no time...

friday fill-ins

Join in the fun here!

1. I need a manicure, my nails are a disaster.

2. Working with the 2012 Maine Teacher of the Year proves how lucky we were.

3. A great deal is irresistible.

4. I love iced coffee in a big tall glass.

5. It was announced over and over.

6. A perfect steak needs no steak knives.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching taped shows, tomorrow my plans include potentially breakfast with my bestie and Sunday, I want to get ready for a road trip with my niece!

just finished reading...

Meeting the man of your dreams at your girl's night out bachelorette party is hardly perfect timing. I love all the characters in this book although it kind of felt like I needed a scorecard at times. This is classic chick-lit: a romantic comedy that has laugh out loud funny lines and an endearing heroine. Poppy struggles with her decision to escape Bristol after calling off her wedding on the morning of. It's a quick read but I didn't want it to end. It was very enjoyable, I will definitely read more by Jill Mansell.

george not included...

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 feet. I'm not ready to put my sandals away.

ebay...

My latest Miche shell.

this was me today...

tradition

Here's a 2-minute video about Harvest Break. And this is a link to a newspaper article/blog post about the break.

With a Paul Cyr photo:

just finished reading...

Angel Robinson is a voracious reader, a lover of books, a lover of the written word. When she begins working at a literary agency, it seems like a good fit. Blind Submission tells the story of Angel, overwhelmed by the demands and stresses of the job; coworkers who drive her crazy; a would-be writer boyfriend; and several writers in need of constant care. It is an insider's view of the literary world. Eventually, an anonymous mystery shows up on Angel's desk. The parallels between the blind submission and her own life wreak havoc on Angel and those closest to her.

I liked the characters and the insider glimpse at the literary world. I liked the fast-paced story. I liked the snippets of submissions that Angel is forced to read for her job. And I liked that it kept me guessing. It's not a great book but it is fun.

true...

ten things tuesday...

Ten things that begin with the letter G:

1) Giraffes: they are one of my animal totems.

2) Google: Celebrating it's 13th birthday today. I use it multiple times daily.

3) Giggling: Nothing makes me happier than making macho teenage boys giggle. It's one of the happiest sounds on earth.

4) Glee: I'm a Gleek, I admit it freely. I think the show is incredibly clever and rather spot on when it centers on high school drama.

5) Gnomes: Really, need I explain this?

6) Girlfriends: I have some amazing girlfriends, and include my sisters in this.

7) Gifts: I love getting the right thing for the right person. I would one day love to be a personal shopper. Of course, getting gifts is nifty, too.

8) Goof: there are moments of the day that I completely goof up what I was trying to be so smooth about. I can't imagine working in an environment where I was unable to laugh at myself. I like to show my students that it's ok to goof up. Just get over it!

9) Games: I love playing games. Unfortunately, I can be competitive. But it's usually all in good fun. Lately, I've been hooked on Facebook games (Farmville, Bejeweled) and some stuff on my iPad.

10) Guilt: This is a key word for my whole life. I feel guilty for being successful. I feel guilty for not being successful enough. I was raised Catholic.

BONUS: 11) George Clooney. I love him a little bit.

does it need an explanation?

just finished reading...

Brought together by the narrator, a recently deceased veterinarian named Helena Colden, this is the story of what is unsaid: all the ways we leave things unsaid and unspoken--to our loved ones and to ourselves. It also explores the relationship between the animal and human world. The secondary characters are compelling and I was caught up in their stories and how they wove together.

I liked how it turned from a story of grief into a courtroom procedural and that the intensity built naturally. I liked the non-human characters and the interdependence of them with the humans.

I haven't been moved to tears by a book in a long time; I found myself sniffing at the end. It is a beautiful book.

the autumn leaves color test

You Are Bright and Brilliant

You tend to fall in love easily and stick with the one you've chosen. You were born to love. You are a natural writer of all sorts. You are equally suited writing essays, journals, and fiction. You are a comfort to those around you. You make others feel at ease simply by being you. You have an active imagination and intuition. You have a very fluid way of thinking.

The Autumn Leaves Color Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

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: That Meme That's Going Around

A. Age: 45

B. Bed size: full

C. Chore that you hate: all of them... putting clean dishes away

D. Dogs: I love them

E. Essential start to your day: Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee

F. Favorite color: I like earthy tones

G. Gold or Silver: meh

H. Height: 5 foot 5

I. Instruments you play: I play a mean tambourine

J. Job title: High School Social Studies Teacher

K. Kids: this year I have 98 and I know all their names

L. Live: yes, please

M. Mother's name: Mum

N. Nicknames: I have a couple

O. Overnight hospital stays: just when I had pulmonary emboli

P. Pet peeve: intolerance

Q. Quote from a movie: "What if this is as good as it gets?"

R. Right or left handed: right

S. Siblings: three older sisters with an exceptionally close relationship

T. Time you wake up: naturally around 7ish

U. Underwear: always, I am not a commando kinda gal

V. Vegetable you hate: brussel sprouts and okra

W. What makes you run late: not much, I usually am punctual

X. X-Rays you've had: the usual--teeth, arm, chest, mammogram

Y. Yummy food that you make: not to brag or anything but I make good food when I actually cook or bake

Z. Zoo animal: giraffes or hippos

does that make me lazy?

saturday 9

I Put A Spell On You

1. If you could put a spell on someone, who would it be and why? oh, I donno, maybe George

2. If you could go back in time and relive one moment, what would it be? there were a couple of moments I would go back to revisit, they were incredible

3.If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? I wouldn't

4. What movie/TV character do you most resemble in personality? hmmm... Mr. Kotter from Welcome Back Kotter

5. If you could push one person off a cliff and get away with it, who would it be? I wouldn't

6. Name one habit you want to change in yourself. my slothful ways

7. Describe yourself in one word. mellow

8. List your top three memes that you like to respond to. Saturday 9, Sunday Stealing, and Friday Fill-ins

9. Why do you blog? it started as a therapy assignment... I was blocked with my regular journaling

the truth...

vaycay...

Since it is Harvest Break, I'm on vacation from school. For the uninitiated, Harvest Break is the annual letting out of school so students can help local farmers with the potato harvest. Back in the day, lots of kids actually worked with the farmers picking potatoes or working on harvesters. Now, kids just work their regular jobs or do nothing for the two or three week break. I wish we didn't have it anymore, I'd rather have the weeks subtracted from the end of the school year. But, it's tradition. And some traditions die hard. This year my school is taking just two weeks instead of three...

friday fill-ins

Join the fun here!

1. When I walk around my neighborhood I see some gorgeous houses.

2. Popcorn is my favorite thing to cook.

3. Life is beautiful.

4. My home environment makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

5. The potato is my favorite Autumn vegetable.

6. Laughter is better when it is spontaneous.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching movies, tomorrow my plans include breakfast with my bestie and Sunday, I want to take a road trip with no particular place to go!

hp love

Because I'm on vacation for two weeks.

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Indecision.

reading...

finished reading...

From the publisher:

She can hear the music in peoples' souls.

Mary Beth and her younger sister Leeann are trying to support themselves in their small Southern hometown. So Mary Beth works to make ends meet by practicing her own unique talent: "song reading." By making sense of the song lyrics people have stuck in their heads, Mary Beth can help people make sense of their lives. In no time, Mary Beth's readings have the entire town singing her praises, including the handsome scientist Ben, who falls hard for Mary Beth and her unearthly intuition.

What happens when she can't make out the lyrics?

When Mary Beth reveals a long-muted secret in the community, however, she turns off the music and gives up song reading for good. Soon everyone's lives are out of tune: Leeann worries she'll never graduate from high school, and Ben can't conduct his experiments. Without Mary Beth's music the town's silence is louder than ever. Could it be that all the lyrics to all those foolish love songs really aren't so foolish after all?

It was a quick read. I think it's considered Young Adult. What I liked were the characters, the narration, and the premise. Music was threaded throughout the story, it was almost a character too. I didn't like the abrupt ending.

I am interested in what my nieces would say about it. I'll have to suggest the book to them.

ten things tuesday...

Ten things:

1) We have one more day of school with students this week. Then a workshop day. Then Friday off. I can't wait. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day.

2) I'm getting my hair done on Friday. I can't wait.

3) It doesn't look like I'm going to get to see The Help while it's at the local theater. I should just put on my big girl panties and go by myself, but not only do I not want to go by myself, I don't want to go out after school. Maybe it's a rut that I really just want to go home and decompress after school.

4) Where has September gone? How is it almost the end of September? Wow!

5) I'm not really excited for any of the new shows this season. I can't wait for Glee but I just am not into other shows. A giant meh.

6) I should have gone to school over the weekend to catch up on some grading. But I didn't. Now I'm under the crunch.

7)

8) I have therapy this week. I have some stuff to process. But I'm in a really good space right now. I'm rockin' at school--feeling creative and productive.

9) I'm sad about putting my summery clothes away.

10) I miss my sisters.

if only it's me...

Thanks to the Fish!

make sure...

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Lower 40 Meme, part two

21) Have you ever flown a kite? oh yes, it's delightful! I had a collection of kites, my favorite being a box kite, but I haven't flown in a couple of years.

22) Do you wish on your fallen lashes? no, I've never heard of it

23) Do you consider yourself successful? yes

24) When was the last time that you made an obscene phone call? never

25) Have you ever asked for a pony? no

26) Plans for tomorrow? school

27) Can you juggle? no, but I wish I could

28) Missing someone now? my sisters

29) When was the last time you told someone "I love you"? Friday

30) And truly meant it? I don't say it unless I mean it

31) How often do you drink alcohol? very rarely

32) How are you feeling today? tired

33) Have you every tried to write a meme? yes

34) Have you ever been fired from a job? no

35) What are you looking forward to? my nap in a few minutes

36) Have you ever crawled through a window? yes

37) What's the most recent bad meal that you had to endure? uhmmmmm... I can't recall

38) Can you handle the truth? yes

39) Whose to blame for what's going on? depends on what's going on

40) What will it take to fix it all up? patience

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.

fresh

My fresh pedicure color: No Spain No Gain. Probably my last pedicure of the season. Sad.

desire...

Rattle & Hum is on tv now. What a trip down memory lane.

saturday 9

Tuesday Afternoon

1. Where will you be and doing this Tuesday afternoon? I'll be at school, but the back of my mind will be thinking about my Ten Things Tuesday

2. Do you belong to any group(s)? yes

3. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? (If the answer is "it depends," on what does it depend?) didn't I answer this last week?

4. Is there a role you naturally put yourself while adapting when in group situations? usually I am a facilitator--I keep things going

5. In business or formal situations, do you mind hugs or are you offended if it goes past a handshake? I don't mind

6. Do you find what we'd call “ice breakers” a playful way to build community in a lighthearted manner, or a complete and utter hell of forced fun and awkwardness? utter hell of forced fun

7. What word do you use far too frequently? "really"

8. What word do you use not frequently enough? I can't think of anything

9. What word do you use when swearing is not appropriate? booger

friday fill-ins

Join in the fun here!

1. Why do I have so many scarves.

2. Fall is here to stay.

3. By far the most important event of the week was my friend's award.

4. Describing American. It can be tricky.

5. But when will the sun shine again.

6. It has rained for the longest time.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Maggie, tomorrow my plans include a pedicure and Sunday, I want to rest and relax!

proud moment...

My friend and colleague was awarded the 2012 Teacher Of The Year for Maine today. It was a real celebration of her. I couldn't be more proud of her. She so deserves this award. What a thrill. Here's the article from the D.O.E. (she's on the right)

sleep is the cure..

I am feeling so much better today. I can't get over the difference. Sleep is restorative, that's for sure. Now it's all down hill to the weekend!

just curious...

Cake or pie?

For me, it's cake all the way! Particularly chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

ten things tuesday...

Will have to wait. I don't feel up to it right now. But I'll be back.

finished reading...

From the publisher:

Three women arrive at the local airport, observed by Josh, a Nantucket native home from college for the summer. Burdened with small children, unwieldy straw hats, and some obvious emotional issues, the women— two sisters and one friend—make their way to the sisters' tiny cottage, inherited from an aunt. They're all trying to escape from something: Melanie, after seven failed in-vitro attempts, learned her husband was having an affair, and then discovered she's pregnant; Brenda embarked on a passionate affair with an older student that got her fired from her prestigious job as a professor in New York; and her sister Vicki, mother to two small boys, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Soon Josh is part of the chaotic household, acting as babysitter, confidant, and, eventually, lover.

I haven't quite made up my mind about this book. What I liked: the relationships between the women was authentic. The sister dance felt real. Each of them took turns being the third wheel. I liked the setting. Nantucket is as much a character as any of the people. What I didn't like: the author's style of writing. Since there are no actual chapters, the delineation bounces between point of view and it isn't smooth. I didn't like the men. Other than Josh. So, yeah, there were things I did like and things I didn't like.

sicko

Whammo! Sick with a cold. Holy moly but I feel terrible. Bad enough that I took tomorrow off from school. I need rest and rest and more rest. Starting now, with a nap.

remember...

America Remembers

Let us never forget September 11, 2001. The CNN site, 'America Remembers,' is a companion to the in-depth television special, "America Remembers." The sections on 'The Day,' 'The Faces,' 'The Cleanup, 'Fighting Terror,' and 'A Changed World' all have individual timelines as well as special reports and photo galleries. The 'News Headlines' will give you the latest on the proposed memorials and commemorative events. The entire site is a well-done tribute to the victims, the rescue workers and to the American public in addition to serving as a chronological recap of the events that will never be forgotten.


REPOST

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Lower 40 Meme, part one

1) Who is the last person you high-fived? a student at school

2) If you were drafted into a war, would you survive. nope

3) Do you sleep with the TV on? I don't have a TV in the bedroom

4) Have you ever drunk milk straight out of the carton? no

5) Have you ever won a spelling bee? yes, in middle school I was a champ

6) Have you ever been stung by a bee? oh, yes

7) How fast can you type? pretty fast

8) Are you afraid of the dark? no

9) Eye color: dark green

10) Have you ever made out at a drive-in? no

11) When was the last time you chose a bath over a shower? oh, it's been a very long time

12) Do you knock on wood? occasionally

13) Do you floss daily? no

15) Can you hula hoop? no

16) Are you good at keeping secrets? sure

17) What do you want for Christmas? world peace

18) Do you know the Muffin Man? I do

19) Do you talk in your sleep? no

20) Who wrote the book of love? the monotones

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.

a facebook meme

Swiped from Bev:

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? a drink of water

2. Where was your profile picture taken? it's a cartoon

3. Can you play Guitar Hero? I've never tried

4. Name someone who made you laugh today. Troy at Shop'n Save, we were reminiscing about the years we worked together

5. How late did you stay up last night and why? I think it was about 10:30 last night

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you? sure--especially somewhere with milder winters

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? I have, I've even seen fireworks when kissed

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you on facebook? downstairs neighbor

9. Do you believe exes can be friends? sure

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper? love it

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? I don't remember

12. Who was the last person you took a picture of? my niece and I went in a photobooth at the mall in Virginia

13. Was yesterday better than today? What happened yesterday? no, I like to think every day is better than the day before

14. Can you live a day without TV? sure

15. Are you upset about anything? no

16. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? sure

17. Are you a bad influence? no, I'm actually a role model (so I've been told)

18. Night out or night in? in

19. What items could you not go without during the day? school laptop

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

21. What does the 20th text message in your inbox say? I don't text

22. How do you feel about your life right now? it's great

23. Do you hate anyone? no

24. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find? I don't even know--probably messages from my sisters

25. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? definitely

26. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? yes... but I am far from it

27. What song is stuck in your head? huh, none is right now

28. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be? I don't want anyone knocking on my window at 2:00am

29. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? no

30. Name something you have to do tomorrow. nothing!!!

31. Do you think too much or too little? sometimes I get into thought spirals but lately I've been good about not doing that

33. Do you smile a lot? I try to, my relaxed face is too serious I've been told

today was busy...

I've been so productive today that I don't know what's gotten into me. But Sir Pooh has got it right.

saturday 9

Ready Or Not

1. When severe whether happens, generally speaking, are you ready for it? sure, as prepared as I need to be

2. If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would it be? to play guitar

3. What do you strive for in life? maintaining my independence

4. If you were given a vacation home and you could have it anywhere, what location would you choose? oh... coastal Maine--close to a beach

5. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? If the answer is "it depends," on what does it depend? it depends on a social or work situation--generally, though, I am energized while it's going on and totally wiped out when it's over

6. When you're sick do you take "sick days" or do you force yourself to continue working? usually I force myself to continue...

7. What is your absolute favorite piece of furniture you have and why? uhmmmmmmmmmmmmm... my bed because I adore naps and curling up under the blankeys

8. When you go out, where do you like to go? What do you like to do? I don't really go out to socialize, but when I do go it is usually for a meal

9. How's life? Is it treating you well right now? it's great! I'm having an awesome start to the school year

tonight...

Reeses miniatures will be consumed. Oh yes, they will.

friday fill-ins

Join the fun here!

1. Do they have masseurs in heaven.

2. Today; it was as if the clock stopped.

3. That was a a quick trip to get my car serviced.

4. Those clothes seemed so comfortable.

5. As I said, it was a "long ass" day.

6. My weekend needs some new twist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to crashing and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include laundry and shopping and Sunday, I want to read a good book (like Harry Potter #6)!

keep calm...

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 inconvenience of a headlight out.

too funny...

I came into the classroom just as the bell rang and three sixteen year olds were huddled around the fan...

now i know my abc's

A - Age:
45

B - Bed size:
full

C - Chinese Food Dish:
sesame chicken

D - Dentist name:
Doctor

E - Early Bird or Night Owl?
early bird

F - Favorite color:
beige

G - Gold or Silver:
gold

H - Height:
five foot five

I - Ink as in tatto's you have:
2

J - Job title:
high school social studies teacher

K - Kitchen Meal or Restaurant?
restaurant

L - Living arrangements:
happily living alone

M - Month of birth:
October

N - Nicknames:
several

O - On time or late:
on time or early

P - Pet Peeve:
random stupid songs stuck in my head

Q - Quote from a movie:
"What if this is as good as it gets?"

R - Right or left handed:
right

S - Siblings:
3 older sisters

T - Time you wake up:
5:30

U - Urgent thing on your to do list:
uhmmmmm... nothing urgent

V - Vegetable you dislike:
brussel sprouts

W - Wishing for:
sun

X - X-rays you've had:
teeth, lungs, both arms

Y - Yummy food you make:
ginger chicken delight

Z - Zoo Favorite:
giraffe

ten things tuesday...

In honor of being off to such a great school year, here are ten reasons I love teaching:

1) I can be creative. I have to be creative. Keeping teenagers' attention is tough.

2) Students often have unusual perspectives. Their world view is influenced in a different way than mine is.

3) Even though I teach multiple classes of the same content, no two classes are ever alike. Partly because of #2.

4) It gives me a valid excuse to correct people’s grammar.

5) Maybe, just maybe, I might influence someone to pick up a book or look up an interesting fact.

6) I feel like I'm giving them actual skills to face their futures--whatever that may be. I'm glad it's more than just a job.

7) I get to learn. A lot.

8) Technology is fun. Once I get used to it. Although if photocopiers count as technology--it's WAR!

9) I get to laugh. With and at. It's particularly fun to pun.

10) I'm good at it. Most of the time.

labor day

Spent time today helping Dad clear out his basement from the water he's got down there. Since it has rained all summer, the ground is saturated and thus the water problem. My sister, niece, and their cleaning lady made a brigade to haul stuff out of the way. And, I can honestly see where my hoarding tendencies come from. It was overwhelming to haul all the decorative stuff out of there. Some is water-damaged beyond repair but a lot was just... stuff. Lots went but a lot of artwork was saved. My Labor Day actually consisted of labor.

But, of course, that led to a nap.