Happy Halloween from the Unseasonably-Warm Northland!

Help! I Need Ideas!

I really want to dress up for Halloween this year, but am totally uninspired as to what to dress up as.  So I need your help.  Here are my only criteria:

1.  It has to be school-appropriate.  (So the slutty nurse's costume that Mitch suggested is out.  Thanks honey.)

2.  It has to be fairly inexpensive.

3.  I would prefer it to be something I could use again.

Suggestions?

Too soon for Tina

It's snowing here right now!

My New Motivation

It's well-known that my two sisters and I like to argue, fight, pick on each other, and out-do one another, all to become "MVK", or Most Valuable Kid.  Winnie, the 2nd daughter, and I are closest in age, and when we're all together we typically gang up on our youngest sister, Katie, who is six years younger than I.  I can recall many a times where Winnie and I would torment Katie, many times to tears.  When we were younger, Katie would sing tunes from "The Sound of Music" after she'd been put to bed, and Winnie and I would giggle in our shared room, then belt out, "The hills are alive!" to make fun of her.  This usually resulted in her screaming and crying, and us laughing even harder.  It makes me laugh just thinking about it now.  That's just one example of the terrible things we did to her growing up.  Now as adults, it's even worse.  There was one particular holiday where Winnie and I were merciless to Katie.  While doing dishes, Winnie said something to Katie to make her mad, Katie charged towards Winnie, and Winnie stuck her foot out, which Katie promptly ran right into and fell to the floor, clutching her stomach and crying.  To top it off, Winnie doused her with a handful of flour, which made her cry even more.  Man, was it funny.  And while I can claim that I had no part in it, my role is usually as the instigator in these types of situations.  Winnie and I got in big trouble from Dad for that.  And yes, I know that's mean.  But it makes for a great story now.

Anyway, I think that one of the main problems that Katie and I have in our loving, sisterly relationship is that we're the same person, and she feels like she needs to one-up me every chance she gets.  And she usually does.  We look alike and talk alike.  We both graduated at the top of our high school classes (she as valedictorian, I as salutatorian).  We both went to the U of I and were in the Marching Illini.  (She of course, graduated Bronze Tablet, which means she had one of the highest GPAs in her major.  I did not.)  She met and started dating her future husband, Boston, her junior year of college, just like Mitch and I did.  Boston, by the way, is the same person as Mitch - similar looks, similar family background, similar personalities.  She and Boston married one year out of college like Mitch and I.  And now, she and Boston have bought a townhouse right after they got married, just like we did.  It's actually quite scary how similar our lives are.  

One of the things that Katie is also doing like I did is putting on weight after college.  While it's really just mean, Winnie, Katie, and I have always affectionately called each other "Fatty-Fat".  Why and where it came from, I really can't remember.  See, Winnie had been the pudgy one of the group - she was stocky when she was little, and really packed on the pounds when in college.  Katie and I were always a little slimmer growing up, and made sure to not put on too much weight during school.  However, the tables have shifted - Winnie, after a few life-changing moments at ISU, got her act together and dropped a ton of weight, which she has managed to keep off for a very long time.  She looks fantastic now, and in true sisterly fashion I just hate her for it.  After Mitch and I got married, I steadily put on weight.  I blame most of it on my profession - always busy, never time to work out, blah, blah, blah.  I could give you a million excuses as to why my midsection and ass are significantly larger than they used to be.  Now that I'm nearing 30 (when did that happen?), I am becoming afraid that if I don't take care of it now, I never will.  Since we moved to MN, I have lost ten pounds.  A good start.

When talking to Katie on the phone the other day, she was complaining about how much weight she has put on since graduating from college.  While she was conscious of it for her profession - she was on TV every day - now that she has changed jobs, she has relaxed her eating and working out habits.  And it's showing.  So, as she is talking about how she's so fat, and has to get to the gym, and how she needs to do this and that, I thought of a brilliant plan.

I am one that needs some sort of motivation to make things happen.  I've been inspired in part by The Mrs.' weight-loss blog, although I am not doing so well in the weight-loss competition there.  So, I challenged Katie to an Ultimate Fatty-Fat Challenge.  

The Ultimate Fatty-Fat Challenge operates like this:  whoever loses the biggest percentage of her body weight by Christmas wins.  The loser will forever be the Ultimate Fatty-Fat.  AND, whoever loses must endure as many insults, put-downs and harassments as the other can dish out.  Mean, yes.  Effective, yes!  Now, we've kept Winnie out of the competition for two reasons - 1, she doesn't want to play, and 2, she'd definitely win.  Her willpower is incredible.  

I am determined to beat Katie.  I DO NOT want to be the Ultimate Fatty-Fat.  So, to help motivate me to work out, (and because we've been talking about buying one for a long time), Mitch and I bought a treadmill.

It's a thing of beauty.  It was delivered today by the lovely guys at Sports Authority, and it got its inaugural ride this afternoon.  This will be the tool that helps me beat Katie.  I plan on putting her picture right in front of the treadmill, pushing me to go that extra minute, that extra mile more, in order to kick her ass this Christmas.

Take that, Katie.  See you in December. 

"Don't you mess with Ms. Tina!"

Teaching License Update:

State:  1

Tina:  1

Got a call today from the state saying that they would certify me in vocal music.  Thank goodness!  

Now all I have to do is take all of their stupid tests.  

(Quote in the title is from one of my students in Florida, Katrina, who said this in a total Southern-attitude after I disciplined a student.  It was great.  How I do miss those Southern accents......)

My First Reason to Hate Minnesota

Well, I'm sure by the title my mother is all ears now.  

Right as Mitch and I were moving out of our in-laws and into our new house, my Minnesota teaching license came in the mail.  For those who aren't in the education world, one must have a teaching license in order to work.  Usually, it's not a big deal to get one - you go to college, take some tests, student teach, and like magic, your certificate comes in the mail.  There are all kinds of certificates - K-5, K-8, 6-12, specialty, special ed - the list goes on and on.  In Illinois, they are labeled by Types - I hold a Type 10 certificate - special - and I am certified to teach K-12 music (band, choral, general music) as so deemed by my undergraduate program, the esteemed University of Illinois.  Typically, teaching certificates last 5 years, then you must re-certify them through coursework, master's degree, or other continuing education classes.

When one decides to move into a different state, one must become certified to teach in that state.  When we moved to Florida, I simply mailed the state my current license, transcripts, etc., and Wha-la! - my certificate appeared in the mail.  No muss, no fuss.  Certified to teach K-12 Music, just as in Illinois, for five years. 

However.....

When we decided we were moving to the northlands (which are getting progressively colder every day), I got online, researched the requirements to obtain my MN license, sent in the proper paperwork and my money to process, and figured they'd spit back a license.  Well, they mailed me one.  And I'm not happy.

My MN teaching license is listed as K-12.  OK, so far, so good.  I'm only certified to teach, though, instrumental music and classroom music.  No vocal music.  Which is what I'm teaching right now.  I should mention, too, that I've not only been certified to teach this before, but I've actually taught it.  So I'm not actually legal to be teaching what I am.  Great.

Next major issue:  this certificate is only a year-long certificate.  Why?  Because I have many other "requirements" I must meet to become certified again for next year.  Those requirements include:

• taking a class to complete my "Minnesota human relations" requirement.
• Taking the Pre-Professional Skills Test.
• Taking the Principles of Learning and Teaching Test.
• Taking the Subject Matter Test.

Have I mentioned that I took those tests eight years ago before I started teaching?  And passed them all?  

Oh yeah, and did I mention that I have a master's degree?!?!?!

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, after really looking at this certificate and figuring that the state must have made a mistake, I calmly called the licensing office and talked to a very nice lady who helped me out and explained everything to me.  She told me that Illinois and Minnesota have no reciprocity between them when it comes to education, and that if I wanted to become certified in vocal music, I'd either have to take coursework (undergraduate, I'm sure) to become certified or petition with a portfolio proving I'm qualified to teach choir.  

Score one for the state.

She also told me that I indeed did have to take all of the tests again, as the ones they use here in MN are different than those in Illinois, and again, they have no reciprocity.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!?!?!?!

And, that since I'm technically not legal to teach what I'm currently teaching, my district will have to petition to the state so that I can continue to teach while proving that I am working to become certified for next year.  

Now, she did tell me that she'd talk to her supervisor regarding my case, but that I'd most likely need to jump through the hoops.  

So.

This year, I'll be shelling out almost $200 to take tests that I've already taken and passed.  

I'll take classes (who knows how much that will cost) to become certified in something that I've been certified to teach for eight years.  

And don't forget about my "human relations" class, which will also cost me money.  Clearly, I don't know how to relate to humans in the classroom.  I've never done it before.

Oh, wait.  I have.  I've taught over 200 students each year for the last seven years.

Can you tell I am beyond pissed?  Because I am. 

Stupid Minnesota. 

I gotta go.  It's beer-thirty, and I need a drink.  Or seven.

A Day with her Grandma & Auntie K

On Thursday, Lil' Missy, Grandma M and I spent the day together, since Grandma M was watching Lil' Missy and I was off work.  We started our day at one of the many apple orchards in the area.  

We started out just exploring the area, as there were lots of things to do and look at.  There were lots of cut-outs for the kids, a petting zoo, horse and pony rides, a corn maze, pumpkins, an old-fashioned apple peeler/corer, apple tastings, a store and bakery, and of course, apples.  
After a run-around and a lot of "I want to do that!", we boarded the wagon to go to the orchard.
We had a good time filling our two bags, and Lil' Missy did a great job of finding good apples, although many of the lower ones were picked off.  I ended up climbing into a couple of trees to get the best apples towards the top.  I'm sure it was quite a sight, and am glad that I had my camera in my pocket so that no one could snap pictures of that.

It didn't take long to fill up our bags and head back to the pick-up wagon, which Lil' Missy claimed was her favorite part of the entire day.  She got a quick education on which tractors were the best ones (ALWAYS the green ones, NEVER the red ones).  
Lil' Missy waited patiently while Grandma M and I paid for and loaded our apples, then headed over for her pony ride.  She did a great job of holding on, and shouted a "Gracias!" to the kind man who helped her on and off the pony.
We ended the morning with a snack - fresh apple cinnamon donuts.  Oh, they were delicious.  
Afterwards, we headed for lunch.  Where would her favorite Grandma and Auntie take her?  Chuck-E-Cheese, of course!  I didn't snap any pics while I was there, because I was afraid to bring home all of the germs on my camera.  What a hotbed of bacteria that place is.  Lil' Missy, of course, was in her element, as she enjoyed running from game to game, plunking in her coins and collecting her tickets so she could purchase an Air Head and stickers when we left.  (Load her up with more sugar, is what I always say.)  The place was overflowing with kids, as everyone was off school, and I was relieved when the coins ran out and it was time to go.  I also was afraid the bad pizza was going to make me sick.  As soon as we got back to the house, the first thing I did was wash my hands.  Gross.  

What a fun day!

A Flashback from My Childhood

Yesterday after breakfast Mitch got ready to go outside and work on various projects needing attention in the yard.  Because I wanted to be included (which was stupid on my part - I should have just stayed inside), I got ready and went outside to work as well.  I began raking leaves in the backyard, which quickly became a failing effort, as there are still way too many leaves falling from the trees.  Whose idea was it to get a lot of mature trees in our yard?  And who wanted a big yard, at that?  

Mitch, however, had plans to work on the gutters (that are completely clogged with leaves), but began soaking several small bushes on the side of the house that need to be ripped out.  They are too close to the house, and so need to be ripped out before they cause any more damage through the winter.  I decided to go and help out.  

We tried a variety of methods to get these bushes out.  One would think that just digging them out would be the easiest way.  Not true, especially since we didn't have a good shovel.  We tried clipping off all the stems and pulling at the roots, but we didn't have enough leverage to get the whole base out.  So, we began raking away the rocks and slowly digging under to expose the roots.  

We came across many problems - the first being the amount of landscaping rock around these bushes.  It is a ridiculous amount, easily three times the amount you actually need.  And it isn't big rock, but little gravel rocks that aren't even pretty.  Mitch raked most of them away, but we had to remove a lot by hand.  The second major problem was the extensive root systems on these bushes.  I couldn't tell you what kind they were, but I know that these teeny, tiny bushes had enormous roots.  We took turns digging and pulling, digging and pulling.  What a mess.  I was completely covered in dirt, as I did most of the hand-digging, and the entire neighborhood got to know me quite well due to my issues with plumber-butt.  Mitch is buying me some Lee overalls to work in the yard for next time.  And we are both paying for the manual labor today, as we are stiff and sore.

BUT, we got all the bushes out.  

The worst part was the clean-up, and here is the reference to the title of this post, as I'm sure you've thought, "Mitch and Tina never ripped bushes out when they were kids!"  And we didn't.  But I certainly did spend many spring days as a kid picking rocks out of the grass.  Which is what we had to do after we destroyed the landscaping.  What a pain in the ass.  I was convinced this terrible chore was something my father made up just to get us out of the house and working.  It was something Winnie and I dreaded doing.  And I still hated doing it yesterday.  Somewhere I know my dad was laughing for a reason he wasn't quite sure of.  

My final thought as we neared the completion of the bush-ripping:  "You know Mitch, this is a little fun when it's your own house, but not that much fun."

We're reconsidering this whole home-ownership thing.  

Random Thoughts

1.  Why are there random turkeys running around a major road in the suburbs?  I almost had a Thanksgiving roadkill.

2.  Why is it so hard to find round or oblong rugs?  Seriously, I can't find even ONE.  

3.  The Leann Chin (Chinese fast food) distribution center is located in the same building as a doggie grooming/boarding house.  Coincidence?  I hope so.

4.  Why do boots have that strip of fabric underneath the zipper?  It just gets caught by accident, and then you have to have two Macy's employees help you get it off your foot and unshaved leg.  Woops.

A Visit from the Morris Crew

Last Friday Mitch and I got our first overnight visitors in the new house - two good friends and former coworkers from MCHS, Cheese Boy and Zany.  We spent the weekend exploring the Twin Cities, as neither had been here before.  

Saturday we started our day at a local bar and grill, Coopers, where we got to know the bartender, Bev.  Bev has been working at Coopers for years, and is the typical I-don't-take-no-shit old lady bartender.  She's awesome.  At Coopers we enjoyed lunch and moments of the Illinois-Minnesota game.  Tough loss.

To cope with the loss, we drove south to Cannon Falls, a small picturesque town, complete with cute downtown and winery.  

Inside we tasted all that the winery has to offer, which was a lot.  I had tried the wine before this trip - one of my new coworkers lives in Cannon Falls and had given Mitch and I a bottle as a housewarming gift.  This was Cheese Boy's first experience with wine, and I think he liked eating the palate-cleansing oyster crackers more than the wine.  Zany just enjoyed meeting the locals.  

After a brief nap back at the ranch, we headed to Minneapolis for dinner and a stop at Brit's, the lawn-bowling place we had taken Winnie when she had visited.  Sadly, the lawn is closed for the winter. (That's right, winter.  It's almost winter here.)  We settled for drinks and pictures outside.

We spent the rest of the night playing Euchre (the girls totally smoked the boys!) and watching Cheese Boy eat cheese.  Seriously, I've  never seen anyone eat more cheese.

Sunday kept Mitch at home (he is still recovering from his successful bar exam) and the three of us at The Mall for some marathon shopping.  I think they were both impressed.  We had dinner at Cosetta's in St. Paul and then watched Cheese Boy eat MORE cheese while we played cards (and the girls killed the boys again).  

It was so great to see both Zany and Cheese Boy - they gave me the MCHS scoop, made me laugh, and gave me the opportunity to show of my hostess skills.  A new annual event was born!

Happy Hour makes me happy

Enjoying a pint of Summit Oktoberfest at the Muddy Pig in St. Paul while waiting for Zobes and McDogg to show up. For those keeping track with a scorecard they are my best man and groomsman from Minnesota who you didn't recognize at The Wedding back in 2002.

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MEA - The Most Wonderful Conference in the World

In Minnesota, the education world stops in the middle of October for MEA - the Minnesota Teacher's Education Association state conference, which is held in the Twin Cities.  All schools have (at least) two days off so that teachers can attend this conference.  

Since this is all new to me, I began to ask questions:

1.  What type of events are at the conference?

2.  How do I sign up to go?

3.  Do I need to go for the entire time?

My questions were answered:

1.  I'm not really sure - education stuff.

2.  You don't need to sign up, because no one goes.

2.  Again, no one goes.

So, we have two days off to attend a conference that I don't have to go to?  Awesome!  Here's to the MEA!

Sixth Graders are SO Cute!

The Scene:  my seventh period music class.  

The Unit of Study:  keyboarding unit.  Each student is playing on his/her own keyboard, with headphones on.  

Student #1 (whispering to Student #2):  "I had cheese for lunch, and I'm lactose intolerant!"

Student #2 (who still has headphones on and can't really tell how loud he is speaking, so he says VERY loudly):  "You had cheese for lunch, and you're lactose intolerant?!?"

(Entire class is now looking at Student #2, who is talking loud enough for them to hear through their headphones)

Mrs. Tina (quietly):  "Student #2, you really shouldn't say that out loud to the class.  It could embarrass Student #1."

Student #2 (Still with headphones on):  "Huh?"

Mrs. Tina (who takes off Student #2's headphones):  "You really shouldn't share that type of information to the rest of the class when your friend tells you that in confidence."

Student #2:  "Oh, ok.  Thanks.  What's lactose-intolerant?"

Hysterical laughter from Mrs. Tina.  The rest of the kids don't have a clue.  

The kid's legal now

I PASSED THE BAR EXAM!

That is, unless the Minnesota Bar Examiners made a mistake and posted my number on the website incorrectly. If they did then that's just mean.

[UPDATE: I received my official letter and I passed for sure. YAHOO!!!!!]

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The Fruits of our Weekend Labor

Well, we knew a house would be a lot of work.....but I'm exhausted.  Not too tired, though, to show off all of our hard work to the blogosphere.  

I am proud to say that we have two levels of the house unpacked and set up.  There's always the odds and ends to take care of (some sconces to put up in the living room, rugs to be purchased, etc), but for the most part, our main living areas are done.  Whew.  

First, the master/walkthrough bathroom, the main one in the house.  Before it was green with brown wood cabinets:

and the bathroom received a major facelift to brighten it up and make it feel bigger than what it is -

It matches quite well with our master bedroom, but not so well with the brown floor.  Someday we'll change it out.  

The major projects for the weekend took place in the kitchen.  Mitch and our brother-in-law, Mr. Fix-It, worked together to replace the warped & water-damaged particle board shelf under the sink, as well as the plumbing that was damaged.  It looks great!  Sunday they did some major destruction and construction.  They removed the hood and part of the cabinet over the oven, then rebuilt the cabinet and installed a microwave.  Mitch got to visit Mr. Fix-It's dad's wood shop and was totally blown away.  Mr. Fix-It can do just about anything, and does a great job at it!  (Of course, he plays a close second to my dad in terms of fixing things - although he's not here to do all the work.  When are you moving to MN, Dad?)  Anyway, here's the before in the kitchen -  

and after.

While Mr. Fix-It and Mitch worked on the cabinet Sunday, I got to entertain our niece Little Missy.  We are quickly child-proofing the house for her and gathering snacks and toys for her when she's here.  She and I enjoyed several games of Jenga, which she had never played before, and absolutely loved.

She was pretty good at it, too!  Lil' Missy has claimed one of our bedrooms as her own, and so we've designated it the Princess Room, complete with stuffed animals, children's books, and a cabinet in the closet full of toys provided by Grandma Audrey.

Here's the before-

and after.

Finally, we've finished the dining room.  I'm very proud of the curtains, because I got a ridiculous deal on them at Bed Bath & Beyond.  

Before - 

and after.
We're both pretty proud of our newly-acquired Edward Hopper print, which we bought at the Art Institute of Chicago last spring when we went to the exhibit.  He is one of Mitch's favorite artists, and we are certainly glad we splurged to buy two posters, because this one, Chop Suey, goes perfectly in this room.  

Now, if we just build a wall so that we don't have to look at the lower level.........

Winnie's Imitation of the Lawn Bowlers

Reader's Suggestion:  You should read the post below, "Winnie's Trip to the Twin Cities", before watching this clip.  It will make much more sense.  Otherwise, it's just Winnie acting like an idiot and Mitch and I (OK, me) giggling uncontrollably.  Enjoy.  

Winnie's Big Trip to the Twin Cities

A couple of weeks ago, my sister Winnie had a conference in Bloomington, MN, and extended her stay to visit with us for a couple of days.  Her visit coincided with the closing of the house, and so I haven't been able to blog about her trip yet.  I know she's been anxiously waiting to view her trip on the blog, which is interesting considering Winnie has never checked the blog or contributed at all.  I believe her actual words when we discussed this were, "Well, the blog is only interesting when it's about me!".  Typical.  

Anyway, one of the first things we did with Winnie was close on the house.  Could we be any more excited?

We went inside to celebrate the closing with some champagne.  Mitch enjoyed the champagne...

 
I really enjoyed the champagne....

and Winnie was practically bursting with joy.

After the closing, we ventured into St. Paul to do a little bit of sightseeing and eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Cosetta's.  It's this great Italian place where you can get anything, and has a full deli and bakery attached.  It is totally awesome, and if anyone comes to visit, we'll surely take you.  We had a smorgasbord of Italian beef and Caesar salad - 

and pizza (definitely the best in the Twin Cities - it gives any other pizza serious competition).

I think Winnie liked it - she barely said two words while she shoveled it in.

On Saturday, we had a lazy morning, then went for a long walk (Mitch stayed in bed) and moved a couple of things over to the house.  We then went into Minneapolis to do a little shopping.  Our first (and only) stop was to Macys, where we were on the hunt for a new purse for Winnie.  The last (and only) purse that Winnie bought was easily four years ago, and she's used it every day since.  It was totally falling apart and she's needed one for a while, but saved her purse-shopping for when she came to visit me.  Isn't she sweet?  Anyway, we found one suitable to her needs, then went to have dinner at Brit's, a restaurant and pub downtown.  The food was typical English-pub stuff, and was very good.  The highlight (or lowlight for some of us there) was Mitch asking the waitress about an item on the menu, listed below.

When the waitress came to take the order, Mitch asks her, "How big are your cod pieces?" and giggled a little bit.  The waitress didn't get it.  And I just rolled my eyes.  :)

After dinner, we adjourned to the upper level of Brits, where they have an open-air deck.  It was a beautiful night to be out, and so I captured a couple of pics on the roof.

You also could see a great view of the skyline from the roof.

The greatest part of the deck is the lawn.  Yes, an actual lawn on a roof.  And in good English fashion, they play lawn bowling! 

Right above the lawn is the main rule for playing, a motto of sorts, that sums everything up - 

Awesome.

Any patron can lawn bowl (you just put your name in), and they also have leagues during the week.  Apparently there's a ten-year wait to even get your team into the league.  While we opted not to play, we did have entirely too good a time watching others.  In particular was a group of four older men nearest us, who we began watching, rooting for, and creating elaborate nicknames for each of them.  

First, we have the Bus Driver,

and then there was Wind Pants, (after every bowl, he would put his thumbs in his elastic waistband pants and adjust.  It was absolutely hysterical, and will be posting a video of Winnie impersonating all four men soon)

Powder was the rowdy one of the group, 

and finally, we have Styles.  His wife, Boof, visited them on the lawn a couple of times.

They were so into the game, they even had tape measures to see who got closest.  

I don't think I've laughed that hard in a really long time.  

Mitch and I had a great time with Winnie, and would be happy to host her and Walshie anytime they wish to visit the Twin Cities.  Hope you're doing well in FL!