Never a Dull or Unoccupied Moment

This has been the most stressful week I have had all year. I have been dreading it, and the mere thought of it approaching has sent my head spinning several times. Well not only did it come, I am glad to say it went okay. My mom had hip surgery on Tuesday (same thing I had a little over a year ago)and is fine, I had a sub in my room for three days and the room is still standing, and Open House was Thursday night (I was out that day but got the room in order thirty minutes before the big event). On Friday (after work), I took a couple of hours to catch my breath and a nap before driving to up to Mom's to make sure the transition from hospital to home went well. Having tolerated the annoyances provided by my stepfather and aunt (I never play well with others!), I would love to spend the entire weekend relaxing, but I have one week before state testing begins, papers to grade, and D/F notices to send out.

The waiting room gave me time to think about two things that need attention in my life, a relationship that needs to be defined and books.I've finished several books. Thanks to the wonder of audio books and the CD player in my car, I actually got through two of them this week. I am currently working on another one and have a paperback in progress. I'll post my book reviews a little later. Regarding the man, I'll save that for a later post too ;)

Back to Reality

I am pretty much over the rainbows and butterflies of Spring Break. Nothing like an angry parent, an anal co-worker with email access, parent conferences, and a botched lesson plan or two to snap me back to reality. I got through the week by promising myself I could test two new recipes this weekend.

Okay, okay...by Wednesday, I had to spice up the deal by adding a nightly glass of Maurice Car'rie 2006 Muscat Canelli. A friend of mine had me try it. It's sweet, but not overly so.

This weekend I got some rest and exercise. I also reviewed my stress busting plan (comprised of a decent bedtime, some exercise, and better eating habits). This week should go a lot better but, just in case, I am not ruling out that glass of wine.

A Day in the Sun

Okay, let me begin by confessing that the photo is one I took off the internet and not one I shot. Having said that, I can't believe that I spent time "kayaking" yesterday. It was my first time, and I really enjoyed it. My friends went easy on me since I was a newbie, but I have been assured that from now on I get no special treatment. We spent the afternoon kayaking in Oceanside Harbor, followed by food and drinks. It was a great way to spend the day. I regret not taking my camera, but I'll be ready next time. Yes, there will be a next time.

Dinner Party Success

The dinner party I have been nervously planning was a hit!The guest list included a hodge-podge of personalities and everyone got along fabulously!

The menu was a follows:

Appetizers: small crab cakes, ham and cheese baskets, and phyllo triangle with spinach and feta cheese.

Main Entree: Lasagna, Paella, salad, garlic bread, rosemary bread

Dessert: Tunnel of Fudge cake, pound cake, lemon cream pie, Razzleberry pie, and

Beverages included: a homemade blush sangria (complete with apple brandy), several wine choices, coke, Kona coffee, and water.

Yes, there were glitches, but they just added to the fun.

Twilight Part II

My recent post regarding Twilight, by Stephenie Meyers, crossed my mind today. Specifically, I was thinking about the ways in which Edward Cullen has all the qualities the perfect boyfriend would posses. It then occured to me that he has some pretty serious, in fact dangerous, flaws. I fully understand that it is easy to overlook the flaws of a fictional character, but I'm suprised that I am not as troubled as I should be that Bella is keeping Edward's vampire secret and placing herself in harms way.(This is not a good model for the young ladies who think having a man is more important that having a good one.) I get it...she's in love.

Thinking back on some of the men I have dated in the past, I can see that seemingly minor flaws can be a big deal if there is not chemistry between two people. I guess it's true..."Love covers a multitude of sins."

Twilight

It’s official, I am like every other female who has read Twilight; I'm in love with Edward Cullen! This, first in a series, novel by Stephenie Meyers strongly appealed to my need for escapism. I was captivated on the first page and finished the novel in about four days. Darn those intrusive social and familial obligations! Twilight is a very well told modern day vampire story. It took me back to the first time I read Interview with a Vampire, by Ann Rice. Rice's themes and plot were far more mature, but it was the first time I had heard or seen a vampire story that did not come across as campy. This novel can truthfully make the same claim.

Bella is your run of the mill teenager (with the exception of the vampire boyfriend), who doesn't fit in. Then she meets Edward. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone fits in somewhere. You just have to find the place where the person you are happens to be (no pun intended) the flavor of the month or enough of a novelty to garner attention. In Forks, Bella has found a home. There, even her clumsiness is endearing and unfortunately, more life threatening. All the boys love her, but Edward, with his hypnotic voice and looks to literally "die for", captures her heart.

The suspense sequence is just okay. Am I wrong to look for a Dan Brown level of suspense in a book for young adults?

The sensual scenes, on the other hand, are very well written. They titillate without sending the reader or the characters over the edge. Bravo! They remind me of the novels I secretly read in junior high. Unlike the literature of today, foreshadowing and imagery were the primary sensual story telling devices. Today, they tell entirely too much and take things way too far. I have noticed that this series has an HS logo (for high school or mature content) in the Scholastic flyers. The warning is appropriate, but by comparison this is a tame one.

Rating: 4.4/5

Day of Tears

I recently finished reading Day of Tears, by Julius Lester, as part of the Young Adult Book Challenge. It is a historical fiction novel set during the largest slave auction in U.S. history, "The Weeping Time". The story is told in dialogue format which allows you to hear several perspectives. In addition, you get the characters take on the events as they unfold and as they reflect on them many years later. Lester uses the main character, Emma, and the events of the auction to tie the dialogues together in the least confusing way. Emma demonstrates the emotional and psychological pain which slaves endured and triumphed over. Through this character and others this novel did an excellent job of laying bare the fact that many felt slaves were not human beings and giving voice to the actual depth of their humanity.

True to the historical setting, the "N-Word" appears when many of the white characters refer to or address the characters of African descent. While discussing the use of this term with students, I appreciated the balance of characters represented in the novel. Those sympathetic to the plight of the slaves tempered the cruelty of slave owners and other pro-slavery characters.

Initially, it was easy to put this book aside and not come back to it for days on end. When I finally made a conscious decision to give myself over to the characters, I was able to get through it but still did not feel fully engaged. My use of reading as an escape from the harsher aspects of life is probably to blame there.

I read it with a group of sixth students at my school site and during our biweekly discussion meetings it was clear that this book captured and kept their attention from the beginning. Before passing out novels, I sent home permission slips which gave parents a warning that the text would evoke more emotions than past reads. During SSR in her math class, one young lady began to cry and a classmate, who was also reading the novel, helped her explain to the teacher what brought on her tears. The math teacher was impressed that young people were that engaged in reading, and I was thankful I had been proactive in warning the parents and students.

Rating: 3.5/5

Sorors!

Yesterday, I got together with 13 of my 'sands'. It was the first time we have been together in about 25 years, and I had a blast! It is amazing how we have changed but basically, we are the same as we were back then. The change can best be described as maturity, and the sameness would be our zest for life. We are living life, making positive contributions to our communities, and pursuing our dreams (And whims!).

Living in the past is not healthy, but making peace with it and reminiscing on the good and bad times we've shared with others is energizing.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up

You Should Be a Doctor

You are practical, sharp, and very intuitive. Optimistic and energetic, you are a problem solver who doesn't get discouraged easily. You are also quite compassionate and caring. You make people feel hopeful. You're highly adaptable and capable. You do well with almost any curve ball life throws at you. You do best when you: - Are always learning new subjects - Use your knowledge to solve problems You would also be a good therapist or detective.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

I agree with most of this. Oddly, my next career choice was/is being a therapist.

Weekends are Wonderful!

This weekend I got some much needed R&R. On Friday, I went to see The Bucket List with my BFF. (Yes, women over 40 have BFF'S. They are what keep us from doing serious harm to men over 40! LOL) The movie was great and so was the girl talk. Thankfully, she talked me out of spending Saturday morning at work, so I had a partial pj day. That afternoon I rode down to Del Mar with a friend and saw a Cirque Du Soliel performance (Corteo). It was absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner on the beach after the show. Sunday, I just basked in the afterglow of it all...and then there was Monday, which has proven to be pretty good in spite of the budget talk during today's staff meeting.

I think the way one spends his or her weekend makes a big difference in how stressful the week gets. The challenge is finding inexpensive or free activities that are relaxing enough to be stress busters.

State of Emergency: Part II

There will be paper! Despite what the district has told us to do, our principal has ordered copy paper. It's good to see that someone remembers that we are a school and certain things, like paper, are typical school paraphernalia. At every turn, our principal tries to consider the needs of teachers and students. That being said, I am fearful that she will be transferred soon. She has been off during the past two weeks, and in her absence major changes have been announced. She came in briefly on Friday, but did not address the staff about the changes. I hope she is not swept away in the next wave of changes.

State of Emergency

For those of you who follow, or are part of, education in the state of California, I am sure you are aware of the governor's declaration of a fiscal state of emergency.

My district has already taken drastic steps in response to the news. For example:

1. No more copy paper for sites. Each teacher usually receives two cases a year(one at the start of the first semester and the other at the beginning of the second semester). This year we received paper for the fall and that is all. But hey, no problem. No paper = no copies. I wonder if they remember that they no longer purchase the consumables that come with our language arts curriculum, and I have been told I cannot legally require students to bring paper to class. Whose supposed to provide the needed paper? What? Who? Me?...Let's see...108 students...Okay, hold your breath and wait for it...wait...keep waiting...

2. All approved and district funded conferences/workshops were reviewed, and several were declined today. I was scheduled to attend a conference next Tuesday. The district paid for it a month ago, and they stated today that it has been declined. They will be requesting a refund (Apparently, our district officials include challenged readers because the form clearly states the deadline for refunds has passed, there will be no exceptions, and it is now too late for me to pay my own registration fees). Furthermore, the sub, who was to cover my class, no longer has an assignment that day. Well, actually, he/she might have one because I am thinking of taking the day off anyway.

It is sad no one contacted teachers before cancelling previously approved items. I know of four of us who were willing to pay out of our own pockets, if necessary, to attend meaningful workshops. We were also willing to use our personal time. Tomorrow, I am going to contact the company that offers the workshop and find out if there is any way I can still attend.

3. Three of our recent inservices have ended with the "motivating" revelation that they will "take our jobs" if this or that is not done. Who are these people who are lined up to replace me? My mother says news reports state we are in the midst of a teacher shortage. If you want to teach middle school raise your hand. Higher, I can't see all those eager people who want my j-o-b.

The only thing this type of threat may result in is me giving them the job and recommending a place for them to shove keep it.

***********

I have often complained about the reactive nature of my district. Today's announcements were further proof of this. I have actually been asked, by a few of our district directors, how a school district could be proactive rather than reactive. Tell you what, I'll conduct the inservice. Let's start with the phrase "Think before you act"!

TGFH

Thank God for Holidays!

I managed to pull myself out of the funk I was expriencing. I felt a lot like Milo, in The Phantom Tollbooth, when he had to think and work his way of the doldrums. My reward...a holiday on which I am not buried under the covers or having a pity party on the sofa. I get to enjoy the weekend and forget about the district and NCLB.

DEPRESSION

Today wasn't one of my better days. I found myself battling depression all day long. Admittedly, I haven't been eating properly, so I tried to correct that problem. I addressed my sleeping habits too. The great concern I have is that these may not be causes, but symptoms. I fear that the pressures of my job may be the root cause. I didn't get depressed until I went back to work.

All of my teacher friends can relate to this and are helping me work through it. Prayer and excercise are helping too.

Procrastination

Yes, I have tons of work to do in preparation for tomorrow, dinner to cook, and other miscellaneous task which require my attention. I, however, have decided to dedicate my time to blogging, party planning, and daydreaming. If you know me, you know that I will get the big important things done (even if it means staying up way too late on the night before the first day back to work).

Gotta love that thing called priorities!

What's in a Name

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Seven Things About Me (Meme)

Let's see...

1. I make the worst pancakes on the planet.

2. I won an essay contest when I was in 8th grade.

3. I still enjoy lounging in my pajamas and watching cartoons on Saturdays.

4. I go into my backyard about three times a year. For all I know, there could be other people living back there.

5. I own a cat even though I am mildy allergic to them. My doctor has learned to accept it.

6. I am extremely unorganized and anti-social, despite all of my calendars, organizers, and social events. I have found that the best way to hide it is to fake it.

7. I function best with nine hours of sleep. Needless to say, very few people have ever seen me at my best.

Themed Reading Challenge

I couldn't resist this one. It turned out to be more difficult to come up with a list than I thought it would be. My theme will be "getting back in the game". Here's my booklist:

1. How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan
2. Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert (this one will be a second reading)
3. Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman by Alice Steinbach
4. An Italian Affair by Laura Fraser

I will update this post with an alternate list at a later time.

Young Adult Challenge 2008

Okay, it is true, I didn't get very far in the Armchair Traveler Challenge. I like the idea of book challenges, (They will definitely help with one item on my '08 To Do List.) so I'm giving it another try. Here is my booklist for the Young Adult Challenge 2008:

1. *2/08 Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester
2. *7/08 The Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe by Douglas Adams
3. Cut by Patricia McCormick
4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
5. *2/08 Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
6. Bounce by Natasha Friend
7. *7/08 Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
8. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
9. Something from the Artemis Fowl Series
10. *7/08 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Path
11. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
12. *7/08 Messenger by Lois Lowery

Alternate:
*4/08 Deadline by Chris Crutcher
*6/08 Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

* indicates the book has been finished.

My 2008 "To Do" List

1. read more
2. write more (includes more blog posting)
3. cook more
4. increase gym time to more than three days a week
5. keep up with grading
6. challenge my students more without frustrating them
7. keep my home neater
8. finish my home improvement projects
9. start new home improvement projects
10. finish #9
11. work with my mother to finish Conversations With My Mother journal
12. relax more
13. find time to do #1-12