Book Club 2011, vol. 3

1. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
2. You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark
3. The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook)
4. Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)
5. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (audiobook)
6. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
7. Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin (school)
8. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley (audiobook)
9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (school)
10. Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
11. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

 Currently Reading:

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson-- reading this one at school as my kids read their book report books.

 

The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis-- I read this one to the kids at school every year-- GREAT books.

 

 

Currently Listening:

 

Faithful Place by Tana French-- this is the 3rd in the Dublin Murder Squad series. I have really enjoyed these books... Looking forward to the 4th already.


Up Next:

 

 Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen-- Justy Mac and I have decided to make this the next book club book.

 

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos-- can't believe I have gone all these years teaching without having read these books!

 

As for my next audiobook, I am thinking 1st to Die by James Patterson. I know several people that really enjoy his books, thought I might give it a shot.

  

Any opinons?

--

 As always-- add me as a friend on Goodreads-- http://www.goodreads.com/sdaunsra

and at The Two Pelicans Book Club-- http://pelicansbookclub.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Photo Update~ April

Teething SUCKS!

Maddie meets her CA cousins

NAP TIME!

Mae & Maddie

Cousins  <3

Jess & I with our girls

Matt and Mae play some ball

My little doll

Have passport, WILL travel!

Ready for Gma's 95th b-day party

Happy birthday Grandma!

Pulling up already

Enjoying Spring weather and dinner on the deck

Clapping!

Master of Crawling

Home Sweet Home

Hubby and I had a great trip to Vegas with Justy & Matt-- but boy was I glad to get home! (Of course, I ESPECIALLY missed Miss Maddie!)

That said, man did I need a vacation! I didn't even realize just how much! Although this has been a short week for me-- since I came back Tuesday, I only worked Weds-Fri, I feel like I have actually TAUGHT for the first time in I don't know when!

We are now 2 weeks away from the "all important" standardized tests... Since I took 6 weeks off at the beginning of the year, I feel like I am 6 weeks behind. We are zipping through decades in Social Studies, racing through various concepts in Science, and frantically reviewing in math & language arts. And while I have been EXHAUSTED (from my vacation ironically), I feel like we have really worked hard and been successful this week.

WOO!!!

Enjoyed a nice HH outing this evening. Maddie was fantastic-- but really tired at the end. She crashed on the way home

Fingers crossed for a productive weekend!

You Asked For It!

Well, since Mary INSISTS that I post MORE pictures of the World's CUTEST Baby.... I will oblige!

Here is your daily dose--

I certainly needed a smile today myself. It was 10 years ago that I lost my mother. I can't believe it! A whole decade! It seems to really hit me harder this year, I think because of Maddie. My mom would have been NUTS over her! I hate, more than anything, that my mom never got the chance to be a grandmother-- especially to this sweet baby girl! The only solace I have is that I know Maddie has a very special guardian angel watching her always.

It is one of my main goals to make sure that Maddie knows all about her grandmother, and what a terrific person she was. I can't wait until she is old enough to enjoy all the crazy tales of my mother. For now, I rest assured that she would have been very proud of me, and of Maddie!

Hanging On....

(Said in my best teacher voice):

4  DAYS 'TIL SPRING BREAK!

I am BEYOND ready for a break! My brain is mush. My body is tired. And my heart just isn't in it right now. The school system took our 2 days (one was a holiday, one was a professional development day-- both involved NO STUDENTS) because of snow days. We still have some snow days left, but they were worried b/c we have used so many before standardized tests. If we don't use these days, we are supposed to get them back at the end of the year. That's all fine and well-- but I really could have used those 2 days for my sanity in February.

Once we return after spring break, we only have 2 weeks till the dreaded tests. EEK! Pretty sure I have 8 decades to get through in SS. (I am doing 2 decades this week-- HOLD ON!)

But after tests, it's pretty much all down hill-- only 6 weeks left... BRING IT!

In the meantime, this keeps me smiling--

Book Club 2011, vol. 2

1. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
2. You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark
3. The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook
4. Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)
5. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
6. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
7. Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin (school)
8. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley (audiobook)

Currently Reading:

 

Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi-- So far I like this one. I don't usually read biographies or autobiographies-- but Justy Mac suggested this one for our BOOK CLUB read. I loved Ally McBeal so I am finding it interesting when she discusses what it was like on set, etc. 

 

 

Currently Listening:

 

 I am without an audiobook at the moment! Tragic, I know! I may hit the public library this week for one. Suggestions???

 

 

Up Next:

 

Faithful Place by Tana French-- I think this will be my next audio download from audible.com. I have listened to the first 2 in this series, and really enjoyed them. 

 

Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang by Chelsea Handler may be my next read. Spring Break is coming up week after next-- I will need something fun and easy!

 

--

 

As always-- add me as a friend on Goodreads--  http://www.goodreads.com/sdaunsra

 

 

 

Pictures Pages

Maddie with two of her favorite men: Daddy & Carl

Who you calling, "High Maintenance?!"

GRRRRRRRR....

Hi-YA!

Book Club 2011, vol. 1

This year I have set the goal of reading 35 books. This also includes audiobooks-- which I love to listen to while driving to and from school, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. And I got a Kindle for Christmas-- which I LOVE! (Thanks Hubby!)

Here is my list so far:

1. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen-- this is a fun, easy mystery set in London in the 1920's.
2. You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark-- a collection of funny essays mainly pertaining to Southern women. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped I would, but it was OK.
3. The English American by Allison Larkin (audiobook)-- I really enjoyed this one! Between her ties to both Britain and America, and the fact she is adopted, I found I had a lot in common with the main character.
4. Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swenson (audiobook)-- also a fun, easy mystery. I enjoy these mysteries that also incorporate baking. Seems there are several series of them now.

Currently Reading:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I swear, I will finish this one soon! I love it!

Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphin
Reading this one to the kids at school. We missed so many days for snow I feel like we will never finish it. This one relates to the Civil War.

Currently Listening:

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Ia m really enjoying this one. It is different and kind of strange. Again, it takes place in London (one of my favorite places, can you tell?) This is by the author that wrote The Time Traveller's Wife, which I never read. But several reviews of HFS have made complaints because it is not like TTTW-- well, who would want the same book all over again?

Up Next:

Unberable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
This is one my friend and fellow book club blogger Justy Mac chose for our reading selection. I hear great things about it. I did a lot of research on eating disorders in several of my psychology classes in college, so I look forward to her perspective on it.

Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath
Saw this one on sale on audible.com. Looks fun!

My friend Justy Mac and I have started a book club blog this year-- please feel free to read with us, or comment on what we are reading or should read next!

Two Pelicans Book Club

This makes me laugh...

TOTALLY gonna make the kids watch this when we do geometry at school!

This is My Life...

One of our spelling words this week is "insects"

One answer on today's practice test-- "incests"


(sigh)

---
Background: I have been grading last week's reading quiz. We read a story called The Silent Lobby about a group of black people that went to DC to lobby b/c their votes had not been counted in the recent election. This takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, so of course, they had to do various things in order to even be allowed to vote. In this case, the people had to pass a literacy test, pay a poll tax, and interpret the state constitution.



Question #3: What 3 things did the narrator's dad have to do in order to vote?

Answer: He had to write, read, and poot the constintushin in his own words.

Calling All Bookworms!

Join me & my friend Justy Mac on our book club blog--

The Two Pelicans Book Club

Currently we are reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett... well, I am STILL reading, Justy Mac has already finished. Have you read it? Join us! Tell us what you think-- just don't talk about the ending YET, please!  :)

Next up is Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi-- come read with us!

Have recommendations? We like those too!

Winter Blues

So yesterday or today (I've heard differing reports) is supposed to be the saddest day of the year. This is due to BLAH weather, short daylight hours, and credit card bills rolling in from Christmas. While I don't feel particularly depressed, certainly not more so than usual, it did make me think about things that cheer me up or keep me sane on a daily basis.

First of all, this face:

I have also enjoyed reading more lately-- something I have made a priority. Currently I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. More on that over at Two Pelicans Book Club.

Today on the way home from school I heard two songs that made me smile. One was new, or at least new to me. It's called Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. If you haven't heard this song-- I suggest you try to find it somewhere and give it a listen.

**I found it for you :)




Second,  heard Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake. I haven't heard this in ages! It always makes me want to DANCE! (Plus I always laugh at the background vocal "YEAH!" that occurs throughout the song b/c my friend's husband pointed out it sounds like a parrot).

One of the main things that made me happy today is that it was not a total circus at school. As we have been off for 6 days due to snow, there was every chance it would be. The kids actually worked harder and behaved better than usual. Then I found out there is a full moon. Aha!

Oh yeah, and the bag of peanut M&Ms that my TA brought me didn't hurt either!

So what about you guys? What makes you happy during these bleak days of winter?

Thank You Martin Luther King, Jr.

This gives me chills EVERY time I hear it-- esp around the 2 min mark. I show this to my students every year, explaining that less than 24 hrs later MLK Jr was assinated.

A great man.

A great cause.

A true Hero.

I Pity The Fool

Maddie rocks her Mr. T onesie, skinny jeans, and new Chucks...



Two Pelicans Walk Into a Bar...

So my friend JustyMac and I have decided to start a book club. As she lives 3 hrs away from me, meeting to discuss our thoughts is not always an option. So we have created a Book Club Blog where we can list our throughts and feelings about the chosen literary works.

The Two Pelicans Book Club

(intrigued by the name? Make sure to read the ABOUT US page!)

Our first selection was recommended to me by Mary-- heck, she even loaned it to me-- and it has sat on my nightstand ever since. But no longer! Justy and I will begin The Help this week!

Curious about our thoughts, opinions, snide remarks? The follow along-- or heck, even read along with us! We can always make room for more pelicans at our bar!

(seriously, read the ABOUT US section!)

He Talk Pretty EVERYDAY

A FANTASTIC interview with one of my FAVORITE writers-- David Sedaris.

In case you can't watch the video, here is a LINK to the interview...

Bravo, CBS! And thanks to my good buddy Ran(dom)Man for the post... :)

Snow Days Give Me Time to Post...

6 months old

Face of Horror

MMMmmmm....

Olive Oil scalp treatment for cradle cap

1/10/11
5 inches

Oh, Hi Carl!

Have you seen all this snow??

We meet again!

One day... I will PULL that tail!

I Resolve...

Every year I try to come up with a theme for my new year. Within this theme lie my resolutions. A couple of years ago my theme was to be FEARLESS! That was the year I got married... and pregnant... SUCCESS!

This year I have deemed the YEAR OF GETTING MYSELF TOGETHER! This is a more multifaceted theme than most. Not only do I want to get my physical self in better shape, but also my emotional self. Last year WAS a roller coaster afterall! Of course, I firmly believe that by getting my physical self shaped up, that will in turn help a lot of my emotional stress.

Yes, I admit, I am resolving to lose weight. This, I feel, is possibly THE most unoriginal resolution. But alas! It must happen. I have decided to stagger my goals as far as this is concerned.

GOAL #1: Lose 10 lbs by Spring Break! This gives me approximately 9 wks. I'd like to be a bit more fit before VEGAS!

GOAL #2: Run another 1/2 marathon! (I swear I must be CRAZY!) I ran one a couple of years ago-- the YEAR OF BEING FEARLESS, actually-- and I did it! Of course, every step of the 13.1 miles I reminded myself that I hate running. However, truthfully, it wasn't as bad as I had envisioned. Plus I figure the training for this will help with Goal #1. And there is certainly a mental/ emotional component to pushing your body 13.1 miles. (Did I mention it was 13.1 miles?!)

GOAL #3: Be more positive at school! This is one of my major emotional issues. I am burnt out! TOAST! I really feel I need a change, and I have discussed this with my princi, but of course there is not much I can do before next school year. In the meantime, I need to suck it up and stop complaining about THIS year.

GOAL #4: Purge the house! I have done this several times in the last couple of years, but somehow I still have a TON of stuff! And now that I have hubby here-- and he HATES the clutter!-- PLUS a bunch of baby stuff-- I really need to SERIOUSLY cut the clutter! And I need to ORGANIZE what I have. Oy! Luckily my school is planning a rummage sale this spring-- I could provide enough stuff on my own! I really am looking forward to getting this goal accomplished!

GOAL #5: Become more financially saavy! Hubby has helped with this a LOT... as has refinancing the mortgage. I still suck at bills and balancing budgets-- but I vow to at least try harder!

So there it is! Now that it's out there, I hope I will feel more pressure to get these accomplished! Feel free to bug me from time to time on how I am doing.

Monkey Business

I admit, I was NOT looking forward to today. Not. At. All.

Today is the first day back at school with the kids here. I'm seriously ready to retire. (sigh)

A fellow teacher and good friend of mine stopped me in the hall this morning, and what she had to say TOTALLY turned my day around. This friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher-- something I could NEVER do. This year she has a blind student in her classroom-- talk about adding an EXTRA challenge to an already tough job! (UTMOST respect I have for her!)

Another student in her class came in today with a Build-A-Bear box. Inside was an ADORABLE monkey that he had made at the Build-A-Bear store over the break. But unlike the typical 5 yr old kid, this boy had made the monkey for his friend, the blind student. When squeezed, the monkey plays the message, "Hello _________. I really hope you like this monkey from your best friend _________."

I admit, tough old, cranky me MELTED! I was SO impressed with this kid's generosity and caring! I even wrote him a card telling him what an awesome kid I think he is.

I get so bogged down day to day with the irritating shenanigans of the kids, that I often forget about the sweethearts that we DO have.

I sincerely hope my daughter grows up to be like this kid!

Day Late, Dollar Short

1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?


Um... HAVE A BABY!! Yep, definitely think that wins...

2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?


Anything that was my mom's I guess... not sure I could narrow it down... I love things that make me remember funny stories or specific times with her. I look forward to telling Miss Priss all about her Grandma G...

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.


I've got to agree with From This Side of the Pond on this one--


-the Epernay Christmas Champagne Market...champagne sipped in France...two of my favorite things

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?


If it's got to be bitterly cold-- then there should be snow! My favorite snow is that which gets me OUT OF SCHOOL! There is nothing so wonderful as seeing your school district name scroll across the TV early in the AM, turning OFF your alarm, and then rolling back over to sleep some more... I do love to just sit and watch it snow. However, when it starts to melt and gets all muddy-- I find that terribly depressing.


5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?


No & no... Tried once, couldn't stop, had to throw myself down on the ground. After someone skiid over my head, I was done. Meet you in the lodge with a tasty beverage by the fire, thanks!


6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?


Well, the Hubby has packed up, moved across the pond, had to adjust to a new country AND being a new dad... He's done a damn good job! It's been a big year, people!
7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.


Currently the living room... I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! I love sitting in the glow of all the Christmas trees (3 big ones, 3 small ones, plus lights on the piano) in the living room. Put White Christmas on the TV and I am in heaven!
8. Insert your own random thought here.

11 Days left of school til break. Yes, teachers countdown too!