Miscellaneous Missives

Last night I had dinner with a friend (Mexican food and margaritas). Among our many topics of conversation and weekend plans, we discussed bars (long story!). Although we didn't really come to many conclusions, we did decide it's difficult for people our age to go out in the twin cities because the "local bar" is somewhat missing. I don't have a "Cheers" in my neighborhood (the only thing I really don't have). It seems most bars are more for the twenty something type crowd. I mentioned I also feel somewhat uncomfortable going out because the chance of an encounter with a former student. The problem for me is I would prefer drinking at a bar to drinking at someone's house. Oh, what a dilemma! Tonight another friend and I are going to a former neighborhood bar (Cedar Falls, IA). Last night we discussed that it's possible we might not know anyone at the old haunt although I did get one e-mail. Even if we don't know anyone, I am loo...

Have I mentioned otters are my favorite animal. Yes, I still want to be an otter! I'd be the grey one, but I would dye my hair. My morning gratitude list: 1) light rain perfect for reading 2) Kitty Klaus missed me while I was gone overnight 3) OTTERS!

Today as I was looking in mirror, I was reminded of a conversation (if you want to call it that) I had yesterday with a student who was looking at a picture of me and my roller coaster friends standing in front of Raging Bull at Six Flags in Chicago. "You are the shortest one in the group" "We're on stairs." "Wow, you look younger." "I was" "A LOT!" After the last comment I couldn't say anything. All I could do was look at the picture taken three or four years ago. Could it be longer? Another sign of old age (or too much sleep). I moderated my comments this am. Instead of accepting J's comment about Anne Lamott being at B&N, I rejected it. Now I can't get it back:( What is happening to me? My gratitude list for this am: 1) one (final?) bloom on my Christmas cactus 2) memories of riding roller coasters 3) nine hours of sleep!

Knowing I wouldn't be home by 4:00, I taped today's Oprah. It was the book club edition for Sidney Poitier's book The Measure of a Man . I read this book and even "dog-eared" pages to remember. Poitier has such integrity and finesse. America needs more people like Poitier to share their experiences. I was going to say the younger generation could learn from him, but I really think we (you, me, America) could learn from him. Today hatred and prejudice are entwined with "the world owes me" attitude. The Measure of a Man shows that success comes with caring, honesty, and diligence. Oprah also announced her new book The Road by Cormac McCarthy. My brother sparked my interest in Cormac McCarthy after he recommended the book Blood Meridian to our father. Dad read it (part of it?) and had nightmares from the vivid descriptions. Although Blood Meridian is still on my list, I've read three of four of Cormac McCarthy's books. I am surprised ...

After I felt pressure (positive) from a couple of people at school, I decided to try a Poetry Slam the last three days before spring break. It's actually more of a poetry presentation. Each student presents twice (practice/final). After a day of presentations, I have a headache. I am amazed at the apathy many students showed during this process. Poetry also brings out the hurt and pain many students feel. This morning I took two poems to the counselor. One was written by a student (who we feel is depressed) about suicide. The other was written by a spoiled honors student talking about his "Lego Wife." It was obnoxious and chauvenistic mentioning when she "moans and whines" the male student will change her attitude ending with the line, "She will do what I say." Actually, I think it has to be at least partially plagiarized, but I googled it and found nothing. Several talked about the misery of divorce or losing a parent. One girl spoke of a...

Yesterday I made the decision to start tanning after donning shorts for two days. My glow in the dark legs are more than I could stand. Oh, I know it's not healthy, blah, blah, blah... The truth is that I love tanning, and I love being tan. Today I went for my first tan of the season a bit concerned about my tattoo fading. I was quite pleased to see one of the girls behind the desk had several tattoos (The angel wings on her back were awesome!). Obviously she has experience with tanning and tattoos, so I asked her about my dilemma. She actually pulled Chapstick out of her purse and applied it to my sun. Then she told me to buy a tattoo stick (inexpensive) which would work better. They're on order and will be in soon. Chapstick will work while I'm waiting. Honestly, it's a good thing I waited to get a tattoo. If I would have done it when I had a younger, firmer body, I would have several. Actually, I am thinking about getting a cross, but I'm not sure wh...

Friday afternoon I went home for three appointments (car, hair, and accupuncture) made six weeks ago. Of course I talked to Dad on the way home to see how the arbitration went (horrible) for him. I also talked to my brother two or three times this weekend. It would be fair to say we are both distressed with the outcome of this divorce although we are relieved it is over. Michael also talked to Mother. She was ready to give her side of the story. One thing she mentioned was that I had traveled home to get information. The lady is possessed. Couldn't I have gotten the information over the phone? The tales she weaves are always intense and always weave me into something less than honest. Michael did have a good question although he didn't ask her. Why would it be so bad to go home to spend time with Dad after hearing information that will negatively change his life? I am blessed to live close enough to my father to make the trip home this weekend. My gratitude list fo...

Friday I was excited about the warm weather. I was so excited that I removed my jeans from my overnight bag and added shorts, bad idea. Anyway, Friday morning while I was talking with an eco friendly friend/colleague, I mentioned how it was time to paint my toenails which had been polish free since November. She mentioned that she is going polish free because of the formaldehyde. Oh! This has caused me stress for 36 hours. I have looked online to find green alternatives. I have always painted my nails. The idea of spending a summer with naked nails didn't seem like much of an alternatve. The peel off alternative didn't seem like much of an alternative. The brand that advertised all day color didn't seem like much of an alternative. I began to think maybe "green" nails wasn't for me. Tonight I tried searching again. Maybe Treehugger.com could help me. How to Green Women's Personal Health Care is the article that I found to begin my search. Le...

After hearing how my mother screwed over my father in the divorce, I stopped for gas. I was pissed off and concerned for my father yet pleased that I was saving seven cents a gallon. As I approached the counter with my fountain Diet Pepsi and credit card, I gave the clerk my gas total, "25.01." "Do you mean $25.04?" he asked. "OK," I replied. At the same time the clerk next to him said, "Get off pump 9." My clerk was obviously ignoring him as he repeated this two or three times. Finally the clerk who had been saying get off my pump, asked me what pump I was at. "I don't know. It's the silver Rav 4." My clerk perked up, "Your pump is paid." "Oh, that's right. I paid with my credit card as I pumped," I replied sheepishly. What an idiot! If the other clerk hadn't been observant, and someone else hadn't been paying at the same time, I would've paid twice for my gas this afternoon. My grati...

I still have yet to watch an entire American Idol episode, yet I talk as though I am a fan. Tonight I told a colleague that the trouble this season is there are no good looking men like Daughtry to keep me interested. When I finally got home from a long day at school (12 hours), I checked my bloglines. One of my links is Rolling Stone. Who was featured? Chris Daughtry! After reading the article, I was reminded it's more than his looks. I love his music and the music he references. Maybe I'll download his CD before I go to bed. My gratitude list for today: 1) the horrible papers are almost graded 2) the ice cream sundae event went well 3) the phenomenal people I work with (staff and administration)

Since I uploaded the video from YouTube (smooth if you know your blog's password and username), I didn't post my gratitude list. My list today is sketchy although watching this video should have been added to the list. It was well worth the half hour I spent. Besides the alternative was actually continuing to correct the poorly written papers I had started at school. How can students not follow basic instructions repeated multiple times? My gratitude list for today: 1) smell of rain and mist in the air 2) Kitty Klaus eats dry food (I'm watching the latest report on the wet food recall as I post.) 3) deciding that the papers can wait until tomorrow (I'm going to veg in front of the tv, read, or sleep tonight.)

HEE! HEE! HEE! I just spent a half hour signing up with YouTube (forgot my password and username) to post this video because it's awesome!!

It is the first day of spring although one wouldn't know it by the dreary day outside. This afternoon for a minute, the dreariness stopped. My travel agent called to inform me of a last minute deal ($400 cheaper) to Mazatlan. I immediately dialed to get more information. At that point the warm, sunny spring feeling ended. The trip leaves Wednesday. Spring break for me starts Friday. Dreariness continues. My gratitude list for today: 1) student calling me on my "attitude" (She pointed out I gave attitude to the person on the other end of the phone after I hung up.) 2) on time (For the first time in two weeks I arrived at the 7 am meeting on time although a fellow staff member had to run to the door to get in first.) 3) my presentation (Even though my presentation today wasn't awesome, it's done, and I was able to get home before 6:00.)

The guy next to me at the game made the wrong comment as our fans were giving some advice to the refs. "You're mean," he said. At the time I ignored his comment. Our fans were being "mean" because of the dramatic performance of the girl on the court, one of many. She wasn't hurt enough to leave the court or get medical attention, but she was hurt enough for her coach to talk to her fellow players. Our "mean" crowd even applauded the girl on the way out. ISU fans our loud. We do boo the refs and give advice. If that's mean, yes, we're mean. Our fans also continued to cheer for our team (on our feet) when we were 20 points (and sometimes more) behind. Our fans stayed for the entire game even though it was over at half. Our fans waited until all of the players were off the court before we left. Before I left, I did take a minute to talk to the guy next to me. "We may be mean, but we are a classy organization. Unlike our opp...

Green shouldn't merely be reserved for St. Patrick's Day. Yesterday I bought a new TV (not green) and left my old one (sound problems) next to the dumpster with the remote taped on top (green- reuse). This morning the TV was gone, and another set was left in its place. After I purchased my TV yesterday, I had a long monologue with my father about our throw away society. No one makes a TV to be fixed. They are made to be thrown out. The current microwave I use is twenty years old. Today I could buy one cheap, but I can guarantee it wouldn't last twenty years. Any electronic device follows the same notion. This afternoon I used the remainder of the packing peanuts I had been saving to pack a package (to be sent later). As I was pouring the peanuts into the box, I realized in the future I would stick to adding popped popcorn if I didn't have anything saved from a box shipped to me. After I packed the box, I opened the refrigerator to get a piece of pizza left ove...

This afternoon after Dad and I had a wonderful time with 6,000 other ISU fans in The Barn (poor facility compared to Hilton!), we went to my condo sales office. Since I received a survey to fill out (took ten minutes) and return to the office for a twenty dollar Target card, we stopped by the office. It also seemed like a good opportunity to show Dad the model. First of all, they did not have the cards. Second, the update on sales was less than impressive. Out of the 72 units, they probably only have 18 sold. When I purchased the condo, I was told that I would move in winter (Jan-Mar) of 2008. Today I was told that construction doesn't start until 50% of the units are sold (I knew this). When I asked if they still planned on the same move in period, the answer was shocking. Construction will be finished ten months (so they say) after 36 units are sold. They still have 18 left to sell. It looks like my move in date will be fall of 2008 (1 1/2 years from now). Of course I...

I went to the school musical tonight with a friend and her four year old daughter. As the last song approached, I was getting pretty antsy and really wanted to get up. About the same time, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the four year old looking at the program. Her mom was pointing out there was one song left. Of course I started to laugh, and my friend wanted to know what I was laughing about. "It's official. I can sit as long as a four year old," I answered. "What are you going to do when she gets older?" came the response.

It's Friday!!! The last two days have been days from Hell at school. Yesterday I vented on my principal (and others), "If this was my first year of teaching, it would be my last!" Of course since he is a caring boss, he let me vent and came to check on me later. I can't even imagine how many referrals I've written this year. Today I wrote two, one less than yesterday. The saving grace this week has been books and basketball. My evenings have been full of filling out brackets, watching the scoreboard, ordering tickets, and enjoying book clubs (three meetings this week). Book club is going better than basketball. Out of the three books I was supposed to read, I read all three. Out of the 24 basketball games played as I post, I've only won (guessed/predicted) eleven. My gratitude list for today: 1) chocolate brownie with walnuts 2) sunshine warming the inside of my car 3) quiet day of a final for the students

Pete Rose admits to betting on baseball (every game), but only his team. What's next? Barry Bonds admitting he used steroids. My gratitude list for today: 1) feeling free to skip Spanish class 2) knowing what I'm teaching for the remainder of the year (not how but what). 3) new Grey's episode tonight (VCR set)

Last night I watched three maybe four of the twelve participants on American Idol. After last year's Idol, it is difficult for me to get interested this year. I've watched some of three or four shows. Obviously I have very little knowledge of the show. This morning I entered into the end of an American Idol conversation as I waited for the single staff restroom. When I was asked who should leave, I gave some lame answer about how it was unfortunate that people forgot their words and how the women seemed so much stronger than the men. A five minute conversation followed in which I spoke as if I had not only watched the entire show last night, but I had watched all previous episodes. Listening to KDWB, "Dave's Dirt" on the way to work has its benefits. Tonight I'll probably watch part of the show (if it's on). Maybe I should watch an entire show before I speak about it again. My gratitude list for today: 1) school book club at Good Earth 2) the gift...

According to ESPN , the Green Bay Packers are thinking about trading for Randy (show your ass to the Packer fans) Moss. Certainly this is a sick joke!!

For about two weeks I have been fighting illness (sinus problems including ear and throat pain). Cold sores on my lips show this fight. This morning I was lectured by someone who I have only worked with once a week for seven months. She said I needed to get more rest on the weekends. I commented, "...easier said than done." One would think the conversation would have ended at this point, yet she continued. Her response was that I should have no problem resting and recuperating because I had "no babies." It's nice to know that because I have chosen not to have children, I have no life. My guess is that her "babies" are grown, so she must have unlimited time on her weekends. If you need anything done and have babies at home, please let me know because I have no babies and all the time in the world. My gratitude list for today: 1) record high for today 65º 2) no babies and time to read this evening 3) "Thin Mints"

Last night as I listened to the selection show, I filled out my NCAA Men's Bracket. The south and east brackets proved difficult. I have Florida, Kansas, Texas, and Memphis going to the Final Four which concerns me since I have two number ones, a number two, and a number four going to the finals. Typically there is someone with a lower seed in the Final Four. Today I received the school pool in my box. Tomorrow I will fill out my bracket (I'm not sure why they didn't set something up on the web!) and pay my two dollars. After spring break I will realize that I once again didn't win. Someone will win who chose teams by mascots or school colors. Afterall since I am not going anywhere for spring break, actually watched the selection show, and know something about college hoops, I deserve to win. Gratitude list for today: 1) J's father and his bricks (to elevate items in flooded garage) 2) time to watch the Women's Selection Show (go ISU) 3) cherry pie

I will have to admit from the end of February to the beginning of April is my second favorite sports season (fall and professional football still ranks number one). Yesterday I spent the afternoon and evening enjoying college basketball and listening to announcers banter back and forth about which four teams will have one seeds. Living in Minnesota during this time of the year is aggravating. Last night instead of showing the Big XII women's final game, Fox Sports North showed some hockey game. The ISU vs. OU game was rebroadcasted at 3am. Although I did contemplate setting my alarm to get up and watch the game, I videotaped it. My intention was to stay away from ESPN and ESPN.com, so I didn't know the score. This was impossible since I wanted to watch other games. Even though I know the final score, I am watching the game without commercials as I post. Besides I want to hear what the announcers have to say about Iowa State. Do you think if I wear an ISU sweatshirt, it...

My walk around the lake this morning was glorius. At the end of my walk, I stopped into Caribou. By listening to the conversation as I walked in the door, to my disbelief I realized the coffee boy is gay. Why is this worthy of a post? I always figured he started my drink as soon as I walked in the door because he found me personable and attractive. How did I not know? It does sound crazy, but I thought perhaps he was a bit "taken" with me. He's probably taken, but it's not with me. Maybe he still finds me personable. At least I still get my drink made before I order. My gratitude list for today (from my walk): 1) awesome layer of fog floating over the snow covered lake 2) birds chirping in the morning sunshine 3) the water from the melting snow glistening under my feet

Tonight I went to a performance put on my students of color from my district. This year's event was held at another venue because last year's attendance was too large for the previous venue. Although I don't know the specifics there were some activities outside the show last year that needed police presence. Towards the end of tonight's show the emcee (and student leader) came on stage and spoke about respecting the kids and how the devil had been in the auditorium. It seemed sketchy at the very least, but I assumed she was talking about drug dealings and/or fights. When 1/4 of the crowded auditorium started running toward the door, we decided to leave out the other exit. Already at the scene were a marked car and an unmarked car. As I left the parking lot, another patrol arrived with lights. I am saddened by the fact that a few thugs can ruin an event that was supposed to showcase students of color. Stereotypes are perpetuated by such events. Several of my st...

During conferences tonight a student, his mother, and I were discussing his organization. "What does your locker locker look like?" I asked him. With a look of concentration, he tried to decide and answered, "Like your desk or closet." OUCH! My gratitude list for today: 1) supportive parents 2) daffodils 3) my cat greeting me at the door

Today has not been a day for healthy eating. This is my food intake as of 5:03pm. Breakfast: Pom juice hot cocoa (skim!) AM snack: handful of M&Ms two chocolate chip cookies Lunch: piece (small) of cake two chocolate chip cookies nut mixture (raw) Diet Pepsi PM snack: one chocolate chip cookie I was offered a cupcake, but I turned it down! Currently, I am cooking some pasta for dinner wondering why I'm so tired! My gratitude list for today: 1) my babysitter and her husband 2) snow white and her perspective on the mirror photo What would happen if the images were reversed? 3) planning with a LA colleague

I received this picture in an e-mail today. The e-mail asked for help finding this mirror. It seems to me this mirror might be worth a lot of money. Please let me know if you have seen one or know where I can find one. My list of gratitudes for today: 1) look on a students face when he realized I chased him down for my pencil He swore he didn't have it then sheepishly (for him) brought it to me later! 2) dinner with dear friends and former (not old) colleauges served by a former student When we taught together, he was our student. 3) leaving all of my work at school This is getting to be a habit.

Today I asked the one who knows all the best way to package something (secret). Her advice was popcorn. At first I thought she was talking of the packing peanuts, then I realized she was probably speaking of actual popcorn. For some reason, I don't have the ability to make popcorn. The first time I tried to make popcorn using a pan and oil I burned my kitchen curtains. I forgot the little lesson about not adding water to oil in case of fire. When I put the kernel in to check the oil, it caught on fire, and I proceeded to add water to the pan. Obviously I didn't know what I was doing. Now I use the microwave stuff, but it never seems quite right. Either there are too many kernels left in the bag, or it is burnt. Tonight I will try the microwave stuff ($1.00 on sale) because it really doesn't matter if it turns out, since I am only using it as packing. Besides if it works, it's an earth friendly alternative! Wish me luck!! 1) good advice 2) sharing my classroo...

For the second time I was in the Give Away room instead of serving for the community meal. At first I was a bit bummed because I wouldn't have as much contact with the people. Tonight my job was handing out underwear (boxers/briefs or bikinis/briefs) and socks. This week I had much more interaction than I did with the cereal/rice/soup area. In fact I was able to talk with most of the people in line. Sometimes I forget how much people in poverty struggle. At one point I asked the woman in charge what to do with people who asked for extra items for people not present. If you know me, you are thinking, "Mary! You are the first to discuss (lecture) the fact that people wouldn't stand on the road for a dollar in change if they didn't need it!! What were you thinking?" The woman in charge handled this quite well and explained to me that which I already knew in my heart. These people stand in line for three hours for a meal, a pair of boxers, and two pairs of ...

Most of the time I have nothing important to say. Thursday as my students were all excited about getting out early, they all had the same question, "Do you think we will have school tomorrow?" "The snow is supposed to stop in the middle of the night which will give the plows time to clear the streets. My guess is we will have school tomorrow," I started. With more intensity I added, "I am 99% sure we will have school tomorrow, but on the 1% chance we don't have school tomorrow, make sure you take this assignment home. It is DUE on MONDAY!" This was actually a good piece of advice considering when I sat down to figure out my plans for the next week I realized much of what I need is still at school :(

Thanks to a wonderful friend I am once again receiving the Utne Reader . This month there are several articles on illegal immigration. One article title "Putting a Stop to Slave Labor" compares this work force to slavery. "Economically speaking, they served the same purpose as the Africans who slave for American masters through the first half of our nations history." Illigal immigration has been a concern of mine since I worked as a server when I came to Minneapolis. Although I couldn't tell you which people I worked with had a green card, I am sure that many didn't have this illusive piece of paper. It seems to me that it should be easier to become a U.S. citizen. Most of these illegal immigrants work for very low wages, complete jobs most U.S. citizens won't do, and manage to send money to their family. Last Sunday in church a woman asked us to pray for three children who are being deported. In December I watched in horror as immigration inva...

It was official at 9:30 last night! Today is a snow day!!! At first I was dismayed because the parking lot didn't have a path cleared, but I donned my boots (which had sat dormat in the closet for at least a year) and headed to the lake. Many times on this excursion my calves were surrounded by snow. It was actually quite a workout just getting to the lake and back. To my wonderment the path around the lake was actually clear. How is it that the path around the lake is clear, yet no one has made a path through my parking lot? After the lake adventure, I took my four wheel drive vehicle to run some errands none of which really needed to be done, but I wanted to check out the rest of town. The main roads are great, but some of the off streets are a bit more treacherous. It's now time to read a little before I take on anything else today. It's amazing at 10:41 AM I already have my list of gratitudes. It is going to be an awesome day!! My gratitude list for today: 1) ...

I lost my Caribou card on Sunday. A snowbank somewhere probably swallowed it, and it is getting buried even deeper as I post. Today I contacted Caribou (via internet, e-mail message, and phone call). They are going to replace my card and send it to me in the mail. Taking the time to register it seems to have been worthwhile. BTW I would LOVE to have a snow day tomorrow since we didn't have one today. My gratitude list for today: 1) relatively quick ride home considering the weather 2) the snow is beautiful 3) no parent teacher conferences