Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it!!

Seriously?

















I can't believe this is happening.

Oh, good Lord. 7 hours till SPRING BREAK '07!!

Will I make it? I think I just might....
*We found a place that does snorkeling and dolphin watches for $17 (for 3 hours). I have never done either of them, and I really want to. Did I mention it has free beer and wine? Kat says the restaurant is good too, so who am I to think it's too good to be true?? We will check it out. Visit the website here and tell me what you think.
*Slight change of plans.... Pooty is too little bitty and could fit with ease thru Melissa's fence openings. So she's staying at Camp Annie. Thanks a MILLION, Annie. I feel good knowing my Pooty's in good hands.
*I am in the process of studying for the GRE for psych. It is a large, large undertaking. My brain hasn't held this much info in a long time.
*Leah made the BEST salad last night for us Wednesday-walkers. She said she'll post the recipe. Mmmm.
*We are doing 3 days of a business thematic unit this week where the kids make a paper airplane business, come up with marketing, a business plan, apply for loans, and present to "REAL" business people (people like many of YOU) on Friday. It's lots of fun. Yesterday I taught them about advertising. Today I am selling them all their supplies for their planes and presentations. Fun.
*I will be gone a whole week, guys. Think of me around 11 a.m. tomorrow when my flight takes off. I don't like flying a whole lot. Many many many pictures to come of SPRING BREAK '07!!!
*Catch ya on the flipside, ya'll.

Wine o' the week

Since I won't be here (you can't see me, but I'm holding my hands up and saying, "SPRING BREAK '07!! WHOOOOO!"), I will post the wine o' the week today. My selection is Campo Viejo's Tempranillo Reserva. Here's what it's like:

Aroma:Fragrant nose in which fruit and also floral aromas dominate, over a background of toasted wood and aromas of vanilla, coconut and spices.
Palate:Smooth and balanced palate. Its lovely, persistent finish is an invitation to continue enjoying it. Food Pairing:It goes well with a wide range of pairings: charcuterie, rice dishes, vegetables, mushrooms, white meat and roasted or grilled red meat.

Read more about Tempranillo in this article. It's really quite good. This one retails around $10. Mmmm.

What do you guys want to see more of in the wine o' the week.... more whites? More expensive wines? Let me know and I'll do my best!

Yes, you.

toothpastefordinner.com

3 days....

Everybody's Irish on St. Patty's Day

Awww... thanks for the pics, Leah! To see more, go here and also here. I have such good friends...!

And the countdown begins.

4 days and counting till our faaaabulous vacation to Destin! Jeremy has a work conference down there next week, and it just happens to also be my spring break. So I am tagging along. We're staying at the Sandestin Resort (pictured), which looks massive and full o' fun. While Jeremy's in meetings, I will sit on the beach and perhaps go to the outlet mall (I have a ridiculous obsession with them- even the crappy ones). Leaving on Friday & Melissa is taking care of Miss Parker (thanks, Missa!). Hoooooooooray! This will, undoubtably, be the longest.week.ever.

The weekend was awesome. Went over to Kat and Karl's to watch the second half of the Hoggies play (ouch). Saturday we went over to Leah's for her St. Patty's Day Extravaganza (but I forgot my camera- whoops). It was LOTS and lots of fun. Carbombs all around! Oooh, and I saw Jaime's wedding dress, which is beauuuuutiful. Also had the folks over for some bbq-ing yesterday (and actually sunburned in the process!). Great weekend!

I want that gold.

I forgot all about this piece of video treasure. Oh, Lord. I hope it's real. Happy St. Patty's Day. My great-grandpa is Irish, too, man.

The real wine o' the week

This week's wine is Don Raphael Reserva's sauvignon blanc (I haven't done any whites yet!). This one is from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile, made by Conde de Valazquez. Chilean wines are becoming more and more popular, and I've like almost every one that I've tried.
This sauvignon blanc has notes of "fresh lime and floral aromas." It’s from the foothills on the Chilean side of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. It’s the only Chilean region north of Santiago, cooled by the mountain’s glacial breezes at night, warmed by the nearby Atacama dessert during the day. That makes the grapes very fragrant. Also it’s very lightly oaked (Source). Visit the website here.
Pinot grigio used to be my favorite white, but I really like sauv blanc more now. It's not at all sweet, but that lime flava is great. Very good for warmer days! The best part about this one is that it's under $10 (somewhere around $8, actually)! Good choice when you want something different that is cheap.
Have a great weekend, all. Do something Irish.

Hmm. What do we think, folks?

It's that time of year again. The time when I fight with myself and try to decide if Memphis in May is worth it this year or not. See the lineup here. Things worth seeing:

• Three 6 Mafia. I went the last time they were there, and it was the most hilarious, entertaining, ghetto, slightly scary but at the same time thrilling show ever. There's that one song, "Push a.... (bleep)" during which I thought I might die. But laughed the whole time. Wear steel-toed shoes.
• North Mississippi Allstars. A southern music festival staple. Wear flip-flops and skirts.
• Allman Brothers? Aren't you supposed to see them once or something? I don't know....
• Old Crow Medicine Show. I hear they're great.
• (gasping) Counting Crows?! I've never seen them. And ps, I love them. Really, I do. Many many high school and college memories. There's a song about Elizabeth.
• Barenaked Ladies- I don't care that they got a little cheesy around '99. I have liked them from the start. They're Canadian, and they have a stand-up bass. And they do a rap medley which is always fun. I saw them at my first Memphis in May when Melissa was at Christian Brothers. I was a mere 17, and it was super cool.
• Project Pat??? The one that says, "bwok bwok, chicken chicken bwok bwok, chicken heads (boy please whateva) bwok bwok, chicken chicken bwok bwok, chicken head
  bald-head scala-wag ain't got no hair in back
  gelled up weaved up
  yo hair is messed up

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, no. What do you think, guys?

Wine o' the..... several months to come

This past weekend we bottled our brand spankin' new cabernet sauvignon that my parents gave us for Christmas! It is from Winexpert's Selection Series, which is better quality than the ones we had previously bought. It is a "noble California red grape. Rich in tannis, it produces a deep, full-bodied wine with intense aroma and flavour. A robust wine, perfect with red meat or wild game." It's VERY oak-y (yummy). Thanks to my parents for this awesome gift!
If you're interested in brewing your own wine and are in the LR area, go to Fermentables in North Little Rock. They're really helpful there and will point you in the right direction of what you're looking for. They also sell beer and cheese-making kits. Mmmmm mmmmm!
Of course, while we were at Fermentables, we couldn't help ourselves from buying a NEW one to brew, so we picked out an Australian Grenache/Mourvedre (Gren-ash Moo-vedd):
"Overland Corner, on Australia’s Murray River, is made up of long open plains and sloping hillsides. With beautiful vineyards and ultra-high quality grapes, it’s hard to believe the vineyard development has come about only since 1960. A classic blend from France, Grenache produces ripe purple fruit with dense, lush aromas of black cherry, jam, pepper and liquorice. Mourvèdre, deep blue and thick-skinned, has high sugar, acidity, colour and tannin, and dense structure, working especially well with Grenache’s lush fruit, for a blend of length, power, and fruitiness and above all, balanced intensity of flavour. With strong flavours and aromas of black fruit and bold tannins, this wine will develop impressive finesse and complexity after a year in bottle, improving for three to five more, and will pair wonderfully with ribs, filet mignon, and lamb chops. Sweetness Code: 0."

It should be ready in a couple months....!

A bear two times over?

For those of you who didn't know (and for those of you who DID, now you can talk about it!)....
I am officially applying to two full-time grad school programs, and I will be entering one of those two programs (keep your fingers crossed) in the fall.
My first choice is the school psychology program at UCA. I have to take a summer class that I missed in undergrad, and I have to take the GRE for psychology (YIKES) in April. It's a great program, and totally worth it. However, I won't know anything definite till August (cuttin' it awfully close).
Second choice is the social work program at UALR (the same one Miss Brooke and Senor Ryan completed). I have completed the whole application process, and I think I should hear something in the next month or so.
So there you have it. Career changes are terrifying, but I am very very excited about it. I love being in school, and there's no better time to go back than now! So, be thinking about me, and I'll keep you updated.

Teachers vs. Students

Just got done with the teachers vs. students vball game. Result:

Teachers- AWESOME.

So much fun. Aaaaaaaaand now I need a nap. That was exhausting. :)

Wine o' the week

This week's wine selection is Cline's 2004 Cool Climate Syrah (see the website here). It has a "deep color, rich blueberry and black pepper characters combined with a cedary-smooth finish and bright acidity. It pairs well with seafood pasta dishes."
It has a pretty spicy taste (the pepper), but the aftertaste is really cooling. It has a fantastic flavor. It retails around $16.
Reminiscing.... here's a pic of us at the Cline Winery. That's not the wine o'the week we're drinking in the photo, but it's the right location!

Yay!

Perhaps I've seemed stressed lately?

Look at what one of my 8th graders gave me today. Now that's genius. And yup, it says it in Spanish. And yes, it DOES somehow (strangely) make me feel better. Ahhh... I just hit it now. If you give it a little punch that helps even more. Facil. Yes, indeedy.
Well, it's funny nonetheless.

Weekend fun-ity

Neil Diamond says...

Happy Birthday to my Papa Bear!

A very very very happy birthday to my Pa! Thanks for always taking care of all your girls. You're the best. I hope you have a great day, and a RELAXING weekend! LOVE YOU very much!!

Oh, happy day

Ready for a happy post from me? Here we go!

• Pooty has recovered quite nicely from her surgery. She's still upset that we stole her womanhood, but she's getting over it. She still loves us.


• I get to go to a play today for a field trip- hooray!


• I've been exercising more now- Wednesdays with Kat & Kristen (DESPITE torrential downpour, ha ha) & the elliptical. Yeah, me.


• I am taking my bloggity blog in a new direction once a week (spun from Kat's "Corners"), and I'm going to talk about something I know best... wine. So I am going to recommend a wine of the week for you guys- something I've tried and loved. Or liked. First post follows....


• Yearbook is O.V.E.R. and is my last "official" huge time commitment for school- I start to get my afternoons back now!


• Mission accomlished for camping- we're going to Petit Jean this weekend.


• Jeremy finishes his first grad school class this weekend- wish him luck on his final! Hooray for baby. Gettin' that education. Makes me proud.


• I get to go to Florida this month for Spring Break '07!!! This is when you squeal and throw your hands up in the air and yell, "SPRING BREAK '07!!!!! Whooooooooooo!"


• Things are good. Very, very good.

Wine o' the week

For a cheap-o wine, this one is quite tasty. Even though it's called just a "red," it's a GSM mix (impress people at wine stores and toss this term around), which is a Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre combo. It is described as "a complex blend of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, exhibiting blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruit flavors along with blueberry, smoke, vanilla, nutmeg and anise on the nose. Frontier Red is designed to be the perfect complement to the foods found at most backyard cookouts and barbecues."
It costs around $10. Mmmmmmmm good! Don't be thrown off by the twist-off cap- it's the newest thing in wines. No more cork! The % of alcohol (see label) doesn't hurt the flava' either. You will enjoy.
Go try it today.

The great outdoors

With all this beautiful weather, I've gotten all anxious to go backpacking again. Following Chandle's lead, Jeremy and I went to Gander Mountain, the Wal-Mart of outdoor supplies (PS, the FIREARM section was the busiest in the store. I was frightened). I bought an inflatable sleep pad, a compression sack (so I can make all my clothes and hoodies shrink down to this big ), and new hiking boots! That's right- hiking boots. I'm pumped. They were originally $85, and I got them for like $35. They feel like tennis shoes, and they're very exciting. SO.... going camping soon. Just as soon as I figure out a weekend to go. Gotta use my new gear, yo!
Weekend was good- Trevor's bday party was quite fun (and tasty!) at the Oyster Bar (deeeelish pie, Brooke). People are still finding our cache that we made. Still waiting for you guys to find it! :) Jump on the bandwagon!

PS-- ooh, ooh! My beloved Marti Noxon co-wrote those last episodes of Grey's (read the Grey Matter blog over there.....)! Let's hope she stays.

Could this be a longer week? No.

nataliedee.com Made me laugh today. Speaking of pups, send happy vibes to Parker Posey Poo Poo today, who is getting her woman surgery. :( Poor thing. We thought for a second about NOT doing it since she's so dang cute and we could get top dollar. Ha ha. But, noooo.... So be thinking of her today. She's in good hands with Judith.
I had parent-teacher conferences yesterday, which made for the longest day ever, adding to the longest week ever. I think it's because it's pretty outside. Gets me all stir-crazy at work. But the weekend's here, so enjoy!

Ummmmmmm and when did everyone stop commenting here....? I'm lucky if I get a couple of comments a week! I'm going to go sulk now. :( You guys just go over to Kat's blog and add to her 10 comments per post! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
I'm kidding.
Mostly.

This is the coolest!

We have hidden our first geocache! Go to this link to see our first puzzle, multi-stage cache that we have created! If you have a gps, create a geocache account and go find it!
Hooray us!

UPDATE: there is more bloggiture to be had today- read on.

PHAT Tuesday '07... a couple of days later. Cause it's Thursday.

Sooooo my Fat Tuesday was not quite as crazy as I think the "holiday" intends, but it was still rather amusing. I love a parade, and I really wanted to go see the one downtown. I hear it's no St. Louis.... but can we ever live up to them?? Huh, huh?? Kidding. It was still pretty funny. Trucks. Trailers. Beads. No boobs. Good times for all.
There were quite a lot of people out there. The parade lasted oh, about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. But a parade's a parade, I say.
Let me also say that THIS guy was quite obnoxious and about 8 feet tall, snatching all the beads that were clearly thrown to US, standing behind him. He grabbed them all.
And his lady friend in front of her was no better. Loud drunk chick. And her biker boyfriend. A match made in heaven.
For Lent: I'm giving up eating the crap they put in the teacher's lounge. NO MORE.

Hooray!

Congratulations to Jaime and Ryan, who got engaged this weekend! I love these kids, and I couldn't be happier for them! I must say I'm a little sad because I kind of love Jaime and he's stealing her from me, but I guess I can share. If I must.
Congrats, guys!!