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 two spoke to me.

8/31

Today is a lot of happy, which is wonderful since it's the final day of the Happiness Challenge! I'm happy it's a holiday weekend. I'm happy I got a fresh manicure and pedicure! I'm happy I got to spend some much-needed time catching up with my bestie and we had a really yummy dinner!

This month has flown by; I can't believe it's the end of the Challenge. I'm happy to report that it was never a struggle to find happiness in each day. Most days I had several happy moments from which to choose.

saturday 9

Come Monday

1) What will you be doing come Monday (Labor Day)? I have nothing planned

2) This song is about a performer who is "heading up to San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend show." When you think of San Francisco, what's the first thing that comes to mind? steep hills and trolleys

3) As he sings, Buffett tells us he's wearing Hush Puppies casual shoes. What's on your feet as you answer these nine questions? my feet are bare *insert toe wiggles*

4) So many Jimmy Buffett songs take place on or around the water. When was the last time you were on a boat? oh, wow, I can't even remember... it's been more than a decade, I believe

5) Everyone knows Jimmy Buffett can write music, but he also has more than half a dozen books to his credit. What's the last book you read? I started reading my September book group selection Reconstructing Amelia last night, I hope to finish it this week

6) Jimmy's persona is that of a simple beach bum, but in reality he's a conglomerate, with his own beverage company, more than a dozen restaurants and a couple hotels. He's so successful he has several homes, including a luxury mansion in the Hamptons! If you, like Buffett, could just take off and spend Labor Day weekend anywhere, where would you go? Who would you take along? I actually like just hanging around on Labor Day

7) This weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? yes

8) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. Yet this Recession has taken its toll on many of us laborers. Sam's brother, a movie projectionist, hasn't worked full-time in his chosen profession in more than a year. Is anyone close to you struggling with unemployment or underemployment? (If so, they are in our thoughts this weekend, too.) does it count that I'm working without a contract??

9) Onto something happier ... Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the new school year. When she was a kid, Samantha was crazy for her brand new box of 96 Crayola Crayons. It even had a sharpener in the back! What do you remember about preparing to go back to school? If you're a parent with schoolage kids, are they ready? I still get a giddy rush when it's back to school time--I LOVE shopping for supplies for my classroom (even though I spend my own money)

8/30

Today I'm happy just because I'm happy. The weather cooperated, my students did their thing, I got a lot of work done, and casual Friday tops it off!

8/29

Some former students who are off to college stopped by to visit me today. They had a hard time saying goodbye. Not just to me, but to the familiarity of home. It was nice to visit with them. I miss them.

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:

Waiting for payday.

w.w.w. wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I started listening to My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke. And I'm still reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I started reading Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum.

• What did you recently finish reading? I'm embarrassed to say I have only made progress in the Dick Van Dyke book, I am so worn out from getting back in the groove of school, I just can't keep my eyes open to read.

• What do you think you’ll read next? I need to read Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight for my September book group selection.

8/28

Before school this morning a student I had last year came in to visit me. This kid comes from a really shitty home life. This kid hates school. This kid will be a first generation high school graduate if he makes it. He had hoped to transfer to a job training program/school but has to go to jail shortly for something or other. It meant a lot to me that I was a person who connected him to school, to learning, and to the opportunities that an education affords. It meant a lot that he came to visit, that I am a safe person for him to spend time with in the chaos that is his life. These are the unintended consequences of my job.

8/27

Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake ice cream makes me happy. I've said it before, I'll say it again.

ten things tuesday

Ten things in my freezer:

1) A pint of Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake ice cream.

2) Two pot pies that a local bistro served.

3) Butter.

4) Boneless chicken breasts.

5) Luigi's Italian Ice cups in cherry.

6) Two Kashi Chicken Florentine entrees.

7) Organic beef steak.

8) Green beans.

9) Broccoli in cheese sauce.

10) Newman's Own Beef Bolognese Complete Skillet Meal

8/26

Today I'm happy I forced myself to go to knitting class. I'm so tired, I almost skipped it to go to bed super-early, but, the camaraderie was awesome. I love knitting. And I know I don't need to keep taking the classes, I just like the dedicated support.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

First week of school is behind us. It drives me crazy when students refuse to read. The librarian does a great job of featuring all sorts of books and highlighting different themes and authors. How can kids today say they don't like to read? That there's nothing to read? I read a lot of YA lit and I know from experience that there is a lot of good stuff out there. Reading for pleasure is one of life's greatest treasures!

8/25

Today I am happy that I could have conversations with my far away sisters and their kids via BookFace. I love keeping in touch with them, it makes me feel closer. Even though I just saw them last week, I miss them terribly.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Young At Heart Meme


1. Are you a young heart or an old soul? I am an old soul who is young at heart

2. What makes someone a best friend? understanding and a sense of humor

3. What Christmas present do you remember the most? Oh, I get all kinds of fun Christmas gifts

4. Tell me a movie/song/TV show/playbook that has changed your life. What Not To Wear taught me how to dress to flatter my figure, and where I'm in public, it's important

5. Name one physical feature that you like about yourself and one that you dislike. I like my lips and I dislike my chins

6. Can money buy happiness? it can take some worries away, but I don't know if it buys happiness

7. What’s more important in a relationship: physical attraction or emotional connection? emotional connection

8. Is there anyone close to you that you know you can’t trust? no

9. Where was your favorite place to go when you were a little kid? to the playhouse in the back yard

10. Have you spent a night in the hospital? yes

11. Do you enjoy being only with 1-2 friends or with a large group of people? depending on the situation, both

12. Have you ever been bullied? yes

13. If your partner wanted to wait until marriage until having sex, would you stay in that relationship? yes

14. Do you believe in God? not in a traditional sense

15. Out of all the social networks in the world why use a blog? it's like a journal

16. What is your quirkiest habit? oh, I have too many to list

17. What is normal? Are you normal? I'm normal for me

18. Someone close to you is dying! You have the choice to let this person live for 10 more years but if you do you cause the death of 10 strangers. I would lovingly say goodbye to my dying loved one.

19. What is one thing you could never forgive? I don't know... forgiving is more about me than about what's been done to me

20. When you’re alone in your own home, do you talk out loud to yourself? no

21. Who is your favorite super hero? Underdog

22. Could you be in a long distance relationship? yes

23. Do you know what makes you happy? little things

24. Who was your first crush? my childhood next door neighbor

25. Where is your favorite place to go out and eat? Cafe Sorpreso, for lunch

26. Are you an early bird or night owl? early bird

27. Give me an unpopular opinion you have. I enjoy reality TV, or rather, unscripted TV

28. Do you believe in giving kids medals and trophies for participation? NO

29. What song best describes your life right now? MmmmBop

30. How do you express your creativity? teaching

31. Describe your neighborhood. I live next door to a church, across the street from a church, also across the street from the post office which is next door to the funeral home... it's a busy street

32. Give me the story of your life in 6 words. I finally graduated from therapy!

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.

8/24

It's balloon festival weekend--this floated over my place.

saturday 9

Easy Lover

1) This song is about a heartbreaker who just can't commit. Have you ever fallen for an "easy lover?" yes, it broke my heart

2) This song is one of Crazy Sam's "earwigs." Each time she hears it, it bores in and stays in her head forever! (Hear it here, if you dare!) Do you have a song like that? almost any Madonna song

3) Both Phil Collins and Philip Bailey* have stars on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Have you ever visited Hollywood? no

4) Hollywood is the movie capital of the world. What's the last movie you saw in the theater? I think it was Les Miserables

5) Phil Collins was a child actor in his native England, appearing onstage in musicals like Oliver! Can you think of another child performer who went on to entertainment industry success as an adult? Neil Patrick Harris!

6) Philip Bailey joined Earth, Wind & Fire while still in college, so he's been a performer throughout his working life, as well. Have you ever been tempted to try your hand at show biz? I was a radio DJ during my college years

7) Is there a profession that you never, under any circumstances, want to try? there are many! I would be a terrible garbage pick up person

8) What are you looking forward to right now? enjoying the weekend!

9) Do you suffer from trypanophobia (fear of needles/injections)? Or can you bravely donate blood or get a shot, without freaking out? Hey--it's a phobia I don't have!!!


*Well, Earth Wind & Fire has a star.

is it?

Is it considered a nap or going to bed ridiculously early at 7 o'clock on a Friday?:-)

— Kwizgiver (@Kwizgiver) August 23, 2013

8/22

I took some time for myself.

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:

Humidity causing swelling in my ankles and feet.

8/21

These women delight me. I am so happy when we are together.

w.w.w. wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I started listening to My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke. And I'm still reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I started reading Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum.

• What did you recently finish reading? I haven't read a single page for pleasure in the past week. School's back in session and there have been happy family events!

• What do you think you’ll read next? I keep adding and adding to my piles--I need to finish what I've started!

8/20

What has made me super happy the past week is this happy couple's celebration. My sisters have been in town to celebrate and family time is a premium.

ten things tuesday

Ten of the apps I use frequently on my iPod.  The calendar, YouTube, The Weather Channel, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Gratitude, Dropbox, and Amazon Cloud Player.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

I hate when life gets in the way of my reading.

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.

8/19

Today was the first day of school. I was (mostly) prepared and everything went smoothly. Of course, all the kiddos were on their best behavior. But things look good.

8/18

Spent the whole day with my sisters and parents. I wish we could create our own family compound to live together.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Let Me Give Your Heart A Break Meme 

Do you prefer a lot of ice in your drinks or just a little bit of ice? just a little bit
Which condiment (ketchup, mustard, etc.) do you use the most of? Ketchup
Does war scare you? yes, it does
Do you know any songs that are older than you are? many!
Are you comfortable sharing drinks with your friends? not so much with my friends as I am with my family
What season were you born in? fall
Have you ever spent over $100.00 on an article of clothing? What was it? a winter coat
Do you think you’re too hard on yourself sometimes? I often think I am
What pizza place do you usually order from? a local joint called The Pizza Box
Honestly, have you ever mooned or flashed somebody? I have flashed someone that wasn't paying attention/looking and didn't notice
Do you have a least favorite color? yellow
Honestly, have you ever written something on a bathroom stall? no
Who do you consider to be the king of pop? well, I always thought Elvis was
Do you know all of the words to any children's song? several thanks to riding the school bus on field trips
Can you name 3 purple foods? Concord grapes, eggplant, purple peppers
When was the last time you made a pinky promise? Thursday, I think
What celebrity do you wish would have a big comeback? Zsa Zsa Gabor, I love her name!!!!!
Do you think your parents know things about you that you don’t want them to? hahaha... no
Have you ever walked into a spider web? yes, I hate the feeling
What grocery store do you usually get your food from? a local market
What would be your happily ever after? I don't know yet
When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? Friday
Who is the worst driver you know? Denise
How about the best driver? Val
Are you shorter or taller than most of your friends? I'm actually in the middle
Do you know anybody who was born on a holiday? several people
What is one thing you really don’t like sharing? money
Have you ever been hit on through text message? no
What was the last junk food you ate? I had an ice cream for supper
Do you prefer sweet or sour candy? chocolate
What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed? I had a "swig" of wine at the wedding reception this afternoon
Currently waiting on something/someone? nope
What was the last thing you watched on television? Watch What Happens Live on Bravo on Wednesday
How old will you be in 12 months? 48
Do you sleep naked? we're all naked under our clothes
Have you ever held hands with someone in a car? yes
Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette? yes!
What do you say during awkward silences? nothing
When will you next see the last person you texted? tomorrow morning
Honestly, when is the last time you have been to Texas? I've never been

8/17

Today my god-daughter niece got married in a very personal ceremony. They wrote their own vows and the officiant knew them and customized everything. Such a great family gathering.

saturday 9

Cowboy Casanova

1) The singer tries to warn her friend against a neighborhood Lothario. Do you advise your friends when it comes to love? Or do you stay out of it? I stay out of it

2) This song is about the hot guy "leaning up against the record machine." Does your favorite restaurant or bar still have a juke box? unfortunately, no

3) Carrie is an American Idol winner. Have you ever gone online or picked up the phone and voted for a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol or any similar show? I have voted for American Idols

4) Carrie graduated magna cum laude and majored in journalism, yet instead of being a reporter, she's a country music superstar. How similar are your life/career today to the way you envisioned them when you were 21? well, I was getting my degree in education but I took a twisty path to get where I am today

5) Carrie also competed in beauty pageants and was a runner up for Miss NSU (Northeastern State University). If you were a contestant in a pageant, what would you do for the talent competition? I would... nap? Is napping a talent?

6) This December, Carrie is scheduled to star in a televised remake of The Sound of Music. Do you have any year-end plans? I just bought tickets to see Elvis Costello in mid-November, does that count??

7) She is married to NHL player Mike Fisher, center for the Nashville Predators. What's your favorite professional sports team? I'm a New England fan through and through (except for the Celtics, I don't like them)

8) Hockey is a tough game! Do you currently have an owie or an ouchie or a boo-boo that requires a bandaid? no, I do not

9) Summer brings a lot of power outages and brown outs. Do you have a flashlight? If so, have you checked the batteries? I haven't checked the batteries per se, but I have used it recently

8/16

I got my tickets to see Elvis Costello.

8/15

It was nice to see my teacher-friends. Lots of catching up. I work with incredible people.

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:

Waiting for the Freshman Orientation to be over so I can see my sisters. I don't teach any Freshmen so this is kind of a waste of time for me.

twittascope

Today's Twittascope: O.M.G. but this is eerily accurate!

Thursday, August 15, 2013 - You know what's expected of you today, but you may have other things that you would rather do. Meeting your obligations can be draining because you don't want to waste your time on anything that's not important to you. Conserve your energy to connect with a special someone or just to enjoy some downtime by yourself. Paradoxically, maintaining sensible boundaries now widens your horizons in the long run.

8/14

Last day of vacation. I spent it sleeping in, knitting, and watching all my DVRd shows. It was partly rainy, so I didn't feel guilty wasting the day. It was fun.

w.w.w. wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I started listening to My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke. And I'm still reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I started reading Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum.

• What did you recently finish reading? I finished Thinking of You by Jill Mansell, and loved it.

• What do you think you’ll read next? I keep adding and adding to my piles--I need to finish what I've started!

8/13

Once again I had a delicious lunch at Cafe Sorpreso. But what really made me happy was sitting there for hours with my friends just yakking and laughing away. It's our last leisurely lunch before school begins. We made it count.

ten things tuesday

Ten things I take for granted, living in a rural region.

1) Night skies. I can see the stars. I can see the Northern Lights. Regularly.

2) Wild animals. There are more moose, deer, and bears here than people. I see foxes, bunnies, and other beautiful creatures.

3) Domestic animals. I saw an ad on TV that had a rooster crowing and it made me realize there are people in this country who have not seen or heard roosters. Or seen and milked a cow or goat.

4) Lack of traffic.

5) Beautiful views. Lots of gorgeous fields and forests, rivers and lakes. Rolling hills and mountains. Fantastic sunrises and sunsets.

6) Fresh air. We rarely have any kind of air quality issues, mostly they are caused by forest fires.

7) Knowing people everywhere you go. It's kind of comforting to see familiar faces in random places.

8) Customer service. I find customer service to be friendlier and less rushed here. In most places. That's a generalization, for sure.

9) Oddball festivals. We're home to the Potato Blossom Festival, the Whoopie Pie Festival, the Moxie Festival (Moxie is a unique soft drink).

10) The pace. Things are slower here. There's something about visiting a fast-paced city that's exciting but the pace of life here at the end of the earth is much less stressful.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

I don't like snacking when reading. Not with a physical book nor an ereader. Especially not my Nook, I don't want to smear on the screen. Or get grains of salt or sugar on it. And I get grossed out when I read a physical book that's got schmutz in it.

8/12

I spent three-and-a-half hours in my classroom today. I don't feel overwhelmed, as I have in previous years. It was a good, productive day.

8/11

Yummy discovery!

laughing about it...

Found mojo to work in my classroom, loaded the car with things to take over. Forgot my keys! Oh well, it's a lovely day for a drive!

— Kwizgiver (@Kwizgiver) August 11, 2013

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Meme 325

Something that’s holding you back from achieving your dreams: me
Something you think you could win an award for: teaching
Something you fear more than anything: losing my independence
Something you wish people would understand: how difficult teaching is
Something that keeps you going everyday: Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee
Something amazing that happened last summer: my Institute professor told me that I need to score tests because I was so accurate
Something you hate that people say: "cray cray"
Something you refuse to pay money for: hugs
Something you wish you could have told that person that you never saw again: hello
Something that really stands out about last year: all the changes (new classroom, new courses)
Something you like that everyone else thinks is weird: napping
Something you do when you’re trying to calm down: ball and relax my fists
Something you do when you wake up at three AM: play games on the iPad
Something amazing that’s happened this year: students scored 3s on their AP exams
Something you love doing on cold rainy days: reading and napping, not at the same time
Something you listen to when you’re in a really good mood: U2
Something that irritates you more than anything: inconsiderate people
Something you’re addicted to/can’t stop doing: internet-related anything
Something that really stands out about you: wow--I don't know and I've been staring at this for about five minutes
Something about you that’s like everyone else: I am human
Something that makes you change the channel: screaming people
Something you think about every night before you go to sleep: what to wear the next day
Something that you don’t think will ever change about you: my hair style
Something about you that you think will soon change: going back to school will cramp my vacation style
Something that broke your heart as a child: having to give away my first dog, Figaro
Something that really sparks your interest: interesting people
Something that truly disgusts you: the political climate (local and national)
Something the opposite gender has complimented you on: my lips

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.

binge watching...

My eyes need a rest from the binge watching I've done today. This is fantastic! The BBC's Wallander with Kenneth Brannagh.

8/10

Knitting makes me happy.

saturday 9

Waking Up In Vegas

1) As she sings about her night in Las Vegas, Katy wonders if she "got hitched last night dressed up like Elvis." Tell us about the last wedding you attended. the last wedding I attended was my Pennsylvania Niece's wonderful wedding. It was outdoors and so beautiful. The reception was lovely. It was an amazing family time.

2) Whenever Crazy Sam visits Las Vegas, she stays at the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever been to Las Vegas, Nevada? What about Paris, France? I have been to Paris, France, but not to Las Vegas, Nevada.

3) Do you enjoy gambling? Have you had any success at it? I did nickle slots once and didn't win anything--I have no interest in gambling.

4) Las Vegas is served by the RTC Bus Service and the Vegas Monorail System connects many of casinos on The Strip. When was the last time you rode a bus or a train? wow--it's been so long I can't even remember!

5) It's not unusual for the mercury to hit 100º in Vegas in August. Which are you more comfortable in -- extreme heat or bone-chilling cold? neither is really comfortable but I'll go with bone-chilling cold since it's what I get

6) As a little girl, Katy Perry sang nothing but gospel. Do you remember any church songs from your childhood? I recall the refrains from a couple pretty songs from church

7) She made her film debut as the voice of Smurfette in The Smurfs (2011). Who is your all-time favorite cartoon character? Bugs Bunny

8) Do you consider yourself a picky eater? well... I have my moments

9) You receive an invitation to a party that starts at 7:00 PM. When will you arrive? oh, maybe 7:15 or so, actually it depends on the party...