Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Just Balt and I again.

It was a nice Sunday, enjoying the morning, doing laundry,working out, cleaning up and making a nice lunch for Jim and I. I made a big fire and we watched a documentary together. It was nice to have time together knowing the rest of the week I would  be all alone. Jim left early giving me time to settle in and finish some clearing up before going to bed early. It's been a long time since it's been just Balt and I-- years now. It's hard to remember when I lived alone, but I know I started to really enjoy it since there was no one to clean up after except Balt. The first time I was living alone, was a time when I thought I would be alone forever. Now, I know that I have no idea how long it will be... a few years at the most.

Saying So Long

We've been living with 5 cats since Jessi came home for Christmas. Although Jessi left several weeks ago, she left her cats so Monika could bring them once she was settled in her new house. She's been very eager for Monika to hurry up and move in. Today was the move out day. It's been nice having Monika home but between the added cats and the added mess, I'm excited to have condo to myself again. Jim is here this weekend, so I'm not alone yet. I spent some time cleaning Erika's room-- washing bedding and vacuuming. Tomorrow I'll finish Monika's room. Today I made sure to get to a hot yoga class and go grocery shopping. I made soup and salad for Jim and my lunch. We watched a movie and enjoyed a big fire. We both have lots of school prep as well to work on. We enjoyed a fresh snow fall and lots of shoveling.

Ease Back

I spent the morning sipping hot coffee, watching the news and keeping my feet up surrounded by pets. But as soon as the news was over, I got downstairs and put in an hour workout, then showered for a work day. I ran some errands which included picking up artwork and then met Joe in the Gallery to hang my wall of student artwork. Luckily, I have the smallest wall of work, so it didn't take long. I printed labels and then went grocery shopping for a few items for my week. I am really eager to be fully healthy again. I'e been living on cough drops and cold and flu meds, doing as little as possible for over a week. I;m still a bit hung over with a cough and sniffles but I feel like I need to move on and start living life again. Today was a good way to ease back into it. I'm in bed early tonight, ready for a week of finals, 1/2 days and prepping for second semester.

Still Sick

Whatever this virus thing is going around-- it's terrible. I've got body aches, a hacking cough, a terrible sore throat. I haven't felt this sick, in a very long time. I should not be going to work, but there's too much to do at the end of the semester to stay home. I haven't been doing anything but getting up to go to work and coming home after work and going to bed. 

Winter Storms!

 The dance at school tonight was cancelled due to two storms that were supposed to dump up to a foot of snow. Last night the ice started coming down right after I got home from work and we woke to a couple of inches of snow-- nothing terrible. I got up early and worked on my 2019 scrapbook, then went to yoga. I made soup for lunch and popped in to the grocery store just in case the snow fall for this evening kept me home tomorrow but so far, nothing more. I finished my scrapbook, so now I just have grading to do.

Mid Week

I had a full day. Joe's daughter was sick so I covered for his class which makes my day busier, but I get paid to sub for him. I had a staff meeting after school and stayed late working on the yearbook, organizing senior tributes. I came home, warmed up some soup, watched the news and worked with Jim on paperwork for refinancing the condo. 

There's a long list of things to do:

I've been waking up early in order to get a good work out in every morning but boy, am I exhausted by the end of the day. I've had to stay after school until nearly 6pm each day so far, as I've got a long list of things to do in the next couple of weeks. I got caught up in a long conversation with Josh and missed a meeting but had another meeting after lunch that I did go to. My yearbook kids have a ton of work to do and I'll be honest, I'm concerned about whether it all get done in time. I may have spend some time making yearbook pages if they don't get their act together. I had cabbage soup for lunch and dinner today. Monika worked so I didn't really see her.

Here's my list of things todo:
Proofs ready by 1/13 (finish Frosh section)
48 pages ready to send by 1/18
Contact UWCU re: refinance at 3%
Print and matt artwork for Scholastic Show (FRI)
Make Dr. apt, blood work
Frame 18X24 painting
Flow Sophomores, Jrs and Staff sections
Print senior section for display in cafeteria
Catch up on grading for final week
Pay bills from past printing
Send student work to print for student show

The Last Day

I got up at 4am again and got to work on prep for my work week. Jessi got up early and finished packing up and left for Virginia. It was nice to have her home for so long and I was glad she was able to take care of Balt while I was in Berlin with Jim. Monika got up early and left to work. I spent time with a fire, drinking coffee, watching the news and started working on my annual photo album for 29019. I made a very nice lunch in the afternoon for Jim and Monika with an artichoke cheese dip and alfredo pasta. I got about half way through the album which will need to wait until next weekend to finish, as I think I will have a busy week ahead. Of course waking up so early means I'm wiped out at the end of the day!

Packing and Prepping

It's almost back to "normal" and I got up at 4am feeling pretty refreshed-- no jet lag. I starting took down the Christmas tree, packed up ornaments, burnt a lot of branches, did laundry and general clean up after the holiday. The goal is to make sure there are no remnants of Christmas out and about! 

Jessi is almost all packed and eager to get to Virginia and start her new career. Monika had to work early, so it was a full day. I took Jessi to a mid morning hot yoga class which absolutely perfect. After a shower, I had an appointment at the bank about refinancing the condo and then once Monika got off work, we did a Costco run. I purchased Jessi's christmas gift-- a washing machine and dryer set so she was very happy. She gets it delivered on the 10th. We all went out to dinner and then enjoyed a family movie at the end of the day. Jessi is gone tomorrow, and then things will feel a bit more back to normal.

Travel Day back to US

We had a pleasant morning to catch an 11am flight. Traveling with Jim means always walking or using public transportation which I've learned is not bad as long as you know the routes, which he does. I'm always quite impressed with is ability to remember all the routes. We had no issues traveling. I watched several movies during the ride but passed out on the last leg-- the bus ride from Chicago to Madison. Jessi was waiting for us and Balt was very happy to see me.

Here's the Google Photo Album to all my photos.

Christmas Love

We had a wonderful and relaxing day. I cooked up morning cinnamon rolls, then later two chickens and half a ham with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for an early dinner. We didn't go anywhere but Jim and Cody went for runs (separately at different times). The girls went through all of their keepsakes and books in the basement, sorting, packing and getting rid of stuff which was a great gift for me. They plan to go through closets while I'm away. I gave Jim his very pair of Vans and he is giving me a New Years in Berlin, Germany. We leaving in the morning. 

 

The Last One

I was up early, spending time cleaning up and then sipping coffee with some news. I got a really good work out in and then a shower. I started watching episode 8, but didn't finish in time for my matinee. I saw enough to refresh my memory. I wanted to watch it last night but the girls took my tv away from me. As much as I love having them home, there are some downsides. 

I have to admit I was surprised by episode 9-- surprised how much I enjoyed it and how emotional I got at the end. I have a very vivid memory of seeing the first one, episode 4 in the summer of 1977 and talking about it in the car with my mom and brother on the way home after. I was 11 years old at the time and it wasn't like any movie I'd seen before. Of course it wasn't long until we had star wars toys in the house. I remember seeing every other episode after-- episodes 5 and 6 were my freshman and senior years of high school and then taking my kids to see episodes 1, 2 and 3 when they were kids. It has been a long journey-- 42+ years.

After the movie I treated everyone to chinese food for christmas eve dinner and then it was time to relax. This holiday is pretty low key. There are very few gifts under the tree this year. Monika got a car, Jessi got a house, Jim and I are going on a trip... so the gifts are just a lot bigger.

 

 

Monika was up early to go to work today. Jessi and Cody got up early to join me for a hot yoga class. The class was crowded and very hot, but really good. It is amazing how much good a hot yoga class can do. After the class and cleaning up, we went to Monika's work to get coffee and breakfast. We had a really nice time sitting and talking. 

In the afternoon Jim and I ran errands, dealing with some banking and prep for our trip. Monika took Jessi and Cody to New Glarus for a beer tour and out for pizza. They brought left overs home for dinner which was so good. We all watched Star Wars Episode 7 together. I've got one more to watch in the morning before our noon matinee' tomorrow!

Celebrating Christmas Season

It was really nice having Jessi and Cody home for the holiday. Jessi has started going through her books and things stored here and is eager to take as much to her new home as possible. I made pumpkin scones for breakfast. Cody went boxing with Monika and I did a workout in the basement. I took Jessi and Cody shopping (we went to Kohls because I had a coupon and to REI) and then we made a nice dinner with leftover tamales and tacos, then watched another episode of Star Wars. I've watched 5 episodes-- only 4 to go! I'm eager to get through them all. We finished the night at a Christmas party with old friends. It was a lot of fun to old friends.

Christmas Card Season

I've sent out my Shutterfly Christmas cards earlier this month. I did another collage card this year as this year was quite full. I put a short description of the year on the back but I decided to offer an extended version for my blog:

I spent much of 2019 teaching high school in Madison. I started my 22nd year of teaching art and am now teaching all digital classes including a new all freshmen introductory class called Pixels & Vectors that is part of a technology pathway, as well as Animation, digital photography and illustration. I spent a lot of my free time traveling-- visiting the southwest to see Jim several times throughout the year, spending time in California with my mom in July, camping on the beach with cousins, flying to Florida to see Jessi twice. I will end the year with Jim in Berlin, Germany to wrap up a very full year. 

After 4 1/2 years in marketing, Erika is looking for a new career. She has finally been able to do some traveling and is currently helping my mom in California while she is on her search. She recently got a temporary job as a PA for a movie which she really enjoyed. It will be exciting to see where she ends up.

Jessi started the year in flight school at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX and finished at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Florida in November getting her golden wings.  She also got engaged this fall to her boyfriend, Cody. She will end the year moving to Norfolk, VA, where she recently purchased a house, to start her career as a Naval Aviator flying Sierra MH-60S Helicopters. 

Monika spent her winter/spring in the Pacific West with ACE (American Conservation Experience), using a chainsaw to chop down Monterey Pines in the San Simeon forest. She went to yoga teacher school early in the summer and then worked on an organic farm late summer through the harvest season. She ended the year traveling with Jim on a roadtrip through the southwest and then flying out to meet up with her aunt in London before meeting up with Jim in Turkey. 

Jim finished his year of active duty service at Ft. Bliss in El Paso and spent a month traveling late in the Fall. He took Monika on a road trip and then on to Turkey in November. Jim will end his year moving back to the midwest to start teaching at the University of Minnesota, Rochester in January. It is certainly wonderful to have him closer to home, but I will miss all my visits to southwest.

Best wishes for a Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year and New Decade... I'm really looking forward to the 20's! 

Teri

Feeling Better

I still wasn't feeling 100% but went to work without issues. It was cupcake smackdown day which I totally avoided. I didn't eat lunch at all either. After school I went to hot yoga and then came home starving. Monika had cauliflower pasta noodles with homemade sauce waiting for me which was amazing, but I was hungry. I organized some stuff for work, talked to Jim and watched some tv before bed. The sale has been a great success and I'm glad that most of my work is done! (Photo of Geof's trees).

Nausea

I woke up with nausea and not feeling well. I got up at 2am with a headache but got another hour or so of sleep before getting up. I probably should have called in sick but I kept hoping I would feel better and I did eventually. I came home for lunch after a meeting and then came home right after school, soaked in the tub and went to bed by 5pm. I'm ready for a vacation!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

After work I came home and got to work on my annual chocolate covered pretzels. I made about 40 baggies of 3 pretzel rods with leftovers for family and friends and my yearbook kids. 

Sunday Fun

I enjoyed a leisure morning with coffee and news and Jim. I had to go into work today to let artists in to set up for our sale at school this week. I brought in my computer and took pictures and then posted them onto our event page on Facebook. I also sent emails to all the schools in the area to advertise (per Geof's advice). It wasn't a terrible way to spend my late morning/early afternoon. Jim and I went out for a late lunch and then came home to a fire and watched a movie with fire. I was a perfect way to end the weekend. (Photo of Monika's new car above).

Out with the Old

We certainly did not plan to go out and buy a new car today but I got a text from the Nissan Dealer during my hot yoga class asking about our search and replied. That started a conversation that moved Monika and Jim to go do some test driving while I stayed at home prepping for our department holiday dinner. Monika found a car she loved and bam! Jim and Monika bought a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to replace the old 2009 Nissan Versa that Obama helped me buy with the cash for clunkers program back after the economy was on the fritz. 

After getting the new car (photos coming later this weekend), I came home and had the whole department over for dinner-- tamales and sides. Lots of fun but no photos!  

Just a week!

My kids were pretty wired today at the end of the day. I think everyone was really happy it was Friday and that we only have one more week until winter break! I had another busy day with presentations and a lot of yearbook prep, emails and stuff. I stayed after school again with  my newspaper kids finishing up the January issue so we can send it to print early and have it ready by the time we get back from vacation. I think this is the first year my kids have done that. I came home, did some clean up and went out to dinner with Jim. We watched Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime after that-- making for a great Friday night!

Good Hair Day

I had a ton of errands to run today during my lunch hour. While at CVS to pick up pictures, the clerk went on and on about how beautiful my hair was. I guess I was having a good hair day. I grabbed a couple of sandwiches (for me and Joe) and treats for my yearbook kids and got back to work with some time to spare. After school I worked on framing photos for the art sale and got home late. I got out Erika's bin of unsold glass baubles and my boxes of unsold cards and went back to work to set up stuff for me, Monika and Erika. Since Geof retired, the rest of us have to organize the sale. Grace is really the brains behind the sale but I'm helping out more than I have in the past. I got home just in time to watch Survivor. 

Rock Paper Scissors

Today was a professional development day and we kicked the day off with a rock, paper, scissors tournament, which was pretty exciting. I do think our staff is pretty fun. After some meetings, I dipped out to work on the yearbook and then grab lunch to go for our dept and then we worked thru lunch in the gallery. I left early for a meeting with a West art teacher to go over Animation curriculum as they will add animation at West next year. It was a fairly productive day. I ate dinner early as I am trying to do an intermittent fasting thing. I am trying only to eat between noon and 6pm. We'll see if I can pull it off for the week and if helps with some weight loss. I've been pretty frustrated with losing and gaining the same 5 pounds over and over for the past year. Monika and I finished the evening with watching the L-word together on Showtime. 

Tamales All Day

I spent my Sunday working on tamales for next week's department holiday party. I started with homemade veggie broth. Monika showed me how to make from all kinds of veggie ends and bits that you normally don't use the the butts of carrots, cores of bell peppers and some peelings. I added a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, an end of an old leek, celeriac and parsnip ends, cabbage leaves, thyme, oregano, turmeric, salt and pepper. I let that boil for at least an hour and strain out the water which turns pretty brown from all the veggies. 

 

I used a new recipe this year for my tamales since I was going all vegetarian. The Masa Harina is gluten free (made from corn) so that is a bonus. I use 3 1/2 cups or Masa, 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 cup of vegetable shortening, and 2 cups of broth. I added a can of El Pato to my dough to add a bit of zip (spicy tomato flavor). 

 

I made two kinds of tamales; pinto beans and cheese (grated jack and cheddar) and then second round with roasted poblano, anaheim and other misc peppers from my CSA box over the summer that I froze for later use and Mexican cheese and cheddar slices. I did not add the El Pato sauce to these since the peppers were zippy enough. 

 

 

 

 

 

I could not find my regular steam pot in the basement! Luckily my mom gave me an old pot of hers that was huge and I was able to use that with a bowl and plate at the bottom for water steaming. I'll need to buy a steam rack for next year. I made 6 batches because Monika told me she wanted enough to last until the New Year. I'm not sure how long these will last as the two of us polished off half a dozen today and they weren't even fully steamed. 

 

I also made one batch of sweet ones with cinnamon in the masa, butter instead of shortening, pecans and dried fruit (raisins, pineapple, apricot and dates). Not a lot of people like these as much I do (I think because of the cooked raisins). I love them-- all of them, sweet, vegetarian, with meat (esp beef), etc. I only make them once a year though.

Sleep!

I asked my students on Friday what they were going to do this weekend and 9 out of 10 said, "sleep!" the other 10% had an event to go to-- a girl had a hockey game and boy had a jewish conference of some sort. I must say, I do love the weekends, but I don't really get extra sleep as my pets wake me up regardless, but I do get time to put my feet up.

Today I went to yoga and then spent time making Mexican Wedding Cookies and sweet tamales. Tomorrow I will make regular tamales. I also drove up to Tomah to have dinner with Jim as he is at Fort Mccoy this week and next with military duties.

Big Money

I had professional development today at Epic. Monika helped me take my truck to get fixed and dropped me off at school to catch a ride to my meeting. I got a call late in the morning during my meetings with the news of what the deal with my vehicle -- the throttle control system. It cost me $700 to fix. I got a ride to my truck after my meetings and I was back in business. I got home early enough to make it to a favorite yoga class. I chatted with Jim who is up in Rochester with meetings. I finished the evening with my feet up catching up on Survivor.

Underwater

I spent the day chipping away at the many things that needed to be done. I spent time grading, prepping, and emailing. I presented a new project to my freshman and during yearbook I helped some students with a project in the pool. I got to test the water resistance of my new phone. We are remaking album covers and we did our best to remake the Nirvana shoot with students and it was a lot of fun in the pool.

I went home after school, built a fire and put my feet up. Josh came over with coffee for a long conversation. I finished the evening with an episode of Star Trek.

Work, meetings and more

Well, it's back to work after a month of short weeks, days off and travel. Then I heard a kid say we only had 13 days left until vacation (school days). Then I was reminded during a meeting that I have professional development on Thursday and another day next Monday! There's plenty of work to do, but luckily there's time for it all. I went home for lunch to find Monika talking to Jessika on the phone planning christmas plans. I made myself lunch and then got back to work. I had to stay after school for a photoshoot then went to Costco for a few items for dinner (mushrooms and gluten free cauliflower pasta). On the way home from Costco my check engine light went on and the the truck went into reduced engine power mode.  I could not go more than 25 mph. I got home fine but now I have to deal with car issues. Expenses seem never to end!

Full Day, Short Schedule

I weighed myself this morning to find I had gained about 5 pounds over the holiday. Jim got home last night and we went to Chili's for dinner, so I had eaten later and more than usual. I know it will come off easily with a little extra effort this week. This morning I made sure to get my beachbody workout in and eat wisely. The day was busy, with a short schedule, it went by super quickly with a lunch meeting, and an afterschool meeting. I stayed a bit late chatting with Joe about my yearbook frustrations. I went home and did some clean up, made a kale stir fry with mushrooms and sat to watch some news. Monika made "healthy" nut cookies. I had two but other than that can hope to be down tomorrow!

I made Christmas

I really didn't have much to do today. I worked on some school work, went to yoga and ate leftovers for lunch. I decided to go get a Christmas Tree and wreath and then do all the decorations. The tree needs some tinsel or ribbon to finish it off, but I got the most of the decorating done. The most important part is the lights. I thought of just doing lights but then I starting looking through old decorations and just started putting them up. I used to create a set of ornaments every year when the girls were little. Some of them are broken or chewed up from when Balt was a puppy. Monika made dinner but I just ate pumpkin bread that I had made yesterday. I talked a while with Jim who is on the road and checked in with my mom. All is well.