I'm Sorry...Soooo Sorry

I am so sorry, Friends.  I am sorry for leaving you hanging.

Although, I don't have a great excuse for not posting anything, like I've had typhoid the last month, or my dog at my computer....Really, Ashley?  But I seriously have been busy!!!  Not only have we been getting our house situated from the move, but my substitute teaching job has picked up a bit.  Awesome!!!  

It's hard, too, because (believe it or not) the district I work in doesn't have wifi.  So I can't work on my blog, even if I wanted to.  I guess I could bring in the iphone and work on my 3G...orrr I could ask them if I could get a username and password for one of their amazing Apple computers (if there is one in the classroom), but the iPhone would be super hard to work on...and I don't want to be all demanding.  I want to be able to get a job...not scare them away.

So....since it's the season, maybe I can share with my readers my Christmas List?  Shall we????  

A Few of My FUTURE Favorite things...

1.  A macbook Pro 11'  :  If my fellow readers have all the money in the world, and want to read more of my postings...I could carry the 11 inch laptop without any worries.  It would fit in my bag and I could pull it out while my high schoolers are testing.  Sound good?  Not only could I blog...but I could write more.  Since it is my dream to write...(sigh....would be nice, wouldn't it?)

 
Now I'm sure you are thinking Well, Jeeze Ashley, why don't you break your old man's bank?  I know...it's pricey....but for good reason.  I have fallen in love with my iPhone, the school district uses Apple computers and have since way back in the floppy stages, and for good reason.  They uphold their value and defend without you having to download anything.  Amazing, isn't it?  The Toshiba I am writing on is about two years old and already seem to be wearing out it's welcome.  I want something lasting!  BUT if this isn't sufficient anything small and trustworthy and type-able would be great.  YUP...I made that word up, type-able. 

2.) a treadmill

  
Since I have moved back to the North, where there is never anything dry in the winter, I find it hard to be able to go for a job in my climate control sneakers with holes on the bottom.  I think this could get my blood flow going!  THOUGH my husband thinks I don't need it, and I would do fine without it, because it will just sit there collecting dust like some other things...But  I don't know.  I can't run out there...I'm afraid I will fall on my ass...I'll be honest.  Heard of black ice?  I seem to hit it with my foot any chance I get.  I don't need to break my back because I'm a pansy at walking.  This is a wish list afterall..>I could totally make this work!

3.  A full time Job

  
I have finally decided that I should give my hometown a try.  I want to teach in a NY classroom....Oh don't even go there with the Core Curriculum.  I know it's "difficult for those poor children" and I hear you say "don't do it, Ashley"  BUT I think I should.  I kind of miss it.  AND, I'm liking how everyone in the district is doing the same thing.  I walk into one 6th grade class and they are reading Percy Jackson....and I walk into another 6th grade class in a different school...and they are reading Percy....it's cool.  It's easy for me to not miss a beat, plus the teacher's think I know what I'm doing...hehehe

The only problem I'm coming across is finding a full time solid job...even if it isn't in the classroom. Let's just say my substitute teaching salary is...not...all that great.  It's kind of sad, and hard...There have been other opportunities given to me (clerical position in an office), but my fear of walking away from the classroom would be someone shutting the door at my back, and therefore...no foot in the door.  I know it's all about "who you know" and how they know you.  

I want to be there for those teachers too. Can you believe that there are subs out there who do not do what the teachers ask?  Like being quiet during a test?  REALLY!?  come on people!  What would they do without me?  hahah.  I'm kidding, but I don't wanna give up my subbing...I feel it's the only thing that will help me.  I am not giving up.  Don't you worry!

Well, friends.  I promise to keep up as best as I can.  If I don't get to speak to you before the holidays...let it be safe and have an awesome time with your family!  Let your children's eyes shine bright.  Happy CHRISTmas.

The Book of Lost Things By John Connolly

Cover:


The Blurb:
  
David doesn't know much about life beyond the walls of his room, except what he reads in his books. Mourning the death of his mother and angry at his father for moving on so quickly, David is pulled into a world next to our own and discovers all the stories he's read have come to life. However, these stories are different. Angrier. Darker.

As David makes his way through the world to find the king and the mysterious Book of Lost Things that will help him get home, he encounters adventures he never imagined. But a danger is lurking in the shadows, threatening to destroy David and his entire future.

My Review:

I liked this book the more it went on.  I thoroughly enjoy the fairy tales that basically went wrong in this book:  Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast.  This book is completely action packed and had a LOT going on, but it was smoothly put into place.  The stories within the story all made sense and the Plot coincided.  It was just great.  I thought this was pretty gory for a YA book, but then again, it is the age.   

During this story, I hoped David would conquer the bad, evil people.  I felt he was pretty weak throughout the book and his confidence grew with each person he met along the way.   

David was a wretched, and mean, boy.  I understand the love he felt for his mother, but he didn't need to treat his step mother the way he did.  Even though he was a confused teenager.  I really think this book is great.  It kinda reminded me of the TV Series Once Upon a Time.  I really like twists on fairy tales.  

I definitely recommend this book.  It is pretty graphic, so I would probably keep the age to 16 and above if anyone is thinking of a book for Christmas.   

The Arcana Chronicles By Kresley Cole

Poison Princess



The Blurb:  She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side.

My Review:  I completely adored this book.  I felt like there was always something going on.  However, it was not choppy.  The situations were smoothly put into place.  The author seriously knows how to use her writing to make you feel like you REALLY know Evie, and where she lived, and how she was brought up.  It isn't till near the end when you actually know what is truly going on with Evie.  Jack is a mysterious character.  One you cannot trust, yet the other times you do.  I truly enjoyed how this book had two point of views, and near the end of the book, you really figure out how the two connect.   When I finished this book, I was left with "what the heck?  What's going to happen?" (downloads the next book).  I immediately started Endless Night. 
If you really like YA books, along with distopian reads AND Paranormal/Fantasy, I highly recommend this.  It is a great read and very enjoyable.  

Endless Knight
  

The Blurb: In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

Shocking Secrets

Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected Allies

With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-Wrenching Treachery

When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember—but Death can't forget.

My Review:  Again, another read that I simply couldn't put down. I felt like this really doesn't belong in the YA category and more like Paranormal Romance.  I love the Romance going on in the book.  I still couldn't figure out if I liked Jack, or not.  He seemed kind of creepy, yet I felt sympathetic towards Death.  When reading this book, you have more of a sense who is who and what is going on.  I feel like the third book will have a huge amount to unveil, though.  

I did miss the other point of view in this book. It was all though the eyes of Evie and how she tried to make Allies.  I really enjoy Evie's character, but in the very end, I'm almost hating her.  I wish I could say why, but I'm not one to give up the ending of the book.  

This book left me with "what the heck?  What's going to happen next?"  (UGH CAN'T DOWNLOAD NEXT BOOK!!!!)  So what am I going to do now?   I guess I'm just going to have to wait.  I completely recommend this series.  Please read!
 

Beat Stigma

I recently entered a contest through Chautauqua Tapestry.  It was a contest where you were to submit a photo with a message written on your hand,  the "message MUST portray a hopeful or positive message that in some way, relates to someone struggling with mental illness, disability, or health concern."  The only message I could think of was something to tell people with a mental illness that they are worth it and that they need to "Be Brave and Use your Voice."  Because of my submission, I was invited to an event that provided information on Mental Illness, gave some amazing hor d'oeuvres and coffee, showed an amazing documentary, and even provided a panel that discussed their lives with their mental illnesses, and how they are coping with it.

I knew about Mental Illnesses.  I am an educator and deal with it sometime in the classroom.  However, I learned more about it that evening.  For one thing, 1 out of 4 people have a mental illness.  Didn't know that?  Here's the kicker:  3 out of 4 people are AFFECTED by it, which means loved ones that try and figure out how to help the person who has the mental illness.  So, who has "the stigma"?  "Those suffering from brain dis-eases including anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder,  specific phobias, depression, bipolar disorder,  schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, pyromania, kleptomania, compulsive gambling,  addictions, paranoia, multiple personality disorder, gender identity disorder,  Down’s syndrome, psychosomatic disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), tic disorders, and others" (nkm2.org).

Chautauqua Tapestry presented an amazing documentary that was made by Joe Pantoliano, an actor.  It definitely showed light on the subject.  Most people suffer from this disease.  What can you do?  Maybe join the movement to stop STIGMA?  Or try and be there for those that need the help.  Try to have them channel their frustration on something they love to do.  Even better, try and support them every way possible.  Easier said than done.  I know.  This is a super difficult topic and subject.  What do you do when someone you love won't listen to you?  Or better yet what if it's too late?  The best thing I can do is just be there for them. 

For more information, go to nkm2.org and join the movement, or search around and check it out.  I believe the documentary is there for you to watch.  It truly is interesting.  I highly believe you should watch it.  

The Contest?  I won!  I didn't win first place, but won second place.  I got an amazing gift basket with local coffee, and beautiful coffee cups made by an amazing youth group, along with some other things.  It was very exciting.  

Next year, on October 10, wear the most magnificent green for World Mental Health Day!  Thanks for reading this most important post.  If you have any questions, LIKE Chautauqua Tapestry, and message them any questions you have.  I'm sure, you will be forwarded to the correct person, or even better, they will respond.  :-)  Or you can email info@nokiddingmetoo.org.

Keurig & Three Continent Blend Green Mountain Coffee

So, some of you may know this or not, but I am deeply in love with coffee.  I am in love with the smell, the taste, and the liveliness of it.  I love all kinds, too.  It didn't help that I actually got to work at Starbucks and had a free beverage before and after work, not to mention the free lb. of coffee beans I got a month for working there too!  I LOVE COFFEE.

Well, then this new contraption is inserted in my life and I love it even more.  If anyone of you have the Keurig, then you are stellar stars!  Keurig allows me to have individual cups at a time, and not only that, I don't have to brew a pot of regular, dump it out, and have a flavored pot.  This saves so much time!  Since you know that I am a bzzagent (WELL, you should, if you have been reading my blog posts and about me page), I get to test some awesome products for free, and provide my feedback.  WELL, lucky me...I had the opportunity to test out a Keurig KCup!  WOOHOO!  I'm so glad that I did too because I am love with it.

Green Mountain Coffee is the brand of this particular kind of coffee.  Not only is it coffee, but it is a Fair Trade Certified coffee.  Well, what is that? "By purchasing Fair Trade Certified coffee, you help farmers receive a fair price for their beans, resulting in great coffee for you and a better quality of life for farmers" (choosefairtrade.com). Kelly Clarkson is the sponsor of this particular kind of coffee.  The name of it is Three Continent Blend.  Unfortunately, it is a Kelly Clarkson Limited Edition, which means it won't be out for too long.  

I was a little curious because I like Bold Coffee, but not a fan of the earthy coffee.  I am, however, in love with this kind of KCup.  It is seriously smooth, and has a great caramelly taste to it, and some nutty taste.  I don't use creamer in my coffee; just some stevia.  It was like a party in my mouth!  I want some more.  So, I'm sorry to say that bzzagent gave me extra to give out, and I'm not sharing.  I'm still testing. :-) 

BUT I will tell you that if you do not have a Keurig, and you have always been interested in one...Well, I'm feeling nice today.  I will give you a 50% off code to use at Keurig.com for one of their Select Brewers...and I think the only one you can't use this code for is the big cappuccino, latte, keurig maker, or any brewer that's not Keurig.  This Coupon will Expire October 31, 2013...On Halloween, this month.

LET ME GIVE YOU WORD OF ADVICE:  I would go for this kind of Keurig Brewer (K45 Elite)  only because you fill it with water, insert the kcup, and hit the button when it's ready.

Avoid this one (K10 Mini Plus):
  The only reason I say this is because you have to constantly fill it with one cup after each use.  I like being able to fill the container on the side and that's it.  It will use about 4-5 cups, then you refill.  

:-)  If you are interested in the coupon code, (and I hope you're serious about it because I would HATE to give you the code, and you not use it) email me at ashcarlson131@gmail.com .  Let's be sure to thank bzzagent for this amazing opportunity! Thanks for hanging with me.  I hope you have had a fantastic coffee loving day!  

Sparkling Goodness

I wish I would have known about Sparkling Water, or Seltzer Water, when I was pregnant.  I know that you shouldn't drink as much Coca Cola as you would normally (and you really shouldn't when you're not pregnant too), but I love how this Sparkling Water, or even Seltzer Water, replaces the amazing Soda taste.  The Polar brand even raves about it being Zero Calories, NO sodium, and Caffeine Free.  Of course these drinks are not to replace regular drinking water, but I totally love it for that need of SODA, or POP, taste.  So fizzy and splendid on a hot day.

I don't think people realize the HUGE amount of sodium they inhale when they drink regular soda.  It's not just in soda though...it's even in soup!  One of the "healthiest" meals could cause a heart attack due to the amount of sodium in soup.  So what are we to do when we want it?  I guess one could do so in moderation.  Don't inhale the can of soup, instead take a cup of it, or half a cup and have a side salad or sandwich with it.  I am stunned, though, when I found out about the sodium in soup.  I rarely have it anymore, unless I don't feel good.  Haha, that's funny.  I am not feeling well, so I will douse my body with extra sodium.  

It was a nice, hot summer day, when I was introduced to my first taste of Sparkling Water.  Thank you, Kim.  She had a big Metal Bucket filled with ice and bottled water, Pellegrino, and Corona's with Lime.  (SUCH AN AMAZING SUMMER COMBO!)  Ever since, I've been in love.  NOW I won't order it at a restaurant, or grab myself a huge 12 pack every week.  Do you realize how expensive it is?  For a 12 pack, it is usually $5.99.  YIKES!!!!  Instead of the 12 packs, I grab a quart or two.  You can get that for like a dollar.  Seagrams makes it, and so does Polar.  I got super excited today, though because I was able to get TWO 12 packs, for the price of one...YUP!  So, I'm in my sparkling soda heaven.  Cranberry Lime and Pomegranate.  I bet that Whipped Vodka may taste really yummy with it!  What do you think about that?

Which heaven are you in today?  I'm hoping someone isn't reading this and is going to burst my bubble and say "Nuh, Uh, Ash...I'm sorry to say that it's not good for you!"  And I'm going to return with "well it's better than soda".  I'm not even sure that will happen, but I figured I needed a rave today, and why not give the heavenly drink a rave!  I hope you agree!  Go get some!  If you haven't tried it, what I are you waiting for?

The Common Cold = Disastrous

So three days ago, I was feeling fantastic.  The beautiful sunshine is showing it's face frequently because it's ready to say good-bye so those dreaded winter clouds could show their ugly face for months on end.  Collin got to play outside all day, and when I went to pick him, he was running up the hill and walking down it.  He was so funny. 

After picking him up, sneezed like 100 times.  It was crazy.  That night, I couldn't sleep.  It was horrible, friends!  It wasn't the runny nose, it was the drippy nose.  It was awful.  I couldn't sleep because I could constantly feel the tickle of it dripping down my nose.  I seriously had to twist the corner of the kleenex because it wouldn't stop dripping.  It was soooo annoying.  So I woke up...not ready to go to work.  I dragged my tired body out of bed, and took a shower...and tickle, drip, tickle, drip!  IN THE SHOWER!?  COME ON! 

I was at work, and someone came to talk to me.  In the middle of conversation...tickle, drip, tickle, drip!  How freaking embarrassing!  I could not believe this craziness! I had to have a kleenex in my pocket at all times, so that in case that tickle occurred, I was prepared!  Not to mention the amount of hand sanitizer, kleenex, and other things.  By the end of the day, I was miserable.  I felt like my nose was the size and color of Rudolph's, and it was sore.  I also felt like my throat was more than irritated.  I needed something to sooth it, and I was drinking water the entire day.  I went to the drugstore and grabbed Tylenol sinus medicine and some cough drops with the honey in the center.  I also grabbed some orange juice for that Vitamin C kick.  I felt a little better after that, but sheesh.  That night, I slept way better.  I did sleep with the kleenex in my hand though. 

Yesterday I was much more improved, except I have a stuffy nose and a cough.  BUT what caused this?  Was is allergies?  Or was it the cold that is caused by those floating viruses?  I remember taking a health class in college that showed a video of colds and how those virus travels.  Did you know that if you sneezed, without covering your mouth, the virus you hold flies out for a huge amount of feet?  I'm thinking it was 5 feet, or maybe 3, but they float until someone else grabs a hold of it.  Not only is it in the air, but on the handles of doors and cars and things.  I'm surprised my two year old didn't grab what I had, but I wonder if that's because I did really well with covering my mouth and washing my hands?  It's pretty crazy how you can get someone like that, and within four hours, you feel like  a punching bag. 

OH!  Let's get to the gross side of things...When you blow your nose, do you ever check to see if your boogers are green?  Full DISCLOSURE:  I do!!!  I wanna check  to see if they are healthy.  Like in the movie How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days when Kate Hudson cries out during the Guys' Poker Game:  "Oh, clear!  Healthy boy!!!"  So after doing the booger check, I know I don't have an infection, but still...ANNOYING!

So now the sun is shining, and I know it's going to be a beautiful day.  I feel 110% better.  I hope you have a fantastic weekend!