Recent Tidbits

Since I've been severely slacking in the blogging department the past couple of days, I thought I'd warp-speed fill you in on the latest happenings. Here it goes...

On Friday afternoon one of my school kiddies kindly threw up on me, the floor and in the sandbox. By 11 that night, the toilet and I had formed a close relationship. I was well and truly praying to the porcelain Gods, and not even as a result of a cocktail fuelled evening with friends. I felt okay on Saturday, aside from the fact I've also got a cold brewing, but was sick again last night and felt like absolute death this morning. As a result I didn't go to school today, but instead spent all day in my pajama's feeling sorry for myself, popping medicine and trying to sleep this yuckiness off.  At least I know little Lily is capable of sharing...even if it is her stomach bug.

In my school we're really trying hard to reinforce a 'time-out' area, but not necessarily in the context that you may be accustomed to. It isn't a place where we send the kids after we've scolded them for hitting their friend in the head with a Lego or cutting each other's hair...but more a place of 'reflection' where they go if they need 'thinking time' or a place to 'calm down.' While snooping around on Pinterest for "time-out area" idea's I found a link for a Calm Jar tutorial. The idea is that these bottles are filled with glitter, colored water and a little bit of clear glue. When a child is upset or needs a 'time out' they shake the jar and watch all of the glitter settle. The time it takes should provide them with enough time to get their emotions in check. I mentioned it to the deputy head teacher and she LOVED the idea and asked me to make one for each of the Nursery's in the school. I spent this weekend doing that and I'm pleased as punch with how they turned out! They look darker in the pictures than they really are (in person they're more of a light blue color). I can't wait to bring them in for the kids to see tomorrow. 

At the beginning of the week I hit a small child in the head with a glue stick. When I asked her if she was OK she replied: "I have a little brother and he likes Lego's." I'm worried about two things. 1) that I may have caused some sort of damage and 2) I'm the worst teacher on the planet for clocking one of my kids in the head. Must try harder not to do that in the future...

On Saturday I did the impossible and found a place that sold Cheetos here in England. When I saw that bright orange wrapper I heard angels sing and I very nearly did a happy dance in the middle of the shopping center. Now, I understand these aren't diet friendly, not in the SLIGHTEST, but I haven't had Cheetos in 4 years so I just couldn't pass up this American junk food gobbling opportunity. Carl tried them for the first time and has become addicted. In fact, he ate more than I did and I think this is another American perk he's excited to enjoy come the end of July.

The hubby and I ventured to Formby and spent Saturday night at his parents. It's always nice to go there and visit with them. They're like my adopted English Mom and Dad and spending time at their house helps to get rid of some of my homesickness. As usual, we were spoiled rotten and Carl's Mom even woke us up Sunday morning in the most adorable and lovely way possible. With breakfast in bed! This was my first EVER breakfast in bed experience and it was well and truly awesome. Thanks Mama Lynne, you're the best and we love you xoxo

My lips are so chapped now that they look like the San Andreas Fault. Totally not attractive and I clearly have no will power as I cannot stop licking them and making it worse.

I found this picture this weekend and laughed out loud. Hopefully you'll do the same. I just love knowing that in order for this picture to have been taken, somewhere in the world this really happened. Awesome.

Seeing this Barbie chicken reminds me, Carl and I are finally embarking on the adventures of crock-pot dinners. Growing up I wasn't ever really a fan of them. Not because the crock-pot dinners my Mother made were bad, but because they were usually casseroles, beef roasts or stew type dinners. I'm not a huge fan of any of the above. But I found BOATLOADS of wonderful crock-pot recipes on Pinterest (seriously, my addiction with this site is on the verge of pathetic now) and even stumbled upon Stephanie O'Dea's blog: A Year of Slow Cooking where, as you can imagine, you can find LOADS of yummy recipes. Tonight Carl and I decided to try Crockpot Barbecue Chicken  and it was unbelievably yummy. We had it with these Spicy Oven Fries and basically licked our plates clean. I'd highly recommend trying either of these recipe's. My only suggestion would be to cook the chicken on low for 2.5-3 hours instead of the suggested 3-4. 

This evening the city of Liverpool is eerily similar to a scene right out that horror movie The Fog. It's unbelievable how thick and gloomy it is. I can't see anything out of our windows aside from the faint glowing from street and car lights. I sincerely hope it's better by morning or the entire way to the train station I'll be fearing for my life in anticipation of being mauled by zombies. Here are some snap shots of the fog coming across the Mersey River at sunset. See if you can spot bits of the massive cargo ship that is docked in the water...

This is what it looks like outside the window now...3 hours later.

Well folks, there you have it. A quick recap of recent events in the world of Amanda. Nothing too interesting or exciting as of late I'm afraid. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this week has more to offer. Be sure to stay tuned, by Friday I could have been bungee jumping, tried a bit of jelly fish tentacle or hiked up Mt. Everest. Either way, I'll be sure to keep you informed.