Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie has been an idol of mine since US History II, 9th grade, 1996. We studied World War II and I fell hard for independent can-do attitude.


I am elbow deep in painting, cleaning, scrubbing, buying, and renovating. I need a little of Rosie's Attitude to keep me going. Good News is that the walls are painted, two of the three walls are stenciled, the bed is painted and we are no longer sleeping on the floor.

I can do it! And the makeover will be done by Thursday.

Mr. R isn't so sure... so I found this quote for him. (Thanks Leia)


"Whenever they say it can't be done, remind them that they make a jellybean that tastes exactly like popcorn." - John Mayer


And yes, the popcorn ones are my favorite. They are even better when you eat them with a rootbeer one. It totally feels like you are at the movies!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

A Holly GoLightly Moment


My favorite movie of all time is Breakfast at Tiffany's. The clothes, the style, the quirkiness, it just amazes me! It is the movie I go to if I am having a bad day, if I am sick, or as Kristin puts it, Breakfast at Tiffany's is the background music to my life. (For her, its You've Got Mail).

Last night after our date, Mr. R and I made a Target run for jellybeans and a new table runner. (FYI: we found both items and a new platter from Liberty of London. I will post a picture of the table later this week. )

As I was pursuing the aisles advertising fun clothes, new bathing suits, girlie beach reads, and vacuums, I realized that Target is truly my happy place. Target is my Tiffany's. Whether my mood is great or sour Target always makes a little happier. I walk a little faster when I get out of my car knowing I might stumble across a new top or pair of earrings. Even if I am only going to buy Toilet paper and Pledge dust wipes the thought of perusing the DVD and CD section is enough to make even the most menial shopping worth while.

I know many of you will scoff at my love for a BIG BOX chain store. You will tell me that the best shopping comes from obscure boutiques and that Target is simply a red colored Wal-Mart. And you may be right... but to me, Target is my rainbow on a rainy day. If only they served breakfast...

Quick Post!

I am sorry I haven't been around this week. I decided my life wasn't stressful/crazy enough and added a bedroom makeover to my spring break to do list. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but my todo list also contains a bathroom renovation including a floor install, a new vanity, and some fun stenciling.

I promise to do a big update on Sunday and catch you up on the past week. I have been saving draft posts I just need to include the pictures...speaking of pictures, I think the new camera is on the horizon! My birthday presents consisted of money this year and I am only $200 short in purchasing the camera of my dreams. I think I can dip into the Martin savings to make up the difference. Costco here I come!

Lastly, I managed to run 4 times this week! I have been really terrible and getting in workouts lately, but this week warranted some time with the treadmill/sidewalk and I accomplished 4 short runs (between 2-3 miles each).

Well, I am off to Home Depot to buy paint, Himalayan Mist and Bicycle Yellow, new rollers, sponges and frog tape. Let's all cross our fingers that I can tackle the bedroom walls before lunch today!

Friday, March 26, 2010

3/26: Why do we live in Florida?

When I packed my bags for St. Augustine 3 years ago many people couldn't believe I was willing to leave DC behind. They were even more shocked when Mr. R chose to follow me 4 months later. We both loved DC. In fact, many months we actually get a little homesick for our old neighborhood, but the mall complete with its Smithsonians, Georgetown with the amazing shops, and the fun weekend happenings really cannot compete with the life we have made here.

So why do we choose to live in Florida?
Here are our reasons:
  • We can actually own a home in Florida. Our little three bedroom ranch would be worth $500,000 in our old Arlington neighborhood and trust me, that is a bit out of our price range.
  • No MORE SNOW! No more shoveling or deicing.
  • The beach is 7 miles away!
  • Traffic is nonexistent here. I drive 25 miles to work in 25 minutes. Instead of 25 miles in 90 minutes...
  • Mr. R works from home. He takes calls in his pajamas and can load the dishwasher or do laundry during the work day
  • The pups have a yard. There own yard. No more 3 AM poop walks down N. Rhodes Street.
  • And on March 26th while the Northeast was being pelted with snow and 30 degree temperatures. We had dinner outside in short sleeves.
To throughly hammer my point home. Here is a pic of Mr. R from Friday evening.
We had dinner at the Conch House, the same place where we had our wedding reception. If you ever go you MUST eat the shrimp and grits! They were OUTSTANDING! And Mr. R raved about his Key West Rum Punch. I stole a few sips and it was really good too.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

3/25: Science is Real...(take two!)

In continuation with yesterday's lab we have REFRACTION!
Yesterday we studied reflection: hen light is reflected off any surface, the angle of incidence ( qI ) is always equal to the angle of reflection ( qR ).
Today we are studying refraction: Refraction is the bending of light as it passes between materials of different density. The index of refraction of a material is the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in that material: n =c/v (where v is the speed of light in the material.)
Oh yes! I am that cool.
Anyway, we did part II of the lab today, which was all about lenses. The light is able to go through a lens, not bounce off like a mirror, so the image will still be changed or distorted, but not in the same way as a mirror.

It truly was a great day and I had a lot of fun. I left the building on time and smiling...

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

3/24: Science is Real...

I bought the new science CD by They Might be Giants and its awesome in a nerdy science teacher sort of way.
The first song, titled Put it to the Test! walks the kids through the scientific method. It was perfect background music for today's lab.
We are studying light dealing with the property of reflection today. My students deemed this "the best lab ever!". Mostly because they got to use mirrors to change and distort their images.
These are a few shots of constructivist, discovery learning.
(Excuse me, I had to use my teacher jargon there!)



NSV!


I am back in my favorite old navy jeans. Its been about 18 months, but we are back together and happier than ever. They are still a little tight on the bum, so they won't be making it out of the house just yet. But it totally made my Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

3/23: The grocery game...

I read A LOT of blogs and the new things going around besides Lands' End Canvas and fabulous Justin's nut butter (I know the name makes it sound dirty) is the grocery game.
In the effort to save money in 2010, Mr. R and I have been all ears to anything that will net us a few more clams each month. I signed up for the grocery game, I downloaded my coupons, I shopped at the stores I was supposed to and bought my items in bulk. But I have to admit, I don't think it is worth it. I looked at our statements and while I did save a dollar or two here and there, I didn't see any real savings in our monthly spending budget.
I really like the idea of the grocery game, but I have to admit I am lazy and I really only like to shop at four places, Publix, Target, Costco, and Wal-Mart are enough for me. Having to go to Walgreens, CVS, and Winn-Dixie on top of my other stores just felt like too much and made shopping more of a chore than it already is.
So fellow bloggers, I am giving up on the grocery game and I am going back to my tried and true method for savings. I am a coupon lady! I love the sunday paper with all of its adds and I love taking out my little scissors and finding discounts.
If you happen to be behind me in line in the next few weeks I make no apology for my massive collection of coupons and the savings that I am banking! In fact, I saved $19.03 just this week.

Mr. R. Speaks: Elections Have Consequences

Mr. R. here with an important disclaimer: The following is a heavily opinionated political rant. If you don't like it, you should probably move to North Korea where they shoot ordinary citizens for expressing their ideas. The opinions expressed here are mine solely, and do not necessarily reflect any opinions that Hilary may have on the subject.

"Elections have consequences."

That is what I told my friends in 2008 who supported McCain but were too timid to volunteer one hour of one weekend to knock on some doors or make a few phone calls.

On Sunday, March 21, we saw the consequences of the 2008 election. Despite widespread public opposition and no bi-partisan support, congressional Democrats rammed through a massive new entitlement program that will alter our country in ways we cannot yet fathom. What is more, they made every dirty deal imaginable to get enough votes.

Elections have consequences my friends, and you can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines while people in Washington start exerting more and more authority over your individual rights. Here is a list of all Florida Representatives who voted to make you wards of the state:
Allen Boyd
Corrine Brown
Kathy Castor
Alan Grayson
Doc Hastings
Ron Klein
Suzanne Kosmas
Kendrick Meek (running for U.S. Senate)
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

If you live in or near any of these congressional districts, get out and volunteer in any way you can to kick these bums out! Even if you only talk to friends and relatives, just get the word out! If you live in another state, read the paper or run a Google search to find out how your Representative voted. Don't be afraid to call up their office and tell them that you will be holding them accountable in November. Believe me, you won't be the only one calling with that message.

I'll leave you with a parting thought:
At the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia encountered Ben Franklin coming out of the Congress. Mrs. Powel asked: "Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
Franklin responded: "A republic if you can keep it!"

There you have it! A founding father and one of the greatest statesmen in our history understood that even the unique American system could be corrupted if citizens took their freedoms for granted. In Franklin's reply is the key difference between the Democrat and Republican parties of today. The liberals who control the Democrat party see themselves as the protectors and guarantors of our American rights. Instead of allowing citizens to actively assert their rights, they prefer to project the illusion that our freedoms are secure through massive government entitlement programs.

Republicans, on the other hand generally believe our republic is best maintained by the active participation of an informed citizenry. By exercising all of our liberties, people let the government know where its limits lie. When we get lethargic or take those liberties for granted, government (any government) is always only too happy to restrict them.

Elections have consequences. Now let's make sure the Democrats who voted for this bill find out firsthand.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

3/21: My final birthday celebration :)

Mr. R & Me
My birthday week has come to a close and I love every second of it. So many people went out of their way to make me feel special and its a great feeling to be loved.

My final celebration with a family dinner with my grandparents, Uncle Robert, and Mr. R. I didn't feel like going out on the town so I made dinner here at home. I wanted taco salads with spanish rice and luckily my family was willing to go Mexican for a day.

And of course a birthday celebration is not complete without cake.
I discovered the best and worst food of the century... meet whipped peanut butter frosting. I could eat just this everyday for the rest of my life.
Let's just pretend we don't count calories!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

3/20: My mom has AH-MAZING taste!

My birthday present this year is a new Vera!
I can't wait for a new occasion to wear this beauty!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I have amazing friends...

who helped me celebrate an amazing birthday! We ate, laughed, talked, laughed more, and I cannot imagine a better night. I didn't take a single picture, so you will just have to wait until I steal them from Danielle to see the amazing fun we all had.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

MARCH 16: On repeat

There are just some days where I feel like I am a broken record... or for the technology advanced generation, an ipod suck on repeat.

I must has said the following phrases 100 times today.

Good morning. Sit down. Be quiet. Raise your hand. Get out your notebook. It's due today. Show your work. Yes, you can go to the bathroom. No, I don't have another pencil. You can do it. Check your notes. Don't forget your homework! Time's up! Class dismissed.

Well, at least I had a chance to clear off my desk.It went from this...

to this!

And I have a planning day tomorrow!
And my sub plans are actually completed in advanced!
I feel like superwoman.

Guess what came in the mail today!

My super amazing husband gave me an early birthday present!
It's Becky Higgins' Project Life.
I have to admit its already open and I am already planning photo layouts.
Thanks Babe! I LOVE it!

NSV!

Back when I first started weight watchers online I joined the 20 something blog and made great virtual friendships with a few girls who were newlyweds like me. I quickly learned new online terms such as DH or DB (dear husband/boyfriend) and SV(scale victory) or NSV (non-scale victory).

Today was a NSV day for me. I was standing in my closet this morning lamenting over not having anything to wear when I saw an old dress from '08. It was an Easter dress I bought at DressBarn and then grew a little to thick in the middle to wear it nicely. Truthfully, I can only remember wearing it twice. With a hope and a prayer I slid it on and it looked decent! Nice in fact. I actually got quite a few compliments at work, which truly made my day.

Here is my bathroom mirror picture of my NSV. I am trying to get better at these self-portaits...if only I had a NIKON D5000... (Just kidding!) The iphone will do for now.
But seriously, my hand looks giant in this picture!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Manic Monday...

My alarm was on silent.

I woke up at the EXACT TIME I am supposed to LEAVE for work.

I missed out on my morning coffee.

Mr. R ate the last protein bar which was supposed to be my lunch.

I left my plan book at home.

But somebody was looking out for me because:
  • I was able to shower and be out the door in 15 mins. (I won't say I looked pretty, but I was fully dressed and clean).
  • Morning traffic was nonexistent
  • Maryanne had a fresh pot of coffee brewing with fancy creamer.
  • She also had a fiber one bar so I didn't miss out on lunch.
  • The gym wasn't crowded. I got my favorite treadmill and I had a pretty good run, not stellar but decent.
  • Every lane was open at the grocery store and the wait was minimal.
  • Dinner was easily prepared and Mr. R actually cleaned the kitchen
  • Lastly, I have a night off tonight.
  • I will be watching How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory.
I guess my Monday wasn't so manic after all.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sunday 3/14: Happiness is...

  • finishing a project that we had been working on for a while.
  • going to the dog park on a beautiful 75 degree Florida day.
  • napping in the afternoon just because I can.
  • starting a new girly novel.
  • Cooking dinner with Mr. R and eating the best grilled cheese sandwich in the ENTIRE world!
(whole grain bread, gruyere cheese, bacon, sliced apple)
(Photo from Giving Me Some Oven)
  • watching DVR-ed TV and eating homemade ice cream sandwiches.
It really doesn't get any better than this!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

March 13: Crossing a few things off my to-do list

1. 5 mile pace run @ 11 min/mi
2. New Lampshades for the media room!
3. 1st coat of paint on the garage.
4. Leaves removed from front walk.
5. Simon & Sophie are bathed and feelin' pretty!
6. 4 pounds lost on the scale

I'm feeling pretty great right now. Bring on the new week.
I might just even embrace daylight savings time this year!

It's a beautiful world.

I haven't been posting AT ALL due to a massive push to finish my last reading class for my certification. The class was/is insanely hard with a paper a day, required participation comments posted 5 days a week, and a large 25 page paper due on Monday. (I officially did the last spelling, format and citation check last night! Cue happy dance).

I have been in a funk these last three weeks due to a cold, FCAT testing, this crazy class, and lack of running. I have been waking up every morning and doing my daily routine of coffee, shower, work, home, gym, dinner, bed... but it wasn't as though I was living my life or even participating in it. I would have full conversation with friends and family where I was visually present, but my brain was a million miles away.

Today the stress has melted away and while I am missing one of my favorite runs today (GATE 15K), I am currently sitting on my porch with an amazing cup of coffee giving thanks for my beautiful life.

In my three week stressed out Tasmanian devil state, I missed the beauty of my home, the kindness of my husband, the laughter of my friends, and the feeling of inner peace and confidence.

Today is a beautiful day and it is just one of many in my beautiful life. And I am so grateful to share my days with all of you. Thanks for putting up with me.

I love you guys!

Song of the day: Beautiful Life by Fisher

Friday, March 12, 2010

March 12: Family dinner.

Tonight we were invited to dinner and my grandparents house. We ordered take-out from Osteen's which just might be my favorite place on earth. It's a whole in the wall shrimp shack with the best pole beans and squash casserole you will ever taste. The shrimp rocks too.

My grandparents are old school die-hard Republicans that watch too much Glenn Beck and can quote Thomas Sole. They are depression era savers with a panache for traveling and infomercial gadgets.
They also believe all the world's problems can be solved through good parenting, higher education, and a strong moral code. I can't say I disagree with their philosophy. We chatted about politics, the 2010 election, the sheer stupidity of newly elected Senator John Thrasher, and local yard sales.

We ended our evening with key-lime pie, coffee, and a thorough dissection of proper grammar and the use of personal pronouns.I can only hope I am as well informed, educated, and sensible when I hit 85.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11: Wait, wasn't I supposed to be studying?

So tonight I had an impromptu girls afternoon/early evening out. I made plans to study with Ashley this afternoon, we both need to take a certification exam in the coming weeks and for the sake of staying gainfully employed we both need to pass. But after a long day or work and a long week of FCAT. We decided studying just wasn't going to happen. Danielle who decided she didn't want to clean also joined us.

We ended up at Chili's which just happens to be my favorite place for never ending chips and salsa and strawberry daiquiris. Say what you will, but I love me some frozen strawberry goodness.

I can't tell you how much I needed this afternoon. I needed a break from life, from the Republicans, from Mr. R's zoning board talk. I needed to laugh and talk about bad TV. I needed to remember why I love my life and why I need to make time for good friends.
The Fab Five celebrating Ashley's Teacher of the Year Nomination.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 10: Sean and Gus

Psych I will miss you.
I am very confused by your season finale and I don't like to be kept hanging.
I am convinced that Mr. Yin is the California senator from the first episode this season.
And I think Mr. Yang is his daughter.
What I can't figure out is why she knows Sean...
I am not happy that I have to wait until August to find out the answers. I hate cliff-hangers and those TV shows who love to end a season with "to be continued". Not cool writers! Not cool!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9: FCAT

Standardized tests are no fun.
The kids are stressed.
I am left circling my classroom like a shark making sure everyone is following the rules and working in the correct section.
I understand the need for progress monitoring and accountability.
I just don't like the idea of a single test deciding a student's future courses.
Especially when 4 of my students were sick with the flu.
At least there where cookies after.
The Little Debbie commercials are right, oatmeal cream pies can actually make someones day.
My kids were actually cheering when I brought out the boxes.

Monday, March 8, 2010

March 8: Stand By Your Man...


Imagine me singing this in full Dolly Parton twang. (When searching for a picture I found out that Tammy Wynette actually sings this).

Mr. R has decided to apply for the county's zoning board. And since we live in Republicanville where every action you make or decision decided has politcal application he is acitively campaigning for the seat.

This means lots of meet and greets, hand shaking, head nodding, and more republican meetings to attend.

Tonight was the greater Saint Augustine meeting and it was really nice to see some of our favorite people. I also got to break in my new wedges and have wine so it was really a win-win for me.

Mr. R is feeling pretty pleased as well. He has a few meetings set up for later this week so keep your fingers crossed he gets the position.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

March 6: Congressman Mica throws a pretty good party.




(Jeremy, Roy, Mica, & Mr. R)

Who: Congressman John Mica, Congressional District 7
What: A Young Republicans BBQ providing free food and beer for hungry republican under the age of 35.
Where: His awesomely architecturally beautiful home in WinterPark Florida
When: Saturday March 6, 2010
Why: There are several reasons for this one.

1. Mr. R and Congressman Mica go way back to Mr. R's days on Capitol Hill working for another congressman who served with Mica on the transportation committee.
2. I wanted to see what his home looked like and yes it is unbelievable. (Mr. R needs to run for Congress ASAP, if I can get a house like that).
3. Mrs. Mica rocks. She is a former teacher, incredibly down to earth, and she is from PA and loves the Jersey shore. (If she was about 20 year younger we could be BFFs).
4. The Mica's live 20 minutes from IKEA. (Enough said).
5. I love meeting new people and wearing new dresses.

Birthday Wishlist!

March is my birthday month and I cannot put into words how much I love my birthday!

It all started with my Mom who made birthdays wonderful in my house growing up. There were parties, special dinners, fancy homemade desserts, birthday crowns, and beautifully wrapped thoughtful presents. My birthday started a week before the actual day (the 19th) and lasted until the end of the month. Both of my parents went out of their way to make me feel special and loved. And I will cherish that time with both of them forever.And even though I will turn 28 this year and live a thousand miles away, my mom still goes out of her way to make my birthday special.

Mr. R usually likes a few hints as to what I might want to open on my birthday. So I thought I might share with you what I am currently lusting after.

An Einstein bobble head.
Einstein was my first love and I am still enamored and floored by the extent of his brainpower, cultural wisdom, and work ethic. I think he deserves a place in my china cab
inet. (Which ironically holds no china).

Night @ the Museum 1 on DVD.
I received Night @ the Museum II for Valentine's Day and I need to complete the collection.

You've Got Mail on DVD.
This is my 2nd favorite movie, right behind Bewitched with Nicole Kidman & Will Ferrel.

And the big present!
Project Life (and since wish lists are made for hoping a Nikon D5000)

I have been wanting to do project life for a while and now that I
have committed to taking daily pictures this year. I think this project would be a great way to document life @ Casa Republican in 2010.

And the camera, well that is something I need to save for, but seeing as this is a wish list I think it deserves a spot on here too.

Friday, March 5, 2010

March 5: Sound Wave Lab!

Lab days are always my favorite.
Today's lab is all about sound, vibration, frequency, and pitch.
And the power conclusion assigned post lab, gave me 15 minutes of quiet time to grade in EACH CLASS!