An Award from "A Rural Journal"

A few weeks back, I was given an award by Nancy at A Rural Journal - the "Tell Me About Yourself" award. Well, it's taken me a while to say "thanks" and to participate, but I'm absolutely sure Nancy will understand. (See, I had another midterm, a couple papers to write, and some research to accomplish, so I was a bit busy.)

Anyway, in giving me the "Tell Me About Yourself" award, she's asking me to provide seven facts about myself that have not been previously revealed (anywhere in Under the Desert Sky or elsewhere, I suppose).

So here are the seven facts:

1. I'm afraid of driving across big bridges like the Delaware Memorial Bridge. If someone else is driving and I'm just a passenger, then I'm fine. But if I drive . . . well, I get really, really scared. I have to admit that I was a bit freaked out just looking at that Delaware Memorial Bridge photo (posted below). Once, I had to drive over a big bridge by myself at night, and by the time I got to the other side, I was crying hard! So chances are I won't personally drive myself over something like the Golden Gate Bridge, if I can help it!
2.  While I've been known to enjoy downhill skiing (in the beautiful mountains of "the big square states" like Utah and Colorado, but also in Maine and Michigan), I'm uncomfortable with heights. Okay, not deathly afraid (like when I'm driving on a big bridge), but uncomfortable (basically if I'm on a ski lift, I like to be on one side or the other - if it's a three-person lift, for instance - and not stuck in the middle, so I have something to hold on to). 
3. My dad claims that I was reading by the time I'd started Kindergarten. I have no way to verify this, of course, although I do remember early memories where I knew how to read.When I asked my mom how old I was when I first started reading, she doesn't remember exactly how old I was, but said "Well, you were pretty young."
4. Okay, so if you're an Under the Desert Sky "regular," you probably know I enjoy reading. A lot. I love browsing in bookstores and libraries. However, the first time I walked into the University of Iowa's Main Library, I was overwhelmed - intimidated! I wanted to leave a breadcrumb trail, so I could find my way out!
5. I don't care for either pork chops or salmon. By the way, guess what was on the menu at the reception after Andrew and I got married (the church wedding, no the justice of the peace)? Filet mignon (yummo!!) and . . . salmon! Bwahaha! (I ate some of it, though. It was well prepared, but not my favorite thing on the menu.) While I suggested what would be on the menu, my mom added her touches, obviously.
6. I used to play the piano; I was actually able to read music, too! (I have forgotten all of that by now, though, which is unfortunate.)
7. I loved wearing a uniform every day. It made picking what to wear every morning so much easier! And like Nancy mentioned in her list, I prefer my uniform's steel-toe boots over high heels any day. They are much more comfortable!!

Southbound Delaware Memorial Bridge from Wikipedia. Photo by C. Prisciandaro, 2006.

Saturday Morning's Tooth Fairy Loot

When Liv woke up on Saturday morning, she found that the Tooth Fairy had visited her during the night.

She's excited about the money!

She was impressed that The Tooth Fairy had left magic glitter!

She seemed more impressed with the glitter on her bed, on the green little steps next to her bed, and on the floor outside her door than with the 2 one-dollar bills underneath her pillow!

The Tooth Fairy's First Visit

Liv's had a loose tooth for the past few days. She kept wiggling it, even though she said it felt weird. I'd told her all about "The Tooth Fairy" in preparation for the day the tooth actually falls out.

Well, today while she was at school, it fell out! She was at lunch when it fell out. One of the ladies helping in the lunch room said that Livie suddenly looked really surprised. When the lady asked Liv if she was okay, Liv said yes, but that her tooth had just fallen out. So the two of them went to the nurse's office so Liv could rinse out her mouth and put her tooth in a little box for safekeeping. (It was a tooth-shaped box on the end of a "necklace" which Liv wore for the rest of the day.)

She's showing off the new gap.

She got this little box at the school nurse's office. (I don't know why she's not smiling. She has actually been looking forward to The Tooth Fairy's visit ever since she got home from school!)

I guess you all know what I'm doing tonight after Liv goes to sleep! Stay tuned for an update this weekend. It should be fun!

A Video for Veterans' Day

The Star Spangled Banner (WWII era):

And in Navajo (Diné):

Halloween 2011, a Photo Tour

This year, Livie was a pink pony for Halloween. She used the cute little ghosty bag we'd gotten for her around Halloween in 2005, while I was still pregnant.

Here's the "photo tour" of our night of trick or treating:

She's ready to go!

Posing next to the jack-o-lanterns!

Showing off the "pony tail"!

Mid-trick or treat; "Which way, now?"

"Mama, no more pictures!"

Seamus the Halloween Kitty.

"The Orange House"

The "house with the skeleton in the cage" (near the door).

Tired (after two hours of trick or treating)!

Lots of loot!