just finished reading...

I need one of my friends to read this book so I can talk it over. Because I can't decide if I liked it or loved it. I never quite lost myself in the world of Le Cirque des Rêves. This is quite an imaginative book, I've never quite read anything like it before. It is a story of love, magic, imagination and belief. What I did not like was that in a few places the pace dragged. What I did like, however, was the twists and turns that challenged me to wonder what was going to happen next--how the challenge would play out. It stimulated all my senses and I wished I could walk the grounds with the other Revers.

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things:

1) I met with my bank this morning for an account overhaul. New services (free!!!!) were added and I shuffled some funds around. I have never met with my bank for this purpose. I feel like a grown up.

2) I applied for my passport this morning, after the bank. The public library offers services to assist the application process and it was smoother and faster than I expected. It's really a shame that I live this close to Canada and can't go there because I'm too lazy to get a passport.

3) When I got my passport photo taken, I discovered Reese's eggs are back in season. Naturally, I picked up a couple of bags.

4) While I was at the library, I scoped out the location for the Board of Trustees meeting this afternoon. It will be interesting. Although the agenda is a little dry.

5) I should brush up on Robert's Rules of Order. It's been over twenty years since I've had to abide by them.

6) Traditionally, I buy myself a vacation gift--some kind of electronic goodie but this year, not so much. I don't need anything. Have I grown?

7) President Lincoln was born in Kentucky.

8) I love being on vacation. With no real plans.

9) I'm considering a "lenten" challenge--not shopping, with the exception of household essentials/groceries. I did it last year, too, but I haven't decided because I haven't been as impulsive as I was last year.

10) I should wash my car but it's probably too cold. Bummer because the car is filthy.

ftw!

Yippeeeeeeeeeee!

presidents day meme

1. Can you name the American Presidents we are honoring? Bonus: Any idea when their real birthdays are? (Don't look it up.) George Washington, born February 22; Abraham Lincoln, born February 12--I know they were both born in the US and I think Washington was born in Virginia but I'm not sure where Lincoln was born

2. Why do you suppose car sales are an important aspect of our President's Day observations in the U.S.? (Feel free to be whimsical.) because we mere mortals are not able to be limo driven around all the time, with Secret Service accompanying us

3. Have you ever been President of a club or organization? How did that feel? yes--I like being in a leadership role--so, let's see: President of the Drama Club in high school, president of the Student Activities Board in college, and the American Association of University Women's local branch in 2005

4. If you could have dinner with any President of the United States no longer living, who would it be? Any particular questions you would like to ask? (Please feel free to substitute a nationally appropriate elected leader, such as a Prime Minister.) I think I'd like to meet President Andrew Jackson to make up my own mind about his presidency--there are so many contradictions

5. On a more serious note, what are the qualities you hope for in our next President? (As above for those who live in other countries.) Jefferson was an intellectual, Lincoln had patience, Carter had integrity, and Teddy Roosevelt was an advocate for the environment, Reagan and Clinton had the savvy... so if we could take the best of them and combine it... that would do

annual lunch

A year ago I met up with a friend, and her kids, that I haven't seen in a couple of years. I was nervous about it. We met again today and I was excited about it. I invited my bestie to join us, as the three of us were very close when we were in college. Then we went to Dad's so she could introduce her kids to him, too. And Maggie. They loved Maggie. And Dad was impressed with how articulate and personable the kids are. Plus, she looks fantastic. It was quite nice. And I hope it becomes an annual tradition.

musing mondays

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What is the last book that you learned something from? What book was it, and what did it teach you?

I learned a lot about the Kennedy Era from 11/22/63--the book was atmospheric and one of King's strengths is incorporating pop culture into his writing. There was interesting information about the assassination.

finally watched...

There was more to it than I expected.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The 99'er Meme: Final Part

76) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? accepting each other for who they are

77) How did/could someone win your heart? by being honest and accepting

78) In your world, what brings on more creativity? having imagination and being excited about what I do

79) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? trusting my instincts

80) Why did you break up with your last ex? when I looked into my future, I didn't see his issues being part of my life

81) What would you want to be written on your tombstone? Thoughtful, loving friend and teacher.

82) What is your favorite word? love

83) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: delusional. drama

84) What is a saying you use a lot? Oh, really...REALLY?

85) Are you watching Idol this season? If yes, how do you like it? yes but I didn't watch the auditions until Hollywood week... and I'm interested to see the final selections

86) Were you surprised that House got canceled? not really

87) What is your current desktop picture? a February calendar

88) If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be? I can't narrow it down

89) What would be a question where you'd not tell the truth? I can't think of anything

90) One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by WEEPING ANGELS. The Weeping Angles aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What would you do? turn the light off

91) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power? the power to heal

92) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again? some moment of clarity and creativity

93) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? I'm lucky that I haven't had many horrible experiences--erasing something would change who I am

94) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. (let's say that you are both single and available) Who might it be? Larry Mullen, Jr

95) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? Ireland

96) Do you have any relatives or friends in jail? no

97) Who's winning the U.S. Republican presidential nomination? Why? someone inappropriate

98) Who's winning the next U.S. Presidential election? hopefully, the best candidate

99) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Love one another

postsecret

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

saturday 9

I Second That Emotion

1. Do you ever solicit advise on your love life? I talk things through with my therapist and bestie

2. What was the last thing you argued with someone about? oh, I argue all day every day with teenagers (especially the boys) about the silliest things... fortunately, they are inconsequential arguments

3. Who do you hate right now? no one

4. Who do you love right now? my family and dearest friends

5. Where do you want to be in 6 years? comfortably here

6. What is your craziest vice? probably my love for George--but is that a vice??

7. How did you celebrate Valentines Day? by celebrating the love in my life--lots of love from students, friends and family

8. What is your most unique or fondest memory of a special Valentine's Day? as a kid, I used to love how my sisters and I would sneak our love messages to each other in surprising ways

9. Were you in the same location five years ago that you are today? Would you have expected to be? yes and yes. And I'm glad about that.

urge you...

friday fill-ins

Join the fun here!

1. Finally, I am on vacation.

2. Having a new class to teach sure takes some getting used to!

3. Dad says: always buckle up.

4. My Boyfriend is my favorite nick name for George Clooney.

5. It took a long time, but I finished reading the books I've been reading for weeks.

6. I'm a nerd though I wouldn't have it any other way.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some DVRd shows, tomorrow my plans include running errands and Sunday, I want to think about plans for vacation!