Understanding cuts of meat:
Me (to the butcher): I want to make brisket for supper tomorrow night. What would be a good cut of meat to use?
Butcher: Um, brisket.
FAIL.
Understanding makes/models of vehicles:
My coupon says that the oil change is only redeemable for GM vehicles. I have had my car since 2004 and I still have no idea whose child it is. So I google, "Is an Alero a GM vehicle?" Answer: yes.
Understanding the organization of car dealerships:
I called the dealership to schedule said oil change and asked for the body shop. The lady was so sweet when I asked if I needed to schedule my oil change or if I should just drop in, but she finally said, "This is the body shop. You need to talk to service." Dangit. At least she was nice.
So don't ask me for help with any of the above issues. I will undoubtedly lead you astray. Call my mom. She knows everything. Seriously.
Happy Friday!
December 21, 2012
December 20, 2012
Break!
Today officially begins my Christmas break. And I'm truly thankful. For so many things.
Thankful for a job where I get paid to love on teenagers. How bizarre is that!?
Thankful for my crazy students. One kid, who is nearly always a behavior problem, gave me a priceless glimpse into his heart yesterday. I was working with him on a reading final and he regularly paused to strike up conversation with me. (He really struggles with focusing, so I wasn't at all surprised that he had something to say every 5 minutes.) I've been praying for this young man lately. Praying that I will begin to see him as an individual and not just a behavior problem. And the Lord is faithful, as always. I saw this young man's heart. I listened as he explained his sadness toward the people in Connecticut and his anger toward the shooter. Later, he told me how excited he is that his doctor gave him the go-ahead to increase his meds (which, in turn, will help him focus more and be less of a behavior issue for teachers). In that hour and 45 minutes, he was no longer a "behavior issue." Instead, he was transformed into a maturing young man who just wants to be heard. And heard him, I did. I'm sure he and I will still get into it after break and I'm sure I'll still want to pull my hair out after working with him on occasion, but I sincerely hope that I will remind myself of the human that I was able to see yesterday.
Thankful for my co-workers. I've received so many Christmas cards and treats in the past week. Even though I don't always see eye-to-eye with my colleagues, I'm thankful they are in my life. They make the rough days bearable.
Thankful for my superiors. Not trying to kiss any behinds here (because let's face it, they are definitely not reading this), but I report to an amazing principal. It is evident he loves his kids and evident that he wants his staff to be successful.
Thankful for my "new" job. I'm a semester into teaching special education, so it's hardly "new" anymore. About once a week, I pause in awe of the Lord's faithfulness and supreme provision. Even a year ago I wouldn't have thought that the SPED world would be for me. Mid-February is when the ball first started rolling. I love working one-on-one with students who legitimately need my assistance. I love working in a co-teaching environment. And I even love the paperwork. I'm notoriously bad at planning my life, so I suppose it shouldn't have shocked me much that my initial plan didn't work out. Again, God is faithful.
So I begin my time away from the kiddos today. I'm sure I'll miss them, but after teaching for only a short 2 1/2 years, I've learned that breaks are good for us all. My 5th hour will have to wait until after break to hear my sweet recorder tunes, but I'm sure they won't be too bummed. Happy snow day to those of you who are enjoying the perks of the education realm!
PS - did ya notice anything different about my blog? A friend who used to teach at my high school did a bang-up job, don't ya think? Thanks, Ashley! I love it!!!
Thankful for a job where I get paid to love on teenagers. How bizarre is that!?
Thankful for my crazy students. One kid, who is nearly always a behavior problem, gave me a priceless glimpse into his heart yesterday. I was working with him on a reading final and he regularly paused to strike up conversation with me. (He really struggles with focusing, so I wasn't at all surprised that he had something to say every 5 minutes.) I've been praying for this young man lately. Praying that I will begin to see him as an individual and not just a behavior problem. And the Lord is faithful, as always. I saw this young man's heart. I listened as he explained his sadness toward the people in Connecticut and his anger toward the shooter. Later, he told me how excited he is that his doctor gave him the go-ahead to increase his meds (which, in turn, will help him focus more and be less of a behavior issue for teachers). In that hour and 45 minutes, he was no longer a "behavior issue." Instead, he was transformed into a maturing young man who just wants to be heard. And heard him, I did. I'm sure he and I will still get into it after break and I'm sure I'll still want to pull my hair out after working with him on occasion, but I sincerely hope that I will remind myself of the human that I was able to see yesterday.
Thankful for my co-workers. I've received so many Christmas cards and treats in the past week. Even though I don't always see eye-to-eye with my colleagues, I'm thankful they are in my life. They make the rough days bearable.
Thankful for my superiors. Not trying to kiss any behinds here (because let's face it, they are definitely not reading this), but I report to an amazing principal. It is evident he loves his kids and evident that he wants his staff to be successful.
Thankful for my "new" job. I'm a semester into teaching special education, so it's hardly "new" anymore. About once a week, I pause in awe of the Lord's faithfulness and supreme provision. Even a year ago I wouldn't have thought that the SPED world would be for me. Mid-February is when the ball first started rolling. I love working one-on-one with students who legitimately need my assistance. I love working in a co-teaching environment. And I even love the paperwork. I'm notoriously bad at planning my life, so I suppose it shouldn't have shocked me much that my initial plan didn't work out. Again, God is faithful.
So I begin my time away from the kiddos today. I'm sure I'll miss them, but after teaching for only a short 2 1/2 years, I've learned that breaks are good for us all. My 5th hour will have to wait until after break to hear my sweet recorder tunes, but I'm sure they won't be too bummed. Happy snow day to those of you who are enjoying the perks of the education realm!
PS - did ya notice anything different about my blog? A friend who used to teach at my high school did a bang-up job, don't ya think? Thanks, Ashley! I love it!!!
December 10, 2012
Kitchen Casualtiees + A Recipe
I dubbed yesterday a "cook as many things as possible for this week" day. While I was successful, it must be said that there were some casualties along the way. Among the victims are my right index finger, my nasal passages, and my right groin muscle (my apologies if that is tmi).
We're hosting a portion of our small group Christmas party on Tuesday night, and for my part, I'm baking a bunch of fingery desserty foods. Yesterday's tasks were primarily candy-related. I purchased all my ridiculous candy-making ingredients (including a $10 vial of cinnamon oil...and the recipe called for 2-4 drops...this is dedication, people) and set to work.
My first recipe was cinnamon hard candy. After reading about 4 candy recipes, I felt prepared enough to begin the endeavor. It is important to note that one recipe said to refrain from directly sniffing the mixture once the cinnamon oil is added as it can permanently alter your nasal passages. Noted. So I continued. Tralalalala. After carefully adding the cinnamon oil, and being especially careful not to get any on my fingers (that would be a travesty!!!), I began to stir away (per one recipe's detailed instructions). Being the conscientious cook that I am, I wanted to make sure the bright crimson mixture was cinnamony enough, so I decided that I would take a quick sniff. I leaned my face over the steaming hot pan and inhaled a gust of the most spicy smelling fragrance this side of Mars. I immediately began screaming, (seriously, not an exaggeration...hubz can attest to this) coughing, and generally throwing a fit due to the intense burning sensation that was streaming through my nose, mouth, and throat. I honestly thought death was imminent. Hubz, being the kind soux chef that he is, yelled from the other room, "Run cold water over your fingers and stick them up your nose!" So I did. People, I was desperate. And it helped. Hubz to the rescue! My smelling is, I think, back to normal. Unfortunately, the cinnamon hardy candy paid the price. Some pieces are quite mild and taste more like a Pizza Hut mint while other pieces will make you want to pull your hair out. So you win some and you lose some. Lesson learned: avoid sniffing substances with cinnamon oil (or just follow the directions.......).
My right index finger was burned whilst making fudge. Much less exciting story. It just happened. Womp womp.
And as far as my right groin muscle goes...I have no idea. All I know is that after making all my goodies, I felt like a small child was stabbing my upper thigh with an ice pick. Alas, today it only feels like said small child is using a blunt screw driver, so it could be worse.
Allow me to end this post with a recipe that reaches back generations (actually, I have no idea how old it is....I just got it from my mom and adapted it).
Bierrocks!!!!
Filling:
2 pounds hamburger
1/2 cup chopped onion (use a food processor!!)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cabbage (I loathe cabbage, so I use a food processor to shred that sucker up)
2 Tbsp. mustard (I also loathe mustard, but it truly adds good flavor)
Sharp cheddar cheese - 2 cupsish
Brown hamburger. Add onions, salt and pepper, and cabbage (after using a food processor to chop/mince them first). Add mustard and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 20 minutes or until cabbage is done. Add cheese and mix well. Cool.
Dough:
2 packages yeast
2 cups milk (2 cups warm/hot water (150 degrees) plus 1/2 cup powdered milk)
1 stick margarine
6 1/2-7 cups white whole wheat flour (this gives it a nice grainy consistency)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water with 1 Tbsp. sugar. To milk mixture add remaining milk, margarine, salt, and remaining sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Add eggs. Stir in flour to form soft dough. Let rise. Roll out and cut into 4 inch squares. Fill with hamburger/cabbage mixture. Bring corners together and pinch together. Place on greased cookie sheets with folded sides to bottom. Let rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 374 degrees for 20 minutes.
Happy cooking and may you successfully avoid any kitchen casualties this holiday season.
We're hosting a portion of our small group Christmas party on Tuesday night, and for my part, I'm baking a bunch of fingery desserty foods. Yesterday's tasks were primarily candy-related. I purchased all my ridiculous candy-making ingredients (including a $10 vial of cinnamon oil...and the recipe called for 2-4 drops...this is dedication, people) and set to work.
My first recipe was cinnamon hard candy. After reading about 4 candy recipes, I felt prepared enough to begin the endeavor. It is important to note that one recipe said to refrain from directly sniffing the mixture once the cinnamon oil is added as it can permanently alter your nasal passages. Noted. So I continued. Tralalalala. After carefully adding the cinnamon oil, and being especially careful not to get any on my fingers (that would be a travesty!!!), I began to stir away (per one recipe's detailed instructions). Being the conscientious cook that I am, I wanted to make sure the bright crimson mixture was cinnamony enough, so I decided that I would take a quick sniff. I leaned my face over the steaming hot pan and inhaled a gust of the most spicy smelling fragrance this side of Mars. I immediately began screaming, (seriously, not an exaggeration...hubz can attest to this) coughing, and generally throwing a fit due to the intense burning sensation that was streaming through my nose, mouth, and throat. I honestly thought death was imminent. Hubz, being the kind soux chef that he is, yelled from the other room, "Run cold water over your fingers and stick them up your nose!" So I did. People, I was desperate. And it helped. Hubz to the rescue! My smelling is, I think, back to normal. Unfortunately, the cinnamon hardy candy paid the price. Some pieces are quite mild and taste more like a Pizza Hut mint while other pieces will make you want to pull your hair out. So you win some and you lose some. Lesson learned: avoid sniffing substances with cinnamon oil (or just follow the directions.......).
My right index finger was burned whilst making fudge. Much less exciting story. It just happened. Womp womp.
And as far as my right groin muscle goes...I have no idea. All I know is that after making all my goodies, I felt like a small child was stabbing my upper thigh with an ice pick. Alas, today it only feels like said small child is using a blunt screw driver, so it could be worse.
Allow me to end this post with a recipe that reaches back generations (actually, I have no idea how old it is....I just got it from my mom and adapted it).
Bierrocks!!!!
Filling:
2 pounds hamburger
1/2 cup chopped onion (use a food processor!!)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cabbage (I loathe cabbage, so I use a food processor to shred that sucker up)
2 Tbsp. mustard (I also loathe mustard, but it truly adds good flavor)
Sharp cheddar cheese - 2 cupsish
Brown hamburger. Add onions, salt and pepper, and cabbage (after using a food processor to chop/mince them first). Add mustard and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 20 minutes or until cabbage is done. Add cheese and mix well. Cool.
Dough:
2 packages yeast
2 cups milk (2 cups warm/hot water (150 degrees) plus 1/2 cup powdered milk)
1 stick margarine
6 1/2-7 cups white whole wheat flour (this gives it a nice grainy consistency)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water with 1 Tbsp. sugar. To milk mixture add remaining milk, margarine, salt, and remaining sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Add eggs. Stir in flour to form soft dough. Let rise. Roll out and cut into 4 inch squares. Fill with hamburger/cabbage mixture. Bring corners together and pinch together. Place on greased cookie sheets with folded sides to bottom. Let rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 374 degrees for 20 minutes.
Happy cooking and may you successfully avoid any kitchen casualties this holiday season.
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