Life of the Party

      So many people have differing opinions on SNAP benefits and who should/ shouldn't receive them. We had to attend a family event over the weekend, and it came up in the discussion multiple times. I'm not supposed to have an opinion and express it publicly, but I will say that people need that to survive.      As a child my family hit a "hard" moment in life where we had to use government assistance until my parents could get back on their feet. It was there to provide us a cushion and to help bridge the gap of poverty. It served its purpose and got us  through. Mom was beyond embarrassed to sign up and immediately ended it when they were both able to find additional employment. I have no idea what would have happened if my mom wouldn't have reached out for help. Local food pantries can only help so much. This is just my POV... Feel free to post yours...

      I have to revise my winter reading list because I already finished my old list.  1. Man Made Monsters by Andrea Rogers 2. The Stranger in Our House by Sarah Denzil  3. The Woman in Coach D by Sarah Denzil 4. We Play Games by Sarah Denzil 5. The Housemaid  by Sarah Denzil 6. Behind a Locked Door  by Sarah Denzil 7. Secret Sister by Sarah Denzil 8. The Girl Who Left by Jenny Blackhurst 9. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann 10. Wait for You Collection by Jennifer Armentrout      I know adding books will only add more excitement. Please feel free to read/ listen along. I would love to have a full dialogue with anyone else who loves to read or listen to books. I would also love suggestions  to add to my list as well. 

     The Hiking Trip  was a page turner from beginning to end. I couldn't predict any of the next movements in the plot. Mazi's character had be baffled the entire time. Just when I thought I had everything figured out an additional twist would jump in and change everything. Loving the way the author moved us in two different times periods also kept me fully locked in for the full story.       Blackhurst is true to her craft. A true thriller novelist who keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would love to see this novel move into the format of a movie. I would pay good money to see this in theaters along with any of her additional books.      I would rate this book a 5 out of 5! I will never think about hiking the same. Strangers in passing could potentially be my ending. I have always thought hiking as a relaxing adventure, but never again.      The narrator also deserves an honorable mention. Audible's ability to ge...

      Wow, it's Halloween, a full week, and I teach middle school. You want to know what all these things have in common, ME! All these things equal... one tired teacher and one messy classroom. I'm exhausted and this week has completely took me out.   Maybe it's this cold damp weather, or maybe it's the excitement of Halloween?      The costumes today were on POINT! We had everything from cartoon characters to dooms day death doctors. I was amazed at how many students made their customs this year. The creativity was beyond what was expected. I joined in on the fun and dressed up as a hip witch with a massive oversized had and high heel boots. I didn't fit in, but the kids got a kick out of it.      Candy sugar highs filled our days with enjoyment and laughter. Bring on the weekend!

Let's talk about a great listen! Here it is ladies and gentlemen the moment of pure entertainment we have been antispating. I was completely caught up in the story cover to cover. This was a rather quick listen, but the impact and excitement more than makes up for the short length. The cast of characters also made the overall effect beyond entertaining. I didn't realize until listening to this book that there is a whole world of true crime junkies. This book led me down a brief research rabbit hole and I loved every second of it.      What's next? Personally, I would love to see this become a short film or a full length movie. I'd pay to go watch it without a doubt. So many married women are often sidelined by jobs, other women, and disinterest from their husbands. It was believable that a wife could possibly fall in love with a man who calls her constantly and checks in! 5 out of 5 stars!!! Fantastic book.   

      With all the advancements in technology a massive amount of our curriculum has an online base, which isn't always a blessing. Sometimes it can truly be a hinderance and/or annoyance for the teacher when the wifi fails. Today was one of the those days and I did not have a complete meltdown. Thankfully I became a teacher before the world of one to one computers.      We got out the old textbooks and had a day of retro learning. My overall impression was that the students didn't have the extra distraction of their computers, extra tabs, and plugs to get them off task. Today we accomplished more than what could be expected. I might start having complete technology free days in my room. It was like a breath of fresh air. Here's to kicking it old school and opening a book! PS  One of my students stated she had never used a textbook. Ugh... Man times have changed. 

      Well... I finally finished my college CEU courses and passed! The success on my part was very sought after. I worked really hard to finish and finish strong. I scored a 92, which is by no means perfect, but I FINISHED. I will never underestimate a working mother's ambition to succeed. In the next foreseeable future I will not be taking on additional classes.         I'm content with my 92. To be honest it is more than I deserve to have. I had to redo two assignments to get it that high. I'm thankful for the  opportunity, but I'm thrilled it is finally over. My final paper was 18 pages fully typed, edited, and submitted. The sheer research was overly strenuous! 

      My birthday was yesterday... time moves by so fast. I cannot believe I'm 36. Yesterday was so depressing and lonely. I'm not entitled to being celebrated, but it would have been nice to at least be took out to dinner or some nice gesture. Moms are always in the background.     Year 35 was here and gone in the blink of an eye. I didn't even have time to truly appreciate it any of this past year and it passed by without so much as a wave hello. Year 35 brought many struggles and challenges into my life. My journey into motherhood has not be an easy one. Being in my mid thirties with  a toddler has also been a massive challenge and curveball. I struggle daily with juggling work, home, and motherhood.      I have learned: 1. You cannot control everything. Let things go... 2. People will always come and go out of your life. No one is permanent.  3. Toddlers are going to meltdown. (Learn to deal with it) 4. Do the damn thing! If you trul...

      Young adult novels usually lose my interest, but this one has really shocked me. I loved the way the author interweaves the characters. It was refreshing to not be bombarded with steamy sexual content. Sometimes those senes ruin a book for me.      My favorite character was Throne. His woodsmen elf character was marvelously crafted. His complete moral dilemma of falling in love with a mortal was so  complex and passionate that I was hooked. The fact that he can turn into a bear is awesome too! The main character, however, really irritates me. Her stupidity knows no bounds and she is constantly whining around. I prefer strong female leads, not weak female characters.      Amy London also did an amazing job narrating this series. Her voice for Throne was incredible! I love when a narrator has the vocal strength to do multiple characters. I would rate the narrator a 5 out of 5, as for the book itself... My rating is a 3.9 out of 5 due...

      Some of my fellow friends are already planning ahead for Christmas and I'm also a planner too! One can never have enough lists to follow. In my opinion, the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about financial strain. Planning ahead may ease the discomfort of paying out money for gifts.      In all honesty, don't buy gifts if you cannot afford them. I'm perfectly happy with your presence. Showing up to family events is more meaningful to me. I have went ahead and bought Taylor two books to satisfy my something to read rule. Books aren't overly priced, so it's always my go to item. I will also be buying her something to wear as well. My mom always spoils her, so I know she will have plenty of toys and junk like that.      I think experiences are important as well. We might ride the train this year once I see what the prices of the tickets are. The Polar Express would be her main gift from me, if we decide to go. Of ...