RTW 11/21

Mondays and Fridays are the two weekday mornings that I can sleep past 5:45 am, but with my head spinning think about all that there is to do over the next month, when 5 am came, well I was awake.  I tried falling back to sleep in the couch, but no luck.  So I decided to get up, have some coffee, a little computer time, a little workout and then get ready for work.

I don't like feeling icky - ugh - I cannot get sick!

Really? What a job I have . . .

Twice this week I got to ride in a limo to McDonald's for lunch.  Each year our school fundraises with magazine sales and one of the prizes they can earn is a limo ride to Micky-Dees for lunch.  I got to go because a staff memb has to be with them.  I only ate there once, that was enough. 
It was a hoot on this day, I went with a group of sixth graders and they are so fun.  I love their awe.

Gifts from the UP

Last week we received gifts from the UP . . . Uncle Jim and Aunt Dawn.

I don't think they know how much we love these treats from home.  Since we have been here they have sent us such treats and we savor every bit of them.  We even make the maple syrup last until the next year.  It's all so yummy delicious!  MJ

First snow at sea level - Winter 2009

We awoke to it on Saturday, November 14th.  It had been a couple of crazy, windy, stormy days.  We had fluffy white snow on the ground, crazy-strong, gusting winds, mudslides, avalanches, flood warnings, power outages, I am sure the list goes on . . .  But it is so beautiful.  I love the green on the mountains mixed with the white snow and a few blue skies.  See for yourself:

RTW - 11/14

"Did you dye your hair?"  "No, it's just got lots of different colors in it, why?"  "It's all shiney-silvery."

Takin' a break from facebook for a while.

Disney is paid for.  Dinner Reservations are made!

Five weeks until we leave for vacation!!!

Woohoo - LEGO League is moving along and looking good - excited for the Jamboree next week!!!

This week we learned "Candle Hands" at bellydancing.  The minute I heard what it was I knew that I had to try it - hello light candles.  I practiced in the bathroom and put the candle in a votive cup - I am not crazy!

RTWs - Random Thoughts from the Week - 11/7

We both agree that even though we love baseball, it should not be played in November!

I like to laugh, it feels good.

Waking up to dog poo on the welcome mat is not very welcoming!!!

Snow tires are on - we are ready for snow.

The Jamboree is in 2 weeks, the Tourney in 5 - yikes!

This week we were taught "snake hands" at our Belly Dancing class, mine are more like "vicious viper spitting snakes", not "mesmorizing, smooth snake hands".  Luckily I have the week to practice.

Halloween at Home: aka: Pumpkin Fun

Bob craving our pumpkins . . .

Watch the pumpkins as they disappear . . .

Bob carved our pumpkins Friday night after we got home from work, then proceeded to have a photo shoot with the pumpkins.  MJ

Halloween fun at 20th Century

Me with flare that Aaron lent me.

Kystal

Brooke

Matt

Thoughts from the week

We enjoy having a little turtle, she brings us much joy.

The smell of straw doesn't make me want to curl up in fetal position and cry. 

Bails of straw weigh more than I remember.

I started belly dancing this week.  I thought that it would be fun to do during these long, dark winter nights.  I knew that Tristan, Tracy and Jamie would be in the class, but I was also pleased to see another Tracy there, who used to work in the office across from me at Dzantik'i Heeni.  It is a fun group and I really think that I am going to enjoy it.  It's something just for me. I am becoming more comfortable in my body the older I get, but still not where I would like to be.  I also feel more comfortable with trying new things.  I am not sure if that is growing older or moving some place new and not having any preconcieved notions about what I can and should be doing.  I can be whomever I want here, no on knows any different.  This class will be a challange for me, since I don't have very good balance and I am a it uncoordinated.

Halloween is fun - I like to dress up.

I am not sure how cowboys wear cowboys boots all the time, my feet are killing me.  Maybe that's why they ride a horse, it hurts too much to walk.

A quote from E.Tate that has me cracking up (and sounds like something that I have said to Bob):  He wakes up, walks into the kitchen, he is staying at his Grandma's house (my mother) and says:  "You're up, I am hungry, where's my breakfast?"  His Grandma's reply, "boy, this isn't a resturant".  To which he says, "yes it is, it's Grandma's resturant".  I love that kid!  This would probably be better told by his Grandma, but she seems to have misplaced her blog.

I am concerned for my mother and that her job will continue to be there.

Big events to get through before coming home:  Harvest Fest, Jamboree, Rebounders/Hooptime Tourney.  Havest Fest is now coomplete two more big events and time to go to MI.  Woohoo!

I am content.

Harvest Fest

Iam a cute cowgirl!

A few of the office staff:  front row:  Sally, Sue, Yvonne, back row: Deb, Me, Rachel

Tonight was Harvest Fest at Dzantik'i Heeni.  It was put on by Culture Club and Student Government (I am the adviser).  It seemed to be fun for our students.  There were cookies to decorate, crafts, games in the gym, food, a photo op, dancing and a cake walk.  I think that one of the biggest hits was the cake walk the kiddos were so excited about it and there were lots of cakes, cookies and cupcakes to give away.  Also, tug-o-war.  The sixth graders kicked tail and beat the seveth and eighth grade teams.  There is strength in numbers.  I will have a couple more pictures to post later from the photo op.  MJ

Thoughts from the week

Things that caught my attention this week:

I rode the activity bus downtown after school one day this week and I was listening to one of our sixth graders tell me how hard it is to be homeless.  It really does put your life in prospective.  This kiddo has no home and I am wondering if I have enough $ set aside to go to Disney.

I am grateful that I feel appreciated at my jobs.  And that I enjoy all three of them!

I now work with a student that I knew from Dzantik'i Heeni on Saturdays at the theater - this kid made me laugh then and still does.  Our new superintendent has introduced a button and the concept of Connect to the community.  The idea is that we need to "connect" with kids.  Last week on break Matt asked me what I was doing on my break, I told him I was going to my truck to have a snack and read a book.  He asked me if he could go with me and I told him "no, that's weird".  But what I did tell him was that this Saturday we would hang out on our break.  That's what we did, we played Yahtzee and laughed.  It's important to "connect", not just with kids, but with everyone we meet.  Maybe if we all "connected" a little bit more, we'd be a stronger nation.

My husband is cute, but that cuteness wears off when he lays on the couch and shakes his glass at me to get him something more to drink - with that adorable little face.

I am getting quicker at typing.  When we first moved here, I felt like I would never be able to type at a normal pace, now I am a whiz.

I love baseball and that Bob and I enjoy it together - GO YANKEES!!!  MJ

Molly's Sunday Project

Play

That's what my Friday has been . . . First, I love my job, it is such fun to go to work each day, there are challenges, but each day I am able to find some fun and successes.  Second, I had an extra practice for LEGO League.  After building and programming for a couple of hours, most of the team members had left and those that were left needed a break, so we went to the commons to run around, literally.  We played ball tag and it was a blast!  One of the boys said "I can't believe a teacher (that's me - they think everyone who works at a school is a teacher) is playing with us".  Are you kidding, it was so much fun.  We played for 45 minutes.  As the last two boys were leaving they thanked me for playing with them.  I also heard them tell one of their moms "that was so much fun".  After all that, the fun still wasn't done . . . I headed downtown to see one of our high schools preform "Little Shop of Horrors".  I meet the crew that went to Lion King and Julianna joined us, plus one of our counselors from school and seven young ladies, also from our school.  It was a special treat for them that our counselor arranged.  The play was wonderful and everyone had a nice time.  Bob couldn't make the play, he had to work late, so after Julianna, Kenny, Bob and I went to the Island Pub for some pizza and conversation.  Bob and I had a brisk walk down there and enjoyed good food and conversation.  Then we had a brisk walk home.  It's nice to be close enough to do that.  What a fun day full of play.  MJ

Flashback:  The first time that I saw "Little Shop of Horrors" was with Sheri and Momery.  We played hookie form school and went to the movie and I think the library.  It is a fun little memory.

One year ago . . .

That's right, one year ago Gram and Bob were in surgery.  I am so grateful that both of their surgeries were a success.  Bob says that he doesn't want to remember it at all, I don't blame him.  He did share his experience with a husband of a friend of a coworker of mine.  The husband is having to make the decision to have the same surgery as Bob.  That's what got us talking about this.  Thank you Lord for repairing Gram and Bob's broken bodies.  MJ

Apple Crisp

This was a delicious first try at making apple crisp - I feel many more attempts being made - maybe a mixed berry crisp - yummy!  MJ

A trip to the "Pumpkin Patch"

Another wonderful Sunday . . . Bob and I went to the "Pumpkin Patch" today.  That would be Juneau's version, which means the front of Don Abel's Hardware, but it was fun.  They have a little spot set up with straw and pumpkins, Bob and I picked ours out.  The bonus was that they were .10 cheaper than at Fred's.  Plus we like this place, the people are friendly and it makes us feel good to spend our money here. 
We also bought a few seeds to plant Ursulla some food.  Check out her blog for further details.
We are enjoying our Sunday.  A little bit of shopping, cleaned our place, picked up our pumpkins and now a little relaxing.  Bob is going to be making me apple crisp, even though he doesn't like it, he's good to me.  MJ

A lovely Sunday

It was a beautiful day in Juneau the sun was shining and it was warm.  What a lovely Sunday indeed.  Bob and I spent most of the day cleaning, grocery shopping, watching baseball,  and setting up a new space for Ursulla.  We have been very productive.
Steven went home yesterday, so we are back to just being us.  It's a good thing we both just love "being" together.  MJ

There, all better

Well, at least it's in better order.  I would still like to find a good site with free templates so that I could change it out more often.  The chooses through blogger are pretty boring.  MJ

ooooops!

Well, totally screwed this up.  I thought I would try a new look to our blog and now it is all out of whack!  I have been searching for a site to download free templates, but the couple that I have tried, I just don't get.  Guess I am done for now, if you have any sites that I should try, post the link in the comment section.  In the meantime, enjoy the search for what you are looking for on this thing, I will fiddle with it more later.  MJ

TurtleLuve - Ursulla

Last night we adopted a turtle!  Her name is Ursulla and she is a three-toed box turtle.  I have wanted a turtle for a long time, but I am an el-cheap-o, so a turtle that needed a home was just for me. 
A kiddo I was working with the other day told me that I needed a classroom pet, of course she wanted me to get a rat, not - I don't like their tails!  That same day an email came around that this little turtle needed a home.  I was the first to answer, so she got to come home with us.  Later this weekend we will take her to school and get her all set up for Monday.
Today I will be going to Wee Fishe to look for a new home for her.  We would like to find out how to grow a bit of a natural habitat for her.  That was my thought, Bob was to evict her because the tank she is in is just exactlly what he has wanted for his fish!
Ursulla does have her own blog:  TurtleLuve.  Her blog will be all about her, a three-toed box turtle and also about her good times at school and summer break.  You can find her listed under our blog list to the right.  MJ

Bob - getting ready for game day

Seriously if you could have seen him dancing around to the Michigan fight song, oh my, I couldn't hardly take pictures I laughed so hard! Then they were blurry, which is something Bob gives me crap about all the time, which made me laugh even harder. I wanted to take a video, but he wouldn't let me. These pictures will just have to do . . . MJ

The little brother turns 30

When I think of my brother, I think of . . .

two beautiful children - both sassy and fun, John Deere green, skytrack orange, REDNECK, racing, hardworking, intelligent, sensitive heart, driving fast, LEGOs, hunting, video games, chew, Mama's boy (in a nice way), pool, snowmobiling, when he shows it - a heartwarming smile . . .

I miss him very much, even if he sayd he doesn't miss me! MJ

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY- BABY BROTHER!!!

A little bit of trashcan love

"Hurry up, hurry up", Bob said to Molly as she excited the Red Dog on Friday evening. I hopped in the truck and he whipped the truck around the island. There he was a big ole bear mauling a trashcan. We sat and watched him for a little bit, I don't think he was a fan of that, but he just moved up the stairs and looked like a "pretty little kitty". He even licked his lips a couple of times. He did looked really cuddly, but inside the truck was close enough. MJ

A few days in the city . . . LION KING!!!

Some pictures from the trip:
Mr. Bear chillin' on the bed, the courtyard, Kenny getting his teeth whitened, the bathroom at the hotel - fancy - Kenny relaxing at the airport, some of my "office loot" that I brought home - colored staples!, "the loot" before it gets packed, me - oh so tired, Kenny and I at the Lion King

What a fun and busy few days in Anchorage. It was nice to see and feel the energy of a city again, but it is really nice to be back on Douglas Island in the peace and quiet, separated from the rest of the world.

Thursday

We departed Juneau on Thurday at 12:48. I do not like to fly, but I felt safe going with my flying buddy. That is until he went pale and stopped talking when we hit turbulents! Then the truth came out, he didn't like to fly either - so much for feeling safe!

After we arrived in Anchorage, rented a car, and checked into our hotel - which was very nice, we headed out for the first bit of shopping. The first stop - Target! Wow, it was so fun to be back at Target, I just love that store. It was fun to look up and down every isle. There was so much fun Halloween stuff. That was the first hint to me that it is so good that I live some place where there aren't many places to shop or I would buy the store out! There are many things that I wish I would have looked for there, but it is the place that I spent the most, so I did just fine. Next we went to Kohls. That was fun to look around again. I didn't buy too much here, just looked around. After shopping we spotted a Wendys and Kenny, Dorain and Meghan were nice enough to agree to having dinner there. I had a tough time making up my mind what I wanted, but I finally settled on a single combo with a frosty. Mostly I came to that decision because I didn't see the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger on the menu. When I mentioned that to Kenny he said that it was on the value menu, I just missed it. That's okay though, my single with cheese was yummy! I couldn't finish it all, but I did enjoy what I ate. I got the same freezing cold feeling while eating my frosty - brrr. After dinner we went to see about seeing a movie. First we stopped by the cinema at the mall. Kenny and Dorain looked around, it was neat to observe them checking out the cinema and what they had. We had about an hour to wait before the next show, so Kenny asked where the 3-D theater was and we went to check it out. There we decided to see Love Happens. We got some snacks, I liked to bulk candy - I got sour, gummy stuff and went in to watch the movie. I had forgotten all about stadium seating in theaters. The seats we big and cushy and if you were on a date, the arms raise up and you could snuggle. I know, we are so out of date. After the movie, which I must admit I almost fell asleep - I was tired, we headed back to our hotel and I crashed - oh so sleepy.

Friday

On Friday I didn't wake up until 8am. That was nice, the bed was fluffy and warm and I slept like a baby. We ate breakfast at the hotel. It was the biggest and best continental breakfast I have ever had. There was: cereal, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, oj, ice water, tomato juice, two waffle makers - one with four mini waffles and one large waffle, strawberries, watermelon, muffins, bagels, bread for toast, english muffins, jellys, jams, butter and syrup. There was a crazy amount of food.

After breakfast we headed to Diamond Mall. The plan for the day was to shop at Diamond Mall, then have a nice dinner before the Lion King. First stop at the Mall, Old Navy, love that place. Not many places you can go, buy 13 items and spend $136. Next was the Gap, checked out Forever 21. The largest store they own. It was crazy big. I have never been in one, it had so much stuff in it. W had Arbys for lunch, I got to go to a Hallmark store with a card collection, that was like running into an old friend, had a cupcake cookie at Mrs. Fields and just walked around window shopping. After shopping we went back to the hotel for a bit of a rest and to get ready for dinner and the Lion King. I spent my time packing my suitcase and being thankful that I packed an extra bag, but wishing that I had brought the largest suitcase we own.

For dinner we went to O'Sullivans. I do believe that it was the nicest, classiest restaurant that I have ever to. The service and food were both excellent. They had a Lion King special, which we all ordered. The fillet I had melted in my mouth - it was the best steak that I ever had! I felt guilty that Bob wasn't there to enjoy it with me. The salad, green beans, sauteed mushrooms and cheesecake were all exceptional. What a treat. After dinner we went to the show.

I don't even know how to explain the Lion King, it took my breath away. The voices, colors, scenery, music, all of it stimulated all of the five senses. It was stunning. The opening act I realized that my mouth was gaping open and I had my hand at my heart, just taking it all in. It was incredible. If I could see it again, I most certainly would, again and again.

After the play we made a quick stop at Walmart. I did not make a purchase, it was hard enough to just be in that store - evil Walmart.

Saturday

On Saturday I actually slept until 9am! Woohoo - that was nice. We had the yummy, yummy breakfast again, checked out and headed to Borders. I could have spent all day in there. It was nice to wander around, drinking coffee and smelling that new book smell. It was very relaxing. Next stop, the Fifth Street Mall. On the way we made a stop at REI. I had planned to look for many things here, but honestly, there was just too much to look at, I believe that I was shopped out. I guess I will be looking for things online or waiting until we go to MI. The mall was pretty crazy, four stories, elevators, escalators, glass roofs, skywalks, it was a neat place. We shopped around, had a lemonade at Hot Dog on a Stick, a hot pretzel, went into Nostrums and observed a bit of a shopping frenzy, who has that kind of money. Oh yeah, maybe a bit of PFD pre-spending.

Kenny was on the hunt for shoes so since we were done at the mall, he suggested we go find a store called The Walking Shoe. Well, that was a fantastic suggestion! I found the sweetest shoes! They are so cool, I'll have to post a pic soon. After shoe shopping it was close enough to being time to head to the airport.

A bit more browsing, a bit to eat, meet some dude who packed it up to move to JNU - connected with a chic who helped him find a place, I refused to spend $8.99 for 12 Dramamine (Kenny said later he would have paid), went to board the plane a half an hour before departure and found out they were only waiting for six more people to board - we were four of the six. It was an uneventful flight home, but I still hate it! I always feel like I am going to plummet to my death.

I thought that we arrived in JNU at 9:48 pm and Bob was to pick me up at 10pm. I was a bit off and thank goodness Bob was home.

Thus ends the trip to Anchorage. It's Sunday, I have unpacked, handed out the few treats for Bob and Steven, spent the day doing laundry and enjoying being home. I do live a blessed life. MJ

Little tidbits:

*Dorain and I booked seats on the same row, both ways, without even talking about it. We found out while we were boarding the plane.

*When sharing a room with a friend it is best to ask about the room layout. Especially the bathroom set up!

*It is a bit of a hoot when people don't know what floor the elevator has stopped at, there are only four floors, it shouldn't be that confusing!

*I wish TSA was on the same page, do I leave my netbook in my carry-on or take it out, depends on which airport you are in . . . confusing!

Off to Anchorage . . .

to see the Lion King, eat Wendys, see the city and shop. I am pretty excited about this, under all the fear of flying. I am trying to be a big girl, but it is tuff. Darn panic keeps creeping up on me. I am certain that I can say I am so not ready to fly alone yet. I am going to need lots of therapy before that happens. Love you, talk to you soon - MJ

Booby Cookies

Yeah, you read that right booby cookies. Our Brit made cookies for us and dropped them off at Coastal. I forgot to tell Bob that she was dropping them off, so he was worried about eating them. It didn't take him too long to figure out who had made them and then the fun began, or so I heard.

When he got home and I opened the container I noticed that they looked a bit like boobies. I brought this up to Bob and he giggled. Apparently that was the "fun" at work. So we had a little of our own with the booby cookies! Bonus = they are delicious! MJ

Lazy man drinks from a glass

I warned him that if he kept this up he was going to spill his pop. As he gave me "sassy" his pop ran out the straw and onto the carpet. Apparently he had created a "suction" as he put it. MJ

Eleven years and still cute

Our 11 year Anniversary

It feels good to wake up next to the person you love. We have shared so many wonderful memories together. The other night Bob, Steven and I were talking and Bob and Steven didn't remember that Steven was in our wedding. They pulled out our wedding album and we looked at pictures. It was fun. It was also a little funny, we were laughing about being together longer than Steven has been alive.
I am thrilled to be going on a date with my husband tonight. We were laughing about it this morning when I told Bob that I was so excited to go on a date with him - he said have we ever really dated? He's probably right. Tonight we are going to see Hells Belles - an all girl tribute band to AC/DC. They are from Seattle. They have been here for a couple nights. Last night they preformed at one of our high schools as a fundraiser for the girls' basketball teams there.
I don't think Terry ever reads these but I wanted him to know that I think he is the sweetest to remember our anniversary and leave us a message - what boy does that? We miss you too Terry! MJ

A little bit of Labor Day Weekend

It's a bit of working and relaxing this weekend. Yesterday was a glorious day, it reminded me so much of being on the Great Lakes in September. It was warm, sunny and the breeze was strong, but so warm. Bob and I actually went for a walk at 9 pm and it was still so warm out. We walked down to Sandy Beach and looked up at the stars. It's been so long since it was dark out at night, that I forgot what they looked like - so beautiful. I was thinking on our walk how blessed we are to be here. MJ