So this week as been pretty lousy. Monday and Tuesday I had to walk to work in super cold weather because my car wouldn't start. Yesterday I started my day off my locking myself out of my apartment, and ended it by causing my school to have a mass evacuation due to the fire alarm (yes, I set off the fire alarm, NO, I was not smoking).

One might ask, "Linnea, how did you set off the fire alarm," and Linnea might say,"I was heating up chocolate chips to dip stuff in, and it scolding causing a small amount of smoke, a very loud alarm, a mass Exodus from the building by 760 kids a and 50ish staff and my room smelling like dark hot chocolate for the rest of the day.

over all the week really blew. I can't wait to get out of school and a way from adolescents and my students. HA. Well more later.

Linnea

COUNT DOWN

The count down till ANNE is home and I am off work for 2 (count them two) weeks. Two weeks with out students, she sighs longingly. I am totally looking forward to hanging out with Grand Masta Funk herself, Anne Dugga, and Mama Dee, and all my friends that are coming home to see their families. Oh i almost forgot, Matt, Kirstin and Jack coming from Arizona. I can't wait to see them too.

I just want to make a comment... I think it is gut bustin' funny that my sister, brother, sister-in-law and nephew are all coming from HOT places, and it was a high of 3 today. The low was -17. God help them, she says laughingly.

Well I woke up this morning, -7* and my (Anne's) car won't start. Which is understandable for it is a car and it is colder than outer space out there. This only really bothers me for 2 reasons, 1) my mother just spent a small fortune to get the thing fixed, which included a $200 battery (don't ask, VW's cost A LOT) and 2) because i had to walk to work (did i mention it was -7* before windchill). Now those who know me well know i only live like 2 blocks from work and Brook (in Chicago) would yell at me for complaining, but it was flipping COLD. That is not how i wanted to wake up. Thank the lord for long johns (bright red if you were wondering).

I have been watching, CONNIE AND CARLA, again. I love this movie. Drag queens, show tones, gangstas, Victor/Victoria - what is not to love?

I will close on a quote, "Stop shouting - your voice is giving me Mono!"

Linnea

FACE BOOK

I have done it now...i am on face book. I know it is about time. Life otherwise is good. I have what feels like a cold but the doctor says it is a form of the flu. He put me on codeine cough meds and i am a tad stoned. Anywho, i have nothing to report.

Linnea

A bit Ticked off at the networks

okay, i am not a social butterfly as i was in my youth. And as my friend brook puts it, "i have a long term relationship with my television." i admit that sounds pathic but i do enjoy a good show - so i was pissed off to here they are cancling 2 (count them 2) of my favorite shows, Eli Stone and Pushing Daisies.

Now i know they are both a tad weird but ABC needs to get their head out their ass and admit that ratings STILL count for something.

Thanks for reading my rant,
Linnea

I will keep you posted to other disgraces in TV history as they are brought to my attention.

Cool Find

My mom sent me this, and I thought it was really cool. I thought I would share it with the you.

ENJOY,
Linnea

New Dawn New Day New Life

Super Tuesday 2008
Election Day

I am a big fan of our new president. I am thrilled that Barack won.

But I think that the speech McCain gave was truly wonderful and gracious. I know I am all for the liberal side of life but I give props to the man for his hard work for this country.

I am so excited to see this moment in history. In the words of the the song, "Feeling Good"

"Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good"

I am happy to be back in a BLUE state. Have a wonderful day.

Linnea

PS THANK YOU for Voting - It doesn't matter who you voted for, it matters that you vote. Thank you for using your voice.

VOTE

LET US ALL BA-ROCK THE VOTE...YA ALL. in the words of Ani DiFranco - VOTE DAMN IT

DR. Horrible

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008

Listening to: "Once More with Feeling" - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The MUSICAL

Watching: Heroes, Dr. Horrible, and ER

Reading: The Princess Bride & Good Things - Mia King

Joss Whedon released three mini episodes of a heart-felt, utterly wonderful, low budget musical progect called Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. It stars Neil Patrick Harris (who I am thoroughly enjoying in his new-found coolness) as Dr. Horrible, a villian who is struggling to be taken seriously by the Evil League of Evil. Things get worse when is arch nemesis Captain Hammer (played brilliantly by Nathan Fillion) steals the girl that Dr. Horrible has a major crush on. Hurry up and watch the three episodes at drhorrible.com

Also if you get the chance, Joss' other musical - Once More with Feeling, The Buffy Muscial - Season 6 Episode 7.

Well gotta go,

Linnea

Linnea's Must Sees - Movies

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008
These are in no real order. I love movies so much that I can't choose which is the best. Just check it out.



I could watch this movie a thousand times and laugh every time. I love the chemistry between Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock.

I thought it was cleaver when it came out. Kevin Spacey was amazing in this role. I think it is a testament to what happens when no one really talks to each other. American Suburbs at their worst.

Die Hard - All four. I love Bruce Willis - and I love John Mac Lane. I think Kevin Smith in the final Die Hard is hysterical. I am can watch these repeatedly.

A gay movie but a great love story about friends. The friendships in this movie are wonderful. It begs the question, why are we friends? Also has some wonderful thoughts on romantic relationships
I love the Beatles. This is a nice mix of music and love.

OKAY, Anglina Jolie, Ryan Phillippe, Sean Connery, Gena Roland, Gillian Anderson, Dennis Quaid, Jon Stewart, Jay Morh, Anthony Edwards, and more, need i say more. This movie has every relationship and it is amazingly written.

Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name inspired a truely twisted story of how men deal with each other. It has to be one of my favorites becasue the writing is so great and the story is fun - everytime.

Wonderful writing. I think Ellen Page is awesome. The story of teenage pregnacy taken to a new extreme.


I love this movie mostly for the love story between Colin Firth's Charitor and this forigen lover. It is so sweet. It is nice that they say the same thing but don't understand each other. AHHH love.

This is my all time favorite movie. I love Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in this movie. The writing is spot on. The relationship is delightful. Can men and women truely be friends? CAN THEY?

Linnea's Must sees - TV

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008

10. Amazing writing - I don't like Sarah Michelle Gellar but I love the writing. I would recommend it to anyone. It is nice to see a strong female. And lets face it Angel and Spike are worth the whole show. IF you like Buffy, watch Angel and Fire Fly - also great.


9. If you can keep up with the odd story it is amazing. If you don't like to be confused... don't watch.


8. hopefully it will be back for season 2. Cleaver, and new.


7. this was a surprise to me. It is odd as most of my favorites are, but this just silly fun. The fact the love interests cant touch or death will ensue makes me giggle.


6. I am a huge fan of Hugh Laurie. I think there is something to be said about an angry bitter man who saves lives but doesn't find joy in it. He only finds joy in the puzzle.


5. Let us believe that any show that mixes musical numbers, God and George Michael is going to be one of Linnea's Favorites!!!


4. AMAZING. If you like an intelligent laugh - this is it.

3. final season. Okay, I have seen all 15 seasons so it seems only right that ER would be in my top 10.


2. I have been a fan since it's beginning. Another intelligent show, but this one has a crime twist. Also it has an anthropologist who doesn't understand people and a cop who doesn't understand science....what a great combo.


1.Ok ay I am a dork. I love Sci-fi and i like comics. This is a great blend of both AND it has hot guys in it.

Again the Beast knocks at my Door

Friday Sept. 26, 2008

The definition of insanity is, "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results," this is how i define my job. I think that is really odd that i go to work everydy adn expect it to be different. As my sister says, "just remember, they only have CRAZY coming out of their corner," and this is true.

I am trying to will the universe into hooking me up with some of those crazy lotto winnings. Perhaps i can finally be an artist and not just a slave to the man. I am sick of all the rules and lets face it i have never been good with authority. I hate being told i am doing it wrong, or worse that i need to do something else. I not incompetant and i am not a five year old i wish the world would stop treating me as such. I just am a free spirit and therefore don't want direction on everything i do (from breathing to teaching).

I know my pity party is sad, "but it's my party and i will cry if i want to, you would cry too, if it happened to you."

Linnea

Summer is Almost OVER --- BOOOOOO

http://imaginarium.deviantart.com/
Artwork by Imaginarium (check out her site)

Life is going so well. i am starting to get settled in my new apartment. And it is starting to look like a home. I am happy to say that I will be finished working on it before i go back to work Monday.

Simon and i are doing great. He is wonderful and everything is wonderful. I am looking forward to our Saturdays (he works M-F 2sd shift and i work M-F 1st shift).

I start school on Monday with meetings and then Thursday with students. I like that i have a classroom with a window.

I'll tell you more when i know it.
Very much in love, Linnea

OMG MY LIFE ROCKS a little

Tues Aug 05, 2008 10:38 PM
Moving day

Today i moved. It was 94 degrees outside (really 94) and i spent the morning moving boxes and furniture. It is not why my life rocks, though i do LOVE my new place. IT is already looking like a home (okay, a home of a serial killer but it home never the less.

My life is rocking because i have a boyfriend, WHO i totally adore and he totally adores me. There is something to be said about dating someone who has known you for your whole life. I am dating my best friend Mary's little brother (not is size but in age), Simon. And Simon is wonderful. I mean wonderful.

SO tired, more later.

-Linnea
10:43 pm

LIFE IS GOOD

Tip: Check out www.nataliedee.com -- art work to the right is hers -- very very funny stuff. --->

In my LIFE:
I can't say that i have been nice this week. I have been a down right bitch at times, but i do believe it is justified. In sometimes i got duped, i got a lot of questions about the last month and you know what ... i don't care.

I thought for about three weeks that i really wanted this boy (i fall in love too easily) and i convinced myself. BUT you know what now that he isn't in front of me, i can get a clear picture... and i want so much and none of it has to do with him. i want someone who wants to grow up and i don't see that happening. i want to have someone who not only says the right things but does the right things too.

Now i am not saying that he was a bad guy. He is very fun and super smart but for me it wasn't right. He is back with his EX (i am beginning to think i want to be friends with her - she is pretty cool) and i hope it works out for them. I wish them all the luck in world.

Life is great for me. I think i am going to be living in Waterloo for another year. I am not sure where but i am working on it. I am looking forward to living alone. i like roommates but i would rather have guests that at some point go home. I will be at the same school next year but in a different room (it has a window). Everything is turning out wonderfully.

I am not sure if i am going to Michigan this year (for those who don't know me, i go to Michigan every year for a couple weeks with a friend who has a cabin in the U.P.) with N8. I can't say i won't be disappointed but life works out the way it should.

LIFE is great,
Linnea

My Hometown Under Water

June 14, 2008 Water Crested at 31.12 feet. This is past the 500 year flood plane.















Images are from Downtown Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids has 438 blocks underwater. There are so many sad statements one can make and that statement breaks my heart. For those of you who do not understand the magnitude of this flood, in the major flooding of 1993 the flood crested in CR at 19 feet. I would ask that everyones thoughts and prayers go to those who lost their homes, memories and livelihood in these waters. Hopefully recovery will be swift.

Heartbroken and Humbled,
Linnea

The water is coming. For those who don't live in Iowa, we are sitting on 20 ft-ish above flood stage, which hasn't happened since 1993. Flooding concerns are only one of mine at this point in my life.

Tomorrow my mother goes in to surgery for complete knee replacement. For all those who wanna pray for us, that would be wonderful. Also I am working on helping my roommate (Matt) get a job (also prayers would be nice).

Life other than that is wonderful. I have spent the last three days with my oldest friend, Mary and my Matt. It has been delightful. We have drank too much Mt.Dew, watching movies, playing PS2, and eating. It is wonderful. Tons of HUGS.

Oh and i am free at last from school. AND i got a new classroom for next year -- it has a window unlike the dungeon i have been in for 2 years.

linnea

060408

I am finally emerging from long school year and coming into the bright light of day. I am slowly remembering what days were made for. I am excited to be at home for the summer. I can't wait to stay up late and sleep in. I can't wait to play video games and watch movies whenever i please. I can't wait to have more time to write, or draw. I have 2 days - the longest two days in history - until i am FREE AT LAST.

I am digging my new roommate (who is currently only living with me for a couple more weeks - unless he gets a job - i hope he gets a job). I have had a great time getting to know and admire his quorks. We are melding well together. I really enjoy having someone around again.

I am looking forward to Anne's visit from the Dados and kinda looking forward to my mother's knee surgury (at least she won't be in pain).

Enough for now - a tad frazzled.

Linnea

To Sleep perchance to dream

I woke to the sound of birds chirping, which is at 8:30 one of the worse sounds in the world, granted i went to bed closer to 4 than 3. So I did what any rational person would do, I went to the store for coffee, mt. dew, krispy kreams and a carton of cigerrettes. I figure i would treat myself becasue i couldn't get back to sleep.

I was up late entertaining my old roommate, old roommate's new girlfriend and my houseguest/new roommate. It was fun. It was the first time i had met her (the new girlfriend) and she was nice. Now, that that was said, i was up too late because of these bastards -- and i blame them all.

I image the rest of today will be spent in a state of exhaustion, napping, falling over, cranky, funny exclitement. I don't remember what it is like to be this tired. I am achy and uncomfortable in my own skin. I got nothing.

Slipping for reality,
Linnea

Unexpected House Guest

So it is Sunday, which at my house means laundry needs to get finished and the dishes need to be done but today was different (granted i did finish my dishes and laundry). I woke this morning and talked to my friend, Matt. He currently is without home, his ex-girlfriend kicked him to the curb so I took him in. It wasn't even a question of will I, it was when are you coming over. I hate the idea that someone I care about is hurting.

We spent the day hanging out, shopping and dicussing books. Mostly the one I am thinking of writing. I am not really an author but more an artist in words.

This week is a good week. I work for 2 days and then I have a personal day and then I work another 2 days. I am looking forward to having wednesday off. I also like having Matt around. It should be a fun time.

I will keep you posted. Linnea

What happens when you get your hopes up...

So a week ago, I was excited about another summer coming to pass. I had a fledgling relationship which has since sizzled out (at least that is how it appears). I am still hoping the boy will figure everything in his life out and come back but I am not holding my breath. I know that when it comes to relationships, life does not always happen the way I want them to. But as the great George Michael says, "ya gotta have faith."

I have 14.5 days left of the school year, which for those who do not teach, I have 14.5 days of insaintiy left before I can grab a cold drink and relax. I am hoping that it all sails by without any complications (knock on wood).

I will keep you posted.
-Creative Clown, Angry Buddha, Simple Linnea

It is spring time again, almost summer. The sticky days of an Iowa summer looming on edge of my mind. I have always been a winter girl but I find summer, as of late, holds more meaning. The late evening drives with the finally cool air wiping around my hair stir memories of childhood. There is something to be said about the summer months. Finally free to stay up till the wee hours of the morning and rise at noon unaffected. I long for these days. I wait with bated breath for June when I can be come a kid again. For nine months of the year I am force to wear someone else clothes and speak with someone else vernacular. I long for summer.

It has been an interesting month for me. I have started a fledgling relationship, I embraced the fact that I will spend yet another year in Waterloo (which is not a choice I thought I would ever make) and I have come to grips with the fact that being 30 and living alone isn't a bad thing.

I have been writing again. I have been working on my art work (digital for now - maybe summer will lend time to oils or acrylic again) and I have been learning to breathe again. I find that working on my crafts makes me a little more sane.

I do find myself missing my siblings, Anne in Barbados and Matt in Phoenix. I never thought I would wish they would be near. I am long waiting seeing Anne in July when she comes home for 2 weeks. It has been 5 months since she left. I know she is excited to bargain shop, drink coffee at B&N and eat red meat (something that is very hard to find in the The Dados). I will just be happy to spend time talking to her in person. (Anne if you are reading this, I know I am corny - and a sentimental fool). Hell, I would love to hang out with Matt too. Though, Anne and I are closer, there is something to be said about Matt. He is a great big brother (if you like that sort of a thing).

I will post more when I know more. Until then, I am breathing.

Linnea