The Lunch Bag Club

Just like the kids, my favorite part of the day is lunch time.  Sure sure, I love the challange of teaching the kids Spanish.   Sure, sure I love making the kids laugh and telling them stories. There's just something to be said about that part of the day when we get together with our peers and - I know this sounds cheesy - enjoy being friends.

I hate to brag, but I work with such awesome cats.  There's many a lunch time when I leave and my sides hurt from laughing so much.  I think each one of us at that table has had a heavy load this past year, but we've been cheering each other on and laughing. And laughing some more.

On Letting Go

Once in Junior High, I had to break up with a friend.  I loved my friend with my whole heart - she was funny and pretty, and I loved our conversations. 

One day, I realized that I was starting to get angry with her.  It seemed as though I loved her a bit more than she loved me.  She didn't invite me to her parties unless I pouted, and it seemed when I walked up to her in a group of friends there would be a lot of eye rolling and whispers.

It hurt.  I decided to not be her friend.  I decided to spend time with the people who made room for me at their lunch table.  I made room in my life for the girls who smiled when I smiled at them.  There was no eye rolling.

I  never made a scene - I just quietly went my own way.

Another time, a friend decided to let me go - she went quietly too.  One day in class, she stopped speaking to me and would walk away when I approached her. Ouch - that hurt.  I wondered long and hard if I had done something to upset her - was I rude? Did she think I was talking behind her back?  Finally, I gave up and moved on.

Of course, this was junior high and these girls grew up to be mature, fabulous women who do good things in the world.  At the time, I protected my heart and moved on from my friendships to find later that the qualities of these women improved with age as my qualities have improved with age.  (hopefully)

And even now, there are friends I let slip through my hands. I know that my family's health crisis isn't the worst thing that has happened to anyone, but it is the hardest thing that has happened to me.  I've had some friends leave me or not return my calls as I've reached out to them.  It's very lonely and surprising.  Just like junior high, I found many other glorious friends who return my smiles and reach out to support me during my current struggles.

I see my daughters go through the same pain, and I tell them the stories of me letting those friends go.  I know it breaks their hearts to have someone they admire not return the affection, but we must protect our hearts - even if, it's just a little bit.

Picking Friends

I'm fussy with who I pick as friends.I don't waste time on people who gossip about what others did in their college days, about other's bank accounts, or how much they volunteer for Sunday School.

I know it sounds all snobby, right?  Oooo... I'm so exclusive..  You have to be pretty special to be a member of the Bobbi Friend Club....

Quilting..

In all, forty quilts were made and donated to the Salvation Army.  We were pretty proud to display them and help pack them up to send them on their way to be under a tree for some little boys and girls in the area!

The Long Way Home

We had our first snow storm yesterday.  I was driving very slowly on my way home from school when I got a call from Missi.  It had seemed that Mykayla, my preschool niece,  had decided to take the bus to my house.  Missi had the office call the bus and tell Natalie and Allison to wait for Missi at the end of the driveway so she could pick her munchkin up.

Only -

They discovered Mykayla wasn't on that bus.


So - can you imagine the panic ripple that swept across Red Lake County for the next five minutes?


Where was this four-year-old with a pink tog hat?

 It turns out some of her preschool friends wanted her to take the bus with them.  So, she did.  She was in Brooks.  I was on my way home about a mile from the bus.

I convinced the driver to turn around and bring the little elf with pink hat and boots to me. 

I asked my little friend, "Where you scared?"

She smiled brightly.  "No - I didn't go on the wrong bus Bobbi.  I just wanted to ride with Ava and Tristan."

That reminded me of someone I used to know.

Ok ok - Brennie -

I'm making this table topper for Jason's Grandma for Christmas - it's one of the first things I've made that I'm not embarrassed to show anyone -  So my friend Brenda asked - "Bobbi - would you show us something you've made?"

And now I have.

I love looking at all the boxes and diamonds - how easy and difficult it was to make.  I had switched an angle of a square - and when I did that - the whole pattern was lost - so out...  came the seam ripper - I put the blocks on my cutting board and played with them awhile - and ta da!!!!!

This pattern was free!!!!! FREE FREE!   

One thing that I loved about this pattern is that is uses charms - you can buy charm packs in quilt shops  - and well - there's a lot of different fabrics in a pack - that matches- and they're so pretty....  and they're already cut!!!

My First Friend At College

I didn't want to tell my seniors this, but  I was MISERABLE my first months at college.  I had a horrible room mate, a horrible job, and I missed my mommy.

I was a transfer student.  I was slightly older than the girls on my floor.  One girl two doors down hated my guts and made fun of my Lee Jeans.

Again - I was miserable.

My first quarter was hopeless.  I don't remember meeting anyone.  I did know a few girls from town and hung out with them once in a while, but to tell you the truth, I was lonely.

The only class I even remotely liked was Spanish 301.  It wasn't because I studied every night and practiced conjugating verbs.  My professor was kind and funny. 

I remember taking a test.  We had to translate Spanish into English.  There was a question about Belden going into a spaceship.  I remember thinking. "Hmmmmm.... that's odd.  What an odd name for Profesor Hall to make up."

One day, I decided to go to the twelve o'clock class instead of the eleven o'clock class.  I sat in the back of the room while Profesor Hall went about the lesson. And he called on a guy named Belden.  I looked up from my paper and there was a red brown headed kid with a trench coat. - He had these brown boots - not cowboy boots - but like work boots you'd find at Fleet Farm.

I thought "That is an actual name of an actual student. - well  -  this kid looks like a weirdo..."

And that weirdo became one of my dearest friends.

When I told him about the girl who lived two doors down who didn't like me, he said "What's her problem?  Well, she has a pig nose anyways."  From then on, we called her pig nose - but not to her face.  He had all kinds of nick names for people on campus there was Big Gulp, Curly Head, Sleazy Dave, and of course, Pig Nose.
 
I'm not sure how we ended up being friends - but Belden and Bobbi were kind of like the Lenny and Squigy of Spanish class. 

Rebels

Back in '90, Tina decided she wanted to have a big slumber party.  She invited about fifteen girls to her mom's house and we crowded into her living room watching movies and eating munchies.  At about midnight, Tina stood in the front of the room and made an announcement.

"I have the  best idea ever!"  Her nose was wrinkled and she was smiling... she was a little hyper from all the Mountain Dew she had been drinking.

"You know those pumpkins everyone has all over their yards?"  She continued laughing...  "Let's take them all... And put them in front of the school"

"GREAT IDEA" we shouted.

So we piled into her early 80's Buick - all fifteen of us!  And hit the streets of Red Lake Falls.

We creeped down allies and side streets looking for respectable pumpkin bags left over from Halloween.

We made several loads that evening because - after all, Red Lake Falls is a respectable town with Halloween spirit - and plenty of leaf-rakers!

All in all, we gathered about twenty bags.

We had been stopped once by a local cop.

"Have you girls been drinking?"

"Naw...  smell our breath."  Tina blew her pizza breath all over the unsuspecting deputy.  

"Ok girls, you look a little suspicious.  You can go on your way...  stay out of trouble."

Ohh... little did he know the trouble we were stirring.

The next morning, all of the bags had been gathered up by the custodians and put through the incinerator.  We were dissapointed that there wasn't any news stories in the local Gazette or anything. 

Bummer.

There are only a few friends you remember the exact moment meeting them - like for instance - when I met Jason at the Plummer Dance... Tina is one of those friends I remember distinctly meeting.  She was on the band bus.  She had red hair, and she played the flute.  I thought she was marvelous.  Tina's imagination was big.  She laughed loudly and her eyes rolled when she talked to emphasize everything she was saying.  I remember just looking at her and smiling as she talked.  It was as if she was her own T.V. show.  I'm not quite sure why I haven't written more about Tina.  She's down right special.

She's one of those people who worked her way through school and became an English teacher of all things!  :)  I'd love to sit in on her classes and see how she runs her class because I bet they are fun!  Those kids have no idea the rebel that stands in front of their classroom!

Love the Way You Lie

I'm not all that hip.  I know surprising... isn't it?  For some reason, I was listening to this on the radio - and I was enjoying the meter, rhythm, and rhyme....  I know - what a dork right?  Then, at the end I heard it was a song by Eminem and Rihanna.


"Love the Way You Lie" tells the story of domestic violence. Rihanna's character in the song is the victim, Eminem's character is the abuser.  When I first listened to the song, I jumped to the conclusion that the artist was using irony and satire.  Eminem's character playing the typical "wife beater," and Rihanna's character giving her lover every excuse in the book.

When Eminem first came out, I thought he was a misogynist pig.  I didn't get the satire at all.  Many others didn't and still don't.  I'm not a more sophisticated rap enthusiast.  I've just had more life experiences.

I've clicked my tongue as a gal or two told me how their significant other was so perfect and kind.  I've cheered too many times thinking they would leave the abusive MO FO only to see the truck parked in the driveway the next morning.

I wouldn't have understood the irony of Rihanna's chorus while I  grit my teeth wondering when they'll finally see what they do to themselves. 

A new poem...

I Dream'd in a Dream

I dream'd in a dream
I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the
whole of the rest of the earth,
I dream'd that was the new city of Friends,
Nothing was greater there
than the quality of robust love, it led the rest,
It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,
And in all their looks and words.

Walt Whitman

Friends Forever

You know how everyone writes in your yearbook - "Friends Forever!" OR "BFF" Or "FA" or anything else like that?

Well, that actually happens. Well with me, it does. My friends from high school and I still hang.... Seriously - and it's been (cough*) eighteen years since we've graduated.




This weekend, Sarie got married! Road trip! Hooray!!!! We packed ourselves into Heather's Trailblazer, and drove the six hours down the cities.
I wish I had pictures from back in the days when we were eighteen and dancing at the Plummer dances. I just know that we always end up laughing at the days we were young and head banging in the Plummer City Hall.
We know everything about each other. We know each boyfriend and the hang ups each one had. Angie, on the left, was the first of us to get married. I was the second. We've danced at each others weddings and even held each other through many of life's disappointments. We've laughed at famous stories of attending wedding dances with "flashers." We know each crush and giggle every time it's brought up.

I'm not sure how many people can say they've had the same friends for over twenty years?

Dear Kids

Dear Kids,

I went to your parents' wedding, and even though you could not attend, (you don't exist yet) I got to be there.

Your mom was beautiful. Grandma Jean was beaming. Grandma and Grandpa Foster were glowing. And even though, it was raining outside, we danced for joy at the union of such beautiful people.

Your mom and dad picked out the most beautiful poetry and music. Their vows were sincere, joyful, and funny. We all cried because we were so happy!!


Your mom has the kindest, open heart. She loves loving people and hearing their stories. I always strive to be as wise as your mother, and I hope you always consider her advice to heart.

I haven't known your father as long as the twenty-four years your mom has been in my life. I just know I love how he sparkles because he wants to give her the world. I want you to know that I love how much he loves her.

So, Dear Kids, I know your dad has been writing you for the past few months on a blog of his own- but I just wanted you to know how a simple friend was there and got to see the beginning of your family

Love,
Your Future Friend,

Bobbi

Junior High

What surprises me the most about junior high kids is how it matters so much who they sit by. I mean, they have a heart attack if they don't sit by their best friend. They have a heart attack if they are grouped with some boy they consider to be a nerd. I guess I remembered that now that I think about it. You know, you want to be grouped with the people your comfortable with - but - that is why I assign groups - I assign seats - because well - it's important to get to know everyone - to give everyone a chance. I mean - don't we all have to get used to sitting by someone we don't get along with at some point. We have to be polite -


But the thing is - this polite thing - is really hard for them.

"oooo no - I have to sit by her" one boy calls out "She has a crush on me."

For cryin' out loud! These words were spoken at the top of his lungs.

This poor girl had tears in her eyes. I told him to "Shush" and took him outside while he got the "OH my gwarsh - was there a better way of doing this" speech.

But then, we had a teachers in-service. Teachers were saving spots for their best friends. Seriously. You couldn't sit next to Y because she was holding a spot for X. Seriously folks. I went and sat where I knew I'd be welcome - just like any other seventh grader would do.

Facebook

I got the giggles.

Think about this ---- Go to facebook and read all of the statuses as a dramatic monologue.

Hilldiddlearious.


"Jon Doe is watching Cops."

"Sully McCalhan is now friends with Donna Shore."

On and on.

Say it with Gusto!

"Billy Non became a fan of Farmville."

And then, some sasafrass is "liking" it.

Amazing stuff really! How amazing is it that we announce these things to the world. Ha! Love it.

Skins

So my newest obsession is Skins. It's a BBC production. This week, I've watched the entire first season on my Netflix account. Jason started watching it with me, but all the f-bombs hurt his ears - so that'll warn you. If you don't like a lot of f-bombs do not put this in your queue.

This series is about the lives about some really confused teens and their really confused parents. Some of the parents have a few redeeming qualities. But, the only thing good in the teens' lives is their friendships.

At first, I wondered if these teens were exaggerated. Then, I realized their lives are not that exaggerated. There are some kids whose lives are this awful. I can think of some of my friends in these situations. I can think of certain predicaments and realize that these writers are painfully honest.

Even though the teens can do horrible things to each other and themselves, the writers are phenomenal at tempering the seriousness with humor. The humor is what clenched it for me. I love a good dark comedy after all.

I realized how much I loved this series after watching the final scene from the first season.

People I Think are Totally Awesome...

Hey there are some awesome people in the world who do awesome things.

1. Foster parents - the kind who dress their foster children cutely. The kind that tucks kids in at night and hold their hands when they are scared. Not the kind who make them wear sweatsuits in July and never let them out to play.

2. Grandmas - they can teach you how to sew, crochet, knit, tat, and make lefse.

3. Teachers - ok... I know I'm a teacher, but hey... the situation is that I'm a teacher because I had awesome teachers like Mr. G., Mrs. Harren, Mr. Amundson, Mr. Derosier, Dr. Drake, and so, so many more. I also love my daughters' teachers. They are the cat's meow! Teachers are always thinking of ways to make kids' lives better. I admire that.

4. Doctors- especially the ones that saved Jason's life when he took allergy shots and went into anaphaltic shock. OH! And the doctors that have not told me I was a freak when I was worried about my girls' asthma - yeah those doctors are awesome too.

5. Friends - what would I do without them? They inspire me to be a better person everyday. They cheer me on. They tell me when I'm wrong.... I guess I'm wrong sometimes or something.

Grandma Tracy is a Rock Star!

Every two years, the Aakhus family has a family reunion somewhere in Northern Minnesota. When J and I first got married, I was somewhat grumpy that I had to go to a family reunion. I mean, I didn't even know these people.

I was so wrong.


I can't believe I wasted all that time whining in my head!



Every two years I look forward to that weekend in July where we meet and go through family pictures and discuss family stories. The Aakhus family has all sorts of great family stories. Jason's Great-Grandpa Tallak had three wives with twelve kids.

No no... he wasn't Mormon; his first two wives died young.

Now, Grandma Tracy married the youngest of the twelve, and so, she was the youngest of the aunties. In fact, She is the only auntie left of that generation!





And this is why when we go to these family reunions all of the grandchildren run from across the room and hug Grandma Tracy! She is the rock star of the family. She has adoring fans surrounding her throughout the reunion.





One of my favorite memories is when I ate lunch at Ron and Marcia's house the first time I went to a reunion. I remember enjoying the picnic and thinking what great hosts this couple was and how nice there kids are. Little did I know at the time, Ron and Marcia are old family friends of mine. My mom and dad have been friends with Ron and Marcia since 1986. When I was young, I'd go to the Rural Electric Association conventions with my dad at Breezy Point and the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud. We'd swim in the pool with other Electric Brats and have a jolly old time.

One evening, My mom and Marcia were sitting together for supper at Breezy Point while discussing their Norwegian Heritage. Marcia said to my mom; "My mom's maiden name was Aakhus. That is as Norwegian as it gets!"

My mom's mouth dropped!

"My daughter married an Aakhus!"



Funny how I could enjoy a day at the reunion and not recognize Marcia or her daughters!

A fun post

I always get a kick out of reading Kurt's stuff. For one, we graduated together. We were classmates from the start. I'm not sure if we were in kindergarten together or not, but we've known each other for a long time. Growing up, we lived a few blocks apart. So it's fun to read his take on our same neighborhood. And of course, Kurt is an English teacher too.

It's cool to live in a small town. We share a lot of the same memories. In that way, we all have a lot in common. We're all sort of brothers and sisters.

Recently, Kurt wrote about one of my favorite memories from high school. Gosh darnit... I love this story.

http://teacherscribe.blogspot.com/2009/07/simon.html

Facebook Statuses I find Revolting...

Almost everyone and their grandma are on facebook now! Yee ha! Of course that's great news, because now you can keep contact with anyone you want but only on your terms. You know where they are without having to worry about losing them again.

For the most part, my favorite part about facebook is my friends' statuses. Woo... They are fun. My favorite statuses include something they are doing with a hobby, what books they are reading, invitations to a party, stuff about ninja abilities... My least favorite statuses include insults, political rants, or TMI.

One morning, I woke up to find a status about a friend's divorce....

Joe Shmoe is going to get a divorce.

I commented...

Bobbi Guillemette Aakhus is sorry to hear that.

Later that day...

Joe Shmoe is going to work on his marriage.

This person's status changed every few hours... Seriously. It did. This poor guy gave me TOO MUCH INFORMATION. Holy cow. He did get a divorce. Probably because his ex-wife was sick of the status updates.

Another status that annoys me is the political status updates. Facebook is not meant to include deep thoughts... hello that's what blogs are for... Right? These status updates are going to offend someone on your friend list FOSHO! There's a reason why our ballots are private! Keep it to yourself.


My least favorite is the argument on the status. Usually, you'll find this on your younger friends'status. People will actually will call each other Bitches... they will announce to their 547 friends that their former best friend didn't answer their text message or phone call and what a bitch she is. Durr... yeah Nice...

I have probably had my own moments of being a drama queen on facebook. I've probably announced to my 237 friends that my camera is dead, that I'm so tired, or that I went for a walk. I'm sure my friends just roll their eyes and continue taking their quizzes on what they should name their children or what town in Minnesota they should live in.

Avalanche Ranch...

Last night, I took the girls to church for Vacation Bible School. This year's theme is "Avalanche Ranch." Each kid got a cowboy hat, and they sing cool country themed Christian songs. All of the kids are amazed with the props and stage.



And the costumes>>


And the big kids helping the little kids!!!
Allie was having so much fun!
I got a big bang out of this kid in his cowboy get up--- Those chaps... and the scarves! ha!
The Men's Group at our church are some of the best examples of good Christians. Every year, these guys jump at the chance to serve our Vacation Bible School. The flip pancakes and fry sausages with a smile. These men aren't young either. Most of these guys are in their eighties. Besides serving pancakes to seventy young people on a Monday night, these guys voluntarily mow our lawn every week. They amaze me. Their example speaks volumes to me and my generation at church. These guys are also in charge of the local food shelf. Yep. they are prettty much my heroes!Here's a good picture of Natalie considering the day's Bible verse in a deep, thoughtful way. Her friend with the brown hair is too. Or maybe not.


Look at all these cowboys and cowgirls yipping it up!