The Conversation That Makes Up For The Awful One

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Today the boy that said this last week provided me with some more reassurance that some kids still have their innocence.
When asked "what's something you could do for someone to show that you care about them?"

He replied "give them a ladybug!"

I need to adopt this kid.

P.S. I'm off to Yosemite for the weekend so don't miss me too much!

The Most Awful Conversation of the Week

I've been working with a kindergarten group that is just completely out of control. They cannot sit still and they're always yelling and just not paying attention at all. Fortunately this was the last week I had to work with them because they started way before the other groups, but based on how they're still acting, I'm thinking that the program just did not do anything for them. I guess you win some and you lose some. Yesterday was probably the worst session I've had with them. They kept yelling at each other so I tried to review the lesson we'd just done about "dealing with distractions", but they'd listen for about 2 seconds and go back to distracting one another. Anyway, back to THE conversation....one of the girls was upset because her friends were being mean to her at recess.

And here's what happens when you get some 6 year olds that have not been taught how to behave properly (please excuse the awful language, but the story is not as entertaining unless I keep it real):

Me: do you think that your friends will apologize to you later?
Girl: no, they'll probably call me a bitch.
Me: well that's a very bad word and if they say that to you then you need to tell an adult immediately.
Boy: bull shit is another bad word.
Me: yes it is. let's stop using that kind of language right now.

The bad words stopped, but their bad behavior did not. I took them back to their class early because I was obviously not getting through to them.

It was a rough day, but my faith was restored this morning after meeting with my favorite group at another school. They're also in kindergarten, but they have parents that have taken the time to raise them into some of the sweetest kids.

What I've Been Reading

I keep forgetting to write about all the good books I've read lately. They've all been very different, but all very entertaining as well. Let's start with one that all girls my age should read:

Oh how it took me back to the good old days. All the characters were just how I remembered them, but some small details were updated to keep with the current times. It was such a quick read. I think it took me a total of 2 hours, maybe less. I really need the author to write some "where are they now" books. One for each character would be great. Can someone pass this idea along to Ann? Thanks.

This girl cracks me up. I watch her show quite often, but her books are even funnier. They do have some crude humor though so I wouldn't recommend them for any grandmas out there. Each chapter is a funny little anecdote from her life. I'd love to see one of her stand up routines. Maybe I'll look into that as soon as I finish typing this blog.

This is the one my sister sent me after I read Me Talk Pretty One Day. I just realized I downloaded a picture of the audio book version, but I swear I actually read the book. I bet it's even funnier though with David and his sister reading it. It was a lot like Me Talk Pretty, but I'm really amazed how how many ridiculous stories this guy has to tell. Sister, I'm ready for the next one. Mom can mail it to me with some cookies ;) Oh, speaking of that...FYI to anyone who mails things, did you know you get an awesome discount if you mail a package with a book? It takes a long time to get to its destination, but it's worth it (unless you're mailing cookies).

I just happened to come across this book one day in the small collection we have. Jake purchased it a long time ago, but only got a few pages into it. I'll admit that it was hard to really get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. And the ending really has a twist that will get you thinking! I highly recommend this one if you're able to get past the somewhat boring beginning. It's about a boy who's family is moving to Canada from India (I think). They have a zoo, but have sold all the animals and have the intention of dropping them off at their new locations while in route to Canada. The ship they're traveling on sinks and a young boy is left to survive with a few remaining creatures. It's pretty intense and very depressing at times, but well worth the read.

I'm currently working on Edgar Sawtelle. I'm only about 1/2 way done, but really loving it. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Happy Mother's Day

I don't mean to brag, but I really have the 2 best moms in the world. They love me unconditionally and spoil me in every way possible.

To my mom that gave me life and raised me to be the person I am:

Thank you for always being there when I need you.

Thank you for giving me the shirt (or dress) off your back because, even though you bought it for yourself, you'd rather see me where it ;)

Thank you for always making me feel provided for. I was never cold or hungry growing up and even as an adult I know that I'll never be cold or hungry because you love me too much to let that happen.

Thank you for making me feel like you live next door instead of half way across the country.

Thank you for raising me to be independent enough to live half way across the country from you and still survive.

Thank you for loving me the way that you do.

To my other mom that treats me like one of her own (actually better than her own):

Thank you for raising the man of my dreams.

Thank you for always having way too much food at your house and for giving us enough to feed an army.

Thank you for adopting "special" animals that other people might not want. It shows what a big heart you have.

Thank you for welcoming my entire family into yours. They all love you just as much as I do.

Thank you for treating me like a daughter since the first time I met you. I only married Jake so that I could be in your family. Okay...not really, but it was definitely on the "pro" side of my pro/con list for getting married.

Thank you for loving me the way that you do.

El Indio

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I'm starting a list on the side of the blog of all the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives locations I've been to and it reminded me that I've never written about El Indio. Jake's good friend from college (and Las Vegas) is from the San Diego area. He goes to visit quite often and usually goes to this place. The first time he brought a bag of chips back from the establishment I was hooked. They are really the best chips ever. They're huge and oily and have some type of red seasoning all over them. I was so obsessed with them that I'd get mad at his friend if he didn't bring any back after a trip home. We've actually been to the restaurant ourselves a couple times and the rest of the food is just as good. I think we need to make a trip down there soon. Jake can visit with his friend and I can stay at the restaurant and eat all day.

Conversation of the Week:

Anthropologie

This conversation occured during a lesson about accidents.

Me: What are some things you could do or say if you accidentally push someone?

Boy: I'm sorry.

Me: Good! Anything else?

Boy: You could offer to get him some hot tea!!!

Me: Yes, that's a very good idea!

I'm seriously laughing as I type this. It was the cutest thing ever. And I swear I hadn't been brainwashing him with stories of how great my new tea kettle is.

My Shoes

As previously mentioned, my parents sent me some $$$ for my birthday and I used it to buy some running shoes. I'm especially excited about this pair because they're the newer model of the ones I've been buying for the past year and a half. Some time during training for my first 1/2 marathon I visited a running store in Las Vegas. We knew someone that worked there and she told us that they video tape your feet while running on a treadmill and then recommend certain shoes based on how you run. The video indicated that my right foot over pronates...or maybe it under pronates, I don't remember. Anyway, they recommended a couple pairs and I decided to go with the Asic Kayano 15.

Since that day I've continuously purchased the exact same pair over and over. I've seriously lost count. I go through them so quickly though that I really need new ones every 2-3 months. It was great when I could go to the store in Las Vegas and get a discount from our friend, but since we no longer live in Las Vegas I'm forced to purchase them online. I've found that the cheapest place to purchase them is runningcompanyshoes.com. They are always MUCH cheaper than any other place, but the only negative is that you don't get to choose the color of the shoes. I couldn't care less what color they are though so I don't have a problem with it at all.

I've been waiting to try the new model (Kayano 16) for a while now. The last time I purchased the Kayano 15 online they were just about to come out with the new model, but I couldn't wait so I went with the fifteens. Then, the next time I purchased them I bought them at Sports Authority because I had a gift card. The new model had been released by that time, but the fifteens were much cheaper so I went with those again. Then, when I went to search for them online a few days ago I found the fifteens for really cheap, but didn't purchase them right away. I went back a couple days later to buy them, but my size was gone :( I did some more research though and found that runningcompanyshoes.com had the new ones for just a little more than most places had the old ones. Really, only about $10 more!! I was so excited so I made the purchase and I'm happy to announce that my new shoes arrived today! I haven't tried them on yet, but they look so beautiful and I'm sure they won't disappoint me :) Here's a picture for my mom because she wants to know what they look like:

My next race is May 23rd so I'll report back after that and let you know if I love them as much as the old ones.

Weekend in the Big City

I had a wonderful birthday weekend! I was so tired by Sunday evening though that I fell asleep before 8:00. The fun times started on Saturday when I went to a friend's bridal shower in Santa Rosa. It was such a great party that included wonderful food and wonderful people. We ate outside and the weather was amazing. I don't have any pictures from that besides the gift that I gave the bride to be. She met her future husband (Jake's bff from high school) during college and they moved to Brooklyn after they graduated. Then they moved to San Francisco less than a year ago so that Tim could start law school (hence the reason for the 2 bridges).

After the shower Jake and I headed down to San Fran. When I walked into the inn the inn keeper told me that my grandparents had called and paid for our room as a birthday present!!! It was so exciting. The inn keeper showed me around the place and I fell in love (Jake was still looking for a parking spot). Here are some pictures of the room:

We rested for a few minutes and then walked to Haight st. It was only a block away so we walked around and enjoyed people watching and walking by the unique stores. We left from Haight to go meet Tim, Jill, Tim's mom, Jill's mom and Tina (Tim's brother's girlfriend) for dinner at Rocco's. Rocco's is a Triple D restaurant! We even met Rocco!! Well, it was actually Rocco's grandson or something, but he runs the place. The food was great! We had to wait a long time to actually eat, but it was worth it.

Jake found this hydrant outside of the restaurant. He was impressed by how large it was so he wanted his pictured taken with it.

On Sunday we woke up early and ate the wonderful breakfast that the inn provided. They had quiche, fruit, a big cheese plate, and all sorts of baked goods. Then we headed downtown to do some shopping. Old Navy was having a big sale so I found a few bargains. I also went into my beloved Anthropologie, but they were not having any sales so I just browsed and tried on like 5 different dresses that I wanted, but did not buy. After our shopping spree we headed down to the Giants game.

This is the reason I went to the game:

They were sooooo good. The game was not so good though. The Giants were 4-0 by the 5th or 6th inning so we decided to head home. Like I said earlier, I was exhausted and fell asleep shortly after we made it home. Thank you to everyone that made my birthday so wonderful!

Happy Early Birthday To Me (again)

Look at all the cards I've received!! I feel so special :)

On Wednesday I had a party at Kelseyville Pizza. It consisted of pizza, 2 cakes, balloons, presents and a lot of my favorite people.

It was a fun time and I felt very spoiled. Later that night Jake gave me a present too. He only gave it to me because I guessed what it was. We always do this thing where we give each other clues about our gifts and then try to guess what it is. I guessed correctly the other day, but he said I was wrong. Then on Wednesday night he wrapped my present and put it on the table. I knew by the shape of it that I was right and so I told him. He admitted that I was and then let me open it. He was upset though and said I can never have any clues ever again. I should have just played dumb and not guessed it, but I was just soooo excited because I've been wanting one for a long time! Behold the most beautiful teakettle in the world:

Please ignore my reflection. I can't take pictures.

Isn't it so pretty? I want to have a tea party right now. I've already used it twice. Well I didn't actually make tea the first time because it was 9:00 at night, but I wanted to hear the whistle blow. It's loud and it scares me a little. I'm worried that it will blow up.

This birthday has already been so wonderful and I'm still 2 days away from the actual day! I'm really so fortunate to have so many people in my life that care about me and want me to feel special. I don't think I deserve it, but I'll take it anyway :)

Garden Update

It froze last night :( Stupid Lake County. It's almost May. It should NOT be freezing. -1 point for you. We think we lost the basil, but it's too soon to tell about the other plants. Weather.com says it's going to be 38 degrees tonight. Yesterday it said the low would be 39 degrees so there's a chance things will get really bad.

In happier news...Tuesday was the season premier of the Hills and the City. Kristen, from the Hills, was shown wearing an Eskimo Joe's Hoodie! It was the navy blue one. I also saw someone at the Olive Festival a few weeks wearing an Eskimo Joe's t-shirt.

I always wonder how people come across them. I realize you can order online and everything, but the chances of people actually being in Stillwater, OK are very slim so I feel a small connection to people I see wearing them outside of Oklahoma or Texas. It makes me miss the cheese fries and the spicy blackened chicken sandwich. And it makes me miss college. And it makes me miss home because my mom is in love with the Eskimo Joe's cups.