So I am thinking of reviving ye ol' blog... some buddies at school have become bloggers and I feel re-inspired. Plus, I have SO much going through my mind at the present time, another outlet for my thoughts is welcoming!
(more on all THAT later)
So yes, I think we will give this another go... I created this blog originally when I had applied to teach school in England. I used it to communicate with other "ex-pat" teachers, etc. Now that is no longer my goal, so the aim of the blog has shifted... but hey, flexibility is a lifeskill!
OK, I will work on organizing my thoughts-- as much as possible. I look forward to getting back into this!
:)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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??
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??
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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....
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....
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Pip Pip... Cheerio!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
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.)
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.)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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. :)
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. :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday Already...
Sometimes you just need some LOL Cat...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Latest Tap Performance
Lacy and I revise our Talent Show performance to pay tribute to a retiring Talbott...
Monday, May 18, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Swear We Are Not a Weird Version of the Village People!
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!
Friday, May 8, 2009
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)
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)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
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...
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!
Turn your meat battleship on!
Friday, April 17, 2009
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!
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