Oh Well....

Germs don't listen to Haikus.

I am sick. Yeah!

The Art of Denial

No, I am not sick
And a sore throat, I have not
Airborne is my friend

My weekend...

...was the second best weekend of my life. Second only to the weekend I got married.

This past weekend I got to meet my twin nieces who are back together again and home after 24 hrs of labor and a few days apart so Baby A, (aka Danny, aka Madison) could get some extra love and attention in the Kaiser Morse NICU.

I am so proud of my best friends. I think Ryan has fallen in love again; you can watch every time he looks at his girls. And I am in awe of Brittaney and the way she is handling all the stress of being a new mom.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to watch Uncle Grant change a diaper, for the first time. You would think that with 5 nephews already, they opportunity would have presented itself, but strangely enough this is not the case. And I have to say, he did an excellent job. First time ever on a 4-day-old baby girl is no easy task.

However, my most favorite part was being in the same room as all the amazing people I am so lucky to be friends with. I think the babies agree that they were just born into a pretty awesome family.

I love you Ella and Madison.

Thanksgiving

This past August, my family lost my sweet Great "Granny Bah" after a well-lived life of 96 years. When it came time to talk about the holidays, my sister and I came to an agreement that we wanted to go back to what we used to do and go to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. Now, I said it was my great-grandmother who passed away and at 25 years old, I still have all four of my grandparents in my life. I don't know many people at my age who can say that. So when Bah died, I think my sister and I did not want to take that for granted.

I had several "Wonder Years" moments as we sat around the table that night at dinner...well, The Wonder Years but without the voice of Fred Savage as my internal dialogue. Although the "kids" were still at the "kids table" no one was under the age of 22. And at dinner, our juice was replaced with wine and our morning chocolate milk with coffee. And we talked about things like buying new cars, school, graduation, careers and the future that at 7 year olds, we thought would never come.

At one point Jessie and I were standing outside watching the turkey go into the deep fryer (oh how the times have changed) and she said to me, "Did their yard get smaller?" and I looked around at the same backyard and said, "No. We just got bigger."

But just like the movies, as I looked out into the yard, I could see four little figures all playing on the lawn together, just like we used to. And I am still not sure if what I was seeing was my past, or my future; either way it made me smile.

Game plan

I am not entirly sure what the game plan for tomorrow is. I think it will start with turkey and then probably end with turkey....or the food sweats.

I see regret in my future.

Too Much Vino.

You know you are getting old when after a night of maybe one too many glasses of wine you wake up the next morning hung over...in your legs. Ugh.

Best of Shelloween 2006

Another Shelloween party has come and gone and I think it is safe to say the best one yet. Sure, there has only been two. Whatever. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Joel winning the award for best boyfriend at the party for willingly dressing up as someone he didn't even know existed just because Tina told him to and it would make her look cute.
2. They were no oats, but they were the "Cadillac of Dates"
3. A pregnant Catholic school girl? And a priest to boot! Dirty birds!
4. Lil' Smokeis. The most delicious of the trashiest of foods.
5. The return of Pumpkin Beer.
6. Tina, bartender extraordinaire.
7. No cat fights...even though Kyyyyydra was in attendance. (Can I get a what what LB fans!)
8. Farewell Typewriter in the play list.
9. The always entertaining Drunk Josh!
10. Giant Bananas!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks you all who came! See you next year!

A must read.

If you are not already aware, this is a great website created by my dear friend Tina. She is so funny and a wonderful writer, not to mention a growing expert of all things fashionable and fabulous.

I would listen to anything this girl has to say. She is definitely the anti-roach. And if you want to know what "roach" means get to reading!

The Raffle Queen

Apparently, I am very skilled at the art of winning a raffle. Over the past year I have won nearly every raffle I have entered myself in. In no particular order, here are the items I have won from 10/31/05 to present.

1. A Baby Stroller (I think it's presence freaks Grant out more than he would like to admit, but I'm keeping it!)
2. A Gingerbread House...that I made!
3. I gift basket from Bath and Body Works.
4. A $50 gift certificate to Massimo's in Fremont.
5. A 5-inch screen T.V. Cute...but I gave it away.
6. A rolling cooler.

After yesterday's win of the rolling cooler, I figured I was on to something so I bought a lotto ticket. Well, since I am still at work today and not posting this from a beach in Italy with a bottle of wine in one hand and the villa that I just purchased in the other, it is safe to assume that I didn't win.

I guess I should stick to where my real gift is...raffles. I do have my name in a $500 shopping spree at Safeway, or I guess I should say, in November I am going to win a $500 shopping spree at Safeway.

I like being an expert at something that takes no still whatsoever and people just keep giving you things.

Conversations with Jessie

Yesterday before aerobics, I walked into my parents house and Jessie asked me what my blood type is. She is reading up on something called the "Blood Type Diet" where you are supposed to eat for your blood type. My sister is type O. According to this diet, she has the "original blood type," the blood of the cavemen. Apparently this means that she should be eating...well...like a caveman. More meat, less carbs. To her this makes sense because she, quote, "lost weight on Atkins but was a fat vegan." It may also explain why she craves beef...and smoked turkey legs.

Anyway, as she is explaining all this to me, she starts referring to it, not as the "Blood Type Diet" but rather, "The Caveman Diet" and hilariousness ensued:

We were walking to the car, on our way to aerobics. Aerobics!!!

Heather: There is candy in the front seat.
Jessie: Candy? I think candy is part of the caveman diet.
Heather: Right. (as Jessie opens a Reese's) Can I have a bite?
Jessie: Oh, cavemen don't share. (she dives into the bag for a 100 Grand)
Jessie: I think I will try this one...I like being a caveman.

FYI: The drive from my parents to aerobics class is about 2 blocks and it takes about 18 seconds to get there. She has already had two snack size candy bars. Now on to number three:

Jessie: Oh Heath Bar...just as they ate in prehistoric days.
Heather: Jessie! Are you eating another one!?!?
Jessie: Leave me be! I am a caveman!

So bring me some figgy pudding....

Actually don't, because that sounds gross.

However, the early onset of the Holiday season is anything but. This is the start of my favorite time of year and I say bring it on! So what if Halloween is still 3 weeks away. So what if it is just another way for retailers to start rolling in the Chirstmas cha-ching. I say embrace it. I don't have to buy anything to enjoy Christmas and no one has to buy me anything either for that matter. I am perfectly content with simply soaking in the fun of all the red and green. My one request is that for at least 31 days, my house smells like a Christmas tree when I walk downstairs in the morning.

With that said I say have a great October 11th, and Merry Chirstmas!

I found heaven.

Or, I went to the Ferry Building in San Francisco for the first time. I have one question after the experience:

Why did I not know about this sooner and why can't I live there?

As many of you may know, my husband is a very lucky man. I say this because I am what is known of as a "foodie." I have also been lovingly referred to as a "food hound." The ferry building, if you will, is the mother ship calling me home. All the shops are devoted to fancy food and wine. And in my book, who really needs anything else.

At one point I asked Grant, "Is it weird that I have a college degree in Child Development and I want to quit my job and work in this market?" To which he replied, "No. Look at how giddy you are."

Well, if you had seen tables of organic heirloom tomatoes and wheels of cheese the size of, well, wheels, you would have been giddy too! Giddy as a school girl...a big fat, full-of-organic-bakery-goods-and-gelato school girl.

Conversations with Jessie

Let me just set the scene for you.

My sister, my mom and I are taking an areobics class and yes I realize that it is 2006 and not 1984. Anyway, compared to the relaxing semester of yoga we finished in May, this is pretty intense.

So, we are in the middle of these incredibly painful crunches that involve our legs being straight up in the air and reaching up, oppisite hand to foot, back and forth, back and forth. My body is on fire, I am sweating like pig, and I feel like I have the endurace of someone in their 70's. I glance over at Jessie with a look which is trying to convey, "Help me. I am going to die." My sister responds to my non-verbal cry for help with this:

Jessie: I feel like mexican food right now.
Me:(panting) What?!?!
Jessie: I don't know. Right now I just really feel like some chicken tacos.

A pearl of wisdom

I have recently come to the conclusion that I am not the only person on the planet who cannot wear the only jeans that are ever on sale at the Gap.

The reality is the only jeans that are ever on sale at the Gap are the ultra-low-rise-my-ass-is-showing kind and most of the population cannot look good in them anyway and that my friends, is why there are racks and racks of them.

It is not just me, but everyone rather.

At least that is what I am going to keep telling myself after I try those damn things on and put them right back on the "go-back" table every single time I go in that store.

Promotion

I just accepted a new position at work. I am often asked this question or something similar: "So, how is the new job going?"

What I actually say: Great! I am really excited.
What I want to say: Right, my promotion. Well I feel like everything is spiraling out of control into the fiery pits of hell. And my brand new office with a door that shuts makes it much more tempting to crawl under my desk and hide from the new responsibility that has been given to me. But, it is good. You know, that "I-feel-like-putting-my-head-in-an-oven," kind of good.

Ahh...the fair.

Yes, I do love it so. With all it's wonderful smells of fried treats, corn dogs, farm animals and carnies, it is the one thing that makes my summer feel complete. And you know what is even better? I think the schizophrenic lights of the high quality carnival rides and the beckoning call of the chamois man wearing the Britany Spears mic, blinds you of the fact that you should feel really guilty about ingesting a lifetimes worth of saturated fat into your body at one sitting.

The next day you feel like death...but it is so worth it.

Babies abound!

As many of you know, my best friend is expecting twin girls and the anticpation of their arrival is exciting and overwhelming.

Now, many may think that this news has given me what is commonly reffered to as "baby fever." This is entirly untrue.

Ok, fine. So the sight of Brittaney's ever-expanding belly makes me ache to the core of my being. But I don't think that means anything.

I mean, so what if I am just doing some regular old shopping for some regular old "I am not pregnant nor am I a mom yet" things I just happen to wander into the baby departments at The Gap, Target, or Gymboree for example. Is there really anything wrong with that?

And you know what, I Tivo TLC's "A Baby Story" daily for educational purposes only.

See, isn't it obvious that this is not something I am looking for right now. I have baby fever! Ridiculous.

Parenting Lessons in Target.

While checking out some sale shoes at my friendly, local Target store, the woman next to me recieved a phone call. She is on to something:

"Hello. Hi babe....again? Why does he keep doing that.....yeah.....you know we should just like wrap a plastic bag around him or something at night.....uh huh....yeah just for the night time and then put the underwear like over the plastic. Ok. Well, I will home soon. Bye.

A plastic bag! That is a great idea. I mean who needs diapers when there are choking hazards to use.

What can happen when you let Ryan play with the white gas.

Ok, not really. This was one of the many attractions that Brittaney, Ryan, Grant and I visited while camping in Mammoth. What is actually occuring here is that there are unusual amounts of CO2 in the air which kills off the trees. Because of this, you will find comforting signs like the one seen below scattered about the area:



Now, of course all of Mammoth did not look like that and most if it was incredibly beautiful:



What was not so beautiful is how I look when I am camping. Although I do have pictures of that as well, I will leave that image up to your imagination.

A Haiku for the Mai Tai

Big jug of Mai Tais
The last one was a mistake
Ibuprofen saves

It finally happened.

I have avoided it for so long. It was something I feared would happen but hoped that maybe, just maybe, I would be spared.

Not so.

Today I was referred to as...Heather Snellen.

His intentions were good...

...but alas he failed.

"He" was the the man behind me in line at the grocery store. His items: 6 Lean Cuisine microwave dinners...a box of Cheez-Its and 2 pints of Raspberry Chocolate Hagen-Das ice cream.

It's called baby steps people.

And she's back!

Back by popular demand....Conversations with Jessie.

Scene: A girl from Jessie's school is coming over to work on a project with her:

Jessie: This girl is seriously the most beautiful girl you will ever see. So pretty in fact, that I had to do my makeup again.
Heather: Really? Well based on the way I look right now, I am glad that I am leaving.
Jessie: Seriously. The prettiest girl ever.
Mom: Well, I think that Heather and Jessie are the prettiest girls ever.
Jessie:(slight pause to consider) Yeah, no. After you see this girl, you will change your mind.

I never got to see her, but hotter than a Mother's love? Wow.

Overheard conversations #1

Scene: Stoneridge mall, Macy's employee talking to a customer in line:

"Oh my gosh, my ex-boyfriend went into a pet store one time and there was this parrot there, and it called him a buttface."

Awesome.

Rockin' the Downward Dog

I have started taking yoga with my mom and sis. It's awesome. Love it. I was very nervous about this class because, let's face it I am about as flexible as well...a 2x4. However, on the first dayof class my instuctor said something that really put my mind at ease.

Yoga is not a competitive sport.

So true. Even still, I have never been able to bend and touch my toes, which can be a little embarrasing when others in the class can basically fold in half 5 times. But tonight she said something that I now will use as my mantra for yoga class: "Yoga will never hurt you, but your ego will."

So take that ego! I will grab those toes some day!

Oh Honey! It's our first (fill in the blank)!

The first year of marriage is full of "firsts." First Thanksgiving. First Chirstmas. First Valentine's day. First married birthday. And next month, our first March 21st. Exciting, I know.

But what is more exciting to me regarding these firsts is that I remember some of the real firsts that Grant and I had together. I remember the actual first Valentine's Day we had. He gave me a cheesy card with some lame joke on it and in the "to" line he wrote Heather Locklear, crossed it out and wrote Andersen. I still have it.

Then for my first birthday together I walked into the band room (that's right people, the band room) with a huge bunch of balloons and a flowers from my friends and Grant asked me, "Who are those for?" To which I replied, "They are mine...for my birthday today." Really great impression to make, forget your crush's birthday. So what did he do? He went out into the field and picked me a bouquet of tiny daisy's. I still have those as well.

I still can't beleive that I have known Grant for half my life. As fast as it all has gone by, when I really think about it, it has been a really long time. I was 12 years old when I met him in math class. 12! Just a baby. When I think back on that class, I never would have believed that my husband was sitting behind me. Then again, maybe I would have, because I think I have always known.

My least favs....

1. Applesauce: I enjoy a raw apple now and again; cook the thing and mash it up...appaling.
2. The Wind: I just wish it would stop being so...so windy.
3. Raisins in cookies: Well raisins in general really. However, raisins in cookies (or "land mines" as I refer to them) are unacceptable.
4. The grade "B+" or an 89%: To me, this grade is worse than a "C." If I got a "C" it is because I did not try to do any better. But 89% means all I needed to give was an extra 1%! Come on!
5. "EVOO": Would you just say "Extra Virgin Olive Oil" already!?!?

Everything else I am pretty cool with.

Snow Shoeing

I am just going to come right out and say it. I look hot. I mean those glasses? Can you dig it?

Why?!?!

Why is it that when you have a swollen taste bud, which is practically invisble to the naked eye, it feels like there is a piano sitting on my tounge?

What is up with that anyway?

Best weekend ever!

It really is easy to have the best weekend ever when you have the best friends ever.

It started with a little holiday adventure to Arden Fair Mall to take a picture with Santa to get us in the holiday spirit. We then enjoyed a lovely feast of Morraccan food where we ate with our hands only, (way to go Toni!)and saw some belly dancers. To top the whole weekend off, all eight of us curled up around the fire and watched one of the greatest Christmas movies of all times, National Lampoon's Chistmas Vacation. I mean, what doesn't say "good times" more than Chevy Chase's redition of Joy to the World?

Merry Christmas from the Shellens

Finally!

Everytime, without fail, the first thing I think of when I walk into the dry cleaners is, "Maybe today. Maybe today will be the day that the cleaner doesn't have to push the button that rotates the clothes and brings your freshly pressed garments to you because my clothes will be right in front, waiting for me."

Yesterday, my friends, was that day. I knew the odds were not in my favor but I whole-heartedly beleived that one day it would happen. And happen it did, as if my skirt knew I was coming.

This incident has restored my hope that the day will come that my luggage will be the first piece off the ramp at baggage claim. I girl can dream, can't she?

Our First Christmas: Act 1, Scene 1

Heather: How about this one?
Grant: It's too small.
Heather: No it's not. It's fine.
Grant: It has to be at least as tall as me, at least!
Heather: But honey...
Grant: No. In fact, I need to have to reach to put the tree topper on, okay!
Heather: Okay.
Grant: If that one was for sale, I would take it home with me (pointing to the 40 foot pine tree growing in the Target parking lot.)
Heather: Ok, this one is too small.

Mr. & Mrs.

It's official!

Waiting

Beautiful Bridesmaids.

Pretty Ladies!

Maren, Nicole and Lauren

Anticipation

Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married!

If it's wrong....

...then I'm as wrong as wrong can be. That's right! I am not ashamed to admit it! I have been listening to 96.5, and it's non-stop Chirstmas music. I know, it's lame, but it makes me happy and you can't stop me from doing it. You can tease all you want, but to you I say tis the freakin' season Ebenezer!

Please keep speaking to me.

The Year of 25: Brittaney Meyer

November 12, 2005

In attendance: The Ropsheyers and Co.

What: Ice Blocking
Where: Mission San Jose High School
Why: Uh...because it is awesome!

My little Brittaney is all grown up!

I would like to dedicate this post to my best friend Brittaney because today she turns a quarter of a century old.

I have to say, in my completely unbiased opinion, that we have the best friendship ever. We talk to each other almost everyday. We always support each other when need be. I know that no matter what, I can count on Brittaney. We can make each other laugh, even when no one else thinks we are being funny. And we have only had one fight, which Brittaney may try to tell you that I was being unreasonable but don't buy it.

Anyway, Happy Birthday B. I love you.

Love,
Your Heather

I must be getting old.

Let me tell you why.

Last night Grant and I went to a show in the city which I was happy to be going to because I was going to be spending the evening with my husband, but if it had been up to me, we would not have been going.

Anyway, we drive to the city and I go to get my ID and ATM card out of my purse when I realize, my ID is not in my purse. It was then that Grant tells me this is a 21 and up show...fantastic.

We wait in line for our tickets, which we have already purchased of course and the whole time I am saying, "This is never going to work." They were checking all IDs. So we got up to the door and Grant tells the guy, "My wife forgot her ID is there any way that we can..."

The bouncer looks at Grant's ID and looks at me and says, "What's his birthday?" Which I recite. Then he asks, "What's your birthday?" Which I also recite. He then says, "Alright, go on in."

Nice! It was so simple. So I guess it comes down to this, either the guy thinks "What's the big deal, she is probably over 21." Or, "There is no way that woman is under the age of 21."

I hope he was not thinking the latter. It's probably unlikely. Whatever, it got me in.

Best of the first annual Shellen Halloween party

1. The clever menu. For example, "Tina come get some ham, roll-ups"
2. The photo studio. I would venture to say some of the best pics ever.
3. Oats for all to share! Thanks Joel.
4. The giant ceiling spider.
5. The literal costume representation of the theme thanks to Josh ((aka: Naoplean Bonaparte) and Toni (aka: Dynamite). Nice work.
6. A new friend! Hi Tina!
7. Ryan dressed up like the lyon that he is!
8. Maker's Mark. Nice choice Nicole.
9. The tots!
10. Great friends! Thanks to all who came!

Unitl next year.....

Well, it's official

That's right people! I am now an official, card carrying (literally) Shellen. Last Monday I found my way to the Social Security Office which I think is actually one of the saddest places on earth, and had my name changed.

As excited I was to get married, this was a step I was not looking forward to talking. I never thought it would bother me until the reality of the whole thing hit me. Just like that I am not Heather Andersen anymore. But I like Heather Andersen. It makes me feel special when I say things like, "that's Andersen, with an sEn." Us "sen's" have had to fight for the correct spelling of our name since, well the beginning of time, or, well at least it feels like that. I guess I just was sad to give that up.

But, through compromise, I did it. I did not so much as change my name, rather I added to it. And I am happy with that decision. So I am offcially as "Mrs." now. And although I will never Miss again, I will always be an Andersen (Shellen).

The Wedding...

...was fantastic. Seriously, there were no hiccups. Everything went just according to plan. I had the best time and from what I am hearing so did everyone else. My bridal party did such a great job. I could not have asked for a better group of peeps. And best of all, I got to marry the man that I have been in love with since the 7th grade. How cool is that! Thank you all for being a part of our day. I will never forget it. I love you all!

Now...the honeymoon...

...was fantastic. Italy was amazing. Everyone should go if you have the chance. Rome was insane. It was huge, crazy and busy. Several times we were almost hit by cars and/or vespas. The ruins of the Roman forum and the Colosseum were unreal and the Vatican was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen in my life and the gelato was amazing.

Positano was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was beautiful, charming and quaint depite the 2 days of thunder and lightning storms. The houses and shops started at the beach and acended vertically up the hill side. The seafood was out of this world, the limoncello was fantastic and again, the gelato was amazing.

Although it was hard to leave, the last few days in Italy involved pretty hellish traveling and were were definitly ready to come home to our friends, family and our own bed.

One thing I did realize while on our honeymoon was that we have the best friends and family in the world. There were often times when we would see something so amazing and I would think, "I wish our friends were hear to see this too. They would love it." How cool do your friends have to be so that you actually miss them while on your honeymoon. Of course there were times when I was very glad you were not there but seriously, I love you guys.

Apparently, Brittaney missed me so much, that she took a little trip herself. Please find your way to her sight because I think she just might be the funniest person I know.

Woo.

My wedding is in 22 days. 22 DAYS PEOPLE!

Get excited.

“I’ll take Cosmo…and throw in a shooting while you are at it.”

Never in a million years did I think I would be spending about 2 minutes of my bachorlette party hiding under a table waiting to hear the sound of gun fire. Looking back on the ordeal I realize that the best case scenario happened in the worst case scenario and that is the most important thing to remember. But I am not going to lie; I have never been so scared in my life.

However, I refused to let it bring down the party, so the girls and I got the hell out of downtown Sac and went to Mandango’s (my old stomping ground) where I proceeded to have several more drinks purchased for me. Needless to say, was feeling good.

I delayed this post because I was trying to come up with the perfect way to re-tell the events of August 27, 2005. But, it looks like Toni and Brittaney beat me too it and I could not have said it better myself. Please see below:

Preconceived notions are a dangerous thing....we thought we'd dance on the table at the bar, instead we hid underneath one. –Toni

Thank you Mrs. Delp for teaching me, not only earthquake, but drive-by survivor skills as well. I would say we should do it again sometime but, let's face it, one shooting per lifetime is more than enough. –Brittaney.

Damn

I'm a day late. Happy Birthday Love!

Very Un-Bridal of Me

I am truly sorry. I Thought the past 10 months would have been posts about nothing but wedding info and news. Looking back I realize that I have failed you. I would like to say that I have not posted about my wedding plans because the actual planning part has taken over all of my free time. However, that too would be a lie. I fact, I have found the past 10 months to be fairly easy. Sure, there were slight hiccups along the way, the most recent one being a small bridesmaid dress fiasco, but other than that, everything seems to really be falling into place.

Maybe I haven't felt too stressed because I don't actually realize how soon the wedding is yet. I mean, it is only 7 weeks and 2 days away and we still need to make the programs, get the favors, finish up the last handful of invites that are missing pieces of addresses, get all the groomsmen and bridesmaids fitted, get gifts for our bridal party, pick out music for the ceremony, pick out the music for the reception, firm up honeymoon plans, count up the responses, assign seating, have my final fitting, get my hair cut, have my hair trial....Oh God. I have to go.

Conversations with Jessie

Me: I have not had a good "Conversations with Jessie" in a while.
Jessie: Uh-huh.
Me: Did you read my post about...
Jessie: Heather, I don't read your blog.

I'm ready...

...to not be at work today.
...to relax in a raft on the American River
...to hang out with some of my favorite people.
...to de-stress.
...to drink wine until I'm goofy.
...to not think about anything but having a good time for a few days.

Conversations with...

No, not Jessie. I know that my readers are always a fan of that feature. But today I will pay tribute to my best friend Brittaney, who does not have a blog but should because of hilarious gems like this one:

Scene: intermission at Jessie's musical

Brittaney: I need something to eat...and something to pee in.

Apparently she did not care if it was a toilet, just a bowl shaped receptical of some kind.

It has been a long time...

..but last night I got drunk dialed.

Thanks for making my night Josh, Toni, and Ryan. I love you guys.

I didn't get that memo.

I went to the dentist the other day and of course I have cavities. The dentist told me I had "a couple" cavities which I thought meant two. But no, I have four. FOUR! So then she asks me how often I floss my teeth and I say "a couple times a week." (which I admit is an slight exageration). And she tells me, "Well really you should be flossing twice a day."

Twice a day. Since when? Has anyone else heard of this because this is news to me. Oh well. The first filling will take place on June 1st. I say first because I have so many, I have to go back two times. At least I have a better dental plan.

Over the Rhine

I have been waiting for Grant to post something about the Over the Rhine show we went and saw the other night so I could simply post something like this:

"My thoughts exactly"

And then have a link to Grant's site so you could read his review. But since he hasn't, I guess I do have something to say.

What that performance made me realize was that everything really does happen for a reason. Just go with me.

When Grant let for Georgia to do the internship with Paste, I was less than thrilled if you can imagine. As crappy as it was to be away from him for 3 months, had he not gone, we probably never would have thought to listen to an Over the Rhine album. Seeing them perform was seriously one of the coolest expereinces of my life. Had Grant never gone, it would never have happened.

I know I may sound crazy and I may be reading way too much into this whole thing, but seriously, be thankful for all the expereinces you have in your life. I really think that there is a reason why they happen. And it is really, really cool when you figure that out.

Wedding nightmares.

I have had several of them. Last night I dreamed that it was not until after the ceromony was over that I realized the flowers had not been delivered. Then, it was not until after the reception was over that I realized that my future inlaws had not been there at all. When I asked Grant where they were, he told me that they had forgotten that they had already committed to going to a graduation party and just couldn't attend both. Next thing I know, Grant and I are at the graduation party and I confronted his parents about their decision. His mom's response was, "Well, we already RSVPed to this party and you know, he (the guy the graduation party was for) has always felt like a son to me."

Pretty funny. Luckily the only wedding nightmares I have experienced have been the ones that wake me up in the middle of the night.

Why the groom is not involved in picking out the flowers.

Me: What do you want on the boutonnieres?
Grant: Flowers.
Me: Okay, but...
Grant: Or...mice.

Lovely.

Why didn't I think of this before?

Last night I got 8 hours of sleep. 8 full hours. And can I just say that this morning, I feel fabulous. I can't wait to go to bed at a decent hour tonight.

Is it weird....

...that I am totally excited to have this:

"Hello, you have reached the desk of Heather Andersen etc, etc,"

I have a desk! It is inside a cubicle! And I like, decorated it, with pictures and stuff! And I get to wear clothes to work that are not riddled with tempura paint and "children stuff." I feel so grown-up!

Goodbye

It was my last day of work on Friday and it was full of sad goodbyes and more tears than I ever thought I would shed. But, life goes on. The kids will be fine, I will be fine, everything will be fine. However, the kids did leave me with one final gift to remember them by....the flu. Yay!

Conversations with Jessie

This afternoon...

Jessie: I need a drink. Oh wait...I can now!
Me: Nice.

Happy 21st birthday Jess.

Drop whatever it is that you are doing...

...and go buy The Kite Runner. Amazing is all I need to say.

Ouch.

I quit my job and my last day is the 25th. I start my new job on March 1st. I am excited, really excited. I am nervous, really nervous. I knew that I needed to change jobs, but I did not realize that it was going to be this hard. Especially after conversations like this:

Child 1: Why are you leaving us Miss Heather?
Me: Because I have to.
Child 2: But you are a teacher, and teachers are supposed to be with kids.
Me: I know, but I am not going to be a teacher anymore. I am going to do something different.
Child 3: But who is going to take care of us?

It was after that last question that I had to leave the table.

What a sweet guy!

I love this man!

Conversations with Jessie

Scene: Jessie has just told me a very long detailed story about how she got up really early this morning to get all dolled up for the boy who works at the coffee shop only to find out that upon her arrival, he was not in today. Action:

Jessie: My outfit was wasted!
Me: You will just have to go back tomorrow.
Jessie: Yeah. But now I need a new outfit and this one was the money outfit. I mean, anyone would have wanted to have me in this. Seriously.

My little sister ladies and gentlemen.

I'm the babe Napoleon's takin' to the dance!

Trisha


Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
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AHHHHHHHH!!!

More on that later.

Heh?

What I thought I heard:

"It's a cow's weenie!"

What was actually said:

"Here's the cow, sweetie!"

Earthworms have feelings too!

As an early childhood educator I follow the belief that children have a right to their feelings and emotions...even if the emotions they are expressing are unpleasant ones. An emotions has a beginning, middle and end and it would be unfair to the child and inappropriate as a professional to try to disregard the child's emotion or distract them from it. In the case of major emotional outbursts, I do my best to deal with it in a developmentally appropriate and acknowledge their feeling by either giving them the words to use such as, "You seem to be very angry," or having the child tell me how they are feeling by asking something like, "How did that make you feel?"

Another common practice of mine is asking a lot of open-ended questions such as why? what? how? etc. This will help encourage language development and independent thinking skills.

So...

The other day, while the children were outside, they found an earthworm (or as one kid described to me "Miss Heather! We found a snake!" I freaked out slightly). Anyway, they were completely enthralled with the worm and about 10 of them were circled around the tiny little writhing thing.

During circle time, we talked about the worm. I asked the kids a few questions then I asked "How did the worm feel?" I was hoping to hear some of the following words: "wet," "slimy," "wiggly." Instead, the only little one who said anything was, "He felt mad!"

Well at least they are getting the concept....not quite the right context.

What ever did happen to predicitability?

Child: What is the name of your mom?
Me: Allison.
Child: What is the name of your dad?
Me: Roger.
Child: What is the name of your sister?
Me: Jessie.
Child: Like Uncle Jesse!
Me: Who is Uncle Jesse?
Child: That man from the funny show!

To do list

1. Church

Status: booked
Date: October 1
Time: 2:00 pm

One down, about 4 million other things left to do.

Wedding Bells

That's right peeps! I'm engaged. As of last Friday, Grant is now my fiance. It was obviously a very exciting day and despite how long we have been talking about getting engaged and should have seen it coming, I did not see it coming at all. At times, it seemed like it was never going to happen but in the end, it was well worth the wait. The ring is beautiful and I could not be happier!

I am all ready to start planning and have no idea where to begin. I am excited and overwhelmed but I am sure that is will all work itself out. And I have already decided, there will be no problems in planning this wedding, only challenges!

So get ready for an entire year of "wedding theme" website posts because I have a feeling that that is all that will be on my mind for a while!

Here is how one of my students reacted to the news:

Child: You're getting married!
Me: That's right! Isn't it exciting!?!
Child: You need a boyfriend.
Me: ????

Super Cute!

just as a cloud covers the sun a child says....

Child 1: Miss Heather, why did it get dark?
Me: I don't know! What happened?
Child 1: I don't know!
Child 2: It is just the sun playing hide-and-seek with the clouds.
Child 1: Oh yeah!

Now isn't that a much better explaination than any teacher ever would have given? I think so.

No, really, it's fine, take my $2000.00.

Yes, that's right. Someone stole my wallet and had a lot of fun spending my money. Approximatly $2000.00 dollars in fact. It looks like I am not going to be held liable for any of it, but right now, I am just waiting for the fraud departments of my bank and credit cards to review my case. So as it stands right now, I have don't really have access to money. Sure did put a damper on my weekend mood.

Luckily, I was able to forget about my misfortune on Saturday and spend a beautiful day at the beach celebrating my nephew's 2nd birthday. And to be honest, Saturday really did put this whole losing my wallet thing into perspective. Yeah, it sucks, it's a huge inconvenience, but on September 11th, I was thankful for my life and the time I spent with my family. That's all that really matters anyway.

Here's to a better week ahead.

Conversations with kids

Child: Teacher Heather, look! (pointing to the bracelet on her arm)
Me: Wow! You have a beautiful bracelet on today!
Child: No, not that. I have arm hair!

Why I need a camera phone.

I was driving to work the other day, just like any other day, and I noticed a pick-up truck in front of me. In the back of the truck there was a dog kennel. At about the same time I noticed the kennel, the strangest looking dog I had ever seen came out. I stared at the dog for about 30 seconds thinking to my self, "What in the hell kind of dog is that?" And then it hit me. This "dog" was not actually a dog at all. Nope, it was a baby cow. Of course! Why wouldn't there be a baby cow in the back of a pick-up truck headed north bound 880 during morning rush hour!

Conversations with Jessie

Scene: Driving past Cold Stone at the Fremont Hub.

Jessie: Did I ever tell you about my date fiasco at Cold Stone?
Heather: No.
Jessie: Well, the guy ordered the biggest scoop you could possibly order, in a chocolate dipped waffle bowl of course, and this was after he had eaten almost all of the pizza we ordered at dinner. And even though he kept saying "Uhhhh.....I can't eat anymore," he finished it.
Heather: Oh yeah...didn't he keep farting while he was eating his ice-cream or something.
Jessie: No, the farting happened on the second date.
Heather: Ah yes, he was a winner.

Needless to say, there was never a third date.

P.S. Happy Birthday Love!

Well this can't be good.

I am driving home from work today and the dj says "Up next, we have Ashlee Simpson's Pieces of Me." And even though it was just me, sitting alone in my car, on the drive home, out loud I said, "Oh, cool!" I then proceeded to turn the volume up and sing every word of the song from memory.

Now, it is not like I am going to run out and buy her album from Target or anything, and it is not like it is my favorite song right now, but I just can't resist the catchy lyrics. And hey, I am a self proclaimed "Newlyweds" junkie. I just can't get enough of the Nick and Jessica! However, I am really not a fan of Jessica's work. And to be honest, I will often turn the channel when a Jessica Simpson song comes on. But I feel differently about little punk rock Ash.

Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that she only has a music career because of the huge success of her older sis. And, as my very talented musician of a boyfriend pointed out, it doesn't really say much about you as a musician when you are already a signed recording artist but you have never had a sound check because you have never performed before.

So maybe you think I am a total loser for singing along to this new radio hit and maybe I am. That's why I keep Grant around anyway; to keep my music library well rounded. But Allie, you got my back, right sista?

P.S. Check out all the "Pieces of Me" (heh heh) on my new profile!

A letter to all of my 5 readers

Dear Fans,

I know that it has been a long and agonizing wait for you because it has been so long since I have updated and for that I am truly sorry. I guess I just haven't had the time or the stories that I felt were worthy or funny enough to share with all you.

My best friends, Brittaney and Ryan, were married on June 26th. I was one of Brittaney's two maids of honor. It was, by far, the most fun I have ever had at a wedding. This could have been for one of three reasons:

1. I have never been in a wedding before.
2. It was two of my best friends.
3. I was of legal drinking age.

Most likely, it was because of reason number three. Anyway, it was beautiful and every engaged couple could have learned something from that wedding. Couldn't have been more perfect!

Other than that, nothing much new is going on. My sincerest apologies to the handful of you that check my site bi-monthly to see what's new with Heather. I will try to better meet your needs from now on. Take care and I will see you in a couple weeks (or months, whatever)

-Heather

A Guessing Game

Me: I am thinking of something that you can eat.
Child: Chicken! A Fish! Squid!

He was close; I was thinking of a pizza.

Klamath 2004

I just returned from, as Grant called it, a "special" trip down the Klamath River. The trip really had it all...laughter, tears, no privacy when using the bathroom...here is my story.

I would have to say that the drive there, the first night of camping and really the first morning before put-in was quite possibly the worst 24 hours of my life. We did not arrive at put-in in Happy Camp, CA until 2:45 a.m. on Friday night. Since it was so late (or early, depending on how you want to look at it) we did not set up tents. Instead we slept on the ground. I for one was really excited about this part of the trip seeing as it was freaking freezing outside and the rocky ground was my mattress. Brittaney and Ryan however, slept inside the warmth and protection of their Xterra. No bitterness here. Luckily, I was so tired that falling asleep was not a problem. I just had several layers of clothes on, a beanie pulled down over my face and a mummy bag wrapped 17 times around my body...but really, it was great. And just when you thought it could not get any worse...it does (yay!) I think it was 14 degrees when we woke up on Saturday morning. Yeah that sounds about right, give or take. (This is the point of the story where the tears that I mentioned earlier work their way in.)

Although this was a very low point in the trip for me, it proved to be the only one. Even thought I did freeze my ass off for several hours that morning, the fog burnt off, the sky turned blue and the trip was awesome from then until take-out. The Klamath is one of the most beautiful places I have traveled. I saw a deer, several frogs and even two bald eagles (a very cool experience).

I learned so much on this trip as well...like how to squat and pee without taking my pants completely off...or that I actully like to sleep in a mummy bag...that "back paddle" is my favorite of all the paddles...always beware of dogs jumping out of the boat...and my favorite lesson is, of course, to always breathe in the trough! (Erica!)

So many memories were made that I will never forget and I am so lucky to have friends like Brittaney and Ryan to take Grant and I on adventures like this one.

Thank you Brittaney for your wonderful organization skills and for being sensitive to Grant's fiber needs.
Thank you Ryan for changing the "left turn, left side back" command to "left turn, Heather back!"
Thank you Julie for the PBR.
Thank you Kyla for driving us and more importantly, staying awake!
Thank you Erica for being the only one who fell in the river.
Thank you Werner and Ayla for not barking at night.
And finally thank you groover...for taking away all the feelings of privacy I once held about all my bathroom habits and for sharing the bathroom habits of others with me as well.

Goodbye Klamath...see you next year!

What can I say...they crack me up!

(It is Wednesday during small group activity time. Three children are playing office.They are having a phone conversation. The mood is "urgent")

Child 1: Can I speak to Alexa please?
Child 2: She is not here.
Child 1: Where is she?
Child 2: Well...um...she lost her company. She doesn't know where she put it.
(Alexa whispers to Child 2) Tell her I'm having a date.
Child 2: She is having a date.
Child 1: Fine. Tell her that I will see her at the prom!

Little business men and women in the making!

Kids are random

Child: Are you a mom?
Me: No.
Child: Do you have a mom?
Me: Yes.
Child: Where?
Me: She is at my house.
Child: Oh...do you like hot Cheetos?
Me: What?
Child: What?

Oooo that feels good!

My attitude going into this "Professional Development" class that I am taking was very different from the attitudes I have had about school in the past. I went into it thinking, "I don't care about this class; as long as I pass I will be happy." But, I guess for those of you who know me, this of course was not the case. On the very first day I caught it...the school bug. It is a sickness that makes me act like the best is never good enough. I would not call it contagious...repulsive is probably a better word. What can I say, I LOVE to get A's. So this class that I was "not going to give a crap about" turned into almost every other class I have had all my life. But luckily, it was a fairly easy class and I thank God for the BA in child development that I have already earned. I finished my final tonight and it was very fulfilling. I felt like I really accomplished something and it felt really good.

Then I thought, how sad. I should, at least I think I should, be accomplishing something every day. I am teaching the young children of America, low income children no less. I am hopefully increasing the likelihood that they will do better in kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and beyond. But because somebody doesn't give me an "A" at the end of each day I don't feel a sense of accomplishment?

I know it doesn't make sense. But even though I am fully aware, I am still praying that I receive no less than an A- on the final I just finished and will be handing in tomorrow. I want to know so badly that I am providing my professor with a self-addressed stamped envelope to get it back as soon as it is graded. And for my sake, and for the sake of my loved ones, it better be an "A"

I know, there is something seriously wrong with me.

The water was turned off at my school so I have been subbing at other sites that need help. In my experience, a new face in the classroom becomes the "instant favorite" of all the students in the class. Several of the kids immediately took a liking to me. One little boy, who happens to be an exact clone of my cousin Cameron, told me I was pretty at least three times today. Everyone wants me to sit with them, everyone wants to sit on my lap and it is all very cute.

Here is a very funny conversation I had with a little girl who had three flowers in her hands.

Child: Which flower do you want teacher?
Me: I get to pick one?
Child: Uh-huh.
Me: Ok, this one.
Child: Ok, but first you have to spend the night at my house.
Me: I can't have a flower unless I spend the night at your house?
Child: Uh-huh.
(Child pauses and stares at me)
Child: So when can you come?

The happiest I have ever been about a failing grade

I only scored a 4.7% on this test making me a geek "poser." Whatever, at least I am less geeky than Grant.

And now I'd like some answers, thanks

I seem to be questioning everything these days. Well, mainly my career choice. It is not that I don't like my job; I like many things about my job. I guess I have just come to realize that it is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. And I know that this isn't a bad thing because I know that no one is forcing me to be a preschool teacher forever. But what is frustrating me is that I don't know what else I want to do. Because the thing is I like to have everything all nice and planned for me. (Just ask Grant, he loves it, especially when it involves planning things like our future.) So basically what I am asking for is for someone to hand me a nice clean worksheet that indicates what job will make me the most happy. So if someone could just get on that, it would be great.

In other news...I got business cards (yeah!). But, my name was spelled wrong (damn). They actually asked if I would use them anyway. Ummm, no. Why you ask? Because I don't think that "Heather Anderson" really wants me to hand out invalid business cards.

Jack's post

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bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbppppppppppppppppppqjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

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Heather: What does it say, Jack?
Jack: Um, it says "Jack."

Teacher Heather's to do list for March 11, 2004

1. Bang my knee on the puppet show theater.
2. Curse at the puppet show theater.
3. Drop the water table lid and hit my shin with it.
4. Curse at the water table lid.
5. Get flipped off by a child.
6. Realize, (with great relief) that the child is not actually flipping me off but showing me his new ring.
7. Have to choke down a tuna sandwich containing way too much mayo and eat anything but "vegetable soup" to set a good example for my students. Yum!
8. Go home.
9. Thank God that tomorrow is Friday.

Oh damn.

Valeria: Teacher, you have boobies?
Heather: I'm sorry, what? (stay calm)
Valeria: (pointing up at me) You have boobies, there?
Heather: (What do I do? What do I do?) Um, honey, I don't understand what you are asking me.
Valeria: Boobies, there, on your hand? (pointing to the Band-Aid on my finger)
Heather: A boo-boo! Yes! I have a BOO-BOO! You're right. (Thank God!)

How could I not love this song?

...it’s like flowers or ladybugs
pretty weeds or red beetles with dots

Currently it is my favorite song by Nada Surf and my favorite song overall right now. All in all I enjoyed both The Long Winters and Nada Surf last night at a great venue with even better company.

Funny stuff

I didn't hear what the child said that sparked the comment by my center director, but this was her response to whatever he said:

"No! You do not have any girlfriends! You cannot have a girlfriend until you get a job!"

Yeah...because that is something a four-year-old can relate to.

Where's my prize?

So, I went to the dentist the other day. And it was not until several days later, while I was brushing my teeth with my same old toothbrush, that I realized I didn't get a free one at the end of my visit. How annoying.

It's called "community college" these days

Actually, I think that is BS. I have always called it Junior College. It is the junior high of college really. After two years, you finally get settled and then you move on to bigger and better things. But as my good friend Allie pointed out, don't buy a car while you are attending your local JC! It is a trap, I tell you! You will never leave. And NEVER see a counselor before you have done your own research and figured out the only schedule that will get you out of that hell hole in two years. Otherwise you will be sitting in the counselor's office and he/she will say, "You know, you should not feel pressured to finish community college in just two years. Take your time. Take 11 units, hell take 8 units a semester. Get a full time job! Stick around for three, four years. Have you seen all the great deals on new and used cars?" If you find yourself in that situation, run.

Well, both Grant and I managed to avoid the Junior College trap and were out and on to CSUs in just two years. But, lucky me, I am back at Junior College in all its glory, taking three units of "Professional Development ." It's fine and I know I can handle it. I just don't want to. Furthermore, I think I had every student's "first day at the JC" nightmare of an experience, something I thought I would NEVER have to deal with again.

I went to pay for my parking permit. I took myself and my two dollars to the machine. I inserted both dollars after which the machine told me "Accepted-$1.00. Parking Permits $2.00" So I proceeded to run to my car to get my only other dollar. I retrieved it, and ran back. I quickly inserted the next dollar and the same message read on the machine's screen. So I saw the button that says cancel. Well actually it said "Cancel. No change given" Then what is the point of a cancel button! Why the hell else would you cancel your transaction!?!? Because you felt like donating two dollars to the machine and wanted nothing in return?

But at least I got there early, and it was the first day of school so I figured they wouldn't be ticketing. Luckily I was right. I decide to go to the bookstore. I found my $75.00 book, no used copies, a book that cost more than the class, and stood in line for 30 minutes to buy it.

But I got through it. Now I just have to "get through it" every day for the next 15 weeks. Fantastic.

Hey, thanks

Yesterday I get to work and say "Hi" to the morning custodian. He politely says "Hello" back to me and then tells me to wait. He goes into the supply closet and brings out a can of air freshener/deodorizer and hands it to me and says, "Here, I thought you could use this."

Yeah, I am going to go ahead and take this as a "I-was-cleaning-your-class-and-noticed-you-didn't-have-any" kind of message as opposed to a "Heather smells" or "Your-classroom-stinks-to-holy-heaven" kind of message.

On Thursday I was losing my patience. One of my kids would not stay in his seat during breakfast time. He kept finding every excuse to get out to not be in his chair. After about the 27th time of telling him to sit down on his bottom he said (as his raised his back side from his seat) "But teacher, I just want to tell you something." And I actually said to the child. "Well you know what? You can talk to me from your bottom!"

Huh? Wait, I mean, sit on your bottom, then talk from it. No! Sit down before your bottom talks! What?

I was a little confused. But then, later in the day I played with a little girl and she laughed. It was the first time I had heard her laugh in 6 months.

It was a good day.

To all my friends and family...

Merry Christmas and I love you!!

Ahhh...young minds.

I was sitting in the house area today with some kids. One little boy (Prince) was playing "the Dad." This is what he told me:

Prince(with a very frustrated tone):I have to go back to work.
Me: Why?
Prince: Because some guy at my work is going to get fired on him so I have to get the fire department and I have to go use the computer and send him the internet!
Me: Sounds like fun Dad, have a good day.
Prince:Goodbye daughter...don't worry.

Oh my god!

This test is really doing wonders for my self estem.


Which O.C. Character Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty

Huh?

I think I better take the test again.


Which O.C. Character Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty