Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).
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1) On my way to school the other day, I saw this sweet group of "older" (retired) people having coffee at McDonald's. I can only hope that when I'm old, I have a group of people to meet at McDonald's in the morning. How fun...even if I don't drink coffee. 

2) I'm going to see "This Is Where I Leave You" on Saturday night...woot!! Cannot wait. So excited. It's gonna be great!!! :)

3) I gave all students in grades 3-8 a survey to see what they need help with...not too surprising...Study/Test Taking Skills is coming out on top followed closely by Coping w/Stress and wanting to know which Careers they are suited for. 

4) Today is the first day all school year that I skipped my stop at ChickFila for a Diet Dr. Pepper and replaced it with a bottle of water....guess where I'm headed for lunch though? I need to do this more often.

5) I've been super frustrated with not getting to the YMCA regularly like I used to. I think that will change when Fall Baseball ends so while I'm enjoying watching Ethan play baseball...I am looking forward to getting a little more exercise in my weeks. I desperately need it.
  
6) Getting ready to do book clubs at school with 5th and 6th grade, separately. Fifth grade will be reading Because of Mr. Terupt and 6th grade will be reading Absolutely Almost. I'm so glad the kids enjoy and want to do book club, but seriously they practically attack me in the hallway asking when it will start, what books we will read etc. I almost feel like a celebrity. Almost.

7) Loving that Ethan and his dad are doing Boy Scouts together...for multiple reasons, but especially because it gives me a couple of "free" hours every other Sunday. Woot!! Planning to get some quality reading time in this Sunday. 

8) I know it's totally crazy but I SO want to make a mad dash for WDW over Fall Break...even if it's only 1-2 days in the parks. A day at Disney is better than a day ANYWHERE else. 

Currently

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Trying: not to think about my many "problems"...in exchange for an easy, fun & comfortable childhood, I have a crappy & difficult adulthood (at least right now). Ugh.

Moving: not enough to lose any weight, though I've gotten my 10K steps in for the past two days. A lot of walking at school lately. 

Drinking: diet dr pepper and probably a bit too much of it. 

Eating: good choices in the morning and then I fall apart come lunch or later, often due to stressful or ridiculous circumstances sent my way. 

Wondering: oh goodness...too many things to list. 

Loving: 3:45pm

Watching: Ethan play baseball.

Reading: The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff...really good too!!

Listening: sometimes to country, mostly to 80's and occasionally some 70's music.

Thinking: how much longer until Fall Break?  :)

Needing: some changes.

Wanting: to not have to wish away days of my life just to get to "better" days.

Hoping: to hear some response on a resume I sent out recently.

Planning: to pursue more strongly some dreams I've had for quite some time.

Crafting: geesh...not quite enough...a little Project Life and trying to finish up 2 mini-albums. 

Remembering: my high school days. I'd do anything to go back there. Life was so much easier. And happier.

Bookish & Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).
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1) I just had to do this "What Type of Book Are  You?" quiz...I got "Library Book"...which is absolutely hysterical considering that I almost NEVER went to the library until Ethan was born and then it was ONLY for kids books. Still I only occasionally borrow a "real" (AKA not e-book) book from the library. I'm more of a buyer of e-books or I will get e-books from the public library when they are available. 


2) I'm still plugging away on "Masterminds & Wingmen"...I really want to finish it which has been somewhat challenging since it more applies to teenage boys and my own is only 6. I am reading it more for dealing w/students at school but then most of the book content is directly more at parents. It will be useful as Ethan gets older, but let's be honest, I'll probably forget it all by then and need to re-read it.


3) I finished "This Is Where I Leave You" on Monday night and woohoo...LOVED it!!! It did not end as I had anticipated, but I think that's ok. I'm even more excited to see the movie now.

4) I am working a wedding this Saturday. I am totally dreading it. It will be along 9-10 hours on my feet. I really want to bail out, stay home and enjoy my weekend...but that would be a really poor choice.

5) Friday nights will be so fun for the next few weeks as Ethan is playing Fall Baseball..games are Tuesdays and Fridays. It's pretty low-key and somewhat unorganized, but at least he's getting more playing time/practice in and he'll be really ready come Spring season.

6) I have been wanting to bring in bagels to work this week but it's been quite the challenge...first, the bagel shop is in the opposite direction of work/school, so I need to leave extra early. Second, I can barely get up and ready just to get to work on time as it is, let alone get up extra early to go get bagels. I really want to try tomorrow morning though as we are having a "jeans" day (reward!!) and the bagels would be a nice treat too. It will be my RAK for the season. :)

7) We have sold more than $500 in popcorn for Boy Scouts in just the first week. Woot!! Pretty excited about that!!


8) I started reading "The Winter Guest" last night...started off great, but I didn't get too much read since I need to sleep at night so I can function the next day. Looking forward to getting back to it though.


9) This is my preach lately. So tired of people saying they are soooooo busy, as in BUSIER than me (or you)....hey guess what? Everyone's busy!!!

10) Some people just suck. That is all.

Medal of Honor

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So, see the 2nd man in the picture...that is Sgt.1st Class Leroy Petry, MoH Recipient...he is shaking hands (with his awesome robotic hand) with my son Ethan....who you TOTALLY CANNOT SEE because of those lovely Brownies. 

I want to cry!!!

Ethan was fascinated by Mr. Petry...I'm talking "over the top"...to the point where on Saturday morning Ethan woke up and said "I miss Leroy!" Too cute!! He then took it upon himself to write "thank you" letters to both Mr. Petry and Ty Carter (far right MoH recipient).

I'm hoping my luck has not run out however, as Ethan got another opportunity to shake Leroy's hand as he was leaving on Friday. There was a professional photographer there in position for a perfect shot and hopefully she got it. Now I just have to find out her name and contact info so I can ask her and hopefully obtain a copy. Why can't things be easier? Ugh!!

On My Mind

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1) I have not been able to stop thinking about living abroad...it's not actually something that's "in the cards" or even available at this time, but I can't stop thinking about how much I would LOVE it. I've always been a travel nut and while we do go on a few trips every year, it's usually to the same places or places nearby. I'm itching to get out of this country and see someplace new. Back to the "living" there part though...I dream of living in Germany and have dreamt it for quite a while. I should have married a military man. Damn!

2) Since the amazing Medal of Honor recipients visited our school last week, I've been completely obsessed with most things military...one of the MoH recipients I met, Bruce Crandall, is portrayed in the movie "We Were Soldiers" and of course I had to watch it last weekend. Now I know why I don't watch "that kind" of movie...I can barely handle it and having met him (and others) in real life, only made the movie MORE real for me and therefore more painful. So now I feel like my job is so minuscule compared to what these amazing men did and those regrets of having not joined the Coast Guard have returned to haunt me. Now I'm just too damn old.

3) In general, a lot of regret. I know that's a waste of time but I'm stuck there right now. I had 3 people last week essentially tell me that my job/work is "inconsequential/unimportant", of course not in THOSE words, but might as well have been....so now here I sit, just about hating my job and wishing I had studied something else. Crap!

OK - time to turn off the brain. Goodnight.

Bookish & Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).
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1) This has not been a great week. It's not even been a GOOD week. It's been a "put one foot in front of the other" kind of week. Going through the motions while being told (strongly insinuated) twice by two different people that my role at work is unimportant and/or inconsequential. Yeah, that's been fun. Leaving here feeling great everyday. Not.

2) Thinking a lot about a mental health day. I thought I could do that next Tuesday, but nope, I had forgotten to put some classes on my calendar so I can't miss that day. Ugh.

3) Still feeling uber frustrated with not being able to run and the accompanying 10 extra pounds that has joined me over the past 10 months. I've made it to the YMCA only 2 times in past two weeks...yesterday being one of those days. I was told our meetings would end at 4pm which would have given me time for a GREAT workout...yeah, ended up leaving work at 4:50pm...which gave me a whopping 45 minutes instead. Better than nothing, yes, but still quite frustrating.

4) Along with not running, my endorphins are obviously in low supply, hence this total downer of a blog post (sorry!) and then I eat to make myself feel better. For the most part I'm eating "ok" things but I do fall off the wagon every so often and just eat junk. I'll never get this 10lbs off at this rate, that's for sure.

5) Even my book situation is kind of a downer...because I hardly have any time to read lately. 

6) On the bright side though, I saw the mad rush of blog posts about This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathon Tropper recently and that the movie is coming out Sep 19th...so I watched the trailer, loved it and decided I HAD to read the book first. I'm 100+ pages in and it's hilarious. I'm loving it and am super excited to see the movie. I must say, I have never been terribly woo-ed (is that a word?) by Jason Bateman, but something about him in this movie is changing that...oh goodness, I may have to go rent everything he has ever been in now...well, except for Silver Spoons because I already saw all of those episodes. Multiple times. Thanks to my mad teenage crush on Ricky Schroder :)

7) The rain is coming in this afternoon and lasting through Sunday as it looks right now. That should really (not) help with my mood. Oh joy!

8) Anyone out there using Shopkick? I am totally obsessed with it right now and I've already earned TWO $10 giftcards to Target. It's simple really!! Down load the free app to your phone and when you go shopping you can collect "kicks" (points). When you collect enough, you can cash them in for an IMMEDIATE giftcard to your favorite store. Starbucks is on there too. You can receive "kicks" for simply walking into a store and then even more if you go around and scan some products with your phone. Also, if you invite your friends and they sign up, you earn all the points they collect for the first two weeks as well. Awesome!! I love FREE shopping money, don't you?

A Bookish Questionnaire

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1. What is your favorite fictional food or drink?
This 1st question is a stumper already...I think maybe any of those treats in the Harry Potter books would be fun to try. Also, while reading "Goodnight June" by Sarah Jio, I craved a good hearty pasta dish (thanks to the Italian restaurant in the book). I never got anywhere for that craving, so instead I made slow cooker lasagna on Sunday. I would still really like some ravioli or tortellini though.

2. How long did it take you to finish your last book?

Only 4 days because it was SOOOO good...normally I run about a week per book, sometimes more.

3. How many times do you stare at your books or bookshelves each day?

I look at my virtual bookshelves EVERY.SINGLE.DAY and sometimes multiple times...I also check my Amazon e-book Wishlist daily seeking out the next great deal...the prices fluctuate ALL.THE.TIME.

4. How many Goodreads friends and books do you have?

Friends: 37

Books To Read: 245

Total Books: 738

A true reflection of my real life too...more books than friends.

5. Do you ever quote books in public?

No, can't say that I do, though there are many quotes I have found and love. When I remember, I post them on Goodreads.

6. Do you ever re-read books? 

Ha! That's funny!! I don't even have time to read the books I want to read ONE time, let alone go back and re-read something I've already read. Now, I would LOVE to re-read all the Harry Potter books, I just don't know when that will happen.

7. Do you judge a book by its cover?

Yes, often. Can't help it.

8. Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr?

IG and Twitter only.

9. Which genres take you the longest to read?

I cannot identify a genre, it's more per book. I typically do not read Science Fiction because I'm not interested, though if forced to, I imagine it would take me a while to get through. 

10. Who are your favorite BookTubers (or Book Bloggers)? 

I really enjoy Christine's blog Bookishly Boisterous, especially her Thursday "Bookish & Not-So-Bookish Thoughts" posts. 

11. How often do you pre-order books? 

On the rare occasion that a book is about to be released by an author from whom I've read multiple books and so I am quite certain I will also love this newest book. Yes. 

12. Are you a shopaholic? 

When it comes to books, that is a great possibility, though I've really  made efforts to get e-books from the library (saving me tons of $$) and also waiting for price drops on Amazon. Woot! 

13. How many times have you reread your favorite book? 

See #6. 

14. Do you own a lot of books?

I do not own a lot of actual AKA paper books because I'm not a fan of "clutter" and I also don't have the space. I probably own about 25 books, 20 of which I still need to read.

15. Do you take pictures of your books before you read them? 

Occasionally. Before and during. Rarely after. Usually just for posting on Instagram or Twitter.

16. Do you read every day? 

Yes, normally I do, just before bed and on the treadmill when I have the opportunity to get to the gym.

17. How do you choose a new book? 

A lot of times from friend/Goodreads recommendations and also if I like the description of the book, I will often give it a try.

18. Do you always have a book with you? 

I would say 98% of the time since I carry my iPad Mini with me.

19. What are your biggest distractions from reading? 

Life commitments like work, errands, parenting, 1st grade homework, cooking & cleaning.

20. What is your favorite place to buy books?

Most of mine come from Amazon...I apologize to the indie stores since I'm buying e-books and I work in a school, I don't have a large book budget. Someday when I have millions (?), I will do a better job of supporting the indie shops. And I do love browsing "real" book stores...there's just something about being surrounded by books that feels oh so good.

Friday Funnies

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I was looking on Pinterest (!!) last night and came across a few things that just made me LAUGH OUT LOUD and so I thought I'd share so hopefully you have a very happy Friday!!! 

And if you don't find these funny...well, it's Friday, so be happy anyway!!

Hands down...this one is my favorite.

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts

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Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).
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1) We had a great beach getaway last weekend, but honestly, I wish I was still there. No surprise there.

2) I am really enjoying Goodnight June by Sarah Jio!!

3) I sent out my 1st ever "Counseling Corner" newsletter at school last Friday- to over 700 emails - YIKES --happy to report that I rec'd some positive feedback. Already working on October's newsletter.

4) My fitbit & I are very sad. I haven't made it to the YMCA for over 2 weeks now...excited to be flying out of work today at 3:30pm to squeeze in a quick workout before picking up Ethan and then heading to my home away from home - Target!! Yay!!


5) I am truly DROWNING in books I need/want to read right now. As a result of my newsletter, I am also making myself read 1 work/school related book each month...I love the challenge, but seriously, I'm OUT OF TIME. September's book is Rosalind Wiseman's Masterminds & Wingmen. October I plan to read The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair and November will likely be NurtureShock by Po Bronson. 

6) Debating between going to the Valley Fair or the mountains this weekend. The fair is more fun for Ethan of course, though he enjoys both...I'm not sure I'm up for fighting the crowds (and the heat) at the fair. 

7) I really need to find time to make these cookies!! Seriously, don't they look yummy??? And I really want to make A LOT of them and bring them to work.

8) I am in a sort of music rut right now...I desperately need some new music. Some mornings I don't even bother turning on my iPod in the car because the silence is fine and there's no song I'm "dying" to hear right now...and I really like to have a song slated as my "dying to hear" song. It gives me something to look forward to in the morning. Seriously.

9) Trying to decide on a quick one day trip somewhere (close by, obviously) for one of our Fall Break days in October. Right now, it's looking like Chattanooga to go to the zoo. We haven't been to that one and Ethan's a big zoo fan. 

10) It's closing in on time to get a new family vehicle...my trusty 2005 Ford Escape has 125,000 miles on it and doesn't start up quite as energetically as it used to. We also need something a bit bigger, as the little man is growing and so will his sports equipment and friends. I really like the Ford Edge, but O thinks we need to go even bigger...ugh...I'm the primary driver of said family vehicle and really don't want to be driving a big bus - AKA Chevy Tahoe - that's what O wants...it's a V8 AKA "gas guzzler"...I also dread this entire process as it's bound to suck many precious hours out of my weekends. Ugh.