Miscellaneous Missives

I've decided to "come clean." After all it is Lenten season, so I should be honest and reflect on my many weaknesses. One of these weaknesses (and this is not easy to admit) is watching General Hospital . Today as Dad was forced to mainly rest in his LazyBoy, I made him watch General Hospital with me. He wasn't impressed. It probably didn't make it any better when I explained to Dad that typically I tape it and can watch the hour show in fifteen minutes. To pay me back, Dad made me watch Cramer (Jim Cramer-- stock market guru) and CNBC. I can honestly say I'll watch this show again about the same time Dad watches GH again. Gratitudes: 1) Dad is recovering better than I expected and doing well with pain pills (after getting behind the pain once this morning) and exercises (started today-- five times a day). 2) I was able to help Dad with small errands, filing and hooking up new printer (printer, scanner, and copier). 3) L taking me to get my car this ...

Dad had his surgery today. Although he just told me the day "flew by" for him, I'm not sure that I could say the same. The surgeon originally told Dad that surgery would be three to five hours. Today when I was quizzing the surgeon (good looking and only a little younger than me?), he said it would be two to three hours. I'm fairly sure he told me that to make me feel better about the wait since we had already been at the hospital two hours before the surgery started. Surgery was four hours. Basically I had the waiting area to myself. I was able to finish Infidel , the March Sun Magazine , one-fourth of Atonement , and paint my nails. Wireless internet wasn't available in the waiting room, but it was available when he was taken to a room after surgery. Although I was only waiting, it seems like a long day, I'm tired. The block is still working, but Dad seems to be doing well. We'll see what tomorrow brings when the block is no longer working. Gr...

One of Dad's neighbors is also the receptionist at my acupuncturist in Iowa. Tonight she called to check on Dad. Later she called to see if he saw the fire at the land fill (1/2 mile equidistant between both of their homes). Although I was oblivious to it, Dad said he had noticed it when we were driving home. She asked him to call the com center, and he did. After his conversation with the com center (they didn't know where the county land fill was located), it was evident why she wanted him to call. Later another friend who had called to check on Dad during dinner called to find out if there was a fire near here because she had seen fire trucks. At that point we looked out the window to see flashing red and blue lights. I made Dad get in the pickup, so I could take pictures. The top picture is when we were closer; the bottom picture is from his driveway. The lady at the com center wanted to know if the fire was big. Dad said, "Looking out my living room, it loo...

I saw these deer as I was driving down the county road to Dad's house. They are really close although it's hard to tell with my camera. As I tried to get closer, they had enough and showed me their white tails... rude!

I'm not quite sure why I found this comical, but I did. This morning I stopped to get my hot cocoa. The lady asked me how conferences went and what grade I taught. When I told her seventh grade, she said, "Bless you." She then told me about her and her daughter and how the fight one minute then get along wonderfully the next. This is her quote that I found comical, if fact I wrote it down giggling in my car before I left the parking lot. "She's entering puberty, and I'm exiting puberty." funny stuff... Gratitudes: 1) back up audio book after the first one had a HORRIBLE speaker/reader 2) Today feels like Friday. 3) People here in Iowa are already calling to check on Dad, and his surgery is tomorrow.

I must confess that I love rumors... not the gossipy lie rumors, but the emerging truth rumors. My favorite rumor is Pawlenty as a running mate to McCain. Wouldn't it be grand? Pawlenty would leave his role as governor of our great Democratic state and fade into the sunset taking his veto with him. Ahhhhh... It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling deep inside. Don't get me wrong. I certainly don't want McCain and/or Pawlenty in the White House. I just want them to spend all of their money and make the run. I am almost certain we will have a Democratic in the White House after the elections in November. Gratitudes: 1) finding library card, insurance card, etc. after spending too much time searching 2) only one day of conferences and overbearing, overprotective mama bear stayed home and sent Dad and baby bear 3) the best three students conferenced last... only positive things to say

I saw Gary Busey this summer in a Malibu deli. He might be the poster child for saying no to drugs. BTW- I love Jennifer Garner's necklace. Gratitudes: 1) dinner with friends and being able to eat it 2) two personal days granted for Dad's surgery 3) chocolate chip cookies

Yesterday afternoon I watched part of the Black State of the Union. It was amazing! Before yesterday I had never heard of Dick Gregory. The man is a genius. He received a deserving standing ovation. Gratitudes: 1) speaker at church... oh so funny 2) updated grades 3) my church rocks... maybe it's jazz

Typically I'm a trooper when it comes to sinus related illness, but this stomach stuff knocks me out. I've basically spent my waking hours since the last post horizontal and plan to do so until I feel better. Since it's probably a 24 hour thing, it should be over soon. I hope the illness understands. Gratitudes (and this is tough): 1) Kitty Klaus (snuggles when I want and leaves when he should leave) 2) watching the ISU game on television (I had planned to see it in person.) 3) my blanket (the same one I take on vacation... a friend)

Yuck, I'm sick with the flu. It's a good thing I had all three gratitudes before 8:00 this morning. Gratitudes: 1) getting gas yesterday and not having to stop this am Actually I forgot about getting gas until I got in the car. 2) two qualified Democratic candidates 3) pink and blue morning sky full of layered clouds

I only have three students passing my second hour class. As the students are working on their introductory assignment, I hear a female student tell a fellow classmate that Ms. M is a good teacher. Later the same students are working on an assignment they started yesterday. Yesterday they listened to (and read the lyrics) the song Vultures by John Mayer. We discussed how the vultures symbolized obstacles. After this discussion, I asked the students to list the "vultures" in their lives (the obstacles to doing well in school). Today I asked them to copy their list onto a final draft sheet for their conference folder. The same female student starts with Ms. M is a vulture. I approach her desk. FS- Can I write your name down? M- Yes, if I am an obstacle. FS- What's an obstacle? M- Something that gets in the way. FS- But you're not getting in the way because you're a good teacher. M- You want to write down things that get in the way of you doing well in school....

I am intrigued by the lunar eclipse. Since I can typically see the moon out of my window, I'm hoping I can see the lunar eclipse. Honestly it seems too cold to stand outside for the event. A total lunar eclipse won't happen again until 2012. I wonder if it will be warmer... Gratitudes: 1) M ALWAYS kind and generous!! 2) sunrise on the way to work (no longer dark) 3) Linden Hills (Great Harvest and Bibelot)

This afternoon I had a student stay after school to improve his grade. It was his choice, and since he is earning a 36%, it was a wise choice. As he was packing up to go, he asked me how to snap gum. I went to my bag and started chewing a couple of pieces of gum. While I was chewing gum, I explained that it worked better if the gum was older (not fresh). He asked a few questions as I explained and demonstrated how to snap gum. After a few demonstrations, he seemed to have a better understanding but explained to me he was also going to check Youtube for a video. "Youtube?" I asked. "Yeah, I learn a lot on Youtube," he answered I didn't think one could learn how to snap gum on youtube, so I searched and came up with this video. Gratitudes: 1) M finding someone to check my computer 2) all student work graded 3) retro pay

Although I'm not sure the tree would appreciate the greenhouse gases and pollutants from this house, it is a clever ad. I saw it this am as Bush was talking about how the war is delivering more jobs... appalling. Gratitudes: 1) breakfast with friends 2) a non-fiction book realistic enough to leave nightmares and another day to read it (Infidel). 3) concern about global warming

This is not a political statement although I'm not opposed to making a political statement. It is my latest find. Today I found a new website called thedailytube.com. I would like to say in 15 seconds one could dial their sister or significant other's sister. Gratitudes: 1) 25º at 7am for my walk... balmy 2) birds chirping outside my window 3) S and P ladies from church who take care of me and keep me humored

I realize in the spirit of Lent I wasn't going to share my Lenten practices, but today I am going to share one. This morning I received a letter (as did 70,000 other subscribers) from The Sun Magazine . Before I opened it, I was fairly sure they were asking for money I didn't have. Indeed I was correct, but after I read the letter I had a change of sentiment. Maybe I did have the money. Although I won't give the specifics, the letter gave an anecdote that described the integrity of this nonprofit journal. Each month I look forward to reading the stories, essays, poems, and interview as well as perusing the photographs. It is delightful to have a magazine minus the never ending advertisements. During Lent I am tallying the hot cocoas I purchase and matching the money spent in the form of a donation to a charitable organization. Before this morning I was still debating the charitable organization. Although The Sun Magazine is probably not a charitable organization, ...

Last night I e-mailed our school's tech guru to see if I would be able to use my computer at today's morning (8 to 11:30) meeting (lecture). She informed me the building had a long and complex password that I would need. I decided to take my computer and hope someone would share the password. My seat (last row) was perfect (thanks J). People around me were online, so I figured it would be easy to use the wireless network. After asking two people in the back row adjacent to me, I still didn't have the password (it's on their computer... they didn't know it), so I decided to ask someone in the office. The first two people in the office didn't know. The next two people in the office didn't know. Finally I received the name of two people (in the auditorium) who would know. Since I didn't know either of these two people, it wasn't helpful. I needed someone to help. The secretary asked the school principal if he knew where they were, and the thr...

Olbermann is scathing as he once again talks about Bush this time regarding FISA. Actually I heard this last night and tried to find it on youtube.com. I found it this afternoon.

Today while I was standing in the hallway two seventh graders from the other team were walking by my room. 1- "D-A-M" 2- "What?" 1- "D-A-M" 1- "No, D-A-N-M" Me "D-A-M-N" 2- "Oh" 1- "Oh yeah!" I figured since he was spelling the word out instead of saying it in front of me that I should help him with the spelling. Gratitudes: 1) bright sunlight and new white snow covering the muck 2) starting weekend tasks 3) 4:00pm and Kitty Klaus still has food in his dish... only nine kernels, but it's still food in the dish!

I often realize that teaching seventh graders and having little opportunity to have intelligent conversations with adults has depleted my vocabulary. Maybe it's not depleted, but it is diminishing. Your Vocabulary Score: B+ You have a zealous love for the English language, and many find your vocabulary edifying. Don't fret that you didn't get every word right, your vocabulary can be easily ameliorated! How's Your Vocabulary? Gratitudes: 1) S who is always willing to share and help when I become frustrated 2) my "creative class" 3) Obama's "hat trick"

As I was leaving school today for a LA steering committee meeting, I was stopped by a former student. "I thought you had a meeting." He heard the announcement about the staff having a short meeting in the media center after school. "I did, and now I'm on the way to another meeting." "You should put your hood on, so you don't get a cold." He puts my hood up over the ponytail on top of my head. "I care about you and don't want you to get sick." "I'm not going to hurt your feelings if I remove my hood." Although he was trying to be a bit annoying, I do think it was his way of trying to be nice. I even kept the hood on most of the way to my car. Gratitudes: 1) understanding phone call from student's parent 2) students doing challenging lesson without complaining 3) being dismissed from my meeting twenty minutes early

First, I would like to admit that I am posting and procrastinating. Since I don't feel like doing anything productive, and my life is less than exciting, I found quizzes for MySpace. At least my life isn't so pathetic that I have a MySpace account! Anyway, it seems my life is not too bad. Maybe I should get something done. My favorite question from the quiz: Why are you taking this quiz? I'm bored. I'm procrastinating. I'm lonely. I'm waiting for the p--- to load. I don't know. I'm a quiz-taking fiend! Yes, my answer was "I'm procrastinating." Your life is 24% crappy! You have a pretty good life. There might be areas you'd like to improve, but overall, life's pretty sweet. How crappy is your life? Quizzes for MySpace Gratitudes: 1) Walser Toyota (filled my tires for free) 2) time to send Valentines to family and friends 3) procrastinating on the computer instead of being productive

Kitty Klaus visited the veterinarian for his yearly dose of shots. Since I had another appointment, Dad took Kitty Klaus. I asked (and reminded) him to check Kitty Klaus' weight this year and compare it to last year's weight. When Dad called me to let me know the day's plans had changed, he shared the news. Kitty Klaus lost a pound. I commented that I could quit calling him my fat cat. With kindness Dad shared that the vet thought Klaus was still large... I guess this means he is still my fat cat. Maybe the photo says it all. My big boy is crushing the futon as he sleeps comfortably. Gratitudes: 1) the coop 2) a safe drive home (through some small drifts) 3) idiot lights (my tire light is on again)

Yesterday I went to Ames to watch the ISU women and men play. Fans were asked to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Cyclone Alley reminded me of Pepto-Bismol as they jumped up and down clad in pink. The game was exciting even though the 'Clones lost in OT. Gratitudes from Saturday: 1) conversations with an old friend 2) am walk for the paper with Dad 3) watching the game with family friends

This photo came from National Geographic top photos of 2007 (appeared today in my Bloglines). "First Prize, People in the News (Single Photos) World Press Photo Contest 2007 Israeli photographer Yonathan Wetzman captured this image of an African girl's dress caught in a border fence between Israel and Egypt on August 20, 2007. The Jewish state's border with Egypt is, in places, unguarded and unmarked. But on February 6, 2008, Israel—driven in part by the January 23, 2008, breach of the Gaza Strip-Egypt barrier—announced plans to completely fence the border with Egypt." http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/photogalleries/worldpress-pictures/photo5.html Gratitudes: 1) audio books 2) uneventful drive to Iowa 3) Bing (candy bar found in Iowa and southwest Minnesota)

It figures I would take this quiz and end up being a book I've never read! I especially enjoy the line "that not all who wander are lost." You're The Fellowship of the Ring ! by J.R.R. Tolkien Facing great adversity, you have decided that your only choice is to unite with your friends and neighbors. You have been subject to a ton of squabbling and ultimately decided that someone humble is your best candidate for a dangerous mission. You're quite good with languages and convinced that not all who wander are lost. If you see anyone in black robes on horseback, just run. That's just common sense. Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid . Gratitudes: 1) parent of former student helping me with a book problem at the library 2) student using his cell phone to call my cell phone in the library parking lot as I searched my car... cell phone under the seat... 3) the first night of the week without multiple engagements

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of lent. Our church has put together a Lenten passport full of activities for Lent with categories such as "prayer and practice" and "Community and Hospitality." I was pleased that I already participate in many of these practices. Several days ago, I decided my practice for Lent. Instead of sharing it, I am going to take tonight's scripture and put it into practice. It is Matthew 6 which says something to the fact that we shouldn't flaunt our tithing, fasting, etc. Although Ash Wednesday seems a bit of a public display of our faith, the scriptures speak to doing these practices such as prayer in private. I will, however, still post three gratitudes a day during Lent. gratitudes: 1) my church community 2) colleagues with a sense of humor 3) S who shares freely and makes my job easier

I'll be honest with you. The first time I voted (ever voted) was when Jesse Ventura ran for governor of Minnesota. Although now I am a bit embarrassed that I voted for Jesse, at the time he seemed like the candidate of change. After Ventura went a little crazy, I knew that I needed to be involved with the political process. If you've been reading my blog, you realize I am quite involved. Tonight I left book club to caucus. It's my civic responsibility, and I am ready to cast my vote for change. My caucus location was the Bryant Lake Bowl, and I'll admit the novelty added to the chance to caucus. I pictured drinking a beer and talking to my neighbors about politics. Why is what I picture seldom similar to reality? The reality is I walked past the door to Bryant Lake bowl and followed the line around the corner then half way down the next block. I stood in line for an hour. At the end of the hour when I finally reached the door, the caucus was full. We were ab...

Since I didn't get to watch the entire Super Bowl, I went on-line to look at the ads I missed. http://sports.aol.com/nfl/superbowlads I think this is my favorite ad although most of them are average at best. BTW- Tom Brady and Randy Moss are skipping the Pro Bowl... surprise, surprise!

Yesterday I finished The Memory of Old Jack . I've been carrying this book around since December and barely tolerating the story. While I waited for Obama yesterday I read for an extended period of time, and it became tolerable. Intent on handing the book off today at church (It's a book for my church book club.), I finished it last night. The lady whom I had promised the book was gone, but another lady asked if I enjoyed it. In all honesty I answered, "Not really." She was somewhat shocked. The back of the book has the following quote from The New York Times Book Review: "Few novelist treat both their characters and their readers with the kind of respect that Wendell Berry displays..." Am I missing something?

Tears literally formed in my eyes as he said this. BTW- I actually am getting work done on both laundry and next week's lesson plans. It's going slower than I had hoped, and I'm not really sure why. Would you believe that I needed to go to youtube for my lesson plans? Yeah, probably not.

As soon as Barack Obama announced he was going to be at the Target Center, I went online to reserve a ticket. Friday afternoon I gave it to S (for her roommate) because I really didn't have time to go (lesson plans for next week, typical weekend errands/chores, and the Community Meal). After thinking I about it Friday evening, I called S and said, "If your roommate changes her mind, I think I would like to go." Since S is super sweet, she walked the ticket back to me. Today I left early (12:15) to stand in line thinking 20,000 people would be a long line. Honestly I thought since the doors opened at 1:30 that Obama would start talking at 2:30... WRONG. It was a good thing I budged in line (I only stood in line for a little over an hour... I moved my self from the end to the front 1/4th) and b) had a book to read (It's a poor to average book, but it was something to read). Obama started talking (As planned, how was I to know?) at 4:15. He spoke for a little ov...

Tuesday afternoon I went to a literature circle presentation put on by a textbook company. Obviously, they wanted to do more than help teachers with lit circles. They were promoting their new literature/writing program which is novel based. Novels are used in addition to a student workbook that includes writing, short stories, and poetry It's not the "workbook" of my childhood... glossy pages, current stories and authors, color pictures, etc. At the end of the presentation, the company said they were looking for teachers to pilot the program. Since I think this would be the ideal program for teaching reading and writing, I e-mailed all the necessary people after I perused the information and samples at home. Early Wednesday morning my e-mail had been read by all recipients. Late Wednesday morning I e-mailed my principal, one of the recipients who was meeting with another of the recipients. Early Wednesday afternoon my principal stopped by my room to inform me that...