the bookstore test

You Are Modern

You are optimistic and forward looking. You love living in this world. You have a good memory for facts. You always are an ace at trivia. People excite you. You like to be up on what's going on with everyone you know and don't know! You have a few key interests that are borderline obsessions. You can't stop thinking about them!

The Bookstore Test

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

saturday 9

The Sun Rising

1. Is there anything that you tend to do to cheer up when you are having a bad day? laugh

2.What’s the last card game you played, and with whom did you play? spite & malice with my niece... it was killer!

3.What’s the last board game you played, and with whom did you play? Apples to Apples with Period 6

4.What’s the last computer game you played, and with whom did you play? does Farmville count??

5.Is there somewhere you’d like to visit but have not, and where is it? Italy

6.Think of your favorite movie (or a movie you really like, if you can’t think of a favorite). Some people say that the reasons you love your favorite movie are related to what you value in romantic relationships. How is this true or untrue in your case? Uhm... well... one of the lovers dies

7.What physical attributes do you find the most attractive? confidence... how they fill up the space they're in

8.How many people live in your house? Tell us about them. just me... I'm fabalous

9. Ever punch someone in the face? no

are you french fries or onion rings?

You Are French Fries

You are friendly and easygoing. People can't help but like you! You are always welcome wherever you go, and people crave you more than they'd like to admit. You are extremely fun loving. You try not to think about responsibilities whenever possible. You are rich in personality and spirit. You have a lot to offer, but you never let it go to your head.

Are You French Fries or Onion Rings?

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

my nook...

Myles... with his glam decal and cover.

just finished reading...

The second installment of the Millennium Trilogy was another can't-put-down mystery/thriller. Same characters and settings as Girl With The Dragon Tattoo but this time the action picked up much faster. I don't have the third book, yet.

friday fill-in

# 187

1. I'm going to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

2. Sometimes I crave adventure and daring.

3. Perhaps today you can make it a point in the right direction.

4. I wish I had a true adventurer’s spirit.

5. Compassion is essential.

6. Keep calm no matter how difficult.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include finishing the book and take my niece school supply shopping and Sunday, I want to do something!

idol chatter...

Very sad that Ellen is leaving Idol.

date night...

spent the evening with my favorite bundle of fluff.

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:

Waiting for a delivery.

what are your colors?

Your Colors Are Bold

Your colors are bright and vivid reds, oranges, blues and yellows. You are a high energy, passionate person. You stay happily busy. You live for excitement. It's hard for you to turn down a thrill, no matter how small. You think the world is a great and amazing place. You're thankful for each day and for every opportunity you are given.

What Are Your Colors?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

this is so wrong...

rehab for tv?

The next few days this is going to be my theme song. I've got to get back to a normal sleep schedule. I've been staying up watching tv and reading and sleeping half the daylight hours away. It's gonna kick my ass to go back to school. And yet, it's a little after 10 and I'm watching Work of Art on Bravo. So, maybe I should set a goal of starting a regular schedule in August and keep staying up late for the end of July. There... that's a good solution.

Plus, I have got to get going on the AP curriculum so that I have the first few weeks planned out with the tests ready to go. Considering they'll take a test the first week of school.

chores...

Chores don't do themselves. They should.

The end.

what childhood game are you?

You Are Rock-Paper-Scissors

You are very smart and mentally inclined person. You like games that test your brainpower. You are good at noticing patterns and making predictions. You can size other people up well. It may not seem like there's a lot to what you do, but you have a strategy for everything. You tend to think through every decision you make carefully, but you're also sure not to over think anything.

What Childhood Game Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

just finished reading...

A coming of age novel about a young girl who realizes she can taste the emotions in any food she eats. I had high hopes because it's an interesting premise but the author tries to do too much with other characters in the book. And I didn't find them interesting enough to care about. I'd give it a "meh".

ten things tuesday

Ten summer treats:

1) Vacation.

2) Fresh strawberries.

3) Popsicles.

4) Watermelon.

5) Pineapple.

6) Out of the garden tomatoes.

7) Guilty pleasure tv.

8) Reading all day. Or all night.

9) Beautiful sunny days. Starry, starry nights.

10) Pedicures!

the queen's meme

The Lyrics Meme #46
click the link to play along

1. Want: I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow. An 80s confection. Catchy, it's an earworm.

2. hell: Hell & High Water by Black Stone Cherry.

3. smack: Smack Dab In The Middle by Ray Charles. I heard this song from a recording of the Montreux Jazz Festival 1997, on PBS. It's good fun.

4. ugly: God Loves Ugly by Jordin Sparks. From her first album, it's a great way for younger audiences to be introduced to this really great song.

5. beast: Beast of Burden by Bette Midler. This rendition made me crazy for Bette.


6. Romeo: Never Say Never by Romeo Void. Ok, so this song isn't a lyric Romeo, but when I think of Romeo I think of this 80s band. And Never Say Never is an anthem for my college years.

7. God: If God Will Send His Angels by U2. One of my favorite U2 songs. From my favorite movie, City of Angels.

just another manic monday

# 215

What's your secret recipe? mustard

Imagine you want to write a book. What's going to be in it and what is it going to be about? I think I'd write a memoir...

Name 5 things in your freezer. Crystal Light ice pops, five bags of strawberries, chicken breasts, Lasagna, 3 containers of chili

guilty pleasure...

There are no real characters this summer. The showmance couple are too annoying for words, the girl is too over the top. There's one guy, Matt, who thinks he's the puppet master but he hasn't done much manipulating other than lying. I'm bummed that the saboteur has already been revealed, the girl wasn't a very good player. I knew it was her. So, this season, so far is a "meh".

just finished reading...

A gripping mystery and thriller. Even though I've never been to Sweden, I could visualize the settings and cities. I stumbled with pronunciations. Once I got the characters straight (there's quite a family tree to follow) I got into the story and couldn't put it down. It's part of a trilogy and I'm excited to read the second book.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Three

45. Favorite color? beige, brown, green... earthy tones

46. Have you ever slapped someone? yes

47. Is your hair curly? yes

48. What was the last CD you bought? Luka Bloom "Eleven Songs"

49. Do looks matter? yes

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? forgive, yes... forget, no

51. Is your phone bill sky high? no

52. Do you like your life right now? very much

53. Do you sleep with the TV on? no

54. Can you handle the truth? absolutely

55. Do you have good vision? relatively

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? yes for dislike, no for hate

57. How often do you talk on the phone? not often

58. The last person you held hands with? my niece

59. What are you wearing? clothes

60. What is your favourite animal? dog

61. Where was your favorite picture taken at? oh, that's a toughie... I really like my birthday picture from Ireland

62. Can you hula hoop? nope

63. Do you have a job? yes

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? big purchase = nook

65. Have you ever crawled through a window? yes

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.

my date...

A movie marathon!

saturday 9

The Sun Rising

1. When was the last time that you watched a sunrise? Who were you with? during the winter... I was driving to school

2. If President Obama promised he'd do one thing you asked, what would you ask him to do? listen to teachers' needs in education

3. What is one experience that has strengthened your character the most so far? being motherless

4. What is the first thing that you usually do after completing Saturday 9? read my blog buddies

5. Tell us about someone either in your life or in the blogosphere that you think is extremely funny. my colleague is the funniest person I know--always has a funny anecdote

6. Where was the last bed that you slept in that was not your own? the hotel last week

7. Have you ever been too drunk to remember anything? not that I can remember... ha

8. Have you ever licked something to clean it? my fingers

9. Who, outside of family or a S/O, has influenced your life the most? my dad's best friend

just finished reading...

What a wonderful story to get lost in on a summer day! And there's even an interview with the author:

friday fill-in

# 186

1. I feel fantastic.

2. Sometimes it's hard to catch up.

3. Do what you want.

4. Today is completely unique.

5. It's hard to know how much time it takes.

6. Someone follows suit.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to possibly going out, tomorrow my plans include nothing particular and Sunday, I want to more of the same!

just curious...

What's your movie treat? If popcorn, how do you take it? Do you get a beverage?

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:

A sore spot in my back.

wednesday wickedness

(click the icon to play along)

Today's quotes are from Ellen Degeneres:

1. "I was coming home from kindergarten--well they told me it was kindergarten. I found out later I had been working in a factory for ten years. It's good for a kid to know how to make gloves." How old were you when you started working and what was your first job? I was a tween, in middle school when I started working as a babysitter

2. "My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-seven now, and we don't know where the hell she is." Tell us about your grandparents. my father's parents are the grandparents I was closer to. My love of reading comes from them... they both were always reading something. I miss them.

3. "Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off." Do you procrastinate or are you on top of the situations? I'm a definite procrastinator at home but not at work

4. "Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others." What would others say about you? I don't really know... I'd like to think they'd say I'm a good listener and a good friend, a good person. Interesting and intelligent.

5. "The only thing that scares me more than space aliens is the idea that there aren't any space aliens. We can't be the best that creation has to offer. I pray we're not all there is. If so, we're in big trouble" Do you believe in life on other planets? not like our life

6. "I'm a godmother, that's a great thing to be, a godmother. She calls me god for short, that's cute, I taught her that." Do you have a godchild? Yes, my goddaughter turned 20 recently and I did a post about her--she's my baby

7. "I don't understand the sizes anymore. There's a size zero, which I didn't even know that they had. It must stand for: 'Ohhh my God, you're thin.'" When was the last time that you were called too thin? N.E.V.E.R. never ever

8. "I have the worst memory ever so no matter who comes up to me - they're just, like, 'I can't believe you don't remember me!" I'm like, 'Oh Dad I'm sorry!'" Who was the last person that you should have recognized but didn't? a former student

9. "I gotta work out. I keep saying it all the time. I keep saying I gotta start working out. It's been about two months since I've worked out. And I just don't have the time. Which uh..is odd. Because I have the time to go out to dinner. And uh..and watch tv. And get a bone density test. And uh.. try to figure out what my phone number spells in words." Do you work out? Have you ever joined a gym and quit almost immediately? yes... and I'm hoping I keep going since I just joined a couple of weeks ago... it's Wednesday and I haven't gone this week... whoops!

10. 'We use 10 percent of our brains. Imagine how much we could accomplish if we used the other 60 percent." Do you feel that you utilize all your intelligence in every situation? I go with my intuition often, so I'd say yes, I balance my brain smarts with my inner smarts

be the one...

Sign the petition at restorethegulf.com it's something you can do.

ten more...

Tagged again, here are ten more random songs:

1) One Cool Remove by Shawn Colvin
2) I Go Blind by Hootie & the Blowfish
3) Good Intentions by Toad The Wet Sprocket
4) Sexuality by kd lang
5) Shoebox by BareNaked Ladies
6) It's A Free World Baby by R.E.M.
7) Human Touch by Bruce Springsteen
8) I've Been Thinking About You by London Beat
9) Why Walk When You Can Fly by Mary Chapin Carpenter
10) Stain Yer Blood by Paul Westerberg

:-)

the mountain test

You Are an Optimist

You are thoughtful and responsible. It's rare that you find yourself in a bind. You are naturally low energy. You have to nurture yourself in order to cultivate endurance. When you get tired, you feel calm. You need to wear yourself out in order to be able to relax. You are happiest when you have had a full and challenging day. There's nothing like a well earned rest.

The Mountain Test

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

ten things tuesday...

Ten things about my Nook, which sounds dirty but it isn't:

1) My Nook needs a name. I love naming inanimate objects. Suggestions?

2) I got the Wi-Fi Nook, not the 3G. I doubt the 3G would even work way up here at the end of the earth.

3) I have four or five book samples waiting to be read. I perused a couple of sites that offer beach reads and downloaded first chapters.

4) It's easy to use. I kinda thought it would be a challenge to learn how to use it but it's really easy.

5) I'm excited to share books with someone. I think it's really cool that you can do that with the Nook. So, say I lend someone The Passage, the person I share with will have it for two weeks and I won't be able to access it. After that time, it's back in my library.

6) I called customer service with a question this morning and they were fantastic.

7) The tech also suggested some freebie books for me to download. :-) I got Pride and Prejudice Zombies.

8) I got a very nice leather cover but really want the Kate Spade. The Kate Spade is only $85. (ack)

9) So, the book I finished this morning was an 800+ page book, it would have been pretty massive for me to carry around but I took the Nook everywhere.

10) I can read in bed, without my glasses!

just finished reading...

At 836 pages, it was an epic. I didn't realize it's the first of a trilogy. Also the first book I read on my Nook. Love the Nook! It's intuitive and sleek. Anyhoodle, the book has a post-apocalyptic setting and it's kind of science-fiction. I really liked it once I got into it.

five & ten

INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Turn on your MP3 player/iPod.
(2) Go to SHUFFLE songs mode.
(3) Write down the first TEN songs that come up--song title and artist--NO editing/cheating, please (even if letting the world know you listen to crap "Weekend in New England" will humiliate you).
(4) Choose FIVE people to be tagged. It is generally considered to be in good taste to tag the person who tagged you, since there should be new songs appearing with Shuffle every time.

1. "Where'd You Go?" by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones
2. "My Forgotten Favorite" by Velocity Girl
3. "Finer Things" by Steve Winwood
4. "Wait For Me" by Hall & Oates
5. "I Know A Place" by Double
6. "Get It Through Your Heart" by Robert Palmer
7. "Wake Up Next To You" by Graham Parker
8. "Consider Me Gone" by Sting
9. "Alison" by Elvis Costello
10. "You Can Close Your Eyes" by James Taylor

I don't even know how to describe my playlist--it was an 80s thing.

My five friends:
The Gal Herself
Mrs. Chili
Diana
Leesepea
Princess Ladybug

just another manic monday

# 214

Imagine you have a hundred dollars, but you couldn't keep it. You have to give it away to a person or charity. Who would you give it to? What would you want them to do with it? I would give it to my eldest niece who's having some financial issues and I wish I could help her out

If you could cook any meal for your friends or family, what would you cook? my famous lasagna

List 5 things you want to do in your life. 1) finish my TBR stack 2) go to a U2 concert with really great seats 3) spend a lot of time in Ireland, exploring 4) conquer OCD 5) make a bucket list

do it justice...

One of my favorite books is made into a mini-series. It's showing on Starz or on Encore, starting Friday, July 23, at 10. Can't wait! I set my DVR to record the whole series. I hope they do it justice.

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.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Two

23. Do you rent movies often? not very often

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? no

25. How many countries have you visited? 11

26. Have you made a prank phone call? back in the day before caller id

27. Ever been on a train? yes

28. Brown or white eggs? doesn't matter

29. Do you have a cell-phone? yes

30. Do you use Chap Stick? no

31. Do you own a gun? no

32. Can you use chop sticks? yes

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? myself

34. Are you too forgiving? no

35. Ever been in love? yes

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow (or the next soonest week day)? teaching summer school

37. Ever have cream puffs? yes

38. Last time you cried? don't remember

39. What was the last question you asked? is there too much man candy?

40. Favorite time of the year? autumn

41. Do you have any tattoos? yes

42. Are you sarcastic? sometimes

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? no

44. Ever walked into a wall? no

man candy festival

All together in one movie! The book is much, much better than the movie but it's nice to see some excellent man candy!

saturday 9

Love Hurts

1. Tell us about the last time that you got hurt in the arena of love. oh, it's been many years

2. Have you ever been part of the wedding party, other than your own? always a bridesmaid, never a bride... I've been in four weddings

3. Let's say you find yourself in Hell after you die. Think about everyone you've known in your life. Who would be the one person that would least likely to surprise you by being in Hell with you? there are too many candidates...

4. What brings you good luck? believing in luck

5. Do you have a photo blog? If so, feel free to share the link with us! nope

6. What is your biggest source of news? (Internet? Newspaper? Television? Radio? The Daily Show? Other?) the internet

7. What's the hottest you've ever been in your life? I'm going to go with any hot & humid day we're at school... my classroom is south-facing so it gets the sun and it's on the second floor so it gets really, really hot and uncomfortable

8. If you had to choose a theme song for your blog, which would would you choose and why? today I would choose the Jason Mraz song I posted yesterday: Life is Wonderful

9. Who was the last person you had an online conversation with that you've never met or talked to on your phone? any of my blog buddies

la-la-la-la-la-life is wonderful

One of the songs I sang at top volume... it makes me so happy!

friday fill-in

# 185

1. This is what life does. It lets you have an adventure.

2. Why don't we appreciate the moment?

3. Upon reflection I need more music in my life.

4. I read in bed last night for quite a long time.

5. Later, you wake up refreshed.

6. I gazed out to the far and boundless sea.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include more nothing and Sunday, I want to finish one of the books I'm reading!

love this song...

trip day two--homeward bound...

Woke up to a gorgeous morning so I immediately checked out the whale watch but it was sold out and I didn't want to hang around waiting for the afternoon sailing. I went shopping instead. Then I kinda had to come home. I bought myself a Barnes & Noble Nook. And did some end of season shopping at my favorite clothing stores. Had some excellent Mexican food. Then I sang all the way home. Loudly but maybe not well.

All in all it was a great getaway. I saw parts of the state that I haven't visited before. And I got a new toy! Now I'm home and figuring out the Nook.

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:

Humidity hair.

long drive...

I didn't hustle myself getting ready this morning because it was rainy and dreary. But I did decide to head to the Down East region of Maine. First stop was Calais then on to Eastport to Machias to Bar Harbor. I planned to go on a whale watch but as I was getting to the ticket place it started pouring so I nixed that plan. So, back in the car and on to Ellsworth then on to Belfast for some wandering around. Finally, I landed in Augusta. After some shopping and a Panera sandwich, it's back to the hotel for some relaxation. More shopping planned for the morning but I might make it back to Bar Harbor for another try at the whale watch if the weather is good. Otherwise, I don't have appropriate clothing for going out on the water for nasty/rainy/dreary.

Sang at the top of my lungs for most of the trip. It was a blast. Gorgeous scenery and you could smell the trees while winding through the mountainy roads. Then once I hit Down East, the tinge of salt was in the air.

I love an adventure.

the coffee shop test

You Are A Modernist

You're always living in the now, and you love to experience new and exciting things. You are an energetic, on the go type of person. You don't slow down for anyone! You are naturally sweet and fun. It's hard for you to get too down. You have a colorful take on life. People who know you appreciate your vibrancy.

The Coffee Shop Test

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

getting ready...

So. I packed a bag for a couple of days and in the morning, I'm getting in the car and heading out. No particular place to go. Just wanna go. Somewhere. I wish I had a passport so I could go to Quebec City or Halifax. I need to get it soon. Anyhoodle, I'm off for a great adventure. I'm considering going on a whale watch but really don't know where I'll end up.

ten things tuessday...

Ten things about this summer:

1) Sheryl Crow's Summer Day song is pure summer bliss.

2) B.o.B.'s Airplanes is another summer confection.



3) I also really like Train's Soul Sister, but it's being used everywhere.

4) Since I put in my air conditioner in the bedroom, I want one in the living room too.

5) I'm planning a little road trip getaway for later this week. Not sure where I'll go yet, but... sometimes it's nice to get away with no particular destination. I'm on a limited budget, though, so I've got to keep that in mind.

6) I keep waking up early. This week it's been on purpose, because I've actually had stuff to do, but I've been staying up late.

7) Really need to settle into some books and get reading. The TBR stack isn't shrinking.

8) I'm still so proud of myself for installing the air conditioner myself. And then yesterday, I set up the DVR on my own, too. I'm feeling so handy!

9) I really need to socialize more. I'm spending a lot of time by myself. Maybe my bestie and I can come up with plans.

10) I'm struggling with my Points. I'm not supposed to have Points left over at the end of the day but I do. Oh well...

waste of points...

The caramel frappe. This was worth thirteen points?? And it wasn't even good. Oy.

just another manic monday...

# 213

Name 5 of the simple pleasures in your life: going for a drive with no destination, reading a great book, fresh strawberries, fresh pineapple, and laughing til it hurts

What do you like to do on a rainy day? read until I need a nap

I deserve a hug.

just finished reading...

Sandra Dallas creates wonderful historically rich stories. Prayers for Sale does not disappoint. Another great read.

joining the 21st century

I'm taking the plunge tomorrow and getting DVR service. I thought that meant changing my cable tv package, but it seems that I can keep my package but add the service.

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.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part One

1. First thing you wash in the shower? my hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I don't have any hoodies

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? sure

4. Do you plan outfits? yes

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? great

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? my toes

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I don't really remember my dreams

8. Did you meet anybody new today? no

9. What are you craving right now? iced coffee

10. Do you floss? regularly

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? bunnies

12. Are you emotional? inwardly

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? no

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? on a cone? lick

15. Do you like your hair? it needs a cut

16. Do you like yourself? yes

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? probably

18. What are you listening to right now? some random show

19. Are your parents strict? hahaha

20. Would you go sky diving? yes

21. Do you like cottage cheese? occasionally

22. Have you ever met a celebrity? yes, a daytime drama heartthrob

saturday 9

Go Your Own Way

1. When was the last time you were told to go your own way? I don't think I ever have been

2. What one experience has strengthened your character the most so far? the challenges of becoming independent

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? read a good book and take a nap

4. How long can you go without your cell phone? I don't really use it, I have tons of minutes stored up... so a long time

5. Do you wish you were somewhere else right now? no

6. Of all the people you've ever known, who have you most feared? I feared for my safety when a student threatened me

7. Do people tell you that you look your age? no, usually they think I'm a lot younger

8. Your ex shows up randomly at your house, what do you say? nothing

9. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? no

hands only symphony...

My symphony. Make your own music with hands only!