i'm (we're) leaving, on a jet plane...

FINALLY!


Aloha everyone and mucho thanks to J, you're the BEST! =D

Like a best friend

Last night Damon brought his ipod to bed and shared his headphones with me. He had so many old songs on that thing, songs from early high school/junior high. We had so much fun listening, singing, and playing the "guess what song this is" game.

It felt like we were first dating again, me finding all these songs on his ipod I knew, and him discovering that I *gasp* actually knew some Beastie Boys songs.

I love that every day brings a new surprise to our relationship. :)

From a friend...

A woman should have enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A woman should have something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A woman should have a youth she's content to leave behind....

A woman should have a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A woman should have a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A woman should have one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A woman should have a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A woman should have eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A woman should have a feeling of control over her destiny.


Every woman should know how to fall in love without losing herself.

Every woman should know how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

Every woman should know when to try harder... and when to walk away.

Every woman should know that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

Every woman should know that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

Every woman should know what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

Every woman should know how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

Every woman should know whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

Every woman should know where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing...

Every woman should know what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...

Oahu Revealed, by by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman

The value of this book will be fully determined after our trip next week, but so far so good. It was an easy read -- took me only two insomnia filled nights to read. Easy easy easy. It has maps and reviews of hotels, beaches, dining, "adventures" and attractions, all organized by location on the island. Most of the reviews are in-line with word-of-mouth recommendations that we've been given from friends. So, either our friends also read this book, or the book is on par with local favorites.

The only thing I had trouble with was the maps. I need something more visual. Not a map person. I'm still going to have to pick up the big illustrated map I saw at AAA. :)

Teacher Man, by Frank McCourt

My latest read. I wasn't a HUGE fan of 'Tis or Angela's Ashes. It was good, but not excellent, ya know? But this one, oh this one was GOOD. Didn't want to put it down good. Didn't want to fall asleep just one more page I can finish this chapter good.

Reading his writing was like listening to my own brain. I think I enjoyed this book so much because it was just so perfect for this time in my life, where I'm starting on this new career and learning how to teach. Seriously, if you are a young teacher, you must.read.this.book. You'll laugh and your husband will look at you funny, even after you read the paragraph to him out loud.

Go read it. Even if you're not a teacher. Read it and you'll understand how us teachers feel. :)

Loving Large

Back in 2001, I started gaining weight. Yup, that freshman fifteen hit me hard. Harder than fifteen, but we don't need to discuss exactly how hard.

Now everything I'm reading says that women can expect to gain between 15 to 40 pounds (on average) after their wedding!

Aggggh.......it's like I can't escape! :(

Reasons I worry, #1

the lack of stability in my job

So here's the gist -- the state is in a deficit. Our Gov. decides to cut money out of education (what else is new?). Districts freak out. The potential for losing your job is high.

Thank goodness I work for LAUSD (*wow* I never thought I would say that). At the very least, I have a job. I have no idea what it will be or where, but at least I have a job.

I hope.

Please please please support your teachers! Read the article. Send letters. Your voices are stronger than ours.

Wise Words

Good Read.

Things I Want to Do Over Vacay

....because I have been utterly unproductive and lazy since finishing school:

1. clean the house, top to bottom (I've already done 2 rooms)
2. organize and move out or my parents' room (finally)
3. finish my wedding projects that i never quite got to
4. read
5. apply to CSULA for the fall (this is still a maybe)
6. go to a museum or someplace i've always wanted to go

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

Closet Space

Last night Damon fell asleep before I did. While I turned out the light I had this sudden overwhelming feeling -- as if it just occurred to me that my HUSBAND was next to me. And suddenly it became so official that I never had to let him go. Strange, huh?

Today as I was putting away the laundry I noticed that several of my nice wooden hangers have found their way to Damon's side of the closet to hold up his nice button-down shirts. I hadn't even noticed they were missing.

Now THAT'S married life in its truest form. =D

Third time's a charm, right?

So the first time we were supposed to go on our Honeymoon, Damon got sick. We postponed until May 15.

Lo and behold last night my friend and I were talking and I realized -- s#!t -- I have a mandatory training on the 17th! If I skip that training I'll be set back an entire year for my credential work. And I'm thisclose to finishing... -___-

Last night I spent looking up more flights out to Hawaii so now we're set back again -- luckily only by 4 days. I swear, I have never had so much trouble going on a trip. Like we're not supposed to go or something. Damon thinks it's because we're meant to go on this new week. Like we'll win something or see someone. I think something bad is supposed to happen :| Let's hope not....