It's been awhile. Many things have taken my attention away from blogging.

We went up to Cape Cod for a wedding. Too chilly for me, but a nice time. One of my favorite pictures from being there....



I was reading my post from January and thought that each one has been pretty accurate so far.

I'm anxiously awaiting for August to get here. My birthday. Our anniversary. Mason's birthday. Many positive celebrations to be had.

2009 seems to be getting better with time like a good wine.

March came in like a lion and ended up exposing a bunch of people who like to ride the whiny wagon. I'm thankful that month is done.

April seems to show promise. I truly enjoyed seeing old friends in Florida and wish I could see them more often. We're all so busy ~ not sure if that is even a possibility. Mason has gotten rid of his pacifier and is starting to go on the potty.

Still haven't....
~ cancelled my YMCA membership - money that is just being wasted as I type this...
~ quit eating meat....not sure if I'll ever quit entirely
~ had the guts to stop driving to Starbucks - but I have switched to regular coffee instead of the crazy lattes drinks

I'm eager to see what March brings. I'm also curious if it will begin as a lion or lamb. Which ever it is, it will no doubt be a busy month.

Thinking of...

- cancelling my membership to the Y for now. I rarely use it and I'd much rather spend the money on a yoga membership.

- going back to vegetarianism, but not without one more trip to Chima Brazilian BBQ. I think I would allow myself to slip up once in awhile, especially for that place.

- doing some retail therapy today.

On the way home from work today, I drove next to a white hearse on the interstate. I looked into the car and thought it was strange that there was a radar detector on the dashboard.

I'm not sure how I like 2009 so far. It has this strangeness to it that I can't quite explain.

I realized that this August will be the 10 year anniversary of me leaving for college. For most young adults, this is a typical thing. For me, it was monumental. I found myself thinking about 1999 in all of its glory. That was a strange year, too. I wonder if the strangeness cycle is on a ten year fix.

We had a lovely dinner out for Valentine's Day. I think we enjoyed watching Mason devour his food like we hadn't fed him in a week. He even "used" chopsticks - and was successful on one attempt. From watching the table next to us, he looked like he could give the lady a few pointers.

I've come to find that the car radio is underrated and taken for granted.

She (Dr. Sally Adams) noted that pediatric clinicians "often report that they lack the skills needed to discuss sensitive health issues, so much of our work has focused on developing (training programs) that increase clinicians' confidence and skills in talking with adolescents in an open manner about sensitive health issues."
- taken from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28424219/

Pathetic that this is even a problem.

If parents aren't teaching their kids about responsible and safe behaviors and neither are their doctors, then I'm so glad that kids can get their answers from various online resources.

Happy New Year!

Paula
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Fire Snake – Years 1917 and 1977
Fire Snakes are more extroverted, forever offering opinions and telling others what’s on their minds. Even so, others enjoy listening to Fire Snakes. They’re very persuasive and are especially good at convincing others that their ways are best.
Forecast for 2009 For the Snake, 2009 will be quite fast-paced and demanding and they will need to remain flexible and positive to enjoy it. Romance features strongly and for the single Snake, this could be the year to start a serious relationship. Financially, impulse buys should be kept under control and risks should be minimised. 2009 will be an excellent year for self-discovery and reviewing recreational interests and hobbies. April to June will present great social opportunities and new friendships. October and November will shine on the work front.

Michael
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Fire Dragons – 1916 and 1976
A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.
Forecast for 2009 Most Dragons will have an increase in income during 2009 which will be very welcome. They will be strong and focussed in pursuing their objectives for the year. Dragons should take their time and appreciate any valuable advice they are given. Time should be made to enjoy hobbies and fun activities. Gossip could feature strongly during the year and all Dragons should take care not to indulge in idle chit chat lest in backfires on them! Socially, May to August will be a fun time with many Dragons taking their romances more seriously. March and April will bring intriguing job offers for those seeking a change in direction.

Mason
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Fire Dogs – Years 1946 and 2006
Fire Dogs are true leaders. Others enjoy being in the company of Fire Dogs. They’re sexually attractive, charismatic, vibrant and confident and they always prefer to be on the go.
Forecast for 2009 The Dog will find a busier social life and more friends during 2009. This will be a challenging year on the work front, but Dogs should take a deep breath, be patient and remain steadfast. Solid foundations are being built for the very favorable Year of the Tiger in 2010. Travel will be particularly enjoyable and home life will be very special in 2009. October to December will be very interesting regarding new job opportunities. May and November will see romance beautifully highlighted with many happy social get-togethers.

I didn't run the 5k today. Its only 43 degrees outside and I'm in no shape to be trying to run 3 miles in such weather. My goal is to run at least 2 races before school is out. That is more realistic.

This has happened to me twice in the past 2 weeks and it makes me more furious with each occurrence: At the grocery checkout I am busy placing my items on the belt. It is very clear that I have only just begun and my cart is full. The customer behind me (its been women both times) insist on placing their items on the belt. When the belt moves up, my stuff moves up, and so does theirs - which then makes the women r-e-a-c-h for their items and they look very upset. Why must people do this? I suppose its "share your grocery belt" month.

The worst part was, the first time it happened the lady only had 3 items in her cart.

I am making cookie dough truffles today. So far, they have made me forget about the dullards at the store.

I've become introspective this month - more than usual. I'm not sure as to why, but I just have.

I am known for telling my students to "go with their gut" when it comes to an answer they are contemplating...especially multiple choice. Typically, I have found a person's instinct is usually right. I need to follow my own advice more. I think I've strayed from it a bit.

I was really excited about this 5k until I looked at last year's times. I have the potential to be beaten by a few 70 year olds and challenged by an 80 year old. My goal for this thing is last or better. :) How sad if I get beat by the oldest member of the race. However, what an inspiration to get into better shape.

I found myself in a Christmas spirit today at Target and then I realized that Thanksgiving hadn't happened yet.

Every once in awhile I get lucky and take a really fabulous photo that just seems to capture the moment.




If you click on the photo to enlarge it, the look on his face says so much.

I am finding the SNL presidential skits hilarious. I could watch them over and over. I think I may become a regular watcher of SNL again.

Mason had a blast at the pumpkin patch today. He ran the entire time. When we got home to carve the pumpkin, he could have cared less. He took his pumpkin tool over to our flower beds and starting digging in the dirt. Maybe next year. We are going to Atlanta next weekend to see the aquarium. We're looking forward to our little trip.

I've started going to the gym again, but not regularly. It's a start.

I need a new hairstyle, too. Maybe this week I'll go in for a new look. My rubber band has had enough.

It's starting to get chilly here and the trees are turning colors.

Paula Deen is becoming my cooking inspiration on many levels, y'all.

Well, I've successfully avoided the gym for yet another month. "Things to do" is my lame reason - I start to wonder why I spend money on a membership. My heart is there....just not my body.

Mason is having difficulty transitioning into his new room at daycare. This is mostly what keeps me from going to the gym, but its surely more important. Separation anxiety has set in, but he is working through it the best he can (and me, too). Maybe in a week or two, I'll give it a shot - but I think I'm going to need to give it some time.

I have my 6th laser appointment on Friday. I really thought that this thing would be gone by now, but it really has faded quite nicely. Maybe by next summer?

We found an acre lot nearby and are inquiring on the details. It's a bit out there, but has some great potential. The street represents all spectrums of classes and I particularly am a fan of the one-lane bridge - which Mike did a double take when he realized it was truly one lane.

I am so perplexed by this election. I really think that there should be some limit as to opponent-bashing...quite frankly, I think you shouldn't be allowed to do it at all. All of the crap and dirt would come out during the debates anyway. At first, I was really excited about the idea of a woman VP. Then I was made aware of her academic background. And then McCain's class rank and then sleezy ways. Obama's dream and lack of international experience. Not quite sure of what to think of Biden yet. What's a citizen to do? Isn't there some qualification besides age that is needed to take office? I had to fill out an application for my job...what about these lovely folk? I can say that I'm completely undecided at this point. I look forward to watching the debates. A prepared speech is great - but we need someone to think quick on their feet. That is, ass-uming that the debates aren't fixed.

Ugh.

This month has been extremely busy. It's been hard to find time to do anything since school has started. I want to start getting back to the gym, but I don't know if this week is the best week for that. I find myself putting it off "just one more week". Other than that, I feel that this year will be very positive. :)

Mason turns 2 next week - can't believe its been 2 years.

The new yoga studio opens 9/14! I'm completely thrilled.

I will be going to visit good friends this weekend and visiting my family, too. Duke will be staying in a new kennel, which always has me a bit nervous, but I'm sure he'll manage just fine. Our usual kennel is booked for the holiday weekend, but Mike keeps calling to see if there is a cancellation.

I had a great time at our science retreat in the mountains this week. It was wonderful to hang out with the science teachers in a non-teaching environment and I really would love to hang out with them more. We are all so very different, but we all seemed to mesh together quite nicely. I'd like to do it again soon.

A hot yoga studio is opening up just minutes from here. There is a God.

I got carded yesterday during dinner. Before I gave the waitress my ID, I asked her how old she thought I was. She said, "24 or 25". Sweet. I'll be 31 on Friday.

There have been times in my life where I feel that I would have made an excellent physician. Sure, I've been known to misdiagnose myself (or others), but with a little education and training, I probably could have been pretty good. Without proper schooling, I'd say my self-diagnosing has been above average.

Mike came home early yesterday since he felt horrible and had his fever with quite a bit of shaking. And a terrible sore throat. My throat was better, but not completely. So I was updating my checkbook and the phone rang. It was the nurse from the doctor's office. I couldn't figure out why she was calling since another nurse called yesterday to respond to my phone call about Mike, until she starting apologizing for the late call. Apparently, my overnight culture that was sent to the lab came back positive for strep (my quickie swab in the office was negative). The lab didn't send the results back as fast as they were expecting a positive culture to do. Mike went in today and he's positive for strep, too. The doctor says that Mason is too young to get it, but considering that I cleaned his pacifier by sucking on it probably doesn't give him good odds of staying strep-free. Or eating ice cream out of the same spoon. Or sharing our drinking cup.

Bad mommy.

Quite a busy week we had here at home.

We had a great time hosting Mike's grandparents, aunt, and uncle since last Friday. Although I thought it not possible, I learned how to play a few card games. Amazing.

Sickness has also plagued our house. I had a nasty something starting on the 11th - mainly a sore throat that I would have bet money on strep. "Just a virus" was what I was told and "to give it 5-7 days". I'm feeling better now, but not 100%. Mike has now come down with the nasty virus and is not enjoying his Sunday evening. I'm really hoping that Mason has already had this. If not - there are some sleepless nights ahead.

Mason has been talking up quite a storm in his Masonese language. He and I have lovely conversations....at least I think we do, I try to translate his phrases with the little that he gives me. Tonight, we enjoyed a National Geographic show on the Grizzly. Every time a grizzly was shown, Mason was quick to point out "bown ber" or "beebbie bown ber". :) How adorable.

Our friends had their baby boy today. We are so excited for them! I miss that first year. Maybe its time for #2.

I'm sitting here staring at a pile of CDs that contain our photos of Mason. My intention is to put together an album for every year of his life. This should be easy, however, I've found myself two years behind. I've got half of it started on the Kodak gallery (scrapbooking is NOT my thing).

My last week of camp starts tomorrow. I'm not into it anymore. I don't even have much of anything planned. Can we say "re-run activities"? I'll be happy once Friday comes. Camp is over AND I'll be getting paid for it.

Mike's grandparents are visiting us from the 11th to the 20th. It will be very nice to have them visit us. Mike and I have chosen some cool places to go with them (Asheville/Biltmore Estate, Discovery Place). I hope the weather holds out.

I've found myself a bit tired lately. I hope this passes quickly. Its probably my attempt to break my Starbucks addiction. Instead of my $4 coffee, I'm opting for homemade sweet tea. And yes....it was really good!

Hot Yoga.

For me, it's one of those things that I love to do, but its a bit pricey and a bit too far away from my house. However, it has been the only thing that started to get my belly to get smaller after having Mason. And for some reason, I've found every excuse not to go - price. time. gas. time. exhaustion. time.

Tomorrow, I'm going. It's at a studio that I went to last year and came home beat up from their practice. I felt they were a bit too adventurous for my level. I'm going to try their Power Yoga, which is similar to the vinyasa flow that I have come to adore. If I like it, I may start going twice a week. Ok, maybe I'll start with going weekly.

I'm beginning my second week of my day camp for three-year-olds. I had to step back over the weekend and thing of the most simple things to do. It was hard to make science to simple for the first week and then to simplify that even more....I wasn't sure it could be done. But I figure there is science in everything and whatever the little ones want to do, that's fine with me. Quite frankly, I'm just a glorified babysitting service. My job is to keep the kids alive and send them home tired.

It's been raining for a good hour now. Our lawn is getting greener and our backyard is looking somewhat normal. We are almost finished with our sitting area in the backyard. I have high expectations for this area, but I think we'll probably move to a different community by the time it becomes what I'm hoping it will be.




I've decided to take the GRE next month. It's more expensive than I thought, but its something I need to do. I get this feeling from time to time of not being "complete". After spending months of thinking what that missing piece could be, I think it may be another degree. I must say, I am a bit excited about it - I've never taken a large standardized test before and I can type the essays! I hate the handwritten ones....I get so frustrated with erasing. But to actually type the essay gets me a tad bit excited.

Last night, Mason came down with some kind of bug. He's running a small fever and is really irritable. I think part of it has to do with his teeth, but part of it is a cold, too. He didn't sleep very much and he really needs to. I hope he feels better tomorrow. I was going to go out today and buy vegetables to plant, but those plans have been put aside.

My dog doesn't listen for anything. Its really frustrating, espcially when I don't have the energy today to deal with his behavior. He just LOVES to bark at people in other yards at the same moment I put Mason down for bed. I am now convinced that he just is an unaware dog. Mason has been watching 101 Dalmations a lot lately and the dogs participate in something called the Twilight Bark. Apparently its a gossip chain. It makes me wonder if Duke, too, participates in the Twilight Bark.

Our grass is looking crispy again. Last year, I thought we lost our sod investment due to the drought. It perked back up this spring, but its getting hot again ~ so you know what happens to that. I may see if we should consider sprinkling some grass seed in the empty spots. We're also going to have to get better sprinklers since Mike bought ones like my grandfather had (the one that goes around in a circle).

Mike will be excited to see the bird nest that the finches built (for the fourth time this spring). He keeps knocking it down, only to find a bigger and better one. This one is pretty good - I may have some fun with it and put a note from the birds. :)

I participated in our school's graduation ceremony today. The teachers were asked to wear their college gowns and hoods; to give encouragement to the graduates, I suppose. The commencement speaker was very good, although very sobering for me. He kept talking about the Earth's carrying capacity and how this generation will see half of the species go extinct in their lifetime. He also spoke about the increase of human life and how the Earth cannot sustain it with our current habits. All true.

And then I thought for a good twenty minutes as he was speaking about what do I do to be part of the solution to something I find very important, as well.

The answer is not much. Ironically, I emailed UNCC yesterday about their Masters in Public Health program. I really felt motivated by this man. I think I'm really going to pick a major for my masters and I don't think that it will be education.

I look forward to reading their reply to my questions. I may just take the GREs this summer and start being part of the solution.

When a person picks his or her career, it would make sense to pick a career you love. However, I find it increasingly odd to meet people who find themselves miserable at their jobs only to hear them say that they love it so much. If you love to read and love the quiet, but hate noise - why on earth would you consider teaching? Perhaps a library is calling your name somewhere.