Thursday Thirteen

This week I'm posting the top 13 songs (according to Music Outfitters) from the year I graduated high school. Can you guess what year it was?
1. Every Breath You Take, Police
2. Billie Jean, Michael Jackson
3. Flashdance...What A Feeling, Irene Cara
4. Down Under, Men At Work
5. Beat It, Michael Jackson
6. Total Eclipse of the Heart, Bonnie Tyler
7. Maneater, Daryl Hall and John Oates
8. Baby, Come to Me, Patti Austin and James Ingram
9. Maniac, Michael Sembello
10. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Eurythmics
11. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Culture Club
12. You and I, Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle
13. Come On Eileen, Dexy's Midnight Runners
This song is sure to make you wanna get up and dance~
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Blog Party Prize

Just a heads-up. I'm going to be offering a prize during 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party: Gilmore Girls, the Complete 1st Season DVD set. Stay tuned beginning April 1st for your chance to win.

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Sunday Scrappin'

Last weekend, my sister, my friend, and I went to Archiver's for Scrapmania on Saturday. It was a great way to end our spring break! I got 7 pages done, mostly for my daughter's graduation scrapbook. Here is a two-page layout and one other page that I did.

I didn't get a chance to work on anything this week, but I need to make some tags for the upcoming swap I'm doing, and I really want to work on some more pages. I hope you have a scrappy week!

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Company Girl Coffee

This week at work, we had a presentation that I have been waiting to hear for over a year: Rachel's Challenge. I am so excited about it! It's not just a presentation; it's a committment to start our own Friends of Rachel/Chain Links club. Do you know who Rachel was? Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim in the Columbine school shooting in April of 1999, the worst school shooting in our country's history. I had already been teaching 11 years at that point, and my own children were in pre-school, so I will never forget that tragic event.

But this is not merely a sad story. Rachel is a hero! After she died, her family found her journals and school essays, and the kindness and humanity of this 17 year old high school junior were incredible! She had insight beyond her years as well as a strong faith. Meet Rachel.

Some of her writing includes these quotes.

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same."

"These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will some day touch millions of people's hearts." (written on the back of her dresser next to a tracing of her hands.)

"My definition of compassion is forgiving, loving, helping, leading, and showing mercy for others."

"... how do you know that trust, compassion, and beauty will not make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live?"

Rachel's words inspire me. I've written about this because it is meaningful to me, but also because this reminds me so much of another Rachel. Our Rachel. Home Sanctuary Rachel. She is also an inspiration, encouraging each one of her Company Girls to create peace and harmony, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others. Thanks, Rachel, for being an inspiration.

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Friday Confessional

It's that time again. Time to link up with Mamarazzi and Glamazon and confess!
I confess...

I had a hard time controlling my anger and frustration at the people sitting behind us at the Rockets game Wednesday night. They were extremely inebriated, and even more extremely obnoxious. The girl even hit my husband on the head with a "thunder stick" on purpose and began scooting forward to scream on purpose right close to our ears because she was "cheering on her team." She didn't even know when the Rockets had the ball! Not to mention the language coming out of their mouths. It would have made a sailor blush! Whatever bad words you can imagine, and I mean all of them, were flying.

My husband wouldn't tell the usher because he was sure they would end up in jail. I didn't have a problem with that, but he didn't want to be the one who got them thrown in jail (even though it was their own fault). Everyone within a ten seat radius was frustrated with them, but since we were right in front of them, they gave us a hard time. And I had been enjoying myself so much until they started their mess.

That's all. Boy, it feels good to get that off my chest.

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What's been occupying my time and my mind lately? (not necessarily in this order...)

1. My kids. These are my twins.

2. Insomnia

3. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

4. Tutoring low reading students.

5. The Houston Rockets.

6. Facebook.

7. Trying to come up with some new low-fat recipes.

8. Advisory committee at work.

9. Rachel's Challenge.

10. Trying to keep up with laundry and housekeeping.

11. Date night with the hubz.

12. My mom's difficulties with her health.

13. The books I'm reading.

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Friday Night

Guess how I spent my Friday night? Working. Yes, it's spring break, but there was so much to do to prepare for teaching next week, and I have plans for the rest of the weekend, so Friday night was the only time I had.

I'm really excited about their upcoming lessons. I spent about two hours making plans, creating documents, etc., for my sixth grade language arts students. They will be working in cooperative learning groups using novels appropriate for their individual reading levels. I hope they enjoy it while they learn.

Then, I had to make a 10 PM run to FedEx/Kinko's to make copies, which I paid for out of my own pocket ($40-something - and, no, I won't get reimbursed). The copy machine at school hasn't been working lately. The repair man has been there every day for the last couple of weeks. I wish I could say I was exaggerating, but it's true. I don't know why they don't replace it.

So, that was my exciting Friday night! How did you spend yours?

Image Credit

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Friday Confessional

Come confess. You know you'll feel better. Visit Mamarazzi and Glamazon for all the details.

I confess...

I'm disappointed that my daughter doesn't want to follow in my footsteps and try out for her high school's drill/dance team. Actually, she didn't even tell me the tryouts were coming up, and now they're over. But she wouldn't have tried out no matter what. It's just not her thing. She loves to dance, but she's just not interested in being on dance team. I need to build a bridge and get over it.

I confess...

I feel guilty. I feel like a bad mom. I took my kids to my mom's yesterday so they could spend some time with her. She's been looking forward to seeing them. They both begged me to stay, too, but I just didn't want to. I feel so bad, but they were going to see Rango (which I don't want to see), and I needed to go bra shopping (see last week's confessions), and I just wanted to come home for a night so I can go to lunch with a great friend today. But now I feel guilty.

I confess...

Image Credit

I've found another "dress" show to watch! It's called Girl Meets Gown on WEtv. I have no idea why I am so interested in these shows! This one is set in my home state of Texas, and it's similar to Say Yes to the Dress on TLC (which I am highly addicted to - so much so that I think I've seen every episode, and I'm not above watching reruns). So, I have a new show! Happy dance!


Come on and confess with us!

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Hill Country Holiday

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It's Spring Break week here, and my family and I just returned from a 3-day Texas hill country vacation. It was so wonderful to get away, even if it was only for a few days.

1. Stopped in Lockhart, Texas to eat at Black’s Barbecue, Texas’s oldest BBQ restaurant owned by the same family. It was also featured on the travel channel’s episode of barbecue paradise.

2. Learned a lot about Austin’s architecture and landmarks.

3. Took a short cruise on Ladybird Johnson Lake.

4. Watched almost one million Mexican Freetail bats leave the safety of their home under the Congress Avenue Bridge to feed (on insects). This is the largest urban colony of bats, and it's only ten blocks from our state's capitol building.

5. At at Buca de Beppo for the first time. Interesting...

6. Rode The Goliath at Fiesta Texas with my twins.

7. Took our annual Superhero cape photo.

8. Saw a great 50’s-style music and dance show.

9. Had our annual visit to the Magic Time Machine restaurant in San Antonio. Tinkerbell and the Joker took turns waiting on us.

10. Had a great nightcap the night before we came home (Kahlua and cream).

11. Enjoyed the hot tub.

12. Shopped at Rivercenter Mall in San Antonio.

13. Ate at the Hard Rock Café after a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk.

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Monday Movie Meme

I'm late.... very late... but I'm out of town, so that's my excuse! I couldn't resist this topic. Visit The Bumbles Blog for more!

Feature Presentation

Movies that feature books, reading, librarians, bookstores and the like.

Harry Potter Movies - These kids have been known to break open the books a time or two. Hermione's answer (when she is unsure) is to head to the library. They're also quite familiar with the librarian, Madam Irma Pince.

Dan in Real Life -(2007) Dan meets "Marie" in a book store. Seems to be a match made in Heaven, till he finds out "Marie" is his brother's girlfriend.

National Treasure (2004)- The would-be thieves do research at the Library of Congress.

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Camera Critters

I haven't done a Camera Critters post in a while because everyone's probably getting tired of seeing pictures of my cat and we don't have a dog anymore (He died)... But now I have something to share! My daughter and I went to the exhibits and livestock show in Houston and saw some cute animals! Here is Elsie the Borden cow and her son Beauregard.
Elsie was sitting so prim and proper in her pen with her pretty robe. She doesn't even look real, but she definitely is! I got to pet her. And Beau is just so cute! He looks sleepy. Hope you enjoy!

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Friday Confessional

Today is the day to post your confessions! Visit Mamarazzi and Glamazon for all the details.

I confess...

I talk to my cat. Sometimes she talks back to me. Wait... She doesn't "TALK" talk. She meows. She's a cat! But, I do talk to her.

Well look at her! How can I resist? She's just so captivating! My family gives me a hard time sometimes. They'll hear me say, "Hi Beautiful. What are you doing? I love you!" in my "talk-to-the-cat" voice. I don't care. I just love her!

I also confess...

I need to buy some new bras! I have one that has broken underwire and another one in which the underwire makes a squeaky noise when I move. It's time to break down and replace them! I mean, I do have other bras, but these two need to go.

And I also confess...

I've decided not to give anything up for Lent this year. I know. I should. But since January 4th, I've already given up so much (real cheese, real mayo, fried foods, one soda per day, most sweets, etc.) that I just couldn't face the idea of giving up one more thing. I hope God understands! Guess I'll find out someday.

Last, I confess...

I can't stand American Idol! My daughter loves the show, so I tortured myself a little and let her watch while I was in the room. This guy (I won't name names, because some of you are already gonna hate me just for saying I don't like the show), but anyway... this guy was singing, and he was awful! And these are the singers that are supposed to be the good ones. Just my opinion. I just absolutely can't stand this show! AT. ALL!

Feels good to get that off my chest. Your turn.

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Thursday Thirteen

Welcome to my totally random 13 today, brought to you by the letter T!

1. Turkey. I've been eating a lot of turkey sandwiches (minus the cheese and mayo) lately. It's lower in fat than some other lunch meats.
2. TV. The TV is usually on in this house, for background noise if nothing else.
3. Telephone. I don't really like to talk on the phone.
4. Text. I'd rather you text me than call me.
5. Technology. I'm always looking for new ways to integrate technology into my classroom lessons.
6. Taxes. We haven't done ours yet.
7. Tea. I drink decaf tea at dinner almost every night.
8. Time. There is never enough of it.
9. Tick. I remember having to have a tick pulled out of my leg when I was a little girl. No fun.
10. Truth. Honesty is probably the most important quality I need in a friend or family member.

11. Tomatoes. I don't like tomatoes raw unless they are diced in a salad. I don't eat them on burgers. I do, however, like cooked or stewed tomatoes. Strange, huh?
12. Tests. We've been giving benchmark tests and 9 weeks' tests the last two weeks, and our students are tested out! So are the teachers.
13. Travel. I wish I had the money to travel "big." My husband would love to visit Italy. I'd like to go to England and/or Ireland, among many other places. I plan to do some travelling over spring break, but we're only going a few hours away from home. Should be fun, though!

Happy Thursday 13 to everyone! Click here to visit others.

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Favorite Things Swap

I've decided to participate in another one of Mamarazzi's swaps, and I'm so excited! Her swaps fill up fast because they're so awesome! I've made several new blog friends from participating in her swaps, and I'm glad I made the sign-up in time. For this swap, I'll be sending my partner a few of MY favorite things. Now I've got to put my thinking cap on! This is gonna be FUN!

Good Mail!

I got a totally unexpected suprise in the mail today!

I love this soft, comfy, scrapper's tee! (For those of you who don't scrapbook, acid-free paper and embellishments are a must if you want to preserve your photos, so no... it's not the other kind! Just a play on words, and a cute one, if you ask me.)

Thank you Mamarazzi for making my day! You Rock! If you haven't read her blog, you seriously MUST CHECK IT OUT! I love my bloggy friends!

Stylish

What a sweet surprise! I've received this adorable Stylish Blogger from one of my newer bloggy friends, Jolene. Her blog is called With a Little Help From My Friends, and I'm really enjoying it. She's down-to-earth, and I think she's the sort of person who I'd be friends with in person. She's got a large, BEAUTIFUL family and likes to read, garden, and dance. She also has poems, recipes, and photos. Check her out!

I'm supposed to do this:

1. Link back to the person who gave me this award.

2. List 7 things my readers may not know about me.

3. Share the love with 6 other bloggers I enjoy.

You can read my 7 things here if you're interested.

I'm going to share the love with all of my readers. Yes, I cheat! But I love ALL of the blogs I read. Seriously, I do! Consider yourself awarded if you're reading this.

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