Widget-Challenged

Anyone know how to change my blogger template without losing all of my sidebar data/widgets? I normally just copy and paste a template, but then I have to re-enter all the links, images, and other stuff. Hence, this is the reason my blog has remained the same for sooooo long. I always lose something in the transfer, so I wish there was a simple way to change my background. Help!

P.S. What exactly is a widget anyway? I always assumed it was the various gadgets people have on their blogs.

Color Today Blue

Today was a very long day. It began early as I got the kids ready for school. I had taken the day off to attend the funeral of an old family friend. As I was getting ready to head out the door with the kids, the phone rings. As I answer it, I hear DH on the other end and he did not sound like himself at all. Immediately I sensed something was wrong and he was hard for me to hear. It took me a couple of times to fully understand what he was trying to tell me. Then I realized his father had died last night. It was so sudden and sad to hear all this first thing in the morning. DH said he was headed home as he just couldn't focus at work, understandably so.

I finally got the kids to school, albeit late at that point. I came back home to spend a little time with DH before I had to leave. We chatted awhile and then I left to go to the DEQ Clean Air Station, a necessary step in order to renew our license plate tags (they expire this month). Then I had to stop at Target to get a few things, then I drove the 45 minutes to meet my parents in Salem. We visited and ate lunch at Olive Garden. About 1:00, we left to attend the funeral in nearby Silverton.

The service was very lovely, just like our family friend, Carol. She was a gracious and caring woman towards everyone. I was grateful for the chance to pay my respects to her family. I ducked out of the reception following in order to get home to DH and the kids. In no mood to cook, I grabbed McDonalds for dinner. The kids were happy-go-lucky and none the wiser that they had suffered a tremendous loss today. We told them what had happened, but they didn't really seem to fully process what it meant. My oldest kind of understood, but thankfully was able to go about his day with relative ease. The wonderful gift of youth is that amazing ability to bounce back quickly.

I thought a lot about lost loved ones today. It brought me back to that dark place I struggled to leave behind four years ago. In the space of four months, I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer and nearly lost my natural father. For these and many other reasons, it was a taxing year that left me emotionally-drained in a way I'd never experienced. I had no choice but to deal with it and move forward. What other choice is there? I feel so sad for my husband and hope that this hole in his heart heals well. To lose a parent is never easy and always complicated. To anyone reading this, hug someone you love just a little bit longer and make sure they know you care. As we all know, you never can know if it will be the last one.

10 Years

I've come to the conclusion that love is what you make it. For some, it is a 24/7 lovefest. While for others, it is an intense and passionate merry-go-round of breakups and makeups. No matter what sort of relationship you have with your significant other, if the love isn't there then you aren't really living. There is no doubt about it though, it takes a little bit of work to keep that flame burning over the years.

DH and I went out for our 10 year unofficial anniversary last night. We've been together for 10, married for almost 7. That to me is quite an accomplishment. It's been a rollercoaster relationship that has been full of challenges and blessings. We've produced two children, a boy and a girl, who are both beautiful inside and out. We've survived the rocky patches and still manage to make each other laugh after all this time. Considering the fact that we became parents early on in our relationship, we have essentially grown up together to feel our way through the choppy waters of adulthood. This might sound corny, but I love the fact that I can still look into DH's eyes and see the man I fell in love with all those years ago.

My MIL took the kids overnight so that we could celebrate alone. DH and I knocked off early from work and went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. It is one of our favorite places to eat, so it was only fitting that we go there. We've been under a lot of stress lately, so tensions flared for a bit as we acknowledged and aired some things that had been swept under the rug for too long (due to our children always being around). For anyone who knows us, it is a cycle that DH and I go through sometimes. When we fight, it can be intense. When we get along, it can be truly some kind of wonderful. Once we got the icky stuff out of our systems, we seemed to rise above the petty stuff to simply enjoy each other's company.


We didn't go see a movie or anything like that (as nothing was playing that we really HAD to see). However on a whim, we did something we both rather enjoy and helped heal our rift. Of all places, we went to a furniture store to check out some things we've been wanting to get. It was fun looking at the bedroom sets, kitchen tables, and other pieces. Though we walked out empty-handed, we seriously considered getting a couple of things. The greatest part was that it didn't take much for us to come to an agreement in terms of taste. It's like when you buy a house or a car, you just know it when you see it. It always feels good when we just look at each other and know we found what we've been looking for and simply nod. For all our differences, we know what the glue is that keeps us together and the love alive after all this time. I consider that a true blessing.

It's an Obamanation!

I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable events of this past week. As many of you already know, I work in a melting pot (multilingual and multicultural immersion school) so I have been enveloped in the inaugural activities and historical aspects. First off, we paused on Monday to remember and honor Martin Luther King Jr. for his legacy and his dream. Then we have the amazing coincidence of the swearing in of the first African-American President the very next day. Barack Obama is the 44th President to take the oath of office and what a road he has ahead of him. There has been a tremendous amount of hope and hype placed on his shoulders.

Not only does he inherit a troubled economy, two wars, and a host of other national issues...but expectations are sky-high. It is my sincere hope that people remember that while his win was amazing and long overdue, he is still just one man and will not be perfect. If we have learned anything from the Bush years, it is that anything can and will happen. No President is infallible. I fear that liberals will expect miracles and conservatives will pounce on any little mistake. It is a waiting game at this point. We are definitely at a crossroads that should take in a more positive direction, but I still hope we still proceed with caution into the future and don't make too many hasty changes without thought to the consequences. We have many fences to mend around the world, but Obama has the right stuff to see us through.

This bug's for you...

Mush alert!!! I am tired and feeling nostalgic. Don't say I didn't warn you.

A fateful thing happened back in the winter of 2000 that led to a long and and emotional relationship I would come to cherish. Thanks to one of DH's best friends, dear Brian, I became hooked on a little show called CSI. I had been watching another show on CBS at the time called Survivor, maybe you've heard of it? Anyway, when 9:00 hit, I usually turned the channel. Brian had been hanging out from time to time with us on Thursday evenings after his class. We would watch Survivor and he told DH and I about this new show that just HAD to see. We resisted for awhile, not really wanting to get into some new random show that was already in midseason.

One night, we finally caved and decided to watch an episode to give it a chance. What a night we picked as first introduction to the CSI family. If you are a fan of the show at all, you might recall the episode called "Gentle, Gentle." Grissom and company investigate the abduction and subsequent death of an infant. The family was under suspicion for their potential involvement. Being a new mother of a baby myself, you can imagine the impact this episode made on me. When it airs in reruns, I still have trouble watching it. Even DH got a little choked up and worried about me that night. Although it was just a fictional TV show, it rattled me a way that was both disturbing and intriguing. With the notable exception ER, there were very few dramas that caught my attention. Thus, began a long and morbid fascination with CSI.

In the years since, I have come to love a few other shows. The sitcom is currently on the outs so the pickens are slim in that department, so that leaves primarily the crime dramas and serial soaps on the WB. I am currently a devoted fan of Law & Order SVU. Though there is something extra special about the folks on CSI. You become attached to the characters over time. What is so unique about this show is that they focus mainly on the crime they are trying to solve, with only minimal glimpes into the lives of the CSIs. And yet, they still manage to draw you in.

The near death episode with Nick buried alive and attacked by fire ants (and directed by Quentin Tarantino I believe) still haunts me to this day. When Greg was beaten and Katherine woke up drugged in a strange bed, you really felt their anguish and cheered for their speedy recovery. The rollercoaster season of the miniature killer will go down in televsion history as one of the best and most chilling. Sara's slow descent after her traumatic experience in the desert was moving in every way. And then there was Warrick. How could they just go and kill him like that?! To shoot him in the head was just WRONG.

I just finished watching Grissom's final episode. He was the only character to survive the series, essentially unscathed. Always level-headed and logical, he reminded me a little bit of Spock. I will miss the bugman, William Petersen. I won't miss the endless references to his fascination with creepy crawlies, but he will leave big shoes to fill. After an intense, but brief friendship forged in the name of bringing a serial killer to justice...we say goodbye to an old friend and hello to a new member of the team. Lawrence Fishburne (great choice!) will likely give CSI new legs and provide fresh storylines. The show may be aging, but it's still got teeth. I hope it sticks around awhile longer.

And thank you to the writers and powers that be for bringing Sara back for one last moment with Grissom. I had been hoping for her to be there. Their reunion was a fitting end to Grissom's run. How sweet it is. And yes, I cried. And yes, I know I'm sucker for sappy endings. Pop in any episode of Little House and watch the tears flow. Thanks Brian, for getting me hooked.

Elvis Lives!

I survived the first week back to school, though barely. I actually got through the work part of it fairly intact, just seems to be a never-ending list of things to do. The problem for me was a total lack of sleep and yes, with only myself to blame. With the new year comes new episodes of shows I enjoy. This has always been my downfall. I was so used to staying up late over winter break, that it took me several days to grow accustomed to an earlier bedtime. Hence, I had a few nights that went past midnight. Not good on the mind or body when you have to be alert and ready to teach elementary school.

Ideally, I should be asleep by 10 o'clock. I manage to do this about once a week. By Friday night (a night I can actually stay up late), I am so exhausted from work and from sleep deprivation that I am often knocked out by 10:00 anyway. It's a vicious cycle I tell ya. This week I am aiming for 11 o'clock as my average bedtime. If I can force myself to try for an earlier time, wonderful!

On another note, we are scratching our heads in confusion over something. K has had a few accidents (#1)in recent days. She has wet the bed for the last three nights and barely makes to the bathroom during the day. She has been going more frequently and today had four accidents (just #1)!!! She woke up wet, had one at school (had one spare change of clothes in her backpack), had two accidents at childcare. She knows what to do, but for whatever reason she keeps waiting until the last minute. I need to find a new doctor and get her in to be seen. I am starting worry.

And one last funny thing I just have to share. As I have said in the past, you see all kinds on public transportation. Today had to be one of the best ones yet. I riding the downtown streetcar en route to the MAX train, who saunters up and gets on board? All heads turn in a mixture of disbelief, surprise, and humor to see the King himself, Elvis...or yet another wayward impersonator. He was dressed to the nines in his sequined jumpsuit, cape, bouffant (sp?), and even THE sunglasses. I have to give it to the guy, he stayed in character even on the streetcar. Hehehe.

2009 off and flooding...

This first week back has been a surprisingly easygoing one. I haven't gotten much sleep (as usual) and have been already fallen behind in the housework, but I don't feel stressed out about it. I figure it'll all get done at some point and there isn't any use fretting over things. I do need to get my grading caught up though or that will bite me in the you-know-what next month when report cards are due (can't believe it's almost that time again!).

Nope, the daily stressors are not what have been keeping me in check. It has been such a surreal month in the Pacific Northwest. First, we get hit with back to back winter storms that give us record snowfall. The upside to that was getting a white Christmas, which the kids loved. Secondly, the weather guys say the slow thaw should be okay and no imminent concerns over high waters. Well, guess they were just a tad wrong. The melted snow and constant rainfall has caused multiple rivers to crest throughout Oregon and Washington. The flood damage has caused numerous roads to close, even I-5 to Seattle for a stretch. If this is how 2009 has started, I will be interested to see what's in store for the rest of the year!

Ring a Ding Ding

Well, another year has come and gone. It was quite interesting one at that. This is usually the time when I should look back with nostalgia and recount the highlights of 2008, however I am way too lazy today to do that...sooooo I will simply say it was a pretty good year overall with a few lowlights and some great highlights that helped me grow up in ways I never anticipated and made me cherish time with my family all the more.

Speaking of family, the kids and I drove to Bend after Christmas to see my parents and extended family. DH was on-call, so he couldn't make it. The pass wasn't too bad of a drive on the way over, but was terrible coming back. We almost got stuck in blizzard-like conditions and with literally zero visiblility at times. It made for a very long, very exhuasting trip home. The actual time we spent there was enjoyable though. I even got for an evening with my mom, nephew, and his girlfriend to see Four Christmases (great movie by the way!). The best part of the weekend was hanging out with my brothers and getting to know the newest additions to the family.

The rest of the week flew by as I struggled to regain my energy. I don't what's been wrong with me this week. I tire way too easily and seem to just want to read my book or sleep. The lethargy will hopefully go away soon as I have to return to work on Monday. The book I'm reading is very engrossing and will review it here after I have finished it, though I can tell you right now that it's a great read! This is a big deal for me to even be reading a book as I've had to read a lot of children's literature in recent months for my teaching. It feels good to read a grownup novel for pleasure again. That is, if I can keep myself awake long enough to get through it. Special note, don't take my sleepiness as a reflection on the book, I'm just full of fatigue for some reason.

Anyhow, we got together with some good friends for New Year's Eve. It was pretty wet out, so the rain kept us inside. We decided to forgo the big eats and have finger foods instead. Between the little smokies, meat and cheese, chips 'n dip, and mozzarella sticks, we were set. We never even got to the french bread and spinach dip. However, we made room for brownies and sparkling pomegranite spritzer. This is also when the kids get to give each other little gifts for Christmas. We keep a $5 cap, so it's not an expensive endeavor for anyone. The children look forward to it and extends their holiday just a bit. We also played games, watched some TV, and enjoyed the ball drop from Times Square. All it all, it was a relaxing way to ring in 2009.

We left soon after midnight as we were all sleepy. The next morning, we had to get going early as Grandma J asked if she could take the kids overnight and treat them to a movie. They had been wanting to see The Tale of Despereaux, so that was a fun thing for them to get to do. Hubby and I decided to take advantage of day alone and see a movie of our own. It was tough to agree on one, but we finally decided on Bedtime Stories. We both love Adam Sandler and Keri Russell, so it was an easy compromise. It turned out to be funny and well worth it. I can't say the same for the price of a popcorn and soda though...$12! This was a pretty cute film though and we will likely buy for the kids enjoy.

We then went to Lowe's to price a few home improvement items we're considering and then went to Shari's for dinner. It was a quiet day, but a very nice one that was sorely needed for DH and I (as alone time for us is rare). We both laughed when we were watching TV and were missing the kids already. I guess the kids are never really gone for us...=)

And on that note, Happy New Year!!!