I guess its time to get this out in the open....I think black and white movies are boring. And yes I do mean all black and white movies. I can't help it, I guess my brain just isn't wired for that. I need color, bright bold over-the-top color. I've tried to like black and white movies, I really have. I've seen It's a Wonderful Life and, sorry Clarence, I hated it. Any not just a little....
I mean come on...nothing even blows up. It's boring, a friend recently told me that black and white movies make her sleepy, and I totally agree. I practically needed an IV drip of caffeine to make it through Casablanca and I really, really wanted to like that one (it's a classic).
Call me unpolished, uncouth, or a product of my generation but seriously I need action and adventure and cute boys and color! I'd rather watch Lethal Weapon (it's funny and stuff blows up), The Hangover (it's funny and there are cute boys), Die Hard (stuff blows up and there are cute boys), or The Sound of Music (threw you with that one huh, but really folks musicals win me over every time...unless they're in black and white).
So maybe I'll never be a film critic or a member of the Academy but, I'm ok with that. And if you're a movie that is musical, or funny, or has cute boys or explosions then my house is the place to be...black and white movies need not apply (although I do accept the cheesy and sappy as well).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
For Alyssa
In the world of Adoption there are many, many wonderful stories that are told about bringing families together. I have read dozens of wonderful stories and seen hundreds of blogs with happy endings.
Alyssa's story is not one of those happy endings.
I've gotten permission from Alyssa's adoptive mom to link her story here. I share it because I feel that it is a story that needs to be told, that people need to hear. So that this can be prevented from ever happening again. I wish I had power, or knew important people, or could do something to help... I feel powerless, hopeless, and helpless and I know that none of that, none of what any of us feel when we read Alyssa's story is even close to what her mom feels.
Please read it, please think of Alyssa, please pray for a solution. If enough people know, if enough people care, then maybe this could lead to a happy ending...if not for Alyssa then for others who have been put in the same situation.
And...if you know anyone with power feel free to pass this along
Alyssa's story is not one of those happy endings.
I've gotten permission from Alyssa's adoptive mom to link her story here. I share it because I feel that it is a story that needs to be told, that people need to hear. So that this can be prevented from ever happening again. I wish I had power, or knew important people, or could do something to help... I feel powerless, hopeless, and helpless and I know that none of that, none of what any of us feel when we read Alyssa's story is even close to what her mom feels.
Please read it, please think of Alyssa, please pray for a solution. If enough people know, if enough people care, then maybe this could lead to a happy ending...if not for Alyssa then for others who have been put in the same situation.
And...if you know anyone with power feel free to pass this along
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Year in Books
These days it seems like everyone is blogging about 2009 and all of the trials and tribulations that it held. I decided to do something a little different and share my year in books. Several years ago I started keeping track of all the books I read during the year because I was curious about the number. 2008 brought in 112 books due mainly to the state of my RA and the fact that I really couldn't do much else that year, crafting was most definitely out and even typing was hard, so I read a LOT. This year I finished up my last book of the year at around 3:00pm on December 31st while at my BFFs house enjoying the quiet when literally everyone else there was napping (even the dogs). That book brought my grand total for the year to 73, less than the previous year but only because I'm back to being able to use my hands!! I love keeping track of the books I've read because it's fun to look back and remember all the great things I've read over the year. So here is my retrospective for 2009...in books
January
Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy - This is one of the many books I've read out of the school library and is by far the most uplifting Holocaust book I've ever read. I can hear you saying to yourself "Really? An uplifting Holocaust book", but I promise it is. Great for parents and kids (11+), a wonderful fast read.
February
The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost - A hilarious travel narrative about a man and his wife moving to the South Pacific (to a place I'd never, ever heard of). A great read for anyone who likes to travel, dreams of traveling, or just likes to read about traveling!
March
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon - One of the Outlander series, which my friend Jenn hooked me onto (on a side note go check out her recipes, you will not regret it!). The whole series is a great mix of historical fiction, action, adventure, and sexy Scotsman, all wrapped up into one great series of books.
April
Okay let me preface this book by stating that I read the first book in this series before the 3rd one was even published so I've been in on it since the beginning and not just caught up in all the hoopla. My book for April is Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer - This remains my favorite book of the series, and I won't go into anything else about that!
May
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster - If you're not reading Jen's books, or checking out her hilarious website then you should. She is a riot and I've never been disappointed with any of her fantastic, hilarious, sarcastic memoirs.
June
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling - In honor of the 6th moving coming out in July of 2009, I had to reread the entire series (because I'm that girl), so I started with the first and plowed my way through the whole series in time to see the movie. And yes I'll do it again when the book is made into a movie (twice since it's being split into two films).
July
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink - I'll admit that I wanted to read this book because the movie was coming out and I wanted to see it. Well, I ended up liking the book so much that I refused to watch the movie because I didn't want it to ruin the pictures I had in my head!
August
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella - When school starts back up after a long summer of relaxing then I just have to read things that pure fun and fluff. This book delivered, it was funny and touching, and easy to read. Plus (bonus) it takes place in England so I get to read the whole thing with a British accent!
September
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner - This is a sequel to Good in Bed (which I also reread this month), and was fantastic. I love the way Weiner is able to write both as the main character and her teenage daughter and be completely believable. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, it was wonderful!
October
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown - Okay so I caved to peer pressure and bought this book, but it was really good. And, as long as you're not crazy and believe that everything he writes is true (his books are in the FICTION section people), then just sit back and enjoy the story!
November
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult - I'll read any book she writes and love them all. Although the material in her books makes them all difficult to read (I always need to read fluff after one of her books), but are all beautifully written and wonderful to read.
December
Under the Jolly Roger by L. A. Meyer - This is the 3rd in a series of young adult books and is also the last book I read in 2009! The series follows a young girl who is orphaned, lives on the streets, and finally stow aboard a British ship disguised as a boy to join the British Navy. Although it is a young adult series I'd say that after book 3 it is probably not appropriate for kids younger than 13 or 14.
August
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella - When school starts back up after a long summer of relaxing then I just have to read things that pure fun and fluff. This book delivered, it was funny and touching, and easy to read. Plus (bonus) it takes place in England so I get to read the whole thing with a British accent!
September
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner - This is a sequel to Good in Bed (which I also reread this month), and was fantastic. I love the way Weiner is able to write both as the main character and her teenage daughter and be completely believable. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, it was wonderful!
October
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown - Okay so I caved to peer pressure and bought this book, but it was really good. And, as long as you're not crazy and believe that everything he writes is true (his books are in the FICTION section people), then just sit back and enjoy the story!
November
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult - I'll read any book she writes and love them all. Although the material in her books makes them all difficult to read (I always need to read fluff after one of her books), but are all beautifully written and wonderful to read.
December
Under the Jolly Roger by L. A. Meyer - This is the 3rd in a series of young adult books and is also the last book I read in 2009! The series follows a young girl who is orphaned, lives on the streets, and finally stow aboard a British ship disguised as a boy to join the British Navy. Although it is a young adult series I'd say that after book 3 it is probably not appropriate for kids younger than 13 or 14.
So there it is, my Year in Books. Some kids books, some adult books, some mysteries, some chick lit, and a whole lot of fun. Here's to 2010 and all the books it holds!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Confessions Part 3
It's the end of another year, the perfect time to purge the closets of clothes, the drawers of junk, and the house of all that extra stuff that you don't really need. It's also the perfect time for confessions, and resolutions....
So here's Round Three of my confessions
1. When I watch television shows on DVD I have to look a the title of each show, and read the summary. It's true, even if I've seen the show before I still have to do it. I hate the "Play All" button.
2. My alarm clock goes off three separate times in the morning because I like to wake up slowly, I'm guessing this is one of the many positive aspects to living alone since I suspect if anyone else had to listen to three alarms each morning things wouldn't be so pleasant
3. Despite my tendency to ramble on and on, I have actually gone an entire 24 hours without speaking, at all. And I did it just to see if I could (cause I'm weird like that).
4. I hate cold weather but am to cheap to turn my heat above 65 unless I have guests over and then I do it out of guilt.
5. I get horribly embarrassed by awkward people doing embarrassing things on TV and therefore can't watch most reality shows because they make me queasy and uncomfortable. And if I do watch them I do so with the remote in my hand ready to turn the channel if necessary.
6. While I never, in a million years, would ever want to be on The Real World, I am sad that I'm to old to be on it because it makes me feel...well, old.
7. No matter where I am, in any building, I always make sure to know the fastest way to the exit. Although nothing has ever happened to make this information necessary I like to be prepared just in case. (side note: B, don't pretend like you don't do the exact same thing)
8. I like driving, a LOT, except for in the rain which sucks, or when going over a bridge.
9. I call it "E! Entertainment Television" Every. Single. Time. Deal with it
10. I've only been able to keep 1 New Year's Resolution in my entire life and it was this year so I'm quitting while I'm ahead and resolving to not make any more New Year's Resolutions
Farewell 2009...here's to a better and brighter 2010!!
So here's Round Three of my confessions
1. When I watch television shows on DVD I have to look a the title of each show, and read the summary. It's true, even if I've seen the show before I still have to do it. I hate the "Play All" button.
2. My alarm clock goes off three separate times in the morning because I like to wake up slowly, I'm guessing this is one of the many positive aspects to living alone since I suspect if anyone else had to listen to three alarms each morning things wouldn't be so pleasant
3. Despite my tendency to ramble on and on, I have actually gone an entire 24 hours without speaking, at all. And I did it just to see if I could (cause I'm weird like that).
4. I hate cold weather but am to cheap to turn my heat above 65 unless I have guests over and then I do it out of guilt.
5. I get horribly embarrassed by awkward people doing embarrassing things on TV and therefore can't watch most reality shows because they make me queasy and uncomfortable. And if I do watch them I do so with the remote in my hand ready to turn the channel if necessary.
6. While I never, in a million years, would ever want to be on The Real World, I am sad that I'm to old to be on it because it makes me feel...well, old.
7. No matter where I am, in any building, I always make sure to know the fastest way to the exit. Although nothing has ever happened to make this information necessary I like to be prepared just in case. (side note: B, don't pretend like you don't do the exact same thing)
8. I like driving, a LOT, except for in the rain which sucks, or when going over a bridge.
9. I call it "E! Entertainment Television" Every. Single. Time. Deal with it
10. I've only been able to keep 1 New Year's Resolution in my entire life and it was this year so I'm quitting while I'm ahead and resolving to not make any more New Year's Resolutions
Farewell 2009...here's to a better and brighter 2010!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Rookie Mistake
When Christmas time rolled around during my first year as a teacher I was beyond excited. Here we were during my favorite time of the year (excluding my birthday, obviously), and it was my first year in the classroom. Tiny fireworks were exploding inside my head on a daily basis, and the craziness of the entire season lead to my first big rookie mistake.
Christmas Presents
Now, I've gotten some pretty awesome things over the years. A LOT of chocolate, some adorable hand written cards, Christmas pins (which I always put on so the kids can see that i'm wearing them) but that first year, oh that first year....I got a present that trumps all other gifts. A gift that lives in infamy. A gift that I (and here's the big mistake) opened in front of the student......sexy pajamas
with a greese stain on them
and they were itty bitty
and yellow
and I am not itty bitty
and yellow is not my color
You can imagine my surprise at this particular gift. After all, I had just opened a bag of christmas cookies, a new pin (which I was wearing), a Snow Globe with a students picture in it, and several cards. So when faced with a pair of yellow silk and lace short shorts and a tiny tank top I was left, for perhaps the first time ever, speechless. I stammered, I stuttered, I declined holding them up for the rest of the class to see, and I fled to my friends classroom as soon as I had taken my kids to PE. I was both relieved, and slightly horrified, to see that she had gotten a similar gift. And, while mine had a grease stain, she only got the top half of hers so clearly I was the winner.
Plus I learned a valuable lesson, and now, when faced with any sort of gift from a student I polietly accept, and then open them in PRIVATE!
Also, writing a thank you note to a 5th grader who has just given you sexy pajamas required all my creative writing skills to make it sound, you know, not creepy.
Christmas Presents
Now, I've gotten some pretty awesome things over the years. A LOT of chocolate, some adorable hand written cards, Christmas pins (which I always put on so the kids can see that i'm wearing them) but that first year, oh that first year....I got a present that trumps all other gifts. A gift that lives in infamy. A gift that I (and here's the big mistake) opened in front of the student......sexy pajamas
with a greese stain on them
and they were itty bitty
and yellow
and I am not itty bitty
and yellow is not my color
You can imagine my surprise at this particular gift. After all, I had just opened a bag of christmas cookies, a new pin (which I was wearing), a Snow Globe with a students picture in it, and several cards. So when faced with a pair of yellow silk and lace short shorts and a tiny tank top I was left, for perhaps the first time ever, speechless. I stammered, I stuttered, I declined holding them up for the rest of the class to see, and I fled to my friends classroom as soon as I had taken my kids to PE. I was both relieved, and slightly horrified, to see that she had gotten a similar gift. And, while mine had a grease stain, she only got the top half of hers so clearly I was the winner.
Plus I learned a valuable lesson, and now, when faced with any sort of gift from a student I polietly accept, and then open them in PRIVATE!
Also, writing a thank you note to a 5th grader who has just given you sexy pajamas required all my creative writing skills to make it sound, you know, not creepy.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Yard Sale: Before
I am feeling overwhelmed
And blessed
That so many friends
Have donated so much
For my Yard Sale
This Saturday
From 7-12 (or until people quit buying)
All Proceeds to benefit my Adoption Fund
**And this doesn't even included the Solid Cherry Dining table, or the additional carload, and a shed FULL of stuff being delivered later in the week.**
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