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.

Saturday 9: My Girl

 

My Girl

Saturday 9: My Girl (1965)

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

1) Temptations' lead singer David Ruffin sings that he has sunshine on a cloudy day. How does the sky look where you are today?  It is Friday night, so dark and the moon is full.  However, we have had sunny days in the 60's and expect the same on Saturday.

2) He maintains that even when it's cold outside, to him it feels like the month of May. What's your favorite month?  Ok, I think of summer as my fun free time, so I will go with June.  I love July also, but I start getting sad in July knowing school will start soon.  July flies by for teachers.  We love the kids, but always need a break.  This year is especially hard for me.  The behaviors we are seeing are over the top.  I have 6 runners (they run out of the classroom) or run away at recess (4 year olds).  I have never had this the whole time I have been teaching.  I am tired.  That is why I am not around much anymore.  I am around, but not online.

3) In addition to their vocals, The Temptations were known for their stylish suits and choreography. Are you a better dancer or dresser?  I am bad at both, so I will say dresser, since we have to dress somewhat nice for school.

4) Today, nearly 60 years since it's release, "My Girl" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the words? Yes, we sang this song in high school choir.  Love it.

5) The Temptations delighted Mets fans when they performed "My Girl" live at Citi Field during the playoffs last month. The World Series is now over and the 2024 season is on the books. How did your baseball team do?  I don't even know...last?  I watched maybe 3-4 games.  The St. Louis Cardinals have not been fun to watch lately.  Hopefully we can bring up the young talent and hope they work out moving forward.  Just spoiled by the Hall of Famers.  I sure do miss Yadi, Pujols and Wainwright.

6) "My Girl" was written by Ronald White and Smokey Robinson. Smokey grew up with Aretha Franklin, and he's said they played together in the sandbox. When you were little, which playground activity was your favorite: sandbox, jungle gym, swings or slide?   swings.  I still love to swing with the kids if I have the chance.  Our new playground does not have many swings though.

7) In 1965, when "My Girl" topped the charts, Winston Churchill died. One of his favorite sayings was, "I am always ready to learn but I do not always like to be taught." What's something you learned recently?  I have learned that my job is stressing me this year out a lot and that Karl, Josh and I need to make fun plans so we have things to look forward to.  We are stuck in a work and go home routine.  I have said this before, but we are going to make an effort to do this and hopefully it will help.  

8) British-born comedian Stan Laurel also died in 1965. He's been cited as an influence on Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke and Matt LeBlanc. Without looking it up, do you know who Stan Laurel's famous partner was?  Ok, I am just guessing.  Since these are comedians that were influenced, is Stan Laurel half of Laurel and Hardy?  

9) Random question: Imagine we Sat 9-ers are taking you to a restaurant for your birthday. Do you find servers who sing "Happy Birthday" cute or annoying?  I would love it!  Especially if it was a big group of 9-ers!

I am excited to come and visit you guys!  I am going to get some sleep and I will be by soon.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Reaxing

 

Relaxing

 

Hello!  Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Do you keep busy all the time?  Many people don't take time to smell the roses. What about you?

1. When was the last time you sat down and relaxed and allowed the weight of the world to melt away?  I try to do this over the weekend so I can recharge for the next week.

2. what things do you find most relaxing?  How often do you get to do these things?  I mostly watch Hallmark movies to relax or read.  I can get movies in, but I need quiet to read and Karl is home on the weekend.

3.  What things wind you up and keep you from relaxing?  emails from the school or parents contacting me at night.

4. When was the last time you treated yourself to something, anything that is special?  I haven't done this lately, but I am thinking about doing some Christmas shopping tonight and I may go get some new tennis shoes.

Tuesday 4 Meme

 

Bath Time

Hello!  It is nice to have you back again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

There is something lovely about a nice hot bath on a  cold autumn night after a busy day isn't there?

Growing up our home had an old claw foot tub and I loved to fill it to the brim and sit there until my toes were like prunes.

Can we discuss the secrets of the bath?

1.Do you take baths or showers?  Is there a reason you prefer one to the other?  I take showers.  It just seems to go faster for me and I am usually trying to get ready for work.  It is also getting harder for me to get out of the bathtub.  ugh.

2. Once a day shower or bath or do you have a different schedule?  once a day shower in the morning.

3. What are your favorite soap and shampoo?  I use the gold Dial soap and Biolage shampoo and conditioner.  I am excited to read the answers for soap on this one.

4.  Back in the day many loved Jean Nate spray after a bath.  My mom enjoyed Avon's Skin so Soft.. what do you like in the way of skin creams, oils or sprays?  I just use Curel lotion in the fall/winter because my skin gets drier or St. Ives in the spring/summer.

Get out and vote!