Sexy History

Tomorrow marks the end of my first week of complete teaching - lectures, activities, grading, everything! I'm not going to lie, I'm very happy that tomorrow's Friday. It's been a long, yet super fast week. But I am extremely blessed to have an amazing cooperating teacher. He's been very friendly, supportive, and encouraging, always knowing the right questions to ask and advice to give. Yesterday I was discouraged about my ability to lecture (I stink at public speaking!) and not being able to be engaging and culturally relevant to the students. This morning when I got to school, my teacher handed my a Borders bag and in it there were two books. In order to start my collection of stories and references that will help me to, as my teacher says, "make history sexy", Badass: A Relentless Onslaught of the Toughest Warlords, Vikings, Samurai, Pirates, Gunfighters, and Military Commanders to Ever Live and Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Plunges into History. They sound extremely weird, but so far I have learned so many random facts! I would highly recommend these for anyone who doesn't like history - but watch out; if you didn't guess it from the title, Badass is a bit crude, but amazing. Yay for new books and amazing mentors!

{Ben Thompson's Badass}

{Uncle John's Bathroom Reader}

Listening to: "How Do I Breathe" Mario

Thought of the Day: "Fall seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb

Rainbow of Reads

For some reason, I really don't understand antiques; I just don't get why people would want old stuff on their shelves. This weekend though, I was visiting a friend who enjoys the hunt for these collectibles so we explored a few shops in Historic St. Charles , a charming neighborhood connected by cobblestone streets and full of historic architecture (my favorite!), shops, and restaurants on the Missouri Riverfront. Despite coming across many toys that I recognized from our own collection of toys in my parents' basement (I didn't know I was that old!), I actually found a few things that I would have considered purchasing, such as old postcards, maps, and books. Ever since I watched Beauty and the Beast as a little kid, I have wanted a library in my house, ideally with a sliding ladder, and these old books would have made perfect additions to my future collection.
But, since I am going to be a teacher and am still a college student, I think this library will be in the very distant future, but I can dream, right? I love these...

... but these might actually work in my new apartment bedroom this fall. The last one is only $14 and can be used to make the middle picture's stack. Now I just need to increase my collection of colorful books!

{images via: sfgirlbybay, Domino Magazine, Simply Seleta, Umbra}

Listening to: "First Train Home" Imogen Heap
Thought of the Day: "You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world!" -Harriet Tubman

Starting July off on the Right Page

Holy cow! I can't believe that it is already July... where is my summer going? I just realized that it is almost halfway over and I haven't read nearly enough books. Summer used to be the time I read 4 or 5 books per week, but once I started college and working, reading sadly got shoved to the side. But, I have a new goal for this summer (I know, I am really into making goals for myself) which is to read at least one book a week. The only stipulation is that it has to be a fun book. I read so many books for school (I am a history major), so it's not like I don't read; they just aren't the kind that you want to read by the pool or have on your bedside table.
Here's a look at what is on my list:

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

I loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, so while this is for a bit younger audience, it's a fun way to get back into lighthearted reading. I also liked The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Brashares.

A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

I think I am the only person who has trouble getting into this book. It was recommended to me by my sister, one of my best friends, and numerous blogs (check out the comments here), but I am having issues finding the point of the whole thing. The author details her journey through love (I think my major mental block is the relationship with the man about 40 years older than her - I just find this weird, sort of like Rachel Wiesz in Definitely Maybe), but I am going to force myself to finish it. I would love any insights that might help me with it!

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
So, I'm a little late on this one, but I want to see the movie and I don't want to ruin the book by knowing the ending since books always turn out to be better than the movie.

Blacklisted by History by M. Stanton Evans

This is for my history course, so it doesn't technically fit my original criteria, but I think it is really interesting and insightful into the effects the media has on our perception of people and events.

Any suggestions for future reads?

Thought of the day: "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." - Christian D. Larson
Listening to: "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas (I am so obsessed with this song; it's a little embarrassing)