rantings, ravings and general thoughts
Bandleader Artie Shaw is shown playing the clarinet in this, Sept. 10, 1941, file photo. Shaw, whose recording of 'Begin the Beguine' epitomized the Big Band era, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at his home in the Thousand Oaks area of Los Angeles. He was 94.
Been a strange day or two.... odd feelings - don't know how to explain them. *sigh* Saw two old friends today - good to catch up. Going to Tim's tomorrow for a New Year's celebration - should be good times. Happy New Year's Eve Eve.
I'm about to go shopping with Mom... we're going to hit the post holiday sales. I usually avoid shopping like the plague, but lately, it hasn't been too painful. I need to exchange a pair of shoes that I got from Santa - hopefully that won't be too difficult. Maybe we'll find some other treasures. I've been pondering what my New Year's Resolution might be.... here are some of my ideas...
I'm watching the greatist show in the history of television... "MythBusters" on the Discovery Channel. I just watched them blow up a pig stomach using only pop rocks and like 12 cans of Pepsi... (I know - sounds disgusting, but it was pretty interesting!) So - how did everyone do "loot-wise" from Santa? ;o) I did pretty well... (Thanks Santa!) A new computer monitor is my favorite gift. My old monitor is possessed! It randomly changed brightness settings on its own and turned on and off at its own will... strange! I hope the new one behaves itself! Anyway - back to MythBusters - they're about to test the myth that a stream of urine can freeze if you "go" outside in the snow... Wow - too much free time is an amazing thing! Happy New Year's Eve Eve Eve Eve Eve Eve!
A white Christmas? In Georgia? HA! However not white this day is, this is a fantastic Christmas morning - I hope that Santa was nice to everyone and that you're all able to share this day with someone special to you... Merry Christmas!
Hello! Woke up in good spirits this morning (minus the minor back pain from the air mattress.) I'm about to call Gincy to see if she wants to grab lunch somewhere. I really miss her.... We were roommates back in Millyville - and it's hard never seeing her. She's all hitched now and teaching elementary music. (Amazing how we all grow up in spite of trying so hard not to!) I hope she can go... I'm starving! Then, I'm going to hit the road and go see Tim and his family. Feliz Navidad!
Family... what can I say? When compared to the rest of the human race, I got pretty darn lucky when it comes to family. Not TOO many family members in jail, parents that are still married and lovey-dovey after 26 years of marriage...a brother that's normal and not into drugs and junk.... BUT - they still drive me nutto! I've been home now for two days and I'm ready to go home... to MY home where I don't have to sleep on an AeroBed. (Which isn't actually THAT bad) Tim and his family have sent me into this reflection of my family social structure. His family is REALLY close - always talking about everything and doing everything together. Mine's not. I mean, I love them, but overall, I'm not a social-butterfly person, and I typically keep most things to myself rather than telling my family about them. (I know that may not be healthy - but that's the way I am - DEAL!) Why is my family not as close as theirs? Why do we naturally go our own ways instead of hanging out together? The world may never know. Oh, and just as a side note - the movie, Napoleon Dynamite, was awful! There was no plot, and what looked like attempts at humor were just dim witted and downright sad. Anyway - I'm going tomorrow to stay with Tim and his family for a day. Their Brady Bunchish (but not in a bad way) atmosphere is always a challenge for me since I'm such a "loner" type in comparison... but there are good times to be had, and I'm really looking forward to the trip. (Minus the holiday interstate traffic....) Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve!
My new favorite holiday song:
I'm back at my parent's house for the holidays. I survived the last day of school (barely) and I survived the drive home with the car packed with presents and my poor fish in a travel cup in the cupholder. :o) I didn't think she'd survive the holidays with no food, so she came with me. Today is my dad's birthday. Happy birthday, Pops! It's always good to be home.
Good morning! It's 7:45am and I'm sitting at my office computer resting a few more minutes before this hectic day begins. Today is the last day of school before Christmas break. (Thank Heaven!) I've heard a couple of teachers mention that "if I can keep the students within the walls" that I'm a success. We'll see how well that works. I'm looking forward to a busy Christmas break with lots of visits and things to do. It should be a blast! Tim's in Chicago this week - getting back on Saturday. *wishing him a safe return* I'll post later - if I survive!
I read this in a friend's journal thingy today and couldn't agree more!
That little seventh grade jackass.... It's amazing how one comment can cut so deep. After an extremely stressful class with the seventh graders today, it was FINALLY time to dismiss. One of the trumpet players, on his way out the door, turned back - looked at me and said "The old director was so much better than you." That was the straw that broke the back... All year I've heard "Why are you doing that? Mr. J always did it this way... BLAH BLAH FREAKIN' BLAH" I just shut the door in his face, walked calmly into my office and cried.... and cried... and cried... What the hell am I doing? Why am I even trying to help these kids? And the stupid Winter Concert is Thursday. I'm nervous - no, I'm more than nervous. I'm freakin' terrified! I'm terrified that the students aren't going to concentrate. I'm nervous that I'm not going to concentrate. I'm scared that the parents are going to spend the entire evening comparing the progress that I've made this year with the progress of the old director. I just want it to be over. How many days until Christmas break? Nine... only nine days. I can make it - I have to.
