I Giggled

Follow this link to view this video of Matt Damon telling off a reporter and cameraman from a Libertarian organization during a rally for education earlier this week. I laughed, a lot, and even cheered. Keep in mind tenure for teachers most definitely has some issues and yes, there are some bad teachers out there no doubt. What I love about Matt's response though, is that he points out tenure isn't the issue and the problem with the US education system is actually a multitude of complex problems. LOVE IT! And it's cool that Matt Damon's mom is a teacher and he was sticking up for her, and the multitude of great teachers out there who spend countless hours and their own money to try to educate children despite a broken system. Bravo, Matt... bravo.

-

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled program of the ongoing 'Great Purge and Reorganization Fest of 2011' soon. I know you guys are excited!! ;-)

Ch-ch-changes!

One of the major 'events' during my blog absence was the purchase of a brand new car- for ME! I'm sorry I don't have a picture of it right now, the camera lens I bought on Amazon was the wrong type (my mistake). But, the picture above gives you an idea. I got a black Toyota Yaris, two doors just like the one above. It's shiny, and still has that new car smell!

-

I hated the idea of having to make a car payment as I don't like the thought of being in debt. I already owe part of my soul in college loans thank you very much. However, problems with my old Buick were numerous. So numerous and severe it would have cost more to get it up to snuff than the car was worth. Add another summer without a/c in the car, and that Leo was going to be with me far more, I knew that my options were limited. Jon and I talked about it and agreed to look at a new car, one with a warranty, one that would be reliable, gas efficient, etc, etc. So one Friday evening we beboped on over to a dealership to test drive a Yaris.

-

Mind you I was SO nervous about going to a dealership to buy a car. I come from a car family. My father pretty much pounded the idea in my head that car salesmen will try to give you the shaft. I am beyond happy to report, however, that I did not have to battle it out with the salesman. In fact he was uber nice, the car was perfect, and finance was willing to give me a very nice, reasonable deal. I bought it the next day. I got all the extra coverage I could as paying a little extra per month for peace of mind is worth it! Oh, did I mention the dealership let me bring both Leo and Louie (who's a pet so, he doesn't have the carte blanche to be in public like Leo) into the dealership?? I wanted to make sure they could fit inside the car (they do) and they were beyond cool about it. How neat is that?

-

I've had the car for three weeks now, and I L-O-V-E it!! I bought it just in time for the warm-hot summer temperatures. I love a/c... love it. I seriously think it is one of the best inventions out there. Alright, maybe not the best, but, it sure is NICE! I could really go on, and on, about the a/c ,but, I will spare you all that. ;-) It's really nice to have a good reliable vehicle though, my last car was not going to last much longer. In fact, the dealership gave me a whopping $100 for it! That tells you how much of a ticking time bomb it was. What a relief I'm not in it anymore- not to mention not having to pay nearly as much filling it up with fuel.

-

Getting that car is a major life win. However, not all events have been a 'win'. Life is funny how it balances things out isn't it? More catching up later guys! I have laundry to get to.

ps- Thanks for the welcome back love! It feels great to be back here.

Bring on 2011!!

What are you doing this New Year's Eve? I will be partying it up with some friends at Jon's. Baked brie, raclette (I got an awesome Swiss made grill for Christmas), fondue, and a chocolate fountain (borrowed, we weren't going to splurge for a rental) are all on the menu. Of course, there is to be wine and after dinner liquors, and any other beverages our friends may bring. As I've told many people we're sending off 2010 and ringing 2011 in style.

-

In random Oklahoma weather news, yesterday the temps hit 70, there was a tornado warning in the middle of the night, it's windy this morning as a cold front is beginning to move through, and tonight the temps are supposed to drop into the 20s and apparently a winter weather advisory has been issued for later tonight.

-

I guess Oklahoma wants to send off 2010 and ring in 2011 with some flair too!

-

Happy and Safe New Years to you!! May 2011 be filled with many joys and triumphs. I look forward to the new year and I count myself lucky to have so many friends willing to ride along. As the French say, gros bisous!! See ya next year!

Happy Blog-versary!!

My little ol' blog is two years old today!! Woot, woot! Last year I totally forgot about the blog-versary until about two weeks after the fact. I decided I wasn't going to miss it this time around.

-

Two years. Gosh it feels longer than that! I've been so lucky to gain some fabulous friends through this blog and I am beyond grateful for each and every one of you who come here and read my musings. You guys are the best!

-

So while there will be no wild parties to celebrate this occasion (I am though hosting a fab New Year's Eve shindig tomorrow) I am celebrating in my heart you guys who make this blog possible. I've enjoyed all the 'conversations' we've had and hope for many more if you don't mind. Here's to another blogging year!