Book Review: Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

You guys.  This book is sooooooo great!  Oh my gosh, where do I start???  Okay, so Necessary Lies takes place in the 1960's in the South. This time period in historical fiction is actually my favorite to read about (ahem, The Help).  The chapters change from one main character to the other- the two main characters are Ivy and Jane.  Jane has just finished college and although she's about to get married she yearns for a career in social work.  After much persistence, her husband allows her to follow that dream--little does he know how involved Jane will become with her passion.

On the other hand, Ivy is a teenager growing up in a rural tobacco farm community.  Her father died in a farm accident and her mother was institutionalized as she was mentally handicapped.  Ivy lives at the farm in a shack with her grandmother, sister and nephew.  Her sister is just a few years older and was told after she had Baby William she had her appendix removed- little does she know she was actually sterilized and unable to have anymore children.

As Jane takes over her social work duties in this rural area, she is constantly battling with what's morally right and wrong.  When she's asked to petition for Ivy to be sterilized she could lose her job if she doesn't write it....but Ivy could lose her dream of having a family of her own.

I highly recommend this book.  It kept me guessing but was an easy read.  Excellent story and unbelievable that this was loosely based on fact.  5 stars from me! Necessary Lies

Have you read Wonder yet?

If you haven't read Wonder yet, it's time.  Don't put it off a second longer.  It doesn't matter what age you are, this book needs to be read and shared.  Wonder is by a first-time author, R.J. Palacio.  The main character is Auggie (August Pullman) and he has a facial deformity since birth.  Auggie is about to enter middle school and is going to mainstream public school for the first time since being home schooled his whole life.  This is a book about how Auggie survives his first year in middle school, how kids react to his differences and why you should always choose kind.

I read this book 1 year ago and it is still sticking with me!  I read it to both of my language arts classes and they loved it!  We laughed and cried together as I read it to them.  I also used it as a basis for my behavior management with them.  It is an excellent book.

In May I noticed there was something else......

The Julian Chapter is a spinoff from Wonder.  Julian is an awful character- a bully.  This is his chapter. It is interesting to see his side of the story, but I have to say, I never felt bad for him.  If anything this "chapter" made me dislike him even more.  I hate how his parents make excuses for his behavior....and being a teacher, I see this all the time.  I would say his chapter is worth reading (it's only available as an e-book right now and costs a mere $1.99) and next school year it will be something I share with my class after reading them Wonder.

Go read Wonder today and remember: choose kind.

Buy Wonder today!

Me & Reading

It's funny, I'm a reading teacher but I HATED reading growing up.  I'm not exaggerating.  I loathed it.  As a kid it was difficult having a sister who had a book glued to her hands at all time.  We would go to the library together and she would have a huge stack of books to plow through for the week and I would get maybe 1 or 2 but I wouldn't feel excited about anything I found.

I was never a terrible reader, I can't tell you when I learned to read or whether it was hard for me or not.  I don't think it was.  I don't recall having a tough time with it, I just really disliked it.  My main gripe looking back is the book lists.  We would have summer reading lists- books we were required to read over the summer.  We would also have book lists for the school year.  I don't recall having a choice in the matter.  THAT is what bothered me most.  I had no interest in any of the books I was made to read and therefore either didn't pay attention to them or didn't read them.  Somehow I got by.

I went to an all-girls Catholic school for high school.  In order to be admitted to the school there was an "interview" with the principal and my parents and myself.  I was honest with Sister Edward Mary, I told her I disliked reading.  But I remember her asking if there was anything at all I enjoyed to read.  It turns out there was one thing- magazines.  I always have liked the layout of a magazine, not too long, not too time consuming, high-interest articles, etc.  That was when I realized I don't hate reading, I just prefer to read something short on a topic I choose.  It wasn't until my senior year of high school when I had an amazing English teacher that I started wanting to read.  I found books I enjoyed and shared my list of to-reads with my teacher...something about her and her love of reading sparked my love for reading.

The love I discovered started slowly.  I would read a book here or there.  Then in the summers I would really take off with books.  Eventually I started reading "full-time," daily.  Most days it's how I wind down and relax before going to sleep.

I teach reading to let kids know that it's okay not to LOVE reading.  It's okay to have another subject to love, I did.  I also teach reading to help foster a love of reading in them.  I want to show them what I didn't get as a studentnever make my students read a book they don't want to- the trick is to get them to want to read what I'm having them read!  I've taught all subject areas and reading allows me to get to know my kiddos on a different level.  I find out their interests, what they love and hate.  I can connect with them through books which is really powerful.

Looking back now, it's funny to me that I didn't love reading, I sure do now!

Book Review: Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I often do.  If it doesn't grab my attention, chances are I don't pick it up.  This cover... can't you just smell the sweet salt air?!  I. Love. This. Cover.  It is so  New England!  

Okay, onto the book.  Let me preface this by saying when I chose this book I was in the mood for something light, beachy, summery, and somewhat easy to read.  That's exactly what I found with Sweet Salt Air.  There are two main characters in this book: Nicole and Charlotte.  Nicole is working on a cookbook with a theme of Quinnepeague Island woven through it.  Charlotte is her childhood best friend and she's invited her out to the island to help her write the cookbook.  While working on the cookbook they unearth some secrets hidden not only within the island but also between their friendship.  It is a story about friendship, loyalty, and love (for food, Maine, and also between people).  

This book drew me in from the beginning and I enjoyed every moment of it.  Go out and get this book now!

Buy Sweet Salt Air

Time for Transformation!

For a couple months I've been thinking about blogging more and more.  I read blogs on a daily basis and LOVE them but I sometimes  often lack inspiration to write my own.  After careful consideration I am revamping my blog.  I'm changing it to be all about reading... maybe a random post here or there, but reading it is.  You might find here a review of a book I've read, a list of my favorite books, a list of my least favorite books, lessons I've taught, and anything else involving books or reading.  I look forward to sharing my love of reading with all of you!

Oh, fall.....

....it seems the older I get the more I miss fall in Maine.  It's crazy, really.  I start thinking about fresh crisp apples picked right off the tree.  Visions of pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin ANYTHING dancing in my head.  Cool, crisp earthy-air.... warmer clothes and cold noses.  And oh, how I miss the changing of the leaves.  Fall in Maine is spectacular and man, am I homesick!

aaaahh.... work out!

So, I've had an on-again off-again relationship with the gym for about 3 years or so (or maybe my whole life).  I see the value in going and think it's important but sometimes my couch calls my name and I just don't wanna go!  Growing up I enjoyed sports and being outside.  I never really had to worry about weight-gain... I guess I was active enough to not have to worry about it.  I played basketball and softball, skied and rode my bike.  Most of my memories growing up involve something outdoors and active.  Somewhere between high school and now I've lost touch with my inner-athlete.  I guess I just didn't know what to do anymore.  It's not like I can go hop on my 10-speed and ride up and down the driveway like I used to!  I will say though since joining the Y 3 years or so ago I've learned to really enjoy (I don't know if I could say "LOVE" yet) some of the things I do.  I'm going to highlight 3 of them.

#1-- Spin

Not gunna lie- the first time I walked into the doors to the spin room I was a little intimidated.  I met the instructor, she set me up and THEN they turned the lights out!  A string of lights lit the room and the music was loud.  The first time I stood up on the pedals I thought I was going to be thrown from my bike--so at that point I was glad the lights were out!  ha.  After my first class I felt energized and I couldn't wait to go back.  (energized is NEVER the feeling I have anymore, I probably spent a lot of time just lost in the music and not doing what everyone else was doing!)  After returning and having the achiest butt ever I started to really like spin.  I got the hang of standing up and pedaling to the beat of the music.  Spin is one of my all-time favorite classes now...I even bought the spin shoes a year or so ago!  They say it burns close to 1,000 calories...but when I started wearing a HRM it tells me in the high 400's for a 35 minute class.  Not bad.  Not bad at all!

#2--Bootcamp

Ummmmm.... yeah.  Talk about intimidation.  Last spring Jamie (a fellow Y member and friend of mine) suggested I join her for boot camp.  My initial reaction was, NO WAY IN HELL.  Call me crazy, but the name alone scares the poop outta me.  I've peeked in the windows of boot camp before and they run around the room, lift weights, do push ups, jump rope....and all sorts of other crazy things that just don't look like fun to me.  I'll tell you, after the first boot camp I went to, I had NO desire to go back.  I was sore for like a week and getting up and down the stairs in my house was torture.  But I realized in my week-long-recovery that if I didn't go back I would go through that pain and agony when or if I returned.  And you know what?  I went back and the recovery time got shorter and shorter.  Sure, when I go I still get sore because the instructor makes us do all kinds of crazy things.  But it's a "good pain" when you're all done.... plus sometimes I'm more motivated when someone is making me do something!

#3--Body Pump

Man.... don't I look good in that pic?!  So body pump.... I discovered and fell instantly in love.  Yes, again I was sore for a week after my first experience but since then I've learned I need to go at least once a week to avoid it.  I love that we all get in this room and PUMP IRON!  Who wouldn't want to do that?  You feel so tough!!!  I also love that you work every muscle group in every class.  I also would LOVE for my body to be toned, so what better way?


So I've learned this-
1.  I do better in a class setting... where someone is helping to motivate me and keep me going.
2.  Music is powerful.  Lots of times if a good song comes on I don't even realize how hard I'm working.
3.  Working out is always better with friends, I wish more of mine went to the same gym as me.

Last but not least.... I will continue to harness my inner-athlete to stay fit and happy past my wedding day (which is a big motivator right now!).

Goals are good!

Day 3 is done!  I'm feeling better about my classroom and have open house tomorrow.  I've been sitting through a bunch of meetings and a day full of training so far this week.  Tomorrow will be great because I can work in my classroom the WHOLE day!

I have a couple goals this year.  They'll definitely affect both me and my students.

Goal #1: STAY organized. 

After unpacking ALL my stuff I'm usually pretty organized.  But give me a week or so and there's always stacks of THINGS everywhere (on my desk, my table, my filing cabinets, etc.).  This year I'm hoping to eliminate the clutter!  I got this idea from pinterest and LOVED stashing papers in the drawers so I wouldn't have to LOOK at them today!

Is it bothering you that the words "copy, file and grade" aren't lined up?  It is me, just a little!

Here are more items I have organized this week:

My books are all set up and categorized!

Supply cabinet... you shoulda' seen it before, it was embarrassing!

Goal #2: Get better at teaching word work and stick with it!

I have a plan in place for achieving this goal... it's definitely something I have yet to learn.  Funny, college is supposed to prepare you for your career--not in this case!  I have yet to see any trainings in my district regarding this topic, pretty disappointing.  This will help my students with spelling as well as decoding unknown words.  

Some other things I've done......

Do you know what a PAIN it is to hook these babies up?  I was sweating.

Calendar is done and I made some new signs for stuff always written on the board, more organizing!

Playing School

Driving to school on Wednesday I found myself getting a little excited!  I used to love to play 'school' when I was little.  I even had a chalkboard on my bedroom wall.  When I got older we replaced the chalkboard with a white board.  You could smell the Expo markers down the hall from my room... I shoulda' known then that it was in the cards for me to become a teacher!

This is the sight I saw when I walked into my classroom on Wednesday...

 That bookshelf with stuff on it was actually empty, so this shows a little progress, but not much!

We have to pack everything up every summer so our floors and room can be cleaned... look how shiny the floor is!  The first visit to the room is always overwhelming.... where to start?  Well, after I unpacked my personal bookshelf I decided the room needed a little sprucing up.  So I started my word wall....

 Our theme this year is rock 'n roll, love this border Kristin found me!

Not the best photo, but you get the idea!

I downloaded this rock 'n roll font and LOVE it!

This was actually two days of work.  Also on the second day I started a second bulletin board.  Not sure what it will be used for, maybe something to go along with The Daily 5???  Who knows.

 I'm really into the zebra print... and of course my favorite color!

That's all for now.... next week I'll be back to the regular schedule.  Open house is next week so my room will be perfect by then!  I guess I still love to play 'school'!!

1 week left....

So I went from being SAD that the school year ended to comfortable with summer to NOT ready to go back to I want to go in right now!  What a roller coaster.  If only I could get into my classroom today and start 'playing!'

This hasn't been my typical summer vacation.  I usually go on a trip or two to visit friends or family.  But since we're wedding planning I decided I should be responsible and work at Menchie's.  I love Menchie's- trust me- but it just hasn't felt like 'vacation.'  I did take one full week off to enjoy my family and to get away with Adam...and that just made me want MORE summer!  However, in the past week I've found some teaching blogs and they're sparking some teachery-thoughts and creativity.  I'm almost thinking I might want to focus MY blog on the teaching aspect of my life.  I'll think about it, we'll see!

Here's one I found... I'm wondering if this writer lives in FL and where she teaches!

Oh Happy Day


Here's the second... I love the printables she includes.  I'll be using a bunch of her ideas this year!

Create Teach Share

Have you heard it's raining in Florida???

I don't know if you've heard but there's some Tropical Storm (ahem, Debby) lingering over Florida.  Us Floridians are used to a summer shower each day lasting maybe an hour.  Well, the sun hasn't shown her face in something like 3 days now, or is it 4?  I've lost track.  This is getting a little ridiculous I must say.  (Notice the pool is close to overflowing??  They must've drained it because I'm sure the 200 inches of rain we've gotten should've made it go overboard by now.)   So in an effort to keep from going insane I'm going to make YOU a list of what to do on a rainy day!  Enjoy.

1. Read & finish 50 Shades of Grey

2.  Whine about the fact that you don't have book 2 yet.

3. Make brownies.... this isn't good when you're trying to lose weight for your wedding 8 months away.... but hey, you still have 8 months!

4. Play ball with your dog, indoors.  (Although this sounds unsafe, it just requires a little throw in the living room, just be sure not to hit the tv.)

5. Look through the pantry and fridge about 500 times for a snack.

6.  Watch tv... anything will do, but reality is the best kind.

7.  Try reading another book that's not book 2, all the while wishing Mr. Grey were the main character.

8.  Watch the rain fall sideways.

9.  Look through the fridge again.

10. Go to the gym because you need to work off said brownies.

11. Go on FB and post about the rain.

12.  Read favorite blogs online.

13.  Check to see if the pool is overflowing.

14.  Shop online because it's too much work with an umbrella.

15. Write a blog post.

New Salad!

Have you ever made a new recipe, been excited to try something new for a change, and have it totally FLOP?!  Well, that won't happen with this one!!!  This morning I was looking for some new healthy options--it's time to think about my wedding 'bod.  I love salads and hate to admit that I fall back on the basic green salad far too often.  But this salad is much different!  What defines a salad anyway???  This particular one could make a delicious lunch (that's what I'm doing with leftovers tomorrow), a side for grilled chicken (which I did tonight), a salsa for a chicken taco...... the options are endless.  I halved the recipe, because I knew Adam wouldn't like it and it was plenty for my side dish and there's a bunch leftover for lunch and probably dinner tomorrow too.  I also subbed vidalia onions for the red onions (because I like them better.... and next time I'll probably go lighter on the onions).  The heat was PERFECT (except when I bit right into a jalapeno).  Do yourself a favor and go make this Grilled Corn Salad!!!

What a year!

In 1 short week this school year comes to an end.  I'm usually counting down the days until summer vacation and freedom and sleeping in.... but instead this year I'm feeling a little nostalgic and sentimental!  Unlike most people I feel like my YEAR begins in August and ends in June.  This year in particular has been really great, here are some reason's why:

• BEST class E.V.E.R.  ....no seriously, ever.  

• Adam proposed, obviously!  

• Adam graduated (although this wasn't MY accomplishment, I was by his side everyday!)

• Renata gave me a new nephew!

• I made my first Thanksgiving Turkey and meal to accompany it....mmmm turkey.

• Adam and I made new friends with my new next-door-school-neighbor (Lindsay and Ronnie).
• It wasn't just that my students ROCKED this year, it was their self-motivation... i LOVED it!

• We started wedding planning, yay!
• New Years trip to Savannah, 4 words: Paula Dean's Pot Pie.  yum.

• I got to visit Maine and all the people I love there.

I'm sure there were plenty more things that happened, but those are the few that stand out :)  I'll be sad to see this "year" end..... but SO happy it all happened the way it did.  xo

What happened???

I was doing so well posting for a few days there.... then I was less than inspired.  BUT.... here's some fun news.... I planted cucumbers back in April and look at the progress!

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

Week 7:

So far there aren't any cucumbers or buds for flowers, but I think they'll be coming soon.  It's so fun to see their progress each week.  What will I make with all my cukes?!

Oh Baby!

Goosebumps.  That's what I had when I got a text last week from my oldest friend telling me she was at the hospital in labor.  For the following 10 or so hours I was checking my phone to find out... BOY or GIRL?!  I was convinced Renata was having a girl.  I had dreams about it and the closer she got to her due date I just knew it was a girl.  Well, BOY was I wrong!  She now has a beautiful baby boy, Parker Maxwell.  I cannot express the feelings I had when she called to tell me she was a mommy-ecstatic, proud, psyched, giddy, sentimental.   Going to visit her new little family was definitely the highlight of last week for me.  I went down to meet Parker on Friday and spent 2 hours holding his sweet self.

Renata has always been baby-crazy and I knew she'd be a great mom.  Just days into actual motherhood and she's a natural.  Patrick admitted to me the nerves leading up to Parker's birthday, but said now it's all worth it.  He's doing an amazing job helping out as much as he can... changing diapers, getting Parker to stop crying once I mess with him....

Needless to say, I have one sweet new nephew and he has some great parents!  Love you guys!

Grilled Wings

Okay, so Adam requested wings this week on the new grill.  I was pretty psyched... it's something different from what we normally grill, plus I LOVE wings!  I don't know that I've ever grilled any before and I have to say I was slightly mortified when I pulled them out of the nice neat package and they looked like this:

Gross!  But nothing a couple glasses of Pinot Grigio can't fix...

I sprinkled the wings with just a little salt, pepper, and garlic...just like mom and dad make.  Crossed my fingers and hoped for the best!

This is when they started to look good!  I grilled them on medium/low heat for 20ish minutes... until they looked like this:

Although I had some reservations, these wings turned out delicious!  They were good just like this and also I dipped some in blue cheese and hot sauce.