Another "Get to know your friends" e mail

I don't have time to do these things so I am just posting it on here so I can refer e mails to it.

1)Favorite place to be- with my niece/nephew. Also a big fan of the open road. I love road trips.
2)Biggest pet peave- when people use double negatives, prepositions at the end of a sentence, overall bad grammar. Oh yeah, when they open up a line at a store and the people in the back run up to the open line without asking the other people if they would like to go first.

3)Best place to eat- I love Qdoba

4)Worst habit-I can be disorganized. I am constantly trying to be more organzied but not to much avail.

5)Favorite food-There's mot much food I don't like. I like Thai quite a bit though.

6)I wouldn't be caught dead-wearing anything UK, listening to Hansen, paying full price or using homonyms incorrectly (to, two, too, etc)

7) Best part of the day-storytime (school day), bedtime right before falling asleep

8)If I were shopping..... I would be not at the mall. I like Target and Walmart. Occasionally I will venture to Kohls/Marshall's/TJMaxx. I like thrift shopping occassionally at Unique Warehouse.

9)My strengths-Good sense of humor, non-judgemental

10)My weaknesses-not being agressive enough sometimes. There are more but I choose not tro dwell on them. I believe in a positive atitude.

12)What my friends are most likely to be saying about me-Answer the damn phone!
"She just checks her messages". Seriously though, I think they would say that I laugh at everything so that's why they keep me around.

13)What I would change about myself-Sometimes I can be self-absorbed. Also, I don't think I will ever be happy about my body. I am constantly striving to better myself. I think it's the plight of a woman though & try not to take it too seriously.

14)Biggest fear-Not teaching something correctly and scarring students for life.
I know it's a bit overdramatic at the first grade level but there is a ton of responsibility at that age!

16)Most important things that I look for in a mate-Intelligence, sense of humor, a connection, someone who wants kids.

17)Biggest hope-True happiness for those around me.

18) Things that make me happy-my family/friends/dog/ipod/music in general/kind people/thoughtful people.

19)Biggest goal- I aspire to live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. I love that quote and believe that it's a wonderful thing to aspire to in life.

More Pics

My goal is to get a lot more pics on this thing. I am still currently on ebay looking for the ominous cheap digital camera. I have even stopped referring parents to my classroom blog in my parent newsletter due to the fact that it has no pics. How much fun is a blog without any pics?

My goal is to go crazy with the new camera. (imagine that)For instance, last year I spent way too much time writing individual letters to each one of my students. This year I just plan on making a DVD of our year for them to take home and watch.
Next, I would like to make a digital scrapbook of the Natty and Jack and really get back into photography. Yeah, I know that that sounds so cliche because this is like the catch phrase of the year and is so trendy, but I really mean it.
Lastly, I have the challenge of creating another portfolio for teaching. The lovely state of Indiana requires you to do a portfolio of your second year of teaching. I plan on doing a digital portfolio.

You Know You're From Louisville When...

You Know You're From Louisville When...
Your "International" airport has only one passenger flight that actually leaves the 48 contiguous U.S. states

The in-state sports rivalry is paid more attention to than the national championship.

You live in an area that occasionally gets considerable snowfalls, floods, and tornadoes... but has no capacity to deal with any of the above.

You pronounce the name of your city different than anyone else you've heard.

You think the rest of the people in Kentucky sound like hicks.

When you think "Kentucky" you don't automatically think horse racing or fried chicken.

You ask your doctor for an allergy cure and he tells you to "move."

You've shovelled 10+ inches of snow and worn shorts in the same week.

When people ask what school you went to, they don't mean Vanderbilt, Yale, or Harvard; they mean Ballard, Male, Manual, Trinity or St. X.

You know what the Bambi Walk is.

Your last ten vacations were in Panama City or Destin.

You make an emergency run to Kroger for bread and milk at the first sighting of a snowflake.

You've lived here for years, yet somehow you get hopelessly lost each time you attempt a shortcut through Cherokee Park.

You're convinced turn signals are useless options on a vehicle.

You hold up traffic to let a motorist you don't know into your lane.

You give directions based on landmarks that no longer exist or street names that have changed, but your directions never confuse any of the other Louisvillians

You have never been to the Derby, but wouldn't miss the Oaks.

You call in sick to attend the Oaks and spot your boss - who also called in sick - at the next betting window.

You think all the REAL hicks live in New Albany.

When introduced to another life-long Louisvillian, you spend the first part of the conversation finding out how you are connected. It's never as many as six degrees of separation - usually three will do it.

You think a pervert is someone who would rather have sex than watch basketball.

You can read about Rick Pitino in at least three different sections of your newspaper.

You think the rest of the world knows what a Hot Brown is.

You think the whole world puts spaghetti in chili.

You want another bridge built over the Ohio River, just so long as it doesn't cut through YOUR neighborhood.

You've experienced a "salt storm" after a two-inch snowfall.

Get to know your friends e mail

I hate these things because they are so time consuming so I am just gonna post it so that when I get it oin e mail I can just refer people to these answers and be done with it.
1. What time do you get up with no alarm? 6:30am

2. If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be? Oprah Winfrey
3. Gold or silver? silver

4. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Walk the Line....it rocked!

5. What is your favorite TV show? Never home in time for Oprah. Therefore, Desperate Housewives/Grey's Anatomy

6. What do you have for breakfast? coffee

7. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? nope
9. What inspires you? great teachers, kids, people that use bad grammar (I feel a responsibilty

10. What is your middle name? Starr

11. Beach, city, or country? Beach, always

12. Favorite ice cream? a flavor I got on vacation called cake batter from a place called Maggie Moo's But since I haven't been there since, I am a big fan of TCBY butterscotch

13. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? plain sometimes a little salt

14. Favorite color? Light blue

15. Favorite car? I would like to get the new body style of the Altima. If money weren't an object though, I would get a classy SUV to hall all of my teacher stuff.

16. Favorite sandwich filling? extra sharp cheddar cheese

17. What characteristic do you despise?closemindedness, negative atitudes, hypochondriacs

18. Favorite flower? tulips

19. If you had a big win in the lottery, how long would you wait to tell people? I doubt I would ever play the lottery, but like 2 seconds.

20. Fizzy or still water as a drink? still. don't like the fizzy. Might as well have a Diet Coke

21. What color is your bathroom? I have a grey bathroom, so I get to acent it with different colors. Right now it's accented with red due to the holidays.

22. How many keys on your key ring?work key, house key and...1,2,3,4 car keys.

23. Where would you retire to? Whereever I was near my family. But I wish I could talk them all into moving to San Diego.
24. Can you juggle? no

25. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
26. Red or white wine? Red

27. What did you do for your last birthday? Out to eat, went to Indy and got crazy

What I have been downloading

I'll be the first to admit that I am a downloading fool. However, the way that I look at it is that pulling off tags off of pillows is illegal but I see near-saints pulling off those unsightly things. Like my justification? Therefore, I am taking my chances and downloading the following:

1)Workout playlist
Killers, Hives, lots of Fatboy Slim, a little Rage against the Machine

2) Chillin Playlist
Garden State, Elizabathtown, and Grey's Anatomy soundtracks

3) "Staples" playlist
lots of Bob Dylan, acoustic versions of favorites

4)travelin playlist
Allison Krauss, other blugrassy stuff

5)sleepin playlist
Joss Stone, Coldplay, Liz Phair, Jem

6) Exploration playlist
Jamiroquai, Deathcab for Cutie

Ok, I gotta get off of this thing

This is the very thing that I thought would happen if I were to get a computer and ipod:I would stay on this thing forever. Besides the occasional potty break and snacktime, I have been downstairs in front of the computer for the better part of the day. I have gone insane! With no sense of moderation I need to walk away from this machine and go out into the world that I have not been out in for the last couple of days. I must admit that I am loving the warmer weather during the break. Not only is it helping out oi the ugly gas bill, but that bone-chilling cold is for the birds. I have so much that I want to do the next wwek while I am off of work that there is no time for the cold elements to bring me down. It's too weird that I am already halfway through break. Here is the plan for today:
1)go to the gym
I get to be part of the cult that takes their ipod to the gym and get to get in that zone. Is there any way to get all of these cookies off of my thighs?

2)head home
My poor cat has been on her own for the past couple of days since I have been camping out at mommy's house.

3)straighten up house/set up computer
Yeah, that's just what I need: more time in front of the computer. Oh well, the internet doesn't get hooked up until Tuesday so I can't do that much harm.

4)go to the grocery
Today I am going to the grocery to get that stuff out of the way. Once again, I am on my way to the ultimate diet and lifestyle change this year. Therefore, I will be buying a lot of chicken and veggies.

5) Head back out to moms
Mom & I talked about trying to catch a movie. I wanna see that Family Stone flick.

Ain't no holla back girl-Dating in Review 2005

This year my annual dating-in-review e mail will just be replaced with a quick blog instead. I am not as reflective about boys as I used to be. Those past years I was figuring quite a bit out and now I am just pretty much reflective about myself instead. The focus has changed I guess. Anyway, dating this past year for me has been more about just expanding my social circle instead of actually finding someone to date. It's been harder since I have moved back here to make myself do this task. Part of it is that I have met some cool people, but have been really bad about following through with them. Part of it is just starting a new career and getting that all aligned. But the last part of it is just getting to a place of knowing EXACTLY what I want and therefore not wasting any time.

I guess I just need to be more of a hollaback girl? I dunno.....hee hee

Guardian Angels

This year I had some new guardian angels. These people were instrumental in helping me to get from point A to point B. I have been extremely lucky in the fact that I have been able to pull some things off simply because I have these people in my life.

Guardian angel 1 realizes that I have needed help emotionally and financially. She never ceases to amaze me in the fact that she never forgets what it is like to be a young woman on her own. She knows when I need her the most. The coolest thing about the whole thing is the fact that I never even have to ask...she just knows.

This past year I have also had a few teaching guardian angels (the profession in general already makes you a guardian angel of sorts) However, this woman showed up when I needed her the most. It's amazing how God doesn't give you more than you can handle. While I am absolutely opposite of this woman in my outlook on teaching, my goal is that her spirit is kept alive in my building. No matter how different I am from her, she was an awesome teacher whom I still learn from.

Making Up for Lost Time

I have so much to say again today. I thought that the addiction might quickly pass, but since when was I one to NOT be a person of excess? I feel as if I haven't talked to many friends for over a year & before the whole going back to school started.

This past year has been really pretty busy. Pretty much when I hit the pillow at night I am out because the days just to keep going faster and faster. (I am told that this is a part of growing up) However, here are some of the things that have been going on with friends/family sincxe I moved back to Louisville:

Natalie-Natalie is in 1st grade this year. It's pretty cool seeing her progress in reading this year & gives a neat perspective on what I am doing with my kids on a daily basis. Of course, I have to go full out teacher on her and be constantly reading when I am around her. What happened to the cool aunt that used to give cool presents? I dunno.

Jack-This is his 1st year at preschool and it was like within a month of going this fall that his vocabulary more than tripled. Now this kid will not shut up. I could listen to his raspy voice for hours though.

Heather-Heathy still working for nursing home at night so she can stay at home with the kids. Besides working on the perfect tan and daily visits across the street at Target, she has become an avid reader. I like it; I can borrow books. However, she has gotten into the "Left Behind" series these days so I am waiting for some goodies in 2006 since she is almost done with all of the 28(?) books. The kids are well-adjusted and at a magical age; much to my sisters credit.

Mom-Mom has been busy this year. This was her 10 year anniversary and she went to Hawaii for over 10 days. She also went on a shopping trip to Chicago on her own. (with friends)She has been a traveling fool. In between this time,she can retire within five years but then still manage to get a new house.

Dad-Dad has been Mr. Community this year. He is focusing a lot of energy on a project that he has been working on for awhile in New Albany and it is now coming into fruition. This year his path has led him to many different destinations to find answers to this project. I am proud of him for his persistence; for it is this quality that usually gets dad what he wants. When the project is done, it will be quite a feather in his cap.

Jen-Jen is now finishing up her now 3 year stint in school. She will have her Master's by summer. She has been working very hard this past year finaggling all of the various things going on: internship, Colin/Ethan, house, friends, etc. She just keeps on giving it her all to everyone, she hasn't skipped a beat in that respect. I am ready for her to be done with school though so that we can get her back to thinking about herself for a second though. That a ways we can start planning the wedding this summer/fall....

Shannon-Shan is in Tampa for a couple of months. After a bit of a rut in Indy for a sec, she decided that a change of scenery was the way to go. In between taking on a project for a job in Tampa, she jets off to Key West every couple of weeks to visit her mom. Our little jetsetter these days! I am ready for her to be back in March though....the novelty has worn off & I am ready for her to come back.

Casey-my baby is doing well. Her sight is going though from getting old. The vets say that it just an older age dog kind of thing though and nothing to be worried about. She is getting greyer & greyer in the face.

Luva- No complaints from this spoiled cat....

My place-plan on staying here until the summer. I like the central location but I am ready for a change of location. Do not feel safe walking at night. Would like to find a place where I might be able to walk Casey that is a little more safe. If you go up one street to Frankfort Ave it's better. I'm gonna check that out this spring.

My classroom-
Things are finally starting to get more organized. This was a huge prosess. I think it wore me out so much that it was really one of the huge reasons why I had to take the summer off. It was way overwhelming. For those of you that may not know, I took over a retirement and was left a classroom full of everything. The trade off was that I had to go through everything and try to figure out what I needed. It was a daunting task that is still not completed but I am getting closer and have a firm grasp on what I have and what I don't. Much to my amazement, I am not as much of a minimalist as I thought. There was so much that I kept that it has even found its way to my apartment space storage.

Cardigan Queen-old e mails

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is
of you." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suddenly I have become this person & am not
sure how I got there. I have always kinda been the
nerdy fashion type, I will admit. However, through the
course of this summer I have become engrossed in this
career change & lost a sense of reality, I guess.
It wasn't until the other day that I was getting ready
to go out on that I realized what I had become. I
will admit that I am the "cardigan queen". In fact,
nothing makes me happier than a new sweater set.
Additionally, those who know my closet well enough can
spot the consistencies of every color cardigan known
to man.

I don't think I really realized the implications of my
style & fashion sense until I went out on this date
the other night though. It was the first time in a
long while that I opted to not have my glasses on,
not wear a bun, & to try to show some cleavage.
However, it was like I almost forgot to fix my hair.
Where had cool, hip Starr gone? I used to be on top of
my game, ya know?

I don't think the whole thing really hit home though
until the other day when Jen told me in the nicest
voice that she had a surprise for me. A surprise? I
love surprises!!!! What ever could it be? Jen, who has
been concerned for my fashion well-being for
years--(and always my biggest cheerleader besides my
mom to wear clothes that have sex appeal, I might add)
explained to me that she had actually took the time to
write Oprah & sent a letter for me to have a "friend
makeover". Don't get me wrong--Jen is a member of my
family whom only has my best interest at heart. In
fact, I think that this guesture is just about as
sweet as one can get. Additonally, were it not for her
I wouldn't realize that scrunchies are soooo 90's, the
more cleavage the better, & those clunky tall shoes
that I got from Payless 4 years ago aren't cool
anymore. Whats even funnier is the fact that we had
gone as far as joking earlier in the year that we
could be potential candidates to write to that show
"What not to wear" when they were making fun of that
girl for her hoody and Old Navy addiction. However, I
didn't think one of us would actually follow through
the actual sending of a letter...........

One of the best things about being in my 30's is the
fact that I am experiencing an inner peace that I
haven't experienced thus far; a feeling of being
completely comfortable in my own skin.
While I will always probably be a cardigan queen, I
cannot forget to let my hair down every once in
awhile................and show some cleavage
sometimes.

Curiosity

"The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot
help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries
of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of
reality. It is enough if one tries merely to
comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never
lose curiosity." Albert Einstein

Decorations

So life as a single gal can be tough sometimes. At my ultimate bachelorette pad, I was stoked about the idea of putting not just 1 but 2 trees up. With the combonation of two parents that are literally Christmkas crazy, there is never a need for me to go out and buy anything, as I get new tidbits each year. Additionally, going into teaching has convinced me that I will never have a need to go out and buy seasonal iteams either. First grade parents are very generous in that respect!! Anyway, since mom forged ahead with modern tree trends and got all pre lit trees, I inherited an 8 foot tree. I was stoked!!!

However, with this Christmas project comes responsibilty and a remembrance of why I don't usually take on huge projects like this at this time of year. Anyhow, the moral of the story is that the artificial Christmas tree companies are in a conspiracy with the world. They must be destroyed. Case in point: NEW tree stands are almost as much to buy as a new fake tree. Three hours later and an emotional breakdown later, I was on my weay to Walgreens to buy a new tree for ornaments that I had already bought. It's blasphemy I tell ya.........

However, my place looks great. I have a nice display for the front window with tree and light display. Also, I have put those fake candle lights in all six windows. Lastly, I have the other tree in the back guest room that faces the parking lot. My neighbors get a glimpse of the winter wonderland at all sides!!

At any rate, my place is a peaceful place to go to at the end of the day with moy cat/dog by my side. It will be sad to take it all down. All of that tree business seems like a distant memory!

Teaching

My voyage in teaching this year has been so different than last year. That's the beauty of teaching! Anyway, I could go on and on about my current year this year but I am afraid that I might lose you to all of the details. Besides, I don't want readers/friends to get that glaze over their eyes like others sometimes do when I am talking at length about my crazy, everyday life. At any rate, this year has been different in the fact that last year I felt I was dong more teaching that psychology; this year is more flip flop in this respect. Therefore, I think that my blogs may be more introspective and an opportunity to use this thing as the therapy that I desire. With the pen being mightier than the sword, (for me many times anyway) I am hoping that I will be journaling more.
Can you tell that I am in New Year's resolution land?? hee hee

On a totally seperate note, I am having one of those weekends that makes me realize how separate "real life" is from my "teaching life". That is to say that I am having a weekend of complete debauchery. I know that on Monday I will be in front of my students at some point saying something like, "Your education is your ticket to freedom!" and then I will remember myself only days before drunk and stumbling through my apartment fumbling for the light-switch. And I will be tickled.

Technologically Ready

Since I have have been financially strapped the last couple of years I have not been able to get all of the dorkie gadgets that I have wanted. Moreover, I have been forced to actually buy grown up stuff like furniture, beds, and the like. This has been the first Christmas in like 5 years that I have not had to ask for something like school books, grocery cards, or money for neccessary vet visits. (not me....heehee)
Therefore, I have wanted two gadgets for at least 4 years a piece: an ipod and a digital camera. 1 down, 1 to go. I have not got the camera yet. I am in the process of surfing as we speak. It will be so nice to document the two things that make life so great: the soundtrack of my life and pictures of the memories to go with it. I am currently dorking out on both!!!

Ok, I've gone mad

I have spent the better half of the day on the computer. Not being one thuat can just do things in moderation, I am the happy ipod owning blogger girl today. I also never get the opportunity to check out all those e mails that I am unable to open up at the workplace.
I used to keep all friends/family informed of all new developments via mass e mail and enjoyed hearing back from friends. This year I am going to make a resolution to keep in better contact with everyone. Hopefully, by finally getting internet access at home (I know, I am a bit behind the times but it was only because of other financial committments....hee hee)I will be able to make a better effort to keep in touch. Since I am constantly talking to the kids all day I am reluctant to talk on the phone. Additionally, after you have been out of touch with everyone for so long there are no "quick" phone calls. Anyway, I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and I hope that you will check this out from time to time to catch up with me as well. Gotta love technology!!!

Chicks Rule

This is a quick post on the happiness that I experience from growing up in a small family. Here is Natalie at a cheer clinic with Megan in charge of the girls cheerleading abilities. It's so nice to be close to my cousins and family.

10 Years

Mom and George have been married for 10 years! It seems like they have been together forever though. I could write a book on the past 10 years and how our lives have changed since George has been in it. Since I don't have the time today, I will just say that we are better off people for having had George as part of the family.......my mom definitely. He's a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy and the real deal. He has taught me a lot about what giving means.

Anyway, enough on that tangent..........(don't wanna risk all of this good talk going to the old man's head) George surprised mom with a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their nuptials and spared no expense. This is a pic of them in Mauii, a dream come true for a mom who at one time never thought she would make it out to the lover's paradise.

Partners in Crime

Here's a quick pic of my buddies this summer. Natty is definitely the big sis. Little bro follows her around like a puppy dog. While forced many times to wear a tutu/makeup or play Barbies, these two are forging bonds that will last forever.

Best of 2005

Best music
This year I have really enjoyed Jack Johnson and Coldplay. Yeah, I know, a little mainstream but I didn't have a lot of new music resources other than Colin making me burned discs whenever I was in Indy. I just found tha these were the 2 most prevalent cd's in my player. Music is the soundtrack of our lives though- and I will remember Black-eyed Pea cd, Loveage and Blackilicious tunes. Colin always does his best to try to turn us on to hip-hop.........

Best Ringtones
I was a big fan of the Guerilla song "Feel Good, Inc" and "In my life" by the Beatles.

Best movies
It is so hard to pick just one.... Therefore, here are a couple that stick out in my mind. This summer I used a lot of Netflix since I don't have cable. I seemed to be a big fan of documentaries and the Sopranos this summer. However, I did see that wine movie "Sideways" and remember replaying a certain part on my DVD a couple of times to see if I could remember it. There was a certain part that struck a cord with me. I liked the honesty of the film.

Crash-
Much of the world's misery is caused by conflicts of race and religion. This movie evokes self-evaluation. For that I like it. Saw it with mom at the dollar movie on a whim and guess I was led to it for a reason...

Wedding Crashers
Sorry, but it just reminded me of things that my friend's and I would pull. Definitely this years "Meet the Parents".

Garden State-
Wonderful cd & great chick flick. I love Natalie Portman anyway- but that guy from Scrubs was good too.

Best part of winter
1)Getting a new bed. I got a real piece of furniture. I was stoked about my sleigh bed.

2) Progressive dinner
A supper club of friends took time out to spend an evening of traveling to everyone's house to see holiday decorations and add a piece to a full-course meal at each new destination. We ended up at the single girls house (me) for drinks/slumber party/taroh card reading.

3) Trying to start a book club.
Heathy, mom & I tried to be high-brow. Instead, it just ended up being an excuse to get together for constant laughter and a remembrance that we should just stick with our movie club. My girls make me laugh.......

Best part of spring
1) The weekend of my birthday in Indy. I may have gotten a flat tire while there but I hadn't really had an opportunity to let my hair down since I had moved back to Louisville. Case in point--I bought a Rolling Stones-like t-shirt with the sparkly tongue emblem that I wore out all weekend while there that I have yet to wear since. It was a true wild weekend....

2) Another good part about spring was not having to worry about money. I got to claim the Life-long learning credit for being in school the previous year. While I didn't go gang busters on Spring Break, it was nice to not have to check my account every 5 seconds.

3) Lastly, I had a really good time when my friends came in for Derby this year. Sister threw a party and that was just as much fun as us all at my house on the air mattress. "Can I offer you a shift change?"

Best part of summer
What was not to love about summer? This was my first real summer off as an educator. It was so nice to rejuvenate. I didn't work and was able to recharge my batteries.
Enclosed are some of the best parts:
1) Hanging out at Heath's pool and teaching the kids how to do all of the cool stuff (diving/diving for pennies/back flips/overall swimming)

2) Spending time with my sister
We went to a concert together for her b-day.
We read a lot of trash magazines.

3)Going on vacation with my family
I opted not to work in exchange for not doing a lot of traveling. Therefore, I got outta town via family vacation. It was so nice to see Natalie have no fear of the ocean. It was a definite highlight to see her ride those waves. I will capture that moment on my head for a lifetime. She is getting so big and it was nice to have the time to be a "real aunt". Some people don't get that opportunity to do that in their busy lives.

4)Reading
I hadn't had the opportunity to read anything but school books since I had gotten back in school. It was nice to actually read for leisure. Definitely spent some money at Half-Price books.

5)exercising
Since I had time, most of my summer days were spent going to the gym in the mornings and then heading down the street to Heather's. Unfortunately, I didn't lose any anticipated weight, but I didn't gain any from the ice cream runs that we frequently had after a tiring day at the pool.

6)Shannon's Birthday/Italian Fest
This was the first time that I had gone to the annual event. Something about being allowed to drink wine on a a public city block that was a huge novelty. Besides, we were all in rare form that weekend.

7)Grindstone Charleys/Back to school-last hurrah weekend
This was a spontaneous moment in Indy where I probably laughed more in one sitting than I had in a long time. My belly hurt the next day from laughing! uhhh, so did my head.....

Best part of fall
1)Realizing that I got the sweetest class at my school. I have a great group for my first official "full year".

2)White Stripes concert
This was a good weekend.

3)Big pile of leaves
George made a big pile of leaves in the backyard. It was like "king of the mountain" type of big. Mom made a pot of chili and invited us all all over. We all jumped in the leaves and then had a leave fight. We buried the kids in the leaves and took lots of good pics.

Best Book
"A Million Little Pieces".
Always a champion of the Oprah Book Club selections, this book is about the true nature of addiction. It made me think of addiction in a differnt way. I would recommend to anyone.

Winter Break thus far..........

Break has been really relaxing. I ran around the last couple of days like a chicken with my head cut off (inevitavble when you put the shopping to the last minute. I am the ultimate procrastinator) Last year's break was such a whirlwind with the new location/city/school/classroom that I didn't really have time to relax at all.

I have spent the last couple of days playing with the ipod. I went out for a little while yesterday to do day-after-Christmas shopping. I have spent the last couple of nights at moms house. Heather have her Oprah's 20th anniversary set. It is literally a 6 disc-18 hour committment. Within the last 72 hour period though, mom & I have taken on for the team & watched the whole thing. I won't go on forever about Oprah. However, she really is an inspiration of living life in an extraordinary way.

How many posts possible in 1 day?

Ok, so I have had a lot of coffee today. My little fingers will go no faster, in an effort to build the blog up. I feel as if I ahve so much to talk about. Additionally, I think teaching first grade has gone a little to my head and so I have to give the "Reader's Digest version" of the past year. I also have such a short attention span and assume that everyone else does too. (I never said that my sense of reality wasn't self-absorbed)

I dunno, I guess my alter-ego and aka name Estrella Knows just needed some attention and jthe written word is the fastest way of getting it all out???

Christmas Break

I promised to try to blog as much as possible during the holidays. I know how life will be after winter break though, so I am blogging as much as possible these next couple of weeks. I desperately needed a break from school in order to reflect on the past year since I started the blog and then "abandoned it". Loife goes too fast but I am going to try my best to keep this thing updated. I didn't even send out Christmas cards this year. .......ppppst! Who am I fooling? I don't think I have sent those darn cards out but maybe once or twice in my lifetime. But my mass e mails usually did the trick......mass e mails now being replaced by the blog. Peace out!!

ipod Heaven

I always wandered if there were a place such as ipod heaven; where one might be in a state of eternal musical bliss. The answer is inevitably, "Why yes Starr, there is a Santa Claus!" because this Christmas Santa brought me musical bliss. If jthat weren't enough, I get the opportunity to be the crazy aunt that can show you a constant slideshow of my little friends at all times possible. This is gonna be one bitchin Christmas break!!

Santa's Helpers

Grandma's House is always a good place to make holiday favorites......

All Hallows Eve

Shannon was a spelling bee if you couldn't already tell...........

Halloween Pics

These were taken in Indy before going an awesome Halloween Bash

Almost Christmas Break!!

I have not written in a long time! The fall has been a busy one. I am hoping to find more time to post during Christmas break, which is quickly approaching. Additionally, I am hoping to secure a digital camera for Christmas to make this thing a little more appealing. How much fun is a blog without the pictures?