TiVo Changed My Life

Lapeer County Ed-Tech Lip Dub: Good Life

2011-06-07T15:10:00.000-04:00

Check this out. After seeing the Lip Dub from Grand Rapids - my students decided to give it a try. We put this together in four days without a budget. They worked really hard and were very inventive. I am very proud of them. Plus it shows you a little more about our school Lapeer County Ed-Tech.

2010-07-23T16:31:00.003-04:00

Double Rainbows in Geneva

Bruce and I are back in Geneva, Switzerland working with U of M Flint's Global Program. We were lucky enough to go through the first program. Now the second cohort is graduating and we are back to help with graduation (video/photography and general planning.)

It has been a lot of fun - because we met the new cohort last year - and this year we got to see the result of all of their hard work with their projects. It's interesting how the same program can result in such diversity among projects from the first group to the second and even among groups.

Today we introduced the group to the double rainbow video and song on youtube. If you haven't seen it - I embedded both below. And then tonight in Geneva a down pour came through just around dusk and you would never believe it - a double rainbow. Coincidence, I think not.

Tomorrow, Bruce and I will run 10 miles in Geneva for marathon training. We might also go to the farmers market across the border into France (if it isn't pouring rain.) However, I am not complaining about the rain - when we got here it was in the high 80's - today was a high of low 70's. Much more comfortable - especially when staying in a place without air conditioning.

On Sunday we leave Geneva for a week of travels. Our duties here have been split - so we are able to enjoy some traveling before getting back to work. On Sunday, we fly to Budapest, Hungry. I am very excited, because it is some place completely new for both of us. Many of our travels have been places one of us has been before and we want to share it with the other person. Hungry is totally new.

It's been a great summer of travel. I am still enjoying the memories of Prince Edward Island and my new love for Poutine. Now we are having totally different experiences on the other side of the pond.

Blue Gloves Saftey Dance.mov

2010-06-03T22:36:00.000-04:00

Check out the video two of my students produced for the culinary arts class at our center. Leave a comment - they would love it.

2010-01-25T18:54:00.003-05:00

A Dog's Love

At the Holladay household we have been getting used to having a puppy around - that makes all of us including our trusty dog Daisy. Daisy is learning to deal with a puppy wanting to play 24-7 and the "close walker" as the puppy literally walks underfoot as we make our two mile walk in the park. But this weekend, an unexpected event made me think about the unconditional loves from the all the dogs in my life.

Of course their was Lady - who was a part of the Sahakian home - before I was. She was a mixed breed (mostly German Shepard) we inherited from our neighbors as a puppy. She was 2 when I was born. Lady was a protective dog. She liked women and she was protective of her kids, my sister, brother and I. I remember her fierce bark as an stranger drove up our country drive.

Then there was Greta who came to us when I was in middle school. Her terrible two's seemed to last for ever, she was a magician at pushing her way into your room while you were gone and helping herself to new toys (your things.) I remember my mom being so frustrated with here when we arrived home to another surprise, we would hear her mutter "go play in traffic." But despite those frustrations, Greta turned out to be a wonderful loyal companion - especially to my mom. She would greet me with the same excitement every time I can home - whether it was from college or a 30 minute trip to the store. She was a great neighborhood dog, because after we grew up she adopted the neighborhood kids (who had to pick up the bus stop in front of our house still.) Everyday she would see them off to school and wait for them until they got off the bus.

Then when I went to college, my roommates and I decided to get a community dog. The deal was that we would all care for her, but in the end she would end up with me. To this day, I am not sure how this became the arrangement. But someone found her through some dog classifieds. She was the product of a divorce and neither person could afford to keep here. Maddie was a great dog. She was crate trained, loved people and loved hanging out with five college girls. However, soon there were graduations and I was the only one left in the house. Unfortunately as a college senior, focused on getting a job, she became too much for me to handle alone and an annoyance for new roommates. Lucky for me and luckier for Maddie my Aunt Val and her family where looking for a dog. I believe they weren't interested in a puppy and liked the idea of having an already trained dog. Maddie the 3-year-old mutt (blue healer mix) was a perfect fit. They adopted her from me. She was totally there family pet. She became my Aunt Val's running/walking buddy. Unfortunately time caught up to Maddie this weekend - like Lady & Greta - she joined all the good dogs in heaven.

As I think about Maddie's life and death, I shed tears for the other great dogs in my life. The constant companions, who've caused troubles and grief, as I watch the new puppy chew on anything and everything, but who also always seem to be there at the right moment. My Aunt put it best when she wrote to me in an email today, Maddie made them all better people.

2010-01-14T18:25:00.003-05:00

Meet Steve

It's been a while since I have hit the blogosphere (or is it blogasphere) regardless it's time to talk about Steve. Steve is the newest addition to our family. She is a border collie pup - we call her Stevie (because there was some objections that the name was too masculine.) She is named after Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

She is very funny and super snugglely. She loves to run across the room and jump into your lap. We are having some success with house training - but I am afraid of being too confident because well the results could be tragic for my carpet.

As for Daisy - our trusted mutt - she is getting used to her new sister. She is beginning to play and doesn't look constantly annoyed. She actually is getting much more attention - for fear like any good pet parent - of not wanting the older sibling to feel left out.

Times Square

2009-10-31T12:49:00.001-04:00

Waiting for the shuttle

2009-10-30T19:43:00.001-04:00

Apple Pie Season is Open!

2009-10-10T18:59:00.001-04:00

Hiding from the fighting

2009-08-29T15:51:00.000-04:00

Chillin at Carr Park

2009-08-29T12:27:00.001-04:00

2009-08-23T18:58:00.000-04:00

My first strawberry rhubarb pie.

2009-08-22T11:40:00.000-04:00

He dribbles basketballs the entire 10 miles.

7:11 at the Crim

2009-08-22T11:07:00.000-04:00

7:11 at the Crim

Cousins at the Crim

2009-08-22T11:05:00.000-04:00

Chillin at the Crim

Oh yeah Michelle Obama ate here too

2009-08-10T17:23:00.001-04:00

My new fav in Roma

2009-08-10T17:21:00.004-04:00

Eating in the garden

2009-08-10T17:21:00.003-04:00

Pizzeria San Michele

2009-08-10T17:21:00.001-04:00

2009-08-10T09:16:00.003-04:00

A Trip to Tuscany

I'm sitting on the train heading to Rome. We spent the last two days (one night) in Siena. We stayed at a nice hotel - it was our most expensive hotel on the trip - but our Florence hotel room was just as nice - but the hotels are a little pricier in Siena.

When we arrived - I told mom we are talking a cab. She seemed puzzled - because we had hoofed it everywhere else. But this is a one city that I embraced a cab in - why? It's a mile and a half from the train station to the city. And did I mention it's all uphill. Now for the most part uphill isn't necessarily a bad thing - but with all of our luggage in 95 degree heat it isn't my cup of tea. Bruce and I did it in 2002 in October and I remember thinking them that it sucked - it would only be worse with it was summer.

When we arrived in Siena it was hot and we had spent our last day in Florence taking in art - the Uffizi and the Academia. So we had been on our feet all day. Our hotel was nice - the air conditioning was a little screwy, but the view as amazing. I guess that's what you get when you are in a walled city at the top of the hill. At the hotel - I turned on the TV while my mom was in the shower and after watching approximately 15 minutes of a race through the Italian Alps (that's running - not cars or scooters) I switched to the first English speaking channel - sky cinema (pronounced Chin-EE-ma.) And of course the movie was what I consider an after school special, starring Jennie Garth (90210) - a girl from desperate housewives and the female detective from Law & Order who has been on the original show forever. The show was about HIV. Jennie Garth is high school substitute teacher who is HIV positive. And a former high school sports icon commits suicide in college only and his brother discovers he had HIV. The desperate housewives girl gets wind and oh know it's revealed she slept with him - just once. Anyways you get the picture - but we were sucked in. Which was good because we weren't feeling the pressure to leave our hotel room in the heat of the day.

When we did venture out - I was starving. We went to a restaurant suggested by our hotel. It was raining - so they moved us into a little - putting us very close to a group of four young Italian men - so close we were practically sitting at the same table. After a while they asked if they could borrow our vinegar and oil - which then led to my mom breaking out 10 of her 45 Italian words. This trick, though somewhat painful to watch (for me at least) seems to amuse all Italians. Which then led to a wonderful conversation with Lorenzo, Stefano, Francesco, Giacomo. Only one had been to the states before - they were college friends from Milan visiting Giacomo who worked for a pharmaceutical company in Siena. They were very nice and made dinner much more interesting. Also splitting a bottle of Chianti with my mom makes dinner interesting too.

On Sunday, we woke up to have a excellent breakfast in the garden. Then we went to mass that Duomo in Siena. It was nice and lasted about 50 minutes. The church was beautiful - and since the sermon was in Italian - I wasn't expected to pay attention - which gave me free rain to look around. However, after mass you couldn't take pictures - we were told to leave immediately so that we could pay our 6 Euros to take more photos.

Instead we climbed up to the Panorama and took pictures of the outside. We left Siena at 2 pm and headed for Rome on the train. We had to switch trains in Chiusi and we were a little nervous because our train from Siena was last - but the good news was the train we were taking from Chiusi to Rome was also late.

[Clearly I am finishing this in my hotel becasue I had to get off the train.]

When we finally got to Rome our instructions said take bus H to our hotel - well that was the next interesting experience. We waited patiently with about 20 people for Bus H for nearly 20 minutes. When it arrived it didn't pull into the right spot. So we went over to the bus and it was filled to the brim, which didn't stop my mom and I and the rest of the people at the bus stop from pilling on. We had our tickets - but couldn't get them stamped because we couldn't even reach the machine. My mom made some friends with her Italian words in the back - they even taught her a new one - a swear word. We had to split up because of our suitcases - I on the other hand was wedged between two cranky women and two men. I don't think I have ever been gropped so much in my life. Needless to say, when we both emerged at the correct stop with luggage, handbags, wallets and money, we were happy.

We got to our hotel to find that no one was there. The hotel is owned by a young couple and there is no weekend evening staff. I had emailed them our arrival, but I accidentally had the time wrong. I thought we were leaving later from Chiusi - but didn't have email access when to correct my mistake. The good news is that Bruce came to the rescue. I was able to call him, he was able to log into my email and get me the number they left me. Thank you technology!

Our hotel here in Rome is the nicest room yet. The people are very friendly and there is free wifi. I find it ironic, the more you pay for a hotel - the more the rest of the stuff costs too! Shouldn't it be included? I guess it's the same in the states - stay at the HoJo - free wifi, the Hilton charges you $15 a day.

Sent from my iPhone

2009-08-07T17:19:00.011-04:00

A Wonderful Evening in Florence

We arrived today after a wonderful train ride. We sat next to a man and his nephew. Vincent & Bryan were from Orange County, California and were traveling with their family. They had just spent three days in Venice and had a similar experience to us. Next stop for everyone was Florence. Vincent was born in Vietnam and this was his first trip to Europe, Bryan just graduated from HighSchool and was also enjoying his first trip. We had a lot of fun discussing where we all had been.

Then we arrived in a very hot Florence - the temperature topped out at 95 degrees, but at

the heat of the day with the sun reflecting off the pavement, it felt like it could have been 105 degrees. However, instead of taking the cab - we decided that we could trek to our hotel. Thank you - Bruce for encouraging us to use carry-on luggage. It's much easier than a full sized suitcase. When we arrived at the hotel - and carried our small luggage up the two flights of stairs - we were in much need of some air conditioning. So we took the opportunity to relax in the cool room and put our feet up - while planning our evening adventure.

First stop the Duomo - which happens to be less than a 1/4 mile or if you are on the metric

system 400 meters from our hotel. We took 463 steps to the topof the dome designed by Brunelleschi - it's actually two concentric domes built from red bricks. It is the world's largest church dome of it's time and there was no supporting frame used in it's construction from 1420 to 1436 - so needless to say it's pretty impressive. We got there just before it closed. The weather had cooled a bit and it was less crowded, plus the light was a little better for photos.

Then we headed to dinner - we were famished because we didn't

have lunch. We went to a little place that was recommended by the guide book we are using Italy for Dummies - (yes it's fun to carry around - the looks you get are great.) The book said we would get a good reasonable meal, and they were right. It was funny because there were several American families there carrying the same book.

After dinner we headed to the river - we enjoyed the piazza outside the Uffizi gallery before hitting the Ponte Vecchio (the bridge known for it's gold shops.) The shops on the bridg e were all closed -but there was a musician that drew a crowd. We enjoyed his music and a little people watching. After a while though, gelato was calling to us, so we headed back towards the hotel.

When we stopped for gelato - westarted talking to a couple from Ireland - who happened to be sitting next to us on the bridge. We started chatting, and it turns out they are both teachers. She teaches English and history, he teaches music. We exchanged emails because she was interested in the International Shakespeare Student Film Festival - that Bruce, Doug and I are organizing. As we were chatting it up and having a great time, a couple from Oregon (Lynea teacher/writer and Jim, yoga instructor) joined in our conversation. We chatted four nearly 45 minutes. It was so much fun - meeting new people. It's part of what I love about traveling.

Then we headed back to the hotel to rest up for a big day of museums tomorrow. I told mom as we were standing on the top of the Duomo - Florence is so different than Venice - but it's also amazing. I can't wait to see what the next part of our trip brings.

2009-08-06T18:01:00.010-04:00

The Perfect Ending

to Venetian Adventure

We ended our stay in Venice tonight with a Gondola ride. Yes, we had all thought they were a big tourist trap and cheesy, but it was amazing. It was a full moon and just beautiful. Bruce, my mom, Meghan and I had a very romantic ride. Our driver Giovanni had been a gondolier for 35 years. He was quite an interesting man. He approached me as I was wearing my new light up sunglasses that we bargained down from 8 Euros to Five - they are

heart shaped and they blink. My mom has a pictu

re of him wearing them. He took turns on this boat that I would not make in my car without scratching the entire side. He also told us some stories about his life, like the fact that his wife died 3 days ago - I'm not sure that we heard him right, but what do you say to that. Besides the face that he was a total character - the night is cool, the water is still (especially good for those who get motion sickness) and the gondola takes you places that you don't see by foot or water bus. At the end he demanded a picture with Meghan because she was so tall and beautiful and then he stood uncomfortably close to here. Despite the 100 Euro price tag - I don't think any of us are regretting it.

Today, my mom, Meghan and I headed out to Murano to see the glass museum. It was not what I had expected. I guess coming off the Einstein museum that was so stimulating this seemed to just be glass in classes. Interesting but not stimulating. Meghan however did save me. I was bending over to look at some glass in a case and this little girl started to tilt her head to look at what I was looking at - before I knew it Meghan was yanking me away so fast I thought she lost her mind - then the elementary school teacher that she is says - that girl has head lice - we made a B-line towards the door to another gallery. We walked the streets and shopped the stores - I was on a little of a glass bead overload. However, Murano was nice - because it is a smaller island outside of Venice and there weren't as many people there in Venice during the day there are times that you are just wall to wall people.

The day before we visited San Marco's Basillica and the Dulce palace. The ar

chitecture was beautiful and there was some amazing tile mosaics. We walked over the Bridge of Sighs and walked all throughout Venice. We saw the Rialto bridge and the other hot spots. And came back to the hotel around 4 pm because we were hot, sticky and in much need of a short siesta.

We emerged for our

hotel for dinner, and the city had cleared out and cooled off. The water taxi was fairly empty (we got seats) and we trie

d to find a restaurant from the guidebook - but then decided to skip it and we went a little off the beaten path. We had a very expensive - very delicious dinner. However, I was so full afterwords - I am still not sure how I managed to eat any ice cream afterwards - but I did.

It's been an interesting experience here in Venice. It's beautiful.

And unlike many people had told me - it does not stink in the summer. We stayed close to the train station - in an inexpensive hotel, but it served it's purpose - it had air conditioning and was clean. I am glad that I had the chance to see Venice before it sinks - I hope for the people who live here and love this city that it doesn't because it is an amazing place, like no other that I have ever been too.

2009-08-04T05:29:00.012-04:00

Alpine Horns, Cheese & 100's of Japanese Tourists

So we headed back to Hotel Edelweiss this year to dine at the Restaurant Edelweiss. It is a basically a tourist trap - it is a pretend German-Swiss Alpine Fondue restaurant with real life Umpapa band. This band plays not only the the accordion, the soprano saxophone, the cowbell, the saw, the bowl (yes the bowl,) the flugelhorn and of course the Alpine horn.

We arrived about 45 minutes early, if the website says open 7/7 days a week it means open 7 days a week at 7. We arrived very hungry at 6:15 pm. We quickly made 7 pm reservations for 8 and then proceeded to try to waste 45 minutes - in the adjacent neighborhood - 15-20 of those minutes where spent eating our appetizers of ice cream/gelato. Then we were ready approximately 10 minutes before they opened.

As we patiently waited the first bus load of Japanese tourists arrived. Then we watched them walk right past us into the restaurant. Luckily we had a reservation (which clearly their tour group did too.) As we walked down into the restaurant we saw three very long tables. The first was filling with the first bus, then the second bus arrived as we were sitting down. As we ordered our drinks the third busload arrived.

Clearly they had pre-ordered too because as they sat down the wait staff (who looked as if they might hate their lives - I swear as the third bus arrived I heard one lady walk by and say oh shit) started bringing them their food. We on the other hand were deciding which delicious buckets of cheese we would order - now most of you would think - Jennie - those buckets of cheese are called Fondue - but we on the other hand know that it's FUN-do.

We went to FUN-do with our new UM-Flint global Cohort. Kira (3/4 Danish 1/4 Norwegian 100% South Dakotian friend,) Emily (of Maryland,) Sarah (who's moving to Chicago,) Marissa (the UT Lawsuit student,) Paul (from Walpole Island) and Meghan (of 7:11 fame) and of course Bruce.)

Kira & PaulMarissa & Sarah

Bruce, Jennie, Emily & Meghan (pictured above)

Then as we waited for our cheese the band started rockin' out. First the cowbells - then the Alpine horn. I am proud to admit that my husband rocks the Alpine horn!! Yes, they invite everyone to try the Alpine horn - Bruce was being shy - but after his perfomance last year, I couldn't let him pass it up (oh yeah - we went there last year.) So he bugrudginly agreed to play if I myself would play. So we got in the line with those from the tourist bus group. And Bruce went last and totally rocked it again - he plays the off to the races song (or at least that is what I call it.) He got applause from the entire restaurant. I love going to these places - maybe this is why I love Frankenmuth.

Last night we ate dinner at Festivus (the Swiss call it the Swiss Day Festival - we embrace the Seinfeld name.) Today, we picked up my mom early from airport! It's our last day in our Geneva - tomorrow we head Venice.

2009-08-02T08:17:00.007-04:00

Liechtenstein

In 9th grade, I took my first German class in High School with Frau Davis. In our book there was a section on the very tiny country of Liechtenstein, and each of the students had to stand up in class and do a short presentation on the country - with the information we learned from our book.

So here's what I knew before going to Liechtenstein - they had a king, a postage stamp museum and a castle (where the aforementioned King lived.) So of course when we were deciding where to go on our driving trip of Switzerland - I mentioned that it might not be that far to drive to Liechtenstein. And happily Meghan and Bruce agreed. So we rented a pretty sweet Audi station wagon (with a navigation system - which came in handy when driving through a very busy, very under construction Zurich.)

When we got to Liechtenstein - we drove into Vaduz and the first thing we saw was the castle and as it turns out the royal family was home because the flag was flying. Then we found a parking spot. We stopped by the information booth, where they happily stamped our passport for 3 Swiss Francs.

Then we had lunch - and let me suggest that despite being done with pizza do not order the hamburger in Liechtenstein - it's not their specialty by far. Thankfully - Meghan shared her pizza with me. Then we headed down to the stamp museum to see what was happening there and it was pretty much off-the-hook (well it was quiet and small - and free.) We bought a couple postcards and stamps so we could mail some postcards - one that is headed to Frau Davis - because without her there I would never have thought about going to Liechtenstein in the the first place.

After sending our postcards we looked at the tourist map and found what was up the largest hill and went to find it - because our theme for this trip "uphill." We have managed to climb all the largest hills in every city we have visited - I am not sure what this means for Venice. We found some kids selling lemonade and I managed to make a very poor deal for Meghan and bought two 1.50 cakes for 5 Francs - well as it turns out I cannot do math while speaking German. However, it wasn't as bad as it first sounds - my first deal was for three - but Bruce didn't want one.

Then we headed back to Zurich to go to our hotel. However, we booked the Zurich Moevinpick hotel that was not actually in Zurich but 15 minutes outside of the city. Which is where the GPS came in handy - after we called the hotel to get coordinates.

Which then created a change in our original plan which was to hang out in Zurich the next day - but since we were so far out of the city we decided to go see the Capitol of Switzerland - Bern - instead. We went into town - thinking that we were going to see the Bears - well as it turns out that at least one of the bears are dead - and the other bears aren't there. So we wandered around the Old Town and took notice of a very interesting statue of an ogre eating a chubby baby. But it was also August 1st - which is Swiss day and everything was closed (pretty much everywhere) except the museums. It was also about 90 degrees which was very hot. So we ended up going to the Einstein Museum - it showed not only Einstein's life but how it fit into the history of the 20th century. It was not only very air conditioned but very interesting.

Then we headed back to Geneva and ended our day with a fireworks display next to the Jet d'eau. It was quite an adventure and a lot of fun - we waited for an hour to see the fireworks - the whole time Bruce swore that there weren't any - but our rationale was there are hundreds of other people standing looking towards the lake - there has to be something going on. It was a really cool way to cap off a fun day.

2009-07-30T16:50:00.004-04:00

Tagging Alone on the Class Field Trip

Chateau de Menthon Saint Bernard
This is allegedly the castle that inspired Walt Disney in Sleeping Beauty. However, to me I agreed with the tour guide who thinks it's more Beauty & the Beast. The family that owns the castle, and has owned it since 1000 AD, still lives in the castle.
Bruce and I, outside the castle.
Meghan, me and my new friend Kira from South Dakota. She maybe my only friend
from South Dakota.
Picture of me in Annecy, France.
Another shot of the Old Town in Annecy, France.
Bruce and Kira rockin' the hats at the French Hat Shop.
My other new friend Emily - as we made a quick stop for ice cream - before we had to be back at the bus.
Meghan & I posing in Annecy.
the end.

Annecy, France

2009-07-30T16:09:00.001-04:00

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

2009-07-30T16:08:00.001-04:00

2009-07-27T15:54:00.003-04:00

I heart Gaudi in Barcelona

So we went to Barcelona for the weekend. We left early Friday and were lucky to arrive to a hotel room that was already to go. We dropped off our stuff at hotel and started wandering down La Rambla - it is a vibrant street with a market (that rocks.) We enjoyed some fresh fruit and some great fresh juices. Then we walked through the old town and explored the shops. It was typical European Old Town with winding roads and you don't know what cool shop or restaurant you will find around every corner. We ate at a Tapas buffet for lunch. They count your sticks to figure out how much you owe - it was 1.60 Euro for inside and 1.75 for outside.

Due to our super early flight and very hot weather, we were exhausted come 2 pm. So we decided to embrace the Spanish culture and take a siesta. We woke from our short siesta and went for a Tapas dinner at a place in La Raval called Bar Lobo - it seemed cool and hip - it might not be - but it fooled me into thinking it was cool.

The next morning we headed to La Sagrada Familia - the cathedral that Gaudi started building before his death - but more than 100 years later it is still not finished. Meghan, Bruce and I decided that we needed to return when the cathedral was finished in 30 years. We also headed to the Park Guell, a park designed by Gaudi, orginally for the rich, but to his disappointment was opened to the comman man - Meghan, Bruce and myself. However, what is amazing like Barcelona and every other city in Europe I have been too is that we manage to find every hill in the city and hike up it. We topped off the night with Sangria made from Champange and Oranges, it rocked!!! I also had Montchego cheese - it was delicious. Wolfgang introduced me to this cheese in Berlin (ironically.)

For instance the next morning we headed to the Olympic Park that was on a hill. We walked up what could be the steepest part of the hill followed by hundreds of stairs. However, on the way down we did find that had we come through the front we could have taken escalators all the way up, but really what fun would that have been. It was worth the hike though - there is something rewarding to stand at the top of the hill and that overlooks the city and know that you walked up the entire way.

We didn't do much shopping in Barcelona due to the fact that the Euro is an international conspiracy against us - in other words the exchange rate sucks and that means I usually stick to building my pin collection - which is under 10 dollars a city.

Then late Sunday night we headed back to our homebase the John Knox Center in Geneva - home to the U of M Flint Global Program. The next trip Zurich and Liechtenstein - a very small country - which is home to a stamp museum and a castle. All which were in my presentation in German 1 class.

2009-07-26T17:03:00.000-04:00

La Rambla

The Market in Barcelona

Meghan & I chillin' in Barcelona.

Scenes of Barcelona.

Park Guell (designed by Gaudi & Guell)

A famous apartment building designed by Gaudi.

Olympic Stadium

Bruce & I in the Olympic Stadium.

Meghan, Bruce & I on La Rambla!

2009-07-26T10:16:00.001-04:00

Greetings From Barcelona

This is our last day in Barcelona. We have eaten a lot of great Tapas and enjoyed a lot of long walks. We seem to find our way to every hill in the city. I am hoping that will mean that all the eating won´t go directly to my hips.

Barcelona

2009-07-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

Bruce & Meghan in the Barcelona Airport

2009-07-26T07:28:00.001-04:00

Dining in Barcelona

2009-07-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

2009-07-23T14:34:00.003-04:00

Back in Geneva

Well I am back in Geneva, sitting in the classroom, but this time I am just using the Internet. There is no homework to be completed. I have come back to Geneva to serve as a mentor for the new U of M Global Cohort. Three members of our 7:11 club returned this year, Bruce, Meghan and myself. Our mentoring tour of duty doesn't really start until next week, however we arrived early because we wanted to adjust to the time change.

Last night we went to our favorite dinner spot in Geneva called Fifty-Fifty. Then today we woke up early to go running. We just did 2 mile to get ourselves acclimated to the hills - however I think the hills of Prince Edward Island helped. Usually my first time trying to run up the huge hill here is unsuccessful, but this time I made it all the way up with no problems (well it was a very slow climb - but none the less I did not stop.)

Tomorrow we are leaving for Barcelona, I am very excited because this is my first trip Spain. We made Meghan practice her Spanish - but the bad news is that her soon-to-be Sister-in-Law is Spanish and pretty much said that they speak a dialect - so her Spanish is worthless. We are hoping that they will be used to English speakers because they are used to tourists.

I don't have many pictures yet - but will post some when we get back from Spain.

2009-07-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

All Grown Up

This is Nichole, I was literally there the day she came home form the hospital. She is great young lady, but this thing happened, kids grow up. And I feel old. Now she is going to be a Sophomore in high school. I ran into her at the Manchester Fair Parade. It makes me realize how much I miss her. And because we aren't technically family, she is not obligated to see me at holidays - so things happen and the next thing you know they are all grown up. Can I freeze time?

That's right I'm next to an empty seat.

2009-07-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

Geneva bound.

2009-07-21T19:43:00.001-04:00

Leg Room

2009-07-21T19:39:00.001-04:00

2009-07-18T22:19:00.011-04:00

Pictures from Prince Edward of Island Everybody including Hosehead.

The sun setting over the ocean.

7:11 Club Photo (minus Hosehead)

Green Gables

North Rustico, PEI

2009-07-18T10:07:00.001-04:00

Bruce by the Sea

2009-07-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

A Cloudy PEI

2009-07-16T13:44:00.001-04:00

The weather was cloudy day one but it's been great the rest of the week.

Eating on PEI

2009-07-16T13:43:00.001-04:00

Our little Anne of Green Gables

2009-07-16T13:42:00.001-04:00

2009-07-14T11:38:00.002-04:00

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

It's quiet and remote, however, I am enjoying that. This is the first blog update and there will be no pictures - because we don't have internet access at the house we have rented with friends. Yesterday, we did some exploring on the island. Today is devoted to Anne of Green Gables - the most famous fictional resident of the island. There is a Greenfield Village type place - where actors reenact scenes from the book all day long. We started at 9 am - now we are breaking for lunch/internet - but we will head back this afternoon.

We have eaten lobster - but I am looking forward to eating more. It's about 6.99 Canadian per pound - unlike the $20 Canadian for a pound of chicken. We are also planning a bonfire on the beach. Maybe there will be a little swimming - but it has been kind of cool. Yesterday, we went running then I thought I was going to jump in - but after we got down to the beach - I had cooled off and jumping in no longer sounded like a good idea.

Our neighbors here said they saw a whale in the distance - we have yet to see any whales. Well I best be getting on - I am hungry and I must see the tragic tea party with Anne and Diana at 1:30 pm. I will post some photos when we get back.

Breakfast with the Fam

2009-07-08T09:52:00.001-04:00

2009-07-07T20:19:00.001-04:00

Manchester Fair Parade

2009-07-07T18:55:00.000-04:00

The Lake Linden Fireworks

2009-07-03T23:21:00.001-04:00

Centennial #6

2009-07-03T15:36:00.001-04:00

Home of the famous Tony Schaaf

2009-07-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

That's a lot of snow to shovel.

2009-07-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

Coffee in Calumet

2009-07-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

Me too!

2009-07-02T14:40:00.000-04:00

Daisy's favorite spot in the car...

2009-07-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

On the shores of Lake Superior

2009-07-01T13:47:00.000-04:00

I hate bridges

2009-06-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Especially when my husband drives with his knee over them in the lane
closest to the water.

Bruce driving on the Mackinac bridge.

2009-06-30T20:34:00.000-04:00

Heading North!

2009-06-30T20:06:00.000-04:00

New Employee

2009-06-27T06:39:00.001-04:00

No one was at Budget rental when we went to return the car this
morning - so my coworker Mike Bammer made sure I got a copy of my
receipt.

Team Lapeer Michigan

2009-06-26T22:45:00.001-04:00

2009-06-25T16:58:00.011-04:00

Krakow, Poland

2009-06-25T16:47:00.004-04:00

My Kansas City Crew*

As I am sure you know I have been in KC this week at the SkillsUSA National competition. These are a couple pictures from Tuesday's Opening Ceremonies. Each state usually has an item that they were that singles them out as being from that state - this year it was the neon fedora.

As you can see we rocked them!!

*However, as you can see there is only three of us and we are really missing two people - first Mr. Holladay who well we all know as Bruce - but he was there teacher before I stepped in - in March. And also Mrs. Strohm, who is just as big a part of this as anyone. She hustled so much to help us raise all the money we needed.

Waiting for the Competition

2009-06-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

2009-06-24T10:37:00.004-04:00

Berlin

2009-06-23T17:01:00.010-04:00

Auschwitz: A Sobering Experience

An Auschwitz survivor - before my trip it was something completely different than it is now. Before when I heard that someone survived Auschwitz - I didn't really understand what that meant - because there are really few words to describe what an unbelievable feet that was.

When you tell someone that you are going to Poland - they say - cool what are you going to do there - then when you tell them you are going to visit Auschwitz - they usually don't say much - but oh. But I just felt that it was something I needed to see. I am not the generation of World War II - but I think that war shaped the future for my generation as an American. What happened to the world during that time is still have long lasting effects. So I wanted to see for myself - so I could just have another perspective on history.

I went - and the only world to describe the experience is overwhelming. I had seen movies and documentaries - but nothing prepared me for just how big the camp was - especially Birkenau. The vastness - the almost peaceful park like setting gives an eerie foreshadowing to what happened there.

When you go to visit - the first place you go is Auschwitz, which was a camp for polish soldiers before the German Invasion. The tour guide told us the original purpose of this camp was for Polish Political Prisoners - not for Jews. Now there were some Jewish prisoners - but they were mostly imprisoned because of their place within the Polish Political community.
But then the camp evolved. Then they began to execute people, first by shooting them then by using gas. But their operation got to big and they moved to Birkenau.
While walking through Auschwitz you see the Arbeit Macht Frei sign - which really seals the irony of this camp - because they always gave the prisoners hope - a hope that trually didn't exist. The former baracks had been transformed into more of a museum - there were maps and pictures and numbers and it was all very intense. But nothing was more intense than we learned about the place the Germans called Kanada (Canada - like the country) it was the place within the concentration camp - where they stored all the stuff that they stole from the prisoners. Shoes, luggage, clothes - there was a room dedicated to each of these things - you walked in and saw thousands of shoes, then you saw hundreds of suitcases. But the room that drew the most emotional and physical reaction from me was the room with the human hair. Yes, when the woman arrived to the camp they cut their hair - which they sent back to Germany to make fabric - in this room (behind glass) there was piles of human hair. I was overcome and had to leave before I got sick.

When we were walking outside the buildings - it was calm and surreal. Then all of a sudden these large dandilion type seeds started falling through the air - almsot like it was snowing. It felt you could see the souls flying in the air. I tried to capture a photo - but it didn't work.

Then after going through the museum - you got in the car and made the five minute drive to Birkenau. That place is just so massive - there is just no way to get the perspective of how big it actually is until you step inside. My photos don't really capture it either. On the hour drive back to Krakow - both Mary and I fell asleep. I think that it was just that emotionally exhausting. I am very glad I went, I can't understand anyone that denys what happened there, but I know that I don't think I could ever go back. And the words Auschwitz Survivor mean something entirely different to me now than they did to me two weeks ago.

2009-06-23T16:41:00.004-04:00

SkillsUSA

Well I'm in Kansas City and let me tell you one thing - it's hot. Today we went downtown for a our meetings with the students. I felt bad for them because they were in their full uniforms for competition. However, tonight will be worse because we will be in our full dress uniforms - which include a wool blazer. However, they will also include this very very awesome hat, that I was sporting last night during the meeting. You can just call me Jennie "International Video Teacher of Mystery" Holladay.

Tonight we head over to Kemper Arena for the opening ceremonies. Right now, I am catching up on the blog - I am hoping to post some more European pictures. Which I will start working on immediately (Mary.)

2009-06-21T21:47:00.005-04:00

Back from Europe

Well the good news is we made it back safe and sound. However, I don't have much time from blogging about the trip because I am headed out tomorrow morning to Kansas City. I will be there for a week with my students - who are competing in the SkillsUSA National Competition. It's really cool - however, I am wishing right now that I had maybe one more day at home before leaving - but, I guess one is better than none.

Packing has been easy, I just unpacked my luggage - washed the clothes and then repacked into the bag again. In Europe I went all carry-on luggage - this time I have to bring video equipment for my students - so I got the old trusty large suitcase. But when you have a homebase large luggage isn't too cumbersome. I am hoping that I will have some time to write about my experiences in KC - while my students are competing. You can read all about it at the blog I will be keeping for them: Lapeer SkillsUSA.

Bruce won't be coming this year - he's learning about networking mac computers. I saw him for just over 24 hours before he had to head out to training. It's going to be that kind of summer.

I was watching our video blogs - that Mary and I made while in Europe - and it just reminds me of what a whirlwind trip it was - but how much fun we had. I posted a picture from Berlin - Mary, Me, Wolfgang & Barbara at the tennis club right next to Barbara's apartment - I plan on posting more when I recap each city (hopefully this next week.) We didn't have the internet access that I would have hoped for in Europe. But maybe that's better - it will give me more time to reflect.

St. Charles Bridge

2009-06-19T08:59:00.001-04:00

Taken by the friendly woman from Seattle.

2009-06-19T08:58:00.001-04:00

Self portriat Prague

2009-06-19T08:57:00.001-04:00

Last Stop Prague

2009-06-19T03:01:00.001-04:00

We arrived in Prague early this morning. Our train car was just us -
as to the four other bunk mates we had on our Berlin - Krakow trip.
Plus the train looked like it came right out of the USSR. So the bunk
mates - three were 20-somethings backpacking from Norway. The other
was a polish woman who lived in Berlin who spoke mo English but a lot
of German and quickly told Mary her life story. She was high energy
and somewhat crazy which made the trip entertaining to say the least.
The train conductor only spoke polish and the girls from Norway were
trying to communicate with him - but couldn't. So crazy Polish woman
spoke Polish to the coductor - german to Mary - Mary spoke English to
the girls. It was somewhat comical. But we arrived safely in Krakow -
so all is well.

On this trip to Prague we were warned several times to keep our door
locked the entire night - apparently the are having problems with
theft on the train at night - however robbed was used more than once
which implies something different to me. But we were in luck no one
came busting in - but as a result of these warnings and a very creeky
bunk - neither Mary nor I got much sleep.

We arrived to our hotel by 8:30 am and despite saying we would have an
8am arrival there was no one there- we rang the bell not less than 10
times before calling them - thNk you iPhone. The guy was nice and was
here in the ten minutes they promised. Also they got us a room to
store our luggage and take a much needed shower.

We were very hot and sweaty from trampsing around a very warm krakow
all day. The city was beautiful. People were pretty nice - not overly
friendly - with the exception of the people in our hotel and our taxi
drivers.

The day before we went to Auschwitz - but that story is for another
post. Today we will be exploring Prague however it might be a slower
day - we've been going full speed all week and it's catching up to me
at least.

I will try to write more later.

Sent from my iPhone

Chillin' in Krakow

2009-06-18T10:09:00.001-04:00

More scenes from Krakow

2009-06-18T10:07:00.001-04:00

Coffee in Krakow

2009-06-18T10:06:00.001-04:00

2009-06-15T13:12:00.005-04:00

Tage Eins & Zwei in Berlin

So it's day two in Berlin. We made it in yesterday morning. Barbara was prepared for my usual routine - yes despite the fact that I know you aren't supposed to nap - I always take a nap. The good news - Mary was not upset with this plan. So we arrived in Berlin - Barbara picked us up at the airport - we had a typical German breakfast of bread, butter, meats and cheeses, then Mary and I took a 4 hour power nap. We had a surprise - Barbara has a new roomate - Wolfgang. He is very nice and has a great sense of humor - constantly joking with Mary and I.

We woke to another meal - Barbara treated me to my favorite Käse Späztle - noodles and cheese. Then we went to Potsdam to see Sans Souci - a castle built by Frederick the Great. He was buried there with his 11 dogs. Then we drove the Olympic Stadium. This is the first time I have ever seen that. And finally we came back to the tennis club next to Barbara's apartment for a typical German night cap.

We had every intention of waking up early and to go running. However, that did not happen - but we needed a day to relax. Then we were off to MexicoPlatz to meet Frau Davis. Frau Davis is Mary and my German teacher from high school. She was my best teacher of all times and every year she brings Manchester High School students to Berlin. This year she brought Mary's niece Emily - so we spent the morning with them. We went to a play at a youth theater - it was about bullying - but Mary and I understand roughly 60 percent of the dialogue - not bad for not having a German class in a couple years.

Then we left the class and went to Potsdammer Platz. We had a liquid lunch. Then we headed to the Brandenberg Gate and to the American Embassy. I wore my totally awesome Obama shirt and took a picture for my dad. Then we came back and Barbara treated us to a wonderful dinner.
As for pictures - those will have to come later. I don't have a way to upload them yet.

Tomorrow we have another day in Berlin before leaving for Krakow on the night train!!!

2009-06-10T20:59:00.002-04:00

The Last Days of School

We are in the last days of school - and because students are taking finals and I don't work at a "high school." The hallways are very empty. In fact only 1 out of the 5 school districts that my building serves is still sending students. Which means, I only have two students, yes, there is a two teachers and two students left in the classroom. It's kind of crazy.

Tonight I met my two students who will be heading to Kansas City with me at the end of the month for the SkillsUSA competition. We recorded the Adult Education Graduation - it was a fundraiser for our trip. Bruce helped - because well this is more his thing than mine. So since I helped him on Sunday - he helped me today.

However, I should be doing laundry for my trip on Saturday - but I am frankly too exhausted - plus what is Friday night for anyway. However, I am looking for suggested reading while I am there. Remember, I will be in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic - so if yo have a book set there that would be fabulous.

The last books that I have read - well are the Twilight series. Yes, I fell into the trap - everytime I mention them, watch the movie or say anything remotely linked - Bruce mutters under his breath - 12 year-old girl. And to be honest - I am thinking about rereading them. I don't know if it's because the transition from one school to another mid-year has been so hard and there is something comforting in the teenage angst. I am nto sure if I am in a midlife crisis - or if like any women Edward is just too hard to resist. But it could be that I am fanscinated with vampires - I remember that I nearly wore out the VHS tape of Lost Boys. And no it wasn't because of the "two Coreys." I am not sure if there is some freudian fascination with the "never dead" but whatever it is - I am hooked. And when one of my students told me that she was going to publish another book in the series after all (despite it being leaked to the press before it was finished) I immediately got excited. However, I have been googling that tonight and don't see where she is finding this information - maybe its from MySpace.

2009-06-09T21:05:00.003-04:00

Dagmar the Star

So a while ago, I got a new car. Her name is Dagmar - she is Swedish. Yes, I bought a Volvo C30. It's funny because Amber (my silver chrysler sebring) was a great car and I had her for nearly 200K miles, but well she was on her last legs, so we decided it was time for something new.

I call Dagmar - my car - but I am sure that Bruce would argue. But I am sure the question is today - why are you talking about your car you bought a while ago today. Well this week we watched Twilight in my afternoon class. Yes, Twilight the hit teenage vampire novels - turned movie. And well Dagmar has a starring role. I know you are saying WHAT? But that's the truth my Dagmar is the cute Volvo driven by the hunky teenage vampire heartthrob Edward. Edward drives quite defensively - like I drive. I mean I really appreciate the turbo - I am sure Bruce again would beg to differ.

Dagmar hasn't let her stardom get to her head - even though someone stopped me at the mall to tell me how cute she is, but other than that she lives her stardom low key, no one clamoring for photos or autographs. You won't find her on Perez Hilton out late at night at a club doing God knows what. For the most part she likes the quiet country life and her 1.5 mile commute to school.

2009-06-08T19:32:00.003-04:00

The first step to any addiction is admitting you have an addiction.

So I admit - I am addicted to Bejeweled - again.

This can all be blamed on my boss - Cathy. She told me that I should try the bejeweled on Facebook. Why? Well unlike the endless bejeweled this is only a 1 minute game. So that's where I fall into the trap - because it's only one minute game.

7:36
Like right now I am going to stop blogging and play "just one game."

7:37
And I did just play one - but my score was a poor 21K - and in my addiction I was able to get a score of 250K which means I can't be satisfied. So I am back to play another game.

7:38
Another game.

7:39
Now I am at 31K and that's not good enough.

7:59
Just realized that I am still playing.

So clearly I am addicted.

It's 8:02 and now I am off to plug in my computer and ok I admit play some more.

2009-06-07T22:26:00.004-04:00

Graduation

Today I went to the Oxford High School graduation to help Bruce with video production. It was a pretty nice ceremony. There were two interesting speeches - first was done by the 10 graduates with the top GPA's. They each picked one year of their education to reflect on. I loved that they started their education career in 1996 - the year I graduated. They reflected on the music like the Spice Girls and N'sync. Harry Potter was published was when they were in third grade (or when I was in college.)

However the best speech was done by that of the principal.
I will quote part of the speech:

"Once upon a time
Not so long ago

Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
Hes down on his luck...its tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love - for love

She says weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot

Chorus:
Whooah, were half way there
Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Livin on a prayer"

Oh yeah - he started singing the 1986 (I was 8 years-old) Bon Jovi hit - Living on a Prayer! I loved it - however, I am not sure that a lot of the graduates knew the song - but some did because it is part of the collection in Rockband 2. I could listen to that speech again and would be willing to attend another event where he was the key note speaker.

2009-06-06T21:53:00.002-04:00

So it's Saturday night - Bruce is at work and I am at home - doing laundry - watching TV - thinking I should blog - thinking I really don't have much to blog about. I am getting ready for my trip to Europe. I bought some gifts today - reese peanut butter cups, jelly bellies, reusable shopping bags and graphic t-shirts. My mom helped me out big time - by heading to the seconds sale at Matowi pottery in Ann Arbor.

It's funny - I always try to bring something truly American to Germany with me - to thank my host family for their wonderful hospitality. However, I had the hardest time coming up with gift ideas this year.

I am very excited about the trip. I have been reading all about Krakow. I think that Poland should be very interesting.

As for this blog, I know it's not much, but hey, I am getting back into blogging. I have been addicted to Facebook and Twitter - which I guess is the micro-blog. You can follow me at twitter (JennieHolladay) or find me on Facebook - I am going to do my best to keep the blog up this summer - during my travels. So check back here starting the 15th of June to see how things are going.

2009-06-04T22:32:00.002-04:00

Deutschland (Poland & the Czech Republic), ich komme!
(Germany, here I come)

So tonight Mary and I spent planning our European vacation. We are taking an all girls trip to Europe: Berlin, Krakow and Prague. The first part of our trip will be to Berlin - where we rejoin our favorite high school teacher Frau Davis. She will be there with students from Manchester - one which is Mary's niece. We will be hanging out with them for several days.

Then we take the midnight train to Krakow (I think that may be a song.) If the Euro sucks against the dollar you have to love the Polish zloty.

1 Polish zloty = 0.314713 U.S. dollars

With an exchange rate like that expect to see me in all the latest Polish fashions. We found - what we hope to be a great little hotel. I have become a big fan of trip advisor. I am planning to do my part of the community and give my ratings when I come back - because I have found the site uber helpful while planning for the summer.

While in Poland, we are planning a trip to Auschwitz - which should be memorable and interesting - but heartbreaking. Then the next day we will be exploring the city.

Then we are off to Prague before returning to the States. I am very excited. It will be a lot of fun - I rarely get to pal around with Mary because she is so busy at work - so it will be an excellent adventure.

This will be my sixth time to Berlin - so I feel like I have that covered - however, if you have any tips on Poland - those are welcome. Seeing that neither of us speak Polish - this could be interesting.

2009-05-25T20:02:00.003-04:00

13.1 Miles & Still Standing

The last time I had attempted a half-marathon on March 8th, I had run exactly .8 miles since October. This time I was by no means ready, but I had run a lot more. I even ran one 5 mile run. I can give a list of 1,001 excuses - but to be honest - I just didn't run. That is the reason I wasn't ready. So instead again - this would be another "training run." We met up with Robert and Heather (part of the Ohio contingency of the 7:11 running club.)

We woke up early on Saturday - caught the bus to the start. It was beautiful, high 50's and slightly overcast. I started running and felt great. We did the run a mile - walk a minute strategy that works well for me. Most of the miles were around 11 minutes. But again, this was training. Bruce is a great partner, but I always feel that I am holding him back. I made a deal with myself - I would at least get to 8 miles - that is what I got to in the Disney Princess half-marathon. But once we got to 8 and I was still feeling good we made it to 10. Then we walked two and ran the last 1.1 mile in. It was fun, at the end, I did not feel like death and the scenery was awesome. I would definitely run this 1/2 marathon again.

After the run - we took a short nap - then we headed to lunch at Sledders (a not so crowded bar close to downtown.) Then we did some shopping - I was a big fan of the shoe stores, because there was ample seating - though I did not die, I was still tired. We tried to find a decent cup of coffee in Traverse City - but we had no such luck. So entrepreneurs - here's a call - start a coffee place in TC - serve a decent cup of Joe and you will make a killing.

So what do tired runners do when they are well tired. See a movie off course at the local cinemas. What hot summer hit movie did we see? Drum Roll...... The Hannah Montana Movie. Oh that is right - we did surprise the ticket salesman - when he asked what we wanted to see and how many tickets and we said "Hannah Montana & two adults." But due to the fact that the 7:11 club - loves Hannah & Miley (playing many of the songs on repeat on our car rides to Interlaken.) It just made perfect sense. The theater consisted of 8 people - a father/daughter, a mother/daughter and well us. We sang, we clapped, we cried and we had a lot of fun, but now we are trying to learn the line dance - this quickly reveals that we are way above the target audience, because well I can do the first part slow - very slow - but once you get the music going at tempo - well that is were I faulter.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a trip to the Mission Point Lighthouse, a winer, dinner at Boone's (No not Boones farm - however, - "I hear that the snow peak peach flavor is the best flavor of Boones." - Juno) - Go Karting and then the pool. Frankly I am exhausted just thinking about it.

Today we were up early and on the road - because we stopped for lunch at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. Robert had never been and thought that today would be the perfect time. Then I came home and quickly took a long well deserved nap.

The start!

2009-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

2009-05-17T20:05:00.006-04:00

America Girl Weekend

Mother's Day weekend - I headed to Chicago with my mom for a girl's weekend out. My mom had promised Sophie a trip to the American Girl Store - to much of my sister's shigrin. See growing up, I had been the one in our family that had loved barbies and dolls. Krista preferred legos and games. Well she was blessed with the girliest girl ever. Sophie loves barbies, dolls, cries that the notion of wearing jeans and of course her favorite colors are pink followed closely by purple.

So when she at five years-old started to devour the American Girl books - my mom knew that she must go to mecca (aka the gates of hell for my sister) the American Girl Store in Chicago. Now this was supposed to be a trip that included my cousin Olivia and my Aunt Elena, but then there was a conflict - so instead Krista and I filled in. Now this was not an awful trip for me because despite the fact that I am 30 - I have an American Girl doll that is living in mint condition in my basement that I bought when I was about 10 years-old.

So we headed to the store - Sophie had narrowed down the list to three or four dolls she was interested in. But we all knew that she would end up with the depression era doll - Kit because well Kit and Sophie have the same hair cut, same coloring - well everything except the eyes. Sophie will quickly let you know that Kit has blue eyes and her eyes are hazel.

It was so much fun watching Sophie jump around the store with pure joy. Krista was a little more reserved. We looked at each doll and all her accessories (pronounced by my niece Asorceries - she is an avid reader and she knows alot of words - but some only because she has read them, so they have a unique pronounciation. She is smart as a whip though - that unlike the girliness she gets from my sister.)

Finally she decided on Kit. And Aunt Jennie - well I had to do my part - so my mom bought the doll and I bought the matching outfit for Sophie. Sophie put the outfit on immediately and everyone in the store was like - that little girl looks just like Kit. She felt like a movie star.

Then we headed up stairs for lunch. Of course Kit got her own chair next to Sophie. And Sophie made sure she had enough tea. I think my sister hit her American Girl Quota before lunch was even over, however, Sophie told us during lunch that this was her best childhood memory. I know that made her Grandmother's mother's day.

Do you think metallic sprinkles are toxic?

2009-05-14T17:40:00.000-04:00

Oh well the are delicious.

2009-05-09T23:34:00.000-04:00

It's Kit!

2009-05-09T17:32:00.000-04:00

2009-05-03T22:29:00.002-04:00

I Must Be Getting OLD

So this week (after a long SkillsUSA weekend) I got sick. No not the H1N1 formerly know as the Swine Flu. I have a sinus infection - which I am now on antibiotics for. However, it has kicked my butt. I came home Monday afternoon early from work and slept until Tuesday morning. Then I came home every night just whipped. I did lose my appetite - which is excellent for weight lose - however I have no energy to show my new skinner self off. I finally got to the doctor on Thursday to be diagnosed with a sinus infection. I am feeling slightly better - but still exhausted. I am just excited that it is May and that means we are just weeks away until "schools out for SUMMER!!"

2009-05-03T21:47:00.003-04:00

Kansas City - Here We Come
(at least 3 of us)

It's been a pretty exhausting couple of weeks, but in a good way. The last weekend in April was the annual SkillsUSA State Conference in Lansing. This was a strange year because I left St. Clair TEC in early March (so I still felt really close to the students competing from there) but I was bringing Students from Lapeer County Ed-Tech. If you know me than you know that I have said in my past that the best race would be if everybody tied.

So that being said, I told my students from St. Clair and Lapeer, that I would be proud if they did their best. And well their best was the best. Yes, the Lapeer Video Team came in first - which means they will be heading to Kansas City. And in audio - St. Clair TEC came in first and second, with Lapeer coming in third.

It was a different kind of trip being an advisor at Lapeer. First is that we can take the students in our cars - so that meant that I could leave early on Friday and plan other activities in Lansing. The first activity was visiting the campus of Lansing Community College. We toured the campus then we headed over to their Digital Media program. Were we got to see the RED camera. It's a newer digital cinema camera that was used to film movies like King Kong. The kids were really impressed.

After LCC it was on to Impressions 5 - the Science Center in downtown Lansing. That is where the video competition was going to take place. So we had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at what they would havd to face in the morning.

Then we headed over to the Banks of the Red Cedar (Michigan State University's Campus) for lunch and a chance to see what a bigger campus looked like. Needless to say there were five high school boys in the car and they had one focus - all the ladies. It was funny.

Friday night we went to the opening ceremony and then after going over some last minute strategies (with both St. Clair and Lapeer) we headed to bed. For an early rise.

This year I helped organize both the video and the audio competition. Which means I helped design the contest and run it, by helping find a location, getting judges, making sure the information gets up on the website for all the other schools. It's fun - but it can be stressful, because I do my best (with Bruce) to make it as fair as possible.

This year with audio, I got the students up and running and then left it to the judges. With video, I went over after they were set up, everything was going well until --- yes until. Well a storm poppped up half way through the day and well the museum we were at lost power. Yes, right during the editing portion. Bruce was in mid-sentence saying, "you should probably sss...." (the word was save - as the power went off. We decided to wait it out for a half hour before we figured out what to do. Well in the mean time it was really raining and we were in the basement and there was a door that you could walk out of - and well the water was all draining there on the outside and soon that water started coming in. Needless to say - we were crammed in there to begin with and now a room full of high schoolers and editing equipment (power cords etc.) was now starting to fill with water. Thankfully it subsidded quickly - but I had images of students floating away on folding chairs and tables.

After 45 minutes passed and still no power - the judges had arrived. Three of my fabulous friends from Local 4 - Olive, Angie and John. Which I then had to sweet talk into sticking around - much longer than expected. Because now we were boarding a bus and headed to the West LCC campus to start editing again. Once we got there - the students had 1 hour left to edit.

Then judging began. This year - it was an open judging. Which meant that advisors and contestants could watch while the judges judged. I think it helped make - because in the morning when there was a small snafu - everyone seemed pretty open to the fix.

What a snafu - well to be honest my team did not go to the podium for gold. No they were silver. Somehow one of the teams that was disqualified for time, made it through judging without it being caught. So they were awarded first place. Well after the awards ceremony - there advisor notified us of the mistake and it was corrected, which put Lapeer with the gold and the bronze.

Regardless of the results. It was a great weekend. On Saturday night, I had dinner with my Lapeer students and my St. Clair Students. They all got along smashingly. We had a great time.
I was really proud on Sunday to watch all my students do so well. I can hardly take credit for Lapeer - that should go to Bruce. But after the award ceremony it was great the St. Clair Students found me to give me their advisor pins. I felt really special. They said that they wouldn't have made it without my help. It made me melt.

As for Kansas City - I am now trying to raise funds to get my Lapeer Students to KC. So if you need your car washed or lawn mowed give me a call because I will be pimping myself out until June. Or better yet if you want to just donate to help the youth of America - you can let me know that to - I'll let you know where to send the check.

2009-04-14T17:13:00.003-04:00

Self-Loathing or striving to be Madonna?

So I started yoga (with Bruce) approximately 5 weeks ago Monday. And, well I suck at it. Frankly I am the worst student in class. I should have known this because sometime back I attempted pilates, and I was held back. Yes after pilates one at the YMCA they usually promote you, but the instructors thought it would be best for me if I stuck with one for another class. Yes, people I flunked pilates.

How can you be bad at yoga? I am sure this is the question you are all asking yourselves right now, well plan and simple, I am not flexible. When I say not flexible, I am not talking about doing something crazy like the splits - no I can't even touch my own toes. I used to think it was because I have long legs and short arms, however, the truth is I have tight hamstrings or at least that has what I have been told (by the yoga instructor and before that my physical therapist.) My

So why am I torturing myself with yoga, well I have this hair brained idea that despite not being able to touch my toes for 26 years (I can't remember if I could earlier than that) I am convinced that going to yoga will help losen my hamstrings and I don't know bring me to a Zen place where I can receive ultimate joy and happiness. (I would say money, but that doesn't seem very yoga like.) Plus I need a reason to own yoga pants. Also my phyiscal therapist basically that if I don't fix these tight hamstrings I will die - or something equally as dramatic.

2009-04-05T22:20:00.005-04:00

Max Turn 4

So we went to Chicago to celebrate Max's 4th birthday at Pump it Up!!! Bruce and I drove to Chicago early Saturday morning (after spending Friday night in Manchester.) We hung out Saturday, went to Target to get some last minute items for the party on Sunday.

Then on Sunday we headed to Pump it Up for the party. It was about 25 kids (ages 3 -5 years old) and a huge room full of inflatables. Yes, being the oversized kid that I am (and coolest aunt ever.) I had to participate in the madness. We had a lot of fun. Here are some pictures:

The kids after 2 hours of running and jumping.

Sophie love climbing the wall. I think she did it like five times.

Max in the chair of honor.

I think there may be more than 4 candles.

2009-04-05T21:51:00.005-04:00

DMT PM

DMT AM

So I changed jobs in March. It was bittersweet. Bitter because it was mid-year and I had to leave my classroom and students. Sweet because now instead of commuting 42 miles each way to work, I commute 1.5 miles.

I left St. Clair TEC after nearly 4 years there. I must admit, it was a great job. I had great students who I had come to know and love. The funny thing about teaching is you really do invest a lot of your heart into it. Maybe because I am blue (for my True Colors people) but it's really a job that you become emotionally invested in. At least I do. I really do everything I can to help my students. Some days they hate it, but in the end, we end up with a mutual respect and affection. I know I will have the same in Lapeer but it just takes time to develop. Most of my students in St. Clair were 2nd year students, which meant I had them for 2.5 hours each day, every school day.

So needless to say leaving my kids was really hard. I will admit, some tears where shed. They are still popping up in my dreams. On my last day, we celebrated our time together. One of my students designed a t-shirt and we got them printed. And we all wore them. I gave them mock awards, like I usually do in the spring. It was a very emotional good bye. While I really do enjoy my new job and I am getting to know a bunch of new kids, who are getting to know me - I thought I would share some of the photos.

Yes, everyone loves Alex's hat.

It's our best attempt at the Myspace photo.

Nate and I.

That's my Martha!

She made me cry.

Me & Kate the Rock Star!

Britney and I.

He's a trouble maker, but I miss him.

2009-04-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

Proud Moment

So I had two groups of students (at St. Clair TEC) who where honored by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for their Public Service Announcements. I am so proud of them. It was nice because my last week at St. Clair TEC, I got to take them to the awards ceremony in Grand Rapids. Here are some pictures from the trip. Also one of my students posted their video on youtube so you can watch it.

2009-04-05T20:54:00.010-04:00

So you may or may not know that I spent none of this winter running. Yes, I the first part of the winter in a very attractive knee length boot and the second half in physical therapy. I feel that I needed to preface this blog with that fact.

Needless to say, I did not train for this run. This half-marathon which I signed up for in October after finishing Chicago somewhat disappointed. So I was like - I am in good shape, just because I had one bad race, doesn't mean I can't have a great half-marathon on my half-birthday, with my buddy (Meghan of the 7:11 running club) in Florida. Then exactly two days later, I am hurt playing rec league Volleyball and my winter running is over.

So before the half-marathon on March 8th in Orlando, Florida, I trained for exactly 8 minutes on the treadmill, approximately three days before. So I went down thinking, I am going to walk this thing. I will have fun, but I will be walking.

Of course you have to start with the running, so I ran with Meghan - I thought the most I would make was possibly three miles. We ran a mile and walked a minute:

Mile 1: it's early, there are lots of people (women,) we are having fun and I feel surprisingly good.

Mile 2: I am still running, still feeling surprisingly good.

Mile 3: still feeling good.

Mile 4: not feeling good, but not feeling bad.

Mile 5: Slowing down, but still running. Plus we are in the magic kingdom, so that's fun.

Mile 6: Still running.

Mile 7: Still running - but my legs are super tired.

Mile 8: I know this will be my last mile running. I send Meghan who had done a little more training than myself ahead.

Mile 9 - 12: walking, getting my pictures taken with the characters, enjoying Disney.

Mile 13 - Finish: Of course you have to run at the end, especially because you are running through Epcot and there are people cheering you on.

Finish: Oh my word, I may die. Good, I didn't die.

Oh I forgot to mention - that I ran the race in a running skirt. We bought them at the expo - both Meghan and I. And let me tell you, I totally dig the skirt.

I find Meghan, however bad news, we didn't remember where we had parked and that is the last thing you want to do when your legs are out of shape and exhausted. But we eventually found the car! Then we vegged out the rest of the day, with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory. Then I got on the plane and headed back to Michigan.

Needless to say, I was sore after the race, but not as sore as I would be for the next three days. I honestly don't think I have ever been that sore in my life. I literally had to slide down the stairs on my butt. I literally hobbled around school. Had it not been my last week at St. Clair TEC, I would have called in sick, but I couldn't so I suffered.

Overall, it was a great time - knowing what I know now and knowing how I felt after the run, I would definitely not run 8 miles without training. But I guess you only live once. Next run, (which I am already training for - I am up to 2 whole miles) is another Half-Marathon. The Bayshore Half Marathon in Traverse City over Memorial Day weekend.

Oh, yeah that's me and Alice along with the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

I had time to hang out with Aladdin, Jasmine and Abu.

Yes, I think I have fairy potential.

The big Epcot Ball is in the distance, I am getting closer to the finish.

I am even closer now.

Yes, I am running backwards toward the finish line and I'm taking a photo of myself. This shows my natural athletic talent, and or dumb luck.

Meghan and I in our awesome running skirts and medals.

Which by the way are in the shape of a tiara.

2009-04-05T20:47:00.003-04:00

March Madness

So the third anniversary to the start of the TiVo Changed my Life blog came and went without fanfare. Yes, TiVo Changed my Life has hit it's three year milestone. Woo Whoo!! So you may be asking - why no blogging. Well there are many blogs to be written about March - none of them actually written in March.

Here's a short preview of what's to come:

March 6th-8th Half-Marathon Orlando (without training)

March 9th-12th: Not being able to walk

March 13th: Last Day at St. Clair TEC

March 16th: First Day at Lapeer Ed-Tech

March 20th-22nd: Chicago for Max's 4th Birthday

March 22nd - Present: Work, School, Work - Laziness, Exhaustion - Work

April 3rd: Spring Break 2009 Starts

So I will get started, but I just wanted to alert you to the fact that though it appears I have left this blog unattended - I have been writing in my head, it's just now that I have actually had time to get what's in my head onto the computer.

2009-02-25T19:14:00.005-05:00

From DMT to DMA

So, it's been official for a while but it has been a slow release of information (hence silence on the TiVo Changed My Life Blog), but I have a new job. Yes, I am moving from DMT to DMA. What does that mean? It means that I am leaving the Digital Media Technology class at St. Clair TEC (where I have been teaching for the past 3.67 years) and moving to the Digital Media Arts class at Lapeer County Ed-Tech.

Why move in the middle of the year? Well to be honest it isn't ideal (especially for my students - who I will miss a lot) but that's sometimes how this work out and in the end it's really Bruce's fault. I am sure you are asking - what does Bruce have to do with this and frankly, everything.

See he got me into this whole teaching thing and well for those of you that don't know - I will be taking over his job in Lapeer, just like I took over his job in St. Clair. What?

Well it all started one day with a woman who was looking for the quilt exhibit at Henry Ford Museum. Yes, I was working in the Public Relations office and I was standing around watching a film crew to make sure they didn't jump the barriers. A woman came up to me and asked me were the quilt exhibit was - I told her it wasn't anymore - but then because well I was bored out of my skull - I asked her were she was from. She said, "Port Huron." I said, oh my husband teaches up in Marysville - she said where - I said St. Clair TEC. She said, I used to teach there, I said wow, she said what class does your husband teach, I said Digital Media Technology (DMT.)

That's when she told me that here school was hiring someone for a new position that was very much digital media. She said that it was less days and more money - I said, well I will tell Bruce. I did - he claims that he heard about it before - but I like my version better. So he applies and low and behold he is hired. In his last days at St. Clair TEC he comes home and says to me - I think you should apply for my job at St. Clair TEC. I said, really, he said yes and I said ok. I applied, they took a chance on me and I was hired.

I must admit that I love teaching at St. Clair TEC. There is only one thing I don't like about my drive and it's my 45 minute commute. Now don't get me wrong - it is my fault - because I had to fall in love with a house in Lapeer County. And every morning when I wake up early to get ready and get to work - I am jealous of my husband who can sleep just a little longer and his drive to work is 1.5 miles.

Then in November - a job at Oxford High School (Oxford, Michigan) came up and Bruce was offered the job - he accepted and it seemed like a no brainer - I would apply for his job. I did and I got it. So on March 13th - I will say goodbye to my colleagues and students at St. Clair TEC. And then that following Monday - I will start in Lapeer.

I am not going to lie - I may have teared up a little when telling my students - but hey what can I say - that's me - "captain emotional." But for the most part everyone has been very understanding - not exactly happy - but very understanding.

But in the meantime - check out the awesome work my students have been doing - they produced and directed their very first TEC News. I am very proud of them. They are currently in the process of working on the second edition. There has been a great response at school - so I am really happy for them.

Only at Tim Hortons

2009-02-23T06:53:00.000-05:00

Morning Music

2009-02-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

With Bruce and Meghan.

Kewpee Burger in Lima

2009-02-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Ohio her we come...

2009-02-14T10:38:00.000-05:00