At our staff meeting they unveiled the district's policy concerning measles. A case hasn't been reported in the state of Idaho, but it's all around us and we rank 48th in vaccinated students. If we can't prove we've had the measles or the vaccine, and a student at our school comes down with the measles, we have to be out for 21 days and the days are charged to our sick leave. If another case of measles comes up, we're out for another 21 days. Students that aren't vaccinated also must stay home for the 21 days. Most of us don't have proof. Our vaccines were out of state, long ago, so we're all making plans to get the MMR booster. They also want us to have Hepatitis A and B, and I need a Tetanus. Actually, employees over 56 don't have to worry about the measles policy, because measles were so rampant when we were young, they figure we've had them or built up immunity. I'm going to get the vaccine anyway, because I've never had the mumps. I figure I don't want any of those diseases so I'll start getting everything caught up.
That evening, Ty called to say he needed the meningitis vaccine because of cases on the U of O campus, and one death. By the time I figured out that he was already vaccinated, he had gotten another one. At least the two of us will feel disease protected.
February 26, 2015
Charles Dickens
I always liked Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol, but I never thought I'd read David Copperfield. It was way too long, but I ended up with a free Audible copy whispersinced to my free Kindle copy, and I gave it a listen. I read parts of it at night, but most of it I listened to as I was getting ready in the morning. The narration is 33 hours and 54 minutes! That's a long book, and I loved every minute of it! I guess I'll have to take on Oliver Twist and Great Expectations and Bleak House.
February 24, 2015
End of Meltdown Challenge
We finished our online Meltdown Challenge and both of us were winners - just barely. I had to wait until the last possible day to weigh out. I was down 6% plus about a pound, but the Oscar party had set me back about 4 days. (One night off and four days to rebound, but it was worth it.) I'm glad I'm back on track. I'm sticking to the 5 small meals and one lean and green. I'm really not hungry, which makes it easy and I'm losing!
Terry almost didn't make it because he was trying to maintain, but ended up losing 5.9 pounds, and they allow you to go up 1 pound or down six. He's excited to be fitting in pants that he hasn't worn for a few years. He's also excited to be coaching. He's planning on going down to Salt Lake to attend a conference or some training with his cousin. He's excited, and so am I. I always love a couple days alone, and I'm behind on reading and Downton Abbey.
Terry almost didn't make it because he was trying to maintain, but ended up losing 5.9 pounds, and they allow you to go up 1 pound or down six. He's excited to be fitting in pants that he hasn't worn for a few years. He's also excited to be coaching. He's planning on going down to Salt Lake to attend a conference or some training with his cousin. He's excited, and so am I. I always love a couple days alone, and I'm behind on reading and Downton Abbey.
February 23, 2015
Oscar Party - 2014
It wAs THe bESt !!
It's the 75th anniversary of Gone With The Wind, which is Lydia's favorite movie. Decorations, games, food, and prizes all followed the Gone With The Wind theme. It was big, and extravagant, just like the movie - and long. We started at 4:00 and I crawled into bed at 11:15.
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| This was our Scarlett O'Hara invitation. |
Our Oscar surprise and swag bag were the first awards of the night. It left Lydia speechless....but she did come up with an acceptance speech. My piano took 2nd place to some very yummy Cuban sandwiches, but I don't remember what the movie was. I won a Southern Taste of Home cookbook. I also won a biography of Margaret Mitchell, two bottles of peach soda (non-wine drinker), lots of movie theater candy, and I now know a lot of Gone With The Wind trivia. I also knew more of the words to My Own True Love (from Gone With The Wind) because it was the theme of my sister's Jr. Prom - 1972, and I went.... with a guy named Curt. I can't remember his last name, but I do remember that they had covered the high school gym with red, ornate, flocked wallpaper. But I digress. Brit had the most popular boyfriend, and Marsha's ballot had the most correct. We talked about all the dresses, make-up, hair, speeches, presenters, music, stars, and movies. And we all wore feather boas! It really was the best party yet.
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| Here's my loot. I forgot to mention my Audrey Hepburn playing cards. |
February 21, 2015
Prep-Stress
The Oscars are this weekend and I have a big party to go to. It's one of my favorite days of the year - definitely the best party - but it's also stressful. Besides our fill-out ballots and our choice of an Oscar boyfriend, we have to bring a food that represents a movie. I've won twice in the past, but this year is hard because you have to narrow down your favorite movie, and then come up with a food. I was between Casa Blanca and The Sound of Music, but found a piano for Sam, in Rick's Cafe, easier to deal with than a guitar or a mountain range. I think it will be great.
Adding to the stress, this is the 20th anniversary of the party, and we decided at the last party that we needed to make this year special for our host. One person ordered a replica of the Oscar online and has it inscribed with her name for Best Oscar Party Hostess. The rest of us are bringing (nice) things to put in her own swag bag. Every year we leave with bags of movie candy, necklaces, funny purses, DVDs, books, wine, movie tickets, and more. This year we're going to fill a bag for her. The problem is that we didn't get on it until Thursday, and since I sent the e-mail, I'm now in charge.
Today I went shopping with Mary at Cost Plus. We found a great travel journal and special trip tags. (Lydia is a world traveler.) We put together movie concessions for the stars: French lemonade, Lees fine chocolates, and some very gourmet, non-GMO, vegan, popcorn. Then we found a big Virgo coffee mug with all the stars on it and special coffees. The party theme is all southern, so we put in special magnolia hand cream, a Southern Comfort peach cobbler candle, and a gift card for a mani/pedi. Others are bringing good wine and a wine journal, and real bling. There will be more surprises too. Thank heavens everything is coming together. I've devoted my whole weekend to my ballot, my cake, and the swag bag.
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| Who knew they made white chocolate Kit-Kats? |
Today I went shopping with Mary at Cost Plus. We found a great travel journal and special trip tags. (Lydia is a world traveler.) We put together movie concessions for the stars: French lemonade, Lees fine chocolates, and some very gourmet, non-GMO, vegan, popcorn. Then we found a big Virgo coffee mug with all the stars on it and special coffees. The party theme is all southern, so we put in special magnolia hand cream, a Southern Comfort peach cobbler candle, and a gift card for a mani/pedi. Others are bringing good wine and a wine journal, and real bling. There will be more surprises too. Thank heavens everything is coming together. I've devoted my whole weekend to my ballot, my cake, and the swag bag.
February 16, 2015
A Healthy New Year!
Of course, being healthy and losing weight were part of my New Years resolutions. My sister-in-law invited Terry and I to take part in an online Meltdown Challenge. It was a six week challenge and we're on the last week. I've earned all the points that I need and I think I'll make the 6% weight loss goal, plus a little. It's helped me get back in a good exercise routine in the morning, and I've learned a lot because each day there are little videos and readings on the website. You get points for keeping a food journal and an exercise journal, reading and watching things, getting 7+ hours of sleep, drinking enough water, and checking in with your health coach.
I didn't know in the beginning, but most of the people (and there are thousands of them) doing the challenge are working on the Take Shape for Life program. They have certified health coaches, and special food. Our health coach is Terry's cousin, who lost 50 pounds, six years ago and kept it off. You're suppose to eat something every 2-3 hours like a shake, a bar, or some meal replacement, and have only one lean and green meal each day. We signed-up and this is our first day on the new program. Every meal and snack are a balance of carbs and protein. They're also formulated to keep your blood sugar level low. You're not suppose to be hungry or crave things, and everything is healthy.
I'm excited about using this program to get all of my extra weight off. I think by summer I'll like myself more and feel better. Terry doesn't need to lose anything, but he's interested in all of the health stuff. He'd be a great health coach. We'll see what the next few months bring.
I didn't know in the beginning, but most of the people (and there are thousands of them) doing the challenge are working on the Take Shape for Life program. They have certified health coaches, and special food. Our health coach is Terry's cousin, who lost 50 pounds, six years ago and kept it off. You're suppose to eat something every 2-3 hours like a shake, a bar, or some meal replacement, and have only one lean and green meal each day. We signed-up and this is our first day on the new program. Every meal and snack are a balance of carbs and protein. They're also formulated to keep your blood sugar level low. You're not suppose to be hungry or crave things, and everything is healthy.
I'm excited about using this program to get all of my extra weight off. I think by summer I'll like myself more and feel better. Terry doesn't need to lose anything, but he's interested in all of the health stuff. He'd be a great health coach. We'll see what the next few months bring.
February 15, 2015
High Councilman
Terry was called to be a High Councilman in our stake today. He's never done that before and I think he'll love it. The timing is just right. He's been feeling like he'd like to do something new.
He's also been doing a new kind of scripture study for the past few years. It's like the P90X of scripture study. It's become something that he loves to do, and he's had the time to do it a lot. He merges reading the scriptures with his Gospel Library notes, with everything tagged, labeled, and highlighted. The speaking part will be easy for him, and I know he'll love preparing.
It's good timing for me too, since I don't have a calling where I need to be there on Sundays. (I do compassionate service/humanitarian service for the Relief Society.) I'll be able to go with him and listen to his talks. I'll make sure he keeps them interesting.
He's also been doing a new kind of scripture study for the past few years. It's like the P90X of scripture study. It's become something that he loves to do, and he's had the time to do it a lot. He merges reading the scriptures with his Gospel Library notes, with everything tagged, labeled, and highlighted. The speaking part will be easy for him, and I know he'll love preparing.
It's good timing for me too, since I don't have a calling where I need to be there on Sundays. (I do compassionate service/humanitarian service for the Relief Society.) I'll be able to go with him and listen to his talks. I'll make sure he keeps them interesting.
Our 17th Valentine's Day
We were suppose to go out on Friday night with a couple that Terry home teaches, but plans got moved to Saturday. Then, since it would be crowded at every dinner location on Valentine's Day, the guys decided to have dinner at home. Then, they handed the phone off to the wives to work out a plan! Something went askew there. I ended up making dinner and the other wife cleaned her house and made dessert. After dinner we played cards, checked out some military bases on Google Earth, and came home at 10:00. It wasn't what you'd call romantic, but we actually did have a great meal and a great time.
February 14, 2015
Day Before Valentine's Day
Friday the thirteenth, a full moon, Jr. high registration, and a Valentine's Day party all converged on the same day this year. Wow! There was a lot of love and happiness, sugar and sweets, and ENERGY!
My 6th graders created a "love board" where they all contributed cards that had something they love printed on them (ice cold milk, Taylor Swift, basketball). I'll have to get a picture.
They didn't have to bring Valentines to everyone this year, but they had to do something for everyone in the class to share their love. One boy who is always drawing in his notebooks, drew a little cartoon figure for everyone in the class and signed it. He could be famous some day. A girl gave everyone a ruler with a "You Rule" sticker on it. I gave everyone a Blue Sky Bagel. That's sharing my love. This girl (and her mom) went all out, and I love it:
The silver behind it is actually a tall bucket with a dozen red, white, and pink tulips in it from a boy in my class. I came home with flowers, chocolates, candies, homemade caramels, and heart shaped cookies to share. It was not a good day for a diet, but a lot of crazy fun.
P.S. This is Terry and my anniversary of the day we were sealed. That's a big celebration of love!
My 6th graders created a "love board" where they all contributed cards that had something they love printed on them (ice cold milk, Taylor Swift, basketball). I'll have to get a picture.
They didn't have to bring Valentines to everyone this year, but they had to do something for everyone in the class to share their love. One boy who is always drawing in his notebooks, drew a little cartoon figure for everyone in the class and signed it. He could be famous some day. A girl gave everyone a ruler with a "You Rule" sticker on it. I gave everyone a Blue Sky Bagel. That's sharing my love. This girl (and her mom) went all out, and I love it:
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| Gumballs and a Hershey kiss. It says, Blow Me a Kiss Valentine! |
The silver behind it is actually a tall bucket with a dozen red, white, and pink tulips in it from a boy in my class. I came home with flowers, chocolates, candies, homemade caramels, and heart shaped cookies to share. It was not a good day for a diet, but a lot of crazy fun.
P.S. This is Terry and my anniversary of the day we were sealed. That's a big celebration of love!
February 11, 2015
Book Club
The "no longer a Relief Society" book club met at my house on Tuesday to discuss Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman. Only two of us had read the book, but we both really liked it.
It was published in 1952 and was very successful. The Literary Guild chose it as a main selection. Reader's Digest condensed it. It appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and was translated into 27 languages. Everyone was eager for a sequel, but they didn't write one for 50 years. Instead they had a family, traveled, taught, and became grandparents. Their second book was published in 2002. I'm debating about getting it.
Mrs. Mike is the story of a 16 year old girl (based on a true story) that marries a Canadian Mountie and lives with the Indians, trappers, and miners in the far north of Alberta. It takes place right at the beginning of the 1900s and lasts through the 1st World War and the flu epidemic. It was so interesting to see how the people lived and survived in that environment, and that they loved it!
One of the big take-aways for me was when the main character moved to a new village and met another white women who told her all of the trials and misfortunes in her life. The woman had lived a very tragic life and lost several children. She said, "You'll see, you'll come to understand. These big things, these terrible things, are not the important ones. If they were, how could one go on living? No, it is the small, little things that make up a day, that bring fullness and happiness to a life. Your Sergeant coming home, a good dinner, your little Mary laughing, the smell of the woods--oh, so many things, you know them yourself." That's the part that I want to remember each day. It's the little things that are important.
It was published in 1952 and was very successful. The Literary Guild chose it as a main selection. Reader's Digest condensed it. It appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and was translated into 27 languages. Everyone was eager for a sequel, but they didn't write one for 50 years. Instead they had a family, traveled, taught, and became grandparents. Their second book was published in 2002. I'm debating about getting it.
Mrs. Mike is the story of a 16 year old girl (based on a true story) that marries a Canadian Mountie and lives with the Indians, trappers, and miners in the far north of Alberta. It takes place right at the beginning of the 1900s and lasts through the 1st World War and the flu epidemic. It was so interesting to see how the people lived and survived in that environment, and that they loved it!
One of the big take-aways for me was when the main character moved to a new village and met another white women who told her all of the trials and misfortunes in her life. The woman had lived a very tragic life and lost several children. She said, "You'll see, you'll come to understand. These big things, these terrible things, are not the important ones. If they were, how could one go on living? No, it is the small, little things that make up a day, that bring fullness and happiness to a life. Your Sergeant coming home, a good dinner, your little Mary laughing, the smell of the woods--oh, so many things, you know them yourself." That's the part that I want to remember each day. It's the little things that are important.
February 10, 2015
Literary Luncheon - 2015
Last Friday I took the day off work and went to the Literacy Luncheon. It's a function that raises money for the Boise Learning Lab, and a couple of my friends are volunteer tutors there. One of my friends speaks up and likes to be involved, so she is actually serving as president of the board this year. She's the one who always invites me to be at her table. The past four years we've been in charge of the table decorations, but this year we didn't have a job. We just sat front and center and enjoyed every minute.
This is one of my favorite days of the year. Here's why:
Next year I want my RS book club to donate a basket. I might even donate one of my own. I'm sure I could get my dad to start looking for some books from the thrift store. I'd like to do some old and new Nancy Drew books with a magnifying glass, or a Montana basket with some Ivan Doig books - maybe just a Whistling Season basket with a kazoo and a book about Halleys comet. I have a year to figure out something good.
This is one of my favorite days of the year. Here's why:
- I'm surrounded by friends and strangers that love books.
- There's always a student from the Learning Lab that shares their story and it's always inspirational.
- There's a silent auction with signed books and theme baskets that are donated by individuals and book clubs. This year our yoga basket from the Rebel book club sold for $180.
- I love to make a list of books that I might want to read.
- I love checking out the names of other book clubs. (I like the name "Novel Women".)
- I always think that I might win a Kindle or i-pad air from the raffle. Not this year.
- The guest author that speaks is always entertaining. I love listening to authors speak. They just have a way with words.
Next year I want my RS book club to donate a basket. I might even donate one of my own. I'm sure I could get my dad to start looking for some books from the thrift store. I'd like to do some old and new Nancy Drew books with a magnifying glass, or a Montana basket with some Ivan Doig books - maybe just a Whistling Season basket with a kazoo and a book about Halleys comet. I have a year to figure out something good.
Unlikely Favorite Author
The author that spoke at the Literacy Luncheon this year was sort of a last minute replacement. In previous years we've heard from authors of adult fiction and non-fiction. This year's author, Leslie Patricelli, writes baby board books. I was not excited.
Leslie lives in Hailey, Idaho with her husband (a professional drummer) and her three kids. She started out her career as a graphic artist at Microsoft, and drew
this sometimes annoying dog that offered you help. Her cubicle mate drew the paperclip helper.
They both went on to become authors and illustrators of children's books.
Leslie's inspiration comes from her kids. She has titles like, Potty, Yucky, Yummy, Soft, Loud and No, No, Yes, Yes. You can see why I wasn't that excited to hear her speak. I was wrong! She was absolutely delightful. She had a power point that included videos of parents reading her books to their (darling) kids, and (adorable) kids reading the books. (She's sold millions, by the way.) She spoke of the importance of kids having their hands on books early, and reading to children. Early on her editor wanted her to use less words. Some of her books only have two words, but when the little kids read the books, they put in all the words that she edited out. They also laugh hysterically. I want my grandkids to read books and laugh hysterically, so I bought some of hers and had her sign them.
Leslie lives in Hailey, Idaho with her husband (a professional drummer) and her three kids. She started out her career as a graphic artist at Microsoft, and drew
this sometimes annoying dog that offered you help. Her cubicle mate drew the paperclip helper.
They both went on to become authors and illustrators of children's books.
Leslie's inspiration comes from her kids. She has titles like, Potty, Yucky, Yummy, Soft, Loud and No, No, Yes, Yes. You can see why I wasn't that excited to hear her speak. I was wrong! She was absolutely delightful. She had a power point that included videos of parents reading her books to their (darling) kids, and (adorable) kids reading the books. (She's sold millions, by the way.) She spoke of the importance of kids having their hands on books early, and reading to children. Early on her editor wanted her to use less words. Some of her books only have two words, but when the little kids read the books, they put in all the words that she edited out. They also laugh hysterically. I want my grandkids to read books and laugh hysterically, so I bought some of hers and had her sign them.
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| Favorite page |
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| Favorite page - (poor kitty) |
February 09, 2015
Just Start!
I'm starting again. I've started to start again many times. I feel like I should start a new blog to start again, but that would mean setting up a new blog, and that would be one more reason to put off starting again. Finally, someone else started a new blog and said so much I agreed with, that it motivated me to finally....just start.
So read this:
Beautiful Effort
...and I'll post again tomorrow.
So read this:
Beautiful Effort
...and I'll post again tomorrow.
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