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!

November: A Recap in Pictures

One of my FAV pics of Maddie-- modelling her skinny jeans and Chucks



Turning another year older



Eating food for the first time

Reunited with my girls

Completed my first cake decorating class

Maddie working in her "office"

1st Thanksgiving for Maddie (& the hubby!)

I love this cutie!

Maddie models the outfit her Daddy bought her

Ready for December!

Book Club 2010: Vol. 8

Wow... I seriously haven't updated this in a LONG time! Oh well-- I **have** been a little busy!  ;-)


1. Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs


2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (audiobook)


3. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (audiobook)


4. The Killings at Badger's Drift by Caroline Graham


5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson (audiobook)


6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (2nd Edition) by Vicki Iovine


7. Holes by Louis Sachar (school)


8. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich (audiobook)


9. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)


10. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (audiobook)


11. Key Lime Murders by Joanne Fluke (audiobook)


13. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)


14. Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt? by Gare Thompson (school)


15. The Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke


16. Dare to Dream: Coretta Scott King & the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Shelf Medaris


17. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)


18. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris (audiobook)

19. In the Woods by Tana French

20. Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)

21. The Lighthouse by PD James

22. Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert

23. The Likeness by Tana French (audiobook)

**I also relistened to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to prepare for the movie release.


Currently Reading:


* Ghost Soldier by Elaine Marie Alphine
(Reading it to the kids at school)

Next up is The Help-- which someone has loaned me-- though I may have to audiobook this one too, as it takes me AGES to read things now... (The audiobook is 18+ hrs!)

I have also had the Black Dagger Brotherhood series recommended to me. If only I didn't have to teach and could just READ all day... (sigh)


Currently Listening to:
*Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs 


Started this one today. I needed something I didn't have to think so much about after listening to The Likeness by Tana French.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Got this from Life in a Small Town...


1. Do you think you're more like your mom or your dad?


Mom... DEFINITELY my mom! (Thank goodness!) That's not to say that I haven't picked some things up from my dad-- especially in the area of music appreciation... But as I get older, I find myself more and more like my mom.
2. Do you like roller coasters?


Yes. But I hate sitting in the car as it click-click-clicks up the hill... that moment of dread-- wishing I could get off and walk back down... but once the excitement starts-- I LOVE it!
3. How did you name your blog and do you now wish you'd thought about it maybe another five minutes before you hit publish? Would you change your blog title if it were not a huge pain in the derriere? (French makes everything sound a little nicer doesn't it?)


Nah, it's ok... I created this blog when I was applying to teach in England. I created it to correspond with other expat teachers. That goal has long since passed-- instead I imported an Englishman!  :)  I guess the title is somewhat misleading, as my blog no longer really pertains exclusively to school or my job-- but it still describes me, so I'm fine with it.


4. What is the best wedding gift you received? Not married? Didn't get any gifts? Then what is the best wedding gift you've given?


Wow, this is a toughie! I received so many wonderful things... but have since received so many baby gifts that I can't even think... I'm a huge fan of gift cards-- I know they seem impersonal and "the easy way out"... but I like to view them as practical-- allowing people to get what they REALLY want or need.
5. What is the one bill you most hate to pay?


Right now the damn internet bill... for some reason I CANNOT log on to AT&T's website and pay online. And of course, I no longer receive a paper bill (though I have hopefully remedied this tonight)... thus I have to call. Mr. Automated Man often cannot seem to understand when I key things in on my phone ("BIGBOY!")... thus it is a collosal pain in the ass. And did you know if you have a HUMAN BEING process your payment on the phone it is an extra $5? WTF?!!
6. Is the glass half full or half empty?


I really try to keep it half full... but usually at school it is half-empty. (I'm really burnt out, can you tell?)


7. What is your favorite word? Okay okay. Calm down. How about one of your favorite words?

I have a lot of favorite words... (not all "appropriate")   ;-)

Dude has consistently been one of my favorites... I once over heard some students at school arguing over who had the coolest teacher (a high honor, let me tell ya!)... the kid in my class said, "My teacher is the coolest because she says 'dude' and 'yo'."  So there it is.

8. Something random...



Maddie models her new Madonna shirt-- I love my little retro baby!



Make New Friends, But Keep the Old...

Had a FANTASTIC time last night at dinner with some former co-workers. This is the first time we have gotten the WHOLE group together in years! Man I miss these people! It was great to reminisce and laugh about the past. It was also cool that they have now ALL met Miss Priss-- she was GREAT at the restaurant, and got MANY compliments.

My Bucket List

I never saw the movie... nor have I actually taken time to WRITE my list out... but I did finally do something I have WANTED to do for awhile now-- I enrolled in a cake decorating class.

Hubby's mom sent me $$ for my b-day-- and this is how I chose to spend it. A good friend of mine is going with me-- which makes it that much more fun. Tonight was our first class and I LOVED IT! We didn't do much-- but just seeing what all we will be learning is SO exciting!

I love to bake-- I find it relaxing-- especially when I can do it uninterrupted. (Not that that happens much now-- not so much baby's fault as much as hubby asking me questions or trying to get me to do something else right that minute).

My mom taught be some cake decorating basics... and I have always loved it. Mom made my cakes growing up-- And I want to be able to share that special skill with Maddie as she grows.

I would LOVE to be able to just bake all the time... I know NOTHING about running a bakery-- and it today's shaky economy I know a business venture like that would be risky at best... but perhaps that will be another item on my Bucket List.

34-- The Year of the Purge

Another year, another candle... And man-- What a year it has been!! I think I might FINALLY be a real adult! HAHAHAHAHHA...

In the past year I have conquered the frustrating world of US Immigration, survived one of the worst school years of my career, made it through 8 mo. of pregnancy on my own, given birth to the most beautiful girl in the world, refinanced my mortgage, cleared all debt, and have now filed my first claim on my homeowner's insurance...

Every year on my birthday I make a plan for the upcoming year-- the way people do on New Year's. This birthday "Yearlong Theme" then ties in with any resolutions I make 2 months later... A few years ago I decided to stop being afraid of everything-- to live fearlessly... This was the year I got engaged and married-- after a crazy, wild 2 years of transatlantic communication. Last year I vowed to take better care of myself. This worked out well as I was constantly at various Drs during the pregnancy. I certainly overcame many of my medical fears during the past year!

This year is going to be about organization. Pardon my french, but I have GOT to get my shit together! When I moved to the house I am in now, I had to go through and purge a LOT! However, I was still very emotional about my mom's passing and all of her belongings... So I really brought a BUNCH of stuff I don't need, will never use, and don't really even know what it is. I have purged a lot during the last 7 years of being here... but I still have TOO MUCH STUFF! And in addition to that-- the stuff I have is NOT well organized.

(**Note: I am NOT a hoarder-- please no one recommend me for the show on A&E**)
;-)

NOW you add on all the baby paraphenelia-- oy! Plus Hubby, of course, brought stuff with him. (Luckily it wasn't a LOT as he was moving across the Atlantic... but still...)

I've always had a lot of STUFF... My bedroom growing up was super cluttered-- but it was my prized possessions! Being surrounded by these treasures made me feel safe and secure. (This is probably why I clung to my mom's things for so long...) But now I feel suffocated by these things... Drowning.

I'm not saying I want to get rid of EVERYTHING... But the purge will continue-- and with greater intensity this time!

Pet Peeve of the Day

People that pronounce "Tennessee" as though it ended with an "ay"

i.e. TennessAY