ten things tuesday

Ten fun songs:

1) Somebody Loves You by Betty Who

2) Hold On by MoZella

3) Someday You Will Be Loved by Death Cab For Cutie

4) Hurts 2B Human by Pink and Khalid

5) Running Wild by Billy Raffoul

6) Wave by Blanks

7) Cool by Jonas Brothers

8) Heaven, We're Already Here by The Maine

9) Embossed by Snarky Puppy

10) Love Me Now by John Legend

text me, baby

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Your preferred method of communication. I used to love talking on the phone--as in, spending HOURS blabbing away. Now? Not so much. I prefer text, email, and messaging.

goofy fun

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A happy moment. My Virginia sister and I exchanged goofy pictures today--it broke up the monotony of both our days.

currently

I am...

Reading: reading The Immortalists

Listening to: Paul McCartney--Maybe I'm Amazed

Loving: I cleared out my DVR of shows I don't really prioritize and I'm so glad that's not hanging over me anymore

Thinking: I need to call in a prescription... I hope I don't forget

Feeling: tired, the good tired not the exhausted tired

Celebrating: I started planning backward from final exams--there's not a lot of time left

Grateful for: some creative ideas to take me to the end of the year

Weather: it is 44 degrees and sort of sunny but windy--wow!

Enjoying: being home

A quote I want to share:

no place like home

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Where you want to be. I want to be right here--in my comfy home.

self-care sunday

I made some playlists on Spotify of pick-me-up music, road trip music, knitting music, thinking songs... just random songs I like in playlists.

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.

awww, shucks

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A recent compliment. Earlier this week I was bemoaning my students' expressing their hatred of my class. They assured me that they love me but they hate the content and the textbook of the class they have with me. So, I guess it's a compliment that they love me...

finished reading

This is a gripping, difficult, disturbing, compelling read. Categorized as contemporary YA, don't let the label turn you away. It's twin narratives go between the titular Sadie and West McCray who is creating a podcast piecing together Sadie's story. I liked the format--the chapters alternated from Sadie's account of the action to podcast accounting of events. It's going to stay with me for a long time.

From the publisher:

A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial―like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.

When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.

Trigger warnings: pedophilia, child abuse, sexual assault, violence, potential eating disorder, descriptions of blood, mentions of substance abuse

saturday 9

Every Time You Go Away

1) This song is about separation. Who is the last person you said goodbye (or maybe just "so long") to? my bestie and I had breakfast together

2) This week's featured artist, Paul Young, was a gifted athlete during his school days and briefly played professional football (aka soccer). Sam enjoys playing tennis, though her serve doesn't give Serena Williams anything to worry about. What's something you enjoy doing, even if you don't excel? knitting

3) Mr. Young and his wife Stacy were married for 31 years, until her death in 2018. What do you think is the key to a happy marriage? communication

4) Paul Young's performance of this hit song was one of the highlights of the July 1985 Live Aid Concert. This international benefit raised more than $100 million to alleviate hunger in Ethiopia. Tell us about a charity you support. I support a lot of local charities--and get hit up for EVERY fundraiser at school

5) This song was written by Daryl Hall, of Hall and Oates. What's your favorite Hall and Oates song? "Kiss On My List"

6) In 1985, when this song was popular, the New Coke was unsuccessfully introduced. What's the last beverage you drank? water

7) In 1985, the New York Stock Exchange had to close because of Hurricane Gloria. Has a hurricane shared your name? (Find a list of recent/upcoming storm names here.) 2001

8) 1985 was the year that the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least 11 movies and TV shows about the fatal voyage. Have you seen any of them? I have seen my fair share--in 1985 my dad was obsessed with the Titanic find and we watched and read everything we could get our hands on!

9) Random question: Would you rather own and run a coffee shop or a shoe store? Why? I would rather run a shoe store because I have such a hard time finding comfortable shoes--so I would specialize in cute but comfortable, practical shoes and sandals

the friday 56

The Friday 56

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.

I'm reading Sadie.

She points to one of the chairs. "Park your ass there. I'll be right back." And she doesn't move until I park my ass. She hurries out of the room and tells me don't even think about taking anything over her shoulder as she goes. That kind of warning is enough to make me want to reconsider the whole place because up until she said that, nothing here struck me as worth taking.

doesn't it balance out?

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Organized or messy? At school I am hyper-organized. At home I am messy.

three on thursday

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Thing One: I LOVE the pattern I'm knitting--and the yarn, although I need to get a really good photo of it for my project page.

Thing Two: It reached 50 degrees today! Slated to be in the mid-50s all weekend!

Thing Three: Since I started wearing more springy clothing, my mood has lifted considerably.

happiness

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Happiness is... a lot of little things. Naps, laughter, puppies, interesting conversations, pictures of George Clooney, the good yarn, iced coffee, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, hugs...

unraveled wednesday

Join Kat @ AsKatKnits for some fun!

Knitting away on Hipster Shawl and I started listening to Sadie.

words of wisdom

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A motto to live by. This too shall pass.

while away the hours...

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Something that is always easy for you. I am a pro at wasting time. That doesn't mean I procrastinate--because I don't. But if there are hours to while away, I'm all over it!

ten things tuesday

Ten random things:

1) Yesterday one of my sophomore classes was talking about signing up for next year's course schedule and got going about classes they liked and classes they didn't like. I was taken aback when a couple of them said they hated our class. They like me, I'm their favorite teacher, but they HATE the class. I'm sitting with this still, unsure how to shrug it off. I mean, I don't take it personally but it stings. And, one of the most vocal boys is quite entitled--and this made me think about how reality is going to bite him. Anyhow, I don't know how to sit with this.

2) Today after school I met with a former student for coffee and we talked for over an hour--it was so nice to reconnect with her. She moved away about six years ago and has had so many wonderful experiences!

3) Tuesday after vacation is more tiring than Monday. I'm wiped.

4) The Teacher's Association is going to meet to discuss and hopefully ratify the contract tomorrow.

5) I notice my seasonal depression is lifting--I feel so much better than I did even a month ago.

6) It's been so nice to wear brighter colors and lighter clothes.

7) In my first class today--there was a promposal (an elaborate invitation to prom), it was so fun!

8) The pattern I'm knitting right now is challenging and fun--I can't wait to see my finished product!

9) The local university finally announced my dad's Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree! The ceremony will be on May 11!

10)

big decision

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Your last important decision. About a year ago, I decided to tackle my financial situation once and for all. I made a couple of decisions that were right for me. It brought me peace of mind.

currently

I am...

Reading: reading Sadie

Listening to: Robyn--Dancing On My Own

Loving: chatting online with my friend

Thinking: it's such a nice afternoon outside

Feeling: ready for spring--maybe I have a touch of spring fever?

Celebrating: a good day back with my students

Grateful for: lesson plans organized for today

Weather: it is 59 degrees and sort of sunny

Enjoying: being home

A quote I want to share:

self-care sunday

Social Self Care. I nurtured a few relationships today by making sure there was plenty of laughter.

caring

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How do you show people you care? I listen. I pick up on the unsaid. I give undivided attention. I validate. I encourage. I accept.

sunday stealing

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Ask Anything

1. What Did You Have For Lunch? I had a big Easter dinner

2. Do You Dance In The Car? expertly

3. Favourite Animal? doggo

4. Do You Watch The Olympics? yes

5. What Time Do You Usually Go To Bed? 9-ish

6. Are You Wearing Makeup Right Now? no

7. Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean? I don't really swim anymore so I like dipping my feet in the ocean

8. What Was The Last Thing You Ate? the big Easter dinner

9. Bottled Water Or Tap Water? filtered

10. What Makes You Happy? living in the moment, savoring everything with a sense of wonder

11. Did You Like Swinging As A Child? Do You Still Get Excited When You See A Swing Set? yes and yes

12. Do You Work Better With Or Without Music? usually without

13. Do You Make Your Bed In The Morning? well, I straighten out the covers

14. Do You Like Your Music Loud? I like it at 11

15. Do You Fear Thunder / Lightning? not really

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.

finished reading

This second installment was as much fun as the first of the series. I can't wait to read more.

From the publisher:

Ruddy McCann, former college football star, now Kalkaska, Michigan repo man, is finally getting his life back on track. He has a beautiful fiancé, Katie Lottner, a somewhat stable job stealing cars, and a lazy, lovable basset hound.

With his job suddenly in jeopardy, his fiancé wanting a break, and a new court-ordered psychiatrist insisting he take his medication or violate the terms of his probation, Ruddy finds himself missing the one thing he thought he would be happy to be rid of--the voice of Alan Lottner, dead realtor and Ruddy's future father-in-law.

When a woman tells Ruddy that the tragedy that defines his life may, in fact, be a lie, Ruddy starts to investigate the disappearances of women in the area and soon discovers that his own redemption may be within reach. Alan's voice returns, and Ruddy and Alan work together to bring down a corrupt banker, win back Katie's love, and stop a serial killer before he can strike again.

future

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Would you like to know about the future? Not especially.

saturday 9

Mighty Clouds of Joy

1) This song celebrates serenity. Are you feeling peaceful this morning? I'm feeling rather content this morning

2) The lyrics include allusions to sun and clouds. How does the world look where you are? Is it sunny or cloudy? it is pouring rain and a little chilly

3) This week's featured artist, BJ Thomas, is in the Grammy Hall of Fame for another hit record that uses weather as a metaphor, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." Make up a Hall of Fame that you believe you should be inducted into. (For example, Crazy Sam has inducted herself into The Meme Mistress Hall of Fame for her service to Saturday 9.) Kwizgiver has inducted herself into the Knitting While Listening To Audiobooks Hall of Fame!

4) When Crazy Sam hears this song, she always sings along ... loud. Is there a song you simply cannot resist singing along with? anything by the Beatles or Huey Lewis

5) BJ Thomas has performed this song at The Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has been broadcast on the radio every week since 1925, nearly 95 years ago! Of course, back in the 1920s, radio was the only broadcast media. Today we have other choices. Is listening to the radio part of your daily routine? I have Sirius in my car but don't listen to the radio much anymore--Spotify, Amazon music, and Pandora have taken over my listening

6) Though their dress code is lenient, country music fans who attend the Opry for a live show are warned: "Just remember, there's one rule we take very seriously here at the Grand Ole Opry -- you must wear something." Easter Sunday is a day many of us dress up. What will you be wearing today? Today I am wearing jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt

7) Easter is recognized as the start of the spring season. What are you looking forward to this spring? more colorful clothing, no clunky shoes with socks

8) Lilies are popular at Easter. Do you have a favorite flower? Peonies

9) Which would rather find in your Easter basket: yellow marshmallow chicks (aka Peeps) or a plastic egg filled with pennies? ok, now seriously Sam--pennies? Make it quarters and your on!

sing along

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Your favorite song to sing. Two songs immediately jumped to mind "Morning Has Broken" and "The Prayer of St. Francis." They are songs I have known my whole life and always move me. But there are lots of songs I enjoy singing--I always have a jam!

the friday 56

The Friday 56

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.

I'm reading 99 Percent Mine.

In my room, I scrub my eyes with makeup wipes and change into leggings and an old band T-shirt. I'll let my teeth decay tonight. When Tom appears in the doorway, wearing another tight T-shirt and sweatpants, I'm starting to doubt reality again.

finished reading

This might be my first read of this author, although browsing through my GoodReads TBR, he's all over it. I will definitely check out more of his books. And I didn't know the genre of Domestic Suspense, either, but it is defined as a thriller with no police, detectives, or serial killers as primary characters. This story drew me in and I couldn't put it down. Suspend belief and enjoy the ride.

From the publisher:

You've lost your daughter.

She's addicted to drugs and to an abusive boyfriend. And she's made it clear that she doesn't want to be found.

Then, by chance, you see her playing guitar in Central Park. But she's not the girl you remember. This woman is living on the edge, frightened, and clearly in trouble.

You don't stop to think. You approach her, beg her to come home.

She runs.

And you do the only thing a parent can do: you follow her into a dark and dangerous world you never knew existed. Before you know it, both your family and your life are on the line. And in order to protect your daughter from the evils of that world, you must face them head on.

three on thursday

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How would you like to be described? I'm going to combine these together and use three words...

Word One: Charming

Word Two: Independent

Word Three: Clever

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wordless wednesday

finished reading

A riveting true story of the nuances of what seems to be an easy, right and wrong case. What keeps this from being dry is the way the author examines the main and secondary people--from piecing together interviews, reports, and footage.

From the publisher:

One teenager in a skirt.
One teenager with a lighter.
One moment that changes both of their lives forever.

If it weren't for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one. Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight.

punny

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A pun

A backward poet writes inverse.

finished reading

A confection of a book!

From the publisher:
Tim Downer's own life is in chaos, but he's paid for his qualification as a life coach, and he's going to use it. When his new, and only, client tells him she's had a huge windfall, he believes he really could turn his and, of course, her life around. He doesn't suspect that there's more to Debbie than the scruffy, overweight drudge she appears to be. But his ex-wife Erica and daughter Alice instantly spot her dodgy wig and strange accent. Deborah is actually in Shelcombe to investigate life coaching rather than benefit from it, but she quickly finds herself fascinated by the eccentric inhabitants of the little seaside town. Which is just as well, since when the magazine she works for collapses, she's stuck there. And once she meets Tim without her disguise, he gets a few surprising life lessons.

signs of spring

First pedicure of the season!

The local dairy bar is open!

ten things tuesday

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10 things you should always have

In no particular order:

1) A friend.

2) A go-to dressy outfit.

3) Comfy jeans that fit well--that may take some hunting but it's worth it.

4) Comfortable shoes.

5) A no-fail recipe that you know by heart.

6) An open mind.

7) A sense of wonder.

8) An alternate route--so you can take in the sights.

9) $100.

10) Hand sanitizer.

you don't say

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A word you overuse (shuffling the prompts a bit because tomorrow is a list of 10)

I say "so" a lot. And "well". I probably say "fuckety" more than I should.

currently

I am...

Reading: reading The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives

Listening to: Queen--You're My Best Friend

Loving: vacation mode

Thinking: do I want to take a road trip on Saturday?

Feeling: lazy although I was productive today

Celebrating: Patriots' Day

Grateful for: vacation time to regroup

Weather: it is 40 degrees and raining

Enjoying: this Spotify playlist

A quote I want to share:

self-care sunday

Give your body a treat. Pick something from your wardrobe that feels great next to your skin.

I wore a t-shirt dress--legs on display! I have missed wearing dresses during the winter months.

kindness

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Describe kindness: to me, it is the consideration, generosity, and personable nature that people exhibit. Small acts of thoughtfulness. Service. Good deeds.

just finished reading

Historical fiction exploring the themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and enduring love. This is the story of a German POW in America, there were many at the local air base so I grew up knowing about them, and the story of his love and loss. Alternating narratives from the past to the present day search for answers, it's a tidy story. I think my book group will enjoy it.

From the publisher:

Emily Emerson is used to being alone; her dad ran out on the family when she was a just a kid, her mom died when she was seventeen, and her beloved grandmother has just passed away as well. But when she’s laid off from her reporting job, she finds herself completely at sea…until the day she receives a beautiful, haunting painting of a young woman standing at the edge of a sugarcane field under a violet sky. That woman is recognizable as her grandmother—and the painting arrived with no identification other than a handwritten note saying, “He always loved her.”

Emily is hungry for roots and family, so she begins to dig. And as she does, she uncovers a fascinating era in American history. Her trail leads her to the POW internment camps of Florida, where German prisoners worked for American farmers...and sometimes fell in love with American women. But how does this all connect to the painting? The answer to that question will take Emily on a road that leads from the sweltering Everglades to Munich, Germany and back to the Atlanta art scene before she’s done.

Along the way, she finds herself tempted to tear down her carefully tended walls at last; she’s seeing another side of her father, and a new angle on her painful family history. But she still has secrets, ones she’s been keeping locked inside for years. Will this journey bring her the strength to confront them at last?

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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Fill in the Blanks

It's always nice when someone does something for me

Oh, that was so fun.

It's a sure sign of spring when I start getting pedicures.

Are we having snow again??!.

My heart is happy.

Do you believe in magic? I do!

I'm a Scorpio.

I was born in October.

My students get crazy when the moon is full.

When we text, I'm happy.

Chocolate is the best!

Underneath it all we're all naked.

Oh! And thanks for that visual.

And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to I think this was supposed to be from Friday so I had book group and then went to a local theater production, tomorrow my plans include meeting up with my Breakfast Club friends and Sunday, I want to finish my book group book!

decisions, decisions

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How do you make decisions? Mostly, I go with my instincts--my gut, my initial reaction. I'm decisive.

saturday 9

April Love

1) In this song, Pat Boone sings that April love is a wonder reserved for the very young. Do you think the sensation of falling in love changes as we grow older? Because I am more secure in what I want from a partner I do think the sensation of falling in love changes

2) "April Love" reached #1 on the charts. Between this song and "Love Letters in the Sand," Pat Boone had a career year. Only one artist sold more records in 1957: Elvis Presley. When you think of Elvis, what's the first song that comes to mind? "A Little Less Conversation"

3) Pat was extremely busy in high school. He wrote for the school paper, ran track, and acted in school plays. Share a memory of your extracurricular activities during high school. Senior year I was editor of the yearbook and president of the drama club

4) It was his track coach who introduced Pat to the new girl in school, Shirley Foley. Three years later Pat and Shirley married, and remained man and wife for 65 years, until her death earlier this year. Who is the longest married couple you know? hmmm... off the top of my head it's my sister and her husband with 37 years

5) Pat has lived in the same house for more than 60 years. He once received an offer to sell it for $18,000,000 but turned it down because it's the Boone family home and he simply doesn't want to leave. Do you plan on moving in the foreseeable future? I do not plan to move

6) Pat has a warm friendship with his neighbors, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. Pat has mentioned in interviews that he has enjoyed bike rides around Beverly Hills with Sharon. Tell us about one of your neighbors. I have a new neighbor--and so far he's quiet and hasn't parked in my parking spot

7) Mr. Boone was very critical of Barack Obama, enthusiastically supports Donald Trump, and has appeared on Fox News to express his views. How do you feel about celebrities talking politics? I don't really pay attention to them

8) In 1957, the year this song was popular, Dr. Ian Donald pioneered the use of ultrasound technology. Today ultrasounds are commonly used by doctors in diagnosing conditions affecting the eyes, blood vessels, kidneys, gall bladder and more. Have you ever had an ultrasound? yes, I have

9) Random question: You're sitting alone in a restaurant, waiting for a friend. The waiter brings you a drink and the compliments of a member of the opposite sex seated at the bar. What's your reaction? Are you flattered, shocked, embarrassed, intrigued or annoyed? intrigued--but in all honesty, I don't drink very often so it would probably go to waste.

the friday 56

The Friday 56

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.

I'm reading When We Meet Again.

I was floored to learn that nearly four hundred thousand Germans had been imprisoned in the United States during the 1940s, but that newspaper coverage of the POW camps was limited, so many Americans didn't even know about them.

perfect day

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What is a "perfect" day? It must start with waking up without an alarm--luxuriating in bed as late as I want. Then, whiling away the day is good--nice weather so I can take a road trip or do something fun. Reading, knitting, and maybe napping. Chatting with my sisters and friends. I have a lot of these.