Tag... you're it

I was tagged by Amanda

The Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the next three sentences.

5. Tag five people.

I thought I'd pick up my nicely autographed Stuart McLean book. Here goes:

"She was planning to do it after supper. But, before she could do that, the doorbell rang and there was Gerta - standing on the stoop with a wagon full of presents. Christmas cookies."

I tag:
Kim
Elenore
Crystal
Brandy
Wanda

Happy reading ladies!

Drat the blushing...

Yesterday, at convention, I went and saw Stuart McLean speak. (If you've never heard of Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe then you are seriously missing out.) I took one or our Stuart McLean books for him to sign. Like a blushing ten-year-old, I asked for an autograph. He was very pleasant and gracious and signed. I'm sure that I was as red as a tomato.

On Moral Education

It's teacher convention time. Today, I chose to go to a seminar about teaching the Holocaust in the morning. In the afternoon, I went to a seminar and Character building and Moral Education.

I believe that all of our children need to be taught values, virtues and morals. I believe we need to teach our children to view history from the point of view of the people who lived it and understand why they made the decisions that they made. I think we need to teach our children to see differences and look at the positive benefits of living in a society where individual differences are embraced and tolerated rather then subdued and "shushed".

It was a good day. It was good to get out of my classroom and to think about what I do.

This is a quote that happened to be in both seminars I was in. I don't believe things like this happen by chance. There's a lesson for me to learn in the words of Chaim Grinott.

"I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: Gas chambers built my learned engineers, children poisoned by educated physicians, infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and buried by high school and college graduates. So I am suspicious of education.

My request is:

Help your students become more human. Your efforts should never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated Eichmans. Reading, writing and arithmetic are important only if they serve to make children more humane."

Congratulations

My beautiful best friend Shiya and her Marshall got engaged on Saturday.
I take full credit for being the official matchmaker who invited Marshall to Canada Day fireworks while Shiya was visiting. I also cooked a darn good meal and hosted a fabulous fire-side conversation in order for them to "get to know" each other further.
After that, the ball was out of my court and Marshall did an amazing job of pursuing Shiya.
The wedding will be in August and I'm excited about my pretty dress!

See... for all you scoffers... match-making DOES work!

Succulent

Last night, we had an adventure in eating. We cooked some King Crab legs. We made some rice and a nice salad.
At first, we were a little nervous about the crustaceans in our dining room. Then, we tasted our first piece of sweet meat. I've never described meat as heavenly before but, these little pink guys were divine. I don't know who the first brave soul to eat a crab was but, the discovery is priceless.
Here are a few shots of our culinary journey. I also put in a shot of wrestling the Ferg (pink glove for protection). This is our every day, home from work routine. He's such an aggressive little guy!

Day of Love

I celebrated the Day of Love by wearing red and feeding my students cinnamon hearts.
Tonight, I will enjoy tacos and an episode of "The Wire" with my honey.
Nope, I don't expect roses today. I'd prefer them when they go on sale. I'd rather dine in our little home rather then try to brave the icy streets to eat in a crowded room with strangers.
We're just as happy and just as married as Hallmark advertises... we just don't have to make a big deal about it. (Besides, romance is more fun when it is spontaneous and not just an expectation because of the heart on the calendar.)
Yes, I suppose I am a Valentine's Scrooge. Bah Love Bug!

Why I'm refusing to cook

On Tuesday, at Care Group, Trevor and some guys decided to go skiing for the week-end. Not some day trip to the local hills but, to drive all the way to BC for some powder. The guys took off on Thursday after work and will be home sometime tonight. Another Trevor adventure.
The jealous part of me was mad. However, I realize that I should be a "good wife" and encourage my husband to have fun boy adventures. The rest of me is sad and a little lonely. It didn't help that I watched P.S. I Love You with a friend last night and balled my eyes out.
I refuse to cook for myself. I've been eating subs and pitas. Last night, before the movie, my friend and I dined at Wok Box. Tonight, my parents are taking me out for supper.
I know I'm being a baby but... I really hate cooking for just me. I had enough of that the 4 years I lived in Lanigan.

I've come to realize...

Stolen from 5 a 7

1. I've come to realize that my butt: still looks good in jeans but, swimsuits....?

2. I've come to realize that when I talk: I use my hands a lot.

3. I've come to realize that I need: to laugh often!

4. I've come to realize that I've lost: my black and white views of the world.

5. I've come to realize that I hate it when: kids overuse the word "got" in assignments.

6. I've come to realize that I have a crush on: Disney's Robin Hood... yes he's a fox but...

7. I've come to realize that the last time I cried was: a few days ago... I'm still a cry baby!

8. I've come to realize that my cell phone is: REALLY old!

9. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I brush my cat. Then, I stand in front of the mirror and zone out.

10. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I: need to take a shower.

11. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook: I'm all about the Scrabulous application and pictures.

12. I've come to realize that today I will: pick my Grandma up from the airport late at night!

13. I've come to realize that I really want to: have the security of a permanent contract. I really miss that!

14. I've come to realize love: is what makes my world go 'round.

15. I've come to realize my best guy friend: is equally as busy as I am and lives too far away.

16. I've come to realize my best girl friend: is in the middle of a sweet, whirlwind romance.

What have you realized lately?