The Music Gal's Musings...Christmas Songs that send me over the EDGE

...and this is meant in a melencholy, oh my, another year is over, what have I done with my life, why does time go so fast, what happened to my misspent youth, what is with the world/people/kids these days sort of way...

1. River - Joni Mitchell
I actually have recordings of this song by several artists, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Joni herself. Still, my favorite is a recording by some Broadway dude named Michael Ball. It is actually the first version of the song I ever heard. It starts with a few piano bars of "Jingle Bells" and then goes into this great singer/songwriter vibe. The very The first time I heard it, in my car - SURPRISE - I cried. "I wish I had a river I could skate away on..."

2. Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
Don't even need to get more than 2 or 3 notes into this one and I am there. I remember hearing this one as a little girl, SO interested in boys and love and romance and wondering if that kind of heartache awaited me somewhere down the line. Well, I now know, that kind of heartache is just life, and feeling, and love. "Drink a toast to innocence..."

3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - PREFERABLY The Pretender's version
Just a great tune, but the part that gets me "Through the years, we all will be together. If the fates allow." Just sends me down that path of having NO control on this ride we call life, and being the daughter of a controller - yep, not QUITE ready to claim this trait as my own - I HATE THAT!

4. Silent Night - AT Christmas Eve candlelight service
Every freakin' year, can't even sing verses 3 and 4 'cause I have tears streaming down my face. It is just one of those times, where the feelings, and the sights, and the sounds just get the better of me and I am filled with such wonder that I just burst. And you know, as much as it drives me crazy, I hope I am always well aware of the beauty and mysticism around me.

So, have a listen, and I'll be sure to have the tissues at the ready.
-Cheryl

All I can say is WOO HOO!
Tim and I have been joking about me being all about the Mediterranean diet lately - like throwing feta and black olives on everything - and hey, here is yet another reason to love it.
Bring on the Baklava,
Cheryl


Alcohol in moderation may extend life
Tue Dec 12, 12:32 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Moderate drinking may lengthen your life, while too much may shorten it, researchers from Italy report. Their conclusion is based on pooled data from 34 large studies involving more than one million people and 94,000 deaths.



According to the data, drinking a moderate amount of alcohol -- up to four drinks per day in men and two drinks per day in women -- reduces the risk of death from any cause by roughly 18 percent, the team reports in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

However, "things radically change" when consumption goes beyond these levels, study leader Dr. Augusto Di Castelnuovo, from Catholic University of Campobasso, said in a statement.

Men who have more than four drinks per day and women who have more than two drinks per day not only lose the protection that alcohol affords, but they increase their risk of death, the data indicate.

The reason why men are protected at up to four drinks per day, while women lose the protection after two glasses has to do with how men and women metabolize alcohol, researchers say. It's been shown that when men and women who drink the same amount of alcohol, women experience higher blood alcohol levels than men.

Therefore, women who consume more than two glasses of alcohol per day may be at increased risk for diseases of the liver and certain types of cancer.

"Our findings, while confirming the hazards of excess drinking, indicate potential windows of alcohol intake that may confer a net beneficial effect of moderate drinking, at least in terms of survival," the Italian team concludes.

"Heavy drinkers should be urged to cut their consumption, but people who already regularly consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol should be encouraged to continue," they add.

The manner in which alcohol is consumed also appears to be important, the researchers report. "Little amounts, preferably during meals, this appears to be the right way (to drink alcohol)," said Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano of Catholic University, another author on the study. "This is another feature of the Mediterranean diet, where alcohol, wine above all, is the ideal partner of a dinner or lunch, but that's all: the rest of the day must be absolutely alcohol-free."

"The message carried by scientific studies like ours is simple," Dr. de Gaetano continued. "Alcohol can be a respectful guest on our table, but it is good just when it goes with a healthy lifestyle, where moderation leads us toward a consumption inspired by quality not by quantity."

SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, December 11/25, 2006

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The Music Gal's Musings...aka songs that make me want to DRIVE FAST!

I had this "Top 10" type thought, but then realized that was kind of lame. I need to do more of a "Top 5 with Liner Notes" to be true to my authentically longwinded self...so here goes.

1. "I Alone" by Live - This is honestly one of the best songs ever...gets me up and dancing around the room in a spastic headbangerish way every time I hear it...and I am generally not a headbanger type. The lyrics are totally bizarro but I could care less. It starts slowly, almost hypnotically, with very metered, monotonously repetitive type singing...then builds and builds until it explodes. OK, now I'm thinking about sex. The song goes through this mellow to loud transition like three times too...woah, now I am thinking about multiple orgasms! See? Good song!

2. "Bring Me to Life" - Evanesence - You know, very similar song in a way, where its strength comes from contrast...Amy Lee's ethereally high voice paired with gravelly male voices and hard rockin' guitar. This one, thought, rocks on the lyrics too and if it is playing in my van, trust that it is loud and I am belting it out right along with Amy! And on the topic of singing in your car...you may look foolish when you are caught, but it's better being caught singing than, say, picking your nose or something!

3. "Thunder Island" - Jay Ferguson Didn't think I was gonna go all hard rock on ya there did you? Now HERE'S a classic 70's tune to beat 'em all. Catchy as all get out. When you hear it in the morning, you'll be humming it all day, and driving fast to try to get to the beach. Doodoodoodoo - Doodoodoo - Doodoodoo doodoodoodoodoo...

4. "Middle of the Road" - The Pretenders "Come on baby, come on now, in the middle of the road -Yeah!" WAIT NO! Bad choice...but check that song out - the drum beats have you pressing the accelerator at hello.

5. "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake "Honey" by Mariah "Finally" by CeCe Peneston, and "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls, "This One Thing" by Amerie when I'm "feelin' my groove," ya know?

Alrighty, my "Top 5 is suddenly a "Top 9!" Oops! But that's the thing, there are just so many great driving songs! Take for instance, "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots, "Even Flow" by Pearl Jam (which can also make you drive into a ditch, laughing, as you and your husband recall the Adam Sandler/"Opera Man" version of it on SNL) , "Running Down a Dream" by Tom Petty, "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash, "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes (just don't envision the cat from the video jumping in your lap as you drive...), "Sowing the Seeds of Love" by Tears for Fears, "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones, "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff, "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, "Girlfriend" by Matthew Sweet, any NUMBER of songs by Journey, in particular, "Ask the Lonely," and who wouldn't be pushing the pedal to the metal as Madonna belts out "Like a Prayer" or "Into the Groove." On further examination, maybe I ought to be asking Santa for a radar detector to go with the iPod...

And somehow, the "Top 5" is now a "Top 22!" Oh well, get behind the wheel and DRIVE!
-Cheryl

Rumors by FLEETWOOD MAC was first released in Febrary 1977. Where were you then? I was 9 years old and in the 4th grade. How ironic, as that is exactly where Ethan is. Here is a photo of me with my Dad when I was in 4th grade. So this is where I was when this album was released. Sure, the songs were on the radio, sure I knew them all. But it wasn't until 3 or 4 years later that I went out and purchsed the album myself and really fell in love with the song, Dreams.

What a great time in life though. The only stress we had was getting homework done (which at the time seemed huge!) and whether or not Mom was going to let my best friend sleep over on Friday. Life was full of joy. I was making plans to get my ears pierced on my upcoming 10th birthday and reading books like Ramona the Brave. Billy was 5 and not yet in school, Tommy was 18 months old and the darn cutest thing. Dad was working at the steam station and Mom baked while we were off to school. Check out those plaid uniform pants and the cross necklace!

So here is another one of those freaky math things. My Dad, in this photo, is where I am NOW in my life. He was 39 years old with a daughter in 4th grade. I am 39 years old with a son in 4th grade. Hm. Never thought about that.

So now I am thinking that I either need to:
1. Fix my turn table so that I can listen to this album once again
2. Buy it on CD

I better do it THIS YEAR and get a photo of me with Ethan in front of a door like this to put in a time capsule!

Isn't she pretty? Home again for ANOTHER day with sick kids, I found myself on Yahoo just screwing around and wouldn't you know it, she was ranked #1 on some Custom Autos list. But OF COURSE! Classy AND tough, fast, rare, a great symbol of open road rebellion, THAT'S my Mustang!
You know, I have been thinking a lot about my car these days, anyways, as I spend a seemingly inordinate amount of time in it. Where I live it is 10 minutes to ANYWHERE, 20 to SOMEWHERE, and and HOUR to a small city. You get used to driving, a lot, and I have come to love it in so many ways. It has certainly become my therapy.

In my car, I can be ALONE. Now this can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes I literally AM alone. I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time for that exact reason, wanting to be, at times, UNREACHABLE. I guess I am the type of person that just needs alone time, and my car has always been a place to get that. There is nothing more peaceful for me than driving down a winding road, preferably on a warm fall day, a panorama of autumnal hues, the AC on AND the windows open (Impractical Cheryl - Air Conditioning the WORLD again, as my dad would chide ) and, naturally, fitting tunes on the radio. That is the way I relax, that is the way I return to the rat race that is my life with a somewhat clearer head, that is my therapy. It is a good therapy too, practical, as I can drive for a bit and run errands, drive for a bit and get the groceries, drop off prescriptions...Purposeful and peaceful, who could ask for more?

I feel fortunate, even, to have kids that are GOOD in the car. They have obviously inherited their mom, and grandpa's, car loving gene as we have FEW toys in the car, snacks only on long trips, and, at my insistence, no integrated DVD system. We don't even listen to many kids CD's in the car. I can be "alone" in my car, even with my kids there, as I tell them "Let mommy concentrate, she needs to drive." With that, little eyes look at the passing scenery, little ears take in the classic rock tunes, and, as adorable as can be, little voices start to sing..."Keep on rockin' me baby..."

And so, with all that my car does for me, don't I deserve a good one? Now mind you, I have a wonderfully "tripped out" MOM VAN, with automatic doors, hatchback, the works. And I DO love it. Vans are a fun, smooth ride, with SUCH versatility. I probably will own one for a long, long time. BUT, since my car provides me SO much, don't I deserve a play car? Since I call it my therapy, and yet don't GO to a therapist OR take any antidepressants and such, couldn't I use said cash for a FUN car? Could I claim it on my insurance - or at least use pretax dollars? Come on! It IS a thought...we do need some change in the health care system in this country. Well, I am READY, and WILLING to do my part!
-Cheryl

The Music Gal's Musings - aka Obscure Song YOU Should Know...

In an attempt to emulate my heroine The Sport's Gal, I have finally begun the weekly blog on that thing I know so well, MUSIC. Now, Scott, relax, we're not talking about me entering your realm - ie. Stodgy musicologist - oh no, this is just me, waxing poetic about my favorite pop and rock tunes...don't lump me in with the "Famous Musicologists" set. I don't have THAT much unruly grey hair, yet.

This week's offering "Under the Skin," ethereally recorded on Lindsey Buckingham's newest solo offering of the same name. I have always been a Fleetwood Mac fan, and always loved Lindsey's writing, so harmonic, and guitar style, so complex. In my opinion, no better does it show itself than on this album,and even more specifically on this song. I read a bit about the production of the album overall and found that much of it was crudely recorded, in hotel rooms and such, as Lindsey was on tour with the reunited Fleetwood Mac. It is a simple recording on one level, kind of guitar singer/songwriter music, but such at its best, rich, complex and layered...like a fine wine that has found its time.

It is so interesting to me to hear what musicians put out there as they age. Sting, another perennial favorite of mine, just released a recording of ANCIENT music - literally - these are songs that were part of a traveling oral music history from the 1600's. Now, not really my cup of tea melodically, but interesting for sure, and inspiring, as it always is when someone does a project for the LOVE of the project. Eric Clapton as well has just recorded an album with a reclusive R&B songwriter with whom he has had a long standing relationship. Worried less about the commercial success and more about the art, the passion shows through.

"Under the Skin" not only satisfies melodically, but lyrically, with such haunting lines as "I hear your heart as you pass through" and "I know it's hard being so hard to find, your passion swallows you whole; deaf, dumb and blind...under the skin, everything shows, under the skin." Lindsey allows us all to feed our soul searching selves like all of the good introspective songwriters do. He allows us not only our breathing room, but our brooding room.

So, give it a listen...download off iTunes...also recommended off the album, "To Try for the Sun," a rich rerecording of an old Donovan tune. Also, great Lindsey tunes, "Bleed to Love Her" off of FM's "Say You Will," and of course, the 80's pop classic "Go Insane." I am sure that on many levels Lindsey wonders WHY about that song, but it is pure pop candy to me.
- Cheryl

It has been so long, dear Blogger, but I am back with a weekend entry. It is truly uncanny how DOWNHILL my writing went AS SOON AS I took the time to commit to the process IN PRINT. Well, I guess there will be no more of that!

So, enough whining, and back to the music! My habit continues and, again, I have made the weekend trip to MY dollar store, and downloaded a few more songs from iTunes. I DARE anyone to name the artists in my newest obscure collection, 70's to present...and more genre than I care to notate...
1. Goodbye Girl
2. Go Insane
3. Radioactive
4. Love is Like Oxygen
5. I Alone
6. Magic
7. Deja Vu
8. (a little embarrassed about this one) Toxic
9. No Way Out
10. Chasing Cars
11. Ready or Not
12. I Just Wanna Stop
13. Promiscuous
14. 1 Thing
15. So Into You
What I wouldn't give to be my own KTel record mixer...but you know, that is the TRUE JOY of downloading music - I AM! I will never forget my KTels, "Wings of Love," which I HAD to have for like my 8th birthday because I LOVED Michael Jackson and "Rock With You." Then there was "Reflections," which secured my life long obsession with sentimental love songs, and I also believe may have contributed to my problems crying at Hallmark commercials and such...just SO sappy. I had a couple of others that I can't recall the titles of, but OH the love of a mixed album, and later a mixed tape, made on my own with the 'ol dual tape deck...the JOY is back.
So, game on, name that artist! I know there are some of you out there with the skills and wherewithal to succeed...
Prizes will be awarded, but you MUST ACT NOW!
- Cheryl

HAD to upload this picture, just to prove that Sue and I ARE alive! Granted we haven't had time to BREATHE as of late, with our teacher's union officially at "Work to Rule" in regards to contract negotiaions, but as you see, we have still had time to party and drink!

Truth be told, though, we have had quite a month at the old workplace, with more and different crap everyday. We could've even uploaded a picture of ourselves on the picket line, but it was blurry and depressing, and Sue looks SO cute in her pink hair...

SO, to this weekend. May I have some time at HOME! May I have some time to cook, clean, organize and BREATHE, and may I also, please, have some time to blog something INTERESTING?!

Time will tell,
Cheryl

See? I officially have jinxed myself with the proclamation of a "blog plan!" I have been so damn busy I haven't even gotten Sport's Gal's "Dressing Slutty at Halloween" post up here...OR taken the time to talk about this thing I read about this week...Fantasy Congress, which I understand as people (geeks - sadly - my "kind") playing with Senators and House Reps LIKE THEY ARE A FANTASY SPORTS TEAM! SO much to write, SO little time all of a sudden...
And so begins the 2006 holiday season, I suppose...Halloween this week, then Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oh well, I know I will have PLENTY of "blog time" when we are up to our necks in lake effect snow come winter:)
See ya then I guess - Ha!
-Cheryl

...and wouldn't you know that JUST as I declare my "Blog Plan" online, I would screw it up. I mean here I was last Wednesday, all cocky and ready to get more blogging done in a regular, real life, workweek...and the power goes out. Then came important union meetings/furnace guy Thursday, Work to Rule AND a broken down car Friday, brothers in town from Boston on Saturday, parents to visit on Sunday, and a car to pick up from the shop on Monday (not to mention work!) . CRAZY! We'll see this week...see if I can get a real midweek blog up and see if I can resume my "weekend edition" on Saturday!
Beck's "I'm a Loser Baby" is playing in my mind. See? It is that whole "Personal Soundtrack" thing...I'm telling you! AND, to think it is Happy 5th Birthday to iPod today! Santa, do you read blogs? If so, PRETTY PLEASE?!

I had this great thought today to begin a weekly addition to the blog..."Obscure Song YOU Should Know." I have been trying to discipline myself to put some sort of post up every weekend, and as much as my contributions are essentially mindless drivel, I have had no problem living up to this personal expectation. Therefore, I was thinking that this midweek post would up the ante a bit, if you will. SO, I sat down tonight to begin...and therein is my problem. WHERE do I begin? What is the FIRST song to feature? I mean, those of you who know me well know, this is like choosing which of my children I love the most. What I thought would be simple, suddenly is complex.

Then there is this thought. Do I want to feature obscure songs, or "soundtrack of my life" songs, or my "songs I'd want on a desert island" songs? Am thinking the last one in particular could be more fun.

Off to ponder over root beer floats with my daughter, then she's off to bed, and I'm off to CD land...stay tuned to see which baby I pick.
- Cheryl

"The Friday Night Alcoholic Speaks"

SO, since I am CRACKING UP at Sue's proposal for Adult Happy Meals, and since I am half in the bag, I thought, why not blog?
So sad that my Friday nights have come to this. Sitting around at my house, drinking, emailing and blogging! Somehow, I don't think these activities would be allowed up on the new "Wall of Wellness" at my school, eh?

Thinking about Friday, though, you know when you get those annoying email surveys and one of the questions is "What is your favorite day of the week?" Well, for me, always and forever, it has and will be Friday. As a kid, Friday always meant pizza at school for lunch AND pizza for dinner. Now you have to understand, this was no government cheese pizza that our school served either, oh no! Ours was made by those Italian lunch ladies...granted, they were brutal when it came to broken Kising Potion, but could they ever cook! When I was little, Friday was family trips to the library. Yep, you're right, total dorkage, but trust that my friend and I found our way into the "naughty" area of the nonfiction. I knew about a lot by about 4th grade - very technical stuff, but still - it's the POWER of reading kids, the POWER of reading!!!!! Friday as a kid meant sleepovers with my best friends AND The Dukes of Hazzard. Oh Bo Duke, how you helped me over the heartbreaking realization that Leif Garrett was a drug addict.

Then, in Jr. High, Friday meant dances, which were cool at that time, but became horribly passe with the onset of Highschool. Teenage years were Fridays running all over God's creation with whomever had just gotten their driver's liscence. We could so easily amuse ourselves...sporting events, ice cream at Friendly's and renting VHS movies at a different person's house each week. Well, then of course there was, in the advent of the highschool years, making out with boyfriends evey now and again! Yep, Fridays ruled!

Then the true debauchery of college started. THAT is where the drinking began! I can recall MANY a wonderfully fun Friday, and at the same time, have a few I really can't remember...or have to rely on others to remember for me. What a time! All through it, though, I watched "thirtysomething" and WISHED to be "grown up" and "responsible" and "adult." WHY was I in such a hurry?

Well here I am, in the Friday nights of my thirties, and as I said, drinking and blogging and emailing. What is my problem? But you know - I am happy. I have a terrifically comfy home, a husband who, for whatever reason, understands, and some damn cute kids. My parents and brother are all (generally) happy and (generally) healthy - we're nothing if not optimists. I have great, true and long lasting friends, one that is my partner in crime on this crazy website! I have coffee and shopping and wine, and I have my iTunes habit. I think I have decided that it is my own online dollar store. It seems that for $.99 I can relive those Friday nights of the past. I can sing along to "I Love Rock and Roll," or to "Centerfold," where THIS TIME I actually UNDERSTAND the words. I can be your "Venus," or channel the vixen in the Whitesnake videos. It is my house, and I can "Rock the Cradle of Love" around my living room in my underware if I want to, although I MAY opt for a glass of white wine over stains from red. I guess even in the years since highschool, I am still pretty easily amused, and you know, that may not be such a bad thing. I still love a good FRIDAY!

- Cheryl

Today's Random Crap: Adult Happy Meals

So I had this thought over the summer but after a few glasses of wine out of the box (I know, Tim...you don't approve..), I am going back to ponder it. You bring your kids to McDs, and no matter what the theme, they are excited to see what toy they get in the Happy Meal. The toy must be opened before any food is conusmed and any sticker application or assembly must also happen before the meal commences.

So why then, can't we as adults get a toy? I think of the small items that could be added to my #4 meal that would just totally make my day. A BIG LIP SMACKER lip gloss, perhaps? Or a little sex toy from the new KY line. Any of these things would just make that Big Mac all the more exciting!

If you recall, McDs did try this for a while. They gave out pedometers with their salads for a short introductory time. This was a big hit. Not for me so much, as I was forced to face the fact that I really don't move enough. But they had the right idea...they just need to broaden their prize offering. Like fun book marks for us reading type. Or perhaps pocket calcultors for those of us who need help figuring the tip?

It brings to mind just how much the little things mean in life. I mean, add a polly pocket with a 4 piece McNugget meal and you have made a little girl's day. Add a matchbox car to a little boy's cheeseburger meal and life is good!

Perhaps I should sell this idea to the King of Franchises...

OK, ever read something like THIS? The Sports Gal on Page Two ESPN - she's my heroine!

***************************************************************

The Sports Gal Speaks
Bill and his friend Hench own a fake baseball team together. I call it the League of Dorks. It's hard to say how much time they spend on it, but I'd guess five hours a week, maybe more. Hench is one of Bill's nicest friends, but he's even nuttier about this stuff than Bill. One time, I peeked over Bill's shoulder as he was reading a bullet-pointed e-mail from Hench about their fake team. It was like a legal document, I couldn't believe it. Hench used to leave messages and not identify himself, you'd just hear, "message No. 1" and then Hench complaining about something that happened with their fake team. He wouldn't even say, "Hey, guys, this is Hench" first. So I made Bill get a second phone line just for Hench's calls -- they call it the "Bat Phone." I can't believe I married someone who needed a second phone line to talk about a fake baseball team.
You'd think the extra line was enough, but no. A couple of weeks ago, Bill and I were driving home from somewhere and trying to figure out something. Bill said, "I bet Hench knows," and before I knew it, he was calling Hench and they were talking about the League of Dorks. And I was trapped in the car listening to them. It was like being at the nail salon when everything's quiet and relaxing, then something happens and the nail ladies all start screaming in another language. I have no idea what they're talking about, but they're agitated and talking in annoying voices and it's not relaxing at all. That's what Bill and Hench sounded like. Actually, this was worse because I can understand the language and still can't understand them. Finally, I got mad and told Bill to hang up or I was going to jump out of the car.

This week, I noticed playoff baseball started, so I asked Bill, "What happened with the League of Dorks?" Bill said they won first prize. He didn't even seem happy about it. He was just relieved that they didn't lose. Then he said he's having a celebratory lunch with Hench next week. I said they should order a bottle of fake champagne and fake pour it on each other. I hate the League of Dorks.

Here are my picks for Week 5:

Titans +19; Giants -4.5; Lions +6.5; Bucs +6.5; Packers +3; Patriots -10; Bills +10; Panthers -8.5; Jaguars -7; Cards +3; 49ers -3.5; Cowboys +2; Steelers +3; Ravens +4.

Last week's record: 10-4
Season record: 35-23-2

****************************************************************
She blows my MIND! It is like she is ME! I could have written this same column about my husband and all of his Fantasy Friends - which in and of itself disturbs me. My husband has Fantasy Friends...sound like I ought to be calling a marriage counselor. And you know, that is one really funny thing about it. What SHOULD he call these friends. I mean, some friends he plays with are actual friends, but some are people he doesn't even know face to face. It is like his own little Internet Porn Ring - but it is all this Fantasy Sports crap. I guess ESPN already capitalized on this whole concept last year, with its advertisements where the cute cheerleader girls were laying around on the bed talking fantasy football...yeah...like THAT happens! But that's the whole deal...fantasy is fantasy I guess. If only I had thought to get on the horn and talk about my husband and his geeky friends! There's been QUITE the drama and throwing down on the league this year too - name calling, new members talking trash, old friends quarreling, down to the wire trades...it has been a veritable cornucopia, if you will, of fantasy mayhem. (yes - Jay - I used the word cornucopia!) If only I'd tapped in...but you know that was baseball. The real drama of football, I suppose that is yet to come.

-Cheryl

How interesting! This guy, normal everyday photographer Danny Goldfield, set out on a little project to photograph a child from every country in the world. Yeah whatever, you may say, just sounds like a coffee table book, until you find that every child had to reside in NYC. He has been working on the project for two years, and is not done yet, but the press machine is moving now. I love when you read something, or see a TV show about someone, who just had a crazy idea, about a random thought or concept, ran with it, and somehow it panned out into some important work. It is how I see this blog. I mean, yeah, blogging is becoming somewhat ordinary, and tons of little teenybopper kids, adults, AND of course whackjobs and freaks, everywhere, maintain them. Not to mention, as I have explored a number of times, I am not unique. (you know, the "Super Subconscious Dad" thing!) Still, I can't help but think, if I keep posting on here, and keep looking at the world in a way that I am seeking things I could write about, PERHAPS as I blog, a thread of an idea will develop. I will get that little spark that starts a project, a theme, or some further writing. Who knows, but as I read about Danny Goldfield today, my hope was renewed in a number of things. Thanks, Danny, for showing us the universality of family, the innocent beauty of youth, the uniquely diverse place that is our country, and for showing us how ideas can GROW!

(check it out at http://www.nychildren.org)
- Cheryl

OH MY GOODNESS - now "Super Subconscious Dad" is sending me messages through tee shirts!
:)
Cheryl

SUNDAY'S SALIENCE

This is probably going to be a very random blog, due in part to my random nature on the whole, and to my attitude today, and to two beers consumed with a dinner my son cooked. YES, my son...may he become the next Emeril or Alton or Tyler so I can eat for free on my CRAPPY R.C. salary...so first, to him...

Learning the Point Spread

It was a big day in our household as our son learned about the point spread. You see, we have a Jets fan on our hands. We believe his loyalty lies with the Jets for the rather shallow reasons of liking aircraft and wanting a team from N.Y. OTHER than Daddy's Giants and, well, The Bills (sorry Dan and Matt!) , but then again, loyalties have been formed for lesser reasons, I am sure. SO, today, KNOWING that the Jets were going to lose, my husband taught our child the wonders of the point spread, ESSENTIALLY teaching him about gambling...we're nothing if not a wholesome bunch. THEN, the dinner he cooked was Turkey Sloppy Joe's and cheese fries, which our daughter professed, over and over, to LOVE. Our children love gambling and pub food - we are screwed!

Learning Individuality

And so we segue (LOVE that word, and LOVE that people very often can say it but not spell it:) nicely to my daughter, who learned this week that she comes from "out there" stock. Thursday evening, the FIRST night of the week that we really had time to breathe, she curled up in the rocker with me, wanting some "Mommy Time." We just rocked and cuddled and talked for a bit, then she sat up on my lap and very seriously said "Mommy, I need to tell you something." She proceeded to explain, in wavering voice, about a graph that her Kindergarten class had made. She was one of the first to make a choice on the topic "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up," and her choice, which went on the class graph, was to be an Artist. Now, as the lesson progressed, her best friend in the class said she wanted to be a Horseback Rider, and concurrently all the little girls saddled up. G was heartbroken, and literally SOBBED in my lap, while we had the inevitable "Get used to it, Mom's a whack job and so are you," discussion, but truth be told, I was thrilled. Maybe we FINALLY will get an artist in the family with enough childhood trauma to really make a go of it, eh Scott?!

Learning About Obscurity

So, speaking of/to my brother, the ball and chain and I were watching CBS Sunday Morning while the kids were at church school (need to do SOMETHING with them to counteract the debauchery they learn at home) and they mentioned a famous musicologist - even showed his picture! We both burst out laughing when we saw this old, furry faced man that could have been panhandling at any given metropolitan location, if not busy being a "famous musicologist." Sorry, bud, I guess NOW I know what your lot in life is!

Learning About My Own NORMALCY, thanks AGAIN Dad

And lest I wield my vile tongue TOO much, I got my own dressing down over the last few weeks. I always think I am so funny, so original and quick witted. WELL, my husband reads two weekly web columns quite religiously; Tuesday Morning Quarterback and Sports Guy, both off Page Two on ESPN. (GOD, I am impressing myself with my sports knowledge!). SO, recently, they have had stuff on their blogs, because they are essentially just blogs, that I swear are thoughts they sucked off my personal brainwaves. First off, one of them trashed the show "Rock Star Supernova" (guilty pleasure, I know, but hey, if I hadn't been an elementary teacher...) in the EXACT same way I had been verbally trashing it the night before. Then TMQ (see, SO savvy I can use the INITIALS!) ranted eloquently about homework, JUST as Sue and I had. And finally, this week, Sports Gal, (whose stats I might add are DAMN GOOD! Watch out Sports Guy - see I am SO good I even look at stats - pat my back, PLEASE, I NEED to feel important!) had her day with "Clip Shows," one of the EXACT TOPICS I had thought about ranting about this weekend myself. You know, those shows where you settle in for a new episode of your favorite serial and find yourself watching a review of the season thus far? CHEAP T.V. at its FINEST! Not to mention, insullting to the "real fan" who has watched all along, and HAS A BRAIN that can RETAIN INFORMATION enough to follow a story line withough visual Cliff's! Well, when I read her post, and realized she had stolen my fire, I heard the little voice again"You are COMPLETELY normal!" "Super Subconscious Dad" was visiting again! Now, granted, he originally said such so as to keep me from becoming a FREAK in Highschool, but, much to my demise, it is becoming quite true in fact. Overall,though, the thing that PISSES ME OFF (can't imagine that, can you?) - if I didn't have to work at my damn "dayjob," maybe I could get my thoughts out there FASTER!!!!!!!!!! What the hell am I thinking, I come from a long line of procrastinators and I am SURE an at home pedicure would take precedence.

All this AS my son states "Awww, back to school tomorrow" in the background, and such is...

Learning About LIFE,
Cheryl

Today's Commentary: The Tattoo/Sex Correlation

After having just been inked for the first time, I have discovered many similarities between losing one's virginity and getting tattooed for the first time.

Once my appointment had been set, the artist marked my file with a big "V" for "virgin" almost like the big "A" from the scarlet letter. It was a symbol for everyone to know...that I had never been inked. This would be my first time. I would never again be pure. I left a little nervous about that, but even more excited by what I was about to do. I would never be the same again.

So let's start at the beginning. First, there is the consult. This happens on a day separate from the tattoo. It is like the first date. You discuss your dreams with the artist. You explain what you want. He tells you what he can and cannot give you. From there you decide if it will work. If so, you make an appointment. This is like designating when the first sex act will happen.

On the day of the appointment you arrive early and fill out paper work, hand in your ID and sign your life away. The adrenaline is pumping so fast you don't know how to spell your name. You don't KNOW your name. This is the equivalent of foreplay. He preps the part of your body to be tattooed and applies the stencil. Last chance...to back out. You sit on the bench while the artist prepares your pallette and assembles his tools. He gets his condom ready. The excitement elevates and you are overcome with anxiety of the unknown. How much will it hurt? Will I be able to go through with it? Will he be gentle? What if I don't like myself in the morning? Will I get an INFECTION?

You sit in the chair and he begins. Very slow and gentle at first, so you get used to the feeling. This is like the initial penetration. Suddenly you know what it is like...and can relax and go with it. The rest of the outline continues...he is on top and all is okay. You get used to this and want to be in control...you are ready for the next step. He switches needles and begins the shading. It is different this time, but still okay. You are on top now and know you can make it. It's getting close to the end...the climax is near. All the background noise fades away...you focus on the feeling...

"All done." he says and wipes the last of the ink away. Orgasm is complete as you look at your completed tattoo. No longer a virgin. Changed forever. He photographs it to email it to you later (I didn't participate in any photographing during sex so I am not going there...). He bandages you and gives you a "how to care for it" package...he gives you his card. He reminds you that it is addictive...and you know, now that you have had sex, you want to do it again soon. You begin to plan, or at least fantasize about your next tattoo.

You leave and wonder if people can tell, just by looking at you, that you are different, that you are no longer a virgin. You are sure that you are radiating...you want to TELL THE WORLD that you just HAD SEX for the first time!!!! You show everyone whether they want to see it or not, your tattoo.

~ Tattoo Sue

My oh my, just a quickie to metion how AHEAD of trends I am...

See, even at 35, I am "the bomb!" ( thanks to John W. - former student )

Was at Walmart today, and what caught my eye, but a big lipgloss display. Upon closer examination, it was a Lip Smackers display FULL of BIG Lip Smakers, brought back for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! Naturally, being the sucker for advertising that I am, I bought three. There ya go Sue, cat's out of the bag, it is your "10% Done With the School Year" gift!! Enjoy!

- Cheryl

Today's Commentary - My life through lipgloss...

You know, few things give me quite as much pure pleasure as lipgloss. It is one of those things, no matter how crappy the day, if I'm out shopping, and I come across a new lipgloss, the purchase can turn the day around. Truth be told, I am a little obsessive, actually. It is something that, at times, I HAVE to buy. I have no real control over it. I know it sounds shallow, but hey, as I get older, and life and whatnot gets more perplexing and complexing, I say don't question what works.

Even today, I found a pot of lipgloss that I had bought to leave in the car. You can only rely on the potted type lipgloss in the car, unless you want a waxy hell all over your dash. It was crammed in the back of a little storage area below the CD player of the "Mom Mobile." I nearly jumped for joy, immediately unscrewed the cap and smoothed some on. I remembered the day I was shopping that I picked it up, at The Body Shop which I love, but rarely get to. I recalled the joy in the splurge of the 2/$10 treat. The Passionberry scent ( whatever the hell that is ) kickstarted my tropical thoughts, and suddenly I wasn't on the hilly country road that leads to the grocery store, but on a twisting volcanic road in Hawaii. My metalic powder blue Mustang convertible, wide open in evey sense of the word, powering me ahead; wind in my hair, salt making it twisty and ropey in that sexy beach hair way, with the smell of sea air enveloping my every sense.

ALL THAT - JUST FROM SOME SERENDIPITOUS LIPGLOSS!

You know, I guess if I think about it, the obsession started long ago. I can still see my Pink Bubblegum Lip Smacker, back when they were big and fat (remember?) that my stupid brother, who just so happens to post on this blog occationally, cranked up into the cap and ruined! I was SO angry, SO upset! I can also see my Kissing Potion. Remember that one, especially how it used to come in the real GLASS tube with the roller? Well, I can see mine, shattered on the curb, with a big, old Italian lunch lady barking "Come on, nothing you can do about that, leave it and get on the playground." Maybe it is the trauma of childhood that keeps me coming back. An eternal quest to replace what was lost...hell, it is even something I get my daughter into. I have already bought this little pack of lip glosses for her Christmas Stocking. Perpetuation of our own issues - it is what parenting is all about.

So what the hell is my point? I suppose it is GO! Go out, BUY THE LIPGLOSS, or the Fun Dip, or the YoYo, Kebangers, Chinese Jumprope, Rubiks Cube, or Magic Eight Ball. Invest in some sparkly pens and stickers, or in the silly hair acoutrements ( is that even how you spell that? Is that even a word? J.C., what the hell did 4 years of highschool French get me? - but that's another blog...) whatever gets you in touch with your childhood, good or bad. Embrace it, live it, don't forget it, and USE IT to get through the day. It may not be of the highest quality I suppose, but surely, you can think of it as the cheapest therapy around.

- "Hot Lips" (for those who know my High School acting days)
- Cheryl

Bought the new Johnny Mayer and am OH so happy!

I feel, strongly, at times, that I have missed my calling in life. Missed opportunities, missed chances, missed career possibilities...and anyone who knows me well knows I have an iTunes HABIT! Soundtrack of your life and all, soundtrack in general, soundtrack for a mood, I can make it! HOW DO YOU GET THAT JOB? Being the "Soundtrack Guy/Girl?" Well in general, a real calling of mine. Advice would be welcomed, particularly considering my current job DISSATISFACTION!

But I digress. Johnny. Thought I would blog my reactions to the CD as they are varied and complex.
Liner notes - Scott, I know "Musicologists" write those for classical crap, but who does the pop/rock and blues? It could be me, oh how I am sure it could be me!

Waiting On the World to Change

Like the overall vibe of the song, but a bit simple/repetitive. Then there is the little age gap thing..."Me and all my friends we're all misunderstood, they say we stand for nothing..." It is that whole Generation X or Y thing...Scott, it is YOUR first blog entry in a nutshell! Johnny is just younger than me...alas...ahhh, but the stamina of a younger man. Hmmmmm...point for further facination:)

I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You

Speaks to moments..."No I'm not the man I used to be lately, seems you met me at an interesting time..." Confusion and wondering. I really like the overall vibe on this one as well. Very accessible blues - sensual - makes me think naughty thoughts...

Belief

Johnny ventures into political commentary once again - sing-a-longable commentary at that. Seems a little goofy, granted, pop music politics, but I like it a lot. Hey, Bono became Time's Man of the Year. Could John be next? (heehee)

Gravity and Vultures

Both were on his TRY album that he put out with John Mayer Trio -love both songs. I think I like Gravity on the TRY CD a little better though...not sure why, will require further investigation. He IS a blues man, though, blues for the masses, much like Clapton.

Heart of Life and Stop this Train

Real folk sounding. I even heard a little Beatles, and a little Fleetwood Mac. During the first listen, on my way home in the van, my first thought with these songs was of Sting. On all of his solo CD's he has a "country" song, which doesn't really "fit" the album, but somehow grows on you. These two songs are instantly more likeable, but still have that same feel to me, of a real ARTIST trying something NEW. Good music is good music, pop, rock, blues, country...it it's good, it's good. That is the thing I really enjoy, look forward to and respect about John Mayer; his willingness to play the music HE believes in. (...now him "trying" Jessica Simpson? HELLO? She is just TOO dumb in my opinion, although my hubby does argue that she has great breasts...whatever...)

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

WOW! HOT! Speaks to moments again...LOVE this one...makes me want to go and, well, you know...dance slowly in a burning room, yeah, that's it...

Bold As Love

You can never go wrong covering Jimmy Hendrix, well, as long as you're John Mayer, or Sting...my two men:)
(Still doesn't touch Sting's cover of "Little Wing" though...that one is ethereal.) Proves, I suppose, that youth and beauty will always be overcome by age...and treachery. Love ya Johnny, but Sting's still my man.

Dreaming With a Broken Heart

We've all been there...haunting..."gone, gone, gone, gone gone." A real "John Mayer Ballad", but different sounding/less pop than his old stuff. I am hearing old 80's power ballad chords at some points, just unplugged.

In Repair and I'm Gonna Find Another You

Am liking Repair better of the two, but Gonna Find has a real old sound, kind of nostalgic and sweet in that way...I am just not one for the sweet songs...I like to brood...go figure! Therefore, LOVE the line in Repair "Too many corners in my mind" Ahhhh, he KNOWS ME!

Overall, WELL worth the low, low, Walmart price! LOVE getting CD's there, on their first week of release, for $9.99...what a CD SHOULD cost. I'd have paid more for it, but on my low, low, RC salary, I am glad I paid less:)

-Cheryl

I HATE 4th GRADE
an in depth look at HOMEWORK for today's youngsters

Who the hell invented homework for elementary school students? Oh I know...some Laura Ingall's teacher type who was not married and had no children and had NOTHING better to do so she wanted piles of homework to correct.

I totally agree with you, Cheryl on the homework thing. And you are even a classroom teacher...A REAL teacher, as opposed to ME, only an ART teacher. Like, what would I know about the value of homework!??! I have to stick to things I know, you know, like BASKETWEAVING (thanks, Cindy).

Anyway...my kids have had homework since K. Wasn't the original idea of HOMEWORK anything that you did NOT have time to complete in school? What is with this making up new stuff above and beyond?

We made it through 3rd grade figuring out that homework was always very "do what you can, the best that you can and don't stress over it." So I figured 4th would be more strict, but what came home today in my son's Friday folder blew me away! He has entered the Harvard 4th grade advanced studies program and I didn't even know it!

I am just too tired to write about it all in depth. Basically sentences for spelling words. Who knew it was like a GRADED thing? Homework to this point has never been GRADED...just kind of checked off. Hell, I don't think last year's teacher ever even LOOKED at homework (OR spelling tests for that matter). He seemed motivated...like doing it right when he got in from school, and we let him do it on his own. I didn't correct it for capitalization/punctuation/picky spelling on other words. I wasn't sure really...like am I supposed to let him be independent? Or sit by him and spell out each word and dictate the sentences? I let him be independent seeing as how it was the 1st one.

HOLY CRAP. He got like a 72 one one night's set. 2 points off for making a small "c" in the name Carter (cat), 2 points off for making his lower case "b" backwards (he still has trouble with bd)...2 points off for a run on sentence, that made sense....but she cut it into 2 sentences. He enjoys writing and putting detail into his sentences. Who am I to squelch that? So then I got thinking... how much background has he really HAD on grammar...and sentence structure. ??? I have NO CLUE.

I happened to be emailing with last year's teacher and mentioned it. She said that with RF that was never a focus in 3rd (the writing and corrections). Is that true? It is just VERY VERY picky. I wish I saved the spelling word list. It had 1-10 on one side (1-8?) and 11-20 (9-18?) on the other. There were un numbered bonus words at the bottom of the paper...kind of not in the same rows. For night #1's assignment he did the first "row" as she said (or column WTFC)...and did not include the 2 bonus words below that were kind of but not really part of that row. He lost 20 points for that. He DID...HOWEVER do the words the following night because he thought he had to do them but you couldn't really tell where they belonged.

Now that I write all that I am worked up and pissed off. I was going to let it ALL SLIDE because it was the 1st homework and I had NO CLUE what the expectations were. But now I am mad about that one.

He also writes a letter home to us each week (journal like) and we write back. OF course that is full of weird spelling and grammar and capital and punctuation crap that is not touched. Just mixed messages. Not really sure. I feel a LOOONG email coming on. There was also a spoken assignment to bring in a frog, fish, worm or lizard to school last week. I never saw it in WRITING so I told him it was probably a kind of if you want to type thing. He INSISTED and was excited about it so Dave helped him catch a frog to bring in Thursday in his little screen house carry along thing. Doesn't he get into trouble for bringing it on the bus (we put the cage in a paper Bath Body Works bag). Then after wards I thought yeah...I should have thought about that! DUH! But I just want her to know that I am an INVOLVED parent and NOTHING slips by. He is NINE and still a KID and I want (NEED) the expectations UP FRONT so that I can know what to have him do.

So this leaves me in the role of the CHEATING PARENT. I will have him do the work and then I will play the role of the EDITOR. I will make the corrections and then point them out to him. How do I know how to do this? Oh yes, wait...I remember, MY MOTHER USED TO DO IT FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why? Because she hated homework back in the 1970s too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hell, maybe I will freaking DO the homework FOR him.

So yes, I will be composing a letter to his teacher about all of this, omitting my admission that I will now be doing his corrections.

On top of nightly homework, of course are the 15 minutes of reading time required each night. Do teachers realize that today's "NIGHTS" are only 3 hours long? That is IF you do not participate in a SPORT? Gone are days when kids got out of school at 3pm and arrived home at 3:10 to a plate of warm toll house cookies. Kids get off a bus pushing 5pm, then there is some down time, TV, talking about the day...then dinner, a bath if necessary.

Ok, I need to stop analyzing and writing. I am getting angrier by the minute.
Signed (at the request of our new contributor),
~Sue

Happiness of the Day : New John Mayer album out - WooHoo!

Gripe of the Day : Elementary School Homework

Figured I would start with a brief positive item, to retain my Zen, but really, this homework thing in elementary schools pisses me off. I mean, I am a teacher, and homework has its place and all, but I never really realized how much I hated it until I became a parent. It wasn't such a biggie in K and 1st grades, as my son wasn't as involved in other activities, but now, it has just gotten crazy. I mean, tonight, my husband and I both had meetings after school, so the kids didn't get picked up until 4:30. Which, realistically, for most families is EARLY. Then we had to have dinner by 5:30 so that my son and husband could head out to soccer by 6:15. Yikes! So here I was at the kitchen sink, cleaning up, and thinking about this whole phenomenon. I mean, I remember VERY LITTLE homework from elementary school. Projects every now and again sure, but when did honest to goodness homework become status quo? At our school, and I know this is where my son's young, non tenured teacher is coming from, it is EXPECTED that I will have a homework policy in my classroom and it is EXPECTED that I give homework 3 nights a week, minimum. Being the little rebel that I am, I find creative ways around that, but still. My son has had homework each night, and it is easy and all, but I still find it an annoyance. It takes away from our time with our family, and dictates, yet again, how we will spend our time. It is a "little black cloud" of school still hanging over our heads, when we really want to just come home and do something DIFFERENT. My kids come home and they do play outside first, then they want to zone out with some TV, God forbid, perhaps play a few video games, talk with me and my husband, help cook dinner, or just PLAY at whatever thing or toy or game they missed while away at school all day. They just want to BE. We allow children so little of that type of free, unstructured time anymore, and I am seeing this homework as just another thing on the laundry list of "grow up faster" societal pulls.

I also got to thinking, homework in a Jr. High or Highschool MIGHT get done in a studyhall. Also, don't those kids get out of school and HOUR before the elementary kid thus making for more TIME to do homework? AND, lo and behold, don't they go to bed later? Here I am, cramming more school into the 4 hours my kid has between sitter pickup and bed! IT'S INSANE!

Well, I didn't do much to retain my Zen here did I? Better luck next time, but hey, at least I got my gripe off my chest...this blog IS good for something...see Dad!

- Cheryl

Ahhhh, memories of wine and fireworks!
Let's see if I can figure out how to put this on our profile. Granted not the BEST photo of us, but it is "jovial", shall we say! Also, this gives us TWO photos on here that could QUICKLY be sent to the school in the event of our untimely joint death, and seamlessly uploaded to the school website in leu of any days off and such...HA!

- Cheryl

Yep - you can tell that the school year has begun as NEITHER of us has had a spare moment to breathe, let alone blog! And you know, another sad thing, our last several blogs delt with WORK and END OF SUMMER! Now, granted, I suppose this is a mental outlet, a place to vent, a place to get out of your mind what is on your mind, but come on! Can't we write about something OTHER than work now? After a frantic Monday getting a classroom put together, a boring Tuesday of staff development, and a Wednesday through Friday of beginning the arduous task of "retraining" a new set of younguns, I need SOMETHING ELSE!

So, how about this topic...Fall and food.

I am obsessed, as my profile divulges, with food, FoodTV, cooking etc. Actually, I suppose it is less an obsession and more a surrender to food. I know that in my current mom status I am required, by motherhood law, to plan for and prepare 3 meals a day 7 days a week for my two little ones and I suppose for my husband as well, so the way I look at it, I may as well enjoy it. My spouse is a good cook, and takes up the chef's hat regularly, but the overall responsibillity for family feedings falls to me. Certainly, I am not whipping up gourmet meals nightly. I work full time for goodness sake! I am a lover of takeout pizza, which is a good thing, as that is pretty much the only fast food one can get in the little rural haven I happen to reside in. Also, frighteningly, my daughter's new found love of corn dogs of all things has become a part of our occational dining repertoire, but I digress. Fall is really the season I LOVE for food. No kidding, really? Well how contrived of you, the season of the harvest? What an original concept! But really, what is better than the first day you feel that fall nip in the air? It comes as a surprise, and don't you just LOVE a surprise? It gets the senses tingling, and sets the mind in a new direction. This time of year, this time of new beginnings (oh no, ALMOST slipping into school talk here, I had better watch how I navigate!) I always get a metaphysical boost. When that comes, along with it I get a craving for soup. Soup - goodness in a bowl. Connections with health and wellness, as well as a complete meal in one pot. Complexity and simplicity, inherent to one recipe. Soup is the real deal.

There is a wonderful children's book by Sharon Creech, adolescent author extraordinaire, called Granny Torelli Makes Soup. It is all about a girl and a boy who are best friends, and the girl's Italian grandmother who teaches them life lessons as she makes her "zuppa." And what myriad of life lessons do come from soup! Ingredients go together sometimes with the randomness of immediate availability, sometimes with specificity of care and thought. Things simmer, combine and recombine, finally, usually successfully, creating something new altogether. Edible fortitude, new and different, comes from things ordinary. Things allowed to simmer emerge anew.

Now I am REALLY disturbed. I have brought school in the form of a children's book into my anti school post! What is wrong with me? Can I not compartmentalize? Can I not pull away and put away?

Maybe though, this is the key, the common thread. Why the love of fall? The harvest, the new beginnings of all sorts, brings back all of my "ingredients." School, Family, Work, Friends, Self, Responsibilites, Activities. These all come back to the forefront and go into this crazy soup called my Life. Ingredients need to be added now and then. Seasonings add spice, sometimes too much, sometimes too little. Creative modifictions need to be made, and can be made through the joy and freedom that is cooking and that is life. My zuppa needs the attention of an occational stirring. My soup needs to simmer, be tasted, allowed time and granted patience. It is at times altered, and changed, and in the end comes a new combination. Forever different, somehow the same, often hard to say how or when, and often too intricate to recreate. Basic and complex all at once. Fresh, and alive. Fall is new beginnings of a different sort, fall is a new start to life.

-Cheryl (as a dear friend suggested we sign our posts:)

OHMYGOD! Anyone who said Labor Day Weekend was a VACATION just was NOT a TEACHER!
I could end this post right now, and anyone in my teaching audience would understand, but for the rest of you, I will go on. (and on, and on, and on...)

To teachers, this is the REAL END. We are so selfish to even gripe, I mean SO often the thought goes through my mind that some people only get 2 weeks of vacation, if that. But we get 10 - yes - 10 - TEN weeks...2x5, 5+5, 5x2, 2+2+2+2+2. (of course it is JUST because I am a teacher, particularly a teacher of third grade teachers who is charged with the responsibility of teaching the "Multiplication Machine," that I write this particular sentence this particular way:)

It is funny because I am pretty sure I approach this last week of "summer" before Labor Day weekend the same way every year. I go into it saying I am going to keep it sacred...I have my days carved out that I am going to work in school, I have a goal for what I would like to do with the week for myself, for my family, and I figure that Labor Day weekend will be mine/ours to spend with myself, and my family and my OWN LIFE...then the inevitable happens. The stress of work begins to poke at my mind. Things need to get done. A classroom that you thought was pretty much good to go is suddenly a complete and utter disaster that you can't even imagine functioning in. You panic about whether or not you did actually copy papers and worksheets that you think you did. You try to go into school and the cleaning staff is working hard and you can't access your classroom...the list is endless.

And these stresses aren't limited to starting back into your classroom routine, they are present at home as well. You suddenly realize all of the home projects that you didn't get done in your 10 WEEKS of time, or that need to be wrapped up. You realize your personal goals for the summer were really only half met, if that. Your kids need school clothes and supplies, physicals, activity sign ups, and, you possibly have family knocking at your door wanting to see you for the "Holiday Weekend" completely unaware that as they are winding down, you are all wound up.

It is complaining, a bit I suppose, because as I said, we do get 10 WEEKS. But boy oh boy, that September 1st pull is strong. It is such a gift that we work in a profession that allows us to renew, and to start fresh each year, but those fresh starts can be tough. In a couple of weeks it will all wind down. We will fall back into our normal school year routines, so familar and comforting. The year will progress and amazingly, May will come, and with it thoughts of another summer. And I suppose that is how the mind has to settle its disrest. There will always be another summer, there is always tomorrow, and what doesn't get done today will still be there in the morning. I hope upon hope to TRY to enjoy these last few moments of summer, and Stress, I suppose it is time for the "Welcome Back!" greeting. It is time to start our complicated little dance yet again:)

- Cheryl

Summer's End

How sad it is to say good bye to summer. It seems as soon as we flipped the the calendar from July to August, the smell of fall in the air was detectable.

Now it is time to start thinking of cooler air, back to school, back to WORK and a regular routine. How lucky we are to have a job which has a definite start and stop cycle. It gives us a chance each year to start NEW.

As we wind down this last week, I hope to relax and regroup before heading back. I wish I were able to carry over some of my summer routine into the back to work mode. Like NOT DOING my HAIR! All summer I just wash n go. I think it looks fine...even GREAT sometimes...but once September comes, out comes the blow drier, flat iron and hairspray. Its like my hair knows it isn't summer and WON'T behave with the wash n go treatment. Half assed up dos with clips look great all summer, but try to pull that off at work? NOT...

Oh well. I guess it is just one of those things.  

An image to help us retain that Summer Zen!
(Do keep in mind, to further that Zen, that there were VERY CUTE surfer boys out on those waves when I took this photo...just too far away. I NEED a telephoto!)

- Cheryl

OK, Sue is kicking my butt on this blog and I have to get in the game it seems! We're at the tail end, though, you know, of summer vacation...the teacher's golden egg. There are many teachers that work in the summer, and goodness knows the salary, in particular at SOME districts which will remain nameless, could use some augmentation. Still, I tend to subscribe to the money vs. time philosophy. Could I make more money in the summer, sure, but the regular school year gets so hectic. Summer is my unwind time, my creative time, time to play with my family and friends, time to tan and travel and cook and shop, time to read, and time to write. I mean, look at this blog. We'd never have started this with school year responsibilities piled up, but with summer relaxation in full swing, look what happened! We have a great thing started. To me, TIME is of equal, or perhaps higher importance to money, for the most part.

Time and money and salaries aside, though, we still have not uncovered why Sue is posting away, leaving me in the literary dust. Well I'll tell ya why, she is still on summer vacation! Me, oh joy of joys, I got to go in to work with my grade level team for the last two days. Now granted, the days were paid, and another teacher phenomenon is the whole "How are we making the money last until the first Sept. paycheck" dance, but paid at what cost? The cost was that I INSTANTLY ended my summer Zen as soon as I walked in that door.

Which leads me to a question. Why is it that it takes us so long to relax into summer vacation, or any vacation, but that we can spring right back to work mode with the flip of a switch? After the last two days, I am right back where I was in June... I have had this happen repeatedly to myself and have seen it in others firsthand. Vacation is coming, so you work like a dog to be sure you are caught up at work, or ready for the holiday the vacation encompasses, only to get sick over the vacation and lose half of your time. Or there is the option of travel while on vacation from work, which involves an inordinate amount of preparation, encompasses a tremendous amount of stress what with today's travel costs, restrictions, etc, and which produces, in the end, a more exhausted person than the one that left work in the first place. What was meant to refresh and replenish, exhausts and depleats...it is the classsic, "After my vacation I need a vacation." Still, we jump right back into our jobs and responsibilities with flawless precision, dog tired, but performing even in our collective states of fatigue. If only we could jump to vacation mode as quickly as we jump back to work.

This year at school that is my goal. I suppose I should alert my principal, that although she has my APPR goals neatly typed up and ready on her computer, and while her back to school letter outlined all of our "glorious" building goals for the coming year, I have a little something else in mind. I am going to TRY really hard to hold on to my summer glow. I am going to bitch less and laugh more. I am going to work hard, but remember to relax as well. I am going to do what I can each day, remembering that a day has a finite number of hours and I am only one person. And most of all, I am going to try to internalize Sue's and my philosophy so as not to get so busy in my career that I forget about my LIFE! You know, if I can really make it happen, what a gift to me, my friends and family, and ultimately, what a better teacher I will be. Only time will tell...

- Cheryl

What is that word...that means when 2 things contradict each other? I am having an issue here and need a thesaurus or something. Is there one of these on this blog? Where is my college thesaurus anyway...Okay...I just looked up what I thought was the word on Webster.com and I was correct. Oxymoron. When 2 things contradict each other, like cruel kindness. Yep. Oxymoron will be tonight's reflection...

Anyway, that is tonight's topic. Those contradictions can sometimes be a pleasant surprise, as this photo depicts so well. There is a little girl dressed to perform a ballet, placed in a setting so far removed from any stage. Instead of an audience, we see cows. Instead of a bouquet of flowers cradled in her arms, a flowering plant hangs above her. For all these reasons, I love this photograph. But what happens when these things don't work? When they make us feel uneasy? When something about them just isn't right?

Like a GREEN flag flying high on a flag pole at school telling kids to JUST SAY NO! to drugs on our drug awareness day. Something about the color green tells us to just say YES! Green is relaxing...green makes us feel good, green is money, luck, parties and fun. If drugs come along and are offered when we are amongst so much green, where is the warning? Where is our RED LIGHT? I cannot say at that moment that I would just say no. The green JUST SAY NO flag just did not work for me.

Yesterday, while sitting outside the YMCA, waiting to pick up my daughter from camp, I watched a woman in her late 30s, wearing a YMCA HEALTH AND FITNESS STAFF t-shirt slowly work her obese body up the stairs. Something about that made me very on edge. What message is this? That working out isn't really the answer? That the staff here couldn't possibly help us attain our ideal weight and strength because, after all, look at how they look themselves? It is like going to a dentist with decayed teeth or to a Doctor who smokes. Something just doesn't feel right here!

My favorite was the conversation I overheard between 2 older ladies at JCPenney yesterday. They appeared to be in their early 60s perhaps. A tad on the heavy side, but well dressed and smiling. The lady in blue said hello to the woman in coral, whom she had not seen for some time. Blue remarked to Coral how well she was looking and complimented her tan. Ah, the tan. Looking great while killing us at the same time! But then the contradiction. Coral said that she knew she really shouldn't be out in the sun...as she was just finishing up a round of CHEMO!!! She had had cancer and been declared cancer free, but then some returned and she had to begin again. How sad!

But as I watched Coral, all dressed up and perfectly accessorized, she was happy. She was upbeat, she was getting better, and she was TAN. She'll beat this cancer again I am certain (and it was not skin cancer on a side note)...she is the little girl in the yellow tutu, on her imaginery stage with her farmlife audience. Isn't that the kind of contradiction we all need in our lives?

Reflecting on New Motherhood

I can remember the arrival of my first child into the world like it happened yesterday. My second actually seems like longer ago than the first.

The first was a fairy tale delivery. The labor every woman dreams of. Fast with some cramping, then pushing and 4 hours later, a baby to hold! This all happened between the hours of 8:45pm and 12:44am. I never slept that night. Filled with excitment and questions of what just happened, and was that really labor? Then the stream of visitors to the hospital. First grandbaby on both sides of the family.

That night I was ready to crash, but I felt pressured to give nursing a try which seemed like an every 30 minute ordeal. I figured that I could sleep when I went home the next day. Babies sleep a lot, right? Sleep when the baby sleeps was the advice everyone gave.

He came home on a crisp fall day. I should have known something was in the air, as he was born on a hot and humid summer night, just 2 days before. Everything had changed. I walked up the driveway a different person than I had walked down it just 2 days ago. I look back on the first 4 weeks of his life as hellish and a complete absence of sleep. I learned that post partum depression is more than just crying about nothing, or feeling a little sad when you should really be happy. For me it meant wanting my body back, wanting to sleep, wanting to be a human again. I knew I hit rock bottom when my husband came home from work 2 weeks into the motherhood thing, took one look at me and said, You really don't like him, do you? I broke down crying because ya know what? I really did not like him. He refused to sleep more than a half hour at any given time, refused to nurse, and basically cried between all of that. I handed my husband the baby and went and packed up the breast pump. I was done. I couldn't wait to wake up (from a half hour sleep of course) dry, fit into my normal bras, and not spend hours pumping only to pour it into a bottle to feed to him.

Then there was the issues of visitors. During his first couple weeks...people came out of the woodwork to visit. Not at the best hours or on the best days. I think I can even recall hiding and pretending that we weren't home for one visitor. When one visitor called to ask when would be a good time, I told her in 10 months? I was serious...but she laughed and came an hour later bearing a seasonally inappropriate outfit and a basket of scary bath gels for me. I was in no mood to visit. My favorite visitors were my husband's friends we had not seen or heard from in 3 years. They had heard through the grapevine that we were expecting, and thought they'd drop in to see. Weren't they excited to be able to see the baby on just our second night home from the hospital! They showed up at 8pm and stayed till 10pm. I was exhausted and very pissed off.

Of course things settled a bit (just in time to return to work and take him to a babysitter!) and I got glimpses of what it was like to enjoy your baby. I was allowed a small chunk of sleep here and there and granted myself a hot shower and at least a blow dry a day, whether he was crying or not.

Baby number 2 joins the life you already have in progress, as opposed to your joining the life of your first. There were other issues going on and that is a separate blog posting, but all in all the second, the girl, was much smoother.

Since becoming a Mom, I have become an aunt to 3 nieces, the 3rd being born just over a week ago. She lives a couple of hours away with my brother and sister in law. I haven't been able to see her yet, due to logistics, life and their own new parenting jigsaw puzzle they are trying to sort through. My brother emailed me just last night to cancel our planned visit today to meet her, due to exhaustion and plans to catch up on sleep and pumping. While a bit hurt, and saddened, I can recall all too well the feeling of wanting the world to go away and just be able to find a piece of myself again...

Today's commentary...pencil leg jeans.
As Sue mentioned, we refer to ourselves, currently on an amature basis, as opinions for hire, and quite frankly, I wish the fashion industry had consulted us before bringing back the 80's. I mean, come on, did we really need to go back to the pencil leg jeans, and leggings? Just the other day I was at the mall and they were EVERYWHERE, along with ripped stuff a la Flashdance, deep V neck "shaker" sweaters, and I am sure I saw a glimpse of Neon fabric before I had to leave, muttering under my breath in disgust. Now, I will be the first to admit to the comfort of these styles, but is comfort really where we are headed. I had JUST gotten used to lower rise jeans, and more form fitting clothes...and had actually come to like them quite a lot. Lower rise and a bit of a flare leg does WONDERS for a girl with hips, particularly a TALL girl with hips. You all know what I mean. And we won't even go into the whole concept of stretch in jeans and the fact that I will need at least a week of leave time from work and indefinite therapy should THAT style trend go by the wayside. And, at the age of 35, to be pretty comfortable, finally, with my body, and wear snug things that SHOW that I am female...well it was a BIG step from a girl who dressed through the 80's. NOW they are trying to put me back in the pencil legs and leggings, which a "girl with hips" MUST wear with a long, formless tunic in order to be DECENT. WHY I ask you all, WHY?
Maybe I ought to look into therapists a bit today...just a thought...

- Cheryl

So this weekend, Cheryl and I decided that we have such a wealth of knowledge about an unlimited arena of topics, that it is a shame to keep all of that between us. We need to open a consulting firm. We can offer the cut right to the point version for a minimal fee, or we can ease in with the here's what you're doing right first before cutting into the criticism, at a slightly higher cost.

Yesterday we visited several wineries in the Finger Lakes area. We had several pointers at the very first place we visited. It was an impressive mansion of a building overlooking Seneca Lake, with beautiful decor. But the help was new, and needed some training before she should have been allowed to pour wine. The tasting options given were divided into 4 categories from which you chose one, which were quite confusing because some contained 2 of the same wines that were in other categories. It was way too confusing and the wine taster really just wants the educated wine expert to just go down the list and tell you what is what. Needless to say, there was only 1 bottle purchased there.

We liked the winery that was laid back and fun, with flirtatious young men surving up the wine, with coupons given towards purchases made there. Several bottles and T shirts were purchased there.

Moving on to a wedding reception today...several things were pointed out in need of attention. No salt and pepper placed on the tables, candles were not lit prior to the bridal party's arrival, only one napkin being provided per table. There were some serious things going on here. Because there was no offical request for the consulting service, we simply just called these out as observations.