challenge...

8/31
Today is the final day of the Happiness Challenge. The month has flown by. Having the challenge helped me focus on the good stuff that happens every day. Making sure I appreciate a moment. That's important. And that's what it's all about. Because it is the little moments that make me happiest.

So, today's moment is courtesy of my students who seem to appreciate me. A couple of classes said they wanted to nominate me for the Golden Apple award and were quite disappointed to see that I'd already received it. It makes me happy to connect with the kids. They are what it's all about.

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things:

1) I'm becoming increasingly crabby because of this ghastly heat. I realize that in the middle of winter I'll be whining about how cold it is... but there has to be some kind of balance here.

2) My fingernails are gorgeous. But they're too long. I've got to get rid of them. Which is sad because they're so long and strong.

3) So far I've still been doing well at getting up in the morning with my alarm clock.

4) I keep forgetting that this is a holiday weekend.

5) I'm still not decided about the Jason Mraz concert. I really want to go but don't want to go alone. :-(

6) One of my AP students is going to drop out of the class. He realizes that it isn't what he expected and he doesn't think he's ready for the caliber of work required. Especially the essays.

7) My ankles are swollen to triple their normal size. Oh, how I hate this humidity and heat. But, I didn't gain any weight this week.

8) My favorite cashier at Dunkin' Donuts offered me a sample of iced coffee with Pumpkin Spice flavoring. She thought I would like it. And I did.

9) Today was school picture day! I picked out the copper background and for the first time, took the picture with my glasses on.

10) I hate to jinx anything but so far this school year is better than last year. No bitches this year. Everyone's been so nice and willing to do what I ask.

challenge...

8/30
George Clooney received a lifetime humanitarian achievement award at the Emmys last night. What a thrill. He looked especially handsome. And was especially charming. George Clooney makes me happy.

gads...

Holy hotness! It was above 90 degrees in my classroom today. The sweat was rolling off me. Ewww. Hottest day of the year. More to come. I'll try not to whine too much.

just another manic monday...

# 220

What are the values you cherish even though they may run counter to societal values? I value independence and intelligence

Mondays make me___________. sleepy

If you were to publish a book about yourself, what would you title it? wow, that's a good question... I have no idea

challenge

8/29
There are just a couple of days left in this Happiness Challenge. And today I'm just happy because I'm happy. Nothing particular happened today. It was a sunny, hot day. I did my errands and napped. And I'm just happy. Not thinking about school or stress or anything.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, part two

21. If you were to live your life without your best friend, what would change? my support network would have to change a lot

22. Tell us about a era of your life that you really miss. I miss being able to stay up late and function on fewer hours of sleep

23. Have you ever been betrayed by someone that came as a complete surprise? Without revealing the person, if yes, tell us about it. no

24. Do you ever think that is a good idea to hide your feelings? sometimes it is necessary, until I get them under control

25. Tell us about your favorite year when you were a student. 1987, studying in Ireland

25. When was the last time you were in a very good mood? What caused it? today, just the beauty of the day and getting stuff done

26. Have you ever had a romantic relationship with a sibling of a good friend? no

27. Tell us about the last thing that you did that you truly regret. I can't think of anything

28. When did you laughed today? listening to some music in the car... a song came on that always boosts my mood

29. Do you trust easily? not so much

30. What do you care about that you wish more people would? educational issues

31. Is it easier for you to go without food or go without sleep? without food

32. What non-alcohol beverage do you enjoy drinking the most? either water or Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee

33. When you walk into a room full of strangers, generally how is your confidence? the same as it ever is

34. Does talking about sex with anyone but your lover make you uncomfortable? not so much

35. Do you tend to believe members of the opposite sex mostly behave the same way? it depends

36. Did you drink any alcohol this week? If yes, what? no

37. Would you ever consider being a vegetarian? sure

38. Do you believe that there’s always room in your heart for someone? yes

39. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates? not really, at least not in a romantic way

40. Last week, we had a few players criticize our victim’s questions. Which is fine to do and we value your opinion. Would you ever consider writing questions for Bud and me to post on a Sunday Stealing? I might, yeah

challenge...

8/28
A fresh pedicure. At the end of the first week of teaching it was a delight to have my feet pampered.

saturday 9

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

1. Who was the last person you dealt with that felt that they could never be wrong? a colleague is a tad overbearing in the can't be wrong department

2. Tell us about one person who is the most like you. I have no idea

3. What is something you really want right now? Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee

4. What are you doing this weekend? I'm having a pedicure today and have some shopping to do after that, otherwise, I don't have much going on this weekend

5. Are you in a good mood? If yes, Why? yes, it's Saturday!

6. Do you have an ex that you are pretty sure thinks about you a lot? no

7. What's one thing you wish you could do but can't? oh, there are endless possibilities...

8. What's one trait you hate in a person? overbearing-ness

9. What's one thing you like to do alone? read

challenge

8/27
So, the first week of school is behind me. I can say that this year is better than last year so far. Pretty sad that after the first week last year I was already dreading some classes. But so far, so good this year. I'm having fun and hitting my stride. I'm almost back in the groove. And it made me happy to connect with some students today. The magic happened.

friday fill-in

# 191

1. You do your thing; I do mine and sometimes we might meet in the middle.

2. The textbook fiasco is what's been on my mind on and off all day.

3. Remember when life was simpler.

4. Food, books and reality t.v. are three of my favorite obsessions :-)

5. During the last year I had moments of misery.

6. The way this school year has started puts a smile on my face.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to kicking back and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include a pedicure and Sunday, I want to get geared up for school!

challenge...

8/26
A former student came to visit this morning, he hung around through my first period class. We had a great visit and he enjoyed watching the class. Now he's back to college on his way to becoming an architect.

yummy...

Heard some raves about these McDonald's Smoothies at Weight Watchers the other night. I tried the Mixed Berry today--it was delish!

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:

78% humidity in a full classroom.

favorite band survey...

Stolen from Cat:

01. Who is your favorite band or artist? U2

02. When did you find out about them? 1982

03. Were they still making music when you discovered them? they were just starting out

04. Of all their records, which is your favorite and why? Achtung, Baby--it's got some of their best songs

05. Of all their songs, which is your favorite and why? One--it's on Achtung, Baby

06. Which is your least favorite of their albums and why? I almost think Boy is, because it's early stuff and seems like they're trying to find their sound

07. Which is your least favorite of their songs and why? I can't think of a song I haven't liked.

08. When and where do you like to listen to this band/artist? anytime, all the time

08. Have you seen them live? If so, where and when? Nope.

09. How many records by this band/artist do you have? all of them... plus some European exports

10. Do you collect rare recordings by this band/artist? If so, what is your favorite of these recordings? nothing too rare

11. When and how did this band/artist become your favorite and what do you think, will you like it forever? I'd have to say they will always be my favorite band... and I loved them since I heard War with "Two Hearts Beat As One"

12. Recite your favorite lyric of theirs. from 11 O'Clock Tick Tock - "We thought that we had the answers. It was the questions we had wrong."

challenge...

8/25
Bruschetta with lots of garlic. It was delicious. Glad I live alone.

just finished reading...

This was a really good book, unpredictable and intriguing. It helps that I'm familiar with the setting and understand the native peoples.

challenge...

8/24
After a disastrous weigh in, my bestie and I went out for dinner. That cheered me up. It's always fun to get together and strategize.

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things:

1) I'm so excited for Saturday's pedicure. My feet are killing me.

2) This year is starting out better than last year did. Funny how I can tell that already, but the students aren't as nasty or rude yet.

3) We've got a couple of new teachers at school joining in our book group this year. It's going to be a great year! We've got a lot of different genres.

4) My bestie and I are going to dinner tonight after we weigh in. I'm more excited about that than the weigh in.

5) Our new contract lets us leave fifteen minutes after the student day is done. I feel a little guilty leaving then, I am used to staying forty-five minutes after.

6) I'll be on doggy duty this week. Sort of inconvenient but... whatever.

7) The construction workers are very loud outside my classroom windows. I have to keep the windows shut and that makes the room soooooo stuffy.

8) Teaching without the text is... challenging. I wish it wasn't the first time I'm teaching the class so I would have a few tricks up my sleeve but I'm managing and we're getting started.

9) Jason Mraz is going to have a concert near here soon. I really, really, reallyrealy want to go.

10) Some of the kids were shell-shocked today when I told them we're starting a project on the second day of school. I'm hoping I've broken it into manageable parts so they won't panic. We shall see.

challenge...

8/23
The day flew by. That's kind of important for a first day.

day 1

I'm exhausted. My feet are swollen. But today was a better first day than last year. I have high hopes.

just another manic monday...

# 219

Fill in the blank: If I had a nickel for every time I... repeated directions, I'd be a very wealthy woman!

What do you think about while you exercise? how much longer it's going to take

What are 5 things you love about your spouse/partner/significant other (or children or pet)? since I don't have a s/p/so or children, I'll go with "my" pet, Maggie: she snuggles, she cocks her head when I'm talking to her as if she understands, she is happy and that makes me happy, she follows me around, and she loves sitting on the porch with me--I think she loves the porch more than I do, and that's saying a lot!

back to school...

It's been a great, great summer vacation. I'm hoping to start the school year with a good attitude. Even though my textbooks aren't here. We're starting with a contract and that nightmare is over. So, here's to a new year and a positive outlook. New challenges and we'll see what happens.

challenge...

8/22
My nephew is headed off to college. We had a cookout for him this evening. It was fun to hang around and catch up with the kids. He's going to have a great adventure. And he's ready to go.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, part one

1. Are you happier now than you were five months ago? yes... less stress

2. Have you ever slept in the same bed with anyone that you shouldn't have? no

3. Can you sleep in total darkness? oh yes

4. Your phone is ringing. It’s the person you fell hardest for, the one who got away, what do you say? uhm... hello, it's been a long time...

5. What do you think about the weather this summer? it's been great

6. How many people do you trust with everything? oh, a few

7. What was the last thing you drank? Orange Dry

8. Is there anyone you want to come see you? no

9. Name one thing you love about winter? when it's over

10. Have you ever dated a Goth? no

11. What are you looking forward to tomorrow? first day of school

12. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having? can't think of anything

13. What's the longest that you have committed to one person and one person only? too long

14. What’s the first thing you did when you opened your eyes today? stretched

15. Has anyone ever told you they never want to ever lose you? no

16. Is there anybody that you wish you could fix your relationship with? yes, a friendship that has grown apart

17. Could you go out in public, looking like you do now? absolutely

18. Do you think things will change in the next 3 months? How? sure

19. Do you believe that you never know what you got until you lose it? no, I try to live in the moment and I count my blessings often

20. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? 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. This week more than one spoke to me.

challenge...

8/21
Teacher Appreciation Day was held at Staples this morning. The goodies were a little skimpy. Oh well. I picked up some other stuff using the 20% off coupon. I love school supplies.

saturday 9

Welcome Back

1. Where were you the last time that someone welcomed you back? at a workshop at school

2. Tell us who is you favorite non-family member to hang out with? my bestie

3. What was the last thing that happened to anger you? I found out my textbooks weren't even ordered. It's hard to teach without the text

4. What was the last thing that you saw that was shocking to see? my classroom in the hallway

5. What is your favorite thing to do on Saturday besides Saturday 9? go out to breakfast

6. Have you had your summer vacation yet? If yes tell us about it. yes... it was fantastic!

7. Pick out one of your cousins and tell us about them. when he was younger we called him "Buzzy" but now he's a State Trooper

8. Do you have any special plans for next week? the start of school

9. At what age will you consider yourself old and why? 90 because it's significant

challenge...

8/20
A delightful, if quick trip to Bangor for some back-to-school shopping with a very dear friend. Shopping was very much fun.

friday fill-in

# 190


1. Laughter really is the best medicine.

2. "I had to" are the three words that started off the last email I sent.

3. What I'm most looking forward to today is my shopping trip.

4. Friendship puts a smile on my face.

5. Where in the world Carmen Sandiego.

6. Putting my feet up is just what I needed!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to kicking back and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include Teacher Appreciation Day at Staples and Sunday, I want to go to the going away to college party for my nephew!

ready or not...

Although I never truly feel ready, I think I am ready. Let the school year begin! On Monday. After one last weekend of freedom. And a road trip tomorrow.

contact...

Mrs. Chili posted this little bit of happy on her website. It made me so happy, I'm posting it, too!

challenge...

8/19
Four former students came running up to me during Orientation tonight to give me hugs. One boy is not a hugger but he calls me his "Homeroom Mom" and I call him my "Homeroom Son". That makes me happy!

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:

Sweating in places that shouldn't sweat--like my eyelids and ears.

challenge...

8/18
Today's the last real day of summer vacation. Because tomorrow is a district-wide workshop day with Orientation in the evening. So I spent the day puttering. And reading. It made me happy to putter and just hang around today.

just finished reading...

Comparisons have been made to Silence of the Lambs but Heartsick isn't as intense as Silence. This was a tight thriller. The exploration of relationships was very interesting--cop/suspect, victim/perpetrator, etc. It was a Nook promotional book and I'm glad I got it. It's part of a series and I will definitely check out another.

litany... by Billy Collins

challenge...

8/17
Book group having a lively discussion. It's especially fun when people have different takes on the characters and story. Lively discussion. It makes me excited for more.

ten things tuesday...

Today Beloit College released the annual Mindset list for College Freshman: here are ten things from the list that make me feel old:

Most students entering college for the first time this fall—the Class of 2014—were born in 1992.

1. Few in the class know how to write in cursive.

2. Email is just too slow, and they seldom if ever use snail mail.

3. “Caramel macchiato” and “venti half-caf vanilla latte” have always been street corner lingo.

4. John McEnroe has never played professional tennis.


5. Clint Eastwood is better known as a sensitive director than as Dirty Harry.

6. Parents and teachers feared that Beavis and Butt-head might be the voice of a lost generation.

7. Doctor Kevorkian has never been licensed to practice medicine.

8. Colorful lapel ribbons have always been worn to indicate support for a cause.

9. Fergie is a pop singer, not a princess.

10. They’ve never recognized that pointing to their wrists was a request for the time of day.

You can see the whole list here.

challenge...

8/16
Chatting on Facebook with my nieces and sisters. Especially my 8-year-old niece who writes in phonetics.

just another manic monday...

# 218

What are 5 things you want to do in your life? fly first-class to Europe; clear out the clutter; see NYC at Christmastime; rekindle a love of cooking and baking; die peacefully

What are you saying goodbye to? summer vacation

What are you currently fascinated with? my Barnes & Noble nook, Myles

just finished reading...

A re-read for my book group. I didn't really enjoy it the first time and I didn't enjoy it this time. I didn't care for the characters. I didn't like the storyline of a WWII-era marriage that was made in haste and does not stand the test of time. Meh.

challenge...

8/15
A yummy chocolate milkshake on a hot day.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Crafty Fifty Meme, part two

26. What do you normally smell like? peony body spray

27. Do you like Carrie Underwood? sure

28. Been to “The Vegas”? nope

29. How far away do you live from your parents? about a mile

30. Are you happy with your job? yes

31. Where do you work and what do you do there? I teach high school

32. What did you get in the mail today? there's no mail on Sunday

33. How do you like your steak cooked? medium rare

34. Britney Spears…is she back? sure

35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell? nothing

36. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind? no

37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore? not yet

38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie? never heard of it

39. Are surveys like the cocaine of myspace? not so much

40. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)? Ireland

41. What is your favorite candle scent Autumn Wreath

42. Do you believe places can really be haunted? not really

43. Do you smoke cigarettes? no

44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA? just the airports

45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport? two

46. Do you think 50 questions is enough? plenty

47. Are you currently planning a trip? no

48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay? Should anyone care? no and no

49. Do you take anti-depressants? Sleeping pills yes and yes

50. What do you think about space travel? it's great

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.

challenge...

8/14
Breakfast at the coffee shop. I've decided that breakfast is my favorite meal to have out.

saturday 9

Superstition

1. What are you superstitious about? nothing, really

2. What’s the story behind one of your scars? I stumbled and fell on my face on a gravel driveway and cut my lip, nose and cheek

3. What are three things that you would rather be doing right now? reading, having breakfast, and napping

4. What do you do when you're bored? nap

5. What's your favorite thing to do? Why? read because I can

6. What do you do when you're lonely? nap or watch tv

7. How do you measure the passing of time in life? by school time--vacations, terms, assignments

8. What would constitute "the perfectly lived day" for you? almost any of them

9. If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do in your final days? nothing extraordinary

challenge...

8/13
Going to the laundromat when there are no creepy people there! I had an hour and a half free of creepy pervs watching my underthings dry.

what flavor lemonade are you?

You Are Cranberry Lemonade

You are sassy and snarky. You are full of attitude. You may be a bit sharp and sour at times, but you're always lively. You bring a bit of zing to every occasion. You are loud, honest, and spirited. You love to tell it like it is. You're one of a kind, and people love that about you.

What Flavor Lemonade Are You?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

friday fill-in

# 189

1. Music grooves my soul.

2. A good stretch is what I like first thing in the morning.

3. The first thing I said this morning was: what will I read now?

4. Pizza; it's what's for dinner tonight.

5. It's all been wicked great.

6. Snacking is what I feel like doing right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chit-chatting with friends, tomorrow my plans include the Breakfast Club and a family friend's funeral and Sunday, I want to organize my clothes for school!

just finished reading...

Historical fiction based during the Inquisition. The main character is a mute albino woman. Very compelling, I was drawn into the story--the richness of atmosphere and the detail. I couldn't put it down.

challenge...

8/12
Guilty pleasure tv.

meme

Who...
…is easy to love?
people who love me

…do you just wanna smack?
the line forms at the left...

…do you talk to when you’re alone?
nobody... I don't talk out loud when I'm by myself

What...
…dangerous things do you do while driving?
sing and dance... and maybe go a little bit fast

…would you never, ever, ever give up?
chocolate

…is Satan’s last name?
right now he's without, although once school starts up again there will be many contenders

…is the last thing that moved you?
chatting with my sister online... I laughed out loud for realz

…is the freakiest thing in your house?
dust dinosaurs

When...
…is it time to turn over a new leaf?
when it's painful to stay still

…will you be all that you can be?
when I'm finally free of my mental bonds, trust me, I'll tell you when...

…is enough enough?
when I start singing, as I am the fat lady...

…do you go to the dark side?
right before school vacation, when I'm at my wit's end

Where...
…are your pants?
well, there are a couple in the laundry basket and others are neatly stacked

…is your last will and testament?
in the file of important documents in my fireproof box thingy

…is your junk food stash?
in the kitchen

…are you the happiest?
when I'm comfortable

Why...
…are there no seat belts on school buses?
they'd ruin the seats (?)

…are musicians sexy and plumbers aren’t?
yanno, I don't really know... I've never really wanted to stalk my plumber

…did the chicken cross the road?
to get to the other side, where the greener grass is

…do we revere athletes more than teachers?
because we live in a warped world

Would you...
…swim the English channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not, what?
probably not... I'm not much of an ocean swimmer

…forgive someone who deliberately hurt you?
yes... I find forgiveness helps me more than them

…rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth?
in the end, no, I'd rather have the truf

…still need me, would you still feed me, when I’m 64?
absolutely!

shout out...

Thanks to The Gal Herself for introducing me to my new favorite thing: Chocolate Cheerios! They don't have the annoying aftertaste that some other *coughcocoapuffscough* have.

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:

Not being able to work in my classroom to get it set up this week... leaves MUCH to do next week.

challenge...

8/11
Lovin' some Ghirardelli hazelnut squares.