<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314</id><updated>2012-01-21T08:05:32.478-08:00</updated><category term='cooking'/><category term='nostalgia'/><category term='silly'/><category term='articles'/><category term='kaiser'/><category term='discussion'/><category term='animals'/><category term='media'/><category term='babble'/><category term='addiction'/><category term='weekends'/><category term='books'/><category term='DIY'/><category term='lists'/><category term='loss'/><category term='NaBloPoMo'/><category term='shopping'/><category term='mirror'/><category term='change'/><category term='cops'/><category term='crazy'/><category term='intuition'/><category term='nothing'/><category term='America'/><category term='help'/><category term='little things'/><category term='drunk post'/><category term='meditation'/><category term='sex'/><category term='job'/><category term='emotions'/><category term='travel'/><category term='inspiring'/><category term='dancing'/><category term='issues'/><category term='shoe porn'/><category term='family'/><category term='computer'/><category term='internet'/><category term='new life'/><category term='super-mom'/><category term='morning'/><category term='age'/><category term='living'/><category term='faire'/><category term='work'/><category term='gross'/><category term='teaching'/><category term='rant'/><category term='lust'/><category term='friends'/><category term='voting'/><category term='weather'/><category term='camp naughty'/><category term='story'/><category term='meme'/><category term='birthday'/><category term='peace'/><category term='stress'/><category term='cosmetic surgery'/><category term='hot doctor'/><category term='photography'/><category term='thankful'/><category term='divorce'/><category term='tattoo'/><category term='Drew'/><category term='music'/><category term='drunk dial'/><category term='moderation'/><category term='happy'/><category term='CSB'/><category term='battle cry'/><category term='links'/><category term='television'/><category term='passion'/><category term='interview'/><category term='dreams'/><category term='people'/><category term='baby'/><category term='food'/><category term='holidays'/><category term='Dickens'/><category term='disneyland'/><category term='entertainment'/><category term='choices'/><category term='Short Bus'/><category term='standards'/><category term='coffee'/><category term='flowers'/><category term='blogging'/><category term='writing'/><category term='writer&apos;s block'/><category term='love'/><category term='cleaning'/><title type='text'>Ruffles &amp; Ridges</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default?start-index=101&amp;max-results=100'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>317</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1959678736650995062</id><published>2012-01-02T22:35:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-02T22:35:02.622-08:00</updated><title type='text'>George!</title><summary type='text'>Where to begin when telling the story of George....

I suppose the beginning will do.

In April of 2009 Tom and I rented a house together.  After a couple of months we noticed that our back fence seemed be a highway for neighborhood cats and squirrels.  Although the squirrels figured out quite quickly that the dogs who lived in our yard previously were gone, the cats were more skittish, and much </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1959678736650995062/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1959678736650995062&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1959678736650995062'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1959678736650995062'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2012/01/george.html' title='George!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_RcM0uP3tE/TwKfevOLHKI/AAAAAAAAA-8/0bjlIy7_1o0/s72-c/DSCN8639.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-172495290520978602</id><published>2011-12-26T23:03:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-26T23:03:49.672-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Finding Nostalgia</title><summary type='text'>
In the process of packing for our big move, there were a couple of times I noticed CSB going through photos and other nostalgic items, and realized that when I changed my life five(-ish) years ago I purged myself of a lot of memorabilia.  Not only were there a lot of memories I didn't mind not holding onto, but I didn't have a lot of space to store the things associated with memories I did want </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/172495290520978602/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=172495290520978602&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/172495290520978602'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/172495290520978602'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2011/12/finding-nostalgia.html' title='Finding Nostalgia'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBbq98CRn3k/TvlhMnPNMHI/AAAAAAAAA8M/knxlFV3Fi1s/s72-c/Photo1.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7658532888180377865</id><published>2011-12-07T21:08:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-07T21:10:01.850-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Key</title><summary type='text'>

As I sat down to write about the process of moving tonight, I looked at my blog and realized how much has changed since June.  Without getting into the long gory details, I found a new job, and am now teaching elementary school (4th - 6th grade) special education in a new school district.  It is quite different... not just in the age of the students and the amount of time and energy that needs </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7658532888180377865/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7658532888180377865&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7658532888180377865'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7658532888180377865'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2011/12/key.html' title='The Key'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdJD_UjX2-Q/TuA_x9xj0vI/AAAAAAAAA7w/TPTSqCS2pjo/s72-c/photo.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8464822969891085792</id><published>2011-06-16T17:40:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-16T17:40:52.385-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Summertime Blues</title><summary type='text'>
Life is nothing if not a series of endings and beginnings. Many transitions are seamless, and we hardly even notice them, others create a vivid moment in one's memory that even time can not completely erase.

My first day as a teacher I remember waiting eagerly for the bell to ring and the room to fill. I had vague expectations based on some of my past classroom experiences, but when the bell </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8464822969891085792/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8464822969891085792&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8464822969891085792'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8464822969891085792'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2011/06/summertime-blues.html' title='Summertime Blues'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiATSlPTCHU/TfqiVTADnlI/AAAAAAAAA14/dJA2fRxY8tQ/s72-c/teach.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3966955800598658750</id><published>2011-03-08T16:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-03-08T16:18:08.914-08:00</updated><title type='text'>What Teachers Make</title><summary type='text'></summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.ted.com/talks/taylor_mali_what_teachers_make.html' title='What Teachers Make'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3966955800598658750/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3966955800598658750&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3966955800598658750'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3966955800598658750'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2011/03/what-teachers-make.html' title='What Teachers Make'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4061688222813505531</id><published>2010-11-13T23:30:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-14T19:30:39.057-08:00</updated><title type='text'>(Almost) Wordless Weekend: Saturday</title><summary type='text'>



Can't believe how beautiful the weather was at the coast this weekend.  Very nice lunch... outside... with the (almost) birthday boy.  Behind him you can see the Inn where we were staying, and the ocean.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4061688222813505531/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4061688222813505531&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4061688222813505531'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4061688222813505531'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/almost-wordless-weekend-saturday.html' title='(Almost) Wordless Weekend: Saturday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TOCo6i48zpI/AAAAAAAAA1M/iAYxFtI6x1c/s72-c/.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-570946361828940682</id><published>2010-11-12T23:19:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-14T19:25:33.059-08:00</updated><title type='text'>(Mostly) Wordless (Almost) Weekend</title><summary type='text'>Some weeks, Friday definitely counts as weekend...


mmm... Pumpkin Ale...


Chopstick Kid rides again!


The view from the balcony of our room.  Wish we could live here.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/570946361828940682/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=570946361828940682&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/570946361828940682'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/570946361828940682'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/mostly-wordless-almost-weekend.html' title='(Mostly) Wordless (Almost) Weekend'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TOCnDDZ7k4I/AAAAAAAAA1A/bqgTYluc60k/s72-c/hmb+brewing.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6344553429593434699</id><published>2010-11-11T15:33:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-11T15:33:12.823-08:00</updated><title type='text'>What's Your Gimmick?</title><summary type='text'>
As I finished my last bit of homework for the week, I realized it has been months since I spent time just "surfing" through blogs, clicking random links, letting the interwebs lead me on an adventure.  I seem to have just enough time to check in at Facebook and check my email before logging into my class and participating in the mandatory discussions.  Any other time spent in front of the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6344553429593434699/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6344553429593434699&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6344553429593434699'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6344553429593434699'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/whats-your-gimmick.html' title='What&apos;s Your Gimmick?'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNx9BprljkI/AAAAAAAAA08/oFhgq_SHzzA/s72-c/cowbell.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2491408194264022307</id><published>2010-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-10T19:57:31.591-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Recovery</title><summary type='text'>
Four days off....

Tomorrow I write a short paper and I will be done with my homework for the week.  Friday we begin a weekend of rest and relaxation.  One that we both have earned.

I may post over the weekend, I may not.  Either way I will make time to be completely and utterly relaxed for at least 48 hours.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2491408194264022307/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2491408194264022307&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2491408194264022307'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2491408194264022307'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/recovery.html' title='Recovery'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNtphQVSjoI/AAAAAAAAA04/G9Qd2oMVRbw/s72-c/sea-coast-of-northern-california-douglas-barnett.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1570128110507186199</id><published>2010-11-09T18:06:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-09T18:06:56.931-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Some Nights...</title><summary type='text'>
After a day like today I don't feel like coming home and doing homework.

As much as I didn't really want this blog to be a "mommy" blog, I really REALLY didn't want it to become a "teacher" blog.  Yet, at the moment, I really don't have much else to write about.  Maybe after a couple of days off I'll feel like writing.  Although, it is looking like I'll have to do homework this weekend... a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1570128110507186199/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1570128110507186199&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1570128110507186199'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1570128110507186199'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/some-nights.html' title='Some Nights...'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNn990xdz4I/AAAAAAAAA00/p7DbGdTh3oY/s72-c/chaos-0.GIF' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2205596018371157324</id><published>2010-11-08T19:53:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-08T19:53:11.432-08:00</updated><title type='text'>In Case of Emergency</title><summary type='text'> One of the most important lessons (in my opinion) I attempt to teach my students has to do with allowing people to do whatever they are going to do, sitting back, and watching them self-destruct.  You can not control the world, or the events that are happening outside of you so you deal with what you can control: your own behavior.  How one reacts to a situation speaks volumes about who that </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2205596018371157324/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2205596018371157324&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2205596018371157324'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2205596018371157324'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/in-case-of-emergency.html' title='In Case of Emergency'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNi_L8oLZtI/AAAAAAAAA0w/y13-AmurcQQ/s72-c/self-destruct-red-button.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-439808645346043782</id><published>2010-11-07T15:16:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-07T15:16:29.799-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Wordless Weekend: Sunday Edition</title><summary type='text'>

</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/439808645346043782/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=439808645346043782&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/439808645346043782'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/439808645346043782'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/wordless-weekend-sunday-edition.html' title='Wordless Weekend: Sunday Edition'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNcQa1GgiRI/AAAAAAAAA0g/XyYF8ZhHDLA/s72-c/raining..jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4985437596417640233</id><published>2010-11-06T23:28:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-07T08:36:54.063-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Wordless Weekend: Saturday</title><summary type='text'>


</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4985437596417640233/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4985437596417640233&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4985437596417640233'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4985437596417640233'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/wordless-weekend-saturday.html' title='Wordless Weekend: Saturday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNbVD15uOpI/AAAAAAAAA0U/QDOkzFG_vqc/s72-c/bart-train.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2231470665759306915</id><published>2010-11-05T21:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-05T21:59:59.632-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sleep Talking</title><summary type='text'>Just woke up... on the couch... obviously talking in my sleep.  CSB was pretty confused by what I was saying, and all I remember is feeling the need to explain something.

Yes, it has been a long week.  Yes, I'm tired.  Yes, there will be sushi tomorrow.  What you need to ask yourself is, am I sleep typing right now?</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2231470665759306915/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2231470665759306915&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2231470665759306915'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2231470665759306915'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/sleep-talking.html' title='Sleep Talking'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7809265618655544393</id><published>2010-11-04T14:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-04T14:50:26.637-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Another Day, Another WTF</title><summary type='text'>
People have told me that I am crazy for working where I do, with the population that I do, and/or working with teenagers.  Indeed, it takes a certain type of personality to deal with the drama and hormone fueled insanity that teenagers seem to exude (clouds of it!  Think Pigpen from Charlie Brown!!).  However, I have to say the most difficult part of my job is not typically the kids.... it is </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7809265618655544393/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7809265618655544393&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7809265618655544393'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7809265618655544393'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/another-day-another-wtf.html' title='Another Day, Another WTF'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNMqcvJ_-KI/AAAAAAAAA0E/m28mM2LdQVo/s72-c/phone.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1728231163848207964</id><published>2010-11-03T21:32:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-03T21:32:28.187-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Its a Word Now...</title><summary type='text'>
I think facebook is partly to blame for my non-bloggyness over the last  year or so. All of the brief thoughts that previously might have been  developed into something worthwhile lost to interwebs randomness. I once  thought twitter would be a great 'dumping ground' for brief ideas I  could work out later, yet that didn't seem to work.

Like many others, I originally joined Facebook because a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1728231163848207964/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1728231163848207964&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1728231163848207964'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1728231163848207964'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/its-word-now.html' title='Its a Word Now...'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNDbHYoG7XI/AAAAAAAAA0A/HCapCU0Xn1Y/s72-c/Facebook-001.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6741032534198069881</id><published>2010-11-02T20:12:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-02T20:57:59.959-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Thankful Every Day</title><summary type='text'>I am totally stealing this, but I really love the idea.  A lot of people seem to be planning to post one thing they are thankful for each day this month.  Although I don't think I'll necessarily post something I'm thankful for each day (although Thankful Thursday has a nice ring to it), I think the concept is really nice.  There are so many things I am thankful for, each and every day.

A </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6741032534198069881/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6741032534198069881&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6741032534198069881'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6741032534198069881'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/thankful-every-day.html' title='Thankful Every Day'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TNDRKLKGW1I/AAAAAAAAAz8/pX3767UM_Lo/s72-c/BeThankful.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1590233366335725061</id><published>2010-11-01T21:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-01T21:50:16.444-07:00</updated><title type='text'>NaBloPoMo</title><summary type='text'>
There has been quite a lot of buzz surrounding all the Na___Mo of November.  I remember when it was only novel writing month, now there are blogs and beards and podcasts... I love that everyone has a goal for the month.  

I don't know if I should even consider going from posting less than once a month, to daily, but it just doesn't seem like November if I don't try.  So I suppose I'll at least </summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.nablopomo.com/' title='NaBloPoMo'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1590233366335725061/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1590233366335725061&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1590233366335725061'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1590233366335725061'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/11/nablopomo.html' title='NaBloPoMo'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TM-Udui3iNI/AAAAAAAAAz4/RAHZYIQ1XIQ/s72-c/nablopomo10.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-178808733167335316</id><published>2010-06-18T21:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-06-18T21:31:07.567-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Valedictorian</title><summary type='text'>
Since I began teaching in the fall of 2008, the credentials analyst for my school district has reminded me multiple times that according to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act of 2001 I need to have a certain number of college credits to be considered "Highly Qualified" so that I can teach in a specific subject matter.  Apparently, having earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and currently </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/178808733167335316/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=178808733167335316&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/178808733167335316'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/178808733167335316'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/06/valedictorian.html' title='Valedictorian'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/TBwaLm2CMxI/AAAAAAAAAzg/J8qoxGzS7Ak/s72-c/DSCN8647.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6959703967812031632</id><published>2010-04-13T21:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-04-13T21:48:02.418-07:00</updated><title type='text'>*blink* shiny! *blink* ooooh! *blink* what?</title><summary type='text'>
I can't count how many days of spring break I spent looking at a blinking cursor.  I want to post, I even attempt to post, but for some reason this bout of writer's block has lasted longer than most.

I miss blogging regularly.  I miss sitting down in front of my computer and not having any idea what I was going to write about, yet typing until it started to flow.  Once the words started coming,</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6959703967812031632/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6959703967812031632&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6959703967812031632'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6959703967812031632'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/04/blink-shiny-blink-ooooh-blink-what.html' title='*blink* shiny! *blink* ooooh! *blink* what?'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/S8VFrExYXPI/AAAAAAAAAzU/_egh3G2y9AQ/s72-c/luxeed_keyboard.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1639311195266483119</id><published>2010-03-13T21:36:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-03-13T21:36:54.340-08:00</updated><title type='text'>O Hai</title><summary type='text'>
Imagine my surprise this morning when I logged into my blog to add a link and noticed that my latest post was dated 2009.  I was shocked.  2009!  That is SO last year!

How has this happened?  How could so much time have passed?  I'm an English teacher who forces my students to write in a journal every day, and yet I can't seem to post once in two and a half months.  That can't be right.

It </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1639311195266483119/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1639311195266483119&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1639311195266483119'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1639311195266483119'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2010/03/o-hai.html' title='O Hai'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/S5x1sGE_-3I/AAAAAAAAAy0/pDyugx5dh7M/s72-c/o+hai.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5608801231765388252</id><published>2009-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-31T18:20:58.136-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Now</title><summary type='text'>

At a time when many people are waxing nostalgic, writing blogs about the past year, or creating top ten lists and resolutions, I feel kinda silly writing the obligatory New Year's Eve post.

I could easily write about what a wonderful year it has been, but I feel I've already done that.  If you want to read about all the great things that have happened in my life over the last year, you could </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5608801231765388252/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5608801231765388252&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5608801231765388252'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5608801231765388252'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/12/now.html' title='Now'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sz1b3XnAmaI/AAAAAAAAAyE/l6nNkIDBpHg/s72-c/top+hat.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1656075176528659355</id><published>2009-12-24T21:12:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-24T21:12:30.041-08:00</updated><title type='text'>'Tis The Season</title><summary type='text'>


Stuck somewhere between my heart and my head is a Christmas post.  It has been bouncing back and forth, working itself out, attempting to form coherent ideas and sentences for the last week or so.

I feel a bit like the Grinch this year... not the beginning of the movie grumpy Grinch, but the end of the movie Grinch after his heart has grown three times its original size.  It feels like it has</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1656075176528659355/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1656075176528659355&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1656075176528659355'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1656075176528659355'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/12/tis-season.html' title='&apos;Tis The Season'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SzQ_z8lal7I/AAAAAAAAAx0/w7SfgVoTv3E/s72-c/tree+04+crop.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3785655854670858909</id><published>2009-12-18T20:48:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-19T20:54:42.467-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Zombie Love</title><summary type='text'>


I know it sounds silly, but having the opportunity to be a zombie last Sunday night was one of the highlights of my life.

Having heard a "rumor" early Sunday morning about a zombie flash mob happening after close at Dickens, I quickly filed it away under "amusing notes for the day," and didn't really think much of it.  Throughout the day I really didn't hear anything else, and for the most </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3785655854670858909/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3785655854670858909&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3785655854670858909'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3785655854670858909'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/12/zombie-love.html' title='Zombie Love'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SycDKBFbrvI/AAAAAAAAAxg/42k-wknlE-Q/s72-c/zombies+01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3116559498081540798</id><published>2009-12-04T18:44:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-04T18:44:51.337-08:00</updated><title type='text'>CSB to the Rescue</title><summary type='text'>

It is Friday.
I came home to all kinds of amazing and wonderful...
But just now, I noticed the above... even though I've been sitting next to it for a couple of hours now.
It is the best laugh I've had all day.
</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3116559498081540798/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3116559498081540798&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3116559498081540798'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3116559498081540798'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/12/csb-to-rescue.html' title='CSB to the Rescue'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SxnFzBoYQmI/AAAAAAAAAxY/DdNX4D16_40/s72-c/CSB+Rescue.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-381797810210393813</id><published>2009-12-02T20:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-02T20:18:42.866-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Gone Again</title><summary type='text'>

I always assumed that my brother and I, if either one of us were to have kids, would raise our kids together. 

Some years ago, Janet showed up, and was instantly a part of our family.  She was a younger, more cynical, more evil version of me... someone I definitely wanted to be friends with.  Who else can say that about their sister in law?! 

She stuck around for a while, and eventually she </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/381797810210393813/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=381797810210393813&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/381797810210393813'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/381797810210393813'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/12/gone-again.html' title='Gone Again'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sxc7xTQkARI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/-6RSB5xVQ0M/s72-c/thanksgiving+cousins.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8326075548039907304</id><published>2009-11-30T19:14:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-30T20:02:01.774-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Crossing the Finish Line</title><summary type='text'>
  
 The last day of November.
The last day of Thanksgiving break.

Somehow I managed to do *most* of the "extra" work I planned to do over the break today.  I can't say that I'm entirely thrilled with my November posts, but I can say that I posted something every day for 30 days in a row... for the third year in a row.  Not so shabby.  Next year, I'll do better... or, when I realize that I'm not</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8326075548039907304/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8326075548039907304&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8326075548039907304'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8326075548039907304'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/crossing-finish-line.html' title='Crossing the Finish Line'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SxSU9S6PLBI/AAAAAAAAAxI/euhWlfbBG7Y/s72-c/nablofinish.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7021292896744604797</id><published>2009-11-29T20:09:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-29T20:11:30.733-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Homework</title><summary type='text'> 
I have spent all day sitting in this chair... in front of the computer... surrounded by books... writing a paper ... wondering if I have what it takes to make it through this program.

Each month as a new class starts, I think, "okay, if I can just make it through this one, next month will be easier.  I'll have less going on, and it will be easier to focus... so just get through this one."  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7021292896744604797/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7021292896744604797&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7021292896744604797'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7021292896744604797'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/i-have-spent-all-day-sitting-in-this.html' title='Homework'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SxNCm58GezI/AAAAAAAAAxA/1KIevaJ_kkE/s72-c/Hard+Work.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3493177637736780244</id><published>2009-11-28T21:17:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-28T21:17:14.808-08:00</updated><title type='text'>zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz</title><summary type='text'>Great day, although it somehow managed to get hot inside the Cow Palace.  A warm day in San Francisco at the end of November.  I never thought I'd see so many hot sweaty people in the streets of downtown London... in the winter.  It was kind of amusing.

Tomorrow I do homework.

And, maybe write a decent blog. </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3493177637736780244/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3493177637736780244&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3493177637736780244'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3493177637736780244'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.html' title='zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1131829072979749362</id><published>2009-11-27T21:04:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-27T21:04:27.725-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Playing Dress-Up</title><summary type='text'>There is something about dressing up in Victorian era clothing that seems to bring out the chivalrous side of the guys.  Give him a hat, vest, some gloves, cloak, or cane (and in some cases all of it together), and the gentleman who is in there year-round comes to the surface.

I really do love the Dickens Fair.  I have several blogs about it bubbling around in my brain.  But, tonight I am tired,</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1131829072979749362/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1131829072979749362&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1131829072979749362'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1131829072979749362'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/playing-dress-up.html' title='Playing Dress-Up'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3857863073978973572</id><published>2009-11-26T21:50:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-26T21:55:23.331-08:00</updated><title type='text'>PSA: Fire Safety (or: How Giddy Tried to Ruin Thanksgiving)</title><summary type='text'>
I just wanted to watch survivor and finish my glass of wine!  Honestly I did.... that was the plan.  That and to start the lovely fire that CSB left ready to go in the fireplace.

Dinner was wonderful, dessert was lovely, dishes were all washed, and the leftovers tucked away for tomorrow.  CSB decided to run one more errand for the night, tying up a loose end for Dickens Fair this weekend, and I</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3857863073978973572/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3857863073978973572&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3857863073978973572'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3857863073978973572'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/psa-fire-safety-or-how-giddy-tried-to.html' title='PSA: Fire Safety (or: How Giddy Tried to Ruin Thanksgiving)'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sw9oN1AoEjI/AAAAAAAAAw4/sSV418Q_Wi4/s72-c/fire_safety.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1498774617019759989</id><published>2009-11-25T22:23:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-26T08:10:19.464-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My First Thanksgiving</title><summary type='text'>

Tomorrow will be the very first time I have ever hosted Thanksgiving dinner in my home.  I am looking forward to it so much more than I ever thought I would.

Not that the thought had never crossed my mind.  I knew that someday it would be my turn,  I just figured that it would be once my parents were quite a bit older.  But, this year, CSB came up with the idea of having dinner here, with my </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1498774617019759989/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1498774617019759989&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1498774617019759989'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1498774617019759989'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/my-first-thanksgiving.html' title='My First Thanksgiving'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sw4Zvvs3IfI/AAAAAAAAAws/H3Rx0dOqUgg/s72-c/cute+turkey+avatar.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3946327581234559089</id><published>2009-11-24T20:28:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-24T20:28:07.906-08:00</updated><title type='text'>How Did That Happen?</title><summary type='text'>

I nearly forgot about posting today.  I don't know if that is a good sign or a bad sign.  I didn't spend all day with that little buzz in the back of my head harassing me about posting, yet, if one of the goals here was to create a "habit" of posting (they say it takes 21 days to create a "habit"... not sure who "they" are, but I'm sure they are important, and probably smart), one would think </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3946327581234559089/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3946327581234559089&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3946327581234559089'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3946327581234559089'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/how-did-that-happen.html' title='How Did That Happen?'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwyyGRCjYDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/hGvuvM6oKu8/s72-c/butterfly+clock.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6013589090816105634</id><published>2009-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-23T20:08:03.164-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Shopping!</title><summary type='text'>

I started my Christmas shopping today.... this may be a record.  I don't think I've ever started this early.

Every year I plan to start my shopping before Thanksgiving.  Between work and Dickens Fair, I end up so busy that I am running around at the last minute doing all my shopping.  This year won't be much different, but I did buy a couple of things today, and I feel slightly better for </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6013589090816105634/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6013589090816105634&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6013589090816105634'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6013589090816105634'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/i-started-my-christmas-shopping-today.html' title='Shopping!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwtZC1iJahI/AAAAAAAAAwU/icfwqbEsJp4/s72-c/gifts.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8995864526770071837</id><published>2009-11-22T15:57:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-22T15:58:12.561-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Lazy Sunday</title><summary type='text'>

When I was young, I didn't really think I was much of a "family" person.  I was somewhat solitary, hiding away in my bedroom, burying myself in books and music, avoiding all things social and interactive.

This morning, I woke up to my brother and nephew (who are visiting from Indiana) already up and lounging on the couch, CSB in the kitchen making coffee, and not long after my first sip the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8995864526770071837/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8995864526770071837&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8995864526770071837'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8995864526770071837'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/lazy-sunday.html' title='Lazy Sunday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwnP5bQ7kXI/AAAAAAAAAwM/RhcnPvhP46o/s72-c/roaring-fire_657x600.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4405990843980015260</id><published>2009-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-21T13:04:49.888-08:00</updated><title type='text'>At The Beginning</title><summary type='text'>

Here I am, first day of Thanksgiving break... ShortBus and his cousin destroying playing in ShortBus's room, my brother watching football on the couch, me puttering around the house putting away faire stuff that has been sitting out, cutting up random veggies for the boys to snack on, and cooking up some hot dogs for lunch (I knew those dogs would come in handy at some point). 

Savoring the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4405990843980015260/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4405990843980015260&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4405990843980015260'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4405990843980015260'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/at-beginning.html' title='At The Beginning'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwhRNw_7ASI/AAAAAAAAAwE/p98-NFuQkpg/s72-c/lunchtime+01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8084156752507623737</id><published>2009-11-20T21:08:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-20T21:08:03.060-08:00</updated><title type='text'>About the Sex (Sorry Mom)</title><summary type='text'>
Yesterday, I went to the salon for my usual cut and color.  I have been going to the same place for several years and Heather always does a brilliant job. 

As I was sitting in the chair, waiting for the color to set and filling in a crossword puzzle on my iTouch, I happened to overhear a conversation between the stylist and her client in the chair next to me.  They were discussing the fact that</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8084156752507623737/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8084156752507623737&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8084156752507623737'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8084156752507623737'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/about-sex-sorry-mom.html' title='About the Sex (Sorry Mom)'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Swd1NSiE8QI/AAAAAAAAAv8/0OLQCVv2GZo/s72-c/marriage.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6287537421410896547</id><published>2009-11-19T19:37:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-19T19:38:28.006-08:00</updated><title type='text'>High School Drama</title><summary type='text'>

"One day I feel I'm on top of the world
And the next it's falling in on me
I can get back on
I can get back on
One day I feel I'm ahead of the wheel,
And the next it's rolling over me
I can get back on
I can get back on"
                                                     (from "Far Cry" by Rush)
A couple of weeks ago I was told that I needed to change the textbooks for my classes.  At the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6287537421410896547/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6287537421410896547&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6287537421410896547'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6287537421410896547'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/high-school-drama.html' title='High School Drama'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwYOkni_dkI/AAAAAAAAAv0/Ui3nzV9zGf4/s72-c/Sisyphus.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8659972056353499790</id><published>2009-11-18T16:43:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-18T16:43:05.293-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Wordless Wednesday</title><summary type='text'>

Guess who's home for the holiday?!? 
Hooray!  Can't wait to see my brother &amp; nephew!
</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8659972056353499790/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8659972056353499790&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8659972056353499790'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8659972056353499790'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/wordless-wednesday.html' title='Wordless Wednesday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwSTuhlItpI/AAAAAAAAAvk/TI03bnIT7Ao/s72-c/DSCN0699.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8564192448277843040</id><published>2009-11-17T22:13:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-17T22:13:47.035-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Another Year</title><summary type='text'>
Today is CSB's birthday.  (and once again, I say Happy Birthday!)

So, yes, I made a nice dinner, we had yummy chocolate birthday cake, and enjoyed a bottle of wine.  And, as I reflect on another year racing by, I realize that each year we have spent together has been better than the last.  Every day we have the opportunity to spend together is better than the the one before.  I feel so </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8564192448277843040/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8564192448277843040&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8564192448277843040'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8564192448277843040'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/another-year.html' title='Another Year'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwOP3-Yx8ZI/AAAAAAAAAvc/o4h4wtMh6cA/s72-c/birthday+01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1497137576412718771</id><published>2009-11-16T22:03:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-16T22:03:59.690-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Things That Matter</title><summary type='text'>We had a wonderful weekend and I promise to write glowing reviews very soon.

It amazes me every year how the plans for CSB's birthday (which is actually tomorrow) seem to come together, then work out even better than I ever could have imagined.

This year the surprise twist:  wine tasting in a Master Sommelier's personal wine cellar.

I have so much to say about how spectacular our weekend was.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1497137576412718771/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1497137576412718771&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1497137576412718771'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1497137576412718771'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/things-that-matter.html' title='The Things That Matter'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1277217626393940896</id><published>2009-11-15T10:31:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-16T08:35:53.106-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Leave a Message</title><summary type='text'>

Giddy can't come to the computer right now... she's busy enjoying a day at the ocean with CSB.

Please leave a message after the post...</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1277217626393940896/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1277217626393940896&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1277217626393940896'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1277217626393940896'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/leave-message.html' title='Leave a Message'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SwF_S5-vfwI/AAAAAAAAAvM/SedqExx2tRE/s72-c/landis+01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5162109337807497750</id><published>2009-11-14T22:41:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-14T22:41:09.100-08:00</updated><title type='text'>A Dickensian Christmas</title><summary type='text'>

If you haven't done this you should.  It is amazing and wonderful and magical... and exactly what getting in the christmas spirit is all about.

I'll be there.. in all my Victorian finery.  Make time for it...  I promise, it will be worth your while.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5162109337807497750/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5162109337807497750&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5162109337807497750'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5162109337807497750'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/dickensian-christmas.html' title='A Dickensian Christmas'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4280397794143438666</id><published>2009-11-13T16:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T16:18:17.625-08:00</updated><title type='text'>A Night Out</title><summary type='text'>Very much looking forward to this performance tonight:Schick MachineHappy Friday everyone!</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4280397794143438666/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4280397794143438666&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4280397794143438666'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4280397794143438666'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/very-much-looking-forward-to-this.html' title='A Night Out'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sv33BcdU1DI/AAAAAAAAAu8/LutfGesQaB0/s72-c/schick+machine.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-11362369254054549</id><published>2009-11-12T17:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-12T22:04:51.401-08:00</updated><title type='text'>His Two-Cents</title><summary type='text'>Those of you who know CSB are fully aware that he has some ideas and opinions on things.  If you've ever asked for his input, you likely received quite a bit of information.  It is one of the (many) things I love about him... he knows things about stuff, and if you ask he isn't afraid to tell you.This morning, I opted to wear my leather jacket to work.  On my way to pick up my attendance sheets, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/11362369254054549/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=11362369254054549&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/11362369254054549'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/11362369254054549'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/his-two-cents.html' title='His Two-Cents'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvzvFyiJsaI/AAAAAAAAAu0/zsTg4BOImXE/s72-c/pennies.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3677057157325969242</id><published>2009-11-11T16:24:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-11T19:17:47.221-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Where The Wild Things Are (possible spoilers ahead)</title><summary type='text'>We just returned home from seeing Where The Wild Things Are, and I am feeling quite deflated about the whole thing.  I know, a book with only 339 words leaves a lot of room for interpretation over the space of an hour and a half.  I expected it to be a little dark, but also a little more lighthearted... ya know, like a kid's movie about "Wild Things" ought to be.I didn't expect it to be so dark </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3677057157325969242/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3677057157325969242&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3677057157325969242'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3677057157325969242'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/where-wild-things-are-possible-spoilers.html' title='Where The Wild Things Are (possible spoilers ahead)'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvtptHdp8EI/AAAAAAAAAuk/aXIH-ZQOwYk/s72-c/wild+things.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-634192149289921006</id><published>2009-11-10T16:45:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-10T17:54:21.752-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Veterans Day</title><summary type='text'>I, for one, like the mid-week day off.  In fact, if it ever comes to a vote I would definitely vote for a Wednesday off twice a month.  Yes, I brought home paperwork, and yes, I actually plan to do work work and homework tomorrow.  But, I'm going to do it at home in my jammies... it's almost like a free day.  It isn't a weekend so I don't feel the need to cram in a bunch of fun.  I feel the need </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/634192149289921006/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=634192149289921006&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/634192149289921006'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/634192149289921006'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/veterans-day.html' title='Veterans Day'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvoXt6Uv9EI/AAAAAAAAAuc/uYZPBNL3TzA/s72-c/relax.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1935381374984116987</id><published>2009-11-09T16:39:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-09T17:26:15.132-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Caution: Schmoopy Ahead</title><summary type='text'>You'll have to forgive me...It must be the weather, the season, the scent of fall in the air.  All those cozy fireplaces burning and the dampness in the air.  I have been feeling so schmoopy and romantical lately.  I don't know why this time of year does it to me.  For some people it is valentine's day, for others it is an anniversary... for me it seems to be Autumn.  It doesn't hurt that I'm in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1935381374984116987/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1935381374984116987&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1935381374984116987'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1935381374984116987'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/caution-schmoopy-ahead.html' title='Caution: Schmoopy Ahead'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Svi-X6DZTWI/AAAAAAAAAuU/5q1ZBZanRB0/s72-c/thing-called-love.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1907609518663687920</id><published>2009-11-08T20:42:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-08T20:50:51.912-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Home</title><summary type='text'>I know it has been over seven months, but I just have to say it again.  I love our "new" place.  It is the first time I have felt "home" for many, many years.Life is good.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1907609518663687920/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1907609518663687920&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1907609518663687920'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1907609518663687920'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/home.html' title='Home'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvefGQZ7kKI/AAAAAAAAAuM/pLzLGKxreRM/s72-c/DSCN0695.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7107805246073162577</id><published>2009-11-07T16:21:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-07T17:34:46.080-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My Promise To You (and you, and you, and you...)</title><summary type='text'>If only it were as easy as Dumbledore makes it look.Writing this blog allows me to take thoughts out of my head, like so many swirling, screaming banshees, and download them to the computer.  Much like Dumbledore's Pensieve, I am able to remove these fine, filament-like strands of thought and put them away for safe keeping.  Some I share, some I do not.As we find ourselves a week into NaBloPoMo, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7107805246073162577/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7107805246073162577&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7107805246073162577'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7107805246073162577'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/my-promise-to-you-and-you-and-you-and.html' title='My Promise To You (and you, and you, and you...)'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvYUtRJSthI/AAAAAAAAAuE/4GhHfJf_Pz8/s72-c/dumbledore+Pensieve.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5364854120382336641</id><published>2009-11-06T16:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-06T16:14:55.081-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Happy Friday</title><summary type='text'>I do not feel like writing.I feel like melting into, and becoming one with, the couch.Also, I will be allowing my brain to turn into goo and run out my ear... but, I'm planning to catch it all in a small bucket so I can use it in a couple of days.If you see me walking down the street with a bucket, please be careful not to spill it.  I have a feeling I might need the contents at some point in the</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5364854120382336641/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5364854120382336641&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5364854120382336641'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5364854120382336641'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/happy-friday.html' title='Happy Friday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1347588722483467893</id><published>2009-11-05T17:24:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-05T17:42:31.029-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Home at Last</title><summary type='text'>Some days... there is nothing nicer than coming home.Miles Davis on Pandora, glass of wine, and my lappy.  CSB will be home soon.Please tell me I don't have to stand up again until it is time for bed.Because I swear, the next person who asks me to "do" something is going to hear a scream which will curdle the blood of the dead.I have officially reached the point where my calendar is so full that </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1347588722483467893/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1347588722483467893&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1347588722483467893'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1347588722483467893'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/home-at-last.html' title='Home at Last'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvN8SqpnngI/AAAAAAAAAt0/m1vPafZyJe8/s72-c/shoes+%26+wine.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6569493241874561773</id><published>2009-11-04T16:31:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-04T16:55:01.974-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Shameless Plug</title><summary type='text'>And people say I'm a bad influence...Just in time for NaBloPoMo, may I introduce the newest in a long line of lovely blogs: Buckets &amp; Trucks.I happen to personally know the author and he has had bloggy thoughts brewing for a long while now.  I highly recommend reading his stuff.  He is funny, intelligent, witty, very charming... and a damn good cook.Go. Read. Enjoy.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6569493241874561773/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6569493241874561773&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6569493241874561773'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6569493241874561773'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/shameless-plug.html' title='Shameless Plug'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvIfDr6uCGI/AAAAAAAAAts/65zKu7zSbT4/s72-c/walrus_bucket.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4934373679137965626</id><published>2009-11-03T16:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-03T17:50:20.576-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Wanted: One Starfish</title><summary type='text'>Two years ago I posted this blog: The Star ThrowerLast year, I started teaching and posted the story of The Star Thrower on the wall in my classroom.One of my coworkers and I both decided we had students that were our "starfish."This year, I am looking for my starfish (and I'm happy to take on more than one if the opportunity presents itself).  After a day like today - five students expelled, two</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4934373679137965626/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4934373679137965626&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4934373679137965626'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4934373679137965626'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/wanted-one-starfish.html' title='Wanted: One Starfish'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SvDdULOw9FI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Vy0h4VMHiLs/s72-c/2-starfish1.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5197504471626357744</id><published>2009-11-02T17:07:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-02T18:19:26.158-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Passion</title><summary type='text'>Off and on throughout the day I have been thinking about what I was going to write tonight.  Waiting for something interesting or exciting to happen... looking for blog fodder stolen from everyday experience.  Unfortunately, I've been too busy to see things at my naturally skewed angle.  I've had too much Serious Business to take care of to put my own silly twist on life, to take the mundane and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5197504471626357744/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5197504471626357744&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5197504471626357744'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5197504471626357744'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/passion.html' title='Passion'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Su-SbLmqtfI/AAAAAAAAAtU/jdmEL4F7VYU/s72-c/life+instructions.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2408279380049179359</id><published>2009-11-01T08:25:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-01T16:01:29.816-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Through the Buttonhole</title><summary type='text'>Perception is everything.  How a person perceives the world around them is entirely based upon the filters they are looking through.  How a person chooses to react to that perception of the world tells you everything about who they are, where they've been, and where they are headed.In my never ending quest to balance classy with creepy (in fabulous shoes), I decided that I would be Coraline's </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2408279380049179359/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2408279380049179359&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2408279380049179359'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2408279380049179359'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/11/through-buttonhole.html' title='Through the Buttonhole'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Su36SN0exQI/AAAAAAAAAs0/JlcwPezWPYc/s72-c/tom+button.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6502782978823990941</id><published>2009-10-26T19:27:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-26T19:42:34.936-07:00</updated><title type='text'>NaBloPoMo</title><summary type='text'>Ladies and Gents, it is upon us again!  Welcome to November and National Blog Posting Month (also, National Novel Writing Month... but I'm not that committed).  It is that time of year where many of us sit down for a bit of time every day and write something.Do I have the time to do this?  No.Do I have the desire to do it for the third year in a row?  Yes.It may not be every day, but I promise it</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6502782978823990941/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6502782978823990941&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6502782978823990941'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6502782978823990941'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/10/nablopomo.html' title='NaBloPoMo'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SuZeFbgqWaI/AAAAAAAAArU/yp9sRZCbkQM/s72-c/nablopomo09.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4272850765215996383</id><published>2009-10-15T11:41:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-15T14:05:31.442-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Fluffy Jo Thefish</title><summary type='text'>I have sad news.My good friend Fluffy Jo Thefish has gone to that great puddle in the sky.  Yes my friends, Good'ol Fluffy has passed from our world, and into whatever world is next for little fighting fishies.  Okay, honestly, he was a fish.  Not a bad fish as far as pet fish go, but it isn't like he cuddled with me at night, or tickled my heartstrings with his flippers... he was a fish.  He sat</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4272850765215996383/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4272850765215996383&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4272850765215996383'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4272850765215996383'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/10/fluffy-jo-thefish.html' title='Fluffy Jo Thefish'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SteHDS25JiI/AAAAAAAAArM/V4gVXfjqQpM/s72-c/Betta.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-904333341944640502</id><published>2009-07-28T20:28:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-11T11:56:07.461-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Boy Cave</title><summary type='text'>Since moving into our new place, I've been wanting to do a major overhaul in ShortBus' bedroom.  Finally time to get rid of the "baby" furniture (which really did grow with him well), and move up to "little boy" furniture.Having discussed with CSB the virtues of the "Man Cave" (for some guys this is the garage, for others the bathroom), I decided ShortBus needed a space that is all his own.  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/904333341944640502/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=904333341944640502&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/904333341944640502'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/904333341944640502'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/07/boy-cave.html' title='Boy Cave'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sm_FMc3UvvI/AAAAAAAAAq0/5x8v9tmQ2tA/s72-c/new+bed.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6115704122040197201</id><published>2009-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-11-01T14:16:58.931-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='travel'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='CSB'/><title type='text'>Ozzie &amp; Harriet Take a Trip</title><summary type='text'>For those who don't know, I have never flown further than Los Angeles (and boy were my arms tired!), so a cross-country flight, to meet CSB's family, was intimidating in more than just one or two ways.  But, adventure is adventure, and as anxious as I was, it was brilliant, and I was very excited.If you didn’t hear the whining (via Twitter or Facebook), I started off this trip by tossing a mirror</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6115704122040197201/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6115704122040197201&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6115704122040197201'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6115704122040197201'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/07/ozzie-harriet-take-trip.html' title='Ozzie &amp; Harriet Take a Trip'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SlakTSwCqRI/AAAAAAAAAqs/VOoXLmvISqk/s72-c/small+harriet.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4532507172267283309</id><published>2009-06-12T18:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-06-12T19:42:27.909-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Frickin' Magical</title><summary type='text'>There is a darn good reason my full nickname includes "Frickin' Magical."  For those who don't know, I am: Frickin' Magical Giddy Chicken Pickles... but you can call me "Giddy".  Actually, the last time I checked, there were several other things added, but for the life of me, I can't remember what they were.The "Frickin' Magical" part was added (I believe by Mr. Nanning) during the first "Formal </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4532507172267283309/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4532507172267283309&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4532507172267283309'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4532507172267283309'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/06/frickin-magical.html' title='Frickin&apos; Magical'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SjMOT3s2H7I/AAAAAAAAAqc/KswHm7gb1Z0/s72-c/rabbit+top+hat.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4598027578619753963</id><published>2009-06-04T13:14:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-06-04T13:14:00.757-07:00</updated><title type='text'>aaaaaaaaaand ...... scene.</title><summary type='text'>I'm actually writing Wednesday night, but have this post scheduled for 1:14 tomorrow afternoon.  The exact time the final bell will ring for my last class of my first school year as a teacher.I'm sure some of you were expecting this.  The final summary, the wrap up, the commentary all about what my experience was like.  Some kind of insightful, interesting post that might make all the 'not </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4598027578619753963/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4598027578619753963&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4598027578619753963'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4598027578619753963'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/06/aaaaaaaaaand-scene.html' title='aaaaaaaaaand ...... scene.'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SicveF4Lo5I/AAAAAAAAAqU/zk0j67sromE/s72-c/stage_curtains.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-834820495491192431</id><published>2009-05-21T21:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-05-21T21:48:45.159-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Life is Good</title><summary type='text'>I came home today to find this in the freezer.Honestly, because I trust CSB, I wasn't going to question it... but I was going to make one guess.  Bacon Vodka... version 1.  I asked if he was at least keeping a photo diary... only because it looks that gross, and I totally plan to drink that grossness.  Eventually.  When it doesn't look quite that gross.  And, when it is mixed with tomato juice...</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/834820495491192431/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=834820495491192431&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/834820495491192431'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/834820495491192431'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/05/life-is-good.html' title='Life is Good'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/ShYo07b3wGI/AAAAAAAAAqM/F4khLz7nuSw/s72-c/bacon+vodka.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5701730262658874115</id><published>2009-04-17T23:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-19T12:39:13.507-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Oooooh!  Shiny!</title><summary type='text'>As my great friend Cami has recently written about, I too have been going over recent posts that have never quite made it to the interwebz.... trying to see if there is something I've started in the last month that is worth finishing.  I've been so busy with the move, I just haven't had time to sit down and write anything... at least that's what I've been telling myself.Could it be that I have to</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5701730262658874115/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5701730262658874115&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5701730262658874115'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5701730262658874115'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/04/oooooh-shiny.html' title='Oooooh!  Shiny!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Set9fByqYWI/AAAAAAAAAqE/8ZJhsezaVz8/s72-c/kitch+window.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-965132241344302411</id><published>2009-03-24T19:34:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-24T22:47:22.621-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Notes to Self (re: packing/moving)</title><summary type='text'>1- Packing with a 4 1/2 year old who is very interested in EVERYTHING you take off the bookshelf or out of a drawer is not as easy as one might think.  Nor does it move as quickly as one would like.2- One can accumulate a TON of stuff in the space of two years.  Even when one thinks she has been really good about throwing away the "unnecessary things."3- "Airplane" size bottles of booze are </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/965132241344302411/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=965132241344302411&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/965132241344302411'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/965132241344302411'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/03/notes-to-self-re-packingmoving.html' title='Notes to Self (re: packing/moving)'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/ScnEmSArwcI/AAAAAAAAAp0/xJH6t_mq2rc/s72-c/packing+mess.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3640828202504748804</id><published>2009-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-17T21:31:40.022-07:00</updated><title type='text'>My Boyfriend</title><summary type='text'>...wants to get chickens.Chickens!Seriously... you have no idea how excited I am.  I love animals... even more, I love animals that are "odd."  Yes, please, can we have chickens?!?BTW, have I mentioned that I've always wanted a feinting goat?I love goats.  For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to own a goat... and at some point after that, I heard about the feinting goat, and there is no </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3640828202504748804/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3640828202504748804&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3640828202504748804'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3640828202504748804'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/03/my-boyfriend.html' title='My Boyfriend'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/ScB20Vv7XBI/AAAAAAAAApM/tUMe30oInOY/s72-c/chickens.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3553474574943112946</id><published>2009-03-16T20:52:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-16T22:32:29.096-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Listen to Your Mother</title><summary type='text'>When I graduated from elementary school to junior high, I was very excited.  A new school, my friends and I joined together with multiple elementary schools, the opportunity to come together with other people my age... to get to know some new people, and maybe make some new friends.  Definitely new opportunities.After about two weeks at my new school, I remember laying in bed one night, crying.  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3553474574943112946/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3553474574943112946&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3553474574943112946'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3553474574943112946'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/03/listen-to-your-mother.html' title='Listen to Your Mother'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sb81gh5BOeI/AAAAAAAAApE/qlLgePt63Zc/s72-c/big-fish-little-fish-735454.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5992817054392067473</id><published>2009-03-15T15:13:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-15T16:23:03.268-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Building Blocks &amp; Jigsaw Puzzles</title><summary type='text'>As much as I tend to prefer expressing myself in writing, sometimes it isn't always the best medium.I suppose that has been a big part of the problem lately.  Along with a severe case of writer's block, a ton of paperwork at work, and the distraction of a very active 4 1/2 year old, it seems that what I've been wanting to write about so very badly, just hasn't wanted to come across very well in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5992817054392067473/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5992817054392067473&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5992817054392067473'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5992817054392067473'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/03/as-much-as-i-tend-to-prefer-expressing.html' title='Building Blocks &amp; Jigsaw Puzzles'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/Sb2EjUlrzEI/AAAAAAAAAo8/3Aq8yl9jls4/s72-c/two_puzzle_pieces_joined.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4526947787695454479</id><published>2009-03-10T15:14:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-18T20:06:35.291-07:00</updated><title type='text'>SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!</title><summary type='text'>I got up this morning, and followed the usual routine.  Shower, wake the ShortBus, hair, makeup, clothes, make sure the Boy is dressed, comb his hair, give him food, get coffee, out the door... Except today there was a minor hiccup.When I got the the "Comb His Hair" part I noticed a little black dot.  Thinking it was dirt, I flick at it with my finger.... only... that doesn't feel like dirt... </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4526947787695454479/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4526947787695454479&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4526947787695454479'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4526947787695454479'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/03/spoooooooooooooon.html' title='SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/ScG2s_bGToI/AAAAAAAAAps/PYWQF2CAouA/s72-c/american-dog-tick.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-9002732914004633566</id><published>2009-02-22T10:49:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-22T10:57:48.114-08:00</updated><title type='text'>What would you say?</title><summary type='text'>If I haven't mentioned it yet, I love PostSecret, and one of the highlights of my Sunday is reading the latest postcards.  I wish he updated the site more than once a week.I'm not entirely sure what I would tell my "8 year old" self.  I'm pretty sure my "8 year old self" wouldn't listen anyway.  I'm absolutely positive about what I would tell my 16 year old self... though I'm not sure I would </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/9002732914004633566/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=9002732914004633566&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/9002732914004633566'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/9002732914004633566'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/02/what-would-you-say.html' title='What would you say?'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SaGe4wNpkQI/AAAAAAAAAo0/uOHE-m-vlp0/s72-c/8year+old.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2933182367478633198</id><published>2009-02-19T10:43:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-25T20:08:55.895-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Rainbows</title><summary type='text'>This photo was sent to me as "the end of the rainbow."  But, how do you know that isn't the beginning?One of the comments I read about this photo said, "there is no pot of gold, so it must be the beginning."Others were much more negative.Either way... it is amazing.  Something I never thought I would see... even in a photograph... even on the interwebz.Here's the link to the story about the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2933182367478633198/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2933182367478633198&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2933182367478633198'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2933182367478633198'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/02/rainbows.html' title='Rainbows'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SZz_jNwzR0I/AAAAAAAAAnU/YZZOtQY0mgM/s72-c/rainbow+01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5686106861388361462</id><published>2009-02-18T21:12:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-22T10:47:18.290-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Life Goes On</title><summary type='text'>Oh interwebz, how I do miss you.It doesn't matter that so few people are reading, I miss writing.  There are so many things I want to say, so many moments during the day when I think, "I really should write that down and blog about it later."  So many pointless meetings when I sit with a notebook, stare at the blank page, and can practically feel my fingers on the keys, fluidly blogging... </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5686106861388361462/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5686106861388361462&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5686106861388361462'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5686106861388361462'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/02/oh-interwebz-how-i-do-miss-you.html' title='Life Goes On'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SZz1w2P4F1I/AAAAAAAAAnM/X69qsffrR6s/s72-c/breakout.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4712513687839826423</id><published>2009-01-22T19:46:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-22T20:21:40.733-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Short Bus'/><title type='text'>Nero's Last Post</title><summary type='text'>For a couple of months now, I have been meaning to dispose of the remains of Nero.Obviously, after growing season, he wasn't looking too healthy.  Despite all my efforts, when the weather turned cold, Nero went "dormant."  That's how I explained it to ShortBus anyway.... he's hibernating... sleeping... maybe he'll wake up in the spring.  And, if not, we'll get another tomato plant.  It's the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4712513687839826423/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4712513687839826423&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4712513687839826423'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4712513687839826423'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/01/neros-last-post.html' title='Nero&apos;s Last Post'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SXlBuL4UlfI/AAAAAAAAAmI/UMhiOSD5dAI/s72-c/nero+goodbye+02.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1967108133958471759</id><published>2009-01-02T22:27:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-22T21:36:01.615-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Not Quite Famous</title><summary type='text'>When I was 16, I was in a shop on Height-Ashbery... I turned around abruptly, and ran (nearly face first) into the chest of some guy.  Only, he wasn't some guy... and it took me a second.  I looked at him, and knew he was familiar (and REALLY cute)... but who... oh wait... Yes, I do know you.... Mike Patton.You probably wouldn't recognize the name... even though you might know Mr. Bungle (no?), </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1967108133958471759/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1967108133958471759&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1967108133958471759'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1967108133958471759'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2009/01/not-quite-famous.html' title='The Not Quite Famous'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SXlXE04WSJI/AAAAAAAAAmo/lyEXXv3UUGY/s72-c/mike_01.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4056120367133218112</id><published>2008-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-14T22:17:33.679-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Happy Christmas</title><summary type='text'>I don't think there are too many people who would come up with the word "traditional" to describe me.  Many times I only observe holidays in the "traditional" sense to make other people happy... not that I'm not happy doing it, one of the things I enjoy most in life is making other people happy. I love knowing that someone is smiling because of something I said, did, wrote, or otherwise had a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4056120367133218112/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4056120367133218112&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4056120367133218112'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4056120367133218112'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/happy-christmas.html' title='Happy Christmas'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4813809917517710705</id><published>2008-12-22T20:12:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-30T14:31:15.248-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Spirit</title><summary type='text'>I don't know who or what to blame.It could be Dickens Fair, it could be Teh ShortBus, it might be CSB, maybe it's that I'm generally a much happier person.  But, I'm actually in the Christmas spirit this year.I spent a week and a half playing Secret Santa... only because I knew it would totally mess with someone.  Yes, best practical joke I've played since St. Pat's day.  I sent Secret Santa </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4813809917517710705/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4813809917517710705&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4813809917517710705'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4813809917517710705'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/spirit.html' title='The Spirit'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SVqgTu_W-JI/AAAAAAAAAls/ii9w1YQdm3g/s72-c/Jake+Rests.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4761180355776025373</id><published>2008-12-17T15:29:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-17T17:34:56.752-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Bring Soup</title><summary type='text'>I've been fighting it for a couple of days now.  First a sore throat, then a couple of sneezes, then a LOT of sneezes, and now the stuffiness.  Yes, I'll finally admit it.  I have a cold.  Just in time for Winter Break. Although yesterday I wanted to write about Dickens Fair, and I wanted to write about work, and I wanted to tell you about my evil genius secret santa scam, today all I want to do </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4761180355776025373/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4761180355776025373&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4761180355776025373'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4761180355776025373'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/bring-soup.html' title='Bring Soup'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SUmoQKTSXuI/AAAAAAAAAlk/aJWceHGAfpE/s72-c/the_big_sneeze.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-1823029991123523414</id><published>2008-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-11T19:30:02.265-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Through the Cracks</title><summary type='text'>One would think, after all this time, working with this "demographic" group of kids, there wouldn't be much that could shock me.But, there are times when I'm floored.  In my sixth period (health science) class today, I decided to show the movie Freedom Writers.  It isn't necessarily "on topic" at the moment, since we're working our way through a unit on substance abuse... but it's Health, I can </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/1823029991123523414/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=1823029991123523414&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1823029991123523414'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/1823029991123523414'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/through-cracks.html' title='Through the Cracks'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SUHPGZbFxEI/AAAAAAAAAlc/aXBtzZ3EMtM/s72-c/blue+light.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4114756769294337867</id><published>2008-12-09T20:49:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-11T17:33:03.030-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Frozen Solid</title><summary type='text'>I'm sure I've mentioned it before...I am a California Girl.  No question.  Seriously... ask me if I want to go play in the snow, you'll see me shudder, and have a very minor seizure... I get tics and fits just thinking about setting foot in the snow.  Not that I won't go somewhere that it snows, just don't expect me to actually go out in it.  I'm fully happy to sit inside, sipping a nice warm </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4114756769294337867/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4114756769294337867&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4114756769294337867'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4114756769294337867'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/frozen-solid.html' title='Frozen Solid'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SUG_ErlCtcI/AAAAAAAAAlU/dVg_eNM7S88/s72-c/penguins.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7168144886262538174</id><published>2008-12-02T21:29:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-02T23:33:17.731-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Feinting Friday</title><summary type='text'>Who knew?Yes, my mom has been worried for years..."do you know what women used to go through?""they had feinting couches for a reason.""women's bodies were permanently changed because of fashion!""just be careful, don't lace these things too tight..."After 13 years of Renaissance Faire, and five years of Dickens Fair one would think I'd be used to corsets and bodices... one would think I would </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7168144886262538174/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7168144886262538174&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7168144886262538174'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7168144886262538174'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/feinting-friday.html' title='Feinting Friday'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/STYsBWUWngI/AAAAAAAAAlM/XxMX9eQxcPs/s72-c/1890s_corset_graphic.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8783734786911388558</id><published>2008-12-01T19:16:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-08T22:02:30.367-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Hot Wheels</title><summary type='text'>I mean really... you see that face in the middle of the road looking stunned and frightened, cars whizzing by...  there wasn't even a little evil part of me that wanted to know what it would look like squished.So I pull over, give the ShortBus a handful of crackers and a coloring book, and tell him I'll be right back... after I save the doggy.  Go SuperMommy!Unfortunately this little punt of a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8783734786911388558/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8783734786911388558&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8783734786911388558'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8783734786911388558'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/12/hot-wheels.html' title='Hot Wheels'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PP2KTDpDbxg/R-Pc9GPGwLI/AAAAAAAAAS4/6EzEQQxgW-w/s72-c/Corgi2.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3041067801218032789</id><published>2008-11-19T20:38:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-19T20:41:25.052-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Just Sayin....</title><summary type='text'>Sometimes I totally feel "Lucky"...(yes, its schmoopy... and I'm totally okay with that...)</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3041067801218032789/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3041067801218032789&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3041067801218032789'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3041067801218032789'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/11/just-sayin.html' title='Just Sayin....'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-8458169022312906931</id><published>2008-11-18T16:34:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-18T16:55:38.785-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Definition of Irony</title><summary type='text'>Sitting in a booth at Denny's in Auburn on Sunday morning, I notice the people in the booth on the other side of us.  In particular, I notice the scruffy young man (maybe in his early 20's) wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Gandhi on it.I think: "that's kinda funny, I don't think I've ever seen a Gandhi t-shirt before."Minutes later the waitress shows up with the table's order. (this is where </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/8458169022312906931/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=8458169022312906931&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8458169022312906931'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/8458169022312906931'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/11/definition-of-irony.html' title='The Definition of Irony'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SSNjv4my4pI/AAAAAAAAAkk/q-ixT721pfY/s72-c/gandhi.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-633018405520958354</id><published>2008-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-17T00:01:00.734-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thankful'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='birthday'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love'/><title type='text'>A Wish...</title><summary type='text'>I love birthdays.Well, that's not entirely true.  I love celebrating other people's birthdays.  That's not to say I'm good at gift giving (I'm not), and that's not to say I'm good at phone calls (I'm definitely not).  But, when I get the opportunity to plan something nice for someone, and enjoy it with them... well,that's when I love birthdays.A weekend away in Monterey at a lovely hotel, an </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/633018405520958354/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=633018405520958354&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/633018405520958354'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/633018405520958354'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/11/wish.html' title='A Wish...'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SREJf9lwX2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/xMhwqPEuq90/s72-c/tombirthday.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6209391569262814195</id><published>2008-11-13T17:13:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-13T18:14:13.310-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mirror'/><title type='text'>Confronted With Myself</title><summary type='text'>As I mentioned, part of my job is "Case Manager" to a group of 'Special Needs' students.  These guys aren't what most would think of when someone says "Special Needs," most of them are just very low in reading and writing skills, and therefore have behavior problems.  Makes sense right?  Can't read or write very well, don't think I'll be paying much attention in Biology.But, I do have a couple of</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6209391569262814195/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6209391569262814195&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6209391569262814195'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6209391569262814195'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/11/confronted-with-myself.html' title='Confronted With Myself'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SRzexzi9BpI/AAAAAAAAAkc/AWUq7G_Ui6g/s72-c/goth_crayons.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2979406427477089141</id><published>2008-11-12T20:30:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-12T22:39:37.910-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='crazy'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='teaching'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='work'/><title type='text'>Not Shoe Porn, But I Do Mention Shoes</title><summary type='text'>There are things one doesn't understand until they've had the opportunity to experience them for themselves.I never understood some of the things my parents said while I was growing up.  The best example I can come up with, "Stop crying, or I'll give you something to cry about!!"  Now that I'm a parent, and have experienced a frustrating tantrum at the end of the day over nothing...I fully </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2979406427477089141/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2979406427477089141&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2979406427477089141'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2979406427477089141'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/11/not-really-shoe-porn.html' title='Not Shoe Porn, But I Do Mention Shoes'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SRu_phwBhRI/AAAAAAAAAkU/NKmERUQCA1I/s72-c/schoolhell.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2861726575316758534</id><published>2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-31T00:01:01.107-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='friends'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='media'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='holidays'/><title type='text'>Happy Halloween!</title><summary type='text'>To all my most favorite ghouls, goblins, witches, freaks and everyone in between: have a most wonderful holiday.  May you enjoy going wherever the spirit moves you.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2861726575316758534/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2861726575316758534&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2861726575316758534'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2861726575316758534'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/10/happy-halloween.html' title='Happy Halloween!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7282431723542426515</id><published>2008-10-20T19:20:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-20T19:58:07.249-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Break</title><summary type='text'>Friday: I leave work for the day and head to a local brew pub/restaurant for after work drinks with a select few coworkers. Wonderful idea. Honestly, if you ever get the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with special ed teachers when they are not working, do it. There is something special about this group of people, and the only way to find out exactly how special they are is to have a drink</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7282431723542426515/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7282431723542426515&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7282431723542426515'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7282431723542426515'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/10/break.html' title='The Break'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SP08jiZkI1I/AAAAAAAAAbo/mxXWFHcgWLg/s72-c/kansai.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6418189259469250299</id><published>2008-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-30T13:25:17.482-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='babble'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Short Bus'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='blogging'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='writing'/><title type='text'>Blogging is...</title><summary type='text'>Putting fingers to keyboard is pretty nearly the last thing I want to do at the end of a busy day, yet, it is possibly the most important thing I do for myself. Writing has always been one of the most important bits of my day to day life. Mostly I do it to entertain myself. I started blogging so I could chronicle my pregnancy, partially for myself, partially for The ShortBus, partially for the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6418189259469250299/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6418189259469250299&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6418189259469250299'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6418189259469250299'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/10/blogging-is.html' title='Blogging is...'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SPgZwSEkyuI/AAAAAAAAAbY/_ZpKZe6hUOw/s72-c/in+the+barrel.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-701557542574354548</id><published>2008-10-02T19:12:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-02T21:24:52.963-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tonight's Champagne....</title><summary type='text'>...brought to you by the letter "D" and the number 19.Tuesday afternoon after work, I had a voice mail from my attorney.  Simply, "call us when you get a chance"... I've been a bit busy, so I figured I'd call Wednesday.  As Wednesday came and went, I totally forgot.  Today, I glance down at my calendar, and see the number sitting there, so I called during my second period break.Her (paralegal): "</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/701557542574354548/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=701557542574354548&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/701557542574354548'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/701557542574354548'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/10/tonights-champagne.html' title='Tonight&apos;s Champagne....'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SOWc8luvzCI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ihDBIlMexEI/s72-c/judgement+final.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-6918333968700446578</id><published>2008-10-01T19:19:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-01T20:11:51.186-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Chances Are What You Make of Them</title><summary type='text'>I suppose it's nice not being the "last stop" in some kid's life. Knowing that they get another chance if, for some reason they get thrown out of my school, should make it easier somehow. But, when you lose two of the "good ones" in one day, it's tough.One is fairly quiet and unassuming (in the classroom). He has a speech impediment, and because of it tends to be somewhat introverted. He is </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/6918333968700446578/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=6918333968700446578&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6918333968700446578'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/6918333968700446578'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/10/chances-are-what-you-make-of-them.html' title='Chances Are What You Make of Them'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SOQ7gnPwhbI/AAAAAAAAAbI/_jC-ccl7wqE/s72-c/starfish.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3560759134707555574</id><published>2008-09-22T19:45:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-09-22T21:26:22.880-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Time Flies...</title><summary type='text'>I can't believe a month has gone by with no blog posts from me.Makes me kinda sad.I've been talking about writing for weeks. I've written bits and pieces here and there in my notebooks and journals, but nothing that has found its way to the interwebs. I just haven't had the time or energy.I am literally burning the candle on three ends (somehow), and really, the wax is melting away pretty quickly</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3560759134707555574/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3560759134707555574&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3560759134707555574'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3560759134707555574'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/09/time-flies.html' title='Time Flies...'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SNhv08upj2I/AAAAAAAAAac/1GZJBxIjwmg/s72-c/pure+evil.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4433664199167517124</id><published>2008-08-21T19:05:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-21T19:56:17.515-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='coffee'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Short Bus'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='teaching'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='work'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='stress'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='job'/><title type='text'>Day One...and then some</title><summary type='text'>*picture is TehShortBus "helping" me get my classroom ready*Really, I've been meaning to write about my first day since Monday (the actual first day), but honestly, I haven't had a second to even consider it. But, I decided I wasn't going to bring any work home this evening. I've worked (easily) 10 - 12 hour days every day for the last two weeks, I think it's time to take a minute for myself.And,</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4433664199167517124/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4433664199167517124&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4433664199167517124'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4433664199167517124'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/day-one.html' title='Day One...and then some'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SK4fdvK9D0I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/LsxSJfawfB0/s72-c/Jake+Helps+small.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-3498763178911434097</id><published>2008-08-17T17:14:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-17T17:15:18.798-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bag Porn!!</title><summary type='text'>So, apparently my mom came across this purse at a garage sale.... I looked it over pretty closely, and it seems to be real (though I'm shocked). Its beautiful. Looks practically brand new. And, its all mine! Kinda cool that the school colors at my new school are red, black, and white. Yes, I haz teh skewl spirit... in style.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/3498763178911434097/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=3498763178911434097&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3498763178911434097'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/3498763178911434097'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/bag-porn.html' title='Bag Porn!!'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SKi_EvUhTHI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/72MMl4xI2Rs/s72-c/new+purse.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2242211241606139250</id><published>2008-08-14T23:24:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-14T23:46:05.537-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Friday Shoe Porn</title><summary type='text'>I came across these shoes two days ago, and fell in love.My first thought was, "no, I'm not buying shoes because I don't have a ....oh... wait... I do have a job... not only do I have a job, but I have THE job." The one I anticipated, the career I've been working toward... yep, I haz it.So, needless to say, I bought the shoes...Like I mentioned, when I first put them on, I felt like I had been </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2242211241606139250/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2242211241606139250&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2242211241606139250'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2242211241606139250'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/friday-shoe-porn.html' title='Friday Shoe Porn'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SKUh9VkpmnI/AAAAAAAAAZc/EpNRUAnWk-s/s72-c/garnet+02.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-4486571988596297460</id><published>2008-08-13T16:43:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-13T19:12:31.405-07:00</updated><title type='text'>One Week Later</title><summary type='text'>I have been to meetings and workshops galore. I have been going non-stop. So much to do, and so little time.My head is spinning with names and faces that I can't quite seem to match up. My desk is littered with business cards, all with the school district logo. I had to clear a shelf to pile up books, notebooks, folders, and paperwork.The only things I know for sure: I have a caseload of 19 </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/4486571988596297460/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=4486571988596297460&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4486571988596297460'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/4486571988596297460'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/one-week-later.html' title='One Week Later'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SKOUAE3zkAI/AAAAAAAAAZU/AwWh8kxmJkA/s72-c/textbooks.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-5634536505471363317</id><published>2008-08-06T23:23:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-06T23:25:50.475-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are you kidding?</title><summary type='text'>Yesterday, I got an email asking if I was interested in a teaching positon. They wanted to know if I was available for an interview this morning. Well sure... why not? What the heck can an interview hurt? After a 45 minute panel interview, I was sent outside to wait, and "come back when we call you." After all this time... After every question I've asked myself... I will not ask if this is what I</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/5634536505471363317/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=5634536505471363317&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5634536505471363317'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/5634536505471363317'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/are-you-kidding.html' title='Are you kidding?'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SJqVT4yepnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/ah5d4iudI5Y/s72-c/rollercoaster.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-2285751306767142422</id><published>2008-08-05T19:36:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-05T20:13:54.358-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Happy Birthday Little Man</title><summary type='text'>What a difference four years makes.I considered doing a recap of his "birth story," but really... I don't think we need to go there. He was about 9 pounds... and took his time. Now he's about 35 pounds, and seems to always be in a hurry.Just in time for his fourth birthday, he learned to pronounce "TH" properly. So, he was "free years old" all year long... now that he's four, well let's just say </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/2285751306767142422/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=2285751306767142422&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2285751306767142422'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/2285751306767142422'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/08/happy-birthday-little-man.html' title='Happy Birthday Little Man'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SJkOdWRL2YI/AAAAAAAAAZE/6LR4m8UMEoQ/s72-c/jake+compare.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-9055269599894771694</id><published>2008-07-29T21:40:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-12-08T22:02:31.876-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Medjool</title><summary type='text'>Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to adventure into San Francisco's Mission district, and have a couple of drinks at Medjool.If you ever have the chance to drop in, definitely do.  But, don't just hang out downstairs... venture up to the roof.I know I should have looked at the menu, as a matter of fact, I was dying to.  But, I was kinda hungry, and didn't want to order some amazing </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/9055269599894771694/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=9055269599894771694&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/9055269599894771694'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/9055269599894771694'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/07/medjool.html' title='Medjool'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SI_1hbucm0I/AAAAAAAAAYk/Q56Cvy8QOfY/s72-c/medjool+roof.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317950598475949314.post-7433156352525041329</id><published>2008-07-28T17:06:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-12-08T22:02:31.898-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Too Much Information</title><summary type='text'>I finally did a "100 Things About Me" meme.It took way too long.In the process of doing it, I thought of other things I wouldn't mind "100" listing about. So I decided I would do a link so those lists wouldn't take up space here.It will not be updated so very often, but as ideas and "things" come up... I'll make other lists. I'm actually working on a couple now.  I'll comment as those things get </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/feeds/7433156352525041329/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2317950598475949314&amp;postID=7433156352525041329&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7433156352525041329'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2317950598475949314/posts/default/7433156352525041329'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://www.rufflesandridges.com/2008/07/too-much-information.html' title='Too Much Information'/><author><name>Giddy.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06136418093461234465</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='25' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHn7oX391fU/Tvl16UOgnmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/kFKNFwJEG84/s220/blog%2Bphoto.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HEgnDdxt_5o/SI5gconYEGI/AAAAAAAAAYc/p9sZwLnI9ZM/s72-c/100.bmp' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
