December 22, 2006

Go figure...the New Orleans airport is not wireless. That kinda sucks big donkey dicks. I suppose that's a sign that I'm supposed to be reading. Yeah. Reading. In a minute, I promise.

The New Orleans airport also has a shitty selection of food available at this hour of the morning, even though this hour of the morning is almost 9:00. I was running a little behind this morning (surprise, surprise), and didn't have time to stop at Starbucks. I was thinking a lovely peppermint mocha and some sort of pastry. But no. You'd think at least that the airport would have a Cafe du Monde stand. The last gasp of New Orleans before leaving. But again. No. There's a Lucky Dogs stand (who wants a hotdog for breakfast), but that's about it. I wound up getting a potato, egg, and cheese sandwich. Ate the potatoes and trashed the rest. Works for me.

I am so tired. I slept like hell last night. It was about 2:00 before I actually laid down, and then the neighbors (not those neighbors...the other ones) came home around 3:00. Loud as hell. Damn them. Then the alarm went off at 4:00. I rolled out of the bed around 4:10 or so. I'm sure I've forgotten something, but I suppose that is to be expected when you leave everything to the last minute. *sigh*

I think I'd like to curl up and go to sleep right this minute, but I'm afraid if I did that, I wouldn't wake up in time to catch my flight. Like they'd let me just lay here. Who buys a plane ticket to sleep? (My plane doesn't leave for 2 hours)

I can't believe this airport isn't wireless. WTF?

Update from the Houston airport where I'm currently stuck...

Flight might leave at 9:00 this evening, and it might not. If it doesn't, then I go on standby. If I can't get a flight into Denver tomorrow morning, then I'll try to get a flight into Reno. If I can't do that, then I'll try for back to New Orleans. And if that doesn't work, I suppose I'll rent a car and drive home. Suck.

December 20, 2006

It's raining here, which makes me melancholy. I've actually been feeling a little on the sad side all day long. Not sure what's up with that. Maybe a touch of PMS or something.

I just finished reading most of the articles in the recent issue of The Journal of Adult and Adolescent Literacy. A couple of interesting articles. For those of you who teach content areas, there was a really good article about text book previews...and then another article about incorporating the multiple literacies of students' lives into the classroom, which reminds me of the recent news story about New Zealand allowing the students to use "text speak" in their more formal written papers.

I have to say that while I agree with the need to help students bridge the gap between the literacies that they use on a regular basis and the literacies that are required of them in the academic and work worlds, I cannot agree with allowing the abbreviations and short-cuts that are common in texts and IMs to invade more formal writing. In looking at what I just typed, I suppose that "invade" is a really strong word. Maybe that's not the word I really want to use. I don't know.

For me, being a really big believer in audience and purpose, I'm struck by the thought that allowing text speak (and I refuse to label it as "laziness") into the formalized academic and professional writing we ask students to do is really saying that there is not a distinction in the kinds of writing we ask students to do and there's no distinction among the people for whom they write. I can't seem to believe that's a good idea. I support the idea of helping students negotiate the multiple ways in which they can use writing, but I don't see what New Zealand is doing as a negotiation. What is there to negotiate when you don't have to make a choice about what's appropriate when?

I'm all for allowing students to play with language within the classroom. If that means using the kind of writing they do in emails or text messages or IMs, then great. But I have serious qualms about making that kind of writing allowable in any and all circumstances.

I had a hard time concentrating on what I was reading. It seems so far removed from me these days. I'm not in the classroom, and don't plan to go back, so it's hard to see utility. It's that whole instant gratification thing. It probably doesn't help that I have the television on while I'm trying to read. *sigh*

I'm beginning to get worried about my trip. The Denver airport might be a bit of a headache. I fully anticipate that it will be up and running when I fly out Friday, but the problem becomes, what about all those people trying to get into (or out of) Denver as well? I'm flying Southwest, which means it could get icky. Cross your fingers y'all that I get where I need to be and that this is just me borrowing trouble. Again.

I need to wrap presents and clean. And do laundry. And start packing. And I need to take a bath and drink some cheap wine.

December 19, 2006

I can't believe that it's already Dec 19. How does that work? How did we come to this point?

I did a bit more Christmas shopping today. Except for a few frames, I think I'm pretty much done with Christmas shopping.

I just found out that I'm going to be getting another check from the school district. I don't think it's going to be all that much, but that makes me just a little less anxious...which I'm starting to get.

I've now imported 202 cds into Itunes, and I just found a whole nother stack, in addition to what's out in the car. *sigh* Even with about 2700 songs, I'm only at 9 GB of space. Yuck.

I have to make the bed. I washed the sheets today. Had to get rid of teh cat hair...I decided to let them sleep in the bed while I was gone. (they won't have that luxury when I go home for christmas)

that reminds me...I have to get the new Eric Clapton CD for Mark's Christmas.

December 18, 2006

She's a beautiful blond. Thin. Curved just right. On her feet are black strappy sandals. Probably 3 inch heels. She's well put together--attractive in a long-ago sun-kissed sort of way. Another summer in the sun might be one too many.

She she thinks that no one is looking, she sags, shifting her weight from side to side. If there's a chair near, she leans forward against it, trying to alleviate the pressure on the balls of her feet.

I've been there. I know her pain. In fact, I had a pair of very similar shoes. Black Steve Madden sandals with a little square bow above the juncture of the big toe and the one next to it. I picked them up at Ross one summer afternoon and feel in love with them, despite their impracticality.

They didn't always hurt. There for a long time, they merely annoyed. Because of their design, the back strap--the one that rested on the back of my ankle--often fell down. A 3 1/2 inch heel, held on by a thin strap across the toes could be a recipe for disaster. The shoes were cute with that black dress and the blue skirt. Actually, they were cute with most of my wardrobe, the little square bow added a whimsical touch to even the most severe outfit. For that I could tolerate annoyance.

In the last couple of years, I haven't worn those fantastic Steve Maddens very much. Actually haven't worn many of my heels period. Being a graduate assistant, hiking across campus requires slightly different footwear than being a teacher, upright mostly but leisurely rounding a classroom. I think wearing heels must be like playing guitar. One must develop callouses and if one does not practice, the calluses disappear, making the experience of picking up again quite painful.

After a long stretch of going heel-less, I drug the Steve Maddens out now and again, but quickly shoved them to the bottom of the shoe rack. They hurt...terribly. Maybe it's because I've become footwear lazy, preferring my flip-flops or Merrills or Clark's sandals or maybe its because I'm older, but I just wasn't willing to go through the process of toughening up my feet again.

The last time I wore the strappy sandals with the little square bow was July of 2006. I'd put them on because they were so darling with the salmon-colored fishtail skirt. I was going to a party, and before I left the house, I put the sparkly black flip-fops in the car. Just in case. When I got home, I forced myself to throw my 6 year companions away. I'd made it half an hour, about as long as I'd worn them the 6 months before. The writing was on the wall, and I knew there was little point in hanging on to the shoes. Not to say that I didn't hesitate because I did. I thought "If I just wear them more often--maybe around the house--to break them in again." Then I reminded myself that the shoes cost me $20 at Ross 6 years ago. I got my money out of them; I could in good conscious let them go.

Maybe the leggy blond just bought those sexy shoes. Maybe she didn't know they were going to hurt so badly after a twirl or two on the dance floor. Perhaps she was seduced by the sleek lines. Or maybe she doesn't want to let that cute naval airman know she's in agony. Whatever it is, she's still got those sexy shoes on, although she sits every opportunity she gets. She's going to work the hell out of those shoes when someone's looking, though. Right after this uptempo song is over. Right now it's just too painful to even contemplate.

I'll watch her while wearing my brown boots with the 3 inch wedge heel. Solidly built. I can wear them and be on my feet 12 hours with no problems.

She's dragging him onto the floor to the strains of "Honky Tonk Woman". As she moves toward him, she hikes her shirt to reveal a pierced naval. Maybe she doesn't really need those shoes after-all and just hasn't figured it out yet.

********

My sugar daddy wants to know what I want for Christmas. I'm not really sure. What do I want for Christmas?

I have to go tomorrow to the print shop to get some photos printed...and to figure out exactly how big I can make one of my pics. I'm afraid that I won't be able to go very large with it, but we'll see.

The fog here lately has been incredible. I had to leave Beth and Mark's early because it was so awful out and only gonna get worse. I don't know why this is happening or when it's going to stop; just know that it's been here for awhile and it's been crappy.

We had an incredibly large weekend in Florida with Kymmie. Wow. I didn't spend any time with Mother Mother Ocean, but I did do an awful lot of drinking. I have a new favorite shot. It's a lovely smooth thing that goes down easy. If you're not careful, you could get yourself into some serious trouble with them. I'll have to make them for folks when I get home.

I mailed my Christmas cards today. Or most of them at least. I think I still have two or three to send out. Some of you may not get the cards in time for Christmas, and for that I apologize. I've been lazy. Sorry.

December 13, 2006

We had a party tonight at the Jaycee hut. Had a good time. Did quite a bit of cooking, but didn't have anything to eat. I've been drinking egg nog like there's no tomorrow, though. I made a batch, according to Audrey's recipe, and let me say...it's incredible. A ton of freakin' alcohol in it, but it goes down very smooth. I was told I could bottle it and make a fortune.

The interesting part of the evening was that in the middle of the party, just as everything was gearing up, I got a phone call. From Aunt Imogene. Haven't heard from her in forever, but she called tonight. At 9:00.

We talked for about half an hour or so. She says that she has a bunch of pictures to send me as well as some "books" about the family. Some that she and grandma had written; one that grandpa wrote about his family in Washington State. It'll be interesting to get those things and find out more about where I come from. I really should make time to go by and see her the next time I'm home. Apparently one of her grandson's lives in Springfield. He's about to graduate from college and is a youth pastor at a small church in Pleasant Hope?

I dunno. I really do hope that she gets those things sent off to me. I'd appreciate it greatly.

December 12, 2006

You'd think that since I'm unemployed I could at the very least keep up with my website, huh? I'm sorry. I'm a freakin' slacker weasel, which is nothing you didn't already know. I mean...what did you seriously expect from me? Really. *sigh*

I don't know when I'll be ready to eat a steak again. We're having a party tomorrow night at the Jaycee's and a friend donated a ton of freakin' steak to the endeavor. I was giving the task of trimming it into kabob size chunks. A 38 qt cooler. Filled with meat. Ughhhh. I really don't think I want a steak...for a really, really long time.

Still no word on a job.

Think I'm going to Florida this weekend to see my friend Kymmie. It's not like I have anything else to do. Beth thinks it's a good idea. She says I should take a quilt and sit on the beach for a couple hours, letting Mother Ocean heal me and point me in the right direction. I suppose.

I took myself off to see Apocalypto this past weekend. I know all of the crap about Mel Gibson, but it was a good movie. Violent, but contextualized. I only had to close my eyes and flap my hand at the screen once...when the jaguar was ripping the guy's face off. Ripping a beating heart out of a chest was OK, but the jaguar was just too much. You could tell that the unknown actors had been through the Mel Gibson school of acting (which would probably be one of my main criticisms). There were a lot of scenes that were shockingly familiar. At the end when Jaguar's Paw was kneeling, waiting, I could have sworn I was transported to The Patriot and Benjamin Martin and Colonel Tavish. *sigh*

Good flick, though.

Came across this article in the Washington Post today, and it just makes me furious. What the hell is this administration thinking? Kids aren't coming to an after school program designed to help them pass state tests. But yet the administration has its head so far up its ass that they're seriously considering making the program MANDATORY. Ummmmm...OK. What do kids do after school if they're high schoolers? I went to work. You? If kids aren't getting it during the school day, then perhaps the school day needs to be reorganized. If they're not getting the skills during the school day, then maybe we need to investigate what is being taught during the school day. Maybe we need to pare down rather than pile on.

I get a little fired up. *sigh* It really is just an incredible crock of shit. You know? I wish those in charge of education had a little common sense. Let's go ahead and *continue* to beat the dead horse. It didn't work for the kids the first time (and the second and probably even the third) so let's just ram it down their throats and hope that maybe this time they're not going to vomit it back up.

It's warmed up here. Today it was all the way into the 70s. The last two days I've been for a walk on the Trace. It was pleasant enough. If I weren't so incredibly lazy, I would have strapped my bike on to the back of the car and gone for a ride. I just couldn't contemplate putting the carrier on the back of the car, though. I just couldn't do it.

My girls are hanging close. The Peach has been parked on my shoulder. She's a bit of a chunk, and that makes things a little on the difficult side. I hate to make her move, but I can only handle it for so long before I start to ache. TSLO has been chillin' on the kitchen table chairs. Late last week, they ran out of food. They were tearing each other up in the living room, and I thought they were just playing. Lo and behold, they were actually starving. I gave them some of the sample that comes in the kitty litter and that held them over until I got to the store later in the afternoon. I'm such a bad, bad mom. I try, but you know how it goes. Good thing I don't have real children. I'd be in jail for neglect. *sigh*

I'm gonna be home for New Year's Eve. I hope there's something to do. I suppose, though, if there's not, I can just chill at the home with a bottle of champagne...just like last year. I think I've only ever had one exciting New Year's. And then the recovery was a bit rough. *sigh*

I want to go to bed, but I'm running a virus scan, though, so I can't. Tired.

December 7, 2006

There's another hint of a job. We'll see what happens.

Spent this afternoon and the early part of the evening wrestling with the headlight on my car. I have to do one more tomorrow and then I'll be done. Mark had to help me with the one. Not my fault because it took removing the reservoir thingie, and I didn't want to bother with such.

I drove to Selma yesterday, but I got there too late to really see anything. I suppose that means I need to go again. I got lost...which is OK. I needed to drive. The whole jobless thing is beginning to bother me. My chest was hurting yesterday, and yesterday morning I woke up at 3:30 in the morning in crying pain in the right side of my jaw. I don't know if I got anything accomplished on my drive other than paying for a tank of gas, but I felt a little easier when I got back.

I still need to go to Selma...and see it, though.

It's cold here. I mean really cold. The wind is blowing so the windchill is in effect. With the windchill, it's 24. The coast is supposed to get down to 10-15 tonight, which means we'll be even colder here. Ughh. I've got the taps dripping because the landlord informed me that if they broke, that would be my responsibility. Ummmmm...OK. It's cold for MS.

I'm tired. Not that I've done anything. I did a little Christmas shopping today. Will need to do a bit much more. I'm not much in the mood for Christmas shopping, though.

Helped Beth and Mark put up their tree on Tuesday. We went and picked it out and then I put the lights on it. I think I did a good job with it. It's not a real big tree, but it works. It almost makes me want to go out and get a tree. I haven't had one in two...this will be three...years. But I don't have anywhere to put it in this tiny place. *sigh* I might have to get some greenery, though. Just for the scent. Which reminds me...I need to light a candle.

Anyone need a comforter or sheet sets? That's what's in Hudson's right now. *sigh* It kinda sucks that there's nothing all that interesting. There hasn't been in quite awhile.

peach is sitting on my chest while I'm trying to type. They've both been hanging close since it's so cold. They want to put be on the heated blankets. I can't blame them.

December 4, 2006

Well, there's a hint at a job. We'll see where that winds up. I sent an email to see what all I need to send.

One of the hard things to work out with regard to this job search is my resume. I don't want a teaching job, which means my resume has to be retooled. Even with deleting a lot of stuff, my resume is still 2 pages long. When you get past a certain age, I'm not sure how you boil things down to one page. You know?

I think maybe tomorrow I'm going to go to Selma, AL. I haven't been there, and considering some of the stuff that I have floating around in my head with regard to some of what happened at Dixie. Since I'm here, I might as well go...and since I'm not working...I might as well go now.

December 3, 2006

The annoying boy has made an unexpected and unpleasant return to my life. He has apparently lately been talking to people about our relationship, making it out to be much more than it was (it's been a year dammit...fucking get over it already), and he's been telling others about my piercings, which I am not ashamed of, but I do expect that I should be the one who gets to share that information.

I'm so pissed at him I could spit, but I doubt that would make anything all that much better. Instead, I've been calling him a jackassclown. Jackassclown.

In other news, yesterday was the Jaycee's Christmas parade. Had a good time. Got my picture taken with the Grinch during the kegger afterward and then took the Grinch to Ropers. Good god, I hate Ropers.

Ran into the HB on the way into Ropers. He was with his new love...and apparently it is love (he went to her work's Christmas party last night and is going to the ballet with her today). Good for him.

Potentially awkward situation coming up. Might have made out with someone last night who then decided that he wanted to go home with someone else. Which is fine with me. I wasn't going home with him anyway (I was going to take him home, but I wasn't going home with him). It's interesting in that I'm not hurt or upset by what happened. Strange in that he didn't really want me, but the one he wanted didn't want him.

See...that's the thing...I could tell that he didn't want me, and I don't want to be a substitute. I can accept that. He, on the other hand, was totally not going to accept that she didn't want him. He couldn't wrap his head around it. (I didn't understand it either, but there's no accounting for attraction. The heart wants what the heart wants, right?)

Anyway. I'm tired. Think I might take a nap. Or go for a drive.