One of my biggest pet peeves is poor grammar. I truly can't stand when people say something that is simply incorrect. I have a terrible habit of correcting people, and I'm not even sorry for that. It drives me insane when people misuse you're/your, to/too, their/they're/there. I feel that people should know when you use "I" instead of "me," and "well" instead of "good". I do realize that I live in Kentucky, but that really shouldn't matter. I'm not saying we should all walk around speaking like we are sitting down for afternoon tea, but we should strive to sound like intelligent beings.
It makes me sad to think that students are no longer learning the rules of grammar and spelling that were so important in my education. Spell check is great, but we all know it's not perfect. Texting doesn't help the situation. I think I'm probably the only person who actually spells out all of my words in a text, except for the occasional LOL. It takes me longer to read my incoming texts than it does to spell out all of the words in my own. I don't know what half of the acronyms even mean!
So, how would you rate yourself in the areas of grammar and spelling? Do you think that you're an expert, or have you forgotten all of those rules you learned in school? Take this little quiz, comment with your answers, and I'll let you know how you did.
1) The nurse needs to take _____ blood pressure.
a) your
b) you're
2) Don't work ____ hard.
a) to
b) too
c) two
3) You did very _____ on your project!
a) well
b) good
4) The dog has been ______ on the porch all afternoon.
a) lieing
b) laying
c) lying
5) My brother _____ in bed all day.
a) lays
b) lies
6) Which word is spelled correctly?
a) seperate
b) separate
7) Which word is spelled correctly?
a) recommend
b) reccomend
8) The cost of the repairs shocked both my brother and ______.
a) me
b) I
9) The rain _____ Amy's hairdo.
a) effected
b) affected
10) Let's keep this between you and _____.
a) me
b) I
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Facebook 101
Raise your hand if you love Facebook. Okay, we all have our hands up. I appreciate Facebook, and love the fact that I'm able to keep in contact with so many people. There are many things, however, that I do NOT appreciate about Facebook. I feel like I should personally address these issues with my Facebook friends, but I'm scared. So, here's a list of things that I would appreciate not happening on Facebook.
1) Please don't take pictures of yourself in the mirror. That drives me crazy. Surely you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who can take a picture of you. Heck, I'll be happy to take your picture if it will keep you from having mirror profile pictures.
2) Please don't click on random links. You would think by now that people would understand that that is what causes viruses. Something that says "World's Largest Baby," or "See Who's Looking At Your Profile" is just not legit.
3) Please find something to do with your time other than playing Farmville or other Facebook games. The problem with this is when I log on, I have 34 entries on my news feed about your new pig or cow. I'm sure it is a fun game, but maybe you could go get an actual farm.
4) Please don't "check in" every time you move. I do not need to know that you're in the living room, bed, car, bathroom, or other location.
5) Please don't say LOL when things aren't even funny.
6) Please don't play the numbers game. It's weird to me. If you want to ask me a question, just do it. You don't have to use some code number, and I don't need to make my status an explanation of what I think of you.
7) Please screen your photos before posting them. Too many people put pictures up that are just not right, and they should be embarrassed.
8) Please don't log in to your husband, friends, or parents page and write a status about how great you are. It's annoying.
9) Please don't put TV spoilers in your status. Nothing is worse than when someone writes something like, "OMG! I can't believe Scotty won American Idol!" and I haven't even watched it yet. (On the flip side of this one, don't check Facebook if you don't want to know.)
10) Please check your spelling and punctuation. I know it's just Facebook, but it just makes you look bad when you spell words incorrectly.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
My Interest in Pinterest
I recently noticed that several people on Facebook were writing about a website called Pinterest. Despite having "interest" in the name, it didn't sound that interesting to me. I finally decided to check it out, and now I'm addicted. Pinterest is a website where you can customize your own virtual pin boards--pinning ideas, products, crafts, and recipes that you like. You can follow your Facebook or Twitter friends and see what they like as well. The site is always updating, so the ideas are endless. Here's an overview of my personalized boards. (You can create your own categories.)  |
If you're already using Pinterest, I'd like to know what ideas you've loved the most. If you are not using the website, please let me know. I'll send you an invitation and you can start pinning away. You'll also quickly develop an interest in Pinterest!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Am I The Only One?
Just wondering...
Am I the only one who tries to beat the arrival time on the GPS?
I love my GPS. I love that I can get somewhere without really knowing where I'm going. I love that the display shows the speed limit, and just how much over I am going. My favorite feature, however, is the arrival time feature. I love that I can go to Nashville, and know that I will be there at 1:34 P.M. I consider that to be very valuable information. Here's the thing though, I constantly feel the need to try to beat that time. I feel like I am a highly accomplished person if I make it there at 1:30 instead. Does anyone else do this?
Am I the only one who only craves Chick-fil-A on Sundays?
I like Chik-fil-A as much as anyone. The chicken & fries are great, the sweet tea is awesome, and they have some wonderful dipping sauces. Here's the problem, I only crave Chick-fil-A on Sundays, when they are closed. It's just not a place I think of often, but inevitably, when I do, it's a Sunday. Does this only happen to me?
Am I the only one whose phone rings when I'm in the bathroom?
My phone can go hours without ringing, but as soon as I'm in the shower or bathroom I get a phone call. It happens all the time. I guess if I really want someone to call, I should just go in the bathroom and wait. I don't know...maybe this only happens to me.
Am I the only one who hates hearing "coming up" on TV?
I hate when I'm watching a show like "The Bachelor" and before a commercial break Chris Harrison says "Coming up, on the Bachelor..." I hate that they give things away...I don't want to see a clip of a one-on-one, when I don't even know who's going on the date. I don't want to see clips from "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever." I like to be surprised! I find myself closing my eyes, turning the channel, or leaving the room so I don't find out what's going to happen. I feel like that is lame, but it's the truth. Please tell me that I'm not the only one who does that.
If you can relate to any of these, please let me know. I'd like to know that I am not the only one.
Am I the only one who tries to beat the arrival time on the GPS?
I love my GPS. I love that I can get somewhere without really knowing where I'm going. I love that the display shows the speed limit, and just how much over I am going. My favorite feature, however, is the arrival time feature. I love that I can go to Nashville, and know that I will be there at 1:34 P.M. I consider that to be very valuable information. Here's the thing though, I constantly feel the need to try to beat that time. I feel like I am a highly accomplished person if I make it there at 1:30 instead. Does anyone else do this?
Am I the only one who only craves Chick-fil-A on Sundays?
I like Chik-fil-A as much as anyone. The chicken & fries are great, the sweet tea is awesome, and they have some wonderful dipping sauces. Here's the problem, I only crave Chick-fil-A on Sundays, when they are closed. It's just not a place I think of often, but inevitably, when I do, it's a Sunday. Does this only happen to me?
Am I the only one whose phone rings when I'm in the bathroom?
My phone can go hours without ringing, but as soon as I'm in the shower or bathroom I get a phone call. It happens all the time. I guess if I really want someone to call, I should just go in the bathroom and wait. I don't know...maybe this only happens to me.
Am I the only one who hates hearing "coming up" on TV?
I hate when I'm watching a show like "The Bachelor" and before a commercial break Chris Harrison says "Coming up, on the Bachelor..." I hate that they give things away...I don't want to see a clip of a one-on-one, when I don't even know who's going on the date. I don't want to see clips from "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever." I like to be surprised! I find myself closing my eyes, turning the channel, or leaving the room so I don't find out what's going to happen. I feel like that is lame, but it's the truth. Please tell me that I'm not the only one who does that.
If you can relate to any of these, please let me know. I'd like to know that I am not the only one.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Drinks On The Go
Not too long ago, I bought a Keurig coffee maker. I loved the flavored coffee, but I had one problem. I hated travel mugs/cups, etc. I have a ridiculous need for things to match, so a collection of random mugs and cups never appealed to me. Mugs given to me over the years always ended up in the yard sale pile, or were donated to Goodwill.
So, faced with the dilemma of what to put my coffee in, I went on a search for the perfect travel cups. I needed something cute, preferably not breakable, and dishwasher safe. (I HATE hand washing dishes--I have a really bad habit of just throwing them away if they get dirty.)
I had seen a lot of people carrying Tervis Tumblers, but I wasn't really into the designs I'd seen, and was definitely turned off by the price. Who would pay $15 for a travel cup? No thank you, I'd just be carrying mine in a red Solo or Styrofoam cup. That was way more affordable.
One day my friend and I went to a cute little boutique in a nearby town and I saw the super cute Fiesta Tervis Tumbler line.
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I love polka dots, and the colors matched my classroom, so I had to have one. I found a matching lid, and was good to go. After using the tumbler, I was hooked. I loved it! It was microwaveable, dishwasher safe (thank goodness), unbreakable, AND had a lifetime guarantee.
Now, with the super hot temperatures outside, I don't want to drink coffee as much, but love to drink some lemon water! (Can I get an "amen" from anyone who has ever been out to eat with me?) I had a new problem. I couldn't put very much water in my 16 ounce Tervis tumbler.
I went onto http://www.tervistumbler.com/ and found that the 24 ounce tumblers with straws would be just perfect. There were so many designs to choose from! I also discovered that you can have your tumbler monogrammed. Need a gift? Find a favorite photo, send it in, and Tervis will personalize a tumbler that everyone will love.
![]()
Basically, what I'm saying is that you need a Tervis Tumbler. They are more than worth the price. Buy one for yourself, your friends, and everyone you know. Be sure to sign up for the Tervis mailing list to receive coupons. Let me know which tumblers you buy!
So, faced with the dilemma of what to put my coffee in, I went on a search for the perfect travel cups. I needed something cute, preferably not breakable, and dishwasher safe. (I HATE hand washing dishes--I have a really bad habit of just throwing them away if they get dirty.)
I had seen a lot of people carrying Tervis Tumblers, but I wasn't really into the designs I'd seen, and was definitely turned off by the price. Who would pay $15 for a travel cup? No thank you, I'd just be carrying mine in a red Solo or Styrofoam cup. That was way more affordable.
One day my friend and I went to a cute little boutique in a nearby town and I saw the super cute Fiesta Tervis Tumbler line.
I love polka dots, and the colors matched my classroom, so I had to have one. I found a matching lid, and was good to go. After using the tumbler, I was hooked. I loved it! It was microwaveable, dishwasher safe (thank goodness), unbreakable, AND had a lifetime guarantee.
Now, with the super hot temperatures outside, I don't want to drink coffee as much, but love to drink some lemon water! (Can I get an "amen" from anyone who has ever been out to eat with me?) I had a new problem. I couldn't put very much water in my 16 ounce Tervis tumbler.
I went onto http://www.tervistumbler.com/ and found that the 24 ounce tumblers with straws would be just perfect. There were so many designs to choose from! I also discovered that you can have your tumbler monogrammed. Need a gift? Find a favorite photo, send it in, and Tervis will personalize a tumbler that everyone will love.
Basically, what I'm saying is that you need a Tervis Tumbler. They are more than worth the price. Buy one for yourself, your friends, and everyone you know. Be sure to sign up for the Tervis mailing list to receive coupons. Let me know which tumblers you buy!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Story Time
I have a confession. I don't like to read. I use to, but over the past several years I've lost interest. Every single time I walk into Barnes & Noble I get this excitement about reading. I'm always very determined to leave the store with a book, yet I usually just leave with a frappuccino. Oops! I hear people talking about the books they're reading, and they are so into them. Then comes the dreaded question. "What do you like to read Amanda?"
This is a hard question for me. The truth is, I do read, just not books for adults. I read tons of children's books to my students, but I'm sure my non-teacher friends aren't interested in the latest adventures of Frog and Toad. But, that's what I know. And the sad part is, I love to read children's books!
Maybe you are looking for books to read to the children in your life, so I'm going to share some my favorites.
Elmer (David McKee)
I love to read Elmer to my students! Elmer is a patchwork elephant....not the plain gray color like the rest of his friends. He starts to feel out of place, so he tries to turn himself gray to fit in. The book teaches children to be proud of what makes them unique.
Chrysanthemum (Kevin Henkes)
Chrysanthemum is another great book about being happy with yourself. The girl (mouse) in the story was raised to think that her name, Chrysanthemum, was absolutely perfect! She starts school and quickly finds out that her friends think that her name is too long, and anything but perfect.
Junie B. Jones (Barbara Park)
This series is absolutely hilarious to read for both children and adults. Junie B. Jones is a mischievous kindergartner/first grader who is constantly getting into something. The author writes the books in a way that makes them so fun to read aloud. The tone of the books is exactly like talking to a child. Junie B. tries to use big words, but they typically come out all wrong. My students will sit completely silent, listen, and crack up when I read these books.
Dr. Seuss Books
I love to read Dr. Seuss books to children! Even if they can't read the book, they can "read" several of the words just by picking up on the rhyming patterns. I've never met a kid who doesn't love Dr.Seuss!
A Weekend With Wendell (Kevin Henkes)
This book is great! Wendell goes to spend the weekend with his cousin, Sophie. He wants to be in charge of everything. They play house and Wendell is the mother, the father, and the five children. Sophie is the dog. Then they play hospital. Wendell is the doctor, the nurse, and the patient. I love this story because it reminds me of my childhood. My sister use to play school all of the time. She was the teacher and her stuffed animals were the students. I was usually the carpet, or the door. I couldn't even get on the substitute list! Sophie and I have a lot in common.
There are tons of other great books to read to children. What are your favorites? Leave me a comment so I can read them for myself.
This is a hard question for me. The truth is, I do read, just not books for adults. I read tons of children's books to my students, but I'm sure my non-teacher friends aren't interested in the latest adventures of Frog and Toad. But, that's what I know. And the sad part is, I love to read children's books!
Maybe you are looking for books to read to the children in your life, so I'm going to share some my favorites.
I love to read Elmer to my students! Elmer is a patchwork elephant....not the plain gray color like the rest of his friends. He starts to feel out of place, so he tries to turn himself gray to fit in. The book teaches children to be proud of what makes them unique.
Chrysanthemum is another great book about being happy with yourself. The girl (mouse) in the story was raised to think that her name, Chrysanthemum, was absolutely perfect! She starts school and quickly finds out that her friends think that her name is too long, and anything but perfect.
This series is absolutely hilarious to read for both children and adults. Junie B. Jones is a mischievous kindergartner/first grader who is constantly getting into something. The author writes the books in a way that makes them so fun to read aloud. The tone of the books is exactly like talking to a child. Junie B. tries to use big words, but they typically come out all wrong. My students will sit completely silent, listen, and crack up when I read these books.
I love to read Dr. Seuss books to children! Even if they can't read the book, they can "read" several of the words just by picking up on the rhyming patterns. I've never met a kid who doesn't love Dr.Seuss!
This book is great! Wendell goes to spend the weekend with his cousin, Sophie. He wants to be in charge of everything. They play house and Wendell is the mother, the father, and the five children. Sophie is the dog. Then they play hospital. Wendell is the doctor, the nurse, and the patient. I love this story because it reminds me of my childhood. My sister use to play school all of the time. She was the teacher and her stuffed animals were the students. I was usually the carpet, or the door. I couldn't even get on the substitute list! Sophie and I have a lot in common.
There are tons of other great books to read to children. What are your favorites? Leave me a comment so I can read them for myself.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Do You Have Any Coupons?
I love using the self checkout at Wal-Mart! I secretly like to pretend like I am an employee. I like how the computer always asks if I have any coupons, but sadly the answer is usually no. I don't. I am not a coupon clipper. I know people who save all kinds of money with coupons, but I just can't figure it out. I see the commercials advertising the Extreme Couponing show on TLC all the time. Those people are REALLY serious about coupons! They go to the grocery store and load up a cart for like $3! That's just ridiculous! While I don't think I will ever be that serious about it, I have come across some pretty cool websites that I'd like to share. Perhaps you've heard about these already and I'm behind, but maybe not.
Coupon Cabin
Coupon Cabin is a website that offers thousands of coupons and online coupon codes for popular retailers. You can sign up for the e-mail newsletter and have coupons sent straight to you, and even be alerted when coupons to your favorite stores are added! You can also hunt for coupons using the search bar on the homepage. http://www.couponcabin.com/
The Krazy Coupon Lady
This lady really is coupon crazy! This blog style website features lots of free or close to free products daily. For example, today there's info on $0.32 Folgers coffee, $0.49 French's mustard, and $0.99 Pedia Care. Not only are there tons of awesome deals, but she even helps people learn how to really start couponing. Just click on the tab called "Beginners." This website is full of great deals! http://thekrazycouponlady.com/
Free Stuff Times
This website features daily coupons and freebies. Most of the things are samples, but there are other things too. Be sure to check daily! http://www.freestufftimes.com/
There are lots of other great couponing sites. Check these out, see what kind of great deals you can find, and let me know how much you save. Do you know of other great sites? Leave those in a comment too. Maybe next time I go to Wal-Mart and the self-checkout asks "Do you have any coupons?" I will say absolutely!
Coupon Cabin
Coupon Cabin is a website that offers thousands of coupons and online coupon codes for popular retailers. You can sign up for the e-mail newsletter and have coupons sent straight to you, and even be alerted when coupons to your favorite stores are added! You can also hunt for coupons using the search bar on the homepage. http://www.couponcabin.com/
The Krazy Coupon Lady
This lady really is coupon crazy! This blog style website features lots of free or close to free products daily. For example, today there's info on $0.32 Folgers coffee, $0.49 French's mustard, and $0.99 Pedia Care. Not only are there tons of awesome deals, but she even helps people learn how to really start couponing. Just click on the tab called "Beginners." This website is full of great deals! http://thekrazycouponlady.com/
Free Stuff Times
This website features daily coupons and freebies. Most of the things are samples, but there are other things too. Be sure to check daily! http://www.freestufftimes.com/
There are lots of other great couponing sites. Check these out, see what kind of great deals you can find, and let me know how much you save. Do you know of other great sites? Leave those in a comment too. Maybe next time I go to Wal-Mart and the self-checkout asks "Do you have any coupons?" I will say absolutely!
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