tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189032141764865792024-02-06T21:53:37.686-08:00Greensleaves.comClever commentary on the little things that make life interesting!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-85452046428678694622012-07-09T05:41:00.000-07:002012-07-09T05:41:53.339-07:00Best Things About SummerSome good friends and the smell of a grill reminded me last night that Summer is an amazing season of sights, smells, and feelings. Here are some of my favorites. Feel free to add your own!<br />
<br />
1. Impromptu Barbeques<br />
2. Sprinklers<br />
3. The Food: Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Corn on the Cob, Soft Ice Cream Cones<br />
4. Warm Evenings<br />
5. Sunsets<br />
6. The Beach<br />
7. Fireworks<br />
8. Baseball<br />
9. <span style="background-color: white;">Backyard Gardens</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">10. </span>No Alarm Clocks!<br />
<br />
:Hope everyone is enjoying this fantastic time of year! If you haven't been, there is still plenty of time to join in...<br />Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-88685544718065731502012-05-13T05:32:00.000-07:002012-05-13T09:17:14.702-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d;">"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk, you'll end up the pope. Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span>-Pablo Picasso</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Thanks Mom for always believing in us and never being satisfied when we didn't do our best. Without you we wouldn't be able to be anything and everything that we want! Enjoy your day:)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
And ice cream cones are just 50 cents today, so let's walk on down...</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsTQXdfw1gTfnI0h0LHmqT1vJp4pvjIYMSRG7YkyBg1oihJkBl" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-75193300634427439852012-05-12T03:55:00.000-07:002012-05-12T03:59:00.929-07:00Time Magazine CoverHave you seen the new cover of Time Magazine? It shows a blond woman standing with a child, reported to be 3 years old. He is standing on a stool. She has a breast exposed so that he can have a drink. He is staring at the camera with a mouth full of flesh.
It is absolutely horrifying and borders on kiddy porn. The boy could easily be running down the hallway at my school, using the same stool to drink from the water fountain. The woman has a look of unabashed superiority, like she is the May Playmate in Playboy Magazine.
Woman who choose to breast feed their children, I applaud you. Woman who choose to bottle feed, I am you. I will not stand naked on the cover of Parenting Magazine with a bottle in my hand. So please La Leche League, cover yourself up and stop trying to make the rest of feel inferior.Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-14779050599764023042012-04-06T06:40:00.000-07:002012-04-06T06:40:29.220-07:00Panera BreadAs anyone that has tried to stop for a quick lunch at Panera Bread knows, the line will inevitably be out the door, they won't be serving the cream of chicken and wild rice soup, and you might need to hip check your way onto a table. Why do we put ourselves through it? Their bakery case. Conveniently located right along the long line out the door! Of which they will try to entice you with a free sample. Their paninis are pretty awesome, too.<br />
<br />
But to my absolute delight, I have discovered the perfect time to visit your local Panera. Friday morning at 7:00. Mom and I stopped there on our way home from the gym and were the only customers...in the whole store! No rushing to make a selection, no pressure to quickly select a tea bag, all tables were available (except of course the ones covered by plastic bags of yesterday's bagels). It was amazing!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, like all of you that face the weekday grind, I usually only have time for the<br />
local drive-thru on most Fridays. But today was special and totally worth the unwait.<br />
<br />
And those bags of bagels? They donate their left overs to local soup kitchens!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-229188143372135382012-03-14T17:42:00.000-07:002012-03-14T17:42:26.212-07:00Say It Isn't SoJennie Garth and Peter Facinelli have split after 11 years of marriage. How did this happen? 90210 and Twilight, is there a better pop culture couple? Three young daughters, DWTS, and did I mention a staring role in Twilight (times 3). <br />
<br />
Of course they are asking for privacy "at this time." Which is code for don't investigate the why because one of us cheated. Hopefully it was her and she has finally decided to go back to Dylan. Well, maybe not hopefully.<br />
<br />
And what's next? Taking the cream from my Twinkie? Say it isn't so!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-89893389669105778382012-03-02T08:38:00.000-08:002012-03-02T08:38:08.807-08:00I love, but...<span style="color: red;">I am currently working but have been banished from my classroom for a few days. I have an amazing Student Teacher and this is her week to shine. So she is teaching my class and I am looking for ways to occupy myself for six hours. My heart goes out to all of you that have to sit at a desk and do this every day, for eight hours!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>It gave me an idea</em>:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: red;"></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love to have down time, but it makes the day longer!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love to have clean laundry, but I hate putting it away!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love to eat out, but reheating the left-overs isn't the same!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love Girls' Night Out, but I die a painful death on Mom's Day In!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love Sunday Funday, but dread Monday Workday!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love pasta, but I dislike tomato sauce!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love skinny jeans, but not on men!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">I love my feet rubbed, every single day!</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: red;">Feel free to add to the list. And start enjoying the weekend that we all love. Just avoid that alarm clock that is bound to return us to the grind on Monday.</span><br />
<br />
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="162" name="FKae62O97E8EvM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT52AxDoEmzMjbhJNQAexWWJbttKe0HyeE5TeHIcLw0FO0EnnB5qA" width="172" />Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-1959029415155360782012-02-21T16:57:00.000-08:002012-02-21T16:57:56.800-08:00The Incredible Edible EggI love eggs. I will eat them near. I will eat them far. I will eat them in a car, watching the star(s), and even seated at a bar. Just kidding.<br />
<br />
Tonight I discovered my new favorite way to eat them: with fresh asparagus and cheddar. The 'recipe' follows:<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 tsp butter<br />
1 tsp olive oil <br />
2 eggs whisked<br />
5 asparagus spears cut into threes<br />
1 oz sharp cheddar cheese<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
Heat butter and oil over medium high heat. Quickly stir fry asparagus 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs and turn off heat. Using rubber spatula, stir constantly and crumble cheese into eggs. Plate and enjoy!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-43312272257841759682012-02-20T09:31:00.000-08:002012-02-20T09:31:40.506-08:00Post-holiday SalesWhen I was young and a lot less frugal I used to buy birthday cards at the closest pharmacy, hair care products at my salon, and shop for groceries the day that I needed them. Then I moved out, met FICA, and had to start repaying my student loan. In hindsight, I got smart.<br />
<br />
I am now one of those crazy people who go to (insert your favorite retailer) and clean up on after holiday sales. Today I was picking up a prescription at Target and found myself wandering through the 70% off post-Valentine sale aisle. I was tempted to pick up some Dora valentines for next year but figured 45 was a bit much for a will-be two-year old. Thankfully, I was not discouraged because I cleaned up in the candy/home aisle.<br />
<br />
I bought a picture frame, candy, and stickers that, since they are pastel and pink colored, will be perfect for a cute little girl's Easter basket. All at 70% off! Good deal!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-84720992166169355352012-02-12T04:53:00.000-08:002012-02-12T09:08:18.457-08:00Whitney HoustonTwo of the biggest pop music stars in my young life have died and it seems very surreal to me. I wasn't the biggest Michael Jackson fan, but I appreciated his music, did my best Moonwalk impression in my girlfriend's living room, and can proudly say that Thriller was the first albumn I ever owned. When I was young he seemed larger than life. Then drugs, depression, and weirdness destroyed him. So sad.<br />
<br />
Last night, Whitney Houston was found dead. I was probably a bigger fan of her husband, but I Wanna Dance With Somebody was one of the music videos that my friends and I studied at nauseum to perfect our dance moves and crazy 80's hair, with scarf. I cried every time she started singing at the end of The Bodyguard, and fell in love with Kevin Cosner along with Whitney. I also thought it so cool that she named her <i>daughter</i> after her husband. She was a pretty big deal during my middle school years. Like Michael, drugs and craziness spun her life out of control.<br />
<br />
I am not a drug user and don't understand how people, with important jobs and loving families, with loyal friends, and in this case adoring fans can't rid themselves of the poison that ultimately destroys them.<br />
<br />
And if we continue to tolerate and even glorify that lifestyle, I can't help but wonder, who will be next?Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-5907938461884844072012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:002012-02-07T16:22:07.848-08:00Profile PictureDid you know that when you Google someone who has a Facebook page, their profile picture shows up? Along with their name and pictures of anyone else who shares their name? Even if you have a private profile. A private Facebook... now there is an oxymoron.<br />
<br />
As you all know, I do not have a Facebook page but discovered this today when my fifth graders were Googling their mom. A mom who happens to be a close friend of mine and has a private Facebook page. There was her smiling profile picture, complete with her smiling husband and two minor children. For any unmentionable to view, copy, and enjoy with all of their unmentionable friends. There were also many other pictures of people with the same name whom I don't know, in various states, including tongue wrestling with a bare chested and quite fit young man.<br />
<br />
A word to the wise: make sure your profile picture, private or not, could be comfortably viewed in the presence of your mom, dad, employer, and ten-year old's fifth grade class.Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-17176758885669747722012-02-05T06:22:00.000-08:002012-02-05T06:22:02.656-08:00Chicken Wing CupcakesFor the past two weeks, I'm sure, like me, you have been bombarded by recipes and ideas for your Superbowl Party. I have seen too many recipes for the "ultimate" guacamole, sensational chili, and more dip than even Paula Deen could consume.<br />
<br />
The one that I can't stop thinking about is Coccodotts' Chicken Wing Cupcakes. (I even dreamt about them last night.) Coccodotts created my wedding cake, so I know that her cakes are beyond delicious. It's the chicken wing part that has me so intrigued: the cake is topped with blue cheese and cornmeal frosting. Rounding out the unique treat? A real chicken wing! <br />
<br />
I just checked their website and they are open until 2pm. I might have to find my way to Central Avenue in the next few hours...Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-88842985689046659022012-01-28T09:09:00.000-08:002012-01-28T09:09:56.164-08:00CouponsI hate paying full price for anything. If I am clothing or shoe shopping, I will rarely even try on something that is not on sale. Or if I am at Macy's, that I don't have a coupon for. Every Sunday I scan all of the ads to decide where I am going to do my grocery shopping that week, where the best deal is on diapers, and what restaurant is giving away a BOGO meal. I won't even let my 18 month old interrupt me until I have finished the whole Sunday paper and all of the ads.<br />
<br />
My husband might say I am obsessed with coupons. I have a drawer full of them, they often fall out of my planner, and my fridge is covered. I subscribe to coupon sites. I cut them out of newspapers, fliers, and magazines and follow this amazing blog called Money Saving Mom. <br />
<br />
I have found amazing deals on this site like winter hats from LL Bean for $1.99 (shipped). I use it to accumulate Pampers Gifts to Grow points and Swagbucks. There are also postings for inexpensive recipes, home improvements, and vacation deals. I haven also gotten a ton of free samples of all sorts of products. The blogger devotes ALL of her time to scouring websites and fliers for the best deals imaginable. She is an extreme couponer and something that I aspire to.<br />
<br />
Last night she did her grocery shopping for the week and only spent forty-four dollars and change between Target and Aldi. Though I have never been to an Aldi, I have been known to frequent Target multiple times in a week. As I was looking through what she was able to purchase, with utter amazement, she noted that every single thing she bought she used a Target coupon to save money. She also used a manufacturer's coupon for additional savings. <br />
<br />
Once again my shopping guru has opened my eyes to savings! I now know that multiple coupons can be used for the same item and that Target has its own coupon site. AHHHHHH...<br />
<br />
Check out the link below for your own enlightenment. I am off to Target with my coupons to save a bundle. I will check back later with my results!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/super-savings-saturday-aldi-target-and-farm-fresh-eggs.html">http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/super-savings-saturday-aldi-target-and-farm-fresh-eggs.html</a>Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-14816419498144143642012-01-23T18:47:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:47:44.079-08:00Hannaford SupermarketsI am not a Price Chopper fan. Yes, I find the Advantage gas savings alluring, but unless I am buying gift cards or they are having a buy one get three free sale I try very hard to avoid their over-crowded and high priced stores. I am a Hannaford shopper.<br />
<br />
Hannaford has a policy that states if you are over-charged for something or if your receipt is incorrect, they will refund your money and give you a dollar for your inconvenience. Really! You simply go to the customer service counter, explain your situation, and hand over your receipt. Or not, like I found out today.<br />
<br />
It all began yesterday when I was checking out. I asked the cashier if they still sold stamps at the register. She responded yes and commented that I was the first one to buy the new stamps from her. Stamps went up again you see and I was exactly one day late in buying them. My favorite mailman must have gotten another raise...<br />
<br />
Anyway... as we continued to discuss how the post office is going to alienate the only customers that they have left by bankrupting us, we must have gotten distracted. When I got home and looked for my stamps, they were not in any of my bags.<br />
<br />
I returned to the store today, went to the customer service counter, and explained my situation . The extremely helpful rep didn't even ask for my receipt. She appologized for my inconvenience and handed over a book of stamps. Just like that. <br />
<br />
Take that, Chopper Shoppers!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-26616670749746672812012-01-14T07:16:00.000-08:002012-01-14T07:18:53.239-08:00Blue MondayDid you know that the most depressing day of the year is not your birthday? It's not even the day you mourn your dead cat, curse your ex, remember your first love, or step on the scale. <br />
<br />
The most depressing day of the year is Monday; Blue Monday in fact. Apparently this is a reaction to a combination of factors: winter is in full swing (or in our case beginning), New Year's resolutions have been broken, post holiday credit card bills are pouring in, and W2s are showing up in paychecks.<br />
<br />
But before you start shelling out your money to Citibank and The IRS, head to Cold Stone Creamery in Stuyvesant Plaza. They are offering half off all of their ice cream. Guaranteed to turn that frown upside down!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-31226967059945528862012-01-08T06:21:00.000-08:002012-01-08T06:21:16.196-08:00Have You Noticed?Over the past few weeks, you have probably spent a good deal of time surrounded by family. Some you may see often and others only on special occasions. I noticed some things about myself and some habits that I noticed that are a direct result of my family. Here are my top five:<br />
<br />
1. Autopilot. My dad always had a "short cut" that we had never taken before. In truth regardless of where we were traveling, if it involved any portion of a route that Dad often traveled he would automatically head for the familiar. I don't know how it happened, but every time I go to my sister's house I miss the turn and end up on the highway. Even when I'm waiting patiently at the light to make the turn, as soon as the light turns green I am through the intersection and headed south on I787.<br />
<br />
2. Baking. Inevitably when you make cupcakes you never quite reach the tewnty-four the box says you will. You could try a measuring cup, ice cream scoop, or the "eyeing it" method and will still lose some to the sides of the bowl, beaters, and the occasional taste test. What to do with the extra spaces in the pan? Fill them with water of course! Why? Because mom always did. I'm quite certain that if the spaces between the cups don't burn, the actual cup won't either but I still fill them, every time.<br />
<br />
3. Breakfast. There are many choices available for breakfast each morning. One of the most versatile and convenient is a bowl of cereal. I'm sure there are daily recommended amounts of both cereal and milk, but it's not something that was followed in our house. If it fit in the bowl it was enough. Except when it wasn't because there was extra milk left over. Since warm sugary milk grosses me out, there was only one thing to do: add more cereal on top. If the pour was a little too generous, add more milk. Continuing until, as my brothers have proven on many an occasion, the half gallon of milk and box of cereal are as empty as your bowl.<br />
<br />
4. Socks. If you are like me, one of the saddest days of the year is October 1st. This is the day where you have to accept the fact that summer has passed you by and you have to retire your sandals, flip flops, and barefoot carefree days. It's time for socks... Having hardwood floors on the majority of my first floor, it can be chilly walking around in your bare feet. And it can be annoying to take your socks off to sit on the couch and relax, then put them back on to search for your IPad that is charging in the other room. The solution? Roll your socks down over your heal to let your feet breathe. And keep your toes warm. Bliss...<br />
<br />
5. Egg Salad. Hard boiled egg, mayo, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped green olives. Mix carefully and spread between two pieces of white bread. Dad's perfect sandwich... Followed closely by baloney and ketchup.<br />
<br />
At this time of year, relish in the time you spend with family. And instead of fighting it, embrace the fact that you WILL one day become your mom, dad, or crazy Aunt Kate! Enjoy.Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-25904636273624277572012-01-03T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T15:09:22.909-08:00What Goes On?What goes on in Cohoes? It seems like every time I open the paper lately, someone ends up dead.<br />
<br />
First an elderly good Samaritan opened his door to a stranger who turned out to be a homeless grifter who was high on drugs. He had been knocking on doors until someone opened up. Someone who he subsequently robbed and beat to death. Tragic.<br />
<br />
Then a body was found in the Hudson River near Peebles Island. They fell, jumped, were pushed into the frigid water and surfaced in Cohoes. Bizarre.<br />
<br />
Walking home from a bar shift on NYE a third Cohosian was crossing a rail bridge from Green Island when he fell to his death. He had been talking on his cell phone when he plunged to his death in Cohoes. What are the odds?<br />
<br />
What goes on in Cohoes? I can't say. But my advice: don't jump, walk, or answer your door. It may be hazardous to your health!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-58642436792728537312012-01-01T08:02:00.000-08:002012-01-01T08:02:58.867-08:00Hello 2012My friends and I tried something different this year to ring in the new year. We reserved a hibachi table for ten, ordered some saki, and stuffed ourselves with quazi-healthy food. The chef was entertaining and the food very good. <br />
<br />
We then thought we would bar hop and were quickly reminded of why we usually have a house party. It is hard for that many people to come to a concenses and driving while drinking is a pain (at least for one revealer). And further, what bar owner in their right mind isn't open on NYE? Wolf Road Recovery Room...<br />
<br />
We eventually ended up at Bootleggers, a new bar that used to be a favorite hangout in my previous decade. The decor hasn't changed. Neither has the music. The crowd is still full of twenty-somethings sweating it out on the dance floor and making a mess in the restroom. Another reminder that next year we should revisit the houseparty. But being the popcorn machine!<br />
<br />
Anyway, with all of the driving and non-commitment I woke up today without a hang over and an offer from my mom to entertain my 17-month old for a few more hours. (Or is Kendall entertaining them?) Oh, and did I mention we topped off the night with fries and gravy. Hello 2012!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-81029573246519537002011-12-29T19:44:00.000-08:002011-12-29T19:44:07.983-08:00Good Bye 2011As the end of the year nears and we all try to sort through the good and the bad, here are a few things that I hope fade quickly from memory (and fashion magazines where applicable).<br />
<br />
1. Colored jeans. They are too tight, do not go with anything but black shoes, and were forgotten quickly the first time around. Would you even consider going back to egg white mouse and double gold necklaces? Then keep the colors above your waistline.<br />
<br />
2. Fake feather extensions. I first thought they were earrings. When I realized they were actually anchored somehow in people's hair, I became even more confused. In my experience you don't want a reminder of a close encounter with a bird. Even if it's supposed to bring good luck.<br />
<br />
3. Plaid and/or flannel shirts. We live in the northeast and consider cowboy boots a fashion accessory. Wild mustangs, johnny cakes, and belt buckles that double as a hood ornament do not exist in your world. Leave your cow girl clothes where they belong: the Neverland Ranch.<br />
<br />
4. Katy Perry's naked thighs. Pretty sure we went through this with Beyonce and even her tan didn't help her escape the YouTube ridicule. Katy is a shade lighter than pale and must have forgotten she isn't 15 anymore. Her thighs are not setting off any fireworks for me.<br />
<br />
5. Old school football/baseball/basketball uniforms. Why make it hard for the fans you still have to find their favorite team? Its so irritating trying to figure out who or what is being remembered. Just play the game and keep the home team in white. Plus, there was a reason why they updated their unis, stop second guessing the decision and get your butts down the field/baseline/court. Or take a cue from the Yankees and don't change a thing.<br />
<br />
Feel free to add to the list. I may...Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-36072644422357850872011-12-28T14:04:00.000-08:002011-12-28T14:04:45.872-08:00Beyond SorryCan you imagine walking in to a wake and not having to wait in line? Then imagine you are only the seventh person to sign the guest book. You look among the rows of chairs, only to see a teenaged girl bookmarked by her two younger brothers. There is no one else in the room. Except for the solemn figure awaiting you at the casket. He stands there a devastated father morning the loss of his second wife to debilitating disease. <br />
<br />
Imagine you kneel at the casket and rack your brain for some words of comfort to offer this grieving family. A family whose beloved mother passed on much too soon. You look about unable to face them. On her wrist sits the friendship bracelet that her ten year old son made for her; her name spelled out in heart charms.<br />
<br />
Imagine you turn from the casket, tears streaming down your cheeks feeling something beyond sorry for this family. Imagine that instead of comforting him, your ten year old student hands you a tissue.<br />
<br />
On second thought, don't imagine any of this and be so grateful that you have not had to experience this day and that unlike Daniel and Patrick you never will.Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-84961392122615459412011-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:30:11.715-08:00Christmas Card "Exchanging"I will be the first person to admit that I sporadically send Christmas cards. Some years I am super organized and find really nice cards (reasonably priced) and send them out to everyone I know: friends, colleagues, aunts, uncles, anyone that sends one to me. Other years, unfortunately they are the last thing on my mind. <br />
<br />
I appreciate the cards that people send to me: the funny ones from my sister, the traditional ones from my aunts, the picture cards from my friends with their adorable families on the front. I am not on Facebook (believe it) so the updates that the picture provides are welcome. Others however I don't quiet understand: the piano keys on the card from my financial advisor, the wedding photo from two years ago from coworkers whose wedding we didn't attend, and adults who take pictures of themselves and send them as Christmas cards. Wouldn't you rather save that picture in a frame instead of my recycling bin?<br />
<br />
My favorite cards are the ones that are unexpected. Your kids are waving from the beach, your dog is dressed as The Grinch, they have a Holiday scratch off, and any card from Hallmark's Shoebox collection. <br />
<br />
This year I have received more cards than ever before and am feeling guilty that I didn't send a card to each of them in advance because exchanging cards means more than just receiving one. My goal next year is to be more equitable and mail out the latest photo of my child to all that I know. Maybe I will even throw in a three year old wedding photo as a bonus!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-65621171550190886122011-12-22T12:32:00.000-08:002011-12-22T12:32:13.128-08:00Salute the BootTomorrow I turn the big 30 (plus 7) and this year instead of wallowing in self pity and yearning for those crazy years when I was young and thin and broke and could drink two days in a row, I am going to relish in my day and head down to the Biergarten. They don't care that I have a child safety seat in my (gasp) 4-door sedan, that I donated all of my (say it isn't so) odd sized, low-riding jeans, or that I now share a bed with two other people (wait for it), one of whom is 17 months old and likes to stick her finger in my nose. They are happy that I am an employed 30-something with a three bedroom house, a husband, and some loyal friends to share in my happiness. <br />
<br />
They also encourage me to celebrate my birthday by throwing wonderfully salty peanut shells on the floor and drinking German beer from a boot. There will be soccer on the TV, beer pretzels at the table, and maybe even some spetzle with gravy to keep the spirit high. There is also plenty of happiness to go around if you want to join us! See you at the high top near the dart boards. I will be the one with my head sticking out under the wooden elf hat. Unless of course you join us later when I will be laying at the foot of the elf...Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-41009993655368740842011-12-16T11:53:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:53:06.778-08:00Has Political Correctness Gone Too Far?Every year our school is visited by the Seal A Smile program. It provides free dental care for any student whose parent completes a form stating that their child does not have dental insurance and is in need of a check up. Four to five of my students usually visit the hygienist and I hate to think about what they discover in their gross little mouths.<br />
<br />
Before the forms go home, the hygienist visits each classroom and reviews proper hygiene, tooth brushing techniques, and the importance of flossing. Most of the students know that you need to change your toothbrush every few months (end of the school year, beginning of the school year, Christmas, and Easter), that soda rots your teeth, and that water is the best liquid for a healthy mouth (and body). It is in asking such questions that political correctness may have gone too far...<br />
<br />
When referring to the adults that the students live with and are seeking permission from the lovely, older, gray haired hygienist called them "your grown ups". No longer are the people who bore us our parents or guardians, they have become our grown ups. Does that make us their young downs?Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-73436398601193468882011-11-18T18:34:00.000-08:002011-11-18T18:34:24.316-08:00What A Week!It's been one of those weeks; long, crazy, and for me a full five days of work. As I sit home, on a Friday night, catching up on things that I have been putting off all week I thought I would recap some of the craziness...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">On Monday</span> night Hope and Max danced their way off DWTS. Yes, she looks beautiful in heels and make up. Yes, she improved. Yes, Max told off the judges more than once and even claimed the show was his. But in the end, the highest scores Hope received were 9s and that isn't good enough to take home the mirror ball. Dammit...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">On Tuesday</span> night it was confirmed. Hope and Max were in the bottom two. And the "behind the scenes" backstage footage really didn't help their cause. Sadly, they danced their last dance and more sadly, Hope didn't jump across the judges' table and lay out Carrie Ann. She hates all women and is intimidated by the athletes. She needs to go home as well! Bring back Carson Kressley in her place...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">On Wednesday</span> I took my fifth graders to the Capitol and NYS Museum. What a beautiful, priceless, and extraordinary place. They were even able to keep quiet for most of the tour. Then we got on the bus to go home and they started singing. Louder and louder and louder...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">On Thursday</span> we learned that a middle school student at a local school didn't in fact "fall" from the roof of her building but instead "jumped". And survived? And found the door to the roof unlocked? And wrote a note to her parents that was ignored? How on earth does this happen? I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to get to the roof of my school. In fact, I have no idea if my school even has a door leading to the roof. And I am not the only person who can't find it. There are playground balls up there that have been hanging around longer than the baked chicken parts in the cafeteria. But good news: the local police chief reassured the public that even though the School Resource Officer wasn't on duty, he probably wouldn't have been able to change the outcome. Is that because he isn't that accurate catching a falling teenager or because keeping the students safe isn't in his job description...<br />
<br />
Oh, and I saved $57.64 on my grocery bill!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Which brings us to Friday</span>... <br />
<ul><li>tonight a good friend is celebrating her one week anniversary with her husband at the place they first met</li>
<li>my godson was initiated into the rite of passage known as "The Civ"</li>
<li>my daughter ate her first taco</li>
<li>and I learned a local salon is offering Botox for your nether region</li>
</ul>What A Week!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-57048060765025607252011-10-31T18:58:00.000-07:002011-10-31T18:58:09.033-07:00Happy Halloween!<span style="color: #e69138;">It's Halloween Friends and like a full moon there are always some things that you just have to scratch your head about:</span><br />
<br />
1. One of my <span style="font-size: large;">5th</span> graders is going to a costume party as Casey Anthony...<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">2. People who have all of their lights on and cars in their driveway don't answer the door...</span><br />
3. People who have no lights on and no car do...<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">4. Daisy Duke was a <strike>hot</strike> unfortunate costume for plus-sized middle schoolers...</span><br />
5. McDonald's in Vliet ran out of burgers and the drive-thru was still a 25 minute wait...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Hope you enjoyed it!</span><br />
<br />
Now go and check your child's candy for razor blades, Kit Kat and Twix bars. Funny how parents never have to make sure that the Smarties and gummy sandwiches are safe!<br />
<br />
<img class="rg_i" height="99px" name="r7X33G_GMWoHxM:" onload="google.stb.csi.onTbn(1, this)" src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" width="171px" />Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418903214176486579.post-23399487856222624142011-10-30T13:16:00.000-07:002011-10-30T13:16:21.808-07:00One Fish, Two Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img class="rg_i" height="142px" name="zLc4RR5SO4DQIM:" onload="google.stb.csi.onTbn(1, this)" src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="145px" /></div><br />
<br />
It's seems our (not) friends at the fish markets down state have been passing along less than acceptable fish to their patrons. In a sting operation aimed to net (pun intended) disreputable vendons, researchers discovered that some of the more expensive brands are not as high quality as they should be. Or are not even the species that they purport to be. That red snapper that you overpaid for might actually be talapia. And the albacore tuna perfectly seared on your plate might actually have been caught in the Hudson. Well... let's hope not!<br />
<br />
But not to worry: the ground beef, chicken breasts, and the turkey and vegetables roasting in your Sunday oven still contain all of the growth hormones and irradiation that they have always claimed. Bon Appetit!Jenne Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03376083568706100418noreply@blogger.com1