we need a cure...

This time last year, we had a huge awareness week around World Aids Day, courtesy of the Civil Rights Team. So this year it's kind of bittersweet that there isn't anything going on. I miss my Civil Rights Team.

ten things tuesday...

Ten things I need to do:

1) Get my holiday shopping done.

2) Grade some student work. I didn't do it over vacation and now it's looming over me.

3) Start working on my holiday cards. I should get those sent out this weekend.

4) Decide if I'm going to decorate. Big tree or little tree?

5) Laundry.

6) Re-read my favorite holiday stories. Starting with A Christmas Carol.

7) Dig out my collection of favorite movies--I need to watch The Holiday, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation and the Peanuts Gang.

8) Figure out what to get myself. I can't decide what I want for Christmas.

9) Make some mixed cds for my sisters.

10) And.... there are twenty-thousand other stupid things I have to do...

just another manic monday...

From the archives:

Name one thing you always wanted as a child, but never received. ahh... I wanted a doll called Sweet April. I remember telling everyone, including Santa, that I wanted her.

What childhood activity would you like to try again? well, I donno really... I think I still do my favorite childhood activities

What were you scared of when you were a kid? most of my childhood felt like walking a tightrope, so I'd say I was afraid of falling

and.... we're back

It's always tough to get my head back in the school game after I've had some days off. Part of it is that I don't like the content I'm teaching right now, the government unit. Moving into the Bill of Rights is much more interesting. And I want the holiday season to be under swing.

just finished reading...

It is a collection of 13 connected short stories about a woman named Olive and her immediate family and friends in the town of Crosby in coastal Maine. The Maine-ness of the characters and setting made the book extra enjoyable. Some of the stories were better than others.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Baker's Meme

1. If you could interview anyone on your blog (alive or dead) who would you chose and why? since it's the holiday season, I'll go with Santa & Mrs. Santa

2. What do you feel is your strength as a blogger? I'm consistent with memes

3. Can you share a little bit about yourself that you have not already mentioned on your blog? I am not a very good multi-tasker

4. If you were forced to change the name of your blog, what would you change it to? Why? hmmm... I think I would take another line from a movie or maybe from a song

5. What do you think is the most fulfilling part of being a blogger? getting it out, in writing

6. What would you do with your last day if you found you had only one more day to live? I don't think I'd do anything different

7. You’ve been doing medical research for decades and have finally found a cure. What was it that you found a cure for and why did you choose this particular ailment? I'm struggling to answer this question because there are so many things I want to choose... gah, I don't know!

8. What is your most guilty pleasure? junky tv--the Housewives' series are the shows I don't usually tell people I watch... but I faithfully watch

9. Answer only one. What is your favorite book, movie or TV show? just one??? egads... uhm... a favorite book is A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving

10. What do you think is the very best smell in the world? The one smell that can take you back to a time and place of a very vivid memory in your past? clove gum or clove lifesavers or Merle Norman cosmetics--that's those are smells of my mum

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.

so much for shopping...

It didn't take as long as I expected but it cost more than I expected. $419 lighter with an appointment for next weekend to have the ball joints worked on. At least next weekend's work is covered by my extended warranty with a $0 deductible.

Oy.

time to decorate...

As I watched three trucks in a row traveling south, I thought about how each tree will have its own adventure, it's own holiday story. How exciting!

saturday 9

Dark Lady

1. Have you ever been to a fortune teller? If yes, what happened? yes, it was a hoot... the friend I went with was very serious about it, but I thought it was too funny

2. How do you cope in an uncomfortable social situation? by being uncomfortable... and trying to blend (not fade)

3. A genie appears (of course). She asks, “If you had 3 wishes but each took 3 years off your life, what would you wish for and why?” I would wish for enough, not more than I need but enough: money, love and laughter.

4. Would you rather lose your soul mate or never meet them at all? I don't think we have just one soul mate... I suppose I'd rather never meet them

5. What is the hardest thing that you have ever had to do? give tragic news

6. Have you ever had a miracle happen to you or your loved ones? not so much

7. Tell us about a quote that you can relate to. Why can you relate with it?: Have a lot of patience. Know what to pay attention to and what to ignore. Don't unnecessarily make mountains out of molehills. ~Chuck Tanner is a quote I can relate to... for obvious reasons

8. What personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble? occasionally, I get hot-headed and speak before I think... I can lash out and get myself in trouble

9. For those in The States, how was your Turkey Day? If not from the US, do you celebrate a day like Thanksgiving? it was a lovely, unexpected day

black friday...

Did you do any Black Friday shopping? What was your coup?


I did not. I had to make my car payment, pay my rent and register my car. Plus, tomorrow I have to get my 60k service done on my car, which might run about $350.

friday fill-in

# 201

1. Three things I must have on my Thanksgiving table: turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

2. After the meal, I sacked out on the couch.

3. This is the time to focus on my blessings.

4. I'm trying to decide if I want to to decorate my apartment with a big or a little tree.

5. Oh, man, thankfully it's snowing after I got my errands finished.

6. Today I shall perfect the art of sloth.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the What Not To Wear marathon, tomorrow my plans include taking my car for its 60k mile service session and Sunday, I want to get organized for school!

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:

No leftovers.

roll with it...

A most unusual day. My stepmother was sick and so it was just Dad & me for Thanksgiving. The restaurant was busy but not overly crowded. The meal was delish. We talked the whole time, it was nice to have some one-on-one time with Dad. Then we went back to his house and watched Young Victoria and then my sister joined us and we hung out longer. And Barb started feeling better so she joined us, too.

Not at all what I was expecting but a very nice day.

thanksgiving meme

1. What are the traditional favorites? Turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes

2. What new recipes will you try this year? well, we're going to a new restaurant so it will be interesting to see what they have on the menu

3. What part of the meal do you never compromise? potatoes

4. Who gets to carve the turkey? oh, it varies... usually it's me

5. Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there’s room? around the table

6. How many will be at your table this year? as far as I know 3

7. Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert? pumpkin, apple and pecan

8. Cranberry sauce… yay or nay? yay

9. What time do you eat Thanksgiving Dinner? this year it's at one

10. Favorite leftover? all of them!

an oldie but goodie from Dear Abby:

A TIME TO GIVE OUR THANKS, A TIME TO REMEMBER OTHERS

O heavenly Father:
We thank thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

Since today is Thanksgiving, take just a moment to reflect upon all of the things for which you are thankful.

How's your health? Not so good? Well, thank God you've lived this long. A lot of people haven't. You're hurting? Thousands -- maybe millions -- are hurting even more. (Have you ever visited a veterans hospital? A rehabilitation clinic for crippled children?)

If you awakened this morning able to hear the birds sing, use your vocal cords to utter human sounds, walk to the breakfast table on two good legs, and read the newspaper with two good eyes, praise the Lord! A lot of people couldn't.

How's your pocketbook? Thin? Well, most of the world is a lot poorer. No pensions, no welfare. No food stamps, no Social Security. In fact, one-third of the people in the world will go to bed hungry tonight.

Are you lonely? The way to have a friend is to be one. If nobody calls you, pick up the phone and call someone.

Are you concerned about our country's future? Hooray! Our system has been saved by such concern. Our country may not be a rose garden, but neither is it a patch of weeds.

Freedom rings! Look and listen. You can worship at the church of your choice, cast a secret ballot, and you can even criticize your government without fearing a knock on the head or a knock on the door at midnight. And if you want to live under a different system, you are free to go. There are no walls or fences -- nothing to keep you here.

A final thought: Want an instant high? The surest cure for the holiday blues is doing something nice for someone. Why not call a person who lives alone and invite him or her to share dinner?

Better yet, call and say, "I'm coming to get you, and I'll see that you get home." (Some older people don't drive, and those who do may not like to be behind the wheel after dark.)

the thanksgiving dinner test...

You Are Traditional

You are old fashioned and consistent. You don't think there is much wrong with the past, and you are slow to change. You think the holidays should be all about family, gratitude, and traditions. You dislike any part of the holidays that is too commercial. You think that too much is made about spending money. Instead, you like to focus on the spiritual and nostalgic elements of this time of year. It's a time of love and remembering.

The Thanksgiving Dinner Test

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

ten things tuesday

Thanksgiving edition:

1) This year I am especially thankful for my good health, and the health of those I love.

2) My trip this weekend reminded me that I am thankful for my independence.

3) I am also thankful for the support and love of my family and friends.

4) This is such a different school year than last year was... I am thankful for my students and my new challenges. And this very minute, I'm thankful for vacation.

5) I am thankful for my curiosity and imagination.

6) Technology that makes my life easier and more enjoyable. I am thankful for it.

7) Living in a small town has its drawbacks but for the most part I love being part of a community that knows who I am. Everywhere I go there are people who know me. I am thankful for my hometown.

8) Junky TV that takes my mind off everything. I am thankful that I am easily entertained.

9) I am thankful for my little hobbies, for the things I am good at doing.

10) I am thankful for social networking, like blogging and FB, that keep me in touch with my friends and family.

just another manic monday...

# 227

What do you cook when home alone? baking a pizza is the extent of my cooking for myself... or re-heating stuff

What is something you'd like a chance to eat or cook? I've always wanted to make a red velvet cake

What is your favorite cookbook? the Better Homes & Garden classic cookbook

theme weekend...

I so enjoy having a theme or mantra. This weekend it was "Fearless!" Mostly because I was driving in really shitty weather on Saturday, I kept repeating my mantra "Fearless!" as I was driving. But I also said it driving in the Portland traffic, which is lots of twisty-turny streets with tons of pedestrians everywhere and all destinations are up hill. Plus, going to the theater by myself. I only felt a little self-conscious. Mostly, I wrapped myself in the knowledge of my friendship with the playwright. But I was Fearless!

My therapist will be proud.

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: Questions a la Randomness Meme

What was the last thing you put in your mouth? water

How late did you stay up last night and why? until a little past midnight because I was trying to get comfortable in the hotel

If you could move somewhere else, would you? sure

Have you ever been kissed under fireworks? no

Do you believe ex’s can be friends? sure

When was the last time you cried really hard? hmmm... I can't recall

What items could you not go without during the day? coffee and keys

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? my dad

How do you feel about your life right now? life is wonderful

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? notes from my sisters mostly talking about books

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? oh yeah

Has anyone ever called you perfect before? yes

Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m.: who do you want it to be? seeing how I live on the second floor, it's tough to get to my windows... so I'm going to say no one

Do you think too much or too little? too much

Do you believe in fairy tales? not so much

Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work? uh, no... that's nasty

What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? fourteen years

Have you ever been on a blind date? yes

Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more? oh yes, most of them

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? in Ireland my language teacher was a hottie... his name was Neil

What song do you want played at your funeral? something by an Oompah band

Would you tell your parents if you were gay? of course

What would your last meal be before getting executed? something that takes a very long time

Do you walk around the house naked? we are all naked under our clothes

What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? take my shoes off

Who is the person you can count on the most? either my family or Val

What is your favorite Holiday? the Holiday Season

Would you ever get plastic surgery? heckya!

Have you ever caught a fish? probably

What is the first thing you notice about people? their energy

What is the farthest you’ve been from home? I'm not sure if California or Spain is Holland is farther from here

How did you meet your spouse or significant other (or most recent one)? don't have one

Where was the last place you drove (other than home/school/work)? I am just getting home from a 6-hour trip

rave...

To say I loved it is a grave understatement. The rest of the audience did, too.

People who are gifted fascinate me. I can look at them as the person and as the gift. I am fascinated that this guy I know has the uncanny ability to capture life with his words.

Here's what Adrian said about it:

Nat Paradis is stuck in a rut as the manager of LAST GAS, a convenience store in northern Maine that sits on the edge of what's wild and what's not. When an old flame returns to town, Nat gets another chance, but faces a choice between the possibilities of new love and old in this bittersweet, romantic comedy that looks at love lost... and found... and the curve balls life throws us.

I just can't rave enough. He captured the cadence of Northern Maine speaking and the actors had it down. The characters were real people I know, not just characters. I laughed, I sucked in breath at tense times... I gasped with the unexpected twists. It was fantastic. Just what theater should be.

now it's nice...

It snowed. It was icy. It rained. It sleeted. It hailed. The sun shone... what a 6-hour trip!

saturday 9

Happy Turkey Day 2010

1. Tell us about your very favorite (yes we know that's redundant) Thanksgiving. the first time I had Thanksgiving without my family was a real blast--some friends and I planned a "surf & turf" meal instead of the traditional fare... and we had a movie marathon plus rousing games of ping pong. Memorable!

2. What are you doing for Turkey Day this year? I am not 100% sure, but I believe we are going out for the meal

3. If you were to go to somebody else’s house, what would be your favorite dish to bring? I would bring dinner rolls or a bottle of wine

4. Tell us about the funniest person that you'll be with this Thanksgiving. Barb, my stepmother

5. What would surprise us to know about your Thanksgivings? they usher in the holiday spirit

6. Does your usual mix of guests result in drama, or is it a group you’re happy to see? very happy to be together

7. What did your family do for Thanksgiving when you were a kid? Do you still do it? big family traditional meals... and hours of dishes after

8. We know you've been asked this probably 15 times this week. But share with us in 2010, what are you most thankful for? good health--mine and my loved ones'

9. Okay, the big question: are you going to 'attend' any of the "Black Friday" sales? ...and if you are, are you hard core serious like the 5 am "be there" crowd? nope... but sometimes I do like the hubbub.

at least it's not snowing...

Headed to Portland for my friend's play! Kind of bummed that my high school friend didn't follow through this week to make arrangements to come with me, but I can go it alone, besides, I think the playwright will sit with me. So, I'm on the road. And now it's time to pack my trusty laptop so that when I get to the hotel this afternoon I can get the directions and noodle around until show time!

friday fill-in

# 200

1. Why does the day have to get so dark so early.

2. My students have an interesting way to see the world.

3. Thank you for the support.

4. The Holiday Season is my favorite holiday because I love the music, lights and festive spirit.

5. I am SO psyched.

6. We are happy when we make up our minds to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep, tomorrow my plans include a trip to Portland to see my friend's play and Sunday, I want to have a safe trip 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:

Being early for a doctor appointment and being kept waiting over an hour.

celebrate...

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH!!!!!

Everything is fine. No sign of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. Phew!

stuff n stuff...

10 years ago … I was getting ready to go to Washington, DC

5 years ago … I was the thinnest I've ever been

1 year ago … I was getting ready for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Yesterday … was made better by Glee!

Today … I was cold, the heat wasn't working at school

Tomorrow … I get my test results from the doctor (fingers crossed!)

5 snacks I enjoy … Reese's, applesauce, apples, Kashi granola bars, crackers & cheese

5 bands I know most of the lyrics of their songs … The Beatles, U2, Crowded House, Del Amitri, The Police

5 things I would do with $100 million … quit my job, take care of my family, travel, start a charitable foundation, enjoy

5 bad habits I have … sloth, piling stuff, going a bit above the speed limit, squeezing the tube of toothpaste wherever, not flossing regularly

5 locations I would run away to … Ireland, Italy, Greece, Washington DC, NYC

5 things I would never wear … fur, short shorts, spaghetti straps, bikini, or latex

5 things I like doing … reading, writing, watching TV, Farmville, shopping

5 biggest joys of the moment … grades are caught up, planning my Portland trip, reading a great book, great friends, loving family

5 famous people I would like to meet … George Clooney, Bono, Oprah, Hillary Clinton, George Clooney

5 movies I like … City of Angels, Elf, Sleepless in Seattle, Beautiful Girls, The Usual Suspects

5 TV shows I like … Glee, American Idol, Top Chef, Project Runway, House

5 favorite toys … my Nook, dvr, laptop, projector at school, youtube

ode...

Make Me or Break Me

They say this first year will make me
Or break me.
I guess that’s because it takes me
Eight days to get through a stack of papers
And there are eight more waiting,
And every day I stay at school later
And get less done…
This is NOT fun.
Help me someone!!!

I’m already counting how many more
Mondays Until vacation
(There are 12, by the way,
And I’m getting impatient)
Because I spent all last night
On grading and preparation
But I can’t get these kids to just
SHUT UP!!!
And take this inspiration.

My temptation to keep driving
Instead of arriving
In the teachers’ parking lot
Is almost as strong
As my fear of what could go wrong
If I don’t pull into this parking spot
And I’m not sure if I can take it…

I’m trying so hard to make it work
The way the movies make it seem.
I’ve been sacrificing so much sleep
I forgot what it feels like to dream.
This isn’t the person I’m used to being
Not the image of me I’m used to seeing

I miss the days when I was a student,
Complaining about teachers to my friends…
This job seemed so easy from the other end.
From here, nothing looks the same,
And you know what’s even more of a shame?
I hear my teachers’ voices
When I yell my students’ names.

And you know that one quiet girl,
In the back,
With the glasses?
I overheard her mom saying
She wants to change classes.

They say this job is rewarding, but lately
I just feel like all my students hate me…
Their papers frustrate me
And I’m going so crazy
No sane person would want to date me.

But I’m here to stay
It takes a lot to break me

And that’s why I say
No matter what it takes me…

This year
Is gonna MAKE me.

by Roxanne Elden

ten things tuesday...

Reader's Bill of Rights

1. The right to not read

2. The right to skip pages

3. The right to not finish

4. The right to reread

5. The right to read anything

6. The right to escapism

7. The right to read anywhere

8. The right to browse

9. The right to read out loud

10. The right to not defend your tastes
— Daniel Pennac

rest easy...

Via: Psychology Degree

just another manic monday...

# 226

What is your favorite, can't-do-without beauty product? lip balm... my current obsession is Burt's Bees pomegranate

Have you ever colored your hair? What do you think about men coloring their hair and/or facial hair? I can't remember if I've ever colored my own hair... but my hairdresser has done it for me a couple of times... as for men, whatever makes you happy!

What is your favorite outfit that you own? What makes it so special to you? there isn't one specific outfit, really. I have a pretty substantial wardrobe and I love it all!

buried alive...

I spent four hours at school today because grades closed Friday and I was far behind. I am going to start the new quarter without the paperwork! I could probably have spent another hour and a half working away.

speechless...

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.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Another Fourteen Question Meme

1. Lots of pillows or just one? Describe your pre-sleeping rituals. two pillows... and the sheets have to be stretched out flat before I get into bed

2. What kind of books do you read? all kinds... here's a list of what I've read in 2010

3. What are your neighbors like? we all pretty much keep to ourselves... and are fairly quiet. The most noise is my downstairs neighbor (she's 80) television

4. What's really creepy to you?

5. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction? Farmville

6. Do you prefer your junk food sweet, salty or savory? some of each

7. What was the last thing you expensive bought? hmmmm... I think Myles, my nook

8. What is your greatest fear? suffering

9. Do you get cravings? If so, what do you crave? I crave potato products--mashed, fries, chips

10. What do you do to change your mood? think

11. What was the last meal you ate that you loved? the pizza I had Friday night was especially yummy

12. Do you want to learn another language? If so, why? not so much

13. What's something that you'd like to say to someone right now? there are a couple of contenders that I'd like to ask "why?"

14. What are you looking forward to? next weekend's trip to Portland to see my friend's play

curtain's up...

Off to the dinner theater. Looks like a good menu. I might have to have a cocktail. The Players do a great job.

saturday 9

Just What I Needed

1. Who was the last person who entered your life and was just what you needed? a friend of mine re-entered my life and it's just what I needed

2. What is one of your fondest childhood memories? sitting on the picnic table in the back yard in the sunshine, my mother and I talked my dad into showing us his one-handed cartwheel. He was wearing a shirt and tie because he was just home from church.

3. What would you like to be doing in 7 years? hopefully, this

4. Tell us about a blogging pet peeve. when I have a really good idea but get distracted for a minute and then can't remember what I was going to say

5. Tell us about a general pet peeve. it irks me when people are hot and cold--an example is being ignored sometimes and sought out other times (by the same person)

6. For one day, who would you like to trade places with? a pampered pooch, like Maggie

7. Where is your least favorite place to be? anyplace uncomfortable

8. What do you like about fall? the crispness in the air

9. If you or someone you know are chronically late, do you believe it's the result of poor planning or choosing to be late? I think they choose to be late, just like I choose to be on time

the author reads...

The author, 90-year-old Glenna Johnson Smith reads from her book: Old Maine Woman: From The Coast To The County.

local celebrity...

Went to a book signing at the public library. The author is a great family friend and I'm really excited to read her book. I know some photos were taken while she was reading a selection, I'll add that photo later.

friday fill-in

# 199

1. When pigs fly I'll be thin.

2. Seriously... seriously?!

3. Call me after 9 am and before 9 pm.

4. And that's that, if you know what I mean.

5. The most entertaining person in my life is Alana because she has the funniest stories.

6. I wonder who's next?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a local author's book signing at the library, tomorrow my plans include birthday lunch with my niece and Sunday, I want to get my homework done!

couldn't resist...

A bogo sale at my favorite retailer. I scored two pairs of jeans for $36.

books, books, books...

Boosted from Bev, a Mingle buddy.

Hardcover or paperback, and why? Usually paperback, but lately it's been on my Barnes & Noble nook--so e-books!


My favorite quote from a book is... "It’s lovely to know that the world can’t interfere with the inside of your head." Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt


The author (alive or dead) I would love to have lunch with would be... I think Mark Twain would be fun.


The smell of an old book reminds me of... dust and imagination.


If I could be the lead character in a book, it would be... I would love to be a detective, like Trixie Belden, she was my favorite when I was a kid.


The most overestimated book of all time is... Even though I enjoyed the books, I'd have to say the Twilight series was overblown.


I hate it when a book... has gratuitous bad language... how many times do I need to read the f-word?

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:

Indecision.

thank you

in two weeks...

I'm so excited!! I just made plans to see my friend, John Cariani's play. Here's the trailer from the Portland Stage Company:



And I'm meeting up with my high school best friend to see it.

chatter...

I just had the most pleasant online conversation with my high school best friend. This is what social networking is all about.

ten things tuesday...

Ten things that begin with A.

1) Acoustic guitar. I remember there was a cafe in Ireland I used to go to almost every day and there was a guy who played all kinds of music on his guitar. My favorite was his flamenco.

2) Apples. Especially tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.

3) Afternoon naps. I could have a nap daily. I have to be careful not to oversleep.

4) Apples to Apples. One of my very favorite games!

5) Airplanes. I haven't flown since the security measures got all wackadoo, but I love flying. And I love watching planes fly overhead, I wonder about the destination. And dream.

6) A Sort Of Homecoming. One of my favorite U2 songs, from The Unforgettable Fire album.

7) Al's Diner. I used to go there every Sunday until my favorite waitresses got done. It isn't as much fun now.

8) Asking questions. Getting to the heart of the matter. I think it makes me a good listener to ask questions when I'm curious.

9) Astrology. I enjoy the Daily Om's insightful daily emails.

10) America. It is a privilege for me to be able to teach American history. I love this country and am forever fascinated by the ins and outs of what shapes who we are.

abc meme

Boosted from Mrs. Chili--because she shares!

A – Age: 45 years

B – Bed size: Full

C – Chore you hate: putting clean dishes away

D – Dog’s name: My childhood dog’s name was Mopsie May April June DeFranco

E – Essential start your day item: Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee

F – Favorite color: beige... earthy tones

G – Gold or Silver: meh... either

H – Height: 5’5″

I – Instruments you play: I excel at the kazoo

J – Job title: high school social studies teacher

K – Kid(s): none of my own

L – Living arrangements: A one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an old house...I love it here

M – Mom’s name: Germaine

N – Nicknames: Ms. L

O – Overnight hospital stay other than birth: my week for pulmonary emboli

P – Pet Peeve(s): questions asked to stall or get me off topic, road rage

Q – Quote from a movie: "You sit on a throne of lies!" (from Elf)

R – Right or Left handed: right

S – Siblings: three older sisters

T – Time you wake up: well, my alarm goes off at 5:30... but I wake up sometime after that

U -Underwear: cotton, colorful

V – Vegetable you dislike: I do not like beets. Or Brussel sprouts. Or okra.

W – Ways you run late: maybe because of oversleeping

X – X-rays you’ve had: wrist, chest, ribs, both hands, and dental

Y – Yummy food you make: I don't really cook anymore, but I used to make a real kickass Pumpkin Breakfast Cake.

Z- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio.

shoulda...

I've had all weekend to read and grade essays. Yet I haven't.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The Fourteen Question Meme

1. What do you consider your hometown to be? where I live now

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day? waking up

3. The easiest? Why? having my morning coffee and chatting with my homeroom students

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst? water

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself. I would like to conquer the clutter

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing. chronic pain scares me

7. Where do you find solace? when I process through the situation. Or in a good chocolate.

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news? a hopeless situation for children

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack? uhm... for a snack, hmmm... crackers and cheese or a Kashi bar

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time? Elf

11. What boy/girl first made you cry? I can remember a neighbor boy broke my heart one day when we were playing outside with all the neighborhood kids

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often? Dunkin' Donuts

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves? I'd prefer with but would probably dig in without

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon? This is a toughie... James

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.

saturday 9

Watching The Wheels

1. What do you see when you are watching the wheels go round? usually I just watch without seeing

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones? I like the competition shows--like Idol, Top Chef, Project Runway and the Amazing Race

3. What's your favorite all time reality show? American Idol

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked? I think the shows like The Housewives series should be considered "unscripted" instead of reality

5. What does your personal neon sign say to the world? 48 days 'til Christmas

6. Ever seen a neon sign with certain letters burned out so that it said something unintended? not that I can remember

7. What gives you a headache? Could be a scent, a sound, someone's actions - anything. unruly students during unstructured time

8. What song, artist or album in your music collection would you pull out and play if you wanted to give your roommate/neighbors a huge, head-splitting headache? I used to play Neil Young when I was a teenager because my father hated his voice

9. What do you do to relieve stress? rant

friday night date...

Is it sad that my date night is with the dog??