So, yesterday, Nick and I enjoyed the absolute PEAK of the Ohio Fall Color Season hiking in Hocking Hills. It is a gorgeous bit of land just Southeast of Columbus an hour that reminds one more of Maine or Oregon. And, to those of you who think that Ohio is nothing but cornfields...shame on you! You simply have to visit Hocking Hills!
We started our hike in a place called Conkle's Hollow, where you park at this small "rock climbing and rappelling area" lot. We got out of the car and heard...nothing. It was just luscious. Growing up in a small town, I was very used to the quiet, but have since gotten away from that conditioning. I forgot how much I loved it; it was just wonderful. We walked into a very unassuming woodsy area, across a tipsy bridge and into some brush. About 1/4 mile in, it got very dark and shaded, and it dawned on us that we were heading alone into a Hollow between two very high cliffs. We noticed things moving high on the cliffs and realized they were rock climbers! We watched them for a bit, waiting to see if I would have to utilize my emergency belaying skills, and then headed out, feeling rejuvenated and healthy. Fresh air does that do you.
Then we headed to a place called "Old Man's Cave," which is, by far, the most visited place in Hocking Hills. (It's actually not a cave at all, but a gorge carved out over the years, creating a 2-football field wide 1/2 umbrella-shaped recess in the limestone.) We just had no idea how "visited" it was. We pulled into the parking lot where HUNDREDS of cars carrying a THOUSAND people had parked as well. We followed the masses into the gorge, and headed down the steep steps. It was really beautiful, I'll give you that, but there is something distressing about marveling at a natural rock formation at the same time as 2000 other people. I just can't do it; watching people snap pictures of the beauty of creation a few moments after they have flung a cigarette butt into the rocks just hits me wrong.
Anyway, we quickly headed to a place called "Rock House" (which just had us singing "Brick House" most of the hike), and Nick FINALLY got to climb into an actual, honest-to-goodness cave. It was pretty cool, but, once again...people.
Is it just me or do hordes of people just muck stuff up sometimes, particularity with natural wonders? It is very hard for me to distance myself from them and view God's Creation separately--something I strive to do often, unfortunately. But, I suppose that's the point. People, all shapes, sizes, colors, with all sorts of sins, vices, and...smells...are an integral part of Creation. To enjoy it means enjoying all of it...because, essentially, Creation IS Christ. It comprises HIM, HE keeps it together, quite literally. I won't get all "American Beauty" on everyone, but next time I'm staring at something beautiful while standing in a crowd of people, I'm going to TRY to view the crowd as part of the beautiful thing I'm experiencing. We'll see how I do...
Monday, October 31, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
Changing Jobs...
So, tonight I find myself OVERJOYED for one of my dear friends and a move she has made to rid herself of a job that was weighing down her life, time, and heart. I can finally write about Caitlin and what an amazing event planner, floral designer and person I think she is, now that the "secret" is out and she has quit her job. I know I have spoken to many of you about her as one of my coworkers at my last job, and one of the most talented people I have met. I was skeptical of "floral designers" before I met her; I mean, how hard can it be to put flowers into a vase? But then I saw Caitlin create a floral arrangement for the first time; she turned flowers into pure art! (And then I tried to "put flowers into a vase" and realized just HOW hard it was to do so...) I am so happy that she is moving on! Now she is free of her job, her boss and the amazing toll it has taken on her life and stress level, and on to a completely different company and job!
This got me thinking about quitting and leaving jobs in general. I have never quit a job- I was usually hired for a specific amount of time, was moving out of state, or let go (ironically from the same company Caitlin just quit). But I think the feelings are similar- depending on your affinity to the job in question.
Any time you change surroundings that are embedded into your subconscious, it aches. It rarely feels good- even if it's something you want! I have left jobs I HATED with a passion, and it was still uncomfortable for a few days. Your mind and body have gotten used to driving to that place, sitting in that chair, seeing those people. It has become like a second skin, or a comfortable pair of shoes. When that is removed, no one can prepare you for it. Whether you rip it off like a band-aid, or take it masochistically slow, it can feel like a shedding of skin, or opening a wound. And you're plunging into the unknown! When does that feel good?
As long as we keep telling ourselves that it is for the better- no matter the circumstances: clearly we were no longer supposed to be at that job. We must keep reminding ourselves that we are not in control of it! And God is not going to give us more than we can handle.
This got me thinking about quitting and leaving jobs in general. I have never quit a job- I was usually hired for a specific amount of time, was moving out of state, or let go (ironically from the same company Caitlin just quit). But I think the feelings are similar- depending on your affinity to the job in question.
Any time you change surroundings that are embedded into your subconscious, it aches. It rarely feels good- even if it's something you want! I have left jobs I HATED with a passion, and it was still uncomfortable for a few days. Your mind and body have gotten used to driving to that place, sitting in that chair, seeing those people. It has become like a second skin, or a comfortable pair of shoes. When that is removed, no one can prepare you for it. Whether you rip it off like a band-aid, or take it masochistically slow, it can feel like a shedding of skin, or opening a wound. And you're plunging into the unknown! When does that feel good?
As long as we keep telling ourselves that it is for the better- no matter the circumstances: clearly we were no longer supposed to be at that job. We must keep reminding ourselves that we are not in control of it! And God is not going to give us more than we can handle.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Glorious Fall!
I love fall. I just LOVE it. Yesterday I spent the most glorious fall day cooking and listening to good music. We had the doors and windows open and it was the most perfect 65 degrees out with an unbelievably blue sky complete with puffy clouds and bright colored trees. It was great.
Saturday night Marcia, Chip, Nick and I went to Lynd's Fruit farm just northeast of Columbus. (http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/) We picked apples (Roughly 40 lbs.) and went on a hay ride and ate kettle corn...truly idyllic.
So, I had A LOT Of apples on my hands yesterday. I used about half of them and made applesauce. Of course the whole house smelled of Vietnamese Extra Fancy Cinnamon (from Penzey's Spices, naturally) and apples. But, I couldn't just make ONE thing at a time. I also put together 75 burritos to freeze for easy meals during the winter. It was great fun. And, the whole time, I just blared a delightful mix of Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Garden State, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind songs. (I tend to like my music far louder than my male counterpart...so it helped that he was at rehearsal.)
The whole day reminded me how beautiful God's creation truly is...and how beauty can truly be seen in its purest form in the most simple things. I think Autumn emphasizes this the most- the colors seem clearer, the foods taste fresher, the air is sharper. I hope everyone is having as beautiful a fall as we seem to be having! And I hope that you're getting a few moments to enjoy it!
Saturday night Marcia, Chip, Nick and I went to Lynd's Fruit farm just northeast of Columbus. (http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/) We picked apples (Roughly 40 lbs.) and went on a hay ride and ate kettle corn...truly idyllic.
So, I had A LOT Of apples on my hands yesterday. I used about half of them and made applesauce. Of course the whole house smelled of Vietnamese Extra Fancy Cinnamon (from Penzey's Spices, naturally) and apples. But, I couldn't just make ONE thing at a time. I also put together 75 burritos to freeze for easy meals during the winter. It was great fun. And, the whole time, I just blared a delightful mix of Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Garden State, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind songs. (I tend to like my music far louder than my male counterpart...so it helped that he was at rehearsal.)
The whole day reminded me how beautiful God's creation truly is...and how beauty can truly be seen in its purest form in the most simple things. I think Autumn emphasizes this the most- the colors seem clearer, the foods taste fresher, the air is sharper. I hope everyone is having as beautiful a fall as we seem to be having! And I hope that you're getting a few moments to enjoy it!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Photoshop Honors
There is nothing in this world that frustrates, tickles, infuriates, and surprises me like Adobe Photoshop. For those of you who have used this program, and I mean really used this program, you know what I mean. You can do amazing things with Photoshop, if you know how to use it. Aye, there's the rub. If you know how to use it. It has taken me 5 years-yes, FIVE YEARS- to get to the point for me to say "Yep, I can use Photoshop." Here is something I'm most proud of-
In May, my Grammie turned 80. She is a wonderful woman of God, and I was excited to hear the family decided to throw her a large party. My mom wanted to honor her in some tangible way, with a gift or a plaque. She mentioned that there was a movie in the 70's called The Coalminer's Daughter, one of which my grandmother is. Here is the original poster of the movie:
My grandmother was a WAC (Women's Army Core), which is where she met my Pop-Pop, who was a Military Policeman. Here is her Army picture:
So, I recreated the poster using Photoshop. If you click on it, you can see that even down to the "rating" of the movie is personalized to my grandmother. I think she really loved it- I'm so glad it turned out well!
Now, this month, my Pop-Pop turns 80! So, the fam wanted something to honor him as well. This is his MP picture- isn't he handsome?!:
But, there was a bit of a problem. There is a severe lack of 1950's MP movies, and that's what I wanted. So, I sort of invented one..."Our Singing Sergeant." You see, my pop-pop was part of the "Singing Sergeant" group while he was in the service. But I needed a tagline. My mom tells the story that when Grammie wanted something to be fixed around the house, my Pop retorted with "I'm not a fixer-upper, I'm a lover!" So, add your own plot, but it sure has a happy ending!
In May, my Grammie turned 80. She is a wonderful woman of God, and I was excited to hear the family decided to throw her a large party. My mom wanted to honor her in some tangible way, with a gift or a plaque. She mentioned that there was a movie in the 70's called The Coalminer's Daughter, one of which my grandmother is. Here is the original poster of the movie:
My grandmother was a WAC (Women's Army Core), which is where she met my Pop-Pop, who was a Military Policeman. Here is her Army picture:
So, I recreated the poster using Photoshop. If you click on it, you can see that even down to the "rating" of the movie is personalized to my grandmother. I think she really loved it- I'm so glad it turned out well!
Now, this month, my Pop-Pop turns 80! So, the fam wanted something to honor him as well. This is his MP picture- isn't he handsome?!:
But, there was a bit of a problem. There is a severe lack of 1950's MP movies, and that's what I wanted. So, I sort of invented one..."Our Singing Sergeant." You see, my pop-pop was part of the "Singing Sergeant" group while he was in the service. But I needed a tagline. My mom tells the story that when Grammie wanted something to be fixed around the house, my Pop retorted with "I'm not a fixer-upper, I'm a lover!" So, add your own plot, but it sure has a happy ending!
Friday, October 14, 2005
Inspiration
I just found this quote today and thought it was just wonderful. Enjoy!
What is it that you want?
What is standing in your way?
What are you doing about it?
What is it that you want?
What is standing in your way?
What are you doing about it?
Arrested Development: The most popular unwatched show on TV
So, Nick and I were recently turned on to Arrested Development, via Season 1 DVD lent to us by our dear friends Michael and Mandi Hutchins, and are positively addicted. We actually just purchased Season 2 yesterday, and are already well on our way into the absurd wonderfulness that is this show.
Knowing how it has been strangely received, as a critically acclaimed, unwatched, show, I was wondering how many of you have seen this show. I never know who to expect as an AD-addict. Knowing that most of the people who read this share a similar sense of humor, I think all of you would really enjoy it. That said, it is a show that is best watched from the beginning of the season to fully appreciate it. Good thing there are now 2 seasons on DVD!
As a student of the "absurdist" genre (of which AD is a Ionesco-perfect example), I LOVE this show...and would love to introduce it to more people!
Knowing how it has been strangely received, as a critically acclaimed, unwatched, show, I was wondering how many of you have seen this show. I never know who to expect as an AD-addict. Knowing that most of the people who read this share a similar sense of humor, I think all of you would really enjoy it. That said, it is a show that is best watched from the beginning of the season to fully appreciate it. Good thing there are now 2 seasons on DVD!
As a student of the "absurdist"
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Spoiler Apologetics
So, I have received far more comments AGAINST spoilers than for them. Knowing my friends (mostly purists) and their views on art of any kind (highly intelligent), I had a feeling that the baser ways to enjoy art (spoilers) might hit them the wrong way.
I realized that I failed to explain, or defend, my position on spoilers. Now, this is not to say that I disagree with those who choose to remain spoiler-free. I actually TOTALLY understand their point of view. It is the same reason that I try to see incredibly hyped-up movies the day they come out or not at all.
**Case in point- I have never seen The English Patient. (However, after seeing Cold Mountain, I'm not sure that I'd want to, save for the fact that hot hot Naveen Andrews of Lost stars in it.) It was too hyped, I knew too much about it, and the plot was plastered all over the place.
However, my enjoyment of spoilers comes in the actual drawing out of the enjoyment of the show in question. For days before and beyond the one hour (41 minutes) of television, I can enjoy it. I can discuss the plot points on my boards, I can find out deeper meaning behind certain books and clues otherwise lost on me, and I can drive Nick CRAZY by saying- "Look at the milk carton!," "Do you know who that is?" or "Yeah, don't get too attached to her." Priceless, I tell you!
Like Suzanne with reading the last few pages of a book first, I normally enjoy things more if I know where they're going. It has something to do with control, as do most things in my life, I'm sure.
**Case in point- City of Angels, I'm sure, was a great film. I loved the premise, I like Nick Cage and Meg Ryan, I thought it was beautiful. But, alas, I HATED this film. To this day, I cannot watch it. This is due ONLY to the last 10 minutes of the film. I won't "spoil" it for those who haven't seen it, but had that not happened, I would have loved it.
I understand that there are some who cannot see my point, and view spoilers as tainting my TV-watching experience, but it couldn't be farther from the truth for me. They merely enhance it- and if there was a support group for spoiler-heads, I'm don't think I would join. Thanks, though!
I realized that I failed to explain, or defend, my position on spoilers. Now, this is not to say that I disagree with those who choose to remain spoiler-free. I actually TOTALLY understand their point of view. It is the same reason that I try to see incredibly hyped-up movies the day they come out or not at all.
**Case in point- I have never seen The English Patient. (However, after seeing Cold Mountain, I'm not sure that I'd want to, save for the fact that hot hot Naveen Andrews of Lost stars in it.) It was too hyped, I knew too much about it, and the plot was plastered all over the place.
However, my enjoyment of spoilers comes in the actual drawing out of the enjoyment of the show in question. For days before and beyond the one hour (41 minutes) of television, I can enjoy it. I can discuss the plot points on my boards, I can find out deeper meaning behind certain books and clues otherwise lost on me, and I can drive Nick CRAZY by saying- "Look at the milk carton!," "Do you know who that is?" or "Yeah, don't get too attached to her." Priceless, I tell you!
Like Suzanne with reading the last few pages of a book first, I normally enjoy things more if I know where they're going. It has something to do with control, as do most things in my life, I'm sure.
**Case in point- City of Angels, I'm sure, was a great film. I loved the premise, I like Nick Cage and Meg Ryan, I thought it was beautiful. But, alas, I HATED this film. To this day, I cannot watch it. This is due ONLY to the last 10 minutes of the film. I won't "spoil" it for those who haven't seen it, but had that not happened, I would have loved it.
I understand that there are some who cannot see my point, and view spoilers as tainting my TV-watching experience, but it couldn't be farther from the truth for me. They merely enhance it- and if there was a support group for spoiler-heads, I'm don't think I would join. Thanks, though!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Coffee and Spoilerfix
So, I'm sure most of us has a morning Internet routine by now- that ever-growing list of sites we hit before (or during) our morning cup of coffee. This usually includes, at least for me, email, favorite blogs, maybe rottentomatoes.com, and a series of far more embarrassing sites.
You see, My name is Beth and I am a spoiler junkie.
For those of you who have yet to grasp the world of spoilers and what they entail, a definition: A spoiler is a tidbit of information released from cast, crew, producers, or PR reps about a television show (my crack), movie, or other celebrity gathering. These are hungrily gathered by fans, websites, and, most commonly, entertainment mag/site gossip columnists (the most popular being Auseillo at TV Guide and Kristin at E! Online (who is notoriously WRONG most of the time). Now, some people are "spoiler-free," that is, they do not wish to know ANYTHING about the piece of entertainment they are about to enjoy (which I would love to discuss in another post). And I respect that...I tried to go spoiler-free once. It lasted about 13 minutes.
Now spoilers are often misleading, in a number of ways. First, they are a way for the producers of a show to purposefully "leak" information in an absolutely free format that will spread like wildfire amongst rabid fans. Secondly, the spoiler doesn't even have to be true to spread, and everyone knows- even bad/untrue publicity is good publicity. Third, most of the shows that are "spoiled" have such intricate plots that spoilers RARELY spoil anything at all.
Nick and I have a number of shows that we rarely miss: Arrested Development, The Office, Scrubs, Lost, Alias, and Grey's Anatomy. The two amongst these that I CANNOT handle missing spoilers for are Lost and Alias. (By the by, don't get me started on what a mindblowingly phenomenal show Lost is. And, be very careful, those of you who fail to agree...Morgan...) :)
The best site for these two shows (and twelve other biggies) is www.spoilerfix.com. It is updated almost daily by three fans who watch each of the 16 shows they cover every week, and also confirm EVERY spoiler they post before posting. This is not to say that spoilers are sometimes wrong (see above), but that's half the fun!
I am admitting this to you all in hopes that I will walk away from my iBook free of the hold spoilerfix has on me, but, alas, I doubt this will happen. In fact, if I had to be honest, I think I am secretly trying to spread this disease to at least one of you...Hey, at least I admit it!
Happy spoilering!
You see, My name is Beth and I am a spoiler junkie.
For those of you who have yet to grasp the world of spoilers and what they entail, a definition: A spoiler is a tidbit of information released from cast, crew, producers, or PR reps about a television show (my crack), movie, or other celebrity gathering. These are hungrily gathered by fans, websites, and, most commonly, entertainment mag/site gossip columnists (the most popular being Auseillo at TV Guide and Kristin at E! Online (who is notoriously WRONG most of the time). Now, some people are "spoiler-free," that is, they do not wish to know ANYTHING about the piece of entertainment they are about to enjoy (which I would love to discuss in another post). And I respect that...I tried to go spoiler-free once. It lasted about 13 minutes.
Now spoilers are often misleading, in a number of ways. First, they are a way for the producers of a show to purposefully "leak" information in an absolutely free format that will spread like wildfire amongst rabid fans. Secondly, the spoiler doesn't even have to be true to spread, and everyone knows- even bad/untrue publicity is good publicity. Third, most of the shows that are "spoiled" have such intricate plots that spoilers RARELY spoil anything at all.
Nick and I have a number of shows that we rarely miss: Arrested Development, The Office, Scrubs, Lost, Alias, and Grey's Anatomy. The two amongst these that I CANNOT handle missing spoilers for are Lost and Alias. (By the by, don't get me started on what a mindblowingly phenomenal show Lost is. And, be very careful, those of you who fail to agree...Morgan...) :)
The best site for these two shows (and twelve other biggies) is www.spoilerfix.com. It is updated almost daily by three fans who watch each of the 16 shows they cover every week, and also confirm EVERY spoiler they post before posting. This is not to say that spoilers are sometimes wrong (see above), but that's half the fun!
I am admitting this to you all in hopes that I will walk away from my iBook free of the hold spoilerfix has on me, but, alas, I doubt this will happen. In fact, if I had to be honest, I think I am secretly trying to spread this disease to at least one of you...Hey, at least I admit it!
Happy spoilering!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Sweating is good.
So, I work out five times a week, an hour each time. This is merely a fact, so don't think I'm boasting. I work at a gym, which undermines my first statement, I suppose...it's hard to be in a more motivated place than here, watching hundreds of rock-hard bodies walk by eight hours a day.
I've come to a lot of realizations about health throughout the last 10 months since I've been coming here. The most important of which is IT'S NOT WORKING OUT UNLESS YOU'RE SWEATING!!! I'm not a health genius, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to talk on the cell phone, read a book, or study for a test while TRULY working out. And you can always tell the people that are really into it...they look like they're dying.
(I recently discovered that this is actually based in scientific fact- when your heart rate is at your Anaerobic Threshold- the optimum point to burn fat and strenghten your heart, you reach a point where it becomes much harder to say more than a few words at a time, you're sweating like a pig, and you feel like you're going to die...yet you are at the perfect BPM.)
My favorite is when I see people bounce down the stairs from the cardio floor after about 30 minutes, just as perky as ever, not a glisten of sweat anywhere on their body, make-up and/or hair still in picture-perfect place, and their brand-new Calvin Klein 3-piece track suit hardly wrinkled. These people, you can be sure, have just spent a very relaxing 20 minutes on the treadmill. Now, there's nothing wrong with that; in fact, it's encouraged! But you KNOW they're going to go home and tell everyone they went to the gym and "worked-out."
Alas, I suppose it's these people that don't really need to sweat like a pig to fit into their new track suit...it all balances out, I suppose.
I've come to a lot of realizations about health throughout the last 10 months since I've been coming here. The most important of which is IT'S NOT WORKING OUT UNLESS YOU'RE SWEATING!!! I'm not a health genius, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to talk on the cell phone, read a book, or study for a test while TRULY working out. And you can always tell the people that are really into it...they look like they're dying.
(I recently discovered that this is actually based in scientific fact- when your heart rate is at your Anaerobic Threshold- the optimum point to burn fat and strenghten your heart, you reach a point where it becomes much harder to say more than a few words at a time, you're sweating like a pig, and you feel like you're going to die...yet you are at the perfect BPM.)
My favorite is when I see people bounce down the stairs from the cardio floor after about 30 minutes, just as perky as ever, not a glisten of sweat anywhere on their body, make-up and/or hair still in picture-perfect place, and their brand-new Calvin Klein 3-piece track suit hardly wrinkled. These people, you can be sure, have just spent a very relaxing 20 minutes on the treadmill. Now, there's nothing wrong with that; in fact, it's encouraged! But you KNOW they're going to go home and tell everyone they went to the gym and "worked-out."
Alas, I suppose it's these people that don't really need to sweat like a pig to fit into their new track suit...it all balances out, I suppose.
Workout Wear
I see the strangest things from my central desk here at Life Time Fitness. I see each and every person who enters the exercize floor, and what they're wearing. There's obviously the smattering of shorts, windbreaker panks, Champion wear, t-shirts, sports bras, tank tops, and don't forget the ever-popular sweatpants-that-were-chopped-just-a-smidge-too-short, and curve-hugging-spandex...remember, it's a privelage, not a right, people.
But I have seen people work out in far more interesting things...a pair of pinstripe pants and a golf polo, jeans that are just a tad too snug, or button down paisley flannel shirt cut off at the elbow paired with jean shorts.
How are people moving in these things?!? I wear, almost religiously, work out capri pants and an Old Navy tank. I suppose I shouldn't knock it until I've tried it, though. Maybe the paisley does something for your fat-burning potential.
But I have seen people work out in far more interesting things...a pair of pinstripe pants and a golf polo, jeans that are just a tad too snug, or button down paisley flannel shirt cut off at the elbow paired with jean shorts.
How are people moving in these things?!? I wear, almost religiously, work out capri pants and an Old Navy tank. I suppose I shouldn't knock it until I've tried it, though. Maybe the paisley does something for your fat-burning potential.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
An Extra Stamp
So, this morning, from 10 - 10:45 AM, I found myself playing with 7 toddlers (ages 1.5-2.5) and their parents. The regular instructor for this class was off for Rosh Hashanah, as was my boss, so it fell to me to take over. Now, those of you who know me well, you are most likely on the floor, laughing at the very THOUGHT of me playing with 7 toddlers. And, it was, indeed, laughable.
For those of you who have ever spent two seconds with a toddler, you know that they don't stay in one place for longer than said two seconds, and certaintly don't "come" when their name is called. But, this class is there to facilitate bonding between parent and child, and also to promote social skills amongst the kids. So, I had an outline- the very thought of which, to me, is ridiculous. Here is what it looked like:
Tornado Toddlers- October 4.
Gym set up: Parachute, carpet squares, crayons, box of musical instruments, small dinosaur toys, various toddler equiptment.
Theme: Dinosaurs
Free Play until 10:15
CIRCLE TIME: Good Morning!
1. Head shoulders, knees and toes
2. Read short dinosaur book
3. Complete dinosaur puzzle
4. Hokey Pokey
5. Where is Thumbkin?
More Free Play
PARACHUTE TIME
1. Make Waves
2. Ring around the rosie
3. Make a bubble
4. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
CLOSING: Bubbles and stamps
So we started, and the kids proceeded to scream and laugh and cry and fall down. I attempted to get them into a circle for "circle time" and read the dinosaur book. No one listened. So, on one last-ditch effort, I stood up and began singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "Where is Thumbkin?" while most of the kids ran screaming across the gym floor, or threw kickballs at one another. (Which, by the way, our knees and toes are a whole heck of a lot farther away than they used to be- try it!) All at once, it hit me how ridiculous this whole thing was and I just started laughing.
Christopher, my favorite one, seemed to agree that I looked ridiculous, and made his opinion known by laughing and hitting me in the knee with a "Boo Ball." He then came over to me and sat on my foot, an action that I'm not exactly sure how to interpret. All I know was that it made my day, and I made sure to give him an extra T-Rex stamp at the end of class.
For those of you who have ever spent two seconds with a toddler, you know that they don't stay in one place for longer than said two seconds, and certaintly don't "come" when their name is called. But, this class is there to facilitate bonding between parent and child, and also to promote social skills amongst the kids. So, I had an outline- the very thought of which, to me, is ridiculous. Here is what it looked like:
Tornado Toddlers- October 4.
Gym set up: Parachute, carpet squares, crayons, box of musical instruments, small dinosaur toys, various toddler equiptment.
Theme: Dinosaurs
Free Play until 10:15
CIRCLE TIME: Good Morning!
1. Head shoulders, knees and toes
2. Read short dinosaur book
3. Complete dinosaur puzzle
4. Hokey Pokey
5. Where is Thumbkin?
More Free Play
PARACHUTE TIME
1. Make Waves
2. Ring around the rosie
3. Make a bubble
4. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
CLOSING: Bubbles and stamps
So we started, and the kids proceeded to scream and laugh and cry and fall down. I attempted to get them into a circle for "circle time" and read the dinosaur book. No one listened. So, on one last-ditch effort, I stood up and began singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "Where is Thumbkin?" while most of the kids ran screaming across the gym floor, or threw kickballs at one another. (Which, by the way, our knees and toes are a whole heck of a lot farther away than they used to be- try it!) All at once, it hit me how ridiculous this whole thing was and I just started laughing.
Christopher, my favorite one, seemed to agree that I looked ridiculous, and made his opinion known by laughing and hitting me in the knee with a "Boo Ball." He then came over to me and sat on my foot, an action that I'm not exactly sure how to interpret. All I know was that it made my day, and I made sure to give him an extra T-Rex stamp at the end of class.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Perceptions of Salsa
So, we went home to my family this weekend and made salsa...a lot of salsa. It's a Meyer family tradition, and we all gather for it. Our property backs up to a farm, so we head around the block (a country block- 1.5 miles square) and get a bunch of tomatoes and peppers and onions and garlic. We cut it all up, boiled it all down, and canned it all!
Now, most of you know I come from a large family; I'm the oldest of 7 kids, to be exact, and two of us are married. So, most of our meals together are presented in a quantity most families just don't ever see at one time. I'm used to large quantities of meals on the table at dinner, and- even thought it's only Nick and I- I still have trouble cooking meals for two. I never realized fully how skewed my perception of "family-sized meals" was until we finished canning salsa, and counted the spoils...
115 quarts of salsa.
When I first heard this number, I wasn't blown away, I didn't stagger, I was actually...and I can't believe this...but, DISAPPOINTED. I have no idea why- I think I had the number in my head in the 200's or something. But, I just figured out why. I have NO IDEA how to visualize a quart...but I do know how much a gallon is. So, the number that DOES stagger me is...
29 GALLONS of salsa.
Now THAT'S impressive.
Now, most of you know I come from a large family; I'm the oldest of 7 kids, to be exact, and two of us are married. So, most of our meals together are presented in a quantity most families just don't ever see at one time. I'm used to large quantities of meals on the table at dinner, and- even thought it's only Nick and I- I still have trouble cooking meals for two. I never realized fully how skewed my perception of "family-sized meals" was until we finished canning salsa, and counted the spoils...
115 quarts of salsa.
When I first heard this number, I wasn't blown away, I didn't stagger, I was actually...and I can't believe this...but, DISAPPOINTED. I have no idea why- I think I had the number in my head in the 200's or something. But, I just figured out why. I have NO IDEA how to visualize a quart...but I do know how much a gallon is. So, the number that DOES stagger me is...
29 GALLONS of salsa.
Now THAT'S impressive.
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