Currently...

I'm shamelessly stealing this from Kristin today because I've been wanting to blog, but not really inspired with anything to write about.  

Currently...

Watching: Literally, I am not watching anything at this exact moment.  However, I have been rewatching Mad Men on Netflix.  We had temporarily gotten rid of our DirecTV last year, and I missed the final season.  It had been so long since I'd seen it, I figured that I would start from the beginning.  

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Trying: Not to stay up insanely late and to eat decent meals/snacks throughout the day.

Doesn't always work.

Reading: An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon  This is the second to last book in the Outlander series.  I may put off reading the last one for awhile just because I don't know if I'm ready to say good-bye to Jamie and Claire!

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Listening: The Baby-Sitters Club Club podcast thanks to Kristin.  It's hilarious!

Finishing: Umm...I can't say that there's really anything that I'm finishing right now.  It would probably helped if I started something.... ;-p
Buying: I've really reigned in my spending because I went a little haywire for a few months.  BUT I am waiting on a shipment of new classroom decor to arrive.  I haven't been up to school at all yet this summer, and it's probably time that I get up there and start getting my classroom back in order.

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This is called Chalkboard Brights.  I got quite a few of these pieces to change things up in my room!

Dreading: Having to go outside to help Scott work on the house.  It's H.O.T. and humid.  Gross.

Liking:  Pilates.  I really love trying to get in at least a 10 minute work out each day.  I've slacked lately, but I still love it.

Making: I'm about to make some cheesy broccoli to go with the chicken quarters that I cooked in our smoker yesterday.  

What's up with you today?

Teacher Thoughts: Summer Vacation

I know that based on the title of this post you might be thinking a few things about teachers and our summer vacation:

1) Teachers are SO lucky to get their entire summer off!
2) That [insert mean word of choice]!  It's not fair that she has a whole summer off.
3) I'm so jealous.  I wish I could have a summer off.
4) Teachers don't deserve to have all of that time off.

Maybe you aren't thinking any of those.  But still, we teachers often take a lot of flak for the blessing that we call June, July, and August.

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Maybe I can help to clear up some misconceptions about teachers and summer vacation.  (Or at least, what summer vacation is like for me.)

On summer vacation, I...

...get to sleep in more often.  I am not a morning person.  Getting up at 6:00 A.M. (sometimes earlier) is NOT my idea of a good time.  Being able to sleep until at least 7 makes my life outlook much sunnier (literally AND figuratively).

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...do more manual labor.  I can actually keep up with the house work: laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.  That I use my job as an excuse to avoid 9 months out of the year.  :-p  Also, we are working on our house (mostly outside right now to prep for new siding) so I am often up early (see above) helping Scott outside.  I also am often responsible for mowing the lawn since Scott is usually busy working.  Having to cut the grass makes me feel irrationally irritated because I absolutely HATE it.


...recuperate from the school year.  No, teaching is not a physically demanding job.  But if you aren't a teacher (or if you don't work in the school system in some capacity), you may not fully understand the demands placed upon teachers today.  (You may want to look back at my past posts about teaching.)  But between lesson planning and actual teaching, there are many other things I am responsible for during the school day/year.  Not to mention that teaching takes an emotional toll on you.  When you care about your students, you worry about them.  It comes with the territory.

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...obsess about the coming school year.  I love, love, love getting ready for the upcoming school year.  I love getting my classroom ready, buying school supplies, and making plans for how I'm going to approach teaching during the coming year.  I am always trying to better myself and to make things work better for my students.  I want to do my best to help them learn the most during the school year.  That takes time and planning.  Ideas pop into my head at random times, and it often leads me to have back to school nightmares.  Lately, though, my school nightmares have all been featuring people and students that I encountered during the school year that just ended, so I'm not having the "new year" nightmares yet.

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...have more time to spend with my husband, family, and friends.  It's so nice to have more freedom (aka time) to make plans to do things with people I care about.  I don't feel like hiding in my house avoiding the world because I'm so exhausted.

...complete projects that I've been putting off until now.  I always have crafting ideas or things I want to organize, donate, sell, etc.  Summer time gives me the time to do all of this!  I just listed about 20 books/textbooks on Amazon recently.  It's so nice to have the time to package them and drop them off at the post office THE DAY that someone buys them, rather than having to wait until I have time.

...can read more!!  I try to devour as many books during June, July, and August as I can because it's so much harder to find time to read during the school year.

...RELAX.  I'm not one of those people who struggles with relaxing and doing nothing....even during the school year.  But summer break gives me time to get things done AND relax without feeling guilty about it.

So yes, summer break is a definite perk of being a teacher.  Many people criticize us for this, but keep in mind that many teachers DO work other jobs during the summer simply because they couldn't make ends meet without doing so.  Some teachers get the joy of spending their time off with their kids!  I truly couldn't "do" teaching year-round.  I love it, but it's stressful and exhausting at times.  Summer is my time to rest, rejuvenate, and become refreshed for the school year ahead.

Teachers, what do YOU do on your summer vacation?

Non-teachers, what would YOU do if you had the whole summer off?

StitchFix Fix- Second Edition

Ah, StitchFix.  Sometimes, they get it right and sometimes they don't.

I scheduled a fix in April because it's spring.  Summer is around the corner, and the weather will be getting warmer (eventually...I hope).  I have a good problem in that most of my shorts are too big.  Last year, they were big, but I just dealt with it.  This year, they're MUCH too big, and it's just not a good look.

I scheduled my fix and added a note for my stylist that I wanted the focus of my fix to be on shorts.  I wanted some shorts that I could dress up or down, and maybe, maybe a top or two to go with them.

What did I get?

ONE.  PAIR.  OF.  SHORTS.

ONE!!

I was furious.  The tops that were sent with the shorts were awful, and I thought that the price of the shorts was outrageous.  I refused to buy anything from that fix because I just couldn't justify buying one overpriced pair of decent shorts when I needed wanted more.

Needless to say, I sent it all back and requested an additional fix at no charge.  I refuse to be charged $20 for nothing.

I was given a new stylist, and she nailed it the second time around.  (Ignore the quality of these photos.  They were taken in not the best light with my iPhone in a mirror that needs to be dusted.  AND I'm writing this post at work where I can't access PicMonkey to edit them.)

I really love these Bermuda length shorts.  They fit nicely and are very comfortable.  I actually already wore them to work with strappy wedge sandals, a tank, and long cardigan.

Here's a better shot of the top that also came with my fix.  It's actually super flattering, and I love the subtle polka-dot print.

These shorts almost seem like a skirt.  You can't really tell, but they actually have a scalloped bottom.  They are super comfortable, and while I don't normally gravitate toward floral prints, I really think this pattern is pretty!

I really love these pink shorts.  I enjoy the longer length because, let's face it, I'm not getting any younger.  I think they are flattering and comfortable.  This twist shoulder top also came with the fix.  I didn't love it, but I liked it enough that it was worth getting the whole fix for the discount!

So now I have a decent number of shorts that will fit me this season!  I am pleased that I can dress all of these shorts up or down depending on the top and/or shoes I choose to wear with them.  (I will also add that I wasn't totally thrilled with the price of these shorts either.  BUT since I loved all three pairs, thought they looked good, and they were really comfortable, I went ahead and splurged.)

Have you tried StitchFix?  What have been your successes?  Failures?

If you haven't tried StitchFix, click here!  I will get a credit when you schedule and receive your first fix!  :)

Stuff & Things 7/9

• Clearly, I have not been around here much lately.  With an uneventful summer taking place, it has occurred to me that blogging is just no longer one of my priorities.  But every now and then, I feel like sharing something.  So I'll pop up from time to time....especially to share the books I'm reading. #booknerd
• I have decided that I hate cooking.  This is kind of sad because I really like food.  The problem is that in order to eat food, I have to cook it.  I find this to be an interesting turn of events because I used to like sharing my experiences with cooking here in this space.  You can still see the recipes I've tried in my ABC order Recipe Index or the Category Index.  

• It will  not quit raining here in Pennsylvania.  I think I should build an ark.... 

• I have decided that I will be teaching a reading unit on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone this year.  I know so many kids love it, and even if they've read it/heard it/seen the movie before, studying it will be different and fun!  One of the things I plan to do is have a Class Cup competition during the unit!  Students will earn points for getting 100% on tests and quizzes, turning in assignments on time, being prepared for class, etc.  

What kinds of stuff and things are happening with you lately?

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

This is officially the last book I was able to read on my summer vacation.  :(  It's tragic.  I still have quite a long list of books I want to read, and I hope that I can do a better job of finding time to read during this school year!

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book. I actually finished it in a couple of days. The Fault in Our Stars brought tears to my eyes. I feel that an author has done his or her job when your emotions flow! I was able to connect with Hazel and follow her on her journey. 

I bought this book with the intention of adding it to my classroom library because I had heard students talk about it in the past. I will NOT be adding it, though, there is content that I do not find appropriate for 6th grade students, and I will leave those decisions up to their parents. 

I did find that Hazel and Augustus are perhaps too smart or wise for their years. They do seem like adult versions of teenagers, quoting difficult material, and being almost philosophic. I'm not saying it's not possible, I'm just saying it's not quite like any teenagers that I've even known! 

I would certainly recommend this book, though, and I would like to see the movie! 

View all my reviews

Book Review: Bossy Pants

I have heard more than one person say great things about Tina Fey's Bossy Pants!  Actually both of my friends named Kristin (from Kristin's kNook & from Life's an Adventure) have recommended it.

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.

She has seen both these dreams come true.

At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon -- from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.

Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.

(Includes Special, Never-Before-Solicited Opinions on Breastfeeding, Princesses, Photoshop, the Electoral Process, and Italian Rum Cake!)



Bossypants by Tina Fey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book! It's not often that you get to read a story that literally makes you laugh out loud...not just type it on a keyboard without even cracking a smile....

I would definitely recommend this book for a laugh. I'm not a super fan of Tina Fey or anything, so I only knew a bit about her from what I've seen on TV, but this was really a great read.

I especially loved the chapter called "Amazing, Gorgeous, Not Like That" about what it's like to go to a photo shoot. It was seriously HILARIOUS.

View all my reviews


I couldn't believe how many times I was laughing so hard that I had to stop reading!  While this isn't a book I would reread (it's just not that type of book, in my opinion), I do absolutely recommend that you pick up a copy or borrow it from your local library!  (OR as Kristin from Kristin's kNook would do, listen to the audio book.  I've heard that it's read by Tina Fey herself, which would make it even more hilarious.  In fact, I WOULD definitely listen to this book again!)

Have you read anything good lately??

Life Without a Purpose

Ok...that title is a little dramatic sounding.

First of all, don't worry, everything's fine here in my world.  I've just been thinking and feeling this lately, and I'd like to tell you a little bit about what it's really like for this teacher during the summer.

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Now, before I get some backlash about how lucky I am to have my summers off, or how teachers don't deserve summers off, let me clarify that I am NOT complaining.  This is just the type of conflict I go through every year.

For starters, I spend January on counting down the days until summer vacation.  Sure, there's a lot of work left to do and a lot left to teach, but January-March (and often April) in Pennsylvania is COLD.  It's after the Christmas high that I realize I need warmth and sunshine to function as a normal human being again.  Once it does warm up in May, that's it.  No one (teachers or students) wants to be in school any more.  Then summer comes, and as the above ecard states, I have no idea what day it is.

Apparently, it's Friday.  And as I'm writing this it's 9:40 PM.  Now, during the school year, I like to stay up late on Fridays, but often, I'm falling asleep on the couch at this time.

I'm. Wide. Awake.

And I'm hungry.

Again.

I digress.

Allow me to share with you the pros and cons of summer vacation for me:

Pros:
1. I can obviously take a nice long vacation, as you have spent the last couple of weeks reading.
2. I can go to bed when I want.
3. I can wake up when I want.
4. My house is clean....ish.
5. Laundry is always done.
6. I have time to blog.
7. I get to read!!!
8. I actually like going to the gym (probably because there's nothing else to do).
9. I can do what I want when I want.
10. Lots of time to work and prepare for the upcoming school year!

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Cons:
1. I actually do not function well without a schedule.  Do I hate getting up at 5:45 AM?  YES!  If school started at noon, I would be in much better shape.  :-p  My point is that without something that I have to do, I find myself all over the place.
2. I'm tired all day, but wide awake at night.
3. I have no idea what day (or date) it is 85% of the time.
4.

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5. By the time I wake up and get moving, the day is almost done.  
Scott's swing shift work schedule doesn't help me at all.  I find myself operating closer to his schedule, which totally messes up my sleeping patterns, too.  For example, he slept almost all day one time last week.  He had to go to work the next MORNING.  We went to the gym at almost midnight because he couldn't go back to sleep, and I was wide awake.
I will never complain about my summers off.  I LOVE it.  I just wish I could find a way to force myself into a routine!
Any fellow teachers (or stay at home wives) have suggestions?? 

Summer Vacation: Mississippi

So after our adventures in Nashville, we headed to our ultimate destination, Biloxi, Mississippi, to visit Scott's high school friend and his family.

On our first night, they arranged for us to stay at the Golden Nugget Casino.  For the remainder of our trip, we stayed in their home.  We actually did very well at the casino, and thanks to video poker, we won enough money that this leg of our trip was completely free!

On our second night, David and his wife, Lisa, welcomed us by having a BBQ with their friends.  We had a great time, and I really only got one candid shot from the whole night.  BUT they did have a karaoke system set up in their house...so naturally, I had to "do my thing," as Scott put it.

Excuse the photo quality from Scott's phone.  Also, I happy faced the people in the background because I don't know them well enough to feel comfortable posting them to my blog! :)

As it turns out, we were not far from New Orleans, so the next night, David, Lisa, Scott, and I took a trip over to Louisiana to experience Bourbon Street.  It was definitely....something else.  lol  I probably would have had a better time if I wasn't feeling like death warmed over, but all in all, I'm glad that I can say that I've been there.

We didn't end up having any authentic New Orleans food.  We stopped in at a Sports Bar called Walk-Ons to get something to drink and use the restroom.  We decided to stay.  (Smiley face guy is some random dude at the bar...)

We have arrived!

Naturally, we found a karaoke bar so that I could sing.  We waited FOREVER, but eventually, I got to rock the place with "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood.

Scott & I with our friends David and Lisa on the balcony of the karaoke bar Cat's Meow

On our last day of vacation, David and Lisa took Scott and I (and their daughters) to a beach on the gulf near Mobile, Alabama.  On the way, we stopped to eat at this awesome restaurant called Lamberts.  The food was delicious, and included with your meal you get the "pass-alongs".  Basically, servers come around with pots full of different sides.  I had the potatoes and onions = AMAZING!  They'd also come out with hot rolls, but they don't just hand those to you.  If you want one, they throw it to you.  Don't worry if you drop it, though, they'll throw you another one!  There's butter at your table, but they also come around with warm apple butter = AMAZING again!

Eating at Lambert's Cafe

Scott and I in the Gulf of Mexico!

We had such an amazing vacation!  From Ocean City to Nashville, to Mississippi, and all the wonderful things we did while we were there, I could not have asked for a better time!

Thanks for sticking with me for my vacation recaps! :)

Summer Vacation: Nashville Part 5

In case you missed any of my other posts about our vacation to Nashville, you can read about our experience on the historic Studio B Tour, visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway & Karaoke, and the Nashville Ghost Tour.

For the last part of our Nashville vacation, I want to tell you all about visiting the Grand Ole Opry!

Visiting the Grand Ole Opry was a spur of the moment decision....actually...most of the things we did on our trip were.  The only thing we planned for sure in advance was visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and taking the Studio B tour.  Anyway, it turned out that while we were there, Aaron Tippin and Scotty McCreery were performing.  Scott was a fan of Aaron Tippin in the 90s, and I was rooting for Scotty McCreery in his season of American Idol.  (In fact, that might have been the last season of American Idol I watched...)

There were 8 performers that night, and each artists sang three songs.  I made sure to get a picture of each one for the scrap book I'm going to make of our vacation.  I do have the names of each of them somewhere, but I'll be honest, I really don't feel like looking them up right now!  haha :)  

Aaron Tippin

Scotty McCreery

One of the other things we did in Nashville (that wasn't enough for one post) was visit the American Pickers store, Antique Archaeology.  In case you don't know, American Pickers is a TV show on the History Channel.  They travel around the country basically looking for all kinds of cool junk (aka antiques).  It was pretty interesting to browse a shop that we've seen on TV! 

That wraps up our trip to Nashville!  Have you ever been to Nashville?  What did you do there?  If you haven't been to Nashville, what would you LIKE to do??