Resolutions

1. Remain open to the possibility of love
2. Maintain a healthier lifestyle by going to the gym at least 3 times a week
3. Remix my wardrobe for a more stylish me

Day 11, 30 Day Blog Challenge

Day 11- Favorite TV Shows

Grey's Anatomy
30 Rock
Project Runway
Private Practice
Amazing Race
So You Think You Can Dance
Real Housewives (NYC, NJ, Beverly Hills)
Sex and the City
Felicity
Friends
ER
Top Chef
Nip/Tuck
America's Next Top Model
Law and Order: SVU

Day 9 and 10, 30 Day Blog Challenge

Okay, cop out for Day 9- just look at Day 6's post :P

Day 10: Something You're Afraid of

Squirrels.

I HATE squirrels.

It all goes back to when I was a first grader. On Sundays, we would all go to church, come home, and have lunch (PB&J, yum!). Well, one Sunday, I was the first one into the house. I opened the garage door into the living room, and started to walk toward the kitchen.

That's when I saw IT!

Off of the living room, there is a sliding glass door, with a screen door behind it, leading to the porch. Hanging on to the screen door and peering in to the living room was a grey, furry squirrel. Just staring at me.

I'm pretty sure I started crying when I saw it. I'm also pretty sure that my mom was not happy either. Turns out, the squirrels were chewing through the screens of the porch to try to get the bird food we stored there. The little bugger came on the porch 3 more times after that before my dad finally had to buy a trap to trap it. Then, he drove it up the Parkway and released it in the marshlands so it would NEVER come back.

I'm not deathly afraid anymore, but I still get a bit of the heebie jeebies when I see those suckers. Especially the ones in Central Park that are waaaay too friendly and come too close to you!

Day 8, Catch up style

Day 8-A place you've traveled to


March 2008

I love Disney World. I've been going there since I was about 2 years old (I think...have to ask the 'rents about that one). Two years ago, I went for my first time as an "adult." And by golly, it is still as fun and magical as it was when I was a kid. It is just so amazing and lovely to see Cinderella's castle as you walk in the Magic Kingdom.

Fun fact: I always wanted to work in Disney World, preferably as a character. I would have loved to be Cinderella, but alas, I am too short.

Day 7, Still playing catch up

Day 7- Favorite Movies

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Moulin Rouge

Pride and Prejudice

Good Will Hunting

The Departed

Ever After

Elf

Garden State

The Sound of Music

Steel Magnolias

Sleeping Beauty

The Little Mermaid

Beauty and the Beast

Playing Catch Up

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

December 2006, Columbia Walk

These are my Teachers College girls. 4 amazing women that changed my life when I moved to New York City. During some of my darkest moments, they were there for me. I know that we will be lifelong friends, no matter where we live. I love love love them so much!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: Your siblings

I have only one sibling: a younger sister, E, who is 24 (going on 25 in April). We are two and a half years apart. One of my earliest memories is going to visit her in the hospital when she was born. I remember holding my grandmother's hand, clutching a basket of violets in the other, and looking rocking in my pink corduroy overalls. Then, I was more interested in the presents that my mom got than my actual sister :P

We've gotten very close over the years. In middle school and probably the early part of high school, we fought like cats and dogs. But I think after I went away to college, our bond grew stronger. She truly is my best friend.

Now, she's up in Massachusetts, working on a Masters/Ph.D in Physics. She can probably kick my butt any day of the week because she does some serious martial arts. She's a dog lover, baker, and serious shopper, like me.

Fun fact: When E. was little, she used to tell people that when we grew up, we would live next door to each other. I would be a writer and she would illustrate the stories I wrote. Aww :)

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

Ok, back on the saddle again! Let's get this puppy started again.

Day 4: Your Parents

My parents, P. and S. have been married for 31 years. They still reside in South Jersey, where I grew up. My mom and dad both grew up in South Jersey, probably within 2-3 miles of each other. My dad is 7 years older than my mom, so they didn't cross paths during their school days. They both attended Pennsylvania universities (Villanova for my mom, Dickinson and Temple for my dad), but both found themselves back in Jersey after finished college and grad school. So, thanks to some mutual friends, they were introduced to each other at Fred's Tavern in Stone Harbor in October of '78. By December (or January, I forget), they were engaged, and by May of 1979, they were married.

I'm always astounded by the whirlwind courtship and marriage, but after 31 years, they are still going strong. Sure they fight and bicker at times, but what married couple doesn't? We have been through a lot in recent years, but their love has stayed strong. Of course, it is very intimidating to have parents like this with such a strong and long-lasting relationship...sets the bar very high for me. Growing up, I thought I would be married at 22, like my mom, but here I am at 26, almost 27, and there is no potential husband in sight. ::Sigh:: I guess I'm going to be more like my dad, who was 30 when he got married. Yikes, I hope so. That milestone is coming up soon.

I am very lucky to have two wonderful role models in my life. They have always told me to follow my dreams, and have supported me each step of the way. I've fallen off my path several times, and they have always been there to catch me when I fall. I hope that someday, I can find that kind of love in a partner, and to continue to foster that love for my future children.

Darn!

Ok, I realized I started the 30 Day Blog Challenge at an extremely busy time! Parent-teacher conferences are this week, so I think I will pick up the Challenge after my marathon of conferences on Tuesday. Hopefully, things at work will die down a little bit so that I can actually set aside some time for myself to do fun things, like reading for pleasure, blogging, and walking outside in the park.

30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 3

Day 3: Your First Love

Other than the love I have for my family and friends, I do not think I've ever been in love. I have been fond of certain people, and have even been in lust, but never love. Love is feeling complete comfort, trust, and adoration of a person. Love is not wearing make-up, wearing sweatpants, and not straightening my hair. I hope I haven't missed it...although there haven't been that many men in my life, so I don't think I missed the love train. I keep waiting for something magical to happen though. I mean, I know it's not going to be angels singing in heaven and roses spontaneously blooming when it happens, but there has to be some significant feeling when you fall in love.

End of this ramble.

30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 2

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

I am a sucker for witty names. I've tooled around on LiveJournal for several years and was ready for a switch to Blogger. I brainstormed a list of words that described me, such as teacher, pink, lady, classy, bookworm, nerd, etc. After playing around with some combinations, "Classically Fabulous" was born. I didn't know of the Coco Chanel quote until later, which totally blows my mind. Looks like I was channeling Coco during my brainstorming session!

30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 1

I have seen this challenge floating around the blog world, most recently on this blog: http://katieslifejourney.blogspot.com/2010/10/30-day-blog-challenge.html.

While I have every intention of writing every day or, at least, every other day, it's just not happening right now. I am hoping that this blog challenge will motivate me to post every day!

Ok, so Day 1's Prompt:Introduction, recent picture, and 15 facts about myself


Here I am, posing goofily in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I'm a 26 year old first grade teacher in New York City. I grew up in Southern New Jersey with my mom, dad, and younger sister. I escaped the suburbs for the city when I went to Boston for college. I hope to return there someday, to the land of the Red Sox, brownstones, and chowda. I studied elementary education, and then went on the Teachers College, Columbia University to get my Masters in Gifted Education. Currently, I'm still taking classes in the Literacy Specialist program, so that I have lots of options for jobs in the future. I love cupcakes, shoes, books, the beach, and photography.


1. I grew up on the Jersey Shore...the REAL Jersey shore, not some derelict place where orange, NYC people party. I'm from Cape May County, which has a boardwalk, beach, and beautiful Victorian houses.

2. I have a minor reality TV addition. I love Top Chef (and Just Desserts), Real Housewives (of New York, New Jersey, Beverly Hills, and D.C.), The Amazing Race, Project Runway, and America's Next Top Model.

3. While working on a paper in Starbucks near Lincoln Center, I found myself sitting at a table next to Adam Sandler and Rob Schnieder. I did not ask for an autograph because they were just so chill sitting there and I didn't want to cause a scene. I WISH that I did.

4. I auditioned for Teen Jeopardy when I was a Junior in high school. I did not get on the show, though.

5. I didn't have my first kiss until I was 21.

6. I used to work in a tee shirt shop on the Jersey shore where I grew up.

7. I had horrible acne as a child, starting when I was in 3rd grade. I finally went on Accutane when I was in 7th grade, which was a godsend. However, I still struggle with feeling comfortable in my own skin after so many years of teasing and jeers about my appearance.

8. My great-great-great-great-great-great (etc.) grandfather on my father's side of the family came over on the Mayflower to America.

9. I want to write a children's book some day.

10. I never expected that I would live in New York for more than a year. I cannot believe how lucky I have been to live in a city like this.

11. I have never been in love.

12. I have the best job in the world. I love that I can inspire young minds and set their minds on fire each day of the week.

13. I love shopping and fashion blogs. My favorites are Kendi Everyday and The Chloe Conspiracy. I hope that one day, I can dress as half as good as they do! I'm a sucker for sweaters, boots, and pretty jewelry.

14. If I wasn't a teacher, I would love to be an actress. A Broadway actress.

15. I LOVE dogs. I hope that in the next few years, I can get a dog. Preferably a rescue beagle or greyhound. Or both :P

Argh!

Totally having one of those weeks where I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water. The silly part is I know that all of my worries are totally little things, but all of them keep piling up.

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

Superfreak

"Well, we all have stuff we don’t talk about! I am a 28-year-old virgin. Mainly because I wanted my first time to be special and then I waited too long and partially because I’m pretty sure guys find me annoying. I’m a virgin! That doesn’t make it drinks conversation! We all have stuff we don’t talk about!" April, Grey's Anatomy

Spoke to me in more ways than one...

Cute story my mom reminded me of today.

I used to babysit these two adorable little boys when I was in college. One night, when I was getting them ready for bed, the older one turns to me and says, "I'm going to find you a husband. I will find you a merman for you to marry."

I totally forgot about this! Thank goodness for moms and their amazing memories =)

Growing a Writer...

I had an incredible moment with one of my students today.

As I was circulating around the room during Writers' workshop, I noticed that one of my boys had crumpled up a piece of his writing paper. His head down low, he stared at the little piece of folded paper in his hands. I knelt down to his level and asked what was going on. He quietly asked if he could throw it in the garbage and get a new piece of paper. I gently took the paper from his hands and as I unfolded the paper, I asked him why he thought it was garbage. His eyes began to fill with tears as he explained that in his attempts to illustrate himself with his hands over his face, the arms just did not look right. They looked terrible. So he scribbled over the entire picture with black crayon. However, his words, though crumpled, still held the story of his fun evening of eating dinner with his father and watching "Deal or No Deal." He actually shared his writing yesterday, beaming with pride as we admired the spacing between his words.

"This is not garbage," I said. "There is treasure here. We just need to polish it up a little bit. I have some special tools that can help us." I walked over to the writing center and fetched a pair of scissors, some tape, and a blank piece of writing paper.

"Writers actually do this all of the time. They get frustrated with a piece of their work when it doesn't turn out the way they want it to. BUT! They have tools that help them with their writing." I began cutting out the words of his original piece. He watched in fascination as I taped his section with the words on to a brand new piece of writing paper. "Writers do just what I did. They cut, switch things around, and paste and tape it in a new spot. Look! Now you have a blank space for your picture." He looked at me with wide eyes, like Christmas had come early, so excited that he could try his picture again. "Are you ready to illustrate now?"

Of course he was =)

Absolutely incredible moment of helping a writer grow instead of letting them wilt. Sure, he could have thrown away the piece of paper, but when he showed emotion over it, it was clear that this piece of writing was near and dear to his heart. I feel so lucky that I was able to catch this moment and really make a teachable moment not only for him, but for me as well.

I did save his scribbled drawing. Perhaps I'll show it to him at the end of this year, perhaps I'll save it for another class to tell them the tale of a brave writer who persisted even though he encountered frustration.

Yesterday was a beautiful day in New York City. Not a cloud in the sky and with a little bit of summer breeze still in the air. I began my afternoon up by Columbia to pick up a book at the library. Premium Rush, a new movie with Joseph Gordon Levitt was filming around campus. Alas, I did not spot him. I did see some awesome filming equipment though!






Then, as I continued downtown, I decided it was a perfect time for a cool treat. I have been dying to try the chocolate Pinkberry flavor all summer, so I finally took the plunge.


SO DELICIOUS.

Finally, I walked down to Lincoln Center, where they are hosting NY Fashion Week this year. I did not see and designers or celebrities, but I did see plenty of well dressed fashionistas!




Now, I'm just resting up and relaxing for this first week of school with my first graders. I'm excited to see how the week will go! My co-teacher and I are doing a lot of procedural things with introducing our readers' workshop, writers' workshop, and math workshop. Already, I can see that my kids l-o-v-e to read, so I am eager to continue to support them in this lifelong endeavor!

New Kiddos!

Two days into first grade, and I am loving my new set of first graders. I only had one crier on the first day, and the second morning was smooth sailing. They have been so quiet and polite! When we were practicing lining up during the first hour of the day, I couldn't hear a peep as they were standing so steadily in line. They seem to be a very affectionate group too, as I have already received many hugs from them!

Yesterday, we talked about finding good reading spots in the classroom and afterwards, we had our first independent reading, albeit for 5 minutes. For 5 minutes, you could hear as pin drop as they snuggled up with a book and sat in a cozy spot. When we shared afterwards, so many kids talked about how calm and peaceful it was when it was so quiet in the room! I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about all of their talents and interests in the upcoming days!

To be honest, I am excited about having a day off today! I definitely needed to catch up on my sleep!

Jitters

“Anxiety is the essential condition of intellectual and artistic creation" ~ Charles Frankel

Back to School

Back to school.
Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.
I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight,
I hope I don't get in a fight.
Ohhhh, back to school.
Back to school. Back to school. Well, here goes nothing. ~Billy Madison

It's true. Summer is over for me. I have to head back to work tomorrow to get my room in ship-shape for my first graders next week. It's funny...I'm going into my fourth year of teaching (gosh, it's been 4 years), and I still get the jitters. I guess it's natural with all of the elements involved in the beginning of the year- getting the room set-up, working with a new teaching partner, meeting and teaching new kids. Also, having dreams/nightmares about school doesn't help either! I think as the days go by, those jitters will turn into excitement

Hopefully, I won't have to make any more Target/Staples/Walmart/Michael's runs! I have enough folders for a small village.

Just putting this out there...

If you plan on filing a lawsuit against someone, please check to make sure you're suing the correct person. It will save you a lot of time, money, angry phone calls, and annoying paperwork. It will also prevent you from looking like an idiot. Seriously. Check your bank records before accusing someone of not paying their full amount of rent. OR, simply ask them, and not wait 4 months later to broach the subject again.

I think these lyrics describe my mindset right now...

Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
Take a look in the mirror and cry
Lord what you're doing to me
I have spent all my years believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord!
Somebody, somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love?

I work hard every day of my life
I work till I ache in my bones
At the end I take home my hard earned pay all on my own -
I get down on my knees
And I start to pray
Till the tears run down from my eyes
Lord - somebody - somebody
Can anybody find me - somebody to love?

(He works hard)

Everyday - I try and I try and I try -
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm goin' crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I got no common sense
I got nobody left to believe
Yeah - yeah yeah yeah

Oh Lord
Somebody - somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat
I'm ok, I'm alright
I ain't gonna face no defeat
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord!

Ramblings...

I had the amazing opportunity to attend my wonderful friend Jen's wedding in Kansas. It was an exquisite weekend--she really outdid herself with wedding planning all in less than 6 months. The flowers, dresses, decorations, all absolutely beautiful. She has definitely given me food for thought when it is eventually my turn to head down the aisle.

Speaking of...as amazing as the weekend was, there were so many times where I was reminded of the fact that I am single. All of the married couples around me. Me and 3 other girls rocking it out the Single Ladies. No one to dance with when the "slow songs" came on at the reception. These days, I feel like single girls are pressured to think "Single and Fabulous." As one acquaintance posted on facebook, "Independent and Available." True, I subscribe to this mindset most of the time. But as the days, weeks, and years pass by, I'm sick and tired of it. I really do want to fall in love, get married, and have babies. But there is no one knocking down my door.

Of course, I'm not totally deluded, thinking that Prince Charming is just going to show up at my door. But I also just don't want to meet a random guy in a random bar. Jen and Wes's story of love was so inspiring...being set up with her on a field trip she took with her first graders. She had never really been in a relationship before she met him....and then ::spark:: they make the connection, fall in love, and live happily ever after. Her story has certainly given me hope, but it's also a lot to live up to. I have to keep the faith that there is someone out there for me, that I am deserving of love and all of these things that I desire in my life.

Also, and I guess this is along the lines of the subject...it was so amazing to be around two Christian families these past weekend. With a lot of my friends, I don't feel a sense of religion or faith, but this was incredible and made me feel like I was home. God's love certainly was all around us this weekend and present in so many ways. He has certainly blessed Jen and Wes and their respective families, and I just need to be patient and wait for His blessing.

Jane Austen Fight Club

I occasionally find YouTube videos I like, and when this popped up on my News Feed on facebook, I was super excited.



Enjoy!

Sunday Brunch

Today, my friend Carol and I went to Pershing Square for brunch. It's a beautiful restaurant right across the street from Grand Central Station. It was bigger than what I expected it to be. I imagined it would be a small cafe, but there was a rather large dining room as you walked toward the back of the restaurant. They also had a beautiful bar, called Buzz Bar, which I would definitely want to check out in the future. I had a delicious brunch of whole wheat belgian waffles, complete with strawberries. Surprisingly, it wasn't that heavy as I sometimes find waffles to be. The syrup left something to be desired though...definitely cheap, Log Cabinesque quality. All in all, though, a lovely meal.

I've been feeling a little down in the dumps in recent days with many of my friends getting married soon, or in the process of planning their weddings. Yes, I am completely and utterly happy for each and everyone of them. It's just that with all of this wedding and marriage talk, I feel inadequate. The wedding train is leaving the station, and here I am running in vain to catch it. I know that I shouldn't feel this way, but it's hard to keep these thoughts from coming into my mind as my bride friends discuss wedding dresses, honeymoons, and floral arrangements. ALSO. Hot damn, it's expensive to participate in a wedding. Seriously, I am in favor of a single girls' registry as this point.

A quick post.

I saw this on the Today Show last week and thought they were simply adorable. (Picture courtesy of http://shop.hoodiebuddie.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=W103). This would be so cute to wear to and from the gym! Check out www.hoodiebuddie.com to look at more cute and comfy hoodies!

New Goal

I think I need to give myself a project. I want to use a blog, but I have been neglecting it for many many weeks now.

My new goal is to blog AT LEAST twice a week. And not just some silly, little, mindless post. Something with some substance in it.

At this point, I'm a little shnockered by my pinot grigio, so a real post will be up tomorrow, most likely exploring my latest adventures with landlords in New York City or my dining experience at Grand Central Station.

Things That Piss Me Off

...when you have continually asked friends to come visit NYC and they say they're so so busy. Then, you just happen to see an update on facebook/twitter/whatever that alludes to the fact that they DID in fact come to the city. However, they just didn't bother to tell you.

Way to feel rejected. Le sigh.

Almost there!

Tomorrow will mark 7 days left in the school year. 7 days! How did the year manage to go by that fast? It has been a busy year...definitely a learning experience for me with the ups and downs. I'm a little anxious about a meeting tomorrow morning, but I'm hoping it will be absolutely fine. I am ready for summer vacation, moving to a new apartment, and celebrating a wonderful friend's wedding this summer.

Cute kid story: I'm wearing a necklace with a small key charm on it.
S: What's that key for?
Me: Mmm. I don't know. What do you think?
S: I think it's a key to a rainbow.
Me: Really? What would we do with the key then?
S: We could unlock the rainbow and then slide down it like a roller coaster. Then, we would land in the pot of gold at the end.

=)

Absolutely adorable.

Horrible day

Day 18 of chick incubation. Chick eggs need to be moved out of their turners so that they can prep for their hatching. This requires taking eggs out of incubator, resting them in a basket, removing the turners, and then placing the eggs back inside of the incubator.

I was carefully moving the eggs from incubator to basket. I was about halfway through the eggs when the terrible thing occurred.

I dropped one of the viable chick eggs. Onto the counter. Cracked. Broken. Fluid seeping out.

And of course, in front of all of my kids.

After the initial shock of me dropping the egg, of course all of the kids want to see the inside, which I definitely could not bring myself to do. They were okay.

I am still not. I feel absolutely horrible that I did this. I know that I have to keep reassuring myself that it was an accident, but the shock and pain of it is not going away. I lost a precious life today. And I feel so incredibly incompetent and klutzy.

Who is to say that the chick would have hatched in a few days? In nature, it could have rolled out of the nest, been stepped on by its mother, kicked by a farmer.

But I dropped it. I just want to curl up into a ball and cry. I feel so worthless right now.

The Lost Symbol

Definitely not a favorite. I called some plot elements waaaaaay too early in the book, which makes it just annoying to read the remainder of the book. Loved the elements of mysticism in D.C. though. I hope the next Robert Langdon book has a little more oomph to it.

Now, on to Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert! I am super excited!!

Monday Inspiration

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing the attempt."~ William Shakespeare

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." ~Benjamin Franklin

Inspiration...

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.”

~Mother Theresa

Trying to keep everything in perspective. Some days are just very trying.

Wedding Dress Shopping

On Friday evening, I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend L. to Macy*s Herald Square for some wedding dress shopping.

The wedding salon at Macy*s is sponsored (hosted?) by Demetrios. It was a really lovely space, housed on the 8th floor of the store away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists. At 7:00 pm on Friday night, it was mostly dead, and after an appointment cancellation, we were able to look at dresses.

It was quite an experience as Evelyn helped L. select dresses off the floor, and then showcase her in the beautiful gowns in the catwalk/runway area. Lots of mirrors and lighting to see all of the details of the dresses. Only thing I would request is some champagne for the ladies (or gentlemen) accompanying the bride. We had to sit and wait for some time between gowns and a little bubbly would have made the evening even more enjoyable.

L. did end up finding a beautiful option...an organza strapless number that just made her glow. No buying today though. Definitely a great spot to start if you're just starting the wedding dress hunt to get some inspiration and ideas.

Top 10 Tuesday

Haven't done this in a while.

Top 10 Countries I Want to Visit (in random order)

1. Italy
2. France
3. England
4. Australia
5. Finland
6. Germany
7. Canada
8. Japan
9. Greece
10. Sweden

Handwriting

C: Ms. D, I have to tell you something.
Me: Yes?
C: You're handwriting...it looks just like letters that you type on the computer. It's so neat!

Absolutely amazing to get feedback like this from my students, especially because it is one thing I am very self conscious about. I've always felt that I haven't had very neat handwriting, but clearly, I'm doing something right if my students are noticing that it looks spectacular!

Funny Kids Quotes

My many nicknames:
Nana Banana
Darling D___
Lady D___
Diamond D_____

Student: I think we should call you Ms. D___ of the roses because you always smell like roses!

J: Mom, I mean, sorry, Ms. D.
Me: That's ok, J! It happens!
J: I know why I called you Mom. You look like my mom (mom looks like a supermodel. Killer wardrobe).
Me: ::laughs:: But your mom has long dark hair and I have shorter blond hair.
J: I know. But you have her style. Yeah, you're stylish like her.
Me: J, you made my day!

Yay!

Dreams do come true!

Snowstorm-1, Bloomberg- 0

Snow Day, please?

Currently crossing my fingers, toes, ears, eyes, legs, etc. in the hope hope hope for a Snow Day tomorrow. It would really just make my entire week! It's been snowing since 7:00 am and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. Just praying that the NYC DOE will close!!

Come on, Klein and Bloomberg! Let's make some teachers happy!!

Book #5

I finished Bringing Home the Birkin. In the end, it turned out to be a nice fluffy book to read. It definitely held my attention during my train ride to Boston. I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for the Birkins, the amusing interactions with all of the different types of salesclerks as Hermes. What a life to live...jetting from country to country, city to city, in seek of the ever elusive crocodile Birkins. I will admit, I am a bit skeptical of the timing of some of the events described in the book. Some seemed to be too conveniently timed together to create a sense of drama. Otherwise, entertaining choice.

So, for Book #6, I think I'm going to return to the Percy Jackson series with The Titan's Curse. I'm hoping it's a lot better than The Sea of Monsters.

ETA: Apparently, it's only Book 5. Must have mislabeled in previous entries. Whoopsies!

In city life, I am looking forward to going to St. John the Divine tomorrow with my students! I have never been to the Cathedral, so I am uber excited to see all of the amazing architecture and fantastic geometric designs.

Top 10 Tuesday: Things I want to do in the next 5 years

1. Move to Boston

2. Teach in my own classroom in a public school

3. Find love

4. Get married

5. Buy a house

6. Travel abroad

7. Learn a new language

8. Start writing a children's book

9. Get a dog

10. Get another degree

Le sigh

Nothing like Valentine's Day Weekend to make a single girl feel so self conscious about not having a man in her life. Especially when a Game Night on Valentine's Day Eve turns out to be a couples event, minus your truly as the token single girl. Of course, it's one day out of the whole year that's devoted to love, a Hallmark holiday if you will. I'm a firm believer that one should celebrate love every single day, not to make a huge production of this random day in February. However, it's hard to escape the pink, red, chocolate, roses, kisses, affection, teddy bears, etc. of the day. It's hard not to critically evaluate oneself and wonder, "What the hell am I doing wrong? What's wrong with me?"

I attempt to live an optimist lifestyle, a glass half full kind of world. I bring the smiles to my work life, the bubbly attitude, the can-do persona. I am flexible, accomodating others' needs and wants before my own at times. With the constant battle to please everyone and maintenance of this cool and collective attitude, I sometimes wonder the point in doing it. Half of the time, I do not reap the benefits of these kind works.

Sometimes, I feel like no one listens to me or even realizes that I am here.

Parenting

At times, I wonder in amazement how my parents successfully raised two kind, respectful, and well-mannered daughters. They were able to parent without self-help books, parenting blogs, emails to experts, etc. My mother and father fostered strong family values, held high expectations, and believed in open communication with each other and with my sister and I. These days, I'm not so sure parents know what they are doing. They want the best for their children, but don't heed expert advice given. They request assistance with a family conflict, but question the course of action recommended. There's a lack of common sense and trust in the experts they call upon.

Here's what I want to say: Try to problem solve yourself first. Chances are, a heart to heart conversation with a child will yield the information, results, responses, etc. that you need! Then, instead of running all over the place trying to figure out what is wrong and what to do, you can spend the time with your child, building and strengthening your relationship and creating memories.

Book 5

Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello

Not that impressed by the structure of the book so far. Mainly fluff and whimsical descriptions of food, but where are the bags?

I'm having one of those winter blah days. The days when it is freezing cold outside and you can't bring yourself to leave the house. A combination of boredom and surprising melancholy. I honestly have nothing to be sad about, but for some reason, I have a case of the blues. Granted, there has been a lot going on...lack of communication with some good friends, a surprise marriage, and a general sense of wondering, "What am I doing with my life?" I love my job, love teaching, love my students, but maybe I'm starting to feel ready to leave New York. The high paced life, expensive living, nose to the grindstone lifestyle. Great for the wealthy and carefree, but difficult for the girl with a budget and desire for something more.

Book 3 and 4

Modified slightly...instead, I read Happens Every Day by Isabel Gillies (wife of Detective Stabler on SVU). Wonderful read--a memoir about moving to Oberlin with her professor husband, only to find that their marriage falls apart.

Now, onto The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold, of The Lovely Bones fame. I'm about a third of the way into it, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's a little graphic in terms of violence and other events...we'll see how it turns out.

Book #2 and #3

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

I found it a little difficult to work through the second tale in the Percy Jackson series. I was not as invested in the characters and I was just completely uninterested in this latest quest (retrieving the Golden Fleece). It lacked the excitement and refreshment of the first tale. Plus, I could care less about the Cyclops.

Still, I am pushing through the series, now with Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse. Hopefully, this has a little bit more action.

Book #1 of 2010

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan- in progress.

I finished 2009 by reading the first book in the Percy Jackson series, so figured that I should start off the new year with the next book in line. I'll admit, I was not tempted to read the series until I saw the trailer for the new movie, when I thought, "Hmm, maybe this will actually be an exciting tale." Come to think of it, the same thing happened with Harry Potter...

Anyway, I completed by 2009 book challenge by reading 60 books, so I suppose I'll aim for that goal again, if not more. I am uber excited to not be in class this semester, so hopefully I'll have even more time for reading. Although, I am becoming extremely sidetracked by Lost right now. Before the winter holidays. I decided to give the series a go. Of course, I got completely hooked and obsessed. I just began season 3, and my oh my, I am so excited to see what is in store for the Lostaways.