...The interwebz

I get to keep in touch with family without having to actually talk to them or run up a phone bill.
It makes me smarter. I learn something new every day.
I get to surf when I'm bored.
I get to shop when I'm bored.
I get to blog when I'm bored.
I get to read other blogs when...well you get the picture.

...TEACHERS

These poor underpaid and under-appreciated souls. I got this voice mail message the other day. Here it is word for word. Names have been withheld to protect the innocent. Notice I didn't withhold my son's name. (These are my personal comments)
"Hello. This is Mrs. ___ from __ elementary and I'm calling regarding Dawson..."
(My first thought was: Oh boy. he's sick and I have to go get him from school )
"...He was involved in a big pine cone fight this morning with a whole bunch of other 5th graders."
(I couldn't help but roll my eyes and chuckle a bit. BOYS. He's 10 by the way. )
"...And It started out as this kind of a fun thing, but it turned dangerous and students were getting hit in the head and in the eyes and it's definitely against our school rules to behave and be responsible."
(I assume she meant the opposite ?!)
"...So he and the other students all came down to the refocus room and I talked to them about being safe and following the rules and they will be spending their lunch recess in the refocus."
(For those of you who don't know WTF refocus is, it's the PC version of detention.)
"...It's our policy to notify the parents any time the kids are sent to refocus, and I hope Dawson doesn't have to come to refocus again. He's a good kid. If you have any questions feel free to call me at ___."
So Dawson's version of this story went something like this:
"I got off the bus and ___ pegged me right in the face with a pine cone. So I just started throwing them back and then a bunch of kids started a pine cone war."
It will forever be referenced as "The great pine cone war of 2008" now.

...Thrift Stores

I was never much of a thrift store shopper prior to living in Utah and discovering D.I. (aka Deseret Industries, aka the mormon thrift store). Of course I have also discovered other thrift stores to shop and find treasures at. I also love the fact I can donate/recycle stuff. The reason I am so thankful is they save me money. I'll bet most of my closet is supplied by second hand clothing. I get more compliments on these pieces than my new stuff. Of course there are things I would never buy second hand...but I have found numerous items with the store tags still attached. I even found $10/plate Dillard's china for 75 cents a plate. BARGAIN!

...for seehearspeaknoevil.com

They inspired me to create my own blog. Of course I don't have nearly as many readers as they do, but it's still a great creative outlet for me. Today's post was this cool, scarily accurate quiz. Here's my results and at the bottom is the website if you want to take it too.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Katharine! (I'd like to think I'm as beautiful as her too)

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.


• * Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.


• * Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.


• * Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.


• * Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine

• * being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down


• * being spontaneous and free-spirited


• * being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.


• * being generous and trying to make the world a better place


• * having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures


• * having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine

• * not having enough time to do all the things I want


• * not completing things I start


• * not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career


• * having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies


• * feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often

• * are action oriented and adventuresome


• * drum up excitement


• * prefer being with other children to being alone


• * finesse their way around adults


• * dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents

• * are often enthusiastic and generous


• * want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life


• * may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

...for the weekends

I am thankful to have a break every once in a while. I think we take advantage of this small luxury. A lot of cultures work 7 days a week. All work and no play makes Nan a dull bitch.