Catalyst

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Rating: 3/5


I really enjoyed Speak (also by this author), so I thought I would enjoy this one too. It was okay. In many ways, it reminded me of Cut by Patrica McCormick because of the main character's need to run. The main Kate and Teri were also similar to a minor female character in Deadline by Chris Crutcher. The private stories were very not what you would expect. The story behind Teri's little brother is the exact same story as Crutcher's character. Also, I kept imagining the kids from The Breakfast Club as the characters. Molly Ringwald could play Kate. Emilio Estevez would be cast as Mitch, and Ally Sheedy would make the perfect Terri.

These similarities probably influenced my negative opinion of this book.It just feels like the formula storyline ha been done too many times before. It got interesting after the climax (p. 148), but there was not enough build up. Okay is the best rating I can give this one.

See Dewey's review here.

People of the Book

Author: Geraldine Brooks
Rating: 7/5


I LOVED this book! It reminded me of The Thirteenth Tale because both are very well told stories. Encountering this book renewed my reading zeal and reminded me there are books out there that cause you to read well past your workday bedtime. All of the characters felt like flesh and blood, courageously flawed people. I even enjoyed the side story between Hanna and her mother (it reminded me of the story line between Dr. Meridith Grey and her mother on Grey's Anatomy. Mother/Daughter relationship are complex...even when they're fictional.) Hanna's side story fits given the theme of the book.

"I think you have to accept a book as your receive it from past generations, and to a certain extent damage and wear reflect that history."

As in life, the side stories in People of the Book are the story.

See Dewey's review here.

6 Things That Make Me Happy

I saw this meme at Bermudaonion's Weblog and thought it was a great thing to reflect on at the end of a long day. So, here are my six suppliers of happiness:

1. Rainy, pajama days (after the morning shower, the attire for indoor day...pajamas!)
2. Chocolate
3. The sound of the ocean
5. A baby's smile
6. My cat, Kobi

Once I got going on this, I realized that there are many things that make me happy (far more than six things). In an effort to share the love, consider yourself tagged (CTG and Notes From the Ordinary, I can't wait to see the six things on your lists.)

Confirmation

One of the changes I made this year was switching to an increasingly gluten-free diet and drinking less caffeine. Yes CTG, I no longer indulge in my usual morning mugs. I now drink Teechino during the week and have ONE mug of "real" coffee or ONE green tea soy latte on Saturday mornings. Last year, I eliminated dairy products. (I've even found a pizza place that meets my dietary requirements.) My skin has cleared up significantly, and, for first time in my life I don't need to use Beconase or Flonase to avoid congestion when I bend over or lie down. I was in the doctor's office today (nothing major) and told the PA about the recent changes I'd made. He informed me he had just attended a seminar on the value of a gluten-free diet in children with upper respiratory problems. He wasn't surprised by my results and told me to continue my dietary regimen. Not that I needed it, but confirmation is always nice. I have to keep this in mind when students make choices that can change their lives for the better.

Blog Imoprovement

The last two week blog improvement challenge (posted Jan 19th) has to do with content. I really need help in this area, but time has not permitted me to put a lot of work into this part of the challenge. Time seems to be the biggest enemy for me. I have the same 24 hours as everyone else. Mine are just pulled in too many directions.

When it comes to generating ideas, I agree that they are everywhere. On other blogs, in classrooms, in the news, on the road, in the neighborhood...You get the idea. Journaling (yes, I mean the old-fashioned pen and paper kind of journaling) helps me to keep track of some the things I find noteworthy. What I have to do is work on dedicating time to writing. It takes time to prepare the grist for the mill and then to do the appropriate revision and editing a good post requires. I usually have concentrated time for writing on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, but during the week time is just too fragmented to do anything worthwhile.

With regard to an original regular feature, I have an idea for a bi-monthly Catty Corner" which would feature my cat, Kobi, and other cats that influence me. More in the coming weeks on that. Let me get a slightly better grip on time management first.

20 Books in 2009

I joined this challenge some time ago but never shared the rules. This is a good one because I can use the books from other challenges. The rules are as follows:


You must have a website since you have to keep an online progress page. You can get free ones from wordpress.com or blogspot.com if you need to.
You must create a progress page, which will be updated each time you complete one of your 20 books. For more information about progress pages and an example of how you can do them, click here. If you do not have a progress page and would like to post your books as regular blog updates one at a time as you finish, please create a tag or category specific to the challenge that I can look at.
You can read as many books as you want by an author or in the same series.
If the book is a re-read, it must be from a year ago.
If you begin the book in 2008 and finish it in 2009, it does count for this challenge.
The following do not count: comics, catalogs, manga, journals, audiobooks.
The following does count: paperbacks, hardbacks, advanced copies, ebooks. You can read fiction or nonfiction, the choice is up to you.
You must link back to this challenge with the button provided or one that you make for your own personal use, or even a text link.

If you intend to participate, leave a comment on the main entry stating so. You will then be added to the participants list.
Everyone who successfully completes the 20 in 2009 challenge will win a small award graphic to display on their website

Click here the join this challenge.

Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating 3/5

"When Coraline steps through a door to find another house stangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous. But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go."

This was the second book I've read by Neil Gaiman. Like Good Omens it is not an ordinary story. The mirror world is dark and twisted making Tim Burton the perfect person to put together the recently released movie version of this story. As I was reading it, it reminded me of many of his films.

Despite the originality, I did not really connect with these characters. I enjoyed the cat. Given the personalities of most cats, this character could have been and done so much more. The other mother caught my interest for a brief period, but when she and the other world began to take on abstact forms my interest faded and collapsed like the structures and places in the other world. Overall, this book was okay. It was able to get my attention (which is sometimes a major feat) but couldn't keep it.

I read this for Dewey's Challenge and 20 in 2009. Click here for Dewey's Review. Books completed for all challenges are shown in the sidebar under the button for the challenge.

More Random Thoughts

For the first 28 days of this year, my feet have felt firmly planted on the ground and my head above the clouds. That ended on Friday. I was clearly weighed down by all the demands and obstacles of reality. We had the writing prompt on Thursday, an assembly on Friday, and there's MAPS testing on Monday. I hope, despite the interruptions, I can get through the pacing guide standards in time for the next benchmark test.

In today's local newspaper, there was an article about recent local Chinese New Year celebrations. This is the year of the ox. Oxen represent...You guessed it...WORK. It is followed by the year of the tiger, victory. I did not know this before. It confirms my feelings about this year, and gives me hope for a reward when the work is done.

BFF's

I am watching Under the Tuscan Sun and thinking about who our real BFF's are. They are not the ones that commiserate with us when relationships, businesses, or dreams die. They are the ones who who go beyond this and encourage and stand by us when we jump back in the fray. If we are reluctant to jump back in they take us by the hand and lead us there. They also accept our definition of love and opportunity without trying to impose their own.

The problem with the commiserating friends is often it is a misery loves company situation, and you can spend decades meeting with the girls (wondering where the men are). In today's busy world, people can't always get that involved in one anothers lives. After decades of commiserating, I thank God for the friends who made the time. Thanks A for helping me remember the good times with Charles. You are right, it wasn't all bad. Thanks AL, VW, and MY for giving me the strength to move on after all those years and accepting that what makes me happy is the best thing for me. Thanks DH for reminding me about the patient, loving, reasonable qualities of God. Happy is not a sin. Happy is okay, better than okay...it is good.

Random Thoughts

Today we had our district writing prompt. My students surprised, pleased, and disappointed me in that heart-tugging way that only children are able to. Thankfully, the forced march is over. (Some of them still couldn't believe that would not be able work on this over a period of days. What happened to the writing process I'm always preaching about?)

M. really threw himself into his work. He even asked to work in an isolated area to prevent distraction. He was focused and on task during the entire time he was working on the prompt. Bear in mind, this is a child who has difficulty staying on task for more the four minutes, but he was focused and working for an hour and forty-six minutes (with only a ten minute break between periods). I complemented his on his attention to the task at hand but didn't get a chance to read his essay. I'm going in early tomorrow to grade some assignments and read some of their assessment work. I'll definitely be looking for his paper.

The social studies department had a meeting yesterday. The department chair kept the meeting brief and redundant (not a typo). We all noticed that two teachers did not show up. Come to think of it, these two usually miss half of any department meeting (language arts or social studies) or don't show up at all. Well, today, one of them felt she had some great idea. She sent out an email requesting the entire department, the principal, and the assistant principal to come to her room for a brief meeting. After school, an announcement was made for all social studies teachers to report to her room. Couldn't this have been shared yesterday? Couldn't it be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Was this a mandatory meeting? Who has the authority to call a mandatory meeting? I got a bug up my butt, found this troubling because I attended the meeting yesterday! I fumed about the fact that someone, who missed the first meeting, could ask me to attend another one! I didn't go. I wonder if anyone noticed.

For dinner, I bought a spicy tuna sushi pack from the grocery store and washed it down with a glass of white wine. I know made-to-order sushi is more appealing, but as usual, wasabi cleared my head and wine made everything seem better.

Just for Fun

I saw this on ms_teacher's blog and couldn't resist. Settle down fellas, read the whole thing before you get excited about the title :)

This one is just for fun, but parts of it are so true. All the positive stuff sound like me (or at least the me I want to be). As far as the negative stuff goes, my dark side only comes out when I am antagonized, and I'm more passive aggressive than manipulative. Yes, I know it's still bad. Let's just say I am working on it, and...it's a process.





What type of Fae are you?

What's Wrong with Education?

Everyone thinks they have the answer to this question. Teacher incompetence. Lack of funding. Poorly written curriculum. I think it's something else.

Our first day back from winter break was a teacher work day. Following the district pacing guide, we should have been in the second of a five week unit on persuasion. With the first week of this unit being right before a three week holiday break I like to spend the the first day back reinforcing classroom rules and procedures (especially helpful to the four new students that were placed in my class that day) and then move into reading and analyzing another example persuasive writing before we jump head long into the deep end (process) of writing. I wanted to confirm how much time I had, so I called the language arts department chair to confirm date for the district writing assessment which is usually in early February. The department chair didn't see the writing assessment anywhere on the calendar (I hadn't found it either). When I got to work the next day, there was an email stating that the assessment would be given January 21st. With only four days for instruction, a national holiday, and the inauguration the day before the prompt, my plans had to be changed. I was able to incorporate the inaugural speech into my instruction on persuasion, but the saga continued. By Friday, the date was changed to the 29th to give everyone more instructional time. This meant more plan tweaking.

I recently found out that they were so busy adding new hoops assessments to the calendar that they forgot to include some of the old ones. It would have been nice to start the new semester on sure footing.

These Books Were Made for Walking

No, this is not what you think it is (another challenge); it's a meme. This one shouldn't be any trouble because it ties in with my goal to post about literature. The only change I will have to make it the day of the week that literature posts will be made. Lit will move from Saturdays to Wednesdays, and truthfully all that means is that nothing changes - the bottom line is I post when I can, but eventually I get my literary, educational, and personal posting done each week.

Anyway, here are the rules: Every third Wednesday of the month blog about books and travel. There will be a theme posted each month at Strumpet's Life

For this week, the theme is the beach. What book do you associate with the beach and why? The book that I associate with the beach is Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. The book itself was just okay. Nicholas Sparks is not my preferred fare, but I appreciated the unhappy ending. Love is not always kind or happy. Picking who we will love and how things will turn out are things we don't have absolute control over. I also appreciated the youthful idealism of Savannah and her firends.

The book reminds me of the beach because of the beach scenes between John and Savannah. Some of the heaviest moments in their relationship take place during these scenes. This reminds me of college trips to the beach. I remember one trip, during my freshman year, to La Jolla. Romance, dorm gossip, professor bashing, and politics. We felt we could solve all of the worlds woes armed with youth and the depth of our convictions. The rolling sound of the ocean, the salty air, and the warmth of the fire have permanently etched this memory into my memories of college.

One of Those Moments

Today was such a moment in time for me, my students, and the nation that I am still processing it. Once I've had a chance to process it all, I will post my reflections about this moment in history.

No Nap Needed

Energy begets energy! As I settled in for a nap this afternoon, I realized I had not felt the need for one all week. I credit this fact to my new volunteer work, on Tuesday and Thursday, and a surprisingly drama free outing with my mother on Wednesday. After work, I used the energy I had doing things that were recharging and enjoyable. I did not spended the time continuing to work. That makes a difference. I have a mountain of papers to grade this weekend, but I have the three day weekend to get through it.

What comes next is finding a way to use my time in a balanced, effective way.

2009 Mini-Challenge

Mini-Challenge #9: Promote literacy. This is wide open - use your imagination. You could give a child a book, or read a book to someone who cannot read, or volunteer at an event which promotes literacy, or donate to your local library, or write something on your blog with a link to a group which promotes literacy, or anything in between. The only rule with this one is that you must PROMOTE literacy in some way…

Okay, here's my first post for the 2009 Mini-Challenge:

I started volunteering at one of our local libraries last Thursday. It's something I have wanted to do for years, but I just never got around to it. I told my father about considering doing this, and he suggested that it is also a great way to get first dibs on new books that come into the library. So far, I have typed labels, labeled and stamped books, shelved books, and met some wonderful people. I love it! I just do three to four hours a week and so far it is manageable. If you ever feel unneeded or unwanted, volunteer at your local library. They are desperate for the help and constantly tell you how much they appreciate you. The thrill of being able to answer a patrons questions or help them find something is beyond description!

By the way, today I was shelving a copy of For Eceryone from Beginner to Pro: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. I checked it out before I left. Who knows, it may help with that appearance resolution I made :P

Back to Work

This our first week of school since the holidays. It struck me, during a staff meeting, that it doesn't take long to lose the restful, optimistic attitude developed during a two or three week break. During the third week, I was looking forward to returning to the classroom. The stress and surprises begin immediately. Monday was a teacher workday. Students returned yesterday. By day three, I still feel it was time to get back to work, but I am looking forward to the weekend.

M. refused to do any work on Tuesday and chose to disrupt the class instead. He had a better day today. I'm sure he's also looking forward to the weekend and feeling slightly relieved to be back at school.

The "W" Word

Each year has a different tone. There are some years filled with questions, some reveal many answers, and some contain a plethora of possibilities. 2008 began as a year of action, but quickly proved to be a year of possibilities. I discovered there are many wonderful parts of my life and vocation that I am overlooking. This year is going to be a year of W***. That is not a bad thing. I have found that to bring the possibilities and potential in my life into fruition requires more w*** than I sometimes put forth. When you think about it, I guess this is the year of sustained purposeful action. That sounds much better than the W-O-R-K.

Okay, this is the last challenge I am joined during the first week of this year. I couldn't resist because it included many things that I was planning to do. It's hosted by caribousmom. Click here to see her post regarding this challenge.

Here's how it goes:

Complete all 12 mini-challenges between January 1st and December 31st, 2009.
Challenges can be completed in any order.
Overlaps are allowed.
IF you are a member of the Yahoo group, you do not need a blog to participate. IF you are NOT a member of the Yahoo group, you will need a blog.

Here are the 12 challenges:

1. Read a collection of short stories and either blog about it, OR tell the group about what you read.

2. Read a play. Blog about it, OR tell the group about your experience.

3. Read a nonfiction book; write a review on your blog or post it to the group.

4. Read 2 essays from the same collection; write a review on your blog or tell the group about what you read.

5. Go to a book event; blog about it or tell the group about it.

6. Borrow a library book, read it and review it on your blog (or tell the group about it).

7. Read a book by a new to you author. Do a little research on the author…do they have a blog? How many books have they written? Have they won any prizes? Where do they live? etc… Blog about the book you read and the author OR tell the group about them.

8. Make a donation. You can either donate to an organization that supports reading OR make a physical donation of a book (or books) to ANYONE. Blog about it or tell the group what you did.

9. Promote literacy. This is wide open - use your imagination. You could give a child a book, or read a book to someone who cannot read, or volunteer at an event which promotes literacy, or donate to your local library, or write something on your blog with a link to a group which promotes literacy, or anything in between. The only rule with this one is that you must PROMOTE literacy in some way…

10. Participate in a buddy read or Group discussion. This can be a face to face group, an on-line group or a one on one discussion with a friend who read the same book. Either way, blog about your experience or share with the group. Did the discussion give you greater appreciation or insight into what you read?

11. Read a book outside your comfort level or from a genre you don’t normally read. Blog about it, or tell the group about it.

12. Read a classic (defined as anything published before 1970). Tell us why it fits the category of being a classic. Write a review or tell the group about the book.

Developing as a Writer and a Person

As promised, today’s post is about my life as an educator. School resumes on Monday, but there is one student who has been on my mind quite a bit during the break. M has had a rough time, especially this year, but he’s a fighter…literally. When he transferred into my class, his previous teacher apologized every time she saw me in passing…for two weeks. His math/science has demanded he be removed from his classes, but I fought to keep M in my classroom. I kept him because he has potential. He has only turned in a few assignments, is frequently disruptive, and has little respect for authority. Yet, I look at him and see potential. During the last writing assignment the class completed, he took a leadership role and helped other students format their papers on the computer. His paper is one of the few in which I see a writer who is getting better at putting ideas, organization, AND voice in his written work.

Before we left for break, M was sent to my room by another teacher. That gave us an opportunity to talk. Once you get past the bravado, M knows that people expect him to make better choices and rise above the circumstances in his life. He feels he has to fight and be disruptive to get attention...to be heard. Yes, he is still has lot to work on, but I see potential in M and his writing.

Blog Improvement Project

This is week one of the Blog Improvement Project. This weeks project is goal setting and one of the things that we were asked to look at was the purpose of our blogs. I have stated that the purpose of this blog is to record the things (good or bad) that make up my life. In other words this blog is not just about being an educator, but that is part of it. It is not solely about relationship, adventures, or books, but they are also pieces of the puzzle. I still feel that we all have interesting stories to tell; however I realize it is not an easy thing to tell them with the same emotion with which we experience them.

This year I intend to work on the content and niche of my blog. The purpose of this blog is general and broad which means that without structure the content is all over the place. To get on track I am setting the following goals:

1. Post three time a week (these can be done in advance and scheduled to post on a future date)

2. Schedule a reflective educational post for Wednesdays and post about books every Saturday

3. Interact with other bloggers by participating in challenges, joining groups and forums, and posting comments more often

Welcome 2009!

2008 is in the past along with all the events that were part of it. 2009 has the potential to be much better. These are the things I want to do in order to help myself and this new year live up to our potential:

1. Keep my house cleaner
2. Put more consistent effort into my appearance
3. Write daily (journal, blog, or letters)
4. Give quicker feedback on student's written work
5. Get to church on time

My big goal is to notice more of the "rainbow and butterfly" moments in my life. They are always there, I just need to open my eyes to see them.

AHHH!

I must really be enjoying the holidays. I've gained six pounds!

Dewey's Books Challenge

Recently the author of The Hidden Side of a Leaf passed away. In the book blogisphere all roads lead to Dewey, so fittingly a book challenge has been created in her honor.

I'm going with option #2 and my list of titles for this challenge includes the following:

1. Three Incestuous Sisters by Audrey Niffenegger
2. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
3. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
4. A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005 by Annie Lieboviitz
5. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Alternates
1. The Splendor of Silence by Indra Sandaresan
2. Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

20 in 2009 Book Challenge Progress Page

Yes, I'm signing up for book challenges again. I have only successfully completed one, but trying is the "funniest" part. I will post my progress on the 20 Books in 2009 challenge on this post.

1. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
2. For Everyone from Beginner to Pro: Bobbie Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbie Brown
3. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
4. Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

2009 Audiobook Challenge

I will post the audiobooks I listen to for this challenge here.

Hooray!

© FreeFoto.com


Hooray! Christmas break is finally here! My plans:

hiking
reading
journaling
cleaning
sleeping
sleeping
and lest I forget...sleeping!

Friday 56

I came across the game below at Discussion Forum - Book Blogs

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Okay, I know it seems like I made this up, but I really was standing by my Bible when I read came across this game. It was the closest book.

Here's the line from page 56, 5th sentence:

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors."

I value all of my accomplishments, but it seems the ones I make as I grow older bring me the greatest pleasure because I have a clearer understanding of just how precious opportunities are and am able to take more pleasure in the preparation and hard work needed to seize one.

As promised here's the link to the person who started this game:

http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com/2008/12/fruday-56-121208.html

Your turn!

Should Have Seen This Coming

(Picture by Steve Cole/Getty Images)

What happens when a teacher begins to experience burnout and no one intervenes. Each proceeding year is worse than the one before it. Far too often, we wait until he or she becomes "one of those teachers". Who is really at fault then?

2009: The Year of Possiblilities

This is the year that I take the next step and let down some of the fences (okay, okay...walls) that I live behind.

I am watching The Lake House. It reminds me of The Time Traveler's Wife. In each case, the couple could safely work through the rough parts of relationship without any risk of heartbreak. Real life is fraught with risks, but the good parts (smiles , laughter, love, etc...) are worth it.

Perhaps this should have been an email to a specific person, but I think it has a message everyone needs to hear from time to time.

Too Funny

It occurred to me today that I have not had a massage, facial, get away, or done much of anything since school started, so I decided to stop by the spa and schedule an appointment. As a parked, I noticed one of those knock-off 99cent stores. I went in before going to the day spa next door. There was a clerk with a heavy African accent helping a customer at the register. I browsed for a moment and then took the merchandise I wanted to the counter only to discover myself completely alone in the store, locked in, and looking at the back of a sign that said, "We'll return in ten minutes."

I called my mother (DON'T SAY A WORD!). She made me call the police. (She was afraid the lady would panic and shoot me (?) when she returned. I figured she would just search my purse for stolen merchandise.) The whole thing ended with the clerk returning, laughing, covering her mouth, and unlocking the door as she apologized profusely.

I know we all have strange things that happen to us from time to time, but I doubt that anyone I know can top this one.

What a life!

I have been laughing all evening and yes, the police called ten minutes after I got out. They wanted to check on the situation before they dispatched a car!

Thanksgiving

A list of things I am thankful for:

1. my home
2. family
3. friends
3. a loving, forgiving savior
4. my overweight cat
5. a reliable car
6. a job
7.a clear, sane mind
8. books
9. books on cd/tape
10. sunrise
11. sunset
12. a good glass of wine
13. a lit fireplace
14. good neighbors
15. good health
16. a well told joke
17. a hearfelt, loving kiss
18. a lingering hug (from the person responsible for #17)
19. a long, leisurely stroll
20. a good play
21. a good meal
22. life
23. a walk on the beach


Menu for Thanksgiving (doing dinner with relatives, but this is for home):

Duck
Wild Rice
Green Bean Casserole
Dinner Rolls
Cranberry Sauce
Chardonny
Pecan Pie
Coffee

Proficiency

I thought I had posted this, but apparently, I typed it and never hit the publish button.

On Wednesday or Thursday of last week, the Yahoo Education: Word of the Day was proficient. It is defined as an advanced degree of competency. I understand that some tests are more challenging that others, but please explain how 65% accuracy on a state's standardized test is considered proficient. Don't tell me, let me guess - semantics. It just depends on how you define competency. Right?

Who knows, maybe "competency" will be tomorrows word.

Sacramento and Updates

Seal of California



inside the Capital Building





the view from our hotel room



cool sculpture near the convention center

I took a lot more photos and will post them when time permits.

****Updates******
I have always been a little timid about posting my views or comments about my job, especially when they pertain to things taking place at my school site or within my school district. Whether positive or negative, I always question the line between my first amendment rights and the privacy of others. For that reason, I rarely post about work. Recently one fellow blogger has been asked to "cease and desist" blogging about his role as an educator and another has been duly warned. All I can say is point made, point taken.

Mom's most recent chemo treatment was the most difficult so far. It has taken her a week to bounce back and begin regaining her energy. Thankfully, she only has one more treatment left.

I haven't done much reading lately, but I did listen to The Boleyn Inheritance on CD. It was a very well told story, and the use of three different reader made the audio that much more enjoyable. As always, Phillipa Gregory did an incredible job with the historical and fictional aspects of the story.

Sunday Morning Awe

Time for cleaning, grading, and planning. Apparently, I am not the only one who does these things on Sunday (see ms-teacher's post)

Here are a few updates while I'm online:

Mom is doing well. Her last treatment was postponed because of an allergic reaction she was having. She has really been a trooper throughout this entire ordeal.

I went to the California Teachers of Reading conference, in Sacramento, last weekend, and had a wonderful time. The speakers were very informative but due to the economy, attendance was lower than usual.

Yes, I survived the "blitz" and so did my students.

I voted yesterday and am relieved that for me the election is over. I feels like McCain and Obama have been campaigning for five years! I am ready to move on. I only had one voting booth change of heart (No, it wasn't about the president...I voted for Obama!). I know that people who have such changes of heart really mess up the pollsters, but reflections on speeches, commercials, and conversation become clearest at the moment a final, decisive action is required.

Oh Happy Day!

For once in a long while, I have the energy and desire to really get some work done.

“We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. When machines and computers, profit motives, and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. April 4, 1967

For such a long time we have been focused on "stuff" rather than the things that are truly important. It's time to get back to the basics of living. The trucking industry is seeing a shift in what the transport. They are hauling more of the staples (beans, flour, etc...) and less of the fluff (designer handbags and electronics).

I have often wondered why people buy pancake mix when they already have flour, eggs, milk, and oil in their kitchens. My grandfather told me it was because the mix was easier to use, and that overrode the cost. If easier was what was best for us, I believe God would have made life, in its entirety, easier. Easy is rarely the healthy or cost efficient way. Scientist are finding that the best for of exercise is functional exercise and not a workout at the gym. As it turns out, the actual work of living is not only physically best for us, it is cheaper too.

Sunday Morning! Back to Basics

I am dodging work at this moment. I have decided to focus on home, hearth and health until 2:00. This is part of what I love about Sundays... time to recharge my spiritual, mental, and intellectual batteries. At 2:00 I will turn my attention to the work of my vocation. I have to do my lesson plans for the week, and since I will be attending a conference for three days, I need to make sure my plans are "Sub Friendly". I didn't get to choose my guest teacher this time, so who knows whether or not I will get someone who is will to come from behind the desk and do the work of teaching.

On another note, my mother is handling her chemo treatments like a champ. She has completed two treatments and has two to go.

Lesson Plans

Tomorrow we are being "blitzed" by the district office. This is when all the district office employees descend on one school and "visit" for an entire day. Union representatives have brought it to the DO's attention that the word "blitz" has a very negative connotation and, in their effort to begin creating a more positive relationship with teachers, they should discontinue the use of this term. Truthfully, regardless of what they call it, the disruption it causes feels like an invasion.

As I create my lesson plans, with students and not the DO in mind, I can't help but think about the needs of particular students.

X needs a friend. She seeks me out before and after school...just to talk. She has one of those pushy personalities (yes, like mine) that tends to drive others away. Is finding M. a friend her age a meaningful lesson objective?

Y is new to my class. He threw a chair at his last teacher. This is his third language arts class this year, and I have been warned he is a very emotional student who doesn't handle change well. The class they put him in moves at an academic pace that is much too fast for him, but they won't put him in the appropriate class because of a conflict he has with a student (who has similar issues) in that class. That is my other core class. While it is our job to make decisions with his needs and challenges in mind, I doubt that this change is best for him. the adults who made this happen seem pleased...apparently it is best for them.

Z had a rough day Friday. He misses his mom, and his new, twenty-something, stepmom is not cutting the mustard in the mom department. He spent the entire second period talking to his counselor about it. Then, he cried and chatted with me for a while during break. Tomorrow our guests will be looking for students who are engaged in the lesson. I wonder if T. will be engaged. I wonder if he will be able to make it to class at all.

I am stressing over tomorrow, but I don't care about having visitors. I have a larger concern...How will I meet the needs of my students and create a the right educational environment for them? They are far more important; afterall, they will be with me longer than the duration of the blitz visit the DO has planned for Monday.

Lots to Say...No Strength to Talk

It's been a long day. I have lots to say about a recent writing retreat, questions about the use of district adopted resources, and life in general; however, I don't have the strength to address these things now. I am way too tired.

For thought provoking commentary on life and education, check out California Teacher Guy. He's always interesting.

Stress Management vs. Stress Removal

Yesterday the acupuncturist had difficulty getting the needles into my tense muscles. Two of them bent and would not go in. The third one was the charm. The treatment provided only temporary relief because today it all came back with a vengeance thanks to an overload of change, hyperactive children, and childish adults.

Wine, cheese (vegan), crackers and chocolate (yes, they're all bad for me in some way, I'm sure.) are proving helpful this evening.

And Then Comes Monday

I'm still riding off of the great Sunday I had. Relaxation, church, and good food! Anyway, today it was back to work. Overall, it was a good day. I got seven new students in one core and two in the other. All of the new students were well behaved. The two in the reading intervention class went through a brief pity party about the work being to hard, but found out quickly that those types of comments are not well received in my classroom. Before the period was over, they were working with their peers and asking for appropriate and specific assistance when needed.

Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk

A dear friend and breast cancer Survivor is participating in an upcoming 3-Day Walk to raise funds for further research. I will be donating and wanted to share this information and opportunity with as many people as I can. Click here for details.

Sunday Morning!

Sunday mornings are always so refreshing! What can be more refreshing than a relaxed start of a new week. I look at each new week as God giving me more opportunities to experience his creation, and to allow me to impact the lives of others, as I live the best life I can.

I am getting back to my intentional socializing, reading, traveling, journaling, and taking classes when possible.

I am getting a better understanding of my own body and how to nourish it properly. I am now getting sufficient rest, but the excercise thing still proves to be challenging. It is my next project.

Recently, I have made peace with my spiritual beliefs and the areas where they conflict with the beliefs of others. I can now accept that religion really is something you shouldn't discuss with some people if you value peace. There is a lot to be said for respecting other peoples opinions, and not everyone is mature enough to embrace such a concept.


MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT!

Withdrawal Over!

I have been without a computer for a week, and it has been hell! I ran out after work and bought a cheap desktop to use while I wait for my laptop repairs to be completed. I figure it can become my work horse.

If someone had told that I would ever be this hooked on technology, I would not have believed it.

Let's Vote Already!

The results of this quiz surprised me a little. I thought I would be more of an Obama supporter. My guess would have been 85% Obama.

Your Issue Profile: 60% Obama, 40% McCain

Truth be told, you're not really satisfied with either of the candidates. You could vote for either of them. You are the typical coveted swing voter. You may want to narrow yourself down to a particular set of issues in order to pick your president. Or start looking at third party candidates. One of them might suit you better.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

Update

Mom's surgery went well. She is tired but doing well. Now, we're in a holding pattern until we hear from the pathologist.

Ransom Paid...Hostages Released!

The required ransom, a memory card, has been paid and the photos have been released from my cell phone. Thanks PO'd!

These are just the highlights of the twelve pix:

I could not get a good picture of Van Gogh's Irises because of the constant crowds that gathered around. Meanwhile, Monet's Haystacks painting got very little attention. I wonder if people understand the work involved in creating this painting.


Cezanne...one if my favorite painters.


The panels in the skylight were adjusted periodically and the change of lighting gave the paintings an entirely different appearance.


This was my favorite piece at the museum. Rarely have I seen a woman of African descent presented so beautifully in "classical" artwork. This sculpture was an excellent choice as the main feature in the room in which it was displayed.

A Few More Getty Pix

These aren't the pictures that are being held hostage in my cell phone, but they are great examples of the architecture found at the Getty Center.

A Day at the Getty

Today I got up early and drove to Los Angeles for the sole purpose of enjoying the Getty Center. I had a wonderful time!


Just what the doctor ordered...a Zen moment!


The garden was absolutely gorgeous! I just love what they've done with the bougainvillea.


I love gardens! (Can you tell?) I just wish gardening wasn't such a chore.

If you have ever wondered why God created hills, here's the answer. Leave it to children to figure it out.

I took a few great indoor shoots with my cell phone (I couldn't figure out how to turn off the camera's flash.) Now I just have to figure out how to get the pictures out of the cell phone and onto my computer. I tried sending myself a picture message but it did not go through. I'll post some of the indoor shoots as soon as this problem is solved.

My feet are hurting because of all the walking I did today, so Monday looks like a beach day. I'm determined to get out and put some vacation in my summer.

Whew!

The picture to the left was taken last summer on a trip to Puerta Vallarta. I could use a vacation like that right about now!

Mom and I got through this weeks round of pre-op appointments. Surgery is scheduled for next week. She belongs to an HMO which has a reputation of not being people friendly, but in this instance everyone has been great and so has Mom's attitude. The information has been overwhelming, but consistent. Conflicting information makes decision making more difficult.

My mother has always eaten lots of fruits and vegetables, and she hasn't eaten red meat since the late 70's; however, she is going to make further dietary changes. One of my decisions is to seize this as an opportunity to make changes in my own lifestyle. My quandary is in the area of animal products. This summer I have significantly reduced the amount of dairy products in my diet and noticed a significant reduction in sinus problems. Is now the time to completely remove animal products from my diet? Should I start small and remove red meat from my diet? Should I only consume kosher and organic meat (which is the majority of what I eat now)?

I go back to work in eleven days. I didn't take a vacation this summer but with the way things have gone, I definitely need to run away for a few days before Mom's surgery and going back to work. My how the time has flown by!

New Toy

I picked up my new toy yesterday! I have been researching this phone (LG Voyager) since it and the iPhone came out. I finally made my decision yesterday. It was based in part on the fact that the iPhone just changes too frequently. I know someone who buys a new one whenever they release an upgraded model. In the time I have been researching, he has had what...four phones, and I owned one phone during that entire time. He's usually able sell the old one to someone who just wants an iPhone. That's an additional chore that I would not have the time or energy to do; although, I'm sure the monetary incentive might be the motivation needed to find a buyer for the old phone.

What finally sold me on the Voyager and staying with Verizon was a list of things, but the main one was I just did not want to switch to AT&T. When you are traveling outside of the country they can't be beat, but domestically they just couldn't sway me with their service or their prices.

I am downloading all of my music from my computer into my phone today. Just think, no more phone and iPod when I go for my morning or afternoon walk. I will still use my iPod, especially when I travel...the ability to store over 15,000 photos gives me a sense of security and power.

The quality of the camera on this phone is much better than that of my old phone. I'll post some cell phone pix soon.

Day By Day

I haven't posted in a while because there has been a lot going on. My mom is dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, I think we both reached an information saturation point. We go to her pre-op appointments next week.

Time for more gardening.

I've finished three novels since my last post and will update with brief reviews in a few days.

I attended a World History Association Summer Institute and will be making several changes in the way I teach social studies.

I go back to work in two weeks which is sad because with everything that has transpired recently I could use a vaction. I just don't have the time to take one now.