just finished reading...

Sure there are flaws in a book told from the perspective of a 5-year-old boy. Sure there are some implausible parts. But I sure couldn't put it down.
From the Publisher's overview:

To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world. . . . It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma it's the prison where she has been held for seven years. Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in this eleven-by-eleven-foot space. But with Jack's curiosity building alongside her own desperation, she knows that Room cannot contain either much longer.

Room is a tale at once shocking, riveting, exhilarating--a story of unconquerable love in harrowing circumstances, and of the diamond-hard bond between a mother and her child.

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:

Confrontation with an oblivious, defensive person. Not overly productive.

what type of book are you?

You Are a Memoir

You're funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches. You have your own quirky ideas about the world. You see so much light and promise. You have no patience for small talk or niceties. You want to have conversations of substance. You are an amazing storyteller. You always have a new story to relate, and your friends love to listen to you.

What Type of Book Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

swiped meme

I am... a sister, daughter, friend, mentor, teacher, life-long learner, voracious reader, junky-tv addict

I want... someone to take over for awhile

I have... compassion for others

I wish... for a beautiful summer

I hate... people who ask for advice but don't take it

I fear... my fears, they are plentiful

I hear... heavy rain falling

I search... on Google every day

I wonder... if something amusing will happen tonight

I regret... regaining the weight

I love... nutella, hugs, puppies, peonies, my family, my friends, my profession

I never... want to lose someone I love without them knowing they are loved

I ache... for those less fortunate

I always... am me

I usually... listen carefully

I am not... lonely just because I'm alone

I dance... for fun

I sing... loudly in the car

I sometimes... take the time to stop and refresh

I cry... when I am overwhelmed

I am not always... patient, but I try

I lose... things rarely but when I do I go berserk

I am confused... by the political climate's hostility and divisiveness

I need... a massage

I should... think about having dinner

ten things tuesday...

Ten things that begin with the letter D.

1) Dogs. I call them all puppies even when they aren't puppies but I am a dog person all the way.

2) Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee. It is the best. I have it every day and refuse to give it up. And yes, I did mean every day, even in winter.

3) Driving. Nothing makes me happier than being behind the wheel with no particular place to go!

4) Dreaming. Nothing like taking a mental break and zipping away from reality. I wish I remembered my sleeping dreams better, all I remember is that they are quite weird.

5) Dollars. Yeah, I like my relationship with money these days.

6) Dell computer. I love my laptop.

7) Daisies. They represent the simple things.

8) Dead Again. A little-known film that starred Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. A thriller, a noir, campy and compelling.

9) Details. Sometimes I get obsessed with the little things. But I'm working on it.

10) Dad. I'm a daddy's girl. He even scored his own Ten Things Tuesday for his birthday!

finished reading...

I don't even know where to start with my love for this novel. I was drawn in by the language. Patchett's writing is almost edible in its richness. I could feel the jungle closing in around me. The secondary characters were perhaps the best I've ever read, they were real people. I can't wait for my book group to choose this because there is just so much to talk about.

From the Publisher:

Dr. Marina Singh, a research scientist with a Minnesota pharmaceutical company, is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who seems to have all but disappeared in the Amazon while working on what is destined to be an extremely valuable new drug, the development of which has already cost the company a fortune. Nothing about Marina's assignment is easy: not only does no one know where Dr. Swenson is, but the last person who was sent to find her, Marina's research partner Anders Eckman, died before he could complete his mission. Plagued by trepidation, Marina embarks on an odyssey into the insect-infested jungle in hopes of finding her former mentor as well as answers to several troubling questions about her friend's death, the state of her company's future, and her own past.

Once found, Dr. Swenson, now in her seventies, is as ruthless and uncompromising as she ever was back in the days of Grand Rounds at Johns Hopkins. With a combination of science and subterfuge, she dominates her research team and the natives she is studying with the force of an imperial ruler. But while she is as threatening as anything the jungle has to offer, the greatest sacrifices to be made are the ones Dr. Swenson asks of herself, and will ultimately ask of Marina, who finds she may still be unable to live up to her teacher's expectations.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

This week's movie topic is all about epic battle scenes.

I'm drawing a complete blank, other than movies that others have already mentioned, I thought of the film I show my students every year: The scene at Fort Wagner in the movie Glory. From the muster to the freeze it is epic.

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 Seriously Random Question Meme, Part 3

41. Who was the last person you went shopping with? myself, I can't remember shopping with someone else recently

42. What is something you need to go shopping for? groceries

43. Do you have the same first name as one of your relatives? no

44. What kind of car do (did) your parents drive? dad always had flashy cars

45. Are you rich? in spirit, not in wealth

46. If you could spend one intimate night with a celebrity, no questions asked, never to see them again, who would it be? never see them again?? Gerard Butler, I couldn't risk not seeing my beloved George ever again...

48. What famous person do you look like? Feel free to use this facial match program by clicking here. Show us at least the celeb photo.

49. What is the most daring thing you've done recently? eaten Polish food

50. Say you were given a pregnancy test right now. Would you pass or fail? how can you fail a pregnancy test??

51. Which sex scandal of the last decade bothers you the most? it's hard to tell one from another

52. Do you know anyone in jail/prison? a former student

53. What are your plans (or what have you done) for this weekend? I am about to start a stint of puppy sitting and will be getting a good dose of puppy kisses

54. Have you ever woken up and not known where you were? no

55. What were you doing at midnight last night?? sleeping

56. Last restaurant you went to? I think it was the Greenhouse when my book group met for lunch

57. How many hours did you sleep for last night? 9

58. Which is more distracting: Sexting while driving or sex while driving? I wouldn't know

59. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? no

60. Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle? not while driving

60 1/2. If you haven't "liked" us (WTIT) on facebook and would like to, click here. Thanks, friends!

yum...

My dear friend from school is visiting with her parents (from Poland) and she invited a group of us out to her house for lunch. It was a traditional Polish meal with this cold soup called Chłodnik, a watermelon and bleu cheese salad, rice pilaf, fresh grilled asparagus, chicken cordon bleu, a fantastic phyllo feta-spinach pie and amazing angel cake with rose jelly for dessert. I wasn't expecting such an amazing spread. The food was luscious, the conversation quick and witty--overall a great lunch. I'm still full! The only drawback was the weather: it's cold and rainy again.

saturday 9

Make You Feel My Love

1. What has someone done unusual to make you feel their love? nothing out of the ordinary.

2. Do you own a smart phone? If yes, is it everything you wanted? If no, how seriously have you considered a purchase of the new smart phone? I don't have one and don't consider getting one, believe it or not--a toy I don't want!

3. Have you ever camped out to purchase something? no

4. What is your worst habit? hoarding

5. What is your best habit? drinking lots of water

6. In your opinion, what is life's greatest mystery? what comes next

7. Are you one of those people who is constantly busy with projects, social outings, etc. or do you just like to lay low and stay home? I have times of being a whirling dervish but mostly I lay low and stay home

8. Whether you're busy all the time or like to just chill, have you always been that way? no, I haven't always been this way

9. Is there something you'd like to change about how you spend your time? If so, what is it? If not, why not? I should probably have a bit more structure to my days during summer vacation... could do a bit more, but lazing around is fantastic

summah

Week one of vacation is officially done. Productive, expensive, relaxing.

friday fill-ins

1. Getting away is the plan for the end of July.

2. Waking naturally is a great way to start your day off right.

3. Coffee, tea or iced coffee or iced tea.

4. Naps in place of planning periods.

5. The lights are off.

6. Vacation = happiness.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some tv, tomorrow my plans include meeting my friend's parents at a huge gathering for them and Sunday, I want to have an adventure!

just finished reading...

This is the first of a trilogy. So, let me start out by saying I am not a fan of dystopian fiction--I really didn't expect to like this book. Went into it with a touch of negative attitude. Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. The main character is a smart, strong, independent 16-year-old girl named Katniss.

The world of Panem comes to life in the beginning of the book. Panem, which is formerly the United States, is divided into Districts. Every year, each District contributes a teenage girl and boy for the Hunger Games. Games to the death which remind the citizens of Panem that the Capitol is in charge. Once the Games began I was really hooked on this book. The characters show vulnerability and feisty spirit.

I might have to read more!

scorpio

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:

Unexpected car repairs.

what motivates you?

You Are Motivated By Purpose

You are optimistic about the days and years to come. You think things are getting better and better. You are a visionary. You are a dreamer, but your dreams are less crazy than they seem. You may not show it easily, but you have a lot of compassion in your heart for others. You care about the world. You are philosophical and idealistic. You aren't willing to compromise on what's important.

What Motivates You?

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

I ♥ George Clooney

Thank you to Erika for breaking the news to me that my beloved has come to his senses!

my baby is back...

It's been a weirdly good day. My car didn't cost as much as I expected--always a good thing! But I was trapped in my driveway this morning because the city is paving the street I live on and two neighboring streets. The whole block was closed down. So I knew after driving down to get my car (it's an hour away) that I would need someplace to hang out. Off to my parents! Dad was gone but Maggie and Barb kept me good company and we talked about the research Barb is doing for a novel she wants to write. Fascinating! Finally, mid-afternoon, I was getting peckish and thought the pavers must be finished with at least half the street so I could park in my driveway for the day. After a quick stop at the market I came home to discover my wireless router waiting for me. It's all set up and installed and working properly. John, the tech guy I called for help, was so patient and funny, like having a long-lost friend help me.

Now I'm updating my computers and printer, setting Myles and Myrna up with the new wireless info and I think I need a nap.

my baby...

My poor baby is sick. Like $1000 worth of sick. I had to leave it overnight at the garage (which is an hour away); fortunately they lent me a car. But I'm glad it happened now rather than when I'm on the family fun road trip coming up. The air conditioning motor went kablooey! Where we're headed, we'll need the air conditioning. And the awful growling sound... that was caused by it, so that'll be fixed.

Luckily the weather was gorgeous today. Tomorrow is supposed to be the same if not nicer, so the road trip will be nice.

ten things tuesday...

Since I'm a major Pintrest fan, I'll post my favorite pins:

Food Glorious Food

Everybody deserves a getaway

Going on my classroom wall!

Big Ben from above

Disney Quote

My One True Love

Patience

This I believe

Kiss Your Favorite Beatle

This made me laugh

just finished reading...

A bon bon of a book. It is the story of a hopeless romantic whose life is shattered when her romantic view collides with reality. The cast of characters are fun and believable. The relationships she has with her family are also real--how they talk to each other reminded me of how I talk to my siblings, especially. The story isn't convoluted and kept me engaged even though I knew it was going to end happily ever after. And in this case happily ever after is finding herself as well as finding Mr. Right.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

This week's movie topic is all about depressing movies.

I found Seven Pounds to be depressing. Slow moving and depressing.

As well as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

vacation day 1

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Seriously Random Question Meme, Part 2

21. Have you ever had a garage sale? no

22. What color is your cell phone? grey

23. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? it must've been wine

24. Are you happy right now? sure

25. Who came over to your house last? George, the computer tech dude

26. Do you drink beer? I've been known to but it's been a while

27. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? no

28. What is your favorite key on your key chain? the one needed at the moment

29. What was the last movie you watched at home? The Bounty Hunter (Gerard Butler is giving George Clooney a run for his money)

30. What is in your pocket? no pockets in pajamas

31. Who introduced you to your bf/gf/husband/wife? no one, I don't have one

32. Where do you hurt? I don't

33. Has someone ever made you a build a bear? no

34. What’s something fun you did today? wished my Dad a Happy Father's Day

35. What is your favorite aisle at Target? the dollar bins at the front of the store

36. When is your birthday? the day I was born

37. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? a Yankee Candle air freshener

38. How many states in the US have you been to? lemme count: 13

39. What kind of milk do you drink? I don't drink milk, it's been about thirty years

40. What are you going to do after this? read

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.

pedi time

Cha Cha Ching Cherry by OPI

Yippee!

sweeeeet!

The Gal Herself has awarded this blog Irresistibly Sweet. How cool is that! Originally the directions tell us: "Now, as I understand it, for this award one is to list seven pieces of information not commonly known about themselves, and fifteen recommendations." But The Gal is a maverick and so I will also be, listing fifteen pieces of information and tagging some.

1) I surrendered in the battle with for wireless internet service and ordered a new modem/router combo thingy. I even called in my computer tech guy, George, and he couldn't figure out what the dealeo was. And if he can't figure it out, no one can. I surrender.

2) Nutella now comes in a family size jar. Why do I feel guilty buying it? I'm my own family. sure.

3) I believe I have had a drink of the Netflix koolaid. I may be a convert. I'll really know when I get my wireless internet hooked up and can stream on my iPad.

4) I am getting the Spa Pedicure today. I thought I would treat myself and go all out.

5) This is the first summer in years that I haven't had some kind of grand plan. Other than the family road trip I'm going on with my parents & niece to see my sisters, I have nothing. That's not a bad thing.

6) I'm sort of dreading Virginia in July. And Pennsylvania. Too darn hot.

7) I wish Dunkin' Donuts delivered. I would love some iced coffee right now but I'm still in my pajamas. Complete with bedhead. I can't go out in public like this. There are laws against it.

8) Gerard Butler is hawt.

9) Since I'm without Wi-Fi, I can't update Myles and therefore can't read any of the new books I bought in the last two weeks. But I'll update today at Dad's.

10) We're celebrating Father's Day today. I ordered a party sub from Subway to feed the crowd. My style of cookin'.

11) I don't actually have a gift for Dad. I am puzzled what to get him. *sigh*

12) I didn't sleep in this morning. I've been up since 7. Awake since 6.

13) I've rediscovered the joys of Mahjong.

14) I have two boxes of stale cereal I should get rid of.

15) It's still raining. I want it to stop.

And now the tags:
Erika at Endomental
Mrs. Chili at the Blue Door
Diana at Diana's Little Corner in the Nutmeg State

and more will be added later, ok?

saturday 9

You May Be Right

1. What is the craziest thing you've done in the last Year? bought my iPad, Myrna

2. What is something that you've lost recently? a textbook

3. Where does your patience suffer the most? oh, uhm... I don't suffer fools

4. Have you ever reread a book? I just reread Empire Falls for my book group

5. What is a TV show that you absolutely HATE to miss? Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

6. How old do you wish you were? I'm good where I am

7. Do you know your neighbors? one is a friend of mine, the other two not so much

8. Do you believe that opposites attract? depends on what they're attracting

9. Who was the last person that made you laugh? George, the internet guru who was trying to help me with my wireless connection issue

it's official...

friday fill-ins

1. One of my favorite birthday presents was my teddy bear.

2. Teddy was my best friend, it was as simple as that.

3. The moon was glorious when full--the Strawberry Moon.

4. Today includes a leisurely lunch.

5. I was tempted by dessert.

6. Lazing around and dreaming are some of the things I like to do on vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying up late, tomorrow my plans include a pedicure and Sunday, I want to celebrate Father's Day!

nerds...

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 wireless internet service. It's been over a week. I miss watching tv and surfing.

lyrics...

I've had the refrain from a rap song stuck in my head all day. I don't even care for rap music.

exams...

Exam week is almost done. I'll be glad that next year everyone has to take the exams instead of having artificial means of exemption. It's a philosophical difference of opinion: I fall on the side of academics. I think it's good practice for students to study and go through the process of taking exams. Teaching them the skills to read and answer questions is important, as are study skills. How do we reinforce critical skills, in a traditional classroom setting?

The real philosophical difference comes from the idea that they all should take exams or none of them should. Again, the artificial measurements in place to exempt students creates an atmosphere of exams being punitive instead of an opportunity to show growth. I had to coach all my kiddos that the exams wouldn't hurt their grades, that the skills they get will be worth it in the end. But they really looked at it as punishment.

There are no easy solutions, that's for sure.

ten things tuesday...

Ten facts about Flag Day:

1) The 50 white stars on the American flag represent the 50 states in the USA and the 13 horizontal red and white stripes represent the original 13 British colonies.

2) The American flag was first referred to as “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key in 1814 when he wrote the poem, “The Defense of Fort McHenry”. This poem later became our national anthem.

3) The American Flag was first displayed in a land battle during the American Revolution on August 16, 1777.

4) The American Flag was first displayed in a naval battle in the Pacific on March 25, 1813.

5) The official colors of the American flag are red, white, and blue. The white color signifies purity and innocence. The red stripes represent hardiness & valor. The blue field signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.

6) When the flag is displayed along with state or local flags the U.S. flag should be flown in middle and should be presented higher than the other flags.

7) The US flag must not be used on any item designed to be disposable.

8) If harm should come to the flag, it must be disposed of in a dignified manner; namely by burning; which is the proper way of destroying a flag that is long in the tooth. The flag must not be allowed to touch the ground, but need not be disposed of if dropped by accident. If the flag is displayed at night, it must be illuminated.

9) On certain days of national importance, the American flag is flown at half staff. On the Memorial Day, it is flown in half staff till noon. It flutters in half staff on the Patriot Day, the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and similarly for 30 days after the death of a President and for 10 days following the death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, member of Cabinet or former Vice President.

10) The June 14 holiday commemorates the same day in 1777 when the Second Constitutional Congress adopted the thirteen-stripes-and-thirteen-stars flag.

monday movie meme

Play along with the Bumbles.

This week's movie topic is all about confusing plots.

These are movies I've had to explain to other people: Pulp Fiction and The Usual Suspects. The movies that confused me were Repo Man and The Gods Must Be Crazy.

rdj goodness

I was reminded of this bit of Robert Downey, Jr goodness this afternoon. Must watch many more times.

it's all over...

Another class has officially graduated. The ceremony was just over an hour, but that's because the band played a twenty-minute "inspirational" piece. And for the first time, ever, beach balls made an appearance. The boys let loose a half dozen beach balls during the class song and they were batted around for a minute or so. I don't know how they did it, I was staring at them and didn't notice them blowing the balls up. Sneaky, sneaky. Oh, and I got compliments on my maxi dress. I wasn't sure about wearing it because it's so long, but it was fine.

And now it's exam week. Two days this week are half-days, so it shouldn't be too bad. It's going to drag, though, just because it's the last few days.

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 Seriously Random Question Meme, Part 1

1. Your ex's car is on the side of the road, on fire. What do you do? pull over to see if he needs assistance

2. Your best friend tells you she is pregnant. What is your reaction? shock and awe

3. When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face? Friday

4. What is the last thing you spent money on? a car wash

5. Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month? I think I stayed the same

6. Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos? crunchy

7. The first person on your friends list just called you a bitch. What do you do? laugh

8. Congratulations! You just had a son. What’s his name? Paul or Evan

9. Congratulations! You just had a daughter. What’s her name? Emma or Ellie

10. What are you craving right now? coffee

11. What was the last thing you cried about? a teacher gift a student gave me--and they are the graduate!

12. When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it? usually there's a cup nearby for change, I toss it in there

13. What color is your tissue box? green and brown with stripes

14. Do you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, and if so, is there dust on that fan? I don't have a ceiling fan

15. What was the last voicemail you received about? I don't have voicemail

16. Have you ever blocked someone on Facebook? no

17. Scariest thing you’ve experienced in the last year? almost being hit while driving

18. Do you wear a name tag at work? no

19. What kind of car do you want? a jag

20. What do you order when you go to Burger King? water