Monday Quiz About Me

1. Finish this sentence - The last book I read and enjoyed was....

Toys by James Patterson.

From the website:

James Bond and Jason Bourne have just been topped! A battle for the world is set into unstoppable motion and Hays Baker is the only one who can save it.

Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course they do—they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!

The one with the most toys—dies

The top operative for the Agency of Change, Hays has just won the fiercest battle of his career. He has been praised by the President, and is a national hero. But before he can savor his triumph, he receives an unbelievable shock that overturns everything he thought was true. Suddenly Hays is on the other side of the gun, forced to leave his perfect family and fight for his life.

Now a hunted fugitive, Hays is thrown into a life he never dreamed possible—fighting to save humans everywhere from extinction. He enlists all of his training to uncover the truth that will save millions of lives—maybe even his own. James Patterson's Toys is a thriller on a hyper plane—with a hero who rivals both James Bond and Jason Bourne.

2. Do you have special Victoria Day (Canadian) or Memorial Day (US) traditions? If you don't live in Canada or the US, what is the next holiday that you are celebrating where you are?

Not especially - though this is usually the signal that our annual pilgrimage to Canada is just around the corner.

3. If you could invent something to make your life simpler, what would it be?

 Each journal I write for has a slightly different format so  I would invent a program that automatically formats you manuscripts for whatever journal you are writing for. 

4. What is your favorite recent blog post?

I wrote this piece of advice for graduates that I thought was interesting.  http://www.waynewsmith.com/2012/04/words-of-advice-for-graduates.html

Now my question for you...

5. What makes your heart go a flutter?

For me it is memories of my sister.  She passed away over a decade ago now and every now and then something will remind me of her and bring back a strong memory.  It is usually a bittersweet moment.

He Said/ She Said

One of the toughest things about being a couple is when you both get busy.  The communication challenge is particularly taxing.  This week I think Heather and I had maybe an hour worth of conversation combined.  That conversation consisted of who was picking up what kid when.  This creates a frustrating situation for both partners and creates the potential for a lot of conflict within the marriage.  Add to that an absolute level of exhaustion from the schedule combined with the stress and one is sitting on a powder keg.

I wish I knew the secret to getting around the inevitable fight that arises out of this situation.  This is where I actually learned something working in the political arena.  You know you are going to take a bloody nose at times but one needs to engage in damage control.  The frustration comes out but you try not to take it personally.   You know the situation is begging for a release of tension and when it happens - you need to have a thick skin and realize there are moments when life will not be a bed of roses (or maybe someone just forgot to de-thorn a few of them).  The key is to not let it get bigger than it needs to be.  Know that every partnership has bumps and sometimes you just have to ride them out to a better week next one.

Friday Fragments

Once again thanks to Mrs.4444's for hosting this fragged up hop...

• It is hard to believe that this is Liam's last day of school today.  The kids in his program start school two weeks late and finish two week early.
• On a related note: Did you know that kids with special needs are treated equally in the school system?
• Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I love my job and I think the world of my students.  Asking students to do teaching evaluations however, is just silly.  Then placing a large importance on them is even sillier.  I will save my entire rant while I feel this is so for another day...
• On a related note: My teaching evaluations for last term was the best I ever had.  Heck, in one class I scored a perfect 5.0 for my overall teaching (providing proof once again the student evaluations are silly).
• Heather has been busy running a book fair this week.  This of course has been terrible timing combined with my work schedule.  One of us has to be available to parent since Children's Aid may have a problem with leaving a 19 month old alone home.  It has been an interesting week of playing pass the children.
• On a related note: Heather has put up a load of contests on her blog this week.  Check out www.actingbalanced.com to see her frags and while you there try to win something.
• I busted my chops to get one paper deadline completed only to get a vacation response from the person I had to submit it to.  
• On a related note: 24 hrs later, I also had another instance where I rushed to meet a deadline only to have it pushed off because the person who set the deadline was too busy to look at it.  Oy vey!
• I had an enjoyable time yesterday hosting a group from Ap State.  They were a great group and was happy to show them around Charleston and discuss tourism issues with them.
• On a related note: I love when students from other schools walk around our campus.  You can see jealousy in their faces.  Though Ap State is located in Boone NC which is a beautiful location in itself.
• Erik is going through his 'only momma will do phase.'  Heather is so pleased with this (sort of).
• On a related note: Of course this was the week she is leaving him alone with me.  Then again, I want momma may be related to be stuck with daddy.  Momma is more fun.  Daddy does silly things like cleaning when he is home.

Wordless Wednesday

 Architecture around Charleston, SC.

YouTube Tuesday

I have to do some serious parenting today...I guess I have to have some clips to get me prepped!

Monday Quiz About Me

1. Finish this sentence - The best thing about this past weekend was...

I got to participate in our students graduation (I am in the purple robes blow).  

C of C has one of the best graduations in the country and our students are so deserving of a special day.

2. When company drops by unexpectedly what do you serve?

Wow, Heather came up with a good question here.  I guess I serve tea and biscuits/ cookies (whichever is available in the pantry).

3. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?

I got my first cell phone when I was 21.  It was yellow and I remember it cost $1.00 per minute.  Calls were quicker back then.

4. Where do you blog?

Mostly in my blue chair at home.  It is usually done about 4:30 - 5:30 AM when I wake up and have a couple of minutes of quiet.

Now my question for you...

5. Who is/was your mentor?  What made them so instrument in your life?

Sundays in My City - Graduation Edition

Thanks to the Unknown Mami for hosting Sundays in My City.  Yesterday was graduation day at C of C.  It is bittersweet for me personally.  I get to know most of these students over four years and I will miss them as a result.  I do however, wish them the best where ever life's path decides to take them and hope they keep in touch.

This is me on stage congratulating our awesome graduates!