BFFs know us best! #sol19

I was having one of those days.  As Judith Viorst’s Alexander would say, “It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.” Like Alexander, I was ready to move to Australia.

Then, my cell phone rang and I saw my best friend’s name on the screen, instantly making the day immediately seem better, a feeling amplified when I actually heard the sound of his voice on the phone.  After listening to me recount every little detail about why my day had been so horrible, he asked if there was anything that he could do for me.  When I said no, he then made the perfect suggestion.

“Jen, I think that you need to go get a book and curl up somewhere and just read for a while.” I paused for a moment to think about his suggestion.  He went on to say that I needed some time just to relax and he knows how I am about getting lost in a good book.  We chatted for a little longer, but as soon as the call ended, I grabbed my Kindle, selected a book, and curled up to read.  Before long, the worries of the day had vanished as I delved into the story and I was no longer feeling frazzled.  My best friend was right.  A little bibliotherapy was all that I needed!

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Distracted by books #sol19

Last week, I participated in a series of professional development sessions on project-based learning offered by my school division.  The sessions were held in our middle school’s library, and honestly, that was the absolute worst place for me.  This setting was such a huge problem for me because I was distracted every time I had to get up and move away from my table.  Each time that I left my seat, my eyes wandered to the book shelves and I started looking at all of the different titles.  Sometimes, I saw beloved favorites, while other times, I noticed books that were on my TBR list.  Several times, I had to stop myself from reaching out and pulling a book from a shelf.  It took a lot of willpower not to pick up a book and start reading during our breaks throughout the day.  I had to really concentrate on ignoring the smorgasbord of books that surrounded me and tempted me.  When the week finally concluded, though, I had a list of books to read and time to enjoy them!

Currently #sol19

Today has been a busy day.  I’m involved in division-based professional development all week, teaching an online course, and participated in the first evening of Jen Laffin’s Focus on Fiction workshop.  As a result, when it came time to slice, I found myself falling back on an old favorite, the “Currently” slice.

Currently, I am…

thinking about…the Rice Krispy treats in the kitchen.

hoping that…there will be something to watch on t.v. later.

reading…other slices

writing…my slice

eating…nothing right now, but I really want one of those Rice Krispy treats.

drinking…water.

wearing…one of my favorite bracelets.

enjoying…a relaxing evening.

feeling…tired…but the good kind of tired that you feel after accomplishing a lot

watching…the blinking cursor.

 

 

 

 

 

A Lesson Learned #sol19

I spent some time outside yesterday doing some chores in the backyard.  I removed a bracelet and rings before working outside, but didn’t think about my necklace.  It’s a small silver medallion with my initials.  The medallion is made so that it is open in the spaces between my initials.  I’ve worn it ever since my birthday last month and have gotten so used to wearing the necklace so it didn’t occur to me to take it off.

I worked outside for about an hour or so and got a lot accomplished.  After I went back inside the house, I didn’t really think about my time in the sun until later in the evening when I looked in the mirror and I noticed something that surprised me.  My scalp and my nose were both a little pink, but then when I looked down, everything was pink except for a a perfect pale circle where my necklace had rested.

So, I learned a lesson from my time in the sun yesterday.  Always, always, always take off any necklaces unless you want some interesting tan lines!

An Unexpected Birthday Treat #sol19

My birthday was last Thursday and it was a wonderful day filled with a lot of celebrating.  My family loves to go all out for birthdays, and this one was no exception!

We went out for a late breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants and just as I prepared to take the last bite of my omelette, I heard the clapping and singing begin.  Soon, I was surrounded by at least eight people wishing me a happy birthday.  Then, after being serenaded, I was presented with a dish of ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries.  Now I had just consumed an omelette and hash browns, but I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it), so I bravely picked up a spoon and started in on the treat.  The ice cream was pure perfection and it didn’t seem to matter that I’d just eaten breakfast.  I enjoyed every bite and did manage to share a few (okay, maybe just one or two) bites with my family:)

Do I Have Too Many Books? #sol19

Last weekend, I had my first real vacation in years.  This trip was not tied to any conference, workshop, or other PD experience.  It was three days when I could do whatever I wanted and was not limited by schedules or anything and it was wonderful!

I love history, so I spent some time exploring historical spots such as Mount Vernon and the battlefield at Manassas.  During my tours, I found time to explore the gift shops and immediately focused on books.  However, as I scoped out the different titles, I noticed that many of the titles were already in my Kindle or on my bookshelves at home.  I mumbled “Got it, Got it,  Got it, Read it, Read it,” over and over.  At the last gift shop, I finally asked myself if I had too many books.  After a brief moment of consideration, I laughed at myself for even asking that question.  Of course I don’t have too many books! What a ridiculous question! In fact, I discovered a book about Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison that I can’t wait to dig in to!

Song Poetry #sol19

I didn’t know what I wanted to write about today.  I’d thought about my slice all day and struggled.  I think that slicing is often more challenging once school’s out because so often, school provides fodder for my writing.  I’ve discovered that I enjoy writing poetry, so I decided to spend some time writing poems based on the song titles in my music library.  The song titles are in blue.  The other words are ones that I added.

Dear Younger Me,

I Can Only Imagine

My Story

I Trust In You

Because You Say

Everything Comes Alive

And that I need to Cast My Cares

On Your Shoulders.

Press On

Through It All

Because you will Glow in the Dark.