The Mardi Gras Bauer update

Before the Bauer, there was bitching. Here is something that just pisses me off.

I hate how the news and commercials for the news say this is "the first Mardi Gras since Katrina" hit New Orleans. Well, DUH! There obviously hasn't been a Mardi Gras since October. I'm not sure how else they could word the thought they are trying to convey, but they don't have to say it in such a condescending, worthless way. They have absolutely no respect for their viewing audiences at all. Newsflash: A very small percentage might actually have intelligence that they enjoy using. Hm. What a concept.

It also pisses me off that it takes something such as Mardi Gras for any kind of follow up in New Orleans. The news outlets were OBSESSED with the city when it was under water. They completely exploited the victims and once the flood waters receeded, were gone with the wind. What the hell? After being on the air - some cable news for 24 hours a day - with Katrina this and Katrina that, New Orleans this and Louisiana that, the victims here and the victims there, why has it taken them four months to follow up? So not only did they exploit the residents who lost their entire existences, they exploited the city, which is obviously only good for one thing: the Mardi Gras party. It's a good thing that the city has the resilience and is capable of holding the celebrations. It is not, however, appropriate for the news media to go all gung-ho over New Orleans again. Quite frankly, I think they should shove the story up their fake assholes and leave those people alone, let them recover in peace damnit.

*****

Now for Bauer. Last night's episode was awesome. Many a great things happened. And as per last week's post, I can't think of a better way to sum it up than by posting my aim conversation. HAHAHA....enjoy ; ) So you know, Curtis earned the name black Bauer because of events in season four.

d: do you know who's in tonights 24?

a: no

d: k

a: someone make a comeback tonight?

d: theres just someone in tonights episode

a: uh oh

d: hehe yeah

d: jack time!!!!!!!!!

d: jesus.... even the "previously on 24" scares me

d: 40 minutes!!!

a: its gonna be a long show!

d: i'd call her back and be like "can you at least tell aaron get out?"

a: yes...i'd demand aaron out of the car

a: edgar

d: bless big E

a: i fucking hate sean astin on here

a: argh

d: he was doin so good for a while too

a: i know

d: is bauer back at ctu?

a: not yet

d: or is he on the rooftops

a: there he is

d: ask and ye shall recieve!

d: who is this guy? oh.... new guy

d: i thought he was the boss of the corporation in the last season

a: yeah his name was on the credits

a: i miss david palmer in these kind of situations

d: no shit. he would have sprouted wings and saved her

d: that was a fast 12 minutes

a: who is that?

d: thats extra A

a: okay just makin sure

d: BAM BITCH!

d: he's a nimble little hobbit tho....he's everywhere

a: oh god....

a: this is the second time jacks been at gunpoint. its only the sixth week

d: by the guy from robocop

d: i trust no one. not until they are dead and their head is cut off

a: not one person

[we get excited over commercials sometimes]

a: wooooooo. game

d: THE GAME!

d: it is not available now.......

a: not until tomorrow jackie

d: when you're jack bauer, not even a release date can stop you (<= greatest line ever btw)

a: well they figure that the stores are closed by 10 when 24 is over...and by the time ppl can get the game, it will be released

a: lol

d: lol

[back to the show]

a: black bauer needs to pop hobbit in the face

d: yep

d: wow he needs to die

a: no shit

d: black bauer is going to make him resign command

a: tony needs to wake up and come back

d: no shit

d: jeremy irons would have played that terrorist well

d: that office has never been so loud

a: he would play a good terrorist! fucking little hobbit voices can't be heard like that

a: what the shit

a: ha, edgar

d: for the record, he's doign it cuz he wants chloe

d: why cant she put a call in to replace him

a: chloe could take over. edgar would do everything she'd ask

d: yep

a: she could black bauer in the field

d: take over black bauer!!!!

a: hook up jack with whatever he needs

d: its like the mutiny in crimson tide

a: lol

a: this president is losing too

a: haha tell him mikey

d: i honestly dont know what i would do

d: "but palmer has an answer"

d: wow.... pussy president is gonna suck it up and take one for the team

a: OOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGGG

d: its zero hour

d: BAM BLACK BAUER!!!!!!!

a: black bauer to the rescue bitch

d: HAHAHAHAH!!!!!! HELLS YES!!!!!!!!!!!

a: BUH-BYE LITTLE HOBBIT MAN

d: that was thor

a: total thor

[few moments of silence]

a: was astin's contract for the whole season?

d: its said "guest starring sean astin" the whole season

[too disappointed to say anything back, now stunned by the attack]

a: fucking a if anything happens to aaron

d: fuck.....

d: HELL YEAH!

a: he was dead for one minute

d: omg thank god

a: phew

a: i thought the pres was just going to collapse backwards

[silence again, this time much longer than before]

a: dale, its okay, aaron made it through the attack ;-)

d: im back :-) was just worried :-)

a: ha ok

a: cliffhangers going to be jack :-\

a: oh god

d: oh no

d: go jackguyver!

a: no kidding. i like the music. thats the jackguyver theme

a: 2 hours!!!!

d: omg

d: 2 hours

[we don't watch the previews]

d: changing channel

a: yep, tv goes off

Not too bad for a Monday

Talk about good timing. I randomly checked AESOP this afternoon and got an assignment for three days of second graders this week (wed-fri) and two days of elementary floating next week (mon and tues). Two different schools, but neither one is extremely far away. In fact the one next week is about 5-10 mins down 16 Mile. I win. Especially since second graders are my favoritest elementary grade to teach. :-D And after next week, I am twelve days away from 50 days subbing for the district, which means I get to move up on the pay scale. WOOT!

I spent two hours this morning cleaning my house. The only thing left on my list is going to Target, where 24 Season One is only twenty bucks this week. Can't pass up that deal. I'll do that while I am out and about tomorrow.

I have Sunday off from the store. I also have to close next Friday AND Saturday nights. I knew that I would sacrifice my regular hours next week when I requested Tuesday and Thursday off. If Cujo and Luc ( and Matty and Pavol and JR) aren't good reasons to skip the mall to work at the Joe, I don't know what are. Later in the month I have day two of CCHA play and Joe Thornton's Shark debut at the Joe. I've been thinking about JLA a lot lately and questioning my decision to hang the skates. When I was down there over the weekend everyone was so glad to see me and vice versa. Four seasons is a long time and I've made friends with everyone from the janitors to the zamboni driver. My supervisor asked me if he was going to see more of me now. I said, Jack, I work three jobs, it's a balancing act. He said, oh no wonder! Then he told me not to get burned out. Ha...Jack's always looking out for me. I'd hate to base my decision on what the Wings do in probable post-season play, but it looks like that is what it will come down too. I can bitch about that job until I'm blue in the face, but good list often outnumbers the bad, so it just leaves me confused. ARGH, I just don't know anymore. I guess time will tell and then maybe I'll be able to make up my damn mind.

Time to get out of left field and come back to home plate. Peace.

On to Vancouver

After two weeks, I FINALLY (after four Canadian and now one Swedish) got to see a gold medal ceremony for an American. I'm glad it was Apolo's. I saw his race twice and am surprised to learn that NBC covered more of it, false starts and all. :) This does not, however, redeem their coverage in my book. CBC is still better.





I loved the fact that Sweden won. It is even better that the three goals came from Wings.
What a happy Team Sweden and great day for hockey. And someone should tell Finland that winning silver and coming in second in stiff competition is a wonderful achievement that they should all be rather proud of.


Homer going to the box is such a rare site, I thought I should post it just to remember the moment. =>







Ciao Torino. Hello Vancouver.

So long, Barn.

Thanks for the laughs, Don Knotts. We'll never forget you. :*)

No such luck

I didn't win the lottery. However, the jackpot for Tuesday's drawing is 256 million. As if the schools don't keep enough of my money, I think I shall donate a few more bucks to the cause and then test my luck. Again.

The bruise on my left forearm is finally fading. I got it at work, but it doesn't look good. In fact, it's probably something short of Jack Bauer's arm in season three. I realized that having my sleeves pushed up while working at the register yesterday probably wasn't a good thing at all because the bruise sits right on top of my vein.

My cousin is getting divorced. Her husband filed the paperwork last week. It is not comforting to know that I missed the second half of the 24 premiere, a week's worth of labor to my car, and a last minute trip to babysit her kids all for a lost cause. Things seemed to be okay, but I guess in the end, somethings just can't be saved. It makes me sad too. I'm worried about Jody and the kids, but Scott is a good guy and I would like to think that he will be fair in the settlements.

I have to leave in a half hour and am not even close to being ready. I guess I should start. My lack of motivation for that job is appalling. At least the next time I go into that building I'll be seeing Cuj. And then the time after that Luc. Then Joe T. :D Three out of eight games in March, might be a record this season. HAHAHA.

Time to rock and roll. Peace

It's been a hard day's night

I worked almost 35 hours at the store this week. Considering the assistant managers each worked about 39, to say that I am tired would be an understatement. Back to normal shifts and hours starting Sunday, but tomorrow I have to make a brief appearance at the Joe. My first and only this whole month. Thank you, Olympics! Michigan State vs Lake State....bad color combination, even worse other team's nickname. Perhaps I'll keep my peridot earrings in just for some Sparty flare. I have also decided that now is the time to start savoring the moments of being down there. I think I'm done getting pissed off and frustrated over things I have no control over...all I can do is keep the people in line, behind the line, and demand they wait for a break in the play. At least that is my goal...whether is happens or not is an entirely different story.

The Beatles are incredibly cheesy but produced such good music. Good thing they didn't quit their day job's to become actors. My old professor is still M.I.A. from the hosting the films and his replacement could use some work. Half ninja outfits seem to help do the trick on the conversation front, at least in a small measure, so that is a good thing.

Apparently it was Red Wings day for Team Sweden. Radio reports that Homer scored and all the rest of the Wings assisted in the other goals. Not too shabby. In correction of a myspace report: I have met at least one player from each olympic team except Italy and Finland. I'm not sure if you needed to know that, but now you do.

I think that should do it for my daily report. Ciao.

A day's success

• I found my reading glasses. They were right next to my keyboard this whole time. Classic Amy strikes again, with the help of a Coke can. However, my mind is lost. If found, please return.
• Started freaking out when I couldn't find season four this afternoon. After a slight break down and email to my brother, I found it. Phew!
• I bought season three at Best Buy today. The computer speakers I was buying told me they wouldn't work without Jack Bauer. So, hey, who am I to complain?
• I went shopping today. It is not what I like to do on a day off, but I got some nice black shirts for the store and other stuff to teach in. I think it's really kind of funny that out of all the spring colors available to me, I bought mostly black. Ha.
• I have a headache.
• On my one day off this entire week, there is no olympic hockey. What gives? I have to work a full day tomorrow and won't be home. I can't set my DVR for CBC coverage because their time blocks are too big. Nice. Thanks a lot, IOC planners. I appreciate it.
• Um, so yeah. I think that's it for now. I have to go and STOP trying to annoy someone right now....So many questions in the last ten minutes of the work day.

Worse than the Uneased D

Another apartment building caught on fire yesterday afternoon. It's been awhile since at least a quarter of the fleat of the township's fire trucks have been in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, I had to go to work, so I missed the extent of the damage and it is far too early to venture out to take a peak. Three buildings now sit empty and destroyed. Slowly but surely, the druggies are losing their haven. Give it another three to four months, I'm sure there will be more activity to report. Let's just keep it out of the (my) townhouses and all will be good. It is beginning to be worse than my childhood years in Detroit.

The store manager was in the mall yesterday getting her haircut. When I saw her again, I realized that I have seen more of her in the past week than I have of my mom. Very sad. There is truth when I say I feel like I have been living at the store. And I am about to go back again. Alas tomorrow I have day away from the madness of retail. At least the working side of it.

The Mega Millions is up to $175 million bucks. The billboard haunts me as I pass it coming home from the store. It only takes one set of numbers and odds of about a billion to one to win.....

I agreed to usher a show of Annie at the Masonic Temple months ago. I am rather curious to see if volunteer ushering is any different than professional (for lack of a better term) ushering. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm not one to complain about mornings, but getting up today sucked. Trying to fall asleep last night sucked. And when the alarm went off this morning, I sat up completely disoriented from time, date, year, and reason for alarm. Somehow in the midst of all the beeping I remembered it was Wednesday and I am covering a shift at the store.

I just found out that the U.S. men are in the quarterfinals. How they managed to pull that one out of their asses, I have no idea. Since someone convinced me to cover this shift, I am missing out on the hockey. Yes, I have a DVR, but I think that shall be used for Canada. Really I have no idea why I should even record it - save for the chance of a goal by a couple players from Team Can. - it is nothing more than a glorified NHL game.

Enough blogging for now. Auf Wiedersehen.

Bauer report

What would a Tuesday post be without my take on last night's 24? I realized that I hate the hobbit. I went from officially disliking him to officially hating him within that episode. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and a chance to prove himself, but he failed. Please note the following conversation:

Dale: stupid presidents wife
Amy: oh i know. i just got done watching it
Dale: same here
Amy: and aaron :-(
Dale: ill be so mad
Amy: me too
Amy: and i hate the hobbit
Dale: yeah, he needs to take the ring off
Amy: yeah, he might be able to be mayor of the shire, but not head of ctu
Dale: lol

I also particularly enjoyed the moment when the Hobbit said "why does she keep defending Bauer" and it was dead silent. Even the background music ceased for a second. Ha. Ha. Ha.

****

If I eat everything I just bought from Tim Horton's, it will the closest thing I've had to a meal in over a week. I think the drive thru girl recognized me. This is incredibly sad, but I needed coffee before working until 2 am and Tim Hortons is the bestest.

Ron MacLean is awesome. So is Kelly Hrudy. Put them together after a Canadian win and it's even better. Who knew they could be so funny? Thank you CBC for redeeming Olympic coverage.

Today is day four of five working at the store. I have to wear all black again. I am starting to feel like I am living at the store. And I get to look at my windows with the lights on. Hope they look just as good as they did in the dark.

2:30 am report

Well, I just spent eight hours dressing mannequins for the window display. Go by any Children's Place and admire the window and know that in Store 35, I did that. It's harder than it seems, so don't think I am whining about it. Attention needs to be detailed and everything positioned correctly. It takes time and dilligence. I worked by myself the entire night (which is good, because on my second late shift, I could really only stand those people so much longer). I watched the mall go from business hours to store closers to cleaners. One set of lights go out at 11:30, the next set goes off at 12:30, and the radio plays at the same volume all night long. At least I heard some decent music while dressing the kiddies.

Nothing wraps up a night's work than seeing Jack Bauer make an appearance on my cell. It put the smile back on my face that was absent for a number of hours this evening. Thank you for making that possible.

To celebrate President's Day

Our favorite Georgie is going to be in Auburn Hills today. He is flying into Selfridge. That base is pretty much in my backyard. Due to the way the wind is blowing, Air Force One will be flying in from the other direction. The quickest way from Selfridge to Auburn Hills is M-59. Guess where Lakeside is? Guess what time Mr. President is going to be arriving in this area and needing to make the trek to Pistonville? Bingo. Another tick against the Texan. Bet you aren't jealous you live mid-state now, eh?


On a different note....myspacing with coworkers opens your eyes to an entirely different side of such individuals. One in particular who I thought was at least two years older than me, turns out to be two years YOUNGER than me. Really random information such as that provides just enough fuel to completely trip you out. It also helps put many, many things into perspective. Not everything is a lost a cause after all.

for my readers

I don't like it when some cheap version of aim does not work properly. It sucks when you see person is available on your buddy list, but due to some technical glitch can't get messages. Apparently writing this in my blogger makes it work. Note to self: try this trick more often if aim fails in the future.

Now that that's done and temporarily working, this post is moot. Later.

late night discoveries

Working until two in the morning brings normalcy to a new light:

• Even after the main lights in the mall are turned off, the radio remains on.
• Even on Sundays, the people at Hollister (our neighbor) are still there until the wee hours of the morning. Regardless of the possibility that they also had a floorset, that store is always trashed. Must be a reflection of those who shop in it. And yes, they keep their thumping music on full blast even then too.
• Soft rock radio stations are a treat to listen to in the middle of the night. First of all, there are few commercials. Second of all, I guess there is nothing like the quiet of night to match the mood of those sappy love songs we all loathe but secretly know by heart. Every now and then, they play a decent song and you just can't help but sing along.
• The moon was still rather low in the sky at 1:30am and a pretty shade of orange. I don't know which planet hangs to the northeast of the moon these nights, but it was very pretty. This sight, along with the music, helped relax me as I made my less-than-fifteen minute commute.
• I am the mannequin master. While my fellow coworkers arranged the fixtures for the walls and then filled them and moved some tables, I dressed the little people with precision and impressive efficiency. Monday night, I get to do the window display. Yay!
• A very nice surprise awaited me as I checked my regular sites at this early morning hour: A wonderfully written story about a not-so-distant event. Awesome. I'm glad I saw it tonight rather than in the morning. Unfortunately I think inevitable was made too obvious: even after my skates are long hung up, any time I step into that building it will be hard to stop my ushering ways. I am, however, amazingly good at watching both crowds and on-ice activity, so I didn't miss much of anything. ; ) I'm good at my job there, it just sucks that I hate it so much and also that I've decided to retire. *Sigh*
• My reading glasses are missing! Now that I am up and have already failed once at falling asleep, I first decided to blog and then read. Hopefully with little effort these turn up later in the day, but until they do, I guess I'll just have to suffer along. Please ask them to come out of hiding so I won't get unneccesary headaches.

Preparing for the late shift

Yep, I told myself that I would nap this afternoon so I could be well-rested and ready to work until 2am. I don't know the last time I was up late, but because I'll be working and keeping active, I think I'll be okay. Tim Hortons and Coca Cola will take care of me, I'm sure :)

Despite the fact that Team USA lost, I still like at least five players on the team. Those players are Knuble, Schneider, Chelios, Modano, and Conroy. Rolston may or may not be added at a later time. Now that they are most likely out of the medals, it doesn't matter. Congratulations hot shot NHLers with big egos on repeating the Nagano games. I'm glad you think so highly of yourselves, gentlemen, because I think that is all you had going for you. Also high praise to NBC, who finally figured out how to put a hockey game on coast-to-coast, but with a game whose result was subpar. Btw, games still rock with no sound.

I am getting spoiled by my Saturday adventures. The people mover is an awesome mode of transportation and a wonderful way to waste time. Strange seeing storefronts on Woodward Avenue, almost makes downtown look like a real city. Seeing old timers play hockey was a treat, so was the company for the evening.

The Bauermobile had a slight mishap, but all is well again. When I started it yesterday, it was singing its own song, and when I realized that it wasn't going to stop, I turned around and swapped cars with my dad. I asked him to run it for a bit to see if the noise would stop after it warmed up, when it didn't, he took it to Kevin's. After a few minutes, I had a new blower motor and tightened radiator hose clamps. It might also be a pity that the original motor didn't last more than 15 years, but hey, Chevy did their best, right? ;)

My afternoon of doing nothing is fastly coming to a close and sadly the time has come that I have to get ready for work. Included in this means making cookies (the six of us working tonight are each bringing something) and packing a lunch (because those goodies will just be snack foods). Oh well, all in a day's work I suppose.

Finding motivation on a Saturday morning

Who knows the last time I had to work on a Saturday morning. It's been a long time, very possibly since the holiday season wrapped up. If that is the case, then I am way out of practice of dealing with morning shoppers. Let's just hope they don't piss me off today, there is no water source near Lakeside...unless you count the fountain in the middle of the mall. ; )

Girl Scout cookies and Coke for breakfast....yum. Unhealthy is okay, I'll need the sugar to wake up me a bit.

Doubleheader Saturday turned into a single, five-hour shift. Got cut from the alum game, which is fine. A favorite asset came through with some last minute agreements and it turns out I'm still going, but as a fan. Another night with no river incidents.

I should be getting ready for work but I'm blogging instead. I have a headache. Hopefully this goes away as the morning continues, with the assistance of some rather powerful drugs. Nothing like showing up to work with a pain medication high. Hopefully there will be no ladders involved in my work today, or cashiering, since I can't really see straight to begin with. I feel that I will be the lazy one on the floor today. I hope that my fellow coworkers have a wonderful source to blow off steam, as I have in my blogger. ha. I also realize that the sooner I get started, the sooner it will be 3:00. So let's get to it.

Reminder to self: go to ticketmaster after punching out. I must leave you now as I prepare to walk the line. *Que Johnny Cash*

back to normal

Last night I was pissed off. I haven't reread my entry but I am sure that when I do, I'll be able sense the anger. And then I'll probably get a good laugh over it. You should too. I am happy to report that after a rather distinguished conversation last night, my blood pressure has returned to normal. I have been reassured that all hope is not lost on me yet and I am so looking forward to the journey. It might be a long time before I feel the need to write so angrily, I hope you enjoyed it while it yours to be had.

As if I didn't already have enough of a reason to wake up with a smile on my face, I got one when I checked my email. I was notified that I received a post on my Gettysburg picture album. It said the following: I can't believe I am the first person to sign your guestbook for this FABULOUS album. You have done a wonderful job of capturing the sights of the sights around Gettysburg. Keep up the good work & thanks for sharing & making history come alive. That is just awesome. And considering how much time I spent making sure that album was arranged in the PERFECT order with correctly stated captions, I am rather pleased to know that at least two people totally dig those pictures. Click the "pictures" link to the left and look at them yourself. You might even learn something. How cool would that be?

While I may not feel complete redemption for the post from last night, it is a start. So although the wind chill is below zero outside right now, the sun is shining, and that adds to the recovery process.
:-D

What did we do to you, Noah?

Christ alive. Dealing the with the wrath of Noah on my drive is the last thing I needed. I mean really, can you let up a little dude?

When I told someone today that I needed to start slacking off a little bit, I was not joking. Those words came back to smack me right in the face tonight. It is incredibly aggrivating to watch someone not doing a damn bit of work while you are busy completing a task, which required an extra five steps of work because of the lack of organization found in some people. This I did not mind. The fact that the jeans have been fucked up for at least a month and no one has fixed them does piss me off. What ever happened to people having a sense of work ethic? Is it honestly that simple to fucking stand there and look retarded while you see others actually doing, oh i don't know, work? The nerve to just stand there putzing around while there are NO customers in the store and there is ONE other person straightening. As I forbid to give a flying fuck tonight, it took me 45 minutes to clean one area of the store, normally about a 10 minute job. Why should I bust my ass when others seem not to do any work? Why should I bust my ass when it obviously doesn't matter anyway? Despite less than a handful of individuals who regularly act this way, I don't mind my job, in fact, I dare say that I like it. I like working hard and fixing problems. I like organizing piles of jeans in the stock room because others either lack the ability or virtue of liking things easily accessible. Most of all, it is more money than the fucking Joe with all the same hassle - 'tis amazing how similar rowdy drunks and shoppers (i.e. mothers) can be. I totally win! AND I don't have to pay for parking. Double points!

Perhaps this utter break down caused by grief and frustration was inevitable. Months of noticing the small things build up into a giant arc that picked a rather appropriate time to take its first sail. Or perhaps it is because I went into work already pissed off, already frustrated, and all ready to call it night so I could back home into my pajamas and do absolutely nothing. Thank God I have a blog to bitch to.

I already bitched today about how much I fucking hate NBC coverage of the Olympics. They do a piss poor job of broadcasting hockey games and need to fucking get a clue. However, watching games on mute solves this problem. It makes falls funnier, skating into the boards hurt more, and a quiet peace knowing that you are not listening to fucking idiots make complete fools of themselves. On a broader level, I often find that I hate how ignorant Americans are; how the fucking higher-ups get off the hook when the blatantly broke the law AND THEN ADMITTED TO IT; and how some people don't have any work ethic. Oh wait, I mentioned that already. My bad. Maybe it just irritates me because I feel as though I have to fucking work for my paycheck and want to earn it. What a concept. Other people should feel that way too, damnit. Then maybe we'd be a little more tolerable of each other and the differences that make us individuals. We'd also have a stronger sense of a collective self - something this country lacks as it can't even put together a national team. ARGHHHHHHHH. *deep breathe*

To make matters even worse - yes they can get worse - I have Mr. and Mrs. Smith in my possession. As much as I fucking, I mean REALLY fucking hate BOTH Brad Pitt AND Angelina Jolie, I'm borrowing it from my boss. Lord help me. I don't know if I'll watch it, but I feel disgusting having it in my purse. Let me just go take a walk outside to clean myself off, Noah won't seem to mind my presense. I'd be like Lt. Dan during the hurricane.

It is February and I just heard thunder. It is possible to hear thunder during a snowstorm, but it's fucking raining like no tomorrow outside. Speaking of tomorrow, it is supposed to be windy and freezing cold. Then you wonder why my allergies are fucked up. Thank you, Michigan. Remind me to kick your fucking ass sometime.

Text messages are a good and they are good at any time of the day or night. Phone calls are a different story. Fucking phone calls after 11pm are not good. Especially when I don't necessarily even like the fuckhead that is calling me and especially when that asshole knows that I sub. What the fuck time does he thinkI have to wake up in the morning in order to accomplish that? In reality, I am not teaching tomorrow because it is the day before a vacation, but what the fuck? He doesn't know that. I am beyond pissed off at his inconsideration and lack of deciency. At least it's not a fucking phone call at 3 in the morning. Those seemed to have stopped after I threatened to call him at 7:30 or 8am - the time when he is blissfully sleeping. The fucker.

All of this reminds me of my favorite quote from Season Four. Spoken by the very wise Tony: "We are going to disagree from time to time and when we do, it's going to be my way." Good Grief, Lord knows what Jack Bauer would do if he felt this much rage inside of him at the moment.

Today's blog entries have been made my possible by the various forms of the word Fuck, ignorance, dilligent work ethic, all of Amy's frustrations, and by viewers like you.

Failure on the homefront

An idea came to me this morning about what I can do to my room to make it less-cluttered. When I will have time and energy to actually see if it will work, I haven't the foggiest idea. Probably sometime next week, when the schools are closed and I have a couple days off from the store as well. I'm sure updates will follow.

Because of an historical event on today's date, I have begun a new book. Reading The Pirate Coast will no doubt help pass time until I can pick up Harry Potter again. Tick, Tock. While the last thing I needed was to start reading yet another book, I don't really care, and I'll just have to deal with catching up in the others at a later time.

MSNBC fails. It fails big time. So much so that I infact may swear off U.S. Olympic coverage for the rest of the Games. It is just not the cable affliates that suck, NBC also plunders to the depth of my ratings. I watched prime-time coverage for the first time yesterday, and in an hour's time, I saw the six minutes it took for the speed-skating relay and about four mogul skiers. The rest of the time were filled with commercials and player profiles. No one really cares. People do care however, when the channel is at a commercial break WHILE the game is going on and we can only see an awesome goal through replay technology. And some of us might actually care if Russia kicks the shit out the Swedes. So shut up and show the damn coverage. I feel even more fortunate that I have CBC coverage and the comforting sights and sounds of Ron MacLean to lead me through Torino highlights.

Cinder-Amy

My life is such a clear illustration of Cinderella that even friends I have never told the analogy to can grant me new nicknames.

The day my mom stops criticizing me is the day that: pig's fly, hell freezes over, dinosaur's roam the Earth again, etc. etc. Please fill in your favorite ending. Since I am her offspring, technically, it's her fault. Sometimes I just wish she would get a clue and not see me as a terrible person. She's home early today because she has a doctor's appointment. Not one word about how the downstairs looks, which I spent the entire morning cleaning. The only thing she says is, oh we have to take that back (meaning the defunct filing cabinet to Target). Fine. Then she tells me that one of the girls from our Brownie troop got breast implants Friday and was in a car accident yesterday. I asked if the two events were related, she said no. Why do I care? Honestly! Then she starts to tell a story about something she heard on the radio this morning. She pauses for a long time. Then she says, Tom and Katie aren't getting married. I tell her, and here I thought it was going to be something of earth-shattering importance. She said, well ya never know. To play along with her game, I sadly added that internet reports are saying they're denying that rumor. Like I give a flying rat's ass about Tom and Katie. Had it been news about Johnny Depp, it would have been a different story. ;) Let's try to keep the priorities in order.

Enough bitching about that subject, let's move onto an easier target: Dick Cheney. He wins this week's biggest moron in Washington title. He is the first vice-president since Aaron Burr to shoot someone. And we all know how Burr's story ended. Wouldn't it be icing on the Bush administration if the man Cheney shot died? Think about it, he didn't have a permit to be hunting in the first place, he misused a firearm, and then he turned around and shot a gun in the vacinity of a 78-year-old man's upper body. No wonder the old dude had a flippin heartattack. This is who is in charge of our country when Georgie boy is unable? It is not very reassuring that a person in that position does not know how to properly obey the law and fire a gun. Although, I would hate to think what George would do in such a situtation. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

I'm going to go buy earplugs, a bullet proof vest, and stay calm until Team USA plays its first hockey game in Torino, even though I want Canada to win. It is WJBWD.

There that was

One line from 24 just about sums up that entire episode: "Whatever happens Jack can handle it. He has too." So yeah. Holy hell was that intense. They also went from using Coriscas as get-a-way cars to using Luminas. Still Chevy, but seriously, Coriscas are better.

The reason why the MacBauer theory was left out of the exhibit: CTU uses Ford products, GM sponsored it. A bitter rivalry that deprives hundreds of guests the true reasoning behind the foundation of the universe. Sigh.

Clairification: being held up at gunpoint for medication was a stupid way of saying how expensive it was. Probably a really bad analogy, but it's all I could think of at the time. Apologies for lack of creativity during this drug-induced time. By the time I get used to feeling better, it will be time for spring to appear, leaving me far more miserable than this mid-winter deal.

I opted to teach middle school today. It's a resource room. I am making no predicitions about it because I don't want to jinx myself. A combination of this highly overrated holiday and the full moon made me decide against elementary today. I'll let someone with more patience deal with the hyper active little hooligans today.

updates

I decided that the filing cabinet is defective and thus I cannot fix it. Others think it because I did not swear at it while trying to repair the drawers. This may be true, although I did swear plenty while on hold with Sallie Mae, so I think that more than makes up for it. I'm also not sure I like Claritin-D any better than regular Claritin, but because I was nearly held up at gunpoint to pay for a package of five measely pills (even for the store brand), I will take them all and enjoy it, damn it. One a good note, my eyes no longer feel like industrial grade sandpaper. The drugs must be working. Happy day!

As Rome was not built in a day, neither was WWIII cleaned up. My bookcase wins for being the most organized, with my desk in second place. Any surprises, really? The rest of my room just needs to Apparate into the oblivion. Tonight's line-up: grown-up Doogie Howser and Jack Bauer. Quite the combination.

What started with an away message,

ended as a blog. This was too good not to elaborate on....

My to-do list for Monday:
1) restock pharmacy with happy allergy drugs
2) fight SallieMae for their incompetence dealing with my consolidation, WITH ANOTHER COMPANY. For Pete's sake Eastern, stop fucking up my life.
3) Rip my eyes out and soaking them in cold water, hopefully to relieve the endless burning sensation felt for the past 48 hours
4) Drill holes in my sinus cavity to relieve pressure
5) Clean up the remnants of WWIII whose most disastrous battle was in my room, possible even the entire house
6) Research areas of the world that experience one climate and the number of people within those regions that are blissfully unaware of their sinus/allergy problems anymore
7) Damn Michigan seasons for their lack of being consistent
8) Fix filing cabinet that my dad tried to put together last night. While doing this, try my best to live up to any ulmighty savior references

As of 2pm:
-Pharmacy is restocked
-Called Sallie Mae and came to the bottom of problem. In a short while, I will be rid of any further obligation to them and will cease to have any blatant reminder of Eastern. Financially anyway. Good Riddance, Ypsilanti!
-Also, while I was on the phone with that blasted company, my blood pressure did not skyrocket to Jupiter (which was completely expected) as I remained calm and collected on the phone with the customer service rep. 'Tis amazing.
-First attempt at fixing filing cabinet was a failed mission. After sufficient break and brainstorm, I must now retry my hand at the fine art of carpentry and other things on my to-do list.

No Title's a Good Title

For the first time since I've had my blogger, yesterday was the first time I didn't post. I did, however, post twice on Friday, so maybe one of those can just take Saturday's spot.

I know now why I had the enjoyment of two Saturday's off in a row. A new floorset at the store is due by the 20th and I have the privilage of working from 5pm-2am on the 19th and 20th. I go from having 9 hours last week, 10.5 this week, to 27.5 next. Yes, I think things are starting to pick up again in retail. That is a good thing. :) Staying awake until at least 2:30, let alone working until 2 in the morning, will be quite the challenge. Caffeine is my friend, that's all I have to say.

I love going to museums and noticing faults with exhibits, but that is not the only reason why I go. I just find it rather amuzing that something can pass through many hands and go unnoticed by the organizers. Ah well. I haven't been to the science center in probably fifteen years and it was cool. But the moon isn't a planet (any of the large bodies that revolve around the sun in the solar system), it's a moon (a natural satellite of a planet). Even I know there is a difference. Geesh. They also forgot the MacBauer theory as it pertains to the Big Bang phenomenon. Their loss.

If it's any consolation for an early exit yesterday, here is a brief story about the Post-Ratification of the 13th Amendment by Mississippi. Scroll down until you see that title and happy reading. I also really was asleep by 9, no lies there. Sorry I couldn't join you on your downtown adventures. Now I am done feeling bad about it and looking forward to next time.

Off to walk the line now. Ciao.

All right or Alright? That is the question!

The following took place between 2:30 P.M. and 3:00 P.M.

bwil: thats quite alright
bwil: i mean all right
amy: i'm going to look into that right now
bwil: ha
amy: http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/a.htm
amy: scroll down to alright
bwil: Exclam. Hello. A greeting. No answer is expected to what is inherently a question. Northern dialect has created the phonetic corruption awreet.
bwil: ha
bwil: not what i thought it meant but alright!
amy: you can thank noah webster for changing meanings and spellings of words
amy: or curse the british for not adapting to our language
amy: either one is perfectly acceptable
bwil: how about a twinge of both
amy: absolutely
bwil: sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too
amy: sometimes you can and it doesnt happen that way too often
bwil: no ma'am it sure doesn't
amy: "All Right?" (Greeting): 'What's up?','How's it Going?'
amy: from another brit-amer thing. ah well
bwil: thats only one meaning tho
bwil: they're missing so much of it
amy: or you're misspelling it
bwil: all right is a very versitile statement
bwil: alrite?
amy: ha ha
amy: okay, so i'm done trying to prove that is the alright is the british spelling of the word
bwil: what is the verdict?
amy: you can decide
bwil: The correct form of this phrase has become so rare in the popular press that many readers have probably never noticed that it is actually two words. But if you want to avoid irritating traditionalists you'd better tell them that you feel 'all right' rather than 'alright.'
amy: avoid irritating traditionalists eh
bwil: thats what it says
bwil: Adj. 1. alright - nonstandard usage satisfactory - giving satisfaction; "satisfactory living conditions"; "his grades were satisfactory" Adv. 1. alright - used to reinforces an assertion; "it's expensive all right" without doubt, all right 2. alright - sentence-initial expression of agreement all right, fine, OK, very well 3. alright - in a satisfactory or adequate manner; "she'll do okay on her own"; "held up all right under pressure"; (`alright' is a nonstandard variant of `all right') O.K., okay, all right colloquialism - a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech
amy: nonstandard variant
bwil: but it IS in there
amy: what dictionary did you get that from
bwil: Despite the appearance of the form alright in works of such well-known writers as Langston Hughes and James Joyce, the single word spelling has never been accepted as standard. This is peculiar, since similar fusions such as already and altogether have never raised any objections. The difference may lie in the fact that already and altogether became single words back in the Middle Ages, whereas alright has only been around for a little more than a century and was called out by language critics as a misspelling. Consequently, one who uses alright, especially in formal writing, runs the risk that readers may view it as an error or as the willful breaking of convention.
amy: HA! that is history telling you that you're wrong
bwil: or that i'm willfully breaking convention
bwil: take that, convention!
amy: alright is listed in my print dictionary. def: disputed sp of all right
bwil: alright deserves the respect already and altogether
amy: no it doesnt
bwil: i'm fighting the good fight on this one
amy: so you're going to dispute the convention of a substandard spelling just because you can
bwil: oh no no
bwil: i dont do ANYTHING just because i can
bwil: i believe in alright
bwil: i think it can go places
amy: right to the vocabulary landfill with all the other bad spellings of words. it can keep company with alot.

Let the Games Begin

I'm not sure if anything beats the Olympics. Every two years, I am filled with pride, hope, and goodness as I live vicariously through athletes gathered to demonstrate their skill and talent on the world stage. Generally in the summer, I am all for Team USA. In the winter, however, I am torn between the U.S. and Canada. I am lucky enough to see coverage of both and I must say that Canada is more generous with the medal ceremonies, which is just about the second coolest thing about the Games. I never know who to pick for hockey, although I think Team Canada is shaping up to be a favorite. Sweden is also a viable option. And I suppose the Americans are good back-up. For everything else, I hope we dominate and we will, 'cause that's what we do.

Random nothingness of the day

Due to some mild misinterpretation, curling and bass fishing are NOT my favorite sports. This was my attempt to be a complete smart ass - not that I have to put forth any extra effort - and was supposed to be funny. While continuing with this joke, I dug myself deeper into a hole. I better watch myself, by the time I see sunlight again, I may very well be in Canada. Then I will have no other option to than to really watch/enjoy/participate in curling and like it. I have nothing against it right now, I just have no idea what the purpose is. Perhaps I should do some research just to be on the safe side of things. For the record, I prefer my sports nitty and gritty. Blood, speed, skates, cleats, ice, diamonds, and pig skins all add up to a prefect game. Combining them to make one would make for an interesting experiment as well. Maybe if I'm bored enough one day, I'll make up some rules.

So far, no teaching assignment for tomorrow. I am beginning to strongly dislike that profession and need to find another job that pays as good with similar hours. Hell, I'll even take consistent hours if it meant losing a buck or two an hour. At least I don't have to feel like a complete loser all day since I get to close at the mall.

Noah Wyle guest stars on ER tonight. Not having seen any episode since he left last May, it will be -as someone told me- like he never left at all. ;) Awesome. Maybe this will give me the proper motivation to finish season four. Maybe.

My title may very well include the third invented word of the week. I'm too tired or lazy to look up the word, even though www.m-w.com is practically engraved in my browser's history. I use this website at least five times a week.

I want Bauer pajamas

In the beginning, there was a being named MacBauer.

He was too powerful for his own good, so he was forced to split in half. One half became MacGuyver and the other Jack Bauer. The forces expelled from the split, science refers to as "The Big Bang" that created our universe.

Should Jack Bauer and MacGuyver ever meet, their combined forces would recreate MacBauer and bring our world to a sudden, violent end.

apologies for the semi-bullets

the fastest way to feeling better is through:

-tim hortons. i swear canadians know the secret to all that is good in this world, especially hot chocolate.
-deciding to take a day to recharge batteries and rid depressive thoughts from the mind.
-making a list of good and bad to prove to yourself that all in your life is not grim and evil (but you should never do something today that you can do tomorrow).
-knowing that there is a home game tonight and i am chilling out in my sweats with Tiger purring in my lap.
-finally making it through Chapter 21! For Pete's sake.
-writing a blog with poorly constructed grammar and NOT going back to change it.

What to write?

"I don't want to read your blog.

Just tell me how your day was."

HAHA, that just might be the third best cartoon ever. I'm drained from teaching first graders all day and there was even a student teacher in the room. Or maybe it's because Jack Bauer was held up at gunpoint yesterday. Stupid little girl. If I see you, I will hurt you. That's all. Good day.

I'm going to Disney World

First, I am very happy Pittsburg won the Superbowl. My former Eagle Charlie Batch got some bling, bling and he got it playing the Big Game in Detroit. Sweet! Jerome Bettis retired at home after winning it all. It doesn't get sweeter. Because the Carolina game a few weeks ago went over and cut into the premiere of 24, Carolina lost to Seattle and in turn, Seattle lost. I am relieved that I am not the only one that feels the wrath of Jack Bauer.

Second, I am disappointed in the Detroit media. There are other ways they could creatively worded headlines that remained catchy without completely turning their back on the real city. I am glad that nothing of mass destruction happened while the spotlight was examining every centimeter of the city's movement. I am rather proud that the outsiders are so happy with Detroit and their stay here, though we always act like that. Mitch Album said it best. Read his article for more on this thought, particularly towards the bottom of the article.

Third, I had fun last night. It was just me and the guys, just like old times. I was the last to get there and second to leave because I was blocking everyone in the driveway. :P It is no surprise that we had more fun watching commercials than the game, except for the awesome passes here and there, that we correctly guessed what a "code black" is, and that the Rolling Stones' performance during halftime was 15 minutes of smart ass comments and laughter, because there was nothing else good to say about it.

Now I am off to watch the first quarter of the game...errrr...commercials that I missed, because I hear they are delightful.

Super Sunday, Motown Style

In hopes of remembering whatever I was going to write on myspace, I'll use the same title and hope that it comes back to me. I don't think it will, but if it's important, I'll remember it later. In the meantime, enjoy my rambling thoughts.

Last night, I introduced another person to the Redford. It's a fun time and puts a new twist on old films. And the proceeds go toward the historic preservation and renovation of the building. ;) Can't beat that, either. Dr. Strangelove was funny too, but not knowing anything about it, I had no idea what to expect. My dad mentioned how he didn't care for the movie, but if he saw it upon its release, he was fresh back from the War, and probably didn't (or couldn't) find the raw political humor in it. In the context of the Iraq mess and Georgie's agenda, it's hilarious and strangely accurate. "You can't behave like that in here, this is the War room." HAHA, Can't you just see the croonies in Washington kicking each other's asses in the Pentagon. I'd pay to see that.

The Rolling Stones have the halftime show. I am disappointed in this choice by the NFL planning committee. To everyone else, they are rock gods that deserve and have earned a spot in the Superbowl halftime; to this native Detroiter, they are the bloody British who are low on the list of probable acts to book in this coveted time slot. When the game was in New Orleans the year the Pack played down there, I believe it was jazz. If the Superbowl goes to Nashville, do you think it will be anything but country? No. It is in Detroit, and we get the Stones. It is wrong and Detroit got ripped off. We are a city whose history thrives on music. I'm not talking about the Marshall's, Bob's, and Matt's of the modern era, I'm talking about the hayday of the city. A Stevie Wonder pre-game and Aretha Franklin national anthem (Lord help us all) does not contribute a large enough picture of the Motown greats. Most of the acts are still together and preforming (Four Tops, Temps, Martha Reeves, etc etc), to not include them in the city's shining moment is a horrendous rip-off. But it should be better than Sir Paul's medley of dull last year and free of any wardrobe malfunctions. Although I must say, I am watching the game with the same people this year as I did when Justin Timberflake pulled his stunt. Anything is possible.

I'm glad I skipped working the Kid Rock concerts this weekend downtown. Bars with a live band that kinda suck aren't so great and make me somewhat discombobulated, but the company was exceptional. Thank you. And there was some Jack quality shown, so you don't have to worry about it. Again, I apologize for any social retardedness that you may have picked up on, no poor intentions. Meanwhile, I'll look forward to the next time. I also must apologize for away messages being put on around 3:30 am. The last time I saw that time of day, I was waking up to go work inventory, not go to bed. That's amazing, you get major props. As you do for keeping up with Bauer, my car sensed someone was following it and went into CTU mode.

The past couple weeks I have been referred to as the ultmighty and a savior. It's a lot to live up too. I'll try my best to keep up.

Enjoy the game. Go Steelers!

E-Hurley, meet my blog

I renamed my car upon it's return from a week long vacation in the shop. Now, 23 days later, I am naming my computer Hurley, or E-Hurley. It broke during the opening sequence of the day Lost returned from holiday reruns and to those of you who know the show, I needn't explain the 23 thing. So now that it has a name and because hurley is one awesome dude, I am hoping now that this computer will return the affection and stay on to obey the orders I give him. I am considering building a new computer with my tax refund money, but that is something that I'll have to think about.

Speaking of tax refunds...I am getting $4.00 back from the city of Detroit. Eat that, Kwame!

Time to go find something to do.

Stolen goods

My Birthday

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm. Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done.

Your strength: Your inner peace [I wish my inner peace could match my outer peace sometimes]

Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds [tru dat]

Your power color: Emerald [yes, green is good]

Your power symbol: Leaf [the Maple Leaf, forever]

Your power month: November [okay!]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
1 MINUTE AGO: instant messaging
1 HOUR AGO: fixing myspace
1 DAY AGO: teaching
1 YEAR AGO: in school
I LOVE: hockey
I HATE: drunken, rude, obnoxious, and pompous Wings fans
I FEAR: the others
I FEEL: pretty, oh so pretty....
I HIDE: in caves in Siberia
I DRIVE: the Bauermobile
I MISS: Noah Wyle on ER
I NEED: many things

FIRSTS
First piercing: ears, age 17...lol
First credit card: evil bastards at Eastern, I have no idea what brand it was
First musician you remember hearing in your house: any variety of Oldies musicians

LASTS
Last big car ride: Gettysburg and Harrisburg, PA
Last movie seen in theaters: Corpse Bride, In Los Angeles. HA!
Last food consumed: Coke
Last person you texted/called: brian/kris
Last CD played: Johnny Cash
Last drink drank: Coke
Last time scolded: I don't get scolded

I AM: an honest and appreciative thief
I HAVE: to stop being so hard on myself sometimes
I LIKE: to get lost in far away places
I WISH: for a peaceful existence
I WONDER: if my degree will ever be used to it's potential
I DANCE: to my own beat
I SING: my own special song
I CRY: when I am sad
I AM ALWAYS: solving the problem
I WON'T: ever stop helping others

FAVORITES
NUMBER(s): 7 and 23
COLOR: green, blue, and black
DAY(S): if they end in day, they are good enough for me
MONTH: May-August
SEASON: despite seasonal allergies, spring and there is also something about Fall that gets to me (maybe it's all the sneezing and coughing).
DRINK: Coke. Alcohol: Jackers.

IN THE LAST 2 DAYS
HAVE YOU...CRIED?: no
HELPED SOMEONE?: yes
GOTTEN SICK?: no
GONE TO THE MOVIES?: no
SAID 'i love you'?: no
COOKED SOMEONE DINNER?: no
WRITTEN A REAL LETTER: no
TALKED TO AN EX?: nooooo
WRITTEN IN A DIARY?: blogs
HAD A SERIOUS TALK?: no
GOTTEN DRUNK?: no
GOTTEN HIGH?: no
GIVIN LAP DANCES?: I don't answer questions with grammatical errors
HUGGED SOMEONE?: yep, cute little elementary hooligans

And so it begins

I have the next two days off and I am beside myself. It has been months since I have had two days off in a row, much less weekend days. Everyone I know enjoys this feeling of a weekend and I secretly turn green with envy. But not this weekend! So I'm excited and damn it, you should be excited for me too.

A little girl at the store lost a tooth tonight. To top it off, it was her first tooth. She wasn't scared about it, which is good, and was rather looking forward about the idea of the tooth fairy coming to her house tonight. She kept smiling, though the tooth feel out on the bottom, and saying how wierd it felt to have a hole in her mouth. So that was fun. : )

I've been a little off all day. I think it started when I pulled a fork out to eat my cereal with. Although it was quickly corrected and laughed off, it was to be a sign of how my day would go. This bit of odd behavior did not strike again until I went to the store. After searching far and wide for a paper that had a display on it (that was the second of two projects I had tonight), I couldn't find it. I said, "I think I have lost my mind." Cari stopped what she was doing and said, "okay, that's scary, because you're usually the one that has it all together." After saying something along the lines of how fried my brain was from teaching or just how tired my mind was, she was like yeah, yeah. Then after we punched out, I couldn't get my locker open. Cari again said, "ya know, I'm glad it's not just me who's having this kind of day." Funny. Go ahead, laugh about it. Especially if you know how I'm usually the complete opposite of what I've just written. Cari was right, it is scary, but don't worry everyone...after some sleep, I'll be back to normal.

Whether or not that is good or bad, I'll let you decide.

Things that are cool

Day two of 'floating' done. I had fun going to different rooms and watching the kids for an hour. Most times, I had to teach a lesson, but it was nothing that I couldn't handle. Except Kindegarten...that always presents a challenge. I like that elementary school far more than any of the others I've been too. Teachers are nice, kids are well behaved, and the office staff is friendly. Very few schools have such a combo.

Kids I had either this morning or part of the day yesterday who remembered me said hi to me in the hallway at dismissal was awesome. I totally dig this feeling. It's just cool. Today I didn't get hugs from fourth graders leaving, but from kindegarteners...and hey, even I'll take that. I even had a class of second graders today. I love second grade. I don't know if I enjoy teaching it so much because I had a blast in second grade myself, or just because the kids are starting to get the hang of the school thing and I can joke around with them more. A couple kids were giggling for a minute or two and I said, boy, I must have really missed something funny because you two can't stop laughing (mind you they were at different tables and not laughing about the same thing). Well, the entire class thought that was hilarious. And then one of the girls said, you are the best teacher ever...just don't tell our teacher that. HA! I said okay, it will just be our little secret. And they liked that idea. Again, so cool. I bonded with the fifth graders during silent reading because I am reading Harry Potter (don't worry, I only got through a couple pages). One of them had book six, one had book five, and one book four. I also got to teach them a social studies lesson - about Jamestown - and help out with questions they were assigned. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed that grade. Oh yeah, AND I got to watch a Bill Nye episode. That was the third coolest thing about my day!

I'm off to seek relief of my headache, eat something before I transform to Johnnny Cash, and continue relaxing until it's time to hit the road again.

Wiedersehen

a few more things

-random hugs from fourth graders leaving for the day are great. them remembering me teaching art is even more awesome.
-a first grader saying that he needs to buy a new outfit for Lincoln's Birthday later in the month was just one of the most adorable thing I've heard all month. ;)
-regardless of sun or clouds, there will be six more weeks of winter. The most threatening of these days can be now be counted: Superbowl Sunday (only because it is in Detroit this year), the rest of the month of February, March 17, April 1, Easter Sunday, Opening Day.
-friends that leave these type of messages for while I'm at work: "i'm mentally retarded. i was at the bar till 23o last night. so i forgot to throw the computer in my car," make me either sympathetic or disappointed. I'm not sure which one. Two things are for sure, my computer broke three weeks ago and I shall rename it Hurley.
-The Wings are home and they are wearing the white jersey...what gives?
-My success for the day comes in the ability to share stories that make others smile. It's happened several times throughout my day and I feel pretty happy about it.
-I have to stop making lists in my blog and learn how to write in paragraph form again. I'm sorry if this is annoying to any of you.

Since Lost is a repeat tonight, I am going off to read a little for the rest of the evening.

Adventures with little people

I had no one grade all day, I was what they call a floater. I knew this going in and was slightly uneasy about it, but I thought what the hay, it's two more days to my count (I'm doing the same thing tomorrow). While I didn't like some things about it...not having anywhere to put my shit all day long, I didn't mind others....like handing the kids back to their teachers after my time covering their classes were done (they were at meetings). They also tended to behave better. That is always makes me feel better.

1. First up was first grade. These kids are cute and there are no two ways around it. One little boy even said, "I appreciate you being here and being the teacher for us, because you're really nice." Some of them knew the story behind Groundhog's Day. We went over a Scholastic sheet about real groundhogs live and then read a story. When I asked them questions to compare the two, one of the kids said "oh, that's fiction." HA! Because duh Aim, real groundhogs don't have human beds in their burrows. ; ) What a silly question to ask a six year old.
2. Then I had Kindegarten. Blah. This task is not for me. I had to help kids with an art project and then put in a movie. Then I had to get them ready for the bus because their teacher wasn't back from the mtg yet. Aye! End of the day is hectic in any room, in Kindegarten, it is about 15 times more chaotic.
3. Had a special ed room after lunch. It was nice and easy...only one student was there. We spent a lot of time reading out loud.
4. The most I had to do was with the fourth graders at the end of the day. They were good, considering they had a sub for last 1.5 hours.

Let the adventures continue tomorrow. It is unlikely that any comment will top "I sure do appreciate you being here today and teaching us," but I will keep the door open for possibility. Maybe it's just so awesome because it's such a big word coming from such a little person. Or maybe just because it was really nice to hear and made me smile. And I knew I just HAD to post it on my blog when I came home, to help spread some happiness.