My funny and smart students ( I think).

Yesterday I was showing pics to my kids from my dogsledding trip. One of the pics was a rabbit (we have been saying hare in class) that was hanging around our cabin area. This rabbit was different because it only had one ear. Our guide said that it was a domestic rabbit that some people had brought with them during the summer and left (on accident or purpose he did not know). I digress. Anyway, I'm rolling thru the pics and the picture of the one eared rabbit pops up. Of course what do they say "what happened to his other ear"? One of my students pipes up and says "maybe a predator ate it". Yea, that's right, that's my student busting out some science words. But, it gets better. I was also showing them some video I shot. And you would have to know the explanation behind this so either call me or come see the video to get the explanation.....
In one of the videos we are dogsledding and the dog starts pooping and we stop sledding. I explain to the kids the deal with the dog poop. Later during science I am reading a book about grasslands and it was talking about how the Native Americans used bison dung for fuel. And one of my students says "Just like that dog dung we say in your video". Oh, they make me laugh and make me feel good when they come out with stuff I have taught them!!!

DOGSLEDDING, Yep, that's what I said!

Okay, so for anyone who may not already know.....we are going dogsledding for spring break. I know, oxymoron right...dogsledding & spring break. While many will be enjoying the TX sunshine of spring break will be enjoying the freezing temps and snow in Minnesota, far north Minnesota, almost to Canada, Minnesota. My fun husband came up with this idea and I thought it sounded like something different. For those of you who know me, I like to be and do things different. We will be flying into Minneapolis (hope to visit that big mall) then doing a 4 hr drive to the Wintergreen lodge to get ready for a few days of snow, dogs, and good times. We will be staying in a lodge with only 4 other people. Our meals will be prepared by a French chef who is ranked as one of the top 100 french chefs in the world. We will be dining homestyle with everyone sitting at a large family table. At night we will all be hanging out around the fire enjoying conversation, No TV!! Yay!! I am looking forward to an awesome adventure!

BACKGROUND CHANGE, HELP!!

I am so computer illiterate. I need a background change and don't know where to go or how to do it. Help me, puter gurus.

Rude Movie People

I have come to notice that there is a lack of movie etiquette these days. People don't seem to whisper during the movie anymore, they talk in their normal voice when the movie is on. They don't turn off their cell phones or put them on vibrate even when given a reminder to do so before the movie begins.
We have gotten to the point that if the people behind us talk during a movie, we just move to another seat. Yesterday we went to see the movie Gran Torino. Great movie!, if you can let yourself get past the F-bombs. I am not a Clint Eastwood fan but loved him in this movie. It has a truly great message, I digres....

We get to the movie just as it is starting. I sit down in my chair and it is one of those chairs that leans back (we were at the Rave). So, when I sit down and sit back in my chair it hits the foot of the girl behind me (purely accidental of course), well, she then kicks the back of my chair. I was so aggravated and at first thought "just let it go", then I thought "heck no, I am so tired of ill-mannered people", so I turn around look at her and say "Really, Really" in a plenty sarcastic tone. She didn't say anything or even acknowledged me but I was ready to "throw down" with her. I know that all sounds crazy, but I would just appreciate some movie/common courtesy!!!

2008 (borrowed from a friend)

Where did you begin 2008?
I was at Audra and Jordan's house for a fun little party!
Were you in school in 2008?
Teaching school
Where did you go on vacation?
Chicago-the great windy city. This is a great place to go, winter or summer. Also, had a week in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Laying on the beach all day was so great.
Favorite Books from 2008?
I don't think I finished any particular book. It takes me a long time to finish a book. I usually read in bed and can only get 2-3 pages read before I am asleep.
Did you know anybody who got married?
A good couple friend of ours got married in Cabo San Lucas. What a way to wed!
Did you move anywhere?
Nope
What sporting events did you attend?
Rangers games, thanks to our sweet friend the Tipp...
Mavs games, always a fun adventure b/c, don't tell anyone but we usually seat jump to get away from crazy, loud, obnoxious people. We also went to a Stars game.
IDescribe your birthday:
I can't even remember back that far. I'm getting so senile in my old age. My hubby asked me what I wanted to do this year. He said we needed to do something fun or special since I will be 35....closing in on 40. That sounds so strange considering I feel only 25ish.
What's something you learned about yourself?
I learned that I don't always have to lead even though I really want to. I learned to take the back seat. I learned that it's okay to be lazy sometimes.
Any new additions to your family?
A baby nephew.
Made new friends?
Yes, some sweet couples from church. That has been such a good thing.
Favorite Night out?
I have to say Keeno is still one of my nights out that I look forward to.
What do you want to change in 2009?
I want to make sure that I take time for myself and make sure I make time for everything I want to do!
What would you change about 2008?
Not anything in particular. It's all good!
What random cool things happened in 2008?
I ran a half-marathon in San Francisco. It was awesome. Did that in October and haven't ran since. Not really a runner. Just was asked by a friend to do it and we did it.
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I resolve to not make resolutions, to try to make new habits.
Do anything embarrassing?
Have you read my blog????
What was your favorite purchase?
Hmmmm....
Start a new hobby?
Nope.I know, lame.
Are you happy to see 2008 go?
Sure!
What are you wishing for in 2009?
Good health and fun.

Vanilla Coffee flavored Chili anyone ?????

Today was a frigid day!!! Out in the portables (where no one wants to go) the water was freezing on the gutters and handrails before it even had time to flow off of those things. So, as I was thinking about what to make for dinner...I came up with the idea of chili. Got a great chili recipe from a friend (S.U.)! And when I say great, I mean it. It has to be some of the best chili I have ever eaten...I digress.
So, I get home, watch some Oprah, then get up to cook dinner before the hubby gets home. I also decide I am going to make some chai tea (my favorite). I reach up into the tall cabinet to get the box of tea and at the same time a plastic tub of coffee falls down onto the cabinet. Nothing happened, it didn't spill, all was well. So, I have started the chili, began steeping the tea (making it old school on the stove). So, I figure I better put that coffee back up into the cabinet. I had taken down another coffee tub that was in my way. So, I put up the first coffee tub, no problem. I grab the second tub and as I am quickly putting it up on that tall shelf I didn't notice that it had fallen upside down when it first fell out. And that the lid had come off. So, as I am trying to put it back up on the shelf coffee spills out everywhere, everywhere includes in my chili...now it's in the cabinets, on the floor, on the stove, on the counter, and all over me. I had put on my robe over my clothes because I was cold and it even went into my robe pocket. Now, coffee is all over my freshly washed robe. I don't know if you have ever tried to clean up coffee but it is just like cleaning up SAND. It is awful. It seems to multiply and you can't get all of it up. As for the coffee in the chili, I figure "what the heck, leave it". Maybe I came up with a new recipe. Well, I couldn't taste any coffee in the chili, it still tasty yummy. Thanks again S.U. Fun times in the kitchen with margo! I was thinking about making vanilla coffee flavored chili for keeno!

Me, the next Barefoot Contessa.....NOT

Okay, so here is a funny little baking story. Monday I began baking some goodies for my sweet neighbors. I made choc. peanut butter cookies and Ritz Peanut Butter Chocolate sandwich cookies. And no I didn't buy the already make Peanut butter ritz sandwiches. I actually slather some PB in between to Ritz crackers then covered that in chocolate. Talk about RICH. Oh my, I could only eat one! Anyhoo....if you read my blog you know I have a dog who countersurfs whenever he thinks he can get away with it. Just that day he tried to countersurf the loaf of bread I left on the counter. Moving on....I made these goodies and had some leftovers. So I put them in a container and thought I will put them in the oven so Max does not try to get them.
The next day I decide to make some yummy low fat choc. chip cookies to top off my neighbors goodie gift. So, I turn on the oven and let it preheat. Meanwhile I am getting out ingredients, mixing, etc. I begin to smell cookies baking and think "that's strange, I haven't even put any cookies in the oven yet". I figure it's just leftover smell from the day before. So, a little bit later I finally open the oven to begin baking the choc. chip cookies and find a big mess. A melted plastic container with cookies falling out the bottom. Along with some chocolate bark I had forgot I put in the container to use for the next day. Ai yai yai, what a mess. Then not thinking I try to grab the container with my bare hand and burn myself while the bottom falls out and all the Ritz choc. PB sandwiches fall everywhere because the choc. & PB are melted. It was a WRECK! But, it made for a funny story to share. Ahhh, the joys of the season.
Happy Christmas to all and a Merry New Year!!!