what if this is as good as it gets?: September 2013

9.30.2013

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

This week’s musing asks…

• What do you do when life gets in the way, and you just don’t have much time to read? Do you complain? Do you accept it? Do you do everything in your power to make time to read? Share your thoughts!

Ah, yes, I had this happen just about a month ago! And I tease myself back into reading by selecting a book that is a hot topic. I allow life to be in the way but I pick up something that will engage me in discussion as well. Sometimes I let it slide into a reading slump. When I get through it, though, I remember how much I love reading and I love the world of books and words.

9.29.2013

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: My Random Randomness Meme

How did you choose your baby's or pet's names?
Have you ever been fishing?
Have you ever had your national flag painted on your face?
What was the last social faux pas you made?
What makes you nostalgic?
What's the scariest thing you've ever done?
What fairy tale character would you most associate with?
How much do you tend to swear in public?
If you ruled your own country, who would you get to writer your national anthem?
Who is the most intelligent person you know?
What's the craziest thing you've ever done for someone?
What's the worst piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
If you had to describe yourself as a car, what would it be?
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?
Do you think laughing at someone else's misfortune is wrong?
If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing?
Would you ever let your parents pick out a partner for you?
Have you ever tried spam? (the meat product)

postsecret

On back: "getting things done."

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.

9.28.2013

saturday 9

Ain't That A Kick In The Head?

1) In the song, Dean sings, "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" to express how delighted he is to discover the girl loves him. When was the last time you were pleasantly surprised? Thursday, when having my car serviced--the Service Clerk was attentive and made sure I was informed of everything going on.

2) Martin was born Dino Paul Crochetti, and his family only spoke Italian at home. Do you speak any language other than English? I understand quite a bit of French

3) Before he became an entertainer, Martin fought under the name "Kid Crochett." Do you watch boxing? What about wrestling? I don't like professional boxing or wrestling, although I get them. I just don't watch.

4) This song appeared in the original Ocean's 11 (1960). That film was remade in 2001, with basically the same plot -- a group of suave criminals knock over the casinos on the Vegas Strip. Why do you think so many movies feature crooks and con men as heroes? the loveable Robin Hood, sticking it to "the Man"

5) Crazy Sam's college sweetheart took over his family's wholesale liquor business, married a woman named Helene and has two sons. How does she know this? She checked his Facebook page on the sly. Have you ever used the internet to look up an ex? I have indeed, didn't find anything, but I looked

6) As she writes this week's meme, Sam is sipping from a Big Bang Theory cup that features Sheldon's face and the word, "Bazinga!" Tell us about your favorite mug or water bottle. currently, my favorite mug is one a student made for me--she found a plain glazed mug and wrote all kinds of fun and interesting quotes and lyrics on it, then baked it and ta dah!

7) Are you a good judge of character? quite

8) Do you know how to turn a somersault? I used to be able to

9) Which one do you use -- roll-on, stick or spray deodorant? stick

9.27.2013

starting early

I started my holiday shopping today.

9.26.2013

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:

$396 for car servicing and 2 new tires.

9.25.2013

just finished...

There's a certain dark humor in One Last Thing Before I Go. Drew Silver is a 44 year-old, divorced, almost-successful one-hit wonder musician, contemplating his life when he finds out a heart condition is going to kill him if he doesn't get surgery. Sounds bleak but the author manages to make this anti-hero more than a schlub.

From the publisher:

“Mistakes have been made.” Drew Silver has begun to accept that life isn’t going to turn out as he expected. His fleeting fame as the drummer for a one-hit wonder rock band is nearly a decade behind him. His ex-wife is about to marry a terrific guy. And his Princeton-bound teenage daughter Casey has just confided in him that she’s pregnant—because Silver is the one she cares least about letting down.

So when Silver learns that he requires emergency life-saving heart surgery, he makes the radical decision to refuse the operation, choosing instead to spend what time he has left to repair his relationship with Casey, become a better man, and live in the moment—even if that moment isn’t going to last very long. As his exasperated family looks on, Silver grapples with the ultimate question of whether or not his own life is worth saving.

There were many funny, laugh-out-loud moments, as well as some poignant moments. And some cringe-worthy moments, too. This was an audiobook and the narrator, John Shea, was very very good.

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm just about to finish the audio book One Last Thing Before I Go by Johnathan Tropper, and I started The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer.

• What did you recently finish reading? I finished Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

• What do you think you’ll read next? Probably The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

9.24.2013

finished reading...

This was an enjoyable quest! I enjoyed the technology bits and parts, the cloak and dagger aspects. The narrator, Clay, makes witty observations and cleverly pulls off a seemingly impossible task. Mr. Penumbra is quite a character--literally and figuratively; I wish he was my mentor. I won't go into much detail because I don't want to spoil any of the fun. I liked it, didn't love it, but it was very fun.

ten things tuesday

Ten great tv theme songs: in no particular order...

1) Welcome Back, Kotter

2) The Greatest American Hero

3) Sesame Street

4) Friends

5) M*A*S*H

6) The Mary Tyler Moore Show

7) Cheers

8) Gilligan's Island

9) The Golden Girls

10) The Rockford Files

9.23.2013

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's Banned Books Week! To celebrate, I'm going to choose one of the top 10 challenged books to read next: (I've read most of the list)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie.
Reasons: Offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group

or

Looking for Alaska, by John Green.
Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group

shine on!

The Gal, at One Gal's Musing, has awarded me the Shine On award.

THE SHINE ON AWARD
Here are the rules of the award:
1. Visit and thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Acknowledge that blogger on your blog, and link back.
3. Share seven random, interesting things about yourself.
4. Nominate up to 15 bloggers for the Shine On Award, provide a link to their blogs in your post, and notify them on their blogs.

Now for the seven random facts about me:

1) I have been reading exclusively on my Nook for about two years. Holding a book feels weird now. I never thought I would be so hooked on an ereader. I am a book lover! Part of it is that there is no local bookstore around here. I know. What kind of town doesn't have a bookstore??

2) I love watching music videos. MTV and VH1 were my favorite channels until they stopped playing videos and music-related shows.

3) When I'm out in public and a television is on, I feel compelled to keep glancing at it.

4) I enjoy awards shows.

5) I am on a shopping moratorium. No clothing until November 1. No accessories, either. No shoes or boots. No.

6) I embrace my feminism--not that I hate men (far from it), but there are still gender inequalities when there shouldn't be.

7) I think I'm developing RLS Restless Leg Syndrome.

And my nominees:
Diana
Bookmammal
Cristy
and Paula

9.22.2013

knittery

What I've been knitting lately:

charity knit, baby hats in purple:

a slouchy beanie for a student

a slouchy beret for another student

postsecret

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Fall/Autumn Meme

First of all, is autumn your favorite season? Why or why not? yes! I love the colors and the crispness in the air

Is it ‘autumn’ or ‘fall’, to you? it's both

What kind of weather does your area get during this season? we usually get cool mornings and crisp days, hopefully with plenty of sun

Were you born in an autumn month? October

Do you pay attention to any ‘fall fashions’? yes, I stop wearing white as my primary color after the official start of Autumn

Which leaf color is your favorite? bright red

Is it still fun to rake the leaves and jump in piles of them? NO, I'm always afraid of mice or little critters living in the pile of leaves

When can you really tell that it’s autumn? when there's frost

Do you enjoy carving pumpkins? yes, but I like to do goofy faces

Do you eat the pumpkin seeds? If so, do you put any kind of flavoring on it? just roasted with some salt

Are you planning to go to a pumpkin patch this year? I am!

Which was your favorite Halloween costume to wear? I had a nun's habit, complete with rosary beads

Are you planning to go trick-or-treating? Why or why not? no

Are there any county fairs or festivals held nearby during this time? the local pumpkin patch does hayrides

What is your favorite dessert for this time of year? apple crisp

Is your Thanksgiving Day in October or November, if you even celebrate it? November

If you do celebrate it, where do you usually have Thanksgiving dinner? in recent years, we've been going out to eat

Do you remember any crafts you used to do that were autumn-themed? pressing leaves

Are any of your favorite bands doing a fall tour this year? Elvis Costello!!! I have tickets for November

Which new TV show are you looking forward to this season? James Spader has a new show

How does autumn typically make you feel? relaxed, I start to nest

What color do you always associate with autumn? orange

Is there a song that always reminds you of this season? Harvest Moon by Neil Young

Do you have any seasonal traditions? leisurely drives for foliage peeping

Do you spend a lot of time outside during this time of the year? no more so than other times of year

How can you tell that fall is over? snow

What is a typical autumn outfit that you wear? jeans, long sleeve t-shirt and light jacket

Describe a perfect autumn day: sunny with a light breeze but still needing a jacket

Do you hate it when stores start promoting Christmas early? nope

What is your favorite thing about this season? nesting

9.21.2013

saturday 9

Seattle

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Listen to it here.

1) Let's get the obvious out of the way: Have you ever been to Seattle? no, I never have

2) Businessweek named Seattle one of the best places to live, citing its clean air, low crime and high employment. What makes your current hometown a great place to live? clean air, low crime, and beautiful vistas

3) In this song, Bobby brags about how green Seattle is. Is it still green where you are? Or are the trees beginning to show their fall colors? the trees are *just* beginning to show their fall colors

4) This song was the theme of a 1968-1970 show called Here Come the Brides. Do you know the words to any other TV theme? Oh, I know Gilligan's Island, The Brady Bunch, Sesame Street, I know many many many

5) Bobby Sherman was once America's #1 teen idol, selling millions of records and earning 5 Gold Albums. Girls who wrote to his fan club received a postcard back signed, "Peace, Love & Bobby Sherman." Have you ever belonged to a fan club? not unless you count my undying love for George

6) Alas, the career of a teen idol can be short, and by fall 1970, Bobby was replaced on magazine covers by David Cassidy. Sherman went on to a second career with the LAPD, instructing officers in CPR and first aid. Do you know how to perform CPR? The Heimlich Maneuver? my CPR certification has lapsed, but I know the basics of both CPR and Heimlich

7) The "disc" you see shown is actually made of cardboard and was printed on the back of a Post Alpha-Bits cereal box. It was one of four that Post printed on different cereals back in 1970 so that Bobby-loving little girls would have to go through lots of different cereals to collect the whole set. What's your favorite breakfast cereal? I love Honey Nut Cheerios and bite-size Frosted Mini-Wheats

8) Crazy Sam can't decide if she wants berries or banana slices with her cereal. Which would be your choice? neither

9) Do you ever eat cereal straight out of the box? Drink milk directly from the carton? cereal from the box, yes, I don't drink milk

9.20.2013

just curious

break

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:

9.19.2013

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:

Forgetting a student's name during parent conferences.

9.18.2013

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm just about to finish the audio book One Last Thing Before I Go by Johnathan Tropper, and I'm more than half-way finished Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

• What did you recently finish reading? I finished listening to My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke. And I read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes--I LOVED it.

• What do you think you’ll read next? Probably The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer.

9.17.2013

summer into autumn, my dear...

noteworthy day

It's Constitution Day! Here's the prompt for my students:

The framers of the Constitution used the phrase “in order to form a more perfect union” as one reason for writing the Constitution. How has the Constitution helped America become a more “perfect union?”

Some good stuff, some not so good stuff. Always interesting to be a teacher!

ten things tuesday

Ten books selected by my reading group: links to Goodreads

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Inferno by Dan Brown
The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery
The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett
The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman
An inspirational book of our own choice
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

9.16.2013

musing mondays

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I love books and I love reading. I haven't purchased a physical book in a couple of years. I read exclusively on my Nook. I realized that over the weekend, when someone asked to borrow a book and I couldn't lend it. I miss being able to lend books, or pass along those I enjoy. But I sure love my ereader. I love carrying all my books at once, having different shelves, being able to manipulate the font size, and I like the lighting on the "Glowlight" Nook. I like ordering a book and being able to read it immediately.

I do, however, miss bookstores. There is no longer a local book store in the area I live. It's a shame. I think that's what really tipped me into the ereader exclusivity.

9.15.2013

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: MORE Meme, part three

Most daring Dare you have ever done? sang Karaoke
When is the last time you did something you knew was wrong? Friday, I was driving above the speed limit
What was on your mind most today? knitting
Have a best friend? yes
If you were upset, who’ s the first person you would go to? my parents
When was the last time someone yelled at you? wow--I can't remember
What have you done today, so far? not much
What did last weekend consist of? lots of sleep, I was fighting a cold
What are you listening to? tv
Who were you last in a car with? myself
Have you ever been called cute? sometimes my students say my outfits are cute
Describe how you feel right now in one word: ennui
Has anybody ever told you that you talk too fast? no
Did you have fun yesterday? uh, sure
Do you like to cuddle? yes
Do you think someone is thinking about you? no
Are you stubborn? sometimes
Is there a friend, boyfriend/ girlfriend, or ex that you will never forget? oh yes
Thinking back, are there people you have no idea why you hung out with? no
How’s your heart? awesome
Are you easily amused? quite
Do you speak more than 2 languages? I am fluent in ubbi-dubbi, pig latin, and sarcasm
Are you doing anything tonight? nothing is planned, other than TV and knitting
Is there a person of the same sex who means a lot to you? my sisters
Is your hair naturally straight? stick
What happened at 10:00 am? I was reading
What were you doing at ten last night? chatting with Meg
Have you made someone happy today? myself
Is it hard for you to get over someone? depends
Think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? when ANYONE is
How long did it take you to get over you last ex? a couple of months
When you are home alone do you still close the door when you shower? yes

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.

9.14.2013

saturday 9

Dominos

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Listen to it here.

1) Have you ever carefully set up dominos and then watched them fall? Or built a house out of playing cards? I have, although I was terrible at building with cards

2) In this week's song, Big Pink lead vocalist Robbie Furze sings, "The hottest love has the coldest end." Have you ever had a relationship that started out so promisingly and passionately but then quickly flamed out? yes

3) This is from Big Pink's CD, A Brief History of Love. What about your personal history of love? How many times would say you have truly been in love? once

4) Nicki Minaj sampled this song for her own, "Girls Fall Like Dominos." Nicki won't be back on American Idol this season. Is your reaction a) delight or b) sadness or c) a yawn. a) delight (final answer)

5) While nationally the news centers on foreign policy and the economy, Sam's hometown is abuzz over the new Asian-fusion restaurant on Main Street and whether it can get a liquor license. What's the big local story where you are? the big story was the balloonist who attempted crossing the Atlantic using helium balloons, he took off from the next town over

6) Mary Jane Kelley is believed to be the fifth and final victim of Jack the Ripper. OK, now it's your turn. Share a random fact that's rattling around in your brain. Maine is the only one-syllable state name.

7) Crazy Sam cursed last night when she dropped a can of tomato paste on her foot. (Hey! It really hurt!) When was the last time you swore? I went through a construction zone last night and when I bumped through it, I was saying a few choice words

8) Sam has a grocery bag filled with hoodies and t-shirts she no longer wants and plans to take them to The Salvation Army store. What do you do with your gently used clothes? Toss them or donate them or hand them down to a friend or relative? I donate

9) Do you blush easily? I used to but I'm not sure I do anymore

9.13.2013

friday 5

Topically Unrelated

What’s something you think you could have been good at, if you’d started at a young age?

What TV show’s theme song do you really like?

What’s the dumbest dare you ever took, or what’s the dumbest dare you witnessed someone taking?

What’s the most exotic thing you’ve eaten?

What was the last thing you changed the batteries for?

9.12.2013

puppy love

I love pictures of dogs. I especially love dogs sticking their tongues out. Makes me happy. What does that say about me?

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:

Snark. Sometimes it's too much. This is one of those times.

9.11.2013

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm just about to begin the audio book One Last Thing Before I Go by Johnathan Tropper, and I need to choose another book to read.

• What did you recently finish reading? I finished listening to My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke. And I read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes--I LOVED it.

• What do you think you’ll read next? My reading group is going to select the books for the school year--I'm looking forward to the diverse selections.

9.10.2013

finished reading...

I finished reading this last night and it's still hanging on with me. By turns funny, romantic, and heartbreaking, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end.

From the publisher:

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

Most of the novel is told from Louisa's point of view. The weakness of the story is when other characters narrate. I didn't care for that, even though I am overall a fan of that style. There were layers upon layers of every character but the story is really about Lou and Will.

I loved this book. It moved me.

ten things tuesday

Ten random things:

1) It's time for a haircut: Thursday! I get to visit my hair goddess.

2) I had to reschedule my manicure from Saturday to Tuesday.

3) I had to reschedule my manicure scheduled for Saturday because I'm being "initiated" into Delta.

4) I finished reading a great book last night! I was moved to tears by it. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

5) We had an anti-bullying assembly today. The speaker, Tom Thelen, was dynamic and the students were quite respectful. It was a good assembly. One of the better messages.

6) My AP Psych students are working on their presentations, but we got talking about good books. It was fun!

7) It seems rather early for my students to be suffering with colds, but many of them are dropping like flies, sniffling, or hacking! I keep disinfecting the desks and I'm using a lot of hand sanitizer plus I've boosted my Vitamin C. I really don't want to get sick.

8) Now the standard psychology kids are working on their presentations. Lots of absent group members are foiling the work. But those that are here are on topic and working.

9) Today has actually flown by. Maybe it's because the students are all working independently and I'm getting a lot of paperwork done.

10) I no longer feel like I'm dragging myself home, I think I'm getting back into the routine of school. If this school year continues as it has started, it's going to be a great year. I hate to jinx it.

9.09.2013

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

When my reading group meets later this week, we'll be selecting our reads for the year. I am always nervous in making my pick. I don't want to have THE book that everyone hates! Or the book that there just isn't anything to say about. I used to pick books that I had already read, so I'd know for sure it would be a good one but the past few times I've selected from my TBR.

I've got it narrowed down to these:

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman
The Cutting Season by Attica Lock
The Four Corners Of The Sky by Michael Malone

9.08.2013

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: MORE Meme, part two

What would you choose to be famous for? something education-related
If you have a webcam, are you ever paranoid people can see you? no
Do you find it difficult to sleep at night? Any reason(s) why? not usually, if I do it's because I have an idea
If you had to go on a game show, which would you choose? Hollywood Game Night
What about if you had to go on a reality show? I'd like to be a judge on Top Chef
Which would you choose then? uhm... they both seem like fun
Tell me about your favorite TV show: lately it's been Watch What Happens Live on Bravo because it's a crazy mix of celebrities and pop culture
Why were you last irritated? because I had been lazy and was making up for it
What time did you get up this morning? noon
The last city you were in: Where was it and do you like it there? I was in Portland, Maine, and I don't like that city because it's all uphill windy narrow streets and traffic is crazy
Do you like the countryside? yes
If you see someone yawn, do you often yawn as well? it's a proximity issue for me
Recommend me a good movie: the most recent new to me movie I watched was Bernie

Do you think you’d make a good model? by default, I do--because I teach high school I am kind of thrust into that position
Would you ever want to be one? not intentionally
How often do you change your hairstyle? very rarely
What does it look like now? I have bedhead but usually it's shoulder-length and curly
Do you have a favorite day of the week? Which is it? I don't have a favorite, really
Are you alone? yes
When is the last time you were on the phone after 2 am? oh, it's been awhile--maybe 5 or 6 years

9.07.2013

finished reading...

I've always been a Dick Van Dyke fan. This memoir, as an audio book read by Van Dyke, was like a long conversation with an upbeat, optimistic friend.

From the publisher:

Dick Van Dyke, indisputably one of the greats of the golden age of television, is admired and beloved by audiences the world over for his beaming smile, his physical dexterity, his impeccable comic timing, his ridiculous stunts, and his unforgettable screen roles.

His trailblazing television program, The Dick Van Dyke Show (produced by Carl Reiner, who has written the foreword to this memoir), was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s and introduced another major television star, Mary Tyler Moore. But Dick Van Dyke was also an enormously engaging movie star whose films, including Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, have been discovered by a new generation of fans and are as beloved today as they were when they first appeared. Who doesn’t know the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

A colorful, loving, richly detailed look at the decades of a multilayered life, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business, will enthrall every generation of reader, from baby-boomers who recall when Rob Petrie became a household name, to all those still enchanted by Bert’s “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” This is a lively, heartwarming memoir of a performer who still thinks of himself as a “simple song-and-dance man,” but who is, in every sense of the word, a classic entertainer.

It was a perfect listen. And I've got tons of Dick Van Dyke in my Netflix queue now!

saturday 9

Band On The Run

1) This song is about a band of musicians that escapes on an adventure. Do you consider yourself spontaneous and adventurous? once I'm out of the house, yes, I'm usually up for anything--sometimes it is hard to pry me out of the house, though

2) Paul McCartney and Wings traveled all the way to Lagos, Nigeria, to record Band on the Run. That's a long, long way from London. What's the farthest from home you've ever been? geographically it's either California or The Netherlands or Aruba

3) Wings featured Linda McCartney on keyboards. Paul said that when Linda died, after almost 30 years together, he lost the love of his life. Who is the love of your life? Or have you yet to meet him/her? the love of my life--he was my best friend and it was an intense relationship for about ten years.

4) Paul has said he's very proud of Band on the Run, his most successful post-Beatles album. Brag a little. Tell us something you're proud of. I am proud that I am a well-respected and popular teacher at my school.

5) Paul's birth certificate reads "James Paul McCartney." He's named for his father, Jim. Are you named after anyone? my first name is after my mother's mother and my middle name is after my father's father

6) Paul enjoys oil painting in his spare time. What's one of your hobbies? knitting and reading--although not usually at the same time

7) 20 Forthlin Road, Paul McCartney's boyhood home, has been turned into a museum by the British government. It's a modest 2 bedroom cottage, with a drainpipe that Paul used to climb to sneak in after curfew. How would you describe your childhood home? when I hang out at Dad's today, I can't imagine how six people piled into that house--we shared the three bedrooms and one bathroom

8) Paul is 5'11". How tall are you? I believe I am shrinking. I was 5'6" but I am now 5'5" on a good day.

9) Actor Christopher Lee is on the album cover. He played Dracula in a series of movies in the 1950s and 1960s. Who is your favorite vampire? Count--from Sesame Street!

9.06.2013

how my day started...

9.05.2013

must see episode...

I was planning to go to bed early to read but then I saw an ad for the 500th episode of Big Brother. I had to see if Amanda got voted out!

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:

Someone else procrastinating becoming my problem.

9.04.2013

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 started Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

• What did you recently finish reading? I read Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight for my September book group selection. And I also read The Baker Street Translations by Michael Robertson.

• What do you think you’ll read next? I'm not sure, I've got a couple of books I had to put down because they just didn't catch my interest, I kind of feel as though I should try them again.

finished reading

The third installment of the Baker Street series picks up with Nigel in California, studying for the bar exam, and Reggie still begrudgingly sending the Sherlock Holmes letters to Nigel to take care of. This time the brothers and their lively sidekick, Laura, have to contend with two related murders, nursery rhyme spouting toy ducks, Buckingham Palace sewers, a kidnapping, an inheritance from a wealthy Texas billionairess, her unhappy great-nephew, a birthday party for a minor royal, an almost proposal, and the connection to the letters to Sherlock Holmes.

There is much going on and it's fast paced. I enjoyed it, it was a fast read. I can't wait for more!

9.03.2013

not rushing the season or anything...

I just posted fifteen pictures of Santa on Pinterest! I'm not rushing the season or anything, I just have a crush on Santa!

ten things tuesday

Ten things that are essential for travel:

1) Some sort of GPS, directions, or map.

2) Water or iced coffee. Something to drink, anyhow.

3) Books--Nook or audio, magazines.

4) A deck of cards.

5) A camera.

6) An extra tote bag.

7) Gum. I don't really like to eat in the car, so gum gives the chewing I need.

8) A travel buddy. Although I don't mind going by myself.

9) Comfortable shoes and a sweater or light jacket.

10) Good music!

9.02.2013

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

This week’s musing – courtesy of Dr. Pepper Diva - asks…

• What is your favorite part of a review?

I like a review that doesn't give away too much of the book! No spoilers! A good review will talk about style of writing and some characterizations. And a reviewer's recommendation is always helpful.

summer is really over

finished reading...

It's been awhile since I've read a book I really couldn't put down. This is one of those books. It's the story of Amelia--a sophomore in high school who seemingly has it all that dies in the opening of the book. Amelia's single mother, Kate, is driven to find out the why of Amelia's death. Is it as it seems--a suicide?

I'm excited to discuss this book with my reading group because there are so many layers: the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks which shift perspective from Kate to Amelia as we learn about Amelia's last days. The life of a teenager is examined through a variety of texts from known and unknown people, photos, blog posts, Facebook posts, secret clubs, and all the ways teens express themselves.

This book stirred me as a teacher and a maternal figure. Some of the characters were more fleshed out than others and there were some cliches that were easy.

It's an examination of relationships: mother-daughter, friends, and colleagues. It's an examination of teen life: school activities, cliques, bullying, and how technology shapes life.

Did I mention I couldn't put it down?

9.01.2013

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: MORE Meme, part one

Have you ever said you would never love again? no, but I fear I won't
Have you heard a song today that reminds you of somebody? not today
Do you apologize first? usually
Has someone made a promise to you and broke it? yes
Have you ever won a lot of money in a slot machine? How much? no, I have only played nickel slots
Do you watch sport on TV even though you aren’t a sporty person yourself? yes, I love hockey and football
Do you eat / drink at your computer? I try not to
How much do you overeat at special occasions? (Birthdays, Christmas, etc) I try not to, but I will indulge more than overeat
Do you require glasses / contacts to see properly? If so, which do you use? I have glasses, which I am not wearing right now because I was too lazy to remember where I put them last night
When you hear your voice back on a recording, do you think it sounds awful? usually
When was the last time you got the hiccups? it's been awhile
If you had to, which record would you go into Guinness World Records for? napping
The last sweet thing you ate: What was it? mini-whoopie pie
Do you have a middle name? I do
Do you find it embarrassing? not at all