Monday Meme

As always, got this from Mrs. Chili.

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course).
A fabulous kitchen with lots of storage for me, a “tech room” for Mr. Mamie (OK, and for me too!), a swimming pool.

2. What is your dream car?
 Volkswagen “Thing,” for having fun.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog?
 Hmmmm, lots to choose from… probably my state’s education network site, because of all the amazing resources. Nerd alert.

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want?
iPhone. If only Apple and Verizon could agree to be friends…

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Have fun on Facebook, peruse the books in the Amazon Kindle store and choose something enjoyable.

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate.
19th century English literature, perhaps? Also, cilantro – that seems to be a “love it or hate it” kind of thing, with no in-between.

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Calm, secure, and confident. Still waiting for it!

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance?
 No way, no how.


9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up? (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.)
My sixth grade teacher was awesome – I see a lot of him in how I now teach.  I also had several incredible teachers in high school – I was very fortunate!

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do?
I like Chili’s answer regarding insider trading; “something involving the acquisition of obscene amounts of money.”

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Teaching first grade in east Oakland; preparing to open a new school as a recipient of one of the first Gates Foundation education grants.

12. By this time next year, I …
Will have been back in the classroom for a year, and will be recovering from it!

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing?
I certainly hope so, and of course it will be a good thing. It’s time for our country to grow up!

14. Which fictional TV show character you would shag anytime?
Again, so many to choose from… Elliot from “Law and Order: SVU” comes to mind, as does Brenda’s husband Fritz from “The Closer.”  I like the two new Jacks in my life as well – from “Lost” and “24” (just getting into those, thanks for streaming Netflix).

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?
People with hidden agendas who manipulate situations and act disingenuously.

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?
We picked-up and returned The Little Mermaid to the airport in Las Vegas a week ago; the big thrill of this was a trip to Trader Joe’s while we were down there.

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
Mamie, and “Teeeeeeeeeeacher!”

19. What are you dreading at the moment?
Moving stuff out of my office, and cleaning the garage in order to organize my teacher-stuff. Oh, and also, all the LAMINATING that must be done (and subsequently, cut out).

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
Don’t really care all that much. It’s my blog; I get to say what I want. Don’t read it if it offends you.

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship.
Ineffective communication.

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
In the car with Mr. Mamie, eating toast during the morning drive into town for work.

23. Do you have any famous relatives?
Not that I know of.

24. How many different beverages have you drunk today?
Winder Farms fresh orange juice, Tazo iced green tea. That makes two.

25. What is something you are excited about?
Getting back into the classroom!

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
University course I taught last semester probably. I am guest speaking to another university class on Wednesday.

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Which glasses am I going to wear today?

28. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping! I am not a night owl.

29. What’s a word that you say a lot?
“Allrightythen!”

30. Who is your worst enemy?
The procrastination troll.