Going "Nuts" Over the Hodgepodge

 

1. February 16th is National Almond day...are you a fan? If so what's your favorite food item or recipe that contains almonds? 

I do like almonds and I love almond flavored things. In fact, on valentines day hubby and I ate our wedding cake top tier that was almond cake :) We missed eating it on our anniversary so we figured valentines was a good alternative. 

2. Something you are currently 'nuts' about? 

All things baby. I'm loving being pregnant- even the not so great parts remind of the miracle I get to be a part of. So I spend a lot of times wrapped up in all the baby things- working on a baby registry, reading pregnancy and birth books, practicing some pregnancy mediation, prenatal yoga, brainstorming names-  all the things. 

3. Something currently driving you 'nuts'? 

So if you read my recap of our babymoon to Barbados, you know that we got stuck there an extra day and in order to leave ended up rerouting ourselves to Newark before heading back home. Well with all the changes and cancellations and extra expenses there were no less than a thousand forms for me to fill out to make claims on our travel insurance and with the airlines. And it's been a week and everything is pending and it's all just nuts. 

4. Something you recently bought for 'peanuts'? 

Do we buy anything for "peanuts" these days? Because it sure doesn't feel like it! I guess maybe the yoga/birth ball I bought on amazon the other day- it was on sale so it felt like a win. 

5. Share a favorite quote uttered by any U.S. President ( if you're not an American, a quote made by the leader of your own country). 

"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try." - John F. Kennedy

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A few random thoughts for the day...

1. I've just read the book "Resistance Women" and while it can feel like a bit of downer it was a really interesting and inspiring read. It's historical fiction but the main characters are real people and the author does a wonderful job of brining you into that time period- the rise of Hitler in Germany. If you're a historical fiction fan- one of my favorite genres- I recommend it for sure!

2.  I visited the chiropractor for the first time in my life yesterday. I was super nervous because I just didn't know what kind of popping and cracking to expect but these pregnancy aches and pains, combined with my already misaligned self (scoliosis, weak shoulder joints) won out and I took my OB up on a referral and it was great! I think it will be really helpful as I move through these later parts of pregnancy. 

3. And speaking of pregnancy- tomorrow we go for our next OB appointment. These days are always my favorite! I don't think anything super exciting is to be expected at this appointment, just a quick checkup. But that always comes with a glimpse of our little guy and a listen to the heartbeat so it's sure to be the highlight of my week :) 

Opposite Day in Hodgepodge Land

Linking up with the Hodgepodge over at my mom's blog this week- head on over to join in!

  

1. January 25th is National Opposites Day. 'They' say opposites attract...do you agree, and if so is that a good thing? Or do you subscribe more to a 'birds of a feather' philosophy? 

I think it's true that in some aspects opposites attract or at the very least they compliment each other. But I also think- total opposites are going to have more short lived attraction. I think opposites that attract are opposite in a few things- one is outgoing the other more shy, one spontaneous the other more of a planner but I think in the foundations of life they are birds of a feather which keeps them together- pardon this silly rhyming. 

2. Something you're glad to have behind you? Something you're glad is ahead of you? 

Something I'm glad is behind me...middle school. A time of life that while I actually really loved it, would never want to go back to. Something that I'm glad is ahead of me...motherhood, adventures I don't even know about with my husband and future family.

3. Your favorite hot food? Cold food? Are you a fan of breakfast for dinner? 

My favorite hot foot is probably something with cheese- grilled cheese, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, cheesy pizza etc. 
My favorite cold food is most likely ice cream or if I'm trying to be healthier I suppose maybe some kind of fruit?

4. Are you someone who always arrives to appointments/events early or do you tend to run late? Last thing you were late for? 

I am always early, not just to appointments but anywhere I need to go I want to be there early and being there let definitely causes me to get antsy. The last thing I was late for was a baby doctor appointment last month and you can ask my husband, I was pitching a mini fit as we sat in some traffic trying to get there as promptly as possible. But lesson learned- we were there 15 minutes early for our next one :) 

5. "What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" John Steinbeck....Your thoughts? 

I definitely think I appreciate summer weather more because of winter, in the same way I think you appreciate anything more if you can't have it all the time. I think I will fully appreciate a cup of caffeinated coffee in June after 9 months without and I will savor any sunshine I see this week after a week of dreary gray skies last week. But I inevitably know at some point during the summer I will wish for colder weather in one kind of never ending cycle of growing tired of the weather. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My momma is here for a few days!  We are staying busy shopping and snacking and walking and talking and overall just enjoying the company. Hubby and I found out the gender of our little peanut at our last appointment this past Thursday and shared with our immediate family that evening. Stay tuned later this week for my official announcement here! Any guesses?

It's Hodgepodge Day!

I'm linking up with my mom's blog for the hodgepodge today- hop on over to join in! 

 

1. What do you wish you'd done more of last year? Less of? 

More- reading. Less- screen time/social media. 

I did read quite a bit last year but I feel like if there was an option to see how many hours I spent on my phone either on social media or playing games I would be alarmed. Honestly, maybe there is a way to see that but don't tell me because I don't think I actually want to know. 

2. What's the tallest building you've ever been in? Do you have a fear of heights? 

Hm, I guess probably the Empire State Building, with the Eiffel Tower not far behind. I would say I don't have a fear of heights but I do have a fear of falling from a large height- that's different right? I get nervous around the edges of high surfaces but my fear of heights is definitely not crippling and doesn't keep from them. 

3. Do you have a word for the year? Elaborate if you'd like to elaborate. 

I don't. I know a lot of people do this and I've done it in the past but haven't chosen one in a few years. I like the idea but feel like they've just never really stuck for me- or maybe I just don't know how to meditate on them as well. I will be curious to see the words that other people have chosen.

4. January 11 is National Milk Day...are you a milk drinker? What kind? Your favorite recipe that calls for milk (cereal doesn't count)? 

I'm ordinarily not a huge milk drinker just by itself but I do love cereal. I particularly love cereal at night- I think it tastes better as a late night treat than for breakfast. I have been drinking some more milk since being pregnant because it helps with heartburn and reflux for me- thanks to a tip from a friend! A favorite recipe that calls for milk I'm sure is any number of baking recipes I love. Cream cheese frosting perhaps. 

5. What excites you most about the future? What do you miss about the past? 

I think what excites me most about the future is that I feel like mine and hubby's life is just getting started so we have so much life in front of us. We have adventures and excitement and some challenges too but everything is just out in front of us and that's so exciting. This year is the year I get to become a mom, a lifelong dream of my heart, so what's not exciting about that?! I think the thing of the past I miss lately is just a more peaceful climate in our country. Now I know there has always been struggle and tension but lately it is just so much for my heart and feels draining and difficult so I think the past feels much more rosy in that respect. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We have visitors coming this weekend! My favorite little people (and their big people too) are coming to see us and check out our new hometown. We're going to check out the aquarium, eat some yummy food, read some books and get in some snuggles. We can't wait! 

New Year, New Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge day! Head on over to my mom's blog to join in on the fun or check out other people's responses. 

1. Share one happy moment/memory from the holiday season. 

I wrote a whole blog post about our holiday here where you can check out all of our happy memories but for today, if I'm just picking one I think I will go with mini golfing on a cold rainy day with my family. It doesn't sound all that happy what with the cold and the rain but it was such a fun afternoon spent with the people I love. 

2. Let's be reasonable with our expectations going into this new year, k? What is one thing you'd like to accomplish/improve/complete/do in 2022? 

Let me start by saying that I completed a new years resolution for the first time ever I'm pretty sure. In 2021 I decided I was going to read through the Bible in a year using The Bible Recap plan. I have attempted to read the whole bible in a year many times- at least 4 if not many more than that. But usually I get stuck around Leviticus, Numbers etc. But not this year! I made it all the way through and finished right on time on December 31st and it is something I am oh so proud of! So if your answer to this questions was to read the bible in a year I highly recommend you head over to this site- it links the plan they use (a chronological plan) and also gives you the info on the daily podcast that goes along with the reading. That's where the recap comes in. Tara-Leigh Cobble "recaps" that days reading for you- it isn't a devotional, it is a true recap of what you read and it helps clarify so many things. I'm working through it again this year but I added in the optional daily study guide to go a bit deeper.

Off of my rabbit trail, back on the main path, this year something I want to accomplish/improve is my writing! I want to take a writing course or two- nothing fancy but something through masterclass probably and get into a better habit of writing regularly. And I'm not speaking solely of my blog, which I do enjoy writing on, but other types of writing as well that will probably never see the light of day except on my own computer or journal. I'm ok with that though :) 

3. Every January 1st (since 1976) Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words are chosen). Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2022-

wait, what?-no worries-at the end of the day-that being said-asking for a friend-circle back-deep dive-a new normal-you're on mute-supply chain

Which of these words/phrases do you use regularly? Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word/phrase not on the list you'd like to add? 

Hm of these words/phrases I say "wait, what?" fairly regularly and don't see that stopping anytime soon and I also frequently use the expression no worries. While teaching I found myself saying you're on mute far more than I'd like although these days I spend far less time on google meet/zoom.

If I were picking one I'd like to see go I'd love to be done with "new normal". And if I were adding one, as a teacher if I never heard the words synchronous/asynchronous again I'd be alright with it. 

4. Best thing you ate in the month of December? 

Oh boy, I ate a lot of delicious things in the month of December so it is difficult to choose. We were fed like kings when visiting our families- prime rib (twice!), brisket, lobster all the things. I also ate a lot of Christmas cookies and treats and I would probably have to say that the treats are my favorite- white chocolate peppermint bark is something I only eat at the holidays and I just love it! 

5. January 5th is National Bird Day. Are you a bird lover? What's your favorite bird to see in the wild? Choose a phrase from the list that follows and tell us how it relates to your life currently...eat like a bird, bird's eye view, early bird, bird-brained, free as a bird, a little bird told me, or kill two birds with one stone.

Hm, I guess I'm a bird lover in the sense that I enjoy seeing birds from afar like a heron on my parents dock, or a hawk sitting on a telephone wire. I enjoy seeing the exotic birds at the zoo as well. But in terms of up close and personal with birds that would be a no, I'm actually a bit afraid of birds. I was once tasked with feeding my parents blue birds that were living in their bird house for a week while they were away and was NOT a fan.

Of the phrases listed I can assure you eat like a bird does NOT apply to me right now, I pretty much finish a meal and decide what I'll be eating next as soon as I'm done. I think perhaps I'd have to say bird-brained. While I feel that I am an intelligent person pregnancy has made me a bit "bird brained".  I left my car running when I went into Lowes a few weeks ago- keys in the ignition and all. Don't worry, I realized my error when I was in the doorway and trying to lock my car with non-existent keys. I've become very forgetful in general so I think that phrase suits me best for now. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I made this for dinner the other night, it's a favorite of ours and I've made it several times. I found it on pinterest so I linked it for you here. Her pictures are much prettier than the one I took also. They are delicious and easy and pretty healthy. It comes together in about 30 minutes and mostly in one pot (plus a sheet pan) so it's super easy clean up too! Two things that are high on my list these days, relatively quick and not too many dishes to do. Her recipe is an instantpot recipe, which I do own so I use it when I make these, but you could definitely do it without. She offers a suggestion for using the slow cooker or honestly you could just use a rotisserie chicken too. I do make a few changes when I make it- I don't use whole 30 BBQ sauce as she suggests although I'm sure it would be healthier that way. I also don't make my own pickles- we always have a surplus of pickles in our home so I just use what I have. Seriously, I think we have 4 different types of pickles right now. I also use less mayo and more vinegar in my coleslaw because hubby isn't a fan of mayo based slaws.  Check out her recipe and enjoy! 

Final Hodgepodge of 2021

We had a great visit to my sister's last weekend that I want to recap but the Christmas shopping and wrapping and baking has me running around like crazy this week so stay tuned for that, hopefully before this weekend rolls around. But I didn't want to miss the last hodgepodge of the year, so I'm taking a pause from baking to answer today's questions. Join in at my mom's blog! 

1. How young is young? In the past, according to various organizations who decide these things, age 60 was the 'border age' to old. The World Health Organization has done new research recently and divided up the categories as-0-17 (underage), 18-65 (youth or young people), 66-79 (middle-aged), 80-99 (elderly senior), 100+ (long-lived elderly). Your thoughts on this particular breakdown, and also your thoughts as to where you land?

I think based on the people I know in their 60's this new breakdown makes so much sense! I know some spry and wonderfully fun people who fall at the end of the "young people" or beginning on the "middle-aged" and I would never describe them as old. I also like that it places me firmly in the young people category. And while I know I thought 31 seemed SOO old when I was a kid, it certainly doesn't feel that way now. Well except when I want to get in bed at 8:30 on a Friday night. 

2. TIME magazine has declared Elon Musk person of the year in 2021. What say you? If you want to know more about how they choose you'll find that info in the link here. If you were choosing, who would be your person of the year? 

I don't usually pay a lot of attention to the this announcement but I have heard a lot about Elon Musk this year. And while, I wouldn't say I've always been impressed with him or seen the huge appeal, he's definitely had some influence this year. The most interesting thing related to Elon Musk, I viewed this year was a docu series on Netflix called "Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space". While it doesn't center around Musk himself, SpaceX is his company so he obviously played an important role and I found the whole series very interesting. I recommend it if you're looking or a end of year show- just 4 or 5 episodes on Netflix. 

If  I were selecting the person of the year, I'm inclined to say teachers, or nurses or both. I would have said this same thing last year as well as these groups of people have continued to step up in challenging situations. 

3. I read here ten habits of extremely likable people which include-they greet the world with a smile on their face, they ask questions, they're consistent, they put the phone away, they remember names and use them, they keep an open mind and don't pass judgement, they're authentic, they're kind and generous, accountable for their mistakes, and they send thank you notes.  

So, are you likable-lol? Which one of these habits could use some further developing in your own life? What is one habit/quality you'd add to the list? 

Well I like to think I'm likable and I would say many of these qualities on this list are things I work to possess in myself. But there are definitely some areas that need improvement. If I'm picking one, it's putting my phone away. I definitely need to limit that time. I think I would add being punctual to that list. I love people who are punctual. 

4. One non-holiday related task/job/goal/dream on your to-do list that you hope/plan to make happen before the new year rolls in? 

Finish hanging pictures in our home...there's only 3 more. Does it count as being on my to do list but really my husband will be the one to do it? 

5. Share with us some of your holiday plans. 

Hubby and I will be visiting both sides of our family this holiday season, a few days at each. We sure would love if everyone could be together since neither of our siblings will be making it home this year but nevertheless we're looking forward to time with family celebrating the joy of the season. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Since I mentioned I've been doing some baking I thought I'd share what's on my baking list with a link to the recipe I'm using if you need any inspiration. 

Gingerbread cookies, Peppermint Snowball Cookies, Chocolate Cherry Cookies, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Martha Stewarts (ok this isn't what these are called, but it's what I've always called them- I use a recipe card from my Mema, but I've found the link I think).

I also made this delicious white chocolate peppermint bark. I found this idea last year from a girl I follow on instagram and I've linked her blog post about it here for you. She even includes a little card that you could add to yours if you're giving it as a gift. So definitely check that out.  This is SO SO easy, takes hardly any time and makes the best neighbor gift or personal holiday snack- whichever you prefer.

1. You start by crushing a bunch of candy canes. You can use the large or small but I think the small are easier to crush and since I also crush candy canes for my peppermint snowballs, I'm all about making it easy. 

2. After crushing them, you want to sift them so there isn't as much peppermint dust in the mixture. You just want the chunks. 

3. Melt white chocolate. I'm sure you're supposed to use a double boiler but I don't have a bowl I can use for that so I microwave it and it does just fine. I do 1 minute, sitr, then 15 sec, stir then 15 sec and stir one more time- done! After its melted you'll add in some of the crushed peppermint- not too much but enough to distribute it through the chocolate.

4. Spread the mixture on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and sprinkle the top with more crushed peppermint. 

5. Let it set- it would set fine on the counter I'm sure but I do it in the fridge to save time. Takes just a few minutes.

6. After it's set break it apart and store in an airtight container till your ready to eat! 

It's Hodgepodge Time!

I'm linking up with my mom today for the Hodgepodge. It's a little late. But better late than never! 

 

1. Besides the flag, tell us about something red, something white and something blue from your weekend. 

There was a lot of white in my weekend...white trim paint that is. We painted all of our baseboards on the main floor this weekend. And we had chili one evening which is kind of red. Yep, you read that right, CHILI, in MAY! Because it was 48 degrees and rainy. Blue...hmm we did have some beautiful blue sky FINALLY on Monday. 

2. June is here and it's National Give A Bunch of Balloons Month. Who would you give a bunch to if you could? Tell us why. 

I would give a bunch of balloons to my nephews. Because I think they would most thoroughly enjoy them. We got a big 2 balloon for my oldest nephews 2nd birthday a couple of years ago (is he really almost 4?!?) and he had the best time! I think his almost 4 year old self would still enjoy them and now the little one could get in on the fun too!

3. What are three adjectives you associate with the month of June? Something you're looking forward to this month?

Relaxing, HOT, Leisurely. June is always the start of my summer vacation as a teacher (see my random thought below). But this month is going to be even better because not only will it be officially summer but hubby and I are headed on our honeymoon!! Woohoo!! I actually quite recommend a delayed honeymoon because it gives you something to look forward to that lets you savor that just married feeling for even longer!

4. Tell us about a time (besides the obvious Corona answer) when you felt stuck in second gear.

Waiting to see about job things for next school year. The position I took this year was a permanent term sub position, meaning that while it was full time and through the school year, the position isn't necessarily available for the following year. So I've reapplied for a new position and am waiting on what that will look like as the district is still making their plans for next year. 

5. Sum up your May in fifteen words or less.

May was full of house projects, rain, countdowns to fun and glimpses of summer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Friday is the last day of school for the kiddos. We made it!  This school year was wild. And crazy. And all around challenging. But I had a sweet group of kiddos that I am confident in sending to the next grade, which is pretty much all I can ask. Happy Summer to all my other teachers out there! 

It's Wednesday

 Hanging out with my momma at the hodgepodge today! Head on over to her blog to join in the fun! 

1. What's something you 'may' do this month? 

Hm...I may finally get wedding photos all downloaded and organized. I may finally learn how to keep a plant alive (fingers crossed on this one). I may countdown the minutes to summer break. Actually on second thought...that last one is a definite! 

2. Last time you literally or figuratively shouted mayday!? 

Driving to Atlantic City last weekend. Mostly if we're in the car together hubby drives but he needed to take a work call on his iPad so I drove the last little bit. The part where we actually drove into the city with a bunch of lanes and I wasn't sure where I was going and I couldn't have hubby help because he was on the phone so I was silently shouting mayday to myself. 

It all turned out ok though...mayday aside I managed to get us to the resort and parked :) 

3. Let the chips fall where they may, come what may, maybe, Cape May, mayflies, devil may care, you may now kiss the bride,  much to our dismay, mayhem, mayonnaise...choose a 'may' word or phrase from the list and tell us how it relates to your life in some way right now. 

I will obviously be choosing "You MAY now kiss the bride". If you missed all my wedding recap posts, I recently got married so how could I not choose this one?! And right here is the moment we became husband and wife and he was told you May now kiss the bride. 

4. If someone were serving you breakfast in bed this weekend, what would you like to see on the menu?

Well I don't anticipate this happening this weekend...but if it were I think I would opt for chocolate chip pancakes which are always a favorite of mine. With some homefries and sausage on the side. OR eggs benedict= a deliciously rich breakfast that you can't go wrong with. 

5. Tell me one true thing you believe about motherhood. 

That it requires more selflessness than seems possible. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We're getting the master shower retiled in our bathroom this week...well the plumber is at least coming so yay! We have a very small master bathroom and while we can't add anymore square footage we thought changing the fiberglass insert out for some classic, clean tile would be a better look and make it feel a bit more upscale. I shall keep you posted. But the current state of it looks like this...so it can only get better hah! 

The Hodgepodge and A Bunch of Rocks

Participating in my mom's hodgepodge this week. You can head to her blog to join in the fun- it's not too late! 

If you're looking for my A-Z post, it is in the final question :) 

1. Find a penny. Look at the date and tell us something about your life or what you were doing that year? 

Well that was trickier than I thought. I rarely pay for anything in cash so I rarely have change in my wallet. But after digging around in my purse for a few minutes I remembered, hubby keeps a jar of coins on his desk. So! I found a penny and it was from 2001. In 2001 I was 10 turning 11 that September. I would have been finishing 5th grade and starting middle school in the fall. I believe this was during my basketball playing days. And we spent a lot of time on our boat that summer out on the river. 

2. Were you given an allowance as a child? Did you have to earn it in some way? Did you learn to save money when you were a child or is that something you figured out as an adult? 

I do believe we were given an allowance although I can't really remember how much it was or often we earned it. I know we did chores as a way to earn money. Example: pulling weeds for my dad- a penny per weed! Hah! But we also helped with doing the dishes, cleaning our room, dusting, washing baseboards etc. And we have always been taught to save. I feel like as a kid I was more apt to spend money quickly on little things but as I got older I became much more frugal. But my parents always taught us it was important to save your money and think about the future and I am so glad they modeled good money managing for us. 

3. April 23rd is National Take A Chance Day...what's a chance you need or want to take?

Well as I've gotten back into my blog, I have really loved the writing process and I'd like to do it more. So I'm thinking of taking an online creative writing class this summer to see how I like it. 

4. What's some outdated slang you seem to use a little too often? 

I would say all of my slang is outdated.  I don't really know what the "cool kids" say these days which tells me its probably not what I say... Right now I can't even think of slang I use although I know I use it regularly. But alas, this is what happens when you blog after a full workday. Your brain forgets words. I'll have to go scout out other people's answers and see if anything rings a bell. 

5. It's National Poetry month and I always like to make us work our brains a little...

Roses are red
Violets are blue
....you fill in the rest with something original...

Roses are red

Violets are blue

My class just started poetry.

Can't wait to see what they can do!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm going to use this space today for my A-Z Blog Challenge entry, which if you've been following along you know I've been taking you through some of my overseas adventures from my time living there as a teenager. 

R is for Rocks

Picture it. A family of four sitting in their favorite italian restaurant on a Friday evening talking about the upcoming weekend. The kids are teenagers bracing for  a weekend of some forced family fun. 

"So where are we going tomorrow?" daughters ask curiously.

"We're going to checkout Stonehenge" the mom replies. 

"What's that?" they ask in return with puzzled looks on their faces.

"Pretty much a bunch of rocks."  dad chimes in. 

"Wait what? We're driving an hour to go see a bunch of rocks?"

Parents, should you ever want to take your teenagers to see Stonehenge and you hope to keep spirits high...this may not be the way to describe it. However, they weren't wrong. It is a bunch of rocks. We drove about an hour and we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere when all of a sudden as we came over a hill, in the distance, in the middle of a field was a bunch of rocks. But giant rocks! Arranged in a peculiar way. With a curious nature of how they got there. We parked and did a audio tour- the one where you hold an audio-set to your ear at different checkpoints to hear some info. There are a lot of different theories about the rocks- some more scientific than others but pretty much everyone is in agreement as to their position being related to the summer solstice and then also perhaps to burial grounds. It was a beautiful setting, the English countryside as the backdrop, with interesting information and we actually ended up thoroughly enjoying ourselves. And even went back with visitors without complaint on future trips. 

But I always love to tell the story of how our parents told us where we were headed because I assure you the looks on our faces were priceless. 

Photo Credit: My mom's scrapbook...remember when people had real photos in actual scrapbooks?

Hodgepodgin'

Today I am linking up with my mom's blog and the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Click on the link if you'd like to join too! Let's get started!

1. Since these questions are posting on the first day of April it seems only right to ask-when was the last time you did something foolish? If you can't answer that one, try this one-when was the last time someone fooled you?

As a teacher of third graders April Fool's Day is a pretty big deal- all of my little ones were trying to trick me all day and they had some pretty clever ideas. Luckily I was on guard and managed to figure out their "pranks". However, on the morning news our IC made an announcement about weather for next week showing a huge drop in temperature from our current gorgeous weather (See question 8) and said the weatherman said there might even be snow! Even though I was pretty sure it was a prank, my heart did jump a little bit at the thought of MORE cold weather.

2. What's the last biography or non-fiction book you've read? Was it any good?

For school or for pleasure? I read quite a few non-fiction books with my students. The last one was called "Fossil Hunters" and was all about fossils. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone over the age of 8 but my little reading group enjoyed it :) For pleasure I think it was "I Am in Here" by Elizabeth Bonker and Virginia Breen. It is a fantastic story about a child who has autism and cannot speak but writes wonderful poetry which becomes her way to communicate. It is written by her mother but also includes a large selection of the young girl's poetry. It was such an inspiring read and I recommend it to anyone!

3. Garlic-friend or foe? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?

Friend! Best friends in fact. I love all dishes with garlic and never shy away from it. I love pasta dishes with big chunks of garlic, roasted garlic that gets sweet and delicious, mixed into mashed potatoes or any other way you can think of. Recently I tried a salad that had this yummy garlicky/gingery dressing. Here is the recipe- enjoy!

4. Several Spring flower festivals happen in the US during the month of April. Of those listed, which would you most like to see in person...The Skagit Tulip Festival in Skagit Washington, The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville Tennessee, The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington North Carolina or the Daffodil Festival Weekend on Nantucket Island, Massachussets?

Definitely the tulip festival. No question. I love tulips and would love to see this!

5. How do you choose which blogs to read?  What is something that will make you stop and read every time? Something that makes you say, 'eh, think I'll skip this one and move on to the next'?

Well being new to the blogging world I am still kind of sorting this trick out. I have always kept up with my mom and sister's blog as well as a few friends from college/high school. But lately as I browse through blogs recommended by my mom, sister or my trusted friend pinterest I usually just read through a few posts and decide if it is a blog I can relate to on some level or another. I love a blog that has a lot of pictures and is written in a very approachable way.

6. April is National Mathematics Education Month so tell us, when did you last use math? 

All the time! I was grading just before writing this post and that uses math so 30 minutes ago?

7. In honor of the A-Z challenge kicking off on April 1...choose one word beginning with the letter A to describe your yesterday.

Already?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It was 82 degrees here today! I was in 7th heaven at recess and loved my drive home with the windows down, sunglasses on and music up. Pool weather is here friends!!