Monday, April 28, 2003
I feel like I could blog for hours. So much to say!
Funny Rick Santorum story- enjoy!
Millwood pitched a no-hitter yesterday. My Mom is a hostess at the Vet and was there. She said she was screaming her head off at the end of the game, paused momentarily about the professionalism of the wailing, and then, I am sure, proceeded to scream some more! Read all about it here. Read all about the Phillies game, not my Mom's wailing, although that might be equally thrilling in some ways.
Had a totally crazy weekend. Friday, I was a kindergarden teacher. I swear, substitute teaching may be the toughest job there is. I will be glad when I am reliably employed again. It is so tough to walk into another person's job for just one day, particularly when that job involves 25 five-year-olds! Brutal! I totally crashed and did nothing on Friday night.
Saturday was the one year anniversary of Michelle and my commitment ceremony. We celebrated by going to Cuba Libre where the food was super and the atmosphere was lovely. Afterwards we walked to the Ritz and saw Chicago for the second time. I really loved that movie. I saw the Broadway show a few years ago and really enjoyed it. What I liked about the movie is that the structure really allows you to see how the characters relate to each other. When I saw the show, I loved the singing and the dancing but I am not sure that I really got the storyline. I think the movie makes it really clear.
Michelle and I talked a good deal on Saturday about all that has happened in the past year. It has been a really full one! I am looking forward to the next one and I am hoping that is a little less transitional!
Sunday was a super full day. We met Michael and Suz at the Art Museum for lunch and to get tickets for the Degas and the Dance exhibit. It was gorgeous! There was a small fire in the kitchen though and we were evacuated for awhile. Thank God it was a gorgeous day! We took the opportunity to walk to the Friends of the Free Library's Big Book Sale. I bought 8 books for $5. I will definitely be frequenting the Friends of the Free Library's book store. It was awesome. Michelle and Suz patiently waited in the shade while I looked at books till I was satisfied. God bless them!
Last night, we went to see my sister Angie in the Archdiocesan Boy Choir production of Oliver! The director of the choir has been a friend of my parents forever. He was my Dad's choir director when my Dad was in the kids' choir at St. Peter the Apostle school choir thirty years ago. I have seen the show so many times, I think I could have performed it myself but it was good to see Angie on the stage. She really does love performing. The crazy part is that my sister Cathy played the same rols in the ABC production of Oliver! in 1997 and watching Angie last night was like watching Cathy all over again! So funny!
Today, I need to be a cleaning machine, need to put away my new books, stop by the library to pick up a book they are holding for me and prepare for an interview tomorrow. I have a second interview for a job that I used to think was my dream job. I am not so sure anymore but I am very interested nonetheless.
Funny Rick Santorum story- enjoy!
Millwood pitched a no-hitter yesterday. My Mom is a hostess at the Vet and was there. She said she was screaming her head off at the end of the game, paused momentarily about the professionalism of the wailing, and then, I am sure, proceeded to scream some more! Read all about it here. Read all about the Phillies game, not my Mom's wailing, although that might be equally thrilling in some ways.
Had a totally crazy weekend. Friday, I was a kindergarden teacher. I swear, substitute teaching may be the toughest job there is. I will be glad when I am reliably employed again. It is so tough to walk into another person's job for just one day, particularly when that job involves 25 five-year-olds! Brutal! I totally crashed and did nothing on Friday night.
Saturday was the one year anniversary of Michelle and my commitment ceremony. We celebrated by going to Cuba Libre where the food was super and the atmosphere was lovely. Afterwards we walked to the Ritz and saw Chicago for the second time. I really loved that movie. I saw the Broadway show a few years ago and really enjoyed it. What I liked about the movie is that the structure really allows you to see how the characters relate to each other. When I saw the show, I loved the singing and the dancing but I am not sure that I really got the storyline. I think the movie makes it really clear.
Michelle and I talked a good deal on Saturday about all that has happened in the past year. It has been a really full one! I am looking forward to the next one and I am hoping that is a little less transitional!
Sunday was a super full day. We met Michael and Suz at the Art Museum for lunch and to get tickets for the Degas and the Dance exhibit. It was gorgeous! There was a small fire in the kitchen though and we were evacuated for awhile. Thank God it was a gorgeous day! We took the opportunity to walk to the Friends of the Free Library's Big Book Sale. I bought 8 books for $5. I will definitely be frequenting the Friends of the Free Library's book store. It was awesome. Michelle and Suz patiently waited in the shade while I looked at books till I was satisfied. God bless them!
Last night, we went to see my sister Angie in the Archdiocesan Boy Choir production of Oliver! The director of the choir has been a friend of my parents forever. He was my Dad's choir director when my Dad was in the kids' choir at St. Peter the Apostle school choir thirty years ago. I have seen the show so many times, I think I could have performed it myself but it was good to see Angie on the stage. She really does love performing. The crazy part is that my sister Cathy played the same rols in the ABC production of Oliver! in 1997 and watching Angie last night was like watching Cathy all over again! So funny!
Today, I need to be a cleaning machine, need to put away my new books, stop by the library to pick up a book they are holding for me and prepare for an interview tomorrow. I have a second interview for a job that I used to think was my dream job. I am not so sure anymore but I am very interested nonetheless.
Thursday, April 24, 2003
The past two days have been a whirlwind! I had an interview yesterday for a position that I would love to have! They have already called my references. I am really hopeful that this will be a good match.
I am loving that more people are getting into blogging, especially my sisters. When I first started blogging I was completely obsessed! I love when I hear that others feel the same way. I think it is so interesting to read, as opposed to listen to, what people are thinking about their lives and the world.
I am so looking forward to receiving my copy of Entertainment Weekly this week. I just saw the cover on tv this morning with the Dixie Chicks on it. What a statement! I love it! I totally support them, and Natalie Maines specifically. I told Michelle that if I get this job we are celebrating by getting tickets for the Chicks concert when they come here in June. There are still I few tickets left- I checked yesterday. Also, if I get this job, Miss Skinny Michelle is going to have to go shopping for some new clothes. That girl has lost so much weight in the last year that all her pants are hanging off of her!
I am off. I am on the edge of my seat about this job thing. Keep your fingers crossed.
Oh, by the way, my sister Cathy is right: Rick Santorum is an ass.
I am loving that more people are getting into blogging, especially my sisters. When I first started blogging I was completely obsessed! I love when I hear that others feel the same way. I think it is so interesting to read, as opposed to listen to, what people are thinking about their lives and the world.
I am so looking forward to receiving my copy of Entertainment Weekly this week. I just saw the cover on tv this morning with the Dixie Chicks on it. What a statement! I love it! I totally support them, and Natalie Maines specifically. I told Michelle that if I get this job we are celebrating by getting tickets for the Chicks concert when they come here in June. There are still I few tickets left- I checked yesterday. Also, if I get this job, Miss Skinny Michelle is going to have to go shopping for some new clothes. That girl has lost so much weight in the last year that all her pants are hanging off of her!
I am off. I am on the edge of my seat about this job thing. Keep your fingers crossed.
Oh, by the way, my sister Cathy is right: Rick Santorum is an ass.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Big week for blogs in the Santos family. My sister Cathy started blogging as well. Stop by to hear the saga of a student, wife, mother, and great sister (and to read cute stories about my nephew Joshua whom I adore!).
My sister Ang has started a blog. Read it here. The life and adventures of a 17 year old, high school junior who is college hunting, music loving, and generally fun to be around.
Monday, April 21, 2003
Stop by this site: Read the April 17 entry. I am with Susan Sarandon.
Thursday, April 10, 2003
What a crazy week! I feel like I have lived a month in the past four days! There has been some craziness going on here at our house and while I won't write details about the actual happenings, I will say this...
I think I should be a detective. Clarification: I have no desire to go through the police academy or to carry a gun but I can find things like no one's business. I am just good at thinking of ways to figure things out. I can find anything on the internet. I am a champion at searching. Maybe people should think about their skills before getting into a career because let me tell you, the last few days have shown me that there are detectives out there who are not so good at searching, or at the very least are not so eager to do it.
Still no work. Nothing from the temp agency. No new teaching calls. No follow ups on the resumes I have sent. If this goes on much longer, I may have to pan handle. This is getting ridiculous.
I think I should be a detective. Clarification: I have no desire to go through the police academy or to carry a gun but I can find things like no one's business. I am just good at thinking of ways to figure things out. I can find anything on the internet. I am a champion at searching. Maybe people should think about their skills before getting into a career because let me tell you, the last few days have shown me that there are detectives out there who are not so good at searching, or at the very least are not so eager to do it.
Still no work. Nothing from the temp agency. No new teaching calls. No follow ups on the resumes I have sent. If this goes on much longer, I may have to pan handle. This is getting ridiculous.
Monday, April 07, 2003
PS Visit Jason Zada's blog to see the cutest baby! This blog is very easy to navigate, always has great pictures and is just generally cool. I am loving the baby updates, particularly the video today.
Job update: Am substitute teaching in 2nd grade and kindergarten the last week in April. I am really looking forward to it. I also submitted my application to a temp agency so hopefully I will be bringing in some money in the near future. Michelle is about to schiz out because we have not tailored our lifestyle to our new budget (read: we have no money but keep going out anyway). I should be freaking out too but am surprisingly calm.
Patriotic Songs: I am in love with the American Idol version of Proud to be an American/ God Bless the USA. I am so glad they are releasing it as a single. I am super nerdy when it comes to patriotism. I went through a crazy American flag phase in high school and college where I had so many things that were decorated with American flags- bathing suits, Converse sneakers, t-shirts, various pins, socks, Christmas ornaments, etc. I was no American flag band wagon hopper after 9/11. I just pulled out all the stuff I had owned for years. I love Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA and have for years.
Loving a patriotic song is one thing. Writing a judgmental song that does not even make sense is another. I am a country music fan and was listening to our local country station (92.5 WXTU) when I got out of the shower today. I heard Have You Forgotten by Darryl Worley for the first time. What a bizarre song! I don't understand why he is singing about the war and Bin Laden. I know that President Bush wants us to believe that this war is about Bin Laden but I just don't buy it. I think this war is about Hussein. I wish Bush would just say that. I still would not be in favor of war but at least I would not feel betrayed as well. Anyhoo, that's my beef with Bush, not Worley. My deal with Worley is this- I think he wrote this song in about 25 minutes and thought he would capitalize on the war, make a little money. In doing so, he could not find anything to rhyme with Hussein so he rhymed Bin Laden with "Have you forgotten" and had himself an insta-country hit. What a lame attempt at accusing other people of being less patriotic and compassionate than you are and make money at the same time.
Speaking of country and WXTU, I just realized that WXTU is doing a vote on their website about whether or not they play the Dixie Chicks. I did not know this was going on. I have not listened to WXTU in awhile. Anyone out there who believes in Natalie Maines' right (and the right of all Americans) to free speech, please hop on the site and vote for the Chicks!
Big up: Want to give a shout out to my sister Cathy who kicked major butt last night at her Junior Recital at Millersville University. That girl can sing! One of the highlights of the night: my nephew Joshua clapping and yelling "Momma" each time Cathy walked off the stage. Special thanks to Cathy for the surprise song: I Have Confidence from Sound of Music. It was super! Could not help thinking of Gram and Pop, watching Julie Andrews kick her heels together and throw off her hat, lying on our bellies in front of the TV. Those were the days!
Patriotic Songs: I am in love with the American Idol version of Proud to be an American/ God Bless the USA. I am so glad they are releasing it as a single. I am super nerdy when it comes to patriotism. I went through a crazy American flag phase in high school and college where I had so many things that were decorated with American flags- bathing suits, Converse sneakers, t-shirts, various pins, socks, Christmas ornaments, etc. I was no American flag band wagon hopper after 9/11. I just pulled out all the stuff I had owned for years. I love Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA and have for years.
Loving a patriotic song is one thing. Writing a judgmental song that does not even make sense is another. I am a country music fan and was listening to our local country station (92.5 WXTU) when I got out of the shower today. I heard Have You Forgotten by Darryl Worley for the first time. What a bizarre song! I don't understand why he is singing about the war and Bin Laden. I know that President Bush wants us to believe that this war is about Bin Laden but I just don't buy it. I think this war is about Hussein. I wish Bush would just say that. I still would not be in favor of war but at least I would not feel betrayed as well. Anyhoo, that's my beef with Bush, not Worley. My deal with Worley is this- I think he wrote this song in about 25 minutes and thought he would capitalize on the war, make a little money. In doing so, he could not find anything to rhyme with Hussein so he rhymed Bin Laden with "Have you forgotten" and had himself an insta-country hit. What a lame attempt at accusing other people of being less patriotic and compassionate than you are and make money at the same time.
Speaking of country and WXTU, I just realized that WXTU is doing a vote on their website about whether or not they play the Dixie Chicks. I did not know this was going on. I have not listened to WXTU in awhile. Anyone out there who believes in Natalie Maines' right (and the right of all Americans) to free speech, please hop on the site and vote for the Chicks!
Big up: Want to give a shout out to my sister Cathy who kicked major butt last night at her Junior Recital at Millersville University. That girl can sing! One of the highlights of the night: my nephew Joshua clapping and yelling "Momma" each time Cathy walked off the stage. Special thanks to Cathy for the surprise song: I Have Confidence from Sound of Music. It was super! Could not help thinking of Gram and Pop, watching Julie Andrews kick her heels together and throw off her hat, lying on our bellies in front of the TV. Those were the days!
Saturday, April 05, 2003
Michelle is doing Pilates...again. I, on the other hand, am a lazy slug. My first week of unemployment was quite different than what I had expected. I did not work out at all other than walking the streets of Philly as I usually do to get from one place to another. Each day the alarm would go off, Michelle would say to me "Do you want to do Pilates with me?" Then I would roll over and go back to sleep. Way to be ambitious. This is why Michelle has lost beaucoup lbs in the past year and a half and I weigh precisely one lb less than I did last January when we went to our first Weight Watchers meeting. Sure, I got my 10 lb ribbon, and then the prize for losing 10% of my body weight but I have since found all the weight I had lost, save one measly lb. I am teetering dangerously close to surpassing my highest ever weight. I am petrified of that place.
I was a 5th grade teacher on Wednesday. What an adventure! I can not even begin to describe how tough it was to walk into a room full of kids I have never met before and attempt, not only to teach them something, but to exercise some control over the way that they behave. It was interesting and fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I applied for a job at Barnes and Noble yesterday. I also have an application for Borders that I need to fill out. I would love to work with books! My dream job- librarian! There are no Library Science programs in commuting distance though and I am just not in a place to move out of my neighborhood right now. Hell, Michelle and I went to see an apartment yesterday that is 11 blocks Northwest of our current one and we were not sure we could make the adjustment. On June 15, we are moving three blocks away. It is also 3 blocks away from the apartment that we lived in before this one. We have a sick attachment to the "gayborhood."
Trying to make plans with Michael and Suz today. We'll see what happens. We wanted to go to a pottery painting place in Manayunk that evidently does not exist anymore. Next idea: the teddy bear factory in King of Prussia. I am unemployed. It makes perfect sense to make plans that include creating junk I do not need.
Later.
I was a 5th grade teacher on Wednesday. What an adventure! I can not even begin to describe how tough it was to walk into a room full of kids I have never met before and attempt, not only to teach them something, but to exercise some control over the way that they behave. It was interesting and fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I applied for a job at Barnes and Noble yesterday. I also have an application for Borders that I need to fill out. I would love to work with books! My dream job- librarian! There are no Library Science programs in commuting distance though and I am just not in a place to move out of my neighborhood right now. Hell, Michelle and I went to see an apartment yesterday that is 11 blocks Northwest of our current one and we were not sure we could make the adjustment. On June 15, we are moving three blocks away. It is also 3 blocks away from the apartment that we lived in before this one. We have a sick attachment to the "gayborhood."
Trying to make plans with Michael and Suz today. We'll see what happens. We wanted to go to a pottery painting place in Manayunk that evidently does not exist anymore. Next idea: the teddy bear factory in King of Prussia. I am unemployed. It makes perfect sense to make plans that include creating junk I do not need.
Later.
