Miscellaneous Missives

Have I told you how much I love my neighborhood? This evening I stopped by the Walker library to pick up a couple of books on the way to dinner with some friends at Figlios. While we were eating, we discussed The Book Thief (a fabulous book). N hadn't read it, so I pulled my cell phone out of my purse and called Mager's and Quinn. They had a copy, so I quickly walked across the street, purchased the book, and returned for dinner. On my walk home, I noticed Obama signs in the Bar Abilene windows. As I looked more closely, I realized it was an Obama contingency watching the Democratic debate. Uptown is a great place to live!

Today John Edwards withdrew from the presidential race. I was actually thinking about caucusing for him on Tuesday and am saddened to see him leave the race. Edwards has talked to Obama and Clinton. According to Edwards they will continue his fight to help the people in poverty. The fight against poverty is one thing that made Edwards a viable candidate in my opinion. Last night a colleague and I were driving back from a workshop talking about politics and poverty. I was mentioning how I really have wanted an Obama/Edwards ticket since I saw the three candidates. As I looked at the car in front of me, I saw and Obama/Edwards bumper sticker. Obviously I'm not the only one thinking this. Now the question remains: Could Edwards and Obama be thinking of working together?

I was blessed to see Edwards in Iowa and saddened by his exit.

My school has a "calling tree," so we can hastily inform each other of events such as a "snow day." Although it's not snowing, it's super cold outside. I think Belinda (Kare 11) said it was fifty some degrees colder tonight than it was yesterday. The wind chill is -35º. When I first moved to Minneapolis and was substituting, the governor called off school because of the wind chill. Following this train of thought, presumably school could be called off tomorrow. Since I like to be helpful, maybe I should start the calling tree tonight and "get the ball moving." ...OR... maybe I should quit whining and do something productive with my evening...

Today is the 50th anniversary of the Lego. I loved Legos as a child. In fact today I was in another classroom for a meeting and noticed a house (?) made out of Legos sitting on top of a file cabinet (J- Did you notice it?) and really wanted to play with it. Everyone would be more content at meetings if Legos were put on tables to entertain people!

Saturday I frittered the morning away and then packed in haste. As I was about thirty minutes from home I questioned whether or not I had packed running shoes to wear home with my sweats. Since I was wearing boots and jeans, I thought it would be important to have a change of footwear to go along with my sweats. Being fairly certain my shoes were not in my bag, I decided to stop at the Nike outlet store to get a pair of cheap sneakers. My limit was $20. It didn't take long to realize that although it was an outlet store (clearance store) finding $20 shoes wasn't too easy. Finally I found a pair for $9.99. Although the shoes look like something one would find in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High , they were good enough for traveling home in sweats. Does the Fast Times at Ridgemont High date me?

When I was living at home, I once flipped applesauce at my dad using a normal spoon. It was a dare, and I really had to follow through. Can you imagine the fun one could have with this spoon? I'm glad my school only has sporks when I'm doing lunch duty.

What type of partier are you? Your Result: Bar Social Butterfly Not quite as bad as the 'bar slut', you like to get a bit ripped and become everyone's new best freind. You talk to everyone and anyone, keep people laughing, and with enough liquor you become the professional comedian. You get into deep-thought topics with fellow drunks, get people crying on your shoulder when they vent to you, and end up with hundreds of phone numbers of people that you simply can't recall in your cell-phone all the time. The Socialite The Lurker The rock-star party animal Bar Slut Hardcore drunk The designated driver What type of partier are you? Make Your Own Quiz Tomorrow morning I am going to drive to Cedar Falls to meet some friends. Since the plan is to sit in the bar and drink, I thought this quiz was appropriate. I also find the quiz to be fairly accurate!

I team teach my first hour class. Today the other teacher was gone and a substitute was in my room. As I finished class, he sat in my chair and waited for the end of class. He was still sitting in my chair as the first class was being dismissed, and the new class was coming through the door. "Is he your son?" echoed through the room. Yes, he was young enough to be my son, but it seemed like a cruel question. It was not, definitely not, the way to start class! I am not a fan of getting old.

Although it didn't go smoothly, today ended up being a productive day... good news/bad news?! 1) I actually awoke and rose from bed at 5am to workout (first time in two months). 2) The cable guy came and fixed my internet (although it seems slower) and made the picture on my television set clearer. 3) With the help of Turbo Tax (and not so helpful file quits without saves), I have e-filed my taxes and will soon have money in savings.

Today was a workshop day and although I didn't want to attend, I found two of the three sessions worthwhile. I was humored by the story Testing with Miss Malarkey read by the reading specialist. One line that was memorable said, "Fish is good brain food. Some of you should eat a whale." I also liked our principal's message, "A good citizen is part of something. A good citizen gives back." I did have problems with the following: 1) The ESL teacher from another building was talking about how when they did their unit on citizenship some kids didn't know about the twin towers. HOW could one mention the twin towers in a citizenship unit? This is what is wrong with our country or at least one thing wrong. 2) A teacher who said the information on poverty was BS... I guess that's true unless you live it. In my opinion the number of people living in poverty is BS. 3) When a person from the district didn't turn off his cell phone before entering on...

Today is a day set aside to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. As I walked to the Coop, I was listening to a book on tape (Run by Ann Pratchet). This is an excerpt (speaking of Martin Luther King Jr.): "It's his birthday today. and Tennessee said she knew it because there wasn't any mail." "...had read the speech in school but it meant nothing to her then." I hope that today is more than a day without mail. I hope its a day to think of all people especially Martin Luther King Jr. and people like him trying to make a positive difference. "...Now is the time to make real promises of democracy..."

My internet is still only working when it wants. OK... I'm doing my laundry and watching the game. As I turn to go through the door to the stairs with my basket I run (almost literally) into a gorgeous man. First I am embarrassed because I was startled. Next I am wondering if this man lives on my floor. Then I am questioning this guy. Why isn't he watching the game? It's 20-20, and I'm a bit nervous.

Although I don't eat at Subway, I do like their commercials. My internet is still working. I think it's been on for twenty minutes! The Pack is ahead, and I have internet. Does it get any better?

Saturday when my internet went down, I drove the the Comcast service station (after getting directions from J) to change modems. When that didn't work, I set up an appointment for Sunday and begged S to stay here for the one o'clock to five o'clock appointment (I have the best friends). Tonight I checked my e-mail before I unpacked then started laundry. As I was waiting for my laundry, I decided to check my Bloglines... NO internet. i called Comcast again to explain (as I did when I first set up the appointment) that it isn't a modem problem. I've now had two new modems and only periodically internet. They will come again on Wednesday and have told me they will take care of it... yeah right! Until the cable guy comes, I have to watch my modem lights to see if my internet is working. Then I do what I need to do quickly before it goes out again. I realize I shouldn't complain because at least it's working intermittently, but I am complaining. Life with...

Remember when I mentioned that Clorox had bought Burt's Bees ? Now Clorox has a new line of green household cleaners similar to Seventh Generation. If it "sounds too good to be true..." I'm waiting for more information, but the article is quite interesting.

My Friday started with a student (kind, good student) telling me my hair looked like a rooster tail. I don't really think it was a compliment. Later my team went out for lunch. As we were getting ready to go, I asked if anyone picked my credit card up from the table. No one had, so I checked my pockets again (jean pockets and jacket pockets). Since I couldn't find it, my next thought was that I had thrown it away with my lunch remains. J actually dug through the trash to help me find it. While digging the other J asks if I checked my sweatshirt pocket. OH! Of course my credit card was in my sweatshirt pocket which I hadn't checked since my coat was zipped... a bit embarrassing (oh, VERY embarrassing). Later I wanted to leave school at 3:00. A student who has been working hard in my class stopped by to see if he could stay after school and work. How could I tell him no? Finally I went to find stickers to put on postcards for my A students and talked with the cr...

I finished editing the YA book for my colleague (at least what he had finished). The book was enjoyable, and I actually am excited to find out how it ends. When I gave the book back this morning, I couldn't help but mention my frustrations with his starting sentences with coordinating conjunctions (and, so, but, etc.). Trying to be diplomatic, I mentioned my understanding of it being a stylistic decision. When I teach writing in seventh grade, I spend a lot of time explaining that these words are used for combining not as sentences starters. Students often say that _______ author starts his/her sentences with these words, and I reply that when they get published it will be OK but not at this point. After I explained this to my colleague, I think he understood. He may not change it, but I think I made him think.

Today I received this unnerving e-mail. I am not posting it because I believe ANY of it. I am posting it to show how absurd some "Christians" can be. Remember the WWJD? I can't believe Jesus would appreciate any of this e-mail. ...and gee.. it does sound like "Christian, right wing, political push." Sooo.. in our country it would be the crazies trying to build a border between Mexico and the USA in the name of "terrorism." After I read this, I was appalled. The person who sent this is dear to me although obviously quite misguided. What kind of reply could I send that would be respectful yet would help her realize this is the opposite of "love thy neighbor"? ...or maybe it's love thy neighbor if they believe what you believe and speak as you do. America Needs A Leader Like This! Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to ...

Tonight was our school spelling bee. The winners progress to the district bee. I don't think we had spelling bees when I was in school, but I do know I would have been too cool to participate. My coolness has faded and I now am the co-chair of the building bee. As I sat in front of the contestants looking out at the audience, I realized I am as shallow as I was in school. Perusing the participants and the audience, I notice... the geeky sixth grade girl who is biting herself, the seventh grade girls who aren't allowed to clap and are making quiet good job gestures, the little sister who is bored with the proceedings, the nerdy eighth grade participant with high water pants not to mention braces and a weird smile, the "bad" kids in the back of the room that really have no other place to go... One would think I'd have better things to do than judge people especially those who are much younger than me.

I know I get obsessed with the recent politics and Democratic candidates. Dennis Kucinich has been pulled from tomorrow's debate on NBC. Granted I don't think he could be the Democratic nominee, but he has great ideas and should be part of the debate. NBC told him he was in then told him he was out. Please humor me and take two minutes to call NBC. You will be asked to leave a message. Leave a message and ask that Dennis Kucinich be part of tomorrow's debate. Let's flood their phone bank. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Kucinich. He should have the opportunity to debate. Call out NBC for excluding Dennis Kucinich from Nevada debate 1/15. Call: 212.664.4444 NBC comment line.

A colleague asked me to look at a young adult book he's writing. I agreed feeling it was an honor to be asked. After I looked at a couple of pages, I asked the colleague for guidance on my task... what were his expectations. This weekend I started editing and became overwhelmed. I was thankful for the four football games as I was able to have them on as I read and edited the novel. For the most part I am working with punctuation and some minor discrepancies. One such inconsistency had to do with the main character's Iowa Hawkeyes pillow. Of course I explained that since the boys parents had jobs that a graduate from ISU not UofI would possess, the boy would have an Iowa State Cyclones pillow. Besides the boy is fairly creative and intelligent, so he certainly would have a Cyclones pillow and not the other university... no need to type that word twice. The story is engaging which makes the task less painful. Currently I am finished with 28 of the 36 chapters. I have 44...

Having read several of Cormac McCarthy's books, I knew that No Country for Old Men would be violent and graphic. I recently returned from the show and will admit my stomach is a bit queasy. My brother recommended the movie (over the novel?). The last movie my brother recommended was The Departed . It will be some time before I go to a movie recommended by my brother. Although both movies had an intriguing plot, both were too bloody. Maybe it's good I have some time to get new images in my head before I go to bed.

When I was in college, we used to call this beautiful man Pole Man because a friend of mine once ran into a pole watching him. Today a similar instance put me on my butt. As I was walking around Uptown, I wanted to get a second glance at a man. When I turned to look, I lost footing and fell on my rear end. Luckily no one seemed to notice. Unfortunately he wasn't as attractive as I had imagined. At any rate if I actually knew this guy, it might make him Butt Man.

Tomorrow, well today actually, I need to talk to my seventh graders about using keywords to search instead of a question when using search engines. For some reason (six grade teachers) they believe it is easier to put a question in the search box... NOT! I am doing this at 2:34 AM because I can't breathe and therefore can't sleep. ...and I thought I was hazy yesterday. The good news is Williams Pub must still have two for ones on Thursday since there seems to be a lot of traffic in and around the building. In the summer this is evident, but in the winter with windows closed I forget others actually have fun in the middle of the night.

Today has been a crazy day. By crazy, I mean I think I am going crazy. Instead of boring you with all of the details, I'll give you the abbreviated version. It started when I had to beg (on my knees, literally, the first time... I was too pathetic the next two times) for copies (of the same form). Lack of speaking skills isn't that unusual, but today it was extreme. The day ended with the misunderstanding of an e-mail. Basically I got an e-mail from the Kerry people saying he was supporting Obama. Although I read it as Kerry, I was thinking Edwards had already conceded and was endorsing Obama. Since I would really like and Obama/Edwards ticket, it made sense in my hazy head. It took a phone call and reading a couple of blogs to get it straight in my head. I hope my head clears!

I didn't give blood on Tuesday because I had a sore throat. Fighting this cold/flu is getting all too old. Honestly, I have been thinking it might be time to go to the doctor. This morning one of my students came up and said, "You look sick." I responded by asking her if she meant I looked beautiful... not what she meant. After school I went to get acupuncture. When the chiropractor came into the room, he looked at me and said, "Oh my..." When I was finished with acupuncture, I responded that I would probably set up an appointment for Friday. Of course he responded by saying it would probably be a good idea.

Last year our principals gave us t-shirts (school logo) for a winter break gift. This year they are cooking a spaghetti dinner for us. Although it's a generous idea, I really am not thrilled about going. My hope was that no one would ask me if I was going this evening, so I could say I forgot tomorrow. No such luck... no fewer than six people asked me if I was going. It was really no problem telling them I didn't plan on going this evening. When one of the last people (unfortunately not the last) asked me, I said that I wasn't going. It seems she told her daughter (families were invited) I was going to be there tonight. Oh, yes, it looks like I will be going.

Today one of my students (with appropriate initials BM) went a little crazy in front of a colleague's door. The gentleman colleague took him into his room and calmed BM. Later BM entered my class and was surprisingly productive. After sitting and actually working for a few minutes, he asked me if I wanted to know what happened. I listened to his story about his eighth grade girlfriend and gossip. After school I chatted with him again and had enough nerve to ask about his girlfriend. "Do I dare ask your girlfriend's name?" "It's K------, he replied. "K------ C-----?" I asked. "I, well, she has glasses and is about this tall..." he answers without embarrassment. He doesn't know his girlfriend's last name, yet he is totally freaked out about some gossip.

Another incredible thing happened tonight as we served 324 people. I was trying to keep the people in line entertained and relaxed. It was a long, long line and people had been waiting a long, long time. J asked me how many people had not eaten. Some had eaten and were waiting in the giveaway line. After taking a count I reported back to J with number twelve. "We have twelve plates left," she replied, and it was an honest count. She had just told another lady standing in the area that we only had twelve plates left. God is at work when people help other people!

The Community Meal at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist runs differently than the other community meals. Guests are served at a table instead of being sent through a line. We also have a give away table (underwear, socks, food, hygiene products, etc.). Each meal takes approximately 55 volunteers. The focus is on hospitality. Volunteers try to be as generous as possible and try to make the guest feel special. I am always amazed at the heart of the young people who volunteer. Last week a six year old bought hygiene products for the giveaway table. Her parents have her allowance divided in thirds (1/3- savings, 1/3- give to someone 1/3- for her). She wanted to work behind the table, so she did. As she was helping people with the items, a Latino gentleman took more items than he was alloted. She called him out (kindly) in Spanish, and he sheepishly returned the extra items. This week a nine year old boy brought items for the giveaway table. Recently he had a birthday party and ...

Panera (at least the one in St. Louis Park) gives its excess bread to non-profits at the end of each night (at least each night a non-profit can pick it up). With my new position helping with Community Meals, tonight I went to pick up the bread to give away at tomorrow's meal. Although I have known that there is always a huge amount of bread donated, picking it up puts it in a different perspective. I met another person at Panera since I hadn't previously picked up the bread. We started with the bagels, moved to the loaves, continued with deserts, then added the extra sliced bread from the line. As we were putting the bread and pastries into the car, I asked how much bread my helper thought we had taken. Our total seemed to be twenty loaves of bread, one grocery bag of boxed pastries, and five dozen bagels. The amount of extra bread seemed excessive to me. Why don't they make less bread? Why do they continuously have all of the bread at the end of the day? As I talk...

Last night I was pleased with the results of the Iowa caucus. It was the order I had wanted (Obama, Edwards, and Clinton). Obama must share this story at most (if not all) of his events. 2008 is going to be a great election year!

Magers and Quinn Booksellers printed these lists. These are the Uptown Bestsellers (Magers and Quinn) for the month of December. Fiction 1. Out Stealing Horses -- I WANT to read. 2. The Road -- I've Read. 3. No Country for Old Men --I probably will read or at least see the movie. 4. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian -- I've read. 5. Water for Elephants -- I've read. 6. No One Belongs Here More Than You -- I know NOTHING about this book. 7. The Kite Runner -- I've read. 8. Holidays on Ice -- I know NOTHING about this book and don't want to know. 9. Atonement -- I've TRIED to read multiple times... even tried to listen to. 10. Suite Francaise -- I WANT to read maybe a spring break or summer read. Non-Fiction 1. Eat, Pray, Love -- I've read. 2. Omnivore's Dilemma -- I've read. 3. Stumbling on Happiness 4. This I Believe 5. I Am America (And So Can You!) 6. Windows of Brimnes 7. The Dog Says How 8. Dangerous Book for Boy...

When I started getting sick (two weeks or more ago) with this cold/flu thing, a friend told me about something she tried that seemed to work. I'm not sure why I didn't try it until last night, but maybe it was the fact that I am still sick and now have sores in my nose too! Last night I decided "enough was enough." Braving the cold I went to Walgreens to buy Vicks VapoRub and Puffs (Ultra). I came home and tried the home remedy. Instead of rubbing the VapoRub on my chest, I rubbed it on my feet and then put on a pair of fluffy, heavy socks. Although it didn't get rid of all of my symptoms, it did get rid of all my symptoms for the night. Without awaking to blow my nose, I was able to sleep and breathe through the night. Tonight I will try the same thing, and perhaps tomorrow I will even try it during the day!!

Can you believe it? Today is January 1, 2008. In eleven long months we will go to the polls to elect a new president. Typically, I am always a bit saddened by the new year... having to remember to change the year, another year older, the same old... This year I can't help but be excited about the new year... 2008!!! Yesterday my dear old dad called me after seeing John Edwards for the second time. He was excited and ready to caucus for Edwards. Although I won't be caucusing in Iowa, I feel that I have definitely been part of the Iowa caucus (maybe not caucus but definitely pre-caucus) experience. It gave me the chance to see the three major Democratic candidates "up close and personal." Yea Iowa!

Last year Treehugger.com asked readers to send in their New Year's resolutions. Yesterday they republished the list on the web site: stop eating factory farmed meat Confront one climate skeptic per week. Im already a good cook, but now I want to become a cook who is great at making healthier foods. change to low energy light bulbs buy only recycled toilet paper I resolve to walk 5 miles UP HILL, EACH WAY to school and/or work every day JUST to save carbon emissions! Turn off my computer at night. Use the car (at least) one less day a week. eating healthier - Im a vegetarian and try to do the farmers market thing, but this year I want to respolve to try and really eat locally and choose fresh over packaged wherever possible. To really take my food choices seriously. I want to try and not buy anything "new" over the next year. Actually start carrying around a re-usable bag for shopping Eat one entirely local meal per week Give away 5 copies of An Inconvenient Tr...