Stuff and Things 3/26 (plus TWD semi-spoiler)

+I finally caught up on TWD.  My friend said, "Finally!" and sent me this:

Also, I'm hoping Carl will put down Deanna the way he put down Shane.  I almost thought it would happen there for a second.  There's always next week...

+Speaking of TWD, I say the words "stuff" and "things" a lot.  Like, if you charted my most-used words, those words would be near the top.  For example: Get all your things out of your backpack!  Why is there stuff all over the floor?  Pick those things up!

+Speaking of school, I opened up my closet behind my desk to get something the other day. A conversation ensued (there is always a conversation...).

Kid: I thought a teacher's closet would have hats and clothes in it.
Me: I have a closet at home.
Kid: No, but I thought it would be full of hats or something.
Me: What hats? What hats do I wear?
Kid: Oh, you know.
(I definitely don't know.)
Kid: Or you'd keep like shoes or scarves or makeup in it.

The other kids, who are watching this exchange:

Meanwhile, I'm thinking what kind of time do you think I spend at this school?  I show up at 7:45 on the dot and I leave at 3:35.

Then I gave in and mentioned that when I had a bigger desk with a wraparound front, I would keep flipflops or boots under it because if I wore heels, sometimes they'd hurt my feet.

Kid:  See! That's what I mean.  I knew it.

I feel like I spend all day doing this:

+I went to the dentist on Monday because, when I was at the dentist in December, this particular  hygienist had concerns.  At the time, I was on a medicine that made my gums sensitive.  Well, she took one look at my gums (that she'd just finished poking and prodding) and diagnosed me with end-stage gingivitis (or something like that).  She wanted me to come in for some kind of laser treatment that would leave me hundreds of dollars lighter and "after a few sessions", the problem would hopefully resolve.  I was skeptical. I've been to 4 dentists in the last 6 years and no one had noticed a problem but she was insistent on the fact that my gums were receding and my teeth were in grave danger.

So, I went in on Monday for this follow-up exam and they were ready to do a cleaning and pull out the laser (which I had already planned to refuse because, hey, they can't make me).  I asked that they please just check my gums first.  It was a different hygienist and after just a minute of poking around she determined that there was no problem.  The end.  

+The current status update is that it's spring break, I had what I believe to be the flu on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, and I've accomplished very little.  Except that I've rewatched all five seasons of Breaking Bad.  That's actually accomplishment in my book because it was, sadly, on my list of things to do this month. I was having Carnival Cruise flashbacks though, because when we were stuck in our stateroom on that trip, we watched a couple of seasons of Breaking Bad.  I had taken the DVDs with us because I anticipated airport delays, and Scott had his laptop.  I truly don't know what we would've done without Walter and Jesse's company.  That will go down in history as the best decision I made in the latter half of 2012.  

Anyway, fever plus body aches plus headache plus sore throat is the flu, right?

I was definitely sick last year for spring break too, so I should've seen this coming. 

Stuff and Things 2/12

It's back!

What'd you think of the mid-season premiere? Here's a recap article.  I don't know how much I agree with there.  We spent the episode, honestly, being kind of confused.  It did come together.  I think you have to have a really good memory for minor details in order to appreciate an episode like that. 

Also, did anyone watch Better Call Saul?  We watched the first 5 minutes, but didn't keep up with it.

  

Speaking of The Walking Dead...

Last week, I was working with a small group of my highest readers.  A student read her answer out loud.  The character in the story was named "Garth".

Her: Not having T.V. helped A.J. and Gareth's friendship because...

Me:  It's Garth, not Gareth.  This isn't The Walking Dead.  

4 out of 5 kids laughed.  Because they knew exactly what I was referring to.  They're 9.  Isn't that horrifying?  I didn't expect them to get it.  They get so few of my jokes.  Then I noticed another kid had a Walking Dead t-shirt on.

Speaking of horrifying...

Scott was perusing a movie website the other night, looking for something to watch.  He chose The Purge Anarchy. I said that it sounded familiar...

Then he told me it was about legalized killing, one night a year, in a not-so-distant American future.  

Then I remembered where I heard it.

The boys in my class would not stop talking about it last fall.  I mean, I only half listen when they talk about pop culture, so I assumed it was a video game.  One tried explaining it to me and I still never put together that it was a movie (which does not say much for my ability to teach them summarizing).  

While I thought it was actually a pretty good movie, I was appalled that anyone could let a child watch it.  It did mark the first time I ever enjoyed the presence of a Lannister.  

We liked the movie anyway, and it's kind of like an adult, realistic version of The Hunger Games.  

That's all for today.  I have things to do.  You know, stuff and things.

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Stuff and Things 10/30

Every week is going to have to have a Walking Dead comment.  What'd you think of Sunday's episode?  I think we can say that badass Rick is officially back and I couldn't be happier.  Thank goodness.  Every Monday, I walk into the lounge at lunchtime and there's 3 of us who simultaneously cover our ears and say "NO!" because we're afraid someone will spoil the episode for us if we haven't seen it yet.  THAT is community.  Finally.

Speaking of episodes, I've been listening to the This American Life Serial podcast.  Fascinating.  I'm confused though:  What's the name of the podcast vs. what's the name of the series?  Is the series This American Life?  What's the name of the "show" in that case?

I intentionally subscribed to it awhile back and haven't started listening until this week.  Just so I can do more than one episode at once.  It's like Netflix in podcast-form. 

Speaking of listening, I just finished what I can officially call one of my top 5 books of 2014.  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.  I'll have more in my monthly book review next week, but let's just say that I HATED this book when I started it and was annoyed that I'd wasted an audible credit on it (I bought 3 credits for $30 and that was totally worth it…think how much you spend on books…) and then…I got sucked in.  And I couldn't stop.  I listened to the whole thing last weekend on my computer while I was painting and doing stuff around the house.  By the time it was over, I was ready to move into a dorm room and write some fan fiction.  HIGHLY recommended.  I mean it.

I've applied to Blogher a couple of times now.  Not because I feel I deserve some sort of label or category or think it's time to monetize, but because I've been blogging consistently for a couple of years now and it'd be nice to belong to a network.  I know there are some legitimate blogs that are part of the Blogher network.  However, I've been rejected twice.  Maybe I'm too polarizing and negative.  Maybe there's too many dog pictures.  Who knows.  But every once in awhile I stumble across a Blogher blog and I am appalled.  A lot of them read like a junior high girl's diary.  They contribute no quality, information, or voice to the internet. Maybe my 4th graders could apply to be part of the network?  Way to go, Blogher.  You are giving yourself very little credibility and I can't take you seriously anymore. 


Lastly, this is every single day.  No wonder I keep skipping Wednesdays (and sometimes Fridays) when it comes to blogging.

This how you're supposed to teach 34-9=25 and 7 year olds are supposed to be able to explain it in this way, in writing.  Here's the whole story but the video didn't quite work when I tried it.  It was on the news last night.

Stuff and Things 10/9

Okay, this week is the tribute edition of Stuff and Things.  Again, thanks Rick.

via google

On a serious note, I think we all need to take a minute (or a weekend) and watch the first 2 seasons of The Walking Dead.  Think about the direction our country is headed, the enterovirus, and the ebola virus.  I admit that I'm not really educated on these subjects because I spend my days obsessing over one of our country's other most debatable topics (Common Core), but I can see a pattern when it forms and I think we need to recognize when real life starts to parallel fiction.  This is probably how things started for Rick and company…

Does this make me sound like a conspiracy theorist?

On a less serious note, a few of my students were discussing The Walking Dead with me.  This generally happens every year and I truly wonder where their parents are.  We also had a fairy-tale-themed story two weeks ago and we ended up discussing Once Upon a Time.  I told them to "Set your DVRs!  Frozen is coming!" and I swear I did not tell them this for The Walking Dead.  I try to ignore them when they bring up stuff they shouldn't be watching.  

In other, first-world daily news…

Jeggings: JCPenney // Dress: Banana Republic // Jacket:  T.J. Maxx // Scarf: Target // Flats: Blowfish

+I like legging season.  Still too warm for real pants everyday.  I hate pants.

+I had an iced Americano from Starbucks last weekend and it was the best. thing. ever.  The perfect blend of absolutely strong espresso and slightly sweet creaminess.  I used a tablespoon or so of cream and two packets of sugar.  I found my new go-to.  It's also about 200 calories less and $3 less than my previous go-to.  This is a major victory.

+How do you do storage on your phone?  I'm being "told" that I don't have enough room for iCloud back-up.  Obviously, I'm illiterate at these kinds of things, so a step-by-step guide would be appreciated.  Preferably with pictures and captions.

+Next week is The Great Pumpkin Swap link-up!  Hopefully everyone has sent and received their swap packages by now.  If there are any problems, please let me or Becky know! See you here and at Rebeckann's Random Thoughts on October 17th (next Friday)!

Stuff and Things 10/2

In honor of The Walking Dead's return next weekend:

As always Rick, thanks for the inspiration.  

Mail your boxes by tomorrow if you're Pumpkin-swapping!

Since we've made some major home purchases at Home Depot in the last few months, I get electronic receipts sent to my email.  Because we lose things.  So now, when Scott goes to Home Depot, I get to see what he bought/where he was before he even gets home.  It's fascinating.

I have no idea how Angi knew I had a fall surprise package ready to mail to her, but when I got this fun and sweet gift from her in the mail on Tuesday, it made my day.

Candy corn!  And pumpkins!

She sent a bag of real candy corn too and it's already gone (obviously).  

No Starbucks September ended well!  I haven't been to Starbucks since some time around the end of August and I've only been to Panera twice.  I'm making it an October goal to hold it to one coffee out per week, Starbucks or not.  I've been drinking a crazy amount of jasmine tea and it keeps me occupied on the way to work, when I'd normally be itching for a drive-thru window latte.  

Stuff and things. 3/20

+This is what I wore last week, when the weather was pleasant.

Dress: Ross // Sweater: Target // Boots: Report // Watch: Fossil

+I do not understand Missouri's fascination with St. Patrick's Day.  I find it interesting that schools celebrate such a day by setting leprechaun traps and adults celebrate by drinking.  And for those of you who brought out Elf on the Shelf to drop off St. Paddy's Day gifts?  Shame on you.

+On Saturday, since I was sick and all, I thought that if I did a What-I-Ate post, it'd look like this:

"Then, Scout and I split a cracker."

Because that's what lunch was.  I also had a swig of Pepsi.  He didn't.

+Speaking of, I was better on Monday, and on Tuesday, whatever nasty bug I have/had came back.  I had to leave school early.

This is what it looked like to prepare for a sub who would be there for 3 hours.

I subscribe to the "post-it note method" when it comes to sub-prep.  I hate typing up plans.  Unpictured: The giant orange sub binder with all the information about the school/class/demographics of a small town in northern Siberia/cure to cancer/etc.

I was back at it 6am the next morning…setting up for another substitute.  

+My diet consists of gatorade, pedialyte, dry cereal, rice cakes, and soup these days.  I haven't had coffee in a week.  The good news is that I think I'm on the upswing.  Maybe.  Finally.

+Onto happier thoughts.  The Walking Dead (or maybe not with the "happy thoughts" part).  Who watched on Sunday?  This was the first episode I really liked in a while.  I guess I should say it's the first episode that made my jaw drop, and it's really nice when I watch a show for thrills and it does actually thrill me.  I won't post any spoilers but this summary will wrap it all up for you, if you're so inclined.

+Also, The Following.  I WILL post a spoiler here, so…keep scrolling if you don't want to see it.















I am so happy that Claire is back.  I mean, thrilled.  I adore Natalie Zea and she drew me into Justified and she pulled me into The Following.  After the first episode of season 2, I couldn't believe she was gone.  Anyway, now that show is truly worth my time.  We don't need Emma as a leading lady.  She's a crazy. 






















Okay.  Now our link-up.  Any stuff to share?

Stuff and Things 3/6…a link-up!

If you're here for the link-up, welcome!  You can join in down at the bottom of this post. 

There are no rules.  You can grab the image if you want. A link back to me is, of course, appreciated but I think we're all friends here anyway.

If you don't have anything to link up, just enjoy some… 

+ Scott and I went shopping the other day.  Actually, we needed to buy dog food because our snobby dog won't eat Purina bought from Wal-mart.  This dog will eat paper, plastic, and dried pig ears, but not dog food from Wal-Mart.  We drove an hour to Pet Co. and Scott said, "We might as well go to the outlets".  I wasn't feeling it, but I found a dress in The Gap for $17 and he took off on his own.  He came back with 4 pairs of pants and 3 button-up shirts.  

Then, Scott proceeded to tell me how much money he saved and I wasn't sure who he was for a minute there.  It was his semi-annual shopping trip.  He only goes twice a year.

+Then we went to HyVee so I could buy quinoa for less than $25 a pound, and I found kombucha.  

It was actually pretty tasty…do you drink them?  Any flavor recommendations?  And have you seen health benefits?  I could buy $4 lattes for the price of a kombucha.  I told Scott a lot of places brew their own, like beer.  Since we're moving west again, we are both looking forward to being in the land of craft beer.  I'm sure Colorado has some restaurants that serve kombucha.  

+We watched the movie Best Man Down on Netflix over the weekend.  I picked it because the newlyweds' names were Scott and Kristin and she was a teacher.  We really enjoyed it.  

+We've determined that our dear Scout is a runt.  More on that tomorrow.

Hunting last Fall: And no, he's not babied (or wrapped up in blankets and sitting on a dog bed in the woods) or anything.  

+The Walking Dead was really good this past week.  I should also throw it out there that my first legal drink was peach schnapps.  Sorry, Daryl.  You weren't around with your moonshine.

It's also worth noting that TWD was the sole inspiration for these "Stuff and Things" posts. 

+Lastly, what in the world does Leo have to do to win an Oscar?  

T.V. Friday

…Because we watch a lot of t.v. And because I like reading articles about my favorite t.v. shows, I'm linking some for your reading enjoyment.

But first.  Our Christmas card.

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I had to pay a ridiculous amount of money for this thing (to be delivered to me a week before Christmas) because Wal-Mart-freaking-dot-com couldn't get their act together.

I don't even LIKE this card that much, but it cost me $43 for 20.  Whatever, Shutterfly.

 I'm realizing now that I completely forgot to book a private photo session on a beach somewhere for my little family at some point in the last 3 months.

*sarcasm*

Anyway.  T.V. Friday.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Let's start with The Walking Dead (Forbes article here).

The last few episodes have been putting me to sleep.  This past week, I was screaming at the t.v. Something along the lines of, "Get him, Michonne!".  

I was really happy the way that episode wrapped up.  I saw the Herschel thing coming just because someone had to die.  For real, no one had died since, like, September.  I thought that the Governor (oh, I'm sorry: Brian) seeing Meghan in her bitten state would bring him to his knees in tears and he'd realize the error of all his ways.  Apparently not.  

I also loved the way the little girl shot that chick point-blank.  Daryl and Tyrese should be grateful for the Children's Brigade that was so diligently trained by dear Carol.

As for Judith, I think the kids took her and left the carrier because it was too bulky to manage.  Was that a bloodstain on the inside? I couldn't tell…

This episode was the mid-season finale.  Hopefully the group can find a safe haven by February.

Homeland (Forbes article here.)

I kept asking Scott questions about IEDs and vehicles and whatnot.  He kept answering them.  

Carrie is such a wacko, but I really enjoy her.  Quinn is a jerk, but I enjoy him too.

Saul will never stop taking risks, apparently.

The end of the episode left us all (Scout included), shocked.

Only 2 more this year!

Masters of Sex 

I was surprised at how I got pulled into the storyline here.  I despised Lizzy Caplan on True Blood, so I had no intention of watching a show with her as the headliner…and really now, they've been advertising this show in previews for OVER a year.  A little overkill, in my opinion.

Since the story takes place in the 1950s, it's a little like Mad Men, if Mad Men were not on cable.  We've got a sweet Betty Draper (Libby Masters), a cold-hearted Don Draper who drinks not quite so much (Dr. Masters), and a Joan who looks like she's been at the gym every day for 6 years (Virginia Johnson).  There's 2 children (Viginia's kids…Henry and Tess?), a crazy ex (also Virginia's), and a lovesick good-looking doctor named Ethan (lovesick for Virginia, obviously).

It's a good thing I've gotten over my dislike of Lizzy Caplan.

Seriously, though, we love it and watch it at 10pm every Sunday night, which means I'm always very tired at 5:15am Monday morning when the alarm goes off.

(A review of last week's episode.)

Once Upon a Time

I know new episodes are on Sunday nights and I KNOW I'm 2 years too late to be hopping on this bandwagon.  I'm still on Season 2, so you won't find any spoilers here.  In fact, if you could refrain from posting your own spoilers, I'd appreciate that.  I've busted through almost 48 episodes in the last few weeks.  (I know you wonder how this is possible…our "us" time is usually spent on the couch, eating dinner, talking about whatever, with whatever t.v. show we're obsessed with playing in the background.)

I love this show, and I'm hopelessly addicted to it.  If it was a book, I'd never put it down.

(I'm not googling any articles because I don't know want to know the current state of affairs in Storybrooke.)

Stuff and things.

-Someone found my blog by searching "exposed neck phobia".  Remember this post?  "Exposed neck phobia" sounds about right.

-I had the kids make up their own Cause and Effect examples last week.  I swear I've made no mention of "write about a pig".  This is one student's example:

"The pig was mad." ---> "I calmed the pig down."

-By the way, I've almost finished season 2 of Jericho.  At this point, I'm invested.  I can't believe they ended this show.  I might stage a protest to bring it back 6 years after the fact.  Hey, it worked the first time...

-I invested in a Clarisonic Mia 2.  I know.  I don't like that I had to resort to this, but I've been tossing around the idea for about a year.  On Saturday, I thought, "I'll check at Target when I'm there tomorrow" (side note: I spent Sunday at Target).  Then, as soon as I walked into the PX on Saturday night, there was a giant display right in front of me.  It was a sign.

Missouri humidity has not been kind to my skin.  I just feel like it's always gross and grimy and when people say, "I have A pimple, can you believe it?!", I want to hit them because I always have like 5 at once.

So I'm giving the Clarisonic a try.  Have you used one?  What do you think?

-The Walking Dead about put me to sleep on Sunday.  I mean, it's like they're afraid to commit to killing anyone off.  Hershel can only save so many lives and I hope I'm speaking too soon when I say that it's not shocking me the way I want it to.

-Who's ready to go back to work tomorrow?  Yeah. Me either.

In other news, I spilled water on my alarm clock the other night.  It started making all kinds of robotic beeping noises.  I managed to unplug it without being electrocuted.  Now, I don't have an alarm clock, so I have a feeling it might be a difficult week (I don't trust my phone and, yeah, I know how crazy that sounds).

Stuff and things

-Scott went on a hunting trip last week. When Scott's away, I will eat a quesadilla for dinner every night.  4 nights in a row.  I don't ever want to see one again.  Until maybe next week.

-I will also go to the gym every night.  Without a husband or puppy, it's just me, myself, and my computer I.  Might as well do something useful.

-This is so random, but just a few weeks ago, I realized that "North West" is Kimye's baby's full name.  I thought they named her "Northwest", because that's how low Kanye flies on my radar.  I hadn't connected that "West" was his last name.

-I'm a little too chicken to watch American Horror Story by myself.  Even during the day, that witch stuff is too freaky.  As is the "sewing-body-parts-back-on".

-I about lost my cool last week.  Someone posted on Facebook that they were PCS-ing to Alaska soon and "what should I bring?".  They mentioned that they had enough clothes to last their growing children for a couple of years.  Um.  Hello? It may be a horror story, weather-wise, and there may be no Marshall's or Homegoods, but dang..  I lived 2 miles from Target (in case you've forgotten...I'm telling you again).  Do you need warm clothes?  Heck yes.  Can you buy them when you get there?  Uh, yeah.  Weirdo.  It's not a vacation.  You're moving there.  You'll have that magical thing called an "address" that websites like "Amazon.com" can "ship" to.

Too sarcastic?  Maybe.

I don't know if I'll ever completely readjust to being a lower-48-er. I'm coming to terms with this.

-I found this picture on my computer and almost started to cry.  What has happened to my baby?

Dare I even show you this next one?

...that makes me want another one.  Don't tell Scott.  

He's not-so-patiently waiting for me to give him permission.

But then again, there is nothing better than a house-trained dog.  Nothing.

Even if he does sit like a person.

Stuff (and things)

In honor of The Walking Dead being back in circulation, there shall be some weekly Stuff and Things to report.

source

-I love these chips.  I mean, I used to think that the slightly flavored tortilla chips were just awful for you (they are) because they have some kind of preservative/coloring agent that causes weak muscles/weak bones/cancer/gnorro-cepha-mylitis/something like that.  Or that's what the nutritionists would want you to believe.

But, a glance at the nutrition label (don't look at it too closely) will tell you that they're no worse for you than regular tortilla chips.  Win-win!

Some nights, I just crave some good tortilla chips and a glass of wine.  My wants are simple.

-A lot of people at my new job are snazzy dressers.  Really. They give me something to aspire to.  I've become known as the "boot-wearer" though.  I've actually had teachers stop me in the hall to ask me if they're wearing their boots "right".  I think I've found my home.  However, they seem to be amused by the fact that I wear boots everyday.  I don't understand that. Boots are just the only acceptable option when the snow starts in October and lasts 'til May...oh.  Wait.  I probably could invest in some actual shoes now.  I'm just set in my ways, I guess.

I think I want these ones next.

-Speaking of cold weather.  There are people at school wearing winter coats this week.  It's 55* in the morning.  I'm so confused.  I mean, I used to go outdoors regularly when it was 2 degrees (let's leave blogging and the things we do for it out of this).  Maybe I should wear my marshmallow coat when it hits 45 degrees later this week?

Maybe not.  I'm actually not sure where it is. Eh, I probably won't need it......right?

-I tend to go for very long periods of time without listening to any music.  Not even in the car.  I'd say it's been about a month.  This morning, I could not get a Taylor Swift out of my head (something dumb about a Maserati), so I turned on the radio.  Now, I feel like a new person after listening to George Strait's "Natural".  I also ran a very easy 2 miles to some Jason Aldean tonight.  I think I'll be listening to music again for awhile.

 -I think I'm going to make these for school for next week.

source

To be honest, I am THRILLED that we're not having a Halloween party at school.  I hate those things. But I do like making treats.  So we'll have treats.

Any "stuff" or "things" to share?  Did you watch The Walking Dead on Sunday?  How about Homeland?  That show is getting goooooood (minus the Dana nonsense).

Friday Five.

1.  I didn't think I'd like the show Masters of Sex.  I'm completely on the fence about Lizzy Caplan.  I didn't like her character on True Blood, and that has biased me against her.  But she IS a good actress and I got drawn into the show last week.  Good writing, interesting characters, several sub-plots:  I suppose I'll keep watching.  Have you seen it?

2.  Great Pumpkin Swap partner information has gone out!  Let me or Becky know if you need anything!  Packages should be mailed by October 18th (next Friday), and we'll link up on October 25th!

I took the picture for this graphic 2 years ago on our trip to Boston.  

I can't believe it's been 2 years...we should go back.

3.  We went to a pumpkin patch last weekend.  

This is Nadia.  We met at the gym and she's the very first friend I made at Ft. Leonard-Wood (thank goodness for her!)

This is Kayla and her dog Ruby.  I've never seen such a cuddly ball of fluff before.  Ruby and Scout have playdates while I'm at school.  

4.  My school has this penchant for orange.  Everyone always wears orange.  It's the school color.  I own little to no orange.  Wednesday was "wear orange" day.  This is truly the only orange I own (aside from my orange and black school t-shirt).  I think I need to go shopping.  (Did I say "orange" enough for you?  I see orange in my sleep.)

Dress: Stitchfix // Boots: JCP (2011) // Leggings: Old Navy // Sweater: Macy's (old)

5.  Who's excited for The Walking Dead???  I spent the week watching the series marathon on AMC.  I won't cry at sad movies, but that scene where Rick sees his family at the campsite in Season 1 gets me every time.

I don't care:  I miss this guy.

Have a good weekend!