Thought-provoking application questions

As I was completing an application for a new teaching position, I came across this question: "If there were absolutely no restrictions placed upon you, what would you want to do in life?" Wow, what a simple, yet incredibly difficult question to answer.

I would travel the world exploring the different scenery, cultures, languages, histories and people. I would talk to everyone I could during these trips and listen to their stories; and possibly write a book on my experiences and their lives. How amazing would that be to actually travel to the places that I read about constantly and talk face to face with someone who lives within a culture I find fascinating?

I know that I would be so fascinated by everything that I learned throughout these journeys that I would have to share and discuss everything with others. I have always held the idea of writing a book in the back of my mind. The topic and format of the book tends to change over time, but the idea remains constant.

For a while, I was writing short stories and a fairly constant pace, but the writing of those has declined over the years. It is something that I would like to eventually begin doing again, but I never feel like I have enough time. I know, I know, if I wanted to do something enough, I'd make time. As of now, I am enthralled by the idea of creating a collection of Chuck Klosterman-esque essays. Though I may not possess quite as much snark as he does. 

I'm sure my book plan will change at least a dozen more times before I even attempt to begin writing. Still, I do plan. 

{image via}

Christening the Papa-NeeNee

This past week, my friends and I gathered together to christen a new boat the "Papa-NeeNee." She had bought the boat last fall but was unable to put it in the Milwaukee Harbor until this past weekend. It's a beautiful boat-- complete with a full living area below deck and a spacious seating area up top. Even more beautiful than the boat was the weather. We were able to cruise down the river before sunset without even a blanket to stay warm. After a relaxing night on the boat, we enjoyed a delicious fish fry at the Yacht Club. Amazing night. 

Bachelorette weekend

This past weekend my friends and I celebrated Alyssa's upcoming wedding. About 15 of us gathered at a cabin {more like a condo} in Wisconsin Dells. I was pleasantly surprised that friends from all over the country were able to fly or drive in for the festivities. We celebrated with wine, board games, a wine tasting, delicious meals, long conversations, dance parties and a wild night out. It was an incredibly fun weekend and  I'm so glad that I was able to celebrate with Alyssa and the rest of our friends. Can't wait for another friend to get engaged :)

Happy Cinco de Mayo

A young Barack Obama

I recently stumbled across photographs of a young President Barack Obama. What a smooth man. I never realized how hip our president is; I'm really digging the hat.

{These photos and more via}

The Kite Runner graphic novel

I just finished reading The Kite Runner a Graphic Novel by Khaled Hosseini this afternoon. Most of my students think anything longer than a few pages is WAY too much to read. So to tempt students to read, the librarians at my school recently bought many new graphic novels. As the Kite Runner is one of my favorite novels, I decided to give the graphic novel a try. I heard that Hosseini actually approved all pages included in the book. To be honest, I appreciate the effort to interest teenagers in reading, however, I did not like the graphic novel version at all. It was like when you read a book and have images in your mind of how everyone should look and act. And then you see the movie and it's nothing like that. You lose so much emotion and detail when you move to the graphic novel version of stories. I highly suggest reading actual books, especially Kite Runner, rather than graphic novels. 

my life, according to photos

Yes, most of my time lately has been spent in my classroom grading papers, administering tests, writing lesson plans and such. I do have spring break coming up in a week though and boy am I looking forward to sleeping in past 5a.m. I'm sure I'll spend 90 percent of the break writing plans and doing other certification work, but it'll be nice to do it at home or a coffee shop anyway. 

Mr. Mad Men

In elementary school, the PTA held monthly book fairs and as a class we would walk to the gym dollars in hand and pick a new book or two. It was always my favorite day. When I was really young, I used to race to the Mr. Men books. {My favorite was Mr. Tall.} Imagine my surprise and glee when I found out The Poke had the idea of combing Mr. Men books and Mad Men... two of my favorite things. I love how they were able to capture the characters' personalities in such simple drawings. How cute.

Don Draper is back

The day is finally here. Mad Men is back from a 17-month hiatus. I'm completely thrilled. The last season left me with so many questions {especially concerning Don's possible marriage and Peggy's promiscuous ways} that have remained unanswered for far too long. I admit I'm not much of a TV viewer, Mad Men is my one exception.  The characters are all so well-developed and interesting and the show constantly surprises. If I didn't have to teach tomorrow, I would mix an old fashioned tonight in honor of Don Draper's return. {Guide to the cocktails of Mad Men.} I will still be watching, on the edge of my sit, I anticipate. I can't wait to see what this season will bring. 

{image via, read for great insight into the women on the show}

little notes

dear midwest,
thank you for the beautiful weather we've been having lately. i love listening to spring training baseball on the radio while driving with my windows down. please stay this way.


dear amc,
i'm so excited that mad men is coming back in less than a week. i've been waiting so long for my favorite show. please don't keep me waiting as long for next season. pretty please.


dear clemente,
i'm so sorry you've been sick lately. who ever heard of a cat developing allergies. at least we can cuddle in bed and be miserable together.


dear allergies,
i know we've gotten really close over the past month or so, but you're too controlling. i could really use a break.