day 30

Final day of the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your highs and lows of this month.

Highs:
*school is out
*Sting concert!
*Whoopie Pie festival
*finished my first sweater

Lows:
*dreary weather
*feeling guilty for having nothing to do

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: The Summertime Meme

1.) What first tells you that Summer is here? when school's out

2.) Name your five of your favorite distinctively Summer habits or customs. 1) no alarm clock 2) no pants--shorts/skorts or dresses only 3) catching up with infomercials 4) lazy days 5) afternoon naps

3.) What is your favorite smell of Summer? fresh flowers

4.) What is your favorite taste of Summer? fresh strawberries

5.) Favorite Summer memory? all of them

6.) Extreme heat or extreme cold? Which would you choose and why? I'd choose extreme cold because I can always put on more layers. I don't do well with the heat and humidity.

7.) What books do you plan to read for the season? a lot!

8.) What is your favorite part of summer? long days

9.) What's your favorite quintessentially summer food? Least favorite? fresh strawberries, least favorite is blueberries

10.) Best beverage to beat the summer heat: iced coffee

11.) Least favorite/most annoying thing related to summer? bugs

12.) Pick one: the lake /the beach. either

13.) Most amusing summer vacation trip you've ever taken? my family road trip adventure from two summers ago

14.) Most ridiculous/cringe-inducing/blush-provoking summer outfit you have seen? (Bonus points if you yourself were wearing it!) nothing I've worn comes to mind

15.) Your absolute dream summer afternoon would be lounging on the porch, being fanned by a cabana boy, sipping a cold adult beverage, knitting or reading

16.) If you could go anywhere on summer vacation where would you go? Ireland... or somewhere with my sisters

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.

are you good to yourself?

You Take Excellent Care of Yourself

You live in the present moment. You feel like it's a waste to dwell on the past. You don't let stress get to you. Life is too short to worry. You're proud of who you are, and that's all that really matters. You don't worry if others judge you. You put yourself first, and you are your own best friend. You know that your needs matter.

Are You Good to Yourself?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

do you have a good sense of humor?

You Have a Good Sense of Humor

You love to make other people laugh, and you're pretty darn good at it to. You are downright hilarious. You never let life get you down. When things go wrong, you can find at least one thing to laugh at. You are a positive and upbeat person. You have a sunny disposition and smile for everyone you meet. Even though you're funny, you still take your responsibilities seriously. You just take yourself lightly.

Do You Have a Good Sense of Humor?

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

saturday 9

Suit & Tie

1) When was the last time that you got dressed up, or to borrow from Mr. Timberlake, "fixed up to the nines?"

2) Justin Timberlake is known for his threads. Do you try to keep up with fashion trends? My niece's wedding in PA is the last special occasion I dressed up for

3) While on tour, Justin has a cigar roller on call so that he and the band can enjoy a "gentleman's club" atmosphere back stage. Do you enjoy the smell of a good cigar? I've never smelled a good cigar

4) Justin appeared on Star Search when still in grade school, and he's been working ever since. When Crazy Sam was that age, her only "job" was to load the dishwasher and for this she earned her $1/day allowance. Did you work when you were a kid? I had chores--we had a rotating schedule

5) JT has appeared several times on Saturday Night Live, a show that premiered before he was born. Who is your most favorite ever SNL castmember of all time? I loved the original cast--all of them are my favorites!

6) Justin is a very good golfer (6 handicap). Will you play this summer? no, but I will go to the clubhouse for lunch

7) A round of golf requires hours outside in the elements. Have you ever endured a painful sunburn? yes, I've had "degree" burns and blistered

8) When they were young, Justin dated Britney Spears. Obviously, it's been easy for him to keep up with her successes and problems over the years. Do you wonder how one of your exes is doing? Yes--he has no online presence

9) Ever since his days with N'Sync, Justin Timberlake has supported music education. Did your grade school offer music classes? If so, do you remember any of the songs you learned then? we learned traditional folk songs: This Land Is Your Land, America the Beautiful, She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain...

day 29

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Goals for the next 30 days.

I think I'm going to attempt a July blog challenge.

finished reading

The second installment of the series does not disappoint. It picks up where the first left off, so you definitely need to read them as a series. This time it's Reggie who gets caught up trying to solve the letter to Sherlock Holmes. The reader learns more about Reggie than Nigel this time around.

I think there was a missed opportunity by the author--to create the villain's name as an anagram, but overall I was not disappointed in the book. The ending is a taught thrill ride that left me wondering how it would all be wrapped up. The ending satisfied. And left me wanting more. I'll read the third installment soon.

Just a note, the books have been optioned to make a television series.

day 28

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Something that you miss.

I miss the structure of the school day. Sometimes having unstructured time makes me feel--well, I don't know what word other than agita. That hanging around and relaxing isn't doing enough. Guilty, maybe that's the word. Last summer I was on a schedule of studying before heading off to the Institute. But this summer I'm taking off. And I need it. So, maybe what I miss is the carefree feeling I had during summers off as a kid.

my new friend...

Carol Burnett and I are now friends. At least that's how I feel after listening to her audiobook This Time Together.

From the publisher:

Carol Burnett is one of the most beloved and revered actresses and performers in America. The Carol Burnett Show was seen each week by millions of adoring fans and won twenty-five Emmys in its remarkable eleven-year run. Now, in This Time Together, Carol really lets her hair down and tells one funny or touching or memorable story after another – reading it feels like sitting down with an old friend who has wonderful tales to tell.

In engaging anecdotes, Carol discusses her remarkable friendships with stars such at Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, and Julie Andrews; the background behind famous scenes, like the moment she swept down the stairs in her curtain-rod dress in the legendary “Went With the Wind” skit; and things that would happen only to Carol – the prank with Julie Andrews that went wrong in front of the First Lady; the famous Tarzan Yell that saved her during a mugging; and the time she faked a wooden leg to get served in a famous ice cream emporium. This poignant look back allows us to cry with the actress during her sorrows, rejoice in her successes, and finally, always, to laugh.

I was an avid fan of the Carol Burnett Show. I loved her and her zany cohorts. So I was excited to listen to her read from her memoir, based on the question and answer sessions she does on the road. I loved it!

bafab week!

First week of July is almost here. I need to order!

knittery

Finished my first sweater!

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:

Unfinished projects and no motivation to finish them.

day 27

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

A problem that you have had.

I have a problem with clutter. I've had the problem as long as I can remember--the state of my bedroom when I was a teenager was the constant battle in my family. I've learned that it's an OCD related issue. And I'm working on it.

day 26

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

What kind of person attracts you.

Interesting phrasing of this prompt. I'm attracted by people who are open and friendly. A sense of humor is nice. People who can have an actual conversation.

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm listening to Carol Burnett's This Time Together.

• What did you recently finish reading? I read The Violets of March by Sarah Jio and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.


• What do you think you’ll read next? I need to read the July book group selection: Islands In The Stream by Hemingway.

ten things tuesday

Ten cover songs I love:

1) Crazy: by Alanis Morrison. Originally by Seal

2) Every Little Thing (S)He Does Is Magic: by Shawn Colvin. Originally by The Pollice

3) I Need Love: by Luka Bloom. Originally by LL Cool J

4) Hurt: by Johnny Cash. Originally by Nine Inch Nails

5) Respect: by Aretha Franklin. Originally by Otis Redding

6) Hazy Shade of Winter: by The Bangles. Originally by Simon & Garfunkle

7) Jolene: by The White Stripes. Originally by Dolly Parton

8) Proud Mary: by Ike and Tina Turner. Originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival

9) Train in Vain: by Annie Lennox. Originally by The Clash

10) Have A Little Faith In Me: by Jewel. Originally by John Hyatt

day 25

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Someone who fascinates you and why.

I have a colleague who fascinates me. She's a middle-age, radical, liberal, socialist, vegan, hippie. We're in book group together and I've witnessed her transformation over the years. It's funny that when I love a book she won't love it, she might be "meh" about it. And that gives us a lot to talk about. She's striving to live an authentic life and I admire that.

just finished reading...

From the publisher:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

It's a story all high school students can relate to: feeling ostracized, stigmatized, rumor-ized. Sometimes it doesn't take much to bounce back from being "ized" but for some people, there is no bounce. Hannah Baker tells thirteen of the reasons she takes her life in a series of tape recordings. There is dual narration, which was authentic throughout the book. And there is a snowball effect that leaves a feeling of being trapped, like Hannah was.

I felt sorry for Clay. And I wondered what this book would have been like if told from any other tape recipient's point of view. How they may have rationalized their effect on Hannah.

It was compelling and I had a hard time putting it down. The companion website has some audio that enhances the experience.

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!

The book I am excited to read is released in 8 days: The Last Word: A Spellman Novel by Lisa Lutz. This series has been so quirky and funny that I even pre-ordered this latest installment.

day 24

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your favorite movie and what it's about.

I have a lot of favorite movies. There are different genres that appeal to me at different times. Four Weddings And A Funeral is a favorite of mine because it's got everything--laughter, tears, romance, celebration, and interesting characters.

It's about a group of friends, mostly told through the experiences of commitmentphobe Charles, who meets and falls for Carrie at a series of weddings and a funeral.

finished reading

This is a good summer read: romance, family mystery, and a great island/beach location.

From the editors:

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.

Emily's life stalled out. She retreated to Bainbridge Island-as much a character in the story as any person-to regroup and start her life over. My only quibble with the book is that the discovered journal reads like a narrative instead of a journal. But I enjoyed how the story lines overlapped.

Not high literature but a solid summer read. I liked it, not loved it.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: If I Won 100 Million Dollars Meme

What kind of car would you buy? a shiny Jaguar

Where in the country would you move to? I don't know that I would move right off, anyhow

What kind of house would you buy? something simple

Would you give your family any money? I would set up trusts for my nieces and nephews, and take care of my sisters and parents

What charity would you donate to? I would start my own charity

Would you give your friends any money? yes

Where would you go on vacation? Everywhere

What luxury item would you buy first? I don't know

Would it change your life? majorly

Would you save any of it? I'd invest properly

Would it change your current relationship? I hope not

Would you quit your job? yes

Would you ever work again? probably not

What one task would you never do again? I'd hire "people"

What dream of yours would you be able to do? all of them

Would you change the way you dress? doubtful

Would you change anything about your body? doubtful

Would you miss anything about not being rich? nothing comes to mind, but I'd try it

Who would be the first person you tell? a tax attorney

Would it bring you happiness? of course!

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.

day 23

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Give pictures of five guys who are famous who you find attractive.

Of course, George is #1

Alexander Skarsgard

Gerard Butler

Jesse L. Martin

Larry Mullen, Jr.

day 22

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

How have you changed in the past 2 years?

Professionally, almost everything has changed: my mentor/work husband retired, I moved into his classroom, and I picked up his course load. I attended an Advanced Placement Summer Institute so I am certified to teach AP Psychology. I created a syllabus and curriculum for the course. I also taught Psychology and Sociology semester courses for the first time. And I totally changed my relationship with my principal--we have a great working relationship now.

Personally, there have been changes: I discovered an ability for and a passion for knitting. I've broadened my social circles. I graduated therapy. I took a chance at dating, which didn't work out, but I learned a lot.

festival time

Today was the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. A bucket list item of mine. And a funny family joke.

Tokens were 25¢ each. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain when we got to the whoopie pie park (we were browsing the crafts vendors first) and people were jostling us like crazy and several bakers were out of funky samples (can you say Jalapeno-apple flavor?) but I did try some good standards.

We were drenched by the time we got back to the car but all said we would make the pilgrimage again. The rain didn't dampen our spirits!

saturday 9

Livin' On A Prayer

1) This song tells the tale of Tommy, who works on the docks, and Gina, who works in a diner. Where do you work? I teach high school

2) Jon Bon Jovi has said that he and Frank Sinatra are distant relatives. Tell us about one of your relatives. well, I'm actually distantly related to both Celine Dion and Madonna. More closely related to Madonna than Celine, but both are from my mother's side. Distantly related.

3) Jon and his high school sweetheart tied the knot in Vegas at the Graceland Wedding Chapel, and they remain married today. When you were in school, who did you fantasize about marrying? Where is that person today? I saw a guy walking down the street and declared to my friends that I would marry him. We dated for ten years, but alas, it didn't work out.

4) The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is devoted to supplying local food pantries and helping rebuild neighborhoods hit by natural disasters. Here's your opportunity to give a shameless plug to a charity you support. C-A-N-C-E-R which stands for Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery

5) Jon is often complimented on his hair. What's the most recent compliment you've received?

6) Everyone talks about their favorite vacation spots. But, since Sam is crazy, she wants to hear about a place you visited that you wish never to return to. Amsterdam, in The Netherlands, was the dirtiest city I've ever been to--I felt unsafe

7) When was the last time you played cards with an actual deck (as opposed to on your computer)? What game was it? last week I was playing Rummy with a student

8) Do you bite your nails? no, never have

9) Where are you as you answer these 9 questions? What's the view from where you sit? I'm looking at a chair covered in skeins of yarn

day 21

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

One of your favorite shows.

I'm actually watching re-runs of Friends right now.

summer kick off

The fangirl with ticket!

The blob is Sting!

He was in fine voice, sounding as good as (or better) than his recordings. It was a beautiful, starry night. Great friends, great music. A fine time was had by all.

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:

Trying to squeeze one more thing into an overnight bag. Me and my gadgets!

day 20

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

How important you think education is.

Well, since I'm a professional educator, I'd have to say I think education is very important.

finished reading

This is a great summer read. It's got all the elements of a beach book: fashion, cocktails, a touch of mystery, summer romance, and a glamorous beach setting. I got right into the story but there were a couple of slow points. I enjoyed the book and characters enough to keep reading and I'm glad I did. This would be a very fun summer book group selection. There is a literary quality to it--the Gatsby and Fitzgerald references as well as other artists and works.

From the publisher:

Half-sisters Cassie and Peck could not be more different. Cassie is a journalist with her feet firmly planted on the ground; Peck is an actress with her head in the clouds. In fact, the only thing they seem to have in common is their inheritance. Fool's House is a broken-down home in the Hamptons left to Cassie and Peck by their Aunt Lydia, a house that she decreed they must share. But Cassie and Peck can't afford the place, and they can't agree on what to do with it. Plus, along with the house, they've inherited an artist-in-residence and self-proclaimed genius named Biggsy who seems to bring suspiciously bad luck wherever he goes. Cassie and Peck try to figure out their Aunt Lydia's puzzling instructions to "seek the thing of utmost value" in the house, but as summer comes to a close, they seem no closer to coming to a decision.

I enjoyed it.

the watch

I know I'm a geeky nerd because I'm on Royal Baby Watch! I just can't wait until this bundle of joy joins the world. I am more excited about this baby than my friends' babies. I know that's "wrong." But I can't help it.

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm listening to Carol Burnett's This Time Together.

• What did you recently finish reading? I read The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek.


• What do you think you’ll read next? I'm going to read The Violets of March by Sarah Jio.

day 19

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Disrespecting your parents.

I can remember only one time I got angry with my father. It was about having green bean casserole for a holiday meal. I didn't like it so I didn't make it. And we had a major blowout over it. I remember being so mad! Other than that, I always defer to him.

ten things tuesday

Ten things:

1) School was weird today. The last day, an abbreviated schedule, few students. It felt like one major time suck, I was just waiting for the bell.

2) There are a lot of people I will miss. Among them some students. I had a really good year.

3) I'm really enjoying my iPod touch. It's handy and fun. I love the calendar. And camera.

4) Knitting class got rescheduled this week, from Monday to Tuesday. I originally had a schedule conflict but that conflict got rescheduled so I can go to knitting class. Which is good because I want to work on my sweater!!

5) The friend I'm going to see Sting with is way more anxious about it than I am. She's got every little detail planned--and if she hasn't said it out loud yet, she's got it planned in her mind.

6) I want the weather to cooperate. It is just 61 degrees and cloudy. I'd like it just a scooch warmer and maybe not cloudy.

7) Here is a stack of movies I have to watch (all from my dad's video library): Argo, Moonrise Kingdom, Wag The Dog, Life of Pi, Anna Karenina, Catherine the Great, Hyde Park on Hudson, and Lincoln. I think I've got some viewing to start doing!

8) I just had a mani/pedi:  OPI The Spy Who Loved Me (I wanted something flashy for summer)

9) I don't feel like having supper. But I'm hungry. I need a chef.

10) I can stay up late tonight. Late being a relative term. What I especially mean is that I can stay up later than 9 o'clock. My Virginia laughs at me because when we're BookFace chatting I always sign off then.

day 18

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your beliefs.

Hmmm... beliefs? I believe this school year is done! And I believe it's going to be a kick-ass summer!

can't wait

Getty images: Dimitrios Kambouris.
In what is being billed as a greatest hits tour, Sting will be joined by his longtime five-piece band, which consists of keyboardist David Sancious, Dominic Miller on guitar, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Peter Tickell on electric fiddle and Jo Lawry on background vocals.

THURSDAY!!!

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'm rather excited about the book group choices for this summer. We've got one classic: Islands In The Stream by Hemingway, then Rowling's The Casual Vacancy, and then Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. And the first two gatherings are at funky and fun local restaurants. One of the most fun parts of belonging to a reading group is selections of books I probably would not have picked up on my own. I read out of my typical genre. Like the Hemingway--I NEVER would have picked that up.

day 17

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your highs and lows of the past year.

I'm kind of drawing a blank on the lows of the past year--other than the run of the mill anxieties that are a constant companion.

The highs are plentiful--one of the biggest is my "graduation" from therapy. April was when my therapist said she didn't think she could offer any more to me, that I had met all my goals. My niece's wedding in Pennsylvania and the whirlwind trip that went with it was a high. Creating the three new classes and having five different preps all year was a high, kind of a low too with all the stress, but a high.

And I'm going to the Sting concert in a couple of days. And the Whoopie Pie Festival a couple of days after that.

the class of 2013

How exciting for the kids to start the next part of their lives. Graduation was a simple ceremony--no outside speakers, just the students, the principal and the superintendent. The entire celebration took an hour. And I didn't blubber like a baby, although my hugs made a couple of students cry. I am going to miss this class. They were my first Advanced Placement US History kids when they were sophomores and my first Advanced Placement Psychology when they were seniors. We got to share the academic adventures together! And now I release them to their higher education. I will miss them. I got to know them all so well. But we can keep touch through various social media networks. And they promise to come back and visit.

day 16

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your views on mainstream music.

Auto-tune is annoying. It's sad that artists today aren't celebrated for sounding like real singers. They are expected to put on a show--dancing and prancing around, instead of SINGING.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Weird Question Meme, part two

What is your ring size? depends on the finger

How often do you wear jewelry? every day, almost

When was the last time you consumed alcohol? Friday night, I had a glass of wine

Any big plans for the summer? I am officially taking the summer off from school-related things. My plans include going to little festivals around the state (like the Whoopie Pie Festival, the Moxie Festival...)

What is your favorite comfort food? mashed potatoes, plain potato chips, mac and cheese

Do you prefer broccoli or asparagus? usually asparagus

What color are your bedroom walls? off-white

With whom do you live? me, myself and I

Which Star Wars movie is your favorite? the originals

How about Harry Potter? Deathly Hallows part 1 and 2

What was the last movie you saw in theaters? Les Miserables, I think

Did you get the popcorn or candy? no, I got a bottle of water

What is the most romantic text in your inbox? "Add minutes of air time"

Have you ever played miniature golf on a date? yes, it was a lot of fun

What’s a phrase you overuse? lately it's been "lemme see"

Do you always use good grammar? I try to

Do you have an accent or a speech impediment? I don't think I have an accent and I don't have a speech impediment

What did you eat today? a granola bar and a handful of Reese's miniatures

What do you do at work? inspire a delight in all things social studies related

Do you know the rules to any sports? I know the rules to several sports

Do you prefer to watch or play sports? watch

What is your favorite kind of hat to wear? a hand knit hat

Do you pray? not so much

To whom do you pray? the powers that be

What is the closest mountain to your house? Quoggy Jo Mountain at the local State Park

What size engine is in your vehicle? V6

What do you need to do tomorrow? finish clearing out my classroom

postsecret

This week is all about Fathers. 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.

summer reads

My book group selected the following for our summer reads:

• July: Islands in the Stream by Ernest Hemingway on the 11th.

• August: The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling on the 1st.

The first two will be held at local eateries for lunch fun.  And we'll be back in school for the September meeting.  Blah.

• September: Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight on the 13th.

day 15

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your favorite Tumblrs.

Well, I don't really Tumblr, but my favorite blogs are in my sidebar.

saturday 9

Daddy's Back

If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) Crazy Sam's dad often traveled for business, and always remembered to bring her the little complimentary soaps or body lotions he got from the hotel. When you travel, do you bring back souvenirs? Send post cards? I like to buy myself a little something (scarf, necklace, earrings) to remember the journey

2) When you fly, do you prefer window or aisle? Or doesn't it matter? as long as I'm not in the middle, I don't mind

3) According to Askmen.com, Jim Anderson (Robert Young) of Father Knows Best is the best TV dad ever. Who is your favorite TV (or movie) dad? my favorite TV dad is Steven Douglass from My Three Sons

4) Sam's father was the family disciplinarian. What about you? Do you consider yourself a rule maker, a rule follower, or a rule breaker? depending on where I am, I am all three

5) Sam's father was the one who gave her driving lessons. Think back to your first few times behind the wheel. Were you a naturally good driver? not when I was younger, I was very very nervous--that's why I waited until I was an adult to get my license

6) This week's featured artist, Kenny Loggins, was born in Washington state. Have you ever lived in, or traveled to, any of our northern border states? (For those of you not as well versed in geography as Crazy Sam, that's AK, WA, MT, ND, MN, WI, MI PA, NY, VT, and ME.) I live in the Great State of Maine, aka The Great White North, along the Canadian border

7) As part of the duo Loggins and Messina, Loggins performed the song "House at Pooh Corner." Do you have a favorite character from the Winnie the Pooh books/movies? Pooh, but I am terribly fond of Piglet

8) The mercury is going to start rising. How hot is too hot for you? 85º? 95º? Or are you one of those "the hotter the better" people? I hate the heat... anything over 80 is toooooo hot!

9) To celebrate Father's Day, Sam is giving away her father's favorite candy: LifeSavers. Would you prefer a roll of Wild Cherry, or Butter Rum, or Winter Green or Peppermint? hmmm... I like them all!

giftie...

I put together a few gifties for some of my favorite seniors. A Wreck This Journal, a set of Sharpie pens, and a paisley jump drive!

day 14

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Your earliest memory.

Uhhhmmmmm, yeah... the memory from childhood that stands out the most was when I had my father do a one-handed cartwheel. I am not sure why this memory is so frozen in my mind, but I can recall that it was a Saturday afternoon and it was quite warm out. We were sitting at the picnic table, my mother on the bench, me on the ground in front of her--she was combing out my hair. Dad was home between the two masses he played the organ for and we were laughing and joking around. My mother said something about him being able to do a cartwheel and my older sisters all started throwing themselves around, trying to do them. Dad ended up taking his glasses off, I held them, and with one hand he held his tie to his shirt and the next thing I knew he was upside down and right side up.

I reminded him of this a few months ago. Of course, he didn't remember it but he loved that it was such a vivid memory for me.

knittery

Today, my knitting group (The Knotty Knitters) celebrated World Wide Knit in public day by meeting at Tim Horton's instead of our regular spot.

It was fun.

My friend Liz is knitting a shawl and had an adorable monkey with her. I couldn't resist!

shout out to The Gal

My blog buddy, The Gal Herself, has been in a bit of a slump this week, work-wise. So this picture is to cheer her up. I saw it originally on BookFace (which is what I accidentally called FaceBook and it stuck).

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 headache that goes with too much Chinese buffet for lunch and correcting essay exams.

day 13

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Somewhere you'd like to move or visit.

I would want to live in Ireland. I loved being there when I was in college. In 1987 the economy was terrible and my friends were bleak about their futures. Since then, the economy has turned around and now they're on the cutting edge of technology. It would be fun to go back during prosperous times. Economy aside, I enjoyed traveling around and visiting all the towns and villages. The people were so friendly. It felt like home. I loved being there. I will go back.

Another answer to this question is that I would like to settle half-way between my Pennsylvania and Virginia sisters. They're about five hours apart and it would be awesome to be the middle point. And winters wouldn't be as brutal, although the summers are hotter. So, I'll have to weigh the options carefully. But it would be cool.

day 12

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Bullet your whole day.

• Left the house at 6:57
• Dunkin' Donuts drive thru backed up
• Arrived at school 7:27
• Logged on grade book program
• Sorted first exam handouts
• 8:20 administered first exam
• 10:00 administered second exam
• 11:30 lunch with friends
• 12:30 back at the classroom, correcting and entering grades
• 2:00 colleague came in for a visit and we chatted for... about half an hour
• Corrected more essay exams (what was I thinking giving two essays??)
• Logged out of grade book program
• 3:10 left the building
• Arrived home at 3:35
• Updated computer (took forever)
• Downloaded music from Amazon Cloud onto iPod
• Pajamas on at 5:53
• Put together present that needs to be mailed tomorrow
• Chatting with my Virginia niece and sister via BookFace (for a few hours)

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm listening to Carol Burnett's This Time Together and I started The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek.

• What did you recently finish reading? I read the June reading group book: Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon. And I also read the delightful Baker Street Letters by Michael Robertson. What a fun first book in the series--I can't wait to read more!


• What do you think you’ll read next? I'm not sure, I'll be able to start vacation reading soon!

finished reading...

So glad I discovered this series! The first book kept me guessing as the brothers, Nigel and Reggie along with Laura and an interesting assortment of secondary characters kept the action going. Based on the premise that because Reggie rents office space where Sherlock Holmes resided, letters to Holmes are part of Reggie's lease agreement. Nigel is compelled to help one of the letter writers and it starts off the action.

I loved the relationship between Reggie and Nigel--brothers who love each other but are competitive since childhood. And I loved the relationship between the brothers and Laura--Reggie's love interest.

I can't wait to see where the series goes. It was such a fun read!

knittery

The body of my sweater is done. Now it's on to sleeves!

ten things tuesday

Ten random things:

1) I should have used the challenge post as my TTT.

2) I had two class periods without classes because the seniors are getting ready for graduation and practicing marching.

3) Although I had no classes, I had lots of students in the room hanging around.

4) My desk is cleaned off and ready to organize for the summer.

5) I finished the body of the sweater I'm knitting. Now it's on to the arms! But I need help with picking up the stitches, so I'll wait until my next knitting class to do that. Which bums me out because it's going to be a couple weeks.

6) I have an alternate project I'm working on, a scarf using gorgeous (gorgeousgorgeousgorgeous) yarn.

7) It just occurred to me that the reason the #1 movie in my Netfl*x list isn't being sent to me is because it's not available. Sheesh. What a bummer that it has taken me so long to figure that out. I had hoped to see the movie before my book group meeting.

8) Today I am meeting with next year's AP Psych class to issue their books and summer assignment.

9) One of my study hall students is such a little pip. He drives me nuts.

10) The classroom next door to mine is rowdy. Really rowdy.

day 11

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Put your iPod on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up.

1. Walk of Shame by Pink
2. So She by David Bowie
3. Let It Be by Terry McDermott (from The Voice)
4. Who's Thinking About You Now by Jason Mraz
5. No Questions Asked by Fleetwood Mac
6. Sara by Fleetwood Mac
7. Edge of Glory by the Glee Cast
8. Heal Over by KT Tunstall
9. Who's Loving You by Michael Buble
10. We Believe by David Cook

An interesting selection of songs.

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!

It bugs me when editions of books have different covers. Like a movie tie-inn cover. Sometimes I can't remember if I've read a book because the cover doesn't look familiar.

day 10

Join the June Challenge--this is today's prompt:

Discuss your first love and first kiss.

My first love and first kiss was with my next door neighbor, Mike. We were going to get married and live in his parent's basement (because it had carpeting). We used to smooch. We were 3. We were really close friends and our older sisters were best friends. We drifted during high school and then college. But through the magic of BookFace, we got back in touch and chit chat every now and again.

toys...

I've admitted before that I have no impulse control. Well, I bought an iPod Touch, it's yellow/green and I've had so much fun setting up the apps and customizing the screens.