Internet Connection

• I really need Friday to come so I can see my guard girls. I think they might rejuvenate me so that I can regain my patience and my sanity for next week. Suffice to say that today I felt like an awful teacher, because I'm falling behind on the material, feeling ineffectual, and tired of answering questions and having to respond to things that have nothing to do with what I'm teaching. As a semi-controlling personality, I hate feeling out of control, but most especially with something that I can and should be able to control. So...I need Friday.
• I kind of love trolling the Internet. I know it makes me introverted for several hours at a time, but there really are some amazing things out there that I would never know about or be able to see without this amazing resource. Things from today (some I've seen before, some are new):
• Refuse to Move
• The World At Your Feet
• Anna's Musings
• Football and Cancer
• Best Toys
• The Salvation Army
• PonchoMeg
• Favorite Occupier
• Another Sherlock Contest!
• Ginger Ambition
• 90s Fun
• Disney Mean Girls
• Hugh and Ellen Talk Slang
• Best Statement Ever

Listen, The Snow Is Falling

• Oh hey, snow; welcome back.

They are a little blurry, but I love the lighting.

This was at 7 p.m.!

• I went to my dad's choir concert tonight, so I got to be downtown...with the lights in the park, the snow and the city buildings, I fell in love with Kalamazoo all over again :) Also, I re-remembered how I kind of want to marry a musician/band director, so I can be around concerts all the time. Lastly, I want to get married at First Pres.
• I really love all the Lowe's commercials that are out right now: Never Stop Improving, Lights Across America, and Exploded.

Our First Day Together

• HIMYM & Broke Girls were both great tonight. HIMYM was the one with turturkeykey and Broke Girls was one that I've seen before, but it was so much better the 2nd time seeing it. That might be the key to liking that show.
• I had a pretty great first day. Still a lot of work to do but I'm making an awesome list/schedule, which makes me happy. I'm also working a lot, for a sub; I mean, I know that I'm a teacher and long hours, low pay and little recognition come with the job, but I wish I could at least get the long-term sub pay rate. BUT, I got a note from a parent today: "Ms. Palmer - I asked Sydney last night if she had any concerns about not having Mrs. Westley for a few weeks and she said that although she will miss Mrs. Westley that she has met you and really likes you! :) I will meet you this Thursday as I am a computer lab volunteer. Welcome!"
• Tonight would have been my night to be on Jeopardy. There was a whole category about Michigan, and they were all super easy. I mean, granted, that's probably how New Jersey people feel when there's a category about NJ and I'm like wtf, but still, it made me feel smart.
• I talked to Melissa via Skype. She told me about her life of crime. I'm so proud of her.

Who Put the Alphabet in Alphabetical Order?

• I got to organize my movies alphabetically today! They've never been stored like that, if you can believe that.
• I got a new flashdrive today and I need a name for it...OOH maybe I will name it Flash. It's a cool name, plus that's what Jason was like when he bought it for me while I was in the bathroom (that sneaky guy...).

Ms. Bell's Song (Nov 26)

• Today was the Bell Thanksgiving at Laurel and Roger's and it was fun to see the Bell family, especially since everyone (but Katie :/) was there :)
• It's become a tradition in out family to drink Jim Beam in a toast to my great-grandparents, because we know that they used to drink it when they were young. It appears my tussle with whiskey is over...it didn't make me want to hurl! Phil was proud when I told him this.
• Jill and Elaine made the polish roses this year. (I don't remember a family event without them, though I've only just started eating them.) They made 335 of them! We found that was past the Bell Polish Roses Intake Point, as lots of people brought the extras home. Not as many next year.
• I talked with Melissa W on the way home and we are realizing more and more how similarly our brains work, especially when it comes to boys and recycling.
• When I got home, I hung out with Phil, Jason and Justin. They mostly played video games but it was good just being around them (plus they talked to me every once in awhile ;)). Oh, and I'm supposed to bring home a Korean husband for myself and 10 North Korean wives for Justin, otherwise he'll be mad. Also, when I asked if they wanted to try my Pear Cupcakes, they were all like "Eh, maybe one." When I left, at least 30 were gone.

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair (Nov 25)

• I've never even seen South Pacific but I had the line of that song stuck in my head as I showered tonight. I wish it were that easy.
• I'm okay with being single, but it's hard as crap to not be with someone.
• I'm the luckiest girl and got to spend my 2nd Thanksgiving with my family tonight. We laughed, ate food, planned for BKC and enjoyed each other's company.
• Sometimes I wish I could just curl up in my camp people's hugs for a very long time. Especially now with the prospect of not being able to see them for 6 months, including missing camp. I basically feel like I'm missing Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family. That will be one of the hardest parts about being away.

I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For

• Today has been a great day:
• First of all, I got to stay in my sweatpants, moccasins and AAHOM t-shirt all day.
• Because of my Macy's sleep schedule, I woke up early enough to watch all of the parade. I love the parade and someday, I will be awesome like Krystle and be in it. I have come up with several ways to make this happen, so one of them is bound to work.
• Me and Erin hung out and made hand turkeys, which also turned out completely adorable. I was really excited that she made them with me, because none of the boys would (plus it meant we got to hang out).
• In addition to the parade and football, I (we) watched the original, 1947 version of The Miracle on 34th Street. It is quickly becoming one of favorites, just like White Christmas.
• My dad and Barbara and Barbara's mom made fantastic food for today, everything that Thanksgiving should have.
• Because today was nice and relaxed (and I wasn't consumed with EDMT projects this year), I spent some of my time making more fabric flowers. I love it, they turn out so cute!
• I got to hang out with everyone in my [immediate] family today.
• Barbara's birthday was today and falls on Thanksgiving every few years...how cool! (since those are 2 of my 3 favorite holidays)!
• Macy's Justin Bieber Black Friday commercial > Kohls' Black Friday "Friday" commercial. (I actually really love the JB one. And, yes, I purposely did not attach a link for the "Friday" one.)
• And to think, I could be one of the crazies out shopping RIGHT NOW. Instead, I'm curled up in my bed, ready to watch HP7.1 :)
• Happy Thanksgiving!

Ladies in Da House

• Packed up and left Cara's house today. It was sad, I really enjoyed living there; especially when her mom did things like get me mini-muffin cups for my mini-muffin pans and bake cookies for Cara's and my last night together. Ooh I need to remember to take a picture of their house...I've been taking a picture of the house and house number of all the places I've lived.
• Currently watching Harry Potter 1 with my mom and brother, while laying with my kitties and looking up grad schools :)

Last Day in the Mines (Nov 22)

• Happy 11.22.11!
• Today was my last day at work. It was sad, but with all the talk of inventory and crazy holiday schedules this week, I was okay with leaving. However, my biggest accomplishment of the 4 weeks I was there was that I was NEVER LATE. Not once. To my 5 a.m. job. Seriously, who can believe that?
• I helped Carlee edit one of her papers tonight. It was good time "together" and it also reaffirmed my desire to eventually edit children's books...and therefore, maybe getting a Master's in children's lit?
• Yesterday Carlee got my hand turkey care package! I was excited.
• Watched X-Men: First Class and White Christmas with Melissa tonight. It was great because Cara doesn't like to watch those movies.

Friday

• HIMYM was fantastic tonight (although HELLO surprise at the end). I'm definitely going to have to watch it again. Also, Broke Girls was surprisingly good and funny tonight too. I go back and forth as to whether I actually like that show.
• While watching HIMYM, we saw a Kohl's Black Friday commercial, with Black Friday-themed lyrics to the tune of Rebecca Black's "Friday". It was terrible.
• Today, I priced ties at work. It was tedious and made my back hurt more than lifting boxes does. Also, I found out why me leaving before Black Friday was probably the best thing ever (1 word...inventory).

Bestseller Mystery (Nov 20)

• Today, I got to go to Wesley again. This time though, I went to the service and lunch and then helped decorate the church for Christmas! It was fun and got me in the mood for the holidays, so I came home and listened to Josh Groban Christmas music. Also, the message was really interesting, primarily because Bob used the same verse that Bill did at MSU Wesley on Thursday, but in a whole different way (he talked about us needing to use our good to help the nations and people of the world).

My stack of bestsellers I'm trying to read before my library card expires.

Little House of Savages (Nov 19)

• Got to go to the FHS pit parent party today. Apparently it's been happening for years without me ;) It was fun to talk with the parents for an extended period time, since I'm usually busy on performance days. They were all very complimentary about how the season went and excited for me about Korea. Also, Lauren was really excited that I came and ran down the stairs yelling "Emily! Emily!" when I arrived...who doesn't love a greeting like that? We also hung out for a little while, watching YouTube videos (we were each other's break from the "adults"). Plus, there was great food and people liked my banana bread. Pretty good evening.

Banana Split (Nov 18)

• I met with the teacher I'm subbing for, starting after Thanksgiving, and we had a much better 2nd impression. Also, she was so excited for me about Korea! It was fun.
• While talking to me on Skype, Anna accidentally called her cell phone (from her Skype) and then proceeded to hang up on herself.
• Banana bread lessons:
• I like having people to taste my batter before it's made.
• I used a Bundt pan for the first time tonight!
• I love that I clean up as I go when I'm baking. It's so much easier than making a giant mess. And since I hate messes, they aren't that fun for me anyways. 

It was really fun to shove this bowl in the faces of my banana-disliking brothers.

One of these things is not like the other! 

Mmm banana mush

Loaf #1 (no chocolate chips)

Loaf #2 (chocolate chips)

Ready to party!

Baptize Me (Nov 17)

• Happy Birthday to my Daddy!
• For lunch today, Cara and Melissa and I had raspberry ale (in wine glasses), crackers and cranberry white cheddar cheese. We are fancy.

• Anna and I got to go shopping together! Which is good because we've been shopping individually in the last week or so, and it's much harder to get opinions on stuff via texting.
• Linus had the coolest baptism.
• First of all, it was on webcast, which means Carlee (in FL), RJ and Sara (in CO), Krystle (in Detroit), the Carrs (in Holland) and everyone in Kzoo could "be" there! I hope they all saw me wave and be excited that I could see them. 
• Second, we sang "Prince of Peace" and there were WORDS projected! So everyone could sing it - instead of boys starting it at Firebowl because they forget how many words the girls have to remember and then it basically dies once we get to the chorus. 
• Third, the message was really cool. The pastor talked about how we might as well get baptized when we're young because no one ever knows what's going to happen or if they are doing the right thing (even if they are). So you might as well have the support of Jesus and your church to help you figure everything out. (He used Matthew 25:31-46.)
• Last, we were able to come to the font and remember our baptism, with the water that was made up of Lake Louise and Crystal Springs (along with Israeli) water. It was emotional, in a good way.
• Of the 5 years I was in college, I was never able to attend a Wesley Foundation event or service...but this week alone I have done both on 2 different campuses! I love my church :)

The Take Over

• Dom's always smells amazing, and no matter how many times I go in there, I always re-fall in love with that place upon entry.
• I really like the people I work with at Macy's. I'm actually very sad that I will be done working there after next week :/
• Melissa is going to take over the world and she said that I can be in charge of crafts.
• I think I may have said one too many mean things to Cara's cat, Jazmine...she bolted at and scared me while I was brushing my teeth and then basically chased me up the stairs...

Up the Ladder to the Roof

• I climb ladders a lot at Macy's. I cant decide if this makes me more or less afraid of them. I'm definitely more comfortable on them, but it's still a really long way to fall...
• One of the contestants on Wheel tonight is a teacher for a non-profit in LA that teaches inner-city kids about good environmental practices...that's something I'd like to do with my degree! How cool.
• RJ is awesome :) (Don't tell him though...I'm not supposed to inflate his or Phil's egos any more than they already are, according to Kristin.)
• I want to be Annie. Or Eleanor Roosevelt.

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

• Tonight, I watched You've Got Mail for the third time this week. I love that movie so much.
• I made a fabric flower pin using this pattern. It turned out really cute and I'm excited to experiment with more patterns.
• Denim is a tricky fabric. I bought it to make pretty flowers and the kind I got became ridiculously tangled and wrinkled in the wash and then appeared to change color slightly as I ironed it. Somehow, I will tame this wicked beast...

Paging Mr. Wesley (Nov 13)

• I worked with Lynn in Men's Furnishings today and we had a good day. Nothing was rushed, there weren't that many people working and we got a lot done (everything on our list!). And when we were leaving, she said she really enjoyed working with me today (we realized that we both like solving puzzles). It was cute, especially because I got a weird first impression of her and wasn't sure I liked her or that she liked me.
• Ate lunch at the U of M Wesley Foundation. It was fantastic for many reasons. Mandy told me about it, but I decided to go (and followed through with it) on my own. I could have backed out at any time but I went anyways. I was proud of myself for trying something new by myself. When I got there, I just watched the 15-20 people who were gathered interact, because they clearly knew each other. (Some of the people reminded me of Jason and Justin and I was reminded of 1. how awesome my friends are and how much I miss them and 2. how fantastic my church is.) Then I met Dave and we chatted as we waited for the food to be ready. After that, I met Bob, the Chaplain of this chapter of Wesley (kind of in charge, kind of not). He was really interested in me, and knows my dad, so we chatted all through lunch. Afterwards, Mandy and I talked for a little while and impressed people with our Cup Game skills. Then we got to clean up the kitchen! (Yes, I said "got to".) It was fun with Dave, Alec, Mandy, Ashish and me all working together and it looked so pretty when it was done. Check off fun and fulfillment for the day.
• Today was also great because I got to wear a new outfit:

• I got to Skype with Lauren today :) I love doing that.

I Poured My Heart Into A Song (Nov 12)

• Krystle and I hung out with the Eischeids today. It was so fun. My favorite part about visiting them is that I/we equally play with the kids and talk with Jen and Andrew. It's not we come just to see Ella and Katelyn.
• Breaking into random bursts of song is so much fun. Jen sang a song about poop at the top of her lungs as she was changing Katelyn's diaper and then didn't even remember she did it! On my way home, I passed through construction and was very frustrated, so made up a song to the tune of Avenue Q's "Fantasies Come True" (which is what I was listening to at the time) and felt way better.
• I'm so grateful for the amazing people who are part of my life. Krystle and I were talking about it on the ride home, and we are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by some many fantastic friends-who-are-family.

Eyeball Tickler

• Happy 11.11.11! How cool :)
• To celebrate 11.11.11 at 11:11 a.m., Cara and Melissa and I did 11 things, including toe touches, jumping jacks, unclapping, and elbow-knees.
• I got the email telling me I am officially going to Korea! It's still surreal. But I really appreciate all the support I've gotten, both after telling people in person and the response on my FB. I love my family and friends.
• I worked an event at the museum tonight (not an Outreach event) and I got to assist with cow eyeball dissection! It was my first dissection ever and I was the only one in the room, including all the students, who hadn't done it before. The most beautiful part was the color of the reflective layer at the back of the eye (that helps the cow see at night). It was an amazing iridescent blue/green and I've never seen anything like it before.

King Size Rosewood Bed

• After working in textiles at Macy's, I've decided/reaffirmed that I want king-sized everything for my bedding.
• I really like when people call me Em. I feel like it means they really care about me. And considering the people who do it, I think that's true.
• The music that plays at Macy's while I work is a good balance of Ingrid Michaelson, other artists and christmas music. I like it. I'm also really excited for the Christmas season :)
• Fun of the Day! Provided by Andi and Sky :)

Part of the Plan

• Got to eat dinner with Wifey, Adam, Alex, Cara and Melissa. We laughed a lot and had some good food. Adam still thinks I hate him. Muahaha my evil plan is working >:)
• Podcast with Charlie, Ryan and Jason. I don't know who will watch it but it was fun.

A Cat With a Tale

• I'm currently looking for a temporary home for my beautiful kitties, Girl (10) and Chloe (3 1/2). They are both good-tempered, live well together and with other animals, and don't have any major issues. This arrangement would last until August 2012; I plan to take them back after that. Please let me know if you would be able to help me or if you know someone who could.

Girl

Chloe

Schadenfreude

• I got ice cream AND donuts from Washtenaw Dairy today for lunch/dinner. I'm pretty sure the guys working there thought I was PMS-ing or something. I'm also pretty sure that the donut won't be as good as Dom's (I'm eating it for breakfast tomorrow).
• I think the Like feature for comments on FB has made me cleverer. Also, those are my favorite notifications to get.
• As strange as it sounds, living at Cara's has helped me realize I can live on my own. I know that is weird, because here her mom makes dinner all the time and I'm not required to keep the house clean. But I already knew I could do those things, after living in the apartment. What I've learned here is that I can live by myself. I'm home by myself a lot of the time (or I run errands alone or whatever) and I've kept busy. Movies, books, sewing, discovering new places to eat, exploring the interwebs. I can do it and I enjoy it. Though I do enjoy having the company of a cat (or two).
• I went back to TBS tonight and was overcome by Schadenfreude. Not as far as TBS goes (though that definitely got stressful at times), but as far as school and balancing everything goes. It made me realize how relaxing my life is right now. But I don't feel bad about it. I've worked really hard over the last 10 years and, right now, I'm glad to have days off and a job where I don't have to think. Other things will come later.

Did I Shave My Legs For This?

• Today was kind of a weird day. Nothing particularly great + a few not-so-great things + being overly tired and therefore crying about all not-so-great things (among other stuff) = blah day.
• It's ridiculous how much I miss my guard girls and my drumline kids, because even if it were a normal rehearsal week I wouldn't be seeing them until tomorrow. I will have to figure out some creative ways to non-creepily stay a part of their lives...
• I shaved my legs today.

Once or Twice

• Today, I got to see Krystle (which makes twice in 3 days) and Skype with Carlee, and we did what we do best - hanging out, working on stuff together, whether talking or not.
• I watched He's Just Not That Into You, and I liked it a lot better after reading the book (although the Scarlett Johansson/Bradley Cooper storyline still makes me angry and hate both of them).

Miles and States

• I had a truly amazing day today. I really love the kids in the Farmington Marching Band. They are such fantastic people and I'm so lucky to be able to work with them. I actually cried when we got back to the school, as I was telling the girls how much I love them and how proud I am of them. It was a little silly, but I was also grateful that I could really show them how much I care and how much they mean to me. Good job tear ducts...you always fail me - unless I'm frustrated or watching Grey's - but today you done good.

Other things about States:

• The morning rehearsal was fantastic. It was freezing and I/Anna/the guard was there really early but when we got on the field, it was covered in frost and it was beautiful. I was really mad that I forgot my own camera battery at home but Candice let me borrow her camera for the morning and I got some really great pics:

• One of my favorite parts about working with Farmington is that I get to take care of everyone, not just the guard girls. The band kids come to me if they need ibuprofen or a tennis ball or a butterscotch or a band-aid. When we got on the bus, I was taking care of the drumline, in addition to doing guard hair :) Also on the bus, I decided to wear my moccasins all day instead of my black pointy shoes...best decision ever. I could feel my feet/toes the entire day and still looked pretty cute.
• It was weird being first in our Flight because we didn't have to wait for anything - I actually felt kind of rushed. In addition, as soon as we got there, things started going wrong. At least half the guard needed their hair redone. We didn't get the flags off the truck before it left (Mr. Savage saved us, on Bob). One of the girls ripped a 3-inch hole in one of the new silks. Warm-up was shorter outside and longer inside than I thought/expected. It was a mess. At one point, I just had all the girls stop practicing and breathe with me. They were nervous, I was frustrated...we needed it.
• But then good things started happening. We got a little wait time before we performed, which gave me time to hug, kiss and wish good luck to each of the girls. I was able to remind them about the taped numbers/hashes. I got to wish luck to my drummers. Saw and waved to Brad Fernandidaz (it's been great seeing him all season).
• And they had a FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE!!! Yay!!!
• Afterwards, we got to enjoy the sunshine while watching Senior Circle. It was cute, especially watching people (like Lauren) get all angry and then weepy. Anna and I chatted...well, she kind of chatted at me...we determined she hasn't had enough people to talk at lately, so she unloaded it all on my on Saturday :) It was fun.
• Then we got to watch most of the other bands. Jenison was fantastic and I'm so glad they got 1st. They were purely awesome - no props or floors and only a little amplification. Their amazingness was due to their fantastic use of flags, their drill and guard effects, and the performance of their music. Loved it so much.
• We ended up getting 9th, with 75.07, which was a little less than our last competition score, but their run was so great, I hope they didn't care.
• I fell asleep on the bus ride home and I think someone got a picture of me...at the very least I heard some comments regarding how I could sleep in such a position on a bus (I blame the 9 hours of sleep in 2 days, plus all those 5 a.m. mornings  and years of riding Band Buses).
• The watermelon cupcakes were a total success with the kids and the parents (again). I love that they love them!
• The after-party was not at the school this year so Anna and I stopped by on our way home. It was fun to just be with everyone (I think almost all the band kids were there, plus lots of parents) and not have to do anything. Plus there was dancing, which was super fun, and free food :)
• A lot of why I cried after Saturday was because this is the last constant in my life and it is now over (if not forever, at least for the year) and my change-challenged brain does not like that.  And it just stopped so suddenly...we were working working working until the very end and then - it was done. Plus, I just love these kids and this job so much, it's ridiculous. The students and parents are so amazing, some of the best people I've ever met. (How does band attract those kind of people? I love that about this life.) 

Unexpected Treasures (Nov 4)

• Cupcake-making explosion tonight! Much thanks to Anna, Krystle, Mandy, Alec, and Cara. I could not have made 185 cupcakes without them!
• Got the coolest phone call from Mike today...there is a band in Ohio who may be interested in buying my choreography from the Karl Jenkins show. So amazing! I never would have expected this to happen...we'll see how it unfolds :)

Revelation #9

• Happy 11.02.2011! (Thanks for the reminder of the cool date, Caitlin!)
• I had a better day at work today. I didn't talk to my boss - she was sick, with no voice, so I figured having a serious conversation would be difficult. BUT I worked with a woman who explained everything to me and answered all my questions. AND I got to stock the bedding room, which is a small storage room that only has comforters and mattress pads in it! And, since my other job today was to restock pillows on the selling floor, it was like stocking clouds all morning! :) Also, the managers got us donuts and I met this really nice woman named Loretta.
• I had a watermelon cupcake revelation while shopping at Meijer today...pre-cut, pre-packaged watermelon! Easier than cutting it up myself, cheaper, and less waste. Love it.
• [Slightly self-affirming sentences ahead] Watched the 2010 and 2009 FHS shows tonight. I love the work PP and I wrote for Cirque! :)

Chin Up, Cheer Up

• Happy November! (Happy 11.1.11!)
• Very frustrated at work today. Luckily, I have a great roommate who listens to me vent (and doesn't judge me as I sob) and a fantastic group of band kids and band parents (let's pretend I don't have to stop seeing them very shortly) to cheer me up. And I'm not afraid to voice my concerns, so I will be talking with my boss tomorrow.