If school were more like baseball

I was helping Corey in his classroom earlier this week, and he gave me a copy of this poem that he used for National Poem in Your Pocket Day:

If school were more like baseball /
we'd only have to play. /
We'd hang out in the sunshine /
and run around all day. /

We wouldn't have to study. /
We'd practice and we'd train. /
And, best of all, they'd cancel /
Whenever there was rain. - Kenn Nesbitt.

To all of you who are going back to school or have someone in school, good luck this year!

Big mouth

So apparently I'm on a roll with random postings today, but I returned to work from a week's vacation, so I think the ranting spews come out a little easier. I went to a new orthodontist a few weeks ago because I noticed one of my bottom teeth had started to turn. My parents spent all that darn money on braces so I figured that a small investment on my part to keep them straight is no trouble. I got fitted for a new retainer (not to mention the myriad of choices they have now--it's like Starbucks--glow-in-the-dark, glitter, with pictures, your name). Of course the process of getting impressions is nasty enough (I have a terrible gag reflex) with them shoving this metal thing in your mouth with ooze running out, but both the hygenist and the ortho commented on how big my mouth was. "Wow, we had to use the biggest mouth form on you..." Thanks. Is that reserved for cattle or something? Now I guess the terms sticks literally and figuratively. I went back last week to pick it up and this thing's practically got its own zip code. Lots of wire and these massive hooks that wrap around my back teeth. Then I popped both in and he informs me that he wants me to wear them 24 hours a day. Meanwhile I cannot even construct an audible sentence. I went out in public that day and I felt like I was the geeky 12-year-old all over again! Sorry bud, but I'll save those sexy mouth decorations for night night time.

D town visitor

Erin posted this picture in facebookland, but I thought it was so cute I wanted to add it to my blog. For some reason we tried to take this picture about 3 times and it still turned out silly, and as she mentioned, I don't know why her head is so much bigger...Thanks for coming up, Erin! I had a blast!

Financial woes, pt II

I take back that whole paragraph about the bank being really on top of things...yes, they've always been friendly through this wonderful ordeal of me calling every 3 days with a newfound "glitch" in my situation. Apparently the 3 bankers I had spoke to didn't connect my new card with my new account. All of my purchases were being taken out of the old one...continuously for about 5 days. Have you ever cried on the phone to a customer service agent? Well, Sunday afternoon the woman got some choice words and the tears. Can we just go back to bartering? I think that would simplify things A LOT.

Logical answer

Corey's response to my question as to why he doesn't read my blog:
"Because I live with you [duh]."

2nd anniversary mark

Corey and I have a fun plan to celebrate our anniversary--each year, the other person plans the trip. With our schedules, the only times we can really go away are after Christmas and the few weeks before school starts. Plus, we have a pact that we can save on everyday things but taking a trip every year is something we have to do for ourselves. So I had given him some random and elusive clues and Monday afternoon we headed to Bayfield. I went the B & B route and we were both so happy with the results! We were a three-minute drive from downtown, we had lots of privacy, an AMAZING view of the lake, and the breakfast that came to our door in a basket was homemade and delicious. We had homemade apple juice, quiche with feta and sun-dried tomatoes, and almond butter scones...We took the ferry tour to Madeline Island, and I managed to have a delicious GF pizza at a local charmer, Ethel's at 250. I bought Corey (aka us) an anniversary book, so that each year we can reflect on our goals and celebrations (thanks, Liz). Happy anniversary, Corey, je t'aime--

Brief hiatus

CB informed me that she needs to get her blog reading fix, so I should update. Honestly, I figured my latest situation would warrant lots of coversation, but I hesitated, trying to decide how to be general. Basically, a few weeks ago, I noticed some strange charges on my account. I called my bank and it turns out that someone in a state far far away got my number and was cruising some local retailers. Thankfully (and strangely) the charges were covered 100% and were relatively minimal. I was surprised it was so easy to deal with the bank because I've heard some horror stories about people being completely wiped out. The most frustrating and time-consuming factor in this whole situation was 1) having to call about 25 businesses that I do electronic payments with--and to make sure that switching my information was done without missing my scheduled payment; and 2) having no means of "fast" money for about 7 days--I had to write a check to the bank to withdraw money. Sure, in the long run I probably saved even more on impulse buying. So...I wanted to end with some message or tip to all of you who will probably get ripped off in the future, but honestly, there really isn't a cheat sheet of safety information. One person I spoke to never uses pay at the pump. Another idea was to walk your card up to the till at restaurants. But honestly, we are all totally vulnerable. I guess the best tip is to constantly monitor your stuff...(duh).

Gaelic Lesson

I was crusing through my Ireland pictures today, and decided I needed to post this video of Jane's vocabulary lesson. (Please note: whenever you have to listen to your own voice on a recording, it's painful). Janey, I miss you! Please come to America and visit. She told me that she and Ken are taking a trip in September, but I would pick Spain over Florida anyday too...

The everlasting question

So I've been crusing some peripheral blogs and decided that maybe some of my posts need to be more useful/informative/open for feedback. I've always been intrigued by this but I wasn't sure how to pose it: How do you save money? What tricks have you learned? What strategies do you [and your spouse] exercise? What have you learned that you wish you would have known ages ago (i.e. it would have saved you trouble in the long run)? Is there software that you use, or just your checkbook? Inquiring minds want to know.

Weekend bliss

I was having such a good time relaxing this weekend that I only took one picture...Kim & Tommy had us out to the cabin over the weekend and it was wonderful. There was some pontoon riding, sitting by the fire, definitely some eating, playing with Max, but mostly I remember that I TOOK A NAP...in the middle of the day. I can't remember the last time I did that since maybe college. Ah, that's what summer's all about. Thanks for the wonderful time!