Favorite Thing Friday: Posters

The walls in my classroom are anything but boring. One wall is dedicated to the Lennon Wall (and is covered in student created art), while two other walls are dedicated to subject matter visuals like posters, maps, flags, and other cool things to get my students interested in history. The last wall in my classroom, however, is dedicated to all nerdy things I love that have nothing to do with school.

Over the years, my nerd wall has become a student favorite. I don’t know if its because it makes them laugh or if they like the fact that I’m making an effort to be decorative. On a deeper level, I think it gives them a way to connect with me on a human level. I’m real, I have interests, (we might even share a few things in common), and I’m not just some stiff teacher that has no life.

Every year, the nerd wall gets a make-over. I never hang the same array of posters two years in a row because that would be boring. For the last few years, Twilight has been the main feature on the wall, but with the end of Twilight’s run in the theater the nerd wall is in need of a major overhaul.

After going through my box of posters, I realized I had some shopping to do. All my superhero posters are so two movies ago, while the rest are of TV shows that are no longer on the air.  Before I even hit the stores, I knew finding new posters would be a difficult task. I don’t know why, but its getting tough to find cool posters that go beyond Justin Bieber and Angry Birds.

It took two weeks, but I think I’ve finally tracked down some fun posters for my nerd wall. Between Target, Wal-Mart, amazon, Michaels, and a few oldies but goodies in my poster box, I’ve got a solid line up of superheroes, sci-fi, TV, and London love to grace the nerd wall.

Here are a few of the posters that will be on my nerd wall this year:

The almighty Yoda is here to tell my students, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Target: $5.99

For the first time ever, Superman will be on the nerd wall. Henry Cavill is pretty hot, so he made the cut.

Wal-Mart $5.00

Sheldon of The Big Bang Theory will be around to keep everybody laughing.

Michael’s $6.99

The Avengers and Spider-man will be joining this flock, but I’m also adding a couple of posters that show some major London love.

amazon $3.99

amazon $2.44 + shipping

Last but not least, I’ve got a poster that goes with my life-size standee of Spock (the Nimoy version). Don’t worry Captain Kirk (the Shatner version) is also there to keep things under control.

amazon $5.59 + 3.99 shipping

Now I just have to figure out what pictures will go on the sides of my desk. Between Robert Pattinson’s beautiful face and Grimm (great show on NBC) I think that will round out the nerd corner quite nicely.

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What’s your favorite thing this week?

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c.b.w. 2013

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My Favorite Meant To Be Couples

I haven’t always been huge on the holiday filled with red, pink (my least favorite color), teddy bears and large monkeys, but I do love love.  There is something magical about someone accepting and adoring you for who you are no matter what.  My husband is that man for me and I don’t need a holiday to appreciate all he does for me because I thank my lucky stars each and every day that he remains by my side.

Okay, I’m done being all mushy.  Being the fangirl I am (see The Authograph Ninja), I can’t help but have a little fun.  While real life love is the best thing out there, I am a sucker for TV couples from some of my favorite shows.  Here are my favorites:

Jim and Pam from The Office

Best TV Kiss Ever!

Sheldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory

Most Awkward TV Kiss

Mary Margaret and David (or their alter egos Snow and Prince Charming) from Once Upon A Time

TVs Best Fairy Tale Kiss

And just for fun, a few from the movies:

Edward and Bella

Best. Couple. Ever

Ron and Hermione

Long Overdue, but Worth It!

Ariel and Prince Eric

Kiss the Girl!

Peter Parker and Mary Jane

Best Superhero Kiss

Of course, there are a slew more that I love, but these popped into my head first. Happy Valentine’s Day to my family, friends, and readers! May your day be filled with love and joy.

What are your favorite couples?

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c.b. 2012

15 Years Brings 15 Changes

I was listening to my iPod the other day and it shuffled to a song I hadn’t heard in a while.  When “Real World” by Matchbox 20 started playing, it made me smile and reminisce about a time in my life that now feels so far away.  I was 18-years-old and had just begun to taste the real world as an adult.

I pulled out the actual CD and marveled at the relic.  Matchobx 20’s debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You was one of my favorite albums and served as my soundtrack during my first year of college.  It’s hard to believe that was fifteen years ago, but here I sit as a 33-year-old woman with an old CD in her hands.  I even checked the copyright date to make sure my math was right. Yup, 1996.

I couldn’t help but load the CD in my car for old time’s sake.  This is the band that turned me into one of those people that sing in the car.  I suppose I can credit Matchbox 20 for giving me the license to say “I don’t care if anyone’s watching.”  I still sing in the car and I still don’t care who sees me doing it. To my surprise, I remember all the words to every song.  Driving down the freeway, I belted out “Long Day” and “Push” as if I was some rock star behind the wheel.  Fifteen years later, its still good music.

My little jaunt down memory lane got me thinking about how much in my life has changed since I was eighteen.  I don’t long to be that young again, nor am I saddened by the passing of time. Rather, I’m in awe of how life brings so many changes in such a short period of time.  Between then and now, I’ve gone from being an adult just starting out to an individual who has found her groove in life.

15 Years Brings 15 Changes:

1. Age
Then: 18 and very naïve.
Now: 33 and hopefully a little wiser

2. Living Situation
Then: Living at home and sharing a room with my sister
Now: Homeowner with a writing room all to myself

3. Mode of Transportation
Then: 1991 Chevy Cavalier.  It was my first car and it broke down all the time!  About a year later, I totaled it by rear-ending an SUV.  The SUV was fine, but my car crinkled like a tin can.
Now: 2006 Mini Cooper.  It’s the cutest thing ever.

4. Occupation
Then: Full-time student and part-time salesgirl at The Body Shop.  I sold lotion and gave make-overs.
Now: Full-time teacher and aspiring writer.  These days I barely wear make-up and I’m allergic to almost all scented lotions.

5. Relationship Status
Then: Single and getting over a break-up.  I was three years away from meeting my husband.
Now: Married to wonderful guy and I can’t imagine life without him.

6. Style
Then: Jeans and Birkenstock wannabes
Now: Jeans and Converse sneakers.  I haven’t changed much in this department!

7. Travel
Then: U.S. and Mexico
Now: I have memories of so many beautiful places: French Polynesia, Great Britain (4 times), Ireland, France, Italy, Czech Republic, and China. To think I’ve only just begun!

8. Technology
Then: I had a CD Walkman and a large PC desktop computer.  The monitor alone took up half my desk!  I was hardwired into thinking Macs were not cool and Windows 95 was the best thing out there.
Now: I can’t live without my iPod and I carry a thin, lightweight laptop everywhere.  I’m a full Mac convert and can’t imagine what I ever saw in a PC.

9. Appointment TV
Then: Reruns of Star Trek: TNG, Wings, Newsradio, and Golden Girls.  Reality TV was not part of the vernacular and talk shows were all the rage.
Now: Fringe, Big Bang Theory, The Office, Project Runway, and reruns Star Trek: TNG if I can find it.

10. Communication
Then: I relied on a pager and snail mail, with a bit of e-mail.
Now: I’m fully connected with a smartphone, e-mail, and social networks.

11. Current Events
Then: 9/11 was just the 11th day in September
Now: 9/11 was the day that changed everything

12. Reading Pattern
Then: Mostly textbooks for all my classes. College gives you very little time to read for fun.
Now: Literary and mainstream fiction, along with a smattering of young adult.

13. Writing
Then: Research papers and random bits of poetry
Now: Fiction, (including novels and short stories), blog posts, and poetry

14. Hangout Spot
Then: Barnes & Noble on the East side of town.
Now: Barnes & Noble on the North side of town.  I can’t help myself. I love B&N and the coffee they serve.

15. Direction In Life
Then: Still questioning my identity and course . . .
Now: I know who I am and where I want go!

I can’t imagine what the next fifteen years will bring, but I’m excited all the same.  Life continues to be an adventure I can’t wait to experience.

Where were you 15 years ago?

c.b. 2011