Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Dinner and a Movie (minus the movie)
Originally, this blog was supposed to be a review of a new movie and a new local restaurant. However, we haven't had a functional theatre since before Valentine's Day, and I didn't think anyone would want to read about the latest Redbox rental (Salt on blu-ray that ended-up costing us $40 b/c the hubby forgot to return it!).
The family and I decided to try-out Woodward's newest hot spot this evening, Endzone Grill. Located next to White Dental Clinic in the old Budigley's building, EG is a traditional sports grill with loads of atmosphere and a promising future. It is run by former Mazzio's manager, Dustin Iliff, who is a friendly, charismatic fellow who really seems to enjoy the restaurant business and has a warm, welcoming personality. Iliff is quick to produce a refill, change a channel, clean a table, take an order, or -most importantly- sit and chat with his customers. Making the diners feel important is a huge factor in a restaurant's success, and it is a talent that Iliff demonstrates with ease.
Despite the overflowing parking area, we were quickly seated in a cozy booth in "KD's Corner" (Kevin Durant for you non-Thunder lovers). Within just a few moments, our drinks appeared, and a friendly waitress was available to take our order. I ordered the club sandwich w/fries, Clint requested the cheeseburger w/fries, and the boys selected the chicken tenders dinner with sides of fries and mac & cheese. I was surprised to not see a children's menu, but the boys are always happy to share an adult meal, if I can get them to agree on the entree!
We waited slightly longer than what I'd consider "usual" for our food, but that is typical with a new restaurant, and refills were offered frequently. It also gave us a chance to have some family time and conversation with the kids, which was nice - when Dylan wasn't too busy texting his girlfriend. When it did arrive, the food was pretty good, and for the most part, we were very happy. The mac & cheese we ordered for our ten year-old was served with small chunks of peppers, which would be fabulous for an adult, but not great for a picky pre-teen. To his credit, Dylan did try a few bites of the unusual dish, but eventually turned-up his nose and opted to nibble on our fries instead. Had I known it was not "traditional" mac & cheese, I never would have ordered it for him, but would have chosen fries or fried okra instead. Incidentally, I tried the spicy m&c, and thought it was divine! :)
Overall, we were fairly impressed and so very glad to be somewhere new! There were a few "new restaurant" mistakes, but nothing that would keep me from going back. Iliff employs a new, fairly inexperienced wait staff, but they are bright young ladies (I should know - they use to be my students!), who will catch-on quickly and improve their service tremendously in just the next couple of weeks. I found out once we got home that they DO have a children's menu, but it was never offered to us...freshman mistake, ladies!
The menu is not vast, but EG offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a handful of entrees. I can't report what is included on the children's menu or the beer menu, because neither were presented to us. I was a little shocked that our bill added-up to $40 for three dinners (only one of which was an entree), three drinks, and two domestic beers. Forty dollars at other nearby restaurants would have purchased a couple of steak dinners with appetizers or salad/salad bar, and a couple of kids' meals, but Woodward is starving for new, refreshing, non-ethnic food options, and that is exactly what you'll get at Endzone Grill!
I fully expect Iliff's operation to be extremely successful. With his experience in the restaurant industry, Dustin will work out the kinks quickly and earn a multitude of loyal customers. I can already imagine the place jam-packed the next couple of weeks during Thunder games, and I am going to predict a plethora of football watch parties! Monday Night Football (if the NFL can get their butt in gear!) will keep Endzone Grill very busy, and I can definitely picture myself cozied-up to the big screen, dining on cheese fries and watching my beloved Yankees winning the next World Series!
Stop by the Endzone Grill and let me know what you think!
The family and I decided to try-out Woodward's newest hot spot this evening, Endzone Grill. Located next to White Dental Clinic in the old Budigley's building, EG is a traditional sports grill with loads of atmosphere and a promising future. It is run by former Mazzio's manager, Dustin Iliff, who is a friendly, charismatic fellow who really seems to enjoy the restaurant business and has a warm, welcoming personality. Iliff is quick to produce a refill, change a channel, clean a table, take an order, or -most importantly- sit and chat with his customers. Making the diners feel important is a huge factor in a restaurant's success, and it is a talent that Iliff demonstrates with ease.
Despite the overflowing parking area, we were quickly seated in a cozy booth in "KD's Corner" (Kevin Durant for you non-Thunder lovers). Within just a few moments, our drinks appeared, and a friendly waitress was available to take our order. I ordered the club sandwich w/fries, Clint requested the cheeseburger w/fries, and the boys selected the chicken tenders dinner with sides of fries and mac & cheese. I was surprised to not see a children's menu, but the boys are always happy to share an adult meal, if I can get them to agree on the entree!
We waited slightly longer than what I'd consider "usual" for our food, but that is typical with a new restaurant, and refills were offered frequently. It also gave us a chance to have some family time and conversation with the kids, which was nice - when Dylan wasn't too busy texting his girlfriend. When it did arrive, the food was pretty good, and for the most part, we were very happy. The mac & cheese we ordered for our ten year-old was served with small chunks of peppers, which would be fabulous for an adult, but not great for a picky pre-teen. To his credit, Dylan did try a few bites of the unusual dish, but eventually turned-up his nose and opted to nibble on our fries instead. Had I known it was not "traditional" mac & cheese, I never would have ordered it for him, but would have chosen fries or fried okra instead. Incidentally, I tried the spicy m&c, and thought it was divine! :)
Overall, we were fairly impressed and so very glad to be somewhere new! There were a few "new restaurant" mistakes, but nothing that would keep me from going back. Iliff employs a new, fairly inexperienced wait staff, but they are bright young ladies (I should know - they use to be my students!), who will catch-on quickly and improve their service tremendously in just the next couple of weeks. I found out once we got home that they DO have a children's menu, but it was never offered to us...freshman mistake, ladies!
The menu is not vast, but EG offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a handful of entrees. I can't report what is included on the children's menu or the beer menu, because neither were presented to us. I was a little shocked that our bill added-up to $40 for three dinners (only one of which was an entree), three drinks, and two domestic beers. Forty dollars at other nearby restaurants would have purchased a couple of steak dinners with appetizers or salad/salad bar, and a couple of kids' meals, but Woodward is starving for new, refreshing, non-ethnic food options, and that is exactly what you'll get at Endzone Grill!
I fully expect Iliff's operation to be extremely successful. With his experience in the restaurant industry, Dustin will work out the kinks quickly and earn a multitude of loyal customers. I can already imagine the place jam-packed the next couple of weeks during Thunder games, and I am going to predict a plethora of football watch parties! Monday Night Football (if the NFL can get their butt in gear!) will keep Endzone Grill very busy, and I can definitely picture myself cozied-up to the big screen, dining on cheese fries and watching my beloved Yankees winning the next World Series!
Stop by the Endzone Grill and let me know what you think!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday Stealing: The 65 Question Meme
Cheers to all of us thieves!
1. Tell us who the last person that you took a shower with.
I'm going to decline this one...
2. Tell us about your favorite tee-shirt. Extra points if you show a pic. (We know. What can you do with freakin' extra points?)
Yankees t-shirt purchased in Times Square!
3. Has anyone ever hit on you even though they knew you were taken?
Yep
4. Do you plan what to wear the next day?
Not really
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Why?
Hungry...Clint hasn't cooked dinner yet.
6. What's the closest thing to you that's black?
The television set?
7. Tell me about an interesting dream you remember having.
I had this very strange dream a few weeks ago about Blake Griffith asking me to prom...
8. Did you or might you meet anybody new today?
I doubt it.
9. If you could be doing anything right now (or perhaps after you finish this ridiculous meme) what would it be?
I'd really like to be laying by the pool, reading the newest Sookie Stackhouse novel
10. Can you think of a meme question that's never been asked?
Lots
11. What comes to mind when I say China?
Jackie Chan
12. Are you overly emotional?
Definitely not
13. If you could listen to just one rock album (CD, vinyl or mp3) which one would you pick?
U2- The Joshua Tree
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Mostly lick
15. Do you like your car?
My truck? yes
16. Do you like yourself?
This is dumb. I adore myself, as does everyone else I meet
17. Would you go out to eat with Charlie Sheen?
Heck, yes!! But only if he's paying.
18. What was the last song that you listened to?
To Make You Feel My Love - the Adele cover of it
19. Are (or were) your parents strict?
Somewhat
20. Have you ever wondered what attending a wild orgy (if only to watch or...) would be like?
Not so much
21. I say cottage cheese. You say:
Yes, please!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes!! Several, actually. They seek me out...
23. What was the last movie that you watched at home?
Love and Other Drugs
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Just my personality!
25. What countries have you visited?
Mexico, Canada, France, England, Italy
26. Have you ever made a phone call while you were drunk that you've regretted? If yes, do tell.
Do we really need to go there??
27. Where were you going the last time that you were on a train?
Sleeping!!! It was an overnight train from Florence, Italy to Paris, France
28. Bacon or sausage?
BACON!!
29. How long have you had a cell-phone?
Since 1997
30. What other memes do you do regularly?
I'm a one-meme kind of girl
31. Who is the craziest meme host?
?
32. Who invented chop sticks?
Someone with much better balance than myself
33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
The family
34. Are you too forgiving?
No
35. When was the last time that you were in love?
I fell hard for an adorable pair of shoes just yesterday!
37. What was the stupidest thing you learned in high school?
Anything that was in Gulliver's Travels!
38. What was the last thing that you cried about?
Missing my grandmother's funeral
39. What was the last question you asked?
Does she think that looks good?
40. Favorite thing to do this time of the year?
Golf!
41. If you had to get a (or another) tattoo, what would it be?
I don't think I'd go for that again.
42. How would your best friend describe you?
A walking holiday.
43. Have you ever seen all three Twilight films?
Shamefully, yes.
44. Ever walked into a glass door?
Yes...and I've smushed my face against the glass on the aquarium at the zoo. Not fun
45. Favorite color on that person that you are attracted to?
Blue
46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Ha - yes!! And he deserved it!
47. What hair style (for you) would you like to see return?
Kentucky Waterfalls?
48. What was the last CD you bought?
Holy cow!! Do they still make those?? I have no idea, but I did download the Songs for Japan album last night
49. Do looks matter to you?
Somewhat
50. Could you ever forgive a liar?
Yes.
51. What's the hardest bill to pay every month?
The student loan payment for the degree that my husband is still 15 hours from completing.
52. Do you like your life right now?
Absolutely!
53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No - it must be off!
54. Can you handle the truth?
yes...more dumb questions
55. Do you have good vision?
I had Lasik two years ago, so I'm seeing better than 20/20 baby!
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
No...well, maybe.
57. How often do you talk on the phone?
A couple of times per week. Texting is much more time efficient.
58. What celeb would you like to come home to?
Chris Pine...but he would be coming home to ME
59. What are you wearing?
Boomer hoody and black Adidas warm-up pants. It's laundry day!
60. What is your favorite wild animal?
My 9 year-old
61. Where was your facebook picture taken?
Notre Dame!
62. Can you waltz?
No, I'm horrible at it!!
63. Do you have a job?
No, I have a destiny!
64. What was the most recent thing you stole?
Someone's heart, I'm sure.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Hasn't everyone?
1. Tell us who the last person that you took a shower with.
I'm going to decline this one...
2. Tell us about your favorite tee-shirt. Extra points if you show a pic. (We know. What can you do with freakin' extra points?)
Yankees t-shirt purchased in Times Square!
3. Has anyone ever hit on you even though they knew you were taken?
Yep
4. Do you plan what to wear the next day?
Not really
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Why?
Hungry...Clint hasn't cooked dinner yet.
6. What's the closest thing to you that's black?
The television set?
7. Tell me about an interesting dream you remember having.
I had this very strange dream a few weeks ago about Blake Griffith asking me to prom...
8. Did you or might you meet anybody new today?
I doubt it.
9. If you could be doing anything right now (or perhaps after you finish this ridiculous meme) what would it be?
I'd really like to be laying by the pool, reading the newest Sookie Stackhouse novel
10. Can you think of a meme question that's never been asked?
Lots
11. What comes to mind when I say China?
Jackie Chan
12. Are you overly emotional?
Definitely not
13. If you could listen to just one rock album (CD, vinyl or mp3) which one would you pick?
U2- The Joshua Tree
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Mostly lick
15. Do you like your car?
My truck? yes
16. Do you like yourself?
This is dumb. I adore myself, as does everyone else I meet
17. Would you go out to eat with Charlie Sheen?
Heck, yes!! But only if he's paying.
18. What was the last song that you listened to?
To Make You Feel My Love - the Adele cover of it
19. Are (or were) your parents strict?
Somewhat
20. Have you ever wondered what attending a wild orgy (if only to watch or...) would be like?
Not so much
21. I say cottage cheese. You say:
Yes, please!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes!! Several, actually. They seek me out...
23. What was the last movie that you watched at home?
Love and Other Drugs
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Just my personality!
25. What countries have you visited?
Mexico, Canada, France, England, Italy
26. Have you ever made a phone call while you were drunk that you've regretted? If yes, do tell.
Do we really need to go there??
27. Where were you going the last time that you were on a train?
Sleeping!!! It was an overnight train from Florence, Italy to Paris, France
28. Bacon or sausage?
BACON!!
29. How long have you had a cell-phone?
Since 1997
30. What other memes do you do regularly?
I'm a one-meme kind of girl
31. Who is the craziest meme host?
?
32. Who invented chop sticks?
Someone with much better balance than myself
33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
The family
34. Are you too forgiving?
No
35. When was the last time that you were in love?
I fell hard for an adorable pair of shoes just yesterday!
37. What was the stupidest thing you learned in high school?
Anything that was in Gulliver's Travels!
38. What was the last thing that you cried about?
Missing my grandmother's funeral
39. What was the last question you asked?
Does she think that looks good?
40. Favorite thing to do this time of the year?
Golf!
41. If you had to get a (or another) tattoo, what would it be?
I don't think I'd go for that again.
42. How would your best friend describe you?
A walking holiday.
43. Have you ever seen all three Twilight films?
Shamefully, yes.
44. Ever walked into a glass door?
Yes...and I've smushed my face against the glass on the aquarium at the zoo. Not fun
45. Favorite color on that person that you are attracted to?
Blue
46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Ha - yes!! And he deserved it!
47. What hair style (for you) would you like to see return?
Kentucky Waterfalls?
48. What was the last CD you bought?
Holy cow!! Do they still make those?? I have no idea, but I did download the Songs for Japan album last night
49. Do looks matter to you?
Somewhat
50. Could you ever forgive a liar?
Yes.
51. What's the hardest bill to pay every month?
The student loan payment for the degree that my husband is still 15 hours from completing.
52. Do you like your life right now?
Absolutely!
53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No - it must be off!
54. Can you handle the truth?
yes...more dumb questions
55. Do you have good vision?
I had Lasik two years ago, so I'm seeing better than 20/20 baby!
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
No...well, maybe.
57. How often do you talk on the phone?
A couple of times per week. Texting is much more time efficient.
58. What celeb would you like to come home to?
Chris Pine...but he would be coming home to ME
59. What are you wearing?
Boomer hoody and black Adidas warm-up pants. It's laundry day!
60. What is your favorite wild animal?
My 9 year-old
61. Where was your facebook picture taken?
Notre Dame!
62. Can you waltz?
No, I'm horrible at it!!
63. Do you have a job?
No, I have a destiny!
64. What was the most recent thing you stole?
Someone's heart, I'm sure.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Hasn't everyone?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Cutting for Stone
“Call me unwanted, call my birth a disaster, call me the bastard child of a disgraced nun and a disappeared father, call me a cold-blooded killer who lies to the brother of the man I killed, but that loamy soil that nurtured Matron’s roses was in my flesh."It's taken me a few weeks to finish reading, but I devoured the last couple of pages of Cutting for Stone (560 pages) this afternoon. From the publisher:
Let me begin by saying that I haven't had a love/hate relationship like I did with this book since the last time I put on a pair of Spanx (and no - I will not tell you when that was!). Vergheses jumps straight to the point with the novel, opening with the doomed Sister Praise, bloody and dying, in the middle of labor with her quickly-arriving twin boys. I was both amazed and frustrated at his ability to thrust me into the bedlam and chaos of the operating theater, forcing me to feel the confusion and panic that the characters were enduring. I hated how he jumped from character to character and from setting to setting, and I foud myself angst-ridden, grinding my teeth and mentally pleading with him to go back to the hospital and deliver those damn babies! Only an extremely clever writer is able to make the reader feel the madness, the anticipation, and the confusion that the characters are experiencing - without even knowing it! This is Vergheses' talent... and he is indeed a master.Lauded for his sensitive memoir (My Own Country) about his time as a doctor in eastern Tennessee at the onset of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s, Verghese turns his formidable talents to fiction, mining his own life and experiences in a magnificent, sweeping novel that moves from India to Ethiopia to an inner-city hospital in New York City over decades and generations. Sister Mary Joseph Praise, a devout young nun, leaves the south Indian state of Kerala in 1947 for a missionary post in Yemen. During the arduous sea voyage, she saves the life of an English doctor bound for Ethiopia, Thomas Stone, who becomes a key player in her destiny when they meet up again at Missing Hospital in Addis Ababa. Seven years later, Sister Praise dies birthing twin boys: Shiva and Marion, the latter narrating his own and his brothers long, dramatic, biblical story set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Ethiopia, the life of the hospital compound in which they grow up and the love story of their adopted parents, both doctors at Missing. The boys become doctors as well and Vergheses weaving of the practice of medicine into the narrative is fascinating even as the story bobs and weaves with the power and coincidences of the best 19th-century novel.
CTS is a story with strong characters whose lives are affected by the events of revolution, and it does a tremendous job of portraying Ethiopia. Unfortunately for me, I am completely ignorant of African history, so I spent quite a bit of my time merely skimming the chapters detailing the revolution and the politics of the era. If I had a complaint about the novel, this would be it. I lost interest several times, and nearly stopped reading the book completely. But I'm not a quitter (when it comes to books, at least!), so I dug in my heels and vowed to finish, and boy, am I glad I did! What the middle section of the book lacked, it more than made-up for toward the close. Perhaps it was because I had nearly given-up and thought the book was a lost cause, but the last several chapters completely trapped me, and I found myself fighting-off droopy-eyes and Ambien late on several nights, just to read a few pages more.
Cutting for Stone is a sweeping novel, broad in scope and with deep characters. Marion (one of the twins) recounts his life story, and the stories of his parents. There are a ton of side stories and what initially appear to be meandering reflections, but Verghese ties everything together. And not in a neat, organized manner. If he includes the most random detail, you can be assured it’s for a darned good reason. This book left me teary-eyed and week at the knees, despite my early disinterst. It was a heck of a ride, and I’m bummed that it had to end. If you're not a patient reader, stay away from this one. But, if you're looking for something to challenge your grey matter and tear at your soul, here it is, my friend!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The 5000 Question Meme Part II
Cheers to all us thieves!
26. Who has done something today to show they care about you?
Dylan thanked me for the tater tots?
27. Do you have a lot to learn?
No. I know it all.
28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?
To play the guitar, fly an airplane, waltz
29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?
What they do.
30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?
Trust, humor, and money!
31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?
Have a scandalous romance with Jimmy Fallon. Three times?
32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?
Trying on bathing suits...isn't that enough?
33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?
Education and literacy
34. What does each decade make you think of:
You ended this sentence in a preposition, so I am refusing to answer.
35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why?
Definitely the 90's...it's the one I remember the least, but the one in which I'm sure I had the most fun!
36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song?
American Pie
37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country?
USA - Obamason!
If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?
Give me a raise.
38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?
E! I can't get enough of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends
39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?
Tinkerbell on a bad hair day.
40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?
I was a brownie scout when I was younger.
41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?
FLY!
42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?
I put in a request for paisley and pink, but the universe denied me
43. What does your name mean?
I'm pretty sure it should mean Princess of the World.
44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?
Neither...I'm more of an explore 5th Avenue kind of girl.
45. Word association
What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:
Air: head
Meat: brisket
Different: Amanda
Pink: yes, please!
Deserve: dessert
White: vanilla
Elvis: bedazzled jump suit
Magic: fake
Heart: replacement valves
Clash: Titans
Pulp: Fiction
46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?
I hate these questions...
47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?
City Correspondent, Stefon!
48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?
Several... The Breakfast Club is at the top of the list. Pretty much anything by John Hughes
49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?
My kindle - I would need to read
50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved?
I once performed the Heimlich maneuver on a friend who was choking on Teddy Graham's...does that count?
26. Who has done something today to show they care about you?
Dylan thanked me for the tater tots?
27. Do you have a lot to learn?
No. I know it all.
28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?
To play the guitar, fly an airplane, waltz
29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?
What they do.
30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?
Trust, humor, and money!
31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?
Have a scandalous romance with Jimmy Fallon. Three times?
32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?
Trying on bathing suits...isn't that enough?
33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?
Education and literacy
34. What does each decade make you think of:
You ended this sentence in a preposition, so I am refusing to answer.
35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why?
Definitely the 90's...it's the one I remember the least, but the one in which I'm sure I had the most fun!
36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song?
American Pie
37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country?
USA - Obamason!
If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?
Give me a raise.
38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?
E! I can't get enough of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends
39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?
Tinkerbell on a bad hair day.
40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?
I was a brownie scout when I was younger.
41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?
FLY!
42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?
I put in a request for paisley and pink, but the universe denied me
43. What does your name mean?
I'm pretty sure it should mean Princess of the World.
44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?
Neither...I'm more of an explore 5th Avenue kind of girl.
45. Word association
What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:
Air: head
Meat: brisket
Different: Amanda
Pink: yes, please!
Deserve: dessert
White: vanilla
Elvis: bedazzled jump suit
Magic: fake
Heart: replacement valves
Clash: Titans
Pulp: Fiction
46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?
I hate these questions...
47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?
City Correspondent, Stefon!
48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?
Several... The Breakfast Club is at the top of the list. Pretty much anything by John Hughes
49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?
My kindle - I would need to read
50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved?
I once performed the Heimlich maneuver on a friend who was choking on Teddy Graham's...does that count?
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Rock and a Hard Place
The month of March is flying by far more quickly than I had expected. I've lost interest in the NCAA Tournament bracket and have started looking forward (with much excitement) to opening day for the Yankees and for my kiddos' soccer season to start.
I've also noted that there are only 40 days of school left...38 if you count the two I'm taking-off to go see Lady Gaga in Tulsa, but who's counting??
I cannot wait for summer.
I adore summer not only because it's a much-needed break from the insanity they call middle school, but also because I get a chance to catch-up on my reading, lie by the pool, spend quality time with my boys, attend countless baseball games, travel with the family,go camping and jet-skiing, and keep-up with the multiple summer camps that the kiddos attend.
Wait, I thought this was supposed to be summer "vacation"?
Until these next 40 days come to an end, I will be spending the last few weeks with my middle school kids, enjoying them before they take that giant leap into high school and the teenage angst that accompanies such leap. We are a little behind schedule right now - we'll start reading The Outsiders on Monday. State testing will take place in April, and we'll finish-off the year with our Holocaust cross-curriculum unit.
I probably forgot to mention it before, but a few weeks ago I took my g/t class to see a presentation by Aaron Ralston. If you've managed to miss his story, you should really rent the movie 127 Hours to learn a little about him. I will say this - hearing his story first hand was much, much more interesting and gut-wrenching than watching the film. Although his accident happened in 2003, Ralston still speaks of it with extreme emotion and intensity that Hollywood simply wasn't able to capture.
His presentation was held in Weatherford, and since we live in the armpit of Oklahoma, we had to drive over an hour to see him. For most people, this wouldn't be a problem, but for a girl who can barely see at night and has no idea how to get to Weatherford, it was slightly tricky. (FYI-I only got lost once, and we got out of that by doing a little clever cross-country driving through rocks and mud. No big deal.) Keep in mind, this was with a vehicle full of middle school students...
After the presentation, Ralston took time to visit with the audience and to sign books. He was kind enough to sign our books, visit with us briefly, and take a few snapshots with the group. I was very impressed with his emmaculate handwriting (with his remaining left hand), and his friendly nature.
I've also noted that there are only 40 days of school left...38 if you count the two I'm taking-off to go see Lady Gaga in Tulsa, but who's counting??
I cannot wait for summer.
I adore summer not only because it's a much-needed break from the insanity they call middle school, but also because I get a chance to catch-up on my reading, lie by the pool, spend quality time with my boys, attend countless baseball games, travel with the family,go camping and jet-skiing, and keep-up with the multiple summer camps that the kiddos attend.
Wait, I thought this was supposed to be summer "vacation"?
Until these next 40 days come to an end, I will be spending the last few weeks with my middle school kids, enjoying them before they take that giant leap into high school and the teenage angst that accompanies such leap. We are a little behind schedule right now - we'll start reading The Outsiders on Monday. State testing will take place in April, and we'll finish-off the year with our Holocaust cross-curriculum unit.
I probably forgot to mention it before, but a few weeks ago I took my g/t class to see a presentation by Aaron Ralston. If you've managed to miss his story, you should really rent the movie 127 Hours to learn a little about him. I will say this - hearing his story first hand was much, much more interesting and gut-wrenching than watching the film. Although his accident happened in 2003, Ralston still speaks of it with extreme emotion and intensity that Hollywood simply wasn't able to capture.
His presentation was held in Weatherford, and since we live in the armpit of Oklahoma, we had to drive over an hour to see him. For most people, this wouldn't be a problem, but for a girl who can barely see at night and has no idea how to get to Weatherford, it was slightly tricky. (FYI-I only got lost once, and we got out of that by doing a little clever cross-country driving through rocks and mud. No big deal.) Keep in mind, this was with a vehicle full of middle school students...
After the presentation, Ralston took time to visit with the audience and to sign books. He was kind enough to sign our books, visit with us briefly, and take a few snapshots with the group. I was very impressed with his emmaculate handwriting (with his remaining left hand), and his friendly nature.
This was definitely a highlight of my school year, and I know the kids will remember it for a long time. Driving home, we talked a lot about Aaron's experience, and discussed points in our lives when we'd been in difficult situations. It's times like these when I am reminded why I became a teacher, and why I specifically chose middle school. The kids are amazing. In their early teen years, they still have an endearing innocence that seems to vanish in the next few years. They are highly curious, moldable, and have a positive outlook on life. They are much more experienced in tragedy and turmoil than I was at their age, but they look forward to each day with an eagerness that captures my heart. They drive me crazy, but I can't imagine my life without them.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March Mayhem!!
Other than October, when the leaves are changing, and the fall air is crisp and fresh, March is absolutely my favorite month of the year.
Yes, my birthday is in March (I turned 28 again this year), so that's a big part of it, but there are so many exciting activities that happen in March, that I am already growing morose at the thought of the month coming to an end... :(
So, a quick recap of March...
March 8th- Mardi Gras
While I didn't do much this year to celebrate Mardi Gras, I remember with incredible fondness the Mardi Gras celebrations of my younger years. While in college, and for several years after, I made it a point to celebrate Mardi Gras - food, beads, beer, and amazing music. What's not to like?? I have always wanted to actually be in New Orleans for the celebration, but timing has never been a talent of mine...
March 9th- My birthday, yeah!!! I didn't do much this year for my birthday, mainly because it was in the middle of the week and my students had to take the state writing test the following day. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the purgatory of state testing, let me just say that for a teacher, this is a stressful time. It's worse for English teachers because we have TWO tests to deal with - reading and writing. Of course, they can't be scheduled in a normal manner - the writing test is usually at the end of February, with the reading test at the end April. Because of the snow days, the writing test was postponed a bit this year, thus all but ruining my birthday.
March 17th- St. Patrick's Day (pretty much a ditto on the above entry about Mardi Gras, but with a focus on Ireland and a desire to be in Dublin instead of N.O.)
SPRING BREAK!!! For a teacher, spring break is actually better than Christmas. Not only do we get an entire week off from school, but spring break also means we are only 8 short weeks away from the end of the school year. Many teacher families go skiing over spring break, but not the Whitewater clan (I despise snow skiing - but that's for another blog, another day). We typically save our vacation for the summer, and this year we plan on taking the boys to Dallas and/or San Antonio for a holiday. I'm sure they are bursting with excitement to visit the grassy knoll and the Alamo....
For spring break this year, we followed our beloved Woodward Boomer baksetball team to OKC for the state playoff games. This is two years in a row that Corey Miller and our boys have made it to the state playoffs, and the second year that we've had to face Goliath (aka Douglass) in the first round. Douglass is an incredible team - they haven't been beaten in Oklahoma in two years and have won the state title the past two. I had hoped to avoid playing them until the championship game, but it wasn't to be. I will say this - our boys SHOULD have won that game. It was a complete nail-biter from start to finish, with a last-second three point shot that would have won the game for us. Unfortunately, Douglass won 58-56, but our boys played like gods, and I couldn't be more proud!
After the games, we stayed a couple of days in OKC to visit some family, shop, dine, and catch a movie. I wanted to go see Gnomeo and Juliet, but the boys picked Rango. It was a cute film, and we all enjoyed it, but I still want to see the other...
I finally made it to a girls' night last night, and now I know why I only attend these things 2-3 times per year. Seven or eight women in one room with alcohol and food is almost like an episode of Wild Kingdom. The cackling in the room was so loud that I was choking down Tylenol by 9:30, and I was incessantly tormented and teased about my adorable Hello Kitty koozie (fun haters). However, it was all in good fun and I really had a great time. We are all so busy these days, that it's hard to find time when we can all stop and catch-up. At last night's gathering, I met a couple of new friends, and reconnected with a few who I hadn't seen in quite some time. I also ate entirely too much quesidilla cheesecake and nearly ruined my favorite Beatles shirt (not that!). From last night's fiesta, I learned a few things...1) Some people should not be allowed near a dolphin tank during vacations 2.) Everyone loves Colonel Angus and 3.) There is nothing "easy" about washing Easy Cheese out of your hair. Good times.
Last but probably the most important thing about March - you know...March Madness!!!
I am not a huge basketball fan. As a matter of fact, I may catch 2-3 college ball games during the regular season and zero professional games, but I LOVE March Madness (particularly if WVA advances and I can sing John Denver songs!). I know nothing about the rankings, but I love to fill out my bracket and watch the games with the hubby who typically pouts b/c my bracket destroys his! Ha!! Last year Kansas broke my bracket when they lost to Butler before even making it to the elite eight, but I've picked them to go all the way this year. We'll see if they can redeem themselves.
In other news...I'm reading a new book called Cutting for Stone, but it just hasn't hooked me yet. I'm trying to be patient. Tomorrow we'll start reading The Outsiders in my English class. This is by far one of my favorite units to teach, and I'm really excited to get it going. We'll do a group activity over social groups and stereotypes tomorrow, an Internet scavenger hunt about the 60's on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then start reading on Thursday. I can't wait...hopefully this year I won't cry when we hit chapter 12...
Yes, my birthday is in March (I turned 28 again this year), so that's a big part of it, but there are so many exciting activities that happen in March, that I am already growing morose at the thought of the month coming to an end... :(
So, a quick recap of March...
March 8th- Mardi Gras
While I didn't do much this year to celebrate Mardi Gras, I remember with incredible fondness the Mardi Gras celebrations of my younger years. While in college, and for several years after, I made it a point to celebrate Mardi Gras - food, beads, beer, and amazing music. What's not to like?? I have always wanted to actually be in New Orleans for the celebration, but timing has never been a talent of mine...
March 9th- My birthday, yeah!!! I didn't do much this year for my birthday, mainly because it was in the middle of the week and my students had to take the state writing test the following day. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the purgatory of state testing, let me just say that for a teacher, this is a stressful time. It's worse for English teachers because we have TWO tests to deal with - reading and writing. Of course, they can't be scheduled in a normal manner - the writing test is usually at the end of February, with the reading test at the end April. Because of the snow days, the writing test was postponed a bit this year, thus all but ruining my birthday.
March 17th- St. Patrick's Day (pretty much a ditto on the above entry about Mardi Gras, but with a focus on Ireland and a desire to be in Dublin instead of N.O.)
SPRING BREAK!!! For a teacher, spring break is actually better than Christmas. Not only do we get an entire week off from school, but spring break also means we are only 8 short weeks away from the end of the school year. Many teacher families go skiing over spring break, but not the Whitewater clan (I despise snow skiing - but that's for another blog, another day). We typically save our vacation for the summer, and this year we plan on taking the boys to Dallas and/or San Antonio for a holiday. I'm sure they are bursting with excitement to visit the grassy knoll and the Alamo....
For spring break this year, we followed our beloved Woodward Boomer baksetball team to OKC for the state playoff games. This is two years in a row that Corey Miller and our boys have made it to the state playoffs, and the second year that we've had to face Goliath (aka Douglass) in the first round. Douglass is an incredible team - they haven't been beaten in Oklahoma in two years and have won the state title the past two. I had hoped to avoid playing them until the championship game, but it wasn't to be. I will say this - our boys SHOULD have won that game. It was a complete nail-biter from start to finish, with a last-second three point shot that would have won the game for us. Unfortunately, Douglass won 58-56, but our boys played like gods, and I couldn't be more proud!
After the games, we stayed a couple of days in OKC to visit some family, shop, dine, and catch a movie. I wanted to go see Gnomeo and Juliet, but the boys picked Rango. It was a cute film, and we all enjoyed it, but I still want to see the other...
I finally made it to a girls' night last night, and now I know why I only attend these things 2-3 times per year. Seven or eight women in one room with alcohol and food is almost like an episode of Wild Kingdom. The cackling in the room was so loud that I was choking down Tylenol by 9:30, and I was incessantly tormented and teased about my adorable Hello Kitty koozie (fun haters). However, it was all in good fun and I really had a great time. We are all so busy these days, that it's hard to find time when we can all stop and catch-up. At last night's gathering, I met a couple of new friends, and reconnected with a few who I hadn't seen in quite some time. I also ate entirely too much quesidilla cheesecake and nearly ruined my favorite Beatles shirt (not that!). From last night's fiesta, I learned a few things...1) Some people should not be allowed near a dolphin tank during vacations 2.) Everyone loves Colonel Angus and 3.) There is nothing "easy" about washing Easy Cheese out of your hair. Good times.
Last but probably the most important thing about March - you know...March Madness!!!
I am not a huge basketball fan. As a matter of fact, I may catch 2-3 college ball games during the regular season and zero professional games, but I LOVE March Madness (particularly if WVA advances and I can sing John Denver songs!). I know nothing about the rankings, but I love to fill out my bracket and watch the games with the hubby who typically pouts b/c my bracket destroys his! Ha!! Last year Kansas broke my bracket when they lost to Butler before even making it to the elite eight, but I've picked them to go all the way this year. We'll see if they can redeem themselves.
In other news...I'm reading a new book called Cutting for Stone, but it just hasn't hooked me yet. I'm trying to be patient. Tomorrow we'll start reading The Outsiders in my English class. This is by far one of my favorite units to teach, and I'm really excited to get it going. We'll do a group activity over social groups and stereotypes tomorrow, an Internet scavenger hunt about the 60's on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then start reading on Thursday. I can't wait...hopefully this year I won't cry when we hit chapter 12...
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