Casey Rae's Southern Fried Blog

2011-11-21T15:52:00.001-06:00

Shazam is a Wonderful Thing

2011-11-04T18:26:00.003-05:00

It leads me back to songs like this that I used to rock out to in 1988.
How could I not have this in my itunes?

Well guess what?
I have it now and I DRIVE REAL SLOW IN MY CAR AND BLAST THE HELL OUT OF IT.

Pure energy.

Richard Simmons Would Not Approve

2011-11-04T18:25:00.002-05:00

I work out at the gym in our apartment complex 3-4 times a week. During the past 2 years, I've come in contact with the following people:

-Guy who wears flip flops to the gym, then takes them off and walks around barefoot: Gross.

-Girl who immediately changes the channel without asking to the Food Network (usually some sort of a Barbeque Cookoff): Gross.

-Guy who drops the weights scaring the sh&t out of me and makes sex noises while working out: Gross.

-Girl who watches herself in the mirror despite the fact that I'm in between her and her reflection: Gross.

-Guy who seems to be training for a cross-desert marathon of some sort, works out while wearing a sweatsuit, and likes to see just how much he can sweat all over everything without cleaning it off- Gross.

Thanks guys! I'm grossed out by so many of you. Although I don't know your names, I've immortalized you in this blog post.

In house news, our bathroom currently looks like this.

Oh, and Nicholas Cage is a vampire:

Dear American Apparel,

2011-10-27T15:30:00.004-05:00

Regarding these jeans. You can't be serious.

Commence Destruction

2011-10-25T12:36:00.008-05:00

TOTAL destruction mode of our new house started this past weekend. Do you want to bond with your spouse and figure out if you really work together well as a team?

REMODEL A FREAKIN HOUSE.

It requires so much patience, endurance, communication, teamwork, positivity, and all sorts of other things to make it work. You're not always at your best, but when it matters most it won't work if you're not in it together. In literal terms, you might be crushed to death by some sort of heavy object.

Saturday:
We began the long process of scraping old paint off the walls in the living room. The previous owners really, really loved textured paint, which leads to bumpy walls coated with ugly, shiny paint. So, long story short, my knuckles are bruised and my arms are noodles, but the paint is almost all gone.

We removed all of the cabinets, hinges, and pulls in the bathroom and kitchen and primed them for painting. We laughed deliriously several times thinking that they must be multiplying while our backs were turned. It was neverending.

Deep cleaned the oven and stove. One word: gross.

Sunday:
God bless my brother-in-law Shane. We rented a mechanical scraper to chip away the ugly white tile in the living room. Basically it rattles you down to your bones as you physically pry the tiles away. Not an easy task. It took several hours and the guys were bosses taking care of business.

Meanwhile I cleaned up all the tile, finished priming the cabinet doors and the bathroom cabinets.

Monday:
Nonstop, neverending, eternal, everlasting paint scraping.

Took down a built in desk that was situated smack dab in the middle of the living room. It was made from original 1958 materials, meaning it was made from the studiest wood and nails you could believe. Gave us faith that our house will be standing until the end of time.

Removal of old paneling and chair rails. Once again, sturdy materials, unbelievable amount of nails.

So there we are. Plan for the week is to begin scraping off the popcorn ceiling in the living room, priming the walls and floorboards, pick out tile for the kitchen backsplash, finalize plans for the pool, and another long list of things I can't think about without turning into Jessie Spano.

This American Life

2011-10-21T09:15:00.004-05:00

These are my faults as a writer: I'm a procrastinator, I hate to edit, and I can be extremely wordy. Somehow, I managed to write 3 plays that will be performed this fall and I'm realizing every day that they really aren't that good.* Finding this Ira Glass video did boost my spirits just a little. I adore him...and did you know Phillip Glass is his cousin? Talented family.

In other news, I'm developing an unhealthy dislike for the couple that owned the house before us. They lived there for 10 years and the choices they've made are baffling.
Exhibit A: placing ugly white tile in the living room on top of the original, beautiful, 1950's hard wood floor ruining it beyond any chance of refinishing.

We are having a blast with home renovation though. Anyone that knows my husband can imagine that he makes it fun. Also, the weather has been so beautiful it's a nice time of the year to be doing some manual labor. This week I opened all of the windows while I worked just to hear the wind blowing in the trees. The area where we'll live reminds me of my hometown, lots of rolling hills and gorgeous large trees. Also, down the street is a beautiful church that rings its bells in the evening. Church bells!

I'll post some pics from the house next week to let you see what we're working on.

* I will admit that I am quite proud of a character I created named Mr. Baggins. He's an aging hippy and says things like "I feel you broseph" and "I value your words of wisdom". It's pretty funny hearing a junior high kid say those lines.

Out of hiding...

2011-09-27T13:12:00.007-05:00

Setting: The Dallas Zoo, in front of the lizard display

Kid: Where is he? I don't see him.
Me: Right there. On that branch.
Kid: Camouflagin'! (he walks off)

I hadn't heard such a well-timed, one word response in a while. That kid was great. He might as well had dropped a mic as he walked off stage.

In other news, here is what has been going on:

We are buying a house. I guess we're adults now? (cue Logan & I slowly looking at each other with raised eyebrows)

I'm writing some plays. There is not much to choose from for junior high theatre, so I thought I'd submit some ideas and see what happens. My sweet husband is serving as my editor.

Married life is going great. We high five over random stuff like eating a whole pint of strawberries and talk about one day learning how to sing in harmony while playing instruments. So yeah, we're doing good.

I still like to cook and I think I'm getting better? I'm trying to go without recipes but I'm not quite there yet. This week I did a shrimp pasta from Pioneer Woman that turned out great. Plans for the rest of the week are spinach & chicken quesadillas and turkey chili.

I have an extra room filled with hobby supplies I've been intending on tackling: sewing and painting are the top priorities, so by the new year I will have done something with both.

Oh and this blog is a priority too! I've kept a journal since I was in elementary school, so it's about time I start putting my thoughts down more often. Things to expect in the coming months: recipe ideas, house updates, and any stories worth sharing.

Hope all is well out there with each of you and look for more from me soon.

Not to brag but....

2010-01-14T10:20:00.002-06:00

I am a teacher, therefore I have the ability to:

-Silence an entire class of seventh graders with one raise of an eyebrow
-Use peripheral vision to intercept a note without ever looking directly at the guilty parties
-Hear the typing of a cellphone text message from 25 yards away
-Not have my feelings hurt if someone says my class is “boring” (it’s not)
-Catch a cheater
-Not be afraid at the sight of blood, tears, vomit, or all three at once
-Counsel a heartbroken 14 year old whose girlfriend just broke up with him in front of the entire cafeteria. (I told him to use the emotions he was feeling in his acting….it worked)
-Read stories aloud complete with voices inspired by everyone from Morgan Freeman to Joy from “My Name is Earl”

-Not laugh when I hear a really good comeback or "that's what she said" from one student to another (not appropriate)
-Keep a straight face when hearing plotlines for original screen plays with titles like “111 Knives” (a man vows revenge for his parents death who were killed by a knife truck, he then kills people with the 111 knives) and “Death Dance” (a man vows revenge for not getting the lead in “The Nutcracker” and becomes a janitor at the ballet studio to secretly kill everyone involved). Come to think of it…those stories were pretty awesome.

These are hard won skills that have taken me five years to develop. I said I wanted a job where every day was different, and I certainly got one. Constant adventure, continuous entertainment, and great stories to tell. Can’t wait to see what I’m capable of after five more years….

I now pronounce you Mr. & Mrs. Bowles...

2010-01-11T14:29:00.003-06:00

Surprise fun facts about getting married:

1. Wedding planning is rarely fun. Honestly, it’s more often annoying than not. I am quite feminine, but I’m far from being “girly”. Squeaky high voices and spending hours picking out little details are just not my thing. There is entirely too much stuff covered in lace or flowers, and too many chirpy sales people who treat it like Dress-Up Barbie’s Dream Wedding. Choosing our cakes, appetizers, and menu was probably the best time we had! Other than that, it’s a lot hemming and hawing (sp?) about stuff neither of us cared that much about. In retrospect we were probably ideal candidates for a destination wedding (meaning,- they take of everything) but having a wedding where everyone could attend meant too much to us. In the end, I do think we made the right choice and everything was simply perfect.

2.The actual wedding and reception are fun. If you’ve stayed true to yourself as a couple like we did, then ideally you’ll have a blast at your own celebration. I’ve had so many tell me “it’ll fly by”, “you’ll just want to drop you’re so exhausted,” “everyone will be competing for your attention.” etc. And I guess all of these were true in a sense, but we really did just have FUN. Among other notable moments; Logan danced like Michael Jackson, Chris breakdanced, Justin did a toe-touch, and Mr. Richard boogied down like no one knew he could…oh, what a night.

3. The honeymoon is absolutely surreal.It’s the first time brides are called by their “new” name, and people readily refer to you as husband & wife, Mr. & Mrs. And wow, it’s a great feeling. We grinned goofily at each other every time it happened. Other than that it’s luxury everywhere you turn….8 days was just enough time to get used to being treated like royalty and then….

4. Returning from the honeymoon is a harsh reality check.Unless you cohabitate before the marriage, you’ll likely have to move immediately when you get back like we did. Specifically at 8 a.m. the following morning. We manage to FILL a 24 ft. moving truck with all of our stuff. This was after donating almost half of everything that I own. No more waiters bringing frosty drinks to us on the beach, oh no….we were in hard physical labor for an entire 12 hour day. It was tough, but Team Bowles got it done. After the move it took us days to sort through things and put everything in its place, leading us to claim we’d be buried in the courtyard outside the apartment because we’d never, ever move again.

5. After the wedding, honeymoon, and move…reality sets in. Make no mistake, even if you KNOW you are with the right person, it is a huge realization to comprehend to that you are now married! You are with each other all the time, your things are now all mixed in together, you share everything, and make decisions on nearly everything together. I wake up every morning so unbelievably grateful that I picked the right person to share all of that with. I am excited to go home every day! Cheesy, yet true.

6. It’s amazing how fast you start doing those “couple things” you hear people talking about. I have officially started that obnoxious habit of referring to us as “we”. “Oh, we loved that movie!” “Oh, we’ve been wanting to go there!” Annoying. Also, our weekends have been transformed. Since we got married we’ve spent one Saturday night at Best Buy picking out a Blu Ray player, and another hanging draperies and baking bread.

7. You very quickly learn the fine art of compromise. We have certain quirks and interests that we’ve both got to learn to live with. Some of the interests we’ve adopted (and adapted to) from each other. Him: punk rock music, football 24/7, Star Wars, extreme fitness Me: talking in my sleep, amateur (not always successful) cooking, “game nights”, Bravo reality shows.

When all is said and done, being married really is fun. I know we’re only a few weeks into it, so I can’t even imagine what else this partnership will bring. My life is forever changed and I love the man I married! I hope to remain this obnoxiously happy forever.

I’m back in the blogging game. Expect more from me soon.

More adventures poolside...

2009-09-02T15:21:00.004-05:00

Logan and I met at the pool a few years back. At the time, we both lived at The Courts at Preston Oaks in North Dallas. One day while taking a swim, we struck up a conversation and have been together ever since.

We have many common interests, one of them being a true and abiding love for hanging out at the pool and reading. Part of it is sentimentality for the early days of our relationship, another part of it is that we both just really like to relax and lounge about.

That bit of info brings us forward to Sunday afternoon. L and I were reading at the pool on a beautiful sunshine-filled day. (him- "Fargo Rock City", me- "Angela's Ashes") We were joined by two other couples, also doing the same thing. It was practically silent as we all floated around or lounged on chairs, enjoying a peaceful Sunday afternoon. Then along came this guy....*

*He had tattoos and was wearing a hat, but honestly the resemblance ends there. This was just the only picture I could find to illustrate the idea. Just imagine this guy a lot scarier, dirtier, and more murderous/insane.

Soooooo, Psycho Killer comes out to the pool with an extension cord and stereo system. Proceeds to calmly plug it in, lie down on a lounge chair, and start playing death metal/stoner rap. Loudly. All of the sane people in the pool started to slowly peer over their books and magazines to see, just who was this obviously rude person? Why is he disturbing our peaceful afternoon in such an annoyingly agressive way? Well, PK is simply lying on his chair, staring back at all of us, straight- faced, basically challenging anyone to say anything. We started whispering with the couple next to us to determine the answer to one of two questions: Are we on some sort of hidden camera show where they are testing our limits and we're currently looking like wimps? However, don't you see the homicidal glint in his eyes that might make us regret saying something if we're wrong?

After about four songs of ear-bleeding obnoxious music...I do believe I heard Korn in there somewhere....the girl next to us came over saying "Guys, I'd leave now rather than later. Apparently this guy is wanted by the police and they are currently on their way to arrest him." She'd gone to the office to complain and had been warned about what was about to go down. Fearing a shoot out was close to occuring, or at the very least a knife fight, we gathered up our things and made our way calmly and quickly to my apartment.

We had dinner plans that night so decided to go ahead and get ready, then casually stroll by the pool later to see if anything had developed. When we left to head out to the restaurant Logan said, "Oh, I still hear his terrible music playing, so nothing happened I guess." Still, we just had to check it out, mainly just to see what PK was up to since we'd left.

And there he was! PK himself, being arrested right at that moment by the side of the pool. His stereo was still plugged in and playing that horrible music as the soundtrack to his arrest. He didn't seem that bothered by it, and was just standing calmly as they fastened the handcuffs. The most wonderful juxtaposition about the whole situation was that he was escorted away by 4 Dallas police officers wearing stylish navy blue shorts.

Exciting to witness something like that for sure, I just hope he doesn't recognize us when he comes back on his killing spree of revenge.

Talent runs in the family...

2009-08-31T19:58:00.000-05:00

My niece can do this. She is one year old.

Well, howdy.

2009-08-31T18:31:00.004-05:00

Just read some of my previous posts. I find it hilarious that I set out for summer break with such high expectations and plans, only to have accomplished about two of them. It's true I was completely unproductive this summer (boo), but the best news is that I got engaged (yay!) to the wonderful, sweet Logan. It happened in June and I basically spent the remaining weeks floating in the pool reading racy historical fiction. Oh well, it sure caused me to feel refreshed in time for school to start!

Here's the schedule for 09-10:

7th grade Theatre Arts

7th grade AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination- a college prep class)

7th & 8th grade Communications Applications (a journalism broadcast class)

7th grade Reading

8th grade Advanced Theatre Arts

So yeah, it's a strange one. So far I've found myself amazingly energized! I see potential in so many of the students and I am just bound and determined to do my very best this year. I never feel worse than when I know I didn't do all I could. I'm mostly writing this so when I go back and read it I'll feel guilty if I'm slacking off. Step it up, Hollimon!

Best quotes so far:

"Oh, is this Bob Marley? My mom sings this in the shower all the time."

"I love teal and I think this will be my Teal Year. I plan on wearing it every day."

"We went on vacation to Canada which was weirder than you can imagine. Those people are insane."

Top requests

2009-06-26T23:29:00.002-05:00

Casey's:

1. Dirty Diana
2. Billie Jean
3. Bad
4. Smooth Criminal
5. The Way You Make Me Feel

Logan's:

1. Dirty Diana
2. Man in the Mirror
3. You Rock My World
4. Rock With You
5. Billie Jean

It's a strange season...

2009-06-08T14:08:00.003-05:00

Well, it has happened. It's officially summer! Such a bizarre transition between being busier than I am all year to....nothing. Other than going to a concert tonight, my calendar is empty until Thursday night. When I've got such freedom, I find myself doing the following nearly every summer:

-I read. Alot. I read during the day, at night, at the pool, while I'm eating, while I'm cooking, and any other time I can fit it in. I've been stuck reading assignments for school, I get excited about jumping back into reading books of my choice. Right now I'm reading "Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler and "What is the What" by Dave Eggers. Both great.

-I eat strange combinations of things. I'm eating mostly alone, so I can eat whatever I'd like. I tend to just go to the pantry and mix up whatever sounds good at the time. For lunch today I had a tuna sandwich with a side of squash and broccoli. Oh and chocolate milk.

-I have to have motivating conversations with myself. With days stretching in front of me with nothing to do, I tend to procrastinate. To keep myself from slowly devolving into nothing but a beach bum, I have to make lists and conditions before I can treat myself with time at the pool. For today I've got to mop the kitchen and finish the laundry, then pool time!

-I start projects. I paint really bright pictures. I reorganize random things like my silverware drawers, stationary, and record collection. I repaint the knobs on my dresser. I practice my keyboard. I write. I play my Super Nintendo.

So cheers to you and I hope you're enjoying this warmer weather. I'll try to add this blog to my list of "productive" things and try to update more often this summer.

Do yourself a favor and look up the "literal video of total eclipse of the heart" video. CLASSIC. http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

Serenity now.

2009-05-20T10:39:00.005-05:00

This time of year exists in a strange limbo between one of the busiest times in my life and absolute freedom. The life of a teacher is a strange one. I know many people look at our summers spent lounging at the pool as the absolute selling point....which is true. However, you might forget those tumultuous last few weeks of teaching junior high school before summer arrives.

Hormones are at an all-time high, the weather is warmer and clothing is becoming smaller, state testing is over, and the remaining days of school can be counted on two hands. At this time in a teacher's career, it's survival of the fittest. Sure, you can take the easy way out and show movies for the rest of the year, claiming it's a study of "plot" or "character". But no sirree, not me. I come from a long line of teachers and we don't go out like that.

Now is the time for creativity! No longer am I shackled to "teach to the test", I can now teach only according to my whims. Here are a few that I've tried so far:

Theatre-

Write for four minutes about the last dream you can remember. Join together and create a skit that incorporates at least two things from each of your dreams.

With a partner you're going to create a letter to someone. You will each write one word at a time until the letter is complete. (the best was about the pregnant Russian woman named Bartholomew)

A narrator tells a story to a group. The students call out "Action!" "Color!" "Emotion!" during the story when they'd like more detailed description of what's happening.

Interpretive movement and vocal tone while acting out words that describe spring like "leaves", "flowers", "sunshine", "love", etc.

Also able to go back to the old classics of charades, telephone, mirror, guided improv, etc.

Reading-

Read outside under a tree. Literally. I take them outside, we lean against the tree trunk and read.

So far I hope you're enjoying your springtime. This weather just makes me happy! Hope you've had some moments to sneak outdoors for yourself.

To the teachers reading this blog....may the force be with you.

Oh and this is awesome. http://vimeo.com/4505537

Breaker 1-9....

2009-04-27T15:32:00.004-05:00

Logan and I decided to go to Dave and Buster's this past Sunday night. We'd spent most of the weekend watching movies and were ready for something a little more upbeat.

After eating in the nearly empty dining room, we headed in to the arcade to follow up on the trash talking we'd been giving one another. Dave and Busters on a Sunday night is a strange thing. It has the feel of stumbling into some sort of a parallel universe where the currency is paper tickets, some people smell strongly of marijuana, and children don't have parents. We also saw a few older women working some slot machines for tickets like they were in Vegas.

Overall though, we had a blast. Logan is good at shooting bears, I'm better at shooting enemy soldiers. Guys if you need a place for a good date....D&B is actually a good choice!
Great people watching. Including people like us who aren't afraid to drink a glass of wine while driving a big rig.

Kriss Kross will make you wanna...

2009-04-03T14:51:00.003-05:00

I am a junior high school Reading and Theatre Arts teacher. Every once in a while I will float outside of my body and hear myself saying the most ridiculous, ludicrous things. This post was inspired by hearing myself today say, "I don't know why your clothes are on backwards, but please go to the restroom and put them on the right way."

So in honor of that statement, here are some of those insane things I recall saying to my students in the past few months.

I have better hearing than you think I do.

Ladies, it’s ridiculous I have to say this to you, but please stop humping the floor. (at a school dance)

Get out from under the table and give him back his shoe.

No, believe it or not I was not around during the time of segregation.

If you’re going to throw up, please aim it that way.

In this scene we need to be extra sensitive and not somehow accidentally mock the earnest deaf character.

Your parole officer is here.

Get those paperclips out of your nose.

That’s what tacky people say. Don’t be tacky.

Actually I think the plot for 111 Knives sounds like a great idea for a movie.

Why are you making that _________ sound?(insert one of the following: clicking/squirrel/squeaking/tapping/cat/growling/ghost/chainsaw)

Pull up your pants.

What is a freaker? I’m familiar with the term “creeper”, but “freaker” is a new one.

Are you bleeding?

Here is the horse head, I know it’s musty but you have to wear it. Just hold your breath.

I know you're upset. Just realize that this is the worst you will feel. As they say, time heals all wounds. And do you know how many actors love this sort of thing? Use that emotion! Let it be your inspiration next time you have to act devastated or regretful on stage!(miraculously this speech worked)

Stop hanging out of the window, it isn't ladylike.

These are my confessions....

2009-03-03T22:07:00.007-06:00

-I have a fear of whales, but would still love to see one in person (in mammal?).

-Windchimes are absolutely one of my favorite sounds in the world.

-I will never admit which "classic" literature I find boring. I'm still going to read as much of it as I can handle. It's somehow a matter of principle with me.

-I have never been able to successfully tend to houseplants or fish. All have ended badly. I consider myself on a learning curve toward one day owning a guinea pig named Walter. Fingers crossed!

-I twitter and most of the people following me are complete strangers. Join them if you dare. www.twitter.com/caseyhollimon

-Logan and I have discovered an old television love- The Cosby Show and a new one- Antiques Roadshow. Both worthy.

-Worst games I have purchased for my Super Nintendo system: California Games, Wayne's World, Zombies Ate My Neighbors....Best games I have purchased for my Super Nintendo system: Family Feud, Super Mario Brothers III, Paper Boy, Battle Toads

-If I had the self-discipline to write down my dreams I could come up with some amazing short stories....maybe this summer. Add it to the projects.

Birdpeople...or peoplebirds?

2009-02-19T13:50:00.010-06:00

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day this year! Thanks in large part to Logan's creativity :) Great job honey.

After dinner and surprise tickets to the symphony (!), we finished off the night with a shot of chilled SoCo with lime at a bar downtown. We toasted one another at midnight to celebrate our one year anniversary!

The bar we went to was located in the basement of the Joule Hotel downtown. One of those hip, little places filled with all sorts of scenesters. One of those places where the decorations actually seem downright silly, but somehow make somehow make sense in context. Sort of "The Emperor's New Clothes" concept....if we don't act like it's strange to be surrounded by giant pictures of birdpeople, maybe it won't be! Still, we just couldn't resist sneaking off and taking a few pictures.

We were like little kids at a museum being told not to laugh at the naked statues.

Wait bandwagon! I want to jump on!!

2009-02-02T17:50:00.004-06:00

This whole 25 Things List has been going around Facebook like crazy. I posted my list there, so I thought I'd share it here as well.

1. I once saw Moby in a Thai restaurant in New York City. He’s tiny. I said hi as we passed because I knew I recognized him. Only to realize “Holy crap, that’s freakin Moby!” about 30 seconds later.

2. I love to bake. This weekend I’m making red velvet cupcakes for the Super Bowl.

3. I still avoid cracks in the sidewalk.

4. I work only New York Times crossword puzzles. In pen. All because of the documentary film “Word Play”.

5. I skipped kindergarten.

6. I recently bought a record player from Kroger.

7. I once sat on stage for Carson Daly’s late night talk show. The guest was Ice T.

8. Growing up I was always envious of friends who owned those oversized Swatch watches that hung on the wall.

9. I tear up nearly every time people come out with the golden ticket on American Idol.

10. I was recently re-introduced to the magic and delight of the root beer float.

11. I own a wooden owl whistle that makes the “hoot hoot“ sound.

12. I once sang a song at church camp called “El Shaddai”. I forgot the Hebrew words to the song, so I tried to make them up hoping no one would notice. I think I said something like “oh me no me no me nah”........They noticed.

13. I’ve been known to walk and talk in my sleep. Similar to that scene in Step Brothers.

14. Until one year ago I thought the sun had a solid surface.

15. I have a deep love and appreciation for the town in which I was raised.

16. My favorite comedians are Demetri Martin, Zach Galifinakis, and Nick Swardson.

17. One day I want to own enough books to justify having a library.

18. Recently I’ve started saying “geez” and “you guys” without any clue why.

19. I think it’s important to know a few jokes.

20. I write a blog at www.dallastxc.blogspot.com. (Because you already know this I will add a bonus fact about me: Of all languages in the world, I most want to learn how to speak French.)

21. One day I will go upstairs and ask the neighbors “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!????!!!” and will be surprised if they actually do not weigh 700 pounds and wear concrete blocks on their feet.

22. Two summers ago I hiked the Grand Canyon.

23. I’m excited to be learning more about wine these days. Logan & I are saving the corks to be used in some art project which will be determined at a later date.

24. I am fascinated by clouds.

25. I am more of a nerd than most people realize.

Dear Ms. Hollimon,

2009-01-27T11:58:00.004-06:00

When my students are sentenced to spend time in ISS (In School Suspension), part of their stay includes writing a letter to each of their teachers. As a result, we get several letters in our boxes every week. Most teachers throw them away, or glance over them to catch a name....I however, read them top to bottom. Unbeknownst to other teachers, this is one of the most entertaining pieces of writing we see in our line of work. I've chosen some classics to share with you. (misspelled words corrected, but grammar kept the same"

"I won't be bad in your class. Sometimes I can lose control of my steering wheel."

"I write this letter to apologize for missing your class. I left the school and went smoking and to McDonalds to get a hamburger."

"I am sorry I am not currently attending your class. I am serving time in ISS for gang drawings, bringing cigarettes to class, fighting, and talking back to the police officer. Have a good weekend."

"I'm sorry I'm missing your class because your class is awesome even though it might be a little boring sometimes."

"I'm sorry I was text messaging in your class. I promise I'll stop. You're a great teacher and should be paid thousands more for putting up with people like me."

"I got into an "accident" on Wednesday in the boys' restroom. Let's just put it like this I was fighting and punched a kid in his face.."

Butcher? Baker? Candlestick maker?*

2009-01-23T14:36:00.006-06:00

*Shout-out to that strange toy I had as a kid.

Today was Career Day at school which really had me thinking. How did we end up with the job we hold today? We start off after high school with practically limitless possibilities in regards to a career. What drives us to decide which field we will ultimately devote our lives to? What we do for a living has such an impact on our lives, I'm not sure we know what we're getting into until we're there.

As for me, the fact that my mother was a teacher factored heavily in my decision. I played around in a few other jobs after college, and actually enjoyed quite a few. I think I'm a pretty good communicator and love to read, so I've always thought I could have made a good lawyer or maybe a journalist. But when it came time to really choose, teaching seemed to hold the most intrigue for me. Part of that decision can be attributed to my mother, but the rest was merely because it felt right.

So for someone to pursue a really unique, specific field like sky writing, stunt car driving, or dolphin training....where on earth does that come from?? Were they also led toward that job because of a parent or other influential person? Maybe it was an experience as a kid, or a show they saw on television. Does it all just depend on how impressionable we may be? Or maybe it's somehow infused in our genetics? I myself have many generations of teachers in my family....do skywriters have some version of that as well?

Needless to say, most of the speeches today weren't exactly thrilling, which had me going down this line of thinking. It's such an interesting concept to look back and trace a specific area of our lives and become aware of just how we got where we are....and to think about if we'd chosen differently! Ideas like this just make me even more aware just how unpredictable and winding our paths may be.

Sunday evening...

2009-01-18T20:04:00.002-06:00

This is amazing!

Warning: That website is filled with all sorts of wonderful and intruiging lists. You will likely be there for some time. My favorites: Top Misspelled Tattoos, Worst Translations, and Most Beautiful Libraries...

A story of Christmas past...

2009-01-06T13:36:00.010-06:00

Too cute not to post this (my niece Sydney)

The charm and hilarity of classic Christmas sweaters will never be lost on me. Especially because I am a teacher, I get to see them more than any average person. I've personally never worn one by choice....until now.

Logan came up with the great idea of having a Tacky Sweater Christmas Eve. (vests, overalls, sweatshirts, and turtlenecks also accepted) My family usually dresses all fancy-like on Christmas Eve, so this was a welcome change. I was pleasantly surprised when everyone was enthusiastic about the idea! Family was coming in from all over the state of Louisiana, and many searched for their ensembles months in advance.

We then also decided to wear our dazzling costumes to the Christmas Eve carol singing at our church. In contrast to most people more dressy and conservative clothes, we were quite the sparkling, sequined bunch. Logan noticed several people looking at us and laughing, then immediately putting on a poker face as they suddenly wondered whether we were being serious or not.

One of my favorite conversations happened right before we went into church:

My sister-in-law Tieal: Are you sure we're not being offensive by wearing these to church?
My grandmother: Are you kidding me?? Jesus would love this!

The mastermind.

Maw Maw, Uncle Jerry, Mom, John John

Me, Mom, Jacob

Even 16 year old Brody participated. I loved his sweater the most. Harper made hers, complete with plastic poinsetta flowers.

Jake & Tieal

Hope everyone had a magical, wonderful Christmas holiday! I'm still adjusting to being back to work....it's a process. Wishing you all the best in 2009....I will quote the last fortune cookie I got recently in my hopes for you:

"The best days of your life have not yet been lived!"

The list....

2008-12-18T07:46:00.002-06:00

The following is a list of the jobs I have held during my lifetime:

Lifeguard
Smoothie chef
Camp counselor (canoeing, archery, diving, and swimming)
Blockbuster employee
Barista
Secretary (campaign headquarters, law office, apartment complex)
Magazine ad salesperson
Radio DJ
Public relations director
Interior designer assistant
Cheerleading coach
Swim instructor
Babysitter
Record store employee
Drug and Alcohol Awareness instructor
Waitress/Hostess
Newspaper reporter
Political campaign assistant

And finally......Teacher.

X-treme!!!!!!!!

2008-12-17T21:15:00.004-06:00

I feel immensely uncomfortable when people grunt or yell extra loudly while working out. Is it just me?

The majority of my workouts take place in the gym at my apartment complex, which is a relatively small space for any yelling or grunts to happen. Also, there are mirrors everywhere which haven't got a problem broadcasting any flinch or uncomfortable expression I make.

That being said....tonight took the cake. In the gym were two Russian guys basically doing this:

Hollering included. Awkward! Also, this extreme boxing/fighting/sparring was happening directly in front of the elliptical machines and treadmills. A staple in a good workout for me.

Now the question....
work out in the small room with the yelling? skip the workout and let the Russians win? (the 80's in me says hell no) make enough facial expressions to let them know they're being rude? stand there awkwardly trying to chose the correct response to finding random screaming Russians in the gym?

I chose the last.

Then I came home and worked out with my friend Billy Blanks. Ugg. Not the boots.

I'm back!

2008-12-10T11:46:00.003-06:00

I have little tolerance for bad moods...and that includes when it's me that's in one. So, after a day of feeling stressed out, tense, frustrated, and irritated. I'm over it! Being cranky has never been my style, so I'm glad to be feeling better today.

After giving it some thought, here are the things that contributed to my mood improvement:

- Going to the gym and working out despite the fact it was 27 degrees outside last night. I went home and changed like flash before I could convince myself to stay inside curled on the couch. (Trust me, I can be very convincing) A small accomplishment, true....but I was sort of proud of myself.

- New themes on Gmail. If you are a Gmail user (if you're not, why on earth wouldn't you be??), go to Settings and change your Theme. Mine currently is some sort of cartoon Japanese squirrel. According to the time of day, he's doing different things at the bottom of my Inbox. This morning at 6:30 a.m. he was doing tai chi. Apparently he's more of a morning person than I am....

- Comfortable, cozy, furry socks. A truly underrated accessory for the wintertime. I found myself bundled on the couch watching three episodes in a row of True Life on MTV last night. The white fuzzy socks with bunny ears on them were key to my comfort.

- A really good book. I'm currently re-reading "Dress Your Family in Courderoy and Denim" by David Sedaris. Such an entertaining outlook on life, I adore his sense of humor.

-Positive thoughts. Here comes the cheese. I am BLESSED, and I should feel guilty any time I slip up and don't remember that! Sometimes just sitting still for a moment and thinking about all that is going right is an excellent wake up call. I have people who love me, my health, a great job, and I am downright lucky compared to some.

Because of the path my life has followed, I know about times when things mostly aren't going my way. It's during those times I look back and wish I would have been more self aware during the happier days. And for the most part, "happier days" could be just a day just like today....a normal one, where I have the privilege of just living my life.

I hope all who read this would understand how blessed they are by the smaller things. Get back to the basics (as Logan advised me yesterday), and you'll find out just how good we've got it.

(Gmail update: my Japanese squirrel is now sweeping his porch)
Have a great day!!

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you also were called in one body, and be thankful.

A difficult two weeks...

2008-12-09T13:06:00.003-06:00

I am doing my best to stay positive during a very difficult time to be a teacher. Other than the weeks leading up to summer, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a doozie. The kids are resentful of being in school and we're halfway through the year and kind of getting tired of each other. Restlessness abounds. Two weeks is a nearly impossible amount of time to start a new, extensive unit...so we're stuck reviewing (mid-terms are when we return from break) or trying to be creative with some new ideas. I'm going the creative route, and am both congratulating and cursing myself in random intervals throughout the day (depending on how the class handles the "creativeness" of my lessons).

Here is the situation I find most frustrating today:
I have a bag on my desk where students can borrow a pen if they leave their ID for collatoral. I just looked inside and there are no pens. I put 20 in there last week, and now they are all gone. Whether it's one kid with sticky fingers, or 20 that didn't follow through on their word...I can't help but be frustrated.

On the other hand, maybe it was him.

I kind of wish it were so I wouldn't feel so irritated at those mystery students. Sorry for the Debby Downer of a post. I'll be back on the Sunshine Wagon tomorrow...promise.

An email from the past...

2008-12-04T12:56:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday and I got an email from myself that I sent three years ago! It was sent through the website http://www.futureme.org/. Go there and blow your future self's mind! I know I did....

The following is an e-mail from the past, composed on Monday, November 7, 2005, and sent via FutureMe.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear FutureMe,
Hey there! Writing this from B203 on a Monday afternoon...

I guess it will be a miracle if you actually get this. First things first. You've made it past the big 3-0!!!! Is it as bad as you always thought it would be?? Hopefully you'll have found out that like most things, it's never quite as bad as they say it is....

This last weekend I went to the Londoner and had some drinks with old friends. It was a beautiful night and I felt truly happy. The night was capped off by a stop to buy champagne and our group + 2 more going home to play Trivial Pursuit. Of course the girls won. Sunday was spent doing a paint by number and rehydrating.

Bottom line advice:
Don't be old
Don't be boring
Remember to do the things you love
Take a risk now and then
Remember that you are unique and special
YOU are in charge of your life
Make sure you have plenty of leisure time (it is essential to your well-being)

I love you now and I hope I love you just as much in the future...

So, have you found someone that makes you happy?? I wonder if alot has changed in your life over the last three years.

"Above all else, to thine own self be true..."

KEEP IT REAL MOFO.

Love,
The 27 year old you

Brought to LIFE...

2008-12-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

Google is doing something extra cool these days. They are archiving all the photos from LIFE magazine...all the way from the 1750's until today. http://images.google.com/hosted/life

Definitely worth browsing.

Way cool...

2008-11-17T10:42:00.001-06:00

Free podcasts from The University of Oxford!
http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/

Via "Very Short List" http://www.veryshortlist.com : (a sweet email I get every day with an interesting link or article)

Oxford’s podcast series allows you to audit courses at the English-speaking world’s oldest university — free of charge, and from afar. Learn about quantum nanotechnology while riding the subway. Study Milton in the Laundromat. And hear the creation story as it’s described in the Torah, the Bible, and the Koran. You can also hear American economist Joseph Stiglitz’s recent talk on the credit crunch (it’s the top-ranked podcast at iTunes) and tag along with Michael Palin (Oxford ’65, Monty Python ’83) as he gives you a video tour of the university and its Bodleian Library (it’s home to 9 million items, including four Magna Cartas). Oxford has launched the careers of countless movers and shakers — including 25 prime ministers. Here’s your chance to join their ranks!

Thoughts for Monday...

2008-11-17T08:58:00.000-06:00

- I think Beyonce's new music is some of the worst I've heard in a very long time.

- I dreamed that I was a mediator between Madonna and Guy Ritchie...it was very stressful and Madonna is very scary in person.

- Last night Logan and I played Monopoly. It was my first time in years and I was absolutely terrible.

- If you're looking for a delicious holiday treat, check out Williams Sonoma hot chocolate. We had some last night with specially made chocolate marshmallows from there as well. Sooooooo delicious....

Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a distinctly different sip than hot cocoa. Inspired by the famed Café Angélina in Paris, where steaming pots of velvety hot chocolate are served with bowls of whipped cream alongside, ours is intensely chocolatey. We make it from shavings of premium chocolate rather than cocoa powder to yield a well-rounded body, rich taste, smooth texture and exquisite aroma. The chocolate is an artisanal bittersweet variety by Guittard, San Francisco chocolate makers since the 19th century. It liquefies quickly and consistently in hot milk. Enhanced by the cool, clean taste of fresh mint, our peppermint version adds triple-distilled natural peppermint oil. The special set includes a canister of each. 12 oz. A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fd399/index.cfm?pkey=cfodcdyi&cm%5Fsrc=None

Clarity...

2008-11-13T15:20:00.000-06:00

Jimmy Eat World is doing a "Clarity" tour. Ten cities, playing all ten songs off the album. I'm sure it will be amazing to say the least. Sadly, they are coming nowhere near Dallas. http://http://www.nme.com/news/jimmy-eat-world/40965 So to all you Daddy Warbucks reading this blog, I am open for a sponsorship to attend one of the shows in another city.

I filled out a survey on a kid who has some problems (understatement of the universe). It tracks her behavior and asks the most bizarre questions you've ever seen. Filling it out makes me grateful for the somewhat "normal" problems this student has. It asked if she ever speaks in a robot or "little professor" voice. What the hell?? Lord bless those teachers who have students speaking like that. For some reason I have a mental image of the voice sounding like Stewie from Family Guy. That's all I need....

In other news we had to stop the lesson today to reteach "noun" and "verb". To 7th graders. Who have passed every grade until now. No child left behind, indeed!

In other news, check out these amazing pictures of Antartica! Fascinating.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/scenes_from_antarctica.html

Do you know what

2008-11-07T09:55:00.001-06:00

word you would be surprised to hear junior high students say on a frequent basis?

"hobo"

Ex: "Dude, you're dressed like an old crazy hobo today."

1,2,3,4,5,6,7...

2008-11-06T08:36:00.000-06:00

I was tagged in my friend Julie's blog, so I thought I'd pass along the favor. The instructions are to write 7 random things about myself. So....here ya go!

1. I have been collecting records for the past few years. I love to spend time at Half Price Books flipping through the racks. I don't know exactly what I'm looking for, but I always feel like I recognize it when I see it. The result has been a truly eclectic collection. My most treasured would have to be a recording of JRR Tolkien reading from "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King". He talks about his favorite passages and reads them aloud....brilliance.

2. I paint as a hobby and no one has ever seen my "work". Trust me, it's awful.

3. I can't stand it when people say "Do what?" instead of "What?"

4. I have a Super Nintendo and play it more often than I would ever admit.

5. When I'm old I want to be a librarian. A really cool, old librarian.

6. I am overly attuned to noticing nature. Sometimes I think it's obnoxious how often I say "Look at that!" "Did you see that?" "Look how pretty!" But seriously....have you seen how freakin beautiful the fall leaves are these days????

7. My sense of direction is so bad I'm pretty sure it could be classified as a disability.

People below, consider yourself tagged! Boo ya!

Why, Justin, Why?
http://whyjustwhy.blogspot.com

Keeping Up With the Chreste's
http://chreste.blogspot.com

Diary of a Logophile
http://apesdina.blogspot.com

Eclaire Fare
http://eclairefare.wordpress.com

And the crowd goes wild....

2008-11-03T13:43:00.000-06:00

I had the chance to go to the the Texas Tech vs. UT game this weekend in Lubbock! The game was bananas...b-a-n-a-n-a-s. UT played a great game and it was a nailbiter all the way until the end!

We got there on Friday night (Halloween) and were given a tour of "Raiderville", the makeshift tent city created by TTU students waiting in line for the game. Some even had cable! We stopped by a group of guys playing Rock Band and L took the time to sing Bon Jovi in his wizard costume.

We had a chance to see ESPN Game Day and go to the Woods' awesome tailgate. (complete with a roasted pig and a band) And then, on to the game...in case you haven't heard, Tech pulled out a win! Such a great weekend....Go Tech!

In other news, I hope LSU kills Bama this weekend!!!!! Geaux Tigers!

Happy Wednesday...

2008-10-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

As you can see by the pics below, I had a wonderful weekend in New Orleans! I've been to Voodoo Fest about 3 or 4 times before, but this was definitely one of the best. Saw tons of great local bands (Soul Rebel Brass Band, Bonerama, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Marc Broussard) and even a few bigger acts (Panic at the Disco, Lil' Wayne, R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails).

Logan & I stayed with my brother Jake. We had a great time with his wife Tieal and their daughter Sydney. She's one of those jolly babies that is always laughing and smiling at everything around her. One time she was looking over our shoulders with the biggest grin in the world....we turned around and saw a smiling pumpkin decoration on the wall! Ha. There is just something about being around such a happy child that is good for the soul.

Also good for the soul....southern food, and plenty of it! We ate at some amazing places all over the city. One of the best finds was Coop's Place in the French Quarter. We noticed the "Excellent" Zagat rating on the door of this hole in a wall and decided to give it a try. Honestly it was one of the best meals I've had in New Orleans...and that's saying something. Fried chicken, rabbit & sausage jamabalaya with a side of coleslaw. Ooooo weeeee....that's some good stuff.

It was such beautiful weather for a weekend in south Louisiana. If you haven't ever been to the city, now is a great time to visit! Southwest flights are cheap and the flowers are blooming! I can't wait to go back for Jazz Fest :)

Here are some links of the day:
Ironic twins
http://www.voicingopinions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1367

Need a diversion? It'll take me forever to get through these....
http://www.evancarmichael.com/Tools/Top-50-Diversions-Blogs-2008.htm

A beautiful Halloween sky. Make sure to check it out!
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/28oct_halloweensky.htm

MTV just lauched a new website where they show MUSIC VIDEOS. Crazy, but true.
http://www.mtvmusic.com/

Have a great day....and DON'T FORGET TO VOTE. Unsure where? Here's a simple way to find out....
www.maps.google.com/maps
Also includes info on early and absentee voting.

The way you do the voodoo that you do....

2008-10-28T13:29:00.001-05:00

There's a feelin in the air...

2008-10-23T14:23:00.001-05:00

Such a beautiful, sunshiney, fall day isn't it? (btw, that pic is a pumpkin.)

Here are some interesting links I found today while browsing the interwebs:

If you find yourself with some free time, this story is fascinating. Just click "Watch the Whole Program".
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/
Now this lady was a TEACHER.

This site just keeps on bringing the wows.
http://weburbanist.com/2008/09/09/70-amazing-houses-from-around-the-world/

Think you can carve a pumpkin? Lose your confidence by checking these out.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/19551

Supersweetawesome tables. Yes, tables.
http://weburbanist.com/2008/10/20/16-creative-modern-tables/

I will be in the home state this weekend! I'm going to the Voodoo Fest and visiting my brother Jake and his delightful family. I will post pictures of the rock shows when I return!
http://www.thetenthritual.com/

Just look up....

2008-10-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

I am a cloudwatcher. I am fascinated by the sky above us and love to marvel at God's masterful work. The colors of sunsets and rises, seeing storms and rain in the distance, big fluffy clouds full of rain....I love it all. L is quite patient with me pointing out interesting things in the sky constantly. I thought I'd share with you something cool I've learned recently....

These are contrails. (Short for "condensation trails")

Technically they are clouds! I've always thought they were some kind of smoke or exhaust left behind by planes.

They are formed by the sudden condensation of the water vapor ejected from the exhaust of airplanes. What's interesting is, they don't always form behind every plane. Only if the conditions are right, when moist air in the upper atmosphere is rising. Guess what that means? Rain! Usually within the next 48 to 72 hours....especially if the contrails hang around a long time.

I saw these contrails on Monday morning. It's now about 48 hours later...and it's raining outside! It's a fairly simple concept I know, but interesting all the same :)

If you've got some time, here's a story about The Morning Glory cloud that appears in Australia. Pilots go there because they can surf it! Pretty strange and cool stuff. http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/mg1/

Links I visit every day...

2008-10-21T09:08:00.001-05:00

Click on the "Best of 2007" to get a good feel for this site. I could look at it for hours. Filled with some of the weirdest things from the web. Tons of cool, interesting pics to browse. Also check out the "Abandoned Places & Urban Exploring" section. Just, WOW.
Dark Roasted Blend.

The source of so many links I share with friends. Constantly updated and you'll come away with at least one "Did you know...?" type statement for the day. Mental Floss....It's where knowledge junkies get their fix!

Quick and easy news links from around the web. A one-stop shop for finding out whats going on in the world. The Drudge Report and Newser.

I share links often, so look for more to come! Have a great day :)

A bit about me...

2008-10-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

I am a transplant to Dallas from Louisiana. I grew up in Ruston, LA. (home of Louisiana Tech and the Peach Festival) I come from a family of funny, loud, quirky people. I have been surprised at how much I've grown to love Texas...but I will always be loyal to my pelican state.

I teach at a junior high school in Richardson and started a Theatre Arts magnet here last year. I spend my days with some of the coolest, funniest kids you've ever met. I am immensely proud of how far they've come and it's been fascinating to watch them becoming braver and more sure of themselves every day. I also teach a couple of Reading classes to kids who really and truly hate to read. I don't have a magic spell to make them love it, but I've had a few successes over the past years. Helping them find something to read that they're interested in has been key. I'll always have a love for books, so I love leading the kids toward a tolerance for (if not a mild enjoyment of) reading.

I date a super cool guy named Logan. He's a Texas boy that is been part of the reason I've grown to love it here. He's interesting, strong, handsome like an old fashioned movie star, and one of the smartest people I've ever met.

Things I like: music, fall & spring, pluralizing things for no reason (ex: the internets), bright colors, playing my keyboard, painting, a good night's sleep, cloudwatching, popsicles, road trips

Things I do not like: people talking loudly in movies, close-mindedness, Hannah Montana, contradictions, Debbie Downers, snobby people, spiders, tapered jeans, blue tooth earpieces