Long Lost Froggies

Hello Readers! I have some bad news and good news.

The good news is that I've started dating someone (Yeah for me!). The bad news is that we'll be loosing the Frog Chronicles (unless the boy does something stupid!). I do have some back posting to do, so there will be a few more entries. I also welcome the option for guest posts (come on ladies, share your pain!). But for the most part, there will be drastically diminished froggie posts.

Fortunately for you, I did have a froggie issue today.

I got home from work and was just checking my email when I got a text that read "New Years at my place hope you can make it."

I did not recognize the number at all. I sent a response explaining that phone had been damaged in last weekend's marathon and I lost a bunch of numbers and inquiring who sent this text. (Yes, my phone was damaged, but I don't think I lost any numbers.)

Moments later, I received a return text with a name.

It took a few minutes for me to place it. I had been talking to this guy back in June. That's right JUNE--six months ago. This froggie got my digits, exchanged a few texts and then disappeared. And now he's texting me to go out with him on New Years Eve? WTF?!

I don't even know where this guy lives. Even if I did and wasn't dating someone, why on earth would I think it's a good idea to go to some random dudes house after he disappeared for half the year for a holiday that revolves around drinking? I certainly have no desire to have the roofie special, thank-you-very-much!

Second, why on earth would a guy want to go out with a girl who didn't even remember them until prompted? (And even then, it took me a few minutes to figure it out!)

I have to admit there's a tiny part of me that wants to stir the pot, but I decided not to. I can't decide if this guy is ballsy or just plain stupid. You've really gotta wonder what these frogs are thinking!

Oops!

I've gotten behind in my blogging. I haven't even kept my training log up to date. I think it's that whole switching classrooms thing.

...maybe my New Years Resolution should be to blog more!

A Fruit Situation

My school has gone to a Universal Breakfast program where all students are to eat breakfast in the classroom. While there is some personal commentary on what these students are being fed, for the most part I find this is a good idea.

Unfortunately, some of my students are throwing away their food. Things that are packaged or have a thick peel (bananas and oranges) can be "recycled". I'm not sure if this means they're put back in a lunch at a later date, or if they're donated to a food pantry. Any who, partly eaten items or fruits with a soft peel are to be thrown away.

While I understand why they can't reuse fruit with a soft peal, it breaks my heart to see so many pieces of fruit thrown away. I saw, on average, 7-10 pieces of perfectly good fruit thrown away. It completely breaks my heart to see such a waste. I decided that collecting the fruit and eating it myself wasn't the answer. I mean, how much fruit can Danielle and I eat? So, what I will be doing is collecting the fruit and baking the fruit in to something.

Why do you care? Well, it's my blog and I haven't posted in a while (no worries, I have some froggie stories to share too!). And I figured you might be interested in some fruit recipes, or have some recipes for me to use. I'm fairly certain that I'll get sick of the fruit pie rather quickly, so I'm going to get creative and let you know how it works.

My first attempt was your basic apple pie--

I rolled out the pie crust using flour and butter.

Next, I washed, peeled and cut the apples. I mixed about a 1/4 cup of lemon juice to keep the apples from turning brown and to make the pie more tart (I like tart rather than sweet). Next I mixed the apples with a tablespoon-ish of cinnamon (I don't really cook with measuring implements unless it's a new recipe) and about a 1/2 cup of brown sugar. I threw some flour in the mix because I was out of cornstarch to thicken it along with some vanilla and some butter.

Put the mixture in a pie plate between the two layers of pie crust. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to vent the top layer and then made a design with the left over pieces in the center. I also brushed some egg whites on the top crust to make it shine and brown. Finally, I baked in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes and I got this lovely pie.

Isn't it pretty?

Not So Fine Dining

I was at the gym this morning. I really do enjoy going nice and early. There's less people, I don't have to wait for equipment, there's less weirdos...

Oh wait. There's not less weirdos.

I was in the locker room and was going to swim a few laps. I was walking to the pool and sitting on one of the benches is a woman reading a book. I've seen people reading on bikes, ellipticals and treadmills, but never in the locker room. I also noticed that she was also eating a bowl of cereal with milk!!

I'm not saying that I've never eaten while exercising. But cereal and milk? That takes some serious planning. I didn't notice a thermos for the milk. I also didn't see the box of cereal anywhere. Who eats their Lucky Charms in the gym locker room?

Is it just me, or is this really weird?

Always Makes Me Laugh

Everytime I see this sign, it cracks me up!

TDC09--Lutz Bakery

Today's long run was hot, humid and awful. The one thing that got me through? I told myself I could stop and get a cupcake. So I finally finished (after bonking and walking the last 2 miles). I stopped at Lutz Bakery. I've driven past it hundreds of times, and never actually gone in; today was the day.

I walked in and ordered a basic vanilla cupcake with pink frosting. They had a limited selection of cupcakes but had many other pastries and cakes. Lutz also had a small cafe area with coffee, but due to the heat the coffee situation wasn't happening.

I ordered my cupcake, and brought it home to eat. This was the absolute worst cupcake, I've ever had in my life. This just might mark the first time I've ever not finished a cupcake. The M&M's had been in the frosting long enough to mar the candy shell. You can even see that in the picture below. The cake itself was very dense and just tasted off and possibly a little stale. The frosting might have been the best thing about the cupcake, and even that wasn't the greatest. It might have only been considered "good" because the rest of it was so bad.
I was worried about heading to this place with out Danielle, but after actually eating a cupcake, she's lucky she wasn't with me. I figured if it was even decent, we'd head back for another go. NO WAY! I'd never order any cake or anything else from this bakery. If you can screw up a cupcake so badly that I can't even finish eating it, I defiantly don't want to try anything else.

Lutz Continental Cafe and Pastry Shop--* 1 Sprinkle (Can I give negative sprinkles?)
2458 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, (773) 478-7785

More Froggy Gifts

I always look at dates with mild apprehension but in the back of my head, there's always hope. Hope that that day's frog will actually be a prince. Was this the case today? Not so much.

Today's frog, Ozzie* picked me up for our date. While he scored some points for the pick up, he didn't actually get out of the car and ring my doorbell (not that my front doorbell works...but that's not the point). I got in the car, and Ozzie very excitedly asked how my day was (almost too excitedly) and proceeded to tell me that he had a gift for me.

A gift? I'm having toothbrush flashbacks. He reaches behind the seat and gives me something in a black plastic bag. What the crap? This was much bigger than a toothbrush, and clearly much larger, upping the potential for weirdness.

I hesitantly opened the bag and saw a four pack of beer. Beer? On a first date? Do I look like one of your buddies with which you would watch a game? Let me say this again, FLOWERS!! You bring a girl FLOWERS on a first date! Not necessarily roses or anything major. Maybe a tulip might be nice (I like the ones that are multi-colored, if you're wondering). In his defense, it was good beer (Beemish Stout). However, do you really think it's a good idea to give a woman beer on a first date? Is he a creepy weirdo who's just trying to get me wasted to take advantage of me? (Not gonna work with 4 beers, buddy!)

**Sigh** I just don't get it!

*yeah, the names have been changed...Ozzie just seemed fun today.

Check Me Out!

I'm a "Resident" (too bad they spelled my name wrong)

Check me out here.

TDC09--Sweet Mandy B's or Happy Birthday Danielle

Tour de Cupcake--July 12, 2009

Today's cupcake is care of Melissa. She brought a dozen to Pauline's for Danielle's Birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANIELLE!!!) We had traditional yellow cupcakes with butter creme frosting (yes--that's my favorite kind!)

I personally love Sweet Mandy B's and it's very hard for me to be impartial to this cupcake. The butter creme tastes as if it's made with actual butter (rather than shortening) and the cupcakes are always moist and fluffy. This is quite possibly the best cupcake in Chicago.

While not in this case, I have been to the actual store. It's a cute little store front in Lincoln Park. The parking isn't fabulous, but do-able; especially if you go off peak and/or are just running in for a cupcake. The staff has always been friendly, and in one occasion has given me extra frosting (so tasty!).

They do have other flavors including Red Velvet, Chocolate and a specialty of the day. They have other baked goods as well.

Sweet Mandy B's ***** (5 Sprinkles!!)

1208 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 244-1174

Hungry Frog

I was heading out for a drink with Ross*, when he decided he was hungry. He asked me if I wanted to stop for a sandwich. Ah Sandwiches. You all know how much I love them. I, of course, said sure.

We stopped, and he ordered a sandwich...but didn't even ask if I wanted one too! This was a second date...and he felt that he could get a sandwich and eat it in front of me!! What the hell?! Yep, he ordered a sandwich, sat down and ate it in front of me.

Shouldn't he at least offered? You take a girl out on a date, you offer to get her a sandwich. Am I so out of it that this is no longer a practice?

*Why I keep changing the names, I'll never know.

TDC09--Molly's Cupcakes

After the last few weeks of sub-par cupcakes, I was starting to worry that I would be stuck with only one good cupcake place with many other mediocre wannabes. However, after a rainy run, Danielle and I went to Molly's and were pleasantly surprised.

This Lincoln Park bakery is very cute! If it wasn't an old school, the decorations are fantastic. There are even swings for seating at the counter. Besides the aesthetic decorations, there's a sprinkle station for you to further decorate your own cupcake!!

But how do they taste? Well, Danielle and I took forever trying to decide because there were definitely many choices. Molly's didn't just have the traditional cupcake, but also had fun specialty cakes including the Ron Bennington, which is a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter filling. Very rich and very tasty! There were also coconut creme and many others.

Both Danielle and I really enjoyed this place. I loved all the flavors and I really want to go back to try more. Even the traditional vanilla with butter creme cupcake is fantastic! My only beef is the parking situation...but if you're really looking for a tasty treat, I'd double park if I had to!

Molly's Cupcakes--***** 5 Sprinkles!! :)
2536 N. Clark, Chicago Illinois 60614, (773) 883-7220

TDC09--Traveling Cupcakes (Laura's Wedding)

Well, it seems that you'll miss a long run or two. This week's long run was missed for Laura's Wedding!! It really was beautiful out on the farm with a small pond in the background. Laura looked absolutely beautiful and glowing in her elegant ivory dress. So pretty!

If there's one thing I know about Laura, it's that she loves a good cake as much as I do. Therefore, I knew that her wedding sweets were going to be good. I was NOT disappointed!

Laura had gotten muffin sized chocolate and vanilla cupcakes! They had either red or orange frosting. I thought that this was to match the flowers at her wedding, but Laura said "They were suppose to be white with pretty red and orange flowers but instead they were red and orange frosted with no flowers." Still they were VERY yummy cupcakes! The cupcakes withstood the warm summer day and were perfectly cooked. Even the frosting to cake ratio was perfectly balanced. Not easy to do with cupcakes of that size. I have to confess...I ate more than one. But in my defense, they were so good! Laura ordered them from La Brioche in Madison. It makes me wonder what other tasty treats they have there! I guess next time I'm in Mad-town, I'll have to find out!

La Brioche Bakery ***** 5 Sprinkles!!

2862 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, (608) 233-3388

TDC09--Southport Grocery & Cafe

After a long run, Danielle, Melissa and I headed to Southport Grocery & Cafe. Based on the looks of this place (and the location and website) I really had high expectations. It looked like a great brunch spot, but it also had a bakery counter. After waiting and almost excessively long time, not so excessive that we had to leave, but at least 10 minutes (there was no one in line ahead of us, the people working there were just screwing around), I ordered a vanilla cupcake and milk. They guy who took my order was quite rude, asking "Is that all the rest of you are getting too?" (What does it matter?!) The service really was less than hospitable.

We headed out of there for a bench across the street. Again, a disappointing cupcake. The frosting was clearly shortening based (I could taste the shortening, meaning they should have used more butter flavoring). It just wasn't a good cupcake. The cake itself was a little dry. I ate it, but that combined with the attitude and service I wouldn't recommend this place.

Southport Grocery & Cafe-- ** 2 Sprinkles :(
3552 N. Southport • Chicago IL 60657 • 773-665-0100

Tour de Cupcake 2009

Welcome to the newest feature of my blog...Tour de Cupcake, 2009!

I've wondered, "Where's the best cupcake in Chicago?" Not knowing a definitive answer, I've decided to take it upon myself to find out (it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!). After my weekly long run, Danielle and I will be traveling around to bakeries to try their cupcakes. I will be posting reviews for you, dear readers, because you need to know where to get the good ones!

We've developed a rating system. We will be awarding sprinkles to the cupcakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, one being inedible and 5 being awesome. Keep on the look out for the awarding of the 6 sprinkle cupcake; this will be what we deem to be Chicago's Best Cupcake.

So, with out further ado...Let's bring on the Cupcakes!!

Our first stop is Angel Food Bakery. This is a cute little shop near Ashland and Montrose. I really dig the garden (no pun intended) and the Easy Bake Ovens decorating the shop. The cupcakes however, leave a little to be desired. Danielle and I both tried the traditional vanilla cupcake with butter creme frosting. It was so pretty! Very neat looking, great color with candy sprinkles.

However, this wasn't the best cupcake I've ever had. The frosting was clearly shortening based. The cake was actually oily in the center. I know that frosting is designed to keep your cake moist, but this was a little too moist (almost slimy!). It certainly did the job, but I don't see myself jonsing for Angel Food Bakery. I've since been back (only due to proximity), and tried a Red Velvet Cupcake. The cream cheese frosting was ok (just a bit too sour) and the cake it self was dry.

For these inconsistent cupcakes (and their general lack of tastiness), I give Angel Food Cupcakes ** 2 sprinkles. I would like to say that they do have other breakfast items that looked tasty...maybe that's their niche, rather than their cupcakes.

Angel Food Bakery ** (2 Sprinkles)

1636 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL (773) 728-1512

Stay Tuned!

I know, it's been a while! I have some updates and some new features coming... stay tuned!

Not Again!

I have gotten yet another crack at jury duty. And yes, because it's me I've been selected to be a juror. I'm stuck on this thing until at least next Monday. And while I'm not allowed to discuss the case, I will have a lovely blog detailing any events after the fact.

But for today I'd like to highlight some suggestions in ways the state could make jury duty a little better.

1) Access to a treadmill or other work out equipment. You really expect me to sit still for 8 hours and listen? Damn near impossible. I can watch TV at the gym while I run on the treadmill, why can't I run and listen to the testimony?

2) A COMFORTABLE place to sit. Those chairs suck. How about a lounger, or at least something more ergonomic!

3) Payment above slave wages. I did the math. The $17.20 check broken down to a 7 hour day (not getting paid for lunch hour) is $2.45 an hour. Total crap. Isn't there a national minimum wage?

4) Hours comparable to my regular work day. Teachers generally don't have to stay at work until 5:00pm. Granted, I'm probably going to get some scorn from those who don't have the same hours, but I'll remind you that teachers do more work in their off hours than in other professions.

5) Knowing that for every day that you actually have to sit on a jury, you get 2 years where you won't be summoned. So, in this case, I'll be on a jury until at least next Monday. With this equation, I wouldn't have to be called again for 12 years. And if this equation was true, I wouldn't be in this situation now...I'd still have time from the last time I served. That seems much more fair to me since I can think of tons of people I know that have never been called.

6) Raffle off prizes. I'm sure business could donate, sports tickets, spa treatments, gift certificates, ect. If I knew there was a chance to win me some Bears tickets...I think I'd be serving a little more cheerfully.

I'm sure over the course of the next week, I'll be coming up with more helpful suggestions, until then I will be sitting in the jury box.

Urping Froggies

I was having drinks with Eric* when all of a sudden he got up and excused himself from the bar. It was kind of weird, but ya know...sometimes things happen. He came back and said he wasn't feeling very well. I told him that if he needed to go, that was ok. But he sat back down and continued to talk.

Not even a beer had gone by, and he got up again. He came back saying that he thought he had the stomach flu (EW!) and that he needed to go. It better be the stomach flu, because the thought that I make men vomit doesn't make me happy.

We left the bar and he put out his arms for a hug. Now, generally, I'm a hugger. However, I just met this guy and clearly he was ill. I do understand that when you're not feeling well, a hug is nice. So I compromised. I did the "pat, no body contact" kinda hug.

And then it happened. He leaned in for a kiss. UGH!! Seriously!! YOU WERE THROWING UP!! NO KISSY-KISSY!! That's just nasty! And then, he acted all offended when I didn't want to kiss him. HELLO!!! I don't want your puke-tastic germs! What is this guy thinking?

**blah, blah, blah--yeah I changed the name!

A Spring Time Poem

Spring has sprung.
Summer's almost here.
The kids are squirrelly as hell--
won't someone please get me a beer?

Follow Me

Follow me on twitter!

A New Addiction

I've discovered this site called sporcle.com. It's kind of awesome. It's a trivia site where it asks you to create lists of things that you know. It's got so many random things from naming the fifty states (got 'em!) to listing all the Chicago Bears quarterbacks since 1986 (missed 2).

So much fun, but I warn you, HIGHLY addictive! Have fun!

Fashionista Froggies

After work today, I headed to Piper's Alley to pick up a race packet for the Soldier Field 10 Mile. As I was getting the bibs, this guy starts talking to me. We followed along through the packet pick up and I made friendly conversation, not thinking anything of it.

While I was there, I needed pick up some Body Glide (those bastards who stole my stuff also stole my body glide...so weird, I know!) And that guy follows and continuing to talk to me. After I paid, he asked if I wanted to get a cup of coffee (Starbucks is on the corner). I thought, why not--who doesn't like impromptu coffee with a reasonably attractive guy who likes to run?

We got our coffee and as we were chatting, he suddenly stops and said to me "You know, you're really cute..." Now what girl doesn't like to hear that? I really think more people should tell me how cute I am. However, he didn't just stop there (as he probably should have), continuing with "But you'd be a total knock out if you'd just put on some make-up. And a dress, or something tighter and low cut..."

What the hell?! How did this digress so quickly? I wasn't even half way done with my coffee. I was so shocked as I sat there listening to him critique my lack of style (in his opinion). At this point I wasn't sure if he was hitting on me or a gay man looking for a project. Granted, I'm no mascara-happy-make-up-queen, but I'm better than a stick in the eye. Furthermore, I went to Fleet Feet from work. Can anyone explain to me how it would be appropriate for me to wear make up like a drag queen and slutty clothes to a school?! (In saying that, I'm making no judgements on any of our parents.)

Once I gained my composure, I stopped him and said "Um, I gotta go feed my meter! Would you excuse me? I'll be right back!"

Dear Readers, I have a confession to make: I found a spot on LaSalle with out a meter. I just left and didn't come back (I kinda wonder how long he sat there). Oh, and I also took the quarters he offered me... Oops! But in my defense, I had to listen to that crap and I paid for my own coffee.

This post is brought to you by Isabelle

As a runner, I understand it's important to have an ample amount of protein in my diet. It aids in muscle repair and recovery. Also as a vegetarian, I sometimes feel the need to supplement my diet with protein shakes.

For these reasons, enlisted the help of Julia who works for Abbott and also owns EAS. I love these shakes, and in the scope of protein shakes these probably taste the best. Because she works for Abbott, she gets a discount on all of their products and I asked if I could take advantage of her employee discount. She was ordering for herself and her husband anyway, so it really wasn't a problem. (I bring it up, because her husband didn't want the Myoplex Lite, he wanted the powder shakes--resulting in a gi-normous jug that contained 8LBS OF PRODUCT!!!--I thought it was funny.)

Any who, I met Julia for our weekly run and she had the shakes for me. As she was handing me the box she looked down and saw that something had been added to the packaging...
That would be her daughter's school picture stuck to my boxes of protein shake. We were laughing so hard! Clearly, Isabelle is endorsing the EAS Myoplex Lite. What were her thought processes as she walked passed these protein shakes? Did she say to herself "Hey, I've got these stickers of me...they should go...HERE!!" Ah, sometimes I wonder what kids are thinking.

DONE!!

On Monday, I took my National Board Exam!! (It sucked--that's all I have to say about that.) And I'm done!! I won't know the results until November, but until then, it's time to play!
WOO!

Because the Milkshake Wasn't Bad Enough!

I went to the gym for a killer work out. I ran, biked, worked out with Hector and swam. I was walking back to my locker feeling pretty good about myself, and that's when the problems started.

I turned the corner and saw my stuff strewn about. In the less than 20 minutes I was at the pool someone had broken in to my locker (with a lock on it) and stolen my stuff!! My Blackberry, wallet, planner, keys and, to add insult to injury, MY CLOTHES!!! They stole my work clothes and my sweaty gym clothes!! Including my shoes (with about 300 miles on them) and underwear!! All that was left was my bag and a few smaller items. Even the lock was gone!!

If that wasn't bad enough, I gathered what's left of my things and had to walk out to the front desk in a bikini that's a size too big and about 5 years old and a towel to go and ask for help. On my list of mortifying things, "public nakedness" is up there. I was at the front desk, obviously upset, and they asked what was taken and then offered to help me look for my stuff. One of the girls asked "Why don't you get dressed and we'll help you look for your stuff." I was very upset at this point and may have yelled "I can't because THEY STOLE MY CLOTHES!!" Really, because I make it a point to hang out at the gym front desk at 6:45 pm (a peak time) practically naked.

Several of the girls and one of the managers went to the locker room and searched it for me, not finding any thing. One of the girls asked what size clothes I wore and picked out an outfit for me at the pro-shop. I felt so pitiful saying "I'm sorry, I can't pay for these." She told me not to worry about it. Thank God, because I was so uncomfortable!! I put on the clothes (and bless her heart) it was a perfect fit. Unfortunately, (and I hate to sound ungrateful) the girl picked out a white t-shirt. The problem, was the wet swim top underneath (Hello! Wet t-shirt contest!) How I didn't end up with a date out of this, I'll never know. I was upset, and everyone at the gym was looking at me (or so it felt). It really was the perfect storm of embarrassment.

After I was dressed, they let me sit at the front desk and call to cancel my credit and debit cards until the police came. I also called Jack to come and get me and to tow my car home. The police filed a report for me, they asked me where my shoes were and I was stifling back tears when I said "They were stolen." The officer was really nice and not only gave me his number in case anything happened but also sent a police car to sit outside my house to make sure I was safe and no one was trying to get in (extra nice!). Jack took me to Verizon to activate an old phone and called a locksmith for me and stayed with me until my locks were changed.

It's a huge nightmare as I work on getting EVERYTHING replaced. What's the topping to this fan-frickin'-tastic day? Oh, I had a summons for jury duty sitting in my mail box. Yeah, it was an AWESOME day.

Textually Active

I was surfing about and found this site that completely cracked me up. The site is called Texts From Last Night and the tag line is "Remember that text you shouldn't have sent last night? We do!"

It's a list of texts with the only denotation being the area code of the sender. It's hilarious!! I know that I for one should not be allowed near any electronic device when I've had a few beverages, and could see things that I have texted being posted here. After reading some of the postings, I was almost crying! The fact that they're taken out of context makes them just a bit more funny! Check it out--total time waster, but to damn funny to miss!

The Insanity Continues...

Nine days until the Wisconsin Marathon. Why is that insane? Because in 3 days I'll be running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. :)

Julia sent the motivational pre-race email and said "Have an Awesome Marathon - Remember you have...." Between that and the Awesome Sauce, I'm golden! :)

Monkeys and Frogs

The things I find while procrastinating...
This one's about as catchy as the "Llama Song"...

And while this is entertaining, I think most of my Frog Chronicles could beat this next one. (Who wants to help me make a video? We could road trip to the Hinsdale Oasis!)

Mixed Tape

I was at the gym this morning. After my work out, I took a shower and was blow drying my hair. I glanced down the counter and someone had left a mixed tape. It's still 2009, right? I could see a rogue CD, but a tape? It's really weird. Does anyone still have a tape deck?

The best part of all this...it was labeled "The Bitch'n Mix".

**sigh**I only wish I knew what songs were actually on it.

Spring Break?

Facts:

• It's April.
• I'm on Spring Break.
• It's snowing, blustry and all around crappy out.

What the hell?!

My Milkshake Brings All the Boys to the Yard...

I was in Greek Town, getting Melissa some dinner from Mr. Greek. She had been sick (and still is) and I offered to pick her up some dinner. I wasn't really hungry, so I just ordered a milkshake and some fruit for myself. They put the two drinks (my milkshake and Melissa's Diet Pepsi) in a drink carrier.

As I was walking to the car, this homeless guy (who had asked me for change as I walked into Mr. Greek), ran up and snatched my milkshake from the carrier and took off!

I stood there, on Jackson Ave. looking bewildered thinking "Seriously?! Was I just mugged for a milkshake?! Really? Am being punked?"

He clearly wasn't even going for my purse. It was on the other side of me, securely under my arm. This guy was going for the food. I couldn't believe it! And it's not like I was going to chase him down. I mean, he's homeless. He probably needed it more than I did. Besides, could you imagine explaining that one to the police:

"Ma'am, Why were you beating this man?"
"Because he stole my milkshake."
"You're beating a homeless guy over a milkshake?"

See my point? And I don't think "Well, it was chocolate!" would be considered a valid defense.

It's too crazy! If he had asked for it, I would have just given it to him. Fortunately, I wasn't hurt (aside for spilling a little Diet Pepsi on my arm), and my purse wasn't taken. So, once I got over the fact that I was with out a milkshake (just fruit isn't the same), I thought the whole thing was pretty funny.

DONE!

Finally...the bane of my existence for the last several months...Completed, packed and mailed. I can't remember the last time I was so happy to ship something!! That little blue box contains my National Boards Portfolio; it's part of the process to become a National Board Certified teacher. It's taken up waaaaay too much time and the reason I've had almost no life (and the reason I haven't been bogging much!).

Here's Laura at FedEx, shipping her portfolio... And I am just as happy to see mine go, too! Next up, the comprehensive exam in May....followed by waiting until November to hear the results...no worries, dear readers, I'm sure you'll hear the news when I do! :)

Picky Eater

Last weekend, I made some tuna salad. Generally, I make enough for two sandwiches. I like lots of stuff in my tuna salad, so I add things like celery, spicy mustard, chives, ranch dressing, kale, hard boiled eggs... a lot of it is what is in the fridge, but I do like more than just tuna and mayo.

I had made the first sandwich and had gone out on my back deck to eat it (it was such a pretty day!). I didn't make both at the same time, because I like my bread toasted and I didn't want it to get soggy while I was eating my first sandwich.

Well, it was a tasty sandwich, and I went back inside to make the second. I walked in to the kitchen and there was Tubby McFatty (aka Seamus the Wondercat) up on the counter eating out of the bowl of tuna! After shooing him from my lunch I noticed he had clearly been up there a while. Not only did he make a dent in the tuna, but it was obvious that he did not like the hard boiled eggs that I had added to the mix. In fact, there was a tiny pile of egg bits next to the bowl! He had picked out the egg bits and left them on the side in one little pile. I really should have taken a picture, because if I didn't see it, I wouldn't have believe it myself.

Picky little brat! I guess everyone likes their tuna a certain way.

Signs of Spring

For some it's the groundhog being ripped from his cozy little hole, or the official call for pitchers and catchers to report, some say it's the first robin with it's red breast chirping away. While all are excellent measures of Spring coming, for me it's something a little different. I had seen traces of him for a few weeks, but no confirmed sightings. But on my run today, there he was:

I saw the Hi Guy on the Lakefront Path.

OH YEAH!! Happy Spring!

My New Camping Buddy

I recently found an excellent deal on a new tent at Sports Authority that I just couldn't pass up. I set up the tent (in my living room) to make sure everything was ok.The only problem with the tent was that the directions for setting it up had been torn off the storage bag. The were still in the box, but not attached. For what I paid, it's still worth it.

While the tent was set up, look who decided that he likes camping... Yep, Seamus the Wondercat, checkin' out the tentAnd as I was writing this blog (sitting in my tent, of course), someone decided that they wanted to show me what he thought should be considered as 'camping supplies.'So, who wants to go camping? :)

Box of Joy--Day 14

I was having a tough day yesterday...I just kept thinking about Grandpa. This was just what I needed...even if it did make me cry. (Don't worry, it was a good cry.)

Thank you, Julia. You're awesome!

Box of Joy--Day 13

Dude!! When I actually have second to work on this, I'll post a picture of the completed puzzle. :)

Box of Joy--Day 12

Awesome!

To Grandpa--Memories

My Grandfather passed away this morning.

I hope you'll all indulge me as I share some memories and stories:

I know that "Mr. Fairbrother" will be remembered in the neighborhood as the man who used to walk the dogs (Great Danes) by shutting the dog's leash in the car door, and driving slowly down the street, having the dog trot along beside. He used to simply hook the loop of the leash over the side view mirror until one of the dogs decided that he was done walking and just sat down in the street, ripping the mirror from the car.

I am proud that he gave service to our country during World War II in the United States Marine Corps. I will always appreciate that he told me his stories about the war and Iwo Jima. While he was always reminiscent, he didn't looked back with rose colored glasses. Never softening the war stories for a little girl, because "War is hell, honey."

Saying "I'm Bored!!" and then having Grandpa hand me the book The History of the United States Marine Corps. He had me read it, and then we discussed it. I really thought it was punishment at the time, but I learned a lot. And hearing Grandpa's tales woven in with the book really made things much more memorable. I'm really glad that I was "bored."

The Fez and the Sparkly Fez.

Grandpa's goofy goat named Efram. He just had to have it, because it had little gold balls. (Yeah, I do mean gold goat testicles.)

"If you've got it, flaunt it."

I'll never forget when Grandpa took me to the shooting range. I knew nothing about guns and was pretty scared of them. I remember wearing shorts and a white eyelet shirt to the firing range and all the old men were laughing. He taught me to load his .22, 9mm, and 45. He had me try all three. The old men stopped laughing after they realized I was an excellent shot, having a tight cluster on all my targets. I remember Grandpa saying, "Of course she's a great shot, she's my Granddaughter!"

The gold anchor, the big gold anchor and the really big gold anchor.

Shopping for his watch.

I remember Grandma and Grandpa coming up for my high school graduation. Grandpa was wearing his hot pink sport coat. I remember being on stage, and Marcella (the girl sitting next to me) leaned over and said "Check out that old dude in the hot pink jacket!!" To which I replied "Yep, that's my Grandpa!" He had quite a flair for dressing. It wasn't just the hot pink coat...but also hot pink pants...and bright red pants...and purple pants... (you get the point).

Making "Goombay Smash".

Learning the "correct way" to pour a scotch.

Grandpa taking me out for a drive in his new convertible. He let me drive it. I was going down A1A, driving the speed limit, when he told me, "Honey, if you're not doing at least 25 over, you're not doing it right." (Now you know where I get my lead foot!)

So for Grandpa, I'll be ordering a drink...and you know it will be a "Two Fingers, Johnny Walker, Black Label on the rocks--easy on the rocks."

Box of Joy--Day 11

Box of Joy--Day 10

Yeah, I kinda do go through a lot of lip balm... :) And this is the one with SPF 15--no lip cancer for me!

Box of Joy--Day 9

All I have to say is "Woo-Hoo!"

Box of Joy--Day 8

Sushi Party at Bethie's!! (After my boards are done and I learn how to make sushi.)

Making a Point

Most of you know that my world has been work, gym, boards and repeat. For the certification process, I need to video tape a few lessons in my classroom. I did a project requiring my 5th graders to compare works of art and explain why they are similar and then present this to their classmates. The children understood why I was taping and were excited and proud to be the examples for me to submit.

A pair of boys walked up to the front of the classroom to give their presentation. One of the boys whips out a broken off radio antenna, opens it up and begins to use it as a pointer! I asked the student "Did you just happen to have that in your pocket?"

He responded with the tone of DUH, "No. He did." and gesturing to his partner. He continued using the pointer through out his presentation using the broken antenna to point out how the art works were similar. I was dying!! It was so hilarious!

And the best part...it's all on video.

Box of Joy--Day 7

At first I thought this was a punching bag...but they're actually "Funsational", sunshine, happy balloons! (Yep, when I realized what they were, I did the high pitched squeak of "SUNSHINE BALLOONS!")

Not again!

Yesterday positively sucked. Fortunately, I didn't check my mail because the insult to injury would have been the fact that there was a jury summons waiting for me.

Ugh. I just know I'm going to get picked again...damn my innocent aura and wholesome face!

Box of Joy--Day 6

AWESOME!! I'm wondering if a bartender would accept this coupon when we go out...

Box of Joy--Day 5

Mmmm...sushi. The perfect blend of carbs and protein for a pre-race dinner. Who says you need pasta? I'm also excited that the set is dishwasher safe...I know. Sometimes, I'm weird like that.

Thanks, Super Julia (and Tina and JoAn) for cheering me up after my craptastic day. Cake and facials DO make things better!

Sticky Situation

Today, I have my 8th graders, who are making African Masks. It's a fun paper mache project. I usually make the paper mache at home because it's cheaper to use flour and water and make it on the stove than to buy the paste. I had a big plastic container filled with warm paper mache sitting on the passenger seat as I drove to work.

When I got to work, I reached for the paper mache and got a handful of warm stickiness. The lid had popped off of the container and gotten all over my leather seats. I was thinking it wasn't that bad...I could just wipe it up. I went in the school to get some paper towels so that I could clean it.

As I was wiping up the spill, I picked up the container...what originally looked like a few ounces turned out to be almost half the container. My binder for my boards, that the paper mache was sitting upon is completely stuck together. Awesome. I wonder if I can send it in and get credit for it as an art project?

Then I slid the seat forward. Thank God for floor mats because there was a layer of of paper mache under the seats several inches thick. I dumped it off in the parking lot, leaving what looked like a pile of puke. After I scrubbed the remaining puddles, I carried in the floor mat (also looking like a vomitious mess). Glen, our engineer, used the water shower for cleaning and sprayed it down for me.

I think I got most of the mess...at least I hope I did. I really don't want to head out to the car later and have it smell like rancid paper mache. I currently am working on drying my binder for the boards, and cleaning the paper mache from my shoes, clothes and hair. Ugh! What a fantastic way to start the day. :(

Does anyone know of a place that does a good job of cleaning car upholstery?

Box of Joy--Day 4

Wait, it doesn't make me run faster?! I guess Mary Kay has to work on reformulating their product!

Box of Joy--Day 3

Monkey playing cards?! (And yes, when they were unwrapped that was said with a high pitched squeak.) This will add a whole new dimension to playing solitaire! You should see the Jokers…they’re so freakin’ cute!

Box of Joy--Day 2

So perfect after my very cold run today!

A Mysterious Package

Today, when I got home I found a package between my doors. I thought to myself "That's odd. I left after 6:30 pm, and that's awfully late for the UPS guy to stop by."

I looked at the brown paper wrapped package and saw "To: Super Bethie From: Super Julia"

How exciting!! I love packages! (more than I love sandwiches--and you know how much I love a good sandwich, but I digress.) I'm very blessed to say Super Juila is my very own, personal Superhero. If you haven't your own Superhero, you really ought to find one. Anywho, I carefully tore open the brown paper and found this...

I opened the note and found that Super Julia had left me a "Box of Joy". I've never had any one leave me a Box of Joy before! According to the instructions I am to:

1) Receive Joy Box (whew! I got the first one right with out even trying!)

2) Open Box and read instructions (Two for two! Woo-hoo!)

3) The day after receiving the Joy box, open one gift a day in the order they are numbered.

I think the hardest part is being patient, but I will survive. Fortunately, tomorrow isn't very far away! I'll keep you updated as to the contents of the Box of Joy. Looks like I'll have something to post about for the next two weeks (maybe that was all part of the Super Julia's plan...she was tired of my lack of blogging due to me working on my Boards!).

Thank you, Super Julia!

On the Road Again

It's that time of year again...the annual Chicago Auto Show!! Ah, how I do love horsepower! Although due to current economic trends, the hp-palooza was definitely down played and fuel efficiency was all the rage. To be honest, I was looking at the SUV's to better accommodate my triathloning, Chicago snow, and comparing them for mpg (BTW--I'm really liking the Ford Escape!).

But in true Auto Show form I HAD to see my favorites...The 2009 Mustang, in a beautiful cheery red. (I seem to have forgotten why I need a bigger car that won't get stuck in the snow...)
Followed by the 2010 Shelby, with 315 hp...(Yeah, I think I may have started talking dirty to her.)
And I do, of course, prefer my babies American made (I'm my Grandpa's girl on this one!) and headed over to Chevy to see the Stingray concept. She looks like the Batmobile!! I love her!

And finally, my celebrity sighting of the Auto show this year...one of the Autobots from Transformers: It's Bumble Bee!! It may not be Optimus Prime, but still one of my favorites (that and Jazz). I'd say it was a fun time at the auto show!

There's such a thing as too much sugar.

Today seemed to be a crazy day. The students are heading into a five day weekend (due to Lincoln's Birthday, Professional Development day and President's Day) and to add to it they were extra squirrelly due to the excess sugar of all of their Valentines.

For example, one of my 4th graders seemed to have escaped from his substitute teacher. I was standing in front of the classroom teaching the rest of his class. I glanced over to see the student through the window. He was standing there with a pencil shoved up his nose, licking the window.

This is why I am a proponent of the aerial spraying of Ritalin. Thank God we have a long weekend.

Who Took My Cheese?

I came home from a very long day, and decided on some comfort food for dinner. I opened a box of Mac & Cheese to find... NO CHEESE!!!

What the crap!? I mean, it's half the product!! And let's face it, the cheese is the best part of the whole thing. While I could easily make due, it's not the point...I want my cheese!

Why I Should Not be Left to My Own Devices

I've been home sick the last two days with a wicked sinus infection. In fact, yesterday, I was awake long enough to call in sick, go to the doctor, get a prescription from Walgreen's, watch our Governor get ousted and, of course, Gray's Anatomy (Yes, there was much napping between these events).

I still feel pretty crappy today, even if I've only been awake for an hour or so. And I'd like to share with you some reasons why I should not be left to my own devices. I decided to eat something (marshmallow's and grapefruit--yesterday I had leftovers; pasta and chocolate), shower (it's been a few days) and use the Neti pot.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Neti pot, it's a plastic pot that looks kinda like Aladdin's lamp. You're supposed to mix a diluted saline solution and use it to rinse your sinuses. I often forget to actually use it until it's too late, I found that while it's really weird the first couple of times using it, it really does work.

Any who, I figured since I have a horrible sinus infection, now would be an excellent time to use it. But as I was looking for the saline (ie SALT) packets in the medicine cabinet, I came across a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. I was thinking, "Hey--this is good for wound care! If I rinse with this, it will help my sinus infection!"

So...I poured some in to the pot, with the saline packet and mixed the two. I did not add water as you're supposed to, per the mixing directions of the packet. I warmed the solution, tilted my head over the sink to use it and...

HOLY CRAP!!! It was like I snorted Pop Rocks and a carbonated beverage up my nose! I was completely unprepared for the mayhem that ensued. I was snotting and fizzing all over the bathroom, flailing about like a sprinkler. OH, SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!! I thought for a second that an alien was going to burst out of my face!!! I couldn't even see straight until all the bubbling subsided.

Not only was the peroxide clearly working on any infected areas in my sinuses, but it was also being gently rinsed after with salt! I have to say it did clear out the one side that I was able to use it on...but next time IF I decide to try it again, I'm thinking DILUTE the peroxide first.

Please learn from my mistake. Don't put hydrogen peroxide and salt up your nose when you have a sinus infection. It's just not a good idea. I really should not be left to my own devices...clearly, I'm just trouble.

If I were a cereal...

I was grocery shopping with Melissa the other day. She became very excited in the cereal isle and told me that she had found the type of cereal I would be (if I came in cereal form):That's right, I'd be Perky O's!! (I'm just happy she didn't say Frosted Flakes!)

That time of year...

That's right, it's that time of year when the gym is flooded with all those fakers, who made New Years Resolutions to get back in to shape, crowding my gym and taking up my machines. Now I have no problem with people at the gym. But I do have a problem with the fact that this should be a lifestyle, not something of convenience. If these people truly wanted to be in shape, I'd see them in July too!

But I digress. Along with the hordes of out of shape couch potato's comes with a whole host of people who just don't know how to behave at they gym. I swear, it's ridiculous!! In the past 2 weeks, I've witnessed more than necessary, including:

1. The naked people are back. Yep, the ones who think it's cool to lounge about the locker room naked or scarcely clothed talking on their cell phones or just generally prancing about. And trust me, they're not the people any one wants to see naked.
2. The people who don't know how to work the treadmills. Ok, these people really don't annoy me. When they fall off, it's kinda funny. (I can laugh, it's happened to me!)
3. The people who are lost. My trainer was stretching me out near the large windows over looking the pool. Some guy came over and asked him where the pool was!! He pointed behind him to the large body of water. Then the guy asked, "How do I get in?" Hector pointed to the door (just a few feet away) and also mentioned that there was a door through the locker room.
4. People who talk loudly on their cell phones while they are using the machines. If you're going that slowly on the machine, you need to get off the phone and amp it up!! Also, I don't care about the gossip in your world (really? you slept with this heinous guy last night?!), nor do I think you should give mileage reports from your treadmill while you are walking.
5. Couples who make out. I was on the stair stepper and this couple got off the machines in front of me and proceeded to make out. I saw tongue...and much more than I wanted to see. To make things worse, they wouldn't stop! I had to get off the stair machine, it was that bad.
6. Excessive cologne. I shouldn't smell you for 5 minutes after you've walked by.
7. The people who just hang out near machines. They're not actually doing anything. I think they just go to the gym to say that they've gone to the gym that day.
8. On a similar note there's the people who stare. They just stare at you while you're on a machine or working out. I don't get it. It's just creepy!
9. Those who turn the gym into a meat market. I go to the gym to work out. Not to socialize, not to pick up men. TO WORK OUT. I don't want some guy to be 'hanging out' just to hit on me when I get off the treadmill.
10. Creepy, hair guys in the whirlpool. I hate that they're sitting there gawking when I swim laps. No, I don't need you to count for me, and no, I didn't turn my head while swimming to talk to you. It's called breathing. I guess maybe, in this case, drowning would have been the better option.

Can you tell I'm annoyed? I wouldn't mind the extra crowd if I didn't have to put up with these offenses. I've been heading to the gym before work, just to avoid the people and the problems. I can't wait until these people give up and go back to their couches.

Caffinated Froggy

I was freezing this morning after my run on the Lakefront Path (unless you're living under a rock, you know there's been crazy snow in Chicago!) I was heading down Montrose and as I was shivering I saw a Starbucks and I thought "Ooo! Coffee!!" (So profound, I know.)

I got in line and was bouncing a little because I was quite chilled. This guy in line turns to me and asked if I was ok. I responded by saying "I'm cold, and just need something to warm up."

He replies with a leer and says, "How about a hot beef injection?"

I can't imagine the look on my face...what the hell?! Clearly, my brain was also frozen, because in hindsight, I can come up with at least half a dozen biting responses. All I could do was just walk out...sans coffee.

What is he thinking?! Does he really think that I'm gonna say "Ya know, that sounds amazing! Yeah, let's do it!"? Or that I would find his obscene comment funny or charming? Who even says that or feels the need to make such a comment like that in a Starbucks at 10:30 in the morning?!

UGH!