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

Ahh...The Good Life!

My mother and I went to see The Color Purple today. The play was okay and so was our dinner. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the book or they movie. My mother said she wanted to go (friends of hers had seen it and raved about it). Two days before the show I found out my mom did not care for the book or the movie either. Needless to say, that set the stage for disappointment with the play. For dinner,we drove back to the IE and went to Le Bellissimo French Bistro. I was a little disappointed because I love French food and was expecting more of a gastric delight than I got. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing. I will give it one more try but not until spring or summer break. A good friend is teaching me that it is okay to enjoy some of the finer things in life (i.e. good food, good wine, and good entertainment); however, I try to spread out my "money is no object" evenings. Otherwise, money actually becomes more than an object...it becomes a problem.

It Has Been a While

This has been a wild year. Hip replacement surgery. Spiritual overhaul (still in progress). Adding a social life to my repertoire. Allowing another person to take up more of my thought process than a passing fancy. Rekindling my love affair with teaching (not easy to do under the cloud of NCLB). Bottom line -- LIVING!

To say it has been overwhelming at times would be an understatement, but I would not trade what I have or who I am. This new me is happy and more at peace.

Thirteen Things I'm Thankful For

1. My body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made
2. New relationships
3. Experience gained from old relationships
4. Family
5. Rest
6. The scents of lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus
7. Cats
8. Toddlers
9. Pecan Pie
10. Cookbooks
11. Long Overcast Days
12. A Loving God
13. Friends

Pleasant Surprise

Puerto Vallarta, 2007

After entering my posts yesterday, I was overtaken by a tsunami of depression. It’s appearance was an unpleasant surprise that I did not see coming. What brought on this deluge? Lesson plans and papers to grade? Yes, but also my perusal of our benchmark assessment results. Believe me, I love what I do, I just wish that changes, interruptions, and asinine demands weren’t so frequent. Then, perhaps I would have the appropriate energy level for the things that are necessary like grading, planning, and teaching. Add to this the smoke-filled skies all over southern California, and it’s easy to see why I was blue.

My mood was on the upswing when I was pleasantly surprised by my students’ effort in class today. After a review (complete with graphs) of how we did on the first benchmark assessment and an outline of how what we would be doing the rest of the week, there was plenty of participation in our examination of how the plot was influenced by the setting in “The Fun They Had”, by Isaac Asimov. It was not that this was a fun story. We now had more than a purpose for reading – We had a goal!

Later in the day, I made a discovery that changed my mood again. I thought the benchmark sub-committee meeting I agreed to cover for a colleague was occurring during school hours tomorrow. I put in for my sub weeks ago, went over expected behavior with my students today, and stayed late putting everything in place for her. Just as I was confirming the location of the meeting, I discovered that it convenes after school hours. How could I have made such a mistake? Needless to say, I cancelled the sub. It’s hard justify being out on school business when there is none being conducted.

Tonight, as I think of my students’ reaction to the prospect of a sub, I wonder if my appearance at school will be a pleasant surprise for them.

Restoration

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
-Thomas A. Edison


Yesterday, I attended the Promising Practices conference in San Diego. My district wouldn't cover it, but I needed refreshing so badly I was willing to cover the costs out of my own pocket. The presentations were informative, but the thing I needed most actually came from one of the keynote speakers, Alan Sitomer. I attended a workshop he conducted about five years ago and found him just at refreshing yesterday as he was then. He is a speaker and sometimes that's what you really need. You do not need a packet. You do not wish to share with your "neighbor". You just need a pep talk from someone who is going through it and knows October is rough. I'm glad I went.

I spent the rest of the day resting. Now, I have grading, planning, and housework to do. Restoration has its price.

A Life in Progress

Crushed, bruised, red roses
Under callosed, bleeding feet.
Light, fragrant scents
Waifting to and through the heart.
Clouds of change travese gently overhead.
Clearing briefly.
Warming rays of light caress the soul.
Covered again by gray cottonball masses
Which darken the spirit.
Press,
Press through the darkness
To where?
To Life
To Love
To Hope

Unpretentious Assemblage

I recently attended a church's tenth anniversary celebration. I typically shy away from these things because they can be more than a bit pretentious; however, I am good friends with the pastors, so I ventured forth on a Friday night, after a long work week.

It turned out better than I cynically thought it would. There was only one hat in the whole building and fewer sequins than I usually see at such events. There was one thing that was just as I expected it would be. "The Table", that special table reserved for pastors, was just as socially elevated as ever.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for giving honor to others, but when friends cannot approach you to say hello, and you have make a restroom trip to get up from the table and say hello to a friend you haven't seen in years, something is wrong.

I am so glad I can talk to God at any time. I don't have to wait until He passes enroute elsewhere. Now there's something to celebrate.

In Need of a Vaction

The cares of life weigh heavy. At times like this, it's best to retreat and regroup. I tried the retreating part last weekend; however, my relaxing writing retreat weekend was not enough. The massage I got yesterday was not enough. I need an actual vacation. Thanksgiving break is too far away. Hmmm...away. Yes, I will run away for a weekend. No papers to grade. No litter box to clean. No clothes to wash. No bills to pay. Just fresh linens and chocolate on my pillow. On second thought, I have too many responsibilities to run away. Instead, I will spend the weekend lost (a form of away) in a good book. Yes, in my pajamas, it just might work. Now let's see, I think I'll pencil that in for three weeks from now.

Resolution

What a difference a day makes.

1) After some web surfing and emailing, I found out that our social studies curriculum publisher offers a downloadable Spanish translation of the student book (in PDF format). Needless to say our district did not purchase this component, but I have already sent out emails regarding the legality of this matter and how easily it can be resolved.

2)Despite my tirade, I cooked a big Saturday breakfast; so yes, my kitchen needs cleaning again. This woman's work is never done because she always manages to create more.

3)The cat plan worked -- no surprises in the night.

Whew!!!

Between grading papers, planning lessons, meetings, parent contact, dealing with major household tasks (e.g. blind installation and freezer repairs), continuing physical therapy, household cleaning chores, and pet neglect. I have finally seized a moment to enjoy a glass (or two)of wine. As I begin to unwind several thoughts come to mind.

1) Why are stores glad you have career when selling you something, but unwilling to accommodate you work schedule when they have to come out and repair something?

2) Goodbye Sears! Thank you for taking care of me Frigidaire! Hello Pacific Sales! (stems from comment #1)

3) Thank again to the young man (Yes, I am that old.) who installed the blinds that FINALLY arrived. They look great. Dare I say, they were worth the wait?

4) Did anyone think of me when they put an ELD 1 student (Spanish speaking only) in my classroom, a translator every other day, and no curriculum materials in Spanish. Allegedly, I was chosen because I would make a sincere effort to teach her. This child really wants to learn, but the system is doing a mediocre job of helping her. Needless to say, I am scrounging together material for her and we are both frustrated. At least she appreciates my attempts to translate (as time permits) when the aid is not there. She is the only child at our school (currently) who speaks no English, and they cannot create a class for one student. (Creating a nightmare for one teacher, however, is right up their alley.) Part of my plan this weekend is to use my translator software to translate the class notes into Spanish. Hopefully, she understands the dialect my software uses. (I can't figure out if this is a vent or a rant. Let's say both.)

5.Why don't the other adults on campus understand my disdain for classroom interruptions. I thought teaching was the priority, not ASB campaign speeches,dance announcements, constant request for students to come to the counselors office, and phone calls from the office requesting I send students. Apparently, the phone must not be ignored in hopes that they will quietly have a note delivered (which would prevent disturbing the whole class). I have learned that if I do not answer the phone, they make an announcement, asking me to call the office, which disturbs the entire school.

6) Why do parents who admit to only seeing their children during breakfast and on weekends (The rest of their time is spent commuting and working.)insist that I am failing to meet their child's needs.

7) I am considering no longer cooking. Every time I get the kitchen thoroughly cleaned, I cook and have to start all over again. The best solution appears to be no more cooking.

8) My overweight tabby cat has decided the best way get more attention is to wake me up in the middle of the night. I spent time this afternoon playing hide (He tries to hide, I pretend not to see him for a while, and then act surprised when I "find" him. Really!!) in hopes of sleeping through the night tonight.

9) What caused my peaceful life to turn upside down? Could it be #1-8? Oh well, can't answer now, time for that second glass of wine!

Memory Lane

Yesterday, I was listening to a song, Butterfly, by Corinne Bailey Rae. The song lyrics begin, "In my mother's house there's a photograph". These words reminded me of a song by Minnie Riperton, Memory Lane, which contains the words, "Stumbled on a photograph. Kinda made me laugh. It took me way back. Back down memory lane". The year that album came out (I was 13), it was the thing I wanted most for Christmas, and my little brother (who was 10 at the time) saved and bargained to make sure I got it. On his allowance it wasn't cheap.

Today, I took the time to call him, remind him of that Christmas, and thank him for being such a great brother. Amazingly, that is a memory that stands out for him too. Before I could name the song, he named it (and he wasn't that crazy about the album or the artist).

Even though we don't talk as much as we perhaps should or as much as my mother would like, we love each other. The love between siblings is something to be treasured. It is not the kind of treasure that you hide away. It should be dusted and shown off on the mantle or some other place where others can see it.

FYI: It took me all afternoon to get this put together because I stopped to find and buy another copy of the Minnie Riperton LP. Mine was lost during a move.

Restroom Pass

Today, I had a restroom confrontation with a parent. Her child asked for a pass to the restroom at the beginning of the period. He was told no and went back to his seat. During the remainder of that period and the following one, he never mentioned it again. He participated in all classroom activities and laughed at jokes other students and I made. He even stayed after class, asked me about pre-approval of a book for his book report (the due date for book approval is next Wednesday), and discussed the reasons why I should disregard my better judgment (and the time frame for the assignment) and approve his novel. He waited for me to help a student who had to catch the bus and a girl who was in front of him in line. According to his mother, when he got in the car, he told her his stomach was hurting because I would not allow him to go to the restroom. Typically, when a student asks for a pass during that period I initially do not allow them to go because another group is at lunch during that time. (There have been problems with students going to hang out with friends rather than going to the restroom.)However, if they ask later on, or they tell me they really need to go I allow them to. Neither of those things happened today. The parent was livid and did not calm down until I had relayed the course of events twice and made it clear that her child was not being singled out. I also told her that I do allow students to go to the restroom, and her son has been allowed to go.
I have only had this happen one other time during the eleven years I have been teaching. The secretary asked if this was a quiet student that might have afraid to ask again. Considering his defense of his book choice and participation in classroom discussion, the answer is no.

I hope this is not about me not approving the book, or him upsetting her because he asked to stop at a restroom during the drive home.

Sign of the Times? Scary

During my shift to becoming a no sleep person (This is what happens when a night person starts getting up early in hopes of becoming a morning person.), I came across this article about a Swiss deportation proposal. This scares me on many levels beginning with the poster itself, and moving on to the proposal and low level of negative response to it. I understand the need to address problems in society, but generalizations and the racism that results from them are not the appropriate way to bring about positive societal change.

Book Challenge

I've decided to join a book challenge. I am starting a little late, but I figure six books by December 31 can be done. I can take ample time to read inspite of all of the grading, planning, and reading I already have to do. Besides I will have Thanksgiving and Christmas break to catch up if I fall behind.

My six books will be:

Three Bags Full (Ireland)
Brick Lane (London, England)
Dinner with Persephone (Greece)
Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure (India)
The Constant Princess (England and Spain)

I may add alternative books as I get further into this.
This looks like it's going to be fun!

P.S. I am having trouble connecting a link to the image for this book challenge, but here is the URL for the Armchair Traveler Reading Challenge. Hopefully, I can get the problem corrected this weekend.

http://www.alifeinbooks.com/?p=123

Cathartic Tears

I was just watching the final innings of the Little League World Championship and was brought to tears by the sportsmanship demonstrated by those young men. Upon winning and without prompting from adults, the team from Warner Robbins, Georgia walked over and hugged the opposing team from Japan. Yes, that's right, hugging not handshaking. You could hear them telling the other team, "Good job!" as they went from one player to another. I couldn't help but cry as I watched two young men from the opposing teams in a tight embrace and crying together. Other's had to go around them because they were clearly overtaken by this emotional moment. This is media coverage that demonstrates we have advanced as a society.

Requiem for Bat Boy or Us?

The August 27th issue of TIME magazine included an essay, Requiem for Bat Boy: Why the world's greatest fake newspaper is disappearing by Joel Stein, which caught my attention. He attributed the demise of the Weekly World News with the maturing of our society. He states, "It is actually a sign of progress for a society to go from inventing gods and monsters to seeking catharsis in the real life of Paris Hilton." I wonder about that. I think I would see more sanity in a society that believes in the plausibility of Bat Boy, UFOs, and the Loch Ness monster over one that finds "catharsis" in the drunk driving antics of the rich young ladies who put real life, hard working people in harms way. Don't get me wrong; I won't miss Weekly World News and never believed in Bat Boy (looking at the photo always left me with a strange feeling best described in the words of Scooby Doo..."Er???" However, their stories were more entertaining than the misdeeds of Paris and friends which are just plain scary.

Time with Mom

The dynamics between mothers and daughters sparks many discussions and lots of research, but their relationships are well worth every emotional moment.

After a totally exhausting week, I planned to stay in today. I woke up with a pounding headache. While waiting for the Motrin to kick in, the phone rang and, to make a long story shorter, I found myself racing to get dressed and meet my mother for lunch. It was a forty-five minute drive to the restaurant. I got there thirty minutes late (due to traffic and a poor sense of direction), but we had a great time eating and window shopping. The box of work I brought home was still in dining room when I got back (Just as I suspected it would be). I have learned that family is an important part of sustaining/maintained my balance as a teacher. The work will get done and I will be lot less stressed. Thanks Mom.

Thirteen Things on My Desk

1. A laptop
2. A mug filled with pens and pencils
3. An answering machine
4. A printer
5. A telephone
6. A marble coaster
7. A small box of kitty litter deodorizer...???
8. Jewelery (earrings, watch, bracelet)
9. Dust
10. A shelf filled with books
11. A lamp
12. Batteries
12. A bottle of hair remover...???
13. White out

Clearly this is my desk at home, and perhaps it is even more apparent that I need to clean it.


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Totally Exhausted!!!

First day back with students. When it came to walking, I over did it. This was my first day back since the last spring. The young people in my classes seem great and the day went smoothly; I just need to ease back into the physical aspects of the job. I am going to skip tonight's workout (Technically, I have already had one!) and try to get into the gym later in the week.

It was interesting to see colleagues at varying levels of preparedness. Some seemed to be flying by the seat of their pants, while others had elaborate plans which included diving right into the curriculum. During the first few days, I find team building is extremely important and has rewards that last all year long. Beginning of the year assessments also help to inform my instruction when it comes to meeting individual student needs.

Exhausted!

I've been experiencing a huge computer problem since my last post. After 2 1/2 hours on the phone with various technicians, it is finally resolved, and I can my focus on being ready for the start of school in two days. For the past three days I have put in endless hours working on things for the first week and getting the necessary files, folders and websites updated in my classroom. It was rough not being able to do any of the computer stuff from home. People who are not educators will never understand all of the work that takes place in teaching when the students aren't there. There is no such thing as time off.

Blessed

Just when you begin to feel life is a okay, along comes a reminder of how challenging it really is. Foreclosures, problems with children, eating disorders. Does life boil down to the choices we make? (How do you convince a friend the choices they make are bad?) Yes, life is about choices, but we should not throw this around in such a carefree way. Making choices requires maturity, clarity of mind, and often a support system. Life is more than okay, it is a blessing when viewed and executed properly. I pray for my friend who is going through all of this.

Friday Fifteen

Friday Fifteen

Yesterday I skipped the Thursday Thirteen so, as my consequence, I present the Friday Fifteen.




Fifteen Household Chores That Remain Undone


1. Remove dandelions from lawn...There aren't that many, but to sustain peace with my neighbors it must be done.

2. Weed back flower bed...If I do this,I think I will be happier pulling into the back driveway.

3. Paint molding in dining room...There is nothing more unsightly than an unfinished DIY home improvement project.

4. Finish cleaning out the garage...According, to the manual not one but two cars are supposed to fit "easily".

5. Shampoo upstairs carpet...Perhaps, I should add getting shampooer upstairs to the chore list.

6. Bathe the cat...He enjoys it, I don't.

7. Clean the aquarium...The fish are alive, and that in itself is an accomplishment.

8. Organize the closet...If for no other reason than to find out what is taking up all the room in there. I "don't have a thing to wear" so it can't be clothes.

9. Paint fence in the backyard...Where is my inner Tom Sawyer when I need it?

10. Purge files in home office...Will I be less important if I have fewer files?

11. Clean and organize home office... Contrary to popular belief, I think things will be harder to find if I remove them from the piles and stacks all over the room.

12. Shred unwanted documents...This is a never ending battle because I want very few of the "important documents" I receive in the mail.

13. Dust knickknacks...I am leaning heavily towards throwing away all knickknacks.

14. Wash the car...Even though it works perfectly fine without doing this?

15. Be mindful of how many chores could have been done during the making of this list.

School

School
noisy, active
doing, speaking, investigating
intelligence, instinct, opinion, research
wondering, questioning, learning
eager, anxious
School



This poem describes my expectations and influences regarding the coming school year. I wonder what expectations and influences my students will bring to our classroom.

Getting Active and Mainitaining Balance

With my new hip, it is important to stay active. I never realized how much time I spend sitting down. Computer time, reading, planning lessons, eating, brushing the cat -- all done sitting down.

For the past two weeks, I gone to a yoga class once a week and a water aerobics class once a week. The other days I take my usual walk or try other things. Next week, I start going to yoga twice a week. After the first yoga class, every part of my body, except my right earlobe, was sore. It is getting better, but I still can't flow from one position to the next and have to avoid some all together. It is getting better though.

I have vowed not to spend all of my time in the gym because I do have other areas of my life that are equally as important. Balance. It is a word that guides everything I do. I learned some time ago that it is better, for my emotional health, to strive for balance as opposed to perfection. It is the decision that separates me from some of the other "Type A" people I hang out with. I have too many different roles in life to pursue perfection in every area. Instead I seek to appropriately balance the time, energy, and effort spent on each role. How does that fit in with being a Christian? Many of my Christian friends feel that I should clearly spend the bulk of my time and energy on things related to spirituality. I am still working through that, but I believe that when I read through the Bible, especially the book of Proverbs, I see balance demonstrated over and over again.

Thirteen Things about care0201. I'm a teacher. 2. I am a Christian. 3. I am a wanna be gardener. 4. I have an overweight cat. 5. I love chocolate. 6. I enjoy the beach and the mountains. 7. My favorite movies are: The Sound of Music and Out of Africa. 8. My favorite books are: The Time Traveler's Wife, The Alchemist, and A Fine Balance. 9. I love to read. 10. I'm very unorganized. 11. My favorite color combination is sage and lavender. 12. My favorite poets are: Nikki Giovanni, Jill Scott, Langston Hughes, and Emily Dickinson. 13. I love ice cream.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun!
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Making Things Better

While re-reading an old journal of mine (2002). I came across the following entry:

"What one thing can I do that, if I did it on a regular basis, would make a positive difference in my personal life? Meet new people."

"What one thing in my professional/business life would bring similar results? Planning/organizing"

The first answer has changed since '02. Getting out and doing things I enjoy would be my current answer. I have found that when I am having a good time I invariably meet new people. No one wants to be around a depressed or negative person.

The second answer still holds true. I fear that getting organized may prove to be a life long pursuit.

Things I Now Know

Just a few things I have recently accepted.

1. The self-cleaning litter box that cost me $164.00: A BIG WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Not only do I teach any child the public sends to me, but I also cannot expect the things I say and do to be protected from public scrutiny. My pastor was right...The words we speak and the things we do have incredible power and reach; therefore, we should govern ourselves accordingly.

3. The end of a close friendship can be like the end of an intimate relationship: Sometimes you have to do some housekeeping and get rid of traces of the person in order to move on.

4. Friendships: The "best" friends are the ones you can travel with. It really is a heads up regarding how well you get along.

5. The human body: It's amazing! As I am recovering from surgery, I am amazed at how various systems are related and how they react to and recover after trauma

One More Try

I stepped away from blogging for quite some time. The responsibility of updating on a regular basis, and the rejection of not getting comments were just too much. However, I recently posted a comment on another blog, and in return, my blog was referenced. There is nothing like being exposed to make you step up to the plate.

Since my trip to Ghana life was pretty leveled. No extreme highs or lows, until the past April. I had hip replacement surgery. I was unable to finish out the school year. For someone who hates to be out of the classroom, this was a hard blow. My recovery gave me plenty of time to read. Listed below are some of the books I have read so far this summer:

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory
The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory
Night by Elie Wiesel
How the Brain Learns by David Sousa
Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe
How to Grade for Learning by Ken O'Connor

I also took a short trip to Puerto Vallarta. It might not have been noteworthy had it not been for the fact I was still in the early stages of recovery. Despite the best planned efforts of friends and resort staff to keep me safe, I still managed to step on a sting ray, get sea sick, and walk up(perhaps pull myself up is a better description) a very steep path in the jungle. Those things turned the trip into quite the adventure, which suited me just fine.

Ghana

The trip was wonderful. It amazed me to see the progress they have made and to see how different things are from the sad scenarios we are bombarded with by the media. I truly enjoyed my time there. I experienced everything from resorts and luxury homes to remote villages with no electricity or running water. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the smell of the air. It was a sweet, musky smell that I will never forget. A friend tells me it comes from leaves they add to their trash when they burn it. I just wish I could find it somewhere in a bottle and inhale it when life gets too hectic. It would remind me of a saying they have in Ghana, "The world is not going anywhere." There is no need to get stressed; the world is not going anywhere, but if you get to worked up over things you might go.

Ghana and Other Humanitarian Efforts

My departure date is almost here. All the major details have been attended to and my excitement is beginning to build.

On another note, my book club students have chosen to do a service project in response to a book we recently read. We will be sending boxes to Mongolia and Guatemala. I am excited about this opportunity as well. We will be working with AmeriCares and I feel that this connection will be an ongoing one.

Lately, humanitarian works have really been on my heart. I didn't say evangelical because humanitarian is what is drawing me. I would rather my life than my words be the thing I use to draw people. The Bible says that we should always be ready to give an account for the hope that lies within us. They should see my life and be drawn to ask. If people ask about my life, my passions, etc...that will be my opportunity to witness and share. For me, that has proven to be more productive and of lasting impact than some in your face, sugar coated, confrontational approach that can seem self-centered (aren't I good) rather than a genuine desire to share the Good News! with them. We call it "Good News", but do we live like we have heard it and that it is active in our lives. Even I must admit not always. Let the good news be the focus.

Update

It's been a while since I last posted. The Christmas gifts were a hit. I have all my shots and the countdown to my departure for Ghana has begun. I am beginning to get excited. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and a great experience to share with my students.

I am finding that life has been a lot more stressful than it needed to be. Yes, I am a very analytical person and I must confess overly so. Some may say to the point of obsessing about things, but I disagree. I just love to think things through and, truthfully, of late I have not been doing that. I have been allowing others, in "leadership" positions in various areas of my life, to set boundaries and priorities for me. It my not seem so, but that may be because it was my internal, personal boundaries and priorities that seemed to be influenced the most by external situations and people. That is not me. It explains the inner conflict I have felt and the overall feeling that I was further from being an authentic person than I have ever been. Those close to me were the only ones I felt I could be myself with. With everyone else I wasn't me because anytime I tried to be me they would put on the pressure to change me into what they thought I should be. That would lead to shut down and withdrawal on my part. NO MORE!!! I am happy with my purpose in life and with the point I am at in life. I understand that others might not be happy with this life, but that is probably why this is the one designed for me and not them. I chose to live it on purpose an in peace.

What are people trying so hard to change?

1. I am a happy, content, single person.
2. I have the job I wanted as a child. It is meaningful and rewarding.
3. I enjoy my own company. In other words, I am not a lonely person.
4. I don't require a lot of material things to be happy.
5. I'm an intelligent person. I don't take things at face value, just because someone else said it. I study things to find the merit in them, I am not afraid to disagree with something I find to be wrong, and I know how to disagree in an agreeable way (admittedly I don't always do the last part, but 90% of the time I do).