WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s been an emotional week for my home state, particularly for the city of Orlando. I woke up Sunday to my family and friends there marked as “Safe” on Facebook, but there are more than 50 families who weren’t as fortunate. I’m still collecting my thoughts into coherent sentences for a separate post, but until then, here are some things to help us smile through the pain:
- Hallee’s Birthday: Hallee Sorenson is a vibrant young woman, who happens to be autistic and celebrated her 18th birthday alone last year after invited guests failed to show. Her cousin Becky has now invited all of Facebook to send Hallee birthday wishes via mail. If you can take a few minutes to brighten this young lady’s day, cards can be mailed to:
Hallee Sorenson
34 Wellesley Way
Bangor, ME 04401 - Magz Retires: The mother of all teachers — my mother — retired last week after 32 years of teaching foreign languages and life lessons. She spent 22 years at the same high school and has inspired countless students throughout her tenure. True to form, she’s still working hard this week and grading AP tests in Cincinnati. There’s a large margarita on the rocks (no salt) with her name on it when I see her next month.
- T-Rex Competes on “America Ninja Warrior”: The T-Rex costume has provided plenty of laughs in various viral videos, but this one might just take the cake. I don’t think I could complete any of these obstacles in regular clothes, let alone an inflatable costume. Spoiler alert: T-Rex’s tiny arms may be his downfall.
- NYC Gay Men’s Chorus on “GMA”: Driving out the darkness with a message of positivity, my friend Marc and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus shone brightly on Monday’s broadcast of “Good Morning America.” Their message of pride and joy to comfort the grieving Orlando and LGTBQ communities is truly mesmerizing.
On a final note, as Father’s Day approaches: If you’re fortunate enough to have a relationship with your dad, please call or spend time with him — anything you can — on Sunday. A close friend of mine just lost her father to cancer, 50+ children in Orlando won’t be celebrating and there are things so much bigger in this world than our stubborn differences and disputes.
Images courtesy of: Facebook, Magz, Zimbio, Cosmopolitan
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I would love to have a good reason for not writing anything besides WOs lately, but the truth is: I’ve just been a social butterfly! Between crazy work hours and crazy happy hours … I’m just too popular. The struggle is real.
- Teacher Appreciation Week: As I mentioned last year, my family is full of educators. I wouldn’t be half of who I am without so many influential teachers, and I appreciate their never-ending reminders that summer is just a few weeks away. Right.
- Nurse Appreciation Week: My other female family members are nurses (or teach nursing), so this one goes out to those gals! They’ve got just as many ridiculous work stories to share but manage to save lives every day. Color me impressed.
- Margarita Appreciation Week: I may or may not have made this one up. But with Cinco de Drinko (and a rough Seis de Mayo), I think it’s only fair we celebrate the salted siren.
- “Mood Booster” on Spotify: My fabulous friend, J. Pep, introduced me to this wonderful playlist that got me through a particularly challenging workday. The mix of oldies and goodies is sure to bring a smile to your lovely face.
Cheers, peeps! And spread the love around 🙂
Images courtesy of: Beach, Sand & Lesson Plans; Akeman McBurney; LA Splash; Spotify
Who Do We Appreciate?
It’s come to my attention that it’s both Teacher Appreciation Week and Nurse Appreciation Week. (There’s another appreciation week, but I’ll let Seth Meyers explain at 1:05 in.)
Since all of the women in my family are teachers or nurses or teach nursing, it’s only fitting we honor them the Wittyburg way: with someecards!
I wouldn’t be a word nerd if not for the educators in my life making me feel intellectually inadequate.
As someone with too weak a stomach for “Grey’s Anatomy,” I salute you.
Wishing my many influential teacher and nurse friends — and millions more throughout the country — a wonderful week with well-behaved students and friendly patients.
I’d never last a day doing what you do, so may God have mercy on your soul.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
In exactly one week, I’ll be packing for a trip to Chicago (my first). In order to hold off my excitement and focus on all that needs to get done before then, I present this week’s distractions. Makes perfect sense, I swear.
This Necklace: I’m a fan of sparkly things, especially when they’re dripping in jewel tones and add drama to an otherwise basic outfit. This pretty little thing has graced my neck a few times recently, and I always receive compliments for its stunning design. Side note: Francesca’s Collections is deserving of its own WO post. Just ask The Budget Babe!
ANIMALS TALKING IN ALL CAPS!: A dear co-worker of mine shared this site with me recently, and I have fallen in love. What’s more precious than cuddly animals?* Cuddly animals TALKING AT YOU IN ALL CAPS! The captions are hysterical, although sometimes graphic. And if you don’t understand this one, watch this.
Dine Tampa Bay’s Restaurant Week: Between Aug. 19 (so, now) and Sept. 2, Tampa Bay-ians can enjoy specially priced three (or more) course meals from area restaurants. You can reserve through the site or on your own, but anything with a foolproof process that leads to fine dining is right up my alley. I enjoyed the deal at Bella’s Italian Café tonight — mangia!
Back-to-School Commercials: Although my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been flooded with BTS messages, I’m still smiling. The commercials from Target are fantastic, especially when one of my cubemates insists on singing the Art Teacher song all day long. Special shout-out to my many family members (I think 11?) and friends (hundreds?) who are educators. Without you, nothing is possible.
*Not all animals featured are in fact, cuddly. Please don’t think the stingray is cuddly, kids — lest we forget Steve Irwin’s untimely demise. Too soon?
Wittyburg.com 