I Love CousCous

It's wonderful, and makes such a great lunch at the office. I really like raisins in my couscous.

Sorry, just wanted to share.

What I am Reading Now

I Have a Papercut on My Lip

But that's ok...it's my last week at this job. Then I have a week to prepare and paint my classroom, a week of in-service, and then school starts. And less than a month away is Bermuda! Yeah Bermuda! I am really looking forward to the vacation, between moving and getting ready for school, a nice break is exactly what we need.

But I wanted to swim with dolphins while I was there, well its $200 per person for 30 minutes. Are these Gucci dolphins? I had never priced swimming with dolphins (wasn't in the market before), but I thought it would be $50-$75...not $200! Bermuda is not cheap. I need to find the cheap dolphins.

But laying in the sun by the pool, drinking bloody marys, and reading a book sounds great. And maybe we will try windsurfing, that isn't as expensive. Plus, just checking out Hamilton, the capital, and the culture of Bermuda. The only thing that could go wrong for this trip is a hurricane. Hopefully the ocean will remain at peace while we are there.

The weekend was good, we got lots done around the house and with our jobs. Plus time to relax and just spend time with each other.

But the greatest development of all...pre-season football. Thank goodness! It has been an awfully dry spell since February. No offense to the baseball fans, but baseball is my excuse to eat hot dogs...

Football season never lasts long enough for me.

Withdrawal

I should not be so dependent...

I forgot my iPod this morning, Shawn drove me to work. I now do not have it to keep me company on the subway ride home this afternoon.

I feel as if my leg has been chopped off...

What I am Currently Reading

American

Why is being an American such a big deal? I think patriotism is great, but I get tired of how much emphasis is placed on being American. Somehow, in the citizenry's ideology, being American is a free pass to heaven. We are God's chosen country and people, everyone else be damned...especially the French.

It's frustrating, our patriotism is unhealthy; it prevents a lot of meaningful discussion around the actions of our government, criticism of elected officials is seen many times as "unAmerican".

In fact, I just heard a story of two men in Kentucky drawing guns on one another over an argument around the war in Iraq. One is dead now...

Ridiculous...

First Exposure

So I realize that recently this blog has turned into more an account of activities rather than a space for musings. But there hasn't been a lot of time for deep thought recently, just deep boxes to pack items in.

Took the day off from work yesterday to stay home and work on my new job. Spent a straight 7 hours in front of a computer screen putting a calendar together for my government class. Had no idea how much time had passed until Shawn walked in the door. Got so much done, almost ready to go on that one...now on to World History.

Off to school this evening to meet some of the students for the first time, I'm pretty excited about it, then meeting Shawn and some friends out for a drink.

My current job has become even more boring since I have already passed on so many of my projects and accounts to my successor. Can't really work on an event that I won't be here for, so just doing a lot of straightening up files and saying goodbyes to donors.

OK, so Congress wants to rename 16th street in Washington, DC Ronald Reagan Boulevard. I am not, nor ever was a Reagan fan. That's fine, people can think he was a great president, I don't think so, and that's not just because I am a Democrat, think he was overblown...period. Good man, bad president. However, either way, Congressman Bonilla makes a statement about Reagan being an American icon and the nation's capital should honor him. Has Bonilla forgotten that a rather large building and an airport, both in the city, are already named after the man? Please...can't we just leave well enough alone?

Tennis in the Morning

Shawn and I got up early this morning to go play tennis together. It was a great way to start the day, though I am terrible at it right now, I love playing. Avery went with us, we just tied his leash to the fence and he watched us play. Wonderful morning.

But man, I need lessons. Maybe that will be something I ask for Christmas. Our parents are always bugging us on what we want, instead of a bunch of stuff I don't need, I think I would rather have tennis lessons...much more enjoyable. And they will start asking soon, even though it is only August.

Spent a lot of time yesterday preparing for my government class...it takes so much preparation, but I'm loving it so far. Hope I'm effective with the kids and they learn something. What a responsibility -- someone's education!

I haven't written in forever, I don't have the time. Hopefully I can make that part of my daily routine again once I get settled into my job and moved.

Bermuda is only 5 weeks away. We get moved, I start the school year, and then its time for a little rest. Shawn's company is paying for all the employees and one guest for each to go to Bermuda for four days and three nights. We can't wait. The resort we are staying at is ridiculous, must be nice to be a money-making corporation. Anyway, apparently there are lots of trails for running, and swimming with dolphins!!!!! I can't wait! Shawn is a little wary of that and snorkeling because he isn't a big fan of water, but I told him to give it a try, I think he will love it. It will be a great trip and a needed break after this month.

I know my thoughts are completely erratic, but that's my mind right now.

Thank goodness for tennis this morning...

Leaving It Behind

So I have officially told my current job I am leaving and they took my suggestion and promoted within. She is great, and with me working with her the next couple of weeks it should be a smooth transition to them. Its always so odd in the last couple of weeks, trying to finishing up current projects, starting to pass on responsibilities...and letting go.

In a way, at this limbotic stage, its a relief. I am already working so hard in preparing for school, that letting go of responsibilities at my current job lightens the load.

Observations in this month of turmoil:
1. I'm getting really good at wrapping items in newspaper and lodging them into boxes
2. I love preparing the material and designing projects for class...my problem right now is that I have too many ideas.
3. My husband is wonderful support and so excited for me.
4. I can't wait to move outside of DC and escape the land of potholes.
5. My dog has no idea he is about to get a younger puppy brother or sister
6. Packing is an excellent time to clean out and throw away useless items. If I don't have the energy to pack and move it, I don't need it.
7. Craigslist is the greatest website ever. You can easily sell items you no longer want.
8. My landlord is proving very difficult and is taking our move personally...not quite sure why.
9. I still love my car!!!