And I am completely enjoying getting my Harry Connick Jr fix every week on American Idol!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Music Monday
Probably should have posted this before Valentine's Day. Oh well, still a good song!
And I am completely enjoying getting my Harry Connick Jr fix every week on American Idol!
And I am completely enjoying getting my Harry Connick Jr fix every week on American Idol!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Friday Five
Alright, alright, I know it's not really Friday. I am usually SO exhausted on Friday evening that I just barely manage to stay awake long enough to eat dinner. But I like the alliteration, so Friday Five it will remain...even if it really is Sunday.
Here's this week in a nutshell:
1) Another dear friend started chemo this week. I am grateful to have been through this process so that I can answer any and all questions that she has, but her having cancer really makes me angry. This cancer thing is complete crap folks. COMPLETE. CRAP. As in, it's high time we started spending large sums of money on RESEARCH. Not "cancer awareness" but actual RESEARCH. (I will be ranting on this topic another day...I have lots to say). Grrrr.
2) I got an adorable hand-drawn "thank you" POSTER from a student. She was really grateful for the presentation that I gave her class about good books to read. WOW! If that doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will!
3) The Relay for Life people changed the date, and then changed it back to the original one. There was a flurry of completely unorganized emails from them for about a week. All is settled now, and apologies abound, but they were driving me crazy for awhile. If I didn't want to participate in this SO BADLY, I'd be tempted to try again next year. But all is good, and there's still some spots on the team if you're considering joining!! And the date really is June 7, 2014. And they promise not to change it again.
4) The daughter talked me into doing the Hot Chocolate 5K next Sunday...as in the one coming up in 7 days. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Now it seems like the CRAZIEST idea I have EVER had. Oh, we will be walking this 5K, there is no doubt of that. But we will finish!
5) This week, every book I read was about some kid with cancer (or other life-threatening illness). Seriously, I did not plan this, and didn't really even know what any of them were about when I opened them up. But I definitely cried while reading one of them, and had some flashbacks while reading all of them. And Keith laughed at me for continuing to read them all since I was clearly bringing the punishment on myself. It was REALLY hard to read them, but I also couldn't stop. It's like a trainwreck...I couldn't look away.
Here's this week in a nutshell:
1) Another dear friend started chemo this week. I am grateful to have been through this process so that I can answer any and all questions that she has, but her having cancer really makes me angry. This cancer thing is complete crap folks. COMPLETE. CRAP. As in, it's high time we started spending large sums of money on RESEARCH. Not "cancer awareness" but actual RESEARCH. (I will be ranting on this topic another day...I have lots to say). Grrrr.
2) I got an adorable hand-drawn "thank you" POSTER from a student. She was really grateful for the presentation that I gave her class about good books to read. WOW! If that doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will!
3) The Relay for Life people changed the date, and then changed it back to the original one. There was a flurry of completely unorganized emails from them for about a week. All is settled now, and apologies abound, but they were driving me crazy for awhile. If I didn't want to participate in this SO BADLY, I'd be tempted to try again next year. But all is good, and there's still some spots on the team if you're considering joining!! And the date really is June 7, 2014. And they promise not to change it again.
4) The daughter talked me into doing the Hot Chocolate 5K next Sunday...as in the one coming up in 7 days. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Now it seems like the CRAZIEST idea I have EVER had. Oh, we will be walking this 5K, there is no doubt of that. But we will finish!
5) This week, every book I read was about some kid with cancer (or other life-threatening illness). Seriously, I did not plan this, and didn't really even know what any of them were about when I opened them up. But I definitely cried while reading one of them, and had some flashbacks while reading all of them. And Keith laughed at me for continuing to read them all since I was clearly bringing the punishment on myself. It was REALLY hard to read them, but I also couldn't stop. It's like a trainwreck...I couldn't look away.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Music Monday
Always a fan of U2, I was so grateful that a friend alerted me that the video for their newest song was released this past week. And they'll be on the new Tonight Show tonight.
Enjoy!
And this is also a reminder to get me your music recommendations!
Enjoy!
And this is also a reminder to get me your music recommendations!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Friday Five
Wow, these Fridays just keep getting closer and closer together. Didn't I just write a Friday Five last week??
So here's my life in a nutshell this week.
1) Monday started with a special "just because/Pay It Forward" treat from a friend: my favorite cupcake AND a book! She wanted to make sure my week started off on a good note. YEAH! Just what I needed (and don't tell anyone, but I ate that cupcake for breakfast...because, why not?!). And I was so excited for the book she picked. Not because I hadn't read it (I actually had...it's one of my favorites that I'm ALWAYS book talking to students), but because I LOVE the book so much and it made my heart happy to see someone else recommending it. It's a quiet little gem of a book that I really think everyone should read. And I was given permission to pass it along, so I promise you will see it out in the world soon. Just deciding who gets it first. (FYI, if you'd like in on the Pay it Forward challenge, there's still time! Comment here, email me, message me on Facebook. I'm taking any and all who want to pay kindness forward...doesn't matter where you live. And it's not about wanting a small something from me. It's about wanting to pay the kindness forward to others and keep the magic going!)
2) Was so grateful for a 3-day work week this week. This working thing is kicking my ass. Four hour naps every other day just are not a functional way to live. Then you tack on the fact that the insomnia keeps me up until 3am every night (I'm sure the four hour naps contribute to that as well), and I am just ALWAYS TIRED. ALWAYS! Spent Thursday and Friday SITTING ON MY ASS. Watching Olympics, reading books, and playing a crazy game that the daughter got me addicted to. Need all these mindless activities to distract me from what I should really be doing (cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning).
3) I hate PTSD. And menopause. And the fact that I have both. I will spare you the gory details for now, but when I actually kill people or run over small children or start beating the dog, I don't want anyone to be surprised. Cancer...the gift that just keeps giving...
4) Celebrated a friend's 50th birthday this week. A casual event, but so fun. And reminds me that birthdays (and anniversaries, and major life events) are meant to be celebrated! And enjoyed! And spent with those you love! Don't forget this people! EVER! I was actually thinking what an awesome birthday party I was going to throw for myself this year...and then I realized that I was going to be in Vegas for my birthday (because of a library conference). So, I'll definitely be celebrating. But might have to do something before the actual date with all of you...hmmm...
5) I was asked about how my world view has changed since cancer/treatments this week, and I've been trying to construct a coherent answer ever since. It is really something to think about because there are SO MANY THINGS that I just don't give a crap about anymore because these things are not really important. And it's very hard to explain to anyone that has not gone through this type of experience. And I read several books this week (unintentionally) where the main character has cancer and it brought all these emotions back to the forefront (well, that's a lie...those emotions are always there). So, I'm not really answering the question here, but I think that I will do a separate post on the topic soon. I'm still pondering how best to phrase it...
So here's my life in a nutshell this week.
1) Monday started with a special "just because/Pay It Forward" treat from a friend: my favorite cupcake AND a book! She wanted to make sure my week started off on a good note. YEAH! Just what I needed (and don't tell anyone, but I ate that cupcake for breakfast...because, why not?!). And I was so excited for the book she picked. Not because I hadn't read it (I actually had...it's one of my favorites that I'm ALWAYS book talking to students), but because I LOVE the book so much and it made my heart happy to see someone else recommending it. It's a quiet little gem of a book that I really think everyone should read. And I was given permission to pass it along, so I promise you will see it out in the world soon. Just deciding who gets it first. (FYI, if you'd like in on the Pay it Forward challenge, there's still time! Comment here, email me, message me on Facebook. I'm taking any and all who want to pay kindness forward...doesn't matter where you live. And it's not about wanting a small something from me. It's about wanting to pay the kindness forward to others and keep the magic going!)
2) Was so grateful for a 3-day work week this week. This working thing is kicking my ass. Four hour naps every other day just are not a functional way to live. Then you tack on the fact that the insomnia keeps me up until 3am every night (I'm sure the four hour naps contribute to that as well), and I am just ALWAYS TIRED. ALWAYS! Spent Thursday and Friday SITTING ON MY ASS. Watching Olympics, reading books, and playing a crazy game that the daughter got me addicted to. Need all these mindless activities to distract me from what I should really be doing (cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning).
3) I hate PTSD. And menopause. And the fact that I have both. I will spare you the gory details for now, but when I actually kill people or run over small children or start beating the dog, I don't want anyone to be surprised. Cancer...the gift that just keeps giving...
4) Celebrated a friend's 50th birthday this week. A casual event, but so fun. And reminds me that birthdays (and anniversaries, and major life events) are meant to be celebrated! And enjoyed! And spent with those you love! Don't forget this people! EVER! I was actually thinking what an awesome birthday party I was going to throw for myself this year...and then I realized that I was going to be in Vegas for my birthday (because of a library conference). So, I'll definitely be celebrating. But might have to do something before the actual date with all of you...hmmm...
5) I was asked about how my world view has changed since cancer/treatments this week, and I've been trying to construct a coherent answer ever since. It is really something to think about because there are SO MANY THINGS that I just don't give a crap about anymore because these things are not really important. And it's very hard to explain to anyone that has not gone through this type of experience. And I read several books this week (unintentionally) where the main character has cancer and it brought all these emotions back to the forefront (well, that's a lie...those emotions are always there). So, I'm not really answering the question here, but I think that I will do a separate post on the topic soon. I'm still pondering how best to phrase it...
Monday, February 10, 2014
Music Monday
I watched the tribute to the Beatles last night and it was incredible. Didn't even make me sad that I was missing the Olympic coverage.
As this is one of my personal Beatles favorites, sung by one of my favorite artists, I thought this was a perfect Music Monday song this week!
Enjoy!
As this is one of my personal Beatles favorites, sung by one of my favorite artists, I thought this was a perfect Music Monday song this week!
Enjoy!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday Five
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly this week:
1) I had a panic attack on Monday while teaching a class. It was awesome (NOT!). Real and true panic attack. Thankful for my friend who's class it happened to be and could roll with the punches. Fun times all around folks...
2) Wednesday was the parade celebrating the Seahawks Super Bowl victory. MANY people skipped work and school that day to attend. I had no plans of attending for a variety of reasons: see above mention of panic attack...this crowd of people would likely set off another one; there is no way that I could have stood up that long; it was FREEZING COLD out.
However, the teenage boy wanted to skip school to attend with some friends. Her prepared a very cogent argument on why he should skip school, and even smartly included words/phrases like "life is too short." Good job! Bonus points! Absolutely! Go...have fun...don't freeze to death. Yep, I've become that parent.
3) The Olympics have started! YEAH! Time to spend every waking moment watching sports. Luckily I also read while this is going on, so I get to spend quite a bit of time doing my two favorite things. Now, if only it would motivate me to workout...
4) Will there ever be a time when I am not tired/sore/angry/all of the above? By Friday afternoon I REALLY want to die. And I hate everyone and everything. Keith and I went to a movie and dinner on Friday night and I knew that it was going to be a struggle to stay awake. Luckily, the movie was INCREDIBLE. However, I was SO tired that I was yawning throughout the show. And so very stiff and sore sitting in the seat for that long, after working all week (and being on my feet all day Friday). Watching me get out of that seat after the movie was over was a sight to behold I'm sure.
5) Cancer is really isolating. For a lot of reasons. And I won't spend the time right now waxing poetic on the how and why, but this week I really felt the ramifications of being so sick for so long. It's really hard to get back out into the world.
Another bonus one:
6) Tuesday was World Cancer Day. Thanks to all of you that turned your Facebook/Twitter profiles purple in honor of Cancer Survivors! It was great to see so much purple! And feel the support!
1) I had a panic attack on Monday while teaching a class. It was awesome (NOT!). Real and true panic attack. Thankful for my friend who's class it happened to be and could roll with the punches. Fun times all around folks...
2) Wednesday was the parade celebrating the Seahawks Super Bowl victory. MANY people skipped work and school that day to attend. I had no plans of attending for a variety of reasons: see above mention of panic attack...this crowd of people would likely set off another one; there is no way that I could have stood up that long; it was FREEZING COLD out.
However, the teenage boy wanted to skip school to attend with some friends. Her prepared a very cogent argument on why he should skip school, and even smartly included words/phrases like "life is too short." Good job! Bonus points! Absolutely! Go...have fun...don't freeze to death. Yep, I've become that parent.
3) The Olympics have started! YEAH! Time to spend every waking moment watching sports. Luckily I also read while this is going on, so I get to spend quite a bit of time doing my two favorite things. Now, if only it would motivate me to workout...
4) Will there ever be a time when I am not tired/sore/angry/all of the above? By Friday afternoon I REALLY want to die. And I hate everyone and everything. Keith and I went to a movie and dinner on Friday night and I knew that it was going to be a struggle to stay awake. Luckily, the movie was INCREDIBLE. However, I was SO tired that I was yawning throughout the show. And so very stiff and sore sitting in the seat for that long, after working all week (and being on my feet all day Friday). Watching me get out of that seat after the movie was over was a sight to behold I'm sure.
5) Cancer is really isolating. For a lot of reasons. And I won't spend the time right now waxing poetic on the how and why, but this week I really felt the ramifications of being so sick for so long. It's really hard to get back out into the world.
Another bonus one:
6) Tuesday was World Cancer Day. Thanks to all of you that turned your Facebook/Twitter profiles purple in honor of Cancer Survivors! It was great to see so much purple! And feel the support!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
World Cancer Day
Today is World Cancer Day!
Yeah, I didn't know there was such thing either, but I can get behind this.
Purple is the color of cancer survivors (and even if I don't know if I'm supposed to call myself one, I'm gonna run with it).
In honor of WCD and cancer survivors everywhere, Chevrolet is making a $1 donation to the American Cancer Society for every Facebook/Twitter profile that is turned purple (up to $1,000,000). Are you on either of these social networking sites??? PLEASE click here to find the link to participate and TURN YOUR PROFILE PURPLE!
Yeah, I didn't know there was such thing either, but I can get behind this.
Purple is the color of cancer survivors (and even if I don't know if I'm supposed to call myself one, I'm gonna run with it).
In honor of WCD and cancer survivors everywhere, Chevrolet is making a $1 donation to the American Cancer Society for every Facebook/Twitter profile that is turned purple (up to $1,000,000). Are you on either of these social networking sites??? PLEASE click here to find the link to participate and TURN YOUR PROFILE PURPLE!
Did you see the Chevrolet Super Bowl commercial advertising this? I have had that car ride with Keith before...many times...
Monday, February 3, 2014
Music Monday
I saw a friend post this video on Facebook the other day and thought it would make a good Music Monday! And it's from Despicable Me 2, which is one of our new favorite funny movies here in the Yusko family.
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