Rocky Top

4th Quarter Rally @ the UT v. UCLA game, Sept. 12, 2009... sadly UT ended up losing-- but not for lack of fan support!, originally uploaded by SDaunsra.

4th Quarter Rally @ the UT v. UCLA game, Sept. 12, 2009... sadly UT ended up losing-- but not for lack of fan support!

HMMMmmmm...

Something I have noticed, and recently pondered-- why do so many children's books, especially those geared to kids ages 10-15, deal with orphans and/ or foster kids? I mean yes, there are many (too many) kids that fit this criteria. But more kids are in normal (whatever that is) family situations.

Is this because all kids dream of one day running away? Are authors trying to make kids living with their parents-- harrassed by the everyday chores, demands to do homework, and other petty arguments-- feel better? "See kids, you don't REALLY have it so bad..."

Are they actually targeted to orphans and foster kids-- "See! You can overcome this setback in life!" or "This character too has a harsh foster situation, and they survived-- YOU CAN DO IT!"

Just strange... from Charles Dickens' novels... to Harry Potter... to more recent books like Bud, Not Buddy... Just a trend I have noticed...

Thoughts??

Week 3 of the School Year...

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Book Club: 2009 List (UPDATE)

Read So Far in 2009:
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman (school)
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader (school)
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
9. Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
10. Horns and Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson (school)
11. Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
12. Burned by Carol Higgins Clard (audiobook)
13. Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham
14. Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
15. A Matter of Honor by Jefferey Archer (audiobook)

Currently I'm reading:
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson... Matt gave me his copy of this-- which is about the author's trek all around England (where he lived for many years) before his return to the US. I really enjoy Bryson's style of writing and humoUr... Plus I have made several of the same observations about England and its people. He has several books about his travels-- I plan to read more by him.

Up Next:
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George... this is one for school. Myers has her class read it every year. I have never read it-- but her class really enjoys it... thus I would like my class to enjoy it too! :)And yes, one day I will finish The AngloFiles. One day....

Pip Pip... Cheerio!

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Off to England tomorrow! CAN'T WAIT!! I am glad I have a direct flight-- just hope my immigration/ customs person is nice than the one last year... sheesh!

I Can't Stop Giggling...

Last summer in England Nan and I went for a "jaunt" through the countryside. Specifically we hiked (for MILES) through the Cotswolds. As Nan says, "I think I still have some cotswolds in me pants!" During our adventures we came across a very large, VERY dead badger. His spirit has remained with us (possibly b/c we feared we would be joining him...)

Anyway... Matt was working in the region this week. And I said, "You didn't happen to see my friend the dead badger did you?" His reply: "I saw four dead badgers, including a baby. And a dead fox." (Are the cotswolds really in E TN?!!) I digress....

So I told Nan... She has decided she and Matt need to write a guide to the cotswolds-- in which she will discuss proper sun protection. (She is still the ONLY person I know who goes to England and gets a sunburn!)

This whole new addition to our tale prompted Nan to become a poet:

I have written an ode. I call it "Elegy to a Dead Badger, Happened Upon by the Side of the Motorway Whilst on Holiday in the Cotswolds."

O badger, dead badger, I sing to thy grace:
The grimacing rictus of thy stripe'd face.
Thy claws ever clutching
T'ward Heavenly space.
Thy limbs in their stiffness
Of Death's cold embrace.
What didst thou, poor badger, to warrant such end,
Alone by the roadside, sans lover or friend?
Hadst thou been but wary
The traffic to 'tend,
Thy blood might not into
Black asphalt yet blend.

-- Alice Mary Stilton-Teacosy*

* As some of you rememeber, Nan and I came up with British names to use on our journey.

So let us all take pause, and remember our friend, Mr. Dead Badger. (and his bretheren that have since joined him along their frolics in the Cotswolds.)

Here's to Hoping I Don't Wake Up to the Sound of a Cat YAKKING This AM...

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Book Club: 2009 List (UPDATE)

Read So Far in 2009:
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman (school)
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader (school)
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
9. Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
10. Horns and Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson (school)
11. Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
12. Burned by Carol Higgins Clard (audiobook)

Currently I'm reading:
The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall (STILL!)-- I've made more progress, and while I doubt I have it finished by the time I leave on my trip NEXT WEEK-- I do plan to take it with me.

Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham-- saw a review for this in Entertainment Weekly-- claimed it was the new Bridget Jones... So I rushed out and bought it. And yes, I see the similarities. I read 118 pages just tonight. As it is basically reading someone's emails, it is a quick read... And as it takes place in England, it helps me brush up on some of their sayings and expressions. :)

I have given up on Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast for the moment... just can't get into it-- esp as much as the others.

Up Next:
Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell-- Justy gave me this to read-- said she had to read it during student teaching and that it is hilarious. It will also make the trek to England with me.

During the summer is when I try to catch up on my reading... Of course, I also like to read easy things-- Lots of mindless mysteries-- Carol Higgins Clark, Patricia Cornwell, etc. And perhaps you have noticed the increase of audiobooks... This also happens more in the summer-- particularly THIS summer as I am working in the basement etc. I put on audiobooks while I work-- takes my mind off what I am doing and makes the time pass faster. I also use audiobooks when I am on trips-- and as I am about to drive to VA next week-- you can expect some more audiobooks on the list. :)

Funnies for Monday

The 20 Worst Possible Ideas for Prequels

My favs:

Thursday Already...

Sometimes you just need some LOL Cat...



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Latest Tap Performance

Lacy and I revise our Talent Show performance to pay tribute to a retiring Talbott...

Book Club: 2009 List (so far)

Read So Far in 2009:
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
9. Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs
10. Horns and Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson

Currently I'm reading:
The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall (STILL!)-- I have made some progress on this, and hope to have it done before my UK trip this summer.

Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast-- I just can't get into this one like the first one...

Break No Bones was the first of the books from the series that inspired the TV show Bones that I have read. I wasn't very impressed. I LOVE the show-- but the characters are VERY different in the books. I have another one from the Brennan series to read this summer... so we'll see. Hopefully I will be adding several books to my list over the next several weeks-- since school will be out I will have more time to read... plus some transatlantic flights will help.

Kickin' it Old Skool

Thanks to JW for this walk down memory lane!

I Swear We Are Not a Weird Version of the Village People!

Shannon's b-day FUNNY HATS, originally uploaded by SDaunsra.

LAST tap class & Shannon's b-day were Monday... So Lacy and I got everyone funny hats to wear... Looking forward to tap again next year!

I'm Still Laughing @ this Site...

http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

Some of my favorites--


(773): its so far, ur drunk, im sober, and ull wish u hadn't invited me in the morning (312): so far timmys in the hospital, i got a mcgriddle, and I wish you were here with me
Labels: (312), (773)
Replies (1)


(707): I still think their baby is ugly. I also still think it's yours.
Labels: (707)
Replies (10)


(513): K, im just throwing this out there, i am not making out with any of his friends... Especially the cross eyed one.
Labels: (513)
Replies (2)



(703): i feel like i'm waiting in line to date brett michaels
Labels: (703)
Replies (4)

(That one's for Leigh and Justy!)



(610): The spoon I was using to ice my hickey just fell out of my purse while i was paying at the liquor store. I look like an alcoholic with a meth problem.
Labels: (610)
Replies (21)



(617): There's a 34yo winking at me. Why do i find this weird when my bf is a 38yo married man?
Labels: (617)
Replies (21)



(508): For the record dan just proved he knows the first and last names of ALL the members of NSync. Jury is no longer out on his sexuality.
Labels: (508)
Replies (3)



(313): I'm jealous of your bromance
Labels: (313)
Replies (1)



(213): Gonna be late. Someone jumped in front of our train.
Labels: (213)
Replies (19)

Love it...

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My Random Thought for the Day...

On the way back from tap tonight I was listening to WUOT... and they played some song performed by the UT Wind Ensemble. Have you ever listened to a piece of music and thought to yourself, "How the heck did this ever get written? Who thought that this combination of 'plinks', 'honks', and 'screeches' works well together..."

I don't know which piece this was-- didn't catch the name. And being a former band nerd, I recognize and appreciate the difficulty of the piece. But I did not enjoy it, would not want to hear it again, nor do I think I would, with time, change my mind.

To each his own, I guess...

Spam...

I usually just delete it without looking... but this subject line caught my eye today-

Turn your meat battleship on!

Delayed

Wow. I haven't written anything in a REALLY long time. I guess I've been busy... and not really in the mood to write. Ah well... I now have time, and nothing else really to do. That's right, I am ONCE AGAIN delayed in an airport! mcWOOF!

I am heading to LA to help Jess with the kiddos... and discuss girly wedding details-- which Jess has been planning I swear for 10 yrs @ least! :)Anyhoo... apparently there is bad weather in TX-- my flight goes through Houston-- and everything has been grounded. My uncle (a pilot) was apparently stuck for a few hrs in TX also... The plane is here (that's good), and all the connections out of TX are also delayed (also good- I should make mine)... but now I will be getting to LA around midnightish-1am... instead of 10:30pm... oy!

What am I looking fwd to? (Besides Jess, Thom, Henry, Mae, and hopefully seeing Leigh)-- In -n- Out Burger, Trader Joe's, and some CA sunshine! WOOHOO!

Thank God for laptops, wireless cards, and cell phones-- that's all I can say! I am not really in the mood to read, tho I do have 2 books with me that I am working on. And I would head down to the bar @ Ruby Tuesdays-- but there is an UBER obnoxious man on my flight... and he is already drunk... and LOUD... and RUDE... and he's BACK at the bar-- so I will just stay here where it is quiet (in his absence).

(Let me interject a THANKS to Justy and Matt for their IMs and texts to entertain me during this troubling time...)

Um, let's see... we finished TCAPs today-- YAY! 5 weeks left of school! I can't believe it! This has been such an AWESOME class...I really hate to see them go. I really lucked out this year, fo sho!June will rock-- going to see Matt around the 15th for a couple of weeks... then he will be coming back with me... he will then have the honor of meeting the Wilson Clan @ Mamaw's 90th (pray for him!)... and hopefully more of the other side of the fam as well.

School will be starting back end of July/ beginning of August... oy! 2009 is shaping up to be an incredible year... full of LOVE <3,>

OK, so what news does everyone else have? Come on! I need something to occupy my time... Tell me some stories!

Book Worm

Read So Far in 2009:

1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast


Currently I'm reading:

The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall (STILL!)
Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Yes, some of these are at school... I keep getting into other books and neglecting The Anglo-Files... Thanks to Jana for giving me the House of Night Series... Wasn't sure I would like them @ first-- but it grew on me for sure!

Spring Break is HERE!

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I DID IT!!

3 hours, 3 minutes



I am seriously proud of myself... I plan to write more about this later-- but for now, I MUST sleep!

M-I-C... Cya Real Soon! K-E-Y... Why? Because Apparently I'm INSANE!

My horoscope today: Your energy gets brighter as today goes on, so it's a great day to start something.

HMMmmmm... What shall I start? Suggestions?

I got up early today to watch local meteorologist Mike Witcher talk about my students on the AM news. He came and spoke yesterday-- the kids loved it! He is very animated and fun. It was a great shout out for the school and 5th grade-- esp for our own "meteorologist" Logan.

Afterschool I dashed to Target for some last minute 1/2 marathon trip items, plus some Easter stuff for Henry & Mae... for once I will be early with my gifts-- my plan is just to give it all to Jess in FL. :)

Now I am just waiting on Josh to wake up so we can hopefully get some food before he takes me to the airport... Tomorrow should be fun... Race Expo followed by exploring Disney village or whatever it is... My students can't believe we don't plan to go to the park. Seems silly for 2 people in their 30's and their 50 yr old aunt to ride rides @ Disney World... but who knows! Perhaps we will.

I am really nervous about Sunday. I think I will be fine. My goal is only to finish in (preferably) one piece. More on this tomorrow...

OK, off to pack up the laptop and a few last items... More from FLA!

Hip Hop Tonight...

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This Site Cracks Me Up...

http://www.fmylife.com/

Today, I came home to find that my room had been ransacked. My mom comes out of no where and says that we need to have a talk. I freaked out thinking it was all the empty alcohol bottles under my bed. My mom holds up the birth control and says "I always knew you were a whore." FML

Today, I decided to be a good driver and not run through the yellow light. As soon as I stopped my car another came and rear-ended me. The guy told me to go in the parking lot so we can exchange information. So I drove into the parking lot, I turned my head and watched him drive away. FML

Today, my roommate and I finally got fed up with this increasingly, horrible stench that has been in our apartment for a few days now. Leaving it for our other roommates to handle, we selfishly left to get yogurtland. Moments later, we both expressed that we haven't seen our cat in a while. FML

Today, my dad woke me up at 6 told me to take a shower and drove me to school only to say "just kidding, happy snowday!" FML

Peaceful Patience

Waiting in the Weeds
The Eagles

It's comin' on the end of August
Another summer's promise almost gone
And though I heard some wise man say
That every dog will have his day
He never mentioned that these dog days get so long

I don't know when I realized the dream was over
Well, there was no particular hour, no given day
You know, it didn't go down in flame
There was no final scene, no frozen frame
I just watched it slowly fade away

And I've been waiting in the weeds
Waiting for my time to come around again and
Hope is floating on the breeze
Carrying my soul high up above the ground and
I've been keepin' to myself
Knowin' that the seasons are slowly changing you
And though you're with somebody else
He'll never love you like I do

I've been biding time with the crows and sparrows
While peacocks prance and strut upon the stage
If finding love is just a dance
Proximity and chance
You will excuse me if I skip the masquerade

And I've been waiting in the weeds
Waiting for the dust to settle down along the
Back roads running through the fields
Lying on the outskirts of this lonesome town
And I imagine sunlight in your hair
You're at the county fair

You're holding hands and laughing
And now the Ferris wheel has stopped
You're swinging on the top
Suspended there with him

And he's the darling of the chic
The flavor of the week is melting
Down your pretty summer dress
Baby, what a mess you're making

I've been stumbling through some dark places
Now I'm following the plow
I know I've fallen out of your good graces
It's alright now

And I've been waiting in the weeds
Waiting for the summer rain to fall upon the
Wild birds scattering the seeds
Answering the calling of the tide's eternal tune
The phases of the moon
The chambers of the heart
The egg and dart
A small gray spider spinning in the dark
In spite of all the times the web is torn apart

And I've been waiting in the weeds
Waiting for the time to come around again and
Hope is floating on the breeze
Carrying my soul high up above the ground and
I've been keepin’ to myself
Knowing that the seasons are slowly changing you
And though you're with somebody else
He'll never love you like I do

Source

Video

(Thanks to Leigh for turning me onto this song)

It's Just the Spin Cycle

A Wilson/ Justy Blog



Start Time: 1:14 PM



The word for the weekend: Drama!

It's official-- Leigh has the funk. The same funk that almost did me in a week ago. We need another Do-It-Yourself IV, stat.

It all started with the ice not freezing...

Justy: "WILSON!"



The purse party part of the evening went off without a hitch. Leigh helped me pick out a stylish purse-- she is making me over one piece at a time.



Then it was on to the Sugar & Spice party... Here drama unfolded... Let's just say, "Seriously?! Am I to blame here? I don't think so!"

You have to go through some processes there...

Even the sales lady was drama-rama... telling us about her 400lbs ex husband that she left for his best friend... but it was ok b/c her husband was fooling around with THAT guy's wife.

"Does she think she's black?"

This was all aided by more CRANAPPLE BLAST!



This time we tried it with cranberry vodka-- good plan. This became esp helpful as the international texts from THE DRAGON began.

"You are so sad."
Really? I'm sad? ya think?

Needless to say this led to McBritain drama... poor guy. A week in the US seems to be a good idea... esp after a slap in the face by fate... COME ON McBRITAIN! (We know you're reading this!)

This is where Leigh's GI tract decided to shut down.



This is something I can relate to. Justy made the ultimate sacrifice-- heading into the QuickSak, in pjs, with WONKY hair to get the magic potion: Orange (NOT BLUE, BITCHES) Gatorade.



Justy: "Don't go towards the light, Leigh!"
(muffled giggles from Leigh)

**For safety sake we kept her at a distance... she took over my spot on the couch, infecting all my bedding... and we took refuge in the kitchen... where Justy, in a fit of nervousness over McBritain, began cleaning and disinfecting everything. She put us in a BUBBLE! Then, when things got very stressful, she did the UNTHINKABLE!! She organized the damn pantry! For real!! "Forward Progress!"

Sadly, like the washer, Leigh tummy is still on spin cycle mode-- they even make some of the same noises. Quite disconcerting, really. I am scared to try to move her to the car... and even more afraid to put the car in motion. I think if someone had slapped my ass in a car last Sunday, that would have been the end. Well, of the car's upholstry anyway.

So here we are. Justy is trying to force stomach meds on Leigh. Leigh is turning greener @ the mere mention of THE PINK STUFF. (Justy: "Just trying to help....")



And to top it all off... McB seems to have fallen off the planet. This is also disconcerting.
(Justy:"Where'd he go?")

So we have watched Walk the Line... McSigh... and now we are on to Pretty Woman... "I want the fairy tale..."

Uh oh folks! She's back!!
(giggles) "Asshole! There's a word! That's my favorite word!" ~Leigh

Ready For the Weekend

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You Think YOU'RE Tired?!

So what happens when you look up fatigue on Wikipedia?

JW: The pic cracks me up.
me: hahahahahaha
JW: Isn't that bizarre?
me: I loveit
JW: Of all the pics they could've used.
JW: I also love that the penguin has a ghetto gold chain.
JW: And mutton chops.
JW: "This penguin is exhausted from being a bad-ass 70s Elvis lookalike."

Donde esta los plane??

A Wilson/ Justy blog entry
Location: Vegas Airport
Starting Time: 6:15pm

Another Vegas Adventure is coming to a close. It has been another fantastic trip... even though I am fairly confident I (Wilson) was near death. There have been many firsts on this trip-- first time we got IN the fountain in front of the Paris (insert the WOOP WOOP noise police cars make here)...

First time we have seen it rain-- NOT fun...

And then there are the old standards-- NAPOLEON'S... damn we love that place! So many good times and memories there. Wilson even got called out this time-- Thanks David! We made more new friends there this year-- "Glasses"-- she knew the words to EVERY song-- so COOL!

"Scarf"-- we selected her from the crowd outside and motioned her in-- "ME?!" She said... she was wild.

The ladies from San Francisco that let us join them on our couch... the Canadian that Leigh had a slight language barrier with. The guy from CA there on a family reunion-- he's 47, in case you needed to know. And of course, our best buddies there: Billy & David. Sheer geniuses!

Today-- as Wilson is back among the living-- we took a stroll through Bally's and reminsced from Oct... CHOI! Lacy... meeting the Dragon... stalking breaks... Stripes: "Girls!". We even had a drink at OUR table @ the bar. It is kind of strange being in Vegas and knowing that McBritain is not going to randomly walk by... he has become a big part of our Vegas experience... and we miss him & his blue shirt not being around.

Of course, one of our favorite activities here is people watching... we have seen fanny packs, mardi gras beads, confused/ lost/ disoriented people galore... mismatched couples, zebra print pants, and old ladies in scooters abound... we saw a homeless man rummage through a trash can, pull out a beer bottle and proceed to drink from it. And for several people, it seems bad 80's hairstyles are making a comeback... or perhaps they never left in the first place. At the gate @ the airport there were 2 marines-- one completely shitfaced. I mean STUMBLING drunk. Apparently he got quite sick on the flight home-- threw up on some people and passed out in the floor. The cops were waiting to assist him off the plane. Ooh Rah!

HOLY BEANS! (aka frijoles)

Things They **SHOULD** Sell in Vegas

~CSI earmuffs
~Galoshes
~Do-it-Yourself IV packs
~Waders for getting the Paris Fountain
~Little, fat flamingoes


Places You Should NOT make a baby

~hotel lobby
~gate @ the airport
~on the plane
~Napoleons's-- or any other bar for that matter

Random Airport Observations

~No matter how good an idea it seems, greasy Sbarro pizza is NOT always a great plan.
~Massive groups of travelling teenagers are annoying
~"TEXAS DEATH MATCH!" is **not** what you want to hear yelled across the food court.
~Delayed flights blow.
~No one, no matter how tough, should ever wear a Louis Vuitton VISOR... esp backwards
~The Burger King Bitch means business-- Don't get crazy!
~Banging metal on metal in the food court does not endear you to anyone. Nor does yelling, "Oh Balls!"
~The smell of Burger King mixed with feet is gross.
~"Big honkin'" is great adjective usage-- as in "all they had was this big honkin' straw"

Airport Quotes from us

~"Oh f*** me! Are they cheering?" - Justy, in response to a cheerleading convention in the terminal
~"People shouldn't wear viking hats... or bluetooths." - Saundra
~"No one seems surprised when we say we're from TN"
~"Control your luggage!"
~"Have a Southwest Day!"

Cue Wizard of Oz Music

Mixed Signals

So I am still torn about the movie He's Just Not that Into You. I really liked the book and what it had to say. But it presented a certain set of rules-- and the movie seem to break them. In case you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I won't give anything away.

The book makes you aware that things won't ALWAYS work out... not every story has a happy ending. And while not ALL the characters had happy endings-- there were MANY exceptions to Greg's proposed ways. I'm really curious what his thoughts on the script were. I'm sure he had some say-so in it...

The movie was sweet, if somewhat predictable. I liked it. It just didn't jive completely with the book, which was frustrating. (Trust me, Leigh was WAY more pissed than I was!)

So if you compare the book and movie, I'm sad to say it will leave you like most relationships-- confused by mixed signals.

I agree with this...

"Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people. … The real difference is that [Harry Potter author] Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and [Twilight author] Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good."
- Stephen King tells USA Today

http://perezhilton.com/2009-02-04-quote-of-the-day-436

Book Club: 2009 List (so far)

I didn't keep a list of books I read last year-- I wish I had-- so I am adding that to my list of goals for this year. I know last I listened to the first 3 books in the Twilight series-- and part of the 4th. I read When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (LOVE HIM!)... I also read some, as I call "easy reads"-- fun, mindless mysteries and such-- mainly while on vacation. And then there are my school reads-- books I read to the class. Some I read year after year, but I always try to squeeze in some new ones amongst the favorite standards. One that sticks out that the kids liked was The Ghost, The White House, and Me.

But that was 2008... it's done. Past. History.

So far in 2009 I have read/ listened to (remember, I LOVE audiobooks) a variety of things.

(Some of these are featured in entries below)

1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)

Currently I'm reading:

The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall
Unnatural Causes by P.D. James

Next up for Audio:

Well, I'm not sure... maybe Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell
or Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

I also have The Chopin Manuscript downloaded-- just need to listen.

Any suggestions?

Book Club: Assassination Vacation

Audiobooks are one of my favorite things! Sure, some view them as lazy-- "Seriously! You cannot hold a book and read it yourself?!" Well, Yes, I CAN! However, I am also a multitasker. I like to listen to good books while I do other things like cook, clean, or drive. It's hard to hold a book, read, and do those things-- SO BACK OFF!

:)

My cousin-in-law Thom turned me onto audible.com. The first book I downloaded from them is Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. I have never read any of her other work, but I enjoy her interviews on The Daily Show, etc.

And this book seemed perfect for me. Like Vowell, I enjoy history and love to travel to historical places and learn new things. And while I would not say that I am fascinated by death as she is, I do LOVE my real-life murder shows. Mysteries have always been a favorite and I love finding out more about how they (and other crimes) are solved.

In Assassination Vacation, Vowell travels to places researching more on presidential assassins. From James Wilkes Booth to the man that shot Chester Garfiled-- possibly one of the least known Presidents-- she looks into it.

And the information she finds and pieces together is brilliant! Now, while I think I would have enjoyed READING this book-- this is an example of a book I like to listen to much more. Vowell's funny little voice and dry, dark humor SHOULD be listened to! (Not unlike my favorite author, and fellow NPR-er, David Sedaris)

This book makes me want to plan a road trip... Who's with me?

Book Club: He's Just Not That Into You

How is it that I always forget how much I love to read? I mean, I guess I get busy... or don't MAKE time to read like I should. Usually I only read on vacation-- on one of my transcontinental or transatlantic flights... And I always think, "I should read more!"

As a kid I was rarely in trouble. Pretty much the only thing my mom got on to me about was reading past bedtime. I was the kid with the flashlights under the covers... or waiting silently till I hear my mom's bedroom door close before I turned the lamp back on.

Sunday my friend Leigh and I each bought a copy of He's Just Not That Into You to read before going to see the movie Friday night. As a rule I try to steer clear of "self-help" type books. The crazy aunts thought they were REALLY funny a couple of Christmases ago when they gave me one of Dr. Phil's books on dating and finding love. WOOF! But I found HJNTIY hilarious! And, as Leigh said, I'm pretty sure now that NO guy has EVER been into me.

You might think this would be depressing, and in some ways I guess it is. But reading the stories and examples in this book mirrored so many of my own experiences, and I guess reading it in this context made me realize how RIDICULOUS I have been in the past.

Yes, it is hard as hell to be a single thirtysomething... Hell, that's why they made a TV show about it years ago-- and that is why it was so popular! People relate! Will it suck to be single forever-- yeah, I guess. Would it be the end of the world? No... Though, I am not fond of the word "Spinster"-- so lets refrain from using that one, ok?

I liked the way this book was written-- it was an easy, fast read. The authors wrote like they were talking to you. They used real words, real examples, and real (gasp!) expletives. While Greg was upbeat, encouraging, and truthful, Liz was the voice we (women) all hear most in our head. The "Yeah, but what if..." voice.

I am certainly no dating expert-- as we all know. But I like what was said in the book. I hope to incorporate some of the advice. While reading it I was reminded of my New Year's resolution (To Be Fearless)... and I, as previously stated, have noticed that as I have gotten older, being single is getting easier. Yes I have moments of insanity-- pretty sure Justy can attest to one Sunday evening... but for the most part I am ok.

Do I think Prince Charming is out there? Well, I dunno about a PRINCE, but there's someone for me. In the meantime, I will take Greg's advice and not "waste the pretty."

My Daily Observations...

~An unexpected email can brighten one's day immensely

(as can an unexpected cowboy hat!)

~ I hate putting laundry away

~ I actually enjoy getting rid of things now... wish I could do more

~ Cats just seem to KNOW... "Hmmm... this shirt is completely opposite in color from me... I should lie down on it! Better yet! I will roll around and be *extra* cute!"

~ Pets are all the company we need sometimes

~ There are days when a glass of wine @ 3pm is PERFECT

~ Melting snow is depressing. I hate seeing MUD appear through the beautiful white. UGH!

~ Audiobooks rock!

~ I love to read! (More on this in a later post...)

~It's been AWHILE since the fridge was cleaned out!

~ It's nice to spend a day w/o the TV on...

~ It's 4 o'clock and I have accomplished a lot!

~ I like the sound of the dryer... even though I hate putting the clothes in said dryer away...

~ I still have a lot more time today to get some stuff done! I'm a ROCKSTAR!

I Like It

1. Put Your iTunes/Windows-based media player on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.

What do your friends think of you?
"Love is Strange" Mickey & Sylvia

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say?
"I miss You a Little" John Michael Montgomery

How would you describe yourself?
"Delicate" Damien Rice(HAHAHAHAHAHAHA)

What do you like in a guy/girl?
"Big MIstake" Peter Cetera(Sounds about right)

How do you feel today?
"Proudest Monkey" Dave Matthews Band

What is your life’s purpose?
"Dirty Dancing" New Kids on the Block(SWEET!)

What is your motto?
"Mr. Blue Sky" ELO

What do you think about very often?
"You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore" BArbara Streisand & Neil Diamond
(Man... what a Debbie Downer I am)

What is 2 + 2?
"I Can't Do it Alone" Catherine Zeta Jones Chicago sndtrk.
(Kinda sad since I teach advanced math, eh?)

What do you think of your best friend?
"In the Garden" Johnny Cash

What do you think of the person you like?
"Losing my Religion" REM

What is your life story?
"Hungry Like the Wolf" David Cook version
(Is David Cook the Wolf? Cause that would make sense)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Only the Young" Journey

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
"Coyotes" Jason Mraz

What will you dance to at your wedding?
"Light On" David Cook

What will they play at your funeral?
"Lost in Your Eyes" Debbie Gibson

What is your hobby/interest?
"What Hurts the Most" Rascall Flatts
(There's that depressing shit again)

What is your biggest fear?
"Have you Ever Needed Someone So Bad" Def Leppard

What is your biggest secret?
"My Best Friend" Tim McGraw

What do you think of your friends?
"Dear Old Shiz" Wicked Cast

What will you post this as?
"I Like it" Dixie Chicks
(Is this because people say I look like Natalie Maines?)

~SNOW DAY~

HOORAY for a 1/2 day at school... and more than likely, NO SCHOOL tomorrow... sweet!

Snow on the playground @ school before I left

Slippery drive home

the hill in my neighborhood

my feet in an inch of slush

Carl checks out the latest round of snow

Speaking German Just Isn't Sexy

JW: Check out this sales pitch on the Facebook ad: "Our new year's resolution: end khaki diaper butt in 2009. We make better fitting trousers and pair it with awesome customer service."

JW:I think I have the first Khaki Diaper Butt album here somewhere.

Me: LOL

Me: there's the JW comedy for the day!

JW: Thanks.

JW: kakifarbigen Windelkolben.

JW: I had to look that one up.

JW: But now, if it comes up, you know it.

Me: is that Khaki Diaper Butt in German?

JW: Yes

Me: wow

JW: I managed to make German less sexy.

Rocky Top... You'll Always Be... Home Sweet Home To Me...

Sometimes I am really proud to be a Tennesseean...

...other times... well...


Iconic Moonshiner Sentenced to 18 Months




Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top
Lookin' for a moonshine still
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top
Reckon' they never will

I Know this is a Recurring Theme....

...but once again, I like my horoscope! I'm telling ya, this is gonna be a good year!
(Despite the MIGRAINE I had today...woof!)

Although you may feel quite contained today, you won't be able to restrain yourself from also revealing your underlying optimism. It's not even about consciously applying the power of positive thought. It's just that your greatest strength now is your ability to scope out the big picture and intuitively know how best to organize all the pieces in order to achieve the desired results. Set your intentions and then slowly work toward making your dreams come true.

6 Day Weekend...

Between weather and the MLK holiday, I have had an extended vacation... Sadly I have not used my time wisely.... I have accomplished a few things-- including my 2 day cleaning of the kitchen... I was feeling good about this, thinking how impressed Josh will be when he sees the cleared countertops...

Then I read today's horoscope:

You aren't afraid of hard work and, in fact, might even be eager for the opportunity now to demonstrate what you can do. Luckily, you have a few rabbits up your sleeve and could amaze others with your magic. You can be productive beyond anyone's expectations. Don't worry about receiving any positive feedback today; you'll need to wait a bit for that.

Sooooo.... I guess it will take Josh a few days to notice. HA HA...

The END of an ERROR!

As the tshirt I got at Crazy Shirts in Santa Barbara says...

Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness
President Obama 2009

FINALLY!