Sunday Stealing: Four 5's

 

Sunday Stealing: Four 5's

Four 5's

FIVE things on my to-do list:

1.  clean house

2.  laundry

3.  catch up on my tv shows

4.  get some rest

5.  food shopping

 

FIVE snacks I enjoy:

1.  crackers

2.  fruit

3.  chips

4.  cookies

5.  trail mix

FIVE places I have lived:

1.  Reeds Spring, MO

2.  Joplin, MO

3.  Kansas City, KS

4.  Springfield, MO

5.  Highlandville, MO

 

FIVE jobs I have held:

1.  Teacher

2.  Paraprofessional (teachers aide)

3.  Staff in group homes and independent living homes.

4.  grocery store cashier

5.  Mc Donald's

Saturday 9: Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968)

 

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

Saturday 9: Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968)

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

 

1) In this song, someone moves to Los Angeles looking for "fame and fortune" but ends up with a job "pumping gas." Today, the majority of service stations are self serve, so very few people pump gas for a living. Can you think of another job that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore?  It might just be here, but milkman.  My Grandpa on my mom's side was a milkman when he was very young.

 

2) The San Jose travel bureau advertises "300 days of sunshine" every year. How is the weather where you are today?  rainy, but we need it.

 

3) Lyricist Hal David became fond of San Jose when he was stationed there while in the Navy. Tell us about a place you visited that you have affection for.  I loved every minute when we visited Orange Beach, Alabama.  I loved watching the dolphins jumping in the morning out in the ocean, relaxing on the beach, getting a great tan, going to see the Blue Angels and the Pensacola light house.  There were just so many things we got to see and do. It was fun.

  

4) Composer Burt Bacharach grew up and worked primarily in New York until his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson. She had to live in Los Angeles for her career, so he relocated and remained a Californian for the rest of his life. Where do you feel most at home? (It doesn't have to be a city. It could be your favorite chair.)  I honestly feel most at home in my hometown and where I work in Reeds Spring.  I know a lot of people there.  I live in a town called Highlandville, but I do not feel much a part of this community since I started working in Reeds Spring.  I do love being at my house though.  It is kind of nice to be able to get away from where you work.  I guess home is just where your family is.

5) Dionne Warwick thinks this week's song is "dumb." She won her first Grammy for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and, decades later, still sings it in concert, but she has not changed her opinion of the song. What is something everyone else seems to like but you just don't get?  coffee, I love the smell of it but hate the taste.  I am not a big hot drink person.

 

6) Now in her 80s, with more than 60 years in show business, Dionne still enjoys performing. She told a reporter that she loves looking out into the audience and seeing an arm go around a shoulder, or a couple begin holding hands, when they hear her sing "their song." What song reminds you of a special romance?  Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard.

 .

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, The Doris Day Show premiered. The show was, initially, a surprise to its star. Her manager/husband died suddenly without telling her he had committed her to a weekly sitcom. She was not pleased but honored the contract. Think of the last time you were surprised. Was it a happy or sad surprise?  Happy!  My friend that retired a few years ago came to visit a few weeks ago, she came to the school for a visit.  She moved to Colorado, so I do not see her anymore.  She was in town for a Jeep thing.

 
8) According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names of 1968 were Lisa and Michael. Are there any Lisas or Michaels in your life?  Wow, I used to have both, but now I don't think I do anymore.

 

9) Random question: What are you looking forward to this week?  The kids' costumes for our Halloween parade and Fall festival.

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985)

 

Into the Groove

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985) 

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

 

1) Madonna begins this song by telling us, "I'm waiting." What's something you're waiting for today?  Earlier today I was just waiting for the school day to end.  I am so tired.

 

2) She sings that dancing gives her a feeling so good she hopes it will never end. What reliably lifts your spirits?  Josh (my son).

 

3) As a school girl in Michigan, Madonna was a good student but could be disruptive. Classmates recall her doing cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel?  I used to be able to.  I was in cheer and I was a tumbler.  I think I would break my body if I did that now.

 

4) It's not surprising that a girl from the Detroit area would love cars. Madonna's car collection is valued at more than $2 million. The one she seems to drive most often is a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Insurance industry data tells us Americans typically keep their cars for 8 years. How long have you had your current vehicle? 8 months

 

5) She has referred to Nancy Sinatra as one of her idols, saying "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and its accompanying video impressed her when she was a little girl. What pop song brings back memories from your childhood?  Take on Me by A-ha makes me think of watching MTV as a kid (1985).  So many songs from the 80's take me back to high school.

 

6) Madonna suffers from brontophobia, or the fear of thunder and lightening. Are you afraid of storms?  no, but when they have tornados, I get a little anxious if they are coming toward us.  We are supposed to have storms on Saturday with possible tornados.

 

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least a dozen movies about that ill-fated ship. Have you seen any of them?  I saw the one with Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (1997).

 
8) Also in 1985, Bruce Willis became a star with a hit show about a detective agency. Can you name it? (Extra non-existent points if you can recall the agency's name.)  Was it Moonlighting?  I never saw that show.  We only had the antenna stations, and I bet that channel did not come in very well.  I lived far away from the bigger city that had the antenna tower.

 

9) Random question: Describe your perfect ice cream sundae.  I like the turtle sundae with hot fudge and caramel, nuts and whipped cream.  

Sunday Stealing Tunes In

 

Sunday Stealing Tunes In

Tune In

1. Name a TV show you've seen every episode of.  Heartland and Outlander

2. On which device do you do most of your viewing (television, tablet, computer, 

phone)? television

3. Name an actor/actress who would make you less likely to watch a show.

I am not sure.  If it sounds interesting to me, I would give it a try.

4. When you were a kid, what show did you love?  Dallas

5. What show do you recommend everyone watch?  Heartland and Outlander

6. What show do your friends like, but you don't?  Abbott Elementary

7. When you watch TV, do you also busy yourself with something else

 (jigsaw puzzle, folding laundry, etc.)?  not really, I might check my phone though.

8. Do you eat a meal or snack while watching TV?  sometimes

9. What's your preferred genre (comedy, drama, reality, etc.)? comedy or drama.

10. Do you prefer mini series (shows that tell their stories in a pre-determined 

number of episodes) or shows that come back season after season? 

I like all kinds of shows.

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

 

Mambo No. 5

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

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

 

1) Lou Bega namechecks a lot of women in this song. Is there an Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Mary, or Jessica in your life? I think between friends and parents from school, I know one of each.

 

2) Can you think of a song that includes your first name?  I was not aware of any, but I did google it and there are a couple.  

 

3) Lou sings that flirting is like a sport. Do you enjoy flirting?  I did when I was young.

 

4) While Lou Bega's recording became a big hit worldwide, it enjoyed great popularity, where it was used during televised cricket matches. Do you know anything about the game of cricket?  no

 

5) When Lou was riding high with "Mambo No. 5," Cher invited him to open for her on her 1999-2000 tour. Cher has more than 50 hit records, two television series, a Broadway show and an Oscar under her belt. Can you think of another performer who has succeeded in so many areas of entertainment?  Elton John.

 

6) Lou turned 50 in April of this year. Are you soon celebrating a big birthday (one that ends in a 0 or 5)?  I turned 55 last month.

 

7) In 1999, when "Mambo No. 5" was on the radio, the movie American Pie premiered and was so popular it inspired three sequels. Have you seen any of the American Pie films?  no

 
8) Also in 1999, Walmart opened its first store in the UK. Do you often shop at Walmart?  we go there for food and house supplies and beauty supplies.  I hate Walmart.  I loved it when I was younger, but too many people.  I am cranky as I age.

 

9) Random question – Have you recently fallen asleep somewhere other than your bed? If yes, where did you doze off?  Sometimes I doze off in my chair in the evening.

Tuesday 4 Meme- October Reading

 

October Reading

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of  our friend Toni Taddeo..

Most people love to read.  It opens other world's to us.  Autumn weather is often conducive to reading as weather can be chillier and rainy. Cozying up with a book can be a lovely way to spend some time.

1. How do you relax in the evening after dinner?  I watch YouTube videos or news.
2. Do you read in bed? What kind of books do you read?  no, I read in my living room.  I do not read to relax right before bed.  It is typically part of my day.
   
3. Do you have a list of books you look forward to reading?  I have a list on Goodreads.
4. What is the best book you've ever read and why?  Or.. how about the worst book you feel you wasted time reading?  This isn't the best book I ever read, I read a lot of good books..but it did make a difference in my life.  It is a teacher book called Teach Happier This School Year.  It made me focus more on me and my family.  Teachers put everything into our jobs, we want to...but this book make you change little things.  Let yourself eat out, do things with your family.  Even just once a month, get out and forget about your job for a while.  Then at school it talks about how to give a small gift to a teacher friend to help them have a good day.  Being a teacher is stressful, but we love it and love those kids.  I think this book helped me be a better teacher.  You have to take care of yourself first.  Also, The Anxious Generation book explained why kids are acting the way they are.  If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.  It explains the affects of social media, internet, video games...what they are doing to kids.

Sunday Stealing Looks Back on September

 

Sunday Stealing Looks Back on September

In the Past Month Meme

During September, did you ...

1. Drink alcohol?  no

2. Try a new recipe?  no

3. Go shopping with friends? yes

4. Eat an entire box of cookies by yourself? no

5. Dye your hair?  no, but I have an appointment coming soon.

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

 

That's So True

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

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

 
1) In this song, Gracie Abrams can't stop thinking about her ex. Who is on your mind this morning?  Always my mom.  I went to see her last night.  She was about the same, a little more confused than normal, but it was getting late in the day.  I had to visit after work.

 

2) She wonders if she should warn his new girl about him. Think of the last time someone offered you advice. Did you take it?  It would probably have been something about behavior at work, so yes, I would have taken their advice.  I will try anything within reason.

3) She concludes her old boyfriend wasn't worthy of her love and attention, and now sees him as "just another dude." What is something you regret spending time on? (It doesn't have to be a romance.)  Maybe social media.  It is a time suck and a waste of time.

 

4) On July 31, Gracie Abrams performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago. More than 100,000 attended the first day of the outdoor festival. It was sunny and 79º. Describe your perfect day (weatherwise).  Maybe more like 60's, sunny with low humidity.  I like to take a long recess when it is like that.

 

5) Gracie's father is J.J. Abrams, perhaps best known for directing the 2009 Star Trek movie and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Would you rather watch Star Trek or Star Wars?  neither really, but I will say Star Wars.

6) She is very much a 21st century artist in that she doesn't rely on radio to introduce her music to her fans, often sharing demos on TikTok. Do you watch, or create content for, TikTok?  I try to stay off there.

7) In 2024, when "That's So True" was released, Madonna set a record. Her free concert in Brazil drew the largest audience (1.6 million) ever. What's your favorite Madonna song?  Material Girl is kind of fun.

8) Also in 2024, former President Jimmy Carter died. In addition to his work in politics and philanthropy, Mr. Carter wrote more than 30 books. Who wrote the last book you finished? Carley Fortune- One Golden Summer-very good book.

9) Random question: What sound stresses you out? the phone ringing, I always think something has gone wrong with my mom.

Sunday Stealing: Memememe -- Part 2

 

Sunday Stealing: Memememe -- Part 2

Memememe -- Part 2

11. You can build a dream house anywhere in the world. Where would it be located?

I don't know, we might just stay in Missouri, but build the house near the lake

so we have a nice view.  

12. Have you ever taken a photo in a photo booth?  yes, those are so fun, but

I do not have the photo anymore.

13. What's your favorite kind of mustard (dijon, spicy brown, bright yellow)? I 

like spicy mustard.

14. What did you do on New Year's Eve?  We don't go out, we just watch the ball 

drop and then go to bed.

15. Did your parents ever share memories of their high school days?  a few

16. What's the most famous thing to happen in your home town?  Nothing

famous happens here.  The closest is Springfield, which is maybe 30 minutes

away.  Brad Pitt is from there and premiered one of his movies there.  It was 

one he was proud to show to his mom.  I think it was Meet Joe Black.  

Fun fact- we went to church with his brother Doug and wife Lisa.  When

Josh was really little, they were sitting behind us and Josh was starting

to fuss a little.  She held him for a little bit to calm him down.  They are 

great people.  Doug started a charity that sends food home with kids in

schools that need it over the weekend.

17. Did you ever have a MySpace page?  yes, this is when I first started

finding my friends from high school and college.

18. Will you eat a cookie today?  no, but maybe a brownie.

19. Who is the last person you spoke to – not texted with – on the phone?  My son

Josh.

20. Do you play poker?  not since college.

Saturday 9- The Entertainer (The Theme from The Sting) 1973

 

The Entertainer (Theme from The Sting)

The Entertainer (The Theme from The Sting) 1973

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

Chosen in memory of Robert Redford: Aug. 18, 1936 - Sept. 16, 2025

1) The Sting marked the second teaming of Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The two enjoyed almost 40 years of friendship. One passion they shared was sports cars. Newman raced Porsches professionally and Redford was deft behind the wheel of a classic Karmann Ghia convertible. Think about one of your longest friendships. What did you two first bond over? we bonded over teaching special education, make-up and curly hair products.  She is my teacher bestie.

2) During their first movie together – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – Redford was late so often that Newman joked they should change the title to, "Waiting for Lefty." Do you have a friend who is perpetually tardy? Or are you that friend?  She is that friend...she has a little boy and is often late, I am always early.

 

3) Back in 1936, when Redford was born, baseball's Hall of Fame opened in Cooperstown. Coincidentally, two members of his high school class of 1954 are represented in the Hall: Redford, with memorabilia from his baseball film, The Natural, and his teammate on the Van Nuys Wolves, Don Drysdale. "Big D" was inducted for his stellar Dodger pitching career. Have you recently spoken to, or corresponded with, one of your high school classmates?  I talk to high school friends on facebook all of the time, but not in person very often.


4) Redford admitted he had a few run ins with law enforcement during his teen years. He specifically recalled being picked up for breaking into the neighbors' back yard and swimming in their pool. Were you a mischievous kid?  no, not at all.

5) Redford went on to CU Boulder. He confessed to being a distracted student and only lasted a year and a half. While not good in class, he was popular with his coworkers at his after school job, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms at a restaurant called The Sink. The restaurant is still thriving, and Redford returned whenever he was in Boulder. He wore a Sink t-shirt during a national press conference in 2018 and when asked what The Sink was, he was happy to plug his former employer. Do you often wear graphic tees, decorated with a favorite band, restaurant logo, team mascot, vacation destination, etc.? I do have several t-shirts that are STL. Cardinals, KC Chiefs and the school I work at Reeds Spring Wolves.

6) When he was a struggling New York actor, he and his wife lost their first child to crib death. Redford told AARP magazine that he blamed himself, and said it's a wound that never healed. Tell us about a time you felt guilty but shouldn't have.  I am that person that feels guilty about everything.  I have no idea why I am like that, but I hate it.

7) Legendary costume designer Edith Head said she liked putting Redford in hats because they balanced his strong, square jaw. Do you take your figure flaws into consideration when you choose your clothes? definitely

8) Forever fit, Redford credited his physique on exercise and genes, not diet. He said, "Healthy food is good for the conscience, but Oreos taste a helluva lot better." What's the last cookie, candy or treat you indulged in?  I had a Whatchamacallit candy bar.

 
9) Random question: Do you prefer to bathe or shower first thing in the morning, after work, or before bed? first thing in the morning.

I LOVE The Entertainer.  It is played a lot around here where I live in Missouri at the place Josh used to work...Silver Dollar City.  It is a theme park set in the 1880's.  The Entertainer is from 1899, so close enough I guess.

Tuesday 4 meme- Autumnal Equinox

 

Autumnal Equinox

 

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4... are you ready for Autumn?

Monday,  September 22 is the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of the Autumn season.  

Autumn is the name of the season and fall is the term for the time of Autumn when leaves begin to fall from the trees.   Let's discuss it.....

1. Are there pumpkins or chrysanthemums on your porch or are you planning on putting some out?  Not yet, but I will definitely be getting mums soon and hopefully a pumpkin or two.

2. Are stores around you showing Autumn clothing and decor now?  Here in New Jersey, leaves on some trees are changing slowly and temperatures are way down . What is it like in your neck of the woods?  It has been hot and dry, but this week we are supposed to get rain.

3. Do you have plans for Thanksgiving yet? no          

4 . If we can arrange an autumn trip or get away for you, where will you choose to go and why?  I would enjoy a weekend getaway to Arkansas, it is close to where I live and it is really pretty there.  Just a restful getaway with some shopping and driving around.