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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Friday Top Five Firsts

Here is the first installment of what I hope will become a regular feature.. and maybe a linky in the future!!

I love lists.

I will be sharing, and asking you to share your Top Five Lists in different cataegories. On Friday. So its called Tessiegirls Friday Top 5!!

Am I over explaining this? Sure!

Ok, because this is the first edition, todays list is:

FIRSTS

1) FIRST CONCERT: I like to tell people it was Morrissey in 1991, but it was actually the Hoodoo Gurus in about 1989. I went with 2 girls who I have no memory of, other than one of them shaved her arms. In Grade Ten. I thought that was weird.

2) ALBUM: Mum and Dad had such an awesome album collection, I was spoilt for good music. The Beatles, The Yardbirds, The Animals... All the Thes from the sixties. When I finally bought music with my own money, it was We Built this City on 45. Not cool. And the first full length album? Billy Joel. The Bridge. Also not super cool.
I wanna change my answer. First single on 45.... Love Will Tear Us Apart: Joy Division. First Album: The Queen is Dead- The Smiths.

You dont know! You werent there!

3) FIRST LOVE: Grade One. His name was Nico Papagianis. He looked like a little greek Ray Martin impersonator. He didnt know I was alive.

4) FIRST CIGARETTE: Dec 1991. Moreton Island. Worst Schoolies Week EVER.
LAST CIGARETTE: Dec 2007 when Gavin and Max and I moved into this house together. I am so glad my Lovely Husband encouraged me to kick it. Sometimes I have dreams where I forget that I dont smoke.. and I smoke. And I wake up thinking, "Oh No! I am a smoker again! What the hell?!"

5) FIRST CAR: I came late to the whole driving thing. I was 32 when I got my license. I bought my first car in Aug 2006. It was a Mazda something and I loved it because I bought it with my own money that I earned and saved up. So there.

What are your Top Five Firsts? What was your first album? Why didnt Nico Papaginis love me?

Available link for download

Friday Top Five Advertising Catchphrases

I love it when advertising catchphrases/ slogans become part of the publics vernacluar. These little nuggets that wedge themselves in our subconsciouness, and before we know it, they are just part of our lives. The point is to create an association, so that every time we say "Like a sunrise" we are subconsciously re-seeing the Aami Ad. I think we often forget the ad they came from in the first place, and the saying itself becomes the product. Which is the total opposite of the intention, I guess.

SO, heres my list of little ear worms...

1) "Not Happy Jan"

Telstra Yellow Pages. That one was everywhere. That ad aired between 2000 and 2003 AND PEOPLE STILL SAY IT!

2) "Thatll be the phone , Reg" *

This was a Telstra one too. Old couple on the porch and wife says the line. I think there were others in the series, but this one was the one that stuck. Although, it kinda fits in one of my most hated Advertising ctegories- The Idiot Husband ads. There were a rash of ads a few years ago that all followed the same brief- Wife Rolls Eyes at Idiot husband. The End. Lazy, insulting advertising makes me wanna punch someone.

3) "Sic em, Rex"

Very eighties, this one. The girl in the ad was the darling of Dolly magazine- constant cover model. It was bit naughty and very suggestive, but when I was a teenager, I just thought Rex the anteater was cute.

4) "G-O-GG-O"

I love that dude. Who doesnt love impersonating his accent???? Do it now. It will cheer you up. Lets do it together... G-O-GG-O. Awesome.

5) "O Kono No!" "He says he doesnt know..."

This was a John West tuna ad. From 1987. Its one of those little hangers on that I still say, and until today, probably couldnt have told you where it came from. Well played, John West. Well Played.

I am totally showing my age here!!

My mum does still say "Drink it, Freddie!" Which was a Nestles Quick ad from 1970!!!! In Black and White!! Hmmmm..... I wonder what the OLDEST catchphrase that is still in the vernacular is?

What are your favourite ad catchphrases?

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* I cant find a single image or video of this ad on the whole interwebz! Whats that about??? If anyone can find it, ill give you a million dollars. I wont really... ask my husband. I owe him, like, 47 million dollars. He thinks I am good for it. I am totally not.

Available link for download

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

We, here at Integritas Academy, are set up on a year round school. We take a summer break, but it is a little shorter than most...only about 6 weeks. This allows us a more flexible schedule throughout the year and longer holiday breaks. That being said, I have to admit...my favorite kind of summer learnin is the kind that takes place out of the classroom.

Its so much easier to get our crew out the door and to a field trip when Im not worried about the daily schedule. And who really worries about a schedule in the summer anyway?!

So, without further ado, I present to you our Top 10 Summer Field Trips...

10. Willy Wonka Chocolate Tour

A few summers ago we participated in a field trip to a local fondue restaurant. You can read more about it here, but basically this restaurant hosted Willy Wonka themed field trips, teaching the kids about the history of chocolate and letting them do taste tests. I dont think I really need to tell you why this one was a fav...I mean seriously, it was yummy!!

9. Aquarium

Summer is the perfect time to head to an aquarium. The closest one to us is a little over an hour away, but a summer was made for day trips! I dont need to convince you of the educational value here. Your kids are going to learn without even realizing it an aquarium.

8. Zoos and Wildlife Centers

Now, I have to admit, I am not one of those year-long-family-zoo-pass kind of mamas. One zoo trip a year is really kind of enough for me. Toddlers are really the best to take to the zoo. I love watching their faces light up when they are seeing those big, strange animals for the first time. However, if you have a wildlife center in your area than you have a real treasure. The one near us is free, has a great education center, and is rarely crowded.

7. Confectionery Tour

Im aware of two different candy shoppes within driving distance of us that offer tours that teach about the candy making process. And then of course you get samples as well! Another great idea for summer is to tour an ice cream shoppe that makes their own ice cream. We have a Graeters shop that does this near us.

6. Boating and Fishing

Now, we have not always been the best at this but seriously, summer should not be complete without a boating and fishing trip. And why not add this cool, free Fish and Fishing Unit Lapbook from Homeschoolshare to your Summer fun studies?

5. Childrens Museums

Take a break from the heat and head inside a childrens museum or science center. Try this site to find one near you.

4. Walking Tour of your City

Last year we had the awesome opportunity to participate in a walking tour of our city. We joined with some other homeschool families who were setting up this field trip, so Im not really sure who you contact to get this done. But it would so be worth the investment of your time to find out how to do this. We were blessed with an awesome guide who shared all sorts of history and explanations of the architecture of the buildings, etc.

3. Living History Museum?

We never miss a summer without heading to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana to enjoy their living history museum. Its a long drive for us, but no one in the family complains.

2. State Fair

Oh yes, the State Fair is always a favorite of the summer. Last year, our daughter entered several sewing projects into competition. It was great to see her work and she earned several ribbons. Plus, we got discounted tickets! Woo-hoo!

1. Hiking

Its free. Its awesome exercise. All ages love it. We could hike every single weekend of the summer without complaints. Need I say more?

Not convinced walking in the woods is educational? Well, than you should definitely check out the nature study resources at http://www.shiningdawnbooks.com/ .

So what are you waiting for? Grab some sunscreen and head out the door!

Available link for download

Friday Top FIve Stephen King Good Guys

So its not new information that I am a Stephen King fan. Look to your right.. over there... yep, check out the Stephen King Universe Flow Chart if you havent already... its kinda like my 4th child....

Anyhoo, I know I have spoken about my favorite SK books before, but today, for Friday Top Five, I thought I would look at my favourite:

Stephen King GOOD GUYS

1) Jack Sawyer (The Talisman/ Black House)

In the Talisman, Jack is the eternal little boy lost on a big adventure (a character that is seen in many books/ films- parentless kids out trying to save the world eg: Harry Potter) Jack is just so likeable and charismatic and essentially GOOD. Everyone roots for him. Everyone wants him to win. And then to give him a big hug. Then we get to see him as a grown man in Black House. And we still wanna hug him, but now its because hes a big, handsome cop.

2) Eddie Dean (The Dark Tower series)

Yes, Yes, I am finally reading the DT series! I have just finished The Wolves of Calla (my favourite so far). For me, the star of the series is junkie-turned-gunlinger Eddie Dean. Eddies character is reminiscent of some other fast talking, wise-cracking jokers in SK literature- think Richie Tozier in It or Teddy Duchamp in The Body. Eddies smart-assery is awesome, but I am intrigued by his transformation and redemption. I will be very sad if he dies. Dont tell me. I dont wanna know.

3) Frannie Goldsmith (The Stand)

Frannie is awesome. She doesnt take any bullshit from anyone. She shoulda know better than to let creepy Harold Lauder tag along with her when she left Oganquit, but whatevs. SK writes strong women expertly. Frannie, Polly Chalmers (Needful Things) Sussanah Dean (The Dark Tower Series) are all kick ass chicks who arent perfect and handle all the crazy shit going on around them with style and grace.

4) WOLF! (The Talisman)

As I read Talismans sequel Black House, all I wanted was for Jack to go to the Territories and find another Wolf. Man, I loved Wolf. In the same way I love Tom Cullen (The Stand). Stephen King manages to write these mentally challenged characters with dignity, warmth and extreme love. Characters like Wolf and Tom (and Dudders in Dreamcatcher and Sheemie Ruiz in The Tower) often have the answers that the protagonists cant see. They are often more than they seem. I like to think that these characters remind us that people who are often marginalised in our society are so valuable and important.

5) Ray Garraty (The Long Walk)

I remember the first time I read the long walk, I developed a bit of a crush on Ray Garraty. I visualised him as about my age (I was probably 14/15 at the time), sensitive and handsome, willing to do anything for his family. That story is harsh, dude. The Long Walk is a story ahead of its time. Rays world, where teenagers are disposable pawns used for the entertainment of the masses came way before The Hunger Games. King builds the desperation, injustice and violence of this world. It is shocking and so very sad. But Stephen King still manages to create these compelling, developed, intriguing characters. Ray was my hero. Go Go Garraty!

OK, so that may have been a bit specialised for the Stephen King readers out there. But I would love to think that someone who isnt a big King fan may think, Oh, OK, I might give one of his books a read, I didnt realise there was more to the Stephen King Universe than rabid dogs and creepy clowns.

There is, people. Heaps more. There is time traveling and love stories and humour and gunslinging and a fair amount of bad swears. All the bestest stuff.

Available link for download

Friday Top FIve Drawing Challenges

So, if you have been paying attention, you will know that I like to draw. And I like to draw 2 drawings a day. Yes, I am a bit mental.

I play along B Being Cools Draw Me October and Fat Mum Slims Photo a Day. These are my faves from the last 2 months.

L-R:

Fruit: Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Oct 17th

Makes You Laugh: Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Oct 14th

Steps: Draw Me October 14th September

Cake: Draw Me October Oct 18th

Angle/Song: Fat Mum Slim 17th October / Draw Me October 17th October

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Friday Top Five These pretzels are making me thirsty

Todays Friday Tope Five is:

Seinfeld Episodes

Seinfeld is more than a show. It is part of my DNA. It is a huge contributor to our vernacular, the way we express ourselves. And its funny as, dude.

1) The Betrayal

AKA: The Backwards Episode.

Elaine takes George and Jerry to India for her frenemy Sue Ellen Misckes wedding. George wont take his boots off. Elaine gets pissed. Kramer stays behind. His lollipop is an awesome prop for the backwars editing. Episode is in reverse. Ends with Jerry moving in eleven years earlier, telling Kramer, Whats mine is yours Big Mistake. Huge.

2) The Alternate Side

AKA THESE PRETZELS ARE MAKIN ME THIRSTY

Elaine dates an old guy who has a stroke. George is moving cars. Kramer is in a Woody Allen film- his line is "These pretzels are makin me thirsty. The line become an answer to any frustrating or nervewracking situation

3) The Outing

AKA Not that theres anything wrong with that.

Jerry and George pretend to be gay to trick an eavesdropper. It snowballs out of hand. Its Jerrys birthday. Elaine gets him Bette Midler CDs and George gets him tickets to Guys and Dolls. "Isnt that a lavish Broadway musical?" "Its Guys and DOlls, not Guys and Guys!" Kramer gets him a piece of crap 2 line phone that makes the whole situation worse.

4) The Mom and Pop Store

AKA Jon Voights car.

George buys Jon Voights Le Baron. Tim Whatley has a Thanksgiving Party. Last Stop Pottersville. Jerrys Sneakers are all stolen, leaving him only with cowboy boots. "But I don;t wanna be a cowboy!" Fantastic homage to Midnight Cowboy- Jerry and Kramer in the bus heading off to find stolen sneakers.

5) The Puerto Rican Day.

AKA The flag burning one

All get stuck in a Puerto Rican Day Parade. Elaine re enacts the Poseiden Adventure underneath the bleachers. Kramer stomps on the burning flag and angers the mean gay couple who previously stole Elaines bureau in The Soup Nazi. George is taunted by a laser pointer guy. Awesome meeting of wealthy industrialists H.E Pennypacker, Art Vandaly (former potential latex salesman) and Kel Varnson in the apartment for rent. Who is watching the Saab factory!!!

OK, that was hard, but that was my Top Five Seinfeld Episodes.

What are your favourite Seinfeld episodes. How many Seinfeld references are still in your current vernacular?

Available link for download

NGUPLUS

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Friday Top Five Firsts

Friday Top Five Firsts

Monday, February 27, 2017

Friday Top Five Advertising Catchphrases

Friday Top Five Advertising Catchphrases

Friday, February 24, 2017

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Friday Top FIve Stephen King Good Guys

Friday Top FIve Stephen King Good Guys

Friday, February 10, 2017

Friday Top FIve Drawing Challenges

Friday Top FIve Drawing Challenges

Friday, February 3, 2017

Friday Top Five These pretzels are making me thirsty

Friday Top Five These pretzels are making me thirsty