December 6, 2014

Today I woke up.  This is about the extent of excitement I had as the entire day was spent glued to screens – whether the homework screen or the Facebook screen.  I swear there is going to be a point in my life where I have no homework and I will rarely be on social media.  I am praying for that day to come quickly (no offense).

Texting with the ex-hubs regarding the cost  of the kids’ “free” school (his bill is close to $1,000 and mine is close to $400), we decided that things are changing.  Enough.

To  consider   - is it better to waste water (especially in the worst CA drought in 1200 years – this little piddling of rain will do very little) in cleaning out recyclables or better to have dirty cans?  Mind you, water is a finite resource. I prefer to save water.  I cringe when I hear about 20 minute showers. And on another topic, just as random (I think about these things frequently) LISTEN, kids, when “more mature” people talk about things going wrong on breaking down on their bodies, because it is TRUE.  It’s just a matter of time before it happens to you, you young whippersnappers. 

Dammit, I wish I had something exciting to talk about.  My brain is on fry-mode (no – not that type of fried) as I’m digging this paper hole.  It would be one thing if I were interested in the topic, but seriously I consider my assessments class much more interesting….  The dogs are the point of either needing to be put on Paxil or they are plotting to kill me so they can be adopted by a fun person, though score one for me – they played together for much of the late morning.  TOGETHER – not just parallel play.  This is important, folks.

Thinking about my niece and how she may (or may not) think of me.  When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to see Tanti and I hope I will be that crazy aunt that she looks forward to seeing.  Thus another portion of my life has passed into phase where I am on the other end of the circle.  Interesting how that keeps happening.  And so..in this last portion of the 5-a-Day, I would like to quote something from a wise sage who is known to millions – Mr. Steve Perry (A Giants fan, might I add):

 <for this last portion you’ll have to view the video>

 Pictures: Two very sad little pups today; A RAD pen my friend Jacqueline gave me in school(I traded her two Brandmen pens) - the ink flow is smooth.  I appreciate a good pen; The video of my fake fire as a I quote Mr. Perry. 

December 5, 2014

In reading this morning, I felt my heart fall when I saw a friend’s post regarding the protests taking place, this one in particular was the traffic being stopped.   The comments on this post made me so damn sad….  We really have no idea what it is like to be black,/African American in this country..to have to fear the police reactions.  Comments on this post were so …racist.  I just don’t fucking get it….  When I lived in Ft. Worth, I lived in an apartment complex where I was one of two -3 white households, and it was NO BIG DEAL.  In fact, if anything, I felt safe because I knew I wouldn’t be messed with by white men, who were far more likely to cause me injury than my neighbors.  Sometimes folks are so filled with fear that it comes out as hatred and that is a very sad things for humanity.

Work resembled a gigantic “Get Out of Jail Free” card when I worked with a student who had experienced a traumatic brain injury and continues to suffer the effects of it.  Granted, a couple of years after mine, I was still very much in the beginning of my battle – though the immediate issues were over:  I could communicate, smile, speak appropriately, etc. and I looked normal.  People who hadn’t known me before might just think I was a truly ditzy blonde.  Yet those who knew me could see that I was not myself – not by a long shot (in fact, it would be 15 years, when I was around 35,  before my mother said I was back to my normal self again).  Yet this person, this student that I read a couple of sentences to  - FOUR times was confused, lost,  thoroughly discombobulated… .  I was blessed.

The day ended on a good note – school ended – which is usually the BEST note.   I was extra grateful for unions today who fought for a 5-day workweek.  Had it been a 6-day week, I would have called in sick tomorrow, guaranteed.  The sky was perfect (cloudy) for a Friday Night Hike.  I grabbed my head lamp – forgot the camelback and we headed into the hills.  I knew the sun set at 4:41 so I’d have about an hour after that before it got too dark.    Pups and I excitedly headed down  a side road, then dirt road.  I brought treats with me to praise Annie when she followed my “Come!” command, but I was also prepared for her gallivanting off after a –whatever-.  WE walked, I looked, felt at peace in the quiet forest all alone.  I love walking by myself.  I get nervous sometimes, but I’m ok.

I was appalled, however, when I came upon a former camp site with shells and shattered clay plates everywhere. I realize the plates are biodegradable, but the shells aren’t, the trash isn’t…WHY DO PEOPLE DO THIS???  Where they never taught to clean up after themselves?  Whose job do they think it is?  Gathering up what I could, so at least it wasn’t strewn all over the place, I started to leave when I couldn’t find …<guess who>..Annie.  I started walking towards the car, calling her name when this time, she answered!  She was caught on a branch in an area with even more garbage thrown everywhere….  Got to the car just as it started to sprinkle and by the freeway, it was very difficult to see.  I am not very fond of driving blindly, though I’m pretty good at handling hydroplaning nowadays <see post 2>.

Headed home where I dropped off the dogs, went to have a carnitas burrito (best ever) and sat outsidein the cool night in my Marmot jacket.  People kept asking me if I wasn’t cold, but no, it was beautiful.   Home where I worked on group paperwork and prepping for the weekend’s paper writing.  Looking forward  to the best night of sleep since last night.  Also, I might consider a larger sports bra and start running a bit…I noticed tonight running HURTS like HELL without “Appropriate Support”.  So tonight, I shall read a bit, chilling with my super rad fake-fireplace which I moved into my bedroom.   The window is open and I'm  listening to the gently falling rain, loving this Pineapple Express ... And on that note, over ‘n out.

Pictures: A heart leaf with raindrops; The beautiful sun-blessed view of Jenkinson Lake;  Mabi is SHOCKED that people can be such asses and leave their trash behind like that.  No concern for Mother Earth at all...

December 4 , 2014

Woke up to a jingly alarm, which made getting up early (though still past my new “healthy lifestyle” time of 5:21.  Today’s GUT was 6) much nicer.  I decided to spend the time finishing up the homework I didn’t complete last night due to having to write and post 3 5aDays….  There is a conflict within:  I like to complete homework and get it out of the way, but at this point my thought process is so cluttered with useless/ful knowledge that my spelling has been affected (which is a pretty bad sign).  This morning, I awoke and finished that homework easily and without issue, but man, I hate doing that.  Talked to my Ex-MIL and made tentative plans on road tripping to Texas on the 26^th….WAYYYYY excited about THAT.

Student was very angry and hostile today…this one is done with class…doesn’t really want to be there.  It is tough with a lot of the kids – they haven’t learned healthy coping skills and at this point, it seems beyond the scope of being able to teach.  Not sure what will happen…guess we’ll see Monday’s IEP changes anything.

Pouring, stopping, pouring, stopping, pouring.  This was the pattern today and I LOVED it.  Was very disappointed to see the cursed blue sky.  I see that thing so much and now that we have a cozy doghouse,  it can rain for the month of December.  I’ve shot that suggestion out to the Universe.

 

            

Back to class….groangroangroan.  After tonight – it's down to four classes until March when I take the last class. (I don’t count practicum as a class).  There was a complete shift in reality when I went to pee and glitter fell out of my pants.  Real.Glitter.  I am wondering if I lead an alternative life of which I am unaware, and if so – I would like to become aware as it seems I am sure having a helluva lot of fun.  I’m picturing New Orleans and floats and champagne (Don’t worry ‘bout a thing – I am the designated float driver…just because I am picturing champagne doesn’t mean I’m drinking it)  Unless  this  secret life involves working in a craft booth – then forget it.  

 

Driving home under a beautiful moon (which made me sad again because it meant a clear sky), but I was listening to CRB the whole way (all of my TED talk podcasts have been listened to so I must download more).  I have a HUGE paper I am working on all weekend… despite having been invited to a Tim & Greg house show….  Responsibility bites sometimes.



 Pictures: A very bright rainbow; Beautiful exhibits of cloud formations ALL day today; A Little Worm Dude that I rescued.  It, unlike the others, is a Survivor.

December 3, 2014

 Since I didn't have the kids, and I have learned about my ability to get ready for a 18 hour day in 17 minutes flat, I set a late alarm for 6:47 and slept a little bit under six hours.  There wouldn't be any yoga today and just a pre-15 to 20 minutes sitting in bed waking up, but it was much better than yesterday morning, minus the adrenaline. I was very grateful for the doghouse we had built Saturday for our canines Who Are Driving Me Nuts,   as the rains, though not heavy, were fairly constant.  What a beautiful beginning of the day.

An interesting musing upon my seeming transcendence into Hippie-ness <new word!> was had this morning.  I can recall my  earliest respect for not wasting from an  early age. Yet I had the realization today, that in  reading  Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (in particular Violet Beauregarde's Saving of Her Gum <placing it on a bedpost while she sleeps, which I did after I read the book>) was quite possibly what launched me into conserving.  I think Violet (or Roald, to be more accurate) is to credit for my Tree-Hugger hippiness.

I really need to find decent make-up, since, at this point,  now that I am 43 years old, I really have no business walking around without make-up the way I did today, because many people were very concerned about my health asking me if I was feeling okay or if I was tired my feelings were a little hurt <sniff, sniff>   I also am FULLY aware that this is a run-on sentence, but I am QUITE tired.

On of the graduates from our class came back to visit today. This kid... that many were so very concerned about...seems to be doing okay and will be heading to Camp Pendleton in two weeks to join the Marines. It was incredible to see this young man standing so tall and speaking so clearly.  He has been working: full-time job, has an apartment,  has a driver's license (though no car) and while that may not seem like very much to some of us, to others it's the world and it's an incredible accomplishment. I can't speak for anyone else, but I was SO PROUD of see  young man starting to make his way into the world.

My back has been hurting so badly since yesterday afternoon, thus the day was spent leaning against a warm heating pad,  working on homework, listening to the rain.  What a beautiful peaceful afternoon ... as an incredible restful  night awaits.  Good night.

Pictures:  I cannot BELIEVE that no one has found Inuit Dude!  He has been patiently waiting in my dried soy bean jar; A wet, blood-red, rain-soaked, leaf; The Blustery Winds marching the branches and leaves left, then right, then up, then down.  Eeyore would be in Heaven.  I know I was.

December 2, 2014 - A Brief Recollection of the Day Honoring my 43rd Sun Rotation.

Last night, the power outage resulted in me going to bed at 7:45 only to wake up at 11:45 in a shock-  thinking it was daytime and I was late for work.  I was not.,.it was that the lights had come on again.  It took me so long to fall asleep that it was three in the morning before I could return to the land of ZZZs and, naturally,  and I slept past my alarm clock waking up at 7:37.  This is 27 minutes before I LEAVE for work.  Initially,  I was frustrated and angry, but I quickly got my MOJO flowing and was ready to go within 15 minutes, which made me feel absolutely terrific!!!  Awesome sauce, indeed, I was the Awesome Sauce WARRIOR!!!

I got to work on time (!!), the rains hadn't really started yet and I had a beautiful handmade scarf waiting for me from Stephanie.  Second block resulted in celebrating my birthday with the class with homemade cinnamon rolls. The day had started off quite shockingly, but was now  a good one with the rain,  coffee cinnamon rolls.  It was so PERFECT!  I had a busy day ahead of me and wasn’t even going home for a breather after work.  As soon as school got out,  I headed to go to my contact lenses ordered,  then to go buy the stupid expensive repair shampoo and then I took myself to Mikuni's for dinner <where I spun the wheel and won a KICK ASS orange sushi chef head tie-doo-hickie-thingie!!!  Then I went to class to study a BORING topic but from a KICKASS instructor.

 

  In class, I got a text from JC asking if I was going to Harlow’s (CRB was playing, but school won).  He had CDs waiting for me… buuutttt…   I checked the distance I had work tomorrow, too, and I am a sissy about my sleep).   Butttt YAY of YAYsss!!  We got out a teensy  bit early!!  So I responded we had just gotten outta  class…butttt I had no ticket, so maybe Christmas shows we could meet up? "There is a free ticket waiting for me at the front door" (!!!)  so I figured I had go.  I’d had TWO cups of coffee in class and I wouldn’t be falling asleep for a while, anyway, so  I headed to Harlow's.  HAPPY DAY!!!!!

It was so wonderful seeing all these people that I had seen at the CRB show in  Vacaville show and High Sierra Music Festival. It’s a whole OTHER music family and I love how much of it bridges over to MH.  I think instead of a Crazy Single Cat Lady, I’ll be that Crazy Single Lady Who Goes to All the Music Shows.  Why not?  I don’t have to change litter boxes and I can dance and sing.  It was a fabulous night and I hit Total Bliss to the song “Rosalie” everybody dancing together and singing together.  It's moments like these that I'll miss when I move.

I headed home, listening to the CRB CDs and singing.  It was a BUSY day…and before I wentto bed, I had to check out all my FB birthday wishes (which is a HIGH POINT in this Crazy Single Lady Who Goes to ALL the Music Show’s life.  IT made my heart BEAM….So many beautiful messages: Junior high pictures, learning of my name carved into furniture (I did that in 8th grade with the initials "G.C." <grin>), the SWEET PMs from across the country...  It means a lot when people take a moment out of their day to honor your life.  It's been a good and exciting first day in this 44th year of my life.

Pictures:  The yummy cinnamon rolls created by Stephanie!; A rain-covered shrub at school; Maggie's Instagram tribute to my Day of Celebratory Earth Rotations!!; Mr Chris Robinson with my Man Crush Musician (MCM) - Neal Casal.   The MAN is LIQUID YUMMY SEXINESS WHO PLAYS A WICKED GUITAR!!!

December 1, 2014

A new month!!!  A new (and exciting) healthy lifestyle!  Therefore,  my alarm was set for 5:21 a.m. (5:13 a.m. is sooo "last healthy lifestyle" routine) and I got up with a little bit of gusto and attitude (no need to go overboard on Day One) to do yoga.  In order to do yoga, one must dress accordingly.  I put on a one-size fits all top (the one in my yoga-in-the-park-pose in which Scott D pointed out a part of my breast was showing.  Sigh...I can't keep track of ALL body parts while meditating.  Besides, ya seen one boob...<insert the rest>).  Anyway - back to the story - MY BOOBS ARE JUST ABOUT TOO BIG!  What.The.Hell?!?!  This is a red flag for "Quick!  Get them girls shrunk!"  No more CBC for me....   <sad face>


  I was using Maggie's yoga mat since I had disposed of mine (due to age and broken-ness) and didn't care for it at all.  It was too squitchy (new word!)  and I didn't bond with its Chi.  Still, I was up.  I wasn't as graceful as a few months ago, but I did notice that my thighs also don't touch (like those fancy model ladies)...when I position them correctly.  <eye roll>

Frustrating day at work with a student.  WHY do WE try harder than this one?!

Headed home to get homework started ...was JUST ABOUT STARTED...when the electricity went out.  Dammit.  I need internet - so I went to bed early: 7:45.  That's why this is only a Four-Today.  

Picture:  The booob picture, which really annoys me because I thought it was a great picture until THAT was pointed out <#ThanksScott>; The beginnings of a winter storm heading our way, which arrives tomorrow SO.DAMN.EXCITED.  <happy birthday to me>