Nerd Herd Needed

Science fairs are not a standard or required activity at most public schools.  One mother completely organizes the science fair at our school.  She explains the scientific method to each class, distributes instructional packets (w/ project suggestions), convinces local scientists to be judges, orders the prizes, ribbons, certificates, etc.  The teachers were less than enthusiastic, they seemed indifferent (at best) or quietly irritated.  At least one teacher said that she "doesn't have time for science fair". (The projects are completed at home and the fair takes place after school.)  

An Earth Day assembly took place one month prior to the fair and classroom activities/fundraisers for cancer research took place the week after. (I think both activities were great and should have happened.) But would it really take that much time or effort to encourage student participation or do a classroom experiment? Who will save the earth or find the cure for cancer?  Scientists?  But, I could be wrong.  Shouldn't schools encourage creative science activities? The kid whose project answers the age old question, "Which brand of microwave popcorn produces the most popped kernels?" may save us all.  You never know.

Here's the proof:

16 year-old Boy Discovers Microbe that Eats Plastic

Boston Public School Student Named One of the Best Young Scientists in the World (one kid's project involved inducing the death of cancer cells)

Shiny Butterfly

I like how the tunic covers all my important parts but isn't frumpy or too "little girlie".  I would definitely wear it with a pair of light colored skinny jeans.  

The flip-flops are simple in design but just unique enough to make them interesting.   I don't think that people will know that I feel like I am walking around barefoot in my pajamas when I wear this. Take that!  The trick's on you in your uncomfortable shoes!

so very cute!

This game is so cute that I should really figure out how to play it.  I am sure that a 2 year old could master it in 5 minutes or less, hopefully, I won't need to visit the local preschool for tutoring.

play game

w.t.j. outfit

 I have more white shirts and jeans than The Gap.  I have heard everything about my little uniform.  So boring.  In desperate need of color.  Blah. Blah. Blah.  I have tried to spread my wings and venture out to other things and have done pretty well, lately.  (Usually venturing out means black t-shirts.)

But few things are more comfortable and nothing is easier than my w.t.j. (white t-shirt jean) outfits.  Especially on sleepy mornings when I don't have the energy to coordinate my clothes.   Sometimes my outfit begins and ends with the t-shirt and jeans but with such a simple outfit I can jazz it up with a few accessories.  The base pieces for w.t.j. outfits are inexpensive and accessories can be worn with other outfits - so I can get the most bang for my buck. 

The jersey scarf is imprinted with a Japanese Shibori design and the sandals are suede and both, of course, are cute. (w/ regular white t-shirt or tissue tee and straight leg, medium rinse blue jeans)

nip in the earbud

iChat (audio) is a super cheap way to talk.  No minutes. No long distance charges. You also have the added bonus of being able to look at the internet and send links to the person that you are talking to, while you are talking to them.  

The only problem with audio iChat is that you are basically on speakerphone.  Earbuds can be helpful but after a while I feel like my ear canal's circumference is being stretched to twice it's natural size. I like to talk a lot, so, I can't allow anything to hinder all my yapping. This phone handset plugs into computer mic and headphone jacks and makes the conversations seem so much more official. 

Ciao, I want to go to Taos!

Taos is featured on my road trip list and when I make it there, it looks as though I could be as lazy (or active) as I want.  I want to stay at the La Posada De Taos Bed & Breakfast, my decision is based almost completely on the look of their waffles.  Most rooms have semi-private patios (where I could sit and read) but every room has a fireplace that is lit daily during cold weather periods and all the beds are dressed with 600 thread count sheets.  (I am still lobbying for a hotel, motel and b&b rating system based on bed comfort levels.) 

La Posada is walking distance from museums, galleries, shops and restaurants, as well as, a bluff overlooking park and pastureland. I could also fly fish (which is on my list of things to do before I die), white water raft, horseback ride or hike.  In the winter I could snowboard, ski, cross country ski or snowshoe.  Hot air ballooning is also available but that won't happen on my watch.  If God wanted me hovering around in the air, I would have been born a hummingbird.

Taos Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Guide

Taos, NM Unlimited (monthly activities calendar - among other things)

Taos Visitor's Guide 

Are the Outdoors Really Great?

Two of my friends have started a weekly hiking habit that I am being pressured to be a part of.  Every weekend they meet at the base of a mountain at 7 a.m. Their hike violates two of my basic life habits/philosophies. The first is my need and love affair with sleep - 7 a.m. is too early for a nocturnal person to be anywhere let alone at the base of a mountain.  I am also allergic to exercise, I start to sweat and have very labored breathing. This hike sounds like a definite health risk. But since I love them I may risk my life and go on their hike and perhaps a bike ride. This picture was taken while they were on one of their hikes.  All I see is cold fog (the kind of fog that is best experienced beneath a down comforter) and how high up the mountain they are.  I have attempted to hire a helicopter pilot to drop me off at the mountain's peak but everyone that I contacted said that 7 a.m. is too early to start work.  The only thing left to do is sacrifice myself and succumb to peer pressure, but if anything happens to me I hope they can live with the guilt.

LA Trails Website (over 100 trails in the Los Angeles area for hiking, walking and biking)

Not Wanted: Gladiator

Although I went on a rant about gladiator sandals I like this outfit.  The dress is cute, a bit sexy and looks like it would be comfortable - a true triumvirate.  Once the belt is attached the outfit could easily, with the addition of gladiator sandals become an option for a toga party.  Brown leather wedges, sandals or flip flops would look great.  A pair of espadrille wedges could be cute but if they have wrap around laces the outfit becomes very "glitzy gladiator".  

Lunch At My Desk

My two friends and I have been feeling guilty about all the disposable plates, cups and utensils that we use and discard at work. We decided to get "regular"utensils and dishes to use when we eat at our desks. We found these super cute dishes at, where else Anthropologie. The shiny spoon and sticks set is exclusive to the the MoMa Store. We have a lot of thai food and really don't need a knife or fork - plus the polished stainless steel chopstick are so fancy pants. Obviously whatever we pick must be equal parts useful and cute.

On The Road Again

It is summer and road trip season. There are so many things to see in the United States, let alone California, that my list of places that I want to visit is becoming a little overwhelming.  My children are good road trip companions, as long as they each have their own backpack full of books and activities, as well as, the portable dvd player which is only used when we go on road trips. Between their bags, the dvd player and threats (from me) that they will be forced to complete their trip by hitchhiking, the lulls are adequately filled in and the trips are a lot of fun.  

Gradual changes in landscape can't be appreciated when traveling by plane and are best seen by car.   I also recommend exiting the highway for every "world famous" sign or oversized dinosaur sculpture.  Going to restaurants that the locals know about are a major plus, like the spots featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives".  (Of course, food is a major factor in my travel plans.)

I don't know where we will be able to go this summer.  Northern California is always fun, although, I have been thinking about going east towards New Mexico or Arizona.  Hmmm..........

1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die (book - w/lots of restaurant recommendations)

Fodor's Essential USA: Spectacular Cities, Natural Wonders, and Great American Road Trips (book)

Road Trip USA (book)

roadtripamerica.com

Rand McNally's Online "TripMaker" Planning Tool

roadsideamerica.com (guide to offbeat tourist attractions)

family-roadtrip.com (has links to every states' travel guide & a shop that sells travel games)

Victory Gardens

It seems like every time I go to the grocery store the food is more expensive than the last time, especially the produce.  All the pesticides and other unmentionables that coat the fruit and veggies to make them pretty are an additional bit of disturbance that's becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.  

I have been thinking about growing vegetables for a while and have done pretty well growing my own herbs.  I tried growing vegetables before but my dogs love to eat them before they are ripe.  My other problem is I live in a very odd growing zone, in the summer the temperature can get above 100 degrees and it sometimes snows in the winters.  It would be great to grow food in my backyard that my kids could eat, not only for financial reasons but also for health.

With that said, sometimes nothing is as yummy as french fries that are actually fried and over salted from a drive thru.  But one cannot live on fast food alone, at least not long term. 

Square Foot Gardening (book)

Fresh Food from Small Spaces (book)

Sunset Magazine's Garden website

San Francisco Victory Garden Project

Garden Bliss - a California blog about gardening

PBS - Victory Garden website

Comfort Food

I have a love/loath relationship with comfort food.  I love to eat comfort food but have an overwhelming loathing feeling shortly after gobbling it all down.  I don't only eat comfort food when I am sad, why not eat it when I am happy too?  macaroni & cheese (not from the box), mashed potatoes, Costco hot dogs, french fries, the original MC Donald's  cheeseburgers, peach cobbler, french toast, crispy bacon, latkes, baklava, egg rolls, ice cream - need I go on?  (I think you should know as I was thinking about what would be on my comfort food list my eyes were closed.)  But like I said, everything is great until I register what I am really doing and what I really ate. 

Apparently there are foods that can be eaten to help a person feel happier.  Sadly, none of my most favorite foods are part of this list.  Why?  Why?  Why?  I wish I was one of those people who loved healthy food and exercise but no. I love to sleep and eat potatoes.  As an added plus, I am not one of those people whose skinny no matter what they eat.  You know them, they always talk about how "tiny" they are and what a struggle it s finding clothes for their teeny, spindly little bodies.  "I have such a hard time finding clothes, sometimes I have to go to the little girl's section." "Oh a size 0 is too small for me, but I am going to eat an entire pizza when I get home so maybe I should wear a size 0 pair of pants so I have some room to breath."  

I should try to implement some changes in what I eat especially if I will skip through fields of daisies after eating what is suggested.

Foods to Help You Feel Better / 6 ways to add mood-boosting foods to your diet

Food N Mood

photo credit

Half Pint on the Prairie

Although I am not that tall I think that these "dresses" will be too short.  If I saw them on a girl I might think she forgot her pants at home.   If my theory is correct and they are too short they might look cute with skinny jeans tucked into boots.  The yellow dress might be long enough to wear with just the boots. The white dress, especially with the lace on the bottom, could be a different story.  I don't know why I love these boots but I do.  I have almost convinced myself that they are an investment and I would wear them for years to come.  Almost.

To Rent or Not To Rent

It seems like every time I want to rent a movie the selection of what interests me becomes smaller and smaller, especially since I don't like being scared or want to cry, happy or sad tears.   Very little is left once I eliminate anything that has to do with possible end of the world scenarios, the underworld and it's inhabitants and children's movies.  Usually I end up renting independent films but it is hard to know if they are worthwhile since most people where I live don't have the same viewing habits.

The Reelz Channel has a show called "Leonard Maltin's Secret's Out", the purpose of the show is to review films that aren't well known because blockbusters and all their surrounding publicity overshadows what little murmurings the indies are able to afford.  As an added bonus, he also recommends movies that are older, lesser known or forgotten about.  Most helpful.

Too Cutey Patooty?

In theory, I like this sweater but I don't know what this outfit would look like in real life.  This may be a "kindergarten teacher" outfit.  My mom was a kindergarten teacher and she wore fun, themed outfits.  The kids loved them.  At Christmas, the shirts were decorated with reindeer, Santa Claus and snow covered pine trees.  During Halloween the pumpkins, candy corn and ghosts were out.  Obviously all the outfits were brought together with matching earrings. You get the picture.

I like the sweater and shoes together but I don't know if it is too old, frumpy and themed.  Chances are if I am asking the question the answer is yes. But maybe not?

Gas Up and Go!

Road trip information with the cost of gas figured in ahead of time? With Los Angeles as the starting point?  Can it be? 

I can definitely fit some these in over a few summer weekends.  

LA Times: 124 Road Trips from Southern California

English is my first language, I promise.

English is my first language.  I tried to learn Spanish and French, no luck.  I can't even grasp Pig Latin. It is clear that my brain can only handle one language. I talk and read a lot, but I often make dumb grammar and punctuation errors.  I have two friends that are grammar specialists, not by profession, but grammar makes their little heart's sing. When I speak or write to them I become so nervous that my limited grammar skills go down the drain and I become (what feels like) a bumbling fool.  They are kind enough to never correct me but I still feel like a peabrain. 

There are a couple of helpful books and websites that I read and reread.  If only I could better retain what I read.   

Painless Grammar (book) 

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing (book I "need" to get)

The Elements of Style (an old faithful)

Grammar-Monster.com (obviously a website)

The Grammar Lady (a website run by a English teacher)

Happiness is a Choice

Happiness takes deliberate effort.  I want to be consistently content. I don't want to go through the streets skipping, twirling, screaming and laughing.  It would be (technically) crazy to always be filled with that much joy. Lately, choosing to be happy has become more difficult. I need to hit my happiness reset button. 

These links helped:

5 Things Happy People Do

10 Ways to be Happier

How to be Happy

Boob Tube

Thirty years of research data found that people who considered themselves unhappy watched significantly more television than people who considered themselves very happy.  The very happy people had hobbies and socialized with friends, among other things.  I don't know if this finding is such a revelation except to the people who watch a lot of television.  

I do have a few questions:

Do people start out depressed because they don't socialize with friends or have hobbies  and watch television as a consequence? Or vice versa? 

Could watching a lot of sports (on television) be called a hobby or would it be lumped together with general television watching?  (I need an answer to this question immediately.  Baby Rhino's list of hobbies might need some adjustment depending upon the answer.)

Since the majority of shows on television are crap and a sign of the end times, could the overachieving t.v. viewers be unhappy because of the terrible shows they are watching? 

When I am at home my television is usually on but, 95% of the time I am not actively watching it.  It is on for background noise with a moving picture.  Does that count? 

On an up note, sleeping in until noon on Saturday is listed as a source of happiness.  They were a little slow catching on to the joy of sleeping.  They could have called me and I would have told them, as long as they called after 1 p.m. on Saturday of course.  "The One Common Habit of Unhappy People" is the name of the article. 

photo source

Night Owl

I love owls for a few reasons:  

-They have an intense stare and are birds of prey - mean and bossy.  

-They are symbols of wisdom and knowledge.  

-I like Friend Owl's tree house from Winnie the Pooh. 

-There some really cute things made in their likeness. I don't want to have an owl themed home with owl towels and blankets or even worse stuffed animals.  It would be the ridiculous adult version of a baby's cartoon character themed nursery.  But a few owls sprinkled here and there wouldn't be bad. 

At first I thought that this lamp might be pushing it, but when I saw it in it's natural surroundings I thought it was fine.  Still dorky but not totally ridiculous. It might be the perfect bedside lamp for my imaginary cottage.