Is it Really Random?

I'm linking up (a little late) with Stacy.

What with the World Series going on and all, I almost completely forgot it was Random Day!  We've been keeping up with baseball this season.  From about 2008-2012, my husband and I didn't watch much baseball.  This was brought about by the news headlines regarding performance-enhancing drugs, in particular, by Roger Clemens.  It was proven with DNA and from other people's testimonies that he had been injected with steroids and human growth hormone, but a jury acquitted him.  It was appalling!

But I digress.  We didn't give it up completely, but rarely watched or went to games for a while.  We have gotten back into the habit of watching again this season, and not only during the playoffs, lest we be called bandwagoners! Now our team is in the World Series for only the second time in the 55 years we've existed.  You can imagine how excited Houston fans are!  Not to mention that we have the best offensive player in the American League... Jose Altuve, this year's winner of the Hank Aaron Award.

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Enough about baseball, at least for now.  It's also Halloween today.  My students were fairly well-behaved today, considering.  Tomorrow, after the candy high, it may be another story.  I wonder what their favorite candy is?  And how many are actually dressing up?  The cutest costumes I saw today were posted by The Ellen Show:  little old ladies.  Aren't they adorable?

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And, how about a vampire CAT to round out this random post?  These are real teeth!  Here's an article about this unique cat.

Have a great week!

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Favorite Halloween Candy

What do kids want in their pumpkins this Halloween?

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1.  Smarties.  This little candy has been around a long time.  At one time, Smarties were banned from my school because kids were breaking it down to powder and snorting it. I bet it burned!

2.  Starburst.  Too sticky for me.

3.  Twix.  Yum!  Finally a good one.

4.  Nerds.  My comment?  WHY?

5.  Skittles.  Like Starburst, too sticky for me.

6.  Sour Patch Kids.  My own children like these (grown children, I should say).  Too sour.

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7.  M&Ms.  Now here's one I can really get behind.  I love the peanut butter M&Ms, and I like the regular and peanut M&Ms, too.

8.  Laffy Taffy.  My son likes this one.  Still too sticky for me.

9.  Tootsie Rolls.  I liked these as a kid, and my son loves them.  My dad loved them, too.

10. Kit Kat.  Here's another one I can support.

11. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  My second favorite after peanut butter M&Ms.

12. Twizzlers.  Not for me.  Again, they're sticky.

13. Candy Corn.  I normally don't like this candy, but I had some with peanuts mixed in, kind of like a trail mix, and it was delicious!

And there you have it:  the most popular candy ranked by kids and courtesy of Pop Sugar and Candy Crate.

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(Funny how Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, and Candy Corn made both lists!  Guess it depends on who you ask!)

For more Thursday 13, go here.

And for a bonus, here are America's favorite Halloween candies by state, thanks to Yahoo.

 Alabama – Candy Corn
 Alaska – Twix
Arizona – Snickers
 Arkansas – Jolly Ranchers
California – M&Ms
 Colorado – Milky Way
 Connecticut – Almond Joy
 Delaware – Life Savers
 Florida – Skittles
Georgia – Swedish Fish
Hawaii – Skittles
Idaho – Candy Corn
Illinois – Sour Patch Kids
Indiana – Hot Tamales
Iowa – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
 Kansas – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
 Kentucky – Tootsie Pops
 Louisiana – Lemonheads
 Maine – Sour Patch Kids
 Maryland – Milky Way
Massachusetts – Sour Patch Kids
Michigan – Candy Corn
Minnesota – Tootsie Pops
Mississippi – 3 Musketeers
Missouri – Milky Way
Montana – Double Bubble Gum
Nebraska – Sour Patch Kids
Nevada – Hershey Kisses
New Hampshire – Snickers
New Jersey – Skittles
New Mexico – Candy Corn
New York – Sour Patch Kids
North Carolina – M&M’s
North Dakota -Hot Tamales
 Ohio – Blow Pops
Oklahoma – Snickers
Oregon – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Pennsylvania – M&M’s
Rhode Island – Candy Corn
South Carolina – Candy Corn
South Dakota – Starburst
Tennessee – Tootsie Pops
Texas – Starburst
Utah – Jolly Ranchers
Vermont – Milky Way
Virginia – Snickers
Washington – Tootsie Pops
West Virginia – Blow Pops
Wisconsin – Starbursts
Wyoming – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
District of Columbia – M&Ms

What’s your favorite?


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Random Tuesday

I'm linking up with Stacy for some Random!

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Wow!  So much going on in the Houston area right now.  The Houston Astros are headed to the World Series.  The only other time they've been to the WS was in 2005, and they didn't win.  I hope they can do it this time.  For a team that's been together as long as they have, since 1962, it's unbelievable that they've only been one other time.  They are #earninghistory for sure!

And the Rockets home opener was this past Saturday, too.  They won 4 of 5 preseason games, and they have a 3-1 record in the regular season.  They even beat Golden State in the very first game of the season.  It looks to be a very exciting year..

This weekend, I also had the opportunity to see Gerry Brooks in person.  He came to Houston for "Celebrate Educators."  You may have seen some of his funny videos on Facebook or YouTube.  It's quite possible they won't seem funny unless you're a teacher or know a teacher well, but I think he's hilarious.  He's also funny in person, but he showed his serious side by reminding us the best ways to deal with colleagues, parents, and students.  And you know what the best part was?  Ending in prayer!  I thought that was awesome!

I wish my week had started off as well as my weekend... horrible headache!  But I'm going to have a great week anyway.  And you are, too!



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Sunday Synopsis

The Gray and Guilty Sea by Jack Nolte
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It took me a very long time to read this relatively short novel. And that's not good.

The protagonist is Garrison Gage. I had trouble remembering if Garrison or Gage was his first name. Gage is a former private investigator who has moved from New York to the small seaside town of Barnacle Bluffs, Oregon in an attempt to heal from the murder of his wife. When a girl's body washes up on the beach, Gage is the one who finds her. He is then pulled into a struggle between remaining anonymous in town (with the exception of a friend who is also a former FBI agent who owns a bookstore in Barnacle Bluffs) and returning to his career as a private investigator. As Gage gets deeper and deeper into the investigative work, he puts himself in danger.

While the story was okay, it was not riveting or keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, which was why it took me so long to read. It also had several typos and even grammar errors, which is a pet peeve of mine.

Another thing I found strange is that Gage was characterized in such a way that I thought he was an old man, maybe in his 60's. Then about halfway through the book, I find out he is about 40. I don't understand the way he was characterized. I also didn't like the way his romance with one of the other characters was written. The author appeared to be trying too hard to make it realistic, and it was not appealing.

The story was quite unrealistic and predictable. Apparently this is the first book in a series, but I doubt I will read any of the others. I just wasn't impressed with the author's ability to write, his writing style, or his lack of creativity. It was just "okay."

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Someday (Thursday Thirteen)

Today's post is brought to you by Wishful Thinking!

13 statements to complete "Someday..."
1. Someday I want to publish a piece of writing.
2. Someday I want a career other than teaching.

3. Someday I want to retire.
4. Someday I want to see my dad again. I guess that will be in Heaven.
5. Someday I want to sleep ALL DAY without feeling guilty about it.

6. Someday I want to feel thin.
7. Someday I want a hot tub and deck in my back yard, maybe even a pool.
8. Someday I would like to hire a housekeeper.
9. Someday I want to win an award voted by my peers.
10.Someday I would like to go to Europe (like my daughter).

11.Someday I want to sing and dance in front of an audience.
12.Someday I would like to be able to afford season tickets to see the Houston Rockets.
13.Someday I hope I don't have to worry about money.

Link up with Thursday Thirteen.

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Random Tuesday

I'm linking up with Stacy for Random Tuesday Thoughts.

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I had a pretty good weekend.  I was at a scrapbook retreat with my sister and about 20 other women, some of whom we knew, and some of who we now know.  And since it was a rather peaceful weekend, spending time doing something I love, Monday was a shock!

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Some of my students were completely nuts today!  A few were actually rude!  And my intern didn't get the papers graded - grades are due today at 4!  Eeeek!  Guess what I did for a long time last night?

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When I was at the post office getting stamps, I paid for them (using the automated machine because the windows were closed), and the machine said it was printing my postage.  I heard it printing, but my stamps never came out.  I bet there's little hope that they will actually believe me.

I needed to go to the bank to complete a transaction I can't do online.  I got to the bank exactly 1 minute before they closed.  They already had the glass door closed and the lights in the customer area turned off.  This teller just looked at me and said, "We're closed."  I'm thinking about changing banks.

PLUS, my car has been at the dealership for one day short of a week.  I finally was able to pick it up today.  They repaired my hood latch (recall) and they replaced my AC compressor, all warranty work, but they didn't fix the problem I took it in there for.  It's so frustrating!

I am SO GLAD Monday is over!

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Breast Cancer Awareness

October is the month to "pink out" in honor of breast cancer awareness.

 Houston is the home of MD Anderson Cancer Center, rated #1 in cancer treatment by US News. But more importantly, my mom is a survivor of breast cancer as is my mother-in-law, so this is a topic that hits close to home.

 Some facts:
1. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life.

2. With early detection and treatment, most people can lead a normal life.

3. Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide.

4. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer (which my mother has also had - early detection is important).

5. Hormone replacement therapy after menopause can lead to a higher risk of breast cancer.

 6. Death rates from cancer have decreased in the last 25 years.

7. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5 year relative survival rate is 100%.

8. The National Breast Cancer Foundation funds research for breast cancer treatments (MD Anderson is one of 3 centers that receive funds). They are having success with gene therapy that will hopefully lead to a vaccine.

9. There are about 400 cases of breast cancer in men each year.

10. Breast cancer risk doubles if a first degree relative has had breast cancer.

11. Symptoms vary: lumps (usually painless), swelling, skin changes such as dimpling, pain, redness or scaliness.

12. Diet is thought to play a part in some breast cancers. Obviously, no food will cure it, but when you're body is healthy and your immune system is boosted, your risk is lower.

13. There is NO scientific evidence to support the claims that antiperspirant (this is not my personal opinion) or bras increase your risk of cancer. There is also NO link between blood pressure medications and risk of breast cancer.

 My doctor recommends monthly self exams, yearly exams by your doctor, and mammograms starting at age 40. Think pink! Link up with Thursday Thirteen here.

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Random Tuesday

Stacy hosts Random Thoughts on Tuesday.

This day... October 10...

My dad passed away 13 years ago.

It was sudden.  He wasn't sick.  He was in good health, except for a subarachnoid hematoma that no one knew was in his brain.  His only symptom was a headache.

  He had even taken a CPR class at the fire station that morning.

My mom says I'm still in denial, and she's right.  If I don't accept it, maybe I can convince myself it's not true.  I never got to say goodbye.

And people will wonder, "Is she still not over it?"  Ummmm, no.

My role model, my hero, my pal, my father, my confidante.

And, as if this emotional roller coaster wasn't enough, I'm having other personal problems.  Life feels so insecure right now.  Perhaps I'm the type of person who needs to be alone.  I don't know.

So, here's a kitten picture to make you smile!

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Have a good week!

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(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Meet Sam Houston, aka The Raven

67 feet tall on a 10 foot base

Linking up with image-in-ing and Wordless Wednesday.

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Random Tuesday

Linking up with Stacy for some randomness.

Today is all about heavy sighs.

I had an 11 1/2 hour workday, had to teach 6 classes, cover plans for two teachers who are out on leave, speak to over 100 parents, and stand on my feet the majority of the time.  I was at home showering shortly thereafter, and I realized it was only Monday, not Tuesday.  Heavy sigh!

Las Vegas.  Heavy sigh.

I don't understand how people can hate a whole bunch of people they don't even know.  I don't understand how people can blame so much on other people that they lose sight of the fact that we are all human and we all have feelings.  We are all someone's child and/or parent.  It is impossible to blame all the hate on one person, and start taking responsibility for our own choices and feelings.  Put the "blame" on ourselves.  I just don't get it.  Heavy sigh!

More football protests.  I'm so over it.  Heavy sigh.

Kittens are cute!

Have a happy week!



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