tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148996532011-11-27T18:24:26.561-05:00One doesn't *become* a Southern lady. You either are, or you are not. No amount of acclimation will make up for a lack of upbringing based on bare feet, good manners, and the mastery of "puddling" rather than sweating.Valnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-86722317985293516892007-05-18T19:30:00.001-05:002007-05-18T19:31:16.072-05:00

Ok, even though I'm not thrilled with how it looks, all posting will be happening here from now on. Update your blogrolls and bookmarks!

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-80734671861787696932007-05-18T15:51:00.001-05:002007-05-18T15:57:40.165-05:00

I'll be moving here soon. I know, it's very exciting. I hate the colors and the only link I have is to West of the Boulevard (coincidentally, the one switching me over there happens to run West of the Boulevard...). But it will be up to my liking soon I hope.The first students I ever taught have their 8th grade formal this weekend. It's nuts that they will be going to high school next year.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-3938392727441487782007-05-18T08:56:00.000-05:002007-05-18T09:02:44.720-05:00

So, I've been tagged and I need to post 7 random things about myself and then tag 7 other people to do the same. Here we go, here we go now.1. My first thought when I got my diploma from UR was, "Ha ha! I've tricked them all!"2. I love looking at maps but I cannot read them.3. I'm obsessed with people's triceps and I'm convinced that everyone else's are better than mine.4. I think all of my

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-80336053570628694142007-05-17T21:06:00.000-05:002007-05-18T08:55:38.562-05:00

Well, it's been over week since the Gum Chewing Punishment set in. I called the dentist last night and left a pitiful message asking them to call me back as soon as they could. I meant that as around 9:00am. They took it as 6:42am. At least they are efficient.Anyway, I can't get in until Wednesday afternoon. All they are going to do is tell me that I need a NightGuard. The same NightGuard that my

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-60361923864644506872007-05-17T20:54:00.000-05:002007-05-17T21:03:16.453-05:00

I went to BodyCombat at Gold's Gym tonight. It's basically a lot of shadow boxing and jumping around and kicking and what not. Oh, and dying. Did I mention the dying? Dying for a solid hour and then much soreness follows the dying. It was great.One thing I've learned from trying out several of the classes at Gold's is that I'm not much of "move around person." Sure, I exercise, but that

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-83679429757069440922007-05-16T22:20:00.000-05:002007-05-16T22:29:18.499-05:00

I walked into the bathroom this evening, about to step into the shower after this evening's trip to the gym, and what did I find (or not find)? The scale. Ross has hidden it. I think that's a pretty strong message. I have very strong OCD tendencies and they have all been chanelled into weighing myself 5,436 times a day. Ross knows this and knew that extreme measures had to be taken. So,

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-107927722792124362007-05-15T19:50:00.000-05:002007-05-15T19:57:35.740-05:00

I'm seriously about to have a break down a la Lilly Allen. (The funny thing is, I *just* saw her on TV and thought, This girl looks like a lovely, normal-sized woman. What a nice thing to see.) I'm stuck on a weight that I'm not happy with. It's not that I'm concerned with numbers, I'm just not particularly pleased with how this number represents itself on my body and in my overall state of

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-42628710121875586302007-05-14T17:24:00.000-05:002007-05-15T09:30:35.248-05:00

Ross and I were in Ellwood Thompson's this afternoon when I heard someone call out my name. I looked over and didn't see anyone I recognized. My first thought was, "Oh, Lord, this could go either way."My recent experiences with a certain someone have made me a little weary of the many somewhat strangers out on the Internets. I wasn't certain that this encounter would be about this blog, but I had

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-19663526454729172852007-05-13T21:31:00.000-05:002007-05-13T21:33:48.442-05:00

Friday: Got a job, picked up Ross, went to the in-laws, chatted it up, listened to Ross play the ukulele, went to bed.Saturday: Went to the gym, went to Matthew's graduation party, celebrated Mother's Day with in-laws, played some dominoes, went to bed.Sunday: Went to the gym, puttered around the house, went to church, celebrated Mother's Day with my mom, visited with siblings, going to bed

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-42000711604831693502007-05-12T12:58:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:14.353-05:00

It was 1:00am and Zapp was very determined to see what I was doing on the Internets. I took the opportunity to capture her beauty for all of you to behold. As you can see, we have matching eyeliner and we are very much in love.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-75862425785588065902007-05-12T12:50:00.000-05:002007-05-12T12:53:40.630-05:00

Upon pulling up to the drive thru window, I had this conversation...Cashier: Here ya go. I'm trying to hurry because I really have to take a sh*t.Me: *blink* *blink*

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-6536201377173264382007-05-11T23:02:00.000-05:002007-05-11T23:23:51.468-05:00

I woke up this morning feeling like I had gotten punched in the face I knew it couldn't have been Ross (this time, at least) because he was off saving Richmond last night. I spent all day trying to figure out exactly why it hurt to both open *and* close my mouth. See, I have the TMJ. Well, actually, we all have the TMJ. For some reason, having a problem with your TMJ is described by simply

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-31614621783051001142007-05-11T22:54:00.000-05:002007-05-11T23:00:12.808-05:00

I accepted the offer and as of the end of June I will officially be a copywriter. More importantly, Ross got a ukulele today and he's learning to play the song from Joe Versus the Volcano.

Valnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-67500025982543028652007-05-10T20:23:00.000-05:002007-05-10T20:31:55.170-05:00

I went to Target this afternoon buying more versions of the T-shirts I wear everyday (except these are V-neck-CRAAAAZY). While I was standing at the checkout counter, a man got in line behind me. And by behind me I mean *right* behind me. It was almost like he was trying to snuggle. He was standing so close to me that the cashier actually started ringing his stuff up with mine and putting it

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-14929907650384799442007-05-10T14:01:00.000-05:002007-05-10T14:04:46.470-05:00

I'm sorry if you were one of the people bombarded by a comment about me. I have no idea who this person is and I don't care. I'm just sorry that you have random comments on your posts now. I just think it's incredibly lame that someone has nothing better to do than not only harass me, but also harass the people who know me, on here or in meatspace. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-68890697375462978052007-05-10T13:42:00.000-05:002007-05-10T13:44:51.343-05:00

So I got a job offer. I'm still kind of stunned, partially (ok, totally) because I was told that this blog helped me get the job. The formal offer comes tomorrow, so it won't be official until then. Regardless, I think I've earned myself a nap.

Valnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-62141189687248334302007-05-09T20:16:00.000-05:002007-05-10T08:03:23.496-05:00

When my sister and I used to take baths, she would always make me sit in the part of the bathtub that was more shallow while she lounged in the deeper part that held more warm water.Also, my sister used to have to blow dry my hair when we were little. If I screamed because of any tangles, she would hit me in the back with the brush.I used to never want to listen to the "Nightmare on My Street" by

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-45941115398163446142007-05-09T13:10:00.000-05:002007-05-09T13:17:53.911-05:00

For those of you interested, no I haven't found a job yet. I have a third (yes, that's right, third) meeting with a company tomorrow for lunch and another interview set up for Monday.I have started taking things down in my classroom. This is making the kids very sad and me very excited. It's making the whole concept of leaving very real.I am still not pregnant, nor do we plan on that happening

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-41460987533768933962007-05-08T16:08:00.000-05:002007-05-08T16:10:13.115-05:00

I'm going to keep pretending that you are not there as long as you keep not busting through my ceiling and keep not eating my face of and/or clawing my eyes out.Regards,Your tolerant, appreciative downstairs neighbor

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-57631605897650925802007-05-08T16:00:00.001-05:002008-12-08T17:31:14.613-05:00

Do you know who these people are????

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-17676146128905699032007-05-08T15:01:00.000-05:002007-05-08T15:25:17.174-05:00

I'm only 25 so I haven't done a whole lot, but I can say without hesistation that marrying Ross is the best thing I ever did. This realization came to me this morning as I looked over and saw him sleeping. He was lying there (having taken ALL of the sheet, as per usual), with his face smushed into the pillow, lips pouting out, hand curled up under his chin as if pondering something. I love

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-10423188140119538742007-05-07T20:19:00.000-05:002007-05-07T20:35:09.374-05:00

So apparently I am the incredible shrinking woman. My pants which were a little snug two weeks ago can now be taken off without unbuttoning them. Convenient, yes, but not a very flattering fit.Also, Ross made delicious wraps with our delicious organic vegetables for dinner. Seriously, you should consider joining something like Sprout. Everything tastes amazing and the cost is equal or less

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-26608068326329311012007-05-07T20:05:00.000-05:002007-05-07T20:08:46.340-05:00

Ross said this to me the other day: "I realized that you are just like Princess Leia."I stared at him with my jaw hanging open, both in awe of what he said and of how touched I was by it.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-44680332429002688752007-05-07T07:05:00.000-05:002007-05-07T07:16:17.128-05:00

I've decided to enable the option on blogger that requires me to moderate comments made here. I'm only doing this because some people have nothing better to do with their time than be idiots, and I don't want my relevant and productive audience to have to read their asinine comments. I guess this means I'm famous now since I have strangers who hate me. It's the price you pay, friends. It's

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-19907684946261809732007-05-06T22:17:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:14.761-05:00

So, I've decided that my MacBook, Boots, needs a cozy. He's not heavy or bulky enough to warrant his own back, but he needs something to keep him clean and scratch free. So, I'm knitting him a cozy. I know, it's very hipster/etsy/craftster of me.Very untrue to form, I actually planned this one out. Here's an out-of-focus picture of my plan:I don't count stitches because I don't have the

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-39996022253605542882007-05-06T18:07:00.000-05:002007-05-06T18:12:16.364-05:00

Friday: Work and such. Got a very promising phone call regarding employment. Gym. Went to Zach's birthday party. Sang a lot of Billy Joel. Watched Jake stuff himself into every major appliance in the house.Saturday: Gym. Lunch with in-laws. Nap. Visit to UR campus with Phanie and her new bf. Dinner at Sticky Rice with friends. Back to the house to fall asleep while watching the fight.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-65810587309842361332007-05-06T12:00:00.000-05:002007-05-06T12:12:36.136-05:00

I had a whopping 2, count 'em 2, ciders last night and my head is now pounding. This after I spent the tail end of last night falling asleep on the couch while a large group of people were watching "the fight" in my living room. I think due to my healthier living as of late, my body goes into complete shock when I consume anything that has little to no nutritional value. I guess that's a good

Valnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-23495542324082796092007-05-05T08:20:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:15.104-05:00

Today is Cinco de Mayo!!! Probably the only reason a gringo like me has to be super excited is that I have an excuse to drink an inordinate amount of margaritas (Because that's what it's about. And the chips with the salsa.)In honor of the festivities, I leave you with this:Actually, this is basically for Susan, what with her love of all things dachshund (No, I don't understand why either,

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-41112825419576322802007-05-04T10:26:00.000-05:002007-05-04T10:30:34.782-05:00

The company I interviewed with yesterday is working on promoting and licensing this out to various businesses. Looking briefly at what it's all about, I thought that public school administration and staff would benefit from exploring this idea. Then I had a thought and I wanted to see what the Internets would think about my thought...What if public education were run like a business?I asked

Valnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-54725833512166792692007-05-03T20:47:00.000-05:002007-05-03T20:55:30.217-05:00

I love living in the city. Seriously, I do. But, there are two things that I would call "undesirable" about my surroundings: birds and cats. Here's why...We don't really have what you would call darkness in the city. Street lights run all night. Street lights that stand right alongside trees. Trees with birds. Birds who think the street light is the sun. Birds who consequently chirp 24

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-77850990171376861382007-05-03T19:13:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:15.157-05:00

Mosaic, Blacksburg local yarn store, has started up a wonderful project. They are accepting 8" by 8" knitted squares that will be sewn together to make blankets for the families of the victims of the VT shooting. Click here for specifics.Jane has already done two and a ton of other knitters at my school are working on theirs. When they heard we were participating, Mosaic even sent us a box of

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-8195926011092027352007-05-03T15:25:00.000-05:002007-05-03T15:33:27.566-05:00

One interview down. It went well I think. I'm not going to say anything else for fear of jinxing it. The other interview that was also supposed to be today and then got move tomorrow has now been moved to Monday. So, I'll have some time to breathe over the weekend.All I want to do is eat pizza, but no. Ross is insisting that we not be fat. I spend all morning and afternoon not being fat

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-46304140359395213992007-05-01T22:03:00.000-05:002007-05-02T09:21:39.350-05:00

Grown-up:I bought a suit today. I realized that most companies might not be too keen on me showing up in Danskos to interview, so I figured I needed to drop some cash to look nice. If you know me, you know I don't wear suits. I tried on a couple "standard suits" and the saleswoman at Ann Taylor Loft could tell that I felt completely ridiculous. So, she located this for me which I bought. I love

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-54970302961363392122007-05-01T14:49:00.000-05:002007-05-01T14:51:46.160-05:00

I have an interview on Thursday at 2:00. I can't believe it. Even if I don't get it, it's such a confidence booster to have someone suggest that they are maybe, possibly considering hiring you.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-47929489271311914712007-04-29T18:55:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:15.312-05:00

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-82090931290989058892007-04-29T18:48:00.000-05:002007-04-29T18:55:35.963-05:00

Friday: Taught every second of the day, as in I was up there talking the ENTIRE day. Picked up Boots (oh, and Ross) from PharrOut offices. Came home and fell deeply in love with Boots. Went to Nic and Kate's for birthday celebration.Saturday: Watched the Remus. Met my mom's new puppy. Took a long nap. Went to a cookout to see Jeremiah and Emily (from Colorado, now off to Florida) and

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-48660888829036819732007-04-27T23:09:00.000-05:002007-04-27T23:10:14.275-05:00

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-83619256124467209882007-04-27T21:54:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:15.532-05:00

I call this one "Conjoined Bliss."I would show you the rest but I don't want to blow my wad, as some would say.Very little work is going to get done wit Boots's arrival.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-38613974064212691242007-04-27T17:24:00.001-05:002008-12-08T17:31:15.831-05:00

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-15424656997415544882007-04-27T16:20:00.000-05:002007-04-27T16:25:44.409-05:00

My school has been recognized as a Distinguished Title I School by the State of Virginia. This is very exciting and the superintendent had really nice things to say. It was a very happy morning, friends.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-39770555499427576182007-04-27T16:12:00.000-05:002007-04-27T16:20:21.814-05:00

Boots is here and I love him. He is a him because the kitten would be a him. You know, the kitten I can never get because of Ross's black black heart.I had been thinking about Boots all day. It was arranged for him to be delivered to Ross's office to ensure his safety. However, all I worried about all day was what Ross was going to do to him.I arrived at around 4:15 to pick him up and

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-44894194499178315482007-04-26T20:30:00.000-05:002007-04-26T20:43:12.881-05:00

I got into a stand-off with a K or 1st grader today. As in the staring contest variety. It's really quite shocking how gutsy some of these little ones are. And how I seem to be able to transform a stubborn child into a mooshy pile of slobbery tears just by looking at him. I kinda feel bad about it. No I don't.I'm having trouble sleeping because I'm so excited about the arrival of my new,

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-35541863006483450652007-04-26T15:17:00.000-05:002007-04-26T15:21:57.949-05:00

Just kidding, I'm very proud of him for this. Apparently all of the news stations are all up in his grill about interviewing him. He was on channel 6 last night but you probably couldn't see him, what with him wearing an orange T-shirt and sitting in front of an orange wall. I think I've convinced him to actually shave his neck for the next appearance at the end of the week.Congrats, hubs & co

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-1704384149393497742007-04-24T13:57:00.000-05:002007-04-24T14:01:00.650-05:00

Sooo I didn't get the integrator job. I was upset for all of 2 minutes because I realized it was really a cop-out and the safe route for me to take. If I want to branch out, I need to really branch out.What was waaaaay harder than I thought was telling my wonderful principal that I'm still not coming back next year even though I didn't get the job. She had such wonderful things to say to me,

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-9822019017902487422007-04-23T18:02:00.000-05:002007-04-23T18:11:28.270-05:00

Ross does not like to spend money. At all. Even on necessities, i.e. milk and bread. He figures there is just something else in the pantry to eat. He doesn't understand that I am from Richmond and if you don't have milk and bread, you might as well throw yourself off the Mayo bridge while yelling "It's Po-white!" and "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"However, I came home from working out

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-84409058493961481442007-04-22T22:13:00.000-05:002007-04-22T22:21:30.578-05:00

There was a baby explosion at church today. We have been talking about starting child care during the services, but it had never been an issue. I am actually the person who is supposed to be coordinating it, but as of last week we had one child at church who was only 3 weeks old so it wasn't a big deal. However, today we were blessed with several little ones. Lots of people said that hearing

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-43023063316526057322007-04-22T11:44:00.000-05:002007-04-22T11:58:23.834-05:00

Ross and I decided at the last minute to go to Blacksburg this weekend. Thanks to the awesomeness of my sister and bonus-brother, the dogs were taken care of and off we could go. I really think this was the best thing we could do. We got to Blacksburg Friday evening and got to spend some time with Nic, Kate, and Kate's wonderful sister Julia ( a student at Tech). Saturday started as one of

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-53625922276709856862007-04-19T15:40:00.000-05:002007-04-19T15:41:40.623-05:00

Truly, truly brilliant.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-85050102056174505182007-04-19T06:23:00.000-05:002007-04-19T06:25:29.867-05:00

Click here to see why.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-29891391674516555922007-04-18T19:42:00.000-05:002007-04-18T19:45:02.275-05:00

I cannot stop eating. Like at all. Watch out. If you resemble food, I will eat you. Even if you are a mushroom smothered in cilantro you will GET IN MY BELLY.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-8301604622319111002007-04-18T17:04:00.000-05:002007-04-18T17:07:35.521-05:00

I didn't have much time to think of the chaos of the last few days because of major drama at school. I won't get into specifics but I will tell you that I spent much of the afternoon furrowing my brow, shaking my fist, yelling, "What's wrong with these kids today??!?!?!?!!?!?" and demanding that if anyone gives birth to a girl they should just put it back so it finishes cooking and comes back

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-46385951934077650982007-04-18T13:25:00.000-05:002007-04-18T13:30:29.145-05:00

I don't understand why people are choosing to assign blame to VT administration and law enforcement for this tragedy. I cannot stand how people are choosing to play Monday morning quarterback about this. It is so inappropriate and uncalled for. Obviously, VT has taken steps towards an investigation by asking Gov. Kaine to appoint a team to look into what happened. A call needed to be made and

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-28678060662123802702007-04-17T16:38:00.001-05:002007-04-17T16:38:55.845-05:00

Please keep Alicia, Daniel, and all of their loved ones in your prayers.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-77027830841449239492007-04-17T06:18:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:16.336-05:00

Valnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-11969696827234316582007-04-16T19:06:00.000-05:002007-04-16T19:15:29.371-05:00

I have found out over the last few days that LOTS more people who I know in meatspace actually read this blog! Like LOTS AND LOTS from various (waaaaaaaaay too various) parts of my life. Imagine an obscure part of your life and then think about an obscure person from it and imagine that that person knows everything about you. You don't *mind* that they know it, but you just wish you had knewn

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-80451565437647200632007-04-16T18:57:00.000-05:002007-04-16T19:04:37.439-05:00

I'm not even sure what to say. I spent the evening with some of my most favorite Hokies. We cried and prayed for all of the students at Tech, thanking God for what a great place it is. I didn't go to Tech, but I spent many weekends there. It's a very special place to me, and even more special to my friends who went there. I just hope that when the healing starts, we think about the things we

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-88579093650359815552007-04-15T20:05:00.000-05:002007-04-15T20:12:12.501-05:00

So this has been my first week completely off of Lexapro. I've spent the last few weeks lowering my dosage but last Saturday marked my first time being completely off of it for almost 2 years. Boy howdy am I glad that this week fell during Spring Break and not during a time where I had to, oh I don't know, function in any capacity. It hasn't been terrible, just odd. The absence of it in my

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-38197395150061318792007-04-13T13:06:00.000-05:002007-04-13T13:11:12.063-05:00

Click here to see pictures from our first annual Fr-easter (Easter with Friends). We are contemplating also having a Fr-anksgiving, Fr-alentine's Day, and Fr-abor Day parties as well. Stay tuned! The pictures are courtesy of Jake Lyell, the best photographer in these parts and, dare I say it, the world. Highlights include Sam's mom (AKA the cutest and nicest woman ever), MattWhite rocking out

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-17333412409460499582007-04-12T16:56:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:16.520-05:00

Here's a clue:Sorry. It's probably a little off color to put a picture of a speculum on my blog. But, considering *I'm* the one that had to spend some time with this God-awful instrument today, I only feel but so bad.Yes, I saw my good friend Dr. Miller today. I love Dr. Miller, despite the fact that I shudder each time April approaches as I know it's time for that annual exam that only 50% of

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-19297974637019128432007-04-10T20:51:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:16.685-05:00

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-6764170298986152972007-04-09T19:12:00.000-05:002007-04-09T19:16:03.536-05:00

1. I cannot dance.2. Most people cannot dance.3. I do not like dancing.4. I do not like people looking at me while I can't dance.5. I will not go back again.***BodyJam is a class at Gold's where you dance a lot. Like, you have to follow steps and stuff. And you dance. For an hour. The whole hour.**Please check the class out for yourself. I had a lot of fun but it's just not for me.

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-35100305758734479142007-04-09T09:43:00.000-05:002007-04-09T10:09:17.301-05:00

...Bill O'Reilly went insane-o?Me? I was in bed watching it live on the television. Take a gander at this. Your mind will be blown so make sure you are wearing a hat to collect the bits-they can be hard to get out of the drapes.

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-36396486749556067242007-04-09T09:39:00.000-05:002007-04-09T09:41:35.540-05:00

I got this from Dooce who got it from The New Yorker. Enjoy, dear Internets.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-82443850677885017772007-04-09T09:33:00.000-05:002007-04-09T09:37:53.359-05:00

Friday: Went to work for our one hour of staff development. Came home and slept a ton. Went to Patient First. Got poked, X-rayed, and diagnosed as having bronchitis AND tiny veins. Came home and went to bed ridiculously early.Saturday: Slept for infinity. Went to in-laws to celebrate FIL's birthday. Ate some food that I'm sure tasted good but being that I couldn't smell anything, tasting

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-44362602136338330292007-04-07T12:42:00.000-05:002007-04-07T12:54:34.879-05:00

Fortunately *this* death held off until Spring break started so I won't have to take time of work. I was doing ok earlier this week-just really bad allergies that actually required me to get eye drops. Stupid Richmond. However, I took a turn for the worst Friday morning. My chest was super congested and I had a 101 fever. I knew those symptoms didn't really come with allergies, so I decided

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-37926452527805219582007-04-03T20:02:00.000-05:002007-04-03T20:11:56.062-05:00

Each time we're on a break from school, I take on some kind of project. Christmas break of 2005, I painted my office. Last summer I did a crappy job of fixing up the downstairs bathroom. This spring break I've decided to spruce up the upstairs balcony that is attached to my office. I figure this is a relatively low-key project and I won't be too depressed if I don't get much accomplished.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-35563595818537719402007-04-03T09:59:00.000-05:002007-04-03T10:31:17.261-05:00

I love my husband more than anything in the whole world. I called him yesterday afternoon and basically told him he needed to make himself scarce so I could have the evening to myself. He did so without question. We reunited later that evening to take care of an unexpected guest (Remus who ended up staying with us until the wee hours of the morning while his mom was at the hospital-no worries,

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-4612923279500497962007-04-01T18:59:00.000-05:002007-04-01T19:09:58.041-05:00

Friday: Ate pizza and saw TMNT with friends. Fun was had all around. Don't bring up gummi worms around Justin. Ever. Chomp chomp chomp.Saturday: Fully planned on trying out the BodyFlow class at Gold's but got an unexpected call from Jenni to babysit the Remus while they move into their new house. Called my sister to come over and join Remus and I for lunch. Realized that people will move

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-51507444086261221662007-04-01T18:53:00.000-05:002007-04-01T18:56:04.459-05:00

God is so good. He has blessed us with a new life. We just discovered it today and I couldn't wait to share the news with all of you. This was very much wanted and somewhat unexpected, but we are so grateful that is happening to us......the radishes have started to sprout in our garden.HA HA!!!!

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-33738204773963448202007-03-30T10:41:00.000-05:002007-03-30T10:43:27.738-05:00

When someone is drinking water and it's gone down the wrong pipe, you don't need to ask them 35,342 times if they are ok. When this happens, all you want to do is cough to get the water out, not have to nod your head every 2 seconds to make bystanders feel better.P.S. The church friends DID have the baby! And, yoga was awesome to the maxx. I can't wait to go next week.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-67589379698777568662007-03-29T09:49:00.000-05:002007-03-29T09:51:49.936-05:00

I've lost 1 pound and I don't care where it is.Big Phannie is coming to RVA Easter Weekend.We *think* some friends from church had their baby.Tomorrow is Friday.I've gotten two, count 'em two, kind and supportive emails from a parent who used to scare the bejeezus out of me.I'm trying out the Yoga class at Gold's tonight.Yoplait yogurt (shut up, Ross, you win) was on sale at Kroger: 5 for $3.I've

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-84029020640190318682007-03-28T08:57:00.000-05:002007-03-28T09:00:50.620-05:00

Apparently one of the side effects of going off of Lexapro is a tingling sensation, sometimes described as "electric shocks." Boy howdy, that has kicked in today. I wouldn't describe it as an "electric shock" but rather "pins and needles." All over my body. All of the time. It's not painful, just weird. Stretching and massages are apparently the best treatment for this. Gift certificates

Valnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-65818725230852317142007-03-27T09:55:00.000-05:002007-03-27T10:01:45.561-05:00

I talked to my doctor last week and we came to a decision. It's time for me to try going of my anti-anxiety medication. I've been on it for almost two years and I was ready to give myself a chance. He was really wonderful about the whole thing. I think a lot of doctors would have just said "Ok" and sent me on my way. After a couple days of phone tag, we actually got to talk about it in depth

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-32392622210157810842007-03-27T09:36:00.000-05:002007-03-27T09:43:04.298-05:00

This hymn gets me every time. Particularly this verse:My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!Either I sing it louder than anyone in church or I can't get the words out at all because they get me so choked up. I think I love this verse so much because is what I have

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-80629544478001020312007-03-25T20:31:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:17.032-05:00

This is Sadie! No, she's not ours (unfortunately). My mom and step-dad will be getting her in the next few weeks. I can tell by looking at her that I'm already her favorite. Her teeny tiny ears kill me with their cuteness. She will be staying with us for a week in June and I am SO EXCITED. Hopefully my two gigantic pups won't eat her.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-60856874518251474862007-03-25T20:16:00.000-05:002007-03-25T20:25:01.711-05:00

Friday: I was going to take the day off but I couldn't get the sub I wanted, so I went in anyway. Dealt with a lot of Spring fever and the accompanying insanity. Went to the gym after work. Came home and showered. Met up with Ross at Nic and Kate's for poker. Only stayed for a little while because I was so worn out from my long week. Came home and watched many episodes of Nip/Tuck.Saturday

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-66274029899786722542007-03-23T08:30:00.000-05:002007-03-23T08:31:39.747-05:00

Today I am wearing my size 4 jeans. This hasn't happened in a long time. I will celebrate by stuffing my face with cafeteria pizza.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-38893882691202099682007-03-19T20:57:00.000-05:002007-03-19T21:01:02.858-05:00

Why oh why do you have to be the best show ever? How could I have been so foolish as to not watch you all along? You're the cream in my coffee, the salt in my stew, and I love you and all of your ridiculous situations with everything that I am. With every episode, you get more and more far-fetched...and more of my heart.Until I have Season 3 in my trembling, in-love hands,ValerieA.K.A The

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-153968231310542352007-03-18T20:07:00.000-05:002007-03-18T20:10:13.910-05:00

Friday: Taught my booty off, got caught up on my grading, went to the gym, came home, took a ridiculously long nap, ate some pizza with friends, totally effed up my bamboo stitch scarf to the point of no repair.Saturday: Hung out with Maura, bought some clothes, watched a lot of TV, got Wendy's for dinner, watched half of Tea with Mussolini, went to bed.Sunday: Awesome time at the gym, went to

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-25770556353755299222007-03-17T21:55:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:17.550-05:00

Ross and I got this in the mail last week:It's probably hard to read, but it tells us that "something good is about to happen." And I mean, it must be true, because they wrote it in all caps and put it next to a floating Jesus. However, according to the letter, the "something good" can only happen if you write down your prayer and place that prayer, along with the prayer "handkerchief" (which

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-78688433758594239882007-03-15T09:28:00.000-05:002007-03-15T11:02:07.283-05:00

Ever since my experience with the Norovirus (or as Ross likes to call it, "The Winter Vomiting Disease") I have become incredibly stupid. Often when I walk into a room I forget why I am there. I love Wikipedia and often go there with excitement, but by the time the page loads, I don't remember what I want to look up. It's starting to take a long time for me to come up with words when I'm talking.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-58710439992282001562007-03-14T13:14:00.000-05:002007-03-14T13:18:53.439-05:00

I've applied for 4 jobs. They are:1. Technology Integrator2. Media Specialist for Virginia Historical Society3. Director for the Carver Promise4. Donor Relationships Manager for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts FundLooking at the requirements, I actually might be somewhat qualified for each of these, but who knows. Uncertainty is not something I do well with, as we all know. I also don't

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-67693802074358020962007-03-13T21:38:00.000-05:002007-03-13T21:42:47.057-05:00

I'm getting a really bad feeling that I didn't get the integrator job. Now I am scared to death because that would mean having to actually find a job. As in, looking in the newspaper and equivalents in order to find positions that are somewhat related to my skill set. I AM NOT GOOD AT THAT. I have gotten every job I've ever applied for and I don't know how I will react if I don't get this one

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-47639074435545959262007-03-11T18:52:00.000-05:002007-03-11T18:56:29.004-05:00

Friday: Pretty easy day, almost wrote someone an office referral for not covering her mouth when she coughed, got hair highlighted which took 2 1/2 hours but turned out cute, dinner with in-laws, watched VT basketball game with friends.Saturday: Gym, felt sorry for myself, shower, felt sorry for myself, tried to go shopping, felt sorry for myself, bought nothing and came home, cried some

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-54011588401742596182007-03-11T18:46:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.122-05:00

Before.During.After.

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-92201329245669645982007-03-11T18:44:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.224-05:00

I made this for our friends Georgia and Benjamin. We met them at church and love them to bits. They are both in medical school right now. They were, as the put it, "hit by the baby bus on the way to school." Their little girl is coming in two weeks. I thought if she had a cute hat she might be enticed to come out.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-31199906277897021052007-03-10T00:16:00.000-05:002007-03-10T00:25:35.757-05:00

I felt the black cloud coming yesterday evening. I'd had a rough week at work and was feeling especially unhappy with my life and what not. I can't explain where this desperate feeling comes from, but I can tell you that it is powerful and is capable of making you think about dark things. I don't mean dark thoughts as in hurting myself, but rather thoughts that really aren't worth your time

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-48207338659946666502007-03-07T21:32:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.335-05:00

Ever since I got my first tattoo, all I've wanted to do is get another one. A lot of people have asked me what I would get. Here's a sneak peak:No, I wouldn't get the whole cover. I want to just get the bird. I chose this because this book changed my life. I seriously cry every time I read it. It showed me that it is possible to be a proud Southerner without taking on all of the stereotypes

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-37882572584085604892007-03-06T21:29:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.454-05:00

Well, I don't know if I would go *that* far, but this is pretty close.As many of you know, teachers are on their feet all day long. When I sit down to lunch, it's literally the first time I've sat down in 3 hours. Consequently, we teachers often have aching feet. Sure, we have our Dansko's that help, but sometimes the only thing that will help is a foot massage. OR THIS:First, it's 100%

Valnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-50248887078653036772007-03-06T14:23:00.000-05:002007-03-06T14:24:42.292-05:00

So I just had my interview for the integrator job. I remember going in, saying hello, saying goodbye, and walking out. Hopefully that's not all I did. I get so crazy nervous in situations like that. I could have gone in and recited the Gettysburg Address while standing on my head without even realizing it. I don't find out for 6 to 8 weeks (I remember hearing that part). Not it's waiting.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-51651367905297264202007-03-06T10:33:00.000-05:002007-03-06T10:40:20.109-05:00

There is so much to be stressed about today. The kids take their first part of their SOL Writing test. This part of teaching is incredibly hard because as much work you put in to preparing them, it's up to them to do it. On top of that, they are still dealing with the aftershocks of the recent tragedy in our school and its surrounding neighborhoods. To update you on that, the little girl has

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-38160381610016383562007-03-04T20:14:00.000-05:002007-03-04T20:18:36.505-05:00

Friday: Insanity came at me from every direction all day at school, came home, napped a little while, had dinner with Ross's parents at Casas Grandes, celebrated 5th anniversary of my step sister's successful bone marrow transplant, came home, went to bed.Saturday: Gym for the first time in two weeks, watched 5 minutes of a Room With a View then turned it off after 5 minutes because it was SO

Valnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-10442937849501571912007-03-03T17:15:00.000-05:002007-03-03T17:16:18.373-05:00

This is a family at my school. Please keep them in your prayers, particularly the little girl in the hospital. I will post more information when I know it.

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-36697930656485307612007-03-01T20:23:00.001-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.626-05:00

My friend Remus turned 1 year old yesterday. Here he is last weekend enjoying his first taste of cake. He kept wanting to share his mushy, drooly cake with everyone. While he was opening presents, his mom and dad realized he had what can only be described as a cake-booger coming out of his nose. He's the cutest, sweetest baby in the whole wide world. He's attracted to anything electronic and

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-87059057190029635392007-03-01T20:00:00.000-05:002007-03-01T20:08:43.342-05:00

I haven't been to the gym since my death period. I wanted to make sure I was completely well before I even considered physical activity. Honestly, I didn't feel 100% until yesterday. I think it was only then that I had finally made up for all of the calories I didn't consume last week.I thought about going today. Ross is out watching a basketball game with some friends and I got all my

Valnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-2192736406877859712007-02-27T22:00:00.000-05:002007-02-27T22:08:09.079-05:00

I finished my portfolio for that interview I told you about. I also told my team members at school that A) I'm interviewing for that position and B) either way it goes, I won't be back next year. I almost (almost, almost) wanted to cry when saying it, partly because I'm happy/excited, partly because I'm sad/scared. I told them that I need to step away from teaching in the classroom for a

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-81997241089569997542007-02-25T19:28:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.774-05:00

Friday: Did an interview at the Belmont Butcher for West of the Boulevard News (should be up Thursday), stopped by work, praised the good Lord that I had a great substitute, got caught up on grading and lesson plans, met Ross at his parents' house, went with the mother-in-law to Five Guys, watched a few episodes of Nip/Tuck while grading and knitting, sleep.Saturday: Did NOT go to the gym, laid

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-6323028360458365282007-02-24T21:03:00.000-05:002007-02-24T21:09:47.665-05:00

Does anyone else think that Britney Spears is *this* close from kicking the bucket, either by her own hand or by some crazy accident? What with the shaving the head and the in and out of rehab and the Kevin Federline being the stable parent, don't you feel like E! True Hollywood Story has just written out the script and she's following it? I feel like any day now I'm going to go to people.com

Valnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-84225845396381713912007-02-24T17:04:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.880-05:00

Take a guess...

Valnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899653.post-72171314556019595982007-02-24T14:59:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:31:18.987-05:00

This is going to be a busy week. On top of playing catch up from last week (BTW, I am feeling wooooonderful now, thank you), I have a million balls up in the air.First and foremost, the 5th grad SOL writing test is on March 6th and 7th. I will be teaching my rear end off from now until then, trying to fine tune the little darlings. Also, I have a feature due for West of the Boulevard News on

Valnoreply@blogger.com0