Three Things About Me

I was tagged by Kathryn over at The Empty Nest to do this meme. The rules are to tell everyone three things about yourself that they don't already know. Hmmmmmm, ok that's out..... uuuuuhh, no........... Let me think, nope everyone knows about Rusty, OK here:

• I always come in on the trailing edge of technology. I never even heard of blogging until a couple of years ago. I know, pretty pitiful. I just shake my head in wonder when I read about people who have been blogging for years. I was one of the last of my friends to get a cell phone and now I can't live without it. When I got my iPod my niece had to show me how to use it. I didn't quit buying cassette tapes until they quit selling them. I tried to turn my first CD over to hear the other side. I could go on but I think this is bad enough. (Point in fact here. I can't get rid of the extra bullets.)
• I was raised an Air Force brat. Dad was a pilot in the USAF so we lived in several states including Michigan (where I was born,) Alaska, California, Alaska (again,) and Kansas. After dad retired we lived in Missouri then Texas, where mom and dad were from originally.
• I pay good money to Curves every month and haven't been there for weeks!

If you would like to play, please do. Leave it in a comment or leave a link to your post! thanks.

What's in a Name?

Kathryn at The Empty Nest and Mere at Mercedes’ World did this meme and it looked fun, so I borrowed it!

1. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (First 3 letters of real name plus “izzle”) Shaizzle
2. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (Favorite color and favorite animal) Blue Panda
3. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (Middle name, and current street you are on) Dea Trimble
4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (The first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letter of mom’s maiden) Broshtay
5. YOUR SUPER HERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink) Purple Sweet Tea
6. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (Mother’s middle name and father’s middle name) Anita David
7. YOUR GOTH NAME: (Black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Rusty, or should I have gone with Black Bear? :)
8. YOUR SPY NAME: (Your name spelled backwards) Norahs

Feel fee to join in by leaving your answers in a comment or create a post and leave me the link to your post!

Odd Shots Monday

For more Odd Shots visit Katney.

These peppers on the side of a Mexican Food place

are pretty odd, I thought.

ABC Wednesday J

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs. Nesbitt. Go there to

find more participants in ABC Wednesday or to join!

I had a really hard time coming up with a j for this week. I considered several things but they didn't work out. Finally I thought I'd go downtown and take a picture of the locally owned jewelry store, them thought why not just stay home and take a picture of jewelry. so I did. Here are some of my favorite pieces of Jewelry.

Things I Love About School

Thirteen Things I Love About School

1. The kids
   
2. Things the kids say


3. The progress they make through the year
   
4. notes from the kids
   
5. 22 little smiles all smiled at the same time
   
6. 22 little smiles aimed at me
   
7. kid drawings
   
8. the way these kiddos are ready to share and try
   
9. the willingness they show to help others
   
10. they way they love to hear stories read to them
    
11. my new bigger room -when I moved to 2nd grade I left the room I had been in for 19 years in first grade and moved to the second grade hall, wow!
    
12. the teachers I work with, they are so great, good teachers and good friends
    
13. our principal, she is awesome, and I don't usually use that word
    
14. the small school setting

Teachers Salarys

I got this in an email from our school district's Finance Director. We all thought it was funny.

If I had my way I'd pay teachers baby-sitting wages.

I'd only pay them for five hours, not lunch or coffee breaks.

That would be $15.00 a day. Each parent should pay $15

a day for these teachers to babysit their child.

Even if they have more than one child, it’s still a lot cheaper than private daycare.

Now, how many children do they teach every day-maybe 20?

That’s $15×20=$300 a day. But remember they only work 180 days a year!

I’m not going to pay them for vacations! $300×180=$54,000.

(Just an inside observation for anyone who doesn't

know it, teachers DON'T get paid vacations. Salarys are

for the days we are in school but

we have it divided into 12 monthly payments.)

(Just a minute, I think my calculator needs new batteries.)

I know you teachers will say-What about those who have

10 years experience and a Master’s Degree? Well, maybe (to be fair)

we could give them the minimum wage.

We could round that off to about $5 an hour, times five hours,

times 20 children. That’s $500 a day times 180 days.

That’s $90,000….HUH?

Wait a minute, let’s get a little perspective here.

Babysitting wages are too good for these teachers.

Has anyone seen a salary schedule around here?”
~Anonymous~

ABC Wednesday - I

I is for Interior

Our little tiny half bath in the back was dark and hadn't been updated in many years! This is not used much by guests so I keep the litter pan back here. I wanted it to look a little retro, and lighter. The pictures on the walls are pictures I've taken over the years. By the medicine cabinet is a picture of my old Soot cat. He died about 3 years ago and was 13 years old. I've loved this picture of him so thought I'd use it.

We put in a new toilet and tore out the old dark 60's vanity . I chose to put in this white bead board vanity.









I painted it a soft yellow, put the trim up around the window and painted all the trim white. We put in Levelor blinds and I made the valance to match curtains on the other side of the bathroom,

I haven't replaced the old medicine cabinet yet, still thinking about that. I might go with a mirror instead of another cabinet. The light fixture was replaced with a shiny silver one.

This cabinet and the one below had huge doors that were a pain in such a little room. Especially the bottom one, where I keep the cat litter tray. I made these curtains, hoping to make it look a little retro as well as to get rid of those huge doors.

We also put in new baseboards. The bathroon is so little that I only bought two lengths and we had some left over!





I also bought a new kitty litter pan that has a lid with a hole in it. Crossing my fingers that they will take to it! I know you didn't want to see this but it was part of the whole thing. :)
It's not too graphic!



For more ABC Wednesday photos head over to Mrs. Nesbitt.

A Book Meme from The Aged Cat

I was tagged by the Aged Cat to do this book meme, which is right up my alley since I love to read. I'm reading a weird book right now, Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett so it is closest at hand. I've read quite a number of Pratchett's Disc World books and they never fail to make me laugh out loud. I put in a couple of extra sentences, I couldn't help it. The first two sentences were really short anyway.

Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and post a comment here once you post it to your blog so I can come see!

Here are sentences 6 - 10 on page 123 of Moving Pictures:

One Spink, two Spinks. Now get on with it. I want those posters all around the city first thing tomorrow. The artist gave Victor an agonized look he was coming to recognize. Everyone around Dibbler wore them after a while.

This was fun and I enjoyed reading others entries. If you would like to do this with us, please do and let me know so I can go read it!

Childrens Books I Love

Children's Books I Love

Dogzilla by Dave Pilkey The kids in my class love this book and they always beg for re-readings. It has a rating of "Too goofy for adults" so what's not to love? It is full of puns that are just, well, goofy! The author used pictures of his own pets for the illustrations.

Kat Kong by Dave Pilkey Ditto above

"There Are Rocks in My Socks," said the Ox to the Fox by Patricia Thomas I use this book to teach rhythm and rhyme. The children love the pictures and the funny story.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff The kids love this book. I like it a lot and use it for enjoyment as well as predictions. Felicia Bond illustrated it.

The Mitten by Jan Brett Jan Brett is my favorite illustrator of children's books. I have a collection of her books. This one is great for sequencing and I use it for extensions. The kids write what might happen if more animals cam up.


The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett Love the illustrations.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle This is a great story for science and for sequencing. The illustrations are great to discuss the different methods illustrators use to create their pictures. I like anything by Eric Carle - lots of great stories and teaching opportunities.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister I use this book to start a discussion on friendship and sharing.

Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni This is a great story and I use it when we are practicing measuring
Leo the Late Bloomer by Leo Lionni This is a wonderful book. We read it and discuss how every one is special in their own right among other things. The kids love Leo and relate to him. Lionni has several other books I really like as well.

The Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin This is such a funny book, many re readings are demanded. My kiddos keep a dated diary of school happenings after we read it.

Click, Clack, Moo By Doreen Cronin This is another very funny story by Cronin. Most of the children don't know what a typewriter is! We write letters after reading this a couple of times.

Aunt Flossies's Hats (and Crabcakes Later) by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard This is a wonderful, warm family story with great illustrations. We discuss families, extended families and how families are alike and different. Then they write about a fun memory of a time with their family.

The Lorax by Dr. Suess This is a great book for rhyming, as are all of Dr Suess' books. It goes beyond that to environmental issues.

The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Suess Great for discussing how arguments can get out of hand.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomi de Paola I use this when we teach Texas history (The Texas state flower it the Bluebonnet) along with a couple more books from this wonderful author.

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats We discuss setting, the illustrations, how practicing helps you gain skills, etc. this is a lovely warm story.

I could go on and on. There are so many great children's books. I use lots of them in my class to foster love of reading, model fluency, discuss setting and author's purpose, instruct everything from writing to math to science, to use as art instruction, for retelling, etc.

A List of Funny Movies I've Enjoyed

A List of Funny Movies I've Enjoyed

1. Big Trouble staring Tim Allen from the Dave Barry novel. Loved the book. Loved the movie.


2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding - the differences between these two families, the two cultures, makes this a wonderful, funny movie. Go rent it today.


3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail - my sister and I try to watch this every year. It has even been made into a Broadway play called "Spamalot."


4. A Christmas Story - "You'll shoot your eye out!" I watch it every Christmas, but have yet to read the book. I have to do that.


5. Dracula, Dead and Loving It staring Leslie Nielson. Imaginative remake of the old Nosferatu movie which was the first screen adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.


6. Young Frankenstein - not only is this a hysterical movie it,also, is a Broadway musical. "Walk this way!" "No! THIS way."


7. Caddyshack staring Chevy Chase and Bill Murry.


8. The Gods Must Be Crazy There are some very funny parts in this movie.


9. Strange Brew The Adventures of Bob and Doug McKenzie


10. Miss Congeniality


11. Evolution - David Duchovney, the critics only give it a C+ but I thought it was funny.


12. Arsenic and Old Lace -Cary Grant


13. Airplane - "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley." I use this line. My friends have picked it up and use it too. I have it as a ring tone. The movie may be too silly for normal people, my husband hates it. No one has ever accused me of being normal.

Things I Love About My Pets - A List

Things I Love About My Pets - A List

1. Rusty is sooo happy to see me come home after work. It makes me warm inside to see his little wagging tail (such as it) and know he is truly happy to see me.

2. I love it when Jenny, my old white cat, sits in my lap and purrs. Or when she crawls up on my side when I'm sleeping and purrs. Of course she wakes me up a little, but, well, she's purring.....

3. Bob is sweet when he sits on the arm of the couch by me. He is not a lap cat but likes to be near.

4. When Dallas comes in he always wants pats before he goes to check the cat food bowl.

5. Rusty loves to play tug of war and it is fun to watch his simple joy in this game.

6. I like the way Dallas talks. He is a very vocal cat and lets you know what he wants. He says, very loudly "CHOOOOOOOOWWWWW" when he is hungry. He says "OOOOOOUUUUT" when he wants out. If I'm not quick enough he says, even louder, "OOOOOOUT NOOOOOOOOOW." If he wants pats he walks down the hall calling "MEEEEEEow."

7. Rusty makes me laugh when he jumps in my lap with his Nylabone and shoves it in my hand for me to hold while he chews it.

8. It is funny to watch Rusty snuffle Dallas' face. Dallas puts up with it and has never swatted Rusty.

9. They are so much comfort and company.

10. Bear and Rusty love their treats so. Rusty is fairly easy to teach tricks to due in part to his love of treats. It is fun to have Rusty practice his tricks.

11. Rusty sleeps on my lap when we are watching TV. If Jenny isn't already there. Then, if he really wants on my lap he sits on the ottoman and whines till she is so irritated she leaves.

12. I love the way Rusty twists his head back and forth when I am talking to him.

13. All of these things make for a fairly entertaining day.

Four Things

I saw this meme at Gina's and thought I’d do it. Feel free to copy and do it too.

Four TV shows I watch:
Lost
Scrubs
Monk
Psych

Four places I’ve lived:
Michigan (born here)
Alaska (Elmendorf AFB)
California
Texas

Four places I’ve vacationed:
England (week long bus tour, wonderful)
New York City
Alaska (David & I did an Inside Passage cruise)
Florida

Four places I would like to vacation:
Washington, DC
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth MA
Yosemite National Park
Isle Royale National Park (David and I are trying to visit as many national parks as we can.)

Four of my favorite foods:
Mexican, I even put it on the blog here once.
Italian
Southern home cooking (That's the best isn't it Gina!)
Hamburger Bar hamburgers (local)


Four things I like to do:
Read and listen to books. I check out books on CD and tape and keep one in the car so I can listen to it on the way to work and back.
Play with my dog, Rusty.
Go to the movies with David.
Make cards.

MEME??

I've been tagged to do a meme?? by TeacherJulie. Gotta look this up and see exactly what a meme is, but it looks like some emails I get. Just answer questions, and read other's answers.

5 Things Found In My Bag
wallet
dog treats
cellphone
zip lock bag with cough drops, they look kinda old (note to self: get RID of those)
I don't know what that is in the bottom there

5 Things Found In My Wallet
money slot - empty
coins - mostly pennies
dog treat crumbs
pictures
punch cards from McAllister's, The Book Barn & Lifeway Books

5 Things Found In My Room
bed
stuff to be hung up
Rusty's Crate
Alarm clock with large numbers
new paint job


5 Things I’ve Always Wanted To Do
travel
be skinny (well not skinny, but within shouting distance of it anyway )
be independently wealthy
be able to make everyone happy
care about cooking

5 Things I’m Currently Into
teaching
training Rusty
blogging
ignoring house cleaning for as long as possible
reading