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:

Running out of family vacation time. Why don't we live closer?

it's all good...

Nieces arguing over who sits next to you = best feeling in the world. ♥

went to see...

The adults laughed more than the kids did. Everyone I was with cried. The hallmarks of a great movie.

what do you crave?

You Crave Love

You don't feel like life is really worth living if you don't have anyone to love. You know that in the end, relationships are what matter most - and you put love first. Even if you've already found your true love, you're looking for more people to care for. You never like your life to be too quiet. You prefer it to be filled with friends, conversation, and laughter.

What Do You Crave?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things:

1) Let me remind all of us that I am on vacation!

2) I have yet to sleep in, I've had to get up with an alarm every day.

3) My sister and her family are visiting from Virginia and we are having a blast! My local niece has been staying with them and watching the three girls together is fun.

4) There are not enough hours in the day to spend all together. So, tomorrow I'm staying overnight at their camp.

5) I had a successful first week of Weight Watchers even though I didn't very carefully watch my Points.

6) My Farmville addiction is echoed by my sister's. One more thing we share.

7) Tonight my sister was able to have a massage by the same masseur I had last week. She loved it. They had gone mountain hiking today so her legs were ready for a massage.

8) When the whole family is together there is a lot of laughter. A lot of laughter. Holy moly but there are some funny people in my family.

9) The weather has been cooperating so far. If it rains tomorrow we'll probably go see Toy Story 3 at a matinee. But it's been in the upper 70s and 80s with no humidity and a nice breeze for two days. How lucky?!

10) I finally got an email from AP Central that my syllabus was approved. I'm official.

longest day...

For the longest day of sunshine I sure squeezed all the fun out of it. What a great day! Starting with family coffee at 8, a great therapy session at 11, delicious lunch with the family, followed by a walk to the park and on the trails with my nieces, then back to Dad's to make lasagna and hang out some more and a fantastic family meal. With all the laughter and conversation overlapping and rippling all around--there is no more fun in the day!

Happy Solstice!

just another manic monday...

# 210

As an adult, what is your favorite thing about summer? having time away from school to recharge, rejuvenate and relax

What was your favorite thing about summer when you were a kid? the endless days of play

In 2010, it will be the summer of ME.

postsecret

This week Postsecret is all about Father's Day. This one spoke to me. But there are many more great secrets.

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: The Oh My! Meme, part one

1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? any automated call center

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? yes

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? listener

4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? my car smells good

5. Do you play the lottery? no

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? Bear Grylls

7. Do you like to ride horses? no

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? just ours

9. What is your favorite party game? Balderdash!

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? no

11. When was the last time that you lied? I don't remember

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? yes

13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? yes

14. Use six words to describe yourself. I forgot my glasses this morning

15. Name a song that could make you cry? Cannon in D

16. Are you pleased with your education? yes

17. How do you feel about gun control? I don't feel anything about it... I think it's necessary

18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? a hold of myself

19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? never

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? present

21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? People magazine is as adult as I get

22. What are you told about your eyes? they are dark

23. How tall is just right? taller than me

24. Where is your dream house located? my imagination

25. Do you have a secret fetish? no

26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? no

27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? no

28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? never

29. When was the last time you were at Church? I don't even remember

30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? to the living room

31. What was your favorite job? this one

32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? the usual

33. Bud is hosting Thursday Thunks this week. Will you play? I will try to remember to play but I have family visiting and might forget

34. Do you look like your mom or dad? yes

35. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? me, myself and I

busy day.

Started the day with a fun breakfast with The Breakfast Club--all but one of us was there. After gabbing and grubbing I had a pedicure and Cha-Ching Cherry is my new shade. Then I did more errands and took a nap. I was awakened by the phone call that my Virginia family had arrived. So, up to Dad's I went and hung out with them for a few hours. Next was off to the camp they're staying at to check it out. Much nicer and more fun than a hotel.

This is going to be a great week!

saturday 9

Jumping Someone Else's Train

1. When was your last train ride? good question... it's been about eighteen years

2. How many foreign countries have you visited? Tell us about one. I have been to 9 or 10 foreign countries... the best was going to school in Ireland, living in Cork and traveling almost every weekend to some small coastal town or other. It felt like home. I need to go back.

3. What do you always take with you on vacation? my camera

4. Tell us about something you've lost recently. I thought I lost a certificate of completion for the AP training from last summer but I eventually found it in a most unusual place--the binder that went with the course!

5. Do you prefer action packed vacations or relaxing ones? I like a mix of both... although I don't do much action-packed

6. How long will you wait in a check out line before abandoning your purchases? I have never done that

7. How old do you wish you were? I like being my age... but going back in time to four years ago, there are a few things I would do differently

8. Do you consider yourself kind? yes

9. Tell us about your tattoos. Or if you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be? I have a four-leaf clover on my left wrist and a Celtic mandala on the inside of my right calf

summer of me...

I joined a gym today. I meet with a personal trainer on the 28th.

toys...

Bought a new toy. It's very easy to use, in fact Maggie was my first victim subject. Mostly I got it for some summer fun with my Virginia nieces. But now that I see how easy it is to use, I can see some good classroom applications.

friday fill-in

# 181

1. No more rushing out of the house before 6:58.

2. It was the reason, of course, for my smirk.

3. Stress over school is something I no longer feel the need to do.

4. I have another errand to run, then I will sip my iced coffee and enjoy the day.

5. Hey_...just go find it

6. What were once vices are now laughable memories.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hang out, tomorrow my plans include the Breakfast Club and a pedicure and Sunday, I want to attach myself to my sister's family!

meet maggie

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:

Perfectionism in myself.

wednesday wickedness

Today's quotes are from Bruce Springsteen:

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck? I think that luck is being open to the possibilities and opportunities

2. “You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above? I get in my own way a lot

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich? I'd give it a try ;-)

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world." well... there are several contenders

5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan? I'm sure... any number of One Hit Wonders from the 80s

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true? they do on a regular basis

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president? I would clean house and stop the pork barelling

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights? everyone should have the same rights, otherwise basic rights become special rights

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself? on a regular basis... I am very hard on myself

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band? I love pop/rock and my favorite band since 1982 is U2

ahhhhh...

This is a self-portrait. I have just had my massage. Oh, it was heavenly! Heavenly! Now, I'm enjoying a very large glass of wine. What a wonderful way to kick off vacation! I'm on vacation!!!

And, yes, I made another appointment for July.

what's your summer sense?

Your Summer Sense is Sight

You are very visually oriented. It's likely you're an artist - or at least a good photographer. You are good at taking in a lot of visual stimuli at once ... the more the better. Your eyes love the bustling scenes of summer. You could spend hours at a crowded beach people watching. You are equally moved by the sights of nature. You can be endlessly entertained on a quiet hike.

What's Your Summer Sense?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

it's finally here...

ten things tuesday...

Ten things about my day:

1) I overslept this morning. Slept through my alarm. Probably because I had a glass of wine last night to help me unwind from the meeting.

2) Made an appointment for a massage. It's Wednesday at 7:15. What a great way to start vacation!

3) Made a therapy appointment for Monday. I had to cancel last week's appointment because of Dad's scare last week. My therapist will be shocked by everything that's gone on since my last appointment.

4) Ran to the pharmacy for refills. It's nice to check off routine chores.

5) Dranoed my tub drain. I will call the plumber. When I'm on vacation.

6) Finished my grades and printed out verification reports. No shocks.

7) Tallied the books and I'm down one that is damaged beyond repair. Now I've got 79 for next year.

8) Packed up and cleaned up my classroom. I'm a dirty wreck now because I didn't have a chance to clean up before #9.

9) (Re)Joined Weight Watchers with my bestie. I think the two of us will keep each other accountable and on track. Great support. And going with someone else keeps me motivated. And who better than my bestie to support?

10) I think I'm gonna go to bed early tonight. I'm wiped out. But I'm excited for tomorrow. At 11:30 I'm a free woman.

summer of me...

So, my bestie and I joined Weight Watchers. For me, it's the bazillionth time. But I have a new attitude about it--that because I want to be healthier, that's my goal. Not a number. I'm never going to be a skinny mini because that's just not who I am, but I need to be healthier. Since Curv*s closed, I haven't exercised at all. Actually, it's since my pulmonary emboli that I haven't exercised. And I'm not going to get all OCD and crazy about points or anything, like I did last time. My goal is health... and a healthier lifestyle.

I'm going to join a local gym, too, and work with a personal trainer to help me create a Curv*s-like workout. That 30 minutes deal worked wonders.

mmmmassage...

I'm gonna make an appointment to get a massage. I'm going to call tomorrow. I earned it, especially tonight at negotiations.

just another manic monday...

From the archives:

If, for one month, you had to live day and night at any one retail store, which one would it be? well, I guess I'd have to pick WalM*rt because they are local but I would rather stay at a Target.

If, for one month, you could live at any famous residence or home in the entire world, which one would you pick? oh, the White House or Kensington Palace

tony...

This awards show is so electric with energy. Makes me wish I lived close enough to enjoy a lot of *good* live theater! I miss Neil Patric Harris as host.

i say... and you think...?

1. Offense :: aggressive
2. Bench :: park
3. Kissing :: smooches
4. Timely :: ready
5. Yellow :: sunny
6. Get up and go :: self-starter
7. Beer :: bottle
8. Calories :: Weight Watchers
9. Blast :: boom boom pow
10. Window :: sheers



#385

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 Just Because Meme

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course) a maid

2. What is your dream car? a sleek jag

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog? Facebook so I can get onto Farmville

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want? neither

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up? play on the computer

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate. I love Madonna... the older I get the more I love her. Same with Cher.

7. What do you want to be when you grow up? happy

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance? oh, I don't know, it depends on the purpose of the show

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.) Mr. Smith was my 7th grade social studies teacher, Miss Dingwall was my high school history teacher, and Mrs. Nichols was my 4th grade teacher. I loved them all.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do? *shrug* nothing comes to mind

11. What were you doing 10 years ago? getting ready to teach summer school

12. By this time next year, I ... will be waiting for the end of school

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing? yes and yes

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime? Dr. Doug Ross

15. What is your greatest pet peeve? having pet peeves

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles? I chaperoned a group of high school students to the State Civil Rights Team Conference, uncomfortably, on a school bus

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? dictionary

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it? Kwizgiver

19. What are you dreading at the moment? school on Monday, Tuesday and half-day Wednesday

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers? no, I don't think about it

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship. his personality

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am? having breakfast with my bestie

23. Do you have any famous relatives? define famous

24. How many different beverages have you drank today? 4

25. What is something you are excited about? summer vacation and my family's visit

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group? daily during the work week

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? I have no idea

28. What were you doing at midnight last night? falling asleep

29. What’s a word that you say a lot? no

30. Who is your worst enemy? George Clooney's girlfriend

just watched...

Hard to believe this is based on a true story. It's so convoluted it's funny!

yawn...stretch...

Totally crashed today.

saturday 9

Goodbye To You

1. Have you had to say goodbye to a good friend or lover because they were moving? sadly, yes

2. Have you ever wanted to use personal information about someone to sort of "blackmail" them? If yes, tell us about it. can't think of anything

3. What two things influenced the choice of your present job or to stay at home? my dad and my college adviser

4. Do you like warm weather? How warm does it get where you live? What is the best way to spend a hot, summer day? on the hottest days it can get into the upper 80s with high humidity. It's the humidity that drives me crazy. It makes me very cranky and sleepy

5. What do you find "hot" in a man/woman? What is the first thing you notice about someone who is hot? Do you ever think of yourself as hot? I think a person's presence is hot--you know, how they take up space in the world

6. Are you quick to anger? How do you react when you are angry or frustrated? What do you do to cool down? there are things that make my temper flash but overall I am very, very patient

7. In your family, who is the least like the rest of you? uhm... probably me because I'm the only single, childless one

8. What are a few great books that you've taken along to the beach or on vacation in years past? If you aren't a big reader, what do you do to while away the lazy hours? oh, I always have a bunch of books going

9. Do you like going outside during a thunderstorm and watching the lightening? not outside but I love to watch

2010

Congratulations to my nephew, the high school graduate. The ceremony was really quite nice. The student speakers went w-a-y-y-y a bit too long, but the keynote speaker was pretty good and the principal stole the show. It was hot and stuffy in the gym, the whole thing went without a hitch.

Congratulations! And I hope you get lots of great gifties at the Project Graduation party!

friday fill-in

# 180

1. The weekend feels great.

2. The solution is simple.

3. Sometimes I can't fall asleep.

4. How about laughing so hard it hurts.

5. The small super-chef salad is something I highly
recommend!

6. Imagine in a week, I'll be on vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my nephew's graduation, tomorrow my plans include breakfast with my bestie and Sunday, I want to gear up for the last week of school!

brags, gratitudes, and desires...

Swiped, lovingly, from The Gal:

1. How have you totally impressed yourself, turned yourself on, pleased yourself, or otherwise created magic lately? That’s a BRAG. I had a moment with each of my classes this week--when the stars aligned and real learning was going on. Plus, I had a couple of students give me written notes thanking me for the school year. I've never had that happen.

2. For what are you thankful? What blessings are right here? What blessings are on their way and you want to give thanks in advance? And what currently-challenging situations in your life are you going to affirm as blessings in shit-brown wrappers? Those are GRATITUDES, or “grats” for short. I am thankful that my family is a tight unit and my dad's health scare confirms how close we are. We also had a good discussion about Living Wills and our requests.

3. And what are you craving? Yearning for? Realizing the world needs? What marching orders from the universe are written on your heart in the form of desires? From wanting “this headache to go away” to yearning “to know my divinity” to realizing “I want to be a mother”, no DESIRE is too big, too small, too “selfish” or too far-reaching. Vacation. There is so much wrapped up in that one word--a family visit, a chance to recharge, an opportunity to research and read, and all the junky tv and naps I can handle.

Let me know in the comments if you swipe it from me, so I can see what you have to say.

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:

Having a hard time to schedule an appointment that needs to be rescheduled.

no place like home...

What a relief that Dad is home from the hospital. I literally opened the door to the hospital to see him approaching the door to leave. Perfect timing! He looks very good and says he feels good and has several follow-up appointments with his primary care doctor as well as his cardiologist. The doctors are communicating together which can only help.

finished reading...

So the District-wide book group has finished the discussion and the book. It left me with a lot of lingering questions. Mostly about the District's vision and what the expected outcomes of us reading this will be. You know... basic leadership questions.

It was a good book and it helped expand my thinking about challenging students.

got stress?

The secretary at school came into my room immediately following the final bell and told me not to panic but that Dad is at the hospital and they wanted me to go over. So, off I went to the hospital and found Dad and Barb in an ER exam room--Dad hooked up to all kinds of machines but sitting up and looking bored. He had an "episode" while at his Rotary meeting--after he played piano and told a few jokes, he flushed and felt faint. Next thing he knew, he had passed out (although he was sitting in a chair) and was sick. Poor thing. Luckily, the Chief of the Fire Department happens to be a Rotarian and also is the head of the medics and was Johnny-on-the-spot, tending to him and calling an ambulance.

Long story short, the doctor admitted him for overnight observation to make sure there is nothing underlying the fainting episode.

So, although I believe there is nothing serious going on with him, I'm worried and I'll be worried until he's home.

wednesday wickedness

Today's quotes are from Frank Sinatra:

1. “I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.” How often do you drink alcohol? about a glass of wine or two on Friday nights

2. “The best revenge is massive success.” Have you ever gloated or wanted to over success? I have wanted to, but haven't

3. “You gotta love livin', baby, 'cause dyin' is a pain in the [butt].” What do enjoy most about your life? all of it!

4. “I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life.... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes.” Do you ever overthink a situation in your life? I tend to live in my head--and think/overthink everything

5. “I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family - and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.” Tell us about your best friend. we've been friends since high school--she knows me inside and out and is still my friend

6. “I like intelligent women. When you go out, it shouldn't be a staring contest.” How important is intelligence when picking (or having picked) a s/o to you? very

7. “I drink to the confusion of our enemies.” What's the closest situation that you've had to dealing with an enemy? I haven't really

8. “Orange is the happiest color.” What's your favorite color? beige. Earth tones, greens

9. “Dare to wear the foolish clown face.” Are you ever a clown? well, I have my moments... it's hard to keep the attention of high schoolers this time of year

10. “Don't get even, get mad.” Have you ever tried getting even? nope

sent this to my bestie...

ten things tuesday...

Ten things I did today:

1) Met with the 30 AP students and gave them the summer assignment. I hope they took the meeting seriously and realize it's a huge challenge as well as an adventure.

2) Finalized the list of who is taking final exams. More this year than any other, hopefully we will review the policy and make some adjustments.

3) Finished the homework for book group. Wouldn't you know I ended up in the Superintendent's discussion group again.

4) Stopped off for coffee at the Dunkin' Donuts drive through. I love that they know it's me by my order. Or maybe it's my voice. Either way, they all greet me.

5) Got my re-certification packet approved! Now I've got to send it in and pay for the certificate.

6) Caught up with my assignment folders. I *think* I am caught up on my grading.

7) Sadly, I had to submit the names of the students who aren't passing for the year. It is always hard to have students not pass for the year.

8) Passed along a book to a friend.

9) Put together some music cds for some students. They were very appreciative.

10) And I found out that John Stamos is going to be on GLEE next year!!

just another manic monday...

From the archives:

What is the strongest craving you get? for potatoes or chips or fries... especially mashed potatoes, though

Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up completely for the rest of your life? I could not give up pizza--there are sooooooo many options!

just finished re-reading...

for book group this Friday. I vaguely remember the movie and think there's a lot of difference between the book and movie. I actually read the book when it first came out but was quite fuzzy about the details. Anyhow, it was a good read for this time of year when I can't get bogged down with anything heavy but still want a story to chew on and characters to care about.

i say... and you think...?

1. Group :: phylum
2. Pollution :: devastation
3. Getaway :: va-cay
4. Mall :: shopping
5. Believe :: have faith
6. Chimney :: Bert the Chimney Sweep
7. Curses :: foiled again!
8. Contrite :: forgive me?
9. Eyelash :: rub against my glasses
10. Jobs :: tasks


#384

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 Just Because Meme

1. It's 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely: fast asleep

2. What's the last thing you spent more than $100 on? Lenovo IdeaPad

3. What do your bank checks look like? retro, funky colorful

4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from? the store, which one? I don't remember

5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list: peace on earth, I ask for it every year and never get it

6. What color is your toothbrush? blue and white

7. Name something you collect and tell us about it. dust bunnies because they are low maintenance pets

8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it? Ruby Tuesday with Denise it was fun to unwind from a hectic week

9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for? my eldest sister

10. What is your worst bad habit? being a lazy ass slob

11. Name a magazine you subscribe to? O, the Oprah Magazine

12. Your favorite pizza toppings? surprise me

13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book? I have no idea

14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most? my bestie

15. What is the last thing you cooked? supper

16. Name something you wouldn't want to buy used? a bed

17. Which shoe do you put on first? I have no idea

18. What is the last thing you remember losing? the certificate of completion from my AP training last summer

19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house? I don't really have one

20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning? there's a pair of pants that are ready to go back to the store

21. What perfume/cologne do you wear? If none, why? Bath & Bodyworks Peony

22. Your favorite board game? Balderdash

23. What was the last board game you played? Apples to Apples

24. Where did your vehicle come from? the dealership

25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be? some dirge or other

26. You're sad, who can cheer you up easily? Alana or the dog

27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to? the last wedding I went to did not have attendants

28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most? cleaning the house

29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken? fully cooked (I don't think I understand this question)

30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is? chocolate

saturday 9

If I Had A Hammer

1. Are you handy with tools? well... I'm the family handy-man but I don't really know how to use tools, I'm not afraid of them, though and am usually willing to try anything

2. What was the best thing that happened to you this week? pay day

3. What was the worst thing that happened to you this week? having to nag

4. Do you think you act your age? I have never acted my age... I'm an old soul who is young at heart

5. Describe an item of clothing that has definitely seen better days but that you refuse to dispose of and still wear. Why won't you toss it? I don't have anything

6. What is your favorite summertime beverage? iced coffee

7. Have you ever lied about your age? not that I can recall

8. What was the most memorable birthday party you've attended? I would say my own 40th birthday celebration that lasted for forty days would be at the top of the list

9. What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life? cats... I was bitten by a rabid cat when I was a child... there is more to the story but it's long and complicated

a new age...

Today is my eldest sister's 50th birthday.

what one word describes you?

You Are Impulsive

More than anything else, you crave freedom in your life. You have to be able to do what you want. You are stubborn and independent. You don't take no for an answer. You like to live in the moment, and you tend to be a pretty big thrill seeker. You are easy going unless you are challenged. You are flexible until you're not.

What One Word Describes You?

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

not the word I would associate with this description... but the description fits pretty well...

ap us h...

So, it's the end of the school year. Trying to pull together all the loose ends. One loose end that's been niggling at me is getting ready for AP next year. The details--like, will I have text books for a summer assignment? What I know now is that I won't have text books to rely on for the summer assignment. So, what to do? I scrounged around and found alternative reading selections: a chapter from Howard Zinn's A People's History of The United States and two chapters from Samuel Eliot Morison's Christopher Columbus: Mariner (1942). Plus I have a map activity. And then there's the nonfiction book they have to read and write a critical review. It makes quite an intimidating packet. I am meeting with the classes on Tuesday morning to get them going. Hopefully, a few of them will decide that this isn't the class for them and they will change their schedules before the end of the school year--I mean there are merely days left. Plus, I've uploaded all the files to my school website. Hopefully I can keep up with that.

friday fill-in

# 179

1. Europe (particularly Ireland) is my favorite place to travel to.

2. When I think about my childhood, I often remember my teddy.

3. A dog makes for a good friend.

4. The wind in the trees, the rain on my skin, summer rain.

5. One week til summer vacation is so exciting!

6. My best friend knows my strengths and my weaknesses.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include birthday shopping and Sunday, I want to to celebrate my sister's birthday!

are you sunny cloudy or stormy?

You Are Sunny

You are an upbeat, positive person who refuses to get too down in the dumps. You realize that life is short, and you know you're going to try to have as much fun as possible! You try to laugh, play, and love every day. You believe that happiness is a choice. You take your responsibilities seriously, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself in the process.

Are You Sunny, Cloudy, or Stormy?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

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:

Colleagues who don't answer emails in a timely manner.

so you think you can dance...

No... I know I can't.

wednesday wickedness

Today's quotes are from Phil Jackson:

1. "Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart.” Do you ALWAYS keep an open mind? as much as I can, yes

2. “Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.” Who is the wisest person you know? Who is the strongest? probably Dad for both

3. "Yes, victory is sweet, but it doesn't necessarily make life any easier the next season or even the next day." Do you think a successful day at your job makes the next day better or not? yes, I'm more enthusiastic about trying again


4. "...True joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way." How would we tell by your behavior if you are having a bad day? I don't think you would be able to tell... other than the crease in my forehead


5. "I gave it my body and mind, but I have kept my soul." Do you have days when you feel you gave it your all, but may have compromised your values? not so much

6. "Your problems never cease. They just change." What do you feel is your biggest problem at the moment? oh, health-related stuff

7. "My dad always had this little sign on his desk: "The bigger your head is, the easier your shoes are to fill." He really drilled that in." Does your ego sometimes get in your way? not so much


8. "There is a saying that I love...It says: "There are no Zen masters, there's only Zen." "Zen master" is a contradiction in terms. You don't master Zen." Do you believe in Zen? If yes, can it be mastered? well, if Zen is like being in the zone, yes I do believe in that--it's like the magic that occasionally happens in the classroom

9. "You can not teach competitiveness." Do you believe you could teach someone, like your child, to be competitive? I'm not sure


10. "Home is where the heart is, right?” Obviously Phil didn't originate this quote. He said it when asked if he'd retire after this season. Do you believe home is not a place but rather a state of mind? yes, for the most part I do

ten things tuesday...

Ten random things...

1) I missed Glee tonight. I was at contract negotiations and forgot to set my VCR. I'll have to try to find it online tomorrow night.

2) Today is Tuesday. Without American Idol to anchor my week, it seems weird.

3) It was a rainy, yucky day. And a foggy drive home.

4) We have about seven regular school days left. Then three days of exams and one final, half-day.

5) Sometimes I am too passive with my students. They take advantage of me by talking too much. I just don't have the energy to fight them. And I don't want to spend time with them for detention.

6) I need a massage. I keep saying this. I should just make an appointment. Just do it.

7) I'm not hungry but I want something to eat. It's 10:15 at night. I'm not going to eat.

8) Last night's sleep was terrible. Just terrible. I kept waking up and staring at the clock. My mind was racing.

9) I did not plant a crop in Farmville and it bugs me.

10) Putting together a summer reading assignment for my AP classes is not as easy as it sounds. At some point I have to meet with the potential students to give them the work and syllabus.

like this...

Fionn Regan