Mid-week (slightly controversial) reading

Yesterday was the Show Us Your Books link-up, so you can find what I've been reading-reading in that post.

However, I've bookmarked some good things lately that I've meant to share...

+Education is an aspect of the government that I can tend to get really upset over. I don't like the way some people act as though education has just recently been attacked under the current presidential administration. This all started in 2001, and continued through President Bush and President Obama. Education has been under attack since the new millenium started, essentially.

Nothing has *really* changed in the last year in regards to public schools. Ideas are just being thrown about that get people more riled up. The status quo is the same.
All this to say, I'm glad teachers are finally standing up for themselves, so here's an article about that. 

+As well as...a lot of my opinion on education is colored by the fact that I've spent 4 years teaching in Colorado and Colorado teachers are some of the most underpaid in the nation. Sadly, a lot of the teachers here have never taught anywhere else so it never occurred to a lot of them to go up against their state government. I think that the teachers in Denver need to strike because what that article says about a teacher not being able to afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver is 100% true. Most brand-new teachers I know in Colorado Springs have to have roommates because that's their only option.

+Raise a mentally strong child by doing these things.  Do a teacher a favor. They'll appreciate you, I promise.

+From Amber, a blog post on the fact that we can be kind and accepting of each other without agreeing on everything. I know that my opinion won't change your opinion and will ruin a friendship. It's not worth it. This is why it's also helpful to have relationships based on things other than politics or religion.

And, finally...

+The last conversation you'll ever need to have about eating right. When people tell me they feel better when they "eat paleo", I don't believe them. A doctor's diagnosis (like, a legit, licensed doctor) of allergies is one thing...but that type of lifestyle is unsustainable and that makes me sad.
The fertility doctors and the acupuncturist I went to last spring tried to convince me that eating only protein and less than 30 grams of carbs a day was the best possible way to live.

Thoughts? 

5 Things I...

...read.

This is my library haul from a couple of days ago, so fingers crossed I can get through all of them in a month. Luckily the library is part of my school district and there's no late fees for teachers. Small victories.

Last week, I listed some things I've been watching (TV, I hate to admit, is my preferred entertainment). This week, it's things I've been reading.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. When this popped up on my library hold list,  I had to get to it and prioritize it. I didn't really like it.

Some blog posts about The Bachelor. This is about the girls and this is about the history of Nick. I admit that I'm really pulling for him and just hope he doesn't pick a 23 year old. I can't imagine he'd have that much in common with any of them.

This post on perspective and failure. Spoiler alert: I'm really putting the word perspective into my plans for the new year.

A post about military spouses that is *slightly* original. You see, not all of these apply to me, but it's refreshing to see something other than "we have interests too!" or "it's sometimes harder when your service member is home!" or other such claims.

Sarah Beth is doing a Yoga Challenge for the month of January and I'll be taking part. Want to join in?

Have a safe and happy weekend! Thanks for sticking with me for another year :)

Wednesday Reads and a PSA

Public Service Announcement:

Wishing fall into existence does not make it so. It was 74 degrees yesterday. Please put away the blanket scarves. You dressing for the North Pole when it is in the 70s does not a fall season make and you will just get hot and sweaty. Please check the weather. 
I think even worse than those who don't check the weather are those who DO check the weather and just throw on the winter gear anyway. That's not how getting dressed should work.
I went with bare legs yesterday. It was almost 60 degrees at 7am. 

Now that we have that out of the way, a few things for you to check out...

Keeping it classy, as usual, Broncos fans. I swear, I never cared one way or the other about the Broncos until I met their fans. They booed their old quarterback when he returned to play against them on Monday night. The newscasters in Colorado Springs were bragging about this on Tuesday morning. 
I maintain that no one looks good in bright orange. 

What are the main reasons teachers call it quits? Interesting. 

Jana tweeted this the other day and I'm a loyal listener of the BSCC podcast. You have to listen from the beginning for it to make sense, so I recommend going back to episode one. 

I found this pin that lead to an article about podcasts for book lovers. That article led me to What Should I Read Next? and I listened to four episodes yesterday. So it goes without saying that I recommend it.

I firmly believe that comparison is the thief of joy and, while I like to look to others as models as what I perhaps should or shouldn't be doing, this post is quite true. We can't measure ourselves against others because none of us are facing the exact same circumstances. 

What have you read on the internet lately?

Link Worthy Monday

Greetings from Thanksgiving vacation!  Scott didn't realize until last night that I didn't have to go back to work today.  I mentioned that I was already a little bored (just a little) and he was all, "Whaaa?". I plan on finishing my Christmas shopping and continuing my organization of the basement. Exciting stuff.  I also have a couple of recipes to share this week.  Hold me to that, please.

Until then…my bookmark tab is filling up, so time to share!

What 10 Pounds Taught Me.  I've really been working hard at changing my mentality toward fitness and body acceptance so this post was very encouraging.

Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD.  This sounds about right.

A parody of Serial.  Fantastic.

10 Ways Introverts Interact Differently.  It's not about being shy.  It's about how we're all wired differently.

A pro-vaccination argument.  This is different than the typical "herd immunity" point, but makes just as much sense and it's probably not thought about as often. The last paragraph of this letter states it all so well.

Confessions of a Pilates Instructor.  This was informative.  No one really has it all together.  Reassuring, right?

Serial replaces Shakespeare.  Such a good idea.  We need more current, relevant critical thinking in our schools.  Also, Koenig's husband teaches at Penn State, our alma mater, and this podcast on Slate does a thought-provoking recap of Serial each week.  I try to get people I know in real life into Serial and no one will listen (to it or me).  Scott loves it though.  As he said when I complained, "It's their loss."

Last but not least, Scott's birthday is this week so I'm baking this cake while he's at work.  Cross your fingers.  I've never made a homemade layer cake before.  Usually I go with the ice cream variety.

Weekend reading

Looking through my enormous reading list, I often find things I keep meaning to share but just haven't. I've been storing some of these away for 6 months.  These topics are random and many have nothing to do with any others.  If I've already shared some, I apologize.  Too much going on these days.  You know how it is.

Is Advocare healthy?  I know a ton of folks on the Advocare train.  This kinda sums up my thoughts on it.  I don't proclaim to be an expert, but Scott tried it last year so I'm pretty familiar with how it's supposed to work.

A ranking of Disney channel original movies.  I agree with number one.

Why are your $68 shorts from Stitchfix only $25 at Nordstrom rack?  This cemented my decision to not reinstate my Stitchfix subscription.  Think what you could buy at a J.Crew outlet or something with that money you're spending…

Do you have a Fad Name?  This was fascinating.  I have a witch's hat name.

Problems of the directionally-challenged.  That would be me.  I turn my phone in the proper direction so I can orient myself with Google Maps and I lose my car in parking lots often.  

Things you'll find at every basic girl's house.  Proudly, I'm not guilty of a lot of these.  Just #14 through #18.  

A warning to young people to not become teachers.  I love my job.  But I could give you a list of 100-plus things I am dissatisfied with.  How can I still love a job like that?  I don't know. We are what we are, right?  I'd have a hard time recommending this career to an 18 year old.  

A post on why someone would choose not to adopt a dog.  Neither of our dogs are rescues and I never thought about that much.  Obviously we have our reasons for buying 6 and 8 week old puppies, but I never thought people would attack others over the fact that they didn't rescue their pet.  

Guilt getting in the way of health.  This article speaks to the way I've felt over the last year.  I'm working on a post.  Robin just writes so eloquently though, don't you think?

Let the 3 day weekend commence!  I was given a gift card to a salon, so I'm off to get my hair cut.  And then the painting of the house continues.  I'm working with some yellows today.

Internet reads I love

When I come across an article, a blog post, or an idea online that I really like, I throw it into my to-read list on my sidebar.

The list is getting long, so it's time to start sharing!

+First up, let's stop celebrating every mediocre achievement of the under-18 crowd.  They then become adults who expect every, you guessed it, mediocre achievement to be celebrated.

As every smart teacher does, I have a prize box.  I randomly pick kids, based on the behavior chart, to choose prizes.  It never fails: if I give out prizes one day, the next day, the top point earners insist that they deserve a prize.  PRIZES ARE NOT FOR EVERYDAY.  

+The Capsule wardrobe.  I fully intend on trying this for fall.  Since I don't have much of anything in my closet right now and since I've never even seen my new closet in Colorado, I don't think I can make it work for summer.  However, I believe in the fewer things that fit well theory, instead of novelty, pretty things that I'll never wear.  

+Hashtag activism.  Or should I say #hashtagactivism?  I hate it.  It doesn't work.  Let it go.  I'm pretty sure the terrorists aren't following you on Twitter.  And this isn't just for one particular case (what the article is about).  It's in general.  Everything does not need a hashtag.  

+A blog post on less.  To me, I feel like I'm wasting time if I'm doing less.  Do you ever feel that way? Tying in with the capsule wardrobe idea, let's all get rid of clothes that make us feel terrible, okay?

+Things you learn in your 30s.  I'm not thirty yet.  But I can attest to #2, #8, #9…

Plus, this cracked me up.

Also, #20 and #22.

+For teachers out there:  Louis C.K. takes on Common Core.

+A yoga for flexibility routine.  I love it and have done it a few times a week for the past couple of weeks.  It's perfect for stretching out tight leg muscles.

+Things that happen when you get your first job.  Or any new job in my case.  I've discovered that, sometimes, I have more experience than my co-workers (because I'm old now) and I have advice to give.  It's a whole new experience.  #18 fits me well.  I never thought I'd have appreciated my years in food service.  Customer service skills will always serve you well.