Positive Thoughts

I know in times like this, it's hard for me to even wrap my mind around what's happening, HOW this is happening, and also grappling with the feelings of helplessness that I have.

It's easy to get bogged down by the negative, and the overwhelming feelings of sadness.

But, sometimes we all need something that will shift our perspectives in the direction of positive, even if it's a slight shift. I found some comfort in these words from Patton Oswalt that I saw on facebook yesterday and thought I would share, in case they help someone else be able to shift their perspective into the positive:

"Boston. Fucking horrible. 

I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."

But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths. 

But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."

Sometimes I need help remembering that there IS a lot of good out there. And even though I am kind of helpless to make things any different in Boston right now, I can make a change, and make a conscious effort to do something positive, even if it's something small, to make someone else's day feel less scary or uncertain. And continue to focus on being thankful for the days that I have and the people in my life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and those who were hurt, maimed or killed in this senseless act.

And, just because I really need to say it, screw the a**holes who did this.

Stunned, Helpless

More and more, almost on a daily basis, I wonder what the hell the world is coming to.

Is this really the world that I'm going to one day bring children into?

Senseless acts of violence. Destruction. Hatred.

I sit here absolutely stunned. What is wrong with our world that we are breeding people who think that random acts of violence are ok? That this is the way to get attention, by carrying out some sick and twisted "goal." 

I don't understand. But, in this moment, and in the moments surrounding these ever-growing stories in the news, I'm afraid for our future. Absolutely terrified.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in Boston. 

And my prayers go out to the people in the world who make horrific plans like this. May God heal your damaged souls, and replace the hatred in your hearts. 

This is my helpless prayer.

Busy/Fun Weekend

It's Monday and we don't have kids today, but for some reason, we weren't allowed to work from home. So I drove in to work today, to sit in front of my computer, and do progress reports all day. I could just as easily have done this from the comfort of my home, in my sweats, without wasting gas/time to drive in, all with the Today show in the background. But....I'm not bitter....(riiiiiight).

Anyway, this weekend was an absolute blast! I feel like I still need some extra sleep to recover from it all!

Friday night we went out to celebrate P!nky turning the big 3-0 (happy actual birthday today, girl!). We went to a dueling piano bar in National Harbor to celebrate and it was a LOT of fun. Great music, tons of fun people, and this ball of cuteness:

I also got to see her sisters--it's been WAY too long since I've seen them, and meet P!nky's parents (oh em gee, her parents are ADORABLE!!!!)

MG and I had a fab time, and even got a facebook profile-worthy photo that night!

All in all, good time!

Saturday Cooper woke me up whimpering to go out at 7:45, so I did that, and then motivated myself to FINALLY get my emissions inspection done on my car. When I got back MG said he wanted to go to the driving range to try out his new clubs so I took that opportunity to get a much needed pedicure! Came home and decided to clean out our hall closet of my shoes and donated 7 pairs!!! And then did a little more cleaning of our regular closet and got rid of about 8 shirts, too. And that was all before noon!

MG's friend and his new wife were nearby at the dog park so they stopped by so that we could all meet, and our dogs played a bit. Then we had to get ready to go to an engagement party for MG's friend. I took this opportunity to rock my new chevron dress and wedges, and it was a hit! I felt super cute (thanks Genna for helping me find that belt!!)

I'm slouching a little in the pic cuz my wedges made me a teeny bit taller than MG haha

We had a drama-free night of fun! It's been a bit since we saw MG's group of friends between my bday up in NY and going to PR and then Philly, we haven't been around much, so it was great to see everyone.

And then yesterday was errands, took Coop for a long walk since the weather was to die for this weekend, and chilled at home. I also decided to order the Kindle paperwhite. My Kindle was doing something funny with this book I'm reading, where parts of the page, or a couple of lines of text are missing. Anyone have this happen to them? It's happened 3 times in the book I'm reading. And THAT got me to buy the Paperwhite (even tho it probably has nothing to do with my device) haha. I'm looking forward to it coming on Wednesday!

And now, I'm off to do progress reports in my window-less office. Wah.
  

Friday's Letters

Last week on Friday I confessed, this week I'm writing letters!

Dear AC Unit,I know I said earlier this week that I was happy I didn't have to turn you on, but 3 days of high 80s-low 90s made that impossible. And then you stopped working. We just got you "fixed" last July. Why can't you just work???

Dear Blossoms, it was really nice to get to see you, and not have to fight crazy traffic to get into DC. MG had the brilliant idea to get our workout in by walking into the city. It was a trek, but your blossoms were worth the sweat!

Dear car window shade, (or as I like to call you "the window-thing-that-prevents-Jenn-from-burning-her-butt-on-her-leather-seats), thanks for shading my seats. My thighs appreciate not being turned into sizzling pieces of bacon when I get in the car after a hot day.

{via}

Dear 'Ready For Love,' I'm digging the whole show and the idea behind the show. I'm curious to see how the rest of the season plays out. You may just have hooked me on another show.....(MG smacks his head in dismay lol)

Dear Toes, I promise I'll be getting you a pedicure soon. Hopefully this weekend. I know you need it!

Dear Weekend, I'm glad that you're finally here, and that WE are finally in town. No travelling, packing bags, etc. It's a busy weekend, with fun stuff, but it's nice to be able to go to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day.

Dear Bravo, why don't you have full episodes available online? Having Real Housewives on in the background while I do my progress notes during the day would make it SO much more entertaining!

Dear P!nky, Happy early birthday! So excited to go out and celebrate your big 3-0 tonight! You've been a great friend, and I feel really lucky to have you in my life! 


Hope you have some fun/relaxing stuff planned for the weekend! And make sure your taxes are done!! Come Monday, Uncle Sam wants his money! :)

The things kids say...

It's no secret. When you work in a school, you are bound to hear some really funny things.

I've done posts before with the funny things kids say to me. I keep a list at my desk when something funny happens so I can remember it.

Here are a couple recents:

{via}

When walking to my office with a small group of kids, one of my students randomly asks me "Is there blood in everyone's nose?"

Not really knowing how to respond to this, I said something along the lines of, "Well, there is blood under the skin, so yeah I guess there is."

To which this kid responded, "So that explains why there's red juice up there"

And....I didn't ask any other questions. Mainly because I was afraid.

Another story was from when I was working with my 6th grade boys. We were playing "Apples to Apples" and the card "heavy" came up. (If you don't know how to play, there's a descriptor card and you have to use the cards in your hand to try and find something that describes the other card).

As soon as the card was placed down, the kid says, "My Mom used to date a guy named Heavy. She had his name tattoo'd on her back"

{via}

Again, I did not ask questions.


I heard two students walking in the hallway from inside my office. One of them says to the other, "Pretend you're Draco...." (from Harry Potter). I really wanted to know where the rest of that convo was going but they were walking away. I have a feeling it would have been pretty interesting.

{via}

At a meeting with one of my Preschool kiddos parents, the girl's mom was saying how she has a princess tea set, and she will go up to her dad and say "Daddy, it's princess time!"
Nothing funny about this, it's just SO cute!

And, that's all I have for kid stories today. I'm keeping my list, though, so hopefully I'll have some more entertaining stories for you coming up!

WILW and Oh How Pinteresting

It's another Wednesday, so let's link up with Michelle and Jamie, shall we?

I'm loving that it's FINALLY warmer in the DC area. Given, at this point, it feels like we skipped Spring entirely and jumped right into Summer, but the temps are supposed to be more Spring-like soon! I get to wear flip flops, so I'm ok with it!

I'm loving that my allergies are getting slightly more under control, despite the sky high pollen counts. I love love love this weather....I just hate the sneezies, sniffles and itchy eyes that accompany it!

I'm loving that MG and I had a great weekend up in PA with his family. Love spending time with all of them, and absolutely adore how supportive they all are of us.

I'm loving driving to work in the mornings with my sunroof open...and not having to worry about getting frost bite :)

I'm loving that tv shows are coming back and being more regular. For a while there it seemed like there were a few weeks where there was nothing on (other than my Bravo shows...yay Bravo!), or it would be on one week and then off for two weeks. I like consistency! :)

I'm loving that I get to celebrate my good buddy, Pinky, turning 30 this weekend! Should be tons of drama-free fun--just the way I like it!

I'm loving that I FINALLY got the MailApp for gmail, after waiting over 2 weeks for the stupid thing to download. So far, I'm liking it...just finding it totally weird to see nothing in my Inbox when I'm on gmail.

I'm loving not needing the heat or the air conditioning to run in our condo, and sleeping under a fan going at full speed. Heaven!

And, as always, I'm loving Pinterest and all of its goodness!

This week I've been pinning...

I LOVE this skirt. It screams "Spring" and "Summer" and I really want it!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Almonds

Oh hello, delicious looking salad...why don't you hop on into my lunch bag?

I totally need something like this for my ever-growing collection of bracelets

heheh...I love a good pun :)

I hate it when that happens!!

 Check out the other stuff I've been pinning!

Happy Wednesday!!

Tasty Tuesday: Black Bean and Mushroom Enchiladas Recipe

It's been a bit since I've had a recipe post for you, but let me tell you, this one was worth the wait!

My girl Shari over at The Daily Dish has some amazing recipes, and as of yet has not failed me with any of the ones that I've tried. This one included.
This IS a totally meatless dish, however you will be more than satisfied. MG is a meat guy, and he LOVED this dish. (He even asked me, "Does this have any meat in it?" before it was done being made....and that was followed by lots of "oh my God this is SO good" later on.)

Are you dying to make them yet??

What You Need:

-8 tortillas

-1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

-8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
-1 cup shredded mexican cheese (you can use light)
-12 oz enchilada sauce (you'll use most of a can)
-1/2 yellow onion, chopped
-2 cloves of minced garlic (1 tsp from jar)
-1 jalapeno, sliced and de-seeded (or get a jar and use the slices from there like I did)
-1 Tbsp olive oil
-juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp of juice if using a bottle)
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-a dash each of cumin and black pepper
-cooking spray

What You Do:

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Chop the mushrooms and 1/2 of the jalapeno (about 10 slices from a jar). I used a chopper to do it and it made it SUPER easy.
2. Put a large skillet/skillet pan on medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp olive oil to the pan. Add in the onion and garlic and heat until fragrant (about a minute).

3. Add in the other 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil along with the chopped jalapeno, mushrooms and black beans. Then add in the lime juice, garlic powder, cumin and black pepper and stir it all together. Cover the pan for approximately 5 minutes, until the beans soften a bit

4. Take a 9x13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray so the enchiladas don't stick.

5. Microwave the tortillas for about 30 seconds. Then lay each tortilla out and add about 1/4 cup of the mushroom/bean mixture to the center of each tortilla. Fold over the sides and lay the enchilada fold-side down in the baking dish.

6. Once your tortillas are all folded and in the baking dish, pour the enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Top with the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.

7. When it's done baking, add the other 1/2 jalapeno (the slices) to the top. I used slightly more than that since we like a little more kick.

8. Plate it up and enjoy with some sour cream, lettuce, or whatever other toppings you like to eat with your enchiladas!

I LOVED these as leftovers, as the flavors got to sit and blend in some more, making it that much more
yummy-delicious-oh-my-god-I-don't-want-it-to-end tasting!!
Can you tell that I liked it?? :)
So, go get the stuff for this and make it! STAT!