Miscellaneous Missives

I have found two new things. The first is Twitter.com, and I really don't understand it's draw. Maybe it's because I'm old and don't have young, "with-it" friends. The second I am trying out with this blog (Thanks M). It gives me a chance to take a picture of a website and paste it to my blog. Actually I can do this illegally with my iBook, but this gives the url, etc. Twitter: What are you doing? via kwout I am trying it with the Twitter page and have no clue how it will look. Basically I am downloading discs (books on tape) to my iBook to download to my iPod while spending TOO much time on the computer. If I was in Mexico, I'd be drinking Fresca, looking at the ocean, and reading. I'd be planning when to add more sunscreen and when to have dinner. My spring break reading list would by 4X as long as my current spring break reading list. Of course I would post to my blog, but I certainly would not have spent the majority of the day on my ...

I have a new game. When I returned from working out this morning (6am departure-- go me!), I drank some juice, read e-mails, and sorted my laundry. Then I decided to play my new game. The game is simple "even a caveman could do it." Basically I lie down and close my eyes. When my eyes open (to look at anything... clock, snow, cat, snow, cookies, snow, anything), I have to rise. Today the game lasted for an hour. Next spring break I NEED to find the money for Mexico. Much more is accomplished in Mexico than Minneapolis especially when snow is falling such as today. I was happy to be able to get pictures of the flakes coming down. It's early, so I may post more pictures this afternoon if the snow arrives as they have planned. Notice the robin isn't pleased either.

I volunteered to help with the afternoon/evening portion of community meals because the person that typically helps with the coordination and afternoon work is a "snow bird." Last week I asked when she was going to return. My real question being, "Do I really have to work this week's community meal as well as next week's community meal?" J replied that she had talked to "snow bird" who wouldn't be home until the end of April. She also mentioned that "snow bird" had suggested me to fill her position as a way to "suck you in." I considered this an April Fool's joke yet mentioned I would fill in when needed. Today as we were going through the afternoon rituals, J said, "I thought you were 34." I responded by telling her that although it was a great way to "suck me in," I only wanted to fill in when needed. BTW- Today/tonight was crazy. I was literally on my feet from 1-6:30. The volunteers and...

A friend loaned me her copy of A World Without Us . The book is not a feel good type of book. The premise of the book is to discuss what the world would be like without humans. More importantly it talks about the footprint humans are leaving. Basically we are doing a fine job destroying our world, but then again I already knew that, right?! Last night as I was reading the chapter "Polymers are Forever," I became a bit more disturbed than I had with previous chapters. After all I am not naive, I know I need to be a better steward of the Earth and know that plastic is evil. To what extent left me feeling more depressed. Basically I am using products that I had no idea contain plastic. Yesterday I felt savvy as I saved two dollars with a coupon (actually three dollars on two) on facial cleanser. Although it's not the brand I typically use, I was happy to "stock up" and "save some green." Green, now there's an interesting word. St. Ives is t...

This afternoon I took the bus downtown to give blood. Because my iron is too low, my visit at Memorial Blood Center was rather short. It seems having a steak burrito for dinner, a multi-vitamin with iron for breakfast, and salmon for lunch is similar to cramming for an exam. Instead of cramming I should have been practicing this iron ritual three to four days before attempting to give blood. Who knew? Anyway I found a cheaper way to shop. While I was downtown, I stopped at Target for needed supplies. I simply bought what I needed and left without perusing the entire store since I knew my purchases needed to fit in two bags and be toted home on the bus. I am sure it saved me some money because I walked past some really cute Bermuda shorts without stopping to look. In the future I plan on taking the bus to Target instead of the car in efforts to save money.

Yesterday I was adamant that I was not going to school today even though it was a contracted half day. The half day is for grades, mine complete. Last night I began to feel guilty. I did, after all, bring school work home, so I should follow the contract and do some of the work at school. Although I tend to rebel in many situations, I was raised by the "Queen of Guilt," and last night I was feeling guilty. Unfortunately much of the reasoning is faulty. This morning I went to work in adherence to my contract and did finish some work, but my heart was sitting at home reading. After two or three hours, I found my heart and sat with it reading (guilt free) in the comforts of my living room. Next I plan to join my sleeping cat. Later I'll be more productive. Oh, notice it took three days for the Peep Show to show on my blog:(

This is one of many Peep videos you can find at www.youtube.com.

A month ago the language arts teachers in my building presented TOXIC as a way for students to prepare for the written (constructed response) part of the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Exam... NCLB). We used a Power Point complete with Britney Spears' song Toxic to present the concept. As I presented it to my class, I asked "Why do we take the MCA?" The students' response shocked me. When one student said it was to grade the teachers and schools, I took it as a smart ass comment. When most students in the honors class had the same response, I was ill. At a language arts steering committee meeting that evening, I shared this information. In class the next day, after I had calmed down, I discussed the importance of the test to the individual student. After all it really should be a test to see what the students know. In reality it is a test that judges schools and therefore teachers, but without student "buy in" the test is pointless and harmful. T...

Sunday I spent much of Easter rubbing my eye. Monday I went to the school nurse to talk to her about my itchy eye. She said I probably had pink eye and discussed treatment. During lunch I went to urgent care to see the doctor who gave me the same information as the school nurse. He, however, was able to give me a prescription for eye drops. I told him the same thing I told the school nurse, "Do you have anything else? I can't put drops in my eyes." Actually I was more honest with the nurse and told her it would take two people to get drops in my eyes. He was very kind about the situation and gave me a hint about getting the drops in my eyes. When I returned to school, J gave me the same hint since it's what works with her five year old. Last night I successfully followed the advice and was able to put drops in my eyes twice. Dad, who left today, was disappointed he missed the second time since he was able to watch my first try. Today I've been able to ...

I'm not sure, but I think today was the first time I tried a Peep. Actually I ate two of them. While the nutritious content is sketchy (two Peeps = 15 mg sodium, 36g carbohydrates, 34g sugar, and 1g protein), the calorie content is high (140). I wasn't enamored with the marshmallow treat, so I tried to get creative. On impulse I decided to see if one would stick to the wall (done easily). The pictures show the Peep that now guards our team room. Others are more creative. The Washington Post has a contest. This link will show you the top 37 of 800 entries. Some people have more creativity and time than I have. I also tried to post an entry from Youtube. If it doesn't show up today, it may show up later. Youtube has MANY Peep entries... scary but true.

Although the snow was beautiful once again this morning, it seemed out of place at the sunrise Easter service. The service took us from the dark tomb to the light of Jesus' resurrection. We went from the dark chapel to the light East entrance to signify the meaning of Easter. All the time the snow came down in moist, large flakes. Typically I look forward to changing my closet during spring break. It is time to take heavy sweaters and wool coats to the dry cleaner. It is time to worry about I will look in short pants and short sleeves. It is time to worry about getting a "base tan." It is time to spend more time outside. It is time for tulips to bloom. It is time for the snow to STOP. Since the forecast is four days of snow for the next week, I don't think this is going to happen. In fact snow is expected tonight. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!?! Gratitudes: 1) Easter services (both) 2) talking with family (Dad here and Michael by phone) 3) another aftern...

Although it didn't amount to much, more snow appeared during the evening and this morning. It wasn't over an inch, but it was enough to halt my morning walk. For some reason it looked too cold outside with all of the snow. Honestly, I didn't even check the temperature. I opened the curtains, saw snow coming down, looked at the snow piled up, fed the cat, and took a nap. Spring break is a week away. Mexico would have been an excellent choice. Instead I'll be in Minneapolis hopping mud puddles or slush puddles. Gratitudes: 1) Dad's safe arrival 2) Old Chicago, Mager's and Quinn, and Sebastian Joe's (afternoon walk) 3) reading (I've started Barbara Kingsolver's Small Wonder ... worth taking my time to read.)

It's difficult to believe Good Friday and the second day of spring brought a little over four inches of snow. I always love the way the snow grabs onto the trees, but I am ready to see green grass growing under the trees and buds forming on trees. Instead of complaining, I am enjoying the beauty of the snow. Buying some local grown tulips didn't hurt. Gratitudes: 1) making cookies for the Dignity Center 2) the beauty of the snow (soon to disappear) 3) purple tulips (to celebrate Lent and spring)

Tonight my church is going to have a Maundy Thursday worship service including foot washing. The Oprah magazine's latest issue has an article written by Edwidge Danticat (the author of a book I am waiting to read) who speaks of her experience with foot washing. She mentions that it made her "...feel stronger in a way one experiences only by extending oneself, one's hand, unguardedly toward another." Although I typically like to try new things, I will not be attending the service tonight even though I've contemplated it all week. Actually I've gone back and forth all day. After school I wasn't going to go. Fifteen minutes ago I was going to go. Currently, I'm going to keep my feet covered with my warm, fuzzy socks and stay home. Foot washing may be a way to remember the Last Supper and a way to "be humble in the treatment of each other," but I will remember the last supper by reading my Bible. I don't feel brave (if that's the ...

Today marks the five year anniversary of Shock and Awe. Five years later I am both shocked and awed. It's not a feeling of wonderment but a feeling of disgust. Four thousand troops have been killed in this war and 1/2 trillion dollars has been spent on the war. Imagine what could have been done with that money. Amazing. Gratitudes: 1) anti-war rallies 2) diet fountain Pepsi (with six cent savings because I was short money) 3) Puffs (stronger than Kleenex, needed strength)

I awoke to the sound of the parking lot adjacent to my window being plowed. It was loud. Instead of getting up, I remained in bed irritated by the sound. When I finally peaked out of the window, I saw the fence latticed with snow. As I drove to school, the irritation disintegrated. How could anyone be irritated when everything was magically covered in snow? The entire way to work I contemplated pulling over to take a picture, but it was too dark. Knowing the snow was going to disappear by the end of the day, I kept thinking of a the contrast between a morning and afternoon picture. Gratitudes: 1) snow (magical trees) 2) Robin Eggs (malted milk Robin Eggs) 3) internet (to pass the time as students worked quietly)

St. Patrick was actually born in Scotland and not Ireland. According to Slate , American's turned this saint into a party. "The Irish have celebrated their patron saint with a quiet religious holiday for centuries, perhaps more than 1,000 years. It took the United States to turn St. Patrick's Day into a boozy spectacle. Irish immigrants first celebrated it in Boston in 1737 and first paraded in New York in 1762. By the late 19th century, the St. Patrick's Day parade had become a way for Irish-Americans to flaunt their numerical and political might. It retains this role today." Yesterday in church this was shared from St. Patrick's breast plate although I'm not really sure if it was actually on his breastplate or merely a song: “Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the he...

The Lenten theme in my church has been "The Spiritual Journey." Today, Palm Sunday, we were asked to think of our creed. I started taking notes in my bulletin (a habit I've had since I can remember). I believe in hope. I believe in peace. I believe a higher power delivers what I need not necessarily what I want. I believe in the "Golden Rule." I believe that all people are precious. I believe in our youth... in their dreams and ideas. I believe in compassion and understanding for all living things. I believe in helping and caring. I believe in the power of community. I believe I can be a better person. I believe in things I cannot see. I believe in the water, wind, air... the Earth and her many wonders. I believe in all living things. After I looked at my list I came to a sad realization. Many times my actions don't show my beliefs. I become irritated, impatient, hopeless... I prayed for guidance and to remember what I believe. When I was growing up we...

This morning I passed three police standing near their bikes. One mentioned how he didn't care if there was any action because he was getting paid one way or the other. I didn't think much of it until I was walking around Uptown later as the anti-war march began. Then I realized the police were talking about the march. What did they think was going to happen at an anti-war (peaceful) march? Did he think some of the protesters carrying "Peace" signs were going to get unruly? I didn't participate in the March, but later on my return from more errands I saw some of the march participants coming back. Since we were walking in the same direction, I started a conversation. It seems the police were there more to protect the protesters than to worry of riots. We all agreed that it is amazing anyone would think this war was still OK after the last five years. They also suggested that the police were a bit annoyed with the march. Maybe it was the large number of ...

I'm amazed that it is already the middle of March. Did it come in like a lion or a lamb? Each spring I buy daffodils to support the American Cancer Society. Daffodil Days is a yearly event which represents the coming of spring. This year the timing was perfect. My flowers came with sun and warmer temperatures. They sit bright and cheerful next to my blue and white winter candles and snowmen. It seems like the perfect combination for mid march. Gratitudes: 1) daffodils 2) laughter 3) helpful secretaries

As I've said numerous times, I am disappointed with Hillary. Gratitudes: 1) a clean car (taken through the car was myself) 2) time to mail package which has been sitting in my front seat all week 3) first day all week without meeting or appointment of some kind

HELP! I am missing the following books. Since I never record to whom I record books, I don't really know who has them. Although I know they will be returned eventually, I would like to know the location of the following titles: Eat Pray Love The Memory of Old Jack Water for Elephants Animal, Vegetable Miracle ...just wondering...

One of my book clubs recently read The Memory of Old Jack . I found the book tedious, yet tonight as passages were read I found them beautiful. Although I had already read the book, something seemed different as the passages were read. Perhaps I need to read his poetry instead of tackling a novel. Here are some passages I found remarkable this evening: "as vacant as an empty house" "...he knew that he had become the incarnation of his solitude." Some of his poetry was also shared. I found this poem fitting. "Through the weeks of deep snow we walked above the ground on fallen sky, as though we did not come of root and leaf, as though we had only air and weather for our difficult home. But now as March warms, and the rivulets run like birdsong on the slopes, and the brances of light sing in the hills, slowly we return to earth. Wendell Berry Gratitudes: 1) Sebastian Joe's (raspberry chocolate chip) 2) books (and conve...

S sent me these two videos several days ago. I tried to post (multiple times some of you may have noticed), and they didn't show up on my blog. Today all six of the videos appeared. To alleviate the confusion I deleted them and reposted. Since I was frustrated I name them both Juxtaposition Part II. The top is Part I and the bottom is Part II. Watch the top then the bottom. Oh my!

Watch after watching Part I. BTW I am liking Hillary less and less (if you care!).

Watch Part I first. Thanks S!

The local DJs to whom I periodically listen are giving up their cell phones for a week. I, for one, could never do this, and it's pathetic. Actually I could not go 24 (or even 12) hours without my phone. Of course I will use the excuse that I only have one phone, but realistically it is my "security blanket." After school I went from a meeting to book club. On the way to book club, I realized I didn't know the location of my phone. I traded a fellow colleague our next book for a call to my cell phone. She followed me to my car to call my cell, but unfortunately it was not ringing. Next I went back to school to find my misplaced phone. When I used the land line in my room to trace it, it also wasn't ringing. WHERE IS MY PHONE? On the drive home I felt a little panic. When I returned home, I found it where I left it on my dresser. Ahhh, relief! Gratitudes: 1) leaving school without a coat and feeling comfortable 2) intelligent women and conversation ...

This past weekend I went to see Bucket List. As I thought about my Bucket List, I realized I've really done most things I've wanted to do. Maybe I'm shallow and need to "dig deeper," but I have had a hard time deciding what I would put on my list. In the movie one of the characters contemplated whether or not he would want to know when he would die. I'm not really sure of my answer, but I am fairly certain I know how I will die. This summer I slept through five fire trucks which blocked my street. Last night I had a similar incident. This time I slept through the fire alarm, but I did hear the fire truck. When I finally woke up to the sound of the fire truck, I realized the building fire alarm was sounding. As I have mentioned before I find it difficult to take fire alarms seriously since we have so many drills at school. I felt the door to see if it was warm, then walked into the hallway. Two firemen passed me, so I went back inside to get my shoes...

After reading this in an article, Save the Planet Today from Natural Health magazine, I realized using matches instead of lighters is common sense, yet I am guilty of using a lighter. I will definitely switch back to matches. "...Most contain petroleum-based fuels and plastics and end up in landfills since they can't be refilled. Matches are made from biodegradable wood or cardboard and require fuel to produce, which means fewer greenhouse gases get released." Gratitudes: 1) Dad's laughter (Bucket List) 2) sunlight illuminated rooms 3) snowflakes melting on my face

Although I would be excited about a female president and hope to see one in my lifetime, I still don't think it's Hillary. I want in Dem in the White House more than I want a woman in the White House. My latest disappointment is Hillary's reasoning for not winning in Mississippi (although the contest hasn't happened) and her reasoning for not winning caucuses. At least she seems to feel Iowa is open although I'm not sure I know the term communitarianism. Mississippi "I was shocked when I learned Iowa and Mississippi have never elected a woman governor, senator or member of Congress," Clinton told the paper. "There has got to be something at work here. How can Iowa be ranked with Mississippi? That's not the quality. That's not the communitarianism, that's not the openness I see in Iowa." Hillary Clinton Caucuses "The caucuses aren’t good for her [Hillary Clinton]. They disproportionately favor upper-income voters who, who, don...

Scuppie -- a "Socially Conscious Upwardly-mobile Person." 1. A person who desires all the best life can offer and strives for those goals in a socially conscious manner. 2. One who is dedicated to the pursuit of peace, happiness and cash (not necessarily in that order). 3. Someone ‘green’ -- i.e. one who understands the love of money does not preclude the love of nature...and vice-versa. All this according to Chuck Failla, a financial planner trying to bring "Scuppie" in to vogue. from Treehugger.com Obviously if you are reading my blog you already know this, but some people are much more inventive than I! Gratitudes: 1) working students 2) beautiful sunset 3) fellow Favre fans

Brett Favre held a press conference today to speak about his retirement. It was emotional for him and me. Why was it emotional for me? I don't really know, but at times I felt tears well up in my eyes. Here are my favorite quotes from the press conference transcript : *"I promised I wouldn't get emotional ... it's never easy ... you know, it's funny, I've watched hundreds of players retire, and you wonder what that would be like ... you think you're prepared..." * "I hope that every penny ... I hope that every penny that they've spent on me, they know was money well-spent." *"As I look back on my career, no regrets. No regrets, whatsoever." *"I can't leave without saying thank you to the fans. When I laughed and when my family laughed, they laughed. When I cried, they cried. When I cheered, they cheered. When I threw an interception, well, you know." * "...But one play, one game, one season doesn't defi...

Today's blog is difficult. Should I write about negativity or Knut? This morning I woke up to find out Hillary's negativity helped her with three of the four states. Honestly I am tired of Hillary's negativity. I am tired of Hillary answering any question with a jab at Obama instead of a legitimate answer to the question. Listening to the radio (Air America) this afternoon I learned that Limbaugh encouraged Republicans to vote for Hillary in Texas yesterday. At least 1200 admitted to this activity. My mind will change if Hillary is the nominee, but currently the only positive I see with a Hillary nominee is Limbaugh would go insane (more insane?). Yesterday Treehugger.com posted pictures of Knut on his one year birthday. It showed pictures of him now and pictures of him when he was a baby. This morning while students were typing their poems in the computer lab, one student asked me about my favorite animal. I told him it was the otter and googled to show him a pict...

Brett Favre announced his retirement today. It makes me a bit sad.

Several weeks ago when my administrators were discussing some silly ideas to solve the traffic after lunch, I e-mailed them with a suggestion. I didn't get any kind of response. In fact I forgot about it until last night as I couldn't sleep. My mind was processing the day's activities. One being an afternoon meeting where my idea had become more of a draft if not the way it was going to be next year. When I proposed the idea, I had some of the same questions that arose yesterday afternoon when it was shared at the meeting. I certainly didn't want my name next to the proposal, but I do think it would have been polite for one of them to e-mail me and if nothing else let me know it was an interesting idea. Some kind of acknowledgment or thanks for the idea would have been appreciated. Lately I've become more and more leery of the current administration, and this "adds fuel to the fire." It seems more and more ideas are coming from the top down withou...

I watched this movie over the weekend. As I was watching it I grabbed my computer to check some of the people and facts. It is a movie of abolitionist in England. Although I don't watch a lot of movies, this one was impressive. Put it on your Netflix or if you're like me, go get it from the video store. gratitudes: 1) Things seem to have gone well at work while I was absent. 2) I should be caught up by the end of tomorrow. 3) early am call (just because) from a friend

The morning was beautiful, and the afternoon is drab which fits my mood. For some reason I am tired and achy. Gratitudes: 1) beautiful sunrise (pictured above) 2) less wind (decrease of at least 5 mph) on my morning walk 3) geese honking and little birds tweeting... a cacophony of sounds

When I was in high school (or maybe junior high), I read Amityville Horror. Although I never saw the movie, I remember the flies. I reminisce about the flies because I've been killing flies for the past two days. It started Friday morning. Dad has a three foot (at least) window close the the ceiling probably nine feet off the ground. For some reason, the flies seem to congregate in this window. Friday was Dad's first day home from surgery, and I wanted to help out in any way I could. The flies in the window were bothering him, so I crawled up and killed them. Ever since then I have been using the fly swatter (floor, wall, windows...) to rid the house of flies. An official tally hasn't been taken, but we think I've killed at least twenty some. Gratitudes: 1) homemade cookies brought by P 2) Dad's humor 3) college basketball