Miscellaneous Missives

Today we started the second part of packing Dad's stuff from the house of almost forty years. The second part is basically the upstairs. This means less stuff to the landfill and more to charitable organizations including my friend who is helping pack. Although this round is less physically draining, it is more emotional draining. We did take a boat excursion around sunset which was a nice break to a stressful day. I am looking forward to the day I can visit my dad in his new house with everything in its place.

Keith Olbermann always has a lot of truth with an equal amount of humor. In this eight minute YouTube video, he talks about the ending to the final Harry Potter book which I will buy and read on July 21st. Take time to watch the entire video! If you can't download, search YouTube.

I bring a sweatshirt or sweater everywhere I go in the summer because I know in any air conditioned space I will need something. Typically I get chilled, even goose bumps, easily. Why am I even contemplating putting on my swimsuit to sit outside and read today? Currently it's 67º and sunny. Is the sun enough?

For some unknown reason there is something sexy about a man and his guitar. Recently I went to the movie Once (can you believe it?). As I enjoyed the music and movie, I kept thinking about the main actor, Glen Hansard. Is he sexy? Yes. Would I notice him on the street? Yes... probably to think he was weird. He is not attractive, yet when he sings, this somehow changes. Maybe this is another reason I am still single. Today I took time to download the soundtrack to my iPod.

At six o'clock this morning, my friend S and I headed to Hastings to pick strawberries. When we arrived at the berry picking farm we were given a cardboard box and a flag to mark where we finished picking. Three nuns were picking next to us. The picking was fun. As I picked the berries, I thought about how berries are like people... different sizes, shapes, and colors. We left picking berries and went to downtown Hastings, but the antique stores didn't open until ten o'clock. By twelve thirty I had cleaned half of the strawberries and made a pie (first time making a fresh strawberry pie). This was my first time picking strawberries. Ironically, S and I went blueberry picking in Alaska. It was also my first time picking blueberries. What's next for us? raspberries? I would have never imagined myself picking berries, cleaning berries, and making a pie out of berries. In three hours I'll find out if the pie is any good. Maybe I'll have more berries cle...

After YA book club I was motivated to come home and finish the average book I was reading, so I could start a new book. I poured a glass of iced tea, and sat down to read. Kitty Klaus immediately sat next to the glass (because it was cold?). As I sat reading Kitty Klaus continued to watch the glass even when I moved it. While reading I kept an eye on the glass and Kitty Klaus humored by his intensity. I was also a bit nervous about having iced tea on the floor. It looks like Kitty Klaus has found a new friend.

I had been listening to a novel (Keeping Faith) by Jodi Picoult. Since I was getting a bit bored listening to it, I decided to read it and finish it today. The first Picoult book I read was My Sister's Keeper . Although it's not my in my list of top ten, I did find the book intriguing. It seems her books are a "hit" with book clubs because I've read three for various book clubs. Keeping Faith was one of these. Before I mentioned I was a bit bored with it. This is mainly because her books seem to be the same, and the endings become predictable. The first thing I did when I decided to read it instead of listening to it was look at the end of the book. I had in my mind how I wanted it to end, and if it didn't end that way, I wasn't going to finish it. Picoult's books tell a good story, but the character development and writing style don't do much for me. I've now read five books by Jodi Picoult ( Vanishing Acts , My Sister's Keeper...

Last night I finished The Tender Bar . Although I didn't grow up in a bar as JR did, I have spent a good share of my life either behind the bar or "belly up" to the bar. Moehringer's prologue resonated with me: "We went there for everything we needed. We went there when thirsty, of course, when hungry, and when dead tired. We went there when happy, to celebrate, and when sad, to sulk... We went there when looking for love, or sex, or trouble, or for someone who had gone missing, because sooner or later everyone turned up there. Most of all we went there when we needed to be found." This book did not disappoint. It's an interesting book about love, unrequited love, family, lack of family, survival, being lost, education, and the uneducated; it's a book about life. The characters are real. I could reminisce and visualize at least two bars as I read about the life at Publicans. The establishment was familiar with its long wooden bar and "...

I found some pictures of my family from the 70s and 80s when I was helping my dad pack up the house. They were in old photo albums. Today I went to Marshall's and found a frame for them. It's nice to have pictures from my youth. At one time I was young (and kind of cute). Hey, check out my brother. Does he look like PhD material?

Today I had the opportunity to attend a children's literature symposium at the U of M. As I sat outside on campus reading my book ths a.m., I was reminded how wonderful it was to be on campus. Most of the day I felt the same way; it's nice to be around educated people who share similar beliefs. Unfortunately, during the first speaker after lunch, I was reminded of pompous university educators who believe they have all of the answers yet have "no clue" how to share this information and have "no clue" about the constraints of the public school system. Basically it was a successful day. It is said that if one gets something they can use from a workshop, it is successful. Today I not only left with something I could use and many resources, I also left a bit revitalized for the upcoming school year. I also know my limits and will not think about school again (I hope) until August!

As most people know, I have Magers and Quinn's phone number in my cell phone. When I hear about a book I would like to read/buy, I call them up and ask them to put it on hold. They take my name, and I stop in when I get time. This past weekend a friend was raving about The Tender Bar . I called Magers and Quinn on Monday, and today I walked over to pick up the book. Before I had a chance to tell the gentleman behind the counter my name, he had the book in his hand. "Mary, right?" he asked. He then proceeded to tell me he would give me the frequent buyer discount. Once I was a half block away, I checked my receipt to see he gave me a 10% discount. This probably won't happen every time I go in the store since it has never happened before, but today it was a pleasant surprise.

Each day I read the blog of my pastor. She always leaves me thinking. Today her blog (admittingly taken from a card she saw at a bakery) focused on "If your life was a table, what would your chair look like?". As I thought about what my chair would look like, I decided to steal it and use it as my blog post for today. If my life was a chair, it would be a wooden rocking chair. The wood would be a solid oak, but it would be painted with bright primary colors (red, yellow, blue, green, and orange although orange isn't a primary color). Although the chair would be solid, worn places would be noticable (probably on the seat and the bottom that had rubbed against the floor). Several spots on the chair would also show that the paint had been chipped off although the chair itself would be sturdy. Finally the chair would be located in a sunny window maybe looking out over water of some form. Wind would blow in frequently moving the chair. Finally many people would sit in...

Two years ago I visited a friend in Alaska over the summer. I figured it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. This summer I will once again visit Alaska. My dad and I are going the week before I start back to school. Today I booked a halibut/salmon all day fishing charter and a glacier cruise. This was not an easy (or cheap) process, but I am glad it is done. Talking to people and receiving confirmations online makes it seem real and exciting. Maybe it's a good thing that my condo isn't ready because I won't be able to save money for the condo this summer. The money will go to Alaska.

Battered and bruised I returned this evening from helping my dad pack up the house he has lived in for over 30 years. Although we didn't get as much packed as I had hoped, we enjoyed each other's company and worked hard. My dad amazes me! He is over twenty years older than me with a back and knees full of arthritis, yet he has been working long hours building this house. This weekend he handled the packing better than I did, plus he went back to the new house to work tonight as I drove home. How does he do it? Today I was honored to be able to spend the day helping him venture into this new phase of his life. Although it will be difficult, he will have a great life at his new place.

This is a tougher job than I imagined. I guess it's a lesson for everyone to periodically go through your residence and clean out the unecessary items. Today we took two truckloads to the landfill. We've done fairly well getting things boxed, thrown, or given to someone. Steeple People will be happy to see me with my car full of clothing, glasses, etc. My back is "killing me!" It hasn't been all work. Today I had my "hair done," and we went to a wedding this afternoon. There was also time (not much) for messing around. After we decided that Michael's Halloween costume (the butter stick) was not going to make the move, I "coaxed" Dad into trying it on. Luckily it fit!!!

Although we didn't make my goal of getting the garage, attic, and basement packed away, today was eventful. We took four truckloads to the landfill. Treehugger.com would not be impressed. I managed to cut my toe with a piece of sheet metal before I traded in the Tevas for shoes. Later in the evening I also managed to slice my finger open with a knife while trying to jimmmy a fireproof safe... The attic is empty (contents pictured above minus a truckload) and the garage is boxed. Oh, guess who we found in the attic (picture above). After hauling up fourteen boxes from the basement, we decided to start again in the morning.

Me- So how many cans of WD40 do you think you had? Dad- Seven. You kept two and through five away. It's not expensive. It's usually on sale. That's why I had so many. Good stuff! Exact conversation over Bunny Tracks (Wells Blue Bunny ice cream).

Today I drove to my dad's house to help him start packing for the move. We have a total of three garbage bags filled and four boxes packed. This task will certainly prove to be overwhelming. We did get some things accomplished: 1) bought a gas fire place for the new house 2) bought paint for a small chest (to match dresser) to put in the downstairs guest bedroom 3) ate at the Taco house 4) looked at flights and rental cars for Alaska 5) talked about what furniture would/could/should be donated. Also, we took a break to watch the three guys put in the granite countertops. Check out the new pictures on Dad's blog . Tomorrow we plan to get the attic, garage (started today), and basement packed. I'm not overly optimistic.

Today I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with my realtor (whom I trust). She explained that I couldn't get my earnest money back until October '08. Of course I knew this. I wanted to know if I should start looking for something new and give up the money. After a lengthy conversation, I signed my apartment lease for another year. Basically Track 29 is my best option (location and money) even if it takes awhile (months) for construction to start. Without going into details, I feel comfortable waiting and saving some more money. It's a good thing I'm like my apartment.

Newsflash! I don't like to wait. The carpet cleaners were supposed to be here between 9am and 10am. It is 10:04. Although it's nice to have an hour time frame instead of having them tell me they will be there Tuesday, I expected them at 9am. I know... I barricaded the refrigerator door shut which last night at 7pm seemed like a super, fabulous idea. This morning it has made me somewhat of an acrobat as I fetched Pom juice after my walk and recently went in to get the strawberries, milk, knife, spoon, bowl, and cereal. Since everthing is piled in the kitchen, on the couch, or on the bed, my opportunity to read comfortably has been removed. Lying on a bare floor reading only keeps me engaged for twenty minutes at a time. At least I took a walk at 6:30; I can't imagine how crazed I'd be without that bit of exercise.

Today S came over, so I could show her Kitty Klaus' routine. She will be watching him this week while I go help Dad pack. Kitty Klaus was less than friendly upon her arrival. I explained that he should be more polite because he was looking at all the love and attention he would receive later in the week, but he wasn't impressed. Actually I turned on the AC today because he wasn't eating. When it cools down, maybe he will be more sociable.

Yesterday was a day for the crates and books. Today is my day to do basic cleaning. It's the cleaning that I should do weekly yet never seem to have the time (HA). My day will even include the dusting I detest. The first act of business is to find the grey mouse since we found the yellow (a little beat up) mouse behind the crates, and we know the location of the black mouse, but the grey mouse is Kitty Klaus' favorite. The task isn't as easy as it sounds because once I start looking Kitty Klaus knows exactly what I'm doing (typically I don't look under the bed, stove, behind book cases, etc.). My search must continue until we find it. Maybe it will take long enough that I won't have time to dust.

I'm not used to relaxing in the sun. When the clouds came in, I went inside instead of waiting for them to pass which they did. Instead I decided to get a bucket of warm water, a dust cloth, and bottle of windex to clean my crates, used as a bookcase, and the pictures on top. These pictures are taken with six of the fourteen crates done. I've decided to get rid of some books. It looks like I'll have plenty of room to purchase more books!

Today (June 9) is World Naked Bike Day . Celebrations are planned in cities around the world. If I had air in my bike tires, I'm sure I would participate! Treehugger.com is in favor (not of me riding naked, of the day itself).

Yesterday a friend e-mailed me this interesting site . Today the same site was featured on BoingBoing.net . It is definitely worth the time to view the site! I've actually looked at the pictures several times. If you can't open the links, use googe. It is amazing how little food some families live on for a week, and the family units are also interesting. I think (know) I would be embarrassed to have a picture taken with the food I eat in a week. My goal is for my eating habits to change as summer begins!

Today was the last day with kids and not a minute too soon. Officially I kicked a student out of every class (and lunch). Only one kid didn't deserve it; he came in tardy after I told him not to the previous class. The rest were obnoxious, and I was pleased to have them out of my room (and sight). This year has been incredible (not in a positive way). I look forward to hanging out and talking with teachers tomorrow. My room is packed, and I have completed my end of the year checklist with the exception of typing a letter! Be thankful this is the last "school" post until fall. I am certainly thankful. School's out for summer. Sing along with me... Out for summer/Out till fall/We might not go back at all!

Monday and Tuesday of this week I bribed my advisory group with donuts to pack up my room (cover bookshelves, take posters down, sort through the lost and found, etc.) One of the tasks I asked them to do was to take my plants to my car. Of course I always entrust a "good" student. Today the students who were not able to participate in "activity day" stayed back in my room. The majority of these students were not able to participate because of discipline referrals. After they spend a couple of hours working diligently (after I kicked two out!) on an assignment, they helped with the remainder of the packing up and cleaning for summer. I really wanted two heavier crates taken to my car, but truly there was no one worth trusting with my keys. Being somewhat lazy, I still decided to send two boys with the crates to my car. Both of these boys have been booted from my class multiple times. As they left I reminded them to lock the doors to my car when they were fin...

This afternoon I bought three hard covered books in anticipation for summer reading because I really don't have enough books. I sat down to read On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan with the goal of getting half way through. Since it was an easy read, I finished the novel (the first Ian McEwan novel I have ever been able to finish). This is definately a "beach" read. Without saying much about the plot, I found it comical and perverse (not perverted, but perverse). At the end of the novel I was left with... "What the..." and "Did he ever have..." This could be an interesting book club discussion depending on the mood of those involved which I have found is true with all of my book clubs (4 total).

NBC has announced a new summer show that somewhat intrigues me. It's title is Age of Love . The premise is similar to The Bachelor, but this time the women are divided into two groups (the cougars, older women and the kittens, younger women). I, being a cougar, can't imagine living with a bunch of young women on national television even if the man was worth it. BTW, I did check out his picture online, and if he did something with his hair, he would be attractive. I wonder about his personality. Maybe I'll tune in for an episode if I am really bored and my book pile has dwindled to one.

Three days left with students and finally a student puts this year into perspective. A student is giving a speech (of her own not from research). Her speech is about the importance of education. It lasts twenty seconds. The information shared with the class and me says a lot about the students this year. She explains that education is important. Math is important because you need it to become a cashier, and p.e. is important because you need it to become an athlete. Our future depends on a class who doesn't care and aspires to learn math to be a cashier. This is only equaled to the student, on our team, who explained he didn't need to go to school to make money. I am at a loss!

I woke up this morning from a teacher dream. In my experience teacher dreams typically come at the beginning of school year not with a week to go. The dream started with me sending a student to the "think table." This student's behavior worsened, so I sent him to the quiet room. He refused to go and the QR attendant was called. While in my room retrieving this student, I sent three more boys with him who were rapping and had refused to stop. The QR administrator asked me if I really wanted to send the kids out stating it might hurt me more than it hurt them. I explained I wanted them out or the dean could come try to teach the class with the disruptions of these four students. Next a janitor comes to work on my white board and proceeds to cut off the bottom of my posters which hang on the board. I ask him to move them instead of cutting and show him the ease at which the posters are moved. Of course he cuts off two more, and I kick him out. When he refuses to ...

This afternoon I made sandwiches for the Dignity Center. People living in poverty visit the dignity center for help (jobs, housing, sandwiches, caring people, etc.). I always buy whole wheat bread and turkey salami. As I've probably mentioned in a previous post, I also try to pray over the sandwiches as I make them. Today I said a few prayers for the guest of Dignity Center who will receive these sandwiches, but soon I started thinking about the sandwiches. I buy the whole wheat and turkey because I feel it is probably healthier. This is somewhat ironic because if I was going to have a lunch meat sandwich I would prefer white bread and plain bologna even though it is made of animal parts. Luckily most of the time I'm not a sandwich person (unless it's Jimmy Johns or a grilled cheese also white bread). My next thoughts were to the sandwiches of my childhood. Peanut butter and jelly on white bread is still a guilty pleasure, but what was that nasty meat with red and ...

After having a conversation with my advisory group about the importance of reading over the summer, I fear this to be our future.

Before I left school last night, I checked my e-mail to find five discipline referrals for the kids from my team. This morning I checked it again, and there were no referrals. I left school at 2:30 to play golf with two friends who teach at other schools in our district. All three of us were pleased to have only one week of school left (4 days with students and one staff day). My guess is I was the most pleased. Before I started my weekend, I decided to check my school e-mail to see if I missed anything today since I couldn't check e-mail today while students were giving speeches (BTW 7th There is little worse than 7th grade speeches... especially this year). Obviously I missed something. Twenty-Five discipline referrals were waiting in my inbox. Even with our group of questionable students, 25 referrals is a large number. This is with at least three suspended for the day. Four days remain. I can do this!