Reflections on the beginning of Lent

Today is Fat Tuesday; the day we can have all of our indulgences before the beginning of Lent tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. As I am sitting at my computer, thinking of all the school projects that need to be finished and the housework that needs to be done, I'm pondering what to do for Lent.  Traditionally, folks "give up something" to show sacrifice for all that Jesus gave.  I once had a pastor who suggested we "take on something".  I had already decided that I will begin a devotional reading plan during Lent on my tablet computer.  I am also trying to be more principled at exercising, so I am going to add those two things to my daily routines during Lent.

What are your thoughts on Lent?  What is your "take" on the idea of giving up something vs. taking on something?

Toshiba Tablet

I got a new toy!  I have an Android tablet.  My hubby built himself a new computer recently and asked me if I wanted to upgrade my desktop computer.  My desktop is running Windows 95, so it's pretty old.  I told hubby that my computer works for what I use it for and I am perfectly happy with it.  He just chuckled.  We started to look at notebook computers and tablets for me.  I got the bug.  Then Woot had a good sale on the Toshiba Tablet, so we couldn't pass it up.  Check out a review here: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/01/16/toshiba-thrive-at105-t1032-10-1-android-tablet-review/. 

There has been quite a learning curve for me in setting it up and getting used to using it.  One of these days I will be able to use it to blog, too....but still like using my full size keyboard.

For now, I've been having fun trying out several new free aps.  I have a new air hockey game and this crazy thing were you can throw wadded up paper into a trash can.  I also entertained myself playing tic-tac-toe this afternoon and even won a couple of games.  I haven't tried the ever-popular Angry Birds as I'm afraid I just might get addicted to it.

I'd enjoy reading any comments about Android aps. or any tips you might want to share!

Reading Marathon

Check out this AWESOME idea I just read on another blog!  I'm putting it in my lesson plans for the first week back from Christmas Break!

http://jessicaywinston.blogspot.com/2011/12/reading-marathon.html#comment-form

What'd ya get for Christmas?

I remember when I was younger and all of my cousins would get together at my Grandma's house for Christmas Day in the afternoon.  The first thing we did was compare what gifts we got at Christmas.  Shouts of, "What'd ya get for Christmas?" filled the living room and were followed by, "What was your favorite gift?"

I still enjoy getting gifts, but find joy in GIVING.  It's a challenge for me to find "just the perfect gift" for the ones I love and an even bigger challenge to keep it a secret until they open the gift.  I get SO excited!  *Do any of my blogger friends have suggestions as to how you can find "the perfect gift?"  Do you ask the person for a list?  Do you spy on them?  What do you do? * 

One of my favorite gifts this year was from Patrick.  A Fancy Nancy doll.  She is a character from children's books written by Jane O'Connor.  He worked to find a Fancy Nancy doll who has a purple skirt and is adorable.  He would ask me, "Is there a CERTAIN Fancy Nancy doll you want?"  Apparently, there are many to chose from along with many outfits.  Here's a picture of her with her Christmas book I purchased the day after Christmas at 50% off with a gift card from Barnes and Noble and a book that Patrick gave me.

So, the kid in me still wants to ask, "What'd ya get for Christmas?"  If you would like to share, please post a comment on here!  

I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Reindeer Cam

Check this out!!  Pretty neat!  I would like to watch sometime during feeding time.  May have to just do this at school with my students so we can see feeding time. :)



ReindeerCam

Motivation? Is that something you can buy online?

I can hardly believe that today is December 8!  I should be grading papers right now, but can't seem to make myself do it.  I have been feeling somewhat....what's the word I am looking for....upset at all the time my job is taking.  I work nearly every night until 5 or 6pm and then still have papers to grade.  (Now, that's 2-3 hours per day "over time" without pay.)  One would think that after doing this job for 15+ years, I'd have a better system, right?  That's what my Dad thinks. I don't want to sound like I am just complaining, especially at this time of year.  I just can't seem to find the motivation to get it all done.  It's like I'm thinking, "Well, I've already worked 2 hours extra planning and preparing and getting things ready. I'm tired.  Why should I have to work more?"  Well, because there is more to get done!   Last night, I just enjoyed sitting in front of the TV for two hours, not thinking or worrying about everything that isn't getting done.  (sigh)

Well, maybe now that I've gotten that out of my system, I can get something done.  LOL

Fall Freak Attends Awesome Concert

This Fall Freak (me) was delighted when my dad told me that the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was going to play a concert at the Bartlett Arboretum!  My parents, husband, and I purchased our tickets and awaited the special day.

The day was a simply beautiful day---crisp, Fall weather, but not TOO cold.  The Arb was at it's fall best---I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful trees!  I don't know what I was thinking when I did not take my "good" camera along with me, but was able to shoot a few shots with my little camera I carry in my purse.

Can you imagine living in this house?  With this scene as your "back yard?"  I'm SO jealous!

In this next shot, you can see just how low the pond is---Kansas has had a bad year for precipitation---we are in desperate need of rain.  Even so, it is still beautiful!

All four of us had a good time at the concert; I even caught my dad tapping his foot in time to the music once or twice.   Check out this link to see some better pictures and notes: http://bartlettarboretum.tumblr.com/ .