The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I've just completed my first book for 2010 - "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Originally, Shaffer was writing the book, but when she took ill, her niece Barrows helped her finish. Shaffer ended up passing away in February 2008.

The story takes place in 1946, Juliet Ashton is a writer in London. She gets a letter from a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. (Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands located south of England in the English Channel.) From this, Juliet gets caught up in learning of the experiences of the people of Guernsey Island during the German invasion of World War II. Elizabeth, a young lady who fell in love with a German soldier, gave birth to his daughter, and was sent away to German prison camp, is the connective fiber between all of the Guernsey Island people. From the letters and her visit to Guernsey, Juliet finds her next writing topic, a book about Elizabeth and her experiences.

This book is really just a collection of letters to and from Juliet...... to her best friend Sophie.... to Sophie's brother and her editor, Sydney..... to the dashing Markham Reynolds, who is trying to woo Juliet..... to the many people of Guernsey.......

You'll have to read the book to find out what happens...... what is a potato peel pie? Does Markham win Juliet's heart? What happens after she visits Guernsey? Do we ever learn what happened to Elizabeth?

This is a fabulous and a pretty quick read, when it was over, I wished there was more to read. I think this would make a perfect book for Richardson Reads One Book in September..... in case any of you are listening.

Mo's Review:
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows, (2008, 274 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Nine (2009)

Today, I went to see the musical "Nine." I wasn't sure about it, as I've heard mixed reviews from both critics and my friends. But as I love musicals, I wanted to see it and be my own judge.

The film revolves around Guido (Daniel Day-Lewis), an Italian director who can't come up with his next movie; despite the fact they are to begin shooting in ten days. As Guido desperately tries to figure out his movie, he interacts with the various women in his life: his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his mistress Carla (Penelope Cruz), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), his costume designer & producer Lilli (Dame Judi Dench), the American reporter Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and his Mamma (Sophia Loren). Throughout the movie, his relationships with these women evolve and change, some more than others.

Daniel Day-Lewis is a good actor - he makes you believe he is whatever character that he plays. I thought Marion Cotillard was fabulous, but I couldn't get over my disdain for Penelope Cruz (Vanilla Sky ruined her in my eyes). Kate Hudson was fabulous in a very small role as well. Fergie did a great job as Seraghina, the woman who introduces Guido (as a boy) to sex. Her song "Be Italian" is one of my favorites (as is Kate Hudson's "Cinema Italiano.") I've downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes - I enjoyed the music. The costumes and dance numbers were great as well.

I liked this movie - I need to see it again because I think I may have missed some things. If you like musicals, you'll like this movie.

Mo's Review:
Nine (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

New Year - New Blog!!

As you probably can tell, I'm really into the New Year this year!! 2010 rocks!!

With the new year, I thought I'd make some changes to my blog. I've changed the background and I love it. (Ed.'s note: If you've ever been in my office at school, you'll know why I love it!)

I've collapsed my books and movies from 2009 and just left my favorites up there for you to look at in case you need a book or movie to kill some time.

I've decided that I'm going to use my blog to review books and movies that I like in hopes that you may find the information helpful.

I'm canning the 50 books a year challenge, I haven't made it yet. I'd rather read fewer books of substance that a bunch of fluff to make my goal.

I love comments, thoughts, and ideas - don't be afraid to share!!

Suggestions for 2010

Happy New Year!! This is an exciting year for me - I leave my 30's and embark upon my 40's. I really can't wait. The 30's have been a time of personal and professional growth, I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. Back then, I was still living in Florida, teaching in my inner-city school, and trying to figure out who the hell I was and where I was going in life. The last 10 years have been a crazy ride!!

I don't do resolutions, because they seem to get broken before February 1st. I make suggestions, so here are my suggestions for 2010:

1. Lose weight.
2. Get a physical.
3. Travel.
4. Read.
5. Exercise.
6. Determine my next career path and get going.
7. Cultivate new/maintain old friendships.
8. Give back through volunteering.
9. No regrets.
10. Be Happy!!

Pretty simple and straightforward, eh? Meet me back here on December 31 and we'll see how I do!!

Happy New Year!

2009 - How Did I Do?

You may or may not remember, but last NY's Day, I made 5 "Suggestions" for myself, rather than resolutions. I think it's time to check in and see how I did......

Suggestion #1: Increase my physical health - this includes exercising more and eating less. (Ed.'s note: Notice I don't say diet? I will surely fail if I do.) In addition, I will go to my regularly scheduled doctor wellness exams instead of waiting for something to be wrong with me to get medical attention. If our body is a temple, then my temple is in need of one massive Extreme Home Makeover and this is the year it's gonna happen.
Result: Tanked - I totally sucked at this one. Not even gonna try and sugar coat it.

Suggestion #2: Increase my mental/emotional health - this includes writing in my gratitude journal DAILY and not just when I'm drunk and in the "I love everyone" mode. Having good relationships with clear boundaries is also important. Making sure I don't sloth too much and interact with society (besides through the computer) will be a focus too.
Result: Not too shabby - I did work on my relationships and boundaries this year. I didn't sloth as much and I got out more. I worked my gratitude journal, maybe not daily, but most days.

Suggestion #3: Read for pleasure, knowledge, and growth - both personal and professional. My goal will be 50 books again this year and I hope to reach it.
Result: I ended up reading 41 books this year. Not as many as last year, but in my defense, I read many 400+ page books this year. I already have my stack developing for 2010 and with my Kindle, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble gift certificates, I will continue reading!

Suggestion #4: Instead of talking about it, do it. I've wanted to see Mount Rushmore and South Dakota, so I'm going. No more shouldas, wouldas, couldas... if it's possible, then I will work toward it.
Result: I did do a bit of travelling this year : Hot Springs, Summer Road Trip (OK, KS, NE, SD, WY, CO, NM), Austin, Salado/Gruene, NY/NJ. I saw more shows and kept doing new things. I've had a blast doing it!!

Suggestion #5: Quit bitching about my age. So what if I'm going to be 39 (gulp) this year? I don't think I look my age and I don't think I act my age. I'm going to embrace my age (gulp) and be grateful that I'm young, healthy and able to do what I want to do. So if you hear me talking about how old I am or bemoaning my upcoming birthday, please throw the bullshit flag on me.
Result: Slowly but surely, I got there. I'm excited to be turning 40 in June. I want a big party and lots of presents - I've earned it! I'm going to NYC with some girlfriends, it will be fun!! My 30's were a great time of growth and self-awareness, my 40's are going to be about me taking the world by the balls!! ;)

Also, as like a Suggestion #5, Part B.... I'm going to quit bitching about being single and alone. Who cares? Maybe I'm one of those people who will always be single? Maybe not..... maybe Mr. Right got lost and hasn't found me yet.... maybe not..... who knows? I'm a cool person and if it's supposed to happen, it will...
Result: Mixed success here. I'm more confident with being single and alone than before, but I'm also realizing that while I'm having a blast, it maybe could be just a bit better if I had someone to share it with.......

Tune in tomorrow for my new "suggestions" for 2010. I've got some new ideas and a renewed focus for the blog, so we'll see what 2010 brings!!

Be safe tonight!! Happy New Year's Eve!!

Sex and the City 2 Trailer is out there!!

As you know, I heart NY!! I was there at Thanksgiving and will be going again in June to celebrate my 40th birthday.

But the Friday before Memorial Day weekend (which is one month to the day before my 40th!), the second Sex and the City movie is coming out. I will be there opening night just like before. I can't wait to "get carried away!"

You Tube isn't allowing embedding, but click here to see the preview.

What are your thoughts?

I know this much, I WILL be doing the Sex and the City tour in June in NYC!!

I'm back!!!!

I know, I know... I haven't blogged in over a month. What's up with that? Life, I'll tell ya... and Facebook.

I've got a lot of stories to share, so one of my projects this weekend is to get to blogging.....

So hang in there, know I'll be back with that acerbic wit that you've come to expect!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Nothing like starting your Friday with a bang... crash.... traffic...

I love my job - but days like today remind me how much responsibility my job entails... and how sometimes, I wish I didn't have to have that responsibility.

Sigh Sister Betty is in town and was going to come to work with me today. We left a bit late, stopped at Sonic for drinks, then stopped to pick up a donut. As we turn on the street to my school, I say to her, "I'm never this late in the AM for school."

We move down the road a bit and cars are stopped. We sit for a second waiting. I pull my car around and head up to the stoppage. I can tell something is wrong. I see a bus and a SUV, it looks like maybe there has been a wreck. I don't have kids and I don't understand the maternal instinct, but this feeling forms in the pit of my stomach. What if kids are hurt? What if, God forbid, someone has died? How am I going to stay strong? I have to stay calm and be strong........

...... which takes me back to a place where almost 2 years ago to the day I had to tell a friend and co-worker that her husband had died. I'll never forgot sitting there, telling her, feeling that every time she saw me from then on, I'd be the person who gave her the news that changed her life forever.....

I push up to the front where there are police and the EMT. I tell them I'm the principal and I need to know what is going on. They tell me there has been a head-on collision but no one is hurt. I rush over to the kids and check on them. They seem fine. As I go back to my car, I fall into the mud. I get up and keep going -no mud is going to stop me!! The bus driver is shaken. I see my AP and immediately I feel better. My AP is a great person and has become a good friend, but one of her many strengths is her ability to stay calm. I'm the firecracker, she is the calming force.

The bus and the truck are totalled. We get the kids inside where there are a few teachers there to feed them breakfast and take care of them. Our Deputy Superintendent shows up to help coordinate efforts and supervise the details of this situation. Our nurse rushes up, we get her and her kids square so she can go medically assess the situation. Our other teachers as soon as they can get parked and get inside.... go to work..... some are unloading cars, some are in the cafe, they are everywhere and doing anything that needs to be done. My aunt takes over the front door greeting duty since my office staff is handling phone calls.

The next hour and half goes by in what seems like a minute. The scene is cleaned, the vehicles are towed to our front drive, we get traffic reflowing, kids dropped off, fed, and delivered to class. By 9:20 AM, you'd never known what had happened.

Unless you could hop in my brain. I'm exhausted, but so grateful for everyone to be safe and for us to continue the day on as if nothing happened. Thank God for my office staff - they just jump in it and hit it full force!! I'm blessed to have an AP who is awesome at her job and teachers that really have a "Whatever It Takes" attitude. And they do it without creating all of this drama.... they are truly the best of the best... no lip service at all!!

We had a great rest of the day, including our weekly Mustang Corral..... where we did a Red Ribbon Week fashion show where I looked like Uncle Sam meets John Wayne Gacy. I think that may have frightened more children than the morning events.......

Our New Season of Dallas Summer Musicals is revealed!!

I just got my renewal for my Dallas Summer Musical season tickets in the mail today. I can't wait!! So here's the new list:

1. The Phantom of the Opera - February 17-March 14 - This is the first one in our series and I'm surprised by how early it is. But I can't wait - I've seen the movie, but never the musical... I'm excited!!

2. Xanadu - April 6-18 - The last time I was in NYC in July 2007, I wanted to go and see Xanadu, but it didn't work out. So now I'll get to see it!! I'm so excited about this one!! Xanadu was one of my most favorite 80's movies!

3. Little House on the Prairie - May 11-23 - Melissa Gilbert is starring as Ma, but I think this will be the throwaway musical for this year (like Happy Days and Cash in the previous seasons). But who knows, maybe it'll be really good!! Maybe......

4. Wicked - May 26-June 27 - I've never seen Wicked, so I'm also very excited about this musical as well. It should be so much fun!

5. Dreamgirls - June 30-July 18 - Another one where I've seen the movie (and loved it), but haven't seen the show. I'm looking forward to this one as well!!

6. Shrek The Musical - Sept. 28-Oct. 16 - This is the State Fair one which is usually geared toward kiddos. I've never seen any of the Shrek movies, but I'm sure this will be a cute musical as well.

In addition, Rain is coming back! This is the Beatles tribute band, and one of my favorite shows from last season. I'm taking my Dad for his birthday because it's right around his birthday and I know he'll enjoy the music.

All in all, I'm very pleased by the upcoming season. This season had some highlights (Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz) and some disappointments (Happy Days, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), but I think next year will be even stronger!! Woo hoo!!

Only 4 months until Phantom!!

What the fork!?!?!!?

Think back to when you were in junior high..... for me, it's 1982-84 and I'm at Forest Meadow Junior High..... what did you like to do late at night on weekends? Why, wrap houses of course! How many houses did you wrap? I wrapped many in my time. I also like the status that a few stray strands of TP high in the trees would bring to you, letting everyone know your house was the chosen house.

Flash forward about 27 years, it's Friday night, and you are bored.... so what do you do? Wrapping houses is too expensive, plus with the threat of rain, you don't want to make a huge mess.

You fork.

Forking is the art of using plastic cutlery to create festive yard art in the front yard. My two partners in crime and I forked 8 houses on Friday night. We started at 11 PM and ended about 2:15 AM. We forked in Denton County (Little Elm, Pilot Point) and Collin County (McKinney, Frisco). Some people got forked because they skipped a get together (MW and NG), some got forked because they wouldn't go with us forking (TK, CE, and HH), and some people got forked because we liked you, we knew where you lived, and we thought what the hell (S&MB, DM, and KR).

My mom tried to give me grief that a elementary principal shouldn't fork houses, but why not? I'm not a cloistered nun - I'm allowed to have fun. We didn't hurt anyone, we didn't do any damage, if anything... we aerated some yards for people!!!)

I haven't heard from all of the victims, but I'm not worried. Oh, they say payback is hell and all that.... whatever.....

Hit me with your best forkin' shot!!