saturday 9

Ladder To The Roof

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Many people are uncomfortable with ladders. Some feel unsteady on the steps, others have a fear of heights. Then there's the superstition that warns against walking under ladders. Are you afraid of ladders? no, I'm not afraid of ladders, nor am I superstitious

 

2) In this song, the Supremes advise us to go up the ladder to the roof to be closer to Heaven. While poetic, that's not really why most homeowners climb onto the roof. They're more likely replacing shingles or cleaning the gutters. Have you ever been on the roof of your building? no, I don't know how to get to it

 

3) The record was the Supremes first and biggest hit without Diana Ross. When Jean Terrell replaced Diana as lead singer, the two ladies appeared together at a press event to launch this new iteration of the Supremes. Have you ever met your replacement at a job, or perhaps the person you replaced? no, I have not--and I've been thinking about this quite a bit as I look to retirement.  I keep reminding myself that it is none of my business who they get to take my place.  I can't get wrapped up in who will continue the rigor of the Advanced Placement program.

 

4) Mary Wilson was a member of the group when it was formed in 1959 and stayed through 1977, when the Supremes officially disbanded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American stays at a job 3.9 years. Looking over your job history, how long did you typically stick with an employer? I stay much longer... my retail job was almost 10 years and this current teaching job is almost 30 years

 

5) The third Supreme performing on this record was Cindy Birdsong. After the group broke up for good, Cindy finished nursing school and practiced at UCLA Medical Center. When did you last interact with a nurse or nurse practitioner?  on January 19th

6) In 1970, when this song was popular, TV shows about doctors like Marcus Welby, MD and Medical Center ranked high in the Nielsen ratings. Medical shows are still popular today, with Grey's Anatomy entering its 22nd season and The Pitt earning critical accolades. Do you have a favorite TV doctor? Doctor Doug Ross 😉

 

7) Also in 1970, when this song was popular, audiences were lining up to see the movie Love Story. Without looking it up, complete the film's most famous line:  "Love means _______________." never having to say you're sorry

 

8) Slumberchums™ were all the rage among pre-teens in 1970. These sleeping bags had attached pillow "heads" that made it look like you slipping into sleep inside a plush bear. When did you most recently sleep in a sleeping bag? oh, my gosh--it's been at least three decades

 

9) Random question: Did you take a multivitamin this morning? If yes, did you swallow it or chew it? I did not take a multivitamin

saturday 9

That Funny Feeling

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Bobby Darin admits he cares more for the girl than he should. What's something you have recently overdone (eaten too many potato chips, stayed up too late, etc.)? tonight (it's Friday and I'm posting early because I'm going out of town Saturday) I had a second serving of dinner and I really shouldn't have

 

2) Bobby wrote this as the theme song for a movie he starred in with his wife, Sandra Dee. That Funny Feeling (the movie) turned a profit at the box office and "That Funny Feeling" (the record) made the Billboard Top 40. Can you think of another movie and song that were both popular? "Footloose"

 

3) While Bobby had a successful movie career and earned an Oscar nomination, he didn't get the part he wanted most: Tony in West Side Story. While he could sing and dance very well, producers didn't think Bobby looked like a romantic leading man. What actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat?  George Clooney

 

4) Elvis enjoyed watching Bobby perform, but understood that if he sat in the audience he would be a distraction. So Elvis always watched Bobby from the wings. Think about the last thing you saw in a theater (concert, movie, play). Were you distracted by another audience member? Was anyone crinkling paper, checking their phone, whispering, etc.? the audience was well-behaved

 

5) When the editor of a teen magazine asked if he could cook, Bobby not only said yes, he offered up his manicotti recipe. What's your favorite pasta dish? (To eat, not necessarily to whip up in your kitchen.) chicken and broccoli alfredo

 

6) In addition to cooking, Bobby's friends recall he loved talking about classic cars and baseball. Which of those three would you be most comfortable discussing? cooking

 

7) In 1965, when Americans were listening to "That Funny Feeling," aspirin was the top over-the-counter pain reliever. You could get a bottle of 200 tablets for just $1. Is there aspirin in your medicine chest right now? no

 
8) Also in 1965, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. The sitcom about a beautiful genie living in the suburbs was developed to compete with Bewitched, about a beautiful witch living in the suburbs. Which show do like better? oh--don't make me choose!!!!!

 

9) Random question: After a friend leaves your home, you spot a small, bound book on the floor next to your sofa. You flip through it and see that her journal fell out of her purse. It's mostly shopping lists and appointments but also includes personal observations, Once you realize what it is, do you close it and keep it closed until you can return it to her? Or do you continue reading? close it

happy birthday, handsome!

 

64 looks good on him!

sunday stealing

 

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The Gale Interview Questions

1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done? Did it take physical or emotional courage?  I don't know if I've done anything daring--thrilling for sure, but daring?  

2. Where did you meet the love of your life? he was on The Facts of Life during 1985 (I remember because I was in college)

3. What brand/flavor of coffee are you drinking these days? at home: New England brand Breakfast Blend and on-the-go: Dunkin' regular

4. What's the coolest place you've ever visited and how did you get there (car, plane, motorcycle, etc.)? I think London is the coolest place I've ever visited and I got there by plane

5. What's the best concert you ever attended? every concert!  Although, James Taylor at the ballpark in Old Orchard Beach was memorable--the Beach Boys and Wilson Phillips were opening acts!

saturday 9

My Blue Heaven

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

 

1) The music for "My Blue Heaven" was written by Walter Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson was a gifted piano player who used his talent to entertain the troops on leave during WWI. What's something you're naturally good at? I am naturally a good singer, however I hate performing and therefore do not sing often

2) The lyrics were written by George Whiting. He began his career on stage as a song-and-dance man. While touring, he met and fell in love with another singer on the bill. They went on to marry and have three daughters. Have you ever engaged in a workplace romance? no

3) In this song, Doris Day sings about a cozy home. Look around the room you're in. What makes it cozy? all of my family photos

 

4) For four consecutive years, Doris was the most popular film actress in the world, with fans flocking to theaters to see her. Is there an actor or actress whose presence in a movie or TV show makes you say to yourself, "I want to see that?" George Clooney

5) For all her film and music success, she found herself broke in the late 1960s. Her husband had mismanaged her fortune, something she didn't discover until after his sudden death. Do you know how much is in your checking account right now? (We're not asking the amount; just whether you know.) I have a rough estimate

6) Away from performing, Doris' passion was animal welfare. At one point she shared her home with more than a dozen dogs and went on to establish the Doris Day Animal Foundation. Do any pets share your home? I cannot have pets in my apartment

 

7) In 1955, when this song was a hit, cars came with AM radios but they were pretty unsophisticated by today's standards. The car needed to be on and "warmed up" a bit before the signal was picked up and that signal could easily be lost if you were bouncing over rough terrain. Today most new cars come with Bluetooth so you can enjoy infotainment through your phone. Do you listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc., as you drive? if I am traveling a distance (like, hours) I will listen to an audiobook but on my daily commute if I listen to anything it's music

8) Also in 1955, the first McDonald's opened. Does your community have a McDonald's? yes

9) Random question: How long have you known your newest friend? we have been friends since 2020

ten things tuesday

Birthday Meme

1. How many candles are on your cake today? 59--and it's fun that my students did not believe me
2. What's the best birthday gift you've ever received? all of them are the best!
3. If you could teleport anywhere for your birthday, where would you go? it would be fun to spend my birthday in a big city with lots of restaurant options and events to attend
4. What’s your go-to birthday dessert? chocolate cake
5. Who's the funniest person you want at your party? a dear old friend from childhood that I was able to reconnect with at our 40th reunion in June
6. Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? yes!  it was sort of a surprise
7. What's your most memorable birthday moment? celebrating my fortieth birthday with forty days of fun was a blast--and it was private moments of joy and celebration
8. What's the silliest birthday tradition you have? buying myself a present
9. If you could have any celebrity show up to your party, who would it be? George Clooney
10. Cake or cupcakes? cupcakes

sunday stealing

 

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How Far Will  You Go?

1.    What's the best thing to inherit other than money? intelligence

2.    What one  thing would you most like to happen tomorrow? nice weather

3.    Who is the person with whom you've been most infatuated? George Clooney

4.    In what part of the day does time go slowest and fastest? my planning period is the fastest time of the day and the slowest is  whichever class is being noisiest

5.    Whose thoughts would you most like to read? I would like to read a beloved pet's thoughts--I just need a beloved pet; I'm not interested in reading a person's thoughts

6.    Who is the person you'd least like to touch? George Clooney because I'd never be able to wash my hands again and that would be inconvenient

7.    What is the best quality you inherited from your parents? my diplomacy from Dad and making people feel comfortable from Mum (it's what people always say about her when they tell me their memories of her)

8.    Who is the friend you most often disagree with? probably my teacher friend Jess

9.    What's the best ritual of your daily life? I enjoy my daily Dunkin iced coffee ritual

10.    What is the most useful job you've ever had? teaching

11.    In which year of your life did you change the most? it was the year therapy clicked for me and I prioritized myself

12.    What's the best thing you've ever gotten for free? a wonderful massage therapist gave me a free massage when she found out it was my birthday

13,    What is the thing you are best at? being an audience

14.    What was the luckiest moment in your life? when my doctor scheduled the scan that discovered pulmonary emboli and saved my life

15.    What is the single most important thing you have ever learned? to have faith

friday 5

  

Scattergories Part 13 (what?)

First, go to this nifty online random-letter generator. Set the “number of random letter sequences to generate” to 1. Set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 1. Leave the “letters to choose from” how it is and click the button. You’ll get a rather non-dramatic one letter. Use this letter to begin all your answers to the 5 questions below. If you’d like to avoid difficult letters, feel free to change the “letters to choose from” list. 

Alternately, if you find this boring, you could set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 5, thereby giving you five letters, a different one for each question.

Please answer these questions with an answer whose initial is the letter you rolled!

I got qgnaj 

1. What should you always be careful with?  questions you don't want to answer
2. With whom would you like to have dinner? George Clooney
3. What would you like to learn how to do? neaten up my living space (I'm a clutter bug)
4. Where will you find what you’ve been looking all over for? anyplace but where I expected it to be
5. What do you dream about? justice for all

happy birthday, handsome

 

Happy birthday, Handsome!

ten things tuesday

Ten coolest celebrities.  

1)  Kathy Bates.  What range!  I especially enjoyed Harry's Law.

2)  Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson.  I'm putting them down together because I like them as a couple.  I enjoy his storytelling and her music.

3)  Cher.  I've been fascinated with her since I was a little girl flinging my long hair the way she would fling her hair.  "I've got you, Babe."

4)  Melissa McCarthy.  She's versatile, funny, creative, and ballsy.

5)  Lady Gaga.  Incredible talent.

6)  Stephen King.  Not only is he a master storyteller but he's a master of Twitter.

7)  Aziz Ansari had my favorite bit on Parks & Recreation with the "Treat Yo'Self" episode.

8)  Robert Downey Jr. --he can do it all.  What a life.

9)  Meryl Streep is a goddess among us.

10) George Clooney.  George. Clooney.

I would be friends with them.

sunday stealing

 

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Yes, I'm back!

1.    Have you ever written to a celebrity?  Did they respond? I used to write to ZOOM regularly (box 350, Boston, Mass. 02134) and they would send responses!

 2.  Do you read letters immediately, or wait until ready to reply I read immediately

 3.   My preferences when it comes to reading I prefer audio and ebooks and my favorite genres are mystery, literary fiction, and chick lit

 4.   What I'm least likely to change my mind about. how I'll vote

 5.   The topics I would get wrong about during trivia--sports and math

 6.   What I'm hopeful about right now? I'm hopeful the state conference I'm going to will be worthwhile

 7.   Philosophies I've learned/embraced from others. my grandmother had lots of little gems

 8.   What makes home feel like home? knowing that my stuff and myself are safe

 9.    Talents and skills I like to cultivate I like to grow as a knitter and a teacher--I try to embrace technology
 
10.   What makes my heart race George Clooney 😍

11,  What power means to me flipping a switch

12.  Come of my comfort hobbies. knitting and reading

13.  Last time I was pleasantly surprised my students were working on a project and they nailed it!

14.   How was my October 2022? exceptionally awesome!

15.   Those who inspire my growth my students

three on thursday

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Thing one:  This Saturday I have a manicure appointment.  I'm scrolling Pinterest for inspiration.

Thing two:  This Saturday I am going to the matinee of Ticket to Paradise.

Thing three:  This Saturday my parents are taking me out for a birthday dinner.

saturday 9

 

Things

1) In this song, Bobby Darin is sitting beside his window, looking out onto a crowded avenue. What's the view outside your nearest window? the roof of the post office

 

2) He likes to remember the romantic things he and his girl used to do, like walking in the park. When did you most recently go for a leisurely stroll? Did you have a destination in mind, or were you just enjoying the walk for its own sake? I was walking in the park--on trails through the woods

3) He notes a couple holding hands. Are you comfortable displaying affection in public? yes

 

4) When Bobby recorded this song, he was married to screen sweetheart Sandra Dee. Today she is best known as the inspiration for the song, "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee." Can you name another song from Grease? Hopelessly Devoted, Beauty School Drop Out, Greased Lightning...

5) Bobby loved gadgets. He was enthusiastic about his suitcase telephone, which was one of the first mobile phones. Are you an early adapter, or do you wait for new technology to be around awhile and not so new before you try it? hmmm... I'm kind of an early adapter

 

6) He was a chess fanatic and always kept a magnetic chess board in his briefcase, just in case he found someone who was willing to play him. Are you a good chess player? I do not know how to play chess

 

7) He very much wanted to play Tony in West Side Story, but he didn't the part because the producers didn't think he looked like a romantic leading man. What actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat? George 😍 Clooney

 

8) In 1962, when this song was popular, Jack Nicklaus launched his successful golf career. Do you enjoy playing golf, or watching it on TV? no, but I used to love driving the golf cart for my grandfather

9) Random question: Which would we find in your kitchen right now -- cookies or ice cream? cookies

friday 5

 

Let’s cut the small talk

1. What are you learning these days? better time management
2. How have you recently surprised yourself? setting boundaries with my family
3. What are you most hopeful about in your personal life? I feel like I'm getting a handle on the clutter
4. What’s worrying you? ugh--how to pay for an expensive car repair
5. Who are you keen on? George Clooney

should be a holiday

 

Happy birthday, handsome!

currently

 I am...

Reading:  I'm reading To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne

Listening to:  CBS "Sunday Morning" from yesterday--thanks to Bev for tipping me off to the George 😍 Clooney interview

Loving:  I'm not dreading heading back to school

Thinking:  about school

Feeling:  waffling between denial and acceptance

Celebrating:  the end of summer vacation

Grateful for:  being able to fully relax and start recovering from the overwhelming 2020-21 school year

Weather:  it is 70° and cloudy

Enjoying:  taking it easy

A quote I want to share:   

should be a holiday

 

saturday 9

 

My Valentine

1) Paul McCartney sings that he won't let a day go by without remembering why he loves his valentine. What blessings are you thankful for today? I met with my Breakfast Club girlfriends for the first time since November and--wow!  We talked and talked and talked.

2) Paul directed the video of Natalie Portman translating his song into American Sign Language (ASL), which is the third most commonly-used language in both the United States and Canada. British Sign Language (BSL), commonly used in EU countries, is very different. Do you find it easy to learn new languages? I loved taking ASL classes, I should have kept up with it since, like any other language, it's use it or lose it.

 
3) The song is on Paul's Kisses on the Bottom CD, for which he won one of his 18 Grammy Awards. What compliment or accolade have you recently received? A couple of students told me I'm their favorite teacher.

4) Paul is an honorary NYPD detective. He was given this designation for performing a charity concert after 9/11. Do you know anyone in law enforcement? Yes!  My nephew's wife is an officer.

5) Bob Dylan has said of Paul, "I'm in awe of McCartney. He's about the only one I'm in awe of. He can do it all. He never lets up. He's just so effortless." Tell us about someone whose talent you admire. My dad is amazing!  As a director and conductor, he brings out the best of his performers.

This is the last Saturday  9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14? I do not

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear? George Clooney

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent? I sent a sympathy card

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower? Peonies are my favorite!

sunday stealing

 

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Life Entirely

1. Something someone told you about yourself that you never forgot.  My college advisor once told me that I was destined to be a teacher and that I was a natural for it.

2. What are your 3 top pet peeves. 1) people driving slowly in the passing lane 2) people refusing to wear a mask 3) being called a libtard/snowflake for following protocols for health & safety

3. List five places you want to visit. 1) Italy 2) Ireland 3) Ireland 4) Northern Ireland 5) Ireland

4. Share something you struggle with.  I struggle with distance learning/teaching--I am not effective, have no training whatsoever, and feel overwhelmed

5. Post words of wisdom that speak to you. All you need is love-love is all you need.

6. Something you always think “what if....?” about.  I always "what if..." about injuring myself and needing crutches

7. Five blessings in your life. 1) family 2) very dear friends 3) a fulfilling career 4) a comfortable and safe home 5) reliable services--internet, etc

8. Something that you miss. taking random road trips to Central and Southern Maine

9. Post about your zodiac sign and whether or not it fits you. 

Yes, it fits

10. Think of a word. Search for it on Google images.  Write something inspired by the 11th image.

Yup.

11. Write about an area of your life that you’d like to improve. finances

12. What made you laugh out loud today. the pharmacy tech at Walgreens was so funny and charming, she made waiting for my flu shot fly by

13. What are your goals for the next 30 days. stay safe and healthy

14. Your highs and lows for the month. I'm on a two-week vacation so it's all highs right now!

15. Favorite movies that you never get tired of watching. The Holiday, Anything with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, Love Actually, Elf, When Harry Met Sally

16. Books you have read more than once. hmmm--not very many: off the top of my head it would be Crime and Punishment, Pride and Prejudice, Still Life, and a few Stephen King novels

17. Something about which you feel strongly.  I have very strong opinions about the state of the nation and how I hope it heals

18. Five things that make you really happy. 1) Hugs 2) good yarn 3) laughing 4) a nice nap 5) a good cup of coffee

19. What are you excited about? I'm excited to be on vacation

20. Three celebrity crushes. 1) George Clooney, 2) Jesse L. Martin, 3) Sam Heughan

sunday stealing

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Live Journal

1. Who is the hottest celebrity you can think of? George Clooney has a special place in my heart

2. Do you ever get so nervous that you can't even think? yes

3. Do you sing when there is no music? yes!

4. Who was the best political leader in history and why? As a history teacher, I've thought about this question before and my honest answer is that there hasn't been one--people are flawed

5 If you could dance with anyone in the world right now, who would it be and what song would you dance to? I would boogie in my classroom with my students--dance parties at school are always fun and I'd play something upbeat like "Can't Stop the Feeling" "Uptown Funk" or something like that

6 Finish this sentence your own way. There are two types of people in the world... those who love pineapple on pizza and those who are wrong.

7 What have you saved since elementary school? in my baby book are a few old report cards

8 Have you ever won an award? I have won two different awards for teaching--the Apple Award from my peers and the Golden Apple Award from my students

9. Do you feel more connected to the sun or the moon? it varies--but today I'll say the sun

10 Do flaws make people interesting to you? yes

11 Who is your favorite historical figure? well, I have several but today I'll go with Ben Franklin because I have this picture of my bobblehead on my desk 

12. White bread or wheat bread? wheat

13. Do you usually do things fast or right? I am not fast--I like to take my time

14. Are you or have you ever been in a band? for about a month I was part of a percussion section of a band--I was mighty on the tambourine!

15. Here are 4 statements about me. Only one of them is true. Which one is it? **

1) I have naturally curly hair

2) I am a leftie

3) I love being in a large, loud, exciting crowd

4) Gen X describes me

16. Would you wear a thong bathing suit in public? that's a hard no

17. Have you thought about death today? yes, I have

18. What is your favorite breakfast? I love going to restaurants for breakfast--it's my favorite meal to eat out

19. Are you the life of the party? I have been

20. If you hit an animal with your car would you get out to try and make sure it was okay? depends on the type of animal (if it was a pet, yes--a squirrel, no) and the time of day and weather, etc

21. When do you get your most peaceful and satisfying sleep? at night

22. What thought gets you out of bed in the morning? the urge for the bathroom

23. What are you a member of? the Sat 9 and Sunday Stealing blog communities

24. Name one place you refuse to ever go.  any type of rally for a cause I don't support

25. When (and if) people (or animals) go to heaven, do they become angels? this isn't part of my belief system

**#4 is correct