monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.


This week's movie topic is all about Memorable Oscar Moments.

Marlon Brando's famous refusal of the Oscar is the first thing that popped into mind, even though I was just a wee one when it happened, I grew up hearing about it. Another one that was charming was Sally Fields' acceptance. The one that moved me, though was Tom Hanks' acceptance for Philadelphia. Oh, then there's Cuba Gooding or Adrian Brody's huge smooch. Or Roberto Benigni climbing on all the seats.

home again...

This was the only place in the ride where I could clearly see the oncoming lane. I just happened to have my Flip with me. You can hear my hazards. I turned the music off for the drive. So glad they let us out early. We are traveling about 25-30 miles per hour. This was the worst ride ever!

just finished reading...

This is the story of starting over and enduring friendship. Great characters and a well-constructed setting. It was a quick read but I do want to know more about what happens next. So, I'll get the sequel.

And it made me want to learn to knit so I can be in a "Stitch and Bitch" group!

sunday stealing...

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Seven Deadly Sins Meme

1 - Pride. Seven great things about yourself.
I have a lot of patience with others
I make people feel comfortable
I am a great listener
I am independent
I try new things
I am easily entertained and rarely bored
I often push my boundaries

2 - Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.
my sisters have really thick hair, I don't
patience with myself
fearlessness, I have to talk myself into adventures
the desire to exercise
natural thinness
the ability to act or perform
thin ankles

3 - Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.
intolerance
smugness
gangsta rap and death metal
closed minded people
false righteousness
sub-zero temperatures for days at a time
being startled

4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.
putting dishes away
organizing my DVDs
dust
vacuum
deep clean the bathroom regularly
wash the windows inside and out
move my body

5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.
obviously from my lack of impulse control I don't have any right now

6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.
daily iced coffee
The Housewives' Series on Bravo (all of them)
all of my loungey clothes that I put on immediately when I get home
pizza
naps
FarmVille
pretty scarves

7 - Lust. Seven love secrets. it's a secret from me, obviously

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.

saturday 9

Monday, Monday

1. How does your day usually go on Monday? well... I guess they typically go well. I mean, I spend a bunch of time getting the day organized and whatnot

2. Who was the last band you saw live? I don't even remember

3. When was the last time you purchased something over $50? Thursday, I bought a computer

4. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? it depends on the context... generally, no, it doesn't

5. Do you wish you were someplace else right now? not so much

6. Tell us about the last wedding that you attended. my friend Angela's, it was small, simple and beautiful--so full of love

7. What's annoying you right now? can't think of anything

8. What is your best skill/ability? Why? I'm a good listener

9. If someone asked a friend of yours, "Hey, what is one thing your friend is exceptional at?", what would they say about you? Why? hahaha... I really don't know

nasty...

It'sa coming down!

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight EST
tonight.

* Precipitation type... snow.

* Accumulations... 3 to 5 inches of snow.

* Timing... through this evening.

* Temperatures... 10 to 26.

* Winds... north 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Impacts... low impact. Snow will create some difficult
traveling conditions. Occasional blowing and drifting snow can
be expected tonight.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

If traveling... slow down and plan extra time to reach your
destination. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio all hazards or other
media outlets for the latest forecasts and statements.

impulse control... round 2

My computer died. Dead, dead, dead and no seance is going to bring it back. I talked for a long time with my computer tech people and they were looking at my records--it was a ten-year-old computer so I suppose it's amazing that it lasted that long. It's the computer I do all my school work and store all my music on. I spent the afternoon trying to revive it enough to copy some files but... no luck. Now I have to teach it to play nice with my iPad. Good thing I got my tax refund.

friday fill-ins...

2011-08

1. Ooooh, I can't believe I got an iPad.

2. Indecision, I can't stand it!

3. How the heck did I end up with so many computers.

4. Dad's is one of my favorite places to visit.

5. I'm not a spendthrift, I'm not!

6. Vacation, it has to be good.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chinese food, tomorrow my plans include setting up my new computer and Sunday, I want to get ready for school!

(design by "thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/)"

just finished reading...

Maeve Binchy does it again with a rich story of a heart clinic and the characters who work there. Nobody weaves together story lines like Binchy. People from previous books make appearances and it seems like a comfortable neighborhood. I don't know how she does it, but I felt so drawn in by the characters and their lives. I know these people. I didn't want this book to finish it was like a great visit with an old friend.

books...

I'm going to add this to my syllabus.

idol chatter...

Last night was the final elimination down to the top 24. It was pretty heart-wrenching. And a couple of my favorites were sent home. The talent this year is amazing, this is going to be a good competition--even without my favorites.

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:

I've said it before: vacation going way too fast!

yummy...

Reese's eggs. Now I'm happy. Especially happy.

no impulse control...

So, I know I've been saying for a while now that I would really like to have an iPad, even though I don't NEED one. Who needs one, anyhow, right?? But yesterday I was wandering around W*lMart and stopped at the shiny display and... omg, I bought an iPad.

Now I'm figuring out what to do with it, how to use it. It's been a blast so far. Very intuitive and easy to use.

No. Impulse. Control.

what is it with me?

I'm having lunch today with a friend I haven't seen in a few years. And I'm feeling nervous. She has forgotten that I have met her children, but it's been long enough that they won't remember me anyhow. I almost feel more comfortable meeting them (again) than seeing her. Is it nerves or excitement? I think it's nerves. I wish I wasn't such a dork.

ten things tuesday...

In honor of President's Day (which was yesterday) I give you interesting Presidential Trivia:

1) John Quincy Adams was the son of a former president and the first to be photographed.

2) The term "O.K." is credited to Van Buren who was raised in Kinderhook, New York. After he went into politics, Van Buren became known as "Old Kinderhook." Soon people were using the term O.K. referring to Van Buren and the word "okay" was derived.

3) John Tyler was the first vice president to ascend to the presidency upon the death of a president. He did not make an inaugural address, and he never ran for the office of the Presidency.

4) Franklin Pierce was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House.

5) William Taft was the first president to own a car.

6) Warren Harding was the first president to speak over the radio.

7) Harry S. Truman was the first president to travel underwater in a submarine.

8) JFK was the youngest American elected president and the youngest to die in office.

9) Richard Nixon was the first president to visit all 50 states and the first president to visit China.

10) George H.W. Bush is distantly related to Presidents Pierce, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Ford, and Winston Churchill.

just finished reading...

The title refers to the term “grift,” which is a con or a swindle. Marina Marks’ grift is acting as a psychic, which she has been forced to do by her junkie mother since the age of 6 or so. However, Marina finds that her “grift” is suddenly a gift as she develops actual psychic powers.

I wanted to know more about the cause of the grift becoming a gift. The story has several plot lines and many characters but they weave together well. It did leave me wanting more. I haven't decided if that's a good thing or not. But it is very well-written and I enjoyed it.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.


This week's movie topic is all about movies lacking that next installment that you'd be first in line to see.



Michael. I know the angel dies in the end but this movie charms the bejeepers out of me and I'd love to see another angel come to earth to "avenge" Michael's demise.

And... Four Weddings and a Funeral. I'd love to know that they all remain friends and everybody's got a great story to unfold before our eyes.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The Very Late Meme

1. Make a list of 5 things that you can see without getting up: tv, lamp, remote, book case, other lamp

2. How do you style your hair? I air dry

3. What are you wearing now? long sleeve t-shirt, judo pants and socks--plus underthings

4. What's your occupation? I'm a high school history teacher

5. What do you hear right now? an advertisement for shoes

6. Who was the last person you hugged? I'm not really sure... Sam or Sarae

7. What is/was for dinner? I had leftover pizza

8. What did you do today? read

9. Dog person or cat person? dogggggg

10. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? I like vowel names

11. What was the last thing that you bought? groceries

12. If you could afford to go anywhere in the world, where would you go? there

13. Where do you see yourself in five years? here

14. Where's your birthmark? on the nape of my neck

15. What are you doing this weekend? as little as possible

16. Which book are you reading at the moment? The Grift by Debra Ginsberg

17. The last movie you've seen? Bedtime Stories

18. What are you doing tomorrow? laundry and puttering

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.

watched and cried...

I forget how deeply this story of the disintegration of a family affects me. I'm glad I caught it on tv but sad it was interrupted by commercials.

saturday 9

Gimme Three Steps

1. Has anyone ever got angry with you for flirting with their partner or date? no

2. What is your favorite movie line or speech? (Set the scene so we appreciate it in context.) "What if this is as good as it gets?" Said to patients in a psychiatrist's waiting room.

3. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle? my doctor's hunch--discovering pulmonary emboli

4. What do you try to stay away from? negativity

5. What is it too late for? goodbyes

6. If you could write three newspaper headlines, which would come true, what would they be? World Peace! Teachers to get equity! Local woman loses weight eating Reese's peanut butter cups!

7. When was the last time you apologized to someone? I do this so regularly that I don't remember

8. If you to find out now that you would very well known after you die, what do you think it might be for? (Feel free to pick an accomplishment that you have yet to do.) being a fair teacher

9. Are you easily angered or able to handle every situation calmly? I have an immense store of patience but when it's used up, get out of the way...

friday fill-ins

2011-07

1. New experiences and possibilities await me for this week of vacation.

2. I took an unexpected turn on a daily walk ended up there.

3. I'm looking forward to a great vacation.

4. Today was a day you never have imagined.

5. Try to find a moment of levity.

6. Patience is what's extraordinary about me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some tv, tomorrow my plans include tackling the laundry and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

(design by "thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/)"

almost time...

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:

One more day til vacation... and the day is convoluted.

idol chatter...

The pressures of Hollywood week make much better stories than the auditions. I'm digging Idol tonight. Still not remembering anyone's name as a standout but I'm entertained. And I am delightfully surprised by how much I'm enjoying the judges.

tweet

Favorite tweet of the day:


"When in doubt attach fur to it..seems to be a theme this season"@TheRealAdamSays

the doodle test

You Are Having a Challenging Day

You have a strong sense of humor, and that includes a tendency to make fun of yourself. You have a very active mind. You tend to get preoccupied with certain thoughts. You're trying to figure out what your next step is. You're feeling a little stuck right now. You are quiet and reserved. You feel most at ease when you are able to keep to yourself.

The Doodle Test

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

fairly accurate...

finished reading...

Chet, the crime fighting canine, and his private investigator owner, Bernie Little, are back in the follow up to Dog On It. Once again, Chet narrates this thriller as threats turn to kidnapping of the show dog and her wealthy owner that Chet & Bernie have been hired to guard. It's another quirky mystery, with Chet & Bernie getting tangled up with everyone from a corrupt small town sheriff to two Iron Butterfly obsessed hippies. There are some references to the first adventure but you don't necessarily have to read it to enjoy this one.

ten things tuesday...

Because it's Valentine's Day hangover day, I'm going with ten great duos, ok, maybe they're not romantic but they sure are dynamic:

1) Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

2) Lewis and Clark

3) Rogers and Hammerstein

4) Martin and Lewis

5) Cheech and Chong

6) Lennon and McCartney

7) Simon and Garfunkel

8) Carole King and Gerry Goffin

9) Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

10) Ernie and Bert

noon

So the storm is pretty bad and visibility is even worse. We got out of school early. Noon.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.


This week's movie topic is all about movies that feature making money, finding money, losing money, stealing money or spending money.


Of course my beloved Ocean's Eleven came to mind. I also thought of Confessions of a Shopaholic, even though the movie isn't nearly as good as the book. And Rat Race. Which I don't really remember.

wishing...

Wishing for a snow day...

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 am Monday to
1 am EST Tuesday...

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 am Monday to 1 am
EST Tuesday.

* Precipitation type... snow which could be heavy at times on
Monday.

* Accumulations... 8 to 12 inches of snow

* timing... early Monday morning through Monday evening

* temperatures... low to mid 20s

* winds... light east becoming north late

* impacts... moderate impact. Heavy snowfall will result in
difficult driving conditions.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

If traveling... slow down and plan extra time to reach your
destination. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio all hazards or other
media outlets for the latest forecasts and statements.

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: The Sunset Meme

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish? I like just about everything

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate? I don't remember having homework when I was a kid

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings? a local place

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches? sure

5. Is religion a crutch? for some people

6. In your region, what is the “big” high school sport? boys basketball

7. Do you consider yourself rich? no

8. Which of these would you have the best chance administering:

A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing

10. What’s the worst news you’ve ever delivered to someone? I had to tell my dad that my stepmother had a stroke

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics. how to hold my liquor while playing ping pong

12. New variation on an old question: If there’s a song in your head that just won’t get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song? Cee Lo Green's Forget You

just finished reading...

The full title is: Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain. The story of Cory Friedman’s intense struggles with Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive disorder—as well as depression and anxiety. It is a first person account although it is not a memoir. It was the February selection for my book group. We all felt there were too many gaps in the storytelling--it went from situation to situation without enough resolution.

forget you...

saturday 9

I Saw It On TV

1. What new TV show rocks your world this year? Harry's Law

2. What is your least favorite ethnic food, and what makes it your least favorite? uh... I don't really care for curry, so I guess Indian food isn't my favorite

3. When does liking someone a lot become loving that person? you know when you know

4. Is there a job you would do for free, and is it your current job? my current job is not something I would do for free... and I can't really think of a job I would do for free, mostly because I have to support myself

5. What is one person/thing that inspired you to take action of some sort? Oprah... mock if you must, but there was an episode about ten years ago about a child that was tortured to death (and the parents received shorter prison sentences than the years the child suffered) and she challenged the audience to make a difference for children in local communities and it inspired me to start a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program at school

6. Though you might not believe in it, would you like fate to exist? meh... I would like to think I can control my fate

7. Tell us about a news story that truly shocked you. I would say the developments in Egypt are shocking--Anderson Cooper being beaten up and all...

8. What's something you're looking forward to? vacation coming up in a week

9. What characteristics do you despise? snideness, smugness, intolerance, rudeness

friday fill-ins

2011-06

1. Family is too far away.

2. This week had ups and downs.

3. Trust your gut instinct.

4. Hope for the best.

5. Parents give good advice.

6. I didn't hear what was said.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some tv, tomorrow my plans include breakfast with my bestie and Sunday, I want to chill!

(design by "thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/)"

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:

Cold snap. Yes, I realize it's winter. But it's February!

sleepy me...

So, I'm tired... I'm not staying up for Idol. But I am recording it. I can't wait until auditions are done.

what kind of best friend are you?

You Are Everyone's Best Friend

You're such a good best friend that everyone wishes you were their best friend! You are outgoing, lively, and friendly. You bring people together, and you love anything social. You are accepting and nonjudgmental. You've got room to be friends with a ton of people. You are independent and fulfilled. You don't need your friends, but you still want them.

What Kind of Best Friend Are You?

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

get my geek on...

Fascinating look at genealogy. I'm such a nerd, I love this show!

ten things tuesday...

Ten things I can do to be a better person. Culled from many sources.

1) Pay attention. Lately I haven't been giving my full attention to some of my students and I notice a difference. Stopping the chatter in my head, focusing on the other person and really looking at them are what I'm talking about.

2) Say "Please" and "Thank you" more often. Common courtesy is something I can easily model for my students. In my private life I'm all about the P & TY, so why don't I do this at school, too?

3) Eliminate negative destructive criticism. Especially when I could take action to make things better. Although a good bitch & moan is cathartic.

4) Don't take everything personally. It's important to put things in perspective--some of what is going on around me has nothing to do with me.

5) Say what you mean to say. Let people know what they need to know--whether it's letting people know how I feel for them or choosing the right words.

6) Don't argue. Take a breath and in that moment try to look at the other point of view.

7) You can't change people. Nobody can change another person. Sometimes it's hard for me to accept people for who they are and not who I want them to be.

8) Live with integrity. Be consistent in actions, values, and principles.

9) Remember "The Golden Rule." I have to ask myself: "How would I like to be treated in this situation"?

10) Raise the self esteem of others. It's nice to make people feel important. By raising the self-esteem of others, your own self-esteem will rise.

this cracks me up...

many 7s

Swiped from Cat!

SEVEN THINGS IN YOUR ROOM:
1. Ott light
2. t.v.
3. book case
4. boom box
5. dvr
6. books
7. cds

TOP SEVEN THINGS YOU SAY MOST:
1. "back to me"
2. "settle down"
3. "uhm... o-o-o-kay"
4. "time for notes!" (said with much enthusiasm)
5. "Well hello"
6. "have a great day, see you tomorrow"
7. "it's only -day?"

SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:
1. laughter
2. sleep
3. iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts
4. hugs
5. books/magazines
6. music
7. internet/electricity/laptop

SEVEN THINGS ON YOUR MIND:
1. snow
2. going to sleep early
3. t.v.
4. sneezing
5. my noisy neighbors
6. shopping
7. my glasses are dirty

SEVEN OTHER THINGS:
1. my dvr wasn't set to record all of Sunday's Glee
2. Farmville isn't loading
3. world events/current events
4. I think I need a massage
5. 12 days until vacation
6. I need to remember my Flip camera for school tomorrow
7. I forgot to grade a set of essays... oops!

Do You:
1. believe in god? not so much
2. Had a dream come true? yes
3. Read the newspaper? occasionally
4. Pray? not so much
5. Have a job? that I do
6. Go to church? not often
7. Wish on shooting stars? no

Have you ever:
1. Gone skinny dipping? eons ago
2. Kissed someone of the same sex? not romantically
3. Swam in the dark? that was when I went skinny dipping
4. Been to a bonfire? oh yes
5. Ran away from home? no
6. Played strip poker? yes, I won!
7. Pulled an all nighter? I used to regularly

SEVEN THINGS IN THE LAST 24 HOURS:
Have you...
1. Cried? no, but I wish I would
2. Had fun? in a manner of speaking
3. Been kissed? no
4. Felt stupid? yes
5. Talked to an ex? no
6. Missed someone? yes, I missed my sisters
7. Hugged someone? yes

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

The Bumbles are taking today off so I thought I would dive into the archives.
This week's movie topic is all about Encores...

What movie or kind of movies will you watch repeatedly?.

Love Actually
The Princess Bride
The Blues Brothers...

Classics, all.

black swan

Natalie Portman definitely lost herself in this role. She was very, very good. My friend and I thought Barbara Hershey looked terrible, although partly because of her character. It was interesting and gave us lots to talk about. I don't know that I liked it but I appreciated it. Maybe I would have liked it more if the older ladies in the back of the theater hadn't talked through the ENTIRE thing.

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: The Ace Meme, part three

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? when the auditions are done it will be American Idol

69. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T LIKE? be kind

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? a retired Ben & Jerry's flavor called Wavy Gravy

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES? yes

72. SO IS IT GOING TO BE THE STEELERS OR THE PACKERS? Steelers

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT? not so much

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU RETIRE? someplace warmer than here

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? sure

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? the church bells

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK? orange juice

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? I think it was when I ordered Chinese delivery

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE SEX(ES) YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO? their presence

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? this

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE? hate

82. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR? autumn

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY? Reese's peanut butter cups

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND? oh, yes, I have one

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? strawberry blond

86. EYE COLOR? dark green

87. SHOE SIZE? 10

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE? subway

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? the coffee shop

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI? what I've tried I liked

91. WATCH TV TODAY? yes

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? every

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS? the tambourine

94. POLITICAL PARTY? independent

95. KISSES OR HUGS? hugs

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS? relationships

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? lunch

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSE SPOUSE? sure

99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Thereby Hangs A Tail

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE: uh...