Miscellaneous Missives

It all started with a thrown lid. Let me try to make this concise. Thursday my honors class was finishing up literature circles. They do a great job conversing about the books. Since I gave one group of overachieving girls a more challenging read, they were a little "wound up." I was trying to get the group calmed down with no success. The events that followed were comical. These events followed with me taking the lid off of my small plastic Glad container (used to hold my raw nuts I eat at lunch) and throwing it like a frisbee at one of the young ladies. She smiled and said, "This isn't over yet." We all laughed and left when the bell rang. Friday a small plastic container full of sunflower seeds was left on my desk with a CD wrapped in a paper towel. Honestly I thought it was left by a student who always leaves stuff on my desk. I had asked around, but no one claimed it. Today I decided to look at the CD to get a hint. On the CD was my name someth...

Today I realized that I truly do have a church community. I am no longer someone merely attending. This morning during prayer time I offered up prayers for my brother and dad, both of whom need to visit the doctor this week to make sure they are cancer free... Although I believe deep in my heart that both will come out with positive results, a little added prayer never hurts. This evening I helped serve the community meal at church. It's official; I'm on underwear (boxers or briefs/bikinis or briefs) and sock duty (ankle?). Realistically this is a compliment because it's a difficult job; it's the front line for most of the guests. The new leaders realized I was really good at this or at least that's what they told me. Anyway, I digress. As I entered the dining area to help set up before the doors were opened for guests, a lady, whom I know from my church service and church book club, came up to talk to me. She was very sincere and wanted more information ab...

Today our reading at church was the 23rd Psalm. The focus was God as a shepherd. The pastor started by saying many people don't necessarily relate to the shepherd and sheep because we don't like to think of ourselves as being herded. This is particularly fitting for me. I don't like to conform to the masses especially when the reasoning is "everyone is doing it." I like to have more substance in my decisions. Basically I've always been a bit of an individual. This being said, I do relate to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as my shepherd, especially The Spirit. It is The Spirit that leads me... leads me to stillness. leads me to peace. leads me to quiet. leads me to love. leads me to forgiveness (of myself and others). leads me to people with morals. leads me to a caring community. leads me to a purpose. leads me to energy. leads me to generosity. leads me to kindness. leads me to reassurance. leads me to knowledge. leads me to be reasonable. leads me to understa...

Today is NFL draft day. I had planned on watching most of the draft while I worked on lesson plans for the next two weeks. These plans are troublesome because of the short time frame. Typically I watch the draft most of the day on Saturday (bizarre). The start time was 11 am. After taking my walk, my draft day plans changed. Since the weather was beautiful, staying inside watching television (working on a media unit) didn't seem like my best option. Instead of watching the draft in its entirety, I watched in spurts. I did catch the total shock when Miami skipped over Brady Quinn. For a short time I hoped the Rams would pick him up. The Rams actually picked the exact player I would have picked, for the first time in years. Later I was also able to see Quinn go to Cleveland. My only dismay was Adrian Peterson (OU) going to the Vikes. It's only round three, but I am pleased with the Rams first two picks. Plus I have a good start on my media literacy unit. Maybe by t...

Today I experienced complete disrespect. First I will have to admit I acted (am still acting) badly, but I have no time or energy for people with no respect for others and people who make decisions for others without thinking it through. Last week my team made a group decision about today's activity. We all decided how to do the activity and communicated it with the special education teacher attached to our team. In fact, at the time she (sp. ed. teacher) was pleased with the lack of disruption to her schedule. This morning two teachers decided to change the events without thinking it through or asking the input of others. When the team finally came together, after the decision was made, it was basically split (two against, two for, and one undecided). I had talked to the office to get there input. The rationale for the last minute change was "everyone else is doing it." What are we, seventh graders? Please!! The office of course agreed with me that it didn...

The Democratic presidential candidates are debating on MSNBC. The more I listen the more I like Edwards and Obama. Kucinich and Clinton bother me somewhat. The remainder of the candidates scare me! Is anyone watching (Did anyone watch)? What are you thoughts? Go to politics.msnbc.com for more information on the candidates and debate.

This morning I stopped to get my advisory group donuts. As I walked out of the building, a car was parked in the fire lane with its engine running. The parking spaces were approximately fifteen yards from this car. Either the person thought they were very important, or he/she was quite lazy. May I also mention it was quite warm this morning. Too warm to leave one's car running. With all of the news about global warming, I would think conserving a bit of energy would be a priority. Truthfully I'm appalled by the ignorance of this person who obviously does what ever is convenient without considering other people.

At 4:50 am my alarm buzzed leaving me with a decision. Should I go to the gym to work on these extra five pounds I'm carrying, or should I go back to bed? I decided to let my inbox make the decision. If I have mail (not junk) I will go back to bed. If I only have junk mail, I will go to the gym. I received an e-mail from my friend V and went back to bed! At least I didn't flip a coin.

I don't know that I have a best friend, but I have the best friends. Today I received an e-mail first thing about my cat from a dear friend. Another friend brought me Milk Duds. As I was walking into my class tonight yet another friend gave me a container of pomegranate green tea. During class I got a voice mail from another wonderful friend. When I got home, another long time friend sent me a nice e-mail. In all reality, I didn't deserve any of these niceties because I did nothing nice for any of these people today. Actually, I messed up one's evening, asked one for her CDs, rely constantly on one, and have not been so good keeping in touch with the other two. How did I manage to get these wonderful people in my life? ...and that's just today.

Tonight after school I went to visit my friend's dog, Milo, after school. I told him (as promised) that he was smart, let him out, gave him a treat, and told him I would return after dinner to spend the night. Next I stopped home to pack my overnight bag and give my kitty some attention. As soon as I entered the door, he greeted me and started whining. I ignored it at first but it continued. While I was in the kitchen packing my breakfast and lunch for tomorrow, I noticed he hadn't eaten any of his food. Since he was continuing to scream, I stopped and tried to give him some attention. He ran under the bed, so I reached in to feel his paws (very warm). I panicked, canceled my dinner plans, and called Milo's mom, "My cat is sick..." She was very understanding and found alternate care for Milo. Not really knowing what to do, I went to buy some different food to see if new food would be enticing. Opening the windows was my next ploy to cool the apartment do...

Today is the 37th Earth Day, and it seems little is being done to protect our Earth. Although there seems to be more public interest in global warning and protecting our environment, the government seems to sabotage most of these efforts. Truthout.org has an article today discussing global warming and public interest. The cliche "Every day is Earth day" needs to become more of a reality. The three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) need to be practiced. I try to walk to complete a number of my errands instead of driving and buy products with less packaging (reduce). I try to buy used books and purchase items that are not limited to one use and buy products made from recycled materials (reuse). I try to recycle by the obvious recycling of plastics, newspapers, etc. plus take as many of my items to organizations that can reuse and redistribute them (recycle). Notice I said I try. With a little effort I think I could do a better job. Today the Discovery Channel is runn...

Magers and Quinn is my preferred bookstore. I have the number in my cell phone. When I want a book, I call and ask them to hold it for me. Typically they have what I'm looking for either in a new or used copy. With the exception of one man, the staff is helpful. Today I had to talk to the gentleman on staff whom I feel is less than helpful and less than polite. He seemed perturbed that he was going to have to take the order for a new book, so I said, "I think I've changed my mind and will order that later." It could be my imagination, but he actually sighed in relief. Since he is the only staff member whom with I have any frustrations, I will continue to buy the majority of my books with them. Recently I saved a Magers and Quinn newsletter because I am interested in reading Paulo Coehlo's new book. As I looked at it today to check on the release date, I noticed M & Q now has a blog . Do I really need anymore book ideas? Of course!

For several months I have passed a store, ReGifts , on my way home from the chiropractor. Today I decided to actually walk through the store. I love soaps and of course bought a bar while I was looking through this inventive little shop. As I left I was given a business card made from stamping the unprinted side of reused boxes (such as Pop Tarts)... great idea! Although some things (the frame made from a bike chain @ $39) were out of my price range, I loved the concept and would stop again. If you're near Cedar and 42nd, stop in and see for yourself.

It looks like the village in Texas isn't the only place missing an idiot. I can't believe that John McCain thinks this is funny. This should make it easier for the Dems in 2008!

Student #1: Do you know what PPL stands for? Me: No (smiling) Student #2: She was smiling as she said it. Student #1: People Me: What people? Student #1: No, it stands for people. Student #2: She's messing with you. Yes, I was messing with him. It's LA not TXT MSG, and we're not working on abbreviations.

A friend e-mailed this to me today. I found it fitting since I am currently reading the The Scent of God, a nun's memoir. The nun jumping at the end was a bit funny. It wasn't LOL as many people mentioned on YouTube. It is more uplifting anything I had to say today!

Today was the first of four MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) tests. We continued with our schedule in the afternoon and shortened classes. My last class took too long to get started. D comes into my class late and sits down in his desk. I give him the look, so he clears his desk. "Is there anything else you want to do?" I start. He looks to his neighbors and reaches for his book. "Anything else?" He gives the class another glance and reaches for his papers. "Anything else?" I get a blank stare. "Are there any school rules you would like to follow?" "Oh yeah." He grabs his pants and pulls them above his butt. "Any other school rules?" A blank stare is followed by his walk to the garbage can. Forty-five seconds later he spits his gum and and sits down. I ask him to spit out his gum every day. Yesterday he actually put a book up in front of his face, so I wouldn't see him chew it which obviously made it more...

Pseudonephrine is the ingredient in many allergy/sinus medications that is a decongestant. It is also a main ingredient in meth which is the reason many states currently have it behind the pharmacy counter. Friday I received a call from my brother. He wanted to know if I knew I was taking pseudonephrine everyday in my allergy prescription. Of course I didn't know. I even went to check the bottle to see if he was correct. Since I had sent him a bottle, he was correct. If I had known, I wouldn't have been taking it everyday. Patiently he explained how pseudonephrine masks the symptoms instead of taking care of them which in turn breaks down the health of the sinus membranes. This breaks down the sinuses ability to heal itself. No wonder I've been having problems with my ears lately. Specifics were given. Although I didn't know the specifics, I knew it was destructive and guessed it was addictive. It is helpful if used for a series of days. I have been taking...

Last night I read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy is phenomenal! Although I enjoyed (I'm not sure enjoyed is the word... contemplated) his other books, I couldn't quit thinking about this book. It took me forever to get to sleep. At first I was confused by the punctuation. Typically he takes liberties with punctuation which works for him and his style. When I started reading, his lack of apostrophes was driving me crazy. After 46 (?) pages of reading, I started a tally to figure out when he used them (anytime it's not negative n't). As soon as I realized his pattern, I went back and started from the beginning. I also had a dictionary (used often) with me as I read the entire book. He is truly a gifted writer. I think everyone should read this book, so I really don't want to talk about the plot (would love to after you've read it... you know talk about the book as opposed to talking about your kids or your spring break!). The back of the book i...

It seems I've spent quite a bit of time in the chiropractor's office lately. On one of my recent visits, my head hurt too bad to read while I had the accupuncture needles in my head, so I picked up a couple of magazines from the table and took them with me to the room. The People magazine seemed perfect for my head because it was filled with pictures. I didn't care that it was a special issue from December. Today I found the magazine and wondered why I had brought it home. As I looke through it, I remembered. Actually I was intrigued by this issue. The opening section was title "What Book Changed Your Life?" Although a single book didn't change my life; books changed my life. "Words to Live By" followed later in the issue. Someone, Nora Ephron, I knew nothing about kept me entertained. She had a list of "What I Wish I'd Known." This is the part I wanted to keep and share. "Never a marry a man you wouldn't want to b...

I am involved in four book clubs. This week I met with two of the book clubs. The first one on Wednesday was supposed to start at 4:00 pm. It was 4:45 by the time everyone arrived. We spent approximately fifteen minutes talking about the book of which I had actually taken the time to mark several passages for conversation. This book club loves to talk about baby names and children. Since the pregnant member was absent, I thought I should give a quote from the book immediately to direct the converstation to the literature. As soon as we started talking about spring break and children, I knew it was over. Maybe it didn't help that there was a MAJOR miscommunication and only four people showed. Last night I met with the second book club. We spent the first hour (or more) talking about spring break. When we finally started talking about the book, the conversation was actually decent. I don't mind talking and reconnecting with everyone, but I really think we could accomp...

At a meeting this morning, we were supposed to look at a form sent via e-mail about the upcoming tests. I mentioned that mine was probably in my trash. The leader of the meeting doubted it until my colleagues agreed I probably had. Then, the realization came that it was in the staff conference folder, so I couldn't have deleted it. This bugs me! Deleting e-mails gives me freedom. Opening up my e-mail to over ten e-mails is completely overwhelming. At the present time I have six e-mails in my work e-mail and two e-mails in my home e-mail. Using that trash can gives me control over at least one thing in my life!

I thought April 1st was April Fool's Day. Today we are having snow and 32º. At least the "grass is always greener on the other side" doesn't work in this situation. When I talked to my father, he mentioned they have six inches of snow and huges winds which have cancelled school. In most areas at least I can still see some grass.

This evening I had the privilege to listen to Anne Lamott. I love her non-fiction and may need to read some of her fiction. Honestly, I love her because she reminds me a little of myself... if only I was as funny. She talked about how Traveling Mercies was light because she wrote it during the Clinton administration while Plan B was more dark written during the first four years of Bush. She started by reading a chapter from her latest book Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith . Even though I have read the book her reading still resonated with me and humored me. I laughed as much tonight as perhaps I have laughed since it was 81º. I took notes over things I had already read such as: "They were spiritual in the same way I was and am, devout, with a sometimes bad attitude, a black sense of humor, and tendencies toward gossip and character assassinations." She did a great Q & A session in which she mentioned, "the Earth has not been a good match for me..."...

Teaching my first class after break, I took a teachable moment and made it completely inappropriate. Of course the students were giddy and talkative sitting next to their friends they had missed over break. One of our more intelligent girls told me and the class about a commercial she had seen at her cousin's house. Basically it compared two "glamorous" jobs, cleaning out toilets and stripping (climbing on poles). "That's sexist," said one ignorant young man in class. "It's not necessarily sexist. Actually it's a good commercial showing two very unglamorous jobs," I stated and tried to explain the point of the commercial. I continued with the lesson of the day which was nothing to do with stripping or cleaning out toilets. As I started to hand out articles to the students, I stopped. "This is completely inappropriate," I started. "But... it might not be glamorous, but they may make more money than I do." Oops! Firs...

Enough! This morning it is 18º (-2º windchill). Please, I changed my closet around because I am ready to wear spring clothing. I would be happy with shorts and a sweatshirt. Yesterday we drove by Lake Calhoun on the way to Linden Hills. Amazing ice formations had formed on the shore (southeast?) of the lake. This morning I took several pictures. As I post I'm watching KARE 11, Belinda Jensen just commented on the weather, "...that sunshine looks beautiful too bad it isn't." Kitty Klaus is oblivious to the outside weather. Today is my last day for the gratitude list (added for Lent) although I may decide to continue later. It does help me to realize "life is good." My gratitude list for today: 1) brilliant blue of the lake and incredible ice formations 3) Dad is coming for Easter 3) Easter dinner invitation from fun and wonderful friends

Tonight is the Tenebrae service at church. I wasn't sure what tenebrae meant. According to a semi-credible Google site, tenebrae is Latin for shadows, and the service deals with the emotional importance of the Holy week. To find more information, I looked the word up on dictionary.com. which was not helpful. **Ten·e·brae /ˈtɛnəˌbreɪ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ten-uh-brey] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun (used with a singular or plural verb) Roman Catholic Church. the office of matins and lauds for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Holy Week, sung respectively on the afternoon of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week, at which the Crucifixion is commemorated by the gradual extinguishment of candles. "tenebrae." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 06 Apr. 2007. . The Good Friday message always has emotional impact for me because of the choices made. Jesus was sent to us as a man who dealt with abandonme...

At tonight's service Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman spoke. It was impressive to see the Jewish Rabbi welcomed in a Christian church. She was asked to explain the Seder meal. In reality the Seder meal has evolved. The way Christians use it at Maundy Thursday services is not how Jesus would have experienced it. Several times as she was speaking I was longing for a piece of paper and pen. A passage from Exodus (I didn't know if it was from the Bible or Torah) depicts a more realistic view of the Last Supper (lamb, wine, bread...). Both the rabbi and our minister spoke of the words used during communion with explanation of how they would have been used at that time. These are words of redemption (for Jesus it was personal). I later took down comments I remembered and found worth contemplation. Noah Ben Shea (author) said, "Freedom is not the absence of slavery. Freedom is remembering slavery." These may not be exact words. Rabbi Zimmerman gave a general explanation in ...

Although I have been researching green (earth friendly) polish, I may or may not follow through with the new polish. I'll probably change the polish remover. Today I saw a lady in church with green (color) polish and decided I wanted some. After the service I bought some for myself. Do you like it?

Today is Holy Thursday. As part of my adding to Lent, I went to the 12:00 service and plan on attending the service this evening. As I sat waiting for the service to begin, I took in the senses of the chapel... the faint scent of burning candle, the whisperings of others, the shoes tapping on the wooden floor, the smoothness of the wooden pew, the presentation of the eucharist draped in white, the vibration of the organ. Knowing the sense of taste would be the bread and the wine (grape juice), I wondered about the senses surrounding the Last Supper. More importantly, I wondered what they were feeling, sensing inside. My feelings typically center around the somberness of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in juxtaposition to the celebration of Easter Sunday. I felt the same way waiting for service to start today. After (probably during) the service I realized that was indeed the message... service. It wasn't being somber or the holiness of the day; it was doing as Jesus said a...

Since I was out/up too late last night, I didn't go to the gym this morning. My plan was to walk, but when I awoke and checked the weather via window and television (snow flurries and 17º), I was annoyed and decided not to walk. It's April. Last night I was annoyed when I watched the local news. It seems Pawlenty (puh lenty of money) has decided to raise money to pay for advertisements against the Dems tax hike for the RICH. Maybe Pawlenty could spend the money he is raising on something such as health care and/or education. This morning I heard part of someone speaking about Bush. He said that Bush was president not king. Since I didn't see who it was or hear the majority of his complaint, I googled "president not king" "Bush." It seems whoever was speaking was not the only one with such thoughts. Google produced 1,400 references. Obviously I am always annoyed with Bush, and I am not the only one. His latest... pass it, so I can veto it seems...

Although I haven't made it a daily habit, recently I've made frequent trips to Jamba Juice for the new Pomegranate Paradise (with an immune or energy boost). I have even contemplated replacing my daily summer strawberry malt (a bit excessive) with a Pomegranate Paradise (maybe every other day). My thought is it would be less fattening and more nutritious. In fact yesterday I looked up locations on the Jamba Juice website disappointed there wasn't one within walking distance. Today I realized nothing is as it seems when I looked at my Bloglines. Yesterday boingboing.net reported that Jamba Juice isn't necessarily completely honest in its labeling. Although this doesn't affect me because I drink the pure fruit drinks, it is disheartening. Jamba Juice's non-dairy drinks actually contain milk . What exactly is it that makes it "non-dairy?" How can they advertise as "non-dairy?" Is anyone honest? Maybe I should check out the juice joi...

For some unknown reason, my cat loves to sit on a bag of any kind. When my dad comes to visit, Kitty Klaus always places himself on top of Dad's computer case. Tonight while I am watching the Twins (opening game) and waiting for the NCAA championship, I am attempting to do some school work. My cat is not making it easy. He kept crawling on my red bag, filled with contents I am trying to use. Instead of continually moving him, I went and found a new bag. It didn't work at first, but as soon as he thought I may have interest in the blue bag, he stretched and made himself at home on top of the bag. It's not very often I actually outsmart my cat! Oh, why did I take time to post and load this picture? I'm not as interested as I could be in making forms for literature circles although I will need to do it sometime during break.

Just maybe it is spring although I've seen few signs. Sunday was the start of Holy Week. What's more spring than Easter? Today I put my jacket on to go work out wondering if wearing shorts to the gym was a good idea. At the grocery store I bought more fruits and vegetables which I consider a sign of spring (warmer weather/more concern with weight). As I passed some bushes on my return walk home, I actually saw buds beginning to form. Plus the city park crew was actually trimming the trees and making mulch (definately a smell of spring). This afternoon as I finished my third YA book of spring break, I noticed the sun shining through my windows. The cat actually left my lap to go find solace in the sun. I'm sure after the ongoing days of clouds, he figured it was gone for good. Actually I was wondering the same myself. Although I kept saying the clouds and rain are helping me stay more productive inside, I actually missed seeing something bright hanging in the sky....

I started my morning by grabbing my jean jacket to find something in the top buttoned pocked. Of course I immediately opened the pocket to find several bills folded. "Sweet," I exclaimed. Then I realized there were also checks made out to group I had helped. My elation quickly turned to nausea. I no longer help with this specific group although I still help the organization. Since this group is defunct, I really don't have anyway of returning the money. As I drove back to Minneapolis, I called a friend who I knew would give me sound, moral advice. Her line was busy, so I took another look at the money and checks. The cash totalled $75, and the checks were dated 11/18/04... over two years ago. When S finally answered, I started the conversation with, "This may seem like it, but it is not an April Fool's joke." Another friend had suggested the money had just paid my little excursion to Cedar Falls. Obviously, I didn't feel comfortable with that ...