30 May 2011

Top Ten Things I do to Save Money on Food Costs:

1.       Scan sale advertisements from local stores for loss leaders and plan meals around those; take a that plan and my list with me when shopping.

28 May 2011

Inspired

Everyone has a story; it’s true!  We met a humble, ordinary couple on Wednesday evening via our daughter winning a local scholarship.  These folks each come from diverse, melting-pot heritages and are hard- working, middle class Americans. 

25 May 2011

Whew!

     I sneaked in a run, unknowingly, this morning before the thunderstorms rolled into our area.  Thankfully we are safe and sound in regard to the severe weather. 

20 May 2011

Kindle anyone?

     I'm new to the e-book phenom, and I absolutely love my Kindle.  I have no idea if I would love a Nook or any other e-reader.  I must also confess that I have not actually purchased a book as of yet.  I have discovered that I have a huge weakness for classics; the fact that many of them are free means I always have something compelling to read. 

http://www.amazon.com/s/?node=2245146011

     Jane Austin is a favorite author of mine.  Reading one of her books is like feasting as I stroll through Candyland.  Mmmmm!!!
     "A Tale of Two Cities" hooked me on Charles Dickens' novels.  While it's not my favorite Dickens story, it is the play which our homeschool drama troupe is currently rehearsing.  After reading the book version, I sampled several others:  David Copperfield, Great Expectations, The Pickwick Papers, and Little Dorrit went down deliciously.  I am currently digesting Our Mutual Friend.
     A few months ago, I started reading aloud Daniel DeFoe's unabridged version of Robinson Crusoe.  What a gold mine that book has been.  We are 95% finished with it, according to my Kindle.  Our kids moan and ask every time how much longer until the end, but they also listen enthralled and later in the day talk among themselves about what has been read. 
     There are many e-books available to you via your computer, your phone and probably other electronic devices.  A friend also told me about the service our local library offers of loaning out e-books.  There are websites where you can also read books on-line in HTML versions.  Does anyone know what else is out there in regard to e-books? 
     I say thank-you to all the people who have made these free classics available.  So many great books, so little time...

I'm with you Kevin

     You could call me a bag lady.  I like having stuff with me when I go places, and I don't like  carrying it in my hands.  An overnight trip will often find me loaded with purse, laptop bag, backpack, suitcase and smaller carry-on size bag.  Do I always use everything I take with me?  No, but I have often left something behind after a mental tug-of-war over taking it or not taking it, only to regret having left it behind.  Some of that is just going to happen in life.  However, the things I can prepare for, for those I will prepare.
     So what's in my backpack?  Like Kevin, I have the various cords that I need for my electronic devices (I left my iPod synch cable behind this time after one of my aforementioned tug-of wars, and I wish I would have brought it), my Kindle, digital camera, some OTC medications, facial tissues, reading glasses, miscellaneous books, my journal & permanent markers and my Bible.  Sometimes I'll have snacks, extra clothes & shoes and paperwork. 
     I think it's quite normal to have a backpack along.  It seems to me that the media should interview people who don't:-).  http://sportsonvideo.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/kevin-durant-finally-tells-us-whats-in-the-backpack/

18 May 2011

Almost a year later?

     School is out, and I am trying again.  "Vacation" feels good so far.  Highlights of the week:
  • temperature dropped from 80's during the days to 50's to 60's during the days
  • renegotiated "Wii" on vacation details
  • started more focused school planning and prep for 2011-12, which has been ongoing since 02/11
  • exploring some new frontiers for me and for us
  • sewing French peasant ear caps for drama troupe
     Looking forward to exploring Indianapolis and visiting my alma mater, Butler University, soon.  Hopefully I will be leaving my "baggage" at home:-).  As I have been somewhat on a sabbatical from social engagements, it's time to dive back into relationships outside of my inner circles.


     I highly recommend the movie "Megamind."  Destiny; identity; good vs. evil; gritty relationships; realistic and complex, albeit animated characters; and redemption -- classic literary stuff that makes for a compelling and complex story.

A New Season Ahead = Necessary Changes

Hi, friends. Thanks to all  of you who have ever visited this blog and/or followed it. I appreciate it very much! Finding myself on the ...