August 31, 2008 by samantha.

So far, my Labor Day weekend has been uneventful. I watched Lars and the Real Girl and loved it. One of the secretary’s at work recommended it and I was hesitant. I did not expect to like it. The plot was too out there. It is about a young man that has no friends and is beginning to become a hermit. Then one day he announces to his family that he wants to introduce them to a friend. I found myself laughing out loud, feeling sad, and just plain puzzled as I watched this movie.

The highlight of the weekend was I finished my current book. I started it Thursday and by Saturday morning I was done.

Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan was the perfect book for the mood I was in. After Rocky’s husband drops dead of a heart attack, she struggles to find a way to continue life. She leaves her home and runs away to an island off the coast of Maine to hide. She begins to work as an Animal Control Officer, but is still struggling to enjoy life again. One day, she happens upon a black Lab that has been shot in the chest by an arrow. Rocky decides to foster the Lab until his rightful owners can be found. As the Lab heals, Rocky beings to heal.

I will admit that I picked up the book because of the dog on the cover. Thankfully the story lived up the the cover!

Posted in Weekends, Movies, Family, Books, Rants | No Comments »

August 25, 2008 by samantha.

I have a new addiction and I blame Monica. Monica introduced me to a new television channel called Planet Green. It is an “eco-education” channel and absolutely amazing. I have learned so much and found so many easy ways to be Earth friendly. I have two favorite shows.

My first is Living with Ed. It follows Ed Begley Jr’s family and how they live eco-friendly. I will admit he is a bit extreme, but I can take what he does and tone it down a bit. His website is also a great reference.

My other favorite show is Emeril Green. I enjoy cooking shows in general, but this one is even better. Emeril goes around Whole Foods and finds people who need some help. He gives them easy meal ideas and still is environmentally conscious. He also explains why organic, naturally grown, locally grown, to name a few, is so important.

There are some other great shows on Planet Green. I highly recommend that you check it out. You can be a couch potato and have fun learning new things at the same time!

Posted in Friends, Rants | 3 Comments »

August 24, 2008 by samantha.

And thank god!! I do not think I have ever been so happy to have summer over. My new students arrive tomorrow and I bet they have no idea what they are in for. That idea puts a smile on my face. As horrible as things have been, I did have good summer. I read a bunch of books, saw a ton of movies, and had some wonderful excursions. Too bad the sad outweighed the good. Like I have been telling myself, this too will pass.

On a few bright notes, I will be officially tenured tomorrow. It is so nice to know in this current economy that I will not have to worry too much about losing my job. A few of us are going to go out to dinner to celebrate our tenure. We worked hard and we deserve it. And now we can really raise some hell!! Also, my trip to France is booked! Yippee!! I will be spending the all-American holiday of Thanksgiving in rude old France! I am so excited. I have not been back in so long and I am anxious to get there.

Finally, I found some interesting news stories that I wanted to share. As you all know, I am a huge fan of Netflix. I read an article this morning that made me begin to panic. Is Netflix bad for the environment?!?!?

I read this one in the New York Times. Do you think of a tatooed, biker guy as an animal lover? It made me cry and smile at the same time. It just reminds us that we should never judge a book by its cover.

And how do we feel about Joe Biden as Obama’s running mate?

Posted in Holidays, Travels, Rants | 5 Comments »

August 12, 2008 by samantha.

All week long I am participating in a school training. Like most trainings, this one is a snooze-fest. It is not as bad as most, but it is far from entertaining. I have learned a few new things, but not enough to make up for the past two days. And I still have three more days to go. Yikes!

Today I had to sneak out early to go and visit my dentist. One of my teeth was causing me some pain every time I ate. I accused my dentist of putting me on a diet plan, but he denied it. It turns out I had a crown that was cracked and needed to be replaced. So, I was numbed up, poked and prodded, and did my best to stay still. All went well and I was able to eat my broccoli for dinner. I asked the doctor what I should take it I was in pain and he said Vicodin. I thought he was joking until he handed me the prescription. To be safe, I had it filled. I do not think I will need to take anything tonight. As of right now, the numbness has gone away and I feel no pain. I think what scared me the most about the whole Vicodin thing is that it only cost my $3.15 to get the prescription filled. For some reason, I find that disturbing!

Posted in School, Rants | 2 Comments »

August 10, 2008 by samantha.

Today I decided to do some investigating. For those of you who do not know, my Roomba has been M.I.A. for about two weeks. I thought I had looked high and low for my dear, beloved Roomba. I accused some friends of stealing it. I even thought someone broke into the house and stole it. Still, I could not find the Roomba. So, I made it my mission to find it today. I moved all the couches and even some furniture. And of course, what did I find in the last place I looked?? Roomba!!!! He was hiding underneath the guest bed. How did he get there? Your guess is as good as mine. I am so happy to have him back. He is back home, getting juiced up for tomorrow’s vacuum.

As for my mood, it has not improved. Tomorrow I begin a week long workshop that should help to get my mind off of things. Summer is quickly coming to an end. I go back to school next Wednesday and then the kiddos come back the following Monday. I have never been so happy to go back to work!

Posted in House, Rants | 1 Comment »

August 3, 2008 by samantha.

I have been meaning to update. I know you have all been checking the site daily, keeping your fingers crossed that you will have a new post to read. I keep putting off updating since I have been in a horrible funk. For once I know the reason why, but I am unable to resolve it. I am trying to shake it and I have had every chance to. My parents were here and we ran all over Southern California doing all sorts of fun things. My birthday came and went. To be honest, all I want to do is cry and hide under the bed. My parents left today, school starts soon, and I will be getting back to my normal routine. That should help tremendously. Until then, I am going to throw myself a pity party. C’est la vie!

Posted in Rants | 2 Comments »