Heads or Tails!

Skittle's weekly meme is here! Today the topic is wonder OR wander...

I Wander and Wonder...

As I wander through
my so called life
I wonder about
the pain and strife
that fuels this world
from day to day.

I wonder if
we all forgot
what it means to
care and not
be evil and hateful
to one another.

I wonder if
kindness is gone
or if we are
wandering alone
in this world
that we call home.

I wonder if
we'll ever see
how unified
we can truly be
or if we've strayed
to far to try.

President Nader?

I heard yesterday that Ralph Nader is entering the Presidential race. I am bothered by this, not because I don't believe in the beauty of our democracy, but because all the other candidates have campaigned so hard to make it to this point and he just wanders in (hey...I could have waited and used this as my Heads or Tails post...) at the last minute...

I guess here is the other thing that irritates me. He knows he can't win...at least I think he knows that. I feel that is a bit of a slap in the face to the cadidates who have worked hard to earn votes so far...he is going to most likely take away votes from two candidates who can legitimately win. Plus, in a race that will be close anyway (I am guessing), all votes count.

Does this mean that I could enter the race as an independent if I wanted to? What exactly are the rules about that?

Warning--Serious Post Ahead

Everyone knows that I try to stay away from anything overly serious, but something has been bugging me for a month or so and I have to share my opinion with you. It is my opinion, so please feel free to disagree...

I am Pro-choice. That means that I believe that all women have the right to make their own decisions. It doesn't mean that I would choose to have an abortion, but I feel I have no right to tell any other woman how to make that decision. I also don't think anyone else has the right to tell a woman what she should or shouldn't do.

That being said, I must comment on a supreme disappointment in my State Legislators.

Recently our legislators voted to pass a bill that requires all women seeking an abortion to receive an ultrasound, have a physician review the ultrasound with them and provide them with images from that ultrasound. This new section of KRS 311.710 TO 311.820 states that women can avert their eyes from them images if they want to, but the physician has to provide the images to them. It also states that these requirements can be waived only in the event of a medical emergency that must be documented in the woman's medical records.

I have problems with this new law for numerous reasons. First of all, I think the decision to have an abortion is an emotional one to begin with. Forcing a woman to have an ultrasound and providing her with verbal (the required physician's review) and visual (the images) evidence of the fetus is harsh. No one can be inside a woman's head when she makes this decision. We don't know why she is making the choice, but we need to respect the fact that she has a reason. To try to guilt her into keeping the child is a tactic that I think is very disturbing. And, yes, I think that is what this law tries to do. Guilt women into keeping a child that she doesn't think she can support. How can anyone but the woman know what is best for her and her unborn child?

Yes, I know there are options (adoption, etc.) for the child if the woman changes her mind, but what if the woman is a drug addict or drinks constantly? Would that be one of the "medical emergencies' that allows a physician to fore go the ultrasound and the verbal review? What about a woman who was raped and is pregnant by her assailant? Would she have to listen to the review of the ultrasound and possibly look at ultrasound pictures?

I fear that if states and the nation continue along this path, abortions will, once again, become an illegal procedure. Although some people will agree with this decisions, we all need to remember that even when abortions were illegal, women still found a way to make the decision and some of them were not pleasant. (In the midst of this serious post, I can't help thinking of Dirty Dancing and the abortion that Penny had...and I think of how horrible it would be if women had to choose that route once again.)

This is such a touchy subject, and I am aware that many people may not agree with me, but I also know that I have been upset about this decision since it was made. I hope that those of you who disagree with me can still respect me as a fellow blogger...I am just not one who can hold in my opinions. If you agree with this new state law, I will not judge you or have anything less than respect for you.

I guess this is the beauty of America--we are all entitled to our opinions and we are all entitled to voice those opinions. Please let me know what you think of this new development...I want to hear what you have to say.

Arg.

We were off school Wednesday because we got two inches of snow overnight. We went back yesterday knowing that another round of winter weather was heading our way. The kids were all excited because they had a feeling that we were going to get another snow day. I was peeved because I have eight million things to get done with them before next Friday, so I really can't miss anymore time with any class...I need to see them all...and I really needed to see them all yesterday.

So first period starts and we bust our tails and we get through 20 pages of reading in 55 minutes. We even had time to discuss, ask questions, etc. It was great. We got interrupted five times with announcements and I got two phone calls, so I was really thrilled because I knew that if I could get through the reading with them and all those interruptions, all classes could get done. Second period came in and we got started. About 30 minutes in we get an announcement saying we are going to conduct a safety sweep and we had to lock all the doors and not let any students out. I wasn't worried--this happens from time to time and it never takes more than 20 minutes.

I was wrong this time. We got done with the reading and we waited. And waited. And waited. In fact, second period ran nearly 30 minutes longer than usual. You know what that means, right? That means that we last 30 minutes of third period. Which means there was no way for me to get finished with the reading. We got through 8 pages. Fourth period comes in and I know that I can finish with them. And we do finish. And then we get the email saying we are leaving at 1:30 because of the impending snow doom. Which means that our last two classes are split...and we had 25 minutes with each group. That meant there was no way I was getting finished with the reading sixth period...they got through six pages (we were interrupted 4 times with phone calls. It was great).

The storm rolled in much faster than anticipated (wait--weather forcasts being innacurate? That is so unusual!) As in five hours before they thought it would. So by 8:30 last night, most schools were already closed for today. Including some schools that NEVER close (private schools around here rarely close for weather problems). I'm actually glad they made the call realy. That meant I didn't have to get up and watch the news to find out.

Here is why I am worried. If it were just me I had to worry about, I wouldn't care. I can be flexible, make things work, play with time...whatever is needed. The problem is that I have a practicum student who has to teacher March 5-7 and she already has her lesson plans done and ready to go. I can't push into her week because she is being observed and it is very important to her. The othe rproblem? Because we have been out for snow so much, she has only been in my classroom 3 times. We always seem to get snowed out on Mondays or Wednesdays (the days she is supposed to be there). She doesn't know the kids, they don't know her, and she has to teach in a week. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes.

I know that kids everywhere are happy that we are off again today (we have gone to school 4 out of the last 8 days we have been scheduled to go), but we adults are going stir crazy. And today I am trapped, really--there is ice everywhere and there is no way I am going out in this. even my poor dogs are confused...their backyard is a skating rink. You should see them try to go out...it takes forever to make it across the yard.

They say it is going to turn to rain later today. Hopefully that will clear things out...but they also said the snow was goingto start at 7:00 last night...and we all know how that turned out.

Friday's Feast #1

Appetizer
Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? If so, what did you do and who was your victim?
Yes. Oddly enough it was my eighth grade history teacher. It was an April Fool's joke. We (as in a couple friends and I) turned everything in his room upside down...posters, desks, everything. It was great. But he got us back big time, so we all ended up even.

Soup
What do your salt and pepper shakers look like?
It depends on the time of year. Right now they are plain (glass with silver tops), but during the holiday season I have snow man ones in the kitchen and penguin ones in the dining room.

Salad
Where is the next place you plan to visit (on vacation or business)?
We are going to Hawaii in July. I don't know if I am going anywhere before that...

Main Course
What kind of lotion or cream do you use to keep your hands from getting too dry?
This is an endless quest, isn't it? Right now I use Origins Ginger Rush Intensely Hydrating body creme...but it is seasonal and you can't get it right now. I hope my supply lasts through winter!

Dessert
Make up a dessert, tell us its ingredients, and give it a name.
Wow. There are so many great desserts out there already...how about Cool Whip with a few chocolate chips stirred in and drizzled with Hershey's Syrup...I could call it Chocolate Cloud :-)

Thursday Thirteen

13 Reasons I am Totally Over Winter

1. Snow--don't get me wrong, I love the occasional snow day, but we have had 3 (and if it does what they say it is going to do, it will be 4) snow days in the last 8 days. That makes it hard to get things done with students.
2. Ice--see number 1.
3. Static electricty--my hair is flying in a million directions with no desire to stay down anytime soon.
4. The Writer's Strike--I usually look forward to winter television, but I have been so disappointed. All of my favorite shows vanished.
5. Innacurate weather forcasts--okay, so this happens all the time, but it bothers me more in winter. Summer and spring mistakes usually don't result in 4 inches of snow.
6. Crazy grocery store shoppers--it never fails...predict a measly amount of snow and people around here go shopping like they are goingto get snowed in for a month. This especially stinks if your monthly grocery trip coincides with the crazy shoppers.
7. That "blah" feeling--winter always gets me down and we have been cloudier than usual...making me sleepier than usual. Even yoga can't get me out of the funk.
8. No good sports--sorry, but when football ends, I am done with sports. All I can do is wait until Fall.
9. Potholes--I swear I almost lost my car in one last week. And why do we have them? See numbers 1 and 2.
10. Wind chills--this has been one of the coldest winters that I remember. Our average tempertaure right now should be in the low 40's and we haven't gotten out of the 20's all week. This morning's windcill? -1. I know for some people that's nothing, but for us (at this time of year) it is frigid.
11. Early sunsets--I am ready for light until 8:00 again. I must admit that it is staying light longer, but it still isn't what I want. I crave sunlight.
12. Pale skin--arg. I know that tanning is bad for you, but I do it anyway (not as much as I used to, but I do it.) I want my legs to be skirt worthy again, and right now I wouldn't even think about showing them...and don't get me started on the bathing suits in stores...I can't even think about it.
13. Did I mention the snow? and the ice?--I thought I did.
    
    Bring on spring!

Wordless Wednesday!

Origins Update

A couple of days ago I posted about the horrible experiences I had been having at my local Orgins store. After posting, I took Nicole's advice and emailed their corporate office. I got a reply this morning. Melissa (the Origins representative who emailed me) apologized profusely for my experience, said that the information had been forwarded to the store and that they were going to send me "a selection of travel sized products" as a gesture of apology. I find this a fantastic, unexpected surprise. Most companies just send word that they got your email and say that they will work on improving...very few (at least ones that I have emailed) ever go to this extent. It shows me that they do care about keeping customers happy.

In th eend, though, I hope that word gets to the store and that the woman's attitude improves. I want to enjoy my shopping experience again, and I hope this is a step in the right direction.

Heads or Tails Tuesday

Today's Heads or Tails Tuesday is brought to you by the number 3 and the letter"P."

Here are some things I like that start with the letter "P."

Packers, peanuts, puppies, pickles, peanut butter, Pinot Grigio, pepper jack cheese, pillows, pictures, playing X-Box, posing (as in yoga), pasta, ponies, pepperoni pizza, Pearl Jam, popcorn, Play-Doh, poetry, pens and pencils (I love that aisle at Staples), Panera, Phantom of the Opera, pool, pancakes, produce, pork chops, Pirates of the Carribean, penguins, Pushing Daisies (but I think it got cancelled), peace and quiet, pudding, privacy, purple, periwinkle, presents, popsicles, parents (mine), postive attitudes, polite-ness, plays, pie, panthers (not Carolina), promises (kept), pets, pointless television, pockets, pretending, purging, planning (trips, my day...whatever), pineapple, Prodigal Summer (Barbara Kingsolver is amazing) and posting (like here)

(I'm sure I'll think of more...)

What about you? What "P" things do you like?

Unconscious Mutterings...Take One!

I have seen this over at Skittle's Place a Couple of times and I decided that I wanted to play today. Enjoy!

She Said...I Responded:

1. Passport :: Photo
2. Small world :: After All
3. Radio :: Cuba Gooding, Jr.
4. Marine :: Life
5. Wall :: Street
6. Wanna be :: Like Mike
7. Pigtails :: Yoga
8. Hyphen :: Dash
9. 9.99 :: $10.00
10. Unrated :: Edition

You can play, too over at Unconscious Mutterings...have fun!

ORIGINal Negativity

Any of you who read my Favorite Girly Things post know that Origins is one of my new favorite pleasures in life. I love their lotions, their fragrances and my face loves their face care products. My face is softer, less oily, breaks out less and is all around in better shape than it has been in a long time.

When I first went into Origins, all the girls there were super nice. I told one girl what my problems were and she hooked me up with like eight different samples (cleansers, masks, toners, lotions, serums...you name it.) I loved it because their stuff is a little pricy, so I like the fact that I can try things before I shell out the twenty bucks a product. I went back a couple of weeks later and bought an extensive line of products and I have been very happy with it. Unfortunately, with the air being so dry, the toner that worked wonders on my face in the summer months is a little harsh right now, so I am looking to change to something a little less drying and a little more soothing...so I went back to the store to ask some questions. Silly me.

Allow me to explain...

There is a woman who works at the local Origins store that I do not like. The first time I went in there I was looking for their Ginger Rush body lotion. She wrinkled her nose and said "Yeah, that's seasonal and we don't have it." I told her that wasn't a big deal and I would look online for it and I proceeded to buy something from her she asked if I used any of their face care products. When I told her it was all I used, she wrinkled her nose and said "Oh." I was thinking "Oh, what? Oh, please don't tell anyone because your face looks lke crap? Oh, apprantly it isn't working...what?"

In fact, the last couple of times I have gone in to ask questions she has been irritated, short and overall rude and pushy. I don't like that. The last time I went in I explained to this woman everything that was going on with my face. The fact that the toner used to work great but now it is a little harsh, the fact I had researched online and thought this other type of toner may work and I asked her if I could try this other stuff. Here is the conversation that followed:

She wrinkled her nose up and said "Try? As in what?"

I told her I would like a sample to take home with me so that I could try it with my other facecare regiman.

She wrinkled her nose again and said "Well, it's really hard to get samples of toner. There really isn't a good way to do it."

I replied, "I have taken two different samples of toner home before. Can I please get one?"

Her response: "I guess."

She proceeded to get a sample and then said "Do you plan on buying anything today?"

To be honest, I had planned on it, but I was so irritated with her that I decided not to and I took my sample and went home (she didn't even give me a little bag or anything...just the little plastic container that I ended up having to carry through the mall. I looked like I was carrying a urine sample through stores. It was ridiculous.) I am notorious for being super nice to all employees of places because I know what it is like to be working retail...but this woman even tries my patience.

Because she refuses to allows postive interactions, I decided that I would not go in there if she was working. I go in there to browse, to smell, to look, to ask some questions, to (hopefully) buy something, but she is always irritated at browsing, looking and questions. She even does the sigh and eye roll. I don't need that when I am out...but here is where my plan is backfiring--it seems she ALWAYS works! The last three times I have been over that way she has been working. I won't go in there. I want to enjoy my shopping experience and she ruins it.

I don't know who I could write to about her and knowing my luck I would call the store to complain and she would answer. So, until she gains a sunnier disposition, it appears as if online Origins shopping is the way to go for me for awhile.

New Layout

Well, I have given up on the 3-column idea (for now). I figured out how to get a third column on here, but it didn't look like I wanted it, so I scrapped it. I am happy, though, because I have figured out how to get all of my information to transfer from one blog layout to another so I won't be such a chicken in changing things up a bit from time to time. I had no idea I could ever figure out any HTML code at all, and I did it last night. I was thrilled.

Let me know what you think of the new layout. I'll be back later...I have plenty to say today.

Layout Help

As I was looking at my blog this morning I realized that I have a lot of information in my sidebar...so much that i would really like another sidebar to hold it all. So that would mean I need a three column layout. I played around with my HTML scripts this morning and only managed to frustrate myself.

If anyone knows of any good sites to get three column layouts or a good tutorial for editing HTML codes to turn two column layouts into three column, please let me know. I would appreciate any leads or help that you can provide.

Until next time...

What's Wrong With This Picture?

I was reading up on some local news and the advertisment on the side was for a pink diet patch. The headline read "Want to drop 25 pounds?" and the picture attached to the advertisement was this:

Is anyone else bothered by what this is saying to young girls (and grown women, for that matter) that may have issues with body image? Honestly, if this girl lost 25 pounds she would be nothing, nada, zip.

Shame on this company. I plan on writing a letter to them expressing my disgust at their advertising. It does nothing but play of the low self esteem of so many women these days. If it isn't bad enough that we are constantly faced with "perfect" bodies, hair and skin when we look at magazines and watch TV now we have to worry that a girl this size is still overweight when she obviously isn't. A standard is being set that is not attainable...and all that does is lower self esteem more. It is a vicious cycle.

We have had an outbreak lately at school of girls refusing to eat because they thing they are fat and they need to lose fifteen pounds. Fourteen year old girls who are worried about being fat. It's scary to know that there are so many people who play off those fears and use it to their advantage. And the worst thing is that no one says anything about this type of stuff on television...but cuss a couple of times and have a "wardrobe malfunction" and the whole world is falling apart.

Instead of worrying about the violence and such on television today, maybe people need to turn their attention to what the media is doing to the perceptions of young girls. Everywhere you turn there are stick skinny models and actresses. The average size of women in America? 12.

We need to get out priorities straight. And soon. Because as long as the media is allowed to portray the "norm" as a size zero, six foot tall woman, the future of many girls in America looks very grim.

Shan's Top Ten...

Top Ten Reasons I am Not in a Good Mood Today...

10. The weather. It is 60 and rainy...in February. And it has been raining for two STRAIGHT (as in nonstop) days.
9. My hair does not do well in humid weather...as in it gets poofy and gross. Plus, I am not sure i like my haircut, so I am constantly worried I look like a freak with poofy bad hair.
8. Since the weather is so warm there is no chance for a snow day.
7. I had a girl pass out in my classroom an hour ago...and I had to catch her...to keep her from hitting her head on a bookshelf.
6. Because I had to catch the girl, I hurt my back. I feel like I pulled all the muscles on my left side from the momentum of her falling.
5. My husband is in meetings all day so I can't even tell him about what happened today. Just hearing his voice sometimes makes me feel better.
4. Because the weather has been so "blah," I, in turn, have been "blah" so I haven't done yoga in three days...and my body can tell.
3. There has been no really goo TV on for weeks because of the writer's strike. Sure, Lost came back (whoch thrilled me), but I watched Pushing Daisies on Wednesdays...and now what do I have? American Idol and The Moment of Truth. Super.
2. I have realized that there are many people at my work who do less than me and make more money (okay, so I have known this for a while, but today it irritates me.)

And the number one reason I am in a bad mood today...

The kids are driving my crazy. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but these kids are on my ever loving nerve. Complaining, sleeping, not doing work, rumor spreading, bullying...you name it and they are doing it. I think they need a snow day more than any of us so they can get it all out of their system and come back ready to finish out the year.

There. I feel better now. I will feel even better after a good yoga session and a couple of glasses of wine. Maybe tomorrow I will have ten reasons to be in a good mood...

Well...at least two :-)

A Few of My Favorite (Girly) Things...

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a high maintanance kind of girl. I don't wear a lot of make-up, I don't get "gussied up" often, and I don't care much about latest fashion. I go for simple, easy beauty regimans...and the easier the better. I wanted to share with all of you a few of my favorite things when it comes to beauty products.

First of all, for any of you ladies who have the oily skin problem (I posted about it earlier in the school year), I have found a skin regiman that works. This regiman worked so well that it has actually trained my skin not to be as oily during the day.

1. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
2. Origins United State Toner
3. Origins Matte Scientist Lotion

My favorite make-up products are not the expensive kind. Instead, I stick to the basics (and I mean basics--this is the extent of what I wear. If I am going out I may throw on some eyeshadow, but that is rare):

1. Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara in brown (I've tried the Covergirl LashExact and it is okay, but I like this better.)
2. Covergirl Fresh Look Pressed Powder
3. Maybelline ExpertWear eyeliner in chesnut brown
4. Blistex Lip Infusion Moisture Splash (I love this stuff...and it is so inexpensive. It works like a gloss but hydrates like chapstick. It's fantastic!)

I am always on the search for the perfect lotion. Although I love Suave products during the summer because they are lightweight, I need something more heavy-duty in the winter.

1. Origins Ginger Rush Intensely Hydrating Cream (the texture is fantastic and the smell is amazing. It is, hands down, the best lotion I have ever used. It is a bit pricy, but it is worth it. I don't throw my money around lightly, so this stuff is really worth it! Unfortunately, it is only available during the holidays. I linked the gift set...it's good, too.)
2. Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme (we all get dry heels. This stuff really gets into them and softens them up. It's great)

My hair is a pain in the butt. It is naturally frizzy/wavy/curly...but not all in one spot, so I have to do a lot with it in regards to getting it to stay down. I also tend to want to pull my hair up by the end of the day because it gets grimy (hazard of fine hair). Oddly enough, I found some relief in a place I would have never thought to look:

1. Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Shampoo (I have never had a reason to try this shampoo before, but I saw a commercial with a lady who goes to put her hair up in a ponytail halfway through work only to realize that she didn't need to. That's when I thought, "what the heck...it can't hurt)
2. Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Conditioner
3. Pantene Frizz Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray (This works well in the summer months. It doesn't defend as much against the rain as I would like, but it is a good product)
4. Sunsilk Antipoof Creme

And all ladies like to smell nice. Where do I turn? You guessed it...Origins :-)

1. Origins Ginger Essense Intensified Fragrence (great size and price...you can carry it with you, so that helps.)

So, there you have it. Some of Shan's favorite girly things. Hope you enjoyed!