About Project 365

I have decided to get back into my photography. I have boycotted my hobby for awhile because I miss the meditating atmosphere of a dark room. (Maybe I just miss the fumes!?!?) When I went to school I can remember spending very long evenings in the dark room and having a sense of accomplishment and creativity! Since I have made the switch to digital photography, I rarely edit the photos I take. With this project I will have different types of photos. All photos will be taken with my iPhone and will not be edited. Some will be normal everyday pics and some artistic in nature, but all will be a little part of my day. Everyday for a year! Here's to going out and finding the creativity again...


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Day 153


2010-12-01 03:49:08 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915



Rudolph was on TV tonight! I have such loving memories as a child watching this with my brothers and my Nana and Pappy. Oh to be a carefree kid again, I'd give anything just for one day... Miss you Pappy, I love you!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Day 152


2010-12-01 02:34:50 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
It's amazing how quickly the Christmas decorations went up in my neighborhood this year! I'm certainly not complaining!!! I LOVE IT!

There is something about Christmas lights that instantly get you in the Christmas spirit! I remember as a child we would drive through neighborhoods and just look at the lights!

For my own personal house about the only lighting I do is lights in the garland inside the house and a single candle in each window. This year I may just venture out and attempt to put lights outside on the lamp post and bushes... we shall see!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Day 151


2010-11-29 01:43:40 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
BlackBlack

Black
Deserted
Empty
Abandoned
Nonexistent
Vacant
Barren
Indistinct
Sad
Desolate
Night

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Day 150


2010-11-28 19:21:37 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915



Every wonder what they are thinking?

Lots of days I wish she could talk to me...

Friday, November 26, 2010

Day 149


2010-11-27 13:02:13 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
Today was a good day... It was a day all about me! I was able to do a lot of thinking and sit back and evaluate things in my life. Not to mention a little shopping too! :0)

I started my day by shopping online, getting a few things for xmas presents. I did that from the comfort of my pj's in my warm bed! No long lines to wait in!!!

Then I used up a gift cert and got a pedi and mani. Why is it that I feel like I can tell my nail lady anything and everything!?!?!? Is it because they really have no connection to your life outside the salon and that they don't know anyone you know? Needless to say it was VERY therapeutic! She showed me that in a certain situation I am feeling like I did something wrong and am blaming myself and I have forgotten that I was the one who was treated poorly and it wasn't my fault. It is time for me to take back my life that has slowly slipped away in the last 2 weeks!

I went home, watched the Pens game as I cleaned the house and got ready for a friend who was coming over for dinner. Had an appt in Reading, went food shopping, came home again and started dinner. My friend came over and we had a great night of chatting!

Like I said, it was a great day! It was a day for me!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Day 148


2010-11-26 17:38:10 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
There's nothing like Grandma's homemade from scratch (crust and all) pumpkin pie!

TRADITION tra·di·tion   [truh-dish-uhn]
–noun

1. the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice

2. something that is handed down

3. a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting

4. a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices

5. a customary or characteristic method or manner

FAMILY fam·i·ly   [fam-uh-lee, fam-lee]
–noun

1. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not

2. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins

3. all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor.

4. a group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants.

5. the staff, or body of assistants, of an official

6. a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together

Families and traditions look different from one household to the next. However, we are who we are because of our family and because of the traditions that have been established throughout the generations. All of which, no matter if it was in the best of times or the worst of times, have been done with a rock solid foundation of love.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Day 147


2010-11-25 14:39:27 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
It is so funny the way we have certain likes and dislikes ingrained into us from birth. Why did I start liking the Eagles? Because of my family. Phillies? My family. Penn State? My family. But why have I stuck with these teams for all these years? Mostly, my family, friends, traditions, etc. Along with those strong feelings for a team comes strong feeling against certain other teams. I hate the Cowboys, the Yankees, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. Why do I hate them? Simply because I love the other teams and if you love the other teams you hate these teams! That's just how it works!

Now, with that said, my family was never really into hockey. So I never grew to passionately love a team. I always would cheer for the Flyers because they were affiliated with Philadelphia. I didn't know players names, team stats, rivals, etc. However, over the past few years I have become more interested in hockey, more so this year than ever.

I sat down one night with David and we watched a documentary on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mario Lemieux. I was shocked by the passion and commitment to the sport and his team Mario had and still has today. That was the day I became a Penguins fan!

I'm an all around lover of sports. If my team isn't playing I'll watch another game! I get the rivals but when it comes down to it, I just like to watch sports! Well, I was certainly not prepared for the intense rival between Penguin and Flyers fans. WOW!

And although it was a little strange for me putting on my first Penguins yellow and black jersey, I stand by my choice. I still don't get the rival between the 2 teams but do any of us really understand any rival teams and why there is such disdain? Probably not.

I will say though... having a blue Penguins jersey would allow me to kinda blend in at the Funky Farm among all the blue and white Penn State gear. David will have to fend for himself! :0)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Day 146


2010-11-25 14:38:44 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”

“If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it, write it in the sand near the water's edge''”

“We all leave footprints in the sand, the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul.”

Monday, November 22, 2010

Day 145


2010-11-23 20:19:21 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915



My Christmas decorations get earlier and earlier every year... This Dyson vacuum purchase jump started a cleaning frenzy! I'm obsessed!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Day 144


2010-11-23 20:18:57 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
GIRLS ON THE RUN!

Girls on the Run is an organization I've been familiar with, helping with, for 2 years now! This is an amazing non-profit that pairs together character building curriculum for girls and running.

The objective of Girls on the Run is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

We were lucky enough to receive a grant so we could have Girls on the Run at our school this year! The girls trained for 10 weeks for their 5K race which was today! They did an AMAZING job! I couldn't be prouder!

Girls on the Run is an organization that I would reccommend you look up and support in any way you can!



Saturday, November 20, 2010

Day 143


2010-11-23 20:18:36 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915


I was moving furniture today and vacuuming and basically disrupting Juno's sleeping schedule! I went upstairs to shower and when I came down she was sprawled out across the floor as if she was standing her ground. She wasn't budging. She just looked up at me like, "Please, just let me be!"

Friday, November 19, 2010

Day 142


IMG_2039
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
I was growing increasingly frustrated with my vacuum and the ridiculous amount of pet hair on my carpets!!! It made me not want to be in my own house! I took apart the vacuum in one last ditch attempt to get it working. NO SUCH LUCK! So I turned to the Internet and did some research. I googled, "best vacuum for pet hair." Every post I read recommended the Dyson Animal. I said ok, sold! Then I looked at the price... NO WAY!!!!! I searched for coupons for Dyson and sales for Dyson, etc. I read a post about a lady that went to Kohls and they price matched a Dyson that was on sale somewhere else AND they let her used her coupon on top of that! I was on a mission!

I wanted the vacuum and I was NOT going to pay $550! I spent about an hour trying to look up prices to find the lowest one. I found that Dyson's were 20% off at Home Depot and the price was $438. Then I searched and searched for a printable store coupon for Kohls. I was DETERMINED to find 20% off or more. Finally... SUCCESS! I went to Kohls, showed my ad from Home Depot, gave my 20% coupon, gave my $50 Kohls gift card and grand total that actually came out of my bank account... $322!!!! Almost 50% off the original cost! Kohl's actually had the vacuum at $599! I was so proud walking out the store hoping someone would stop me to ask to see proof of purchase so they could see my savvy shopping skills!!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Day 141


IMG_2033
Originally uploaded by Manpan915




Salt + Lime + Patron = No WORRIES

(at least for a few hours, but I'll take it)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Day 140


IMG_2030
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
BRACES OFF!!! I have waited 2 1/2 years to get these braces off! What a weird feeling! My teeth are so smooth and straight! I love it!

The retainer is a little crazy. I have to be very articulate when I talk. I was whistling today, couldn't say my th's, and heard myself talking funny all day! Small price to pay for the next 3 months in order to have straight teeth!

Next step... teeth whitening!!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Day 139


2010-11-17 02:13:49 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
For the past 2 days (and 2 days last week) I have been going through a training for a Student Assistance Program. It is sad the amount of risk factors that students face every day! Today in training the topic actually made me take a look at myself, my upbringing, and how I turned out the way I did. I think I'm pretty freaking awesome but not without the occasional insecurities and doubts... I try my best every day to be a good person. Suddenly I remembered my tattoo... it means to teach and inspire. Whether I am dealing with students, co-workers, family members, friends or complete strangers, these are the goals in my life that I try to live by every day.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Day 138


2010-11-17 02:12:11 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
Betrayal

Betrayal (or backstabbing) is the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations.

Betrayal is one of the worst human experiences. I say this because betrayal involves shock, disappointment and re-evaluation of one's belief system. Almost every betrayal makes the victim look back over their past to try to determine what caused it. This reflection almost inevitably leads to self-blame and guilt.

Funny how that works... No, not really!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Day 137


2010-11-14 23:57:49 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
I LOVE COUPONS!!!!! Hallmark sent me a coupon for buy 2 large Yankee Candles and get 2 free! So what did I do? I bought 4 and got 4 free. Used 1 coupon last week and then used another coupon today.

Yes, I paid $100 for candles but wait... come on, those of you that know me know I would NEVER spend that much on candles!!!!!

Sooooooooo, I posted 5 of the candles on Craig's List at $20 a piece. ALL 5 SOLD!!!!! LOL So really, I ended up paying $0 for 3 Yankee Candles that are normally $25 a piece!!!

Yes, this kind of stuff gives me great satisfaction!

PS> Happy Day 14 DS!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Friday, November 12, 2010

Day 135


2010-11-14 23:56:03 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
It amazes me that my little 6 year old friend can read this with no trouble! I love to hear to read! She is an unbelievable reader!

From a professional standpoint her fluency and expression is some of the best I've ever heard from not just a 1st grader but from a student in any grade!

From the standpoint of someone that loves her to death... the reading and giggles while reading melt my heart!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Day 134


2010-11-12 03:08:53 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
I have been out of the classroom for almost 5 years now... I am reluctant to say "out of the classroom" because while I am no longer a classroom teacher I have always tried to make sure I do not loose the connection to the classroom, students, and most importantly, the teachers.

Today I was teaching 1st grade because we could not get a substitute for the day. I jump at the chance to sub in classrooms because I miss being a classroom teacher and I want that connection to the kids but at the same time I never want to forget what it is like to BE a classroom teacher. If you have not taught a group of 25+ children you have NO IDEA what it takes to be an effective teacher! As a future administrator I don't want to ever forget what it is like to have to write lesson plans, to deal with unruly students AND parents, to have to get work ready for someone who was/is absent, to have to console a little one because of what happened after school yesterday or before school that day, to have to remember what specialist/teacher was coming to pull my 4-5 kids for services, to take attendance and lunch count, etc.

AND THAT IS ALL WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF THE CHILDREN ARRIVING!!!!!!

I have to remember that I will be asking my teachers to constantly change their thinking, change their routine, change their plans, change their lessons, change their curriculum, and at no fault of my own or theirs! It's the nature of the beast and I'm just grateful the good ones stick around to the enjoy the ride because it really is THE most rewarding job!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Day 133


2010-11-12 03:05:50 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
So this may not count as an actual picture, but it is a screen shot of my phone... I have several different blogs I follow and various websites I read articles on that it became overwhelming to check them all everyday. I downloaded my Reeder app which allows all those articles to be pushed to my reeder so I can access them all in one shot. I LOVE my reeder!!!!

There is a catch... some days I have so much to do that don't get a chance to read all my articles. Well last week was extremely busy and when I checked my reader on Sunday I have around 460 articles to read. I made it my point to read, or at least browse, all the articles. Today at 10:06am I read my last article catching me up with 0 articles to read! That is until my Reeder updates again for the day... But for now, I will take the blank screen that simply says, Unread = 0!!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Day 132


2010-11-12 03:03:51 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
Silly Bands

It is getting to be Christmas time so I am finding TONS of stocking stuffers and gifts for the ones I love. This year I have a certain 6 yr old friend that LOVES silly bands. I get a kick out of these things. Kids are going crazy for rubber bands that are in the shape of something. I guess when I was younger the "old folks" were not understanding snap bracelets and as far as I was concerned, they were the greatest thing on earth at the time!!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Day 130


2010-11-08 02:39:03 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
Today was a great day!

Slept in (loved the extra hour of sleep),

Church,

Baked Cupcakes,

Watched Charlie Brown Christmas,

Lounged on the couch,

Had dinner with friends,

Watched the Eagles win,

Decorated cupcakes,

and now... relaxing!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Day 129


2010-11-07 19:13:06 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915


MMMMM....

YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS!!!!

SOOOOOO GOOOOOD!

STOPS THE CRAVING FOR SWEETS AND ICE CREAM!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Day 128


2010-11-05 22:59:51 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
I went to the store for screws and I came back with a new kitchen sink!?!?!?

I guess you can say I was feeling VERY handy today! The secret is that I actually had to make 2 trips to the hardware store and I'm not gonna tell ya why! You can just look at my shelves that I hung ALL by myself (just don't look around the corner at the back of the wall!). Finally, the shelves were hung and I had a great sense of accomplishment! It's always good to start and finish a project all in a matter of a few hours!

Anything you can do I can do better... ;0)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day 127


2010-11-05 22:58:47 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
Live music...

Hot cocoa...

Good friends...

All at the top of a mountain!

Cozy...

Content...

Proud...

All at the top of a mountain!

Great Job - Jeremy and Andrew!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Day 126


2010-11-04 20:18:43 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915



Juno is such a trooper! She was so sick, throwing up at least once or twice an hour but she used all her energy to still watch the Pens game with me!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Day 125


2010-11-03 02:23:52 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
I had a really good day today! I got a good amount of work done at school. Got to run some errands during lunch. Voted after school. Did a little grocery shopping. And then...

I ACTUALLY GOT TO READ A BOOK! NOT FOR SCHOOL BUT FOR PLEASURE!

I read about 3/4 of the book! I have forgotten what it is like to get lost in a book! To curl up under a blanket and literally put all my attention on a book! I have missed that!

PS - If you're looking for a book to read, pick up "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls ~ It's a WONDERFUL memoir!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Day 124


2010-11-02 01:46:43 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915
We all know we need to eat healthy, right? How many of us really know what that means? Through Junior League, I have become involved with Kids In The Kitchen. It is a great program where we target elementary age children and introduce to them fun healthy snacks. I'm amazed when kids ask me what the green thing is and I have to tell them broccoli but they still haven't ever heard of it? Then they ask, how does the white broccoli taste? And I have to reply that it isn't white broccoli, it is cauliflower. Some of the kids we met had never heard these words before!?!?!? Even as they ate the sugar snaps they were trying to peel them open first. It's great introducing kids to these foods and having them actually like what they are tasting! We are excited, they get excited, and they want to eat more! Guess that's the point!

Anyway, I brought to my Junior League meeting 3 students from my after school program. They had a chance to take part in a Kids In The Kitchen program when I brought it to my school. I had them speak to the ladies about the program about what they made and what they liked. The ladies loved them! (At least the ones that could hear them!)
As a thank you, I took them to dinner at the place we had our meeting. Cork & Cap Restaurant is a fancier place that impressed me with their kid's menu! They had so much fun! They giggled that the napkins were cloth and were afraid to wipe their mouths with them. The waiters and staff were great! They were treating them like princesses! The girls asked so many questions like, why there were 2 forks and how did they know which bread plate was theirs and why does some food come out first? They were taking it all in! I was especially impress when all 3 girls tried the pate! their faces were priceless but they respectfully swallowed it and quickly washed it down with sprite! How funny!
When it came to ordering, the one girl asked for chicken fingers but quickly said, "I really should eat a vegetable with this," and not only ordered a salad but also ordered broccoli!!!! And this is why I try to get a variety of programs into my school... you never know the long term effects and it kinda feels great when you actually get to see it!

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