Sunday, December 30, 2007

Lost Planner...YIKES

For 2 days now I've been searching my house high and low for my planner. It's got all the important stuff in it and while some people just don't understand it's like a lifeline for me....

my bike, my kids, my planner, my husband - the things I absolutely need to get through the day....and 1 of them is MIA....

I'm trying to keep a calm approach to this but I'm deathly afraid that one of my children while being the wonderful kids that they are....tossed it in the garbage with wrapping paper and all that kind of stuff- gonna have a coronary soon!

Okay, off to do more laundry and start the chili for today's company for football games.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Eventful day...

After finally getting my truck running today (this was a long and drawn out process at least until my husband got there), we took the kids to the NIU men's basketball game. They played Arkansas - they won...close game but it was fun.

After the game we went to the new McDonald's and the kids had a blast playing...we even ran into our old neighbors, so while the kids were playing we got to catch up!

Then New England won their game....was a good game - I am not necessarily a Pat's fan - however, I think if any team were going for an unbeaten season I'd root for them...unless it was the Bears. :o)~

Anyway, fun day, family came over - we had a lot of fun!

Safe and Happy riding!!!

Truck Frustrations

Okay, this is a picture of a 95 Suburban...almost identical to the one I drive. Yes I am a biker with a gas guzzling vehicle. I have 4 children and this was really the best way to go for me. I found that a mini van just didn't have enough room for the groceries when all 6 of us were in the vehicle as well.

SO....today I took hubby to work because we are supposed to go to an NIU basketball game this afternoon and I wanted to get my errands done before the game.

I also decided I'd go into work for about an hour or two and get some stuff done. Well it all worked out nicely until I stopped at Walmart. I got back out to my truck and it won't start...

Now we've been having this problem where the cable to the battery (positive cable) gets loose and slips...so I hop out and wiggle it - hop back in - it doesn't start. I repeat this process for almost 20 minutes...it never works...

Finally I called my mother, waking her up, asked her to take me home and left the truck in the walmart parking lot...while calling my husband and telling him to bum a ride home because I'm not messing with it anymore!

1. I'm not mechanical...AT ALL!
2. I hate messing with cars.
3. I was freezing!

So, I'm home, my husband I'm sure is frustrated..but it is what it is...

I'm going to have to call the bus company and see if they are running while the college is down for winter break...I'm hoping they are because I already bought tickets for the basketball game and would like to be able to take the kids...but it's too far of a walk to head out there in the cold with them. So, we will see.

OH HAPPY DAY!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Feeling better...

I think part of my exhaustion was due to the whole running around like a maniac trying to prepare for the holiday. The other part I'm sure is because my boss has been out of work for about 3 weeks this month, first on vacation and now has been out with an illness. I think that this stuff together has just caused a lot of stress.

Wednesday and Thursday I was in the foulest mood I can remember being in, ever, today though I felt more like myself when I got up...and it lasted all day LOL!

Tomorrow I'm trying a new workout routine.

Safe and Happy biking folks

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Pregnant Tired....

Anyone who's been pregnant probably knows what this term means. When pregnant a woman gets tired, to the point of exhaustion and can't seem to shake it no matter how much sleep she gets...that's how I felt this afternoon and evening. I dozed on and off all afternoon and am heading to bed in a few minutes...nothing I did made me feel more awake. I think part of it is just the fact that it's winter, a person can't be outside enjoying themselves nearly as much as in the summer and so we are lacking the sunlight necessary to keep our systems going well.

This is my theory on it. I am absolutely exhausted and have been feeling more and more like this over the last several weeks.

Okay, night folks, I have to be up and out early!

Safe and Happy Riding

Feeling the Love

Well, Christmas is done and over - at least the opening of presents is. Which I am happy about.

The turkey is cooked, I've cleaned up the disaster of paper wrapping and cardboard and breakfast is finished.

The kids were very happy with what they got. I haven't seen Cassy and Luke since she opened her presents...she got Guitar Hero III from Luke...which of course topped anything we had gotten for her lol.

She also got a DHS sweatshirt, several seasons of Charmed on DVD and a DVD player. I may never see her again since she will be perfectly happy staying in her room now!

The boys got Spy Gear - kind of cool stuff. Now they can spy on their sister all the time, which they have already tried to do!

Bob got a massage thing for his chair/couch. It really is nice, has the warmer and everything to it. Plus a G/C for JCPenney which is something he wanted.

I got a G/C for the local bike shop...HURRAY...so now I need another 300 dollars to pay off my bike. I am dying to get ahold of this bike! It's almost more than I can take! LOL!

Santa was good. :o)~

Anyway - we are all just kind of lying around hanging out. I would really like to take a nap and might do just that here in a bit.

I'm not looking forward to having to head to work tomorrow. UGH! LOL!

Anyway...I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas everyone! Here in Northern Illinois it's a crisp 20 degrees F. The forecast today says it's going to be sunny with a high of about 38 degrees F. Either way I'm staying in the house!

So, Santa came to the house last night....the stress involved in this whole operation Santa thing is almost more than I can take. lol!

Now, the turkey is in the oven, I'll be starting my traditional Christmas morning breakfast soon. Sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, corn beef hash and toast. I forgot to get frozen orange juice at the store the other day so I guess they just have to drink chocolate milk instead. Oh well!

Well everyone just wanted to pop on quick and wish you all a Merry Christmas. God Bless!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Bike- ism's


I've realized that since I started really getting into biking I've become a little different. I think people driving cars half a mile to pick up a pack of smokes are obnoxious. I think people are in too much of a hurry all the time. I think the world would be a better place if people would slow down, show a little love and make a little room. Everyone should jump on a bike and pedal around for a day - seeing the world from that vantage point (even the world we are used to seeing everyday) makes everything seem so different. I find that my stress level has decreased a great deal. I find myself sitting at work daydreaming about a bike I'd like to ride or about a route I'd like to take instead of thinking of how to rob peter to pay paul.

I've also realized that biking is probably not going to help me lose weight. I like food too much, I like good meals with lots of bread and butter and meat. But, I also know that I can go ride 100 miles and still head to the park afterwards with my kids for a game of baseball.

I've realized that no matter what my body looks like I like myself...alot, and apparently so does my husband :) . I know that I'm not everyone's favorite person and that some people just aren't going to like me...and that's okay...there are people I don't like either.

I've realized that I like going a little slower than everyone else. I like the smell of freshly turned dirt in the spring and fall as I ride in the country next to the fields. I like living in my little corn field town. I wish it weren't growing as fast as it is...because the new people don't understand it. I like the smell of rain and fresh cut grass as I pedal my way around town.

Biking has brought a new reality and joy into my life and I'm so thankful to have found it.

I also have to say that I really love my biking club. Those people immediately accepted me, it didn't matter if I was a professional anything or not, my income level didn't matter, it didn't matter to them if I rode an old steel hunk or a brand new shiny racing bike...they see another biker - a new friend - a comrade to ride the roads with...it's an amazing feeling to be immediately accepted!

I'm feeling the love tonight! God Bless...be kind to each other...and slow down...enjoy life...when you die you won't regret the time you spent enjoying things, but you will regret how much time you spent running around that you didn't pay attention to what happiness was waiting right in front of you if you had slowed down and opened your eyes.

Happy Riding my friends.

Christmas Shopping

I went Christmas Shopping with the kids tonight...and do you know what I realized...besides the fact that my kids joy at being able to buy their own Christmas presents for everyone is probably the best thing about Christmas for me this year...I realized that I miss hearing Christmas music blaring over the loud speakers in the stores.

I miss hearing Silent Night and all the other old Christmas songs that always held a special magic to me when I was a kid, a promise of something special.

Maybe if I didn't consider myself a Christian I wouldn't want to hear them...but I do...so I do. :)

Another thing I noticed tonight...people seem so frazzled...it's sad!

That's it for now.

Safe and Happy Riding!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Blah Blah UGH

Today was just a blah and ugh kind of day. I woke up feeling fine, ate, got the kids off to school and biked into work (17 degrees and windy). About 30 minutes after I got there my stomach was hurting, a headache was coming on strong and I felt really dizzy. You know how you get when you are coming down with a cold or the flu?

By lunch time I wasn't feeling any better...what the heck? I called class parents and let them know that I didn't really feel so hot and I thought it was better to cancel the baptism prep classes tonight because I really didn't want to get a bunch of kids sick right before the holiday...I didn't think that would be very nice.

So, I don't feel great but I don't seem to be getting worse. Maybe I can sleep it off - whatever it is.

Joyce is still in the hospital and now they are talking about her being gone for a month....WHAT? Good grief, I don't have enough time to get her stuff and mine done! CRIPES!

Anyway, that's about it...not much else happening and I'm tired and going to try to get the boys in bed pretty soon so I can crawl into my warm bed with my dogs surrounding me and get some rest.

OH....final thought. I am considering attaching a large sign to the back of my winter riding coat that says something along the lines of

"Give me a few feet, my kids want me home tonight"

because today a school bus passed me and almost ran me off the road! Considered calling the bus company but I figure if I do that - they hear about it - they see me again soon after and they will run me over or off the road....so maybe I'll keep my mouth shut....or give the benefit of the doubt....

Maybe I should write a letter to the editor of the newspaper and they could publish it about bikes and cars sharing the roads!

Happy and Safe Riding Friends!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

21 degree commute

Commuted to work today. It was a bit chilly and there was a bit of wind but overall not a bad day to ride. Unfortunately people in town don't seem to realize that a new law was passed requiring motorists to give 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist on the road. I'm typing up a sign that says "I'd like to get home to my children safely" and pinning it to the back of my jacket so that those people can read it and maybe use the brains that God gave them to use!

The icy and snowy sections of road were a bit hazardous to my nerves but my bike handled like a charm and I got through those safely. Although I'd still be more comfortable on that commuter of mine! Soon I hope!

~> Craziness at work : My boss started having chest pains and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where she has been admitted and is hopefully resting peacefully....but knowing hospitals :) I'm sure they are checking in on her often which is probably driving her crazy. A few prayers for her would be appreciated.

~> Tomorrow I have to teach class...last class of the year, so I need to go pick up cards and snacks...on my bike.

~> That's all folks...

Happy and Safe Riding!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Going to go dream now....


About that absolutely gorgeous bike I have sitting at my local bike shop waiting to be picked up (lack of money is the key here). Anyone that wants to help me out could send money to my paypal account :o) gabriela168@yahoo.com

Yeah it's a long shot...but hey if you want to help a fellow biker in need of funds who is having trouble commuting due to the fact that having her road bike on the ice scares the crap out of her feel free to donate to the cause. I only need another $436.00 to get it picked up!

So....I'm off to dream about picking up my Gary Fisher Wingra and riding around town on it.

Oh and...really...I'm just kidding about the paypal thing...being the sarcastic wench that I am known to be. However, I've heard of stranger things happening...like that kid who got people to send him money so he could buy an I-pod. :)

Safe and Happy Riding to my IceBiking friends. I hope to join your ranks soon!


Another administrator to break in.

So today our corporate administrator was in the building. Shortly after seeing him I heard them calling all managers to the administrators office...I didn't go (wish I had) because I'm an assistant manager. Anyway, I really should have gone because the meeting was to let us know that the current administrator (who took over about 3 weeks ago) was let go of....YES!

She was a nice enough woman...but working with her was extremely frustrating. I don't know what in the world she was used to at any other homes that she worked in but she really was out there....told me the other day I had to work 2 nights as evening manager (assistant managers are not required to do that...we fill in if someone asks and we are able but we are not required to). I told her I didn't think I'd be able to and she said "well I am going to need you to be here." I wasn't going to work them either way but now I don't really have to be concerned by that.

We were informed that we will have a new administrator in the building tomorrow. This one will be interim...so it should be intersting. We've gone through several administrators since I've been there (about 3 years) - when we get a good one they end up promoted and move on or we get horrible ones that stay for only a month or two and then leave....either way...we have a new administrator to break in come tomorrow. hurray :( I miss Susan...she was a wonderful administrator and a wonderful person....probably why she got promoted to a regional position LOL!

I'm about ready for bed....blah....can't seem to find any energy these days...I'd rather just crawl in bed and sleep! Must be the winter time blues.

Partial Sum Algorithm part II

So....tonight I broke down and really tried to give this whole idea a chance...that didn't work out well....I hate this style of math...and stand by my earlier stance that it really is a pain in the butt...and more confusing for the kids than just learning how to carry!

One of the twins has trouble with multiple directions....so doing 5 steps instead of 3 is more difficult for him. He has some processing issues due to a brain bleed (they diagnosed as a level II to Level III bleed) at birth. Anyway, this process just makes it more difficult for him. Brendon on the other hand has the answer (to the actual problem)before he ever begins the whole process that this method calls for doing...so what's the point? I still can't see it! I've got one doing the whole problem in his head before he even starts and another who can do the addition and carrying without too much assistance but to do this method needs continual support....seems like a no brainer to me....don't do this process! Instead....we are still doing it.

I stand by my earlier post....this method is really not helpful.

Partial Sum Algorithm

My twins came home over the weekend with math homework. 2nd grade math homework that is.

Now they are using this Partial sum algorithm to do double digit addition problems.

so...for instance if the problem is 53 + 26 =

they have to write 50+30 = 80 (let me explain that neither of them understand the concept of rounding up or down and I had to take some time to explain this to them). Then they have to write the problem again...this way:

10's 1's
_______
5 3
+2 6
_______
7 0
+ 9
________
79

Then circle it....now does this seem to be totally stupid only to me? They haven't explained rounding so that the kids are comfortable...they also aren't teaching these kids to carry totals...etc.

What ever happened to good old addition? I mean really...and this isn't something new to me...I sat back almost 8 years ago trying to get through this with my daughter...who hated it, was frustrated and pretty much never got past the frustration and still hates math.

It takes longer to do math this way...it doesn't seem that the kids really catch the concept and it's frustrating to the parents who have to sit home day after day doing this with them....

Okay, off my soap box...I'd love to hear from some math teachers...let me also say I have discussed with a high school math teacher the state that the kids come into high school and this math teacher told me that it's very frustrating to have these kids come in to H.S. who aren't even near the level that they should be for being high school freshmen.

I really feel that this is just another example of the dummying down of American society!

All right. I'm off to work...not riding in today....but I think I will tomorrow because the temps are supposed to be in the 20's :)

Happy and Safe Riding folks!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

We were supposed to ride today....

but it snowed...alot...last night and Karen and I both decided we'd be happier staying inside than trying to fight the slush and snow in the roads.

I would have done it if I had my Gary Fisher Wingra already but sadly I don't so no riding today. Instead I went through my closet and made it look organized...now if only it would stay that way.

Now I'm going to go do some laundry (should just grab my book and stay in the basement all day reading but I won't).

Later I'm making tacos for dinner (yes I think I've mentioned making tacos on a Sunday before - it's a tradition...these people want tacos every Sunday).

Fun times.

Happy and Safe riding folks!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Something that made me laugh

Tonight I got an email from my cousin with the following text....I did not check out if this was a factual email or not...the fact is it made me laugh...and I like it alot!


In Florida , an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared,

"Case Dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!'

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, 'Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate his own atheists' holiday!'

The lawyer pompously said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?'

The judge said, 'Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st is his holiday! Now have a good day and get out of my courtroom!!

An Interesting Conversation

Tonight my little brother was over and began a discussion that I think he knew would get me going - seeing as how he's known me, my beliefs and my personality for a long time.

He mentioned that he had been watching t.v. with his roommate and on the news they were discussing how some people are pushing for implanting devices into us to help 'track' us in case we are lost...especially for certain groups of people...for example, young children and elderly people with Alzheimer's.

His roommate thinks this is the best idea since cable television....I disagree...passionately.

1 - does anyone not believe in privacy anymore?

2 - Doesn't anyone see how this whole idea can go terribly wrong?

3 - Hasn't anyone read the book of Revelation? Try chapter 13 people.

4 - There is a quote somewhere and I can't remember who said it that goes something like this (sorry I'm sure I'll chop it up pretty badly but the gist of it is:)

If you put fear in the people, they will systematically give up their rights for the promise that their government will protect them from what they fear.



The whole idea that human beings need to be protected by our government to the extent that it's going is ludicrous...and I'm amazed at the intelligent people whom I know that say it's a great idea....

No one needs to know exactly where I am at all times....if I'm going to be abducted and murdered...it's going to most likely happen quickly enough that no one is going to realize I'm gone until after the deed is done...so that means...what? You might locate my body a little faster? For what purpose? No one can save me by the time you find me....

These same people, and some of you are my dear friends, also don't believe that our government (local, state, national) is capable of turning against us and using this kind of knowledge in a bad way.....think again folks!

Anyway, this was the conversation starter that has me all riled up. :)

Have a good night people! Think hard about what you want our government being able to do....

Happy and Safe riding....

Hand me downs

Last night my mom showed up at my house with 3 kitchen sized garbage bags full of clothes. All sweaters and blouses. These are from a girl who she works with who is about the same size as me - I think every season the woman gets a new wardrobe...which works out nicely for me because she has a lot of clothes and it's all nice stuff.

It came at a good time too, I was just complaining about not having any clothes to wear.

I just need to buy a nice pair of black slacks because mine got red nail polish on them....thanks to one of the kids.

I used to hate hand me downs as a kid - but these days I'm not complaining so much - especially since it saves me a ton of money on going out buying new tops for the winter season!

Happy and safe riding folks!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

MIA

Okay, Sorry I've been a little MIA lately. It's been hectic with the holiday's approaching and with just all the other craziness.

My boss has been on vacation....which meant lots of extra work for me.

We had an 2 ice storms and a snow storm which kept me off my bike :(

Today was the first day I've ridden in about a week...it was a glorious ride into work...the ride home, not so glorious....rush hour (okay I live in the middle of a corn field but it still gets congested when school lets out) plus the temps had dropped a lot...it's in the teens now...and the wind had picked up ALOT!

I've decided on a commuter bike...hurray!!! It's a Gary Fisher Wingra....

Tobie at the LBS left me an email telling me it's in....HURRAY...I wish I could go get it right now but sadly I have to wait because it's my Christmas present....or belated Christmas present. lol. He's putting fenders on it, taking the commuter rack off my Trek and setting it up on the Wingra, he's switching out my tires to more aggressive cross tires, and the 1/2 and 1/2 pedals are coming off my Trek and going onto the Wingra. In the spring or within weeks of getting the Wingra, I'll buy new pedals for my Trek and then have a much cooler set up on my Trek. The Wingra is going to look tough and it's going to be my get around town bike...that way I can save my Trek from the wear and tear of everyday riding. HURRAY! I'm so stoked about this I can hardly contain myself and if I could I'd go pick it up first thing in the morning and then call in sick and ride around on it all day! LOL.

Our Bike Club had it's Christmas Party last night...what fun! It was so nice seeing everyone again (last ride was in November) and makes me itch for spring to get here so we can get out and do some serious long rides.

I think Tobie is going to let Karen and I lead a Wednesday night ride from the bike shop...woohoo----we are going to work on routes this winter so that we can have it all set up! I'm excited about that.

My class at church is going well....the kids are really getting engaged and the parents seem to be having a good time with it as well.

Speaking of Church...my daughter and I got into a 'discussion' which became rather heated because of our differing opinions on gay marriage and the church. Oh it was fun.....(kidding). Then I tried to explain the church's stance on the whole thing and said that they don't hate gay people but do say that acting on it is considered a sin....she cried and said so you are saying my friends are sinners...I said honey we are all sinners and we all have to face God someday and explain ourselves....It was crazy.... I feel bad because there are so many hateful things going on in the world - and fighting over each person's choices which aren't hurting us seems so silly to me....I was just trying to explain the stance of the RCC...she on the other hand just wants fairness to everyone and their feelings. I think everyone should just leave each other to their own things, and concern themselves with their own lives....the world would be a better place if we all just showed a little love and compassion....none of us are perfect.

Okay what else is going on.....I sent out Christmas cards on the 1st or 3rd of December....very proud of myself for getting those suckers out! Woo hoo for me!
Those who know me know that I am very bad about actually getting them into the mail most of the time. lol...

That might be about it....oh and blessings to all the nice drivers today who slowed down and gave me plenty of room while passing me!!! GOD BLESS!!!! Helped me to get home to my family safely!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Snow and Ice.....

Well the snow and Ice have put a big fat kabash on my riding! I'm not happy about this by any means! I want the nice warm weather again...or at least the no snow and no ice weather!!!

It's 1 degree right now....(was -7 when I woke up). I'm obviously not riding because I don't have the gear or the bike to ride in these conditions. Yesterday after work I went by one of the bike shops in a nearby town and was looking around. I can't say I really liked anything I saw...gonna give Tobie a call today and have a chat...figure out if there's anything I like down there. I'd like to stay around or even below (laughs) 400 bucks!

Other than that things are calm and just about the norm....

Happy and Safe riding to you folks still braving it... I saw one lonely rider this morning...his mustache had ice on it! LOL

Be safe!!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Checking In

Well, I haven't been online much lately, but thought I'd check in and do a quick update.

I haven't biked much in the past two weeks. It's been COLD...and often late when I leave work.

Saturday we had an ice storm and my hubby ran my truck off the road and damaged the front end pretty well. Glad he didn't get hurt though. It's all surface damage so at least it's still driveable. I'll take pictures soon and post them!

Let's see- my class at church - I teach again tomorrow night. I'm better prepared for tomorrow's meeting, and will bribe answers out of the kids with treats! :)

Other than that, not much happening, trying to get ready for Christmas.

I bought the kids tickets to an NIU mens basketball game for a few days after Christmas, considering giving them as presents, not sure yet.

GOing shopping with Jennifer on Saturday.

Okay that's about it!

Merry Christmas Folks! God Bless!

Safe and Happy Riding to my friends that are still battling the weather - I might ride in tomorrow, depends on how much snow we get tonight!