eat this...

Had dinner out with my bestie. We can talk and talk and talk about nothing and everything. And laugh, lord have mercy we laugh.

Good times.

how do you paint the world?

You Paint the World with Deep Colors

You are a true individual. You are very unique. Your friends can count on you to be expressive. You're never at a loss for words. You are a truly warm person ... though sometimes you can be a bit selfish. You are keyed into your emotions and easily moved. You are quite sensitive.

How Do You Paint the World?

friday 5

Taboo

1. Who’s making a positive difference in your life?
Taboo words: friends, family, husband/wife/spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend.
my colleagues, without a doubt--Alana, Ron, Denise, Steve--all inspire me to be more creative and open to trying new things

2. Where would you like to be right now?
Taboo words: home, bed, anywhere but here.
On the porch, in the sun or in Europe--preferably Ireland

3. What’s the first thing you’d do with a $5,000 (or your local equivalent) gift?
Taboo words: save, debt, vacation, payments, invest.
redo my living room--I desperately need new furniture; or visit a spa like the Gal does.

4. What super-power would you really like to have?
Taboo words: invisibility, x-ray vision, flying, strength, transform.
the power to heal, so the world is at peace

5. What’s your favorite sound?
Taboo words: laughter, music, ocean, wind, ____’s voice.
the sounds of joy

positive day...

As seen at The Gal's place, here is Positive Day! A prelude to the August Happiness Challenge.

I'm enjoying a lazy day off. All day. My only real plans are for dinner with my bestie, which is always a good time.

back...

Got the official Back to School letter today. Where has the summer gone? It was actually the best letter I've gotten from a principal--we have time built into the schedule to work in our classrooms! That's a first.

Going to the AP Institute kind of motivated me to go back to school. There was certainly a lot of best practices that got me thinking about school. Now to get back into the schedule. I should start getting up earlier next week. Maybe going to sleep earlier, too. Instead of my current staying up til early hours of the morning and sleeping til almost noon. I think that's the hardest part of going back--getting into the routine.

Ah well... another week to enjoy!

friday fill-in

# 135

1. It's time for back to school.

2. Home; it's not a bad place for staycation.

3. I must be numb.

4. Laughter is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My dog is simply a fur person.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was chatting online with my bestie last night.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with my bestie, tomorrow my plans include book group and Sunday, I want to while away the day!

home again...

The puppy return went well, she was delighted to see her parents. I scolded them for creating a fur person instead of a dog. They laughed at me. All in all it was a good time for all. Dad's appointment with the cardiologist went very well and he was in super great spirits about that. Barb wasn't feeling so well but she was glad to get her dog back.

I did not miss the 4 am wake up licking of my face.

it's not the heat...

I really hate humidity. Temp is lower 80s; humidity is 90%. Grrr.

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Flat soda.

tossin it...

ten things tuesday...

Ten bad habits:

1) Caffeine: the day doesn't seem complete unless I have an iced coffee. If I'm desperate, diet coke will work.

2) Overthinking: k.i.s.s. is one of my mottoes and I'm really quite good at simplifying things, that is... after I've obsessed about it. Sometimes I have to mentally shake myself to come back to reality.

3) Not eating: I go all day without eating so that when I do eat, it's not always the best choice. It's a bad habit to get break--I'm trying to break it by following Weight Watchers, and I whine about having so many points to eat (trust me, I have a LOT).

4) Laziness: I love lazing around reading, watching tv and playing on the computer. There are so many other things I should and could be doing--like going for a walk. Nah.

5) Computer addiction: I've gotten into the habit of being on the computer every time I watch tv. So now it seems weird to just watch without playing some mindless game, too. When I have to go without the computer, I almost don't remember how to entertain myself.

6) Putting stuff away: hate to. Leave it at that.

7) Saving boxes: for some reason, OCD makes me save boxes. Last time it got bad I had 47 various boxes saved all over the place. Everything from cereal boxes to empty tissue boxes to mailing boxes.

8) Chewing my lips: or the inside of my lips. Bad, bad habit.

9) Laughing: sometimes I laugh at inappropriate times because of my inner monologue or because I'm uncomfortable. I'm very snarky and funny in my head.

10) Recycling: I'm a lazy environmentalist and it's a bad habit.

hersops...

In my head I say them as if they are words. Sometimes I love captchas. Other times, when I'm having a dyslexic moment--not so much. It's like poetry.

how did i forget?

That puppy sitting is intensive. She keeps trying to sit on my chest. Hard to have a laptop on the lap with a puppy sitting in the way. Entertaining a puppy is like having a toddler around.

on the couch...

Had a really good therapy session this morning. We chronicled my work so far and outlined some goals and stuff. I could say I'm proud of myself without getting choked up.

We talked about my trip and how I stepped so far outside my comfort zone I couldn't even see my comfort zone. The friend I went with had so much anxiety that I seemed like the normal one. But the trip was great and I got a lot out of it. I wish I had gone to the evening trivia, even though I had a great night's sleep instead. Otherwise, I learned how to play bocce and feel very well equipped to teach the AP course.

the next new adventure

Tomorrow I start puppy sitting. Here we go.

just another manic monday...

# 177

What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could? in much better shape

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit: exotic? uh... exotic? ... well, I want to go to Italy, Greece and Ireland

What do you think the secret to life is? dignity

postsecret

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.

i say... and you think...?

1. Taxman :: April 15
2. Material :: Girl
3. Format :: set up
4. File cabinet :: organized
5. Ignore :: snub
6. Super! :: wow
7. Fireproof :: secure
8. Blockbuster :: hit
9. Snooper :: dog
10. Good will :: cheers



#339

sunday stealing

Sunday Stealing: The "Leave It To Meme" Meme

1. Who was your FIRST date? I don't remember

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love? occasionally

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink? warm beer

4. What was your FIRST job? babysitting

5. What was your FIRST car? taurus

6. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? Philadelphia

7. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk? Christina Barnard and we lost touch

8. Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time? my aunt's... my sisters and I were dressed alike

9. Tell us about your FIRST roommate. my sister and I shared a room forever

10. If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)? for a fairy godmother

11. What is something you would learn if you had the chance? I would learn massage

12. Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with? nope

13. What were the first lessons you ever took and why? either dance or gymnastics... because everybody else did

14. What is the first thing you do when you get home? kick my shoes off

no place like it...

So glad to be home.

First thing? I was unpacking and tossed all my clothes into the basket, went right to the laundromat and got it all taken care of. Even though I was wiped out, I'm so glad I dragged my sorry self there, because now I've got sweet smelling clothes and don't have to go tomorrow.

finished reading...

A great story about family, loyalty, love and hope. I loved this book. It's a quick read. Told from the point of view of Enzo, the family dog. There is a movie in the works.

saturday 9

Fast Car

1. What’s the furthest trip you’ve taken by automobile? driving--the trip I just took about 750 miles

2. What’s the worst pick up line you've ever received? can't think of anything

3. What’s the best pick up line you’ve gotten? still drawing a blank here

4. What was the last gift that you received? a box of tissues

5. What was the last gift that you gave someone? a case of water

6. Tell us about the last time you cried. I don't remember, it might have been during therapy

7. Tell us about the last time you laughed uncontrollably. oh, during school last week

8. Do you suffer road rage? What are your thoughts on it? I do not, I'm rather zen as a driver

9. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes? "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." from The Princess Bride

friday fill-in

# 134

1. Dorm life is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I am getting drowsy.

3. Chocolate tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is necessary.

5. The view through the White Mountains is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is something positive about the rain...nah.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quick night at the hotel, tomorrow my plans include getting home and Sunday, I want to stay home!

packing up...

Almost time to head home. My brain is overflowing with information and strategies and stuff.

I'm almost totally packed. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so we can pack up the car with little fuss or rain.

This week has gone fast, even though I was ready to go home about Wednesday. I'm really glad I came, I've learned a lot and am fully confident in my ability to teach this course.

One more night in the dreadful dorm. Then a night in the hotel. Then home.

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Dorm life.

postsecret

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.

so...

I got my homework done. And done well, I might add. I'm really excited to share the primary document activity with the class.

I've come to realize, though, that I don't really know how to do nothing in a dorm. I watch too much tv at home and with my brain full of information, it's been hard to read my book. I'm not used to having someone around me all the time. Or large groups of people in the morning.

On the plus side, though, I feel fully comfortable about teaching the AP US History course. I feel like I've got enough tools and strategies up my sleeve to be able to effectively and enthusiastically teach the course. That's the best.

Although, the food here is mighty good. I've been avoiding dessert and eating fruit but tonight I had to have the mousse. It was divine. Maybe that's the best.

urban

Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the first definition it gives you.

1) Your full first name?
-A-
-> A woman defined by brains, beauty, class, and membership in the upper echelons of society. Can usually be found wearing pearls or sorority letters.


2) Your age?
-43-
-> A number used by the Lucky clothing company (among others) which stands for "Fuck You" or "Fuck Off", since "fuck" has 4 letters and "you"/"off" have 3 letters.


3) What should you be doing?
-napping-
->see Heaven: zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

4) Hometown:
-Presque Isle, Maine-
-> a small town in Maine very close to Canada


5) Month of your Birthday:
-October-
-> People born in October are fun loving and energetic, and care very much (sometimes too much) what other people think about them. They love having friends and are outgoing in certain scenarios, but not in others. They may have trouble finding who they really are but once they click, their personality explodes. October is the best month to be born in :]

6) Last person you talked to on the phone:
-Germaine-
-> Adj. Delighting the aesthetic senses.

7) Your last name:
-L-
-> an incredibly cool person


8) Your middle name:
-F-
-> a very cute girl who is super kind and fun to be around she love to have fun and hang out and loves color ful things

ten things tuesday...

As a warm-up activity in class, we had to compose a list of ten people that we would use to teach an American History class from years 1607-1980. It's about as good as I can do given that my brain's fried and I have homework... so here is my list, in random order:

1) Ben Franklin--entrepreneur, inventor, scientist, politician, philosopher and all-around ladies man
2) Mother Jones--activist in the late 1800s: defender of children, miners and anyone else who needed her firebrand nature
3) John O’Sullivan--coined the term Manifest Destiny in the Democratic Review
4) John Smith--significant role in establishing Jamestown, the first British colony in the New World
5) Ann Hutchinson--accused of heresy for her religious beliefs, was kicked out of Puritan New England and settled in Portsmouth, RI.
6) Homer Plessey--challenged the legality of separate but equal in the South
7) Ronald Reagan--his brand of Republicanism shaped a generation
8) Walter Cronkite--Uncle Walter, the most trusted man in America
9) Tecumseh--Shawnee leader during the early 1800s
10) Francis Cabot Lowell--established early industrial practices that revolutionized America

the queen's meme

The Mission Impossible Meme
Lift off!

1. You are a guest on the space shuttle. You just arrived on the moon and realize you forgot something back home that you can't live without. What is it and how do you convince them to go back and fetch it? there is nothing I can't live without. Lots of things I don't want to live without but nothing I can't do without.


2. Pretend you are a teacher in a rough public school for one day. You have been assigned to teach Manners 101. You have the "challenging bad butt kids" class (remember this is a pretend school and anyway I can't say ass on my blog 'cause it's so unQueenly and I might get fined or something).
They are jumping up and down, cursing, and throwing things at you.
What is the first thing you would write on the board? I would write down three major concepts we'll be covering in Manners 101 today. This isn't really outside of my day job, really, except the subject.

3. Someone in your family or a friend has started a blog. They think it is anonymous but you have figured it out. They are saying derogatory things about you. Do you tell them or do you read it for awhile?
How would you handle it? I'd let it go. It would kill me but I would let it go.

4. If you had one dollar left in your pocket, what would you spend it on? gum

5. President Obama and the First Lady are coming over for dinner. What do you serve? uh... they'd dig the food here at St. Johnsbury Academy, and since I'm here for the week, the great cafeteria people can feed them.

6. You walk in on your lover. They are trying on your clothes. What do you do? laugh out loud

7. Every astronaut must have shots! Choose your vaccination: You only get one and you can't enjoy any of the attributes of the other choices. You choose either: (1) The fountain of eternal youth and sexual vigor but only for 10 years (2) perfect health for a lifetime (3) eternal mind-numbing nirvana and peace of mind (4) unlimited hedonism for one year with no negative consequences. perfect health for a lifetime, no doubt about it.

Got my homework done. Thank Gawd I passed the AP Exam that the students would have to take. I would've been some kind of embarrassed to flunk it.

It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny, humid day here in the North Woods of Vermont.

Gawd but the food here is good.

just another manic monday

# 176

When and with whom was your first kiss? I was five or six years old and my next door neighbor and I got married and kissed. It was his first kiss, too.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? I don't like this question because I don't really think everything happens for a reason but if that's not the case, what is?

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome!

leg 2

We got here safe and sound. Today's journey took about 3 hours and the sun was glorious. Lots of windy roads through the White Mountains--and the views were spectacular.

Settling in to the dorm room, unpacking and getting acclimated. Should be a very interesting experience. I'm psyched.

i say... and you think...?

1. Banter :: ribbing
2. Amazing :: awesome
3. Towel :: dry
4. Cinema :: film
5. Newspaper :: crossword puzzle
6. Not good :: not good at all
7. My type :: tall, dark and handsome
8. Twinkle :: in the eye
9. Actress :: Meryl Streep
10. Daft :: punk



#338

sunday stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Heretic Meme

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with? I don't remember, it's been too long

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat? Anthony's Diner

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed? probably a glass of wine at the holidays

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips? eyes

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law? fine arts

6. Best kind of pizza? almost any

7. What is in store for your future? a rigorous week of AP Institute

8. Who was the last band you saw live? the Sons of Maxwell

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick? if they let me

10. How many songs are on your iPod? I don't have an ipod

11. Where is the last place you drove to? the Academy

12. Where did your last kiss take place? with the dog, on the porch. Not a romantic kiss you weirdo!

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night? reading or watching tv

14. Are you a quitter? when it's in my best interest

15. Who was the last person you had in your house? my sister

15. What do you think about people who party a lot? they need a life

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? not necessarily

17. What was the last CD you purchased? Michael Johns, I think it's called Hold On My Heart or Heart On My Sleeve

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love? U2 and Eva Cassidy

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of? gluttony

20. How is your last ex doing? probably well

leg 1

First leg of the journey is done. I think we've established that to be roomies for a week we're going to have to be real around each other. No pretending that we don't have gas or have rituals or whatever. I'm glad we got that out of the way. Makes things less uptight. Besides, it'll be a long week if we don't.

The weather was crap for most of the trip--intermittent rain and not much sun. I suppose I won't complain too much, though. The only really tricky part was going through Skowhegan and Main Street was blocked off but the detour sign was right in the middle of the lane and not very well marked. I almost missed the turn off for the detour. The fella behind me was so close on my tail he did miss the turn off. Serves him right, the ratbastid tailgater.

Now we're in the hotel, getting comfortable and ready for a good night's sleep. Courtesy of Adv*l/T*lenol PM.

I'm excited to get the rest of the trip done. Should be a straight shot on Route 2 West until we drive right by the Academy.

saturday 9

Heatwave

1. It’s July. How has the weather been where you are? It's been quite a dreary summer. Highs in the 70s. Yeah, I know there are people that would love this weather, but without the sun it's just no fun.

2. What is the best way for you to beat the heat? enjoy the air conditioning--napping or reading

3. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Do you buy that? for the most part. I hate humidity.

4. Do you like hot tubs or saunas? not so much

5. What’s the hottest you’ve ever been? very

6. How many times do you hit the beach in the summer? never

7. When you were a kid, what did you do in the summer? hang out at camp--swimming and running free

8. Surfing. Have you ever gotten on a surfboard? Body surf? nope

9. What’s your favorite summer song? hmmm... something Huey Lewis is always summery

on the road...

I'm ready to hit the road. Packing was only a drama in my head. The minute I started putting things in the suitcase it all fell into place. I'm sure I didn't forget anything. Anxiety gone.

Leaving at 10, stopping to shop on the way, and hotel reservations confirmed. Then the second leg is Sunday--on to the Academy. I hope my brain can take this, it hasn't been used much this summer. ;-)

RIP--most trusted man in America

RIP--so sad.

energize me...

Fresh batteries are like having a new TV and VCR. I hadn't realized how low they were. And I'm not quite sure what made me even think of changing them. But what a difference!

friday fill-in

#133

1. PB and j make a quick and easy dinner.

2. The Art Of Racing In The Rain is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of Silver Lake.

4. The answer was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams they don't come true.

6. Take a moment to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep, tomorrow my plans include hitting the road and Sunday, I want to not have homework from AP orientation!

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Never ending to-do lists.

So, it's countdown time to the AP Academy at St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont. I've had a couple bouts of anxiety. I've made lists and lists of things to pack and take with me. Printed out directions for travel. Got the car cleaned out. Checked the tire pressure, oil and so forth. And I know I'm not going to forget anything major.

Then what's the anxiety about? We talked about it in therapy. Part of it is that I'm picking up the anxiety from the colleague and friend who's also going. She's been talking about packing and checking and re-checking details for months. She's rubbing off. Part of it is insecurity about taking the AP course.

But it boils down to perfectionism. Even though I know there's no such thing as perfection. Which is a part of OCD. grrr.

one word

As seen at The Gal's: Respond to these questions with ONE WORD answers:

Where is your cell phone? purse

Your significant other? non-existent

Your hair? soft

Your mother? passed

Your father? amazing

Your favorite thing? laughter

Your dream last night? weird

Your favorite drink? iced coffee

Your dream/goal? world domination

What room are you in? living

Your hobby? reading

Your fear? many

Where do you want to be in 6 years ? happy

Where were you last night? here

Something that you aren't? slut

Muffins? fussy

Wish list item? uncluttered

Last thing you did? drive

What are you wearing? brown

TV? Sanyo

Friends? wonderful

Your life? happy

Your mood? great

Missing someone? yes

Drinking? iced coffee

Smoking? no

Your car? taurus

Something you're not wearing? shoes

Your favorite store? none

Your favorite color? green

When is the last time you cried? donno

Where do you go to over and over? school

My favorite place to eat? Al's

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? there

ten things tuesday...

Ten major turn offs in other people.

1) Lateness. It drives me crazy when people are chronically late. Once in a while, and running late is different than people who run on their own clock completely.

2) Sniffing. I despise the sniffles. Blow already!

3) Jiggling. When the jiggling moves me, too, it's enough.

4) Jingling. Coins or keys jingling gets on my nerves.

5) Talking on cell phones when you're out with friends. When you're out with people, turn the darn thing off unless you're expecting an important phone call. It's rude.

6) Chewing with your mouth open. It's the reason I won't go into the cafeteria during lunch time.

7) Non-stop talkers. A conversation is two ways.

8) People who ask for advice but don't take it. I give great advice. Not unsolicited, either.

9) Negative Nancies. No, the universe is not out to get you. Get a grip and lighten up!

10) Arguing. Petty bickering drives me right up the wall. And out the door. I'm not one for bickering. Banter is one thing, bickering is not the same.

just finished reading...

Deeper than typical chick-lit, Marian Keyes gives us the stories of four women who are brought together by their relationship with a JFK, Jr-ish politician, Paddy de Courcy. I was enthralled by their stories and couldn't put it down.

what frozen treat are you?

You Are a Dipped Cone

You are dramatic, deep, and even demanding. If you're going to do dessert, you're going to go all out with something super rich. People might be surprised to know that you worry about how you're perceived. You've got an image to keep up, and you don't ever want to appear weak.

What Frozen Treat Are You?

the queen's meme

The Blog Outside The Box Meme

1. You are in court. You are in deep doo-doo. What did you do? ('Cause if you want, I might could talk to the judge and get your sentence reduced to Bloggingham dungeon time.) probably speeding. Or, I swore up a raving storm in public.

2. Your blog just became a best-selling book . What is the title of your book ? What If This Is As Good As It Gets?

3. It is midnight. The phone rings. It is Michael Jackson calling from the Great Beyond. What would you like to ask him? where is beyond?

4. You are having your future told. The fortune teller looks in the crystal ball, screams and leaves the room in fright. What did they see? that I've got to teach another twenty-something years until I can retire. oy vey.

5. You're blogging along minding your own blusiness (that's blog + oh...you know) when Google unexpectedly puts a Objectionable Content Warning on your blog. Your own mother is afraid to enter! What, pray tell, did you do to warrant it? How did this happen? Do you think you deserve it? Just how objectionable are you? Do tell. I don't know why this would happen, I'm quite tame. I don't deserve this unjust treatment!

6. You suddenly become God Of The Universe. What would your first Commandment be? be human

7. And finally, what secret would you like to tell the Queen? I spend approximately $70 on coffee each month

tulip award and a tag

Erika at endomental shared this pretty Tulip Award with me. It comes with a tag to answer some questions.

1. YOUR NICKNAME - Dad calls me Al, everyone else calls me Ali or by my name.

2. YOU ARE - a slug-a-bed-pissant.

3. YOUR MOST SPECIAL PERSON - most special? hmmm, that's a toughie, it's hard to choose just one.

4. YOUR FAVORITE SONG - One by U2.

5. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/DISH - I love salad and I love pizza.

6. THINGS THAT MAKE YOU STRESS - money troubles, OCD.

7. YOUR FAVOURITE COLOR - earth tones--brown, beige, greens.



8. THINGS THAT YOU MUST HAVE IN YOUR BAG - driver's license and keys.

9. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED - I honestly don't remember, I got emotional at therapy.

10. TAG SIX OF YOUR FRIENDS - consider yourself tagged!

postsecret

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.

i say... and you think...?

1. Sister :: my best friends
2. Talks :: long
3. Electric! :: Company
4. Corner :: trap
5. Turnstile :: Billy Joel
6. Swap :: trade
7. Young :: once upon a time, I was
8. Horrific :: disaster
9. Block :: square
10. Wind :: breeze



#337

sunday stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Double Stealing Meme

1. If you could turn back the hands of time to correct one wrongdoing, what event would you choose and why?
hmmm... something I've done? I can't think of anything I've done that's so wrong...

2. Are you one for tradition? If so, what traditions do you strongly believe in? If not, what makes tradition hypocritical? I like family traditions

3. You were taking part in an event and you had to crossplay, who would you crossplay as and why? I don't understand the question--what's crossplay??

4. If you only had one day left to live, how would you spend your last day? Would you be tempted to live fatally if you knew you were to die the next day, and if so, what extreme measures would you take? I wouldn't do anything out of the ordinary. I might make a few more phone calls and send a few more emails, but nothing out of the ordinary.

5. What are your top five sinful materialistic items, ones you'd expect from others including those closest to you? Why are each in the position they are in? I don't understand this question at all. I don't know what I'm supposed to answer.

6. I am... confused by the first few questions

7. I feel... sleepy today

8. I see... Top Chef Masters

9. I need... laughter

10. I love... hugs

11. I wish... there was more time

12. I think... too much

13. I hear... the fan

14. I crave... chocolate

15. I fear... too many weird things

16. I hope… things go well

just watched...

Synopsis: Based on an extraordinary true story, DEFIANCE is an epic tale of family, honor, vengeance and salvation in World War II. The year is 1941 and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being massacred by the thousands. Managing to escape certain death, three brothers take refuge in the dense surrounding woods they have known since childhood. There they begin their desperate battle against the Nazis. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as brothers who turn a primitive struggle to survive into something far more consequential - a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others.

saturday 9

Wedding Bell Blues

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be. at my age, I'd want a small, intimate love-filled wedding with family and friends

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married? mid-twenties

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended? my dear friend Angela

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions? sure

5. Have you cried at a wedding? yes

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony? I prefer intimate ceremonies

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell. I've been in four weddings. Three dresses were hideous.

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical? mostly happy and sentimental

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high? a good relationship is a lot of work and you can't do all the work by yourself

just finished reading...

It's kind of a series by Marian Keyes, about the five Walsh sisters. This novel is about Anna and her perfect New York Life and her recuperation and acceptance of a major accident. Keyes is one of my favorite authors. I love her wit and wisdom. And the Walsh sisters--oh, I wish I was friends with them! And yes, it's one of the two books I mentioned earlier, that I have previously read. It was worth a re-read.

so many books, so little time...

Glad I started keeping track of books I've read on this blog--this week I've picked up two different books that I have already read and started reading them again. In my defense, the covers are "upgraded" from the hardcovers.

friday fill-in

#132

1. The last thing I ate was Kashi chewy peanut butter granola bar and pineapple juice.

2. Iced coffee is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it it makes me sleepy.

4. The drive-thru voice was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are spectacular.

6. I'm built for extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to I don't know what, tomorrow my plans include Breakfast Club and Sunday, I want to enjoy the day!

do you hate being single?

You Love Being Single

In general, you're very happy being single. You like doing your own thing, and you're happy not to have to compromise. You're not opposed to being attached, but you're not going to settle. Someone else should your enhance your life, and you're happy to wait for that person.

Do You Hate to Be Single?

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Jake brakes.

too cute

I think I can...

So I'm supposed to be writing daily affirmations in a journal as an assignment for therapy. But I'm really having a hard time. All I can think of is Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live.


Suggestions??

just finished reading...

A haunting novel about a woman's struggle with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Alice struggles to hold on to her life and her mind in this poignant and heartbreaking book.

It was brilliant.