Friday, November 28, 2003
I like shopping??
Online shopping is the most amazing thing. I can have all the fun of spending money and getting things without any of the hassle of crowded stores, obnoxious salespeople or tired feet.
one S or two?
Note to self:
a sweet treat you eat after a meal has a double S
a hot, dry place where cactus grow has a single S
And you call yourself a teacher!
a sweet treat you eat after a meal has a double S
a hot, dry place where cactus grow has a single S
And you call yourself a teacher!
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Important Turkey Day Questions
There were three kids at the house where we ate our turkey. One it 2nd grade, one in Kindergarten and one who was 2 years old. The kindergartener asked Mikey the following questions...
Do you like dessert better than God?
Do you like dessert better than me?
Do you like dessert better than a real horse?
I guess Mikey was giving off the impression that he REALLY liked his pumpkin pie! :) Actually, I think it was a very sneaky ploy to get him to agree to give a horsey ride. She was disappointed that stuffed-to-the-gills Mikey and Solee weren't as much fun as hungry-as-bears Mikey and Solee. She eventually wandered off to fall asleep on an uncle's lap.
Do you like dessert better than God?
Do you like dessert better than me?
Do you like dessert better than a real horse?
I guess Mikey was giving off the impression that he REALLY liked his pumpkin pie! :) Actually, I think it was a very sneaky ploy to get him to agree to give a horsey ride. She was disappointed that stuffed-to-the-gills Mikey and Solee weren't as much fun as hungry-as-bears Mikey and Solee. She eventually wandered off to fall asleep on an uncle's lap.
Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all, a good nap.
We are having dinner (actually more like an early lunch) with the in-laws today. While they are all good people, I am at a loss when it comes to making dinner conversation with them. I was raised in families that got quite raucous at the dinner table. Anything and everything were considered fair game. People knew what your hot buttons were and would make a point of pushing as many of them as possible - all in fun of course. We would get loud and obnoxious and have a lot of fun.
My newest family is not like that. Not to say that they are uptight or anything. But I feel like I need to mind my manners and not talk about things like snot or midgets or politics at the dinner table. Dinner becomes a situation during which I must monitor myself at all times, lest I forget who I am with.
Time to go. Sigh.
We are having dinner (actually more like an early lunch) with the in-laws today. While they are all good people, I am at a loss when it comes to making dinner conversation with them. I was raised in families that got quite raucous at the dinner table. Anything and everything were considered fair game. People knew what your hot buttons were and would make a point of pushing as many of them as possible - all in fun of course. We would get loud and obnoxious and have a lot of fun.
My newest family is not like that. Not to say that they are uptight or anything. But I feel like I need to mind my manners and not talk about things like snot or midgets or politics at the dinner table. Dinner becomes a situation during which I must monitor myself at all times, lest I forget who I am with.
Time to go. Sigh.
Egg Nog and Other Pleasures
One of the pleasure of living in my own house is that I can buy a carton of eggnog and drink it at my leisure. I don't have to worry that the ravenous beasts that are my brothers will finish it off before I get a chance to even open it. And since my husband thinks drinking eggnog is nearly as, if not more, offensive as drinking snot, I don't even have to share it! I am indeed living the good life.
While I'm on the topic of foods, let me just say that nothing is better than a mozzarella and tomato sandwich, with the mozzarella sliced thin and the tomatoes sliced THICK, on fresh rosemary bread slathered with copious amounts of mayonnaise and a light dusting of salt, pepper and oregano. I can, and do, eat these concoctions whenever possible - morning, noon and night.
While I'm on the topic of foods, let me just say that nothing is better than a mozzarella and tomato sandwich, with the mozzarella sliced thin and the tomatoes sliced THICK, on fresh rosemary bread slathered with copious amounts of mayonnaise and a light dusting of salt, pepper and oregano. I can, and do, eat these concoctions whenever possible - morning, noon and night.
But I'm on Vacation!!
It's really not fair. Last night, or rather early this morning, I had a double serving of nightmares.
It all started with a bizarre little dream involving myself, my brother, an old pickup truck and the driveway plow. We couldn't figure out why the pickup was handling so poorly until we looked behind us and realized that we hadn't disengaged the grader. It was dragging along behind us. We both knew we were going to be in trouble. A co-worker of mine suddenly arrived and gave us a ride to school.
That evolved into one of my regular work nightmares. I was in my class and I couldn't control them. I couldn't get them to stop talking. I was about to start sending kids to the office when in walks another co-worker and he totally took over. It was like he KNEW I had no control over my room and he just took it away from me. As soon as he walked in the door, the whole class snapped to attention. I looked at them in shock and said, "Why?? Why now?" Then, I crawled around the room, cleaning up little things that were littering the floor and sobbing quietly to myself while he conducted a wonderful, engaging lesson about ecosystems.
Finally, the co-worker left and I had the kids go out in the hall to wash their hands (he had served them french fries and ketchup at some point and they were all sticky) while I gathered the dirty paper plates into the trash. I realized that my class was in the hall with no supervision, so I started out the door. Just then, the guy in charge of my first year teacher training came in. I thought he was going to ask where my class was, but instead he asked if I had seen a particular person. I said no and he told me to let him handle everything. By this time I was scared and demanding that he tell me what was going on. All he would say is, "I'm sure it was an accident. I'm sure he didn't mean it." Then he told me that he was going to take me to the emergency room to see my brother's mom (that is how he said it, "your brother's mom") who had been hurt by the other person. I swayed against the wall and crumpled to the floor, moaning. As I was waking up, I noticed that my class was still watching me.
It isn't fair for me to be having nightmares now. I am on vacation! I am NOT stressed. Also, both of the underlying issues of these nightmares are things that I thought had been somewhat settled. Obviously, my subconscious has yet to get the memo. I'm sure there are some interesting interpretations of these dreams to be had. Maybe I should get me a dream analysis book. Or not. There are some things I don't want to know.
It all started with a bizarre little dream involving myself, my brother, an old pickup truck and the driveway plow. We couldn't figure out why the pickup was handling so poorly until we looked behind us and realized that we hadn't disengaged the grader. It was dragging along behind us. We both knew we were going to be in trouble. A co-worker of mine suddenly arrived and gave us a ride to school.
That evolved into one of my regular work nightmares. I was in my class and I couldn't control them. I couldn't get them to stop talking. I was about to start sending kids to the office when in walks another co-worker and he totally took over. It was like he KNEW I had no control over my room and he just took it away from me. As soon as he walked in the door, the whole class snapped to attention. I looked at them in shock and said, "Why?? Why now?" Then, I crawled around the room, cleaning up little things that were littering the floor and sobbing quietly to myself while he conducted a wonderful, engaging lesson about ecosystems.
Finally, the co-worker left and I had the kids go out in the hall to wash their hands (he had served them french fries and ketchup at some point and they were all sticky) while I gathered the dirty paper plates into the trash. I realized that my class was in the hall with no supervision, so I started out the door. Just then, the guy in charge of my first year teacher training came in. I thought he was going to ask where my class was, but instead he asked if I had seen a particular person. I said no and he told me to let him handle everything. By this time I was scared and demanding that he tell me what was going on. All he would say is, "I'm sure it was an accident. I'm sure he didn't mean it." Then he told me that he was going to take me to the emergency room to see my brother's mom (that is how he said it, "your brother's mom") who had been hurt by the other person. I swayed against the wall and crumpled to the floor, moaning. As I was waking up, I noticed that my class was still watching me.
It isn't fair for me to be having nightmares now. I am on vacation! I am NOT stressed. Also, both of the underlying issues of these nightmares are things that I thought had been somewhat settled. Obviously, my subconscious has yet to get the memo. I'm sure there are some interesting interpretations of these dreams to be had. Maybe I should get me a dream analysis book. Or not. There are some things I don't want to know.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Gearing up for the New Year
I was recently reviewing the list of goals I made for myself last year and I was amazed to find that I have maintained a surprising number of them. What made it work this year when I have never been able to stick to a goal for more than a week in previous years?
First, Mikey and I both set goals. Many of them were things we do together. It is easy to be encouraging to someone when you know exactly what their goals are. I could really encourage and praise Mikey for networking since I knew this was something important to him. Mikey could help me remember to practice my guitar since he knew this was an important goal to me.
Next, our goals were very specific. We focused on 3 main areas: Family, Personal and Work. Personal and Family included the subareas of Financial, Health/Fitness, Relationships, and Travel. Personal also includes Employment, while Family includes Household. Work includes the subareas of Continued Education, Networking, Short Term Goals, Long Term Goals and New Skill. Each goal explains what the goal is and how we will reach it.
Finally, our goals were reasonable! I didn't set goals that weren't very important, meaningful and reachable. I know from previous experience that if I am not dedicated to a goal, it is soon ignored. Even with my careful goal setting last year there are some goals that just didn't make it. Now I know what to change for this year!
PERSONAL GOALS
*Financial - Set aside babysitting money for a trip home in May. This was for my brother's graduation. I did save that babysitting money and I did go on this trip. It was short and hectic, but I was happy to be there for him.
*Health and Fitness - Reduce weight to 150 lbs through exercise and healthy eating. I am currently just over that weight. I am sad that the sun is setting so early these days because it keeps me from biking to and from work. - Reduce tv watching to 3 specific shows and daily news. This didn't happen. I am weak. - Limit computer time to 2 hours daily. I stuck to this goal only because I am too busy to be on the computer now.
*Relationships - Contact each sibling by phone once a month. I am very sorry to say that this has not happened. This will be made even MORE specific and focused on for the upcoming year.
*Travel - Set aside babysitting money for a trip home at Christmas. I took this trip during the summer instead. I decided that it would be better to take the trip when I had oodles of spare time, rather than when I only had a couple weeks. Unfortunately, I am no longer babysitting so next year's trips will have to be financed another way.
*Employment - Maintain status as teacher with contract at TVUSD. Yep. I had a brief scare when they pink-slipped all the new teachers, but it all worked out!
FAMILY GOALS
*Financial - Use new budget and allowance system to maintain finances and build savings. That allowance game was one of the best things we have ever come up with. I swear that I could write it up as a relationship advice book and make millions!
*Health/Fitness - Two 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise a week. For a while we were biking nearly every day, but now we do nothing. BAD! - Maintain healthy eating habits. We have been eating a mostly vegetarian diet since June or so. I don't know if it is exactly what I want to do forever, but for now it is working.
*Relationships - Set aside one night a week for "family time" with no telelvision allowed. This didn't happen either. I can see that my relationship catagories need work.
*Travel - Go to San Luis Obispo by train for anniversary. We gave this one up because I had just gotten back from my long trip home and neither of us wanted to go anywhere. We played mini-golf instead. This will carry over to next year, I believe.
*Household - Complete minor household repairs ourselves. Although we are not good at it, we ARE trying.
WORK GOALS
*Continued Education - Participate in district "new teacher" program. This was something I was eager to do, since it will help me clear my credential. - Take one class in something of interest to me. I started with a Tai Chi class that I enjoyed. Now I am taking my guitar lessons. I was sad to learn that my guitar instructor is planning to move in about 6 months. I better learn fast!
Long Term Goals - Secure a full time contract teaching 3rd grade at JES. I got the full time contract, but it wasn't with 3rd grade. I am okay with that. My goal for next year will be to get a full time 4th grade contract.
New Skill - Learn 10 guitar songs for use in the classroom. Interestingly, I am less interested in using the guitar in my class than I am in using for my own personal entertainment. I have learned a couple songs. I am enjoying the more in depth instruction I am getting.
First, Mikey and I both set goals. Many of them were things we do together. It is easy to be encouraging to someone when you know exactly what their goals are. I could really encourage and praise Mikey for networking since I knew this was something important to him. Mikey could help me remember to practice my guitar since he knew this was an important goal to me.
Next, our goals were very specific. We focused on 3 main areas: Family, Personal and Work. Personal and Family included the subareas of Financial, Health/Fitness, Relationships, and Travel. Personal also includes Employment, while Family includes Household. Work includes the subareas of Continued Education, Networking, Short Term Goals, Long Term Goals and New Skill. Each goal explains what the goal is and how we will reach it.
Finally, our goals were reasonable! I didn't set goals that weren't very important, meaningful and reachable. I know from previous experience that if I am not dedicated to a goal, it is soon ignored. Even with my careful goal setting last year there are some goals that just didn't make it. Now I know what to change for this year!
PERSONAL GOALS
*Financial - Set aside babysitting money for a trip home in May. This was for my brother's graduation. I did save that babysitting money and I did go on this trip. It was short and hectic, but I was happy to be there for him.
*Health and Fitness - Reduce weight to 150 lbs through exercise and healthy eating. I am currently just over that weight. I am sad that the sun is setting so early these days because it keeps me from biking to and from work. - Reduce tv watching to 3 specific shows and daily news. This didn't happen. I am weak. - Limit computer time to 2 hours daily. I stuck to this goal only because I am too busy to be on the computer now.
*Relationships - Contact each sibling by phone once a month. I am very sorry to say that this has not happened. This will be made even MORE specific and focused on for the upcoming year.
*Travel - Set aside babysitting money for a trip home at Christmas. I took this trip during the summer instead. I decided that it would be better to take the trip when I had oodles of spare time, rather than when I only had a couple weeks. Unfortunately, I am no longer babysitting so next year's trips will have to be financed another way.
*Employment - Maintain status as teacher with contract at TVUSD. Yep. I had a brief scare when they pink-slipped all the new teachers, but it all worked out!
FAMILY GOALS
*Financial - Use new budget and allowance system to maintain finances and build savings. That allowance game was one of the best things we have ever come up with. I swear that I could write it up as a relationship advice book and make millions!
*Health/Fitness - Two 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise a week. For a while we were biking nearly every day, but now we do nothing. BAD! - Maintain healthy eating habits. We have been eating a mostly vegetarian diet since June or so. I don't know if it is exactly what I want to do forever, but for now it is working.
*Relationships - Set aside one night a week for "family time" with no telelvision allowed. This didn't happen either. I can see that my relationship catagories need work.
*Travel - Go to San Luis Obispo by train for anniversary. We gave this one up because I had just gotten back from my long trip home and neither of us wanted to go anywhere. We played mini-golf instead. This will carry over to next year, I believe.
*Household - Complete minor household repairs ourselves. Although we are not good at it, we ARE trying.
WORK GOALS
*Continued Education - Participate in district "new teacher" program. This was something I was eager to do, since it will help me clear my credential. - Take one class in something of interest to me. I started with a Tai Chi class that I enjoyed. Now I am taking my guitar lessons. I was sad to learn that my guitar instructor is planning to move in about 6 months. I better learn fast!
Long Term Goals - Secure a full time contract teaching 3rd grade at JES. I got the full time contract, but it wasn't with 3rd grade. I am okay with that. My goal for next year will be to get a full time 4th grade contract.
New Skill - Learn 10 guitar songs for use in the classroom. Interestingly, I am less interested in using the guitar in my class than I am in using for my own personal entertainment. I have learned a couple songs. I am enjoying the more in depth instruction I am getting.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
The RPS Society
I was watching Conan O'Brian the other day. He was interviewing the world champion RPS player. For those of you who are not in the know - RPS is short for Rock, Paper, Scissors. Yes, there is actually a world champion for a game that is based entirely on chance. This is the same game that the kids in my class play to decide who gets to sharpen their pencil first or who gets to have the best marker.
I don't think you are taking this seriously enough...There is a WORLD CHAMPION for Rock, Paper, Scissors!
To beat a competitor you must, naturally, win 2 out of 3 throws. RPS King, Rob Krueger from Toronto, won C$5,000 (US$3,825) with the daring "Fist full of Dollars" combination. This consists of rock, paper, paper. Other combinations include "Avalanche" (rock, rock, rock), "Paper Dolls" (scissor, paper, scissor) and "Toolbox" (scissor, scissor, scissor).
Although some consider an RPS tournament to be all in good fun, complete with homemade costumes, others take it very seriously. People have been known to use intense warm-up sessions, develop complex strategies and bring along their own team doctor.
After about 3 minutes of conversation with the smarmy Mr. Krueger, Conan was driven to challenge him to an on-the-spot, one-throw, winner-takes-all competition, no warm-ups or anything. After three exciting draws (that's like two rocks at the same time) the reigning champion showed his prowess and threw a scissor to Conan's paper. It was a close call, however. Mr. Krueger best keep in shape, lest Mr. O'Brian decide to enter the competition next year!
Thanks to Late Night with Conan O'Brian for the entertaining interview. Thanks to the World RPS Society for reminding me that it's a crazy, mixed-up world we live in. And thanks to CNN for the article which I blatantly plagiarized for this post.
I don't think you are taking this seriously enough...There is a WORLD CHAMPION for Rock, Paper, Scissors!
To beat a competitor you must, naturally, win 2 out of 3 throws. RPS King, Rob Krueger from Toronto, won C$5,000 (US$3,825) with the daring "Fist full of Dollars" combination. This consists of rock, paper, paper. Other combinations include "Avalanche" (rock, rock, rock), "Paper Dolls" (scissor, paper, scissor) and "Toolbox" (scissor, scissor, scissor).
Although some consider an RPS tournament to be all in good fun, complete with homemade costumes, others take it very seriously. People have been known to use intense warm-up sessions, develop complex strategies and bring along their own team doctor.
After about 3 minutes of conversation with the smarmy Mr. Krueger, Conan was driven to challenge him to an on-the-spot, one-throw, winner-takes-all competition, no warm-ups or anything. After three exciting draws (that's like two rocks at the same time) the reigning champion showed his prowess and threw a scissor to Conan's paper. It was a close call, however. Mr. Krueger best keep in shape, lest Mr. O'Brian decide to enter the competition next year!
Thanks to Late Night with Conan O'Brian for the entertaining interview. Thanks to the World RPS Society for reminding me that it's a crazy, mixed-up world we live in. And thanks to CNN for the article which I blatantly plagiarized for this post.
Funny AND Educational - It's FARK!
I have just discovered Fark.com. I know it is nothing new. I have seen references to it all over, including WWdN and A Small Victory, but it took Mikey's rants and raves over the humor found there to make me actually check it out. I'm sorry I waited so long! Funny news stories are found here in abundance and best of all, everyone seems to realize how STUPID everything is. Hee hee.
Sign of the End #273
In passing by MTV to get to something worth watching the other day, we noticed that they were playing...what's that?...a...gasp...MUSIC VIDEO!!! Once would have been just a strange occurance, but this has been happening consistantely for a week. Something is wrong with the universe as I have come to know it!
PS - an even bigger, more ironic sign is this recent article about MTV. It seems that they are unhappy with the likes of American Idol and the canned musical celebrities they are producing. Says top MTV boss, Brent Hansen, "These programs make good TV but from a musical point of view, they do not have any value".
Um...Pot? Meet kettle!
Thanks to Fark for the link
PS - an even bigger, more ironic sign is this recent article about MTV. It seems that they are unhappy with the likes of American Idol and the canned musical celebrities they are producing. Says top MTV boss, Brent Hansen, "These programs make good TV but from a musical point of view, they do not have any value".
Um...Pot? Meet kettle!
Thanks to Fark for the link
Too Early!!!
My loverly neighbors (and I mean that sincerely, they are very nice people with cute pets) have already put their christmas lights up! I went out last night to chech the mail for a new DVD only to find that the house next door was all aglow. And they aren't the only ones. I saw those icicle lights on a house down the block one way and some red lights in the other direction. It is just too darn early if you ask me. Thanksgiving isn't even here yet. Poor turkey.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Making the House a Home
Mikey and I spent the day cleaning and organizing. It took some intense work to overcome the neglect that has been heaped on our house since I started working full time, especially the garden. Luckily, we seem to have been forgiven. It is actually looking pretty nice in here. And I was amazed to find that the tomatoes were still flowering and producing new green tomatoes. It's kinda funny that my garden does best when I leave it alone. Anyway, it was a productive, wonderful day. I even got to play some Sims! :)
WHERE is the axis of evil??
Some interesting news items collected into a scary, but humerous blog calling itself the "Scorecard of Evil". These are scary times we live in. But, like I told a parent the other day, when things get too ugly in the present, I just look around my room and see the future. And hope and pray that I am doing something that will make that future a better place.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Odds and Ends
~ I spent most of the day in my jammies watching the commentary to Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" (newly added to my wish list), lounging about on the couch, and sewing. At about 3 o'clock we took a walk that energized me just enough to get my living room returned to some vague image of cleanliness before I settled in for yet another movie ("Darkness Falls" this time). It was a good start to my vacation.
~ "Darkness Falls" is one of the WORST horror film I have ever seen. I go into horror films with my ideas of reality set aside, but this one had too many moments of "yeah, right!" and "what the heck are they DOING?" for my taste. I wouldn't recommend it.
~ When you see a guy walking a dog, holding the leash in one hand and an IV bag of fluids in the other, you can't help but think that he must be one of the good ones.
~ My cats shed too darn much.
~ "Darkness Falls" is one of the WORST horror film I have ever seen. I go into horror films with my ideas of reality set aside, but this one had too many moments of "yeah, right!" and "what the heck are they DOING?" for my taste. I wouldn't recommend it.
~ When you see a guy walking a dog, holding the leash in one hand and an IV bag of fluids in the other, you can't help but think that he must be one of the good ones.
~ My cats shed too darn much.
Friday, November 21, 2003
oneword
He crept into my heart like a thief in the night, climbing in through a back window left open just a crack. Despite the locks and the guard dogs, he found a wa(y in.)
This one is for my darling Mikey, who not only proved the existence of miracles and fate to me, but continues to amaze me every day with the depth of his love. Nothing I say, nothing I do and nothing I fail to do can drive him away. If only everyone could be so lucky!
This one is for my darling Mikey, who not only proved the existence of miracles and fate to me, but continues to amaze me every day with the depth of his love. Nothing I say, nothing I do and nothing I fail to do can drive him away. If only everyone could be so lucky!
goals and heroes
If I could write like this man, I would be a happy person. Not that I'm not a happy person...well, you know what I mean. Wil's ability to capture real life moments and make them totally real is amazing. I am lime with envy.
The List
or as my mom always said "La Lista".
I have a week off. This means I have a week during which I can give my house some of the TLC it has been missing since the school year started. There's lots to do...
~ mow/wack both yards
~prune rose, grape and any other plants needing attention
~pull dead plants in garden area
~ deep cleanliving room, kitchen, bath 1, bath 2, office, spare room, bedroom, garage
~ finish repairing caulking in master shower
~ replace flap in master toilet
~ break out christmas decorations
I also have some relaxation goals...
~ play guitar
~ watch lots of "Law and Order" and "CSI"
~sleep
~ call friends and relatives who probably think I have fallen off the face of the earth
~ start holiday shopping
~play The Sims or some other equally mind-numbing computer game
~snuggle Mikey
How many of these things can I mark off my list? I can't wait to find out! Ready, Set, GO!!!
I have a week off. This means I have a week during which I can give my house some of the TLC it has been missing since the school year started. There's lots to do...
~ mow/wack both yards
~
~
~ deep clean
~ finish repairing caulking in master shower
~ replace flap in master toilet
~ break out christmas decorations
I also have some relaxation goals...
~ play guitar
~ watch lots of "Law and Order" and "CSI"
~
~ call friends and relatives who probably think I have fallen off the face of the earth
~ start holiday shopping
~
~
How many of these things can I mark off my list? I can't wait to find out! Ready, Set, GO!!!
DONE!!!!!
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONE
DONEDONE
DONE
Conferences are over. I have survived the first third of this crazier-than-most school year. I am feeling quite proud of myself, if you must know. And I am very happy with my students. Although I am thrilled that I have some much needed time off, I am already looking forward to getting back to work on and with these wonderful young minds.
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONEDONE
DONEDONEDONE
DONEDONE
DONE
Conferences are over. I have survived the first third of this crazier-than-most school year. I am feeling quite proud of myself, if you must know. And I am very happy with my students. Although I am thrilled that I have some much needed time off, I am already looking forward to getting back to work on and with these wonderful young minds.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
oneword
I like the word today. It brought an instant metaphor-like comparison to mind. If I were to re-write it, I would actually make it a true metaphor. As usual, the stuff in parenthesis came after the final bell.
They say that only 10% of an iceberg shows as it floats along in the frigid Arctic seas. Much like the emotional aspects of the people I work with every day. I talk with them regu(larly and yet I still know very little about the real person behind the teacher's facade. With most, that 10% is enough. I like them, but I feel very little motivation to throw on the wetsuit and explore the remaining 90% of their personality. However, there are a few of my co-workers who, for some unknown reason, strike a chord with me. Something about them leaves me wishing I knew them better. Wishing that I were among those they call "friend".)
They say that only 10% of an iceberg shows as it floats along in the frigid Arctic seas. Much like the emotional aspects of the people I work with every day. I talk with them regu(larly and yet I still know very little about the real person behind the teacher's facade. With most, that 10% is enough. I like them, but I feel very little motivation to throw on the wetsuit and explore the remaining 90% of their personality. However, there are a few of my co-workers who, for some unknown reason, strike a chord with me. Something about them leaves me wishing I knew them better. Wishing that I were among those they call "friend".)
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Personal Quirks
I like to talk just as much as the next parrot, but talking to adults (especially parents of my students) makes me break out into a cold sweat. It is amazing. You could have me walk into a room of 100 kids and I wouldn't be fazed. I would be able to entertain them for quite some time and not panic once. On the other hand, if you ask me to give a presentation to a small group of adults and give me a week to prepare it and make sure I have everything I need, I will STILL freak out about it. I have a nearly unquestioned faith in my ability to communicate with kids and an mind-bending lack of confidence in my ability to share information with adults. I do just fine with it. I can't remember the last time I had a serious problem with a presentation given to adults but that continues to be one of the most nervewracking things I have to do. Contrast that with my willingness to get confused, say the wrong work, er word, or just plain make a mistake in front of kids. As my students like to say, "I don't get it."
1 down...
only 3 more days of conferences to go. If they all go like today's I will be one HAPPY camper! I had understanding, caring parents who showed up, participated, and best of all - didn't threaten to sue me (this actually happened to a co-worker). We set some really good goals for the students and basically shared some great communication. And I am happy to report that I am not particularly concerned about any future conferences either. :)
Monday, November 17, 2003
Onewording Again
What better way to get myself writing again? Check it out yourself at oneword!
I have done nothing but assess my students and what level they are on the good, old A-B-C-D-F scale. I am judging each student as to their ability based on my knowledge of them for the past (2 1/2 months.)
Can you tell what has been on my mind lately? I just keep working for the weekend (and the next week of no school!).
I have done nothing but assess my students and what level they are on the good, old A-B-C-D-F scale. I am judging each student as to their ability based on my knowledge of them for the past (2 1/2 months.)
Can you tell what has been on my mind lately? I just keep working for the weekend (and the next week of no school!).
Saturday, November 15, 2003
See you next week!!
I may be here tomorrow. I may not. However...if you ration them properly, the posts I made today should last you until next Saturday when I will be able to post to my heart's content for a full week. See how I am always thinking of you, Dear Reader?
Cold feet
No, that has nothing to do with weddings. I have been sitting at my computer for some time wrapped in a towel, having sit down here directly after my shower. Between the bare shoulders and the damp hair I am rapidly losing body heat to the chill of the room. An interesting contrast to the comforting heat of the water itself.
(After 15 minutes of trying to perfect the following sentence, I can no longer remember where it was going. I do, however, really like the imagery.)
Although I usually shower quickly, hating the thought of any unnecessarily wasted water, this time I stood for a momentary eternity, eyes closed, right hand pressed against the cream colored plastic of the shower shell, soaking in the quiet and the calm.
(After 15 minutes of trying to perfect the following sentence, I can no longer remember where it was going. I do, however, really like the imagery.)
Although I usually shower quickly, hating the thought of any unnecessarily wasted water, this time I stood for a momentary eternity, eyes closed, right hand pressed against the cream colored plastic of the shower shell, soaking in the quiet and the calm.
true ramblings
My dad got re-married today. My siblings all went and there was eggplant parmigiana and I assume that he is happy about it but there was no telling from the conversation we had this morning and I am concerned that I have absolutely no emotional connection to this event what-so-ever because I feel like I should care. But I don't think I do. I am not angry about it. I wish them both the best, but I find that this is very much a non-event to me. Or is it just that my complete lack of anger over it is so strange that I am not recognizing my true emotions? Most likely, I am not really processing it at all and when it somehow impacts my life someday in the future it will all come pouring out of me but since I am intensely busy with work right now I am really not too bothered by the effects of this giant brick wall that I have built around my feelings. In fact, I welcome it.
Yahooooooo
The most common search that leads to my site? People searching on Yahoo for "Rambling With Isha". That can ONLY be someone who knows what they are looking for. But why do they keep using Yahoo? We may never know.
Matrix Mania
Everyone is so busy trashing the latest Matrix, that they are all missing out on the fabulous and far-reaching conversations that are so easily launched from it. (Et tu, Amy?) I think there are two things causing so many people to dislike this movie - first, Americans are lazy and want everything to be spelled out for them, and second, people are watching each section as if it is a stand alone episode of a trilogy. I think this was in fact just ONE BIG MOVIE and only makes sense if you think of it as such. Of course the second one feels like the middle of a movie. IT IS! Anyway, for some answers (yes, I agree that it left many questions unanswered or answered so subtly that it might as well have been unanswered) and some thought provoking analysis of the characters, plot, events and symbolism you may want to check out this blog...
www.episode81.blogspot.com
I can't wait for the 3 disk boxed version so that I can watch the movie in its entirety.
www.episode81.blogspot.com
I can't wait for the 3 disk boxed version so that I can watch the movie in its entirety.
Wish List
I have made my yearly wish list. I won't call it a christmas list because it is all-encompassing. Beyond the typical "books, movies, music" wishes, it includes all things I am longing for no matter how unrealistic they are. (ie: a Dodge Dakota) It ended up being 4 pages long. I am a greedy beast.
Report Cards
I have spent the last week working on getting tests and assignments done so that I can give final grades. It is almost funny (after you get past the sadness of it) how suddenly the kids were very concerned about what assignments they hadn't done when I showed them that they were FAILING most subjects. And even after that, they still didn't get the work turned in. Unbelievable. I am going to have some very unhappy parents on my hands. Not with me, but with their children and their utter lack of interest in all things educational. I don't think I was too "tough" with my grading either. In fact, I have been much more lenient than many other teachers. Ugh. I don't like writing "F" on those report cards.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Blah-di-blah
I don't really have anything to say, I just miss posting here. My busy teaching schedule doesn't leave much time or energy for the chronicalling of my thoughts. Who am I kidding? It doesn't leave much time for thoughts at all. Here are a couple random ramblings...
* Saw The Matrix: Revolutions. Liked it. Recommend it to anyone who is a Matrix fan. Don't recommend it to anyone who isn't. If you didn't watch, follow and enjoy the first one, you won't have a clue what is going on. However, I was quite enthralled. Have to admit that I have NO IDEA what happened at the end, but that just means that Mikey and I will have good conversations trying to figure it out.
* In the movies, people are always ready to die to save someone they love. But how often does that really pan out? How often in real life do people REALLY sacrifice themselves for a loved one who is in danger? Would I? I guess it would depend on which person and the actual situation. I know that I would do whatever it took to help my Mikey. Or any given child. Beyond that...I am often a coward. I just don't know.
* I have done a surprising amount of reading in the last couple of weeks. I have learned the art of reading while doing other things. Brushing my teeth, eating my breakfast, waiting for webpages to load...all improved with the addition of a book in one hand.
* I had othert things to tsay but my finders are tefusin to folleo the fjumbled dierections that my brian is sending. Dimt for sleep. Goodnignth
* Saw The Matrix: Revolutions. Liked it. Recommend it to anyone who is a Matrix fan. Don't recommend it to anyone who isn't. If you didn't watch, follow and enjoy the first one, you won't have a clue what is going on. However, I was quite enthralled. Have to admit that I have NO IDEA what happened at the end, but that just means that Mikey and I will have good conversations trying to figure it out.
* In the movies, people are always ready to die to save someone they love. But how often does that really pan out? How often in real life do people REALLY sacrifice themselves for a loved one who is in danger? Would I? I guess it would depend on which person and the actual situation. I know that I would do whatever it took to help my Mikey. Or any given child. Beyond that...I am often a coward. I just don't know.
* I have done a surprising amount of reading in the last couple of weeks. I have learned the art of reading while doing other things. Brushing my teeth, eating my breakfast, waiting for webpages to load...all improved with the addition of a book in one hand.
* I had othert things to tsay but my finders are tefusin to folleo the fjumbled dierections that my brian is sending. Dimt for sleep. Goodnignth
The gift of giving
There are some tasks that are just too daunting to even think about. For example, I need to find a wedding gift for my dad and the woman he is marrying. It needs to be something that conveys my hope that things will work out for them, but I am still very angry over what they did and how. I am as happy for them as I can be, considering how wrong I think they were. It needs to be something meaningful, because if it isn't my dad will be upset, but it needs to be a meaning that I can stand by. Ugh.
A much more interesting and entertaining task will be finding my sister-in-law a birthday present. Whoo-hoo!
A much more interesting and entertaining task will be finding my sister-in-law a birthday present. Whoo-hoo!
Tool Time
Remember a couple of weeks back when I got that home repair bug? I tore up the caulking in our master bath shower because of how disgusting it was getting. Of course, I haven't gotten around to putting in the new stuff yet, so we have been reduced to using the TINY little guest shower. Poor Mikey has to duck just to get his hair wet. And with all the paperwork I have to do for the end of the trimester, it's not looking like I am going to be finishing this project any time soon. One more thing on the Turkey Break to-do list.
Revolutions
For those of you who have been living under boulders in the backs of large caves somewhere in a yet to be discovered mountain range, The Matrix: Revolutions is now in theaters. Unfortunately, my job prevented me from going to the first showing on the first day (I guess I am not a real die-hard fan, otherwise I would have gotten a sub that day!) but we are going to go this morning. I am a little worried because the reviews have been lousy. However, I really enjoyed the second one for what it was - the middle of a really long story - and I have hope that I will like this one too. No, I will NOT be going dressed as my favorite Matrix character, but that doesn't mean I won't be wishing I was Carrie-Ann Moss through the whole darn movie.
And the countdown begins...
There are currently 5 whole days and 3 half days with the students before Turkey Break. This has got to be one of the best loved breaks in the whole school year, because it comes after 2-3 weeks of testing, grading, and conferencing. The end of the trimester is always the worst. You NEED a week afterwards just to recuperate! I think I am doing well, though. I have been giving my assessments for some time now and they are almost all graded. We have a couple of little things to do next week and then I am ready to fill in report cards. I have all my conferences on Tues, Weds, and Thurs so that I don't have to dress up on Friday. There is no school Friday and I am planning to use that day to get caught up on all my organizing and filing so that I can start fresh after the break. I am much better off than many of the more experienced teachers as far as how frantic I am feeling and I am just keeping my fingers crossed that conferences will go smoothly. Wish me luck!
Monday, November 03, 2003
Amen
I have recently finished reading "Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
A couple of my favorite lines:
"No damn cat, and no damn cradle."
"Someday, someday, this crazy world will have to end,
And our God will take things back that He to us did lend."
I was a little embarrased to admit that I had no idea what this book was really trying to say, until I realized that I had gotten quite a bit out of it anyway. It is not a happy book, however. At least not in the way I interpretted it.
A couple of my favorite lines:
"No damn cat, and no damn cradle."
"Someday, someday, this crazy world will have to end,
And our God will take things back that He to us did lend."
I was a little embarrased to admit that I had no idea what this book was really trying to say, until I realized that I had gotten quite a bit out of it anyway. It is not a happy book, however. At least not in the way I interpretted it.
I heart my class
My kids came in this morning ready to learn. They worked hard all morning and we got tons of stuff done. As I mentioned before, I am pretty sure that they were all abducted and replaced with alien children. Kind of like the scandehoovian troll changling baby stories. However, unlike those stuck with troll babies, I am in no hurry to change things back. I like my changlings. I think I will keep them.
Brrr
Winter has hit Temecula. I know this because my hands are cold. They will remain cold for the next 5 months no matter what I do. Nothing works. I can put on a bajillion sweaters, take boiling hot showers, snuggle under blankets made from the warmest sheep, or any combination of the three, but my hands will remain as ice blocks.
The really awful thing about this is that buildings in Temecula are NOT designed for this season. The air vents are approximately 9 feet in the air so that any warm air coming out of them remains in the far reaches of my much sought after high ceilings. The beautiful fireplace burns large quantities of fuel, sending every bit of energy straight up the chimney. At least in Northern Minnesota, I could sit on the heated floors, in front of the very effective fireplace and reach some level of warmth. Here, I just stay cold until summer returns with its 100+ degree temperatures. Ugh.
Wait. It gets worse. This afternoon I decided that it was silly for me to freeze my hiney off just to save a little money when I am busting my hiney to earn said money. I marched resolutely over to the thermostat, flipped it on and waited for the whirrrrr of the heater that would bring Mikey thundering into the living room demanding to know what I was thinking (hehe...not really, but that was a fun, descriptive sentence, wasn't it?). Unfortunately, neither of these things happened. After poking and prodding with the same results as a couple of irate monkeys, we learned that the air conditioner was working just fine, but the heat was completely non-responsive. Mikey has been commissioned to call SOMEONE, ANYONE, tomorrow to get that fixed ASAP.
I know. My life is a Shakespearean tragedy. Feel free to send me sympathy, heater repair money and/or long underwear.
PS - Yes, I know that I am a pathetic excuse for a Northern Minnesotan. Why do you think I live in CALIFORNIA??
PPS - Yes, this is meant to be a humorous post. No, Dad, I don't really need heater repair money. Although I would most definitely use the long underwear.
The really awful thing about this is that buildings in Temecula are NOT designed for this season. The air vents are approximately 9 feet in the air so that any warm air coming out of them remains in the far reaches of my much sought after high ceilings. The beautiful fireplace burns large quantities of fuel, sending every bit of energy straight up the chimney. At least in Northern Minnesota, I could sit on the heated floors, in front of the very effective fireplace and reach some level of warmth. Here, I just stay cold until summer returns with its 100+ degree temperatures. Ugh.
Wait. It gets worse. This afternoon I decided that it was silly for me to freeze my hiney off just to save a little money when I am busting my hiney to earn said money. I marched resolutely over to the thermostat, flipped it on and waited for the whirrrrr of the heater that would bring Mikey thundering into the living room demanding to know what I was thinking (hehe...not really, but that was a fun, descriptive sentence, wasn't it?). Unfortunately, neither of these things happened. After poking and prodding with the same results as a couple of irate monkeys, we learned that the air conditioner was working just fine, but the heat was completely non-responsive. Mikey has been commissioned to call SOMEONE, ANYONE, tomorrow to get that fixed ASAP.
I know. My life is a Shakespearean tragedy. Feel free to send me sympathy, heater repair money and/or long underwear.
PS - Yes, I know that I am a pathetic excuse for a Northern Minnesotan. Why do you think I live in CALIFORNIA??
PPS - Yes, this is meant to be a humorous post. No, Dad, I don't really need heater repair money. Although I would most definitely use the long underwear.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
A plague upon the Earth
I turned on my computer this evening for the first time since...probably last weekend. I had nearly 1000 emails waiting. 1 from my husband, 1 from my brother and 998 from strangers trying to sell me pain pills, penile enlargements (that ought to get me some hits) and insurance scams.
News
My dad called this morning to tell me that he is marrying the woman he left my mother for. And I was happy for them.
Life is very odd.
Life is very odd.
A bug in a rug
PS - After the halloween party yesterday, I came home, fell asleep by 9:00, slept until 8:30 this morning and didn't get out of bed until nearly 3:00. I am still in my pajamas and the only thing that is convincing me to change that is the thought of dinner out. Mikey served me muffins for breakfast and Ramen Noodle soup for lunch. We watched 2 movies and lots of trashy television while snuggled up with the kitties and the magazines that came in the mail.
And I didn't feel guilty about a minute of it.
And I didn't feel guilty about a minute of it.
Happy Halloween
We had a party in my room yesterday. We had a full day of fun activities and relaxing with each other. It was nice to be able to have fun with the kids. It got awfully loud at times, but repeating the mantra "They're not being bad. They're having fun." helped me keep things into perspective. And they WERE having fun. It was good to see.
Next week, we heading into the end of the trimester, which means lots of tests. I am doing what I can to relieve the stress and anxiety of that for the kids, but it is never an easy time. I just keep reminding myself that I am earning a week long vacation by getting all the grades totalled, report cards filled out and conferences completed. I will enjoy EVERY second of that vacation, too.
Next week, we heading into the end of the trimester, which means lots of tests. I am doing what I can to relieve the stress and anxiety of that for the kids, but it is never an easy time. I just keep reminding myself that I am earning a week long vacation by getting all the grades totalled, report cards filled out and conferences completed. I will enjoy EVERY second of that vacation, too.
It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees...
putting up reindeer, and singing songs of Joy and Peace. ~Joni Mitchell
Now that Halloween has come and gone it seems that it is suddenly the Christmas season. Oh, not in an overt way, just in that subtle, here's-a-few-extra-flyers-in-the-mail, lots-of-sweater-commercials-on-TV, don't-forget-to-get-excited-about-this-new-toy way. It's disturbing.
Of course, it also means that Hamumu sales will be up for the next two months. November and December are our best months by far and with the recent Supreme release they will be even better than usual. Hooray for the holiday rush.
Mikey has made a juicy list of things he would be interested in getting. His lists can be juicier than some because he is gearing up for a birthday as well as Christmas. It's fun to watch. He's like a big kid. I haven't made a list. I am not good at gift lists. I usually buy things that catch my eye in the store at any given time. Out of sight, out of mind. I guess I can wander through some online catalogs and put together a list of sorts. I put it off because I feel greedy and guilty when I ask for things. I much prefer giving gifts to getting them.
Now that Halloween has come and gone it seems that it is suddenly the Christmas season. Oh, not in an overt way, just in that subtle, here's-a-few-extra-flyers-in-the-mail, lots-of-sweater-commercials-on-TV, don't-forget-to-get-excited-about-this-new-toy way. It's disturbing.
Of course, it also means that Hamumu sales will be up for the next two months. November and December are our best months by far and with the recent Supreme release they will be even better than usual. Hooray for the holiday rush.
Mikey has made a juicy list of things he would be interested in getting. His lists can be juicier than some because he is gearing up for a birthday as well as Christmas. It's fun to watch. He's like a big kid. I haven't made a list. I am not good at gift lists. I usually buy things that catch my eye in the store at any given time. Out of sight, out of mind. I guess I can wander through some online catalogs and put together a list of sorts. I put it off because I feel greedy and guilty when I ask for things. I much prefer giving gifts to getting them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
