Hello All,
Today is May Day! How exciting. We are not celebrating however. Matt had his first final of the week today. I am anxious that he is leaving and jealous also of his experience. I know he will have a good time. I just starting a job unit with the students at school at it is eerie that I only have 3 more weeks with the kiddos. A lot of trials this year but I know I will miss a lot of them all the same. I already have the jitters about next school year and this one is not even through yet!
I started a painting class and completed my first ever painting. I would say it is ok for a first time. It is a still life of a vase, books and candle. Wednesday we are going to do a landscape and I am nervour about that. I do not know what picture to choose. She said to pick one according to skill level, so something not too detailed. I will take a photo of all the paintings I do and post them once the class is completed.
Last night I finished up Pride and Prejudice. Several people just could not believe I had not read it, so I did. It took me awhile and I blame that on it being my first ever iPad reading experience. It just did not feel natural! And the iPad really is as heavy as a book! Today I started World War Z and I am not sure I will continue, but I will give you a review if I do finish. I am one book behind for April, so I need to get on it!
In other news, still battling the ants in the kitchen...
Also, I saw my parents last weekend and we went to the art museum. It was pretty cool. Check it out if you ever have a lot of free time-there is so much to see! Mummies, armor, cool furniture, waterlillies by Monet, pottery and several other nice pieces are all on display.
How are you spending your first day of May? I hope the weather is beautiful. I'm making vegetarian lasagna tonight or else I'd try for a picnic! Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Review: The Tree of Life
Yesterday, hubs and I watched The Tree of Life. I found it very moving. One major critique I remember hearing when it came out was the 20 minutes of space/nature scenes and nothing else. This somewhat interupts the telling of the story. But I found it does fit, even though is a bit lengthy. If you can manage to sit through it, you will be rewarded for it.
This movie takes true patience to watch. A majority of it is told (or more like shown) from the perspective of a boy growing up. The beginning starts off when the parents find out about the death of one of their sons (somewhere in the 70's or so). Then it shifts to current time with one of the boys all grown up and remembering his brother on the day of his death. The movie seems to be about his journey that day remembering his life and how he finally comes to terms with his death.
We see short snippets and poignant scenes of his life as he saw them. What I found truly great was how much I connected and understood each character. The boy dislikes his father, and we understand why, yet we feel for his father and understand his motivations and why he acts as he does. This is all done through little dialogue and mostly the changing of scenes like memories. I really loved the Mother. We see a bit of her life growing up, similar to how we see Jack's life. She is gentle and good and very loving. Her spirit and the way she handles the 3 boy children was beautiful.
I felt that the movie deals with the issue of our life-why are we here, who is God, why did he create us, why do we have pain? Much of it is different scenes with either the mother or the boy, Jack, talking to God specifically in a whisper. It is hard to explain specifically why I found the movie so touching, but I found myself almost in tears at many moments throughout the 2.5 hours.
Overally, I reccommend this movie. But I also reccommend being in the right state of mind to sit and watch something so out of the ordinary when it comes to film.
The boy who passes: artist, lover, gentle, kind
This movie takes true patience to watch. A majority of it is told (or more like shown) from the perspective of a boy growing up. The beginning starts off when the parents find out about the death of one of their sons (somewhere in the 70's or so). Then it shifts to current time with one of the boys all grown up and remembering his brother on the day of his death. The movie seems to be about his journey that day remembering his life and how he finally comes to terms with his death.
We see short snippets and poignant scenes of his life as he saw them. What I found truly great was how much I connected and understood each character. The boy dislikes his father, and we understand why, yet we feel for his father and understand his motivations and why he acts as he does. This is all done through little dialogue and mostly the changing of scenes like memories. I really loved the Mother. We see a bit of her life growing up, similar to how we see Jack's life. She is gentle and good and very loving. Her spirit and the way she handles the 3 boy children was beautiful.
Pretty dear
I felt that the movie deals with the issue of our life-why are we here, who is God, why did he create us, why do we have pain? Much of it is different scenes with either the mother or the boy, Jack, talking to God specifically in a whisper. It is hard to explain specifically why I found the movie so touching, but I found myself almost in tears at many moments throughout the 2.5 hours.
Overally, I reccommend this movie. But I also reccommend being in the right state of mind to sit and watch something so out of the ordinary when it comes to film.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday!
Hi!
Happy Tuesday! Just finished picking up a few things around the house and can hear the hubs in the other room practicing for his Moot court tonight. Go hubs! Matt and I had a really nice Easter weekend up in Iowa visiting some family there. I didn't take any photos sadly. But it was great to see everyone as always.
While there, we had an interesting little talk. I told him that maybe I need to stop eating sugar/sweets (prompted by a discussion about my cousin who stopped eating sugar and is now crazy thin) and he told me I couldn't do it. So I told him I could. Now we are having a little contest to see who can go the longest without sweets.
It is day 2. I crave it particularly after dinner because that is when I tend to veg out on yummy things. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day. I can usually make it two days and be alright. We have a faculty meeting and there are always cookies! I will have to have a lot of self control.
My easter (dark) chocolate bunny is hanging out in the pantry until he caves. We did not decide what we get if we win. I do want to try and cut out more of the processed sugar that I eat on a regular basis. Nothing like a good ol' contest to get me started (Lent didn't do it...)
In other news, I went to zumba last night with my friend Niki. I am so horrible it is funny to watch. I realized I cannot turn backwards, so I've been practicing a bit in anticipation of our next class, which is tomorrow night. Wish me luck! Matt and I went biking today even though it was a bit chilly. Thanks, mom, for the bike bag!! It was very helpful to tote our things!
Still trying to figure out our summer plans exactly. Matt didn't get the job at AT&T. Boo. He has another interview on Friday. Should I teach summer school? What do you think?
What are your plans for the summer? Doing anything exciting or visiting somewhere new?
Have a nice rest of the week
Happy Tuesday! Just finished picking up a few things around the house and can hear the hubs in the other room practicing for his Moot court tonight. Go hubs! Matt and I had a really nice Easter weekend up in Iowa visiting some family there. I didn't take any photos sadly. But it was great to see everyone as always.
While there, we had an interesting little talk. I told him that maybe I need to stop eating sugar/sweets (prompted by a discussion about my cousin who stopped eating sugar and is now crazy thin) and he told me I couldn't do it. So I told him I could. Now we are having a little contest to see who can go the longest without sweets.
It is day 2. I crave it particularly after dinner because that is when I tend to veg out on yummy things. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day. I can usually make it two days and be alright. We have a faculty meeting and there are always cookies! I will have to have a lot of self control.
My easter (dark) chocolate bunny is hanging out in the pantry until he caves. We did not decide what we get if we win. I do want to try and cut out more of the processed sugar that I eat on a regular basis. Nothing like a good ol' contest to get me started (Lent didn't do it...)
In other news, I went to zumba last night with my friend Niki. I am so horrible it is funny to watch. I realized I cannot turn backwards, so I've been practicing a bit in anticipation of our next class, which is tomorrow night. Wish me luck! Matt and I went biking today even though it was a bit chilly. Thanks, mom, for the bike bag!! It was very helpful to tote our things!
Still trying to figure out our summer plans exactly. Matt didn't get the job at AT&T. Boo. He has another interview on Friday. Should I teach summer school? What do you think?
What are your plans for the summer? Doing anything exciting or visiting somewhere new?
Have a nice rest of the week
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April already!
Hello all,
I can't believe it is April already! Time really has been flying by. Spring break came and went and now school starts again tomorrow. I do not feel that I got to rest as much as I wanted, and I definitely have a lot of planning to do today. The weather is still incredible!
We started out break by driving to Nashville. We ate out at Sperry's for Matt's birthday-yum! Reina and I got pedicures and that was nice. I also finished my 7th book of the year-Hole In My Life by Jack Gantos. A fast, easy read about a boy who makes a bad choice and ends up in prison because of it. Enlightening and I believe a good read for my students.
I drove home on Monday and got to spend a lot of quality time with my mom, which was great! We did a few crafts, and I am itching to do more! We started a scrapbook for the wedding photos and I want to get back and help finish it! We also made a camera strap cover which I am just about obsessed with. It took a few tries, but we got it right eventually.
I also got to spend a lot of time with baby Tommy. He is growing so fast and I just can't believe it. When Cyril was little, I got to see him all the time. I pretty much saw all of his developments until he turned 5. Now, he is also growing so fast and is so smart. I felt this time when I was home that he is more distant from me, which I am sure is because I am not around, and it made me sad.
Something nice from last week was that I got to see a few of my good friends from home. Krislyn, Alyssa, and Jen came over for dinner. I am so thankful for these girls and wish we could see each other more often. But our times together are special to say the least.
Matt and I drove to St. Louis on Friday and got to spend time with Glenn and Nancy, who are a lot of fun. They took us out to eat and we got to go to Ted Drewes, a staple of STL. It was so delicious!!! Matt's interview went well and we will find out about the job next week--fingers crossed.
Now to get through another week of school before heading off to Iowa to see my grandparents. I hope the weather holds! We went biking yesterday and may go again today. I just ordered a lot of photos from walgreens to update my album and also to finally make a honeymoon album. Took my long enough!!
Special Congrats go out to Tim Miller and Katie Vogt on their engagement!!!
I can't believe it is April already! Time really has been flying by. Spring break came and went and now school starts again tomorrow. I do not feel that I got to rest as much as I wanted, and I definitely have a lot of planning to do today. The weather is still incredible!
We started out break by driving to Nashville. We ate out at Sperry's for Matt's birthday-yum! Reina and I got pedicures and that was nice. I also finished my 7th book of the year-Hole In My Life by Jack Gantos. A fast, easy read about a boy who makes a bad choice and ends up in prison because of it. Enlightening and I believe a good read for my students.
I drove home on Monday and got to spend a lot of quality time with my mom, which was great! We did a few crafts, and I am itching to do more! We started a scrapbook for the wedding photos and I want to get back and help finish it! We also made a camera strap cover which I am just about obsessed with. It took a few tries, but we got it right eventually.
I also got to spend a lot of time with baby Tommy. He is growing so fast and I just can't believe it. When Cyril was little, I got to see him all the time. I pretty much saw all of his developments until he turned 5. Now, he is also growing so fast and is so smart. I felt this time when I was home that he is more distant from me, which I am sure is because I am not around, and it made me sad.
Something nice from last week was that I got to see a few of my good friends from home. Krislyn, Alyssa, and Jen came over for dinner. I am so thankful for these girls and wish we could see each other more often. But our times together are special to say the least.
Matt and I drove to St. Louis on Friday and got to spend time with Glenn and Nancy, who are a lot of fun. They took us out to eat and we got to go to Ted Drewes, a staple of STL. It was so delicious!!! Matt's interview went well and we will find out about the job next week--fingers crossed.
Special Congrats go out to Tim Miller and Katie Vogt on their engagement!!!
Have a nice week!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Rainy Saturday update
Hello All,
Happy St. Patty's day! It has been awhile since I have written. I've been kind of busy with school and trying to clean up the house for spring. This morning I woke up and it was gorgeous and sunny and the perfect temperature. I went and got Matt some bagel's to eat for breakfast's this weekend while he works hard on his paper. As I sat in the guest room doing some needed crafty chores (our book, scrapbook page for Dr. Presko, letter to Kels) it got cloudy and the thunder began. I have the windows open and it is a great sound. I have pandora playing on my new favorite station: The Head and the Heart. I am looking to buy this cd but it is not in stock anywhere in Columbia! Craziness. I might just get it on itunes, it is cheaper and all, but I haven't decided yet.
Matt and I went biking a few times the past week on the MKT trail. 8 miles both days. Tomorrow if the weather holds (it is supposed to be 80!!! In March!!!) We are going to go from McBane to Rocheport and back, which is 18 miles. It will be a lot, but it is something I have been wanting to do for awhile. Spring break is fast approaching. Matt got an important interview, so prayers for him are much appreciated. I am looking forward to the time off and hopefully relaxing a bit. The hiking will have to wait until May I suppose though.
By the way, are you as excited about The Hunger Games as I am?!!! We are ready as all get out to see it on the big screen. That reminds me, I got Tree of Life from Netflix this week, is it any good? I will let you know next time what I thought. I have heard you either love it or hate it. Polarizing movies are fun.
Things are a bit up in the air at the moment for summer. Matt and Alexis get to go to Israel for a few weeks and I will hold down the fort back here while he becomes a world-traveler. He is looking for jobs and I may or may not do summer school. We just don't know what is to come at the moment. This week we will celebrate Matt's 26th birthday. I am going to make some yummy red velvet brownies (new recipe to try) and going bowling with Tim and Katie. Also, every night this week I will be at school watching my classes present speeches they have been writing for the past week and a half or so. They are very nervous and I am anxious to see how they do!
One of my favorite songs just came on: A Lack of Color by Death Cab for Cutie. <3 Have a great weekend and get out to enjoy the weather. And have a drink in honor of that old St. Patrick man.
-Amanda
Happy St. Patty's day! It has been awhile since I have written. I've been kind of busy with school and trying to clean up the house for spring. This morning I woke up and it was gorgeous and sunny and the perfect temperature. I went and got Matt some bagel's to eat for breakfast's this weekend while he works hard on his paper. As I sat in the guest room doing some needed crafty chores (our book, scrapbook page for Dr. Presko, letter to Kels) it got cloudy and the thunder began. I have the windows open and it is a great sound. I have pandora playing on my new favorite station: The Head and the Heart. I am looking to buy this cd but it is not in stock anywhere in Columbia! Craziness. I might just get it on itunes, it is cheaper and all, but I haven't decided yet.
Matt and I went biking a few times the past week on the MKT trail. 8 miles both days. Tomorrow if the weather holds (it is supposed to be 80!!! In March!!!) We are going to go from McBane to Rocheport and back, which is 18 miles. It will be a lot, but it is something I have been wanting to do for awhile. Spring break is fast approaching. Matt got an important interview, so prayers for him are much appreciated. I am looking forward to the time off and hopefully relaxing a bit. The hiking will have to wait until May I suppose though.
By the way, are you as excited about The Hunger Games as I am?!!! We are ready as all get out to see it on the big screen. That reminds me, I got Tree of Life from Netflix this week, is it any good? I will let you know next time what I thought. I have heard you either love it or hate it. Polarizing movies are fun.
Things are a bit up in the air at the moment for summer. Matt and Alexis get to go to Israel for a few weeks and I will hold down the fort back here while he becomes a world-traveler. He is looking for jobs and I may or may not do summer school. We just don't know what is to come at the moment. This week we will celebrate Matt's 26th birthday. I am going to make some yummy red velvet brownies (new recipe to try) and going bowling with Tim and Katie. Also, every night this week I will be at school watching my classes present speeches they have been writing for the past week and a half or so. They are very nervous and I am anxious to see how they do!
One of my favorite songs just came on: A Lack of Color by Death Cab for Cutie. <3 Have a great weekend and get out to enjoy the weather. And have a drink in honor of that old St. Patrick man.
-Amanda
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Barrister's Ball
Hello!
Last night, Matt and I went to the Barrister's Ball. It was a really good time! I got to wear this pretty dress-unfortunately I don't have any really good photos of it. We ate some food and there was an open bar. Our friends Tim and Katie were there and it is always great to see them! I also got to meet some of Matt's other friends from his classes. Everyone was really nice! We danced for a little and there was also a photobooth there.
This morning I woke up to breakfast in bed from the hubs. Cheese grits, a fried egg, and biscuits. Butters is now sitting on the couch with me while we watch American Beauty. I haven't seen it before and Matt didn't want to see it again-he is off studying. It is really windy here today but it will be about 60. Only 4 weeks until spring break, I can't believe how fast the time is going. March and April will be long months.
I have read 5 books this year-staying up with my goal so far. For this month I finished Eragon, Looking for Alaska, and The Fault in Our Stars. Eragon I think I already wrote about. It was good and I think I will read the others, just not for a bit. John Green wrote the other two and they were awesome. I would recommend both, but get ready to cry. I hope all is well with you and hope to hear from you soon. Here is a photo from this morning's cuddle session.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Updates
So it has been awhile since I've written. Just been a bit busy. School has been ok. We are reading Monster and the students like it. I'm always hoping to keep things interesting for them and I find myself always learning new things for next time I teach the same book.
I've been sick this past week. I hate having colds. I had to take the day off on Thursday and slept for much of it. I feel a bit better after the needed rest. I did have a haircut scheduled though so I went ahead and did that. Here is a pic!
Last week I got a sweet card from my mom in the mail. I was able to put it on this awesome card wreath I made! She sent a sticker for my car. I love it! It says "Life is good. Head for the hills." I sure hope I am able to do some hiking if I make it home in March for spring break. Mom and dad are coming up to visit next weekend. No big plans, just visiting and relaxing. I hope to make some muffins I found online. I'll let you know how they turn out!
Matt and I have been watching a lot of good tv. First we watched both seasons of Boardwalk Empire. Now we are onto Downton Abbey. I really like Downton. It caters nicely to my British literature-loving side. I recommend it if you have the time! I like so many of the characters and really despise others. But I never doubt their motivations. I find it intriguing that I can sympathize with them and still so strongly dislike them.
Tonight I was listening to some good tunes on pandora and the hubs and I started to dance for a bit. It brought tears to my eyes. It is moments like those that I really love. The weather is to be snowy tomorrow. We may luck out with another snow day! If so, the pups and I will have a swell time. Matt was supposed to drive to St. Louis to be making some job connections for the summer. I was worried though about the snowy roads so he postponed the trip.
I've been reading Eragon for the last month or so. The series is one of Matt's favorites so I wanted to give it a try. I am not sure I will continue on with it after I finish this book. Fingers crossed I will get to finish it tomorrow!
Last night Matt and I went to an auction. We didn't buy anything but did have some drinks and enjoyed ourselves. In two weeks we will be going to the Barristers Ball-aka law school prom. I don't have a good dress to wear-what should I do?!
Well that is enough for now. Hope all is well. Anyone have big plans for Valentine's day? Also, here is a shout-out to my good friend Albert. Facetime soon? XO!
I've been sick this past week. I hate having colds. I had to take the day off on Thursday and slept for much of it. I feel a bit better after the needed rest. I did have a haircut scheduled though so I went ahead and did that. Here is a pic!
Last week I got a sweet card from my mom in the mail. I was able to put it on this awesome card wreath I made! She sent a sticker for my car. I love it! It says "Life is good. Head for the hills." I sure hope I am able to do some hiking if I make it home in March for spring break. Mom and dad are coming up to visit next weekend. No big plans, just visiting and relaxing. I hope to make some muffins I found online. I'll let you know how they turn out!
Matt and I have been watching a lot of good tv. First we watched both seasons of Boardwalk Empire. Now we are onto Downton Abbey. I really like Downton. It caters nicely to my British literature-loving side. I recommend it if you have the time! I like so many of the characters and really despise others. But I never doubt their motivations. I find it intriguing that I can sympathize with them and still so strongly dislike them.
Tonight I was listening to some good tunes on pandora and the hubs and I started to dance for a bit. It brought tears to my eyes. It is moments like those that I really love. The weather is to be snowy tomorrow. We may luck out with another snow day! If so, the pups and I will have a swell time. Matt was supposed to drive to St. Louis to be making some job connections for the summer. I was worried though about the snowy roads so he postponed the trip.
I've been reading Eragon for the last month or so. The series is one of Matt's favorites so I wanted to give it a try. I am not sure I will continue on with it after I finish this book. Fingers crossed I will get to finish it tomorrow!
Well that is enough for now. Hope all is well. Anyone have big plans for Valentine's day? Also, here is a shout-out to my good friend Albert. Facetime soon? XO!
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