The highlights

So the Oscars....

Can I just say that the interpretive dance was phenomenal!

I was amazed at the choir that performed all the different sound effects, genius!

Ellen definitely had some funny moments!

Where I'm at

This past Sunday I was asked to read a prayer that tied into my pastor's message. I found it interesting that what I was suppose to read were some of the same thoughts and feelings that I have been experiencing. Here is the prayer.

"Dear Lord,
Sometimes I feel like a stranger in a foreign land, displaced and dispirited. The grief I carry is so heavy, and I have carried it so long that sometimes I just want to sit down and have a good cry. I feel like hanging it all up the way the Jews hung up their harps on the branches of those willow trees. I am tormented by all the joyful songs I am expected to sing. But how can I sing those songs while I am, where I am, in this land that is so foreign, with these feelings that are so foreign? Give me they lyrics I need, Lord, and the tune to go with them. Give me the strength to sing along with the voices of others to sing with me. For I can't do this as a solo. I just can't. Connect me to other believers, Lord. Rope me to kindred spirits with caring hearts so that whatever valleys we must pass through--however dark, however deep--we will pass through them together."

Movies of the week

"Because I Said So"-I was slightly disappointed. I usually enjoy Diane Keaton, but in this movie she made my skin crawl at times. The movie idea was good, I just wish some of the characters were a bit less irritating to watch. I can say that I was happy to see Mandy Moore back in a movie.

"Music and Lyrics"-pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. They made me laugh in this flick. Oh to be back in the 80s!

Valentines Day

So I am not really looking forward to this love holiday tomorrow. Actually as the years go on, I am getting pretty tired of it!

I know, I can hear people say..."Gina one of these days you will enjoy it." And you know what I want to say...well I will be polite and refrain for now.

The Grammys

Last night I plopped myself down and watched most of the Grammys. Some reason I really enjoyed it! I have watched award shows before and they weren't that entertaining to me. This time it was different. I know this will sound weird but some songs were just speaking to me. I had a rough week and the lyrics I heard were something I was able to hold onto and empower myself. I love that music can do that.

I was shocked and disappointed that "The Dixie Chicks" won album of the year over Justin Timberlake.

Transition

For the past year I feel like I have been continually transitioning. Whether it be a career change to working with different nanny families to figuring out the next season of my life. I do not mind change, it is good, it stretches me and changes me.

Right now I am in the most stable position, teaching, by that I am mean the schedule and pay. Yet in this state I have to already figure out what I am doing for the spring, summer, and fall. It is a lot on my plate. I am looking into some different opportunities this summer which is exciting and looking for teaching jobs in the fall. I can't dwell on this too long because I can get easily overwhelmed.

Along with all that, I am currently still adjusting to my schedule. I love it, but I have more time and am trying to figure out a good way to use this extra time. I don't just want to sit around at home every night. I like to go and do things, I just have to figure out what to do. Any ideas?

What you need is a snow "suit"

I am so sick and tired of this dry crappy air! I continued to be shocked when I touch anything, my hair is standing straight out of my head, and my hands hurt like the dickens.

I will work with the cold weather, but not this dry air! (deep breath)

It is hard for me to believe it will ever get warm again. Especially shopping for a new winter coat tonight and seeing all the bathing suits out. Who can even think of trying one of those things on now?

Ughhhhhhhh!!!!!!

What a disappointment!

Bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm thrilled, excited, and nervous all at the same time!

I do have to say, after watching many news clips all week of footage from Miami, Chicago has the best fans ever. Tons of fans traveled down there and didn't even have superbowl tickets. I think if I could have gone to Miami, I would have too, just so I could be with all the excitement.

GO BEARS!!!!!!

Hair

I wish I knew the special concoction to make my hair grow longer. I feel like it has been at this length for ages. I have heard the jello idea and the one where you are to massage the scalp for hours, but nothing seems to work.

Any other ideas?

Throw down with Gina G

So how many of you have seen the show "Throw Down with Bobby Flay" on the Food Network?

Last night I was challenged to do a cupcake throw down. There was an 11 year old girl who was having her friends sleepover for her birthday party. The main event of the evening was a cupcake competition, they were going to make a batch of cupcakes and I was going to.

So we introduced ourselves, shook hands, and the battle was on. It was really fun to do this. The girls were so into making theirs the best. The kitchen was a disaster too! After we both had finished baking, cooking, and decorating the cupcakes there were judges there to tally it up.

In the end I think I won. By that time the girls were more interested in learning how to use my pastry bag and make cupcakes look presentable. And of course eating them was on the forefront of everyone's mind.

Good times, good time!!!

Welcome to Miami!!!

HELL YEAH!!!!!! The Bears are in the Supberbowl! This is great. The game today was unbelievable to watch. I loved every second of it, even during that rough end of the 2nd quarter.

Superbowl Sunday is going to be insane. I don't think I can wait for 2 weeks!

And you better believe that my little first graders are going to be partying the week leading up to the Superbowl! Oh yeah!!!

GO BEARS! We are the bears, shufflin' through.......

Da Bears

I am so excited for the Bears! The game this past Sunday was so exciting and nerve racking!

I attempted to get tickets today for the game against the Saints, but had no luck! I hope those players are getting psyched up because I sure am.

When the Bears get to the Superbowl, do you think they will come up with another Superbowl shuffle? What other football team has ever made such a cool song?

Bear down Chicago Bears!!!!!!!!

Monday made me happy

Wahooooo...it's snowing!

I had the day off and enjoyed some good shopping.

24 started and wow was it amazing, shocking, intense, and I can't wait for next week.

And "The Hills" started again.

Some highlights of my weekend:
-after spending Saturday at my brother's bb tournament, they walked away with the trophey

-a new cell phone

-a totally yummy dessert party I helped throw and attend

-time to relax and enjoy life

Recap of 1st week

I loved every bit of this week! Teaching was so fun and the kids were great!

My hip hop class started. I was so lost, uncoordinated, a bit behind, but the class is a blast and I can't wait for next weeks.

The Bulls game was enjoyable to go to as always, it just seemed like the Bulls weren't playing up to their abilities. And what was up with all the Elvis impersonators, the girl Elvis weirded me out the most!

Laughter: I was reviewing compound words with the students. I would give them clues like: I am an old woman, I have children who have children, I may live in a nursing home...who am I. As I was waiting to hear grandmother, one kid shouts out "old lady, that is what my dad calls my mom" as he chuckles. As I burst out laughing with the other kids, this made me a bit sad too, but I still found it funny.

A big THANK YOU!

My first day of teaching went great and boy did it fly by. The kids were wonderful, they were happy to see me and were super helpful. I am looking forward to really getting to know each one of them and just showering them with love.

I was overwhelmed and so thankful for all of you who called, e-mailed, sent cards, or thought about me today. I felt so blessed and cared for, so thanks again. You guys rock!!!!!

The Day is Finally Here...

Tomorrow I begin teaching. Wahooo! This is very exciting and yet a little nerve racking. On one hand the kids are going to be great and I can already picture some blog entries retelling funny stories or funny things these 1st graders said. Yet on the other hand these first few days will be a little bumpy just getting adjusted to the curriculum, routine, and the kids, and then hopefully I will be on my way.

Watch out education world, cuz here I come!!!!

New Years Resolutions

I am not big on resolutions. I like the whole idea of a new year, a fresh beginning, and new experiences.

So my list is not one of resolutions but of some of the things I want to do or accomplish. Some of these are based on what I didn't do in 2006 that I should have.

-go on a mission trip
-take a hip hop class
-make a new friend
-decide if teaching is where I need to be
-go on a vacation
-be more consistent with working out
-purchase more music for my ipod
-attend a concert
-communicate my feelings better
-try new restaurants

That is all for now, I am sure I will add a few more as the year goes on.

Poverty or excess

Lately I have been constantly reminded of how much "stuff" I have and this country has. As I made 15 different things for Christmas I couldn't help but think of people who don't even have Christmas dinner or are only preparing one thing for dinner. I had so many different battling thoughts running through my head while cooking like, well it is Christmas, this is what we do, but then I would feel bad that we got to enjoy all of this wonderful food and then had leftovers for days when I am aware that others have nothing.

As someone who enjoys going on short term mission trips I like to be aware of what is going on in other places and be reminded of how extremely blessed I am to have what I do. What I am struggling with is finding how to deal with these thoughts.

An example:

I dream of the day where I can design my own kitchen with 2 ovens and a great stove, and a warming drawer... As I think of that I begin to feel guilty because there have been families that I have served (in other countries) that don't even have an oven, a sink, or a bed....I want to help others, but at the same time I don't think I need to feel guilty for being able to have things.

P.S. I would really like to go on a short mission trip this summer, anyone know of any?

Merry Christmas!

I am so sad that the Christmas season is going by so fast again! And where is the snow?

I hope that you all have a wonderful time celebrating this season with your family and friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!