Dear Diary, Random Thoughts Edition

dd, pinterest justification edition

2012-01-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I spend waaaaaay too much time on pinterest. But it's an interactive site for me. I actually DO things that I see/pin on there. Let's give you some numbers:

*I have 16 boards and, as of this moment, 601 pins (5 of my boards are food-related, naturally).
*I tallied it up and I have made approximately 13% of the food-related items I've pinned.
*I have also completed six pinterest-inspired crafts, and have redecorated my bedroom.

I figure that's better than the average person on pinterest.

dd, binge much? edition

2012-01-09T21:27:00.001-08:00

In no particular order, a list of things I could eat at least a half, or an entire pan of by myself:

*german pancakes
*texas sheet cake
*cheesy breadsticks
*breadsticks/rolls in general
*oreo cake
*chocolate chip cookies (soft, chewy ones!!)
*mashed potatoes
*pizza
*funeral potatoes
*graham cracker crust
*really cheesy mac 'n' cheese

...I'm sure that's not all, unfortunately...

dd, completed edition

2011-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

I saw on pinterest that this girl kept posting things on her "bucket list" board from this website and having seen that movie New Years Eve last night (it was ok) I've been thinking about resolutions, but it's much more fun to see what I've done rather than what I haven't, so here's what I've done in my life!

(**WARNING: long list ahead**)

*lay down in a field of daisies
*bungee jumping
*shopping in paris
*eat pizza in italy
*go to california
*plant a tree
*see a broadway play
*visit the louvre
*shoot a gun
*travel alone (well...I've taken many flights alone...)
*go to times sqaure
*visit a walk-through aquarium
*go to rome
*party in las vegas
*learn to play piano
*perform on a stage
*ride on the back of a motorcycle
*learn how to bake perfectly (well, I think I know how to do it well)
*go to hawaii
*take a homeless person out to dinner (I've given them food before)
*go to a spa
*go on an ice cream date
*share ice cream with someone special (with my family...all the time)
*see every hunger games movie (I consider that done even though they're not out)
*make a rainbow cake
*watch the sunset at the beach
*drink coffee in seattle (does hot chocolate count?)
*party during spring break
*go to the olympics
*experience a white christmas
*attend a pool party
*party all night without stopping for sleep
*go to canada
*own an iphone
*go skinny dipping
*move back to my hometown
*see the golden gate bridge
*find a four leaf clover
*go on a camping trip
*attend a concert
*see snow
*have a food fight
*go to Germany
*see every cirque du soleil show (well I've seen four or five...I think that counts)
*have a beach wedding (I'll count that I've been to one)
*read all of the harry potter books
*have perfect teeth (my orthodontist said mine turned out the best out of all my siblings...and my dad said I have perfectly shaped bicuspids)
*learn how to drive
*have a huge water balloon fight
*attend a new year's party
*shop in new york city
*go to hollywood
*see a shooting star
*go to venice, italy
*be a bridesmaid
*visity sydney, australia
*graduate from college
*pet a giraffe
*ride in a taxi
*be on t.v.
*ride an elephant
*go on a road trip with friends
*donate blood
*try sushi
*see the eiffel tower
*sleep under the stars
*skydive
*visit disney world
*take a tour of the white house
*let a snowflake land on my tongue
*spend a summer getting really tan
*go to a water park
*become a teacher
*cook thanksgiving dinner
*visit puerto rico
*try something from godiva
*bake something from scratch
*visit new zealand
*go an entire day without using any technology
*sing at the grand ole opry (does humming to myself while I'm there count?)
*finish a game of monopoly
*chop down my own christmas tree
*take ballet lessons
*have the barista at starbucks remember my order
*learn how to use chopsticks
*make s'mores around a campfire
*try chicago style pizza
*own a pair of skinny jeans
*'hold up' the leaning tower of pisa
*see the milky way
*try tiramisu
*visit a chocolate factory
*finish a whole tube of chapstick
*try beglian chocolate
*stay at a bed and breakfast
*have a pet rabbit
*feed a giraffe
*ride in a limo
*swim in the pacific ocean
*ride a horse
*have a summer job
*ride a subway in new york
*make homemade ice cream
*read the bible
*be able to walk well in heels
*write a letter to myself and open it in 10 years
*climb a tree
*buy flowers for someone for no reason at all
*own a coach bag
*build a gingerbread house
*eat an entire pizza by myself
*tie dye a shirt
*eat a croissant at a bakery in paris
*make homemade jam
*make a quilt
*have a bonfire
*visit the full house home in san francisco
*study abroad
*have a baby fall asleep in my arms

...and on and on...

I am one extremely blessed person.

ddrt, answer me this edition

2011-12-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

*Why are curtain rods so dang hard to put up?

*Why do you have a wedding board on pinterest if you're already married?

*Why does bad-for-you-food have to taste so good?

*Why am I always obsessed with food in general?

*Why is buying things so much fun?

*Why do my siblings (and their children) have to live so far away?

*Why doesn't everybody think like I do?

*When will my room be clean?

dd, thinking of you edition

2011-11-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

I associate music with a lot of different things - places, certain events in life, and people. I bet you didn't know that I associate most of you with certain songs. Here we go!

Dad - Anything by Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and "Alley Cat" (b/c it is the one song you would play on the piano and I asked you how you knew to do the part at the end w/ the triplets and you said you made it up. Once I knew how to read music I looked at the sheet music and discovered you lied)

Mom - "Mary Did You Know," Clay Aiken's version (b/c you really like it...and so I bought you piano music...which you forgot that I did and so you were going to buy more...until I found the sheet music I had previously purchased)

Lanson - The entire album of Steve Miller Band's greatest hits (b/c I would listen to it and cry because I missed you when you were on your mission).

Diana - "All for You" by Janet Jackson (b/c it played everywhere when we were in Europe)

Kim - "The Sign" by Ace of Bace* (b/c when it came out you told me to stop singing it because it was a bad song and I'm still trying to figure out why...)

Mark - "Hotel California" by the Eagles (b/c you told me once it was your favorite song)

Jill - "Invisible" by Clay Aiken** (b/c we looked it up on youtube while driving in San Francisco...and you borrowed my barbies to make a music video of it)

Jesselah - "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus (b/c it may or may not be the most played on your itunes)

Beth - any song by Michael Jackson. (b/c you heart him)

Kelli & Emily - "Everytime we Touch" by Cascada (b/c we listened to it a lot, and rolled around in blue foam while it was playing...that sounds bad but it's not)

Jenn & Marcelle - "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (b/c of your amazing interpretive dance)

Jennie, Nina & Rose-Ellen - "Hey Ya!" by Outkast (b/c it defined our Freshman year together)

For those of you not yet on the list - just you wait. With time you will be added.

*This is a terrible music video.
**I had no idea that Clay Aiken was so present in my life.

dd, what does it say about me edition

2011-11-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

What does it say about me when...

...Grey's Anatomy has made me cry more than any other television show?

...I'm already halfway done with my Christmas shopping?

...sometimes I prefer spending time by myself rather than with others?

...while reflecting on the best part(s) of my day it usually ends up being related to food?

...I sometimes wear blankets like skirts around the house?

Hopefully nothing.

dd, behind on life edition

2011-11-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I am behind on life.

-Dishes? Nope, don't feel like it.
-Making the bed? Not at all this week.
-Hanging up clothes? Haven't quite gotten there yet.
-Gone through mail? Not high on my priority list.
-Gym? Well I'm currently in my gym clothes but I doubt I'll make it out of bed...
-Being social? Nice try.

Can't be perfect all the time, right?

dd, it's kind of a big deal edition

2011-10-23T20:49:00.001-07:00

I used to always use exclamation points in odd numbers, meaning I would always use one or three or five (for the really exciting phrase/statement/exclamation). But lately I've been using two where I previously used three. I don't know why...maybe it is somehow now more aesthetically pleasing to me than it was before? I don't know. It's so weird, though - a random change of an established routine. I feel like it's kind of a big deal.

dd, chicago edition

2011-10-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

I went to Chicago for the first time this weekend and I had such a good time! What a cool city...so much to do, it would definitely take more than one visit to see everything. Here's what we were able to fit in:

Friday Night
*Walked around Millennium Park and saw some architectural structures, if you will, including what my friend calls the "shiny bean."
*Art walk in the Chicago Art District
*Dinner at Nightwood
*Comedy show at Second City

Saturday
*Breakfast at the Bongo Room (check out their menu - seriously amazing!)
*Quick stop at Trader Joe's to try their new Pear Cinnamon juice
*Saw the new Marilyn Monroe statue
*American Girl and LEGO stores
*Tour of the Chicago Tribune building
*Ferris wheel at Navy Pier
*Water taxi from the pier to the...
*Field Museum, including chocolate exhibit
*Walking through more parks downtown
*Deep dish pizza at Pequod's
*Jazz music at Green Mill

Some people have asked me what my favorite part was, but I honestly enjoyed everything! I would definitely recommend this city. Maybe someday I'll get to go back.

ddrt

2011-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

*It's hard to write big letters.

*Melted cheese is the best!

*So happy new episodes are back.

*Thank you Louis, Frank, Ella and others for getting me through my prep.

*Continually learning that I can't do it all.

*Sometimes Christmas music comes up when my itunes is on shuffle. And sometimes I don't skip the song.

*One of my students told me I looked like Vanna White while I was teaching up at the board the other day. My dream is becoming a reality.

dd, words edition

2011-09-10T22:43:00.001-07:00

Words I love
*bauble (perfection in a word)
*hosiery (I always imagine an elderly lady saying, "my hose!" and it makes me chuckle)
*throughout (nerd alert! my favorite word to type)

Words I do not love
*colonel (not spelled phonetically)
*skiwampus (not technically a real word...plus it just bothers me for some unknown reason)
*gregarious (it does not match its definition to me)

dd, i hate trying new things edition

2011-09-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

In general I don't like to try new things. I have to force myself. Unless it's trying a new recipe filled with ingredients that I like. But I do it, and I do it (somewhat) often. Because "they" say it's good for you. I suppose it gives you some sense of self-satisfaction, but more often than not I end up thinking "yeah, I can do it/it was fine, but I didn't love it and would be fine never doing it again." That's usually how it turns out.

I've tried two new things this week already ("they" should be proud). I don't see myself doing either of those things in the near future.

At least I know I'm content with what I'm already doing!

Although last week I tried something new and intend on doing it again. So there goes my whole theory.

Guess what? I'm trying new things.

dd, fb status (statuses? stati?) that were considered, but never made it edition

2011-08-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

*I'll toast to that.

*Seriously?!

*Thank you, Sondre, for the ride home.

*Jane Austen knows her stuff.

*Pinterest > Facebook.

*Miss B lives!

dd, kitchen necessities edition

2011-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Things I would like for my kitchen. Eventually. Just because.

*pasta maker
*kitchen blowtorch (yes, it's apparently one word)
*mandolin (not the instrument...the kitchen slicer)
*pastry scraper
*meat tenderizer
*baking sheets (you can always use more)
*cooling racks (I only have one)
*cute spoon rest (something like this?)
*immersion blender
*this specific food processor (I think I've mentioned that before)

For now.

dd, things i don't do well edition

2011-08-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

*put pants on barbies
*swim
*hide my emotions through facial expressions
*eat slowly
*put socks/shoes on children
*convince myself that I'm not the exception
*eat enough fruits and vegetables

...among other things.

dd, current obsessions edition part II

2011-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

*Graham, as in the food item. (Not any person you may or may not know.)

*Pinterest.

*Organizing.

*Attempting not to go insane.

*Waiting for the new season of Project Runway to start.

*Realizing that I'm a baker, not a cook.

*My new bed/bedding.

*Berry picking.

dd, chocolate/peanut butter candy edition

2011-06-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

As I was trolling* through the grocery store (because that's what I do at 8pm on a Thursday night) I walked down the candy aisle with the intent of buying a large bag of peanut butter M&M's...and they were on sale! I call that fate. While eating them before my dinner I got to thinking about how much I love the chocolate/peanut butter combination. The result: a list, in order, of the best chocolate/peanut butter candy out there.

1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. No contest. (The special holiday ones are the best because they have so much peanut butter! And, they are the best in this order: Easter egg, Christmas tree, Halloween pumpkin.)
2. Peanut Butter M&M's.
3. 5th Avenue. A less known candy bar, but seriously good.
4. Reese's Pieces (Although do these count? I don't think there's chocolate in them.)

Did I miss any? (I'm talking just pure chocolate and peanut butter here.)

Yummmmmm.

*Yes, trolling. As in fishing. I literally mosey up and down each aisle, browse, and pick up whatever I feel like (within reason). It's therapeutic.

dd, frustrated edition

2011-06-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

How to make frustration go away?

1. Bake things in ramekins.
2. Witty blogs.

dd, wimbledon edition

2011-06-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Guess what? It's on! It always creeps up on me, and I think I've finally realized this year that it's always on soon after school gets out. Yet another reason for me to look forward to the end of the school year!

Wimbledon is the only sporting event that I actually care about, and by "care about" I mean:
*I actually know and understand all the rules of the sport (or at least I think I do).
*I only know the really famous players.
*I will occassionally learn the other players' names.
*I usually don't care who wins (which leads me to frequently root for the underdog).
*I prefer watching men's matches, but will also watch women's matches (and judge their clothing choices).

I don't get as excited for the US Open, Australian Open or the French Open. If I happen to see a match with a player who I recognize then I'll watch it, but for whatever reason Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Maybe it's the fact that it's in London, or played on grass, or that they all have to wear white. I don't know, I just love it!

Someday I will attend a Wimbledon match. It's on my list of things to do before I die. Maybe I'll start setting aside some money and go next year. Anyone want to come?!

dd, i should be running edition

2011-06-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

Except I'm looking at food blogs instead.

Thanks to a friend who said she made some yummy looking caprese grilled cheeses this week I found this gem. There are SO many recipes I want to try!!! Luckily I will have plenty of time starting tomorrow, as it will be summer vacation. However, food can be expensive and maybe I will have to limit the amount of recipes I try. Sad face.

dd, pine nuts edition

2011-06-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I l-o-v-e. roasted pine nuts. I could probably eat a whole bowl. Is that weird?

dd, license plates edition

2011-05-23T20:29:00.001-07:00

I really dislike personalized license plates. I feel like I've seen a lot in the past week-or-so of driving to work. Here are some of them:

BRILLO
HEY-YAH
ARID
HOAG 1
FAR1BA
APATHA
SAMI H

Really? I don't get it.

dd, current obsessions edition

2011-05-07T09:44:00.001-07:00

Food
*Rosemary shoestring fries at Burgerville. Yes, please.

*Root beer. Preferably Barq's but I will take Henry Weinhards, IBC or another high-end root beer. (P.S. I know that Barq's isn't high-end, but I like it the best!)

*Milton's bread. I splurge every once in a while and get it. I love this bread!

*Seasonally inappropriate foods. For example, I made these last night and I've eaten probably about 10 cookies in the last 24 hours.

*Broccoli.

*Strawberries.

Entertainment
*The Royal Wedding. I know, I'm a little late on this bandwagon.

*Attempting to read literature written for adults...not children. (I figure reading Bossypants is a good bridge between the two.)

*Grey's Anatomy. I've been re-watching past seasons and, obviously, have been keeping up with the current one. Anybody else LOVE Meredith's dress at the end of the latest episode?!

*Breaking out my to-do lists again. Why is this under the "entertainment" section? Well, if you're asking that question then you don't know me as well as you thought you did.

dd, letter edition

2011-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Body,

Why do you not allow me to sleep in on the weekends? Shouldn't you know that Saturday is the day to sleep in, not wake up at the same time or, heaven forbid, earlier than you normally do? It's been about five weeks now...I guess we're settling into a routine. A losing battle. Maybe this is your way of telling me to stop being so lazy and to be productive. I'm all about that - it's just that I really enjoy sleep and would like a little more. Maybe if I set an alarm you will subconsciously not want to get up since you're supposed to. At least I'll make it to the gym today (first time this week). Thanks for that. I guess.

Regards,

Sorely Disappointed

dd, update edition

2011-04-06T22:02:00.001-07:00

The supercuts has retired the sign-waving bunny and has replaced it with a panda bear. Why not?

dd, a goose hit me edition

2011-04-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't hit the geese. The geese hit me. More specifically, they flew into my car. Two of them. They honked (or at least one of them did) as their faces collided with my windshield. I screamed and then laughed for quite some time. My friend who was in the passenger's seat said, "Did you see its face?!" and then I laughed some more. I know. I'm a terrible person. We did drive back, though, and didn't find any geese on the road. We did, however, see two geese at the pond and I'm telling my conscience that those are the two geese that hit me. Yes, my car is ok. *Also, I finally bought an iphone. *Completely unrelated to the goose story.

dd, spring break edition

2011-03-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

I still wish I could've gone on a tropical vacation, but oh well. I guess I'll have to wait for this summer!

Getting random errands and things checked off my list are good, too, though.

Massage? Check!

Shopping? Check! And more to come tomorrow.

Pedi? Still thinking about that one.

Things done on my car? Half-check.

Book read? Almost.

Cooking? Not really.

Clean my room? Nope.

Gym? Twice this week, and tomorrow might make three.

Lesson planning? Check.

Laundry? Always going on.

Movies? Watched an entire season of a BBC series, if that counts.

A successful spring break so far, I think.

ddrt

2011-03-10T16:52:00.001-08:00

*I just ate a whole bag of quaker rice snacks. That's what I get for not eating lunch today.

*I'm getting used to less sleep and I'm not sure how I feel about that.

*Remember D.A.R.E.? I saw the logo on the side of a dump truck (???) on my way to work this morning. It brought back lots of memories of that officer that always came to our school and the graffiti t-shirt I got.

*Just so you know, you can be in love with an item of clothing. My current love is a new skirt of mine.

*My eyesight is really getting bad, I've decided. I'd better get a more attractive pair of glasses so I can wear them frequently. I will soon fully embrace my secret librarian identity.

*I get to see my sister and her kids soon! Hopefully my niece will remember me better after this visit and not have to ask her mom, "is she my friend?"

dd, snow day edition

2011-02-24T19:13:00.001-08:00

I am so grateful for this snow day. It gave me a chance to catch up on a lot of things that needed to be done, including regaining my sanity which I feel like I somehow lost between Monday and today.

Preparing for Staff Lunch
I'm in charge of the staff treats/lunch which we're doing tomorrow at work; apparently it is a competition to see who can do the best presentation/food. We're going with an "Oscars" theme. Here's what I did today in preparation for that:
*Wrote down trivia cards about past Oscars to have at the table while people eat. They were going to be cutesy but I wasn't at school today to get the construction paper, so plain white cardstock it is.
*Made the following recipes:
-Pasta salad
-Muffins (from a box, but I baked them in some cute muffin liners that my mom gave me!)
-Mint Brownies
-Break the Fast Miracle Bars
*Made Oscar voting sheets and voting ballot box (ok, so I really did that earlier this week)

Work
*Planned next week's lessons.

Mental Sanity
*Slept in.
*Caught up on all my tv shows.
*Watched a chick flick.
*Baked (and was able to freeze some of) the following:
-Rosemary Potatoes
-Basil Chicken Soup
-Broccoli & Cheese-Stuffed Chicken (ok, ok, this was frozen and pre-made so it doesn't count)
*My plan is to make it to the gym later this evening and go to bed early.

Cleaned
*Did a load of laundry
*Did three loads of dishes (in case you didn't notice, I cooked a lot)
*Cleaned my kitchen
*Cleaned my bathroom

I wish I was this productive every day. Productive day = happy me!!!

dd, grocery store edition

2011-02-17T20:07:00.001-08:00

I.love.grocery.stores.

Always have, and I hope I always will.

Maybe it's the familiarity, and the way that no matter what grocery store you go to, you'll always find the peanut butter next to the cereals or the jell-o and pudding next to the cake mixes. Or maybe it's because I have a high chance of seeing an old man shuffling along with a cart.

Know what's tricky to find, though? Really random things like white distilled vinegar (in the salad dressing aisle) or sun dried tomatoes in oil (always in a hidden place amongst the veggies).

Grocery stores are more important than you think. Everybody needs groceries, and there are only a select few options to go for said groceries. I feel like grocery stores bring us together. In extremely general terms, grocery stores = global unity.

Buying food and other necessities can also provide some excitement: there are hazards all around! Sometimes those individuals who are in the electric cart aren't the safest of drivers. People have gigantic baskets that they're pushing around come out of nowhere when you're turning a corner. Don't forget all those traffic jams in those barely-wide-enough-for-two-cart-aisles!

I've decided that grocery stores are the absolute best places for people watching. You never know what you're going to see. For example, tonight, as I was getting what I needed in my sweats and sweatshirt (because that's how we do it in America), I amused myself by making up life situations for those around me. Here are some scenarios:

1. Overheard one guy say on his phone, "Are you done because you're wasting my minutes." I think he was talking to his ex-girlfriend.
2. Guy in his upper 20's with an Asian girl (speaking an Asian language to her). I think he went on a mission to an Asian country and was one of those who marries a girl from where he served.
3. Middle-aged woman with grocery list, and not much in her cart. I think that she's an empty-nester and just doesn't know how to adjust to cooking for two again.

I could go on and on...about the unspoken check-out line rules, bagging etiquette, people's fervent feelings towards certain stores, etc. but I won't.

I'll just end with quite possibly the best part: the sound of scanning an item and, of course, cash registers.

dd, favorite liz lemon quotes edition

2011-02-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

"Workin' on my night cheese"

"I want to go to there."

"That's a dealbreaker, ladies."

"What's that in your teeth?" "Corn!"

"I even packed underwear that isn't gray."

"Blurgh."

"Whatev's indeed."

"I am telling everyone here that there is no way I can be pregnant, because I have had my period for the last 61 days."

(This)

"I'm wearing it as a joke."

dd, numbers edition

2011-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

*I only have 1 oven mitt. It's kind of annoying; I should probably get another one.

*I've seen 2 pink Cadillacs in the past couple of days. What's up with that? I think they're ugly.

*Every Friday when I drive home from work, on a certain intersection, there are 3, count 'em, three, people dressed up and waving a sign around to try to get business. Corner one: guy dancing to his ipod dressed up like the statue of liberty trying to get you to go do your taxes somewhere (I think). Corner two (actually still corner one...they share or go on opposite sides): little caesar's pizza guy. I guess he's not dressed up but it still counts - he's waving a sign. Corner three: someone waving a sign for hair cuts at great clips, DRESSED UP LIKE A RABBIT. I don't get it.

*Only accomplished 4 things on my to-do list today, when I should've done more like 10.

*My phone's alarm has a 5-minute snooze on it. That's ridiculous. Everybody knows that the snooze option is 9 minutes.

*I ate somewhere between 6-8 food samples at Costco today. It was my dinner. They're trying to sell superbowl snacks so get on over to Costco for some really good samples! Seriously - I'm not joking. The sample carts were practically set up like a cafeteria line; it was fantastic!

dd, blazers game edition

2011-01-24T22:35:00.000-08:00

Well, the Blazers lost, but it was still a good game. Here's why:

*It was my first Blazers game!

*Free tickets.

*Good seats.

*Time with sister.

*Michael Jordan was in attendance!

*I won a free ticket to the Portland Auto Show from the giant car blimp that was flying around during half-time (which I will be giving/throwing away).

*Club level tickets, which means...FREE FOOD! Between the two of us we consumed (actually, we didn't consume it all - we snuck some in our purses to take home) the following:
-2 sodas
-2 water bottles
-nachos
-piece of pizza
-twix
-giant red vine
-skittles
-peanut m&m's
-2 buffet plates including pasta, ham, fruit and mini desserts
-ice cream sandwich
-mini dryer's slow-churned chocolate ice cream

...talk about gluttony at its finest!

I think we made good use of the tickets, don't you?

ddrt

2011-01-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

*I borrowed someone's pasta maker. I'm going to whip out this recipe with homemade noodles this weekend. I'm already proud of myself.

*My sister and I were commuting at the same time this morning. That was fun to see her before work :)

*Is it bad that I already want summer to be here?

*You know, Jake Gyllenhaal really is very attractive.

*Why is it that every time I see the city bus that someone riding it has their hood up? Is it really cold in there?

*A student informed me a couple days ago as he sneezed that two things come out of your nose: snot and blood. He was pretty proud of himself for knowing this fact.

*Getting ready for bed is the worst.

dd, i'm a complainer edition

2011-01-13T17:24:00.001-08:00

*Kids were not good today. I always get really disappointed in myself when I get grouchy and "yell" at them. I seriously want to cry sometimes because I get so frustrated. In them or myself, I'm not sure. Just frustrated.

*A new guy moved in upstairs and he's way noisier than our other neighbors. At least he's more considerate about parking his car, though!

*When you're driving in the left lane, please go the speed limit.

*Thanks, ABC network, for having new shows. I don't know what's wrong with the other networks...

*I feel like I've been super busy...yet super lazy at the same time. Hmm.

dd, confessions edition

2011-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

*I eat in my bed all.the.time. Some find that gross. It's not like I spill!

*I've half-heartedly (sp?) attempted to make some new year's resolutions...and I've come to the conclusion (like I do every year), that I'm not very good at goal-making/keeping.

*I haven't fully unpacked yet.

*Christmas decorations are still up.

*Million Dollar Money Drop: kind of intriguing.

*Um...I guess that's it?

dd, first time edition

2010-12-26T11:48:00.001-08:00

The past week has provided for a lot of "first time" events for me. They include, but are not limited to the following:

*Spending Christmas away from home. (We still get to celebrate it at home, once we get there.)

*Having a white Christmas. (It snowed!)

*Visiting this place, this place (for proof, look here), this place, and this place, along with the unclaimed baggage center. (I'm not patient enough to find treasures.)

*Making and eating this recipe. (See my cooking blog - notes on there.)

*Watching this movie. (Cute.)

*Seeing a 3D movie in the theaters - this one. (Also a cute movie, but I still don't see the point of 3D.)

*Reading this book. (I really enjoyed it! My sister made fun of me for laughing out loud while reading.)

ddrt

2010-12-08T20:00:00.001-08:00

*I'm pretty proud of myself that I made dinner tonight. Well, "made" is a relative term...

*And the most noticeable/memorable celebrity eyebrows goes to this guy.

*Does anybody have any fantastic New Year's ideas? Because I, for one, am not paying to attend a party at a high school (yes, that is where the church party is going to be held).

*I'm a sucker for ciabatta bread. Yummm.

*Hey, guess what? Christmas is coming! Just in case you didn't know.

*I'm contemplating wearing glasses more regularly. Yikes. This would not be good for my already questionable social life, seeing as any pair of glasses that I wear makes me look like a librarian.

*I've been craving soda a lot lately. I blame my friends. And happy hour.

*I've gotten some interesting "wrong number" texts before. Today's was "So how's home bro???"

*Apparently I will be visitng this place soon. Any guesses as to what we'll find?!

dd, new job edition

2010-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

One week down, and I think it will be a good fit. Here's why:

*I already have a cute Built NY lunch bag, like 1/2 the other teachers.

*I'm not the only "young" teacher.

*One of my co-workers is LDS.

*I'm more of a specialist, so I don't have to deal with parents as much as I would a classroom teacher.

*The kids are nice. And they follow directions.

*I don't have to wake up super early.

*The teachers have all been listening to Christmas music (after school).

dd, i prefer edition

2010-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

*I prefer rain to snow.

*I prefer desserts to meals.

*I prefer Jesse McCartney songs to Justin Beiber songs.

*I prefer laughing to not.

*I prefer bagels to english muffins.

*I prefer People Puzzler to normal crosswords.

*I prefer earrings to rings.

*I prefer Liz Lemon to Jack Donaghy.

*I prefer originals to remakes.

*I prefer blankets to sweaters.

dd, insights edition

2010-11-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

Today was one of those days where I forgot to put in my earrings. That usually means I'm tired and am not on top of my game, which today resulted in getting honked at twice before I even reached the freeway (a mile away, if that) and came home with glue on my shirt (granted, I was in kindergarten today).

On days like this I'm also pretty introspective; probably because I don't really want to talk to other people. So I end up doing a lot of thinking, which leads to a lot of analyzing. Here are a few insights I've had about myself today; some new, most of them not:

*I'm a complainer by nature. I don't even know if I try hard not to be. I like to think that I do try, but it must be some type of release for me because I do it even when I try not to.

*I like the fact that I will laugh out loud, especially (and usually) when there is nobody around. I laugh for my own enjoyment. It could be something I'm reading, watching, or just thinking. Maybe that classifies me as a dork, but there are countless other things which could more justifiably solidify that accusation. I doubt that last sentence was grammatically correct.

*Having a purpose drives me. Not having a purpose takes a toll on me emotionally/mentally, if you will. (This bullet-point refers to more of a long-term basis kind of thing.)

*Instrumental music is comforting to me. Probably half of the music I own is instrumental. I feel like that says something. I'm not sure what it says, but probably something.

*I need time to digest things. Sometimes lots of time.

*Because of the above bulleted point, I try to anticipate as much as I possibly can in my life. Most of the time it works. Or at least that's what I like to tell myself.

*Sleep, or lack thereof, greatly alters my mood. Although that isn't a new insight, by any means.

dd, WS edition

2010-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

I went to a cooking class at Williams-Sonoma tonight with my sister; they cooked a "non-traditional" Thanksgiving meal in front of us and we got to taste! They used machines/pans that cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars, naturally. So while we were waiting for them to plate the food I got to browse and look at all of the wonderful and ridiculously expensive cooking things that I will probably never own. Enter wish list:

*This food processor. Oh my goodnes, the SNAP ON LID!!! Plus it comes with a handy organizational box for all the pieces. Yes, please.

*A see-through toaster. Who wouldn't want to know how toasty their bread is getting?!

*How cute are these? Cute, but not $45 cute.

*These towels, in dijon, to match my kitchen. I will actually probably purchase these someday.

*Convenient multipots. For when I have to boil a very large amount of pasta or potatoes. You know, since I do that often.

*Electric salt and pepper mills. Just turn it upside down and it automatically grinds the salt and pepper; it's pretty cool.

*I can't even narrow down anything from the bakeware or cooks' tools categories. Not possible, so don't even try.

Like I told my sister, when I build my five-million dollar dream home, I'll just build a Williams-Sonoma in the basement.

dd, it's amazing edition

2010-10-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

*It's amazing that making good-looking sugar cookies can be so darn tricky sometimes.

*It's amazing that high schoolers (both boys and girls) straighten their hair during class, and also groom their eyebrows.

*It's amazing that Jiffy Lube can advertise one price and then have the service end up costing triple the amount advertised.

*It's amazing that a teacher's swivel chair can become so.incredibly.disgusting. Seriously, how do those stains get there?! What are those stains?!

*It's amazing how one dumb idea can run rampant among all age groups of the public school system. Watch the Ellen clip...it's actually pretty funny, and is exactly how I feel about the whole thing.

*It's amazing how terrible my diet has become.

*It's amazing that the holiday season(s) are coming upon us.

*It's amazing that my life and, subsequently, these posts consist of nothing but teaching, eating, and watching movies. Sorry.

dd, monday edition

2010-10-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

*Seriously, teachers need to start getting sick. Seriously.

*I got the best deal today...this shirt (except it's off-white with pale blue stripes, not white) for $2.59. That's right, TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY-NINE CENTS! I have to admit I'm pretty lucky when I shop at my go-to Banana. And the tie is much cuter when it's in the back.

*I really like shopping...clothes, groceries, office supplies, random gifts, etc. It doesn't even have to be for myself; I am frequently my mother's personal shopper. It's fun. How do I make that my career?

*I made homemade brownies today. Yum.

*It was a gorgeous fall day today. I love gorgeous fall days.

*The more time I have on my hands, the more OCD I get.

*I think I'm essentially done with my Christmas shopping. Maybe.

*The Sondre Lerche pandora radio station is putting out some good old-timey-jazzy music tonight.

dd, insomnia edition

2010-10-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

*I hate it when I wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep...for no reason. I'm tired, I want to fall asleep, I've tried to fall asleep, but it's just not coming.

*I love the sound of rain when I am inside and cozy.

*I've been thinking a lot about the origin of phrases lately; not sure why. Like, who coined certain phrases, slang or colloquialisms? I know nowadays entertainment drives a lot of new words/sayings, but did it way back when? I dunno...just something I think about.

*Don't ask me why, but whenever I hear/say/read the word "insomnia," my mind immediately starts singing Rhianna's hit song, "Disturbia." It's a really annoying reflex, if you will.

*I ate some good fries last night. There are a lot of crappy fries out there, so it will be helpful to know that Manzana's in downtown LO has good fries.

*I like it when I have things to do.

*Technology amazes me.

*One thing that would make my life so much easier would be if my hair could look good if I just let it air dry. What a blessing that would be.

*Dry throat = annoying.

*I think I will wear a scarf tomorrow (today). Yay!

ddrt

2010-10-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

*While Cookies 'n' Cream will always be a classic favorite, I really am enjoying the Dreyer's Butterfinger flavor. Click on the link and apparently you can see if it's stocked in a store near you!

*Teachers need to start getting sick. Or taking personal days.

*I've started watching Season 1 of Friday Night Lights. It's pretty good. The girl that's on it looks a loooooooot like the girl from Gossip Girl, though, and it's getting me all confused.

*I wore a scarf for the first time this week. Smiley face.

*Don't get me wrong, I love simplicity, but sometimes I wish that my life was a tad bit more exciting than it is. And, you know, exciting good. Not exciting stressful. Or not exciting drama. Just...exciting. Like, I'm going on a Hawaiian vacation exciting. That would be nice.

dd, thanksgiving menu edition

2010-09-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm in charge of hosting Thanksgiving this year. While I like to think that I'll shake things up and make some dishes that are variants of our normal Thanksgiving menu, we all know I'll most likely fall back on the traditional. One can think I will go outside of the box, though.

Recipes I am considering:
Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Potato Gratin
Herb-Roasted Turkey
Triple-Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Recipes that look delicious but I know I wouldn't like:
Caramel Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheescake
Pumpkin Leche Flan
Pear Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Any other ideas?

dd, unhealthy love affairs edition

2010-09-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

*The Amazing Race

*Pumpkin baked goods

*Fall/Winter coats

*Fall TV line-up in general

*Food in general, more specifically desserts

*Pumpkin spice scents

*Blankets

*Jewel tones

...so essentially I have an unhealthy love affair with the Fall season. And the Amazing Race.

dd, back to school edition

2010-09-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

*Walk into any 5th grade classroom and you will hear Justin Bieber's name within fifteen minutes. Guaranteed.

*You may also see a student who actually looks like Justin Bieber.

*New trend among teachers: clear starbucks plastic cup filled with water. Where'd all the coffee go?

*High school is most definitely not for me.

*It's amazing how every school is so much the same, and yet so different.

*Oh what a difference a smaller class size makes.

dd, sometimes edition

2010-09-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

*Sometimes I put cheddar cheese on top of my rice.

*Sometimes I browse Office Max for fun.

*Sometimes I am bitter.

*Sometimes I read novels meant for adults. But only sometimes.

*Sometimes I facebook stalk.

*Sometimes I appreciate a reality check.

*Sometimes I enjoy playing the piano.

*Sometimes I get myself to do things I don't want to do.

*Sometimes I complete everything on my to-do list.

*Just had to throw this in.

ddrt

2010-09-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

*I admire those on cooking shows; I wouldn't be able to whip up random things in 30 minutes. Not to mention gross meats. Kudos, chefs.

*I miss being Miss B.

*I wish I had a desire to visit Asia, but I really don't.

*Two words: pumpkin bread.

*Three words: pumpkin spice steamer.

*Depressing: I put away my shorts. Not depressing: I replaced them with my scarves.

*Why do you have a million Bed Bath and Beyond coupons when you don't need them and when you actually do need them, they're expired?

*If you were on a reality tv show competition and got kicked/voted off, would you cry? Because it seems like everybody cries. I don't know if I would cry. I would hope I wouldn't. It's a reality tv show.

dd, champagne wishes and caviar dreams edition

2010-08-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

I went to the Street of Dreams tonight with a friend. It's my favorite event of the year. You pay to walk around/be in ridiculously expensive homes. From my years of attending this event, I have come up with what I like to call my "5 million dollar dream home." I even have a notebook somewhere where I have most of this written down. Let me share with you what my dream home would consist of, which I am completely aware that I will never ever in my lifetime attain:

Kitchen
*matching appliances (obviously)
*two ovens
*two dishwashers (I'd be ok with one normal size and one smaller one)
*two refrigerator/freezers
*granite countertops
*two sinks (if not three)
*those drawers that automatically gently close if you slam them shut
*all lower cupboards will have drawers
*ample cupbaord space
*spice drawer
*long vertical drawers for cookie sheets, etc.
*long horizonal drawers (or vertical with rods) for tablecloths
*large pantry
*etc, etc, etc...

Master Bedroom...
*actually doesn't have to be huge...I never did see the need for an incredibly large bedroom
*separate roomy walk-in closets (including a shoe closet)
*gas fireplace
...Master Bathroom
*heated tile floors
*towel warmer
*separate sinks
*walk-in shower with two separate shower heads
*large jetted bathtub
*laundry room (yes, inside the bathroom)

Entertainment Room
*big tv
*ridiculously comfortable and attractive seating arrangements
*mini kitchen (fully equipped with mini oven, dishwasher, etc.)
*attractive closet/shelving which is very organized (obviously) for games
*gas fireplace

Children's Playroom
*two of the walls will be a giant map of the world
*third wall will be a giant chalkboard
*fourth wall will be a giant white board
*secret/hidden passageway to get into playroom
*fully equipped play kitchen
*art corner

Library
*floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
*decorated with maps and globes
*gas fireplace
*appropriately decorated children's section

Other Rooms
*at least 3 other bedrooms besides the master...two of which will share a Jack & Jill bathroom
*music room with a baby grand
*large laundry room upstairs
*small laundry room in mudroom
*craft room (mainly for gift wrapping)

Random Features
*central vacuum system
*intercom system
*indoor/outdoor central sound system
*two staircases (on opposite sides of the house)
*at least one real fireplace
*when you go upstairs, I would like a large central open area (which could be the library, or den-area with computer, etc.)

Outside
*tennis court (or maybe sport court)
*pool house (bathroom, shower, storage for pool things/toys)
*pool
*hot tub
*tv (so you could watch tv while swimming/in the hot tub. obviously.)
*large deck with parts that are covered and open (with retractable covering options)
*barbeque area (with fridge, sink, etc.)
*three or four car garage
*food storage room attached to/in garage
*garden
*gardening "shed"
*large yard
*special area of yard for lawn games (badmitton, horseshoes, croquet, bocce ball, etc.)

I'm ridiculous.

dd, drew tape edition

2010-08-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

For pure entertainment value I have been watching a lot of Andy Rooney 60 Minutes clips. I honestly do not understand why they spend the money, energy or airtime letting a senile old man talk, for no reason or purpose, on their show. It's ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. The more I watched these clips, though, the more I thought about how what Andy Rooney does on his airtime is what I do on this blog: talk about random things that nobody cares about. We must be kindred spirits. Thanks, Andy, for always making me laugh (although I'm sure it is unintentional).

Here's one of my favorites: (since I couldn't figure out how to post the video, you'll just get the embedded link).

dd, sondre edition

2010-08-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite Sondre Lerche songs (in no particular order):

Minor Details
Heartbeat Radio
Two Way Monologue
Like Lazenby
John, Let Me Go
To Be Surprised
Everyone's Rooting For You

Just in case you're wondering.

ddrt

2010-08-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

*Many people call me Jennifer. I suppose it's close enough, but really. I find it interesting that people so easily forget an extremely common name.

*I like doing odd jobs. Usually.

*Just finished watching season 2 of Chuck. I like that show.

*The normal Wednesday zumba instructor at my gym won't be there tomorrow because she's dancing with Mario Lopez. Naturally.

*I want to go home.

*Also, I need a job.

*All I want to do is bake some chocolate chip cookies but I'm not allowing myself because 1. I don't need them, and 2. I've eaten too much cheese today to justify eating cookies.

*I believe I will be spending my evening organizing some documents and watching a movie. Surprise!

*I've had this song stuck in my head all day.

*I need to cook healthier meals. I'm taking suggestions.

dd, good and bad edition

2010-07-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Good: I'm in my comfy shorts and my Williams Sonoma apron, which is one of my favorite things to wear. It's comfy. Don't judge.

Bad: I probably shouldn't be baking a six-layer cake in 80-degree weather.

Good: I get to go on vacation this week!!!

Bad: I found a spider on my hand towel this morning.

Good: I love summertime.

Bad: I think my plants are dead.

Good: I haven't showered yet.

Bad: I haven't showered yet.

dd, errands edition

2010-07-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

I was busy today! Some errands that I ran:

School Stuff
I had to go to the CESD thirty minutes away so that they could make a copy of my new license and get some little yellow card from them saying that I brought in my license (even though they stamped my license indicating I went there). Now that I had the yellow card, I proceeded to go to three different districts so that they could make a copy of my license and that yellow card to have on their file. Then I came home and applied to be a sub in another district. Which was followed by taking a 45 minute teacher-personality test online. If I get accepted as a sub in this district then I get to drive over to that district so they can copy my license and yellow card. Ridiculous? I think yes.

Les Schwab
I went in to get a price quote for a new set of tires (which luckily I won't have to get until probably the beginning of winter). Bad news: my tires will cost a lot. Good news: the guys that work at Les Schwab are cute and helpful.

WinCo
Why are red bell peppers so expensive right now? Weird. I would like everyone to know that an old(er) gentleman talked to me today. I sneezed and then he made some joke that I didn't quite understand. I'm telling you. Old men. Also, WinCo left some coupons for FREE food in our mailbox last week, so I redeemed them today. Guess what I got for free? Hot dogs, hot dog buns, tortilla chips, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. Thanks, WinCo!

Now it's 5pm and, believe it or not, I do have the rest of my evening planned out. I didn't even get to putting away my laundry today. Or baking that second chocolate cake for tomorrow's cake night. Looks like I'll keep busy tomorrow, too!

Welcome back, feeling of productivity.

dd, store-bought cookies edition

2010-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is a real issue, folks. I'm not even going to dive into the realm that is "store-bought bakery" or "actual bakery" cookies. I'm just talking about normal packaged found-in-every-grocery-store store-bought cookies. Shall we begin? The best store-bought cookies, in no particular order:

*Keebler Mini Vanilla Wafers. While the normal-sized wafers are good, the mini ones are just better. And I do prefer this brand over the original Nilla Wafers (even though I still call the Keebler brand "nilla wafers." It's the "kleenex" or "chapstick" issue). And can someone please tell me why the nilla wafers are always sold by the bananas?! I've never understood this.

*Chewy Chips Ahoy. Not regular Chips Ahoy. Oh, no. The chewy ones. SO much better. Very delicious.

*Keebler Grahams (yes, it says 'grahams' and not 'graham') Crackers Bug Bites. Very important: if buying just regular graham crackers, you go with the Honey Maid brand. The Keebler Grahams are just not as good. These little crackers, though, are sweet and a just the right amount of cinnamon-y. Plus if you want to secretly still play with the bug shapes, you can. If nobody is watching. Or if you're with children.

*The Nutter Butter. Oh don't get me started on that peanut butter filling. I mean, that's what you eat the cookie for. Or sometimes not even the cookie and just the filling. Remember when that contaminated peanut-butter thing happened (not-so) recently? Yeah, well I just remember being very disappointed because I have a c.r.a.v.i.n.g. for Nutter Butters and I couldn't have them.

*I'm not sure if this qualifies as a cookie, but if I put Bug Bites up, then I guess it must. Let's just talk about the whole family of Teddy Grahams. Whoever (whomever?) created Teddy Grahams is a genius. And I'd like to be his/her friend. I will just put the flavors in order from most favorite to least favorite: Chocolatey Chip, Cinnamon, Honey, and Chocolate. Actually, I don't really like the chocolate ones at all, but most people do. But guys, those bears! Their little limbs, their fat tummies. Seriously - this guy knew how to please children and adults who make their careers doing children-like activities forever.

Honorable mentions:

*The Oreo. If I am eating one, I prefer the Double Stuf Oreo. I have to be in the mood for an Oreo, though. But if you are in the mood for one, they are quite delicious. And these cookies serve to be an important ingredient in many desserts. Also, by the sheer importance of the Oreo to American tradition and culture, it gets a spot on the list.

*Let's discuss the Keebler Fudge Shoppe for a moment. A family favorite is the Grasshopper cookie. It's another mood-dependent cookie for me. I just know I'd get some type of response if it wasn't up here. My favorite Fudge Shoppe cookie, however, is a toss-up between the Fudge Stripes and the Deluxe Grahams. Subtly (yes, that's how you spell it) different, but essentially the same.

So I think what we've learned here is that I will eat most any store-bought cookie and that I have unnatural feelings and opinions towards them since I could only narrow it down to, what? Seven? Sad.

dd, summer schedule edition

2010-07-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

8am - wake up to alarm

9am - actually wake up

9:30am - go to whatever class is happening at the gym that day

10:30am - go home and shower

11:00am - browse internet: email, facebook, blogs, district websites for job openings

12:00pm - go drive over to sister's apartment complex and lay out by pool: listen to music, read book and/or do People puzzler

1:30/2:00pm - go home and shower again

2:30pm to 7:00pm - run errands, watch netflix movies/tv, browse internet (see above), read, cook/bake, etc.

7:00pm - hopefully do something social

10:00pm - get ready for bed

11:30pm - go to sleep

dd, google ad's edition

2010-07-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

This post is inspired by and is a tribute to my dear friend Jill, who has been the recipient of my ddrt emails for quite some time. They are, in fact, usually insanely random (hence the title) and often produce quite humorous google ad's on the sidebar of the text of our emails. Thus I have spent far too much time going through all of our hundreds of emails and copying only some of the advertisement links. This will give you an idea of how google knows, and yet doesn't know at all, what we're all thinking. And yes, all of these links would somehow make sense/relate to the conversations we've had:

*girdle women
*barbie lyrics
*transgendered women
*lycra pants
*wacky weird
*India tour package
*blueberry pie
*facebook tag
*cheap printer ink
*Korean music song
*free roommate search
*look alikes
*Bella Edward Cullen
*wall thickness
*help children
*romantic gift
*joy & happiness
*car pranks
*girls looking men
*Sweden girls
*family vacation trip
*funny faces photos
*learning English grammar
*downtown lofts
*fussball kicker
*York refrigerant
*churros
*listening
*knee tear
*witty
*wood boilers
*positive thinking
*quick money
*art & craft
*inna if you cry (What does that even mean?!)
*sleep apnea symptoms
*pick up lines
*really funny jokes
*friend poems
*Star Wars LEGO set
*baby feeding
*peroxide on teeth
*Larry King
*dog waste disposal
*kung fu
*Reminisce magazine

and last but not least (which has showed up a million times):
*AARP 50+ auto insurance

Yup. That sounds about right.

dd, old men edition

2010-06-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

I love old men (I'm talking 80 years old and up). I attribute it to the fact that I have fantastic grandfathers. My remaining living grandpa is probably the cutest old man I've ever known in my life. I can't help but think of him when I see other old men.

Today while I was at the grocery store I chose the check-out line purely on the basis that there was a cute old man in his checkered button-down shirt and khakis right in front of me buying a cantelope, canned cranberry jelly, and sesame oil. Maybe what I love most about the elderly in general is their predictability.

And, as I anticipated, the old man was friendly and said a few words to me. They like to make little jokes, the old men do. "And I thought we chose the quick line!" (It was taking a while.)

Another thing I like about old men: they talk to me. Frequently, too. And the majority of the time they will tell me I'm cute or a "good looking young lady." If, socially, I was supposed to be associating with old men instead of guys my own age, I would have no problems finding a boyfriend. Guys, take a cue from the 80-90 year-olds, please!

I think I'm going to call my grandpa today.

dd, old-timey edition

2010-06-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

I've been on a bit of an old-timey kick lately. You know, listening to lots of Frank, Bing, Louis, Bobby, Fred, Dean, etc. And watching a lot of Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly and more. That being said, I have decided that I want this hairstyle:

A couple questions:

1. How do I accomplish this look?

and

2. Could I pull it off?

dd, first days of summer edition

2010-06-22T17:51:00.001-07:00

*Did you know that a public library can have a restraining order against someone? Because the one here does - I witnessed it. Weird.

*Avatar = Fern Gully for adults. I prefer Fern Gully.

*I already have 2 dinners frozen in my freezer. Baking for one = lots of leftovers.

*Someday soon I will go to a movie theater by myself. Just to prove I can do it. We'll see if I get brave enough this week.

*Wishing I had a job for next year so I could be traveling.

*Wimbledon is on! It is my favorite sporting event to watch. Too bad I don't have cable. I have watched some of it online, though.

dd, wow i've watched a lot of tv edition

2010-06-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sometime in my life I intend on buying the complete seasons of the following television shows for my children so that they will not miss out on all the shows that really matter:

*Boy Meets World

*Saved by the Bell

*The Cosby Show

*The Brady Bunch

*Seinfeld

*Smurfs

Others that deserve an honorable mention (but are not important enough to purchase) are:

*Little Bill

*Matlock

*The Nanny (I know that 99.9% of the population hates this show and Fran Drescher, but I like it. Don't judge me.)

*Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman

*Alias

And then there's the whole category of game shows that I will just cross my fingers and hope that they (and their reruns) will forever be aired on television:

*Price is Right, Bob Barker hosted-shows only

*Wheel of Fortune

*Jeopardy!

*Love Connection

*Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

While we're at it, why don't I give a shout-out to made-for-tv movies that I love and will never be aired on television ever again (RIP, Disney/ABC family movies):

*This Time Around

*The Girl Who Spelled Freedom (ok, this was my sister's favorite)

*Help Wanted: Kids

*Double Switch (which I always thought was called Nerd Rock Star)

...I hope I didn't miss any...

dd, question edition

2010-06-17T20:50:00.001-07:00

Why is it that I have a better time partying with a group of people whose age, on average, is 40 than I do with a group of people my own age?

dd, fact edition

2010-06-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Fact: The Bachelor/Bachelorette is entertaining television.

Fact: I am a picky eater.

Fact: I am not an actress.

Fact: School is over next week.

Fact: I don't like packing.

Fact: Summer tv is boring.

Fact: A lot of times change is hard.

Fact: Potting plants is a very 'adult' thing to do.

Fact: I am an adult.

ddrt

2010-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

*I like it when my cheerios form a flower in my milk.

*I have a somewhat unhealthy emotion towards Crate & Barrel boxes. Not the items in the store (although I do love those), but the boxes that they put them in. If you have ever carried one of those compact, sleek, sturdy pieces of cardboard out of that store, you should know how I feel. Those cardboard boxes complete my life.

*I like smocked dresses on little girls. They are cute.

*Question: Why do tortilla chips only come in giant bags? It seems like every other chip comes in those individual bags, yet tortilla chips do not. And bags of tortilla chips that you buy tend to be larger than normal-sized bags of other chips. I wonder why that is.

*If anyone knows where to find some black/yellow prints (green accents are fine) to put in my kitchen, let me know.

*School is almost out!

dd, may accomplishments edition

2010-05-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

*turned 25

*survived a physical assault from student

*taught a sunday school lesson (was a fear of mine)

*starred in a movie by crazy dad

*made my apartment more of a home

*got a good evaluation at work

*made chocolate nutella-filled ableskeivers

*ate at two new restaurants

*got through the long month at school

*stayed in my apartment for three night in a row

dd, tired edition

2010-05-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

*I am obsessed with the movie The Young Victoria right now. And by obsessed I mean that I saw it recently and really liked it. And immediately bought the soundtrack. And listen to it to attempt to calm my racing mind.

*I am exhausted. A little bit physically, but mostly mentally. My mind goes at full speed for probably about 90% of the time I'm awake, which is too much in my opinion.

*I have my work sprawled on my bed right now. Ew. My work belongs back in that cute blue bag my mom bought me many years ago so I wouldn't have a frumpy teacher bag.

*Why is it that I have the feeling that everyone's lives are moving forward while mine is moving backwards?

*That being said, there has been way too much second-guessing going on in that mind of mine.

*Young Victoria album is over. That must mean that it's time for bed.

dd, upcoming movies i want to see edition

2010-05-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Adjustment Bureau - Matt Damon is usually a good bet.

You Again - Not only does it have Betty White, but it's PG, too!!!

Inception - Probably more hype than it's worth, but it seems like it could be good.

I would maybe want to see The Sorcerer's Apprentice if it didn't have Nicholas Cage in it. Ew.

Dinner for Schmucks - I'm pretty sure the idea is taken from this French film (which was good).

Beastly - Tami, I have found our teeny-bopper movie to see together. Vanessa Hudgens and one of the Olsen twins? Yes, please!

The Switch looks ok, but just a typical chick-flick, and I'm not partial to Jennifer Aniston so it will probably only be sub-par.

Waiting for Superman - I do love a good documentary. And this one is supposedly about how our education system is horrible or something. I will probably agree with a lot of points and I will probably disagree with a lot of points. I'm just hoping that people won't get into a lot of arguments about it. Because I hate arguments.

Where is my romantic time-period movie?!?!?!

(And yes, this is how I spend my time. I watch trailers for upcoming movies. What? It's relaxing to me.)

dd, saturday evening to-do list edition

2010-05-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

get a dvd player check
watch a movie in newly set-up dvd player check
trader joe's run check
call comcast check
grade papers half-check
arrange new table groups
plan for math
facebook stalk check
plan sunday school lesson half-check
read more of 39 clues

ddrt

2010-05-02T21:28:00.001-07:00

*I am very ready for Summer to be here...even though I will be unemployed once the school year ends which, will cause other stresses. I guess I'm ready for a different stress. You know, gotta switch it up.

*I cut a large chunk of skin out of my finger this morning. It hurts. I hate having to wear a band-aid in the same place for many days at a time (which I am anticipating). It makes your skin gross.

*I've decided that it's probably a good thing that cheese is so expensive. Because I love it. I love it a lot. And if it were cheaper I would be cooking a lot more main dishes with the primary ingredient of cheese.

*I love Oregon in the Spring. And Summer. And Fall. Winter's ok...as far as winters go.

*I wish I liked to run. But I don't. Not even a little bit.

*I miss the days where there were movies in the theater that I actually wanted to go see.

*Do you want to go to work for me tomorrow? You do?! Thanks.

*I'm on the lookout for some good light gray work pants. You know, like Matlock color. It's been a dream of mine for about the past year to own a pair of light gray suit pants. You'd think it'd be easy to find. Well guess what? It's not.

*I think that my life would be a lot easier if I had someone style my hair every day. I'm pretty sure that everyone would be happier. Good hair = happiness.

*Two words: homemade brownies.

dd, things that make me smile edition

2010-04-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

*a good kitchen tea towel

*a child skipping as his/her mode of transportation

*graham cracker crust

*hearing birds chirping in the morning

*comfortable lounge pants

*a good clothing sale

*really really nerdy people on jeopardy (as opposed to just nerdy or really nerdy people)

*wrapping up in a blanket

*seeing children trying to act like adults

*going to bed knowing i can sleep-in in the morning

*when i've finished an organizing project

*when i've created something nice

*knowing i have a vacation planned

*talking with old friends

*puns

*family

dd, decision edition

2010-04-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

The first step to making a decision is to have options.

I don't have options yet, so I can't make a decision.

But once those options come up (if they come up), how does one make a decision?

I tried the list-making thing already...didn't help.

Maybe I'll flip a coin? Or try a magic-8 ball.

dd, only once, I promise

2010-03-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

8 things I'm passionate about
**First of all, I don't like the phrasing of "being passionate about" something.
I really like (in no particular order):
1. food
2. kid's books
3. family
4. friends
5. church
6. traveling
7. being a teacher
8. movies

8 words/phrases I use most often
1. Yikes!
2. Oh, really?
3. Stop.
4. Not okay.
5. Well...
6. Hey girl.
7. I need your attention in 5...4...3...
8. mmhmm (mumbled uh-huh)

8 things I want to do before I die
1. Sound of Music tour in Austria.
2. Attend a Wimbeldon match.
3. Go to New England in the Fall.
4. Anne of Green Gables tour on PEI.
5. See the house they used for Pemberly in A&E's Pride and Prejudice (along with the other Jane Austen-y touristy things in England).
6. Be an elementary school librarian.
7. Be on Wheel of Fortune (and win lots of money).

8 places I want to visit
1. England
2. Austria
3. Switzerland
4. Greece
5. PEI
6. Sweden
7. Africa...I don't know where, though...wherever people vacation in Africa
8. Bahamas

8 favorite restaurants
1. Marzini's (RIP)
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Olive garden
**Do you sense a theme here?
4. Local Boyz
5. Arby's (in the fast food category)
6. Papa Hayden's (for dessert)
7. Mother's
8. Gustav's

8 shows I watch
1. The Amazing Race
2. The Bachelor(ette)
3. Jeopardy
4. Project Runway
5. Grey's Anatomy
6. Ugly Betty
7. Modern Family
8. Greek

dd, list edition

2010-02-16T20:20:00.000-08:00

Proof that I've been commuting too much:
*I am getting sick of listening to music...
*...which has made me resort to the nerdy endeavor of: books.on.cd.
*I am enjoying books on cd.
*I have caught myself using cruise control on 25 and 35 mph streets.

New dream job list, in order of preference:
1. Vanna White
2. Phil Keoghan's right hand (wo)man (actually, this could be #1...it's debatable)
3. children's book shop owner
4. elementary school librarian

Favorite winter Olympic sports (in no particular order):
*freestyle skiing
*luge
*short track
*alpine skiing
*figure skating (I think that Scott Hamilton's commentary has become the most entertaining part. How has his voice become so recognizable in my life?!)

ddrt

2010-02-09T21:56:00.001-08:00

*You know how I said my dream job was to be an elementary school librarian? Well I lied. My real dream job is to be Vanna White.

*My most embarassing guilty-plesaure show? ABC Family's "Greek." I love it. I don't know why, I just do.

*I wish I wouldn't fall asleep after reading for 5 minutes. I'd get a lot more books read if I didn't.

*I would fry more foods (pioneer woman has a recipe for dougnuts, plus won tons are good), but I despise the smell of oil. It permeates. I hate permeating smells.

*It's hard for me to be motivated after 3pm.

*The sun was out today!!! I am very ready for it to be summer.

*Conflicted feelings are the worst.

*There is an owl that has been hooting many nights for the past couple of weeks. I love it. I think I will name the owl Henry.

dd, my kitchen edition

2010-02-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

I really like my apartment. It's spacious, the location is great, the rent is a good price, etc. While I'm grateful to have a job it's sad not really living in my apartment.

That doesn't stop me, however, from decorating it and making it the exact place that I want to live. I may have gone a little overboard with some decorating ideas (like the "ledges" on the wall), but I still love it. It feels like me. Because I kind of took over in the decorating department (sorry, roommate).

I have a pretty well-equipped kitchen. And I am going to continually add to my "stuff," for lack of a better word, until I have a utility equivalent to that of Jan's. I kind of have this weird anxiety where I need things to be complete, and thus my kitchen will be...probably sooner than it needs to be, but nonetheless (or nevertheless?), eventually it will be complete. I already have some of those obscure items, like a crepe pan and an aebelskiver pan, but am still acquiring some basics.

Yesterday I bought dishes. I have deviated from the original plan (from my last ddrt), which is good because it makes having China more of a possibility. I bought twelve four-piece settings of this lovely dinnerware, and I really like it. The bowls are backordered so I will get the rest of them (they only had two in the store) in a few weeks when the shipment comes in. I was pleasantly surprised by the mugs - they are almost as big as the bowls! So they will be perfect for hot chocolate or even ice cream or soup! So now my kitchen color-theme is black and yellow. I will at some point put a bowl of lemons as a centerpiece for my table. Maybe I will even throw some limes in there to spice things up. Or oranges! But I'm not likely to get that crazy.

So now that I have dinnerware, I can get my white-with-possible-platinum-accent china someday. Good plan.

It's mildly depressing that I just wrote this whole post on things in my kitchen. But hey, my life's not very exciting, ok?

P.S. I have been listening to Louie Armstrong-esque jazzy music all day and have been thoroughly enjoying it.

dd, creating a home

2010-01-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

So this month's Ensign has an article about 10 ways to grow as a single adult. I feel like I'm doing pretty well on all of their suggestions. I have a career, I have goals, my job happens to "support the next generation," etc. etc. Under the "creating a home" category, I kind of laughed when I read this line, "Jean, 28, concluded she did not need to be married to buy 'real' dishes." My reaction: obviously.

I've never had problems buying things for myself. Nor do I ever think I will. Don't worry - I don't buy things unless I can afford them. I've always enjoyed kitchen things and have been thinking about buying (or starting to buy) a nice set of dinnerware.

I was offered a job doing seasonal sales at Crate and Barrel this year but had to decline because I got my long-term sub job. But my plan is to write them (C&B) a letter with my resume saying that I will be available to work any shift during the summer :) Is it bad that I really want to work there? Anyway, there is a connection to this and dishes: employee discount.

So when I work there this summer (I'm being optomistic), I should take advantage of the discount and buy myself some nice dishes. Because I don't need to be married to have a full set of matching dishes. Plus it will be my turn to host Thanksgiving this year. So I need dishes, right?

I think I'm going to go for a white dinnerware. Something that will function for both everyday and china. Because I like simple, it would be kind of ridiculous to have two sets of white/china plates. I'm ok with one. I will accept that. So I was perusing on C&B this morning and haven't seen them in person, but on first look I like the Halo dinnerware or the Maison dinerware.

Thoughts? Feelings? Votes?

ddrt, did you know? edition

2010-01-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

*Did you know that this song is one of my favorite hymns to sing because the alto part is actually interesting? Same with this one.

*Did you know that I am going to start taking violin lessons on Saturday?! I'm really excited. My mother bought me a violin three years ago, and I will finally start my (not-so-secret-anymore) dream to know how to play the violin. Let's hope I stick with it.

*Did you know that they already have the new cast up for the next season of the Amazing Race?! It starts on V-day.

*Did you know that Masterpiece Theater is showing Emma this week and next?

*Did you know that I'm piloting a new math curriculum this week...and another in a few weeks? Not like it's interesting, but that is what my mind is on at the moment.

*Did you know that I want to go to Vancouver, BC sometime? And sometime soon? Might not be a warm location for Spring Break, but I think it would be fun to go. Who wants to come with me?!

*Did you know that I did not make my goal of three times at the gym last week? I only made it twice. Maybe this week it will happen.

*Did you know that I never accomplish everything that I set out to do. It's kind of annoying. But I like to think that nobody really ever does.

dd, here's the story...

2010-01-18T17:27:00.000-08:00

So I was at the gym today (now I only need to go twice to reach my goal for the week), and watched The Brady Bunch while I was working out. It was great. It was the one where Jan bought a black wig. Oh, Jan and her middle-child identity crises (yes, that is the plural form of 'crisis' - I looked it up). Do you remember that one?! The lady at the wig shop selling her a wig looked and sounded like the inspiration for this girl. And Peter only needed 49 cents to buy a girl a birthday present. Ah, those were the days. And I never understood why they had Alice. I think Carol could've managed without her. I love the Brady Bunch!

ddrt

2010-01-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

*Even though I didn't get any compliments, I swear my hair looked good today.

*I think I want to buy curtains for my bedroom window because I'm paranoid that people can see my sillouette while I'm in there. Even though there is never anybody in my parking lot.

*I tend to follow my sister's example in a lot of the decisions I make, namely big purchases. After college I bought a car. (Which is almost exactly like hers.) I was thinking about the things that I want for my apartment and decided my next big purchase will be a couch (which was my sister's next big purchase...which was followed by a kitchen table and then a "real" bed). I'm not saying I'm getting one right away, because I'm not and I don't need one but I'm starting to think about it. It will probably take me 2 years to decide what kind of couch(es) I want, because once I buy them I'm sticking with it (them) forever and ever! I kind of like the idea of a gray couch at the moment.

*I learned CPR this week, and am glad that I know it. Hopefully I won't have to use it.

*Three weeks until I get my Praxis results. What if I don't pass? Take it again...that's what I'll do.

*I also just realized, thinking about apartment purchases, that I don't own a tv, either. I can't remember if that came before or after the couch in my sister's life, so I should figure that one out.

*New TJ try of the weekend: gorgonzola crackers. They were ok - they taste more peppery than cheesy, but oh well.

*Other new TJ try of the weekend: frozen individual (or do I say "inidividual frozen"?) pizzas. I will probably be purchasing those again.

*Finished this book yesterday - it was...ok. I thought the ending was really abrupt. I have a ton of books waiting on my shelf to be read that I need to get to. Maybe I will finally finish this one (that I am a third of the way through...and started over a year ago). I also need to read this, this, this, and this. Those are the ones on my shelf at my apartment. The various lists lying around on scraps of paper, on documents in my computer and in my head, however, are endless.

*My goal for this week: go to the gym three times.

dd, i learned something new

2010-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

I had always heard these terms, but never knew what they specifically meant:

Onset - A word's initial consonant or consonant blend.
Rime - A word's vowel and any final consonants.
Schwa - The vowel sound in many lightly pronounced unaccented syllables in words of more than one syllable.

(And yes, this does interest me.)

dd, my dream job edition

2010-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't say that I'm a bookworm, but I do enjoy reading when I find the time (and when I don't fall asleep). Children's literature, to be specific.

I want to read kids books all day. I want to have all the books and authors memorized - like Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. I want to be a resource of knowledge (in the area of children's literature). I want to spend my days making book lists for teachers to use in their units and lessons. I want to organize, label and categorize things.

I want to be an elementary school librarian. Or own a children's book store. Really the latter, but the former is more achievable.

I somehow feel that it's not ok that my (not-so-secret) dream is to become a librarian.

Even though I know it is.

ddrt

2010-01-05T22:28:00.001-08:00

*As I was watching the Bachelor, one of the bachelorettes was saying how she had "horrible style" as she was packing a dress into her suitcase, at which the exact same moment I exclaimed, "I have that dress!"

*That same night I had Mickey Mouse head-shaped chicken nuggets with a Capri Sun for dinner.

*Is it nerdy that I sometimes plan my gym time to coincide with Jeopardy?

*Is it even more nerdy that I have opinionated feelings towards Alex Trebek and his lack of "bedside manner" while performing his hosting duties?

*If I could somehow calculate where my thoughts are directed to(wards?) most often, I would be confident that the answer would be "food."

*Like, if I want to get Starbucks in the morning I plan to get up earlier.

*Food is kind of a big deal. In general, and in my life. Both. The answer is yes.

*My friend (accurately) accused me of randomly getting the YMCA song stuck in her head. The question is: why was I humming the song in the first place?

*I bought a compact disc tonight. With a wolf on it.

*Current guilty pleasure songs: Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cirus and 3 by Britney Spears. Don't judge.

*I sometimes spend my Saturdays looking up old 90's television shows on you tube. What?

dd, million dollar idea edition

2010-01-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe. I always thought it would be nice to have a digital cookbook/recipe box of sorts in the kitchen. Can't you see something like that in the street of dreams? You know, maybe a digital photo-frame size? With a touch-screen? And you could transfer all your recipes on there, and have a measurement converter, and a food-dictionary on it. I guess one could just put a laptop in their kitchen and do all the same things. But still - I think it's a good idea. I'd use it. D, pitch the idea to your touch-screen-producing-people.

dd, one more time - with feeling

2010-01-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

I like Regina Spektor, but sometimes she is just too weird. Take folding chair, for example. Here's a good line, "I got a perfect body 'cause my eyelashes catch my sweat." Actually, I can handle that. Weird, but whatever. What I think is super-weird is when she sings like a dolphin in the song.

That being said, I've listened to the song five times today.

dd, new years edition

2010-01-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

likes

*The Blind Side

*Trader Joe's frozen dinners

*Spending four hours of my life watching a BBC miniseries.

dislikes

*staying up late

*my breaks making weird noises

*being unproductive