ten things tuesday...

Ten things that begin with the letter C:

1) Cold. I'm really sick with a cold.

2) The Chills. I've got'em. They're multiplying. I'm going to go to bed soon.

3) Chapped nose. It's Rudolph-worthy. Is that tmi?

4) Car. I love my car. I'm glad it's running well and ready to go on a trip this summer.

5) Calm. I manage to keep calm when students are falling apart around me. Today was a perfect example.

6) Chocolate. I need some chocolate. I think I've got some puddin'.

7) Clothing. It's great fun to pick out a cute outfit every morning. I'm not sick of my clothes anymore. And I have more clothes than any one person needs. Seriously. No exaggeration.

8) Compulsions. The inexplicable urges are fewer and farther between, thanks to meds. Mostly now it's my thoughts. I have a lot of circular thinking, which gets me nowhere.

9) Computers. My favorite toys.

10) Children. I love my homeroom children. I'm sad they are leaving the next but I'm excited to see where they go. We got our yearbooks today and so far the three boys have written a half-page each. I can't wait to see what they have to say.

achoooo

I feel as though someone hit me in the head with a shovel. Holy stuffy head. And sneezing and sneezing. I've been sleeping all weekend, especially after I got a sore throat on my drive home from shopping Saturday.

make a moment...

So thankful for my freedom.

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.

just finished reading...

I wished I was a character in this book. It is a great story about love, loss, grief and joy. The house in Provence is as much a character as the people. Heidi is stuck in her mourning of Henry. She finds her senses dulled with loss. Her son, Abbott is struggling with his own fears of death and obsessive compulsive disorder. And Charlotte, Heidi's niece, is struggling with her place in a broken family--defining her role in the family. The three rescue each other in the magical house in Provence, after being forced to start over from scratch.

I wished it was a warm summer day with lots of sunshine and a gentle breeze when I read this, instead of the dreary rainy day it was.

It is the kind of book I was sad to finish because it was so sensual--engaging my senses. I could feel and hear and taste the book. I laughed out loud and I found myself tearing up. It had the feeling of Under the Tuscan Sun. I will definitely check out more novels by this author, Julianna Baggott (writing under the pseudonym Bridget Asher).

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Final Part

46. Would you ever try to quit one of your addictions, or better said: Bad Habits? well... I'm trying to declutter, does that count?

47. Could you ever kill yourself to save someone else? kill myself? I don't think so...

48. Does it matter if break up with someone or have them dump you? it doesn't matter

49. Would you rather have a turtle or a frog for a pet? I would rather have a frog

50. Would you rather spend a day with Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus? Lady Gaga, she's interesting

51. Would you rather learn to play piano or guitar? I would rather play guitar

52. We're going back to the day. Where did you get your kicks? with my friends at the arcade

53. What Asian country would you like to visit the most? Why? I have absolutely no desire to visit Asia

54. Have you ever thought that a passer-by was the one (think James Blunt, here)? yes :-)

55. Ever told someone that your fake jewelery was really real? no, it's all obviously fake

56. Where are the worst public restrooms? I think it was France that had a hole in the ground and a hanging bar to hold on to and suspend yourself over... it was rustic

57. What song was the latest one that got overplayed really fast? Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

58. What Friends (American TV show from the 90s) character are you most like? Chandler

59. When's the last time you had a Popsicle? not too long ago, I regularly stock the freezer during the summer months

60. What TV show from way back would you love to see reappear? Cheers, I'd love to see the gang in today's world

quick trip

Took my car back to the garage to handle the leak issue. It was early morning so I decided to head to Bangor for a shopping trip. Usually I drive as a meditation but today I sang loudly to some old U2. It was like listening to the soundtrack of my life.

saturday 9

Looking For A Love

1. When you were single, or if you are single, what's the best way to look for love? I don't look

2. Have you ever cruised online personals, even if you're married for fun? What was the reason, or if you haven't, why not? I looked with some girlfriends and we had a good laugh

3. Have you ever put up an online personal? If so, how was your experience? no, I haven't

4. Have you ever answered an online personal? If so, how did it turn out? no, I haven't done that, either

5. Have you ever had a good experience with online dating? If not, have you had a friend/family member have a good experience? Tell us about it! no one I know has done any online dating

6. Have you ever had a horrible experience with online dating? If not, someone else? no experience

7. Back in 2004, a friend threw her husband out because she found out that he was having cyber affairs/sex with 2 women in states FAR away from them. Do you think that cybersex is actually cheating? I don't know how I would feel about it

8. Do you have any suggestions for someone as to how to stay safe using a dating service? uhm... no

9. I've heard someone say, “There's Match.com and then there's everyone else." Is this true in your experience or someone you know? no idea

must remember...

friday fill-ins

2011-21

1. This week I survived.

2. Rain returns.

3. It's all about summer vacation coming up.

4. Relaxing in the sun.

5. I demand quality.

6. The Bike path, it's filled with flowering trees.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out, tomorrow my plans include a quick trip to the garage to get the oil leak taken care of and maybe on to Bangor after thatand Sunday, I want to relax some more!

snuffy

Blast from the past. I was reminded today of my love of Snuffy.

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:

Awkward silences at a fancy schmancy luncheon.

idol chatter...

This is the most dis-jointed results show. It's all over the place with the guest singers--Tom Jones? Seriously? Two Beyonce songs? Two?

I did like the appearances by Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood. Oh, the Jack Black bit was cute, but when did Jack Black become a singer? And I adore Bono & the Edge, so that song was cool even though it seemed very out of context.

All in all I would say this was a satisfying season. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez worked well with Randy. They had good chemistry. And I enjoy Ryan as host. This was a very talented group. A lot of strong contenders.

Congratulations Scotty!

what do you hold dear?

You Hold Love Dear

You are a truly loving person. You are affectionate and warm-hearted. You are affirming and supporting. You accept people where they are, imperfections and all. You are naturally complimentary and encouraging. You are generous with praise. You are sympathetic. You naturally have a lot of empathy for everyone around you.

What Do You Hold Dear?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

i'd give it a try...

idol chatter...

It's the final performances. First up was a repeat of their favorite song from this season. Next was their idols' choice for them--Scotty's idol was George Strait and Lauren's idol was Carrie Underwood; interesting choices. Third and final song is their first single if they should win... they were pretty good songs this year.

I almost think Lauren won it but either will have a great career.

bogo

It is BOGO time. Plus, I found an online coupon and saved another $10. On top of that, I got free shipping. Two great skorts! I <3 a bogo!

darling...

ten things tuesday...

Ten things I don't do:

1) Exercise regularly. Heck, I don't exercise at all. I must get my rump in gear and start again.

2) Pump gas. I know how, I just choose not to.

3) Crafts. I enjoy crafts. I love being creative. But I haven't found my crafty niche. And, I'm ok with that.

4) Knit. I suppose this goes along with crafts. I. Cannot. Knit. I have tried and tried and tried. I can't get the hang of it.

5) Thrift shop. Or garage sale. I don't really get into either. I'll definitely eyeball sales at ritzy houses. I would never have a sale. Having to make all that small talk would drive me nuts.

6) Cook. I used to bake and cook all the time--all my meals. I was whipping up something awesome. Now, not so much. I don't think it's all laziness. When I had my serious OCD issues a few years ago, the process of cleaning everything before I could use it and cleaning immediately after I used it got in the way. I think I would be better about it now.

7) Windows. Maybe this summer I'll get inspired to wash the windows inside and out.

8) Write letters. I've fallen out of the habit of writing letters or sending cards to my friends and family. Who doesn't like getting a something fun in the mail? I need to remedy this.

9) Pay attention to the news. I don't spend enough time paying attention to the news. I get the headlines and the general idea but I don't read as in depth as I used to.

10) Double-dip or drink from the carton. Even though I live by myself I don't do these things.

the end is near...

Today wasn't too bad. The kids are really shutting down. But I think I'm all planned until the end of the year. If the weather was nicer it would be tougher. I hate to jinx anything because I'd be miserable if it was hot. Today was the last "regular" Monday for the Seniors. I think I've got their graduation gift all set, now it's a matter of putting it all together. I'll post more about it later.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

This week's movie topic is all about writers, authors, poets and scribes.

Two are based on Stephen King stories. Three have Jack Nicholson. What does that say about me? I blatted during Finding Neverland--that movie should have a warning label for criers.
Something's Gotta Give, The Shining, Finding Neverland, and 1408.

And, of course: As Good As It Gets.

just finished reading...

A fast-paced police procedural set in turn-of-the-century New York City. The story opens with the murder of a young woman, Sarah Wingate. Sarah is a resident of the city but visiting relatives in the outskirts. Simon Ziele, the detective, had fled the city but finds himself drawn back to it. He meets Alistair Sinclair, a professor in the new field of criminology who suggests a suspect. Ziele and Sinclair become caught up in the scientific exploration and the investigation takes them through the beauty and the grime of the city--where things are not always what they seem and people are not who they seem.

The setting was as much a character as the people in this book. It wove history into the story and never lost a beat. And it kept me guessing, I didn't quite figure it out although I was on the right track.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Part 3

31. What is your absolute favorite dessert? something chocolate

32. What can someone do to make you smile, no matter what? hug me

33. What do the hip people think of you? I'm one of them

34. What was the last gift you bought someone? a book

35. What was your favorite class in high school? study hall or lunch

36. How many spouses would be about right? one

37. What would you say was the most embarrassing moment of your life? I can't narrow it down to just one

38. Have you ever donate money to charity? of course

39. Has porn ever had a positive place in a current or recent relationship? no

40. Would you ever dump the one you're with for someone who makes an obvious play and is MUCH hotter? considering I'm not with anyone, sure

41. Have you ever disowned one of your relatives? no

42. Would you think it's OK to cheat on someone if they've already cheated on you? no

43. Did you ever consider becoming a teacher? hahaha... no, it just sort of happened

44. Would you ever give a hitch-hiker a ride somewhere? no

45. Would you ever try fasting for a whole week? no

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.

blogoversary...

long ago...

It's me... on Easter, but I don't remember when this was taken.

money grabber...

Can't wait to take a road trip blasting this:

saturday 9

Rain

1. It's Spring, grilling begins! If you plan a picnic, do you bow out if it rains? depends on where we're having it. If it's at Dad's, then we'll still have it because the porch is a haven

2. Do you prefer food grilled on a charcoal or gas grill? I have no preference, as long as I am not cooking

3. We're at the first grilling picnic. What's your meat order? oh, I'm not fussy, although I have a soft spot for red-skinned hot dogs (a Maine delicacy)

4. What side dishes do you want? a taste of everything

5. Now, where do prefer to eat: at the picnic table or inside? I prefer inside

6. You were asked to bring a dish. What do you bring? ice cream for dessert!

7. Does it bother you to have citronella candles burning if you are eating or cooking outside? we usually are on the screened-in porch, so we don't have to worry about it

8. What fellow bloggers do you want to meet at the picnic? all of my blogroll

9. Does there need to be a pool at the picnic, your choice? no

srsly?

friday fill-ins

2011-20

1. I see the sun.

2. Made from scratch.

3. They begin counting down to the end of school right about now.

4. I did too, so many years earlier.

5. This I know: a racing mind detracts from sleep.

6. Wash up for dinner.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not doing much of anything, tomorrow my plans include Breakfast Club and Sunday, I want to get my laundry done!

but he's the one...

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:

The weather... it's lousy.

idol chatter...

So far, I think the night belongs to Haley. Scotty did a good job on his performance--he seems to have conquered his dog-fart-sniffing face and how he handles the microphone. Lauren's song seemed too fast. Just a touch too fast.

I don't know if I'll stay up for the next hour. I'd almost rather zip through the commercials and the patter.

what landmark should you visit?

You Should Visit the Statue of Liberty

Bold and adventure loving, life is one big party for you. And you celebrate early and often. Happy and upbeat, you are always optimistic. It's about what you have... not about what you don't. When times get tough, you get philosophical. You never forget the meaning of life. You tend to avoid commitments, preferring to keep your life free from responsibilities.

What Landmark Should You Visit?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

fail...

ten things tuesday...

Today is my dad's birthday. Here are ten things to know about him:

1) My dad is 74 today. He is healthy and happy.

2) My dad is a professional musician--a church organist and choir director for two churches. He also leads a community choral society.

3) My dad has been both Mum and Dad to me for almost my whole life. And he's done a great job at both.

4) My dad loves movies. He teaches a film class for the local University's SAGE.

5) My dad was a beloved high school English/Language Arts teacher for fifteen years. Previous to that, he taught elementary school but I don't remember what grade he taught.

6) My dad was an award-winning drama director. He won the one-act play contest at the New England level for a total of nine years.

7) My dad has a great sense of style. I get my eye for coordinating from him.

8) My dad has a porch that is heaven in the summer. You can see out onto his beautiful gardens and the perfectly manicured lawn. And it's lit at night. It's beautiful, relaxing and an oasis.

9) My dad drives fast. I am my father's daughter.

10) My dad is my favorite person. We are father/daughter. We are companions. We are friends. No wonder I'm single. Any man I date has some incredibly big shoes to fill.

a countdown from fifteen

[ 15 things that make you smile ]
1) laughter
2) hugs
3) starry night
4) puppy kisses
5) chatting with my family who don't live around here
6) making plans with my bestie
7) sunny days
8) brilliant autumn leaves
9) happy or sleepy babies
10) a real bargain
11) crisp sheets
12) an "aha" moment
13) watching my students have an "aha" moment
14) therapy
15) coming home

[ 14 things that make you frown ]
1) intolerance
2) stress
3) raised voices
4) arguing
5) drama
6) angst
7) obnoxious behavior
8) being taken advantage of
9) depression
10) running out of money
11) soiling a favorite article of clothing
12) finishing a great book
13) many rainy days in a row
14) endless frigid winter

[ 13 things you see every day ]
1) the air freshener in my car
2) fluffy towels
3) stack of magazines on the floor
4) Dunkin' Donuts
5) the coat rack
6) calendars at home and at school
7) my locker usually dumps something on me
8) my hot pink lunch bag
9) cds all over the backseat of my car
10) my colleagues
11) my beloved homeroom
12) my students
13) photos of my family

[ 12 things you have always wanted to try ]
1) kissing a hottie at midnight on New Year's Eve
2) sky diving
3) hostessing a dinner party
4) writing a short story
5) knitting, I just can't get the hang of it
6) open a closed mind
7) teaching technology to colleagues
8) being late
9) doing a cartwheel without hurting myself
10) watching the Godfather movies back to back
11) making a scrapbook that looks good
12) being caught up

[ 11 objects that mean a lot to you ]
1) Myles the nook
2) Myrna the iPad
3) Girl, the car
4) my full book cases at school
5) my wardrobe
6) my purses
7) t.v.
8) laptop (sadly, unnamed)
9) flip flops
10) my scarves
11) photos

[ 10 places you have been ]
1) Ireland
2) London
3) Paris
4) The Hague
5) Amsterdam (the only European city I didn't like)
6) Aruba
7) Barcelona
8) Brussels
9) Canada
10) Washington, DC

[ 9 of your favorite foods ]
1) mashed potatoes
2) fries
3) honeycrisp apples
4) pomegranate
5) chocolate
6) cheese
7) spinach
8) strawberries
9) nuts

[ 8 things you would rather be doing ]
1) napping
2) reading for pleasure
3) sitting on the porch, watching the sunset
4) sitting on Dad's porch, hanging out with them
5) talking to my Virginia sister
6) talking to my Pennsylvania sister
7) planning a birthday party for Dad
8) snuggled with a hunk

[ 7 things you would take to a deserted island ]
1) someone handy
2) unlimited access to books
3) music
4) a nice place to stay with staff
5) plenty of good food
6) a short wave radio
7) rescue

[ 6 things you wish you never had to do ]
1) pay bills
2) laundry
3) get sick
4) take on stress
5) take care of everything
6) worry

[ 5 people that mean the world to you ]
1) the parentals
2) my sisters
3) my bestie
4) my homeroom
5) my colleagues

[ 4 of your biggest fears ]
1) being incapacitated or suffering
2) not being good enough
3) creepy people glomming on to me
4) painful death

[ 3 words to describe how you feel right now ]
1) headache
2) sleepy
3) content

[ 2 things you're excited for ]
1) summer vacation
2) family road trip

[ 1 thing you want to say to someone ]
1) for the love of god, just do what I ask of you!

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

This week's movie topic is all about farms.

Immediately, I thought of Charlotte's Web. Then Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken popped into my mind. The others I thought of have already been mentioned by the Bumbles or other players.

breathe

Describes today. School's been so hectic and will be until the end of the year. So weekends are definitely my opportunity to recharge.

just finished reading...

I've been staring at the screen for a few minutes trying to figure out if I liked this book. The premise is good the execution is not so good. I liked that the characters were invested in their careers and their families. I didn't like that the secondary characters were one-dimensional cliches. I liked how the three women are brought together. I liked how their friendships grew and they supported each other. I didn't like the cutesy horoscopes that introduced each new section. I didn't like how each section was in a different character's point of view; well, I think that's what the author was trying to do.

When I was looking up the publishing information, I read a blurb about the author who is a Page Six gossip columnist who is giving us an insider's perspective. And that makes sense. It had the feeling of authenticity in the absurdity of the hustle and social climbing.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Part 2

16. What was the last thing you did that was totally selfish, yet you feel no guilt? yesterday, I didn't do anything productive and it felt great

17. Tell us about a film fave of yours that we probably have not seen. one of my favorites is Beautiful Girls, it's a great coming of age story

18. When was the last time you kissed someone that you shouldn't have on the lips? I haven't

19. When was the last time you cooked something for someone not in your family? I used to bake a lot and take it to school, but it's been awhile

20. When was the last time you danced like a crazy person? I dance in the car like a crazy person when I'm on the open road, does that count? If it does count, then Friday!

21. When was the last time you just wanted to be invisible? oh, it's been a couple of months

22. When was the last time you got a gift you absolutely hated? I don't... I actually appreciate every gift I'm given

23. When was the last time you got into a physical fight? (If NEVER, let us know about a time that you got close to a fight.) well, with three older sisters it happened often

24. When was the last time you had to sleep with a light on? had to? I donno, I fall asleep with the light on occasionally

25. When was the last time you were under some serious stress? hahaha... I teach high school, so daily

26. When was the last time you watched your favorite movie? a couple of months ago

27. What song did you most recently downloaded? the clean version of Pink's F-ing Perfect

28. What would you say is your favorite hobby? this

29. What is your favorite thing to do when you hang out with friends? eat

30. What would you rather do: shower or bathe with that celebrity that you are crushing on? eww, neither

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.

rainy saturday

saturday 9

My Best Friend's Wedding

1. Have you ever lost a friend after he/she got married? I wouldn't say I lost friends, but we drifted

2. Do you make friends easily? yes

3. Do you have many close friends? yes

4. Tell us about your oldest friend. we've been friends since high school--she is smart, compassionate, and strong

5. Tell us about your newest friend. we are colleagues and friends--we love books, music, movies and tv

6. Do you hang out with your friends often, or just occasionally when you can find time? not often, they are busier than I am

7. What's the furthest you've traveled to visit (or vacation with, etc.) a friend? I went to Barcelona to visit a friend, that is the farthest I've been to visit someone

8. What's the biggest or best thing a friend has ever done for you? my bestie spent hours with me at hospital, entertaining me and taking care of my apartment and fish

9. What's the worst or most hurtful thing that a friend (or an ex-friend) has done to you? stabbity-stabbed me in the back

friday fill-ins

2011-19

1. I know that I should listen to my gut more often.

2. Laugh if at all possible.

3. This weather has been great for ducks.

4. It's becoming a problem.

5. I'm really happy I have the ability to live in the moment.

6. It's spring, or something to that effect.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on tv shows, tomorrow my plans include running errands and Sunday, I want to enjoy the day!

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:

Blogger being down.

idol chatter...

So, the inspirational songs left me kind of flat. I felt bad for Haley, the judges really ripped her apart. And I still don't like James. Tonight I really liked Haley and Lauren.

I think Lady Gaga, for all her weirdness, was the best mentor they've ever had. She had fantastic advice for all of them--in how to move their bodies to how to make the song more dramatic and powerful. Very good advice.

simple, really...

just finished reading...

Interesting premise--following the lives of Dexter and Emma from their university years on through twenty years. Each chapter visits them on the same day and we get to see their lives unfold. There are great secondary characters but the story rests with Dex and Em, Em and Dex.

I was more interested and drawn to Dexter's epic rise and fall than Emma's timid girl becoming a self-confident, secure woman although I really enjoyed Emma. When one's up, the other's down. And that is what I didn't like about the book. It felt predictable although there is a twist at the end, which I will not give away.

I know some people are raving about this novel. I'm not.

printing this...

I'm definitely going to print this sign for my classroom.

ten things tuesday...

Ten things that money can't buy.

1) Health. You can buy insurance and care but if you don't have your health you have nothing.
2) Wisdom. You can buy an education but you can't buy the school of hard knocks.
3) Sleep. You can't have anyone sleep for you.
4) A sense of humor. This needs no explanation.
5) Compassion. You can't buy feelings of empathy and sympathy. They are cultivated by being a human. Treating others as you would like to be treated.
6) Friendship. I'm going to say you can't buy real, true friendship. If it's not based on mutual respect is it a real friendship?
7) Faith. Not necessarily religion, but faith. Believing.
8) Time. You get what you get and it's to be used wisely. You can waste it but you will never get it back.
10) Wonder & awe. Being constantly amazed by the little things (and the big things) and finding joy in simplicity.

libraries...

monday movie meme...

Play along with the Bumbles.


This week's movie topic is all about Katharine Hepburn.

My favorites are On Golden Pond, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, The Lion in Winter and Love Affair (she was the best part of that film!).

mother's day

Wishing a wonderful day to all women who give of themselves to make the lives of children better!