Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Blog Prompt - Seventy years ago today the Wizard of Oz premiered. What is your favorite children's movie?

I really like Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I don’t mean the new one with Johnny Depp but the 1971 one with Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. I think the story has such great messages and color and excitement. I used to show my class this movie every year and we would discuss the different children.

Here are my two favorite quotes from the movie:

Willy Wonka: [singing] There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free if you truly wish to be.

Willy Wonka: We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of dreams.

White Tailed Deer

Blog Prompt - "What kind of animal are you underneath your human skin?"

White tailed Deer – According to Wikipedia,

1. they are medium sized (Yes, this definitely sounds like me. I have always wanted to be tall because I had friends who were twins and both were 6 ft. tall in junior high. They could reach anything, do practically anything, and no one ever picked on them. If I couldn’t be tall, I wanted to be petite and cute but no, I had to keep growing up and outward. So, I guess I’m medium sized.)

2. are generalists and can adapt to a wide variety of habitats and are most common east of the Rocky Mountains (I love to travel so I guess I can adapt to anywhere. I grew up on Long Island, NY where I graduated from high school. Then I moved to SC and have loved it ever since. Of course I have loved the different places that I have visited and could picture myself living practically anywhere as long as I’m with my husband.)

3. most often thought of as forest animals (I love the forest more than the beach and I love hiking.)

4. eat large varieties of food (I definitely love to eat and love to eat different things.)

Original image: 'Mini Me...:O)' http://www.flickr.com/photos/66164549@N00/2035317702 by: Keven Law

Legs

Blog Prompt - Today is Joke Day. Talk about something that makes you laugh.

This isn’t a joke but it does make me laugh. My husband and I wear these hiking pants where the legs unzip to convert into shorts. These pants make us feel like we have 2 pairs of pants in one when we travel. They are also nylon so they are lightweight and easy to wash. The other day we took a scenic train ride and we were in our shorts. While we waited to board the train, we were going through a mental checklist to make sure we had everything we wanted to take with us. I mentioned that I had his legs in my pack. Half a dozen people snapped their heads to look at us and down at my husband’s legs. They didn’t know that I meant the legs to his pants and not his real legs!

Original image: 'Cleaning services 8' http://www.flickr.com/photos/46425925@N00/477483944 by: Polo

Relaxation

Blog Prompt - Today is Relaxation Day. What would you do on a day where you could completely relax?

I know this doesn’t surprise my friends but I would go hiking! I love to hike and be outdoors. I am always amazed at the world around me and how lucky I am to be alive to experience this. In fact, it makes me feel so good that it truly relaxes me. I am not stressing about the little things in my life because when I’m hiking in a beautiful place, all I can think about is that if God can make and take care of all of this, why do I think he won’t take care of me too? Why do I worry about all the little things I can’t control. I can only try to be a better person and do what is right. If I do this, I know God will take care of me. Maybe I have a simplistic view of my life (my husband says I’m too naïve because I constantly think everything will always turn out the right or the way it should turn it out). But it works for me.

Original image: 'The Grand Tetons' http://www.flickr.com/photos/95572727@N00/611311642 by: Trey Ratcliff

Breakfast

Blog Prompt - Today is National Waffle Day. Tell me what you love to have for breakfast.

I am not a big breakfast eater but my husband is. I’m happy with a donut, or a bagel, or a big breakfast. It really doesn’t matter to me because I just want it out of the way so we can get on with the day. I usually get up to garden as soon as it is light outside and then when my hubby wakes up, we eat breakfast together either at home or in a restaurant. Sometimes I hate to have to stop what I’m doing to go eat breakfast. If we are at home I usually have a bagel, or a bowl of cereal, or a hardboiled egg. If we go out I usually have eggs (over medium), bacon, hash browns, and toast. I’m don’t really like pancakes or waffles except maybe once a year and if they have lots of pecans on them.

Original image: 'Miniature food - American Breakfast' http://www.flickr.com/photos/24257141@N05/2894738860 by: Stéphanie Kilgast

At the Beach

Blog Prompt - Summer is almost over and the kids are either back in school or on their way. Today is Play in the Sand Day and tell me about a day at the beach.

I’m not really a beach person but when I am at the beach, I like to lay out and read a book. I usually get hot fast so then I dip in the water to get cool and I’m out again. I don’t like to get too far in the water ever since we almost was eaten by sharks. I can’t remember if I’ve told this story or not but if I have, please forgive me.

We were newly married and in love and of course poor. We splurged on one of those long floats to lay on when we got in the water. Both of us were just hanging on it as we floated and talked. We were so far out that people looked like miniature doll people. Then my hubby started to hum the Jaws movie theme and jumps off and starts to swim away. Back then I wore really thick glasses so I could barely see except up close. I asked him where he was going and he said something that sounded like Shark! I glanced around me and there were shark fins circling me on the float. The next thing I remember is being up on the beach with the float still under my arm looking at the water as my husband arrived on the shore.

A crowd surrounded us and let us know that the lifeguard had been blowing his whistle forever at us but he couldn’t get our attention. The sharks had been circling us for a very long time and we didn’t notice them either (I guess we were in love!) Then they said, that with one arm (the float was under the other arm), I swam past my husband to get to the beach. I bet I looked pretty funny! I guess I wasn’t leaving that float behind either because at the time it was a luxury we really couldn’t afford. The lifeguard was really mad at us but I was so grateful to be alive that I didn’t care. I guess the sharks weren’t in the mood for Chinese food or southern fried chicken and left us alone!

Original image: 'comin' right at us' http://www.flickr.com/photos/90569898@N00/1206482105 by: gina

Patio Furniture

Blog Prompt - Is there something in your home that you use for something other than what you are suppose to use it for?

When I retired from teaching two years ago, our formal dining room became a storage room. When we first moved here, I had special window treatments made for the bow window in this dining room. I also bought an antique pedestal dining room table and chairs that seats twelve people. In fact, it was very hard finding a linen table cloth to cover this table. I have a beautiful antique china cabinet filled with antique china from China. We also have an heirloom grandfather clock from my in-laws here. Needless to say, I love my formal dining room. Then when I retired, we had nowhere to place all my boxes until I can sort through what I want to keep and what I want to throw away. Until I stay home long enough to sort and toss, the boxes will just hang out in my dining room aka storage room.

Wiggle Your Toes

Blog Prompt - Today is Wiggler Your Toes Day. Where do you like to wiggle your toes?

I am not much of a toe wiggler. I hate to walk barefoot but I was brought up that way. My parents never let me walk barefeet. I do walk barefoot in the sand but when we leave the beach, I have to find a place to wash the sand off my feet. Now, after hiking in the mountains, if we come to a river, I love to put my feet into the cold river. It always feels so good.

Original image: 'While waiting for the train Sarah broke into toe stretches to get ready for the day of walking barefoot. My pedometer averaged 8 miles plus per day. My feet hurt just typing that.' http://www.flickr.com/photos/45842803@N00/2718224302 by: Christopher

Plums and the Moon Walk

Tuesday’s Blog Prompt - Today is Watermelon Day. Do you have a favorite fruit you enjoy to eat?

My favorite fruit is black plums. They are sweet and small. I don’t have to cut it like cantaloupe (my second favorite fruit).

Wednesday’s Blog Prompt - Today is Neil Armstrong's birthday and do any of you remember the day we landed on the moon back in 1969? What are your views about space travel?

I was 9 years old and it was an exciting time in our lives. I remember my teacher and my parents making a big thing about it. We watched it on our black and white TV. I have no problems with others traveling into space as long as it isn’t me. Of course, I can barely ride in a plane and haven’t in about 3 years.

Original image: 'Plum Crazy' http://www.flickr.com/photos/82278008@N00/148825254 by: Graham

Sports

Blog Prompt - Today is Sports Day and I know I can't wait for football season to start. Are you a sports fan and do you enjoy participating in sports or just watching on the sidelines?

I am more of a cheerleader than a participant. I don’t like competing against others because I hate the stress and the anxiety. I remember having to be in an accordion competition and the stress of trying to be perfect made me feel awful. I ended up 5th in the state for my age group but I hated every minute of it! If I play team sports and mess up, I feel like I have let the whole team down and they will hate me. I guess it is because I was never good at sports. Since I always wore thick glasses and was very near sighted, I did not have good eye-hand coordination and peripheral vision so I was always missing the ball whether it was basketball, softball, or tennis. When I began to teach on the high school level, I have enjoyed going to the girl’s softball and basketball games to cheer them on. I always think that girl’s sports does not get the recognition or support that boy’s sports do.

Original image: 'At Bat' http://www.flickr.com/photos/8136496@N05/2443934851 by: Terren

Mutt's Day

Blog prompt: Today is Mutt’s Day. Do you prefer a mutt or a purebred animal? Why?

It really doesn’t matter to me whether a dog is mutt or purebred. I think the personality of a dog and whether I like it or not is more important than its breeding. I grew up with purebred german shepherds and we had a purebred chow so I’ve never had a mutt. I didn’t have any say about the dogs I grew up with and my husband surprised me with the chow so I didn’t have a say in that either. We don’t have any pets now but if I ever got another pet, I would probably go to the humane society and find a pet there.

Original image: 'Molly the cutiest' http://www.flickr.com/photos/43446613@N00/1281000602 by: Per Ola Wiberg

Father In Law Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Father-in-Law Day. Describe your father-in-law if you have one or tell what you think a perfect father-in-law would be like.

I had the best in-laws and I really miss them now that both of them have passed away. They both were supportive of me before we were married and then after we were married. My father in law and I attended the same university, although many years apart so we bonded through that connection. He was always a very calm and dependable kind of person. As a student, I would spend many nights at my future in laws house (they kicked my future hubby out to the couch in the livingroom and I was given his bedroom). Every morning before I left for school, my future father in law cooked me breakfast and sent me off to school. He seemed glad when I finally agreed to marry his son. Whenever my family was going through rough times, he was always there for us. When our house caught on fire, there was never any doubt that he would allow us to live with them until we found another home. When our car broke down on the Blue Ridge Parkway, he drove hours in order to rescue us. As you can tell, I still miss him but I’m glad I got to spend the time I did with him before complications from diabetes was just too much for him.

Original image: 'If Mamma aint happy...' http://www.flickr.com/photos/85966598@N00/210650722

National Lasagna Day

Blog Prompt: Today is National Lasagna Day. Do you like Italian food? What is your favorite Italian dish?

First of all, I love any and all Italian dishes! I wish I had been born in an Italian family who had Italian food every day! My favorite dish used to be lasagna. Since going to a local restaurant, I have changed my favorite to Baked Ziti with meat sauce. The price is reasonable and the taste is wonderful. I love all the cheese mixed with the pasta. Hmmm…now I’m hungry. I’m wondering if I could talk my husband into going to get some baked ziti for dinner…

Original image: 'Baked Ziti' http://www.flickr.com/photos/35694730@N00/2740996429 by: Becky

Milk Chocolate Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Milk Chocolate Day. (Don’t get this mixed up with Chocolate milk day.) Do you like milk chocolate or dark chocolate and why?

I really like dark chocolate but I can’t eat a lot of it. It seems like it is much richer than milk chocolate and it costs more. I wish m&m’s would come with almonds in dark chocolate. Sometimes it is even hard to find the almond covered ones. I also love Hershey’s kisses with almonds but they don’t come in dark chocolate either. Maybe someday soon someone will be smart enough to mix the two ingredients!

Original image: 'self explaining addiction' http://www.flickr.com/photos/47207654@N00/170398770 by: Procsilas Moscas

Taking a Walk

Blog Prompt: Today is Take Your Pants for a Walk Day. Go for a walk (or pretend you have gone for a walk) and tell about your walk. What did you see? What was the weather like? What smells surrounded you? What did you hear?

I walked outside waiting for the students to arrive and was so happy to see how beautiful everything seemed around me. Last night we had rain so everything looked so much fresher this morning. There is a huge garden put in by the Trees of Greenville and people were weeding it last week. The breeze was blowing softly which was nice since it will probably get hot and humid later on in the day. It was quiet except for the cars driving by the school. This is the last week of this program so I will enjoy the sights and sounds while I can.

Original image: 'walking' http://www.flickr.com/photos/49014237@N00/87877992 by: Diego Sevilla Ruiz

Festival, Tires, and Sandals

Yesterday we woke up with all intentions of going to the Bele Chere festival in Asheville, NC. While waiting for my hubby to wake up, I did some gardening, got some tomatoes from a friend, played on my computer, and then made lots of noise until he finally got out of bed. Then he decided that since we were just told (while getting an oil change) that the steel belt was showing in our tires, we shouldn’t travel far until we got new tires. We priced some tires online and then went to a couple of tire stores. Finally we decided we would go back to Walmart where we bought the tires and see if they would prorate them since they wore out after 40,000 miles and should have lasted for 60,000. They were wonderful there and we had no problems so we finally got new tires!

By this time it was really too late to enjoy the festival but there were 3 stores in Asheville that I wanted to go to. I was looking for a new pair of Teva sandals and I can only find them in outdoor stores. So, we went sandal hunting and had a great time. We got back in time to water my neighbor’s sod because she had emergency surgery right after she put a lot of sod down so we decided to surprise her and water the sod every evening.

Today we got up early, went out for breakfast and hit the flea market. After a short time at the flea market we finally went to the Bele Chere festival! It was a lot of fun because I love seeing all the arts and crafts, the children, and feeling the excitement in the air. There was also lots of music at the different stages. We only had to pay $5 to park and the festival was free. After the festival, we continued our hunt for my sandals. We went to four stores but no one had the sandals I wanted in my size. I was told that no one would have them anywhere. Finally, back at home, I found my sandals in the store that I usually don’t go to.

When we got home, we had time for dinner and watering the sod. So far, it has been a wonderful weekend!

Cousins

Blog Prompt: Today is Cousin’s Day. Tell about something you remember doing with your cousins either recently or when you were a young child.

I remember spending one summer night at my cousins’ house and all of them were much older than me. I think I was the younger cousin in the whole family. All of them worked during the day so I spent the day with my aunt who did not speak any English and I didn’t speak any Chinese, but that is okay because the sound of the ice cream truck was a universal language. After dinner that night my cousins (I think there were 4 of them) took me to see their friends and I remember walking around New York city with them. I felt so grown up and included. I also remember that they didn’t treat me like a child and talked to me like an adult. I will always remember the lights of the city around me and the wonderful feeling I had being with them.

Original image: 'Jump! (explored!)' http://www.flickr.com/photos/33537150@N06/3692197226 by: Taylor McBride

Hot Dogs

Blog Prompt: Today is National Hot Dog Day. How do you like to eat your hot dog? What do you put on it? Make us all hungry as you describe the perfect hot dog.

I’m not huge fan of hot dogs but my hubby likes them so we eat them. I will eat hot dogs with relish/sweet pickle cubes on them or with sauerkraut on them. If either of those choices is not available, I will eat it plain. I am allergic to mustard and I don’t like messy chili on it but my husband will eat it with everything on it and the messier, the better!

Original image: 'Nathan's' http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124458380@N01/21715110

Hammock Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Hammock Day. Describe a lazy summer day and what you do or don’t do.

Being retired, I have lots of lazy days in the summer and in the winter so this is easy. Lazy to me means I do whatever I want to do when I want to do it. This usually means playing on my computer, reading, knitting, and watching TV. Lazy means that I don’t do anything that might make me sweat or involves work. I don’t do any housework or gardening or exercising or thinking really hard (that can make me sweat too!). Since I have been teaching all summer, I haven’t had many lazy days but I’m not going to complain because I have enjoyed teaching too.

Original image: 'Lonely Hammock' http://www.flickr.com/photos/38633611@N00/139794246 by: Photos by Micky

Junk Food

Blog Prompt: Today is National Junk Food Day. What favorite junk food will you eat today? Describe what it tastes like and how it makes you feel.

I am not a big junk food eater. Tonight when I am watching TV I will probably make some popcorn while watching NCIS. I don’t eat a lot of sweets and don’t eat cake. Of course it is breakfast time as I write this and I’m hungry, so right now, popcorn and cake sound really good. Oh well, time to toast a bagel! Have a great day!

Original image: 'Popcorn' http://www.flickr.com/photos/36045027@N00/2054102958 by: Darren Hester

Moon Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Moon Day. Would you want to walk on the moon and why or why not?

I am not adventurous enough to want to leave this planet. It is hard enough for me to get on a plane and I’m anxious until I land. Even the thought of going to the moon gives me the creeps. I’m glad there are other people who want to do that and I would gladly let them go in my place. I really don’t like to be a pioneer when it comes to going where “no man has ever gone before.” I would not have done well as a settler moving out west or even as an explorer seeking new worlds. Even with all the traveling we do, I leave the planning and the deciding up to my husband. Of course I will give him a list of the places I want to go to and he fits that in to our travels but if he wasn’t with me, I would probably never leave home.

Original image: 'The Moon' http://www.flickr.com/photos/90365119@N00/311214627 by: Pétur Gauti Valgeirsson

Boredom and Yellow Pigs

Thursday’s Blog Prompt: July is National Anti-Boredom Month. What are some of the things you do when you are bored.

When I am bored, I:
1. Play on my computer
2. Read a book
3. Garden
4. Knit
5. Hike
6. Eat
7. Watch TV
8. Visit friends
9. Go to the library
10. Go Shopping

Friday’s Blog Prompt: Today is Yellow Pig Day. Now I’m sure you wonder what Yellow Pig Day is so here is the explanation “Yellow Pig Day is a mathematician's holiday celebrating yellow pigs (is there such a thing!?!), and the number 17. It is celebrated annually since the early 1960's, primarily on college campuses, and primarily by mathematicians.” Make up or tell a story about the number 17.

One day when I was 17, I wished that I had 17 dollars. At the time, I didn’t have any money. Of course I was 17 many many years ago and 17 dollars could buy a lot. I could buy 17 hamburgers to eat if I was hungry. I could also use the 17 dollars to go roller skating 17 times (the roller skating rink was pretty cheap back then). I could use 17 dollars to buy clothes at the store (clothes were much cheaper back then too). If I had 17 dollars back then I would have thought I was rich. For me, 17 dollars was as good as 17 hundred dollars when I was a teenager!

Original image: 'untitled' http://www.flickr.com/photos/86603835@N00/1435154217 by: Jay Ryness

Current News:

Yesterday, we went to the NC Museum of Transportation (one of our favorite museums) in Spencer, NC. We splurged and rode the 30 min. train ride too. After lunch we went to a few antique stores before it started to rain. It was a wonderful day!

Cow Appreciation Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Cow Appreciation Day. Tell why you appreciate a cow today.

The reason I appreciate cows are that I love to eat beef. I love my steaks medium rare and tasty. When we go on the cruises, I practically have some kind of beef every night. I think beef is my favorite kind of meat. I love hamburger steaks for breakfast and hamburgers for lunch and juicy steaks for dinner.

Original image: 'Mother's Day Steaks 2' http://www.flickr.com/photos/30281826058@N01/497009071 by: Liz Lawley

Car Accident Remembered

Blog Prompt: Today is Pandemonium Day. Tell about a day in your life that was utter pandemonium.

It was Easter Sunday in April 2000 and we were returning from a camping trip. When we got home, we decided we needed to get something to eat for lunch before unpacking the car and so we left the house again. About a mile from my house, we had a car accident. An elderly lady had a heart attack and was unconscious behind the wheel. She ran a stop sign from a side street and we hit her in the passenger side of her car. Her car was wrapped around the front of our Chevy Tahoe as we spun around and around, knocking down a stop sign, and coming to rest beside her car on the corner. Witnesses say that she came across the road so hard, that the bottom of the car hit the hump in the road and caused sparks. It actually knocked a hole in her gas tank and all her gas leaked out in the sand where we stopped. (No one can figure out how that sand got there because no one remembers it ever being there). The firemen say the sand is what kept us from all bursting into flames. I’m so glad that God was taking care of us. (see the picture!)

Another person called 911 while we crawled out of our car on the passenger side. The dust from the air bags made my husband think that the car was on fire so he practically tossed me out my door. His door was jammed up to the side of the other car so he had to climb over the console and out my door. When we got out, he had to lie on the ground because of pain in his back (he re-fractured his back which had been broken when he was a teenager). The elderly lady was unconscious at the wheel still. As I sat in the middle of the road, I called a bunch of friends to tell them what happened. An ambulance quickly arrived and took my husband and me together to the hospital. When I asked if we were going to the closest hospital, I was told that we were being taken to a different one because our injuries were too severe. Since I knew I was fine, I thought my husband was dying and since he knew that all he had was back pain, he thought I was dying. It was pretty scary. Also, since I was strapped in around the shoulders and the legs, every time the ambulance turned, my butt kept sliding so far off the backboard, I had to keep asking that the guy push me back on or I would fall off.

When we arrived at the emergency room (my very first time in an emergency room as a patient), it was hectic and no rooms were available so I was left in the hallway. One nurse came to get insurance information and let me know that it was doubtful that the elderly lady would live. (Gee, thanks for sharing that with me lady!) While I was there, the friends I called arrived and of course told the hospital that they were all family so they got to see us. Another friend from school heard about the accident on her scanner since her husband works for the media and when they arrived at the scene, she recognized my car and our names so she came to the hospital, also saying she was family. It was amazing how many brothers and sisters my husband had, especially when his only sister actually arrived at the hospital to see the other “siblings.”

Eventually we were released and friends brought us home. By this time it was after dark and then we realized our car keys and house keys were with the wrecked car somewhere (we still didn’t know where). Do you know how hard it is to find a locksmith on Easter Sunday night? After called 5 or 6 locksmiths, I finally reached someone who told me that he was no longer in business and I think I started to cry on the phone. He finally agreed to come and let us in our house when he heard the story. After he got us in the house, he didn’t even charge us any money and I felt so bad later because I can’t remember his name to send him a thank you note.

By the time we got in the house, and everyone left us, we were still in shock and pretty sore. Bedtime never looked so good!

photo credit: thanks to my friend Pam Rogers

Teaching and Computers

Blog Prompt: Today is Embrace Your Geekness Day. Geeky usually refers to technology but are you “geeky” about some hobby that causes your friends and family to roll their eyes once you start to talk about it? If so, share with us and we will try not to roll our eyes!

When anyone mentions the words “teaching” or “computers” near me, my entire family can be seen rolling their eyes in the back of their heads! They are the things that make my family want to yell – Don’t get her started!!!

I love teaching and love to talk about teaching. It was more than just a job to me and I think that is why I still love it, even after retiring. I still keep my finger in it by teaching university courses in the summer and writing a daily teaching blog. I feel like it has become more of a hobby for me because I don’t need to do it in order to pay the bills. Usually in our travels I will cross paths with another teacher and we will have a great time talking about it.

The other hobby I have is using my computer. I’m not a hardware nut who can build and repair computers but I love to use the software. As I mentioned, I write a daily blog for teachers. I also plurk and twitter many times during the day (if you haven’t got hooked on one of them yet, you are missing something really fun!). I use spreadsheets to keep track of my finances and bills as well as my grocery list. I am constantly on the internet researching topics and connecting with other people (about scrapbooking, knitting, gardening, and of course – teaching).

Thanks for letting me tell you about my geekiness…and not rolling your eyes while I gushed about them.

Favorite Stuffed Animal

Blog Prompt: Today is Teddy Bear Picnic Day. Did you have a favorite childhood stuffed animal? Describe it.

I remember having a green monkey that I named Peter. I think I named him after Peter Pan but I’m not sure. I slept with him and my doll Emily (Named after Emily from the Little Princess) for many years. I told them both all my secrets and heartaches (especially when I didn’t get my way!).

Original image: '90's stuffed animals' http://www.flickr.com/photos/85966598@N00/304520238

Sugar Cookies

Blog Prompt: Today is National Sugar Cookie Day. Do you have a sugar cookie memory that stands out? Please share it with us.

When I was growing up, my mother and sisters and I would make Christmas cookies every year. We used a cookie press that I still have and cherish. We made green cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths. We also made red cookies in Santa shapes, whirl shapes, and candy canes. We made plain cookies in other shapes. All of the cookies were decorated with sprinkles and other fancy items. I remember giving lots of them away because we made batches and batches of these cookies. I continued this tradition with my own daughters as they were growing up.

Original image: 'Cookies' http://www.flickr.com/photos/48496790@N00/3217222 by: Jill Matsuyama

Ms. Pac Man

Blog Prompt: Today is National Video Games Day. What video game do you remember playing and what why was it so much fun?

The game that stands out in my mind is Ms. Pac Man. I thought it was so much fun! When my husband owned a video game business, we owned a bunch of video games. So, as a reward for my daughters when they finished their homework, we had Ms. Pac Man in our home for them to play on. We spent hours playing that video game and we had so much fun. I miss those family times when we all played together.

Original image: 'Ms. Pac-Man x2' http://www.flickr.com/photos/44706351@N00/86486336 by: Tom Baddley

Fried Chicken and Chocolate

Monday’s Blog Prompt: Today is National Fried Chicken Day. When was the last time you had fried chicken? Describe the event, and the taste.

I had hot wings from Kentucky Fried Chicken on Sunday. I never ate spicy food when I was growing up so now I love it. These wings are not too spicy but just right kind of spicy. I really like the hot wings from KFC because they aren’t messy when I hold them with my fingers. I really don’t like to touch my food. I know that sounds weird but I really don’t like to touch food that is messy. My husband loves messy foods especially hot wings covered in sauce.

Tuesday’s Blog Prompt: Today is Chocolate Day. What is your favorite chocolate and when was the last time you had it?

My favorite chocolate is Hershey Kisses with almonds. I could eat a whole bag of them in one sitting. I keep a jar of them on my kitchen table and try to limit myself to one kiss a day. I have been really good though and haven’t had one in about a week.

Other News:

I began supervising my Practicum class yesterday. The teachers are getting their master's degree in special ed and this class is required. All of the children (from 7 years old to 14 years old) have disabilities and need special help. This only lasts a half a day for 4 weeks so it should be a lot of fun for everyone. I have 5 teachers and 20 students so it was a lively day yesterday. One teacher was really anxious about expectations but I think we got everything straightened out. Then yesterday when a little 7 year old boy went through separation anxiety and cried, it broke my heart. I know his mom was almost in tears too. I was so relieved this morning when he arrived with a huge smile on his face which tells me that yesterday went better for him than he expected. I will be evaluating lesson plans and observing teaching during this time so I will be busy too.

Original image: 'Fried Chicken Cook-off: Thomas Keller vs. My Mom' http://www.flickr.com/photos/22198928@N00/2887427240

It’s Time to Stand Up and Protest

Blog Prompt: Today is Disobedience Day. If you could protest about something, what would it be?

I would protest about our Governor Sanford’s behavior. He has made South Carolina a laughingstock of the nation and continues to embarrass us daily. First he disappears for four days with his staff telling everyone that he went hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Then we find out this married father of four children has actually gone to Argentina to be with his girlfriend. A few days later he talks about his girlfriend and how she is actually his soul mate and this is truly a love story (not a lust story) but he will try to fall back in love with his wife. By saying this, he is talking out of both sides of his mouth. He is like a snake in the grass and we need to see him for what he really is. He also agrees to pay back thousands of dollars of public funds that he used to go meet with his mistress. Now the State Law Enforcement Division says they investigated the situation and they conclude that the governor did nothing wrong and did not misuse public funds. Ummm…they must think we are pretty stupid. Or maybe we are if we don’t continue to pressure the governor into resigning. Everyone (including his wife whom he is now separated from) keeps talking about forgiveness. Okay, let’s forgive him, but geez, let’s get him out of office!

Original image: 'you lie - banksy' http://www.flickr.com/photos/33602849@N00/4233333

Forgetfulness

Blog Prompt: Today is I Forgot Day. What is something you forgot and how did you solve the problem?

I am always forgetting something. In fact we used to joke about not locking the door when we go somewhere because we would be back quickly to get whatever I forgot. Now I make it a game when we travel to try to figure out what I have forgotten.

One December when we were visiting my parents, we decided to take them to Key West for the weekend. When we arrived at the hotel and unpacked the car, I asked my husband where my suitcase was. He looked around and asked me if I packed it. I told him that I had put it right beside him in the driveway to put it in the trunk. We looked everywhere and didn’t find it. Instead of being upset, we bought me a new bathing suit, some underwear, and a change of clothes. When we returned to the house 2 days later, there was my suitcase, sitting lonely in the driveway!

Original image: 'Reminder' http://www.flickr.com/photos/25678284@N03/3502508219

Ice Cream

Blog Prompt: Today is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. If you could create your own flavor ice cream, what would it taste like?

I used to only eat chocolate when I was growing up. For some reason, I can’t stand just plain vanilla ice cream. Now lately, my tastes have “matured.” I would create a flavor that included chocolate (of course), and black cherry mixed together. In that ice cream would be chocolate chips and chunks of real black cherries. Maybe there is this mixture already made but I really don’t buy much ice cream in the grocery store so I don’t know. I have gotten some cherry ice creams but the actual ice cream has been cherry and not chocolate. Hmm, now I really could go for some ice cream but it is only 5am and I know Baskin and Robbins isn’t open this early. Darn!

Original image: 'Rainbow Sprinkle Soap Cones' http://www.flickr.com/photos/60608121@N00/2369840896 by: Debbie

Forgiveness Day

Blog Prompt: Today is Forgiveness Day. Do you have something to be forgiven for? Or do you need to take the time to forgive someone else?

I messed up! Today is my anniversary and I don’t have anything special for my hubby! I usually make him a special scrapbook page or card or something but today…nothing. I am so caught up in teaching my grad class and then I had a technology conference this week in addition to my tech class that I just didn’t have the time or the energy to make anything. It fleetingly crossed my mind and I kept convincing myself that I had time and then time caught up with me. Today is our 27th anniversary and I have no gift for him. I hope he forgives me!

Original image: 'Teddy Bears' http://www.flickr.com/photos/64251830@N00/542884121 by: Robert Fornal

Being Sick

Blog Prompt: What’s the worst part about being sick?

I hate having people hover over me when I am sick. When I don’t feel well, I usually go somewhere and walk. Walking usually helps me feel better so if I end up in bed, I’m usually very very sick. Then my husband gets so worried that I am not feeling well that he, well, hovers. He will try to feed me if I’m not eating, he will make cutesy things involving eggs and toast and coax me into eating it whether I want to or not, he will constantly bring me liquids to drink and stand there until I drink it. It just about drives me crazy. But I know he does it because he loves me.

Family

Blog Prompt: List the names of 5-8 of your relatives and write a profile of 50 words or less for each.

Hubby – the love of my life and my best friend. We have no secrets from each other and totally trust each other.

Dad – he will be 90 years old this year and is extremely active. He still drives and works on his house.

Sister –Even though she has lupus, she works part time and cares for her granddaughter while her daughter works. She can do anything crafty (crochet, knit, bake etc.) and everything she makes is always perfect.

Step mom – She has been married to my dad for 18 years and has kept him happy and healthy soon after my mom passed away. I believe she saved my dad’s life 2 years ago when he suffered a stroke and she got him to the doctor right away which meant he only had minimal physical damage.

Niece – now that she is married and has children, we seem even closer. I really enjoy talking to her on the phone and wish that she lived closer. (She lives almost 800 miles from me).

Original image: 'South Beach Sisters' http://www.flickr.com/photos/12692384@N00/82945847 by: Patrick

Be a Do-er!

“Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’” ~Yoda (The Empire Strikes Back). Are you a “do” or a “do not”? Why or why not?

I am a “do” kind of person. I love to try new things (except bungy jumping and jumping out of planes!). I always have ask, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” By not trying things, I could be missing out on a fantastic opportunity. There are so many neat things to try and do that I want to do it all and do it right now! But I want to do it perfectly even though I know it won’t happen. I’m just thankful that my husband doesn’t mind this and supports me in this attitude. That is how I ended up with worms for worm composting, learning how to knit, rollerblades (that I am still trying to learn) and many other odd projects.

Original image: 'Master Yoda' http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/387971417 by: Thomas Hawk

One Lovely Blog Award

Creative Triplet Mom was so sweet and gave me this award and I really do appreciate it. I will have to think about the other blogs though to give it to though. Since I’ve started back teaching, I really haven’t had a chance to read many new blogs and barely keep up with the ones that I read regularly. So, if you know anyone who should receive this award, please feel free to pass it on.

Here’s the rules for this award:
“One Lovely Blog Award goes to new blogs and blogging friends.The rules are: Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who granted the award and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.”

Sauntering

Blog Prompt: Today is World Sauntering Day. Sauntering is form of strolling. Where would you saunter to on this day?

If I could, I would be sauntering through the forest today. I had looked forward to going hiking today especially since it will be so hot. I bet with the humidity, the heat index will be over 100. My hope was to go to NC and hike to some waterfalls where the spray would be cooling and even put my feet in the cool water.

But unfortunately this is not going to happen. We got a call last night that we have a tree down at one of our rental houses and will be going there to clear it out today. Due to the bad storms we have had around our county, I know we wouldn’t be able to get a tree service any time soon so we are going to try to clear it ourselves. Last year we had a huge tree fall in our yard and we did it ourselves so I know we can do this okay because this tree is smaller. My hubby will work the chainsaw and I am in charge of clearing. Maybe we will get to hike tomorrow.

Original image: 'Waterfall' http://www.flickr.com/photos/31018257@N00/142845984 by: Diego Silvestre

A Story, A Poem, and a List

Sorry for being MIA, but I am still trying to get in the swing of things with this class I’m teaching. Just when I am finally getting it together, we are halfway through the course and getting ready for midterms! Then on Tuesday night, we had an awful storm that took out our power until Wednesday evening which only made me further behind! Here is a picture of some of the damage near my house. Thank goodness we didn't have any damage except not having power. (Okay, now I’ll quit whining!)

Tuesday’s Blog Prompt: From creative writing prompts. Using one of the sets below, use all the words in your chosen set to write a mini story of 300 words or less.Set 1: paper clips, principal, lunchbox, swing, girl with a pink ribbon

One day the principal was walking through the school hallways when she came across a little girl with a pink ribbon in her hair. As the little girl walked down the hall, she would swing this small lunchbox in her right hand. The principal noticed that it was a Cinderella lunchbox. The principal stopped to talk to her and was very kind to her. Later that day when the principal was back in her office, she looked at her box of paper clips and thought, “I wish you were a nice cool drink and I was sitting on the deck of a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean!” Poof! Suddenly the principal found herself sipping from a drink on a Carnival Ship in the middle of the ocean. The little girl appeared suddenly and explained that she really was the fairy godmother from the Cinderella lunchbox. Because the principal had been kind to her, the fairy godmother decided to grant the principal’s wish! The moral of the story: it doesn’t matter what position you hold, it always pays to be kind to others.

Wednesday’s Blog Prompt: Write a poem or story about a child stealing something.

There once was a little girl who stole
That was her one and only goal
Then realized it was a big deal
And that she could go to jail
So she changed her attitude as a whole.

Thursday’s Blog Prompt: Name five (5) things that have been in your refrigerator for more than a week.

Yogurt, lettuce, green peppers, butter, cheese

Living Above Their Means

Blog Prompt: e e cummings once remarked, “I’m living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.” Do you find that more people today are living beyond their income? Are you?

Yes, I believe too many people buy things on credit or on hopes that they will have money later. They want to have what other people have and think that they need to have it right now. When I was growing up, I was always taught to save my money if I wanted to buy something and when I had enough, then I could get it. I think too many now just buy it on credit if they want it. Then later, they lose their jobs or have a medical emergency and suddenly do not have the money to pay their bills. Young people seem to want the biggest, fanciest house they can get and as long as the banks will give them the loan, they get that house. They don’t think about other expenses they might have and then they can’t pay their loans. This economy is the consequence of all of this “buy now, pay later” attitude. If we buy something on credit, we know we have the money in our savings account to pay the credit card balance off at the end of each month. This way we don’t pay any interest and it helps our credit rating. If we can’t afford to pay the bill, then we just don’t get it. We saved up for almost 10 years before we retired so that we would have money to do what we wanted to do when we did retire. This meant not going on trips that other people went on, and not buying fancy clothes, or not buying new cars etc. but now we are able to pay our bills and live comfortably.

Original image: 'Too Much Credit' http://www.flickr.com/photos/23327787@N08/3274955487 by: Andres Rueda Lopez

Roses

Blog Prompt Today is Red Rose Day. Do you know what a red rose signifies? What about your favorite rose?

I think I remember reading that red roses symbolize love so I guess that is why red roses are so popular on Valentine’s Day. I really don’t have a favorite rose but I do like roses of all colors. I especially like rose bushes that stay alive in my flower beds. Here is a picture that I took last year of one of my roses. I have about 4 rose bushes that I bought at Sam’s Club for $5 each which was good in case they died. Then I knew I didn’t have a lot invested in them. I really don’t do much for them except put my worm compost around the base once a year. I don’t even water them much and pretty much leave them alone. Then I am always amazed when they start blooming and look so beautiful. This year at the beginning of spring, I trimmed them down to about half the size because they were really tall and leggy. I just knew that I had probably killed them but no, they are still alive and blooming nicely again. It is always nice to look out our window and see my roses blooming.

Catching up and Teaching

Wednesday blog prompt: Look at the pictures on your walls. Pick one and write about it.

There is a sketch of me that was done by an artist in Piazza Navona which is in Rome, Italy. I have never had anyone do this of me before and it was a little scary. We didn’t know that he was actually a pretty famous artist and had done famous people including Dennis Rodman until after he had finished my sketch. I can’t believe that we didn’t get his name but I think we were in shock when we found out about him. The sketch is actually the best I’ve ever seen of myself (of course it makes me look pretty good as well as thin) so I’m proud of it.

Thursday blog prompt: Are you grateful for right now?

I am very grateful for my life right now. I’m healthy and happy and all’s right with the world. I love my husband and I love being with him. Dinner turned out well and he really enjoyed it too. My knitting is waiting for me when I am ready to work on it. I’m getting caught up with things waiting for me on the computer. It just rained which means I don’t have to go out and water the lawn. My parents and sister who live far away from me are doing well healthwise right now. My bills are all paid. I finished my 4 mile exercise walk before the rain so I am feeling pretty good right now.

Teaching:

I am back in the classroom teaching Nature of Learning Disabilities. I am always nervous the first day of class but I get over it pretty quickly. I really like the students in my class and they seem interested in what I have to say (or else they are faking it really well!). Besides the basic content about Learning Disabilities, I’m also incorporating a lot of technology in the lessons because I feel it is so important. This week my students was introduced to our class wiki, started a blog, signed up for Google Reader, and Plurk. I’m very pleased with all that they have done so far. The only glitch we had was that I found out their textbook is a later edition than mine so I have to redo some lessons with the current edition of the book. But part of teaching is being flexible and ready for anything. If this is the worst thing that can happen the whole time, I’m very happy.

Teach A Child photo

Blog Prompt: A picture is worth more than a blank page. Take out those dusty photo albums. Pick out photo #14. Look at the picture for 2-3, then for 10 minutes (or whatever you can afford) write all the feelings that photograph made you feel. Don’t sensor yourself, just write.

Since I take digital photos now, I really didn’t have an old photo album handy so I went to my 365 photos project on Flickr and picked photo #14. It was my Teach a Child photo which is perfect for today. Today I begin teaching my university course and I’m pretty excited. The course is Nature of Learning Disabilities and my class includes undergraduates (getting a degree in Special Education) and graduates (who are teachers getting their master’s degree in Special Education). Even though the main focus is Learning Disabilities, I will have a chance to share my knowledge and expertise about all disabilities because I believe teachers should teach the individual child and not the “label.” So I will be modeling teaching behaviors and activities as well as teaching them how to use technology in the classroom. I hope I can impress on them how important communication with the parents are and how it was a major part of a student’s success in the classroom. Part of me is nervous because I hope they don’t get bored with what I’m saying or think it is a waste of time being there. The other part of me is saying I hope I can hold their interest for 3 hours a day! Of course I have so much that I want to say and share with them I guess I shouldn’t worry. Now it is time to get ready for work (feels weird just saying that! LOL)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

Campaign Weekend

We have had a busy fun weekend. Yesterday my neighbor and good friend, David Thomas, announced that he was running for US Congress. He first announced in front of his home and then in two other towns so we went to all three different places. This took all day to do and I took lots of photos and videos but I wish that I had brought my tripod. My arms got so tired holding the camera to take videos but I didn’t plan on doing that until the last minute. I took about 100 photos and 3 videos and they all came out pretty good. Of course it took me forever to download all the photos off the camera and on to my laptop.

Then I guess my husband was all wound up by the excitement of the day and he couldn’t go to sleep. I would doze off and then wake up to the TV blaring with old war movies. When he finally fell asleep, I was wide awake and read my book until about 4am. Needless to say, we both were exhausted all day today. We didn’t even go walking in the park or go hiking like we had planned to do. I did lay around and watch some movies like August Rush (I'd never seen it before and I enjoyed it) and Enemy of the State (which I've seen a couple of times).

Today I burned some DVDs with all the pictures from yesterday and delivered it to them. I took lots of crowd pictures so they would know who supported them. I know that when we have big parties, I have trouble remembering who was there.

Then I also worked on my presentations for the class I’m teaching beginning on Tuesday. I’m excited and a little nervous. I hope that they are not sorry for taking the class. I hope tomorrow to go out to Furman and make sure that I can access the computer and my files will open up okay. I also need to run my syllabus off too.

I hope you had a good weekend!

Gender Equality, Doughnuts, and Babbling

Thursday’s blog prompt: Do you believe there is an inequality between men & women? Are there certain jobs that should be consigned to just one?

I believe there is inequality in men and women but I don’t think that it is all bad. Let’s face it, God made us differently for a reason. I think most men are built to be stronger and do more labor intensive work than most women (notice I said “most”). Just like women were built to bear children and not men. There are some sports that I believe should be gender specific and others that don’t need to be but if they are not, then everyone should follow the same rules no matter what sex they are. I believe this is the same for jobs. If either sex can do the same job by meeting the same criteria, then I think it shouldn’t matter. It is when we start making exceptions or changing the criteria due to gender that I have a problem. If there needs to be changes, then that person is unable to do the job and shouldn’t have it.

Friday’s blog prompt: Today is National Doughnut Day. What is your favorite doughnut? Do you make your own?

My favorite doughnut is a Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed doughnut. Yumm (oh sorry, I'm drooling). I can almost smell and taste it right now, especially if it is still warm. When I was young, I remember helping my mom try to make doughnuts but I didn’t enjoy it. I would just as soon pay to have one already made.

Notes:
For some reason I can’t get myself together this week and get the prompts done on time. But I have gotten a lot done in the past week. We’ve gone hiking three days and I cleaned out my shed which took 6 hours. Then we had to haul 2 truckloads of junk to the dump. Yesterday I had a phone interview by a man from Scotland (my first international interview!) about technology and education. I start back to teaching next week at Furman so I’m trying to get my syllabus and lessons in order. My housework has taken a back seat so I hope to catch up on that today since it is pouring down rain. Then today we also have to go take pictures at the church for the directory (this will be the first time Don’s been in a suit in months!).

Original image: 'krispy' http://www.flickr.com/photos/93908727@N00/5969417 by: Lou Tamposi

Dress Codes

Blog Prompt: Should schools and businesses enforce a dress code? Why?

Yes, I think there should be a dress code because people have different ideas of what is appropriate. I am not in favor of a uniform in schools because I feel that is where we can teach students that there are different kinds of appropriate dress. This is a time for students to see what colors they think they look good in and to learn to make their own decisions. I don’t think that all students should look alike because individualism is important. Even if there are uniforms so financial status is not known, students still know who has money and who doesn’t. I don’t think the uniforms help with that. I think it is important to teach students what is appropriate to wear in different situations and expect them to do so. I think students who wear inappropriate clothing should be sent home for the day and receive a failing grade for that day. If we are preparing them for the real world, we can not compromise on this.

As for the workplace, I think people should dress appropriate for their line of work. I do not like going into a professional place where people are dressed extremely casual because then I feel the work they will do for me will be too casual. I also don’t want workmen doing manual labor to be all dressed up because then I think they have no experience and will do a crummy job. These types of situations need to be taught in schools.

Original image: 'Dress Code' http://www.flickr.com/photos/7261417@N04/3350129438 by: Steve Weaver

To Be or Not to Be

Blog Prompt: Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? If so, what would you like to be famous for?

I don’t think I would like to be famous because I don’t like to be in the limelight. I really don’t like people focusing on me and it makes me nervous. I don’t even like to give speeches where everyone is looking at me. If I was famous, I would have to give interviews and the cameras would always be on me. As a famous person, you also don’t have any privacy and I don’t like everyone knowing my business and what I’m doing. I find that very smothering and makes me want to run the other way.

Original image: 'crossover.' http://www.flickr.com/photos/34792030@N03/3459936311 by: jennny lovato

Listening

“Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.” ~Dr. Joyce Brothers. How well do you listen? Are you intent or preoccupied?

I have to admit that I am not a good listener. I am a more visual person and would rather talk to someone face to face than on the phone. I need to see facial expressions and body language when I’m having a conversation in order to get the big picture. I love doing emails because I can see the words people are sending me and I can see the words that I’m sending them. I would rather read a book then listen to an audio book but again, I think that is because I’m a visual person.

Even when I’m talking to someone face to face, I’m not sure I am a good listener. I’m thinking about what I want to say so I don’t forget or I’m worried about what they are thinking about me and what I’m saying. If I’m with people that I don’t know, I feel unsure of myself and tend to focus on what I’m feeling instead of what they are saying. I guess I need to work harder on my listening skills.

Original image: 'My Listening Ears' http://www.flickr.com/photos/40257616@N00/1389750548 by: Niclas Lindh