Focus Please!

2002-02-12T18:27:00.000-06:00

Hey all...look for this space to move, and soon! *g*

2002-02-11T18:25:00.000-06:00

I wish my freakin' period would start already! (yes, the most obvious reason has already been ruled out...but dammit, I'm sick as shit of spotting! I've been doing it for almost a week!)

Which John Cusack Are You?

ZK always finds the most interesting quizzes! Of course, this was one of my least favorite movies with John Cusack in it. Notice that I said "with John Cusack in it" rather than "John Cusack movie". There is a difference.

If you happen to pick up this week's issue of People Magazine (it's the one with Greta Van Susteren on the cover), be sure to check out the article that starts on page 72. The kids depicted in the article go to my school, Ridgeview Middle School. Curtis is on our team. It's a really awesome article-here's the tagline: "When his widowed mother died, Corey Bell turned grief into action: He and his wife took in eight of his orphaned brothers and sisters." And I do have to say, Corey and Millicent are the most awesome people you could ever hope to meet...and such an inspiration.

2002-02-10T07:53:00.000-06:00

Good morning all! Well, my butt is up and out of bed...wanted a chance to visit with my friends before I get on the road this morning. I need to leave here by 9 so I can be home by noon 'cause Ron's family is coming down and we are going out to celebrate his birthday (his actual birthday was Friday, and he and I went to Macaroni Grill, but today was the day his mom and his brother could come, so we're going to Alamo Drafthouse to see Black Hawk Down, I think. There was another choice, but I can't remember what it was right now.

And oh yes...the other thing I was going to blog about here rather than on the porch. Let's just say for right now that it has to do with the future generation of Cunninghams and leave it at that. Nothing's happened just yet...at least that I know of, so we'll see. If it happens, then I'll tell the full story. *g* I know that probably won't satisfy some appetites out there, but that's the best I can do for now...

Anyway, have a great Sunday...I have the day off from school tomorrow. Well, actually I have to go, but the kids don't, so it's always pretty pleasant when that happens. LOLOL

2002-02-09T17:27:00.000-06:00

Hey...comin' to you live from my friend's house in Arlington, Texas, where I and another friend have converged for the weekend. We just updated The Back Porch as well as a brand new look here, so check it out! Later-we're off to Red Hot and Blue!

2002-02-05T20:12:00.000-06:00

I've been trying for DAYS to get here. The past couple of days, I couldn't login to blogger. Don't know if it was blogger's problem or my DSL's problem. Oh well, I'm here now!

Not much to report. I have brownies in the freezer 'cause it's my grade level's turn to bring snacks for a meeting tomorrow. We just watched That 70s Show, and I have three more days of school this week. Blecch.

2002-01-28T18:14:00.000-06:00

After a thrilling weekend...

Actually, the weekend was pretty good. Friday night was spent at Happy Hour with Julia, Sue, Patsy, Rob, and Margarita(s)....then on Saturday, I paid bills, hit the grocery store, got my hair done, and we went to Ron's fire department banquet. It was okay this year (I thought last year's was better), and I got mucho compliments on my dress and hair! My hair got cut a little shorter than I had planned, but it's okay, 'cause I think it's really cute. I don't know if Ron likes it or not, but at least he hasn't filed divorce papers like he's threatened to whenever I bring up cutting my hair...LOL After the banquet, we went to Ropers, which is a country dance club not too far from where we live. It was okay...a major meat market. I stood in there remembering my college days, dressing up in Rockies and western shirts and looking for guys. I am soooo glad those days are over with. Never again, I say!

Sunday was spent sleeping in since we were out till almost 1, which is something we never do. Did all my laundry and walked the dog. That was the extent of the excitement....although I did cook a big meal with almost all new recipes. Spinach-Mushroom Salad from Southern Living and two recipes from The Kitchen where Chris is a member. I made Dijon Chicken and Macaroni and Cheese. I'd never made baked macaroni and cheese before, you know, like when it's in a casserole. It was okay. I actually think I prefer my way of doing it, which is just throwing some Velveeta into hot noodles and stirring until it's all melted.

Today...today was a day. Not a bad one, just one of those glad-it's-over-with days. I seem to have more and more of those. Is there something wrong with me? Don't answer that.

2002-01-24T17:42:00.000-06:00

Been trying to get caught up on TOS...there's quite a bit of new stuff there. And as usual, I'm simply trying to stay organized, period. Full stop. I know I owe you and you email, and I'm sorry I'm being such a slug. I was able to check two things off my "to do" list today, and that was a great feeling. I'm hoping this weekend to check off even more! Got our property taxes sent in today...that's always fun to see your savings account dwindle down to practically nothing. I also got bus approval forms for the UIL academic meet, so that's one less thing to worry about on that front.

AND I get to go to TMSA this year! It's a statewide conference for middle school teachers. I've gotten to go the last two years. The first year I went it was here in Austin, and our entire staff just took a staff development day and went to it. Last year, it was in Corpus Christi, and I went with my friend Kelli that I was working with at the time (we're both at different schools now, but she called the other night and we made tentative plans to see each other at this year's conference! Tres cool!). Both of our husbands were able to go too, which made it that much more fun. Unfortunately, Ron won't get to go this time, BUT...I'm staying with two of my very very close friends, and there are a TON of people going from my school that I hang out with on a regular basis. So it's going to be TONS of fun! I'll miss my hubby, though...but since he got to go to San Antonio for his fire conference two weeks ago, I can go to Houston for a teacher conference, right? AND I'll have just gotten paid when the conference starts...heh heh heh

2002-01-21T18:53:00.000-06:00

I've decided what I want my web site to be about. Recipes and home-type stuff. If I could make enough money doing it, I'd be a Pampered Chef consultant full-time. And, as I found out yesterday at Austin's Home and Garden Show, Southern Living magazine has started a company called Southern Living at Home. They sell things featured in their magazine. And they're looking for consultants. I'd love to do it, in a heartbeat, but I just don't think I'd make the kind of money I'd need to. So I can satisfy my creative urges by designing and maintaining a website devoted to that kind of stuff.

Strength training tomorrow morning is abs and shoulders. I think I must have done the ab exercises wrong last time, because nothing hurt afterward. Every other day I have definitely felt the fruits of my labors, but not when I do abs. Weird. Chest and thigh exercises are what I feel the most.

Had a nice, boring day at home. I needed one of those to just recharge, you know? Ron was off too, and we spent the day happily doing nothing together. Well, we did a COUPLE of things together....*veg*

2002-01-19T20:14:00.000-06:00

Can't figure out why the Velma picture isn't coming up...it worked fine the other night...

Just got done watching the newest episode of Trading Spaces. I thought both rooms were VERY well done. Sometimes, that's not the case. But both designers did a beautiful job (IMHO)...but one homeowner was so upset she ran out of the room crying and didn't come back. I felt so sorry for her...but, well, I don't know...just but.

So now I'm sitting here with my Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi happily pecking away at the keyboard while Grease plays in the background. I cannot WAIT for the day they release it on DVD. My guess is, they'll wait until next year, which will be the 25th anniversary. And it'll be some special edition packed with all kinds of extras that I'll just have to have. I can't wait! *g*

I've just stopped myself for the nth time quoting lines along with the movie. LOLOL

2002-01-17T17:21:00.000-06:00

Via ZuKeeper:

Take The Scooby-Doo Test!

Somehow I figured I wouldn't be Daphne. But moving on...

Ron is at class tonight. Arson Investigation. Which means I watch Friends and CSI by myself. He is so bummed that his class is Thursday night this semester and that he won't get to watch those shows with me. It's really kind of cute. But I promised to tape them both so I can always watch them again!

I'm debating on what to have for supper. I've been doing better with my eating habits and I don't want to completely blow anything. I've also been waking up at 5:45 every morning to exercise. Yes, you heard me. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E. There's a program out called the 8-Minute Workout, and I figure, hell, I can do anything for 8 minutes. Each day, you focus on a different group of muscles. Today it was thighs. It turns out it's better if you exercise in the morning, because it boosts your metabolism so that you burn more calories during the day. Did not know that. I don't have the book yet, but the guy's been featured on Oprah, and I've been using what's in the magazine that I picked up. So far, so good. Sunday is even a day of rest, LOL.

Well, I'm going to go read the paper and find something relatively okay to eat for supper. Have a great evening...and I know I owe you an email. I'm working on it. Promise!

2002-01-16T21:12:00.000-06:00

Via Chris, who got it here:

Wine or beer? I'm not picky. Heh. Depends on what mood I'm in and the kinds available for consumption.
Mustard or Ketchup on Hot Dogs? MUSTARD...preferably of the spicy brown variety, with dill relish
Spring or Winter? Spring...we don't really have winter in Central Texas, unless you count the five or six days the temperature drops below freezing.
Cinemas or theater? Cinemas...it's not as noticeable if you have to walk out because the performance sucks.
Gold or silver? I like both...right now I wear more gold.
Footlose or fancy-free? 'Cause I gotta cut loose...footloose...
Lasagna or spaghetti? Lasagna...I have the BEST recipe, from Taste of Home, if anyone wants it.
Spinach or carrots? Carrots, but I like spinach salad and steamed spinach.
The number 2 or the number 6? 2
Pink or purple? Neither...I'm a primary color kinda gal!

2002-01-15T17:48:00.000-06:00

Good news and bad news on the work front today. I like bad news first, so...

I missed a Very Important Meeting this afternoon. See, instead of principals coming into our classrooms to observe and evaluate us every year, we use a system called ABC, or Appraisal by Collaboration. My particular group is doing a book study, and today was our first meeting. Well, guess who forgot. I'm only in the same group as the principal, for crying out loud! I had kids staying after school with me and I just completely forgot. Rob, the AP, said it's not that big a deal, just to do my questions and talk to the P tomorrow, but I feel so stupid. It was marked on my calendar and everything...just felt like a big doofus.

Good news, though: My team impressed the superintendent today, along with all the other middle school principals in our district. They were having a meeting at our school, and made a tour. My social studies kids were using the laptop computers all on their own (which they like to see, rather than the teacher standing at the front of the room saying 'Click on this. Now click on that.', etc. Our science classes were doing a lab using microscopes, and our language arts classes were doing literature circles, where kids choose the novel they want to read and meet with other students who are reading the same novel. It's just like our little ABC groups where they collaborate and talk about what they have learned. So that was good for all the bigwigs to see as well.

Chicken enchiladas for supper tonight...must go see if the chicken's thawed out yet...

2002-01-13T17:57:00.000-06:00

From the "Karen's Body:Strange but True" files...

I started yesterday. Now, you may ask yourself why this merits mention. Well, I haven't had a period since the last week of October. That one was medically assisted. The last period my body produced on its own was in June. I have no idea why my cycle is so messed up, but I've never been regular in my life except for when I was on the pill. It really sucks never knowing when it's going to come...thank God it was a Saturday, I was at home, yada yada yada.

Am waiting anxiously for Ron to get home. He's been in San Antonio since Friday night, and I miss him! Although I do like sprawling out across the whole bed, I like it even more when I'm woken up in the middle of the night by Ron cuddling close to me and pulling me towards him. We both sleep much better together than apart.

And I'm behind on The Back Porch. What else is new? Maybe this week will slow down a little bit. Just maybe.

2002-01-12T13:28:00.000-06:00

Back home...after a whirlwind week. We were in Fort Worth Thursday and Friday for Margie's funeral. Got back home yesterday around five, then Ron had to pack and leave right away for a fire conference in San Antonio this weekend. He'll be home tomorrow night sometime, probably around 8 or so. I've got a little get-together tonight to go to at my friend Sue's house, so that's cool. And I got a ton done this morning-dusting, cleaning bathrooms, laundry...whew! I'm pooped! Of course, I also managed to squeeze in time to watch Trading Spaces...

I've now got some candles lit around the house...Orange Vanilla and Bird of Paradise from Circle E Candles, which are made not far from me in Mason, Texas; a tri-layer candle of apple pie, blueberry torte, and vanilla something from The American Candle Company (I think), and of course, Cinnamuffin and Toasted Marshmallow from Liz. Those were a gift (aside to gift-giver...BLESS YOU!!!! *G*)

And I much appreciate your offer to let us stay with you while we were close to your 'hood. There was just too much to do and too little time to do it in, ya know? We were there just about 24 hours.

I think I'm just going to relax with a couple of new magazines after I blog hop...then get ready for the party about six or so...have a great day!

2002-01-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I'd said I wouldn't be here over the weekend, and I wasn't. *g*

The past two days have been a nightmare. See, Ron's favorite aunt, the one who gave us a wedding shower when we got married, passed away very suddenly Friday afternoon. So we went ahead with our weekend, got back late Sunday, and both went to work yesterday. I then went to the mall after school to find funeral clothes, since Ron was asked to be a pallbearer. Today I was out all morning at a district meeting, at school for the afternoon, and left around 5. I'll be at school tomorrow but not Thursday or Friday. So I probably won't be here, either. Not sure yet.

Anyway, I'm pretty tired, and the pounding of the keys is literally making my ears pound as well. Night.

2002-01-03T21:51:00.000-06:00

Eek! And found via Meagan:

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

I LOVE POOH!!!!! I knew there was a reason!

2002-01-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

Interesting Google searches of late:

"Celebrities Prefer Going Bare" Um yeah, I'm sure they do...most of them have the bodies for it.
"X-rated Karen" WTF?
"X-rated Christmas cards" Just what I want to find in my mailbox...a picture of mistletoe hanging from somewhere it's not supposed to be.

2002-01-03T19:58:00.000-06:00

Saw Garth Brooks on Rosie O'Donnell today (Caroline Rhea was sitting in for Rosie). I can't believe he's really going to retire-I kinda feel it's just a publicity stunt. But is it just me, or was his old stuff far and away better than the stuff he's put out lately? His latest, Scarecrow, isn't bad, but Sevens and Fresh Horses did absolutely nothing for me. The last CD he did that I listen to beginning to end is In Pieces (the one with Callin Baton Rouge and Ain't Goin Down till the Sun Comes Up on it). Speaking of CDs, I was supposed to burn one for you a long time ago, but our CD burner is not cooperating. Sorry about that, sweetie-but we'll keep trying!

My bra gave me a rash today.

We're going to Rosenberg, TX this weekend to visit my aunt and uncle that we didn't get to see at Christmas 'cause I was sick, so I won't be online much, if at all. Maybe Sunday night, but it will just depend on what time we get home. Hope somebody comes up with a good Friday Five tomorrow-hmmm, maybe I will for change! Night all-it's CSI time!

2002-01-01T17:01:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My latest test results from Emode.com say:

What Flavor Are You?
Mmm ... peppermint! Crisp and refreshing, you're the flavor of candy canes and after-dinner mints — everyone's favorite comfort candies. If you were a season, you'd be winter — bracing and energizing, but cozy, too. Your honesty and forthright personality make people feel like they've known you forever — they can't help but be drawn to your sweet, fresh nature. Perhaps a little old-fashioned, and occasionally shy, you're generally happy and well-liked. Traditional and invigorating, you're a truly tasty treat. Damn…why couldn’t I have been dark chocolate? *g*

What’s Your Celebrity Look?
Sultry Look-Who's that out way past her bedtime? You and your Sultry Look are no strangers to the nightlife. Chances are very good that you'll be caught wearing something that shows off your figure but still keeps 'em guessing. Decked out in dark mascara, deep ruby lipstick, and the most daring of dos, you're cutting loose and capable of causing the best kind of trouble. It's ladies like you who know how to take sexy right to the edge and back again. Like your celebrity soul sisters, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, you've got no problem showing off your assets for the crowd and letting them know just how beautiful you can be. After all, when you know how to work it, why not use it? Um, yeah…me and Jennifer Lopez as soul sistahs? I think not…

What’s Your Perfect Car?
Karen, you're a Convertible!-Ooo wee! You've got the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and anyone with two eyes wishing they could nestle into your passenger seat. You're all about top-down, Convertible fun. We're thinking '69 Mustang, '64 Corvette, or Mazda Miata, in cherry red, of course. The car for you embodies youth, freedom, and summertime excitement. You've got a wild outlook on life and are always game for a good time. Since you're comfortable being the center of attention, you zip around town looking sleek and fresh, stealing flirty glances from your rearview mirror. Being so sexy and open, you attract friends, love interests, and joy riders wherever you go. It's no surprise if some hot number pulls alongside to challenge you to a little drag down Lovers Lane. You're the classic party mobile so crank up the music and hit the open road. Which is weird...because while I’ve only ever ridden in one convertible my whole life, I didn’t think it was all that. I prefer SUV’s, like my Rodeo. Emode, wake up! You don’t know me at all! LOL

2001-12-30T13:31:00.000-06:00

Okay, yeah, so my blog looks like crap. Sorry about that. If y'all can deal for about a month or so, it will look better eventually, I promise.

I sooo do not want to go back to school this week. At least we only have kids for two days, so that's doable, right? I have very much enjoyed my time off with my hubby, and I'm not quite ready to give it up yet.

The past two days have been pretty uneventful, hence no blogging. We did spend lots of time with our friends Craig and Julia, though, and their boys, Jack (who just turned 3) and Clay (16 months), so that was a lot of fun. Julia and I went looking at model homes yesterday, which is something we both like to do but can't drag our husbands along with us. It was pretty cool-houses in the 300+ price range will make anybody's jaw drop, LOL.

Anyway, getting ready for my brother-in-law to stop by with his girlfriend. They just returned yesterday from a trip with her parents-skiing in Park City, Utah. I'm glad Mike came back fully intact-he is rather accident-prone, and I'm anxious to meet his girlfriend. He broke up with the last one back in June, and started dating Melissa in September. Ron's mom really likes her, so that's a good thing.

TTFN-have a great Sunday!

2001-12-28T16:18:00.000-06:00

Still working on those graphics...

2001-12-26T07:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, somebody tell me how the hell my blogger password got changed?!?! I haven't even been here since Sunday! There's something fishy going on, methinks...

Anyway, check out the Porch for more later on today, but my Christmas was okay. If you count having the stomach virus from hell all day Christmas Eve as being okay, that is. Christmas wasn't much fun for either me or my darling hubby (who took such good care of me)-rather, I would say terrifically brutal.

Did anybody else catch the Trading Spaces marathon yesterday on TLC? Since I really didn't feel like getting out much, that's what went on around here. My parents came to us instead of us going to them, and we did the gift exchange and all that, so it was nice to spend time with them. Don't think I was really good company, though. But I digress...

If you've never watched Trading Spaces, it's a home-improvement show on TLC. Neighbors exchange houses for 48 hours and completely redo a room in the other's house. Some of the ideas they come up with are kind of wacky, but overall, they come out looking great! Now, I don't know that I would ever use some of the designs-I would just love to have the kind of creative mind that can come up with so many different ideas!

Anyway, off to browse for breakfast (most likely oatmeal, toast, and juice) and then time to settle in for A Baby Story. I was really thinking about hitting Foley's today (I got a gift card from my aunt and uncle-thank you! *g*), and then I thought, you IDIOT. It's the day after Christmas. Return city. What the hell you thinkin'?

2001-12-23T17:37:00.000-06:00

Well, I felt like I needed simplicity. So here it is. I *sob* made some really cute graphics with PSP, but I can't get them to show up the way I want to on the blog. Oh well. Such is life. Since I am getting bloody frustrated with it, I'm going to stop for now. I still want to tweak quite a bit, but at least it's navigable now. Ciao!

2001-12-23T15:36:00.000-06:00

Note: I am working on some template changes (obviously). So if you see something gross, hopefully it won't stay there long!

2001-12-19T15:29:00.000-06:00

Yay! I am so glad you are out for the holidays! And yes, it makes Ron jealous too...but then I am forever jealous of his schedule (work one day, two days off), so it evens out, don't ya think?

I was going to talk more about Vanilla Sky, but I don't even want to waste the space. It was horrible. Absolutely terrible. I hope Tom and Penelope last forever, because no other good can possibly come from that movie. Although I wouldn't count on it, 'cause anyone who would throw away Nicole Kidman is an idiot. I used to have a lot of respect for Tom Cruise, and now it's just...void.

And via Chris:

+ Home fries, or crinkle fries? Crinkle fries, like from OreIda.
+ Paper or plastic at the grocery? Plastic
+ Modern or "classic" art? Classic...people smearing themselves with bodily fluids does nothing for me.
+ Dine in or eat out? Both are fun...dining in means you don't have to get dressed up, though!
+ Comedy or drama? You know, my first instinct was comedy, but since my three favorite movies are two dramas and a musical, what does that say?
+ Short fingernails or long? Prefer them short, but they are long right now, at least until they break.
+ Do you own matching bath towels or an assortment of different kinds? They're maroon, hunter green, and navy blue...are those considered matching?
+ Building a snowman or making a snow angel? What the hell is snow again?
+ Corrective lenses or none? I've had contacts since high school. I can't seem to make the jump and have the LASIK surgery.
+ Rock & Roll or Country? Geez, I like both. But I think that rock has sure influenced a lot of country singers out there. I'd say rock and roll...but classic rock.