Tuesday 4 Meme- Winter Musings

 

Winter Musings

 Hello and welcome once again to Toni's Tuesday 4. 

It's cold in these United States.  Everyone seems to be chilly and some have blizzard conditions to contend with.

But I think winter is a time for us, as well as animals, to hibernate and takes things slow and easy.  I think many find themselves a bit more sleepy than usual and maybe we are supposed to take the time to rest... Let's talk it over okay?

1. Do you find yourself a bit more lazy or tired as the nights get longer or does it not 

seem to do much to you? In general how are you doing this winter?  It feels like bedtime

 at 7:00PM to me.  I head to my bedroom around 8:30 and start getting ready for bed

 and then watch a news show at 9PM and then go to sleep.

2. Do you appreciate the extra hours of dark that allow for more sleep, more leisure, less travel and hurry or not?  I guess so, especially since I get up early for work.  I think it would be hard for me if it were light out to want to go to bed.

3. I know I love a hot drink on a chilly evening and the quiet of the streets outside as people stay inside more on cold nights.  I feel more relaxed in the winter.  How about you?  I think so.  I at least have the opportunity to stay home and rest when we have snow days.

4. Do you ever gaze out of your window like Miss Kitty in the picture just watching the world go by? How do you find yourself relaxing on a chilly evening?  I look outside a lot when we have snow.  It is so pretty.  When it is cold, I mostly try to stay warm and watch tv or bake.

Saturday 9: Calendar Girl

 

Saturday 9: Calendar Girl (1960)

    

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) How will you keep track of your days/weeks in 2025? Do you have a desk planner? A wall calendar? A pocket planner? Do you use the app on your phone?  Mostly the app on my phone, but I also have a wall calendar.

2) Consider your typical week. Which day tends to be your busiest?  Tuesday.  I do most of my lesson planning and copying on that day.

 

3) This week's artist, Neil Sedaka, is one of pop music's most prolific singer-songwriters, but his first love was classical music. He was so good that he trained at Julliard and won the accolade, "Best New York High School Pianist." Recall one of your passions from your high school years.  I loved singing in choirs in high school.  I was in concert choir, show choir and all district honor choir.  I missed singing in college and so I went and tried out for college choir and made it.  I was also in church choir for several years.  I have not been in any choirs now for over 20 years, but I love to sing.  

4) Elton John has always enjoyed Sedaka's music and in the 1970s, when Elton was one of the world's top stars, he requested a meeting. If you had the power to contact and then meet anyone in the world, who would you choose?  Oh geez.  I would want to meet my online friends.    I do not really care about famous people...not meeting them anyway.  Josh and I are opposites that way.

 
5) Sedaka appeared as the musical guest during the second season of Saturday Night Live. What's the most recent show you watched on TV? Was it live, from your dvr, or did you stream it?  I believe it was Brilliant Minds.  It is on live tv, but I streamed it.

6) His daughter Dara sings on TV and radio commercials. What advertising jingle sticks in your head?  Nothing is coming to mind but trust me, I sing crazy things all of the time.  I was singing a commercial jingle from when I was a kid the other day.

 

7) In 1960, when "Calendar Girl" was popular, To Kill a Mockingbird was first published. Have you read it?  Of course!  It is one of my favorite books of all time.

8) Also in 1960, John F. Kennedy, Jr. was baptized in the Georgetown University Chapel. His godparents were Charles and Martha Bartlett, the couple who introduced his famous parents. Do you have any godchildren?  My husband is godfather to one of our nephews (his sister).  The godmother is on our nephew's dad's side of the family.  

9) Random question -- Which did you enjoy more: the last week of 2024 or the first week of 2025?  I loved both...here's why.  The last week I was able to spend time with family and do some reading.  The first week I was able to take Christmas down and clean the house.  It makes me feel so good to have a clean house.

Saturday 9: Something New

 

Saturday 9: Something New (2017)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2025.

 

 
1) We're beginning the year with a song about new beginnings. What is something new you'd like to try in 2025?  I am not very adventurous, but maybe a new to us restaurant or go somewhere new.  I was talking to Josh about how I used to go to comedy clubs in my 20's.  That might be fun...not new, but fun.

2) The lyrics recall what was said "in the mist of the midnight hour." Where were you when the new year dawned?  In my living room watching the celebrations on tv.

 

3) The Axwell of Axwell and Ingrosso is Axel Hedfors. He began as a drummer and moved on to experimenting musically on the computer, eventually mastering music sequencer software. Do you consider yourself more a technophile like Axwell, who loves technology and digital devices, or more a technophobe, anxious about learning new programs?  technophile for sure.  I love learning new programs on the computer.

4) His musical partner is Sebastian Ingrosso. Sebastian became interested in dance music when he accompanied his father, a choreographer, to the studio. When you were young, did you ever go to work with either of your parents?  I went to their place of work, not necessarily when they were working...my mom.. I went for a short visit every so often, she is an accountant and was busy.  My dad was a teacher, so he took me to school with him when no one was there (teachers do this a lot).  I suppose when I was in high school I went to work with him since he was a high school teacher and I was in school.  I loved that so much.

5) Axwell & Ingrosso gave their premiere performance at the 2014 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City and their last concert at the 2017 Ultra Music Fest in Miami. Looking back on 2024, did you attend any outdoor music or theater performances?  no...Josh and I watched the solar eclipse...sun performance outside. ;)  That was so awesome.

6) In 2017, when "Something New" was released, we lost the TV star who could "turn the world on with her smile." Without looking it up, do you know who that is?  Mary Tyler Moore

7) Also in 2017, Today Show anchor Hoda Kotb announced she had adopted her first child. Do you know anyone who is adding to their family in 2025?  I work with teachers, I believe there are 2 having babies.

8) Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2025?  no, I don't make them, but I did see a meme on facebook that said my NewYear's Resolution is to read more books.

I found it!  This is as close to a resolution as I will make. I totally plan to do certain things, but I do not make them resolutions. 

 
9) What was the first thing to make you laugh in 2025?  Josh was helping me take the Christmas tree down and said something funny.  He always has something funny to say.  He has a really dry sense of humor, so things just roll off his tongue.

Tuesday 4 Meme- New Year's Eve

 

New Year's Eve

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and the eve of 2025.

Growing up New Years Eve was one of my favorite times of the year. 

Everyone would come to our home for snacks and drinks before

heading out to parties.  And  I do mean nearly everyone we knew.  

All dressed up in formal clothing they would join in the fun. 

My father would play ragtime on the piano, our German friends 

played German music and everyone would dance to it. My mother

made  hors d'oeuvres on tiny bread rounds and crackers... bayberry candles 

burned down for luck. Guy Lombardo was on the TV in the background.

                  

1.What memories of New Years Eve do you have?  We did not stay

up when I was a kid.  I attended parties in my early 20's and after I 

got married we pretty much just stay home and watch the ball drop. 

It has never really been a big deal. It is actually a scary day now that

I am older wondering what bad things could happen in the new year.

Have I ever mentioned that I do not like to get out and drive on

"drinking" holidays?  I stay in on New Year's Eve, the 4th of July, etc...

at least at night.

2. Do you go to bed early or stay up until midnight to ring in the new year?  

We stay up, but go to bed shortly after midnight in our time zone.

3. Do you have special foods or customs for the New Year?  not really.  My

 mom used to make black-eyed peas when I was a kid.  I think she still may.

4. Will football and New Year parades be on your agenda for New Years Day?  

I will definitely watch the Rose Parade.  Maybe start taking down Christmas

decorations.  It is kind of tradition for me to clean house on New Year's or

shortly after (before I go back to work), so we start out with a fresh clean house.

 I hate taking down the Christmas decorations, but I do love a clean house.

Happy New Year 2025!

Saturday 9: Goodbye (1969)

 

Goodbye

Saturday 9: Goodbye (1969)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This song was chosen because it's time to say goodbye to 2024.

Thanks for participating in Saturday 9 this year.

1) In this song, Mary Hopkin asks her lover not to let her sleep too late. Did you wake up this morning on your own, did someone wake you, or were you jangled awake by an alarm clock?  I am filling this out on Thursday night, but Saturday morning we have Karl's family Christmas, and it is early...so I will be waking up to an alarm.

2) The lyrics reference "a lonely song." Can you name a song about loneliness? So Lonesome I Could Cry-Hank Williams.

3) "Goodbye" was written for Mary by Paul McCartney. He was the one who signed her to her first record contract and produced this and all her Apple Records, including her first big hit, "Those Were the Days." Looking back on 2024, who is someone who gave you a helping hand when you needed it?  My assistant in my classroom Debbie.  She always makes my job so much better...happier and easier.  She is the best.

4) This video shows Mary performing on The Ed Sullivan Show while wearing a miniskirt. Minis were very popular in 1969. Did you embrace a fashion trend in 2024?  I am not even sure what the style is anymore.  If something catches my eye, I get it if the price is reasonable of course.  I did get some new tennis shoes that the style is new for me...the Sketchers slip ins...so no shoestrings to keep tying.  I love them. They are not a new style though.

5) Also in 1969, the Colts lost to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. The game is famous because of all the hype leading up to it, including Joe Namath "guaranteeing" the underdog Jets would win. Do you have a special sports memory of 2024?  I am enjoying watching my KC Chiefs and I enjoyed the Olympics.  Oh!  The last day of school we had reindeer games.  The kids threw rings at antlers I was wearing, they pulled a present on a towel and threw cotton balls (snowballs) through a wreath I was holding.  The whole school did this, but for preschool...my kids won 2 of 3 games!  We didn't win anything, but we had fun!

6) What's the farthest from home you traveled in 2024?  not far, I will say my trip to St. Louis over the summer which is about 250 miles.

7) What was the biggest purchase that you made in 2024?  We had to replace some of our plumbing, so that for sure.

8) What was your favorite book of 2024?  I am reading Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.  I had read several of her books this year.  I am really enjoying Just for the Summer, it is making me laugh and I need that.  It has been good, it is probably a favorite for the year.

9) What are you looking forward to most in 2025?  I am looking forward to doing more fun things with Karl and Josh.  Spending time with my mom and Meisha.  Reading more books.

Happy New Year everyone!

Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad

Hurt So Bad

Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad (1980)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Do you have any aches or pains this morning?  My lower back always hurts.

2) In this song, Linda Ronstadt complains that her ex doesn't get what she's going through. Have you recently felt misunderstood?  I don't think the administrators understand the severity of what is going on in my classroom with the kids running and crawling on the furniture.  I tell them and they see it.  Maybe they are just ignoring me, which is not good.  I think they honestly expect me to just deal with it.  The other kids cannot learn.  This is why teachers are quitting.  Well, the sped director (special education) told them one of the kids needed to be referred.  We shall see.

3) Now let's put a positive spin on it: Is there someone in your life who gets you completely?  My teacher bestie Tanya.  She understands everything I am feeling and has been through it herself.

4) Linda recorded a best-selling album in Spanish, and has also performed in French, German and Italian. How many languages do you speak?  I only fluently speak English.  I know a little Spanish and French, but not enough to matter.

5) Linda once dated George Lucas of Star Wars fame. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?  Yoda

6) Steve Martin has spoken affectionately about Linda and their romance in the 1970s. Are you a Steve Martin fan?  I LOVE him.  Have you guys watched Only Murders in the Building on Hulu with him, Martin Short and Selena Gomez?  So funny.

7) Linda worked consistently and successfully with record producer Peter Asher throughout the 70s and 80s. Tell us about someone you enjoyed working beside.  I enjoy working with my assistants in my classroom, Debbie and Stacy.  Debbie had cancer and has been recovering, but she will be back on Tuesday.  We do not have school on Mondays...4 day school week.  Hopefully things get better when she comes back.  The substitute is not up for all of the behaviors I have.  She just watches Stacy and I work.

8) In 1980, when this song was popular, People magazine named author Stephen King one of the year's most intriguing people. Have you read any of his books or short stories?  no, only his movies.  I did follow him on facebook though because of his corgi.  I have 11/22/63 on my tbr.

9) Random question: Looking back on last week, would you describe it as exciting or boring?  It has actually been manageable.  One of my heavy hitter kids was gone making the classroom easier.

Ok, Saturday Karl, Josh and I have reserved seats to see the movie Wicked.  I am so excited.  It is also our town Christmas parade day.  I will be around to visit though.  See you soon

Saturday 9: Thank You

 

Thank You

Saturday 9: Thank You (2000)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song begins with Dido complaining about her day, but then she sees a photo of a loved one that reminds her "it's not so bad." What was the most recent photo you took?  Remember we talked about getting out more so I have things to look forward to? Last Saturday we went to an event called Jingle.  I believe they travel and are at a new state each year.  Anyway, I had Josh take a selfie of us there.  This place had ice skating, live entertainment, snow tubing, food trucks, craft vendors and there was a tree lighting.  We had fun.  

2) She admits that between a hangover and her finances, she's got a headache. What's your go-to headache remedy?  Tylenol, I don't get many headaches though.

3) Though her given name is Florian, her family started calling her Dido when she was very young, so she considers it her "real" name. Which is not to say she likes it. She said being christened one name but called another was confusing when she was a little girl. Plus, since neither Florian nor Dido are common monikers, she didn't appreciate the way her names made her stand out at school. "I used to wish I'd been named Claire," she says. Do you like your name? Do you feel it suits you?  I never liked my name when I was younger, but I am fine with it now.

4) In 2000, the year this week's song was on the charts, AOL merged with media giant Time Warner. In 2022 it was estimated 70% of us check our personal (not business) email daily. That's down from 74% in 2020. How often do you check your email?  I check my email daily.  I have to, I have a work email address and I have to keep up with that.  I am able to check it on my phone.

5) "Thank You" is this week's song because November 28 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?  I am thankful for family and breaks from school to be with family.  Here is a picture I took of Meisha on Thanksgiving evening.

6) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives. How many forks were at your Thursday place setting?  My mom was sick, so it was just Karl, Josh and I...so 3.  We will do Thanksgiving and Christmas with Karl's family later.

7) It's estimated that nearly 50 million pumpkin pies are baked for Thanksgiving. Was it on your Thursday menu?  yes

8) A recent poll revealed that we are a divided country, with cranberry sauce being named both most and least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Where are you on this controversy?  least.  My Grandma always made some sort of cranberry dish, but I don't bother.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Walmart, Best Buy and Target all advertise heavily on Black Friday. If you could have a $100 gift card from one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?  Walmart.  I would try to find Christmas gifts for my co-workers or just buy groceries.  I did get out Monday night to do some Christmas shopping, I found one small gift for my co-workers and a gift for my mom.  I also bought some new tennis shoes.  I was hoping to find more for my co-workers.