Counting the days...

Spring Break is just a few days away...you would think that since I work for a school I would automatically have it off...oh were it so...admins work year round, but we do have PTO days and instead of losing some at the end of the SY again I've decided to have a little stay*cation and use those days during Spring Break.

Not that it will be much of a break, as I'm out for my walks with Tanner many things that I need/want to get done pop into my head. So to help in my effort to keep track and attempt to actually get them done, I decided to post them here...sorry a boring read today, sometimes this blog is really all about me...hey, no snickering on the sometimes.

1. Clean out, wash and vacuum car
2. Restructure little retirement fund from previous job so money will not continue to waste away
3. Mani/Petti...70 degree weather has my toes screaming for air, but they're not ready for public viewing just yet
4. Finish scraproom organization
5. Clean out closet, put winter clothes away...this will no doubt cause a major blizzard
6. Lots of laundry
7. Take Tanner to the wash your pup place
8. Clean out fridge

Well those are the ones I can remember at the moment...I'm sure I'll be adding to the list as the time comes closer.

Tanner's Resolutions

I know I shared a few of my resolutions for the new year, now I thought it might be fun to share some of Tanner's resolutions (or at least the ones I really hopes he makes from this fun list we found)

1. I will not eat other animals poop. (is there a 12 step program for this, I think Tanner needs one)
2. Since number 1 will be a hard one to break, I will at least not lick my human's face after eating animal poop
3. I will not roll in other animals poop
4. I'll remember that the garbage collector and/or UPS truck is NOT stealing our stuff.
5. I will not roll my toys behind the couch.
6. I must shake the snow and rain out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
7. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.
8. I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
9. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.
10. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
11. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
12. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
13. I will not eat my Mom's underwear.
14. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither is Mom’s lap.
15. I will not put my paws on the counter or steal any more Christmas roasts.
16. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration

10 on Tuesday

So, I've sorted through my 200 or so photos from the 4 days in NYC and tried to pick my top 10 to share here.
1. The Chrysler Building

2. 6th Ave. by Rockefeller Center, love the vibrancy of the traffic and thankful I don't have to drive in it.

3. Looking up at the Empire State Building from Bryant Park

4. The heart of the Garment District

5. Radio City at night

6. Central Park and midtown skyline from the roof of the Metro. Museum of Art

7. Jeff Koons' 'Balloon Dog' also on the roof of the Met.

8. Taxis lined up on 5th Ave.

9. Central Park

10. Times Square

10 on Tuesday

I decided to tag along with Shelley on a business trip to NYC in a couple of weeks. Here's what's on the agenda so far

1. Sleep in...hooray for comfy hotel beds
2. Visit the MET
3. Visit the museum at FIT
4. Visit the MOMA
5. Drool over lenses in person at B&H Photo
6. Take the Sex and The City tour (cheesy I know)
7. Take in a Broadway musical
8. Enjoy the fall colors in Central Park
9. Window shop in the High End shops on 5th Ave.
10. Get lost in Macys

Any tips for a fall trip?

10 on Tuesday

I have a little problem and I know some of you share the same, we just can't say 'No' when faced with a problem or see something that needs to be done. In searching for something else in Internet land, I came across this list of ways to say No. I think I might need to laminate it and pull it out when needed.

1. I'm in the middle of several projects

2.I 'm not comfortable with that.

3. I'm not taking on any new responsibilities (I don't know about you, but this would not go over well at my work.)

4. I'm not the most qualified person for the job.

5. I hate to split my attention among projects

6. I have another commitment.

7. I need to focus more on my personal life. (while this may be true I can't ever imagine using this one)

8. I need to focus on my career right now.

9. I would rather decline than do a mediocre job.

10. NO

You can see more of the list, and get other helpful organizing tips here.

10 on Tuesday

I love this time of year as fall slowly makes it's way in and summer and her ugly temperatures move along. As much as I love fall, I often look on the backside of summer with some regrets of the summer things I didn't get to do.

1. No roadtrips to mountains or other Colorado destinations
2. Didn't visit Alaska
3. Not enough trips to the dog park at Chatfield
4. Didn't go to any concerts at Red Rocks
5. Didn't eat enough fresh in season fruit (with the exception of Cherries, I ate too many on a couple of occasions)
6. Didn't get a chance to go to farmer's and open air markets
7. Missed lottery for O'Bama tickets
8. Never went to the pool (but I did get a key this year which is better than last so some progress was made)
9. Only got 1 pedicure (I realize that this activity doesn't have to be limited to summer, but in thew winter I don't see my toes enough)
10. Missed the Chatfield ball on festival for the 2nd year. (I know a couple of you make this an annual event, so I'm putting you in charge of making sure I don't miss it next year.)

Et tu? What did you miss out on this summer...

10 on Tuesday

My brain is so focused on work as the countdown to the start of school gets shorter and shorter, I'm a little stumped on a list for this week. But, I am a creature of habit and routine so...since I have a birthday coming up and my family harasses me about being hard to shop for (so I'm a little picky, what's wrong with that? they would say I'm the worst kind of picky since I never tell them what I want, but pout if it's not the right thing) So on the off chance they'll read the blog between now and Sunday, I thought I would make a little list.

• Panera gift card
• Jewelry
• Starbucks gift card
• tickets to a Broncos game
• a new george f. grill (boring I know, but I really need it)
• Scrapbook Destination gift card (then maybe I could save money I make instead of spend it, sorry MK)
• A Kindle (yeah right, but I covet MK's so it had to go on the list)
• This 50-200mm lens

• or this one (another in the highly unlikely category, but a girl can dream)
• flowers (yep just a beautiful bouquet of flowers, I'm cheesy that way)

What's on your birthday wishlist?

10 on Tuesday

I came a cross this cute list in Becky Fleck Page Maps sketch book, she scrapped a layout with her dogs and used this as journaling.

'A Dog's Pet Peeves about Humans'

1. Blaming your toots on me. Not funny, not very funny at all
2. Yelling at me for barking. I'm a friggin' dog you idiot!
3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is it anyway? huh?
4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose.
5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff when you're not home.
6. The slight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
7. Taking me to the vet for the 'big snip', then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back there.
8. Getting upset when I sniff your guest's private parts. I haven't mastered the handshake thing yet.
9. Dog sweaters. Haven't you noticed I have fur?
10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look- we both know the truth---you're just jealous.

I'm guilty of number 6, I don't know if I'll ever think of it in the same way again.

10 on Tuesday

I was listening to the radio on the way to work a few days ago, I caught the tail end of the story about the worst song lyrics of all time. What's a girl to do, research on the Internet of course. Here's what I found from Spinner mag, and a few opinions of my own (imagine that)

1. "Lucky that my breasts.Are small and humble So you don't confuse Them with mountains"
--Shakira's 'Whenever, Wherever'

2. "There's an insect,In your ear,If you scratch,It won't disappear"--U2's 'Staring at the Sun' Can you say sellout?

3. "There were plants. And birds.And rocks.And things"--America's 'Horse With No Name' too bad these guys didn't have access to a random word generator back in the day.

4. "Coast to coast.L.A. to Chicago" --Sade's 'Smooth Operator' oops looks like some one struggled with geography in school.

5. "Like a rock . Chargin' from the gate" --Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band's 'Like a Rock'

6."He was a boy. She was a girl.Can I make it.Any more obvious?" --- Avril Lavigne's S8tr Boy Gee, I don't know COULD you?

7. "I am ... I said, To no one there, And no one heard at all,Not even the chair" --Neil Diamond's 'I Am ... I Said' I for one am glad, the couch doesn't listen

8. "If I was a sculptor,But then again, no" --Elton John's 'Your Song
I think this one is #1 on my list...it's always made me crazy

9. "My panty line shows, Got a run in my hose,My hair went flat,Man, I hate that"
--Shania Twain's 'Honey I'm Home' Yes, but must you share with all of us?

10. "I love you like, A fat kid loves cake" --50 Cent's '21 Questions' Admit it, you laughed, this would be perfect on a greeting card.

What would you add?

10 on Tuesday...Fraidy 'Dog'?

It's true, I think I live with the most senitive dog. Here's a quick list of some of the things Tanner is afraid of(yes some)

1. Thunder
2. Fireworks
3. Wind
4. Sprinklers
5. Window blinds
6. Kids on bikes
7. N. Turkey Creek Rd. (for good reason he fell out of the car while going along this road)
8. Some tall men
9. Automatic doors
10. Vacuum

10 on Tuesday...Staples

10 things I need to have in Pantry/Refrigerator at all times

1. Eggs
2. Butter
3. Tortilla chips
4. Garlic
5. Pure Vanilla
6. Cheddar cheese
7. Egg Noodles
8. Salsa
9. Strawberries
10. Olive oil

What's in your fridge?

10 on Tuesday

Summer is in full swing and lots of folks are traveling and reporting back. Little me is staying put for now, but I wanted to join in the fun with a list of some of my favorite places I've been to in the past.

1. St. Petersburg, Russia
2. Stockholm, Sweden
3. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
4. Mt. McKinley, Alaska
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Cozumel, Mexico
7. Yellowstone National Park
8. Washington DC
9. New York City
10. Killarney, Ireland

10 on Tuesday...the late edition

Oops, I let another Tuesday slip by with no list. I'm such a slacker, never fear I have a special Wednesday edition.

It's that time of year where we interview for new teachers. After 10 years of being an interviewer, I have some definite opinions of Do's and Don'ts for interviewees and after yesterday feel a strong urge to share them publicly.

1. Do read the posting carefully.
2. Do research on the company before your interview, if possible go beyond the website and try to glean as much information as possible. Work your research into your answers.
3. Don't be wishy washy in your answers. It's totally ok to ask for clarification on what an interviewer is asking so that you can be specific.
4. Do listen to the question and if I ask you to give me an example of a situation and reolution be very specific. Don't pretend to be perfect and say you've never had this situation because that tells me you don't have enough experience. Try to find an example that's most relevant to the job you're applying for. Ex: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a confrontational student/parent/employee/customer and strategies you used to resolve the situation. I would answer that question with one of the following --- autistic boy who used to scream at the top of his lungs all day and the steps I took to build a relationship with him, a mother who cussed me out for suspending her son and 1 month later called and asked for help, or my all time fav supervisor/employee termination story where the employee called his mom during the termination.
5. Do dress in business attire for the interview, even if your research says it's a casual workplace. My personal preference is that you also remove piercings in places except for your ears and cover as much as your body art as possible. You want me to focus on your answers and behavior, not staring at the giant ball in your chin. If your piercings are an important part of you and your look do ask in the interview if the company dresscode allows you to wear them.
6. Do prepare some questions and make sure to ask them. Often times the questions you ask me are weighted as strongly as the answers you give me. I am looking for someone who cares about my mission and is not timid.
7. Do be up front about your compensation needs either before the interview or during. Nothing ticks me off more than calling a candidate and then being told 'I can't work for that much money' when they knew how much the position paid before they even applied.
8. Do be ready for the standard questions. Have great answers for the following
* Why do you want to work here?
* Why are you the best candidate?
* What are your strengths? if you struggle with this question I highly recommend Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham.
* What are your weaknesses?...and don't say I'm a work-a-holic. It may be true, but I might just think that your not efficent with your time and have to work late often because you spent to much time chit chating or surfing the web during the day.
9. Do mimic/mirror my body language. There have been several studies on successful interviews and they have found that when the candidate mirrors the interviewer they are more likely to be offered the position. Why? Non-verbal language tells me that we're a match and can get along together.
10. Don't talk negatively about a previous employer or place blame for your leaving on another person or member of the team you worked on. As an experienced supervisor, I usually jump to the conclusion that you're a difficult person to work with and I don't want that kind of negativity entering my work environment.

10 on Tuesday

So last week was one of those whirlwind weeks that just flew by. We had out graduation and I promise a post on that as soon I get pictures. But today is Tuesday and you know what that means...a list of course.

I remember when I was a kid that summer TV always sucked, now I'm older and have TIVO and cable I have plenty to watch. Here are 10 shows I have waiting for me...

1. Hell's Kitchen
2. The Daily Show
3. Gossip Girl
4. My Fair Lady
5. Tootsie
6. Good Eats
7. Decorating Cents
8. 60 Seconds to Chic
9. Signing in the Rain
10. All of the spring episodes of Greys (you know, in case I go into withdrawal and need a summer fix)

What's in your que?

10 on Tuesday...10 things Denverites should know

On one of my late night blog surfing runs I came across a blog where a man was on a mission to take 100 pictures that would reflect the quintessential people and places of his town. (Santa Barbara, Ca I think.) I've been thinking about it for a few months and combined with overheard conversations about Denver celebrities and at least one person not knowing said celebrity, I think it's time to start compiling a list of things/people/places one should know if living in the Denver Metro(yes even us suburbians) area. Clearly my list is biased to my experience, but anxious to see what others add. As with all Tuesday lists number does not necessarily denote ranking...

1. John Elway...until the Broncos win another superbowl and it could be a looooooong wait John will be at the top of the list for sports celebrities. He makes my list because he was really the only thing consistent in my childhood/early adult life. It didn't matter whose house I was, Sundays meant the Broncos and John

2. Red Rocks...no better place in the country to see a live concert.

3. At least one current player or coach on every sports franchise. Take your pic,just know someone. My recommendations: Jay Cutler-Broncos, Allen Iverson-Nuggets, Joe Sakic-Avs, Clint Hurdle-Rockies Manager

4. City Park/Zoo/History Museum and the neighborhoods surrounding.

5. Botanic Gardens...I suppose you could loop this in with #4 but I was just there today and it was so beautiful it gets it's own number

6. City/County Building Hall

7. Art Museum

8. Your closest light rail station

9. Brown Palace Hotel

10. Performing Arts Complex

Now it's your turn...who, what, where would you add...

Wow, it's Tuesday

I almost went to bed without posting this week's edition of the 10 on Tuesday list. I think it's because today has really felt like a Monday, so much for the long weekend.

I was inspired by a layout Arleigh did awhile ago about the jobs she has had, and decided to list mine before I forget or block one out.

1. Nanny
2. Cook
3. Accounts Receivable clerk
4. Admin Assitant/Secretary
5. Pre-K teacher
6. Childcare Director
7. Trainer (aka Goddess of Mirth and Knowledge)
8. Sr. Director
9. Tech support
10. Academics Manager (aka crazy woman who knows stuff)

10 on Tuesday...Eye Candy

Another season of American Idol has come to an end and I'm afraid that once again my favorite will not win. Instead of watching the judges gush over baby David, I decided to compile my own version of People Mag's 'Sexiest Men' List.




1. George




2. McDreamy




3. LL Cool J (Ladies love cool James)




4. Michael Vartan




5. John Cusack (gotta love a funny guy)




6. Luke Wilson




7. Hugh




8. Usher




9. Bon Jovi




10. Eddie Vedder

Yep, I have a little thing for musicians.

10 on Tuesday...Inspiration Addition

This morning I got out of the shower singing 'I love a Rainy Night', but not so much a rainy morning and thought I should blog about it. Then I remembered that Ducky requested that we all blog about how we're inspired by each other and that that was my plan for this week's 10 on Tuesday. All the sudden my mind was singing 'inspiration' to the tune of the Chili Peppers Californication. Which reminded me of the Shell Silverstein poem 'ation'. Which reminded me of high school debate(yep nerd and proud of it). Which reminded me that I have that experience to thank for much of my success later in life. Mind you all of these thoughts rolled through in the 2 minutes brushing my teeth.(yes I have a timer on my toothbrush) All worthy blog topics, but not today.

Today is about inspiration...I know I've said it before, but it's just one of those things you can't say enough. The ladies listed to the right have all been such an inspiration and joy to get to know and without a doubt the best thing that's happened since I moved here.

1. From Heather...Journal, baby, journal. And not just the easy, happy stuff. When I think about my books and what I hope to pass on I hope that my pages will me as meaningful as this one of Heather's. It will forever stand out as one of the best.

2. Vivian...using my beloved circles in a new ways and reminding me that I love the look of a cardstock frame. I agree with Arleigh that her love for Thickers is contagious.

3. Rachel...lower right hand corner. :)

4. MK...challenges, oh the challenges, I can work with 'scary papers'

5. Speaking of scary papers...Ducky is just about the best in the biz at working with patterns that have me running for the woods. When MK issues one of her challenges, Ducky's gallery is the first place I for inspiration.

6. Emily...take pictures of and journal about me, bonus points if I can work in buttons, hand stitching or ric rak.

7. Houston...Houston's love for birds is also contagious, but I love that she's always willing to try and incorporate new techniques on her pages.

8. Tara...I am inspired by Tara's story telling ability. Her blogs are always entertaining.

9. Kelly...who doesn't have a blog, but should to show off her wonderful cards. You can see some her great technique ideas on the Scrapbook Destination blog on Friday.

10. Becky...inspired me to do my first(and only at this point) digi page and to use digi elements on gridded paper.

10 on Tuesday...Life's Soundtrack

Did you ever think when you were a kid that you would have access to every album from every artist, maybe if you won the lottery...thank god for the internet, now our dreams come true through a variety of sites. One of my favorite sites is Pandora(check out the link on the nav bar) if you haven't visited before you are totally missing out. You can put in your favorite artist and not only will it search for tracks by that artist, but will also return other artists that you may like based on some common musical elements. Talk about art merging with science...while you can't always specify the exact song you wish to hear at the moment, you're guaranteed to find a new artist or two or five. You can also bookmark songs as you hear them and download from ITunes or Amazon to add to your permanent collection.

Here are the last 10 songs I've bookmarked...
1. Listen...Beyonce
2. Weatherman...Kris Delmhorst
3. Keep it Loose...Amos Lee
4. And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going...Jennifer Hudson
5. Ex-Factor...Lauryn Hill
6. Jealousy...Liz Phair
7. You and Me...Lifehouse
8. It Might Be You(yep the Tootsie Song)...Stephen Bishop(no clue who he is)
9. Hymn to Her(Live)...The Pretenders(I still want to be Chrissy Hynde when I grow up)
10. Boys Don't Cry...The Cure

What about you...what are you listening to right now?

10 on Tuesday...What Alaska is really like

Pretty much without fail when folks find out I've spent 'quality time' in Alaska they always ask a ton of questions to try and figure out what it's like. It's truly a special place, in more ways than one...when a former collegue forwarded this Jeff Foxworthy-esque list I couldn't help but laugh and think it's perfect for describing life in Alaska.


1. If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you may live in Alaska.

2. If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Alaska.

3. If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Alaska.

4. If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Alaska.

5. If you know several people who have hit a moose more than once, you may live in Alaska.( I am pleased to say I am not one of these, but have been late to work more than once because a moose was in the driveway)

6. If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Alaska .

7. If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Alaska.

8. If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Alaska.

9. If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Alaska.

10. If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 70 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Alaska.

Bonus round...
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Alaska.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Alaska.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Alaska.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you may live in Alaska.