A Positive Work Environment

Does anyone work with cheerful people? I don't mean "annoyingly cheerful", just people who don't gripe about everything? I know it's a coping mechanism, but it's starting to get on my nerves. I try to stay positive against some pretty tough situations, but when I'm faced with a gaggle of coworkers who are upset, it's tough. I don't know how to guard against it except to put up walls, which of course is not how I want to spend 8 hours of my day. Oy.

Any suggestions?

Today's movie: Working Girl. Melanie Griffith posing as her boss. Harrison Ford being cute.

Bonus movie: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Christina Applegate forges a resume to get a job in fashion for a summer. Excellent example of pushing yourself to do what others think you can't do.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Books

I've been thinking about my college days today and I've realized that I started multi-tasking books during college. I would read a chapter of psych and then give myself half an hour of a fun book, chapter of psych, half hour... until I finished.

Now, I have books for moods. I have a chick lit book, a Harry Potter-esque book, a funny short story book, a book on teaching students in poverty, and random quote books that I pick up. I like to think of them as sets of parentheses that have book embedded in book (bo (bo (book ) ok ) ok ). Go figure.

How many books do you have going right now?

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Brokeback Mountain

Movie of the Day: Brokeback Mountain. I saw this movie yesterday with my sister and my friend Karen. I know that some are nervous to see two men falling in love. I was a bit nervous too. However, what's cool about this movie is that it isn't out to shock us. It treats their love as something sacred instead of graphic sex (which it doesn't show). It makes you think about the lives of these two men in the 60's and what little difference there is today. By the end, you forget that they are both men and just think of them as two people in love. This is a very important movie.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

I'm Ready

Things are starting to get back to normal and my natural January instinct is kicking in: buy a lot of food so I won't starve in a storm and stock up on books to read. Barnes & Noble had a teacher appreciation day yesterday, so I have about 7 new books to read (in addition to the other books to read) and then I hit Cub (Foods). My mom always makes fun of me when I go to Wal-Mart (about once a year) because I buy the stuff that I can only buy there (certain beads) and then get out as quickly as possible. She says I shop like I've just come in from Alaska and need to stock up! Well, same philosophy at Cub yesterday. Maybe that was spurned on by my four days of "creative" sparse eating. Who knows?

So, I'm ready for snow days, empty evenings or just a really big snack.

Movie: The Saint. Val Kilmer really gets into his roles. I like his change of character and I think Elisabeth Shue's character is interesting too. There's action and a little mush and nothing tooooooo heavy.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Who the Heck?

So, some of you might have read that I was at Sundance. Yep, 'tis true. I also wrote about who I met/saw there. If you are at all like most of my students, you don't know some of them.

For instance, Jeffrey Donovan (above) played Cal in Come Early Morning. The whole movie, I sat there thinking, "he was a creep in another movie". Actually instead of "creep" I thought "rapist" but turns out he was just a creep in Hitch who wanted to use KC and dump her. He was much nicer in CEM and nicer still in person when I asked him to sign my scavanger hunt. He said it was the first time anyone has asked him that.

A few of my students are now in love with him.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Better Be Quick

So, I'm sitting here watching the minutes tick by, deep in thought about what the heck to blog about. How do you top star sightings? Today, I just can't. All I can think about it my runny nose, my lack of groceries, and the fact that my students cannot or will not learn any math without me. Oy. Not an exciting blog topic, huh? Oh well. Maybe something will come to me later in the day. For now, here's a movie:

The Princess Bride. Oldie, but goodie. Hundreds of fun quotes to use in your every day life.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Home

After five days of wandering Park City, I am home. Yesterday was pretty much devoted to travel, but Laura and I did head to town and saw a couple stars in cafes: Sam Shepard & John Malkovich (not together). Oddly, I walked right past both of them, but Laura noticed (thankfully). I don't know why I didn't see them. Hmmmmm... Laura is still there, so maybe she'll see a few more!

Any way, I am back and hope to share pictures soon. I just read a little article on MSN.com about Sundance. It's so weird to think "Oh, I saw that one...."

Today's movie: Annie. My "gang" acted this out when we were growing up. The Sun'll come out.....

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

That's a Wrap!

I'm heading home tonight; there are just a few more hours to catch some star-seeing. The remaining three from our group will head to town for lunch and then to Salt Lake City this afternoon.

This trip has been surreal. Laura's parents are awesome hosts (visit them if you can) and the star sightings were so amazing. It's just plain cool.

Today's movie: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Let's hope I don't need to take a train!

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Wow!

Yesterday was so eventful, I didn't get a chance to blog. Today has been pretty full too! So, I'll try to keep this chronological...

Sunday morning: Woke up at 5:30 to go to 8:00 Mass. I'm not Catholic, so this was an interesting new style of worship. The visiting priest was a filmmaker in town for the festival and kept the homily short (I mean REALLY short). Then, we walked to the shuttle bus and got in line to see Come Early Morning, which was written and directed by Joey Lauren Adams. We were there three hours early and were 21-27th in line.

Eventually, they announced that the first 25 would get in. Yikes. What to do? Turns out, they let us all in. As we were getting our tickets torn, we noticed that Dennis Quaid was right ahead of us!

The theater sat 1270 people and it was packed! Afterwards, Joey, Ashley Judd, Laura Prepon, and Jeffrey Donovan were there to answer questions. As we left, Dennis Quaid walked out and then we saw Jeffrey Donovan. I took his picture and then asked him to sign the scavenger hunt. He was really nice.

Then, we went back to Laura's folks' to have an appetizer dinner party with some of their friends. Overall, an excellent day!

Now on to today (so far)....

Woke up at 5:05 and Laura and I took her stepmom's car into town to see Flannel Pajamas. Well, we sat in line for about 30 minutes and then a man walked in and sold us his tickets. So, we went into the building and sat in another line (that was at least inside and warm). We ended up with great seats.

The movie was odd. Good, but too much nudity for me and I really didn't like the male character. But, the acting was good. I'll blame it on the writer....

After the Q & A, I went up and introduced myself to Julianne Nicholson and Justin Kirk, the stars and got them to sign my scavenger hunt too. Both were really nice.

We ended up lunching at Zoom, Robert Redford's restaurant (amazing ravioli) and wandered the shops. We saw a woman from North Country, Michael Rappaport, and Rosie O'Donnell. Not bad, huh?

Now, we have a little down time before the skiers get back and then who knows what we'll do tonight!

Movie of the day: Spellbound. It's a movie about a spelling bee. Stressful!!!!

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Eventful day-well sorta

Woke up at 5:45 AM to get in line to see Little Miss Sunshine. After an hour and a half of waiting, it was still touch and go as to whether or not we'd get in. Turns out there were only two guys allowed in behind us!!!! We sat in the front row and had an awkward slanty view, but it was awesome!

The movie was hilarious and the entire cast was there afterwards: Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Steve Carrell, and Abigail the little girl from Signs. We have some awesome pictures, if only they would upload.

Then, Laura's sister Emily and I wandered town, hitting the shops and wishing we could find a nice quiet place to sit. The town was packed! It was also snowing, the light, fluffy stuff that makes you say "Oh, isn't the snow beautiful" unless you are wandering around in it without proper headwear (Sara, I did put on my hat eventually).

Laura saw D.B. Sweeney or "That guy from The Cutting Edge" as she called him. We also saw the car all the stars are signing. I now kind of have Jennifer Aniston's autograph.

I didn't accomplish any signatures for my scavanger hunt, but oh well. I was really close to Steve Carrell, but he was being mobbed at the time (poor guy).

Any way, all is well in Park City. It's looking like another early morning tomorrow, only this time for mass (Holla to my Cov. Disc. group ladies, aka Prayer Warrior!) Then, it's off to line up for more movies!!!!

Movie of the Day: Signs. See the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine. And some creepy aliens. Ignore Mel. Drool over Joaquin.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Stars and Dorks!

So, we saw stars!!!!! Actually, we started walking around and this guy with cool eyes said that he would give us free tickets to his movie (he was the producer) if we PROMISED to use them. We saw Things To Do. It was SOOOOOO funny! While in line, I met two women who asked if I ever watched "Everwood". I said that my parents did (Hi, Mom and Dad) and they said that their brother was one of the actors on the show. Turns out he was in If You Believe, one of my earlier movie suggestions!!!! AWESOME!!!! They ended up sitting with us at the movie and both signed my scavanger hunt form as well as the two main stars of the movie and the producer. SCORE!

Well, after that, we decided to grab some lunch and there was a crowd hanging around. We asked what was going on and they said that Jennifer Aniston was supposed to be coming out. So, we waited and waited and waited. Finally, we see cameras flashing inside. Well, out comes Joey Lauren Adams! I didn't get a picture of her thought.

Then, we waited some more and Joan Cusack came out!!! I did get pictures of her! We also saw Scott Caan (Ocean 11) and the guy from Ally McBeal and Ned and Stacy.

We kept waiting, but then I had visions of spending the rest of my life with less than 10 toes, so I thought it best to throw in the towel.

A couple hours later, as we headed to the car, I saw a guy who had also been waiting and asked if Jennifer ever came out. He said that she snuck out the back (I don't blame her).

I just tried to upload some photos off Laura's camera, but we are having technical difficulties. I'll see what I can do in the near future.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

The Mountains are Alive!

I am sitting in my friend's dad's office! After 5.5 hours of flying, we arrived in Salt Lake City last night around 8 (our 9). After a good night's rest, the ten of us are lobbying for shower time and then we're heading to Park City to see what there is to see and get a feel for the layout. Tonight: we try to get into our first movie. Tomorrow, 80% of the people want to hit the slopes for half a day and then who knows what!?!

Laura is sitting here reading tips on how to see celebrities. Better go! No celeb sightings yet, but literally hundreds of 20/30-something men at the airport. Not bad.

Movie of the day: When a Man Loves a Woman. Good. Sad.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

It's here!

Today is the big day. The day I've been waiting for for 5 months. Yep. I'm leavin'. On a jet plane. I do know when I'll be back, though. I have half a day of work (where I will be wrapping up the loose ends of this semester) and then I'm off to Sundance. Yes, Sundance Film Festival. Started by Robert Redford, supported by the stars! I have tons of film and a scavenger hunt created by my lovely sister. So, I'm all set. To scope out all the movie potential, click here.

I plan to blog from Utah, so stay tuned!

Movie of the day: A Stranger Among Us. Melanie Griffith is a cop who investigates a crime in a Hassidic Jewish community. There's some love which I'm told is completely unheard of and would never have happened (according to my Judaism prof in college). However, still super good!

Ludicrous Lutefisk!
:)Becca

Hmmm....

I've been sitting at my computer for a good five minutes now trying to think of something to blog. Something that would be interesting to you and fun for me to write about. Nothing is coming. I could tell you that I got 5 hours of sleep last night after getting only 5 hours the night before (I'm best with 7.5). I could tell you that I'm not nearly packed and my dishes aren't done. I could tell you that I'm dreading correcting finals today and wish elves existed (with math degrees, of course). I could tell you that my students and coworkers add up to more people than I can deal with in my current state (energy-wise). I could tell you that when I stop to think about my trip, I get energetic (briefly), which is a good sign. I could tell you the cure for eye strain that I learned last week: focus on something close, then far, then close.... It really works!

The movie of the day: Playing By Heart. Tons of stars with multiple lot lines. It's all about different kinds of love. Stars: Angelina Jolie, Sean Connery, Gena Rollins, Ryan Phillipe, Gillian Anderson, Jon Stewart, Anthony Edwards, Dennis Quaid, Jay Mohr, and Madeline Stowe.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Cameras and Peace

I am spending 80% of my time on school stuff right now and 20% with normal life stuff and trying to get ready for my trip. One dilemma was my camera situation. I do not own a digital camera. I actually don't want one of the standard ones because I like my pictures to snap quickly. I also want good resolution. However, my camera is too big for wandering around Park City so I ended up heading to Target and getting a normal camera (little) that uses film. I hope it does the trick.

In the last couple months, I've been focused on the word "peace". My sister gave me a mug for Christmas that says:

Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. ~ Unknown

Movie: 50 First Dates. Drew Barrymore has a weird memory issue that makes her relive one day of her life over and over. Adam Sandler is the guy who falls for her. I like how this movie advocates thinking outside the box.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Finals-The Ultimate Test (of patience)

Finals begin this week in the high schools and tensions are high. An odd thing happens when you get to the last week of the grading period and it's even worse when that coincides with the end of the semester. Kids start to really care about their grades.

The first four weeks or so of the six-week grading period, most kids coast. They try to turn in late work, when they get around to it. By Weeks 5 & 6, they start to apply pressure to me to let them turn in REALLY old work (sorry, kid).

Then, there's the "What can I do to get my grade up?" epidemic. They want to retake tests (I let them redo one a grading period). They want extra credit. They want me to "give" them a better grade. They try to bribe me. Honest. I keep telling them that it's have to be enough for me to retire on since I'd lose my job. They say no one would have to know. I just laugh.

Of course, the laughing is only when I'm not stressed out myself, which will be rare this week. I try to mentally "step out" of the whole situation and just do the work without absorbing the kids' stress as well as my own. It's tough.

While this is going on, I'm also going to be packing for my trip. I haven't been talking about it much, even to friends. I don't know if I just don't want to jinx it or tell everyone and then have it fall through or what.

Any way, the movie of the day: Tuck Everlasting. It's a Disney movie about a family that finds the fountain of youth and a girl who falls for the son. It's an interesting look about the good and bad of being young forever.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,

:)Becca

Quick quotes

Busy day so I think I'll send you some quotes I like:

Opportunities are seldom labeled. ~ John A. Shedd

Some day there will be a war and no one will come. ~ Carl Sundberg

Today, teach what your conscience says is right, teach what reason says is best, teach with all your mind and might; do your duty and be blessed. ~ Unknown

Never let the odds against you keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. ~ Unknown

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup. ~ Bumper Sticker

Movie of the Day: Music From Another Room. Jude Law, back when I liked him. Gretchen Mol. It's an interesting take on persistence.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Share the Random

I'm random. My "randomness" appears anywhere from when I'm cleaning my house to when I'm having a conversation (or if I'm hyper, a monologue).

At times, I have random ideas that tug at me. I'm also someone who debates things in my head too long. However, when I get a tugging idea, I try to go with it because I think it's a spiritual prompting. It might mean sending a care package, a note, an e-mail, a bouncy ball, or Pop Rocks. Whatever it is, I get really excited about it. It's weird. We'll see what comes next.

The idea that I had last night was to have some granola bars and handwarmers with me on my trip in case I meet someone who is hungry or cold.

Random request: How many of you have decided to watch one of the movies that I have suggested? What did you think?

Today's movie: Kissing Jessica Stein. A woman decides to read the Personals to find a man and ends up interested in another woman. They meet. They court. There is awkwardness. Not for kids or super conservative adults.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Teachers I've Known Before

The weekend of my 10-year high school reunion, a group of us went to breakfast with our newspaper advisor. My friend Nate stays in contact with him and set the whole thing up.

Mr. Braafladt looks like Mark Twain. Honestly. I first met him in 10th grade honors English and I was scared. I learned a lot from him: how to take multiple choice tests efficiently, how to see the poetry of songs, and how to spell his name (no nicknames for Mr. Braafladt!), but was still a bit scared all year.

When I was a senior, I was a member of the newspaper staff: reporter and photographer. That was when I relaxed a bit in that room. I loved being on the newspaper. We also had our own darkroom. There were only two of us taking most of the pictures and he would send us to the lab. As a teacher, I never would have sent a senior girl and a junior boy to a dark closet, but that's just me. In case you were wondering, nothing happened.

Whenever the photo editor (the junior boy) really wanted a picture in the paper that grading period, he would have me ask Nate (Hi Nate!) because he thought I had more pull. Nate was The Editor and is still a subscriber to the paper! It always worked so maybe the guy was right.

Any way, when we went to brunch with Mr. Braafladt, he talked about friendship and said "Take care of your friends." His statement resonated with me and I ended up typing it and framing it for my office. Now I see it and think of Mr. Braafladt, my time on the paper, and my friends.

Today's Movie: Top Secret. Stupid movie, but the first one my little brother ever went to. Luckily, he's developed better taste than when he was 2 years old and we dragged him along. (My mom was out of town and my dad took us to see it. I don't think we "got" much of it.)

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Meth = Death

WARNING: THIS IS GROSS!!!!

We had two assemblies yesterday at school and one of them was "Meth = Death". It was fascinating! And gross. They showed a Power Point of pictures of physical side effects of using meth. I actually got light-headed by just how disgusting it is. Some examples:

Someone's butt that looked like acid had been tossed on it. One whole cheek was chewed away. That happens when the user has all collapsed veins in their arms and starts shooting it into their butt. (Meth is up to 32 different acids and stuff like lighter fluid, Drano, etc.).

Before and After photos. After less than four years, this woman looked like the waking dead. She had lost probably 50 pounds and looked HORRID!!!

They talked about Meth Mites which are imaginary bugs under their skin while they are using. The scratch at them over and over until they bleed. When they're really desperate, they try to get the residual meth out of the wounds. GROSS!

They showed what looked like a glove, but was really a person's skin that had blown off in a meth lab explosion.

I guess it takes a year of treatment to get off meth and you still have paranoid feelings for a years later, but it is treatable. They said that if you know someone on meth (or suspect that they are), you should seek outside help and not just confront them alone because many users carry guns!!!

Yikes! I'm sorry to gross everyone out, but I thought it was interesting and something everyone should hear.

On a lighter note, Saturday is a full moon. Maybe I should buy some organic apples. Anyone care to join me for some freaky love spells?

Today's movie: Pay It Forward. It's really about math. MATH. Not Meth. A boy decided that if he helps three people and then they help three people and so on, paying it forward, the world will be a better place. Great good. Good movie.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Bubbles

I have personal space issues. I like to know who is getting near me, etc. I have students who have different personal space needs than I do and sometimes they push it.

Yesterday, I had a student leaning on my desk. A lot. In my "personal space". He's done this for months now and every time I tell him to stop. Finally, I think it worked. He asked if he could "hug my bubble" (meaning my personal space bubble). Picture this, a 16-year-old boy with his arms stretched out wide, slightly curved, hugging my "bubble." I just laughed and laughed. So, now he's allowed to hug my bubble and I hope that keeps him off my desk!

Also, I had a friend give me a "love spell" recipe yesterday. Do any of you believe in love spells? It calls for taking an organic red apple, holding it up to a full moon, carving two connected heart shapes out of it, wrapping it with a "love request" type thing written on pink paper with a red pen, tying it with a red bow and then placing it in a natural place like a park. Then, I'm to bow to the moon three times as I walk away.

Another spell ends telling me to wait a while. It says to "keep healthy, stay happy, and be patient." Well, couldn't I just do that any way? Hmmmm...

What do you think? Bunk? Worth a try? Will I get kicked out of all of my Math societies and run out of Dodge?

Movie of the day: Parent Trap (recent version). My dad took my cousin to this movie when she was about 8. Precious. I think it's funny and a time when Lindsay Lohan was sweet and innocent!

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

It's Time.

For the past 5 months, I've been planning my trip to Utah next week. The whole time, I kept saying "I'll make it work." See, it's finals time and semester's end and things are tricky as it is without me jetting off to be with the rich and famous for 5 days (only missing two days of class). So, I'm in the thick of getting myself organized and if I put it off, I have nightmares.

Last night, I REALLY wanted to just chill and try to get rid of a headache, but my friend said to just do the stuff. It was so matter-of-fact that I plunked in I'm With Lucy to speed watch (you know, skipping scenes that aren't as funny) and did homework. No nightmares!

Well, actually, my dream had me getting held up at a store. I guess that counts as a nightmare, huh? The weird thing was, as I was digging in my purse to get some cash, I asked the woman if she was all right. Was she sick? Was this for something important? Then, she started crying. She was being abused. I gave her "hidden money" that she didn't see originally. (She was wearing a garbage bag and the only one of four to come in while the rest stood guard). Yep, weird.

Any way, I better get on to the movie of the day: The Prince and Me. Julia Stiles has great hair in this movie and she's smart, which I always like. The prince is interesting too. He actually believes Wisconsin is the best place to see Girls Gone Wild.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Curing Afluenza

Next Friday, Tony Campolo will be in Duluth and speaking at the DECC. He is a religious speaker to talks about how our society is so focused on stuff, money, working too much, etc. in order to get the "correct" lifestyle that we ignore basic values and the poor.

Tony is a Christian, but I think people of many faiths would find kernels of truth in what he says.

The event starts at 7:00 at the DECC and it's free! They will be taking a free will offering to help defer costs.

Here's to nice traveling weather!

Movie of the Day: Red Eye. It comes out tomorrow, so get jazzed about it today! It stars Rachel McAdams (who is everywhere lately) and Cillian Murphy. I thought I would be SUPER scared, but it wasn't that bad! If you like gross, scary movies, this probably won't do it for ya.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Things I Love

Here is a random list of some things (or stars) I "love". I don't get into family, friends, religion, peace, justice, etc. Just some fluffy stuff for this gray Sunday (Week 3: Still no sun. Help!!!)

Calvin and Hobbes
Almond M & M's
Michael Vartan
Mrs. Baker's Spiced Plum candles
blue twinkle lights
My purple glasses
The Time traveler's Wife
The Quadratic Formula
The Spanish word "temperatura" (temperature)
wearing bright colors with black t-shirts
jewelry, but not bracelets or toe rings (too annoying)
Born shoes
bizarre snowmen (or snowwomen or snowpets)
witty play on words
Zach Braff's humor
veggie pizza
penguins
popping bubble wrap
peeling foil off pill packets
long phone conversations

Movie: Runaway Jury. John Cusack is great and this is an intriguing movie. I don't want to give anything away, so just trust me. ( ha ha).

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Photo Album

A couple years ago, I asked everyone on my Christmas card list to send me a picture of themselves that they like and then I would make a photo album of friends. Since then, I have created an album of Christmas photos. Each year, I add to the album my making collages of the photos I get in Christmas cards. This year, I had 5 pages! I love just looking at it throughout the year and watching everyone's kids grow up. I even add pet pictures! So, if you haven't sent pictures at Christmas, but would like to be in the photo album, let me know!

Movie of the Day: Mission Impossible I. It was back before we knew Tom was a loon and when Katie as still about 12. I like the gum.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Quotes

Happy Friday! I collect quotes so I thought I would add a couple here for your Friday enjoyment:

My best friends bring out the best in me. ~ Henry Ford

Speak little, do much. ~ Ben Franklin

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. ~ Annette Funicello

Movie of the day: Dead Poets' Society. This movie was so important to me in high school. I think it really shaped a lot of my thinking. Carpe Diem. Poetry. Theater. Flying desk sets.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Seeking Adventure

I've decided that I need more adventure in my life. Nothing too psycho or wildly dangerous, but something intriguing and still legal. A lot of my friends have families now and aren't able to jet off to lands unknown at the drop of a hat (hey, I could do it in the summer). Any way, so as long as I don't have little ones, I should be exploring the world, right?

There is also the question of when the heck Becca is going to get a boyfriend. It's not that easy. Honest. I'm kind of picky and I would like to find someone who can carry on a conversation about intelligent things as well as be silly enough to indulge my whims. Where to find this guy?

One friend (hi, T) suggested that I announce to anyone and every one that I'm looking for a boyfriend and see where that leads. My gut said no. I think that the guy (or one of the guys) that I'm meant to spend time with will appear while I'm on my adventure.

The key is to find something to do that would be fun, amazing, and fulfilling. That way, I can be myself, doing something I love, and if I meet someone, cool. If not, oh well.

So, dear reader, I ask you for suggestions about an adventure. Think classes, tours, volunteering, etc. Forgo ideas of camping in Alaska, anything that involves a whitewater raft, or major heights. (I'm so difficult, I know. No wonder I don't have a boyfriend).

Any way, feel free to ask your friends for suggestions too.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Books

Do you ever pre-plan which book you will be reading in public? Leave the self-help or chic lit at home when you're going to the dentist and take along something more "respectable"?

I try to have a book with me if I know I'm going to be waiting somewhere- especially the doctor's office. Germs!

Any way, I have decided which book I'm going to take to Utah in two weeks. I would rather be seen reading Inkheart by Cornelia Funke than Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. Maybe I don't want people to think I'm an angry housewife. Or maybe Inkheart sounds cooler, I don't know.

Is that weird?

Movie of the day: Grease 2. I know what you're thinking "Huh?" It's a funny, funny movie and has goofy songs. Don't watch it expecting great filmmaking. Just watch to be lighthearted.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

What the Heck!?!

When I was a kid, I pretty much had to be coughing up lung chunks (sorry for the visual) or bleeding with a 102 temp to stay home. By the time I was in high school, I felt guilty for staying home sick to the point that one day I went to school later in the morning when I felt better.

Now, it isn't any easier! Not only do I have to decide at 5 AM (as I did today) that I was too sick to survive school, but I then have to call in or log on to get a sub, create lesson plans, and then creep back to bed. It's harder to be gone than it is to go in sick.

Then, of all things, I woke up feeling better. Not perfect, but not like my stomach was practicing new torture methods on me. What can I do? I can't show up and boot the sub out, so I decided it was time to lay low and not push myself (and do what I didn't do (homework-wise) yesterday. I also watched TV (rare).

Movie of the day: Never Been Kissed. Drew Barrymore goes undercover in a high school. Michael Vartan is the hottie teacher. Watch it just for him. Or, the goofy high school antics and cringe-worthy moments that we all remember.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Catch up or give up

Today is the last day of "Winter Recess" in Duluth. One might think that everyone would be at their most relaxed today, but it's the symbolic "Sunday evening" of the break. Time to dig out the homework we were supposed to do, get to bed on time, cut down on caffeine, etc.

I have a tendency of re-evaluating what I took home to do over break and deciding that it didn't really need to get done by tomorrow morning. "Oh, that can wait." It's lazy, but then I rationalize that "I'm on vacation and I only have one more day to live it up."

Today, if you see anyone who has to be back to school tomorrow, please either 1) don't mention it or 2) say "How's your break going so far?" Most of us are in denial.


Today's movie: Cinema Paradiso. It's in Italian, so be ready to read. It's about a little boy and a movie theater. I haven't seen it in a couple years, but it's a good one.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca

Rocky Start

I've spent the first 30 hours of 2006 sick in bed. It wasn't alcohol-related (since I don't drink), but I was woosie, queasy, and just plain exhausted. I tried to sit up for a couple hours last evening and ended up back in bed after 10 minutes.

Let's hope today is better....

Movie of the day: Lucky Seven. A woman thinks that she has to marry her 7th boyfriend. This speaks to the whole "making plans" idea.

Ludicrous Lutefisk,
:)Becca