happy challenge...

8/31
Another Happy Challenge has come to a close. And today I made a big tough guy giggle like a school girl. His giggle made me laugh so hard it was contagious--the whole class was laughing so loudly that a neighboring teacher came over to see what was so funny. We were laughing too hard to tell him. I knew as I was wiping my laughter tears that this would be the finale of the Happy Challenge.

happy challenge...

8/30 Alexander Skarsgard might just be giving George a run for his money.

Have mercy!

ten things tuesday...

Ten things:

1) I looked damn good today. My favorite black dress with a green cami.

2) Passive-aggressive people suck. Especially when they're teenagers.

3) I had a room full of former students this morning, just hanging out and talking. It was fun.

4) My teacher friends and I all feel like we need a vacation. One week of school, it's going well, yet we all need vacation.

5) I need to get working on a plan for Constitution Day.

6) The kids have been working on the Three Worlds Meet project all week, it's going to be weird to get back into teaching Thursday.

7) The new text book has condensed three chapters into one. I used to spend a lot of time teaching Colonial history. Now I get a couple of days.

8) I ordered another Miche bag shell. It was on sale, I couldn't resist.

9)

10) I've got to get cracking on the book group selection! I'm excited for selecting the new slate of books.

happy challenge...

8/29

Today was a very good day. School went smoothly and the day flew by. I don't think my students are on their best behavior anymore but I will say they are very nice.

happy challenge...

8/28

I had this kind of conversation with my neighbor today.

just finished reading...

The 5th in the series was a longer book--lots of political intrigue in the world of wizards. The characters and story are so rich, I really do get lost in them. This book had more explanation of the link between Harry and He Who Must Not Be Named. Summer vacation is never a carefree time for Harry and this summer is no exception. The story begins with Harry casting a Patronus, breaking several rules and facing expulsion from Hogwarts. And members of the Order of the Phoenix rally around Harry to keep him safe and out of trouble. When Harry finally returns to school, the Ministry of Magic is trying to "cleanse" the school by enforcing many changes.

From the publisher:

There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it's haunting Harry Potter's dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?

Here are just a few things on Harry's mind:

• A Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a personality like poisoned honey.

• A venomous, disgruntled house-elf

• Ron as keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team

• The looming terror of the end-of-term Ordinary Wizarding Level exams

. . . and of course, the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. In the richest installment yet of J. K. Rowling's seven-part story, Harry Potter is faced with the unreliability of the very government of the magical world and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts.

Despite this (or perhaps because of it), he finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew, boundless loyalty; and unbearable sacrifice.

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 August 20 Question Meme

1. What's for breakfast? since it's Sunday it's donut day!

2. Do you read a newspaper daily? no

3. What do you do when you can't sleep? count

4. Say a word that sums up your mood. waiting

5. Do you remember your dreams? not usually

6. Name something from your dream last night. I don't remember

7. Name a food that describes you. chicken salad

8. Today you are wearing: judo pants and a t-shirt with appropriate underthings

9. What's in your pockets? I don't have pockets

10. Did you sing in the shower today? no

11. What's the last song you heard? "I Wanna Go"

12. Looking forward to the holidays? always!

13. Where do you want to be this instant? right here

14. What's for lunch? probably a chicken salad sammich

15. What's something you would like to do soon? take a nap

16. Reading anything now? What is it? Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

17. What's for dinner? probably pizza

18. A favorite part of the day is: being home

19. Are you happy? yes

20. Guess how many people will do Sunday Stealing this weekend? 15

happy challenge...

8/27
There were several things that made me happy today: breakfast with my regular breakfast club--they really get me and accept me; a long Facebook chat with my Virginia sister; a great nap; and watching episodes of True Blood!

saturday 9

I Fought The Law

1. Have you ever been on the wrong side of the law? I regularly go faster than the posted speed limit--so yeah!

2. What was the last thing you described as either “surprisingly good” or “surprisingly bad?” surprisingly good first week of school!

3. When was the last time you unintentionally surprised someone else? I don't remember

4. When was the last time you deliberately surprised someone else? I gave a colleague a gift last week... it made her day

5. What was the last really funny movie you watched? nothing comes to mind

6. What is something that you've never done that you secretly are dying to do? I would love to go skydiving

7. What do you hope is different in your life by August 2012? I hope to have my car paid off by then

8. Who is the last person you greeted at your door? I think it was the mailman

9. If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose? Camelot would have been fun

happy challenge...

8/26

friday fill-ins

Join the fun here!

1. How in the world did I miss out on the Harry Potter books when they first came out.

2. The weekend is in front of me.

3. Life's full of surprises.

4. Today, I should have had a picnic lunch.

5. That was where we left off in the video.

6. The coffee shop is what I think of as "our place".

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching True Blood, tomorrow my plans include the breakfast club and errands and Sunday, I want to batten down the hatches!

finished reading...

From the publisher:

Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, doesn't understand people, but apes she gets—especially the bonobos Sam, Bonzi, Lola, Mbongo, Jelani, and Makena, who are capable of reason and communication through American Sign Language. Isabel feels more comfortable in their world than she's ever felt among humans—until she meets John Thigpen, a very married reporter writing a human interest feature. But when an explosion rocks the lab, John's piece turns into the story of a lifetime—and Isabel must connect with her own kind to save her family of apes from a new form of human exploitation.

Sara Gruen certainly did her research for this book. The stars of the story are definitely the bonobos. Having said that, it was hard to figure out what this book was trying to be. Is it an exploration of a marriage? A study of friendship? An examination of what and who parents? I suppose it's a good thing that I put the book down and had lots of questions.

It's an engrossing book. I wasn't sure if I would like it. But I liked it. A lot.

happy challenge...

8/25
Having an inspired moment with a class that carries over to the other classes. I was in my sweet spot!

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:

It's not pay week.

happy challenge...

8/24
a meaningful quote.

happy challenge...

8/23
Hearing an old song that makes me happy.

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things:

1) This year has started smoothly. I realize it's just the second day but things have been going very smoothly so far. There's a different vibe in the building, which is good.

2) I would like to be more creative. Really dig in and be creative. Trying new strategies and developing new techniques.

3) So far it hasn't been a terribly hot summer. Now that school's in it's supposed to be in the 80s. Oy.

4) I miss spending the day reading. Reading what I want. I'm back into reading text books. Not as much fun as Harry Potter.

5) I love Nutella. May have said that a time or two, but a spoonful of Nutella makes the world a better place. And it doesn't take much... just a spoonful.

6) My body is kinda sore from standing all day on the hard floors. My legs are a tad tired. I probably shouldn't be wearing sandals.

7)

8) I'm digging my white board. So are my students.

9) At first I wasn't thrilled but now that it's sunk in and I've considered more of the possibilities, I'm satisfied with how the Glee Project ended.

10) I'm out of things...

not to me, either...

happy challenge

8/22
A promising start to the school year. Everyone was on their best behavior and things went smoothly.

Lots of visits from last year's students. I miss my old homeroom kids.

first day...

I talked more than I have in two months. My throat is tired but not sore. It was a good day. Lots of potential. Boy am I wiped out, though.

happy challenge...

8/21
Savoring the last day of vacation by reading and reading and reading.

sunday stealing...

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Heaven Eleven Meme

1. If you could live in any other time period, which would you pick? I wouldn't be able to choose... so maybe I'll go back about fifty years

2. What is your favorite topic to write on your blog other than a meme? shopping

3. What are some traits that you admire in a lover? consideration and playfulness

4. Could you adjust to life in another country? I already did

5. If you could study anything, what would it be? history

6. What is your favorite possession that cost less than $15? Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee

7. Which color do you wear most often? either green or brown

8. What has been your “theme song”, or favorite song this summer? Money Grabber by Fitz and the Tantrums

9. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you? Wow

10. What would be your dream birthday cake? a giant whoopie pie

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done? I teach high school... I regularly do cool things

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.

happy challenge...

8/20
Spent the afternoon with my bestie--we never stop talking. I spent more money than I intended to, but... that's ok.

saturday 9

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

1. In a relationship, have you ever hung in even when you knew for sure it was over? yes

2. If you had the ability to perpetually alleviate any pain on your body, what would it be? I don't have any chronic pain--so, I would never want an earache again!

3. What place would you visit if money were no object? Ireland

4. What is one thing you would love to change about yourself? I'd like to have motivation whenever I dream up something that needs to be done

5. Do you think your parents were too strict growing up? oh, no, far from it

6. In general, how many old friends do you have that you talk to at least once a year? a lot

7. What was the last compliment you received? a cashier liked my new Miche shell

8. Have you ever told someone you loved them but didn't really mean it? no

9. In your opinion, would it be harder to lose someone close to you more as a child or harder as an adult? as a child, if we're talking about losing a parent

happy challenge...

8/19
Savoring the last weekday of vacation. It was a gorgeous day (if a tad humid) and I read a lot of HP5. And I napped. And I noodled around online. It was awesome!

friday fill-ins

Join the fun here!

1. It's fun to love what you do.

2. Fun is easy to make.

3. I like to be lost in a good book.

4. How some politicians get elected, I will never know!

5. Something I'm very much excited about is the new school year.

6. The money was well worth it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to I'm not sure what, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with my bestie and Sunday, I want to get ready for the new school year!

oranges...

I want to put this in my classroom.

happy challenge...

8/18
A better vibe.

this spoke to me...

The way to end passive aggressive behavior on your part or others’ is with complete honesty and truth in any situation.

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:

Lack of reading time.

happy challenge...

8/17
I got a phone call from my eldest niece (Pennsylvania niece) sharing her exciting news--she is engaged! He popped the question while they were at the family cabin in the woods. She couldn't wait to call us all and share her news! I'm thrilled. I really like him, he's a good match for her. They're being very sensible and realistic about planning for a future together. And the ring is gorgeous!

I'm so excited to share this with her. I was thrilled she called me!

workshop...

A much better opening workshop day than the past few years. But still. It's not vacation, I was working! I'm worn out.

tv meme...

Saw this at Mrs. Chili's and I absolutely had to steal it!

Pick your five favourite tv shows (in no particular order) and answer the following questions about them. Don’t cheat!

1. What Not To Wear

2. The Closer

3. How I Met Your Mother

4. Big Bang Theory

5. Who Do You Think You Are?

Who is your favourite character in 2? Brenda--she's so well fleshed out and I adore her candy obsession.

Who’s your least favourite character in 1? the 360, c'mon it's a character!

What’s your favourite episode of 4? The Prestidigitation Approximation

What is your favourite season on 5? I think it's just had one season, hasn't it?

What is your favourite relationship in 3? Barney & Ted's friendship is genius

Who has the bad relationship in 2? Oh, Captain Raydor and Brenda, without a doubt!

How long have you watched 1? I started watching season 2, I didn't see any without Clinton Kelly

How did you become interested in 3? some students were talking about it and I got watching it

Who’s your favourite actor in 4? Jim Parsons (Sheldon)

Which show do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5? well, I guess I'll say 2 since it's the only scripted show in this list

Which show have you seen more episodes of, 1 or 3? 1

If you could be anyone from 4, who would you be? Amy Farrah Fowler

How would you kill off your favourite character in 1? I would take a sledge hammer to the 360

Give a random quote from 1. Stacy London regularly says "Shut the front door."

Pair two characters in 3 that would make an unlikely, but strangely okay couple. Barney and Lily would be quite a couple

Has 4 inspired you in any way? no

Over all, which show has a better cast, 3 or 5? 3, otherwise there isn't a cast per se

Which has better theme music, 2 or 4?

happy challenge...

8/16
Feeling organized.

just finished reading...

The fourth installment of the Harry Potter series was quite a thrill ride. Lots of excitement in this book and a bit of a darker tone. There is actually quite a bit that happens before the school year starts but it sets up some characters for the rest of the book. More characters from outside the world of Hogwarts but they enhance the story. This is the book I can't wait to see the movie they made.

I'm excited for book 5!

ten things tuesday...

Ten things that begin with the letter F:

1) Faye: my middle name, taken from my father's father's name.

2) Fiction: what I spent a lot of time reading this summer.

3) Fitz and the Tantrums: a band I discovered and lurve!


4) Flickering firelight: it's mesmerizing.

5) File folders: I love organizing my papers at school in cool folders. My students seem to appreciate it, too.

6) Family: we are close and I relish those bonds.

7) Friends: they are such a diverse group of people. And it seems like I collect them.

8) Ford: some people mock but I've had excellent Ford Tauruses.

9) Feet: I do not have a thing about feet--I love getting pedicures!

10) Fiasco: I taught this word to my students last year--they say I use words they don't understand and I asked them to give me an example. I will never forget them trying to figure out what a fiasco is! They know what it means now, though, and it's one of our magic words. :-)

finished reading...

From the publisher:

When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers confront the spread of disease and superstition. As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders."

Who knew a book about plague could be so compelling and interesting. There are challenges to what it means to be neighbors, friends, and faithful. I was fascinated that this book is based on a true story of the village Eyam. I'm a fan of much historical detail and the rich story and characters kept me reading. What I didn't like about the book was the ending. It was... contrived.

don't go...

It's officially over. It's been a great, great summer. I'm sad to see it go.

happy challenge...

8/15
One of my students from last year is skittish but we had a really nice visit this morning, maybe now that she's not my student she will relax around me more. As I was working, I had several other visitors and it was a fun balance between getting stuff done and visiting.

so little time...

Spent time in my classroom today and wow... what a hot mess. Both me and the room. I got a lot accomplished but there is still MUCH to do. It will get done. And what doesn't get done doesn't need to be done right now. Lots of last year's AP kiddos stopped by to visit. It was great.

how should you change the world?

You Should Change the World By Promoting Compassion

You feel deeply for people, especially the less fortunate. You wish everyone was more compassionate. You work hard to be the change you want to see in the world. You think it's all starts with you. You value personal growth. If you're not changing, it's likely something is going wrong in your life. You enjoy helping the elderly and animals. You get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering your time.

How Should You Change The World?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

happy challenge...

8/14
Spent the day doing what I want. Hanging around. Reading Harry Potter book 4.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The 31 Meme, Part Two--in memory of Clyde

16. What's the longest shift that you worked at a job? more than 14 hours

17. What was the last concert that you attended? Music In The Park---Martha Gallagher a folk/rock harpist (the opening band was much better)

18. What the last DVD (or Blu Ray, of course) movie that you watched? wow, I can't remember... I've been watching Netflix so often I don't really watch DVDs anymore

19. How did you like the film? I must have enjoyed it or I would have blogged about how bad it was

20. What comedian do you love? Chris Rock... and George Carlin is my all-time favorite, rest in peace

21. Do you ever sleep in the nude? sure

22. Have you ever had a long distance relationship? I have

23. What do you think of astrology? it's interesting and fun

24. What's you're favorite lyric quote from a song? "Jimmy cracked corn and I don't care..."

25. Tell us something random about yourself. I have flashlights in every room of my apartment as well as in the trunk and glovebox of my car... and in my classroom

26. Have ever attended a theme party? If yes, do tell. a Halloween costume party... I went as a nun with a wimple habit

27. What is your favorite thing about winter? well, even though I bitch and moan my way through the 8 months of winter, I really do like how pretty things are

28. What was the name of your first pet? Figaro J. Junior Maxwell Hyde DeFranco

29. What have you done so far this weekend? pampered myself

30. Has your humor ever been called “sick”? occasionally

31. If you could have one thing, what would it be? a massage... or world peace

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.

happy challenge...

8/13
Back to school pedicure followed by three episodes of True Blood and a nap. What a great day!