It may be late in the game, but I did it:

I'm all signed up to take the MTEL on July 11th.

Why would I be taking the Mass Test for Educator Liscensure you ask? Well, it will put me in the higest pay bracket (for my job) at school, and at this point, I figure I should do as much as I can to make what I do more, well, "official."

Sometimes I think it's odd to be the youngest paraprofessional in the school. Most of the others had stopped working when they had kids, then became involved with the schools while their children were in school too. They hadn't all gone to college for special education, but they all did take the class to become highly qualified. And here's me; getting by with my unhelpful degree and a heapful of on-the-job training.

Taking the test I guess is another way for me to feel that I'm rationalizing (maybe the wrong word?) taking this "job" and making it really start to feel like it's a solid career opportunity, staying in the schools and all. If anything, it'll make me look good on a resume. It'll make me certified, if not certifiable. ;^)

I'm not Irish, but I married one. I'm 95% English. I will be making a dinner that's about as Irish as I am:

Cheddar Ale Soup & 30 Minute Shepard's Pie

I will follow this up by going to a bar with a friend who's some part Scottish.

Tomorrow I will be wearing my necklace with Gaelic on it that my mother-in-law gave me. Hooray beer! (Oh wait, that's Jamaican.)

So I just happened upon a friend of mine on AIM yesterday. I hadn't talked to Jessica since 2004 or so. She had come back to western Mass (after her family let for Peoria, AZ) to complete her Masters in Plant Biology at UMass since she still has fmaily in the area (ie. free place to live).

When she came back to MA, we (being the group of use from high school that were rather inseperable freshman and sophomore years) got together for dinner only once. And even though I tried while she was still in the area, that once was the only time we all got together.

I've tried a couple times since then to find her. Especially with the advent of Myspace and Facebook, yet to no avail. And randomly, yesterday, there she was on AIM.

Since we last talked, we'e both found our careers (well, me kinda mostly), gotten married. Jess has a 7 month old at home. And now the kicker - she now lives in Connecticut. Geeze, only an hour away.

So yeah, all this has gotten me thinking about friends lost along the way, friends found and all that jazz.

Time, wow.

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Got married!

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? "For 2008, I'm going to take better care of my health - try to drink more water, eat more regularly and better, etc." Meh, still need to make it a point to drink more water. In 2009 I will go back to school. No ifs ands or buts.

Did anyone close to you give birth? Well there's Becca-Anne, Teddy, Eva and Cecelia, and Faith!

Did anyone close to you die? My grandfather died in July, very sad. We all miss him.

What countries did you visit? The United Lands of Wedding Confusion.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More home-made dinners at home.

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 21st, our wedding day! :^D

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Managing to balance work a little better at the end of the year.

What was your biggest failure? Not being home to be with my niece as she gets bigger, but right now it can't be helped.

Did you suffer illness or injury? Had more migraines.

What was the best thing you bought? Wedding dress, rings, honeymoon!

Where did most of your money go? See above. ;^)

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Neice! Marriage! Family!

What song will always remind you of 2008? Um, the Guitar Hero playlist?

Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? "By far, happier." Fifth time's a charm, right? :^D

What do you wish you'd done more of? See more of my family.

What do you wish you'd done less of? Just sitting around the apartment, I need to be reading more again.

Did you fall in love in 2008?</b> With my neice!

How many one-night stands? None.

What was your favorite TV program? I failed TV, our TiVo broke.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I just dislike ("hate") the choices the SpEd Department at school makes...

What was the best book you read? Jeffery Archer's "False Impression" It was a good concept, but not as well exectued as I hoped.

What was your greatest musical discovery? That the Bosstones and Dropkick Murphy's in concert on my birthday was great!

What did you want and get? Married!

What did you want and not get? Slippers for Christmas.

What was your favorite film of this year? The one I remember best was "The Other Boelyn Girl."

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 27. Went to the stadium tour of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Dropkick Murphy's and rolled my ankle.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? "Not being so dang poor/underappreciated in my line of work." I'll say the same this year, because I love my job, it just can't be a career.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Sad, too much semi-professional. I'd rather be in my jeans all the time.

What kept you sane? My hubby.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Our president elect.

What political issue stirred you the most? The election - because when you can have meaningful conversations about the election with your 85 yr old grandmother, you know it's important.

Who did you miss? Emily, I need to call her right now actually.

Who was the best new person you met? More of the Museum girls.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008? There's a reason people get married, and that angry guy at the post-office who wouldn't mail our invitations and said "What do you want to do that for?" Well he can suck it. ;^)

Hurricane of 1938

For all you history/film buffs. I found this too cool to pass up - especially for my first Livejournal post since last December. ;^)

How weird is it that I'll be celebrating Easter by throwing a Baby Shower for my younger sister? :^) ...oh yeah, and that she's due in like 2 weeks?

My aplogies for not keeping current, but really, I am watching you all... ;^)

Sadly, I already know that many of you will blow this out of the water:

46

You Are a White Wine Woman

Breezy and casual, you know how to have fun when you're drinking. And even though you can kick back with a few drinks, you never let things get out of hand. Alcohol is not a social lubricant for you... it just enhances your already sparkling personality. You prefer to date a man who is optimistic, friendly, and funny.

I loved this - I *am* a white wine drinker! Funny though, I think I'm going out for beer tonight, oh well. :^)

What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before? Got engaged and got a cat! :^D

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? "for 2007 I resolve to take better care of my finances.." I think I accomplished this somewhat having online banking now, at least I'm more aware about what little money I have. For 2008, I'm going to take better care of my health - try to drink more water, eat more regularly and better, etc.

Did anyone close to you give birth? Not this year, but next year this space will be all about my niece to-be, Becca-Anne!

Did anyone close to you die? My great aunt Ruth died, but just my parents and grandparents went to the funeral.

What countries did you visit? Blah, blah to name places that are technically in the USA but feel worlds different: I will add Taos, New Mexico to the list that also contains New Orleans and Berkley, CA.

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? A vehicle accident free year, and that's all I'm going to say about that.

What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? August 16th, the day Jon proposed in our kitchen! :^D

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having our school's Speech/Language person pull me aside and tell me that she wanted to involve me more because she valued/recognized good things I was doing with our kids, now if only we could have really arranged that.

What was your biggest failure? We'll just say driving.

Did you suffer illness or injury? Had a serious run-in with asthma in March, but since we moved into the new school I've been way healthier.

What was the best thing you bought? Plane tickets to AZ and NM to be with Nick and Rachel.

Where did most of your money go? Insurance, other bills, and an inordinate number of wedding presents, hehee. 8 total, I mean really! :^)

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Being in so many weddings this last year, means I have plenty of practice for my own. ;^)

What song will always remind you of 2007? Hmm, I'll say anything by Neil Young because I was berated a lot for not liking/appreciating him enough. :^P

Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? "By far, happier." Fourth time's a charm, right? :^D

What do you wish you'd done more of? Save more money again, and take more pictures at other people's weddings.

What do you wish you'd done less of? Just sitting around the apartment, I need to be reading more again.

Did you fall in love in 2007? I did! With a cat named Newton, never had a cat before, but he's awesome.

How many one-night stands? It felt like it in October for how little Jon was home during the MLB playoffs. If I counted correctly, he was only home 4 nights during the entire month.

What was your favorite TV program? I made it a point to watch "The Office" more regularly, and also the ending of "Scrubs."

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Didn't realize fr a while, but now moreso, how much I disliked my old boss at school.

What was the best book you read? This is sad, I can't remember what I've picked up, but those I do remember, I haven't finished them. That's sad.

What was your greatest musical discovery? That Amy Winehouse did go to rehab? I dunno.

What did you want and get? Engaged!

What did you want and not get? My wedding dress, they didn't have it in stock in my size, but I've bought it!

What was your favorite film of this year? I'll say "Ocean's 13" because I remember going to tthe movies to see it, but I really did like it better than 12.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 26. Jon and I flew to Albuquerque, rode in a PT Cruiser convertible, ate at Sonic (first time ever), bought water shoes for white water rafting, drove to Taos, then celebratd with my friends over a chocolate chip cookie cake and boozie fruit, it was FABULOUS!!!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not being so dang poor/underappreciated in my line of work.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Semi-business casual, still clothes I don't mind getting snack or papermachaie on.

What kept you sane? Jon and my mom.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Stephen Colbert's done fun things this year.

What political issue stirred you the most? MA education reform, went to an Early Education For All town meeting with my mom to see Deval Patrick.

Who did you miss? Nick and Rachel, especially because we became better friends just as they were about to move away.

Who was the best new person you met? I met them last year, but we became friends this year so I'll throw Liz and Sarah from the museum here.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007? My life lessons from this last year aren't anything you haven't heard before.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "This ain't a scene"

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Went to San Francisco and moved in with a boy. ::gasp!::

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? It looks like I didn't have one for last year, but for 2007 I resolve to take better care of my finances and become more fiscally responsible. Ha.

Did anyone close to you give birth? The ladies of WWLP - Latoyia Edwards, Michelle Smith, and Marianne Ward...

Did anyone close to you die? Not that I can think of, which means they weren't close.

What countries did you visit? In the trend of last year, to name places that are technically in the USA but feel worlds different, I will say Berkley, CA.

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? I've gotten an awful lot this year, but I will add that I'd like to be really looking/going to school to become an SLP.

What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day when Jon took all of his sports jerseys out of the bedroom closet so I could have a closet when I moved in.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Raising $1000+ for a second year in a row for autism research.

What was your biggest failure? Not taking care of my money better at the end of the year.

Did you suffer illness or injury? Geeze, the last 4 months I've been sick! Asthma, strep, colds... all kid and environment related.

What was the best thing you bought? The baker's rack from Megan, otherwise Jon and I wouldn't have anywhere to put our food!

Where did most of your money go? Rent, insurance, Christmas presents, hehee.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? San Francisco and moving in with Jon (which was in the planning stages sicne February).

What song will always remind you of 2006? Hmm

Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? "By far, happier." Third time's a charm, right? :^D

What do you wish you'd done more of? Save more money.

What do you wish you'd done less of? Worrying about whether or not everyone else is happy, I'm turning into my grandmother.

Did you fall in love in 2006? "Still am, unless you include how much better things continue to get." Wow. Yeah. :^D

How many one-night stands? No more! We live together!

What was your favorite TV program? Really got into "Mythbusters" and "Dirty Jobs" this year.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? "Well, there's always people to dislike." I'm gonna leave it with last-last-last year's quip. (Wow, I've been doing this for a while!)

What was the best book you read? Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick, also read Revenge of the Whale also by Philbrick; if you're noticing a nautical theme it's because I read a *lot* when I was at the Whaling Museum Store kiosk!

What was your greatest musical discovery? CDs from Christmas which I haven't had the chance to listen all yet (Beatles "Love", Christina Aguilera, Buddy Rich, Dukes of Dixieland).

What did you want and get? Jon! (Almost) All the time!

What did you want and not get? We're working on this. ;^)

What was your favorite film of this year? Pirates because I don't think I saw a lot of movies this year.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 25. Oh my goddess - The Hangar, around 15 friends, 3 maragaritas with Cuervo, 1 margarita with Petron, people driving me home, it was a FANTASTIC night and a pretty miserable morning. :^D

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being able to support myself while only working at school, totally not possible.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? Whatever I can wear to work that I don't mind my kids drooling/painting/shmutzing on like last year, but at Oxford I'm only allowed to wear jeans on Fridays. I hate khakis!!!

What kept you sane? Jon.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Jon Stewart when I saw him host an autism fundraiser on Comedy Central.

What political issue stirred you the most? MA state elections.

Who did you miss? All those people I used to see all the time in Western Mass!

Who was the best new person you met? Co-workers at school and Dione.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006? Hmm, I guess I can say I just took all I learned from the last couple of years with me to my new school and it's all been hugely valuable.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "The more we get together - together - together - the more we get together, the happier we'll be..."

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.


2. You watched the Pound Puppies.


3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton


4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.


5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.


6. You can still jam to the theme song for Thundercats. Thunder, Thunder, THUNDERCATS, OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!!



7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom


8. Two words: Hammer Pants


9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"


10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect


11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales" (Woo ooh!)


12. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday.

Kids IncorporatedK-I-D-S

13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.


14. You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen..and still know the turtles names.


15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.


16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

17. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)


18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.


19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?


20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten. (She's Truly Outrageous.)


21. You remember reading Tales of a fourth grade nothing and all The Ramona books.


22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"


23. You wanted to be a Goonie.


24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)


25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.


26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.


27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.


28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.


29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.

30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.


31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.


32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hook up.


33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.


34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.


35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"


36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"


37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.


38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.


39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.


40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.


41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.

42. You remember Popples.


43. Don't worry, be happy


44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.

45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do..getting yelled at by younger hip members of the family)

46. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.


47. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.


48. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"


49 You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & My Little Pony Tales



50. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.


51. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.


52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"


53. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.


54. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.


55. You just sang those words to yourself.

56. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.


57. Homemade Levi shorts.. (the shorter the better)



58. You remember when mullets were cool!


59. You had a mullet!

60. You still sing "We are the World"


61. You tight rolled your jeans.


62. You owned a bannana clip.


63. You remember "Where's the Beef?"


64. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"

65. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.


66. You're still singing "SHOT THROUGH THE HEART" in your head, aren't you!

PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO GREW UP IN THE 80s or Early 90s!!!

ROCK ON!!!

To repost this, hit reply to bulletin and copy from there or the pictures won't repost. Then go to Post Bulletin and paste it there

[Julie's Note: there were so few that I didn't know! Man, this is the best list ever. :^) Might I just add; I remember the Turtles *movie* because they had the red carpet premiere in *Northampton,* my JEM doll had a switch on her back to turn on the earrings (synergy!), and I never got the cool fads til the very end like LA Gear or Hypercolor (or I got knockoffs), and whenever I tried the shirt clip, rolled socks, side ponytail, banana clips, or tight rolled jeans I looked just as goofy as ever. And if I ever get early onset arthristis in my hands I'll blame it on the friendship bracelets.]

Hey all, I'm putting out another call for help with the 2006 Greater Western Massachsuetts Walk for Autism Research.

Click here to check it out and/or donate.

Just a note on the most recent news I've heard: It's now been tallied that 1 in 125 in MA are diagnosed with autism. The national rate is 1 in 166. Even 1 in 166 is too high, we need to find out what's going on with this increasing epidemic of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

And if the timing is wrong financially for a donation, please think about passing the info along to whomever you know in real lifeor digitally.

I really appreciate it everyone! Thanks a million. :^)

Be warned, the myriad of autism walk related posts are forth coming!


Research is needed!:


Here's how autism affects you:
* 1 in 166 births
* 1 to 1.5 million Americans
* Fastest-growing developmental disability
* 10 - 17% annual growth
* Autism Spectrum Disorders occur in 1-2 or more of every 500 births and 3-4 times more often in boys.
* Autism is a developmental disability thought by scientists to have a genetic origin.
* A family that has a biologically related relative with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more likely to have a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than a family without this history.
* Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
* 75-80% of persons with Autism also have mental retardation.
* Autism is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.
* Early intensive behavioral intervention has been shown to produce marked changes in the skill deficits and problem behavior associated with Autism.


Here's the link to my Walk Donation page
Thanks in advanced, more info to come also!

I made a me! I saw the San Francisco background first and had to use it. The Jamba Juice or whatever the heck it is out there was actually purchased in Union City, but I don't think anyone will mind.

And a massive thanks to the loads of you who sent me birthday wishes, you guys all rock and for those that could come to the Hangar, it was a great time!

Now that I have your attention:

My 25th birthday is almost here! And I, like a small child, still thoroughly enjoy birthdays and getting together with as many people as I know to celebrate.

So here's what's up:
Friday. July 14th. 8pm or thereabouts. The Hangar Bar & Grill, Amherst MA.

I want to see as many people as I can. And I know a lot of wonderful people like you! So I'd really really like to see you there so please consider this your invite. :^D