Sharing the Sunshine!

Some of you may have seen the posts circulating – some call it “homework” some Sharing the sunshine . . . But it basically works like this.

Acknowledge the nominating blogger.
 Share 11 random facts about yourself.
 Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
 List 11 bloggers.  They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!
 Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.)

I am honoured to have been nominated by my dear friend, blog mentor and fellow Vancouver teacher Carrie Gelson who writes the amazing and inspirational blog There’s A Book For That.

So here goes . . .

Eleven facts you might not know about me:

1. I am the mother of two amazing boys – both of whom are now in high school and are taller than me but who still look little when they sleep.

2. I started teaching when I was 21 and I’ve been teaching over 25 years – you do the math!

3. I taught English at a private girls school in Tokyo for three years.

4. I am the author of 3.89 professional books for teachers.  (my 4th book is nearly finished – and I am writing this when I should be working on my revisions)  My books have been translated into French and one is currently being translated into Chinese.

5. Sometimes when I meet people, I see colors around them.  I also sometimes see colors when I hear music – especially the oboe.

6. My father was a high school English teacher and later an elementary principal in Vancouver and was passionate about literature, poetry and all things related to Robbie Burns.  He died on Robbie Burns day when I was 28.  I miss him every day.

7. I am a quote queen and am constantly writing quotes in notebooks.   My latest favorite quote:  “The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso

8.  I bought a kitten at Granville Island Market for 50 cents.  I called him Sumo and he lived until he was 19 years old.  It was the best 50 cents I’ve ever spent.

9. I go to boot camp at 5:45 am 3 times a week at Hillcrest Community center.  I have a small crush on the instructor which makes it easier to get up in the mornings.

10. I sniff new books in book stores when nobody is looking.  Try it sometime.  They smell wonderful.

11. I met my husband at a hockey game.  He took me to a hockey game on one of our first dates.  He still plays hockey on a beer league team called “The Rude Boys”.  (yes, really) Both my boys play hockey.  I spend a great deal of my life in hockey rinks. I wrote two of my books in hockey rinks during warms ups and practices.  One of my sons is a goalie and I usually hide in the hockey rink bathroom when he’s in net and text other hockey moms to find out the score.

My answers to Carrie’s questions:

1. Go anywhere for a weekend – where would it be?  

In winter – skiing at Sun Peaks with my family.  In summer – camping in Manning Park with my family.

2. Who in your family is most like you?

My younger son, Oliver.  I look at him and it’s like looking in a mirror – all my faults and talents staring back at me.

3. What 3 strengths do you have that you would use confidently to describe yourself.

Passionate, compassionate, determined.

4. What is your “successful” dinner – always good and one that you might have made and shared often? (It can even be the only thing you can actually cook)

Pulled pork in my crock pot – turns out perfectly every time and is easy and yummy!  fresh buns, homemade coleslaw and baked beans… and of course some good dark beer to wash it down with!

5. What household task do you always feel behind with? 

Laundry, laundry and more laundry – a constant pile of sorrow

6. What genre do you need to read more?

Science fiction – I am trying.

7. What change would make your current work/job better on a daily basis?

I teach at an amazing school and I love the students and the staff.  So all I can think about is better coffee in the coffee maker.  Kirkland brand does not cut it for me.

8. What do you wish you could be braver about?  

My children growing up.

9. If someone were to describe your personal style, what would they say?

That I don’t have one.  But I love long sweaters, tall boots and lots of silver bangles.

10. What makes a book a 5/5 stars book? 

My heart smiles or gets tight when I read it.  I want to hug it or turn it into pajamas and wear it to bed.  It is something I can’t really identify – it just happens.

11. Fill in the blanks. I spend too much on books but it’s okay because they are my friends.

Here are my 11 questions for my nominees:

1.  What movie have you recently seen that you really enjoyed?

2.  Who is the author you would most like to have coffee with?

3,  What was the name of your favorite childhood toy? (or pet?)

4.  Best way to spend a Saturday morning?

5.  What song reminds you of your high school days ?

6.  What city would you most like to visit?

7.  Last time you laughed out loud was…?

8.  Household appliance you could not live without?

9.  Colleague you admire the most and why?

10.  Favorite season and why?

11.  Finish this sentence:  I am most proud of _____________________________

I am nominating seven bloggers to share some stories and questions.   (It’s supposed to be 11 but I’m breaking the rules!)

1. Holly Mueller – from Reading, Teaching and Learning

2. Jill Clayton – from The Bird’s Nest

3. Myra GB – from Gathering Books

4. Debbie Alvarez – from The Styling Librarian

5. Jody Holford – from Jody Holford Blog

6.Cynthia Alaniz – from Librarian in Cute Shoes

7. Christina Williams – from Mrs. Williams Reads

8. Tara – from A Teaching Life