News of my week

This is what has been going on in our life this week:

- Michael and I both got to reap the benefits of being teachers by celebrating our 1st snow day together a.k.a. no school.

- I got sick and threw up more stuff than I thought possible. Michael cleaned it. We threw away our bathroom rug.

- I got another day off from school because I was so sick. 

- My car cost us another grand this week. It has been recommended to us to get rid of it. Any suggestions?

-Where, oh where, are our car titles?

-I applied for a position in the FBI. Teaching is not for me.

-Michael has been battling major career choice swings. 

- My little sister turned 21. 

So much to  think about, so little to say. Please pray for peace to settle upon us.  We could use some holy spirit! We are thankful that February is on it's way! 

Snack

One of the best snacks ever: refrigerated pre-made icing and pretzels. I can't get over it. I usually don't like cake or icing, but there is something about the cold Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting with some salty pretzels. It's so good that I don't care about the FAT! Take that 2gs of Trans fats! 

I know I should be indulging in red peppers and hummus, but I haven't made it to the store in a while. Short post, because I am going back into the kitchen to get more pretzels with icing!

Reflections on today

I watched this morning's events with a bit of excitement but mostly fainting hope and a little sadness as we witnessed a chapter closing. The inauguration was regal and patriotic but I was determined not to get wrapped up in the media hype of worshiping our new president. I am happy to embrace the workings of racial reconciliation in our nation and I will respect and pray for our president. But nonetheless I fear for the well-being of our country in the long run under his leadership and the influence of the cabinet he has chosen. I will do my part to stay informed and work to get to a place where I too can fight for the Change I believe in. 

But I had to watch the events at work - in a public school - where everyone surrounding me just might be union members. I sat and listened as old men and women (who once again I mistakenly assumed were wiser and more educated than myself) poked fun at George Bush Sr. for his choice of hat and Barbara Bush for not "helping her husband walk down the stairs." They had a comment for everything that involved a Bush. No respect.  And what for? Do they even take the time to find out the real issues in politics. No one seems to take into account the Presidency that Bush inherited from Clinton or the fact that a leftist majority in congress has been running the show for years. No, common sense doesn't seem to stand for much any more.

Like many of us have been saying since the election in November, let's show the other side of Americans what it is like to show respect and encouragement to a leader who is not of our political ideology. Let's show them how to be adults and not waste our time ragging on the less important media matters and that we can recognize our party's problems and begin to reform them. Let's show them that at the end of the day, we know that we are all citizens of the same country and we do not want to turn neighbors against each other. After all, America is the greatest place on Earth to live.

made for wearing

Here are the fantastic boots (well, boot) that I never knew I had always wanted:

  They are Nine West and been priced at $130.00. They are now sold for $79.99, but! In the Tanger outlets of Myrtle Beach, I found them on a New Year's Eve special for only $39.99! Steal. Total steal for really adorable, comfortable, self-esteem boosting, quality leather boots. What's even better is that I didn't actually buy them. They were a gift! A million thanks to John and Gabrielle. They surprised me by buying the very boots that I longed for but resisted temptation in order to not be so frivolous in the new year. They are totally worth it. I'm super excited about them and very thankful! Gotta love it.

Bling in the mouth

I lost a lot of hope listening in on a conversation today at school. It was a group of the special ed students, 4 boys and 1 girl, all different grades. The girl happens to have lots of silver caps on her teeth, pretty much all teeth but the two top and bottom front teeth are "silver." All but one of the other boys have many caps as well. The group was conversing about them and the loner child with clearly healthy teeth says, "I don't got none silver in my mouth!" The youngest boys turns around and scorns, "That cuz you ain't never been ta no dentist!" No, no my dear students. It is not the norm to have a dentist put silver caps all over our teeth although you may think otherwise. But it was not my place nor the proper time to interject enlightenment. So the poor loner child with perfect teeth was left hoping that he too might one day receive some mouth bling.

Cha-Ching

I bought 38 items of clearance Christmas decorations from Michael's Crafts Store for only $20.74. Wow. I cannot wait to decorate for Christmas this year! 

Happy New Year 2009

Los Dos Daubertos had an excellent, blessed two week vacation. It was a whirlwind of travel but days of fun and relaxation. On our last road trip home from the beach, Michael and I talked about the blessings we were given in 2008.  The past year brought about:

-Graduation from college

-We grew more and more in love with Portico

-A great new apartment

-Family weddings with awesome new in-laws

-Europe trip to Spain and Italy

-Good health overall!

-Amazing friends

-Michael's teaching job and my two jobs

-A new couch

-Safety throughout the year

-Total financial provision

What's not to praise God for?! We are so blessed. Thank you Lord for being who You are. I know we can trust in You for all our concerns of 2009. 

The pictures below are a precious glimpse of how Los Dauberts brought in the new year: