A Christmas Poem

Twas the day before the night before Christmas with little snow on the ground,
Green grass showing through with just a touch of some brown

A day off for me, so sleep in I did
Wearing my Christmas pajamas like a wee little kid

Drinking some coffee, watching the news
Trying to figure out just what I should dos(it's supposed to rhyme)

Just a couple more presents to wrap and make pretty
While watching the dog bark at our barn kitty

Mama baking my favorite- cranberry bread
And papa working hard, as well as our 40 head (of cattle)

Decorations have been hung, cards all have been sent
My wallet is nearly empty, but money well spent!

Tomorrow, back to work I go
Helping kids learn to ski on lots and lots of snow

Yes, I work on Christmas, but don't you worry
It's a quiet day usually, and I drive home in a hurry

Christmas isn't about tangible things that you and I buy
But about love and family and oh The Big Guy

Jesus- that's him- the one we really celebrate
For some that actually sing and eat birthday cake

For my family, we celebrate when all are drawn near
It might not be the 25th, but no problem my dear!

In many countries Christmas is more than one day
They celebrate all month or just for 12 days!

So though I work at Christmas time
I'm not the only one working for a dime

We few are lucky to have a job, to find ourselves work
There are still many who can't find jobs and feel like a jerk

With that in mind, be happy! Be merry!
Just don't eat all the chocolate covered cherries!

Remember the real reason of Christmas- the ultimate gift
A little baby born in a manger, our hearts do lift

With love from Vermont, Merry Christmas to you!
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Boxing Day, too!

Significance

I haven't written a blog for a while. I look back and I haven't written since Thanksgiving. Well, here it is December 17. More than half-way though the month. The fifth birthday of my wonderful niece, Selah. The anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight. Lots of cools stuff happened on this date. And some not cool things.

As you look around and hear all about the massacre at the elementary school in Connecticut, its hard not to think about life and death and our short time here on Earth. A wise person once said that we are all put here on Earth for a reason. At 34, I'm still trying to figure that one out. But what about the 20 six and seven-year-olds? What was their reason? Some might be quick to say that they didn't get to make an impact. Au contraire. Just look at the media with the videos and pictures of these children. They've obviously have made an impact. Let's talk about how.

This tragedy has left dozens of families without their child. It has awakened many other families to the importance of their children and how precious they are. That is such an important impact. To me, this is probably the most important, though many politicians will point fingers at gun control, and educating school staff about safety, and the health field about mental health conditions of young people. While political pundits argue and point fingers about what they think is the root to this evil that was caused, 26 families will mourn the loss of their family member. We can never loose sight of that.

I remember 9/11. I seemed to cry for days and days and I didn't know anyone personally who died. That didn't matter. What mattered was that I wanted my dad home safely with my mom and I. Family. Safety. Love. Those are the things that are important. And freedom. Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave many "Fireside Chats" during the early part of World War II, mostly in efforts to keep the American people calm during such a turbulent time. One of his famous quotes from a "chat" was, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." How I wish that were true.

One other point that I've heard is that this wouldn't happen if we had God back in schools. I agree to an extent- we shouldn't push God out of our schools and then when tragedy strikes, have moments of silent prayer and reflection. The great Satchel Paige said, "Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines." I personally do too much praying when it rains- when things are tough, I then go to God. Many parents are counting their blessings tonight. It's about time! We as a nation need to go back to church, where our communities grew and are strongest. I've heard people say, "this stuff didn't happen when I was growing up." No, it didn't because we had strong GOD FEARING communities- Jew, Gentile, Black, White, what have you. We need to put God back in our lives, not just in parts of our lives. Call me a Bible Thumper, that's fine. If I die tomorrow, I know where I'm going and I'm good with that.

My hope is that we can use tragedies such as these to refocus on what is really and truly important in our lives. What is important to you?

The fourth Thursday in November

For Americans, the fourth Thursday in November is our national Thanksgiving holiday. Canadians, you have a Monday in October. But we have a long weekend, a parade, a dog show, football, and of course, the Godfather Marathon. I'm not Italian, but I love the Godfather. Call me crazy, but I like the loyalty and tradition in killing mobsters. And of course the cannoli. "Don't forget the cannoli." I've been watching the first one and I still seem to miss the very beginning. I'm sure they'll be doing the marathon again.
So back to Thanksgiving. It's a great day- it was a beautiful here in Vermont- a bit warm and very sunny. I should have soaked up some sunshine, but instead I watched some (too much) television and then cooked up a storm.

My wonderful cousin Steffi came up for the weekend and didn't arrive until 5-5:30, so we (I) delayed most of the cooking until later. Most was easy- cooking up fresh butternut squash that my friends Becky and Kurt grew, cooked up mashed potatoes, and cut up and cooked fresh brussel sprouts with onion and garlic. That was easy- just a lot of prep work. My mom made her cranberry and orange relish (it might actually be my father's mother's recipe, but my mom does it proud). She also prepared the turkey and stuffing and made the gravy when Steffi arrived. I made the crust of my apple pie late (after everything else) so we had pie for breakfast and it was de-lish! I'm not a fan of the crust- it had more of a sugar cookie consistency instead of the old fashioned flaky crust- but it had Cabot Cheddar in the crust, so it ultimately was great. (I found the recipe in Women's Day if you want to check it out..)

So now that the eating and feasting is done (though we have tons of leftovers! Whoo hoo!), it is time to think about Christmas. Some wonderful retailers have had their decorations up since SEPTEMBER! They're just eager is all. I can now play Christmas music, decorate with old and new decorations, finish my Christmas shopping, and wrap my gifts. I have just about everyone done- an order from Amazon to purchase soon (make sure I have enough money) and then a couple odds and ends between now and Christmas. And of course ship a few boxes and mail Christmas cards (and a Hanukkah card thrown in there, too)

I AM READY! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Election 2012

I know that the word election makes many of us cringe. Another 'curse' word for me is politics. I hate politics and how divisive it is. I thought politics was a relatively new and horrible concept until I read the biography of John Adams by David McCullough. If you though elections and politics are bad now, you should hear what they did back in John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's day. They didn't have facebook and the internet back then, but that didn't stop them from spreading slander and all kinds of political retaliation.

I'm also not a fan of elections because of the famed electoral vote and the electoral college. We go out and vote today and create the popular vote. Then, our representatives vote "again" initially as part of the electoral college. It's pretty confusing when a candidate can win the popular vote but loose the election because of electoral votes. Only in America can we screw up our own democracy like this. Sheesh.

But then I watch movies like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Dave". Movies about people who might be nieve, but really set out to change the world in their own little way. It makes me have hope in our decisive country of ours- that elections, political retoric, red and blue- all this is not in vain. Just look at our soldiers and servicemen and women- what have they been fighting for? Step back and think about that.

No, it's not just about oil and power. Yes, we are a greedy nation. God, please forgive us for that. But what our wars and police actions and the like have been about for 200 plus years is about Freedom. (ah... I hear the great quote from "Braveheart" now...) All kidding aside, millions of people have died for this simple but powerful word. Freedom. It means we, here in the United States, have a voice. We take for granted this freedom- many won't vote today because of multiple reasons (including the electoral college thing). While they give this freedom the pushover, millions of people around the world would DIE to have such a freedom. And many will, in fact, because of regimes that won't hear their plea.

So please vote. No matter whether you vote red or blue (which is a fairly new concept by the way- thanks to the 2000 election http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_states_and_blue_states#Origins_of_the_color_scheme
but I learned it from "How the States Got Their Shapes" TV show).

Use your freedom that so many have fought long and hard for.

please stay on the line...

My patience is being tested right now as I'm typing. I am currently on hold with the Vermont Unemployment helpline to figure out what the heck my PIN number is so I can make my weekly claim. I tried (multiple times) to redo it online, but it said to call the 800 number. This hold music is nice, but driving me crazy.

I know people use and abuse the system, and so they need to make it hard to get unemployment. I have been what the politicians and news media use the term "underemployed" for the past 6 years. That doesn't mean I've been on unemployment benefits for that long or have even tried applying for unemployment until now. I've always just "gotten by" on multiple temporary and part time jobs- substituting in 4 school districts, part time work where I can. I guess I'm lucky that I have 2 seasonal full time jobs that sort of get me by.

It feels weird applying for unemployment because I want to work. Not that people who are unemployed and apply for help don't want to work, it's just that I'm 34. I have a BA plus 6 credits towards my masters. I am a hard worker and love to work. Have I just not looked in the right area for jobs? Apparently not. I could still be teaching in South Florida. I could be teaching overseas somewhere. But I'm not. I'm sitting here at the computer at a little after noon on Monday waiting for someone to pick up the phone and let me get my unemployment benefits that I've been working for this far in my career.

Applying and taking unemployment benefits does not mean I'm giving up. I may have given up on teaching here in the State of Vermont, but I have not give up on working here in the state that I love. I applied to 3 jobs last week, like they asked I do. I went to my seasonal job's orientation (even though I don't start until December 10th or so). I signed up to substitute teach- just to get by (pay my bills) until my seasonal job starts.

In other words, I'm not a slacker! I might still be in my pj's, but I'm not a slacker!

October

Fun fact for you- October was originally the eight month of the year. Oct is Latin (as you know) and means 8- octagon, octopus, octomom... you get the idea.

I can't believe it's October already. And it's half over nonetheless! I love that word- nonetheless. No teacher told you that you could put 3 words together to make a mega compound word. How cool is that?

What is not cool is that I'm now without a job. My job as park ranger is over for the season at least. I've been out of the park since Friday and I've been going a bit stir crazy. Not that I don't have things to do- today, I changed the oil in my car (and nearly ripped the fancy bumper off). What I'm going stir crazy about is what the heck am I going to do for 2 months until my next job starts- working at Pico teaching skiing.

What kinds of jobs are there for 2 months? I could work on a fishing boat that goes out for a month at a time. Um, yeah. I've seen "The Perfect Storm" as well as read the book. Nope. Next!

I was thinking of working for an artist or crafter while they get ready for the holiday seasons, but then I have to leave right before Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Boxing Day. Not great on the customer service end of things...

I've never applied for unemployment, so I'm thinking that's what I'm going to try to do anyways. I tried to start the other day, but I think my boss has to "fire" me sometime this week before I can officially try for unemployment. Weird. But if I have unemployment, then I can do some traveling. I can visit my friends in Rochester and Syracuse, NY. Visit family and friends in Maine. I wish I could afford to visit my family in Georgia, but I'm not so sure. We'll see.

I guess all my nervousness and anxiety over jobs is all for naught. I have work. It just happens to be seasonal work. It pays the bills. It gives me something to do. Should I still be looking for a teaching job and pursuing that? I'm not sure. I love kids and learning and teaching. The education system has put such a bad taste in my mouth about teaching- all the bureaucracy (which is in just about every job, I'm sure) and ugh... thinking of all kinds of bad words to put here, but will refrain.

I just wish finding something that you love to do wasn't so hard! I'm sure I'm looking at this a bit too microscopically, but what can I do?!? You go to school thinking that this is what you want to do in life, and find out that paying bills and life itself comes first. Someday, I'd like to teach again. Maybe it won't be in a classroom setting, which is ok. I'd just like to be a teacher again. WAIT! I do get to teach! in about 2 months!!! I get to teach skiing! **hand to forehead moment... pardon the interruption...**

With that craziness, I leave you with another fun fact for the day.
*More American Presidents were born in the month of October than any other month (6). They are:

1735 – John Adams, 30th

1822 – Rutherford B. Hayes, 4th

1829 – Chester Arthur, 5th

1858 – Theodore Roosevelt, 27th

1890 – Dwight Eisenhower, 14th

1924 – Jimmy Carter, 1st

Read more: http://purpleslinky.com/trivia/strange-october-facts-and-trivia/#ixzz29VRYsCRF and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Presidents_by_date_of_birth

A walk in the woods

I went for a hike yesterday. Whew- I am out of shape! But I obviously want to get in shape for ski season, so I can at least attempt to ski with my fellow instructors (when there's no one signed up for lessons).

Anyways, I headed to Branbury State Park where, across the street, there are lots of trails. I had hear the trail to Rattlesnake Cliffs was one I had to do, and just beyond that was the summit of Mount Moosalamoo. I started through our campground, where there's a "nature trail" that goes up and over a bunch of cliffs and rocks (not as crazy as it sounds) and meets up with the Falls of Lana trail (the other side of Sucker Brook is the Silver Lake Trail). Here's a link to the maps- too many to cut and paste here- http://www.moosalamoo.org/Hiking.asp

There are 2 ways to Rattlesnake Cliffs (and no, there isn't any rattlesnakes). There's the Aunt Jenny Trail (harder I've been told) and the Cliffs trail. I took the latter. There were many trees down (many meaning 5-6) throughout the hike and it felt more like a steeplechase than a hike at times. I met up with a group of people who, angered me. Angered isn't the right word- perturbed maybe? Anyways, I'm hiking up and they have stopped in a not-so-good place~ in the middle of the trail and didn't even bother to move over. So I said "Excuse me" and gently pushed through. I had to stop a bit further up and they passed me again, talking the whole time. Seriously, didn't they get the memo that I wanted peace and quiet with God and nature?? apparently not. hmmph. I passed them again and hiked as fast as I could to get away from the din of their voices. I had a feeling they would be going on the overlook trail, so I kept going to the Moosalamoo summit (apparently another mile beyond). I never did see the summit because I was so hungry and tired I had to stop. I'm sure I wasn't far, but the trail started to go down and I didn't want to go up again. I found an overlook to the east- and here's what it looked like:

So I ate my snack and headed to the overlook. Beautiful. Here's what the overlook looked like-

my initial view from the top- the water is Lake Dunmore

Beautiful Addison County

Along my hike I spotted these things- they look like something out of a Doctor Seuss book:

And then I hiked back down to my car. I was thinking of going the easier but longer route back to my car, but I said naah... I'll go back the way I came- over cliffs and rocks. Well, I didn't go back the way I came because the trail wasn't marked well! At least it made a loop back into our campground and I knew where I was. 4 1/2 hours total was my hike. Whew. I've got blisters on my heels (my socks weren't thick enough) and my legs are toned. I need to do that more- say, once a week- before ski season. Maybe this will be the year I learn to to moguls! Um.. no.

My walk in the woods
 (Bill Bryson's book by the same name is pretty good.. just saying...)

25 things you didn't know about me...

1. I used to pretend I was Ginger Rogers or Gene Kelly and dance and slide around on the linoleum when I was a kid.
2. My first concert I remember was Peter Paul and Mary.
3. The first CD I ever bought was Pearl Jam's 10 at a pawn shop. My first and only time at a pawn shop.
4. My first new CD was Green Day's Dookie.
5. I got glasses when I was in fifth grade. I broke them playing tether ball the next day.
6. I'm pretty good at trivia and name that tune.
7. I learned how to drive stick, but got my license on an automatic when I was 19.
8. I've been to 25 states and 4 provinces (so far).
9. I first learned to play the flute when I was 9. I learned the drums/percussion at 13 and the cello at 15.
10. I'm right handed and left eye dominate. (aka weird)
11. I like most all music- the exception being thrasher metal and gangster rap.
12. I've had a dream of working for LL Bean since I was a little kid.
13. I learned how to ski when I was 18/19 years old. (no, falling down a kajillian times at Mad River Glen at 13 doesn't count)
14. My parents tell me I used to wake up at night and roam the house when I was real little. They cut my door in half (Dutch Style door) to keep me in.
15. My first car was a 1984 Volkswagen Quantum. I t-boned it in Pittsburgh while at school in the area, and got stopped by a cop in New York State because I had a huge hole in my exhaust coming home at Christmas. Vera the Volkswagen.
16. Yes, I name my cars. Vera, Silvia (silver Ford Escort), Mr. Miyagi (Mazda Protege), and Blue? (Toyota Matrix)
17. I never met my real maternal grandmother. I had the best step grandmother that I thought was my real grandmother until I was a teenager.
18. When I was a kid, people thought I was Indian (now called Native American) because of my dark hair that my mom always put in braids and skin (in the summer) and I dressed up as one every Halloween for 3 or 4 years.
19. I am the baseball fan of the family and started collecting baseball cards when I was 9.
20. I've been to 7 major league ball parks- Fenway, Old Yankee Stadium, Montreal Expos Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium), Dodger Stadium, and Toronto.
21. I'm a big U2 fan but have only seen them once.
22. I'm also a big Van Morrison fan. Must be an Irish thing..
23. I've been to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, France, and the Netherlands.
24. I love getting mail and sending mail- cards, packages, post cards.
25. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. It seems like I only get older, but not grow up. Maybe it's not a bad thing... the jury is still out on that one...

September, I'll remember

Wow. September 10th already! This summer sure has flown by. I've done lots and still have lots to do. I've made 2 batches of pickles- dill and bread & butter, made a couple of pies, made my birthday cake (if you want a good one, you do it yourself, right?). I still need to make some strawberry jam, homemade bread, more pickles or relish, and of course some pies for Thanksgiving. Even though that's 2 months away...

It's getting cooler- in the upper 30's here at night tonight. Almost snowmaking weather! The leaves are starting to change. I wore jeans for the first time since April or May today. Almost time to break out the sweaters and corduroys! For now, it's sweatshirts and fleece jackets. I was thinking about starting to knit today. Last year, I knit 2 hats (or 3), usually I only do scarfs, so I'll have to find a new project to knit this winter. I have to finish the socks that I started a few years ago... not an easy project to do. Maybe mittens this year? who knows...

I'm moving up in the world (a little). I have a new title- Assistant Ranger until October 16th at the state park. I get to do night rounds- starting once a week then twice a week. I get to stay in a "house" at the state park. I say "house" because there are more mice living there than people. And the stove is literally falling apart. I tried cleaning the bowl things under the burners the other day and three had rusted through. At least I have one and a refrigerator and a comfy new bed. And a dehumidifier. And a radio I'm going to abscond from the garage. And a flashlight that can double as a weapon. Tomorrow is my first night on duty, so it should be blog worthy.

There's no TV (which is fine) and I have a laptop that is Windows 98 and doesn't read CDs/DVDs anymore, so I can't use it. I think I may give it to my nephew to take apart. Or not... we'll see. I have a couple of books to read- the last of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, a (hopefully) lighthearted book about geography nerds (like myself), a detective book based in Vermont, and the very highly publicised book about the Navy Seals killing of Osama bin Laden. I wanted to get it on 9/11, but since I have night rounds, I got it today. So many to choose from... I think I may read the Navy Seal book in honor of those who gave their lives that day and for the 11 years since.

In 2005, I went to NYC for my birthday to see the Red Sox play at Yankee Stadium (the house that Ruth built). Luckily, I survived. While touring the city, my friend Liliana and I went to the Twin Towers site and I took this picture. Please, never forget 9/11.

This just in...

I got an A! I got my grade report for my course yesterday, but got to read it today (because I paid an extra $50 to get it done fast). Whoo hoo! All that hard work paid off! Yeah, procrastinating pays. not really.

So a few days ago, I got a letter from my friends at the Vermont Department of Education telling me, sorry, but you're too late and we won't accept your license renewal paperwork. I had emailed them prior telling them my situation- that I got an extension until August 11 (when the dept of ed wanted my grades by). I didn't get a response, so I finished my course and paid the extra money to have my grades looked at quickly so I could send it to the lovely pencil pushers in Montpelier. Right after I completed my course and was awaiting the results, I get the letter. Crushed. Angry. Bitter. No, not the lemonade ingredients. So AHA today I emailed the woman at the Dept of Ed and gave her my grades "regardless" (just in case) and told her that if I needed to go through the wonderful (yes, that is the sarcastic word I chose) relicensing process again, if they could tell me exactly what I needed to do. If I needed to start from square one and take another professional development course (i.e. a master's course) or not. I ended with a nice "Thank you for your time and I hope you are enjoying the beautiful sunshine today" (that was an honest statement, not sarcastic). So I await with baited breath AGAIN for the lovely pencil pushing paper filers in the wonderful capital city. Blah.

On another note, I finally went to the local library tonight and picked up some books I've been wanting to read. No, I did not get the "Fifty Shades of Grey"... I'm not that kind of girl.... I wanted to finish "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series with the last book "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest". I also wanted to pick up a book or two by Vermont author Archer Mayor who writes detective novels set here in Vermont. What got me interested in him is the last time I gave blood, one of the giveaways was for a chance to be a character in his next book. How cool is that??? I have started enjoying mysteries more and more and hope to enjoy these.

Other than working at the park, making dill pickles on my days off (yumo!) not much else is going on with me. Hope all is well with you wherever you are!

I'm done

The title says a lot. Here's the list-

1. I'm finished with my graduate course to (hopefully) keep my Vermont teaching license! I finished August 10 at just before 10pm. I had to send it to an online page to have it checked for plagiarism (of course there wasn't any) and then emailed it to the school. Yippee! I can now read books for pleasure again!
2. Today, for the second time this summer, I was out raking the hay for my dad. Beautiful sunny day- not too warm. A bit of a breeze. Great for drying hay. Didn't the clouds turn gray and start rolling in and start raining?? grr... The National Weather Service said only a 10-20% chance of rain. Well, I was in that percentage. Just wish the Megabucks had those odds.
3. I just mailed 4 letters today to the 4 school districts that I had been substituting in. Only 2 call me on a regular basis, but I thought I should send the other two a letter as well. The letter told them I would no longer be available for substituting. My rationale is this- my current job has me working until October 8th or 9th. My winter job at Pico doesn't start until December at some point. That only gives me about 2 months or less without work. I don't want to put my name in just for 2 months. Not sure what I'll do, but I won't be working in the school system.

I think that's pretty much it. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to head down to Bennington and Brattleboro area to visit some breweries and also to go to Wilmington where I first worked as a flagger. While I was down there, I found some broken pottery pieces that I'd like to return to the Town. I know someone would appreciate it. I can't believe it's been a year since Irene happened. It will be good to see the reconstruction down in that area as well. I also want to get my own "I am Vermont Strong" license plate. It will mean more to me to get it down there then just at my local store up here. In case you don't know what that is, here's a link and a picture of the plate. I'm sure some of you out-of-staters could buy one, too!
http://www.iamvermontstrong.com/ and http://vtstrong.vermont.gov/

Blog update- Rochester and Toronto

This past weekend, I went to a family picnic (not my family, but my friend's family) in Rochester, NY. I went to school in Rochester for 2 years and had forgotten what a long drive it is out there. It also doesn't help when you're stuck in traffic in Lake George for an hour. At any rate, my mom and I got there, got scolded for being late (honestly, I wasn't in a hurry to get out there- sorry Becky, Rose and Suzi) We had fun watching the kids beat up the adults in whiffle ball. I guessed the closest in the "Guess How Many" game and won a big back of cheese balls that I traded for a container of skittles. And I had to try to keep my Pie Princess Crown by eating a piece of pie the fastest (for the girls). However, I lost (graciously), but I got to crown the winner. I have no picture to prove this fact, so you're just going to have to trust me on that. Here's a picture of some of the family-

The next day, I had to get up early so I could heat to Toronto to a Blue Jays came with 14 or so other people. I had never been to Toronto (only Niagara Falls on the Canadian side). Suzi had prepared breakfast to go for us all (and luckily I had made myself an instant coffee prior- they don't drink coffee, poor souls) and off we went. After making a few pit-stops, we got to the border and had to wait 10-15 minutes through traffic. Not bad, since it's a major border crossing. Off we went, around the lake (Ontario) to Toronto. I didn't realize that we had to drive around the lake to get there. It was a nice ride.

Toronto is a nice city (what I saw of it). It was clean and kind of reminded me of San Francisco for some reason. Maybe the walking/biking path along the waterfront and the cleanliness. Anyways, we parked in the garage (underwater!) and walked along the waterfront to the stadium. Here's some pictures to show you the area- it was a bit cloudy that day.





Toronto!



It's pronounced "Ro-gers" with a soft g


 

The Main gate



who knew they liked baseball in Canada?

Suzi and Dave, the masterminds behind our trip

the view from our seats (huge stadium!)

Starting pitcher, J Happ

the Blue Jay's man, Edwin Encarnacion

Third Baseman Yan Gomes- The first Brazilian Major Leaguer

Jeter (booo)


 



Blue Jay's Win! 10-7



and here's a great highlight from the game- http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/rajai-davis-nabs-great-catch-excellent-leap-even-131847363--mlb.html?fb_action_ids=10150971162972003&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%2210150971162972003%22%3A10150992461997601%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210150971162972003%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D&code=AQD-kLlKJxTmvMZNkSl85yrQBqEVCQdcwRs7Xyq7gTgArGCWdYDY2KQm0cWDkW5aJ4oUR9bsqBQpugeQ4t_AQ2L1P1-MJsDrv3BZzYfFTwt5hM_nk5k_U0V-hg6Wr7lsB5rBsd1p4PXZvUFfbBDkqe36MepqP_dWLZa5zGBBi0iYfWIdssHLDeni0EqruxP1EfE

Monday, my mom and I headed back east to home. It was a whirlwind trip, but it was great. Good to see everyone- especially my friend who just had baby #2- William Chesterton Griffen. Such a cutie! Did some errands in Burlington today- gave blood, bought some presents, a bit of food. Back to 10 hour days tomorrow! It was nice to have a weekend off!

All in vain?

So yesterday, after spending a wonderful afternoon at the lake with 4 of my little cousins, my mom, and my cousin Becky, I look at my mail and there's a letter from the State of Vermont Department of Education. Uh oh. Not good. They are waiting to process my teaching license renewal until they get my transcripts for my course. The letter stated that if they didn't get my information by next Friday, that I'll have to go through the whole process again. (pay ANOTHER $120? no way!) So, I get mad and frustrated and try not to think about it. I know what I have to do. So this morning, I email the woman and tell her that I have extended my course until next week and I'm not sure when I'll get my transcripts. I asked if she could extend my application further or not. I'm not holding my breath.

Then at work I was thinking, ugh, I should have ordered my course in November or December and I would have had it done by now and wouldn't have to worry about this stuff.

But I was also thinking, is this a sign that I'm not supposed to be doing this? Or is this a sign that I need to perservere that much longer (whatever that amounts to)?

I've made up my mind about one thing. I'm going to finish this stupid coursework and feel good about it. The State of Vermont Department of Education can kiss my... no, that's not nice. It's not their fault, it's mine. I didn't get my stuff together to get this all done earlier/on time.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. It's hard not to dwell on the past, but to learn from it. God will provide me with a job doing something- that's all I have faith in right now. And that my car won't fall apart driving to and from work.

rain rain, where are you?

July 22 already. Whew! The days are just  f  l  y  i  n  g by. Fairs are coming up soon. And then, back to school for most people! For me, just work and sleep. Occasionally I try to work on my course papers that are due August 11th... Rarely do I look for teaching jobs. I'm so close (sort of) of finishing this course, that I don't want to finish because I know I won't get a teaching job. I will finish, because I've been taught to finish what you've started. Wow- I just had a déjà vu moment- I feel like I say this in every blog I write. For those of you who actually take the time to read this, I sincerely apologize for being insane. (saying the same thing over and over and expecting something to change- wait, are we all insane then??? hmmm... I wonder...)

In case you've been hiding under a rock or spelunking in some sort of cave, it's been a hot summer here in the US. Most of the country is under drought conditions. Vermont and the northeast is soon going to join that list if we don't get a good couple of days of rain. The lilac tree/bush that I can see from my window is withering away. Our lawn is brown and crunchy. Same with the lawns at the park where I work- brown and crunchy. Aparently, a rain dance is in order.

Oh and my car (Mr. Mazda Miyagi) is officially kaput. So I got a new (to me) one! I haven't named it yet (speedy??) but it's a navy blue 2004 Toyota Matrix loaded with all kinds of cool stuff like a moon roof, 6 CD changer, SIX SPEED manual transmission, tons of room for skis and stuff... I'm happy. I just need to stay working so I can pay it off! My current job goes until early October and ski season starts early/mid December. So for 2 months I'll be panhandling and picking up bottles on the side of the road. Just kidding! I'll actually be doing something constructive I'm sure. What? not teaching or substitute teaching. Possibly waitstaff somewhere. I'd like to know for sure what I'll be doing 3 months from now, but I have realized that God laughs when I (we) plan ahead because IT NEVER HAPPENS THE WAY WE PLAN IT TO BE. So I shrug my shoulders, take a deep breath, and say ok- whatever happens, happens.

Now that I've updated my computer (it just took 8 hours), I'm going to get off and go water my very thirsty veggies and flowers. Maybe I'll have to take my car for a drive to the lake to cool off!

add name of car here->

I knew it!

Don't you love it when you do something, only to have something bad happen right after- like what you did was all in vain? I had a feeling that would happen. Again.

First, my car. It is 13 years old and had a good life (I guess). My radio broke 2 or 3 years ago. I just had my spark plugs and brakes and struts changed within the past 4-6 months. And guess what- it still is falling apart! I've been researching new cars online and test drove 2 today, only to be more confused as to what I want. I thought for sure I knew what I wanted- a 5 speed Ford Fiesta Hatchback with such and such options with cruise. Well, of course they don't have what I want, but "they can get it". Of course they can get it. But how much is that going to cost me? Ugh. I'm not up for games, but I sooooo need a new RELIABLE car!

Second, teaching. Last week, I mailed my $120 to renew my teaching license. Got an email the other day that they just need a copy of my professional development (my course) when I get it. Yesterday, I emailed and called and paid to get an extension (because I'm a procrastinator/slacker) on my course. And to top it all off- I got a call this morning from the principal that interviewed me tell me I didn't get the position, but that I was one of 80 something that got interviewed. Yes, I am fortunate to have been interviewed. I'm just sick of all the crap I have to go through to get one! The woman who got the position, the principal told me, had more experience. She also told me that times are tought and good luck. Is that supposed to make me feel better???? I've been doing this for 6 years. SIX YEARS!!! I'm sorry, but I have to vent. This crazy pursuit is driving me nuts and I'm fed up with it.

I just about always finish what I've started. My parents taught me that. It took me 7 years, but I completed my bachelor's degree. It will take me a month or so, but I will finish my course. I will finish out the season at Branbury State Park. But after October 9, I will be pursuing something different. I'm not quite sure yet, but I have to do something. I've been a teacher. Maybe that's all God wanted me to do. I just wish I knew what He had up His sleeve.

It does the heart good

Whew! What a busy past few days! 10 hours is a long day at work, but luckily I get to do different things throughout the day and everyday is different. Yesterday we had 2 graduation parties, a family reunion (or two) and a local community players party at the park, along with people checking into the campground that was booked because of the triathalon (that was this morning) and Canada's holiday weekend. It was busy, but fun. It had gotten cooler in the afternoon, which I think kept some of the crowds away. There's always next weekend!

Earlier, I was checking my emails and my facebook messages and saw that I had a message from a Juan Rodriguez, a student of mine from Liberty Park Elementary that I had for a month before they moved me from teaching fifth grade to first grade. Here's a copy of his message:

Hey Ms. Park, this is going to sound very strange to you but I know you, although you may not remember me, I do remember the good times I shared with you as a student at Liberty Park Elementary School. You taught my class and I for a couple of months I believe before you had to switch classes for some odd reson I can't remember, nonetheless, in the short time shared with you, you were extremely loving and caring as a teacher and friend. Just today I stumbled upon a few of my Elementary School Report Cards and I saw your name and with it an influx of childhood memories returned. I'm 16 now and a soon to be Senior in High School and I feel as though I have you to thank for being such a kind person in my life, from listening to The Beatles in class to teaching us about the world around us, you were always a great teacher.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Juan Rodriguez
P.S. I hope this doesnt sound too creepy haha
P.S.S. I hope you're the right Moriah Park and not some other one, if this is the case, sorry for bothering you.

I messaged him back letting him know that yes, I do remember him and what a huge honor it is to be remembered as making a difference in his life. Isn't it amazing what a few words can do? Juan may never know how much his words have meant. As the title says, it does my heart good to hear this from a wonderful young man and former student. He has made my day, week, and year! Thank you, Juan!

there I go thinking again...

The drive back home Sunday got me thinking a lot about what the heck I'm going to do this fall. I had been asked a bunch of times at the wedding by some folks I knew but hadn't seen in a while what I'm doing for work. How embarrassing to say that I still dont' have a full time job with all of these successful people around. What am I supposed to do? And as always, I've been thinking about this for a week or so (no, longer). I haven't been actively looking for teaching jobs (I have been busy, you know). I also haven't been working on my course to keep my teaching license. I haven't been making time for it. I have enjoyed learning new things, but something always keeps me thinking, why am I doing this? In the words of the great singing duo the Righteous Brothers, I've "lost that lovin' feeling".

And it's not like I don't have reason to just walk away from teaching. I've taught for 2 years in South Florida. I've been a paraeducator (teacher's assistant). I've been a substitute kindergarten through 12th grade for the past 6 years. I've done my time. I've played the game. I don't want to do this anymore. I know that I am a great teacher and I love kids and love teaching them, but I don't like the games teachers and applicants for teaching have to go through. I apparently have to be a teacher's assistant in a school and put in my time that way for a school to hire me. Teacher's aids don't do what teachers do! We photocopy, cut out various things, do playground and cafeteria duty. Sometimes, we actually do teach- such as a reading group or help students that are struggling in math. If I would have stayed as a paraeducator, I probably would have health benefits (which I haven't had for 5 years) and most importantly, I would have a teaching job right now. But I don't play their games.

So here I am; a 33 year old, living at home, with $10,000 student loan to pay off (pretty good compared to some others, I must say). I am blessed with a job, albeit a summer job. And, I have a job interview tonight. I am not looking forward to it because I'm having this anxiety/crisis/what have you. Not sure what I'm supposed to say to the folks that will be there. I just have to think and pray hard before I go in, and tell the truth and tell how I feel as nice and kindly as I can. If I don't get this teaching job, no worries. I'll be ski teaching this winter I'm sure.

I wish there was a Starbucks nearby... There's a few in Maine... and that's another idea. For another day.

Saturday's Wedding

This weekend, I was part of my best friend's wedding in Syracuse, NY. It was a beautiful day and she was beautiful. I had my hair and nails and makeup done like the dutiful maid of honor should. I admit, I did enjoy having my hair and nails done. The make up? not so much. Ugh. From what I've read and seen, it's not about the bridesmaids. (thank goodness!) It was my friend's day- her day to shine and be beautiful and happy. I wish them all the best together!

The art of leaf blowing, picking up goose poo and wrangling gosslings

It's been a busy week here at Branbury. Memorial Day weekend was a busy one, so there was lots to do Tuesday when I got back. It was pretty quiet- no one camping much after the weekend, so we cleaned campsites, the waterfront, and bathrooms. BUT on Tuesday, we had terrible rain and wind storms throughout Vermont. Just up the road was a reported tornado- unheard of in hilly Vermont! Wednesday, we surveyed the damage- a few campsite had major washouts that we couldn't fix with just a shovel and rake. We called in for a tractor and load of rock to repair the sites, which came on Thursday.

On Thursday, I spent almost 2 hours picking up goose poo on the waterfront grassy area (we don't have much of a "beach"). There was a lot of poo. Thank goodness for the pooper scooper!

 


After the poo, I got to leaf blow the campground area that had leaves and rocks in the road from the storm. There really is an art to leaf blowing. Depending on which side you want the rocks and debris on, you blow on a diagonal across the road, moving back and forth. I thought that the closer the hose end was to the road, the better. I have learned otherwise. If you hold the nozzle about knee to waist high, you get more surface are being blown at (it's hard to describe in words- I'm going to find a video that might explain better...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UmAY9tL0h0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CYdiU1sMwc

The first one shows a guy using it on a road with rocks- holding it closer to the ground probably because he doesn't want the rocks all over the place. The second video is of a lady/girl blowing leaves-pretty straight forward. When you have debris on the road, you just go back and forth and back up and go forward until you get the debris moved to where you want it to go. And most of all, you look and feel like a Ghostbuster!


On Friday, I helped clean bathrooms and found out that our swimming area had high counts of bacteria so there would be no swimming. I watched hundreds of school children figure out what to do without going into the lake. It was interesting. I cleaned grills and dumped ashes in "the pit" and worked in and around the office. I'm sure I did other things, but I'm tired and the week is a bit of a blurr right now.

Today, Saturday, was National Trails Day- a celebration of hiking trails in the National Forests and State (and probably National) Parks. Admission was free and we had activities including free ice cream (Ben & Jerry's Phish Food!) and Smokey the Bear and the Emerald Ash Borer show up for the festivities. This is all about the evil ash borer-  http://emeraldashborer.info/ So an exciting, busy day at the park, right? Ah- no. Rain and really chilly temperatures today kept lots and lots of people inside. We had more state and federal employees than outside visitors to our festivities. Oh well. Free ice cream and a day of not much to do is ok by me. We all worked hard throughout the week that today was a nice little break from the craziness. Oh and at the end of the day today, Heather, the campground host, chased (kindly) a gosling across the street so it would head back down to the waterfront and hopefully to it's family. It wasn't getting there very fast, so I walked behind it as it peeped (not honked or quacked- it was still pretty young) all the way down. It had a hard time walking over the curbs in the parking area, but we made it down. I got it to go in the water, but I couldn't see it's family anywhere nearby. I went in to check the bathrooms and when I had come out, it was back on the grass hunting for food. I left it alone and hoped the rest of the gaggle (I almost said herd, but that's cows and sheep) would come by soon and they'd all swim away. That was my gosling wrangling for the day. Yee haw!

Not only were there the adventures that I just explained, but we didn't have a truck to go around to pick up and move equipment and people and garbage bags for several days this week. On either Thursday or Friday (I'm thinking it was Friday, but again it's a blurr) we got our park golf cart and I was the first to use it. Wicked fun! The assistant ranger when I had picked him up asked, "is this as fast as it can go?" So I floored it. We'll be having some fun with that for sure this summer. Hopefully we won't break it.

So, that's my week in a big nutshell. I was going to write a cool Memorial Day blog, but I didn't get a chance. I spent the day weed whacking around the farm and getting poison parsnip in the process. not good. I've also been doing some thinking about my teaching career- I'll get into that another time. For the centillionth time, my patience is wearing thin. That's all I'll say about that right now.

And yes, centillionth is a word. I looked it up to make sure.

Summertime in the park

The past few days at the park have been busy getting it ready for our opening weekend. And I've done all kinds of jobs from weed wacking and weeding evasive garlic mustard to power washing moss on pavement to leaf blowing more than once to beach raking to cleaning bathrooms to mowing (I actually got to on Friday before we opened!!!) to checking people in for day use to checking in and out boats on our waterfront. Just call me Miss Versatile!

Thursday we were cleaning and mowing and making everything neat and tidy before we opened on Friday. We had had a 93 foot tree that had fallen into a campsite that had been cut up, but we needed to move it by tractor or some big machine before we opened. We were hoping to get it cleaned up Thursday, but we got the machine Friday morning. And on that morning, as the guy was unloading a small dumptruck load of stumps by the Park Ranger's house, one hit a wire causing an electric wire to arch and our power to go out (and almost causing our garage to burn up- but we shut off the breaker before that happened). Luckily, we could contact the power company which wasn't far away and they got us up and running quickly (thank goodness). We cleaned up the campsite and all was good. What an opening day!

Yesterday (Saturday) was busier because of day-use. We are both a campground and a day use park where people can come in and picnic and swim for the day or camp overnight. This weekend has been really great weatherwise (really hot though for May here in Vermont).

Today is my day off- much needed for me. It was great to sleep in and to check my email and apply for teaching jobs that I've been neglecting- though not intentionally- to do. I have tomorrow off as well, and already I have a list of things I need to get done- weeding, making raised veggie garden beds, going to the Vergennes Parade (if it's not thundering), and a few other things. At least today will be a relaxing day. As I sit here and type, I have my window open and the breeze flowing in feels mighty nice.

Time to go and enjoy the day!

Toilet Tuesday

Today was my third day at Branbury. My morning was spent moving picnic tables, raking leaves, mowing with a push mower and weed whacking what I forgot to do the other day. I got yelled at by the volunteer for making a mess from mowing. Note to self: don't mow at Branbury anymore.

Right around lunchtime, it started to rain, so I got to clean bathrooms- ALL OF THEM. There were 3 of us, so it went rather quick, and of course I felt like the third wheel (the new guy... odd man out... insert your own cliche here ->). The good news (I guess) was that I could leave a half hour early because after rearranging the cleaning supplies and the boat house, there wasn't much else we/I could do because of the rain.

Tomorrow, Middlebury College is having a picnic at the park, so we'll be staying away doing things in other parts of the park. We have a few campsites to rearrange fire rings and picnic tables in and cut and split a 93 foot pine tree that fell in a campsite that we need to move before we open on Friday. I'm sure there's other stuff other than that, but I'll be kept busy for sure (which is always good). I'd rather be busy than wandering around trying to figure out what I should be doing.

Today- wait, let me back up. Yesterday I got a call from Hardwick to call the principal back about my interview. Dreading it, I didn't want to call her back and wondered why she didn't just say on the answering machine that I didn't get it. (what a positive attitude I have, eh?) I don't have cell signal at work, so I called her back when I got home (after drinking an iced coffee- yum- hit the spot). She called me back about 15 minutes later and indeed, told me I didn't get the position. She was very nice about it all- probably the nicest person I've interviewed with- telling me I did a good job and that I have a lot of experience but they basically found someone with more experience that didn't have to train much but could just walk into the position. Then she said, "Aren't you discouraged? Have you or are you thinking of going into another field?" I told her, yes, I have seriously thought of it and still might. But I told her that deep down I still feel like this is what I should be doing, so I don't give up. Then she told me not to give up and that the school district may have openings this summer and if she doesn't fill her librarian job, she'll be giving me a call. She's such a nice woman to have taken the time to talk to me like that and not just "thanks anyways". I still cried after I got off the phone, but she was nice to me.

Tomorrow's a new day. Not sure what it has in store for me, but I need to get some sleep to be ready for what the day brings. A new day of pursuing patience.

My New (summer) Job

As some of you may already know, I have a new job- albeit (my new favorite old word) a summer job, but it pays the bills. I am working at Branbury State Park for the summer as an attendant (level 3 out of 4- the assistant rangers are ahead of me) I started my new job last Friday. I pulled an evasive weed that is edible- garlic mustard- out of the campground area and learned about the computer system and checking in campers and the like. I also met the couple who are the campground hosts for the season- they stay at the campground for volunteering in the park 30 hours a week. I think that would be a cool gig to do, if I had a camper and a way to pay my bills. They're a younger couple (40 or so years old) and interesting. I also met the girl (she's younger than me, so I'll call her a girl) who's the head interpreter- the person who gives nature talks and hikes and educational programs. She said I could help out when I had time, which will be fun. Overall, it was a pretty good day.

Saturday was my second day, and I knew I would be weed whacking- something I think I'm pretty qualified for. (I was an outdoor product equipment tester for many summers.) I did that until lunchtime and then weeded and mulched around trees until my day was done. Saturday was a very warm day (hot for Vermonters- 82 or so) and we had a lot of people-mostly college kids- "jump the fence" and come in the campground to hang out and swim. There's nothing we can do to stop it, but we do have the bathrooms locked because we just don't have the people to staff the bathroom and clean up the park, too.

I had 2 days off, and tomorrow I start my week. We open Friday for the season, so that should be interesting. Hopefully I don't screw up the camping reservation part too much (I'm a little nervous about it, but there's a few people to help out there, so I'm not too worried.) Tomorrow it is supposed to rain, so I'm not sure what all I'll be doing- cleaning and checking bathrooms and hopefully more inside stuff, but we'll see. Everyday will be different I'm sure.

Also on Friday, my friends from Rochester, NY came to see the Champlain Bridge celebration, which was a dud. It's too bad, because it was a beautiful weekend, but I think that might have been part of the downfall- lots of other things to do instead of going to see a bridge celebration. They were hoping for a 5-10,000 people and I don't think they came anywhere near that number. The craft vendors there were bummed and my friends were a bit bummed too. They said the fireworks were good (I didn't go to that) and it was good to see them.

Busy weekend, and this weekend will be even busier being the holiday weekend. I'll keep you updated with my adventures at the state park and my teaching interviews. More to come soon!

interviews

It has been quite a while since I've written on my blog. Not a whole lot has happened since March. Here's a quick recap:

1. The ski season ended abruptly (it always does I guess). Instead of finishing up April 1st, we ended March 18th. Hopefully next year will be better for the tourism industry here in Vermont.
2. I started my college course on literacy in the fourth through sixth grades. I procrastinated writing a paper for a month (just like undergrad and high school!) but got that one finished. Only 1 month and about 16 more to write!
3. Since my early departure from ski school, I've been back subbing (though not every school has called me back to sub, which is fine I guess). I've kept busy.
4. Besides procrastinating my college coursework, I've been applying to teaching jobs and looking for summer work. I applied for a state park job and got it! I actually start this Friday as a State Park Assistant III which means I get to wash toilets, mow lawns, check and clean campsites, and check people in to the state park (the busiest one in the state, by the way). I'm actually excited because I love working outside and helping and meeting new people!
5. My friend Christine from college is engaged! (finally!) I'm not exactly sure when it happened off the top of my head, but they were going to plan a fall wedding, but Christine's future sister-in-law is having a baby in the fall and Christine doesn't want to take the spotlight away from the baby and family. So, they decided to have the wedding in June! I'll be the maid of honor, so I have a toast to write (suggestions???) and weight to lose so my dress looks awesome! Exercise, here I come!
6. As I said earlier, I've been applying for teaching jobs as well. I think at one point I had over 30 applications out to schools all over Vermont. As usual, I've gotten many rejections which has put that little seed in my head that asks, "Why bother?" and then I go and sub at a school and I answer "this is why". Well, I've had 2 interviews so far this spring- one in Irasburg (not far from Jay Peak and Canada) and today I interviewed at Hardwick Elementary (north of Montpelier and east of Burlington and Smuggler's Notch). Both interviews I thought went well. Irasburg called a week after the interview to tell me no. Hardwick told me that I'll be hearing by this weekend or early next week. We'll see if I'm what they're looking for!

I hate interviews. I never know if how I answer their questions is what they want. I mean, I don't want to lie, but I never know what it is that they're really after. The principal at Hardwick when she notified me of the interview actually prepped me for what kinds of things they were going to ask. I did my research (which took most of a day) and wrote down things that I knew I would be asked. I was still really nervous and actually was late (aw crap!) because of the weather and construction. Luckily they seemed welcoming despite my tardiness. They understood that I lived over 2 hours away (I hope) but I was still a bit nervous. I hope it went well because I so want to teach, but just want to do what God wants me to do, you know?

Tomorrow is my last day of subbing unless I get a call to sub on Thursday, but I kind of hope not so I can get some -ehem- coursework and cleaning done before my new job starts Friday. I am subbing for my kindergarten teacher who has been teaching second grade for the past few years. She retires at the end of this school year to enjoy her grandson and her family. I'm so happy for her, though it is sad that she's retiring. She's such a great teacher- one that I strive to be like someday.

Until then, I will strive to be less of a procrastinator.


"If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it." ~Olin Miller

Sunshine in March

Wow, I can't believe I didn't blog at all in February! Well, actually I can believe it. I didn't make time to write and I didn't think I had anything to say that had already been said. I still feel that way, though I'm blabbering on as I type. But I do have some news! Whether it's good or bad, you decide. Or it will be decided for you.

3 things. 1, I've applied for 9 teaching jobs so far. One is a long term position from May until the end of the school year (a month and a half total), and the others are various teaching jobs around Vermont. I haven't heard, but tomorrow's Town Meeting Day here in Vermont, where school budgets are passed or voted down. That will decide whether they can hire certain people or not. I hate waiting, but that's my pursuit.

2, at the end of January or early February, I ordered my continuing ed course/master's course to keep my teaching license. I got it in the mail a few weeks ago and haven't done much with it. I haven't been motivated to start it and have started having regrets of even ordering it. Finish what you've started, is what I've been told by my parents and others many, many times. So I will. regretfully? maybe. Once I get going, I'm sure I'll write all those papers and do what I'm supposed to and get all into it. I can't help but feel that all this is in vain. Waiting so long to get my own classroom here in Vermont. Will it ever happen? I don't know. But I've already paid the $400+ so I might as well do something productive. Once I get my computer monitor back. (stupid story, I won't bother you with the details.)

And 3, we have 2 baby calves so far! Zorro and Zelda (I think that's her name). More to come!

A sunny Monday afternoon here in Orwell. And it's almost 5 o'clock and the sun is still up for a half an hour or so! whoo hoo! Daylight savings is this Sunday! Awesome! Baseball/softball season is here. (sorry snow fans, spring is here!)

proof that spring is coming!

Happy January!

Here it is January thirty-first already. One month down, eleven to go. How time goes by so fast without you even realizing it?

I heard someone on the radio just now talk about New Year's Resolutions. My "goals" have sort of been going well. I have been cooking one thing a week. I made my dad oatmeal cake for his birthday (Grandma Jane's recipe- let me know if you'd like a copy. It's pretty awesome), I made sticky buns which were ok, not like my pastor's wife makes. I may have to try it again, but we'll see. My mom made turkey soup from scratch so I made quick biscuits to go with. I made woopie pies, and wasn't thrilled with the recipe I used. The cake was flat (too wet) and the filling was too hard. And of course, I've had to sample what I've made which made the ten pound I had lost come right on back. Dang nabbit. I think I may have to scratch that "goal" from my list or at least change it from desserts to anything but.

My job has been quite surprising. It seems that all of the hard work put into revamping the kids program early in December is seemingly for nothing. Our busiest day so far was right before New Years when we had about 30 kids. It was a crazy day, to say the least. We should have had more days like that. This past Saturday we were busy again, but only 20 kids in the morning that for some reason dwindled to 4 or 5 (maybe 6?) by the afternoon. Not that I necessarily blame parents/grandparents. Our winter has been awful until yesterday (we have gotten 6-8 inches in 2 days which is amazing). We don't have a daycare, hours and staffing has been cut tremendously to save money throughout the resort. It just seems like no matter what job field I'm in, there's always a problem with money. I know it's everywhere- in every job field, but it feels like I'm Eeyore with the black rain cloud following me around sometimes.

I've been fighting a cold for a week. Sunday it started getting the best of me and I left work early to go home and sleep (which is ALWAYS good medicine). On my way home from work yesterday, I bought vitamins, zinc lozenges, and Alka-Seltzer cold medicine. After taking lots of zinc and Airborne (good stuff), I feel much better; a little stuffy, but so much better. I ate lunch with a family who had sent their daughter to ski school for 2 years and the dad told me to take zinc to get better. Good stuff! He also told me a story about being turned down for job after job, getting sick, landing in the hospital, getting out of the hospital and interviewing for 2 jobs and getting offered both. He told me, "In other words, don't give up on what you want to do." Funny how God talks to me- though others when I need it most.

So following his advice, I went online today to sign up for an education course to renew my license but there's a snag. Trying to pay via credit card, they didn't have my experiation date. Is it another sign?? Or am I looking to much into it all? gosh.. why does everything have to come with speed bumps! I don't like slowing down or not knowing where life is taking me!!!!

I should have gone to the library today to get the second book in the "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" series. I'm listening to my new Adele CD (21) currently. Good tunes- she's so beautiful and has such a beautiful voice and songs. I also purchased one of my last U2 CD's for my collection- "October" (the delux edition, of course) and Frank Sinatra's "Best of the Best" and George Michael's "Listen Without Prejudice". An interesting combination of music, if I do say so myself. I loved that George Michael album when I was in junior high. I have it on tape somewhere... hahaa....Gotta have Frank! And the U2 album is a great early punkish one of theirs. A little treat for me. yeah.

Well, it's starting to get darker and colder. I have laundry, knitting and a 70's sci-fi movie calling my name. Day's off are good!

lazy day

Today is my "Saturday"- the start of my "weekend". I work Thursday through Monday and consequently have Tuesday and Wednesday off to relax and do non-work/non-skiing things like sleeping in as late as I can (usually 8 or 9), making pancakes just for me, reading, checking emails/facebook, doing laundry, paying bills, etc. It is nice, however, that on my day's off, the bank is open when I need to put in a paycheck. Good stuff!

I've been finishing the book "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" most of the day and haven't done much else. I need to finish knitting a hat for a friend of mine who is living in England for a few months- the girl I met on the train from Australia. She saw me knitting so I thought I'd send her a hat to keep her head warm from the damp. I had better get it done before summer! I also have thank you notes to write. My parents thankfully instilled writing thank-you notes when my brother and I were young. We hated writing them, but now I love them and think of myself as old fashioned in this new technology age where everyone texts (except me) and emails. That's so impersonal but yet I do it because I have to. There's just something about a hand written note (or typed- those that got a Christmas card from me).



Freeport Town Wharf



I should have gotten my thank-you's finished a few weeks ago. Last week on my "weekend" I went to Maine to see a friend of mine before her last chemo procedure. She had lung cancer, but had surgery and chemo to take care of it. My mom got a call from her yesterday and she said it was her worst bout of chemo and if she ever got cancer again, she would NEVER have chemo. Ugh. that's not good. I was so glad that I got to see her. I also got to spend some time at LLBean and drive though the real town of Freeport- off the beaten path. Good times.

bull moose at LLBean

Long drive, but it was a great 2 days. And all I bought at LLBean were wool socks that are thin enough to wear with my clogs. Gotta be warm!

On my ride either to or from or around Maine, I was thinking of my "bucket list". I have it written somewhere- things I want to do before I die. You know you have one- maybe it's not called a bucket list, but it's a list of things you'd like to do in your life. I can't find mine, but I know some of the things on it and I came up with a couple more-
(in no particular order)


1. Go to see all of the Major League Baseball Parks
2. Go to all the state capitals
3. learn to surf (in Hawaii)

4. Ski Tuckerman's Ravine (and live)

5. Go to every lighthouse in Maine

6. Go lobstering (set and bring in traps)

7. Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center

8. Go to an opera in Italy

I know there's more, but I can't think of them right now. So do share some of your bucket list!

where's the snow???

One week down.... 51 more to go in 2012!

I hope your first week of this new year has been good. Work at the ski hill has been slow because of the up and downs of the weather. It gets cold enough for us to make snow, and a day later it melts because of rain. grrr... I just read/heard that we're supposed to get a big storm this weekend which will be great because it's Martin Luther King weekend. Most people have Monday off- not all schools do. Let me give you a little background.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist and preacher in the 50's and 60's. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 and the great band U2 wrote a song Pride (In the Name of Love) about MLK. Last year, Dr. King (yes, he got his PhD in theology/philosophy) got his own memorial in Washington, DC. We celebrate his birthday, January 15, on the 3rd Monday of January. All federal and state offices observe his birthday and are closed. When I was in elementary school, we went to school on his observed birthday and we learned about what a great man he and other civil rights activists were. About 15 years or so ago, Vermont decided that all schools would have that Monday off so that kids/families could observe the day together and go to various MLK celebrations. Recently (+/- 5 years), Vermont or at least Addison County Schools decided that kids WOULD go to school that Monday to learn about MLK, but would have the following Monday off as an inservice (teachers have meetings, kids have off). At least we learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he did for our country.

Enough of the history lesson for today. I finished work early because no one was skiing.We had some kiddos this weekend, which is good. Yesterday was exciting. My computer's network connection has been giving me problems on and off since we opened mid-December. Yesterday I totally lost connection. Usually, I would go over to the box zip-tied to the wall and unplug it and plug it back in, and it reconnect and be fine. Not yesterday. The guys at Killington IT know me well and I'm sure never want to talk to me again. I'm not stupid when it comes to computers and I try to figure things out on my own (I amaze my parents at my computer knowledge- "you can change the background picture? How'd you do that???" that's me, amazing Moriah) So, back to my network computer problem. I need to connect to the Killington network to see students who are coming in skiing, sell tickets, look at instructors schedule and private lessons... lots of stuff. The great guys at IT came down TWICE to save me. I now have a wireless internet connection (that went on and off a few times today, but I got it back much quicker without a call to IT) and the internet connection connects much better and is faster which is always helpful. No more unplugging and plugging back in the power source!! Whoo hoo! It's the little things that make my job a wee bit easier...

How are your goals for 2012? Thank goodness I didn't have a resolution/goal to loose weight (I do, but I didn't write it because that's just cliché) because I think I've gained the 10 lbs I lost 2 months ago! darn holiday cookies and candies...  but I have been working on my 5 goals or at least #3. New Year's Eve I made Tortiere (French Canadian Pork Pie) and that was pretty good. The other day- Thursday- I made a pumpkin roll. I had never made a jelly roll before and didn't think we even had a pan. Of course we did. Whew! The pumpkin roll was pretty good, too, by the way.

Saturday, my mom wanted to make a soup. She cut up carrots (that I grew), potatoes, onions, garlic, celery while cooking a few pieces of bacon to mix in the soup later. When the bacon was done, I cooked the veggies in the bacon fat (can't waste good oil!). While that was cooking, I put the left over pumpkin that I didn't use in the roll and another can in a pot with some heavy cream and a can of chicken broth and mixed that well. Add the veggies, salt and pepper and cook until the potatoes are done. I crumbled the bacon, stirred and scooped out the soup and put shredded cheese on top. ooh... good stuff.

Not sure what's next for the cooking item of the week. Woopie pies maybe? mmm.... haven't had one in a long time. I have to get on the other items on my list- 1. money for a course... I get paid this week and need to look at what courses I might be interested in that I have to take. blah. #4- grow something- I need to look at my seed catalogs and get ordering. #2- go somewhere new... I'm still working on that- the year's still early. And I'm always working on #5- having fun! Hope you are too!

I think I'm going to get back to knitting... stay warm and pray for snow (at least in the mountains!)