Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts

The other day I cleaned out a whole bunch of board books from Sawyer’s room and offered them to my students to give to younger siblings. I had a few take me up on the offer and they were so excited and so thankful. I am so happy that they’re off to good homes with people I know are good role models.

I listened to The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker and I wasn’t exactly enthralled. There were moments where I found things amusing, but the story arc was fairly predictable and the message, while important, was a bit too preachy, considering the people who consume this book are already on the women’s rights team.

You know how people question their mortality, worried about leaving their mark on the world and whatnot? The other day I truly started worrying about how many books I’d be able to squeeze in before I die. I’m estimating an average of 80 books (right now in the 70s, but eventually I won’t have a little child to run around and will also retire someday) for 50 more years (I actually plan to live until 100, but I want to play it safe… will I be reading a ton after 85? Maybe listening, which I don’t count? Maybe playing backgammon in the rec room with my fellow retirement home buddies? I just don’t know), so probably around 4,000 books. THAT IS NOTHING.

I wish sock buns would come back in style. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a messy-bun fan for life, but I really loved my big hair-donut perched on top of my head.

I really want a Little Free Library for my classroom and am considering commissioning some of the wood shop kids to make me one. I have books to loan out, but I think a lot of the kids in my class would participate with their own books. I suggested recently to a group that facilitates community service that they should pair with construction academy kids to do them for the campus, but who knows what will come of it. There are only so many hours and so much money in a semester!

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies from Smitten Kitchen look incredible. I sometimes don’t have the best luck with homemade caramel; I used to be so much better at it, but I think I overthink it now. Nothing a jar of pre-made backup can’t fix!

Sawyer has two birthday parties (well, three, but we aren't going to one) to attend over the next few weeks and I’m going to be real: I’m dreading them. I hate social situations where I know very few people and don’ like feeling like I could be doing something more fun with my weekend time. Whining aside, I know it’s important my kid be included and have friends, so I’m sucking it up. Plus, if we have a party for his birthday I want other kids to go, so here we are.