hand in certain things but there isn't a mutual return. I am a firm believer in accepting people just as they are for who they are but with that said there is always room for acceptance of pet peeves, acknowledgement of our wrongs, and maybe an attempt to grow. I will get there.  

The Amazing Spider-Man

Having boys I have to admit I am a little super heroed (I know, it;s not really a word) out. For a second time in a week I am surprised at one of the newest super hero movies. The latest super man, I think, will divide people. There will be people attending the movie as loyal super man fans, those who are attending out of curiosity, and those who are going because someone else wants to go and they are being supportive. This is where the divide will begin. This Spider-Man does not follow the pre-designed plot created by the comic books. The creator of this Spider-Man took creative liberties to change a few things while still hanging on to some key ideas and concepts. The actors along with the a few changed elements make the story more human, and dare I say, even more relatable.  Andrew Garfield who plays Spider-Man is less awkward in his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man which allows for a more believable character. Emma Stone as always does a wonderful job as Gwen, you can definitely relate to those awkward high school moments and the right versus wrong. I would give this movie three out of five spiders.

Every Breath You Take

My latest book is (was) Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught. I haven't read anything by this author before and if it hadn't been for a bag of books given to me by my grandmother I probably wouldn't have. With that being said, it is a typical love story with the complications intertwined. It is very different from the books I have been reading lately and enjoyed the change of pace. The words flow easily and the book is written well. The book is easy to follow with many different plots intertwined between two people. I enjoyed it as a easy light read with the romance that many woman readers enjoy. It reminded me of another book that I have read before, although for the life of me I can't remember the title. I would give it three books out of five. It was a good read but it won't make it onto my shelf as a keeper for future re-reads.

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises

So, it's confession time. After I saw the last Batman with Christian Bale and Heath Ledger I swore I wouldn't go to another Batman while Christian Bale played the part of Bruce Wayne. The reason being that there is something about his deep scratchy Batman voice that does just that, scratch at my nerves. Christian Bale himself is a good actor but as Batman I could care less. I have to admit though, Ann Hathaway (who is one of my favorite actresses, of many) playing cat woman intrigued me. Combine that with the fact that I have two boys who are still in the idolize super heroes stage I sucked it up and told them I would preview the movie first because of the rating and the darkness of the first movie. Depending on how the movie seemed I would then allow or not allow them to see the movie. I am about to admit that I was surprised, in a good way. The Dark Knight Rises was a pleasant surprise. As a viewer you saw more of the "people", than necessarily the "part they play." The movie focused more on the story and the why of what was happening instead of just dark imbalances brought on by people who were terribly done wrong. Don't get me wrong, this is Batman we are talking about so there is  definitely the bad guy who was wronged that has to get even, and the bad guys who need a leader, but the story has a more human side to it which I greatly enjoyed. I feel like the movie was done well and each character was excellent. Let me just say, I would not want to run into Bane in a dark ally (Tom Hardy does a great job), that's for sure. I know there are people who see the movie because they are loyal Batman followers, for those who are not and are just going to appease a friend, family member, loved one, or just need something to do I think they will find themselves pleasantly surprised.