What Gram Gave

Two weeks ago, my grandmother passed away.  She was 95 years old and, for 93 of those 95 years, she led a life full of fun and passionate love.  Still traveling at age 75, still throwing a strong, fast (base)ball at 85, still driving alone at age 90, I thought it fitting on this Mother’s Day morning to pay tribute to her.  I love you, Gram:

 

 

As my brother wrote in the eulogy read at her ceremony:  In a world where people are consumed with what others think of them, Gram always seemed more interested in simply being herself, consequences be damned.

This is so true.  That brings me to the first life lesson Gram taught me:

1.  Be yourself and “Don’t give a damn” (her words!!!) what others think.  She always spoke her mind, laughed when she wanted to laugh and never EVER worried about what others thought.  She never had high blood pressure, never was a nervous person – why, because she didn’t worry about “the small stuff.”

2.  Eat what you want to eat but be sure you eat well.  I remember Gram verbally taking inventory of whatever was on her plate when we sat down for a meal:  ”I got my meat, I got my “potatas” (her pronunciation), my veggies – always eat your veggies.”  Yep, I can hear her now.  Never one to skip dessert, Gram was living proof that as long as one eats in moderation . . . one can remain healthful on the inside.  :)

3.  Make regular doctor and dentist visits.  Gram never missed doctor and dentist visits; in fact, I think she rather enjoyed them as I enjoy spa visits today.  (Never mind she dated her dentist . . . teehee)

4.  Always laugh.  Gram innately knew that laughter is the best medicine.  Also from my brother’s written eulogy:  It was her silliness that made her so much fun to be around and kept you wondering what she would say next. ALWAYS armed with a good story–the details of which would change slightly with each telling–it seemed Gram’s mission in life to make people laugh.    Let’s just say that if Gram were at a party in which any of my friends or significant others were present, I had to be prepared to be embarrassed – either from a story Gram would tell about me; or simply from a story Gram would tell.  Period.  :-)  We can hear her laugh now!!  Loudly I might add – she was a loud person.

5.  Do what you got to do to make yourself feel better and move on. My grandmother was never one to hesitate to do things to make herself healthier or happier.  She walked A LOT.  She took a bath every single night.  She made sure she ALWAYS got plenty of sleep.  She slept A LOT.  She read many books (refer to the little Shakespeare books I found recently in her home, posted on my Instagram).  I recall her subscriptions to Reader’s Digest, Good HouseKeeping, and Ladies’ Home Journal . . . all of which she would read cover-to-cover.  She watched the news avidly.  She viewed many movies and was an old movie trivia queen.

6.  It’s never too late to find the love of your life.  She found the love of her life at age 70!!!!   This was years after my grandfather passed away.  (sadly, my grandparents stayed married but were not truly compatible.)  Yes, she found her Joseph at a Democratic party she was working at.  We even called him “Grandpa Joe.”  They had five wonderful years together before he passed away of cancer – but, in talking with her, one would think she spent her whole life with him the way she always talked him up.  It was love so many of us wish for!!!  I still remember their little wedding.

7.  Say “I love you” every time you see a person you love.  I’m getting better at this – Gram ALWAYS  said I love you at the end of every conversation.

8.  Be strong.  This is a woman who lost her only child – my father – when he died suddenly of a heart attack at age 37. She held her head high (literally) through that tough time and even managed to throw laughs in here and there.  My mother just recently recalled something my Gram told her at my father’s funeral, “If one of you had to die, it’s better for the children that it was my son rather than you.”    WOW!!!!

Gram, I know you are happy and peaceful now at “The Happy Hunting Ground” . . . as you used to refer to it, reuniting with so many open arms welcoming you:  you survived your two brothers and three sisters (whom I also loved dearly!!); you survived two husbands; you survived your son.  You will never be forgotten.  You were such an integral part of this family.  I love you.

 

Share on Facebook

Post or Pin? – Pinterest Pulls My Post Time

Besides simply being happily busier lately, there’s been a new kid on the social media block that’s peeked my interest and taken away a portion of my posting time.  By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about and/or dabbled in the #3 most popular social network (beaten only by Facebook and Twitter) – Pinterest.  This rank is according to the latest report by Experian Marketing Services, and was acheived in a very short amount of time.

I’m here to post that I’m joyfully contributing to that jump!  During the past four months since I signed on, Pinterest is benefiting me both professionally and personally.  I’m so excited about this that I recently presented my case for Pinterest and other social media channels at a  recent literacy coach meeting at my school; I’m happy to say I have created some converters . . . slowly but surely.  :-)  For those of us still thinking that it is “another waste of time,” or “something I don’t have time to dabble with until summer,” perhaps this post will sway you to pin a few and see what happens!!  Even my principal, a converted social media enthusiast, emailed the faculty recently, tauting the benefits of teachers pinning boards!!  So, here it is . . . a rundown of how Pinterest is benefiting me (so far!):

My Professional Pinterest:

1.  I have the following educational boards on which I collect lesson plans, videos, articles, and images to use in and out of the classroom.

a.  Read, Read, Read: Collection of pictures, strategies and videos that motivate me and my students to read

b.  Yes to YA Books:  Books I or my reading students have read, enjoyed, and recommend to others

c.  Literacy Coaching:  a collection of tools to share with faculty as we spread best practices in literacy instruction that aligns with our common core standards.  Note:  I just started this board and look forward to continuing to add to it throughout the sumer as we “facelift” our current literacy coach program.  I am the coordinator of the literacy coach program at my school and truly enjoy getting out of my classroom and visiting/observing classes in other subject areas.  Watch for future pins that will reflect ALL content areas.

d.  Writing Well:   Here is where I pin resources for my own writing as well as lesson plan ideas for my own students.  Loads of writing prompts here!

e.  Greatly Good Grammar:  Need to brush up on your grammar?  I’m pinning quick and painless grammar tips here.

f.  Speak the Speech:  Collection of speeches, body language tips, interpersonal studies . . . As speech class is an entirely different curriculum all its own, I foresee this board growing into 3 – 4 boards.  Stay tuned!!

g. Excellent English Endeavors:  Those items that could be used in a number of different English classes (i.e. genre identification, spelling errors, etc)

h.  Shakespeare:   Board devoted to the Bard . . . links to sites, pictures and quick facts about him and his works.

i.  Education:  Items that can be useful to any educator – everything from appreciation gift ideas to school supplies to graphic organizers.

j.  Teacher Technology:  I will be referring back to this board quite often this summer as I prepare to flip my classrooms as much as I can.  I’m adding to this one every day, so stay tuned!!

k.  Carefully Counseling Careers:  As I contemplate pursuing my PhD in Counseling, a collection of resources for college and career.  One of the reasons I enjoy teaching Senior Expository Composition so much is because I revel in our college preparation unit.  After assisting my daughter through her own very successful college admissions journey, I feel experienced and passionate about this step everyone should be privileged to take in life.

l.  Cozy, Cool Classrooms: Ideas for setting up my classroom walls, bulletin boards, and organization

m.  High School Show & Tell: Videos my students can benefit from and/or simply enjoy

n.  Educational Leadership:  I just started this board; but, stay tuned for applications, articles and artifacts to aid in staff development, administration  (yes, I have my Type 75)

o.  Book Lovers’ Apparel/Accessories: Items that book-driven educators may enjoy wearing and/or using

My Personal Pinterest:  (a sampling . . . too many to list all)

2.  I have a collection of boards on which I collect artifacts to aid me in my hobbies, personal goals and every day life.

a.  Fitness Fun:  This board holds a plethora of workout and training ideas for my close second passion – fitness.  When I retire from teaching, I plan on pursuing my personal training and nutritionist certification.  By that time, I’ll be working with the older generation of us who will probably still be wanting to train but not being told what to do by a perky 20 year old.  That’s where I’ll come in – a perky 60 year old.  :-)

b.  Nutrition Nuggets:   The power of food fascinates me.  The more I learn about food, the more reality sets in that we truly are what we eat.  Here is where I will be collecting facts and figures about nutrition.  This is also a fairly new board so plan on its immense growth!!

c.  My Visual Bucket List:  Honestly, when I signed on to Pinterest, this board was why.  I planned on pinning my bucket list desires and that’s about it.  Well, that certainly flew out the window quicker than a suffocating fly!!

d.  Yoga Love:  I LOVE yoga.  A dear friend introduced it to me a few years back, and I’ve been stretching my way happy ever since.  My only wish is that I had more time for it.  I make time once a week for Hot Yoga – but my body craves more.

e.  Quotable Quotations:  True followers of GG will remember I already have a category devoted to quotations on this site, Quotable Quotations.  I wouldn’t be a true English teacher if I didn’t love the written and spoken word.  This is the one board that gets the most repins.  I simply pin those words that I’m feeling at the moment.  Once, when having a difficult moment, I pinned a quotation that was exactly what I was feeling at the moment – I woke up the next morning to 1500 repins!!  Apparently, many could relate to what I was going through!!  Power of the pin!!

f.  i Heart iPhones:  where I collect new app and shortcut information

g.  Books Worth the Read:  when I’m not at school, I’m working out.  When I’m not working out, I’m reading (after a few pinning moments, of course!).  Here is a collection of my favorite books along with a few I plan on reading this summer, poolside of course.

h.  Now You See It InfoGraphics:  While I have infographics posted on other boards having to do with those subjects, here’s a collection of graphs that I find interesting and useful

i.  Food to Taste and For Fun Food:  Of course, I have to have the healthful and the not-so-much foods.  It’s all about eating right so one can afford to cheat once in a blue moon.  Pinterest is a FABULOUS place to hold recipes!!

j.  Particularly Pleasing Products and Ideal Ideas and Goods Good to Know . . . all boards that provide a convenient place for me to store products I wish to make note of/buy in the future, ideas I may wish to try, and life lessons good to know.

And the list goes on . . . check out my Pinterest page for all 47 of my boards.  

My Pinterest Tools:  

~ Pin a Quote:  Allows me to create and pin my own quotations

~ Pin Page:  Allows me to pin an entire web site

My predictions for continued Pinterest improvements in the coming months: 

a.  allowance for privacy settings – I know there are many of us who hope this comes soon.  

b.  easier tracking of traffic – this will be a great tool for serious bloggers

c.  more “who to follow” tools - always helpful

There you have it – my take on one of the most popular social networks currently available.  Pinterest truly is a place to quickly hold and organize pieces of information that you wish to hold on to.  There are seemingly endless possibilities:  plan a special occasion, plan a lesson, collect for a portfolio, have students pin character boards, etc.

While I don’t see my zealous for Pinterest winding down any time soon, I will be making a concerted effort to divide my online time between pinning and posting.   In the meantime, join me on Pinterest @ www.pinterest/gradinggirl.  I look forward to your pins!!!  By the way, if you are currently on Pinterest, please feel free to click the little “Pin It” you see at the top or bottom of this page.  That will get this post on Pinterest – another great way to share information!!  Thank you!!!

Share on Facebook

Cala Lillies

Here is a recipe I traditionally make for Easter gatherings. My cousin affectionatey nicknamed them “deformed twinkies,” and that is exactly the color and consistency of the cake portion. They are called Cala Lillies, however, because of the similar (easy to hold) shape to the flower. Every time I bring a platter of these light and airy gems, they disappear within minutes of landing on the serving table. Check these out for a different spring treat.

Cala Lillies

CAKE PORTION:

~ 3 eggs

~ ¾ Cup sugar

~ 1 Cup flour

~ 1 tsp. baking powder

~ 1 tsp. vanilla

FILLING:

1 carton of whipping cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix the eggs until they are frothy (this is one of the most important parts – mix on a high speed for a few minutes)! Add the sugar, flour, baking powder and vanilla. Beat the entire mixture on low for two minutes.

Drop by teaspoonful onto a greased baking sheet – only six on one sheet at a time; also, place only one sheet in the oven at a time. This will allow you just enough time to “pinch” the ends together when the little ‘lillies’ come out of the oven. (Any more than six, and the dough will cool too much to form the shape properly.)

Place in the oven for five minutes. Immediately take them off of tray with a spatula and pinch the ends together so that they look like cala lillies.

Place whipped cream inside of them.  By the way, sprinkle a sparkle of sugar and a dash of vanilla into your whipped cream right before it reaches its perfect consistency . . . great way to add extra taste to the cream.   May also garnish with one thin piece of pineapple in the middle of the whipped cream to emulate the yellow spadix in the middle of the flower.

 

 

Share on Facebook

Spring Cardio Playlist ~ Spring into It!!

The tulips are peeking out of the ground, the leaves are turning green, the grass is growing.  Time to bloom our spirits and physiques – ready for what new, unexpected adventures await us this season!

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction . . . my right now song!!  So sweet!!!  So feel good!!!  If this beat doesn’t get your workout going, I don’t know what will.

Wild Ones by Flo Rida featuring Sia . . .     . . . . go wild at the gym and look wild everywhere else!  Turn this up and it’ll remind of that special wild one in your life!!

Glad You Came by The Wanted . . . . An undeniable beat that’ll put a spell on your workout moves!

Drive By by Train . . . toe tapping rock at its best . . . even if you’re not movin to West L.A.!!  ;)

Watching You Watch Him by Eric Hutchinson . . . I just heard this on the radio and used my iPhone app, Shazam, to instantly download it!!  Check it out – a lovable little song that all too many can relate to:  

We Run the Night by Havana Brown . . .  one of those “I can do anything” songs – turn this up as you perform your fast interval!!

Feel So Close by Calvin Harris . . . I liked this the first time I heard it.  It’s a bit slower – perfect timing as you prepare for cooldown. 

Heartbreak Warfare by John Mayer . . . something about this song that hits me significantly.  It’s one of those songs I’ll never get sick of.  Perfect punch to end.  This one often makes me “float” off the treadmill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share on Facebook

I Wanna Dance with Somebody

I heard the notice of Whitney Houston’s passing on my car radio Saturday evening.  I surprised myself by reacting to the news with tears.  Why would I cry over someone I never met?  She wasn’t even my favorite artist.  .  .  . Maybe it was because so many of her songs mark key moments in my life growing up.  Maybe it was because her passing is just one more affirmation that life is precious and fleeting.  Maybe it was because it gave me the urge to call everyone I love and tell them so.   Maybe it was because she was not too much older than I.

One of Whitney’s songs holds particular signficance in my family; I feel the need to post it here in honor of one of America’s most beautiful voices.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is the song my brother and I danced to modeling for prom fashion at Woodfield Mall years ago.  I served on the Woodfield Fashion Panel during my freshman and sophomore years of college, we were in need of male models,  and my boyfriend/future fiancé was too short ( ) so I recruited my bro!  Check out the photos below complete with my puffy hair and even puffier sleeves.  Since that show, Whitney’s ”I Wanna Dance with Somebody” has held signficance for us.   Because that song is rarely played on the air these days, if one of us happens to hear it, we call or text the other just to say, “Hey, guess what I just heard?”  Whitney’s songs signify special memories for many, I am sure; she touched so many lives through her beautiful voice.

I wonder if musicians can truly fathom just how much their music influences countless lives.  If they honestly knew and understood, I wonder if we’d have much less unhappy souls out there.    Here’s my favorite Whitney song that makes me feel giddy every time I hear it.  Now it has even more meaning:

 

 

Share on Facebook

Take it to TJ O’Brien’s!

There is a popular restaurant and sports bar open in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that I didn’t even know existed until a couple of weeks ago.  I was missing out, indeed!  In fact, I was so impressed by the hospitality of this father and son establishment that I told them I’d write a rave review . . .

TJ O’Brien’s Bar and Grill is a cozy restaurant and sports bar that serves contemporary Irish American fare, including a to-write-home-about comforting Shepherd’s pie (I tried this!), satisfying pizza (I indulged on this as well), huge hamburgers, and the juiciest beef sandwiches this side of ChiTown. Prices are extremely reasonable on top of their good taste; they are open for lunch and dinner and even offer catering.

O’Brien’s atmosphere is friendly while roomy enough to mingle with friends.  A sports bar with flat screen televisions greets patrons when they first walk in while, along the side, a homier room that includes a mantled fireplace and pool table is open for quieter dining and mingling.  I personally appreciated the welcome ambiance of this room.

Every single person who works at TJ’s makes you feel right at home, as if they’ve known you forever as soon as you walk in.  James O’Brien, one of the owners, is in almost every day; he’s constantly moving from patron to table to patron, ensuring everyone’s satisfaction with food and service.  TJ’s hosts fun neighborhood parties such as their now annual Halloween costume parties, Christmas Eve Eve celebrations, snow days commemorations and, of course, get togethers centered around popular sports events.

TJ’s recently added regular live entertainment to their establishment.  For instance, every other Thursday evening at 9pm, live music is offered.  Stop by for a great chance to unwind and catch up with friends.

TJ O’Brien’s is located at 53 W. Slade Street in Palatine, Illinois, conveniently just off the Metra tracks, at 847.468.7468.  Go for the deliciously authentic Irish fare and stay for the friendly atmosphere and entertainment.  It won’t be your last stop . . . .

A+ to TJ OBrien’s for sweetly satisfying food, high quality local entertainment and welcoming, neighborhood ambiance!!

 

Share on Facebook

Cardio Playlist 2012

I’m overdue for a BRAND NEW cardio playlist for 2012.  I pride myself in finding the latest, the most unique, the most motivating songs to keep you from getting bored on those cardio machines.  This list is no exception . . .

“Called Out in the Dark” by Snow Patrol . . . Brand new from this fabulous group!  An absolutely perfect tempo to warm up.  This is your life; this is your time ➟

“Eyes” by Kaskade (feat. Mindy Gledhill) . . . I LOVE, LOVE this one ‘ cause eyes are the windows to the soul and love is plain to see .♡  At 2:23 is when you should step up your game a bit faster on the mill!!

“Domino” by Jessie J . . . speaking of love , this one will make you happy and spin yourself out of control!!

“Paradise” by Coldplay (Fedde Le Grande remix) . . . I absolutely adore the original but this is the version for cardio!!

“These Days” by Foo Fighters . . . This group has a way of hiding profound lyrics behind smash rockin’ music.  One of these days your heart will play its final beat – but not today as you work it with this!

“Every Car You Chase” by Snow Patrol Vs. The Police . . . . One of my very favorite songs of all time paired with another fave ~ an ingenious mash-up!!  I dare you to stop during this!

 

“Joanna” by Little Comets . . . I’m not sure what I like about this song.  I just do:

“Video Games” by Lana Del Rey . . . A silky, sultry way to close your cardio. HEART this and the Cali footage too!!

 

Share on Facebook

BEST Slow-Cooked Turkey Lasagna

A slow-cooked meal is a gift from your early self to your later self.  This one makes the house smell extra scrumptious.

I made this for the first time this Christmas season.  I discovered it in my latest issue of “Muscle and Fitness Hers” (Jan/Feb issue) so you know it’s healthful!!  My family members tried something new this year.  Rather than exchange material gifts (except for the young ones, of course), we took turns preparing special dinners for each other.  Here is what I decided to make . . . it is a definite repeater.  It is, in fact, the best lasagna I’ve made – and it’s healthful, on top of it!!

Slow-Cooked Turkey Lasagna

~ 6 – 8 whole wheat or whole grain lasagna noodles

~ 12 oz 99% fat free ground turkey

~ 1/4 cup red cooking wine

~ 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese

~ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

~ 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese

~ 6 oz low-fat part skim mozzarella cheese

~ 6 oz can tomato paste

~ 29 – 32 oz tomato sauce

~ 1 cup chopped white onion

~ 2 tsp minced garlic cloves

~ 2 tbsp dried parsley (divided)

~ Mrs. Dash to taste (or whatever spices you have on hand!!)

~ 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Heat large sauté pan over medium heat.  Cook ground turkey, onion, and garlic until turkey is browned.

2. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, Mrs. Dash and 1 tbsp of parsley to meat mixture.

3. Simmer for a few minutes on low.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cooking wine and set aside.

4. In another bowl, combine all cheeses with remaining parsley and nutmeg.

5. Spoon one layer of turkey mixture across bottom of slow cooker.

6. Add one layer of dry lasagna noodles (you will need to break them to fit in slow cooker)

7. Add a layer of cheese followed by a layer of cooked turkey.

8.  Repeat steps 5 – 7.

9. Top lasagna with a pinch of parsley, cheese, and 1 – 2 tbsp of red cooking wine.

10.  Cook on low in slow cooker for 7 – 8 hours.

Share on Facebook

NCTE11 News and Notes 2

Need some inspiration during these last few days before Winter Break?!  While the following post does not give the NCTE 11 session, National Literature Project, nearly enough justice, I’m sharing a few inspirational tidbits that continue to stick with me since attending a month ago.  I continue to be inspired . . .

~ Meaning is neither in the text nor the reader.  It is in the transaction.

~ Literature helps us work out our relationship with the world around us.  Students have this experience all the time with games, movies, etc.  We can help them see that they can get just as lost in literature!!

~ “Unless you are educated in metaphor, you are not safe to be let loose in the world.”  Robert Frost

~ NAEP reading framework – % of Literature vs. Informational text:    4th grade – 50%, 8th grade – 45%, 12th grade – 30%

~ Young people betweeen the ages of 8 – 18 are using entertainment media 7 hours, 38 minutes a day!!

~ HOW they read matters much less than HOW MUCH they read!!!!  (in other words, the video game magazines are helping their reading as well!!!)

~ Background knowledge only builds from reading.

~ A student, on average, takes 7 seconds to look at a painting and 36 seconds to read a plaque.  In other words, students are much more likely to interpret visuals freely rather than interpret written text.  Students are visual these days!!!!

~ Reading is a way to have tea with an author. 

~ All teaching and learning is relational.  We are creating culture and knowledge!!

______________________________________________________

Lesson idea:

A. Write a note to one your favorite authors or teachers.  Include some highlights of that relationship, influences, insights gained because of the relationship, great moments, etc.  Perhaps explore how you have grown with/because of this teacher or author.  How has this author/teacher transformed your thinking?

B.  Exchange letters with your neighbor.  Cirle words that seem to capture the relationship highlighted in your neighbor’s letter.

C.  Use those circled words to create a poem

D.  Once poems are written, ask for volunteers to stand in a line in front of the class.  One at a time, the standing students read one line from their poems.  The teacher (with the help of the students) will move students around to create a “class” poem; place students in the order of lines that build upon one another.

E.  Finally, read the final poem

The moral of this lesson . . . the power of attachment is so much greater than detachment.

“Produce great persons.  The rest follows.”  ~Walt Whitman

 

 

Share on Facebook

6 Super Foods To Help You Look Younger

 

Nutrition fascinates me – we can cure, build, and sculpt ourselves with food.  When I retire from the teaching profession, I’m delving into the health/fitness world for sure.  Here’s the latest research I discovered.  According to MSN Health & Fitness, the key nutrients in certain foods will help you look younger. My only complaint is I don’t seem to see anything with frosting on the list. 

1. Blood oranges. These are full of antioxidants which decrease aging, increase collagen production and thicken the skin.

2. Shellfish. The fatty acids in shellfish nourish the skin, help maintain skin integrity and keep skin cells performing optimally.

3. Dandelion, turnip and mustard greens. Eating these slightly bitter greens has been shown to lessen your sweet tooth.  (GG hint:  to get my daily dose of greens, I blend mustard greens, a freshly squeezed lemon and strawberry egg white protein in a blender.  Green power smoothie without the bitter taste)

4. Oregano, thyme and parsley. If you have puffy bags under your eyes in the morning, you are likely consuming too much sodium. Instead of salt, season your meals with herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley and garlic.

5. Crunchy vegetables. Celery, carrots, string beans and cauliflower contain cellulose, which helps scrub stains from your teeth — giving you a whiter, brighter smile.

6. Almond milk. Doctors say almond milk is a nutritious dairy alternative because of its high levels of magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin E, selenium and calcium. Its natural fatty acids will keep your mind sharp, your immune system strong and your skin glowing.

Go for it.  Even if these don’t tickle your fancy at first read, we’re all looking for some form of fountain of youth, right?  Try it.

 

Share on Facebook

Next Page »