Monday, September 29, 2008
Scuba Success!
Duane called. I guess they either do get cell reception at the cabin or he's out somewhere where he can make a call. He and Tony went diving today and surfaced successfully. He said it was 59 degrees when they went in and 50 degrees when they came out...but he was warm enough in the water. Be happy for him! Having this dive in his logbook means he will get to do a certified scuba dive in the ocean on the honeymoon and I know he is REALLY looking forward to scuba-ing the ocean. Yeah! I asked him to take pictures so I'd have something interesting to post here...but I noticed his camera sitting on the chair in the computer room so I don't think it's going to happen. I did find a picture of some random person diving in a quarry in Minnesota so we'll pretend for now! Who knows....maybe Tony got a few shots? Until next time...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Women Multiply
"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.
Love and appreciate all the women in your life."
Thanks for sending that one to me Mary!
On other news in the soon-to-be Brownlee household...not much is new. I just finished Homecoming week at the school. That week is always an adventure with multiple performances. Friday alone we had four. We marched the Opening Day Parade for Oktoberfest in La Crosse. The kids love it because they get out of school all morning, march a short parade, and eat pizza in Riverside Park sponsored by SSE Music. We got back in time to send them to class for half an hour before dismissing for the homecoming parade. That parade was followed by a well-attended community pep rally in another park (thankfully it was a BEAUTIFUL day to spend outdoors!). Then of course the football game. SG was winning at halftime, I left after we played. It was an outstanding day with solid performances by the band. The only fault is the ankle I twisted pretty good stepping backwards of a curb while hauling music stands. Sunday is the Cranfest parade in Warrens. The parade is short but the day is long for a band that travels nearly 2 hours to get there. It's OK though, they like this parade because the music boosters gives them money for "supper"...which is usually funnel cakes, or Queen Anne Apples for most of them!
Duane is being silly too. He's getting ready to scuba dive with Tony on Monday and has some other things up his sleeve that I won't share just yet. Gotta see how it all shakes out first...and have something to write about later. So yup, that's it for now. See you next time.
PS--btw Duane, you are my baby. So totally amazing and wonderful...I am so excited to spend the rest of our lives together. Now, wiggle?
So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.
Love and appreciate all the women in your life."
Thanks for sending that one to me Mary!
On other news in the soon-to-be Brownlee household...not much is new. I just finished Homecoming week at the school. That week is always an adventure with multiple performances. Friday alone we had four. We marched the Opening Day Parade for Oktoberfest in La Crosse. The kids love it because they get out of school all morning, march a short parade, and eat pizza in Riverside Park sponsored by SSE Music. We got back in time to send them to class for half an hour before dismissing for the homecoming parade. That parade was followed by a well-attended community pep rally in another park (thankfully it was a BEAUTIFUL day to spend outdoors!). Then of course the football game. SG was winning at halftime, I left after we played. It was an outstanding day with solid performances by the band. The only fault is the ankle I twisted pretty good stepping backwards of a curb while hauling music stands. Sunday is the Cranfest parade in Warrens. The parade is short but the day is long for a band that travels nearly 2 hours to get there. It's OK though, they like this parade because the music boosters gives them money for "supper"...which is usually funnel cakes, or Queen Anne Apples for most of them!
Duane is being silly too. He's getting ready to scuba dive with Tony on Monday and has some other things up his sleeve that I won't share just yet. Gotta see how it all shakes out first...and have something to write about later. So yup, that's it for now. See you next time.
PS--btw Duane, you are my baby. So totally amazing and wonderful...I am so excited to spend the rest of our lives together. Now, wiggle?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Who would have thought...
I have a few different ones for you...so for your reading pleasure...
Who would have thought: that the first three weeks of school would have gone so fast? I wasn't looking forward to returning to SG this year with the new schedules. I felt betrayed (and still do to some extent). But going back---I'm so glad I did. The year is moving quickly. And the students are still making me happy to be a teacher. We finally have a system that is running smoothly and efficiently. We are organized and students are ready to go. They finally understand the control they have in their grades...and this week only 6 of 150 kids missed their lessons (of those 1 was ill, 1 was testing, and 1 was on vacation). I can't believe I wanted to leave so badly. I'm glad I didn't. This is where I need to be right now.
Who would have thought: that we'd be counting the days, hours, and minutes (ok...I'm the only counting minutes and that's only because the clock on the blog keeps track for me!) to the wedding without stressing out? There are still things to do and bills to be paid, but I think it's in control. The plans are certainly stable so now, let the fun begin! (Ok, the whole thing has been fun...)
Who would have thought: that I'd be looking forward to the weekend so that I could stay home and clean? It's my weekend thing because I can't seem to do it during the week. But me, looking forward to cleaning? Weird. Duane works this weekend...so I'll have time during the day to clean (and run the vacuum on the ever present dog-haired carpet) without disturbing him. He has also informed me what he wants for supper tomorrow night for a change, although being a tex-mex chili I think I would rather wait until we can keep the doors and windows open all night. Brandi will STINK if she gets to lap up a little of the leftovers!
Who would have thought: that someone would actually take me up on the "you should start one of these blogs" comments? Awesome Lee Family! I miss you guys and really enjoy reading what you have to say. I also really hope to see you at the wedding (but would understand if you couldn't make the VERY long drive!) All I can tell you...there will be cake. Lots of cake. From your post today, I gather that you really like that! ;-)
Who would have thought: that getting those little RSVP cards back in the mail would be so fun? When they first came in I opened the whole batch right away. The next day, I got home and they were already opened. Apparently Duane likes to open the mail too! Now we split the duties. He'll open one or two occasionally (and read through the envelopes for the rest). So far, we've received responses from 22% of those we sent them to. Not bad considering if most people are like me they won't send them until closer to when they are "due" near the end of October. So yeah, keep sending them! It makes everyday a good day for us!
Who would have thought: (last one, I promise) that I would like adding these little blog things so much? I'm glad I didn't commit to more than once a week or so...so there's no pressure...but I do find myself thinking throughout the week about what I'll write about next. Hopefully it's interesting...even it's most trivial.
That's it. For now anyway. Goodnight!
Who would have thought: that the first three weeks of school would have gone so fast? I wasn't looking forward to returning to SG this year with the new schedules. I felt betrayed (and still do to some extent). But going back---I'm so glad I did. The year is moving quickly. And the students are still making me happy to be a teacher. We finally have a system that is running smoothly and efficiently. We are organized and students are ready to go. They finally understand the control they have in their grades...and this week only 6 of 150 kids missed their lessons (of those 1 was ill, 1 was testing, and 1 was on vacation). I can't believe I wanted to leave so badly. I'm glad I didn't. This is where I need to be right now.
Who would have thought: that we'd be counting the days, hours, and minutes (ok...I'm the only counting minutes and that's only because the clock on the blog keeps track for me!) to the wedding without stressing out? There are still things to do and bills to be paid, but I think it's in control. The plans are certainly stable so now, let the fun begin! (Ok, the whole thing has been fun...)
Who would have thought: that I'd be looking forward to the weekend so that I could stay home and clean? It's my weekend thing because I can't seem to do it during the week. But me, looking forward to cleaning? Weird. Duane works this weekend...so I'll have time during the day to clean (and run the vacuum on the ever present dog-haired carpet) without disturbing him. He has also informed me what he wants for supper tomorrow night for a change, although being a tex-mex chili I think I would rather wait until we can keep the doors and windows open all night. Brandi will STINK if she gets to lap up a little of the leftovers!
Who would have thought: that someone would actually take me up on the "you should start one of these blogs" comments? Awesome Lee Family! I miss you guys and really enjoy reading what you have to say. I also really hope to see you at the wedding (but would understand if you couldn't make the VERY long drive!) All I can tell you...there will be cake. Lots of cake. From your post today, I gather that you really like that! ;-)
Who would have thought: that getting those little RSVP cards back in the mail would be so fun? When they first came in I opened the whole batch right away. The next day, I got home and they were already opened. Apparently Duane likes to open the mail too! Now we split the duties. He'll open one or two occasionally (and read through the envelopes for the rest). So far, we've received responses from 22% of those we sent them to. Not bad considering if most people are like me they won't send them until closer to when they are "due" near the end of October. So yeah, keep sending them! It makes everyday a good day for us!
Who would have thought: (last one, I promise) that I would like adding these little blog things so much? I'm glad I didn't commit to more than once a week or so...so there's no pressure...but I do find myself thinking throughout the week about what I'll write about next. Hopefully it's interesting...even it's most trivial.
That's it. For now anyway. Goodnight!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Before the storm...
I was struggling trying to come up with a title for this post until I realized the title (or at least part of the title) to the movie on t.v. encompassed everything I had to say today.
Originally, I was thinking along the lines of titling it "thankful"...as in thankful for my bands for reminding me why I LOVE to teach. The elementary and the middle school have been a source of personal pride this season as most (if not all) the students came back from summer performing better than I expected. Not only that, but even though they didn't practice as much as I would have liked (yet more than I expected), they seem to be falling back into their positive habits. 6th and 7th graders are already asking for more practice time at recesses and lunch and more horns went home this weekend without being asked than have gone home since I started in SG (unless required over breaks).
Then of course you have the Senior Band. We are dealing with reduced class time this year and it has taken a toll on our marching performance but so far not our music. The marching tune is harder this year than it has been in the past and they are playing it well. Although I'm sure very few of them touched their horns at all this summer (it showed) they have also spent time in class "getting their chops back" while rehearsing pep tunes. The control is quickly returning and their balance is actually quite good. I am excited to start concert band next week. The icing on the cake was their performance at pep band Friday night. Outside performances aren't are strongest suit especially when large numbers of the band are on the field and unable to play for us. Despite not being perfect, they were far better than the opening shows in years past...and their attitude was amazing. They were bopping around, horn swinging, singing melodies while counting rests, requesting tunes, cheering LOUDLY, challenging the cheer squad (in a good way!), and all around just making me smile. Yes, I remember why I love to teach...and I am thankful. Keep it up band, the busiest pep week of the year is brewing on the horizon.
I am also thankful for this weekend...in a way which almost made me go with a "just bummin'", "chillin" or just plain "being lazy" title. This weekend is one of few that Duane and I will have just the two of us to do what we need to do for quite some time. On the horizon---we both work next weekend and it's Applefest here in LaCrescent, then it's scuba diving for him and Cranfest parades for me, another weekend of work, a weekend with a bridal shower and honors concert, the Educate MN conference (which means two days off school!), Potential playoff games for pep band...and then it's November. Yeah, like November will slow down! ;-)
So what are we actually doing? Hey, I told you this blog might be about the mundane. If the weather clears, I'll finish staining the last part of the deck. The house is picked up and will be dusted and vacuumed tomorrow. Laundry will be done. Sheets on the bed will be changed. The dog will be walked until she's out of energy. I'm reading a book and watching the Brewers on a bad streak. Duane is working on his computer game. We're watching a couple movies. We're (Brandi and I...not sure about Duane!) watching the Packer game (with some vikes on the side to be fair). I bought some grocery's. Made dinner. Planned dinner for the next couple of days. Made cookies. Basically, just enjoying the time and the lack of deadlines this weekend...before the storm.
So, there you have it. Another blog. You should start one too...to give us more reading material and blogs of family to link to on our page. It really is quite simple. And by the way...don't hesitate to leave a comment. They're fun to read.
Originally, I was thinking along the lines of titling it "thankful"...as in thankful for my bands for reminding me why I LOVE to teach. The elementary and the middle school have been a source of personal pride this season as most (if not all) the students came back from summer performing better than I expected. Not only that, but even though they didn't practice as much as I would have liked (yet more than I expected), they seem to be falling back into their positive habits. 6th and 7th graders are already asking for more practice time at recesses and lunch and more horns went home this weekend without being asked than have gone home since I started in SG (unless required over breaks).
Then of course you have the Senior Band. We are dealing with reduced class time this year and it has taken a toll on our marching performance but so far not our music. The marching tune is harder this year than it has been in the past and they are playing it well. Although I'm sure very few of them touched their horns at all this summer (it showed) they have also spent time in class "getting their chops back" while rehearsing pep tunes. The control is quickly returning and their balance is actually quite good. I am excited to start concert band next week. The icing on the cake was their performance at pep band Friday night. Outside performances aren't are strongest suit especially when large numbers of the band are on the field and unable to play for us. Despite not being perfect, they were far better than the opening shows in years past...and their attitude was amazing. They were bopping around, horn swinging, singing melodies while counting rests, requesting tunes, cheering LOUDLY, challenging the cheer squad (in a good way!), and all around just making me smile. Yes, I remember why I love to teach...and I am thankful. Keep it up band, the busiest pep week of the year is brewing on the horizon.
I am also thankful for this weekend...in a way which almost made me go with a "just bummin'", "chillin" or just plain "being lazy" title. This weekend is one of few that Duane and I will have just the two of us to do what we need to do for quite some time. On the horizon---we both work next weekend and it's Applefest here in LaCrescent, then it's scuba diving for him and Cranfest parades for me, another weekend of work, a weekend with a bridal shower and honors concert, the Educate MN conference (which means two days off school!), Potential playoff games for pep band...and then it's November. Yeah, like November will slow down! ;-)
So what are we actually doing? Hey, I told you this blog might be about the mundane. If the weather clears, I'll finish staining the last part of the deck. The house is picked up and will be dusted and vacuumed tomorrow. Laundry will be done. Sheets on the bed will be changed. The dog will be walked until she's out of energy. I'm reading a book and watching the Brewers on a bad streak. Duane is working on his computer game. We're watching a couple movies. We're (Brandi and I...not sure about Duane!) watching the Packer game (with some vikes on the side to be fair). I bought some grocery's. Made dinner. Planned dinner for the next couple of days. Made cookies. Basically, just enjoying the time and the lack of deadlines this weekend...before the storm.
So, there you have it. Another blog. You should start one too...to give us more reading material and blogs of family to link to on our page. It really is quite simple. And by the way...don't hesitate to leave a comment. They're fun to read.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Fun Website
For those of you who like to do fun and creative things, and as a way to give back to those who post fun and useful things on their blogs (Barb!) I thought I'd share this website. It is http://www.bighugelabs.com/ The following is just a sample of the projects available on this website. The website is free and you can print your own posters and such...or if you want to you can buy them printed professionally (which could be fun if you were thinking of unique holiday gifts for the family...) Anyway...here is our jigsaw puzzle "WHO, ME?"...
and our motivational poster-gone bad...as in "Bad Dog"
and the poster that makes us "Movie Stars...rated G"
This site also offers the opportunity to create your own trading cards (fun family kids game!), turn your personal pics into an Andy Warhol work of art, make calenders, cube art, bead art, mosaics, etc...just check it out and have fun!
(PS: aren't you lucky readers...TWO posts in one day...ooooh!)
A Beautiful Thing
Ok, so this last image isn't from this game...but football season IS a beautiful thing. Lambeau in the snow is too. And so is a 5 game winning streak against your arch enemy. We're do for a loss to them. I'm glad it wasn't Monday night. Thank you, Duane for watching the game with me and other Pack fans...not every guy would have done that while still laughing and joking throughout the evening. And Thank You Dan and Theresa (and Emmitt!) for inviting us. We'll see you again soon.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Difficult Times
I'm sure most of you are well aware the football season is upon us...and the opening game of the season for my beloved Green Bay Packer team is on Monday Night football against the vikings. This is the time of year that proves most difficult for Duane and I...these particular games are the ones that put the biggest strain on our relationship. (I should note here that although Duane IS a viking fan, he really is more a fan of cheering for anyone not Green Bay...) Wish us luck, here we go. Brandi is ready!
On another note in the same line of thought...it's Chunky time again. Go to chunky.com and "click for cans". The Pack had dominated this every year of it's existence (and for good reason, donations are made to food banks in the state of the winning team) and we need to keep tradition alive. They've changed up the look this year...check it out. Vote daily. Go Pack!
On another note in the same line of thought...it's Chunky time again. Go to chunky.com and "click for cans". The Pack had dominated this every year of it's existence (and for good reason, donations are made to food banks in the state of the winning team) and we need to keep tradition alive. They've changed up the look this year...check it out. Vote daily. Go Pack!
