Summer Vacay 2010

I wasn't really going on summer vacation.  I was just going to go up and spend some time riding my bike in IA with my friend Carrie.  Usually, when I go and stay at peoples houses, it doesn't feel much like a vacation.  And actually, recently (in the last few years) have decided that I need to probably stay in a hotel when I go and visit places where friends reside.  It's a personal feeling that it is too stressful on the residing friend, and disappointing on my want-to-do-vacation-y-things self.  So, I did not have the feeling that I was going on vacation, I simply thought I would carrying out something I said I would do.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  Let me start at the beginning.  A slide show (my new way of doing pics on here, it's lazy and easy!) will be at the end.

I packed up and headed out early - I had several things to take care of before I actually started to head toward Carrie's house.  I needed to drop Maggie off at the vet (they board her), and then get some coffee along with a bag of coffee for Carrie's parents.  I had lots of thoughts as to what to get them, but this is such a nice and travel-able gift.  My car was full of gas and I was off to meet Carrie at her house.  Then we were on the road.  We only made a few stops prior to getting off I-29.  I wasn't really sure after getting of 29 where we were or how far we had to go.  Instead of getting gas at a Casey's that we stopped at, because I still had 1/4 of a tank left, I just kept traveling.  Well, it wasn't too long before my gas light came on.  I texted Carrie and told her we needed to stop before 40 miles.  I guess this was a problem.  There wasn't anything.  We did stop in this town of Melvin, IA.  Carrie pulled up to the old school looking pump.  I pulled next to her and said something like, "Are you serious?  I don't even know how to use this."  Anyway, lots of laughs ensued.  I tried to use my debit card, but I guess you needed a gas card???  It didn't work out so we made our way to Medford, IA.  In the end, I think I could have just made it to Carrie's parents house, but I'm glad we stopped and filled up when we did.  It was pretty funny.  I kept thinking - if I run out of gas, that will make for a great blog!  But I didn't, so you'll have to settle for something mediocre at best. 
Got some gas, traveled on to Carrie's parents house.  It was so nice to not be driving.  We sat and visited, unloaded our cars, and then prepared to head our for the night.  They had planned to drive around the 30 mile ride we would be riding the next day (BRASL - Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake) and then go to the theater.  We drove around it, I felt more confident after seeing the scenery.  I was pretty excited that it was all rural views and mostly on trails.  (I've never seen so many bike trails - it was awesome).  The community theater was fun.  It was a farce, and hilarious.  The actors were pretty good.  I was very impressed. 
We went home and prepared for the next day - it would be an early morning and then 30 miles on our bikes.  The longest either of us had rode.  I'm very thankful to my brother for loaning me his camelpack.  It came in very handy. 
The ride itself was awesome.  We were already 3 miles in before I realized the ride had actually started and we were on it.  I did my traditional exploration of shifting, which if I have paid for the ride, always results in the chain falling off while riding up a hill.  I got through that on mile 4 or 5 and then the rest of the ride was cake.  The views were beautiful.  They had lots of fruit and cookies at the rest stops - there were 2.  The hills were okay, not too intimidating.  I actually rode through a soybean/corn field (the trail went through there).  We rode around Loon Lake, which took us into Minnesota.  (so far I've ridden my biked in 4 states  - MO, KS, IA, MN)  The trail for the 30 mile bikers was not clearly marked so we lost some mileage - about 6 miles, but regardless, it's still the longest ride I've done.  I think we figured it was around 24 miles.  I would do the ride again.  Mostly, I would just go up there and ride.  The weather was beautiful, and perfect.  The view of midwest cornfields, soy bean fields, and lakes was awesome.  We had a great time. 
After the ride, we lounged for the day.  I normally read a lot on vacations, so this might have been the start of me feeling like I was on vacation.  I was comfortable enough to pull out my book and read it.  I don't think I was aware yet I was on vacation though.  It wasn't until probably the next day that I felt the relaxation and stress and world-on-my-shoulders feeling go away.  It was an actual realization, a moment, in which I realized I felt like I was on vacation.  This made me incredibly happy.  The rest of the time was wonderful, and full of fun times.  Carrie's parents were so easy going and fun to be around.    I am very grateful to them for all the wonderful food.  I also really enjoyed playing cards (canasta and golf).  They were just so much fun and so easy to be around.  I couldn't have asked for a better visit.  I definitely want to treat them to some Kansas City fun when they come down next. 
I had the best time and didn't want to leave Okoboji, IA.  I wanted to stay and ride my bike every morning for the rest of my life.  Alas, I can't make that happen yet.  So, I came back by way of Clarinda, IA and visited Shannon.  She is expecting and should be having a baby any day now.  Her and Andrew (husband) also bought a house, it was nice to see her, Andrew and the house (it's beautiful!).  But by mid-morning on Wednesday, I was ready to come home and see my Maggie.  I wish I could work it out where she just came with me on vacation. 
I made it home, but I really think I could have stayed the whole month out just wandering from place to place.  Who knows where I would have gone or ended up. 
Here's what I took away from my almost a week away:
-I am going to take Electra! on a vacation every year
-Carrie is an awesome friend (already knew this) with just as awesome parents/family
-I would like to own a place at Okoboji, even if it's just a shack
-The midwest is beautiful and very green (right now).
-Iowans make fun of you when you want to take pictures of yourself in the corn
-IF most of the food in the US comes from the midwest, we only eat corn, soybeans, cows, and chicken. 
-I am becoming more and more obsessed with the paranormal.
-I love small towns.
-playing cards is fun and should be done more often
-I want a laptop/ipad to take everywhere with me.
-I couldn't have picked a better road trip.  It was perfect!

My beautiful Mother and Michael Buble'

On June 13, my beautiful mother turned 60.  I felt there was a duty to celebrate this momentous occasion to the best of my ability.  I asked her for a list of folks she would invite to a birthday party, and the inviting ensued.  A handful of people ended up coming, I was not the best on timing.  But, several people came, important ones and even folks from Omaha that she knew came.  It was an awesome dinner celebration! 

 

I decided to go with a princess theme, not because my mom is a princess or anything like that, but because it was easy to find decorations for Birthday Queens.  And I thought it was fitting, and fun.  She wore here gear that I got for this picture, and quickly took it off.  My decorations were simple, some balloons, separate napkins and plates for the cake, and some maracas.  Mom is not over the top, so I didn't want it to be too over the top.  Mom did a shot of tequila, which is customary for her birthday.  She has the pics of that (I had broken my camera) and I haven't got them yet.  I did get a good before/after.  Someday, I will wrangle it from her.  Overall, we had a great time.  The family photo below was taken that night.  It's always great when we are all together. I have to mention that I couldn't have pulled this off without a last minute angels that gave us money to pay for the bill.  I am very thankful for their friendship to our family and wished they could have been there with us.                                                                                                                                       

For Mother's Day and her birthday, I (include Eric) got mom tickets

to Michael Buble'.  She didn't seem too excited at first when I told her about them.  Of course, I failed (on purpose) to tell her that we were sitting on the floor, 29 rows away from MB.

I knew that my mom would love this concert, and I would too.  I

did give her the opportunity to take dad, but of course she took me.  A friend of mine, Melody, came and went with us.  We ate at the movie theatre - only place with openings.  It was pretty good and nice and cool.  (it as a hot day)
We got to Sprint Center and I think mom was a little surprised to find out that we were on the floor, and so close to the stage.  (btw - I would not have been wearing that long black coverup had I not been covered with poison ivy).  Anyway - we were there nice and early, which I love, because I like to people watch.  It was fun to see all the other moms and daughters there.The first group that went on was Naturally 7.  They used their voices as instruments.  It was sooo cool.  Mom recorded some of it.  Maybe I can get that and attach it here sometime.  They were a great warm-up group.  Very impressive with their talents.  Both of us really enjoyed them.

After Naturally 7, MB came out.  I can't say enough about how awesome he was in concert.  The place was packed, but it seemed so intimate.  He was very good at finding balance between the talking and singing.  The absolute best part of the night was when he came into the crowd.  Sometime during a song, they had placed a movable stage right behind mom and I.  We never heard it.  We were trying to take pics of him coming down the aisle, I turned around and saw the stage and told mom to turn around.  Then we were pretty much serenaded by MB for a few songs.  It was awesome.  We were on cloud 9 after that.  I was so incredibly happy to have spent the money on the floor tickets.  It was just a real treat.  It was really fun to see mom so excited too.  At the end of the night, we both were really happy with the concert and going and had a blast.  I know that if he comes in the future we will go, and hopefully take the rest of the family, they would love it.  I would recommend his concert to anyone of any age.  Anyway - we had a great time, I'm closing this blog with pics from the concert - most are self explanatory.

poison skin

So, I decided to do a little yard work last week and ended up with poison something all over my body. The dr. called it contact dermatitis, because of course I have no idea what it is. It doesn't necessarily 'look' like poison ivy....it can't - it's everywhere. I'm on a steroid pack, and it's looking better, however I continue to get more and in new places. I will probably have to call the dr. I don't want to have this all summer. It's rather uncomfortable and makes me feel leperous. Also, it's on my face - although looking better - and I am scared to put any makeup on - so sans makeup everywhere I go. While I don't normally wear a lot of makeup - there are moments that I like to put my best looking foot forward...

Anyway - this is really just to remind myself later in life of when I had poison skin all summer and how bad it sucked.

a sick obsession

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I'm really obsessed with the Twilight Saga. The obsession comes and goes, and when it's quiet - I'm barely thinking about it, however when it's loud - It's screaming, overtaking all my thoughts. It's been working it's way up to loud over the last month or two. Eclipse (the 3rd book) will be out in the theaters on the 30th of June. One weekend I was going to watch the first two movies and then read the 3rd book (again..). That never happened because I haven't allowed myself to buy New Moon (2nd book/movie) and I didn't find anyone that I could borrow it from (although I had offers, just bluray offers and those are no good to me). It finally took me and yesterday I just started the 3rd book and of course finished it. Nothing like sitting down and reading a 600 something page book in one setting. But that is how I like it... It's ridiculous how I smile and laugh and become one with this series. There is a showing here in KC for the opening night where they are going to show all three movies for the price of one. I've already considered this, and tried to find someone to join me. I think I'll have to experience this alone, which makes me sad - but I've made up my mind (I did weeks ago) and I am going to do it. I'm going to go see all three movies in the theater on the same night. I can't wait.

Granola

I made my own granola today and wanted to share the recipe. It would be a great recipe for kiddos, to help with and to eat. Remember that I am a cook that doesn't really measure (although I have measurements for you) and I also believe in making the recipe yours. So add what you want! I used honey in my recipe because I don't normally have syrup around. It worked out perfectly - I love the flava!

Basic Ingredients:
3 Cups Old fashioned oats
1 cup Almonds (add some other nuts if you want, cashews would be delish)
1/4 Cup brown sugar
1/4 Cup Maple syrup (or honey, or sorghum/molasses)
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil (or conola, any light oil)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 Cup raisins or dried fruit or chocolate chips, m&m's etc.

Heat your oven to 250
Combine the Oats/Nuts/Brown Sugar in one bowl, in another bowl combine the maple syrup, oil, salt - then put them all together and spread on a cookie sheet (or jelly roll pan, etc.). Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes
Remove it to a big bowl and add your extras - raisins, dried fruit etc.

I let it cool for a while, and then stirred it up again and let it cool more. Pretty much ate and stirred all night. It's now sitting in Tupperware. SOO delicious.

I would take a picture and make this blog really pretty - but I dropped my camera tonight and I think I broke it for good. I loved that camera, it's a very sad loss.

Summerfuntime list review

     So, I decided I should look at my list of things I wanted to do this summer and see where I'm at.  You can see that I have decided to save all the 'work' for later.  I had to save some things because of finances and others just because I've not had time to do them yet, and I know I will in June.  

That vacuum, even though it was more than I thought I could spend has really been worth the money!  I don't know if any readers/friends noticed, I love it.  

Tomorrow I start a new workout routine - gonna get up early and work out with Bethany, she lives around here so I can ride my bike to her house.  I'm excited to work out with a friend and do it in the morning.  I'm afraid of letting myself (and her) down by not going.  Because of this fear, I am sure I will go.  I love having a friend to do it with because it makes me accountable.  I can deal with letting myself down, but it's harder to see it in the face of others (mainly because I don't always look at my face).  Regardless of all that drivel, I'm very excited about this.  Right now, I'm holding myself to Mondays and Wednesdays.  If it's really fun and I like it, I'll include Fridays.  Maybe it will make me feel super cool and I'll also do something on Tuesday and Thursdays, like walk the dog or go to the gym.  We'll see.  I'm still scared, this has been something I've wanted and talked about for a long time (to work out in the morning) and I still have yet to jump the hurdle and do it.  I think it will happen, but only because of Bethany's support.  She's awesome!

I have to mow the yard today.  I'm being very procrastinating about it.  But it's gonna rain this week, so it has to be done today.  I swear, when and if I can, I will pay for a lawn mowing service or a new lawn mower.

I've listened to Kodi's music (on her blog) while writing this blog - I love it!!      

1.      Summer's here BBQ (already bbq'd this summer, will do more)
2.  front yard area - put in a little bird bath, plant some plants  (planted impatiens - sp?- yesterday)
3.  cut down bushes in front (done)
4.  re-do kitchen:  clean out everything, new spice holders, new dry goods holders, re-arrange (I've cleaned out everything and done some rearranging, but haven't bought new spice holders or canisters for dry goods)
5.  paint rooms: living room, bedroom
6.  pull carpet in bedrooms (officially taking this off, the new vacuum is amazing)
7.  cleanout fence on south side
8.  put new chainlink and possibly a few new posts in on south side
9.  paint trim in house
10.  get new carpet for bedrooms, or finish with flooring - undecided, probably depend on funds (no need with the awesome vacuum)
11.  buy and install storm doors
12.  put new weather strip on door
13.  get big rocks out of bottom pond
14.  replace big rocks
15.  in August go to Minneapolis for Maure and family and art show
16.  In July go to Okoboji for BRASL and boji fun
17.  spend lots of time with freeman bambino (still waiting for him to come, but I contact mom everyday)
18.  work out, ride my bike, take a swim, go to the lake (I have already had some good bike adventures and have ideas for more - I even rode my bike to the gym)
19.  throw my momma a birthday party (June 12, if you wanna come)
20.  Go to see Michael Buble (up close and personal like, if my mom takes me, they are her tickets).
21.  ride my bike in the morning to get coffee.
22.  Join CSA and learn to cook new organic veggies and meats (yes, and this was a fantastic decision!  I've gotten more meat than veggies!!  It's been awesome)
23.  Remember everyday I don't go out or pass up a social event is a day  closer to financial freedom and ultimate financial responsibility.
24.  Go see movies, particularly excited about Eclipse (saw Get Him to the Greek, funny Apatow movie)
25.  Meet some new people that do stuff I want to do also.

26. Hang out with April, because I know we would be good friends and have fun times.  (Wonders..does April have a bicycle?)

27. Visit with Kodi & Trai and meet Millie. (putting all traveling off til my next paycheck - June 25th, so sometime after that - start thinking about when)

free chick fil a and other reasons my life is fantastic

I took the payless shoes back.  They just weren't worth it.  Especially when my coworker reminded me that we had planned on  Friday lunch dates during summer school.  Food is so much more important.  Especially getting to try new places and lunch menus.  Although a really nice pair of shoes would be worth giving that up, these shoes were not 'really  nice', just cheap payless shoes. 
So I had a coupon for a free spicy sandwich from Chick-fil-A today.  It was not as spicy as I thought it would be.  Good, but I probably won't order it again.  My most favorite - and I've tried everything - is the grilled chicken deluxe sandwich.  YUM!  Their lemonade was particularly good today.  There was lots of pulp in mine, which I love, thus why I said it was particularly good.  I have plans to go work out and then go back for a free teacher meal (Carrie gave me TONS more coupons) with Brian.  Good times.  I don't normally eat so much fast food...I'm making an exception for Chick-fil-A because it's FREE yo! 
So my summer school experience is going to be good.  Small classes, easy curriculum.  I'm looking forward to it.  The hardest thing is going to be filling out the lesson plans which I will have the first 2 weeks done this weekend, if not more.  After that, really, it's just teaching.
 
Lots of good things, easy days, and summer dress wearin' going on.  I love it. 

2nd day of unofficial summer

Today I dedicated to a bike ride, but I also hung out at home, painted my front door frame, got some needed items at target, and bought 2 pairs of shoes at payless for work (although I might take them back - I really shouldn't have spent that 25 bucks). 

The bike ride was killer!  It was easy and fun.  I didn't work as hard as normal.  It was lovely.  We (Carrie and I) rode to Spin! Pizza and had a wonderful lunch - spinach salad and Margherita pizza.  Then we tooled around and came back toward Waldo and stopped at One More Cup and had a Toddy Shake, which was heaven!  Absolutely delish!  I can't wait to have another one. 

I love riding bikes, but will miss my friend Carrie as she goes on her own adventures for a month.  I'm looking for a new riding partner....thought I'd put an add on Craigslist....NOT.  Anyway - I am going to ask around and see if anyone is interested.  It's always so much more fun with someone else.  

And now I'm going to turn the air down and head to bed early so I can try to get to work on time tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to something to do, yet I will miss being able to make my own schedule.  But the extra money is nice and needed. 

Happy Friday everybody!

Today's Mantra was: Thinking about my desires and allowing them to go out into the universe.  Staying in the present moment and enjoying it, not letting obstacles get in the way of the moment.  (in bonnie speak anyway)

pictures of summer at my house

Learning to meditate

I'm working on a few things this summer to enhance myself and my life.  Meditating is one of those.  I'm using Deepak Chopra's website as a guide and daily meditations.  I really enjoy his books and his twitter so I figured I couldn't go wrong. If anyone else meditates and has some good resource (particularly free ones), let me know.

I slept in today and have indulged myself in a delicious breakfast of coffee, sourdough bread and an egg.  I am also watching the Ghost Hunters show, which is addicting.  So far, it's a lovely day.  I'm going to plant some basil and then maybe walk the dog or ride my bike or take a nap or read or watch twilight and then new moon and recycle my glass bottles or vacuum (did you know I love my new vacuum???). 

Life is good.  I love summer.  Today I am accepting every moment as it is because it is as it should be.

Last day of the school year and other summery items

Hallelujah!  I love the last day of school, just as much as the first day.  I love waving to the students as they leave on the buses.  I love the celebrations, the food, and getting the hell outta there to go have a beverage.  Normally I would be 10-12 drinks under, but this is a different year.  It could very well be my first sober end of the last day.  I did go for a celebration drink after school, but then went on to do more adultish responsible things.  I went to the eye doctor and instead of going back to the bar (where inevitably I would spend too much money, and drink way too much) I came home and vacuumed.  That's right.  I said that correctly, I vacuumed.  Instead of saving myself the going out money, I bought a vacuum this weekend.  The Bissell Cleanview Helix was onsale this weekend for $75, I did some research and decided that this vacuum could be the one for me.  I finally broke down and got it and haven't stopped vacuuming since.  I LOVE IT!  I don't think I've ever had a properly working vacuum until this one.  I feel that even if it broke down right now, I would have got $75 dollars worth.

There are two awesome things I love about it: 1.  the filters and canister are washable. This makes me feel so much cleaner, and probably IS cleaner, 2. it does everything - my wood floors, my carpets and has a great arm tool that allows me to reach the ceiling cobwebs.

Seriously, all I've done since I've put it together is vacuum.  I love it.  What's coming out of my carpet and floor is disgusting.  Totally sick.  I had no idea.  My bedroom floors look almost new.  It's only one step to get the pet hair up on my wood floor (before I was doing 3 - sweep, dry swiffer, wet swiffer).  Who knew my life would change so drastically that a vacuum would be more entertainment than spending the afternoon/evening at the bar?!?!!  I love it.  Some people would think it's crazy, but I am so excited about my life and future and maturity.  I love taking a step back and remembering where I came from.  Plus, it's really empowering to make your own decisions (in a past life I would just stay at the bar until the last person left).  I'm making a lot of my own decisions lately and they are such good decisions for me, always in my best interest.  I love it.  LOVE IT!

The best part about this school year was teaching reading and communication arts.  I had the best time.  The students were sooo successful, it made me very proud to see them being proud of themselves.  The worst part was all the drama.  These statements alone make me feel good about what I'm doing - I'm in the right place with the right attitude.

Cheers to sobriety, and cheers to clean floors (etc.), and cheers to doing absolutely nothing but what I want to do tomorrow!  Yay summer.

last day of school morning pic - don't my floors look so clean, love that vacuum.

btw - I think this is before I did my hair, or not - either way, yikes!

Memorial Weekend

Good Friends!  I enjoyed time in Maysville playing the flute in the community/school band for the Memorial Day celebration (most of us in the pic played).  We had a good ole cook out afterwards.

 Celebration at the Station.  I love that you can see all the people and the fancy tent that the Kansas City Symphony plays under.  This is my friend Stacy and me, with her son Alex to the left.  Good times!

the end

Even though I have 1 and a half days left of this school year, the graduation and recognition are over signifying the end.  Many people have asked me if this has been a rough year.  There isn't an easy answer to this question.  A lot of 'stuff' happened this year in our district, people were told they wouldn't have jobs, people resigned, people were bullied into resigning.  In my department there was drama and crazy, which have not left a good taste in my mouth. In my classroom, it's been wonderful and successful.  I couldn't have asked for a better position.  In special education, I have had an okay year - not showing my best improvement on paperwork, but not having any epic fails either. I'm hoping that after a month of teaching Science in Summer School and a month of doing nothing but what I want that I can begin to look forward to the next year.  But for now, I'm enjoying every last moment with the students, making sure they will miss me over the summer.   

couch to 5K

SIKE!  But let's talk about the couch.  I spend a fair amount of time watching television.  Monday night is a particular favorite.  I really like all the comedy sitcoms right in a row on my Channel 3.  It starts off with How I Met Your Mother.  I love this sitcom.  I love Neil Patrick Harris (love).  Then there's the show with David Spade - it's kinda a time filler.  Then 2.5 men is on, which I generally enjoy, but it's also kinda gotten boring.  Next, Big Bang Theory.  I love, love this show.  I love nerds and I had a big crush on Johnny Galecki when he was on Rosanne so it's a win-win show for me.  Then I normally watch Castle, but it's not on tonight.

So I decided to write about my gathering thoughts from this weekend that were put into perspective by tonight's season finale of How I Met Your Mother. 

I had a lot of thoughts, you all (my readers) probably thought I was bipolar this weekend.  But really, I was just utilizing my blog as a means to get some thoughts out.  I think a lot of being single and loneliness, it's enhanced with the recent engagement of my best guy friend, lack of social life, lack of social phone calls, and lack of money (obviously my life is LACKING).  So I sit around and think, or do yard work and think, or clean the house and think - some of you know what I'm talking about.  So first this weekend, I chose to write about the loneliness and then I did some positive thinking and wrote a positive, intuitive blog (or I like to think I did).  Anyway - that came prior to going over to engaged friends house and partaking in a bbq of friends.  While always a good time, I had a great conversation with another friend.  It's interesting how we are in totally different places in life, yet going through some of the same things -  at least the feelings are in the same spectrum.  But it got me thinking about how hard I'm working to make my life the best it's ever been, but yet I continually allow myself to be beaten down by the single and 33 factor.  I don't really know what it will take to get over that hump.  I won't step backward or settle, I've worked to hard to move forward and change my life for the better.  Which brings me back to the sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother, in particular.  Tonight's episode put everything into perspective for me.  I am not that person I was 5 years ago, 2 years ago, or even 6 months ago.  I'm my doppelganger, a more amazing me. 

fresh

It's a new day, a fresh start.  Of all the things I do well in the classroom - this is by far my best.  No matter what happened the day before, today is a new day, all things are forgiven and a new chance has been granted. 

Today is a new day and fresh start for me.  How I choose to change my attitude will result in the consequences that come with it.  I will try to make good choices that result in positive consequences.

gonna be a lonely summer....

I think I must have run off all of my friends.  No one even calls anymore.  I'm not really throwing a pity party just being realistic.  It's gonna be a hell of a lonely summer.  Unless I butt in on all my married friends with kids lives.  Then I would at least talk to someone during the day.  I wouldn't have this problem if.....and this is where I'll stop so the pity party won't begin.  I'll just say, I hate being the single person, and I am starting to really dislike this transition period I am in, even though there will be good at the end.  I am so alone and sometimes it really sucks.

funny

I was so excited for my bike ride today that when I got home and rushed around I put on a tshirt, my socks, shoes and then went to find my helmet - notice what's missing???  MY PANTS!!  I almost forgot my pants...I was that excited. 

Summertime......

Because I do not want to think about working, and have the advantage not to think about it right now, even though I am at work, I'm going to make a list of all the stuff I want to accomplish this summer.  I am thankful for the time to accomplish stuff, and hopefully I make the choice to do so and have the funds. 

1.  Summer's here BBQ
2.  front yard area - put in a little bird bath, plant some plants
3.  cut down bushes in front
4.  re-do kitchen:  clean out everything, new spice holders, new dry goods holders, re-arrange
5.  paint rooms: living room, bedroom
6.  pull carpet in bedrooms
7.  cleanout fence on south side
8.  put new chainlink and possibly a few new posts in on south side
9.  paint border in house
10.  get new carpet for bedrooms, or finish with flooring - undecided, probably depend on funds
11.  buy and install storm doors
12.  put new weather strip on door
13.  get big rocks out of bottom pond
14.  replace big rocks
15.  in August go to Minneapolis for Maure and family and art show
16.  In July go to Okoboji for BRASL and boji fun
17.  spend lots of time with freeman bambino
18.  work out, ride my bike, take a swim, go to the lake
19.  throw my momma a birthday party (June 12, if you wanna come)
20.  Go to see Michael Buble (up close and personal like, if my mom takes me, they are her tickets).
21.  ride my bike in the morning to get coffee.
22.  Join CSA and learn to cook new organic veggies and meats
23.  Remember everyday I don't go out or pass up a social event is a day  closer to financial freedom and ultimate financial responsibility.
24.  Go see movies, particularly excited about Eclipse
25.  Meet some new people that do stuff I want to do also.

knock knock

Who's there???  Who knows.  I don't answer my door.  Now that it is nice out, there are more people knocking.  Sometimes I even yell through the door to go away, I'm not answering.  If it was someone I knew, they would call or yell or something so I would know it was them. 
Today I had someone knock on the door.  I didn't even look to see who it was.  Now, I want to take my bike out and get it on my car and head up to a park to ride and I feel trapped.  I don't want someone to come up while I'm doing all this.  I'm paranoid about it.  Does this feeling ever go away?

And for the record - if my HOA stopped allowing people to solicit at our doors I would probably pay the dues. It would be worth it.

why politics aren't for me.

My job isn't mechanical or monotonous.  It's not lists of to do's.  It's not 9-5, or even 7-3.  Every day is emotional.  Every day is different.  Every day is a challenge.  I have to 'shoot from my hip'.  I make split second decisions ever split second.  I wear my heart on my sleeve.  My job is all soul.  My job is all heart.  My job is all emotions. 

I just left an amazing Parade of Bands.  All the bands play.  The crappy sounding beginning 5th grade band.  The not-as-crappy sounding 6th grade band.  The awesome sounding 7th grade band.  Just as awesome 8th grade band.  And the 1-rated High School band.  The difference between the beginning 5th and 6th grade band and the rest - the directors.  My good friend, brother, fellow alumnus, and cycling coach, Carrie Shuck.  She is an amazing person and a just as amazing band director.  She expects excellence and growth, demands it.  The quality of band she produces, creates, is unlike that of any other small urban school district.  So why is she leaving?  Why did the school board edge her out?  Why was she pulled in and told her contract wouldn't be renewed - by the school board?  (Nothing to do with principles or fellow co-workers or even parents).  I don't think I will ever know why a certain board member had it out for her.  What's worse is that he has risen to presidential standings and been applauded.  It  makes me sick.  Maybe 'they' don't know what they are going to miss.  Maybe they don't know how hard it is to find a quality band director.  Wait, they don't know, because the band director they found - his band got a 4 rating a contest.  So bad it's almost unheard of. 
I walked out of Parade of Bands.  They announced the school board and applauded their excellence before they recognized Carrie and her extraordinary work.  They congratulated them on their new appointments before announcing that Carrie was leaving along with the 6th grade band director - whom they didn't explain that she was told in October that she would not have a job next year.  I guess they are getting rid of that position. 
I couldn't contain my anger as the superintendent walked in late and stood 2 people beside me.  I was slightly crying and then just couldn't contain it.  I couldn't get myself back together to say congratulations to all my students that are in band.  Or to my friends that conduct it.  I had to leave.  I walked five blocks home, crying, cursing every step about unfairness, inequality, quantity over quality, money decisions deciding the fate of the future education of our children.  This is why politics aren't for me.

 

something new

Here is a snake that I found wound up in some netting in my backyard (netting was to cover the pond and keep leaves/birds out).  I decided to free him and let him live.  Moments after I took this picture - Maizey (cat) started playing with him...but I believe he is still alive and not dead. 
BTW - if anyone has any great ideas on how I can get two rocks about 200 lbs each out of the pond, let me know.  If you are willing to help, that's even better.

Not a fantastic pic, but I love the sweater and necklace I'm wearing. This is before Natalie's baby shower on Sunday.  By far the best baby shower ever.  Short, sweet, good food, no games!!

My life is so exciting.  I'm so glad I can share it with you.  (that's sarcasm people).

why.

Lately I'm finding it incredibly hard to live within the moment and just enjoy the life I've created.  I hate wasting time on being unhappy.  I know it's a choice - I just haven't been able to make the choice.  Today was particularly rough, while I should have been enjoying my friend and all the great things going on for her, I felt as if I was being punished and beat down.  I really am so selfish and angry.  I'm not quite sure where to put the feelings, but I need to find someplace useful - working out, new hobby, cleaning, yard work....   I really hate wasting my time on these angry, sad, depressed feelings. 

I've misplaced my rain gear.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Do you ever feel like screaming?  I cannot pin point my frustration because I believe it is occurs because of several different situations.  What I do know, is that when it rains, it pours.  

36 more days.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

remembering gratefulness....

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where 
you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that 
are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have 
received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be 
content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into 
your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and 
love. It is there for each and every one of us.

JO xxxooo

JAMIE OLIVER

click my link, sign the petition, change the way you eat. 


I am impressed and amazed with Jamie's passion.  I love what he's doing.  I wish an American could have stood up against it all and done this.  What are we waiting for, death?

I made a goal for myself prior to the beginning of 2010 (I live into my goals, so sometimes they take time), that I would have a garden and be eating whole foods, and change my milk (no more plastic).  I changed my milk a while ago to Shatto, glass bottles, it's a farm near by Kansas City - so hometown grown, and they are all organic.  The whole point was to decrease the amount of chemicals I put in my body.  I realize that I'm late in the game, but it is never too late to change - or feel good about yourself.  I haven't cut out all processed food quite yet, but I'm well on my way.  Every trip to the grocery gets better and better and easier!
This all started for me prior to Jamie's food revolution.  This started when I red Jillian Michael's Metabolism book.  She spews the facts and does a crap-ton of research. I respect that.   So now between Jamie's passion and Jillian's research, I'm even more motivated to get this done for myself.

Thank you Jillian Michaels. Thank you Jamie Oliver.  Thank YOU for signing the petition and believing that we can still change our world and give our children a better one.  Believe me - our children are not getting the best of our world.  As a teacher in an urban area, I can tell you from my perspective we're giving them shit on a plastic plate (literally AND figuratively).  The only passion I have left for my job is knowing that I am doing my VERY SMALL part to change our youths future.  It takes a village. 

Thankful # ??

Yes, that is where Rachel Ray touched my arm. 


I'm thankful for the chance meeting with Rachel, because it is a great story and a highlight from a fun trip. 

I'm thankful for having to drive home 12 hours and then get in someone elses car the next weekend and drive for 3.5 hours.  I knew that the trip to Lincoln, NE would be short and sweet.  I could appreciate that. I was also able to truly appreciate the driver and voice my appreciation several times.  I have also taken some time in the last week to voice my appreciate and thankfulness for truckers and others who drive several hundreds of miles in one day.  From now on - I will be driving to the airport for trips like that. 3 hours - no problem, 6-7 hours - no problem, any further - problem!  I'm thankful to know this!

AO (and I say it like AaaaayOoooohh) I have pink/red in my hair right now, some blonde because of the sun.  I think that I continue to put some funky color in my hair because 1. I can.  2.  It has a younger look about it - I'm all about trying to look younger right now as wrinkles and gray hairs are taking over when I'm not trying.  You would look fantastic with some purple or pink or the red she used this time (I loved it).  Come up and we'll get our hairs did.  :)

Rach

Rachel Ray clapping her hands for AndrewWK - a rocking band.

I couldn't resist telling the story:

It was still mid morning and I was on my 2nd bathroom break (free bloodymarys!!).  When I went back to the bathroom there were two guys at the door.  I was like, is this the line, can I get in?  And they said, wait a minute, Rachel's in there.  Soo..I waited and out she came.  She was sooo short and her head was huge, but she put her hand on my left arm and said, "How are ya doin'?"   I told her that I was great and having a great time.  They whisked her up and I went to the bathroom.  A few minutes later I freaked out - realizing that I'd just talked/met Rachel and she'd actually acknowledged me without me being a hounding fan.  It was fantastic.   Definitely the major highlight of my trip to Austin.

Rachel and John - John's band "The Cringe" played but we didn't see them.

Great-Full #18

I am thankful for spring break, new hair, and the continued journey that I am on.

Great-Full #17

Today I am most thankful for my family.  Thank you for dinners and time spent chatting.  Thank you for allowing me to just be myself.  Thank you for taking me however I come.  Thank you for the support. Thank you for your time.  Thank you for letting me help you.  Thank you for always being there.  Thank you for helping me.  Thank you for everything, without my family I would be nothing.  There's a lot more thank you's when it comes to my family, but it makes me emotional and I don't need that tonight :)

Great-Full #16

Thank you for the patience to deal with students that cuss, play fight, act stupid and bark like dogs.  Thank you for the sweet, wonderful, wanting to learn students who grace my room and hang on every word I utter, while other students are blurting out, making fart noises, and occasionally barking like dogs.
Thank you for the student who made the comment that he thought I would be turning 29 this year. 
Thank you to my best friend for sending me a very empathetic email, it made me feel better.
Thank you to his girlfriend, who the more I get to know her, the more I really, really like her.

Thank you for allergy medicine. 

Thank you most of all for the spring like weather today and the dozens of beautiful black and orange fish swimming in the now thawed ponds.  

Great-Full #15

If you didn't realize - I'm not keeping up with this everyday, but I will write 40 blogs about all the stuff in my life I am grateful for.  Promise.

Today I am thankful for the gift of music.  I am thankful for an awesome community band to play with and a director that challenges me beyond belief, but knows that I can do it.  Although, I don't think he had the confidence I did at my last concert.  3/7/10, was PCCB (Platte County Community Band) winter concert.  I am thankful for the challenging music that was chosen.  I did curse it weekly and had to add practicing to my schedule.  But I am thankful for a fantastic musical experience.  Not only am I proud of the job I did on the solos and whatnot, I am proud to be a part of this band.  It was truly amazing.  No words really, just emotions for the experience.....

Thank you for the gift of music.  Thank you for the opportunity to move to a bigger city and be introduced to the oboe.  Thank you for my parents who have supported me at EVERY concert, marching band performance, and even CJT solos that my mom came to.  Thank you for every opportunity I have had to play with amazing musicians.  Thank you for all the bands, symphonies, and orchestras I've been in.  Thank you for the music that reaches my soul and the outlet that feeds it.  Thank you for providing an instrument to play on when mine was taken.  Thank you for the will and emotional stability to deal with that situation every week.  Thank you in the future for providing me with funds to by a new just as good oboe.  Thank you for allowing me to share my experience with concert goers and my parents, who are ALWAYS there. 

Thank you for the compliments on Sunday and the delicious dinner at Odowd's.  The black and tans and half and halfs were spot on!  Thank you!

Great-Full #14

SXSW!!!!

Thank you for finalizing road trip plans for spring break.  Thank you for a hotel in Austin.  Thank you for SXSW!  Thank you for the amazing musicians we will hear, see and meet while we are there.  Thank you for Mary for getting the week off and sparking this idea.  Thank you for enough money (hopefully) to pull this venture off.  Thank you for warm weather.  Thank you for future plans.  Thank me for staying in my budget and sticking to my guns and not giving in.  Thank me for having a budget.  Thank me for having money in my savings account and hoping it is still there next month (this is a big deal).  Thank you for all adventures big and small that remind me there is life to live and that I need and am out living it.  
Most of all, thank you for the week of work during March which includes St. Paddy's day and my birthday, always.   

Great-Full #13

A huge thank you to the sun and warmer weather.  Everyone is out and about, enjoying it and driving like crazies.  I love it.  Thank you!

Thank you for my BC Clear mini bottles that the BC lady dropped off the other day.  Thank you for my upcoming BC party where I will be able to get more product.  Thank you for lazy friday and saturday nights.  Thank you for the time to clean my house.  Thank you for the upcoming spring break.  Thank you for pampered chef and their stoneware.  Thank you for Jillian Michaels.  Thank you for a better feeling knee (although not 100%).  Thank you for my best friend Brian who understands me better than anyone and loves me unconditionally.  Thank you for allowing me to give him the same.  Thank you for time to hang. 

             Best Friends! 

Great-Full #12

Thank you for 1/2 days at school with the afternoon free.  Thank you for the 2 new pairs of shoes I bought.  Thank you for the lovely lunch with my brother.  Thank you for BeautiControl facial scrub I just used and loved.  Thank you for all the investments in my outward appearance I seem to be making.  Thank you for delicious pasta dinner.  Thank you for filling my fridge so much last month that I have still yet to go to the store this month and still have stuff to make delicious pasta.  Thank you for Career Day at our school, I think it's the second best day of the year, the first best day being the last day of school. Thank you for the sun coming out and energizing everyone.  Thank you for the 9 more days until spring break.

Great-Full #11

I am thankful for my parents. THANK YOU!  There are not enough thank you's in this world to fill up this space to let you know every little thing that I appreciate - because I appreciate it all.  Everyday I am reminded of my wonderful enriching childhood. Everyday I say a prayer to thank God and the Universe that I was so blessed to have parents that love me and that taught me right from wrong.  You taught me to read and write.  You made sure I knew manners.  You even taught me that a-s was as, and a-s-s was ass. You have no idea how important that lesson was (okay, it wasn't a real lesson, but today some kid needed that lesson bitch as ni@@a is not the same as bitch ass ni@@a).  How lucky am I that I knew the difference between as and ass.  Thank you for my parents who care for me as much now as they did when I was growing up.  Everyday is enriched and blessed because you are in my life.  Thank you!

Great-Full #10

Thank you for the 2010 Winter Olympics. 


I can't imagine what it is like to be an Olympian.  They have to be the most dedicated individuals to spend their lives training for 2 major events (worlds/olympics).  I am so amazed by how they mold their bodies, minds and emotions/spirits to become an Olympian.  I can't imagine what it would feel like to have that control.  But man, would I like to.  I would love to be a part of something so much bigger than myself.  I mean tremendously bigger.  Being at the Presidential Inauguration in Jan of 2008 gave me a sense of pride in our country that I had never had.  I imagine that feeling and multiply it in worldly numbers and I'm sure I would maybe understand what being an Olympian might feel like.  I really enjoyed to the fullest being a watcher of the Olympics.  I watched every night and tried to catch some of each sport.  I really enjoyed adding the Olympians to my twitter.  Most of them tweeted daily and you could almost voyeristically look into their life and what they were doing that day/moment.   (My twitter account is bonnies77)  I really felt like this will be an Olympic season to remember and I look forward to watching them again. 

Great-Full #9

Thank you for good friends.  Thank you for a city that sleeps but still has many entertainment opportunities.  Thank you for creative people.  Thank you for black sparkly nail polish.  Thank you for new make-up.  Thank you for 2 facials in one weekend.  Thank you for introducing BeautiControl to me, I think I may really like it.  Thank you for break dancing.  Thank you for a wonderfully full weekend.



pic to come later.

Great-Full #8

A picture of Alicia and Bonnie should go here

but I got away without one

I am not sure how.

I did bring my camera...

Thank you for a wonderful drive Friday afternoon, it calmed my thoughts and gave me a long moment to listen to music.  Thank you for a good friendship that transcends the time between seeing each other and conversations.  Thank you for my friends children - it is always so wonderful to experience them.  Thank you for my new Mary Kay which will entertain my face tonight.  Thank you my knee feeling better.  Thank you for a quick drive home and the delicious coffee which I drank on the way.  

Great-Full #7

A whole week of grateful messages. 


Thank you for my mom and dad.  Thank you for Thin Mints.  Thank you for Bethany's sticky chicken recipe.  Thank you for my job.  Thank you for the team I work with.  Thank you for the opportunity to get out of town and see an old friend - if even for a few hours.  Thank you for my flat iron.  Thank you for reminders that I am only human and must really start taking care of my body seriously.  Thank you for guiding my priorities.

Great-Full #6

 

taken last week as we were beginning to get our last batch of snow

the flakes were so big

I think this kind of snow is pretty

but I'm done with it - c'mon spring!

Thank you for a calm, productive day.  Thank you for Pizza Oven.  Thank you for the Olympics.  And yes, again thank you for coffee - I love it.  Thank you for a surprise box of Thin Mints (that thank you is for my momma).  

Great-Full #5

Today's has to be really quick as it is Tuesday and I am a busy Bonnie on Tuesdays.

Thank you for no SET meeting this morning.  My day started and ended calmly, thank you.  Thank you for the gift of music.  Thank you for wonderful friends who loaned me oboes when mine was thieved.  Thank you to KCMO police for taking a further step to find the Waldo rapist.  Thank you to the people who always think of me when they hear about Waldo on the tv and show concern.  Thank you for the many plans I have to whack that wanker if he even steps one fat foot in my house.  Thank you for coffee.  Thank you for the Olympics as I am obsessed and in love with them this winter.  Also, thank you for twitter and facebook, they feed my obsession and allow me to take it to the next level.  Thank you for TweetDeck it is totally cool.  Thank you for noticing I'm totally behind in the times and need to be caught up.  Thank you for the dream I had about AAO the other night, it was so vivid and is still with me.  Thank you for my gym membership.  Thank you for keeping me clothed, even when I'm too lazy to do the laundry. 

 

NO-NYE a few years back.  Loved seeing this on the street.

Great-Full #4

What is that house slipper doing there???

Thank you for pedicures both past and in the future.  Thank you for good friends in which to get them with.  Thank you for birthdays.  Thank you for snow days.  Thank you for every day off work.  Thank you for breakfast and lunch out with a good friend days.  Thank you for soft couches.  Thank you for my microwave rice bag with lavender.  Thank you for the Olympics.  Thank you for Team USA.  Thank you for the experience of the Presidential Inauguration (2009).  Thank you for being born in this great country.  Thank you for my freedom, especially free will.  Thank you for 14 days of work until spring break.  Thank you for spring break, where ever I may be.  Thank you for moments where my soul speaks.  Thank you for good friends who will listen.  Thank you for allowing me to know, but letting me do it on my own time.  Thank you 75th St. Salmon BLT and Quad. Thank you for a very strong Roasterie Americano.   Thank you for small defeats and big wins.  Thank you for the time indoors which gave me time to allow my knee to start healing.  Thank you for Shatto Milk.  Thank you for people who are finally having conversations about the state of education in America.  Thank you for the shower I am about to take and the lavender ZUM soap I am about to use. 

Great-Full #3

(I think this is me, only guessing from the wall paper)

Thank you for life.  Thank you for coffee in the morning, afternoon or at night.  Thank you for books, which I veraciously read.  Thank you for the month I have to learn everything I can about middle school science.  Thank you for having enough financial money sense to finally have some in my savings for the first time ever in a new year.  Thank you for the Electra gang, which will ride again when the weather gets warm and nice.  Thank you for exercise balls.  Thank you for the icey rain that is falling down outside and keeping me inside.  Thank you for eggs and toast with nuts in it. Thank you for leading me to find the perfect gifts of experiences for upcoming birthdays.  Thank you for short conversations with old friends which brighten my day.  Thank you again for life because without it I would not be able to experience all these wonderful things. 

Great-Full #2

 

Thank you for best friends!  Thank you to neighborhood gathering places.  Thank you Boulevard for Tank Seven.  Thank you for conversations, both meaningful and not.  Thank you for always reminding me there is more to learn in life.  Thank you for coffee.  Thank you for small reminders.  Thank you for showing me there is more life to live.  Thank you for sending friends and family when they are needed most.  Thank you for knowing when it's time to stop...complaining, listening, by someone's classroom or house, talking, while I'm ahead.  Thank you for providing me with pets that are excited when I come home.  Thank you for Jasmine Green Tea.  Thank you for 'Chinese Food'. 

Great-Full #1

 

Thank you SUN for coming out today and warming up our frozen world.   Thank you to the little 7th grade girl for genuinely asking how my day was going.  Thank you for midol, which makes me a much better woman.  Thank you for silent discoveries and continued questions.  Thank you for unseen opportunities.  Thank you for a good friend that called yesterday out of concern.  Thank you for this blog in which I will make my gratefulness public. 

Lent

I don't go to church and I haven't given anything up for Lent in years. But I thought this year I would start something new - unfortunately I'm already 2 days and already late. But I thought I would add something to my life. Either do a gratefulness blog everyday or work out everyday. I should do both. I find myself very unmotivated - as I do with everything in life.

But regardless. It's time for a little challenge. For the next 40 days I will blog about 40 things in my life that I'm grateful for and I will work out (pending my knee) starting tomorrow or Saturday (personal reasons) every day except for Tuesdays.

Time for a challenge in my life. Hold me to it!

struggling

Why do I feel like I always have to be struggling with life? I am very blessed. I see this, I feel this, and I am grateful for it. But something isn't right. Things haven't fallen into the place I want. How do you get rid of the idea or dreams of what you want and just be happy with what you have? I don't know that I can, maybe that is why my life will always be a struggle. I am really tired of being alone. I've prayed about it, I've talked to the universe about it, I've written essays on it, I've waited, I've sought it out, I've given in - what else? Do I give it up? Because that is how I feel now, pretty hopeless. Like I should go out and adopt at least 7 more cats and start wearing moo's (it's a short moo moo). I'm so frustrated and sad.

education.

As an educator, citizen, and mother figure I am struggling with our education system. At first it was the No Child Left Behind initiative. Now simply, it's the lack of funding. Why aren't there more movements to change education? I am making a plan to start really looking into what our government (state first, then federal) is doing to help change education. I want to encourage you to do the same. If you haven't talked to an educator in the area where you live - please do. If you are in my district, you should know that millions in taxes were not paid last year/this year and thus the district is struggling to find 1.6 million dollars just so it can stay open for next year. This includes cutting programs, teachers, teachers aides, and administration. Also cutting the funding to departments, individual schools, and cutting summer school altogether. This has a significant impact on the children we are educating. I would assume that my district is not the only one. I would assume this is happening every where, not just in urban Kansas City.
I am outraged.
I am scared.



Twas a sheep not a lamb that strayed away
In the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that strayed away.
From the ninety and nine in the fold.
And why for the sheep should we seek
And earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong;
They lead the lambs astray.
Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When sheep go wrong, it won’t take long
Til the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when sheep are lost, what a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay!
-C. C. Miller

casserole for a cold night

A week into this new paycheck - I've saved over $10 in coupons, however I managed to get a virus from one of the coupon downloads...so be careful about printing off internet coupons. I've stayed on my budget, but am already very close to the end. But that is okay! I just have to be smart about what I do, and really weigh in on decisions of things I feel the need to buy. I already notice that I started being much more aware of deals and savings. I do think that I am going to start getting the Sunday paper.

For Christmas, I gave my family 12 dinners (in the form of a calendar with fun pictures of our family). And for January, I did fish and chips. The fish did not turn out like I wanted, but I think I know how to remedy that. Part of the problem was my choice of baking pan and also my choice of baking it, rather than just frying it or at least browning it in a pan and then baking the rest of the way. I'll get it next time I make it. Oh well. They ate it up anyhow.

Tonight, I did make some delicious and wonderful. The recipe is below:

Chicken Stuffing Casserole (the weight watchers version)
Ingredients:
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 4)
2 cans reduced fat cream of chicken
10 oz fat free skim milk
1 1/2 cups fat-free chicken broth
1 box of stuffing, chicken
10 oz canned tomatoes with green chilies, drained (rotel) *I didn't use this*
1 box frozen spinach - thawed and drained

Directions:
Cut chicken breast into cubes and cook in pan, season as you wish. Pour into 9x13 pan, sprayed with Pam. Layer spinach over chicken. Mix soup with milk, pour over chicken/spinach. Mix broth, stuffing (and rotel) and pour over soup mixture. Cook 45-60 minutes uncovered at 350 degrees F.

*I thought tomatoes in this dish sounded disgusting tonight. But I will try it some other time.

The casserole turned out warm and delicious. It was filling and I have 4 more huge helpings chilling in the freezer or fridge.

BTW - I saw Julie & Julia this weekend. What a wonderfully funny film. However, I saw UP today and it was such an awesome movie! Everyone must see it. I am sad I did not see it in the theater.