Puzzled...

I'm a little puzzled. I keep a blog, and when I mention people, it's usually as part of something I did. I ususally don't use full names if it has something to do with work, or if I'm frustrated by my professional life. And I especially don't use the full names of children.

That being said - I'm not a teacher, but if I were, I really don't think it's necessary, or even appropriate to use names of your students in blogs. It's rude, especially when other commenters end up making comments about the student (and especially since some of those people are also former teachers of the student). What if a parent runs across your blog? It doesn't matter if it's on Facebook or MySpace - they can still find it. Can you imagine how that student would feel if they found it? It's hard enough for kids nowadays, without teachers adding to their worries.

Blogs can be a great place to vent frustrations. Everyone has bad days, everyone has funny experiences. However when writing, it's important to keep other names out of it, especially when they are children.

Always look on the bright side of life

Yesterday, I headed to Ann Arbor with my two football tickets for the UM/MSU game in hand. I was meeting my friend Pav for lunch then the game, and it was quite the wacky day. When I woke up, the weather was nice - cool and sunny. The weather report said it might rain in Ann Arbor during the afternoon, but just showers. So, I packed my extra change of clothes, and my poncho, and headed off.

We went to lunch on State Street at Red Hawk - they have yummy burgers. I got mine medium, with cheddar cheese, bacon and barbeque sauce. They come with a side order of steak fries.

After that, we stopped at the Michigan Union for a bathroom break, and then headed down South University to check out Middle Earth. Except we only made it past the law quad, when I realized that my ticket was no longer in my back pocket...

As we rushed back to the Union, checking the sidewalks as we went, we were contemplating what to do if we didn't find the ticket...we got back to the Union, I checked the bathroom, Pav checked the couch we sat down on. Nothing. So, we went to the main desk to watch some kids arguing with the attendant there about having a non-validated student ticket, and asked if a ticket was turned in. Her first question "did a woman lose it?" Yup. "Which stall were you in?" THE END ONE!!! Yay! Someone turned in my ticket!!!!

It went straight into my zippered pocket, and we headed back toward Middle Earth. We both picked up some buttons, and then decided that it was time to head to the game. It was a fun game - the weather was great, and I had already been resigned to my team losing. But, as usual, they decided to give us glimpses of a possible win, getting my hopes up, then ultimately losing. I am appreciative that they've at least won a couple games (unlike the Lions...), but man, they could at least just strive to look mediocre. With that said, I love my Wolverines, no matter what!

Eric is working this weekend in the Ann Arbor area, so Pav and I walked back to our cars (which were north of campus, while the stadium is south). Then we decided to go to dinner at Godaiko, which is in the strip mall next to the Target plaza off Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.

We ordered an appetizer of edamame, which was much better than what we had a few weeks ago at Jelly's.

We ordered the Ocean Roll, which had tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado and masago:

A piece of fatty tuna (left) and masago (right):

A spicy california roll - a crab salad california roll with a spicy sauce on top:

And the Salmon Fusion roll - Salmon, avocado and masago, tempura battered:

Everything was much better here than what we had a few weeks ago, but still not quite as good as SanSu, Omi, and Ukai in the Lansing area. So, I really need to have some good sushi sometime soon...

It was a great day overall. It was nice seeing Pav again, it was good to get to have dinner with Eric, and I got home close to 1am, which gave me every reason to sleep in as late as I did this morning! Ah, it's nice to be lazy after a filled day!

Creative Streak?

So, since Saturday, I've made 6 things - 4 pairs of earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. Whew! And I still have all these ideas...just have to have time to sit down and do it all!

As usual, you can see all my work at http://www.clockrocks.etsy.com/. I wish my camera would focus better, because these earrings are really pretty!!! Darn picture doesn't do them justice.

And, just a reminder that the holiday season is coming up...it kind of snuck up on me, that's for sure. I woke up on Monday of this week, and thought "wow, it's October 20th??"

New Necklace and a relaxing weekend...

Actually, this picture is pretty good, even though I took it on my phone. I made this yesterday, along with 2 pairs of earrings, and made a third today. I don't have pictures of the earrings, but will once I get my camera from my office.

Otherwise, went to SanSu for dinner on Friday night, then took Dakota over to a friend's house to meet her puppy, Hobart. They got along ok - except Dakota isn't socialized very well with other dogs, so when the puppy tries to play with her and nip, she doesn't like it so much. She's very anxious around other dogs usually.

Saturday and today we slept in. Yesterday, Eric and I tried Asia's Finest for lunch, and really liked it. I'm sure we'll be back soon, since it's so close to my apartment. Then we went to Red Robin for dinner, because I was having a craving for red meat. Then we went bowling.

Today, slept in again (sooooo nice), and just been sitting around watching TV. Finished the last disc of Weeds season 3, and now just watching football and the race. Nothing too exciting, but it's much needed...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

I had a mixed day with food today. I forgot my camera, so I had to take pictures on my phone. So, the quality might not be as good as usual.

I went to lunch today with my friend Stephanie, and we were going to try this new sushi bar in Grand Haven, but they were only open from 5-11pm, so we went to Mia & Grace.

And there was a new sandwich! When I walked in, I talked to Jaime, one of the chefs, and she told me about the Duck PB&J sandwich. Of course I tried it! It was SOOOOO good.

I also tried a new dessert - the mile high German chocolate cake. YUM!

I then went to get my hair cut and colored, then called Eric, who had gone golfing. I asked him if he was possibly interested in some sushi, so we decided to head to the sushi bar, Jelly's, in Grand Haven. It's part of a group of other restaurants I really like - including Dee-Lite and Snug Harbor.

My first problem with this place was the service. Our waiter was pretty slow, and it took us awhile to even get an order in. The place isn't very big, so it's not like they were overwhelmed, but it still took awhile. Stephanie ordered the roasted butternut squash bisque, which had a good flavor, but was way too thick for my taste.

Eric and I ordered an appetizer of edamame. Not the best - some of them were mushy, and the salt was a little too much.

And then we ordered two Jelly rolls, and the Futomaki. I also ordered a piece of nigiri - eel.

All I can say is that I've had better - a LOT better. The Jelly roll was supposed to have a "spicy sauce" and we didn't really taste any of that. The eel came on a BALL of rice - and whatever flavoring they put in the rice was way too strong for my taste. For the price, the portions were so small. I'm used to getting a large roll for $11 - not really small rolls for the same price. The eel was COLD (I don't remember ever having cold eel). I'm longing for SanSu or Ukai right now.

All in all, I doubt that I'll be heading back to Jelly's, but I will most certainly be back to Mia & Grace, though I don't know when, because it's going to be awhile before I'm in Muskegon again. I wish I could make another one of Mia & Grace and have it in Lansing.

Throwing in the towel for the week

I woke up this morning not feeling well - had a headache, couldn't talk myself into getting out of bed, and my stomach has been bothering me. So, I took a sick day. Then I found out my boss said I could take tomorrow off too - so, no more work for me for the rest of the week.

It's been weird - I've been having headaches lately, and I hadn't had them for awhile. I usually get them when I'm stressed. I suspect I've run myself down, and really need some time to myself. I think I've been pretty successful with it this week. Though, my apartment is still a mess, and I have to try to get it cleaned up.

I've started taking time to do some jewelry stuff, and I've been watching Dexter, season 2. I haven't been reading as much, but I think with winter coming up, I'll get a little more back into it. I know I won't get the 50 books I wanted to read this year done, but I've read a lot of other ones in place of them.

I'm hoping the time off to work and some much needed time to myself will help...

Going back to the hobbies

So, this past weekend, I got inspired to start beading again. Bridget was wearing a pink necklace to bowling on Saturday night, and it gave me an idea. This is what it turned out to be:










It's pewter colored, with clear Swarovski crystals. the spacers are sterling silver daisy spacers and the clasp is sterling also.



Ah, how nice to be using the stuff I have...

Progress is being made...

Today was day 4 in a row of working out. I'm trying to make sure I fit it into my schedule, no matter what time I need to do it. I also took my lunch to work, and came home and made dinner. See?






Rice with Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin....yum!!!

Hopefully, I won't eat too badly tomorrow, considering I won't be home early enough to make anything. Back to eating at home on Wednesday!

Photographic proof...

That I cooked something...

Grilled chicken with warm mango salsa. I realize my plating technique isn't good enough for Top Chef, but wait a few more seasons...

Attempting a lifestyle change, Day 3

I didn't originally write about this, because it just kind of happened. I had a huge migraine on Thursday night, and had to cancel everything that I had planned on doing. I feel asleep for a bit before the debate, woke up to watch the debate, then went back to sleep for the night.

In the morning, my shoulders and neck still hurt. I went to work, and had my Friday yoga class, which helped quite a bit. I left work early, and ran some errands. Then I got home, worked out, and read some of The Chocolate War - like, 100 pages worth...

Yesterday was great - I went to the grocery store, armed with a list of ingredients for three recipes that I hope to make this week - yup, that's right, I'm actually going to COOK. And not just bake, because I do that more often than actually cook dinner. I worked out before heading out (day two in a row!), and ate well yesterday too. I went to Ukai for sushi, took a return trip to Barnes & Noble because I have a gift card, and then went to Royal Scot for bowling league.

I ended up purchasing the new Ani DiFranco CD, Red Letter Year. I've listened to it a couple of times so far, but not quite with my ear completely at the CD, but I like what I've heard so far. I stayed up until 2am listening to it, and reading.

So far today, I've eaten at home, finished picking up a few things for my recipes, worked out again, and am finishing up the second disc of season 2 of Dexter. I'm also cleaning up my apartment a little bit - throwing out excess paper, cleaning the kitchen so I can make dinner, and definitely vacuuming - the dog likes to leave her hair all over!

Stay tuned for more updates...

Banned Books Week

This week was Banned Books week. I'm finally getting around to writing, as things have just been really hectic lately.

I picked up The Chocolate War from the library, and I'm hoping to crack it open tonight.

I also wanted to post this list:

The 10 most challenged books of 2007 reflect a range of themes, and are:

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group
The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence
Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
Reasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language
The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
Reasons: Religious Viewpoint
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
Reasons: Racism
The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,
TTYL, by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
Reasons: Sexually Explicit
It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
Reasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit
The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

Books have always been an important part of my life. Wherever I have lived, I have frequented my local library, and those of you that know me, know my love of bookstores (and bringing home something from there...)

This is also an interesting source - it gives a list of challenged novels in the 20th century, and talks about where they were challenged and why they were challenged. I have to say, I don't necessarily agree with everything that every book has written in it, but I think to challenge any book and not allow it to be accessible to the public is a great travesty. People should be able to read what they want, and make up their minds as to what is appropriate for their own family. Parents should be involved and read along with their children.

Many books were written in different times, and context must be taken into account, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Only by opening our minds to different viewpoints can we truly understand our world.