smiley

Did you ever watch Sesame Street in the 80s? Do you remember Guy Smiley? (see above)

Well, this week that is what I have become.

I haven't smiled or laughed this much in years.

Smiling RULES. :)

yup...that's my blog today.

12 new loves...

Oh man. What a perfect day...including 6 children who napped and one who sat quietly on her cot playing with felt figures. yeah... this may never happen again but it was the best first day to teaching EVER. I got to meet 12 of our 16 new children, read to them, rock them, feed them... but not change them because they all used the potty. yeah, you read that right.

perfect.

first.

day.

wonder what hell i'll have to endure to pay for this one...

Tomorrow!

So here I sit...the day before I the children show up in my classroom and I begin the career that I feel like I have done battle for. I know I'm not the first nor the last person who has undergone an schedule destinted to make you insane but I am dang proud that I did it. And I am SO THANKFUL for my friends who cheered me on along the way.

Now I'm on chantix as most of you know and I need as much cheering. Yesterday was day 2 and it went pretty well. I even chilled with my friends for a couple of hours until the craving got so bad that even the helpline relaxation therapy couldn't do it and I had to go home. :( I did it though. I'm on day 3. I'm a little weepy today for my sister and Karli and Emily.

Luckily, I have friends like these here in good ol' Bing:






and places to go like this:
Port Dick Park



...Thank God/the HP

First Week...

Yes, friends, its the moment I have been waiting for... have gone through the dark tunnel of the past year for...

MY CLASSROOM!!


okay, it's OUR classroom, but it's mine. We've been interviewing parents and meeting our children. Writing lesson plans via themes (the first one: Welcome to School...lacking in originality but fun nonetheless) and doing general paperwork and getting ready.

The children that I have met (approx 9 of 16) are so cute. A few of them I already know from my summer in with the tots. It's amazing what strong personalities 3 year olds have. We just get to help them to express it through language, math, science, dramatic play, music, art, etc. I just can't wait for Monday.

Okay, honestly...I just can't wait for Friday. Talking with parents is informative and a great way to forge relationships but, really, it's a bit tiring. I'm getting up later than I was at the bux but I'm using my brain in such a different way. I'm also taking chantix and having weird dreams and sleep. That's right, you read it. I'm not going to write about it too much because this blog is searchable but it's a huge step.

I really enjoy the people that I work with, including a GREAT friend (T) who I met while in the ECE program. It's so so FABULOUS to be able to share this experience with her. Our first days together, our first classrooms, our first children. It's absolutely a blessing.

What else is a blessing is the other teacher in the classroom. I feel like we are totally insync. She's into music and art and the children's CHOICES. I cannot cannot wait for year to begin!!

Some shots of the classroom for your viewing pleasure:

The cubbies and Dramatic Play Area


Cozy Book and Computer Area


Music Area (MANY instruments in those drawers!)


Construction Area (blocks, legos, cars, etc)

Weekends...

...so this is what having weekends off is like! For the past three years the only reason I have had a weekend off is if I had something to do like travel plans or weddings. Don't get me wrong, both things are spectacular but no one told me how fun a Saturday could be!

We did so much yesterday and yet it was so relaxing. Knowing that today would be a day that I "accomplished." Preparing for that I am drinking a tasty americano (that i made here, cuz i am a champion barista) out of my Chase Lake mug Mom bought for me and contemplating TOMORROW which is my first day as a teacher.

No children tomorrow just a staff meeting and putting our rooms together. I can't wait though. I hope to take lots of shots tomorrow to post here. Wish me luck!!

Creepily, I googled the center in google images and found this photo. This is my room and my co-teacher, Karen, who I hold in VERY HIGH regard! The love and caring she feels for these children is IN-CREDIBLE. I learn so much from her every second I am in the classroom. yay! yayayay!!

Chase Lake

For my last and final trip of my retirement I went to Chase Lake in Glenfield, NY. This lake is part of the Adirondack Foothills. The camp I stayed at was built by my great grandfather in 1938 for $500. I got to paddle in the canoe that was my great-grandmother's "pride and joy." I was able to spend time with my Great-Aunt Catharine, her daughter Nancy and my mother. They were super nostalgic, talking about days gone by when they used to come up to the camp every weekend and enjoy it. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake and it is crystal clear. I spent time kayaking, canoeing, picking wild blueberries, floating on the water, playing chess, staring into campfires and generally being peace.

The best moment for me was waking up on Wednesday morning and heading down to the lake at about 615am. I sat there and looked out at the fog rolling off of the water and realized I was alone. No one needed me. I didn't have to be anywhere for days. I had no internet, no cell phone, no tv. I was alone. Just thinking of that moment now relaxes me. My mother told me it was heaven on earth and now I know she is right. I am so zenned out from that trip.

I should also mention that the 3 hour trip up to camp is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL summer roadtrip I have taken. You take a left from Leroy St. on to Rte 12N and just truck on up. Rolling hills and gorgeous small towns. On the way I got to salute the graves of all of my maternal great-grandparents.

All in all it was a centering, calming, perfect end to my travels these past 2 weeks.

ducks on the lake


great-grandma's beloved canoe


the cabin


my first time kayaking


steps from the dock to camp


serenity

1500 miles of planes, trains and automobiles.

Okay, there were really no trains involved but there were people movers...

I left Indianapolis last Friday morning after a beautiful day of chillaxing with one of the greatest people i know, Ms. Sbarralton. She taught me how to make sauce and burn pasta on an electric stove. Even though you're super Italian and have never burned pasta in the 25 years you've been making it. I was around for a lot of firsts. I was also there for the THIRD time we hung the piece you find over her couch in the following pictures:



So, I get on the plane Friday morning. No teary good byes, bleary eyed good byes, though. It was early. The flights were average. I got to Syracuse and was picked up by my darling inlaws who gave me a ride back to the homestead. Once there, I hugged my hubby, ate a ham sammie and repacked for the VT trip. 45 minutes after my arrival we headed out I88 to see some of our favorite people in a beauteous state.

Over the weekend at the beautiful "New Hamburger Non-Commune" we explored, ate local food, traveled to Burlington to pick up the Plummers, giggled over babies, watched dogs, played games, and saw the most breathtaking summer starry night sky I have seen in years.

Things I loved about my trip: traveling with Em again, MJPs excitement over the trampoline, our warm giggly (bordering on insane laughter)welcome from Monroe, watching Kami chop veggies, picking blueberries and watching Kami feed them to Giuliana, listening to Jeff and John play their instruments, the crow bookstore, Sarah's ability to make something out of anything, a little late night gab with my friends beneath the stars, Shane's enthusiasm over our biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast, and watching Nick's excitement over children.

9 adults, 2 babies, 3 dogs and lots of love and fun.

It was a fabulous 1500 miles.

Indianapolis: Reflections

I've been back from Indianapolis now for a few days. I must say it was a blast. There are very few people in this world who I feel understand the multifaceted BWG. Karlton is most definitely one of those people.

The last day I was there K. had an interview in the morning and came home with an SBUX double shot on ice. yum! It was a great way to start my day. We went to the indianapolis city market where we bought a beautiful yellow pepper for our salads and I purchased a really cool yellow fair trade bracelet made by women in Kenya.



We sat outside for a bit enjoying the absolutely PERFECT day and the music of Gordon Bonham. There were so many people to look at, so many colors in the market...so many sausages...




We left and found a few last things for our dinner, including Gnarley Head wine which Karli hadn't found since she arrived. We sat by the pool and watched the clouds go by. One had a beautiful silverlining and I thought, that's appropriate.

You see, even though Heath is a terd, Karli is not. She is in a very beautiful city with so much to offer her, but moreover, she has so much to offer it. Moving to a new city can sometimes be painful, growing pains always are. I think, though, sometimes you find a new place that feels like home. Afterall, like the card Audrey gave me said:
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
(george bernard shaw)

Later, I will tell you about the last 1500 miles of my life... until then:
Indianapolis Skyline from City Market

Indianapolis: In Pictures

Last night the John Butler Trio was simply beautiful. The venue, the Murat, was reminiscent of the State Theatre in Ithaca. It was old and big but felt seemingly less like a fire hazard than the State. ;) I was noting that the ceiling was so much less ornate than what you find on the East Coast, or at least in the Greater Binghamton Area. I would love to know a little about the architecture and how it is reflected by the move west. But enough of that.

After the concert last night we rearranged Karlton's apartment so that it flowed so much better and also so that it was fresh and new. ;) Today we are heading to the Market then we are going to sit by the pool (oh how tough), finally Karli is going to show me her family's version of "sauce" and I'll make Grandma's Meatballs! We also have begun to put together a beautiful salad and I'm hoping to find some colorful veggies at the market! Yay!

Here are some photos that I finally uploaded today...enjoy. ;)

Mustard is delicious when it's on Max and Erma's Burger!


A nice man at the Slippery Noodle gave Karli this napkin rose. She swooned.


Eating ice cream cones while driving...only in Indy. Ok, more like only Karli.


Look, Aud! Yikes!



Mama and Baby Elephant at the Indy Zoo.



I got to share in her first grey! heehee.

Indianapolis...my first night in a new city...

Oh, Indianapolis. It is a beautiful and clean city as I have found the cities I have visited in the midwest to be! Although, the GIANT downfall here is that recycling is not prominent. You have to really SEARCH out the recycling bins and it is not offered through most trash services. :(

Other than that this city is spectacular. Last night I had dinner with Heath while Karli was at work. He took me to Yatz, which is a cajun/creole restaurant. It was very very tasty. We then made our way to the Rathskeller which is not ghetto like the one in Binghamton but is really nice, complete with a Biergarten. There we drank giant 40 oz. beers (I chose the Blonde and Heath had Wheat). There I told Heath that he was an a-hole, though an honest one. So we cleared that up and then went on with our night. We met up with Karli at The Slippery Noodle (which Mr. Plummer, you will be excited to know is on the list of historic places in the city). It's a blues bar with a Miller Lite special on Tuesday nights... PERFECT!!We went to a couple of other joints after that and came home to watch Sex and the City.


Today we went to the Indianapolis Zoo where I got to see beautiful elephants, a polar bear, SHARKS (audrey, you could touch them!!), and giraffes. They were feeding the giraffes so they were REALLY REALLY close. I got some really amazing photos which I will try to upload tomorrow. I am on a shared computer so I'm not sure how well it will work.

Tonite we're making tacos at Karli's apartment and then going to see G-Love and the Special Sauce with the John Butler Trio at the Murat. I can't wait!!

LOVE TO EVERYONE BACK IN NEW YORK (and of course, around the country).

Indianapolis...part one

So I've currently been in Indianapolis for 3-ish hours. I visited a Max and Erma's which Venita and I used to go to when we lived in Columbus! It was nearly as tasty as I remember. The woman who waited on us was from ROCHESTER of all places. It was nice to sit and chat with Karlton. :)

It was lovely to see her when I got off the plane. I thought I was going to squeeze her to death!! The flights were pretty good. The first one was about an hour long... I sat next to a nice couple from Cinci and their 2 year old daughter. There was an 11 month old sitting behind us with quite a set of lungs, but she only cried for the first half hour. I guess that's the chance you take when you take public transportation, right??

The second flight was quick, however, turbulent. The nice part about that was that I didn't have to sit next to anyone. I enjoy alone time. However, it was so quick that I didn't really have time to enjoy the fact that all of the arm rests went up and I could stretch out. It was nice, though. Nice with a few heart palpitations.

I'm going to hang out with Heath for a bit tonite. I'll have to give him my succinct words of kate-dom and then on with our lives. This is what we do.

More to come... hopefully with pictures to follow...

must get my ipod and sit by the pool.

Wish you were here! ;)

Indianapolis Skyline:

Freedom...and the Robinson wedding recap...

I am free.
free.
free.
free...
I am free of serving people coffee.
Free at last, free at last thank God (hp) Almighty I'm free at last.

SUCKAS.

It was a nice party that my SBUX partners threw for me. Bree made me a nice cake, Michelle had made me one earlier and Ms. Aubrey made me some praline bars that were freaking delicious.

Cake from Bree


I don't have much else to say about SBUX. I'm kind of ignoring it now. I want to take the "Coffeehouse Chapters" (2000-2008), close it, put it in a box and throw it in the attic for now. I worked with great people in the end and it was nice but as JBB says "Time to move on my sister, time to move on..."

Moving on to: BEN AND TARA'S WEDDING!!
It was a fun weekend. Mike and Emily arrived in the afternoon on Saturday. We stopped at the Lost Dog cafe on our way up to Ithaca, had some lunch (chicken mufaletta<3) and headed up. We checked into our hotel room, chilled for a minute and then went to the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner which was at the BoatYard Grill. Here is the view we had: We were in a nice little tent when suddenly, the thunder, lightning and terrential downpour began. They moved us inside while the storm raged, then passed and we all went back in to finish our yummy dinners and eat tasty chocolate chip cookies. We met up later at Mickombers or something like that. It was a nice little bar for all of us to gather in. (Nick and Mike "gather")

The next morning looked a little ominous:

We got ready and checked out of the hotel at 11am. We found a delicious restaurant to eat brunch at called Stellas . They call themselves "the house of swank." Dressed up in our clothes for the wedding we were pretty swank so I suppose we fit in. The architecture/decor was really really too cool for school. I loved my tasty breakfast burrito. <3

We had about 2 hours to get to the Sheldrake Point Winery where we were to watch the blessed union of souls (who knows that band?). S0, we meandered up Rte. 89. A view from our truck:

Finally, we arrived at the site. We saw Ben while we waited and enjoyed the slight sprinkle in the air keeping us cool. The ceremony began and it was beautiful. I spoke and did quite a damn good job. ;) Ben and Tara liked it, and that's all taht mattered. They were pronounced husband and wife, there was a receiving line, photos, a tour of the vineyard, copious amounts of wine and microbrews, dancing, eating and merriment galore. Then we said good bye and headed home to sleep.

Today I pack. Tomorrow, it's off to Indianapolis to visit Karlton. I'll try to blog from there. In the meantime enjoy these shots from the ROBINSON wedding. :)

Ben, prewedding

The ceremony site

The lovely couple

Mike and Emily (they are also a lovely couple)

M-C Lites

Jalapenos, Retirement, and MORE WEDDINGS!

That's right, folks. Wedding #4, a Sunday wedding at a vineyard north of Ithaca is this weekend. It's for Ben and Tara. It is also the last wedding of the season! YAY.

I have SO MUCH to report. First, two days ago I tried a new recipe, Acapulco Chicken. I decided to serve it over tortilla chips and field greens with a cheese topping. Sounds great, right? I was chopping my delicious veggies and thought, these look pretty, I'm going to take a photo and chronicle this process ala the pioneer woman or scarlet begonias.

green bell peppers, chunked tomatoes and fresh minced jalapenos...



still going well...here is the diced chicken coated with chili powpow...


*STOP*... I'm not an idiot...can we all agree on that? I can be full of silliness sometimes but I know not to touch my eyes after chopping jalapenos... and where on that dang chicken recipe page does it say... "hey, chop jalapenos with gloves on because your hands will be ON FIRE!"



I soaked them for an hour in icy icy cold water...

I even had to get my tongue because I licked my finger...

ORANGE JUICE, the citrus in that FINALLY worked. at 11pm... when I had to do my final open at the BUX the next day.

This blog has become entirely too long. I'll write about my SBUX retirement party and the wedding when we get back.

I am speaking at it so wish me luck!! **eeek!**