Miscellaneous Missives

The Caribou I stopped at this morning asked the question, "What is Brett Favre's number?" This is easy enough... #4! Today Favre surpassed Marino's touchdown record with numbers 421 and 422. I couldn't help but agree with Chris Berman this morning when he stated, "Rooting for Brett Favre is like rooting for America." Maybe it's a bit simplistic, but I'll go along with it. After all, he's "more than just a pretty face." Besides watching Green Bay beat the Vikings is always a good use of my time. Listening to the Rams proved to be a poor use of my time, so I shut off the Rams, took the Packers off mute, and enjoyed the remainder of the game. This season may be a long season for the Rams, but it will be a fun year for the Pack! The Pack is 4-0 and the youngest team in the league. Favre more records: attempted passes, touchdown throws, and winning games.

Cubs Win! Although it's probably been a decade since Harry Carey called the Cubs games, I think a Holy Cow is appropriate. The Cubs have won the division for the first time since 2003. If you remember the Cubs playoff run when the fan in the stands grabbed for the ball, you remember 2003. For weeks I've been silently thinking we (the Cubs, Cubs fans everywhere, and me) were going to win the division this year, but I really didn't want to take any chances and jinx it. Honestly, I'm not a huge baseball fan because I find the game a bit boring. I get really excited when the Cubs are doing well, and I like to watch games during the playoffs. Actually living in Minnesota makes me get a little bit excited about the Twins too. Anyway, back to the Cubs... Waiting four years for a play-off birth is exciting. Today I even went on-line and bought a play-off t-shirt. Actually I've even contemplated trying on the Cubs shorts I bought in the late 80s... only in private!...

I love the fall colors. Of course I am talking about the changing hues of the trees and foliage, but it is also the wonderful sunrises and sunsets. My morning drives east on 494 have been vivid. With some good sense, I have resisted taking a picture while I'm driving. Tonight, as I was leaving a friends house, the moon was brilliant as it danced with the clouds. Although I did pull over to take the picture, it was safer than rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, the picture is not really worth "a thousand words," but at least it shows a bit of contrast.

I often stop at the Nicollet and 45th Caribou on the way to work since most local coffee shops don't open early enough for me to stop before work. This morning I actually left in giggles. The barista today was talking about how he used to own his own coffee shop which is a story I've heard before. He also mentioned how he likes this job better than his previous job because he can grow out his hair and beard. If you ask me, it's not an attractive look, but he seems like a nice enough guy. Anyway... The gentleman before me was quitting his job today. Barista- Good luck quitting your job. Guy- Thanks man! Barisa- I highly recommend everyone does it at least every two years! Why did I find this humorous? I really don't know, but I was honestly giggling as I left.

I often talk about the fact that each year I seem to have to "dumb down" my curriculum to meet the needs of my students. A lot of it probably has to do with video games and other technology. The truth is I also feel my intelligence wane with each day. Lately I feel like I can't come up with the vocabulary I need to express my ideas. Maybe it's the reality television such as Kid Nation, which I'm currently watching, that has led to my demise. This evening I went with a colleague to see Sharon Flake, a YA author. Although I was excited about visiting the author and seeing the program, I was also tired. I'm getting sick and even though I received acupuncture today, it might be too late. Anyway, we drove to St. Paul for the festivities. On the way I mentioned I was tired and would be happy at home watching Kid Nation. When we entered the YWCA (location of the event), we realized it was not what we had expected. Our picture was taken with Sharon Flake, a...

I now have one more reason to love Brad Pitt. I realize that I am shallow and my taste in men is often dependent on looks, but Mr. Pitt is a humanitarian too. He is working on a 150 sustainable low income homes in New Orleans (the "Make it Right" project).

I have a gluttonous behavior especially when it comes to sweets. This should not come as a surprise to anyone. A week ago today I purchased a box of cookies "All Natural Sandwich Cremes-- Vanilla." It is a Whole Foods 365 brand. They are YUMMY! The first night I ate a few before I looked at the calorie content. After perusing the side of the box, I stopped before I ate any more. Tonight I ate the last five cookies. Five sandwich cremes sound fairly innocent. The facts are less innocent. I ate the entire box in one week. There are 42 cookies in the box. Each cookie has 65 calories. Each box has 2,730 calories. If one divides 2,730 calories by seven days, it equals 390 calories a day. 390 calories a day in cookies. Obviously this does not count the other food I ate during these eight days. Next time I decide to purchase the "All Natural Sandwich Cremes," I will make sure I freeze at least half of the box. They (those dietitian experts) recommend 1,00...

This morning I actually motivated myself out of bed when the alarm sounded and managed to drive myself to the gym. This is monumental considering I have literally packed my gym bag everyday (well almost everyday) for the last two weeks in the hope that I would actually get out of bed and get to the gym. As I walked into the workout facility, a regular greeted me with, "You must be new. Welcome." He continued to call me rookie when we were in the same vicinity. Another regular, and one of my favorite people at the gym, came up to me and asked, "Is that you Mary? Is it really you?" Both were appropriate with their comments since it's been two months (almost to the day) since I have last walked through those doors. Hopefully the greetings of the two will encourage me to make it back on Wednesday! As I've stated this before, I really need to get into a routine.

A collection of Mother Teresa's letters have been published in a book called "Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light." One focus of the book is her "darkness." It seems she often felt an absence of Jesus. Mother Teresa wanted her letters destroyed upon her death. My guess is she kept them to remind her of her struggles and her spirituality. Obviously she trusted that they would indeed be destroyed. I am a bit appalled that the same person who claims to have her interest in mind, as he pushes for her sainthood, would be the same person to publish the letters. Obviously this man is not saint. Although I am disgusted by the invasion of Mother Teresa's privacy, I might read the book. I would read the book because I think Mother Teresa is a saint. Questioning is part of spiritual growth. Reading these letters would probably also bring spiritual growth. This is a book I would, however, definitely get from the public library instead of helping the author's...

Today is World Car Free Day . Although I didn't realize this until I checked my Bloglines, I will keep my car in the garage all day. I've already gone to the bank and bought groceries without my car, so it really won't be an inconvenience to me. We'll see what happens next year when September 22nd doesn't fall on a Saturday.

Once again Olbermann is well spoken. His introduction is fantastic. "So the President, behaving a little bit more than usual, like we would all interrupt him while he was watching his favorite cartoons on the DVR, stepped before the press conference microphone and after side-stepping most of the substantive issues like the Israeli raid on Syria, in condescending and infuriating fashion, produced a big political finish that indicates, certainly, that if it wasn't already - the annual Republican witch-hunting season is underway."

On my way home from eating ice cream with my book club at Sebastian Joe's (in Linden Hills across from Great Harvest where I bought the largest blonde brownie, a snickerdoodle, and a whole wheat chocolate chip cookie), I saw two bumper stickers that surprised me: No Weapons in Space and Keep Space for Peace. Normally I think I'm fairly aware of current events, but obviously I had no clue that anyone would think of putting weapons in space. Weapons in space... Really? I even checked the website . Do you remember the bumper sticker, "It’ll be a great day when schools have all the money they need and the military has to hold bake sales to buy bombs."? It's amazing that this bumper sticker is still appropriate today. Hey, who's in charge of space? The Air Force?

Yesterday I finished Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver . This is a non-fiction account of her family's quest to eat only those foods from their garden or from local producers. It is similar to Omnivore's Dilemma because it concentrates on the importance of eating local food, but it was much more enjoyable. Kingsolver is a wonderful writer and superb story teller. She chronicles the year of eating with joys and struggles. As I was reading this book, I wanted to start canning and freezing both fruits and vegetables. Kingsolver's husband, Hopp, an environmental studies professor, contributes to the novel as does Camille, her daughter. While Hopp's additions are more factual, Camille's entries are both factual and fun. The book chapters follow their journey month by month. Recipes end each monthly chapter. I would like to try the whole wheat pizza recipe. Although I've made pizza using the box mix (with flour and yeast combined), I haven...

Yea! Another mindless reality television show for me to watch!! I am currently watching the introductory show, and I am hooked. At one point I almost got tears in my eyes as the pudgy, wild haired, little eight year old boy (Jimmy) was sad and wanted to go home. The leader of his group did an awesome job. Later when he told the 15 year old he didn't want to be his wing man, I was laughing. Did you see the Sophia girl dancing for money to buy a bike?! My favorite lines: "...we don't have to wait in line for three hours." "...that would hurt your colon." "Sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by stupid people." Oh, how often I have I had the same thought!!! Oh, my favorite kid went home:( "Jimmy is going to be really, really missed." I agree. I miss the little kid already.

Oh, it's true; I've watched Big Brother all eight seasons. Honestly I am more intelligent than the show, but I really love watching people. For some reason I find the show entertaining. This season I was fairly sure I wouldn't watch until the end. Only three of the participants were remotely interesting (the football player and the father/daughter team). From the beginning I wanted a "happy ending" for the estranged father and daughter. As for the football player, the more I watched him, the less appealing he became. Although I probably only watched 1/3 of the episodes, I did tune in. Tonight is the final episode. Either the father or the daughter will win all of the money. I won't be watching because I have an open house at school Another reason is that I can check on the internet to see who won even though it doesn't really matter. The final episode is a never exciting (especially tonight's show), but I must admit I'd prefer being home...

Hey, I could have talked about OJ's latest or Britney's chances of losing her kids. This is the best my brain has to offer. Besides, it's funny! Do you get it?

I am saddened to say that the days of drunk dialing and being drunk dialed have passed. Realizing this, I know I am loved. Shortly after 2am my phone rang. A gentleman caller, oh let's just say male caller, left a succinct message, "I love you. I love you." Since the drunk dialing days are over, I must be loved. The only other answer would be a wrong number. Surely I am loved.

Many of you have asked for an update on Dad's house. His blog has wonderful pictures. Give the link a try.

Lately I became quite frustrated with the large number of LA textbooks that take up storage. These are books that are not touched by students. When we purchased these textbooks, I indicated that perhaps we were ordering too many books, but it was a district decision. Wednesday I saw the district curriculum person in the office and asked if I could get rid of (sell) the extra books. Of course she wanted to make sure I had enough extras... She told me she would contact someone at the district. I took it upon myself to e-mail her and the district contact. Did I mention the district contact is a friend's mom who takes care of me? This wonderful lady (obviously not the curriculum person) sent me a contact. Unfortunately she also copied my principal whom I had not yet approached. M- I have done something wrong. P- Oh, the odds makers will be off (sarcasm) M- I mean I didn't follow the proper protocol. P- Once again, the odds makers are not doing well. M- Did you get the e-mai...

This morning I awoke thinking of parents. Recently my dad has gotten divorced and built a new house. I pray for him as he embarks on a new world. I also pray for my friends parents. I pray for a friend's dad who went to Tijuana, Mexico for a stem cell procedure. I pray for a friend's mom who has been hospitalized with fluid on her heart and lungs. I pray for a friend's mom who is trying to sell her house and move to Texas. I pray for a friend's step-dad who has onset Alzheimer's Disease. I pray for a friend's mom who has volunteered to be a mom to me when I need one. I pray for friends who are parents and who are raising our future.

The other morning I went to Rainbow (grocery store) on my way to work to pick up three candy bars, a reward for three students. It was 7:00 am, and I woke up at 6:30 am (procrastination). Since I only had three items and was paying with a credit card, the entire check out process was quite short. While I was checking out the clerk called my dear and hon. I slept in until 6:30 because it was a night of restless sleep. Neither dear nor hon is a term I would have used to address me after I had only been up for thirty minutes and had little sleep. I was reminded of this today as I thought of the use of such supposed respectful terms. M- "...or I am going to send you out." S- "Yes, M'am" M- "Please don't use M'am. It makes me feel like I am 92 years old." S- "Yes, M'am." This student skipped in close proximity to my last nerve all day. If he had been jumping, he would have been sent out. He merely skipped. It still was as m...

Recently I was visiting a friend's house and looking at the books on her bookcase. I was surprised to see she had an entire shelf of self help books. One of those books was on procrastination. She asked if I would like to read it. No, I'm OK with the amount of procrastination in my life. Is this true? Am I OK? After all, I never procrastinate on the important things like eating. Today I did leave a pile of papers that need to be corrected on my desk at school. During my prep hour tomorrow I'll get to them, oh, but I didn't get to them today during my prep hour... other things to do. Putting off dusting in my apartment has also been a means of procrastination. Is it really worth it to dust when the windows are still open? Another obstacle lately has been working out. Is it procrastination or laziness? Do the "two go hand in hand"? Maybe I should wait and answer that later!

Maybe I'm just anti-American, but I don't completely understand the 9-11 hype. It's been six years, and we are still flying flags at half mast. Did we fly flags at half mast on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina? Is it because more people died during 9-11, or is it because the people of Hurricane Katrina were impoverished? I am aware of the 9-11 devastation, but I am also aware of the inconsistencies such as the fall of the third building, the airplane that completely disintegrated... When will be quit focusing on 9-11 and Iraq? 2008?

Instead of having lemonade with dinner last night, I had two beers. Instead of getting up when my alarm rang this morning, I slept an extra 1 1/2 hours. Instead of being almost done with my work out when "Motivation Monday" (Kare 11-- exercise motivation segment) came on this morning, I was watching from my bed. Tomorrow... I will start getting into the workout routine tomorrow. HELP!

Starting school gives me the opportunity to get in a routine. Getting into a routine will be healthy (mind, body, and spirit). This year I think I will be working more closely with the language arts teachers trying to improve the MCA reading skills. Although I am against the importance of testing, I am ready for the challenge. Over the summer I didn't concentrate on school, so I am now ready to focus. Surprisingly I also got out of my workout routine this summer. Tomorrow I plan on visiting the gym three times a week at 5:45 am. If I don't get into this routine, it affects not only my physical health but also my mental and spiritual health. I need to remember that getting in the workout routine is more than merely setting the alarm. Today I attended church for the first time in a month. Being in a church community is refreshing and reminds me of the importance of meditation. My plan is to also attend at least one adult class at church this year. The first one I'm ...

You know the saying. Double click on the picture to see the poster!

If it hadn't been for Fox buying the tickets to Sunday's Vikings game, it would have been the first black out since 1997. It would have been grand! Lucky for the Vikings, the NFL gave them an extension until 2pm this afternoon. FOX, who broadcasts the games, bought the tickets prior to the second deadline. Knowing Vikings' fans, I can't imagine they will be able to go all season without at least one blackout. Yea! Hip Hip Hurray! Go Bandwagon!

90% of the time I can manage my bills. This month is a different story. Going to LA and Alaska in the same month is not a wise financial decision although the trips were wonderful. Since I got paid on the 5th, I sat down to pay bills this afternoon. Let's just say I'll have the opportunity to pay some finance charges on my credit card. Typically I pay it off each month. Anyway... As I was paying bills, I recieved a phone call from a friend. Only a friend could say that I sounded crabby. Of course I sounded crabby; I was crabby. I can't pay my bills! Even though I was less than pleasant on the phone, we still agreed to meet tomorrow. Once again, I realize how much I appreciate my friends.

This week I have ignored the 90/90 rule. My 90/90 rule is if it is 90º outside or inside, I will turn on the AC. Both Monday and Tuesday qualified for the 90/90 rule, but I kept thinking it will cool down at night. After all it is September, how long could the 90s last? Today I decided to turn on the AC even though it is supposed to cool down tomorrow. I'm not sleeping well at night because of the heat, and I'm exhausted. How tired am I? At 4:25 I decided to take a nap. I set my alarm fro 5:05, so I could make it to book club on time. When I awoke (to the alarm), I brushed my teeth and grabbed my stuff for book club. As I pulled out of my drive, I noticed fire trucks on both ends of my block (28th and the alley directly to the south of my bedroom, where I was napping, window). Confused at which way to go, I looked for guidance from the fireman. He waved me towards the north. Since I was still a bit confused, I stopped to talk to him as I was passing the truck parked...

After driving over an 1 1/2 hours in my car to pick up packages at UPS, I realized that my cell phone is not in my purse. My guess is that it is sitting on my desk at school where I last used it to add a date to my calendar. At first I went through the panic phase. I've now realized there really isn't anything I can do until I get to school tomorrow. If my phone is not on my desk, it could (will) get ugly. Until then I am going to relax without my cell phone. Besides since I still have a sore throat and didn't do well drinking water today, it will be a respite for my voice and throat. Maybe I'll talk to you tomorrow when I find my phone.

While riding roller coasters in LA, I figured out the video part of my camera. Recently Blogger (or Firefox) has added a video link. Last night I tried to find the video I took of the coasters, but I must have deleted it (True confessions... I am a deleter). Instead of going for a walk this morning, I have spent my time feeling sorry for myself because of my sore throat (day two) and trying to figure out how to get the new video (Be thankful it's of the ceiling fan and not my cat.) from my camera to the computer. I have successfully put the video on the computer. It looks like I have been successful loading this dramatic video footage to my blog. Yea me!

Today I sat down to organize some papers from workshop week and to ensure that I was ready (as ready as I could be) for the first day of school. This became a paper war. Kitty Klaus decided to sit on any paper that held my interest. I made a throw away paper pile then reached for it occasionally making it attractive. Hence making me the winner of the paper war. When I decided to download the winning picture of the cat sitting smugly on the throw away pile, he decided the computer cords to be of more interest. BTW- I realize too often how it must feel to be a reporter on a slow news day.

This Labor Day weekend I made a quick trip (less than 36 hours) to my Dad's farm. Today was the perfect day to take pictures because it was absolutely beautiful. My goal is to choose a few and frame them.