Fan Mail

I got a heartwarming letter today from one of my students. 

This makes it all worth it.

Random Updates

You would think that I was hosting Thanksgiving this year with all the grocery bags I had to carry into the apartment tonight.  Hmm, actually now that I'm looking at the photo it doesn't seem like that much, but it did take awhile for feeling to come back into my right arm. This year, I'm just responsible for the cranberry relish and rolls.  Half of the stuff I bought today is for cooking projects with the class. I'm already trying to stock up on Christmas supplies too, since that stuff always sells out fast.

Notice the little nosey Nellies checking out all the loot.

It's been a little hectic around here lately as I've been gearing up for the holidays at school.    At the end of the day, it's nice to come home, chill in my big armchair with my dogs and take a moment to rest...which usually ends up with me falling fast asleep in the chair.  Then I wake up at 2 am and realize I need to go to bed.  I blame the dogs for making these little rest sessions so warm and cozy.

Lots of people have inquired on how Noa is doing on his deployment.  He's doing quite well and we're past the halfway mark (woohoo!).  Since his patient load is lighter than over here, he's had time to exercise and participate in races, dabble in playing his guitar, go on a few trips out in town, watch movies, etc.  He even picked up some great clothes and jewelry at the local H&M for me: check out these beauties!

This past weekend I was able to squeeze in some fun time and go to the annual White Trash Party at Tom and Laura's place.  I didn't get a ton of photos since I arrived later, but someone got a shot of me talking with Joe.  Like the look?  Everyone said I looked like I was going to beat someone up with my "tough" sleeveless shirt.  I also had loads of eye make-up on, but the picture doesn't do it justice. 

Joe had already taken off his wig/hat ensemble (he kinda looked like a red-headed Joe Dirt).  

And now, I leave you with a little Engrish.  Have a lovely week!

Confession

I have a confession to make.  Some of you will not be happy when I tell you.  Please don't hate me.

I don't know if it's because I'm lonely or because Noa is away or if it's just because it gets dark earlier and earlier each day.  And, yes, I know it's habit-forming, but I think I can keep it under control.  So I do it when I'm alone.  So what?  That doesn't make it worse.  I'd do the same if I had a whole house full of people.  In fact, I would flaunt it - make them join in with me.  So hah - I'm not ashamed - I'm proud of my boldness.

And you know what I'm talking about.  That's right...I've started listening to Christmas music.  I can't help it.  I know that December will be here sooner than we are all ready for and I love Christmas music so much.  It's simply not fair that it's only "acceptable" to listen to it one month of the year.

Adorable Smell

I went out tonight to look for some curtain hooks and stumbled upon some Japanese ingenuity.   These "cards" are to be put in a special frame and put out on display like any other framed pic, except these give off a pleasing scent.  They are art air fresheners.  Apparently, a company called Kaoru Art creates these.  There were lots of designs to choose from - these especially caught my eye with their English randomness.

The bulldog: "I'm a bulldog.  Sleeping is my hobby.  For your information, I snore."

The pig: "I'm a pig.  Neat and methodical.  Don't think about eating me."

The rat: "I'm a rat.  Some people hate me but I love everyone."

The duck: "I'm a duck.  Walking with my tail feather shaking."

Sorry the pics are kinda blurry.  I didn't want to take them out of the packaging (they are scented after all).  I love how each animal has an introduction, as if I couldn't tell it was a picture of a pig.  Who would actually use these?  And who would ever consider these art?  Talk about kitsch.  Nonetheless, I had to buy some.

And no, I did not buy the corresponding frames.

Staplegun Fun

Since we've reached the halfway point (woohoo!) of Noa's deployment, I've decided to take a good look at some of the goals and projects I've planned while my better half is gone.  I have a bunch of "little projects" left to tackle, like making a beanbag cover for my classroom, hanging some pictures, going through boxes, etc.  So, I picked up one of those little projects this weekend and created this:

You may remember over the summer I visited Jess and helped her decorate parts of her house.  We found these matching bulletin boards and decided to make them into necklace boards using pins to hang the necklaces (see link above for pics).  Unfortunately, in the shipping process, my cork board got busted and the frame sustained a few dings.  So, I ripped off the cork, stapled on some screening (thank you 100 Yen store!), touched up the dings with a Sharpie and - voila! - my new earring screen.  Functional and decorative!