Speed Wobbles

I got a new Revel MTB Giant today. (That's a mountain bike)Kev and I took a ride this afternoon. We started easy just on the path by the house,but then we ended up below the rims on some trails that had a few ups and downs, and at one point I got the speed wobbles and scared myself. I had to hit the breaks to feel in control; then, I didn't have enough speed to make it back up the hill and almost fell over when I stalled out.

I have never owned any sort of bike with gears so I was on a learning curve too. When we got back to the house, I was beat and may have thrown up in my mouth a little bit. My taint is really hurty, but McKay at the Billings Bike Shop insured me that would diminish after a time. I hope so, but I figure my new carreer as a Derby Dame may be a bit more painful than my new bruised taint.

Remember when I was Badass

When I was little I was tough, I beat up some kids, knocked a few older boys down, kicked some ass pretty much, but lately I've been lame.  I haven't even fallen down or had a Spanish-speaking washing machine to contend with, but that all is about to change.

I'm joining the Billings Roller Derby Dames.  I need material for my blog, and to fit into my size 6 jeans again.  I decided to combine my workouts, effort to meet new people, and have a chance to knock someone down into one dynamic derby experience.

My first practice is next Wednesday.  I've got to order some skates (I'll start with the basic "New Girl" rookie package for now but maybe one day I can upgrade to the "I got a Sugar Daddy" package) study the rules, and decide between pig tails, braids or one bitchin' pony tail.

I'm hoping for one bad ass nickname like: "Ambruiser", or Amber "Dawn of the Dead" Isaacs, or maybe "Ambufoo fighter".  My Fresh Meat coordinator is called the "A-cup Annihilator"  that's pretty awesome.

I guess I'm getting ahead of myself though.  I have to pass the rules test before I can be assigned to a team within the BRDD.

So this weekend I'll be watching Kansas City Bomber and Whip It for inspiration, skating around my kitchen and studying my Women's Flat Track Derby Association rules.

Ballad of the Northland by Jason Barron

Our school elementary is participating in a literacy campaign to promote reading in school children. This years theme: Iditaread

Readings and activities are centered around the Alaskan Iditarod, and later this month we will be honored with hosting a presentation by an Iditaread author, Jason Barron.

As a lover of books, I'm excited about the chance to meet an author. I just received a copy of Mr. Barron's book. As I sat here this morning preparing to read, I had an odd feeling of mixed emotions: excitement and concern.

"Wow, this man will actually be here. Someone who has published, someone who has had the mental fortitude to do what I aspire to do." Then, I thought "What if I don't like his book." It is only as I sit here now that I realize it doesn't matter if I like the book. Right, isn't that what a lit teacher tells her students? There is value in literature whether you "like" the story or not.

I was preparing to passively read this book, and what a disservice that would be to me, my students, and the author. I'm putting on my literary analysis pants and getting to work.

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on the bus

We are on our way to the Lavina ski day at showdown mountain. One of my students, Courtney, has talked me into taking snowboard lessons. This may hurt.

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From Freezing to Phoenix

Tomorrow I'm taking Kevin to meet my youngest oldest brother, Gary, and his wife, Angel.  I can't wait it is suppose to be like 80 degrees there.  I think it is suppose to snow here in Billings while we are gone.

I still love Montana, the snow, mountains, etc.., but I am ready to go some place warm for the weekend.

I think I may even pack some shorts, but then again....my legs are real WHITE, we will see.

just do it.

With the help of all my available technology, I still can not seem to post regularly. You all will have to live with the insignificant trivial posts while I get back in the habit.

It is Monday, and I have no news or anecdotes to share, but I wanted to get back in the habit of posting.

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What do you mean he don't eat no meat

I just made my first batch of tahini paste which I used for my first ever hummus undertaking. Kevin was never a fan of this lovely Mediterranean dish, but now he loves it.

It's been a world tour of foods today we had sushi and udon for lunch, and right now I have a fat boneless leg-o-lamb in the oven that I plan to serve with a nice Greek salad, lots of feta and of course pita and hummus.

Et shmackalik, buen provecha

Happy Holidays and Happy Birthday

I just returned from my trip home to celebrate the new year with my soul blistas and in turn celebrate my mom's 70th birthday.  I am beat I had to take a 3 hour nap when I got back.  Right now Kevin is outside dealing with the car I ran out of gas (he's a KEEPER) and I am working on making Chiles Rellenos with poblano sauce.  Well, technically I'm writing this, but the peppers are steaming in the brown paper bag.

I had a wonderful time back home, and everytime I go I can't get enough of the food that I love so for the next little while I'll be trying to recreate the flavors of home.

It was a shock to see my oldest brother at the birthday party.  None of us thought he could make it with work and MaryJane having surgery, but he suprised us all and made the trip up from Houston.

It was a delight seeing all my nieces, nephews and their children. My family is huge and I feel like a barely know the little ones.  I'll have to correct that as much as I can this year.

Gas-N-GO

In my excitement to get on the road today, I Failed to realize that when your gas Gage tells you that you have 28 miles until you run out of gas that you should not let your car idle for 20 minutes in the drive way. I just wanted to defrost the windows and melt the 5 inches of snow that have fallen in the last 24 hours. Now I am stuck here waiting on a ride and have become fodder for jokes. Yuk it up people, yuck it up.

wooo wooo wooo

Fire Drill.

Oh the exciting life of a high school teacher
smokin' in the boys room
trash on fire
Give those back
them are mine!

Happy Meals

Things around here are just starting to slow down.  I hate to admit it, but Kevin and I had been eating way too much frozen/takeout pizza.  We have made a few good things here and there, but today we were back on track. 

After sleeping late (so late my back started to hurt from laying there so long), we got up and made breakfast.  Kevin made a mean dish of homefries with bell pepper, onion and garlic to go with the delicious chicken apple sausage we had purchased the day before and the perfect eggs he always makes.  I made my first ever batch of biscuits, cheddar-sour cream biscuits that is.  I had a little jellied cranberry left over from a few nights before, and that with the biscuit/sausage combo was a ride on the flavor train.

With our bellies full of scrumdiddleyumptiousness, we set about our day's labor.  The weather here was gorgeous maybe it reached 80 today, but it felt much cooler with the breeze and shade.  After the daily chores, Bubba begged us to take him hiking on the rims.  It was beautiful up on top looking down at the town and the trees with their leaves turning all golden yellow, red and orange.  

Hiking is hard work and makes you really hungry.  For dinner, Kevin and I made our first ever red curry with chicken and rice.  Man-o-man was it good.  We  both could eat it again this week.  Maybe twice.  I'm hoping our two delicious meals catapult us back into the habit of cooking really good food that make us both happy. 

For those who may want the recipe check back tomorrow.