You Are a Hat With Flaps |
 You are fun loving, cheerful, and even pretty cute most of the time. You use fashion to play. You never take style all that seriously. You're the type most likely to wear a funny t-shirt or goofy hat. But when it comes time to clean up, you clean up nicely. |
January 31, 2009
Measuring Your Pace
Scorpio Daily Horoscope
Hours of burning the candle at both ends can catch up to you today, leaving you feeling worn out. Your fatigue is likely the result of your trying to do too much in a limited period of time, without stopping to recharge yourself at regular intervals. Curing the resultant exhaustion will likely be a matter of revamping your agenda to account for your very real need for rejuvenation and relaxation. If you find that determining a balance between work, play, and rest proves difficult today, consider that your needs may be dynamic. Your willingness to try different ways of formulating your schedule can help you develop a to-do list that does not drain you of your energy and enthusiasm.
Finding the pace at which we can work efficiently without burning ourselves out can be difficult, but is possible when we are willing to make use of trial and error in our search for balance in our work and home lives. We may hesitate to scale back our daily agendas out of a fear that what we lost in productivity will cripple our ability to achieve our dreams. However, there will be periods in our lives when we can accomplish more by doing less, because our more limited schedule leaves us feeling energetic and enthusiastic rather than physically exhausted and mentally drained. At other times, we may discover that we have a great deal of stamina to devote to the fulfillment of our goals. You will feel vastly more refreshed today as you begin to experiment with different methods of framing your day.
Going to Pot
1. When was the last time you smoked pot? never
2. What do you think is your biggest weakness? impatience with myself and others
3. What is your biggest fear? oh, I have many
4. Is there a particular goal that you’d like accomplish this year? nothing's coming to mind
5. What do you miss most from your youth? my friends and I having a lot of time to hang out and listen to music
6. What is your best physical feature? I'm vain about my hair
7. Are you very confident? probably overly so
8. Tell us about the last time you were drunk. I don't remember, I don't drink
9. Have you ever cheated on a lover? no
Do you have a hard time saying no at work?
I was recommended for a literacy project today, I said I needed more information before I decided. My biggest question is "what's in it for me?" which sounds selfish but is meant in a self-protective way. Why would I be expected to work on a project with nothing to gain but the satisfaction of working on yet another project? There's got to be something taken away before more is added to my plate.
So, to answer this question... I don't have a hard time saying no. At work or outside work.
# 109
1. I'd really like a massage right now.
2. Ouch is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.
3. Possession is a wonderful book by AS Byatt.
4. Ahoy,Captain Jack Sparrow.
5. Marshmallows and fire go together like Nutella on toast.
6. Live goes on and on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a pizza, tomorrow my plans include checking in with my friend who had surgery yesterday and Sunday, I want to have lunch with my dear friend, Amy!
I admit I watch an inordinate amount of reality tv (which I frequently refer to as junk tv). But Hell's Kitchen just does not appeal to me. Gordon Ramsey scares me a little. It might be that I hate shouting and verbal abuse.
bah.
Listening to the Bob & Sheri show this morning, they had phone calls about random exchanges with strangers. I wish I could've called in to the show because I've got a doozie:
Once upon a time, I was at a salad bar creating the perfect concoction when a strange older man sidled up to me and in a low yet deliberate voice said, "Still Life With Woodpecker." Of course I had to glance around to see if he was talking to me... and he was. Then he walked a little bit closer to me and told me that whenever he sees a redhead, he can't resist telling them about the book Still Life With Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. He said he's on a mission to get every redhead to read this book. Naturally, I had to track the book down and find out what he was talking about. That started a spate of Robbins books for me. Oddly enough, I've never felt the urge to tell strangers about the books.
Yaknow, I haven't thought about that in years. It was fun to revisit the experience. Creeptastic as it was.
Your 80s Song is "1999" |
 If you were transported back to the 80s, your life would be all about living large. You love the excess that the 80s represented, even if the party wasn't meant to last. You think of the 80s as a time of wild fashions, big money, and fast cars. And that's a world you wouldn't mind being a part of! |
I actually cooked tonight. Yup. For real. I made a huge batch of Taco Soup, which is pretty much a "dump" soup--dump in a can of this and of that. It freezes well, too, which is good because it's a huge batch.
Taco Soup
Ingredients:
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 pound ground lean meat (turkey or beef)
1 can RoTel
2 cans diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 small can corn, no salt added
1 can chili beans
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can green chilis
2 cups water
Simmer 20 minutes and serve.
I think I need a new t.v. I don't think mine's going to survive the switch to digital. It's almost 20 years old, maybe it is time to retire. I don't know what to get, though. Shopping can be such fun!
Swiped, with love, from Tense.
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? I wondered why my eyes were so bloodshot
2. How much cash do you have on you? a whopping $17
3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? floor
4. Favorite planet? earth
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? no one
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? I have the factory one
7. What shirt are you wearing?a white long-sleeve t-shirt
8. Do you label yourself? not so much
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? bare feet
10. Bright or dark room? oh, middling
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? she's awesome
12. What does your watch look like? invisible
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? it's been way too long for me to remember, since June
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? 8 hours south of here
16. What’s a word that you say a lot? hecka
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? one of my students
18. Last furry thing you touched? the gloves I was wearing
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? none, save for prescribed ones
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? 2
21. Favorite age you have been so far? 39
22. Your worst enemy? myself
23. What is your current desktop picture? valentine hearts
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "button up"
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? the money, honey
26. Do you like someone? just George
27. The last song you listened to? I don't know the name of it... it's by the Clash
28. What time of day were you born? late morning
29. What’s your favorite number? 3
30. Where did you live in 1987? Cork, Ireland
31. Are you jealous of anyone? mmmmm... not so much
32. Is anyone jealous of you? highly doubtful
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? teaching a history class
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? growl
35. Do you consider yourself kind? yes
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? well, I already have two... the next one would either be on my right wrist or inside my left calf
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? je parle une peu Francais
38. Would you move for the person you loved? oh yeah, especially somewhere warmer than here
39. Are you touchy feely? I can be
40. What’s your life motto? This too shall pass
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times. my purse, keys, a smile
42. What’s your favorite town/city? uhmmmm... Paris
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? an iced coffee
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? recently, with my holiday cards
45. Can you change the oil on a car? I can hire someone to do it
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? he got divorced
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? back to the 1400s in France, my uncle is into genealogy
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I wore a black dress to a funeral
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? after a quick inventory... no!
50. Have you been burned by love? of course, that's part of being human
Ten shows I watch: in random order
1) Oprah. Regularly I am inspired to be a better me.
2) American Idol. It's fun and there are some great singers out there. I sorta wish they had another version for an older crowd, that might be great, too.
3) What Not To Wear. This show has taught me a lot. And I needed to learn. Fit, texture, length, fabric.
4) Top Chef. It's amazing to see how creative they are with a moment's notice.
5) The Hills/The City. Sometimes I count how many times they say "like."
6) Ugly Betty. Sometimes I just need over-the-top entertainment.
7) Big Brother. Usually is on during my summer vacation. Nothing like strangers cut off from the outside world vying for half-a-million dollars! The scheming, the manipulation, the strategy! This is the show I would be on.
8) House. Need I say more?
9) Brothers & Sisters. The best acting around. The characters have chemistry that leaps off the screen.
10) Boston Legal. The best writing around. Snappy dialogue that will make you laugh and cry in the same minute. Ok, maybe not the same minute...
Seriously, enough already.
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM WEDNESDAY TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW..WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM WEDNESDAY TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
SNOW IS EXPECTED TO OVERSPREAD THE AREA WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY MORNING. STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 9 TO 12 INCHES ACROSS THE AREA BY THURSDAY MORNING.
THIS STORM WILL HAVE A MODERATE IMPACT ON THE WARNING AREA. HEAVY SNOW WILL COVER ROADS AND REDUCE VISIBILITIES MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT FROM TIME TO TIME. HOWEVER, NO SIGNIFICANT BLOWING OR DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR AS WINDS WILL REMAIN LIGHT DURING THE STORM.
So my car just barely started this morning and as I was driving to school I remembered that this time last year, the road was like a tunnel--the snowbanks were so high. This morning it was thirty-six degrees below zero. I realized that there is no winter that will ever make me happy. Too much snow. Too cold. No "just right." So, I think I need to move somewhere that has year-round temperatures of 60-70. Yeah.
1. Unwanted :: discarded
2. You’d better :: to-do list
3. Woman :: roar
4. Weighed :: measured
5. Upright :: upstanding
6. I feel :: therapy
7. Ill :: sick
8. It’s like :: examples
9. Poor man :: beggar man, thief
10. Great :: wondrous
#313
Sunday Stealing: The Sassy Meme
1. If you could say anything you wanted to say to George Bush, what would you say? thank you
2. If you had to be the mother of Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan, who would you choose and why? Brittney, she seems to understand that she's a hot mess
3. You get to be Queen for a day. The kids are all taken care of, and you can spend as much money as you want. What do you do all day? I would redecorate a lot
4. Is there a song that brings tears to your eyes every time you hear it? If so, which one? taps
5. A fairy taps you on the shoulder and tells you that you can either have a perfect face or a perfect body for the rest of your life. Which do you choose? body
6. If you could live any place in the world and money was no object, where would you live and why? Europe, not more specific than that because I'd move around
7. What is your biggest regret in life? I don't have one
8. If you could go back and visit one person in your life who is now dead, and ask one question, what would that question be and why would you ask it? Mum, I'd ask if she knew how much I love her.
9. If you had the choice to age forward (like we are now) or aging backwards (think Benjamin Buttons) which would you choose and why? aging forward because it's all I know
10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say? fiddle dee dee or something equally pithy
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.
The Gal bestowed this delightful award on my humble blog!
1) You must link back to the person you received the award from.
2) You have to nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award!
So... ten bloggers to whom I pass this honor along:
1. Wendy Darling at Wendy's Wonderings
2. AKAGracie
3. Princess Ladybug at Fly Away Home
4. Leesepea at But Wait...There's More
5. Diana at Diana's Little Corner in the Nutmeg State
6. Cat at Sweet Memes
7. Mrs. Chili at The Blue Door
8. Crazy Sam at Saturday 9
9. Tense Teacher the source of many memes.
10. Friday Fill-In which I look forward to every week!
What's Cooking?
1. Which meal is the one you cook best? I make a wicked lasagna
2. Tell us what you would never eat. liver and onions
3. Is your hometown famous for anything or anybody? the Double Eagle balloon launch
4. Can you play a musical instrument? the kazoo
5. Tell us about your second ever lover. he was a great, great guy
6. What is your favorite restaurant? I love Al's Diner
7. If it were your call, how often would you make love? ha ha ha ha ha ha
8. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? George Clooney
9. Tell us about your job. my days are spent with one hundred hormonal sophomores in high school--trying to instill a love of history
My blog buddy Erika at endomental had was interviewed by one of her blog buddies, I thought I'd try it too!
1. What town do you consider to be your hometown? Tell us about it. I still live in my hometown. I tried living away but couldn't hack being that far from where everybody knows my name. Actually, I like living near my dad, that was the big thing, I don't like being far away from him. It's a small city at the end of the world, population about 13,000-ish. And what I love is that everywhere I go there's someone I know. It's a college town, there's a university and technical college so education is important in the community. Being at the end of the earth means we're the Northeastern-most part of the United States--about fifteen minutes from the Canadian border. My part of the state is usually cut off the national weather map when it's flashed on national t.v.
2. What is an average day like for you? my days are pretty unremarkable, which is something I actually cherish. Traditionally, the day starts at 5:15 am and it's the morning ritual to get ready for school. Ok, I hit the snooze and lay abed until 5:30, but then I get right up and get going. I like to leave for school before 7 so I can get there and get a good parking spot. There are usually students who hang around in my homeroom before school starts, it has a kind of study-lounge vibe, and it's a great way to not only connect but to get geared up for the day. I like to leave school by 4 o'clock and am home by 5--then it's generic supper and relaxation time. Bedtime is usually 9:30.
3. If you could have any career other than the one you have now, what would it be? this is something I think about a lot. I don't have an answer. I don't know what I would do.
4. If you could go anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, with no work or personal penalties, where would you go, and who would you go with? Why? I really would love to get back to Ireland and to stay there for a month or so to really enjoy the nooks and crannies. I would love to go with my bestie, we cemented our friendship by being roomies overseas, she would be very fun to travel with.
5. Other than blogging and work, what takes up the majority of your time? Reading takes up a lot of my time. I read everything. I read everywhere.
Want to play too? Here's how:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
On the 6th day, God created men and women. On the 7th day, he rested, not so much to recuperate, but rather to prepare himself for the work he was going to do on the next day. For it was on that day-the 8th day-that God created the FIRST TEACHER.
This TEACHER, though taken from among men and women, had several significant modifications. In general, God made the TEACHER more durable than other men and women.
The TEACHER was made to arise at a very early hour and to go to bed no earlier than 11:30 p.m.- with no rest in between. The TEACHER had to be able to withstand being locked up in an air-tight classroom for six hours with thirty-five "monsters" on a rainy Monday. And the TEACHER had to be fit to correct 103 test papers over Easter vacation.
Yes, God made the TEACHER tough...but gentle, too. The TEACHER was equipped with soft hands to wipe away the tears of the neglected and lonely student. And into the TEACHER God poured a generous amount of patience. Patience when a student asks to repeat the directions the TEACHER has just repeated for someone else. Patience when the kids forget their lunch money for the fourth day in a row. Patience when one-third of the class fails the test. Patience when the text books haven't arrived yet, and the semester starts tomorrow.
And God gave the TEACHER a heart slightly bigger than the average human heart. For the TEACHER's heart had to be big enough to love the kid who screams, "I hate this class-it's boring!"and to love the kid who runs out of the classroom at the end of the period without so much as a "goodbye", let alone a "thank you".
And lastly, God gave the TEACHER an abundant supply of HOPE. For God knew that the TEACHER would always be hoping. . .hoping that the kids would someday learn how to spell...hoping not to have lunchroom duty...hoping that Friday would come...hoping for a free day....hoping for deliverance.
When God finished creating the TEACHER, he stepped back and admired the work of his hands. And God saw that the TEACHER was good. Very Good!
And God smiled, for when he looked at the TEACHER, he saw into the future. He knew that the future is in the hands of the TEACHERS.
And because God loves Teachers so much, on the 9th day God created "Snow Days."
# 108
1. Oh, I am so glad to have my classes back!
2. It's tough making changes, big and little.
3. During January, I wish it was warmer.
4. No way; are you kidding me??? (I say that all the time)
5. Right now I'd like to be getting a massage.
6. My laptop is my favorite gadget.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing from the week, tomorrow my plans include the breakfast club and Sunday, I want to do nothing!
You Got 9/10 Questions Right |
 You are a probably a news junkie, Obama fan, or both. You know a lot about Barack Obama - including his politics, history, and family. It's likely you're a very knowledgeable person and quite well read. You can't stand ignorant people, no matter what their political persuasion is. |
So today I had to sass my students as we started preparing for mid-term exams. I think they've gotten chatty during the student teacher days and I had to re-establish my alpha position. I was working on the study guide, going over all the information for the test and reminded them that it's pretty sad when I care more about how they do on the test than they do. I told them they didn't have to pay attention if they didn't want to but if they chose to not pay attention they had to at least respect me and those who do want the information enough to be quiet. Actually, for one or two of the classes I may have said "to shut up." Which I never say so it was bound to get their attention...
Some of the classes had a party for the student teacher. Yesterday, everyone made a card for her so this morning I had them all set up on her desk, she walked in to a hundred cards. I screened them to make sure they were appropriate and they all were. Some of the peskier students even apologized for giving her a hard time. I thought, yeah, where's my apology?? Yeah, but I don't let them give me a hard time, really.
I'm gettin' back in the saddle, baby. And yes, I realize I mixed my tenses. Deal.
On one hand I am so frustrated I could cry. The student teacher is finished tomorrow. She hasn't done a thing at all this week. A couple of my classes are having parties for her but I didn't want the whole day to be party central. I want my routine back. And I have to admit I'm a bit tired of the put-upon conservative Christian schtick. And I just can't believe that she didn't watch any of the inauguration festivities. How can an aspiring history teacher dis the most significant inauguration in our generation? Politics aside, it's history in the making... gah...
On the other hand I'm emotional, feeling hopeful and feeling the swell around me--like I want to be part of the change that is coming. I have high hopes that the partisanship will end and that politicians will do what's right for the country. It's time for people to do what's right. I hope this feeling isn't in vain. I want us to be a better country, to live up to the potential that is America.
I'm not an Obamamaniac, really, I don't think of him as the savior of our nation. If he can accomplish even some of what he set out in his campaign, he has the potential to leave a very lasting impression and legacy. I'm not starry-eyed to not see that there is going to be a long, hard road ahead of us as a nation to get our economy back on track and to work on some other reforms.
Swiped once again from Tense Teacher.
If you got trapped in an elevator with someone, who would you want it to be? someone that smells nice and doesn't have a phobia of being trapped in an elevator
What is your favorite cereal? bite-size frosted mini wheats
Do you own any cowboy boots? no
What is something you would never do in public? make out
Have you ever had really strange dreams? I don't usually remember my dreams but I've been known to have some really strange ones
Name a friend or loved one who has passed away. Mum, Grammy & Grampy
What’s your earliest memory? sitting on the picnic bench with Mum combing my hair dry in the sunshine
Have you ever broken a bone before, and if so, how? my fingers playing field hockey
Have you ever stepped in dog poo? I’ve even sat in it before. (keeping Tense's answer, as I have too)
Ever bitten your toenails? good gawd no!
Who is your all time hero? probably my dad
What colors do you think mix well? anything with beige
What did you eat recently? ham fried rice, my neighbor made it and shared
What was your favorite cartoon movie as a child? Sleeping Beauty
What’s your favorite movie now? City of Angels or When Harry Met Sally
Do you paint your toenails? mostly in sandal season
Is your computer a fast and awesome computer? the laptop is, the desktop, not so much
What do you do, or want to do for a living? I teach high school social studies.
If one of your long lost exes called you and asked for you back, would you take them back? that ain't happening
Have you ever been a heart-breaker? unintentionally
What’s your favorite instrument? either piano or guitar--either one played well
What is a country you want to visit badly before you die? well... I donno, I've been everywhere I wanted to go except Italy
Have you made a bucket list? Not a bucket list per se, but in high school we had to make a life list
What things in history amuse you the most? schemes and conspiracy theories
Have you ever eaten lipstick? not on purpose
What are 3 accessories you have to be equipped with when you go out? my purse, a scarf and gloves
Have you ever licked a window before? can't say as I have
If someone dared you to run across a busy street for 1 thousand dollars, would you? this one doesn't run, so NO
Would you kill someone for 9 million dollars? what a random amount of money--but no, I wouldn't
Who is your worst enemy right now and why? ultra conservatives who think the world is out to get them
Have you ever been in a physical fight with anyone before? just my sisters... as children
What brand of cell phone do you have, and which service provider? a TracFone
Do you wear slippers or socks? socks
Do your feet stink? not usually
Have you ever picked your butt in public? I don't remember doing so
What is the strangest pet you’ve ever owned? a dog who didn't know she was a dog and thought she was the queen of all things
Do you love life or hate it? love it
Who is the hottest person in the entire universe, in your opinion? George Clooney
What do you do every night before bed? relax
Ten changes I'd like to see in our country:
1) Change in administration attitude--no more "old boy's network"
2) Reform NCLB because as it stands now more children are being left behind than ever
3) Marriage should be between two consulting, loving adults.
4) Increase pay for teachers. Seriously.
5) Redistribute the military to rely less on the National Guard in the War On Terror.
6) Step up international relations to prevent more crisis in and around the Russian federation.
7) Increase funding for medical trials, especially for stem cell research-related efforts. The cure is out there--for MANY things.
8) Drug prevention and intervention programs need to be more of a priority.
9) Less lip service and more action in political reform.
10) Did I mention education? It needs an overhaul. And stop comparing the performance of every student in American high schools with the elite students in foreign countries!
One of the reasons today felt so powerful to me is because this is the first time that the President is of my generation. It feels like the torch has been passed from the baby boomers to Generation X, my generation. I think Obama's use of technology makes him part of the new generation, too, the fact that his campaign utilized modern technology definitely plugged him into the youth vote. He's media and tech savvy.
The speech, ahhh, the speech. We have a new President that's got a way with words. I wasn't able to hear the speech in its entirety because of our pesky technical issues at school, but I heard about half of it and felt inspired and uplifted. The beginning listed the challenges our nation faces now but then the hopeful part started and didn't let up. And it made me want to pump my fist in the air--this is MY President. It was kind of nice to listen to the speech at home with no distractions from others.
So, to say the least, I didn't get to share this momentous occasion with my students. Technology at school failed me. I couldn't live stream video and I don't have cable in my classroom. I answered questions the students had, though, and we did have lots to talk about without even seeing it. They had heard some very, very strange rumors about the event and happenings so I did some myth-busting. I even got a chance to use some of my presidential trivia skills!
There was a moment this morning that I almost didn't go to school. I thought about staying home to watch the festivities, but I had such high hopes for the technology guys at school. Ah well, lesson learned.
from InfoPlease
George Washington's was the shortest inaugural address at 135 words. (1793)
Thomas Jefferson was the only president to walk to and from his inaugural. He was also the first to be inaugurated at the Capitol. (1801)
The first inaugural ball was held for James Madison. (1809)
John Quincy Adams was the first president sworn in wearing long trousers. (1825)
Franklin Pierce was the first president to affirm rather than swear the oath of office (1853). Herbert Hoover followed suit in 1929.
William H. Harrison's was the longest inaugural address at 8,445 words. (1841)
The first inauguration to be photographed was James Buchanan's. (1857)
Abraham Lincoln was the first to include African-Americans in his parade. (1865)
James Garfield's mother was the first to attend her son's inauguration. (1881)
William McKinley's inauguration was the first ceremony to be recorded by a motion picture camera. (1897)
William Taft's wife was the first one to accompany her husband in the procession from the Capitol to the White House. (1909)
Women were included for the first time in Woodrow Wilson's second inaugural parade. (1917)
Warren G. Harding was the first president to ride to and from his inaugural in an automobile. (1921)
Calvin Coolidge's oath was administered by Chief Justice (and ex-president) William Taft. It was also the first inaugural address broadcast on the radio. (1925)
Harry Truman's was the first to be televised. (1949)
John Kennedy's inauguration had Robert Frost as the first poet to participate in the official ceremony. (1961) The only other President to feature poets was Bill Clinton. Maya Angelou read at his 1993 inaugural, and Miller Williams read at his second, in 1997. (1961)
Lyndon Johnson was the first (and so far) only president to be sworn in by a woman, U.S. District Judge Sarah T. Hughes. (1963)
Jimmy Carter's inaugural parade featured solar heat for the reviewing stand and handicap-accessible viewing. (1977)
Ronald Reagan's second inaugural had to compete with Super Bowl Sunday. (1985)
The first ceremony broadcast on the Internet was Bill Clinton's second inauguration. (1997)
You Are a Bit of a Procrastinator |
 You tend to get things done in a timely manner, but you can't help but put off tasks you hate. You have no problem getting the fun or easy stuff done. You generally enjoy taking care of responsibilities. However, if a task arises that you dislike, it might get shelved for a long time. And even though it's human nature to procrastinate, your procrastination is hindering your productivity. Take a look at the things you are putting off doing. Do they really need to be done? Complete any task that's important. The other stuff you're procrastinating is probably not worth doing. |
I haven't been very productive today. I've been watching a lot of movies on tv. Now I'm watching MTV's The Real World. I'm trying to decide if I want to watch a movie or what.
I know I've been whining about the weather lately, but dang it, it's so freakishly cold and I think that's been affecting my mood. I'm still feeling moody. All I can say is "yerg."
1. Arrival :: anticipation
2. Vomit :: barf
3. Fit :: snug
4. Stutter :: stammer
5. Lifestream :: livestream video viewing? I have no idea
6. Tread :: step
7. Desire :: want
8. Freezing :: below zero temperatures
9. Permit :: allow
10. Crinkle :: crumple
#312
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.
Sunday Stealing: The Cannon Fodder Meme
1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now? not so much
2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean? I'm thinking and being quiet
3. What are you listening to right now? some bizarre t.v. show
4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms? I wouldn't say "big" fan, but they are cool
5. Do you believe in perfect? unfortunately, I strive for perfection which doesn't exist
6. Are you a jealous person? not so much
7. What was the first thing you thought this morning? I wish I had a car starter
8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep? falling asleep
9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life? heck yeah
10. Do people ever think that you're either older or younger than you actually are? usually they think I'm younger
11. Do you think men truly understand women? what's to understand?
12. How about women understanding men? again, what's to understand
13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful? yup
14. What is one fact about the last person that called you? I have no idea who called last
15. Other than your current one, what’s the longest relationship you have had? uhm... two years
The First Apartment
1. Where had you moved from? my childhood home to Cork, Ireland
2. Describe your first apartment.a two-story, two bedroom, frighteningly small bathroom, small patio, dining room, living room--we took the dining room table out because it was the only room with a fireplace for heat, we sat on the floor all the time
3. How old were you when you had your apartment? 21
4. Did you have roommates? If yes, tell us more. three roommates--two of whom were friends one was a frenemy
5. What was your place of employment then? I was a foreign-exchange student, not allowed to work
6. How were you finances at the time? desperate student, plus it was when the market crashed in '87
7. Tell us about a lover who spent a night there. none, I shared a bedroom
8. Tell us about a band you listen to then. (You can cheat. Look it up.) I was heavy into Fleetwood Mac then
9. How long did you live there and why did you move from there? I was there for six months and moved back home just days before Christmas
# 107
1. Enough with the freezing fucking cold.
2. Politics causes me to be conflicted.
3. I've been craving hot tea.
4. Sitting with my friends at school makes me laugh. (especially during a workshop day)
5. I wish I could go to someplace very warm next week.
6. Civics has been on my mind lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to thawing out, tomorrow my plans include my monthly lunch date with Ang and Sunday, I want to go snowshoe-ing if it's not too cold!
It's cold. It's been a very long week. I haven't been sleeping well. I feel off my game. Crabby. Unlike myself. The extended school days have caught up with me. Thankfully today was the last day. Tomorrow we don't have students, we have a workshop day. Proving once again that we'll have a guest speaker with interesting things to say but no follow-up, or no timely follow-up. No funding. No time. blah, blah, blah.
I also discovered I'm not a good bored person. I don't do boredom often. But having the student teacher has been boring for me. Other than all the time and energy I've put in to working with her, I've been bored. And even after our big talk, she still isn't impressing me.
One of the comments I overheard her make is that it's tough to student teach with a popular teacher. And the more I think of it the more I think that's a crock of shit. Besides, she's a former student of mine, she knew what I'm like in the classroom. She observed me all last spring, so she knew what she was getting in to. I don't know, I just think it's a cop out for not raising her game, for not being better.
Anyhow, I get my classes back starting Monday. Just in time for mid-term exams. It's going to be a lot of transition time again.
So... yeah, this is the week that never ends. It's thirty-six below zero. And what if this is as good as it gets?
I'm pleasantly surprised by the auditions thus far. Not too many wackadoodles. The new judge is pretty good, she doesn't throw the dynamics off. Simon is still Simon. No real favorites yet, I usually pick them during the next round.
Your Snow Test Says You're Independent |
 You feel like something good will happen to you eventually, but not soon. You have an amazingly strong work ethic. You are likely to be very successful in life. You are an independent, individualistic person. You thrive when you're doing your own thing. Your biggest worry in your life is your health. You tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac. When it comes time to relax, you really indulge. You are all about your favorite comforts. |
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THURSDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A WIND CHILL ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THURSDAY.
EXPECT WIND CHILL TEMPERATURES AS LOW AS 30 BELOW ZERO TONIGHT AND THURSDAY.
A WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN WIND WILL COMBINE WITH COLD TEMPERATURES TO CREATE DANGEROUSLY COLD CONDITIONS FOR EXPOSED SKIN. THE WIND WILL MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS BETWEEN 20 AND 34 DEGREES BELOW ZERO FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL HOURS. THOSE PLANNING TO VENTURE OUTDOORS SHOULD DRESS WARMLY MAKING SURE THAT ALL EXPOSED SKIN IS COVERED.
once again, swiped with love from Tense Teacher.
1. Political show: I enjoy both the Daily Show and the Colbert Report
2. Picnic food: Potato salad — but only Dad's.
3. Mixed drink: I used to love a margarita, but now I don't drink.
4. U.S. President: Jimmy Carter is up there on the list, he was the first president to make human rights part of the international dialogue.
5. Kind of student to teach: one with curiosity and occasional enthusiasm
6. Hobby you do or wish you still did: working out.
7. Sports commentator: Jim Nance or Bob Costas.
8. Sport to watch on TV: Football and ice hockey
9. Animal to have as a pet: puppies.
10. Halloween costume you have worn: the nun habit was hilarious.
11. Kind of dessert: chocolate cake
12. Comic strip: Bloom County was my favorite.
13. Ice cream flavor: I sorely miss Wavy Gravy
14. News source: I read the Christian Science Monitor online daily.
15. Vacation spot: the couch
16. Wine: usually a zin, but I'm not into wine.
17. Way to waste time instead of working: blogging, MySpace and BigFish Games, watching junky TV
18. Reality show: American Idol, especially after the auditions.
19. Children’s movie: Mary Poppins
20. Celebrity you wish would retire: oh, the celebutantes bore me... they could go away
Ten comfort foods: (iro)
1) pepperoni pizza
2) mashed potatoes
3) noodles with butter and parmesan cheese
4) chocolate puddin' (it tastes better without the g)
5) potato chips
6) cheese pizza
7) hot cocoa with something creamy on top
8) french fries
9) bite size frosted mini-wheats
10) fresh bread
Dear George,
Where the heck are ya? Do I care who wins? No, I tune in to check you out in a tux.
Sometimes a meme isn't just a meme and today's Sunday Stealing had a couple questions that were so easy for me to answer... here they are:
# 8 You can trade lives with any one person for a month. Who would it be and why? So my answer is that I wouldn't trade. Because really, the grass is always greener and what would happen is one of two things: 1) the life I trade into is so superior to mine that I am depressed forever to revert back to the mindless tedium of being me or 2) I realize that my life isn't so bad, that everyone's got struggles and that no one has a perfect life and start wondering the deeper philosophical questions that a gal like me is never going to answer.
So, no, I'm not interested in trading lives with anyone. I mean, who would I choose to swap with? I don't want to swap ordinary for ordinary, I don't want to swap ordinary for less than ordinary, so that leaves swapping with someone who's life is extraordinary. And then what? How would my life be fulfilling as it is without all the geegaws that a fabulous life would have?
The other question was # 10: You have the chance to go back in time and warn yourself before making a bad choice. What choice would it be and what would you tell yourself? Again, I say I wouldn't. To be honest, I haven't made that many really bad choices. The bad choices I've made have become some wonderful twists in the path of my life. I don't think I'd be the person I am today if I hadn't made those choices or had the opportunities that have sprung from those twisty paths. Does that sound too Pollyanna-ish? I don't mean it to be, nor am I saying I don't make poor choices, because I do daily. But I mean that the big choices haven't been bad choices. And most of the decisions I can even think of right off the top of my head are not life-changing. They wouldn't alter much in the path I'm on now. Because I'm not Pollyanna. And life isn't perfect. But it isn't going to be perfect, that's why it's mine.
So, yeah. I wouldn't trade lives for a month and I wouldn't go back in time to change a choice.
1. Resolution :: promise to myself
2. Break :: shatter
3. Tied :: bound
4. Suffering :: sadness
5. Instead :: rather than
6. Divorce :: difficult
7. Slash :: dot
8. Cough :: hack
9. Happy :: life
10. Sniffle :: a cold
#311
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. Every week I like to post one that speaks to me--this week more than one jumped out at me.
Sunday Stealing: The Hardest Meme Ever
1. What is the bravest thing that you feel you've ever done physically? bungee jumping
2. What is the bravest thing that you feel you've ever done emotionally? leaving
3. What one talent do you wish you had that you don't? keeping plants alive
4. If you had that talent what would you be doing with it? keeping plants alive
5. We all have our reasons for blogging but what would be your ultimate goal for your blog or as a blogger? stop making sense
6. What advice would you give a new blogger? don't take yourself too seriously
7. Who are you three favorite blogs to visit (Yes, you can have ties and name more than three.) I have a whole list of diverse blogs I visit daily. Yes, daily. Some days I blurk.
8. You can trade lives with any one person for a month. Who would it be and why? I wouldn't
9. There's a fire and your family is safe but you have the chance to save any one item from your house. What would it be and why? my wardrobe
10. You have the chance to go back in time and warn yourself before making a bad choice. What choice would it be and what would you tell yourself? I wouldn't
Food for thought. Incredible performances by the leads. Tom Cruise is eerily dead-on, I forgot he's an actor and believed it is him.
The Phone Is For You
1. Your phone rings. Who is the most likely caller? probably a wrong number, or my local sister
2. How long to you chat on the phone each day? I don't
3. Who do you speak to the most? probably Valerie
4. Do you often not answer if a certain person comes up on your caller id? I don't have caller id
5. Do you phone friends at work? occasionally we get together over vacations... but no, I don't generally call them
6. Do you make personal calls at work? if I need to, but it's infrequent
7. Who do you always say “I love you” at the end of the call? oh, my Dad and my long-distance sisters
8. Do you use a landline or cell more often? landline
9. Who in the blogosphere that you haven’t chatted with but would like to? ooooh, all of my blog buddies would be fun to chat with!!
I'm so happy it's the weekend. It's been an endless week, what with coming back from vacation, extended school days (to make up from the bomb threats), dealing with the student teacher, and teaching.
Vegging out and watching tv is just what I need. Well, that and blog hopping. I'm relieved that I don't have a lot to do this weekend. All my correcting is complete and my lessons are planned for about four weeks. Really the big decision is when to get groceries--get up in the morning or go in the evening tomorrow. I kind of hope I'll drag my ass out of bed in the morning to get it all over with. Then after taxi-ing my niece around, I can stay home.
# 106
1. It's January; brrrrrrr.
2. A massage is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like ketchup and fries.
4. Soup is so nourishing.
5. Let us dare to to dream.
6. I ♥ my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to What Not To Wear-athon, tomorrow my plans include playing taxi for my niece and Sunday, I want to kicking back and relaxing!
This was at The Gal's and of course I couldn't resist!
Copy, paste, & share the first sentence(s) of the first post of each month during 2008: (link to each post by clicking on the title)
January: a resolution
February: friday fill-in # 57
March: to laugh
April: hmmm... I learned a new word: blurking
May: thursday bug
June: loved it... I love this movie. Intrigue, humor, a history lesson and an amazing cast.
July: it's time! Strawberry spinach salad.
August: hot, hot... not Here it is the first day of August and the Blog 365 theme for the month is HOT.
September: so... So, tomorrow is the big day that I start the trip to Portland with my dad for his heart procedure.
October: light up the night... Tonight was Light Up The Night for domestic abuse awareness month.
November: done! There, I finally got the test written. And the answer sheet. And the study guide!
December: just another manic monday
There is no way I'll be finishing this for book group next Friday. I get it, I enjoy it, and appreciate the satire and hero's journey... but ain't gonna happen.
Swiped, lovingly, from Tense Teacher.
What is on your bed right now? blankets
When was the last time you threw up? I have no idea, it's been a long time, thankfully!
What’s your favorite word or phrase? "ya think?"
Name 3 people who made you smile today. my homeroom, the student teacher, the other student teacher (who's not working with me at all but we had a great conversation this morning)
What were you doing at 8 am this morning? opening my attendance program
What were you doing 30 minutes ago? emailing my sisters
What is your favorite holiday? St. Paddy's Day
Have you ever been to another country? indeedy-do
What is the last thing you said aloud? indeedy-do
What is the best ice cream flavor? the retired flavor of Ben & Jerry's called Wavy Gravy
What was the last thing you had to drink? water
What are you wearing right now? sweater, tank, cords, sox and undies--sexy, I know
What was the last thing you ate? lunch
Have you bought any new clothing items this week? yes... the sweater I'm wearing today
When was the last time you ran? We girls with big boobs don’t run. (I'm keeping Tense's answer here--tee hee)
What’s the last sporting event you watched? Hockey Night in Canada!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Europe, especially Ireland
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on Facebook? I don't Facebook, I MySpace my students, though and one of them was my most recent message
Ever go camping? eons ago
Do you have a tan? I have the opposite of a tan--it's winter in Maine
Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? just my pride
What is your guilty pleasure? blogging and bad reality shows
Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot? oh, I don't think I do a lot--but I do some
Do you drink your soda from a straw? preferably
What did your last text message say? "hehehehehehehe"
Are you someone’s best friend? you betcha
What are you doing tomorrow? basically the same thing I did today
Where is your mom right now? in heaven
Look to your left, what do you see? my AAA membership renewal form and a glass of water
What color is your watch? I don't wear a watch
What do you think of when you think of Australia? "G'day, Mate"
Ever ridden on a roller coaster? years ago
What is your birthstone? opal
Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru? usually the drive thru
Do you have any friends on Facebook that you actually hate? again, I MySpace and no, I don't hate anyone
Do you have a dog? *sniff* no
Last person you talked to on the phone? the financial officer of the hospital to pay my bill over the phone
Any plans today? not now
Are you happy? yes
Where are you right now? at the computer
Biggest annoyance in your life right now? I want pizza
Last song listened to? "Starry, Starry Night" by Rick Astley
Last movie you saw? Vantage Point
Are you allergic to anything? sulfa
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? meh, I don't really have one
Are you jealous of anyone? Oprah
Are you married? no
Is anyone jealous of you? I doubt it
Do any of your friends have children? all but one of my friends have children
Do you eat healthy? not so much
What do you usually do during the day? teach high school social studies
Do you hate anyone right now? nope
Do you use the word “Hello” daily? frequently
How many kids do you want when you’re older? uh... I'll stick with none!
How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 44
Have you ever been to Six Flags? no
How did you get one of your scars? I fell on my face
So today was the day I had the big talk with the student teacher. What started the whole thing was my asking what her ending date is and we discovered she has ten days left. Then she said she's "done with it." I told her that she can't be done, that she still has content to teach. I said it's not fair to compare, but that when I was student teaching I knocked myself out every day to impress my supervising teacher and that I am not seeing that in her, that I haven't been impressed, but the potential is there.
I mean, the content is difficult. Civics is hard to be into and hard to make exciting. But the reality is that no matter what she gets for a teaching job she will more than likely end up teaching civics at some point, as an American history teacher. But it's my job to make the content interesting and that my enthusiasm for the content makes my students enthusiastic about the content. And it's my responsibility to keep honing the content and knowing it inside and out. And I don't see that happening with her, either.
As gently as I could, I told her these things. I know she's not feeling well. I know the content is difficult. But I also know she can do it if she pushes herself outside her comfort zone and works harder. I've got to write a letter of recommendation for her and I want it to be more than, "continue to work on lesson plan flexibility," or "keep researching techniques for classroom management."
Anyhow, I did it and I'm so proud of myself for saying what needed to be said.
Ten things I did today:
1) Got coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. It really is my favorite coffee.
2) Had a long and difficult conversation with the student teacher. I think I lit the fire under her.
3) Prepared my honors class for their test over the Bill of Rights. We had a great review of the ten amendments today--lots of discussion.
4) Spent an class period talking with my mentor today. We caught up on chit chat but also discussed some heavier school stuff. Both of us are slightly frustrated that we have a workshop coming up but there will be no time for us implement any necessary changes... oh, blah, blah, blah... the usual. No time, no money.
5) Checked in with the librarian about some school resources that the Civil Rights Team would like to purchase for the library. Books and movies we'd like to include in the selections.
6) Fiddly-farted two whole classes away this afternoon so that the student teacher had the classes without me there. I had nothing to do and was incredibly bored.
7) Taught an extra class today. The administration has added an extra period each day for the next eight days to make up class time that was missed due to the bomb threats.
8) Admired the sunset on my drive home. I cleared my mind and enjoyed the colors. It was beautiful.
9) Watched Oprah. Inspiring.
10) Got myself organized for tomorrow.
insightful horoscopes and articles--well worth a click!
