"I'm sorry. We're experiencing unexpected delays."

I knew it had the likelihood of being an unpredictable trip, but not at all for the reasons I expected. In October I started looking at tickets to get home to Missouri for the holidays. [Can I just say, sometimes flight prices at that time of year are enough to get me thinking about moving back to the mid-west - ugh.] The only option near the dates that I wanted, and for less than $900-$1000 took me right through Denver, Colorado.

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Denver, but if you have ever flown through Denver in the dead of winter (or watched the news) you probably know why I was a bit hesitant to book that flight. But, it was my only option to get home to see the fam over the break, so I booked it. In my head I just assumed that there would be snow delays along with the holiday crowds and that I might end up having to stay in the airport overnight. In fact, all of my flights were right on time...no issues at all on the way there.

The way back, however, was a different story. We were delayed slightly getting out of KC and then the flight from Denver to Oregon was also delayed. Then delayed again. And, just for good measure, one final time. When we'd finally boarded the plane and everyone was seated and ready to go the captain got on the speaker to apologize for the delays.

He said "Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry for the delays we've been experiencing this evening. I just can't help but tell you why we are so delayed as it's due to something I've not seen before." [insert nervous chatter and giggling around the plane] "You see, there was a big Vikings football game yesterday and they lost to da Bears. The plane that we were supposed to fly on arrived in Denver from Chicago this evening and, as the passengers were exiting the plane one tall (and slightly inebriated) Vikings fan was getting off the plane. He was wearing a Viking helmet with horns attached and well... somehow managed to take out the exit sign as he left. Since broken exit signs happen to be a 'no-fly' issue, we had to wait for a new plane. So, I'm sorry for these unexpected delays, but we uhhh, had a Viking horn through an exit sign. You can't make this stuff up folks. Please make sure to watch out for those Viking fans... they can be dangerous."

So, no snow delays in Denver... next time I book a flight I guess I should check the football schedules instead.

Well now, let's try this again.

In November I attempted the NaBloPoMo event, trying to blog every day for a month. I was close, but alas... life got in the way and I did not complete the project. Boo. I've decided that I'm going to attempt this again in February. Yes, I know it's the shortest month, but maybe that means I'll actually reach said goal. Now there is a theme for the month (ties) and I haven't quite decided if I'm going to color inside the lines (so to speak) or if I'm going to just write. I guess we'll find out now, won't we?

I have tomorrow off from work - hooray for a random Tuesday not in the office! So I'll definitely have some time to give ya something. For now, good night. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

hooray!

So, all in all 2009 has been a long, and rather difficult, year. I am SO over it. And SO ready for 2010 to roll in.

Happy New Year to all of you. MUAH!

We will resume with our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

mea culpa.

Sorry for the lack of blogging. It has been a very emotional week and I've been focusing on just living it. I'm struggling with some big things right now (that I'm not ready to share) and would really just value your thoughts and prayers.

I will be back later with some fun/funny stories for ya, but for now... sleep.

I am thankful for each of you and your presence and support in my life.

ya know, M might be right here...

So, in response to my post from last week, M said

"Yup. Working with college students DOES resemble working with toddlers occasionally. Maybe you can rewrite "Parenting with Love and Logic" for college administrators."

At the university we sometimes joke about how working with college students is often like working with toddlers, lets compare shall we? At times, both...

1. wear pajamas
   
2. drink from bottles
3. take naps
4. miss mamma/dadda
   
5. play with toys
6. color
7. watch cartoons
8. throw fits when they don't get their way
9. get "time outs" when they misbehave
10. are dependent on others for food

the list could go on and on... M might be on to something here... perhaps "Educating with Love and Logic"? Just remember you saw it here first folks.

check it out!

Thanks to Scribbit for this give-away opportunity!

QUICK! go pee on a stick!

It seems like many, many people I know (or their partners) are pregnant right now. If you know me, you might want to double check.

dang it.

I was close folks... I've even had blog topics for the past two nights ready to go... what happened? I don't know, a random outing to a bar, a few long phone calls, trip to the grocery store, staying late at work, a sore jaw and voila, hit the bed without so much a thought that I hadn't written the blog that day.

So, in my recent trip to WinCo (a grocery store chain that I heart!) I discovered something that I was slightly disturbing. Now, first I need to tell you a bit about WinCo so that you understand my usual support for this store. It's one of those no-frills type of stores where the displays are a bit more warehouse feeling, you bag your own groceries and the prices are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than any other store in the area. To top it off there is this great bulk food section where you can get a variety of items - dog treats, pastas, nuts, snacks, flour, cereal, spices, fresh ground peanut or almond butter (nuts only), lentils... you name it, you can pretty much get it. The benefit to this, you only purchase as much as you need or as much as you want (have room) to store in your kitchen and it can significantly cut down on packaging and waste, so it's a bit more sustainable. Win win win right?

Well, I was grabbing some spices the other night and ran across this. Not so sure about "brown gravy powder" that is actually gray. This must be a new add for the holiday season? I don't know, maybe brown gravy packets contain the same stuff... I don't really like gravy in any form so I don't know. This made me gag a little though. =)

because i said so.

You know, there are some days that I really wish the response "because I said so" worked with college students. I remember my mom pulling that phrase out every once in awhile when we were kids [ok, the last time I was at home - kidding] and I knew it meant "discussion = over." I've even heard my friends with young ones breaking it out here and there. While they tend to give me a disgusted - gosh I sound like my parental unit - look when they say it, they do it because it still works!

I try to be educational in my approaches with students and get them to make decisions and choices on their own [though often times guided]. But seriously, there are just those days where I don't want to be educational and I just want to stamp my foot and say "because I said so." If you haven't guessed, today was one of those days.

MMMBop, ba duba dop ba do bop, ba duba dop ba do bop

ha.

So, I live in a duplex now and there are two students who live next door (both 19-20 years old). Surprisingly we don't hear each other very often as there's a stairwell between the places that leads to the shared basement. Tonight I got home and headed downstairs to get something out of the basement. I opened the door and was greeted by Hanson blaring from their place and one of the students singing "MMMBop" at the top of her lungs.

loves it - except for the fact that I've been humming it all night as a result.

guilty pleasure.

So, I don't currently have a television. This is due to a couple of things... 1) I don't want to spend much of my time watching it and would rather do other things, 2) I'm really cheap and don't want to buy one or pay a monthly cable bill and 3) I can typically catch any episodes on hulu.com or fancast.com - without a lot of commercials!

That being said, a few weeks ago I was sick and was home in bed for a solid day and a half. At one point I couldn't sleep anymore so I decided to watch some shows on hulu. Needless to say, I caught an episode (or four) of "Glee" and I must admit, I'm diggin it, but am slightly ashamed that the high school drama (and excellent singing/dancing) has reeled me in - hook, line and sinker. Ok, ok... stop judging me at least it's just an hour a week! =)

Saturday, November 14

lazy day

So, since I didn't know how I'd respond to the surgery and recovery process, I planned NOTHING for this weekend. As you know, it's quite unusual that I don't have anything lined up at all. No work, no dates, no plans with friends, no expectation to go or be anywhere except in my house. Not gonna lie, it's kinda nice every once in awhile to just kick it.

A brought me home this morning (I stayed with her and C last night, just in case something went awry during the night). After that I did some cleaning and laundry, watched a movie, took a nap, called some people to catch up... it was nice. No pressure and low key. Ahhh...

I ended up having a few friends over this evening for some drinks (them not me... I'm still on meds) and games. Even having company was low key. Josh and I were in pjs and everyone else was super casual as well.

Know what's also exciting? Tomorrow looks to be more of the same, aside from brunch with some friends in from Seattle. I couldn't handle this every weekend, but once in awhile it sure is grand.... especially when the PNW winter rains are in full force!

friday the thirteenth...

Well friends, I'm not usually superstitious, but I'm not gonna lie... getting the teeth pulled on friday the thirteenth just seemed like a bad idea from the beginning.

Luckily, the process went quite smoothly. Dr. McDreamy, who performed the extractions, did a fantastic job and all in all it was pretty easy. He numbed me up and then it took about 25 minutes to get them out. He didn't put any stitches in because apparently I have "good gum tissue." So off I went with my gauze in hand (and mouth).

My friend A took me to the appointment and waited until I finished. She then took me back to her house and cared for me - made sure I ate and took the meds on time! (So sweet). I cuddled with Bella, the furry child and we just kicked it all afternoon (A has Friday's off). It was a fun day, aside from the bleeding and soreness. =) Luckily, I've not had much swelling and am feeling pretty good, but I'm still on the meds.

I was feeling much better my the evening, so A and I went to a "ladies night in: harvest party" at my friend Margaret's house. Didn't stay long, but it was nice to see everyone. I've felt pretty lucky about the process thus far, I've heard some horror stories about the wisdom teeth removal from friends and family. Knock on wood that it continues like it has been!

that's me in the exam chair/that's me in the spotlight/losing my wisdom...

teeth that is...

Well, tomorrow morning I am off to the oral surgeon to have all four of my wisdom teeth yanked from my head. ugh. I'm grateful for the privilege of having health and dental insurance - big time grateful - but my insurance does not cover anesthesia for this procedure! So, in an effort to save nearly $700, all four wisdom teeth are coming out with the use of Novocain only!

giddiup.

I'm sure the pain killers will assist in my humor for tomorrow's post - unless they just completely knock me out! =)

oh pumpkin puree... why are you so versatile?

So, as many of you know, I have a love for all things pumpkin. Which means I am especially fond of this time of year when it is acceptable to bring a multitude of pumpkin goodies into work, to parties etc. I am always on the lookout for healthier pumpkin goodie options, as so many of the recipes are loaded with crisco/butter/oil etc. I did run across a couple of recipes and thought I'd share. But you're only getting one of them tonight - I do have a whole month of blogs to write here... I've got to save something in case I have writers block!

I must send apologies to kelly, as I know its a bit more difficult for her to acquire the pumpkin puree across the pond. =( However, as she is the one who introduced me to the pumpkin brownie (a student favorite) she'll probably appreciate this one.

Now, pumpkin cookies are pretty much my all-time favorite pumpkin treat. Years ago my mom found a reciepe in the red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that has been my favorite.. til now. While these tasted great, they definitely had their fair share of crisco in them. So I'm calling these pumpkin cookies 2.0. Lower in fat and calories, same density as the full fat ones and EASIER/CHEAPER TO MAKE!

pumpkin cookies 2.0

1 box of spice cake mix
1 small can of pumpkin

THAT'S IT! Two ingredients. Mix together, spoon onto a cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees and voila!

I made a batch tonight to "test" it [meaning I really wanted to try them] before I make a batch for a party on Friday. I mean really, 50 online comments about how wonderful these cookies were just wasn't quite enough, I had to make sure they were good right? =) Luckily, a vast majority of my "test" batch of anything ends up in the tummies of college students who love anything homemade.

Needless to say, these cookies are great. I'm officially a fan. A few ways to shake 'em up a bit if desired... add raisins, chocolate chips, or walnuts to the batter. Or, you can top each cookie with cream cheese frosting, kind of defeats the healthier cookie option, but you've got to do what you've got to do!

know what drives me batty?

When you're squatting in a public restroom and there is a new roll of TP on the roll and it fits so tightly in the (locked) case that you can only get it out one.one-ply.square.at.a.time. if you're lucky... sometimes you only get ripped shreds of one square.

Come on people... if the rolls were made just slightly smaller or if the cases were just slightly bigger, problem solved.

monday, november 9

zumba.

Even the name is fun. Zumba. Have you heard of this? It's a new(er) class at the gym and the videos are for sale on infomercials. I'm telling you, this class rocked! Margaret and I went to it on Sunday night and had an absolute blast (making fools of ourselves) and working up one heck of a sweat!

Zumba is held in a darkened room with rotating color lights going on...feels like you're at a club, but instead of looking your cutest with a cocktail in hand, you're dressed to sweat with a water bottle in hand. The music is great and it's cardio dancing, mostly of the latin variety. We did a bit of salsa, merenge etc. and let me tell ya, I was feelin' it all over the next day. So fun! Try it if your gym is offering it as a class these days!

sunday, november 8

a&c

So, I've made some new (non-university related) friends in the area and they are wonderful! I very much value their company and friendship. A&C are a wonderful couple, originally from this area and are one of those couples that never makes you feel like the 3rd wheel. A and I are like peas from the same pod and it's hard to believe we've only known each other for less than a year. It definitely feels like we've been in one anothers lives for much longer than that. They have the "furry child" that I heart so much, Bella. She is a great black lab that loves to play!

C is a firefighter and works 24-48 hour shifts quite regularly. While I love having him around and spending time with both of them, his shifts do lend themselves to quite a bit of girl time with A which is always nice, and quite rare with my married friends. I love their families and they've kind of adopted me (and my brother) into their family for Thanksgiving this year!

I decided to blog about them since we went to a wine-tasting brunch on Sunday morning. Food and the company were great... and mimosas after a long weekend? A brilliant idea!

saturday, november 7

serial flirting?

It's happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again... there are times when we (err, I) perhaps misinterpret over-friendliness for flirting or perhaps maybe there are just people in the world who are, in fact, serial flirters. Example number 452: So, there is a gentleman that attends this conference and I met him last year or the year before, I don't really remember. We always exchange pleasantries and get along well.

This year, things were different though, we ended up spending quite a bit more time together and getting to know a bit more about the other person. He was, in my book, definitely flirtatious and I'm not gonna lie, so was I. Well, the final session rolls around and I said something to him about the musician that was standing in front of us and suggested (jokingly) that he trim his beard like the musicians' was. This guy leaned in and said "yea, I don't think my fiance' would go for that." Your what? A mere MENTION of a fiance' at some point during the past four days would have been, I don't know, helpful?

catching up...

Well, I'm not off to a great start here. I've missed a few days due to the conference and such, but I have been keeping track of my blog topics for those days. Let's get you caught up here...


friday, november 6

bless her heart.

Isn't that what folks in the south say when they are trying to be nice when someone makes a move that is, well, rather silly?

The conference I was attending was held in Portland, so in the interest in saving some money we decided not to get hotel rooms the first or last night, rather just make the hour-long drive and sleep in our own beds. (This, by the way, might have been my biggest mistake this semester - we should have just forked over the money and gotten more sleep).

Anyway, I digress.... on Friday morning C and I hop into the university van and head over to pick up K from her residence hall area. Now, K is wonderfully sweet, very (book) smart and a complete joy to be around. She is from the "SoCal" region and very much misses her life there. She hasn't really accepted (in 2 years) that she lives in Oregon and it gets a bit colder here - especially in say, the month of NOVEMBER. She has warm clothes, so that's not the issue here. But she comes out to meet the van on this cold, wet morning wearing flip flops, thin white chino pants and a short-sleeved blue shirt. And, oh yea, her hair was still wet from her shower.

She got in the van and C & I were both laughing and said "K - what are you doing? It's cold out and it's supposed to be cold all weekend!" She replied by saying "what? I brought a jacket!"

About 10 minutes into the trip she informs us that she's cold. [shocking]

We then find out that she's packed shorts for the next day at the conference and defends this choice by reminding us that we're indoors for the conference. [Nevermind the 6 block walk between our hotel and the convention center.]

Needless to say, I wouldn't really care all that much except we got to hear about how cold it was from her all weekend long...