11.30.2013

i'm so excited

11/30 One thing you're excited for.

I'm excited that I was able to give my parents tickets to see Mannheim Steamroller as their Christmas presents this year. The concert is on December 5; they are so excited for it. I can't wait to hear all about it. This is going to be a great holiday season!

saturday 9





Back to Black

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 29, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains? I didn't shop. I'm going to shop local today, which is Small Business Saturday.

2) Legend has it that Black Friday began as a neighborhood phenomenon among store owners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. What else comes to mind when you think of Philly? the Liberty Bell!

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game? none of the above--but movies and binge tv-watching and knitting are on tap

4) At Thanksgiving dinners, Crazy Sam's homemade gravy is always a hit. (Probably because she's so generous with the cognac, which gives the gravy a nutty taste.) Do you have a signature dish? my family used to ask me to bake a lasagna, but we don't have many big meals anymore

5) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose? Target

6) You're in a public restroom that offers both paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which one do you choose? paper towels

7) While Back to Black is the best-selling Amy Winehouse CD, her first was called Frank, named for her hero, Frank Sinatra. Tell us about someone you inspires you. my parents inspire me, they are creative, intelligent, and curious about everything

8) Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist? more of a realist, if that can be an option

9) Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone (a verbal conversation -- not an exchange of texts)? my doctor's office called with results of my blood lab work (everything is great!)

11.29.2013

weird

11/29 Five weird things that you like.


1. Reading in bed. Is that weird?

2. Watching re-runs of Seinfeld or Friends. Whenever they're on.

3. I like a dash of mustard in my egg salad.

4. Infomercials. Especially in the middle of the night when I can't sleep.

5. Not hot foods or beverages. Not that I want everything cold, but I don't like piping hot stuff.

friday 5


  1. What’s the best white food?
  2. mashed potatoes
  3. What’s your favorite white article of clothing?
  4. t-shirt
  5. What are your thoughts on telling little white lies?
  6. as long as they are harmless, they're often necessary
  7. What’s an impressive white animal?
  8. polar bear
  9. What are some songs in your iTunes (or other media player) whose title contains the word white?
  10. oh, great googly moogly, I have tons of songs--let me go with Cee Lo Green's "White Christmas" because it was the first one to pop up

11.28.2013

travel

11/28 Somewhere you'd like to live or visit.


I like having little adventures. I like to travel. I'd like to travel to Europe again, especially to Ireland and Italy.

just finished reading...

The third installment of Divergent Trilogy.
From the publisher:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. .

This third and final book in the trilogy alternates narrative point of view between Tris and Tobias, also known as Four. My complaint is that I didn't care for Tobias much once I got to know his thoughts and internal struggles. In the previous books, Four was a strong character--the strong, silent type, yet once I got into his mind I was disappointed.

The plot, however, is fast-paced, action packed and doesn't shy away from violence, as the previous books. There is a lot of controversy surrounding a major plot point, that I won't spoil here, but I don't get the fuss. There were some elements of the dystopian element that I wanted to know more about. And you have got to suspend belief that Tris is a sixteen-year-old girl. As I was reading, I would catch myself questioning how realistic the plot points were, and then I would suspend belief again and get back into the story. I mean, (and this doesn't spoil anything--it's a common thread through the whole series) how does Tris really turn into a savvy politico overnight?

Anyhow, this is just me sounding off in a petty manner. I enjoyed this series. And I really can't wait to see what the movies are like!

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:


Frigid temperatures that screw up Thanksgiving.

thankful

11.27.2013

planes, trains & automobiles

So glad I was able to watch this holiday classic:

what do you love about thanksgiving?



You Love the Family


Your family may not be perfect, but you love spending time with them. The holidays are important to you.

You are sentimental, and your emotions are very deep. You like remembering old times and making new memories.



You look forward to Thanksgiving every year because it's one of the few times the whole family is together.

You love catching up with everyone and simply just being together. There's no substitute for family.

quotes

11/27 A quote you try to live by.
Your greatest power is the power to be.
To be more loving. To be more courageous.
To be more joyous. To be more friendly.
To be more sensitive. To be more aware.
To be more forgiving. To be more tolerant.
To be more humble. To be more patient.
To be more helpful.
To be a greater human being.
~ Wilfred A. Peterson

w.w.w. wednesday

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

• What are you currently reading? I'm listening to The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes. I started Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

• What did you recently finish reading? Nothing in the past week.

• What do you think you’ll read next? uh... I'm not sure!

11.26.2013

ten things tuesday

Borrowing the idea from Paula: Ten things I take for granted.

1) Reliable internet service.

2) Electronics that work the way I want them to.

3) A safe and comfortable home.

4) Health. I need to make a few lifestyle changes to maintain my health. This might be the end of the daily chocolate.

5) Health care options and insurance. My primary care and my favorite pharmacist.

6) Family and friends.

7) My community. Such a small town that is wonderful 90% of the time. Except in bad weather.

8) Entertainment. Books, books, music, TV, books, movies, books, theater, and other forms of entertainment.

9) Transportation. My reliable car. That I need to remember to register.

10) Employment. I love my current employment--as a matter of fact, this is shaping up to be one of my best years. Even with all the challenges.

likes and dislikes

11/26 Things you like and dislike about yourself.

I like that I have a wide variety of interests and am open to learning new things. I dislike that I'm vain about my clothing. I like that I laugh a lot. I dislike falling into slumps, when I am battling my demons. I like that when I am with someone, I give my whole attention. I dislike my lack of self-discipline. I like my appreciation of the arts, in all forms. I dislike my avoidance of performing--I would love to sing more. I like my attention to detail. I dislike my hoarding tendencies. I like being able to write great letters of recommendation. I dislike my lazy side. I like conquering my fears.

challenges...

I think I'm going to continue with FatMumSlim's Photo-a-day challenge (I've been posting on Instagram) for December. And I will probably take part in Holidailies 2013.

11.25.2013

girl on fire

When it ended I gasped for more. I loved it.

worrying

11/25 Something you're currently worrying about.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.
This week’s musing asks…

• Do you know of any local authors in your area, and –if so– have you met any of them?

One of my dad's best friends is a writer--a poet, playwright, essayist, and novelist. One collection of her stories was published. I've known her my whole life and have many memories of our times together. She is in her mid-90s now and has stopped driving, although she still lives by herself. She has always been a remarkable role model to me.

11.24.2013

say what?

11/24 Five words/phrases that make you laugh.

1) You're right.

2) You're my favorite teacher/class.

3) Fart.

4) Bless his/her soul.

5) Teachers get paid too much/Teachers are glorified baby sitters.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Thanksgiving Meme

1. What do you have for breakfast on Thanksgiving? an English muffin or something light

2. Do you go to a Thanksgiving parade or watch one on TV? the Macy's parade is tradition!

3. Do you serve appetizers, lunch, or snacks during the day? not really

4. What are the traditional favorites? turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole

5. What new recipes will you try this year? nothing new that I know of

6. What part of the meal do you never compromise? mashed potatoes

7. Who gets to carve the turkey? usually me

8. Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there’s room? around the table

9. How many will be at your table this year? 4

10. Once you're at the table, do you say grace or a toast or does everyone go around and say what they're thankful for? it depends

11. Cranberry sauce… yay or nay? yay!

12. What time do you eat Thanksgiving Dinner? usually around 1 o'clock

13. Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert? pumpkin, pumpkin cheesecake, and I'm drawing a blank

14. Do you have dessert right after the main meal or later on? later on

15. Favorite leftover? all of them

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.

11.23.2013

my girl

11/23 Something that you miss.

I still miss my dog, Mopsie, she was my best friend for about 14 years.

saturday 9





Sugar Shack

1) In this song, our hero orders espresso. What's your standard coffee order? every day: a medium iced coffee with cream and liquid sugar

2) Originally the phrase "sugar shack" meant a small cabin where sap from maple trees was boiled into syrup. So for breakfast today, would you rather pour syrup on pancakes, french toast or waffles? I prefer my pancakes at supper

3) The name of the group that recorded this song is The Fireballs. "Fireballs" is also the brand name of a red hot jawbreaker. Do you like cinnamon? I like cinnamon but it doesn't like me--although I love a fireball!

4) In 1963, when this song was a hit, newscaster Walter Cronkite was one of the most trusted and influential men in the country. Do you have a favorite TV newsperson? Meredith Vieira

5) The Rambler was named 1963 Car of the Year by Motor Trend, and their most popular model was a 9-passenger station wagon. What's the car of your dreams? a jag

6) The Zip Code was first introduced in 1963. How many different Zip Codes have you had throughout your life? uhm... three

7) What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning? how many times I could hit snooze

8) Are you a good pool player? I am enthusiastic but not good

9) Do you actually make a wish when you blow out your birthday candles? of course!

11.22.2013

degree...

11/22 Your academics.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies and a minor in English/Language Arts. And I continually take classes to maintain my certification. My specialty is American Studies.

11.21.2013

crystal ball

11/21 How you think your future will be like.

I'm hoping things are about the same as they are now: healthy and happy.

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:


Mandatory meetings in the middle of the morning, I hate having to create something for a substitute to do.

11.20.2013

elvis was in the building


This man, alone on stage, with six guitars, over two hours! Four encores! Several songs I didn't recognize. Lots I did. He played Alison. I swooned.

scaredy

11/20 Your fears.

Sometimes I make references to my OCD and many fears. Today's prompt is about some of my irrational fears.

When it rains hard, I sometimes fear that the rain will seep into the roof and get into the attic wiring, causing a short which causes the whole building to burn to the ground.

When I plug in electrical equipment (especially the air conditioner or the window fans), I am afraid that I will be electrocuted and will die.

I am afraid I will be evicted.

I am afraid that a repo man will take my car. I have no idea who would be repo-ing it, but I'm afraid that someone's going to take it away.

I am afraid of being on crutches. Or breaking an arm.

I am afraid when people raise their voices when they're angry.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head. I know they're irrational. I know it. Doesn't mean I don't fear it.

w.w.w. wednesdays

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

• What are you currently reading? I stalled out on The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer. But I'm listening to The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes. I started Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

• What did you recently finish reading? This week I read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Both were great!

• What do you think you’ll read next? uh... I'm not sure!

11.19.2013

a case of the wants...

Combining today's prompt with Ten Things Tuesday:

11/19 Five items you lust after.

1) iPhone. I don't need one but I want one. And I have come to this conclusion because I use my iPod for everything and an iPhone would have constant internet access.

2) Interchangeable knitting needles from KnitPicks. I would love to have a set of the gorgeous Harmony or Sunstruck. They're gorgeous.

3) Alpaca yarn. From my local yarn store, enough so I can make myself a sweater. It's way too expensive, but a girl can dream!

4) A Keurig. I think I want one. Again, I don't need one. I love iced coffee and it seems like it would be a hassle to make them.

5) A Michi Demi bag. I have the classic size and kind of want to go one size up.

6) A mini-fridge for my classroom. Unfortunately, we can't have them in our classrooms.

7) iPad Air. Now, this I really don't need but they look so cool!

8) A massage. I might schedule one for vacation week.

9) New shoes. Good ones. Dansko or something made for being on your feet all day.

10) A new light-weight jacket. Just 'cus.

11.18.2013

sorry, not sorry

I feel sorry for my students. I think I'm going to be obnoxious in my excitement for the concert.

I hope he plays this one:

problem...

11/18 A problem that you have had.

Lately, I've had a horrible problem with getting out of bed. I just want to snuggle under the covers forever. But I force myself to get up and get going. It's not that I'm still tired, it's that I want to be lazy. The time change doesn't help. Blah!

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!

Thanks to Pinterest:

11.17.2013

proud

11/17 What you're proud of.

I'm proud of the relationships I have with my family. That I'm still involved in my nieces' and nephews' lives. That I'm so close with my sisters. And close to my parents. We are a unit. There are occasional issues, as with any family, but we're together.

postsecret


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

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The ASK Meme, part one

1. What’s your favorite candle scent? Yankee Candle's Autumn Wreath is my current favorite

2. What female celebrity do you wish was your sister? Rachel Maddow

3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother? Eric Stonestreet

4. How old do you think you’ll be when you get married? I don't think I will

5. Do you know a hoarder? me

6. Can you do a split? no

7. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike? I think I was 9 or 10

8. How many oceans have you swam in? 2 oceans, but 3 seas and 2 straits
9. How many countries have you been to? 12: Ireland, England, Canada, Mexico, Aruba, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Spain, Monaco, Puerto Rico

10. Is anyone in your family in the military? 2 brothers-in-law were military men

11. Have you named any of your body parts? sometimes I refer to "the girls" as Lucy and Ethel

12. If you had a child today, what would you name him/her? probably a vowel name

13. What’s the worst grade you got on a test? I was always a high honor student, so probably a C

14. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child? The Waltons

15. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight? I don't remember

16. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Twilight series? all of them

17. Would you rather have an American accent or a British accent? I have an American accent, that's fine

18. Did your mother go to college? no

19. Are your grandparents still married? yes, in heaven

20. Have you ever taken karate lessons? no

21. Do you know who Kermit the frog is? yes!

22. What was the first amusement park you’ve been to? Hershey Park

23. What language, besides your native language, would you like to be fluent in? French

24. Do you spell the color as grey or gray? usually gray

25. Is your father bald? no, he's got wonderful snowy white hair

11.16.2013

it's a rich man's world...

11/15 Something you think "what if" about.

saturday 9





1, 2, 3, 4

1) In this song, the singer tells his girl he appreciates how she makes him feel. Who is the most supportive person in your life? wow, what a hard question--I would say my Pennsylvania sister because we had a long and laughter-filled phone conversation last night

2) Our singer only has to count to 4, which is a cinch. Do you understand the more sophisticated math sciences, like geometry and algebra? not so much

3) This video features a couple who shared their first kiss behind the high school. Tell us about your first kiss. It was with my next door neighbor, Mike, who is my age, we were 3 and determined to get married

4) Filmed in Chicago, this video features the Art Institute of Chicago, home to works by Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. How do you express your creativity? (Draw, paint, write, sing or play music ... ) mostly writing--school is a creative outlet for me, but knitting is a close second

5) Chicago is home to two of the world's tallest buildings -- the Willis aka Sears Tower and The John Hancock Center (which appears briefly in this video). Both have observation decks that offer panoramic views of the city. Are you afraid of heights? I love heights, they thrill me

6) The Plain White T's got their start in Lombard, a suburb of Chicago and home to Yorktown Center -- a huge, two story shopping mall. Do you enjoy going to the mall, or would you rather shop online, or in small, independent stores? I've never been to a multi-storied mall, but I love shopping anywhere. My New Year's resolution was to shop local merchants and for the most part I've done well with it

7) Naturally Yorktown Center has a food court. Would you prefer a pretzel from Auntie Anne's, a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon or a cookie from Mrs. Field's? I've had none of the above but I would have any of them depending on my mood

8) While we're at the mall … Imagine you're at the customer service counter of a big department store. As you wait for help, you see an older lady pocket a Timex watch. Would you turn her in or look the other way? I would turn her in

9) Which puzzle would you have more success with: crossword or sudoku? probably sudoku but I would prefer a crossword

11.15.2013

purse


The #FMSPhotoaday prompt for 11/15 is:  What's in your pocket/purse?  You can see my Haiku bag in the back--all these goodies are in it:  phone, paisley jump drive, three different sets of keys, comb, tissues, glasses cloth, the shiny green notebook, sunglasses case, Burt's Bees lip balm, two mini-Altoid tins, wallet, passport (in red leather case), calendar, and USB cord to charge my iPod (which is usually in the bag, too, but I used it to take the photo).

friday 5


  1. What’s something that’s better on the rocks?
  2. iced tea
  3. Whose behavior has been beyond belief?
  4. the pundits who've been going overboard about the Affordable Care website's epic failure
  5. In what way do you color outside the lines?
  6. in most ways I am relatively unconventional
  7. When were you recently relieved to be in the clear?
  8. I had a technical question at school today and was relieved to get it resolved
  9. What seems to have disappeared without a trace?
  10. my ambition, I'm just really content with life as it is

scorpio

11/15 Your zodiac/horoscope and if you think it fits your personality.

There are pieces of this that are spot-on. I fit this more than any other sign.

From Cafe Astrology:

The Scorpio Woman

A Scorpio woman is the sexiest and most mysterious of the twelve signs of the zodiac. She is exotic and magnetic, as deep as the sea, and, depending on her mood, as calm or as tempestuous. She is extraordinarily intuitive and will be keenly interested in the esoteric, or any occult or spiritual experience that offers some kind of deep insight. She is in tune with the fundamental forces of life and nature and is moved by the great tides and events of human experience.

The Scorpio woman should never be taken lightly. They aren't flaky, fluffy, or helpless creatures by any stretch of the imagination. Direct, and brilliantly sharp, Scorpio women only focus on the fundamental essence of any issue and disregard the superfluous. They like clear endings and beginnings, with no grey areas in between. A Scorpio woman wants her certainties to remain just so - absolutely rock steady and assured. She wants to understand everything and knows how to craft just the right question to obtain the answers she seeks.

Scorpios are intuitive, controlling, and sometimes self-destructive, but in all this they have a certain deadly beauty to their personalities. They are fearless and stubborn and even when life gets a little tricky they merely take it on the chin and keep going. Self-confident, resourceful, and strong, Scorpios are driven to succeed; they work hard and are willing to sacrifice anything to get to their goals. They are also complex and secretive, choosing who they divulge their secrets to carefully.

11.14.2013

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:


Long lines at the drive thru in the morning.

outfitted

11/14 What you wore.

Brown jeans, an olive/forest green sweater with coconut button detailing, brown suede mary jane shoes. No accessories today.

11.13.2013

not just a number

11/13 Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it. (very odd wording)

I am a woman of substance. I've always been overweight and after fighting with myself for most of my life, I finally accept myself for who I am and not who other people think I should be. I'm healthy, I have no aches and pains (other than the ache in my ring fingertip), I have no complaints. This is who I am. And my self-acceptance and self-love shows my students that beauty is greater than a number.