just a vegetarian?

So, in preparation for my trip to France and a possible move to Vermont, I am reintroducing dairy into my diet. (I am sure you are all concerned about what I'm eating these days.) I felt the need to share, just the same.

So- things are good. It is Friday and Dylan is running in the special olympics tomorrow. We are going to finish up the projects around the house and hopefully put a sign in the yard soon.

Love and milky kisses à vous.

~G

yadseut

Random thought...I didn't realize that Picasso did about 15 versions of the Women of Algiers, by Delacroix. Did you?
Mark is off tonight and we are painting the porch. (finall) I hope to make an appearance at the high school soccer match, as well.
Last night was my final academic banquet. I was honored to present four awards, and I feel kind of like I am graduating with this class of 2006. It was a busy evening overall, I took Caleb to the library and the rest of the kids to the store beforehand, and then rushed home to make dinner. After the banquet, I surprised Mark with a lasagne full of meat. It made me queasy, but I feel like if he is working 35 extra hours a week to help send me to law school and allow us to buy groceries, I can cook the man a little meat.
Speaking of which, my 1st hour (full of football/basketball players) raked me over the coals about my vegetarianism. They could not believe it... but they kept thinking of things like, "What about CORNED beef?" Like they were going to catch me eating something that was really meat, unbenounced to me. They also laugh at me for wearing snowman socks in March and riding a bike w/ a basket. Oh well, I think it makes them feel better about themselves to laugh at me...and truthfully, I am laughing with them. I will never be cool in their world. But in my mind...like ice.
Peace out. (That is what us cool kids say)
~g

soapbox update

I am so sick of the bullshit coming out of the Whitehouse this past week on Iraq. Could someone please tell him to get over himself and start dealing with reality?

In other news, the French are rioting again. Why don't we ever get passionate about our government- when they fuck up? I am not a fan of violent protests, but I feel a revolution would do some good. How bad do things have to be?

Well, our bathroom is painted and it has a new floor. It is kind of interesting picking out things for the home that someone else might like. The realtor said to think "Pottery Barn", whatever the hell that means. I am thinking, "generic, but classy- so buy me." My goal is to have a sign in our yard by April 3rd and then have an open house on the 9th...we'll see. Considering Mark is working 35 hours this week and 35 hours next week at Ace, it could be tricky. I guess I should learn to use power tools, but that might get ugly.

Well, Spring Break is over, and we are going back to the daily routine tomorrow. Guess that means I should be off to bed. Happy Monday.

Hugs,

~G

I'm HO-OME

So I don't have an official decision to post....but I will say I loved Vermont. This is one of the beautiful builings from their campus. We will see next week when I get the fin. aide package.
On a side note, I watched some TV this week and I saw some crazy shit... some highlights- Martha has a show (who knew?!), Jessica S. is selling acne medication 24/7, and Law and Order is ALWAYS on. The highlight was a show on Bravo called Top Chef- it is filmed in SF and I caught an episode where they are supposed to make a sexy dessert for the clients of Mr. S- a S&M shop (where Vosse gave me quite an education) I didn't see Vosse (but Rue Paul was there)... it was interesting, just the same.
Man, I am glad to be home.
~G

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!!!!

So I am off tomorrow. I am excited, I really am. At this point, I am still looking around at all of the things to be done to the house, but it will happen. I can relax now.

To be honest, the part about this trip that I concerns me most is driving alone. Especially in uncharted territory. I am going to try to take it all in and enjoy this experience. It would be a lot easier with an extra pair of eyes, but that ain't happening.

I hope Mark and my kids can have fun this week. It won't be easy with the list I left for them, but I can still hope.

Today was good. My mom made us a nice lunch. (It was a send-off lunch) She wasn't sure what to make for me (the vegan thing throws her off) so she ended up making a ton of food. I think she is really trying to be supportive.

It was great seeing old friends this weekend.

Have a great Monday. I'll update as soon as I can.

Long hugs and wet kisses all around.

~G

PS Does anyone else like Animal Collective? Oh, and the Lollapollooza line up looks good. I may be sending Mark to Chicago in August, if anyone (Ryan) is interested.

Spring Break est arrivé

I'll pass on the green beer.
We are on Spring Break. I am so happy. Things have been absolutely crazy this week with all of the concerts, etc.. The news about us selling our house by owner threw me into a tizzy, then we also had our evaluations on Thursday. I finally have all of my arrangements made for next week, but I am starting to get nervous about it. I wish I had a week when I got home to help get our projects completed so we could list the house ASAP. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a little fun and relaxation tonight.
I cannot get the Feist cover of "Inside and Out" out of my head. I don't know if you can find it on her site, but I just love her voice. I know you can find that here. http://www.listentofeist.com/SITE/html.asp
Happy St. Patty's Day.
~G
PS a student brought some (fabulously delish) homemade baklava today. I did not even ask what was in it. Oops. But- damn it was gooood.

could it be?

I am a time traveller. This picture was taken in 1953. A colleague found it at his mother's and it really freaked him out. He brought it to school and showed me and it is eerie- looking at the original. I want to know why the flower head lady (stripey dress) hates me so much. 'Cause she is jealous of my sweet dress.

g

pass the maple syrup

This is where I will be staying in Vermont...with my brother Daryl, and my other brother Daryl.

Post # 201

Yellow,
I cannot post pix from school for some reason- but I wanted to say...
Happy Birthday to Matt.
Beware of the Ides, right?
We no longer have a realtor. I am a little nervous, but she assured me we could do this on our own. (Basically, she told us to get what we need to get for our house, we need to save every penny we could- so we cannot really afford a realtor, I should say)
I am sure there are resources available- any ideas?
~g

Morrissey afterglow

I am sure Mark will give a full report, but I have to say that I was blown away last night. I cried, I danced, I jumped, I laughed, I sang (loudly) for an hour and a half. (and I got pretty sweaty, too) It was so emotional and I felt so lucky to share it all with Mark. The highlight for me was "How soon is now?"- one of my favorite Smith's songs. He looked and sounded great. I was transported for a moment- and that doesn't always happen for me at a concert. I love it when everyone is so happy and into the moment, it becomes very intimate- almost as if we were having a surreal sexual experience as an audience with the artist. It is an evening I will hold dear in my memories.
~G

Multi-tasking is overrated

The project list is getting shorter daily.
I am re-reading Zola's "La Bête Humaine" (in English this time) It is really good. If you have not read him, I recommend giving it a go.
One more week until Spring Break. Yeah! I am off to balmy Massachusettss and sunny Vermont. Should I take my bikini or my one-piece?
Tomorrow is Morrissey. I am so excited about it. Can you believe he's kicking off his tour at the Cain's? We ARE cool, damnit.
Have a wonderful Monday.
~G

hunk of burning love

Who else wants to go out tonight?! I can't get Jenny Lewis' cover of "Handle me with Care" out of my head. I wanted to post it, but I can't find it anymore (I am @ school still) So- I will recommend it highly to you. I would like to send it out to Sarah. In honor of one very sucessful year sans Drew. Hmm..maybe this guy is single. Probably not.

kisses.

~g

green tee

http://www.sustainablestyle.org/

I found this site on the t-shirt link from dia. I have really enjoyed this site, and I had never heard of this organization. (though often wondered if such a thing existed)
The t-shirt site is http://cotam.org/WT08.htm. I may get Dylan the "NCLB" shirt.
Happy Friday. (I am subbing for a Spanish class and we are watching E.T. en espagnol)
~G

There once was a woman...

We have 2 weeks to get our list completed- then the house goes on the market. The news from the realtor today was less than good, but I am trying to remain optimistic. The weekend begins tomorrow. Sarah and I are going to celebrate. You did it baby, I am proud.

• In other news,

• ~Chloe asked me tonight if I personally knew the 9 out of 10 people who don't get enough fiber in their diet. (She has been reading cereal boxes)
• ~Liam spelled ice-cream (using sign language) and he pooped in the potty at school. :0)

Good night.

~G

love her

Here are the (HOT) pictures of Ms. Natalie (borrowed from http://trent.blogspot.com/) And the shirt... I can't find one like that, though- and I wasn't IN the movie, you know? Hmm.

green cakes

Things are good.
Spring Break is approaching and I am preparing myself to visit the 2 schools out East. I get to attend classes, tour the schools, and meet with a financial aide advisor. I am really getting excited about law school. I know it will be very hard, but I am ready to push myself in a new direction. I crave this challenge- and I have for a while.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying vegan baking. I have made cakes, pancakes, cupcakes, breads, etc. I love it. I am also ready to put out some flowers.
I phoned our realator and she is coming by this week to let us know what else we should do before selling out house.
Here is my next treat...
Carrot CakeIngredients (use vegan versions):
3 cup flour (you can use part whole wheat)
1 1/2 cup vegan sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon cinnamon
substitute for 3 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup apple sauce
2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
wheat germ (for pan)
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients and mix till blended. Do not overmix. Lightly spray a 9"x13" pan or a 10" tube pan with vegetable spray (i.e. Pam). Sprinkle with wheat germ. Spoon in cake batter. Bake about 35 to 45 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. A tube pan may take longer than a rectangular one. Make sure you test for doneness.

Here is a blog that I spend a lot of time on... It has music mostly, but there are tons of other blog links to get lost on, as well. I link to wander about, but be careful- it sucks your time quickly.

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2006/03/vegan_cupcakes.html
peace.
~g
PS Am i too old to wear a stop wars t-shirt (the star wars logo) like natalie portman had on snl? (i saw a pic) i don't know if i would wear it- but i am just wondering if i could.

if you're feeling sinister...

What an incredible show. I do wish I had been there, dancing...I'd shimmy slightly with a badass /pissed off look on my face. (like I'm too cool to dance, but I can't help but boogy) Check it out at ...http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5235927. PLUS (free w/ purchase) you can listen to Terry's interview with Stuart at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5244680. It was a Belle and Sebastian day today on NPR, and it makes me happy.

Did anyone catch Natalie Portman on SNL? It is moments like this that I wish I had a TV- for such occasions. I have heard good things about the Oscars- I was happy for Reese, she seemed like the good choice. I have not seen any of the movies, so I am not qualified to make such statements, but her dress was pretty.

Good night.

Hugs

~G

caleb speaks out.

Here are Caleb's thoughts on being 12, and moving to a new place recorded last weekend. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5849196696665588539

You can't really see the little stache he's growing, but it was sunny.

~G

silversun pickups

Ok, I admit it, I am a slow learner, Mark posted on this band back in November, but the more I hear them, the more I love them. I think they come from LA, but I don't know much more than that. Although, it concerns me that Sarah may be right, I do prefer boys that sound kinda like girls. (He would be a pretty throaty girl- not an Antony) Here is a link to a site where you can watch the video for "Kissing Families". I suggest you watch/ listen about 3 times...then let me know what you think.
http://www.videocodezone.com/videos/s/silversun_pickups/kissing_families.html
enjoy.
~G

natzi dentist

As I sit in the oversized chair, my (short, bald, but sporting a respectable stache) dentist arrives and begins making small talk. I politely wish him a "Happy Mardi Gras", as he shudders, but begins prodding my mouth and asking questions I cannot answer audibly. He is talking about his trip to New Orleans a few years ago, to watch OU play in the Sugar Bowl. "Those LSU fans were awful, just plain hateful."He says in disgust. He tells me we are almost done- I will finally have my new crown. Then, as he fills my mouth with gauze and asks me to bite down, He says before exiting, "They got what they deserved with that Katrina. If you ask me, that was God's way of riding us of that cesspool of filth. Don't eat on that side today, and have a good day. " I sit for a second, absorbing what he just said, as the Christian radio station plays softly in the background. I guess there are things you value in a dentist and other things that make you wonder how they function as human beings in society...

bonheur

87 degrees is the projected high today. Two weeks ago, it was 15 (and we were snowed in). The mood change that weather creates is facinating. I feel more productive when it is cooler, I think because when it is like this, I just want to play. I love to eat outside when it is warm (en plein aire) Grilled veggies, salad, pasta, w/ some (vegan) wine...I think I may be hungry. Then, go for a nice long walk or bike-ride. sounds nice. See what I mean, it is difficult to focus on work these days. I think it is a good thing that I will likely go to law school somewhere cold. Then, perhaps I can move somewhere a little warmer.

I am a very low maintenance person. I don't own a brush, but now that my hair is longer, i have started combing it a bit. anyhow, i did not dry it this morning, and it dried all crazy and wavy, etc. i don't really care how it looks (which is evident- i cut my own hair, you know) well, my 1st hour was very giggly about something (18 yr old jock boys reading about art) and so finally, after me shushing them, i asked what was so funny (not always a safe question- yesterday it was the pronunciation of the word bonheur- bone-eur) and one guy comes up and whispers in my ear that i have "sex hair". not what i expected to hear. i wanted to grow it out, but now i think i may have to cut it or purchase some products. if i brush it, it frizzes- ladies, any suggestions?

well, i am now off to take dy and li to their appt. but i think i may need a snack first.

cioa,

~g