Miscellaneous Missives

When did I become a geek? I spent too much time in front of the television today watching the Democrats decide what to do with Florida and Michigan. For brevity, I'll refrain from my political commentary. The good news is that I was able to do some tasks including cleaning out another closet while I listened. Although I said I wasn't going to give my political commentary, let me say that I find Hillary and her people to be major complainers. Crybabies, I believe is the phrase the guest pastor at Obama's church used earlier this week. This combined with Jeremiah Wright's comments have caused Obama to leave his church of twenty years. Nothing has been said by either pastor that probably isn't true although both men were less than respectful. I'm sure Obama wants the controversy to disappear, but I find it sad that he (and his family) would need to leave a church because of ministers who come and go.

This moving thing is driving me crazy, and it's still over a month out. Today I received a JCPenney sale catalog (even though I've asked them to stop sending them multiple times). I opened it up to look at area rugs. Instead of finding area rugs, I found a leather sleeper sofa and chair. With shipping and taxes, the two would total $1800. My plan was to move my futons to save money. I still want a new stove, refrigerator and dishwasher, but I think I can purchase the three for $1800. This is easy math. I would need $3600 for the appliances and furniture. I have been contemplating this and my missing tax incentive check for 1 1/2 hours. Since I'm moving, I would really like some new stuff. Besides, I'm too old for a futon couch and chair. Right? It is possible. I have $2400 in checks I haven't cashed, $2400 in savings. If I pay off my car and keep $300 in savings, that leaves me with $3100. My tax stimulus check (I do get one, right?) would make the...

This morning I woke up to turbo allergies and went in search of tissue (Puffs with Vicks). Rainbow didn't have the Vicks Puffs, so I went to Walgreens. Walgreens also didn't have any, so I went to Kowalski's. Kowalkski's had them. I actually felt so horrible that I looked at the pastry selection twice and didn't buy anything. One of our more boisterous students had her own box of Vicks Puffs. A colleague was talking about the smell of Vicks in his class. I'm fairly sure he wasn't impressed with the fact that I was late for school today on my quest for the same item. Today I mentioned the word sex (as in male or female not as in having sex) in my honors class, and two boys couldn't stop laughing. Did I mention they were immature? Of course the more mature girls gave them the look of "sex, something you'll never have!" This evening I went to Chipotle for a burrito. Should I be concerned that the guy was able to make my burrito with...

From the title one would think I was talking about myself, but the topic actually relates to my "honors" language arts class. A speaker, who is the executive producer of a new show on bullying, came to my two afternoon classes. The students in my first class were respectful and gave intelligent, thoughtful answers. The students in my honors class were rude and gave sophomoric answers. Fortunately, one girl (truly an "honors" kid) gave answers that made up for the remainder of the group. Unfortunately, I find this more typical than atypical of honors students. The guest speaker, of course, noticed the difference in classes. "The last class was your honors class?" she questioned.

AARRRG! This morning I faxed my latest bank statement to the mortgage guy along with the form to fix my interest rate. While I was at book club this afternoon, my Realtor called with more paperwork for me. Although I wasn't sure what it entailed, I left book club early to meet her at my apartment. She came toting a folder of papers. The note enclosed stated, "...the association gave all new updated docs along with the re-sale and financing..." Updated? I hope this means that when I get out my association binder, I replace the papers instead of add to the papers. Our forest are being depleted merely by real estate transactions.

Because it was spring, I took the flannel sheets off my bed. Because it is 57º outside and I've had my windows open, I'm wearing flannel pjs to bed.

When there is no room left on stone To write the wrong Or spell the sin Who will name the dead? - John Cory Memorial Day is a day to celebrate our troops and those who have gone before us. I will admit I'm not super patriotic. I don't wear a lapel pin. Memorial Day is as much the beginning of summer and a three day weekend as it is remembering those I should remember. My weekend has been full of doing mundane tasks, partying with friends, cooking out, and sleeping. During this weekend, I, however, have thought about the war, our troops, loved ones lost, etc. Many, including myself are opposed to the war as many were opposed to the Vietnam "conflict." It doesn't mean we are not supportive of the troops and their struggles. May wisdom and peace change the current times, and may we learn from past mistakes instead of repeating them. John Cory says it much better than I in this poem and article .

I left Kitty Klaus alone for twenty four hours (with plenty of food and water). When I returned this morning, it was clear he felt neglected, so I gave him attention. All day I have been giving him attention. As I was booking a flight for my brother to come visit (yea!), I may have been more focused on the computer than Kitty Klaus. Of course he found a way to get my attention. Did you know lemonade is sticky when it is spilled on one's leg and the carpet?

Since I'm heading to Cedar Falls to drink with the girls, I thought I'd take this silly quiz. I don't never had a Mai Tai? What are the ingredients? You Are a Mai Tai You aren't a big drinker, but you'll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you're drunk, watch out! You're easily carried away. What Mixed Drink Are You?

Today Hillary made another comment about Obama and Robert F. Kennedy's assassination. This is not the first time she's inferred that something horrible could happen to Obama making it her reason to stay in the race. In fact this is not the first time she's mentioned RFK's assassination in correlation to Obama's run for President. As I have stated many times, I feel Hillary is divisive. Isn't this proof? Where did she make the latest comment? South Dakota. South Dakota = redneck and Republican This was manipulated and divisive. Tonight Keith Olbermann's Special Comment gave a list of actions and words for which the American people have forgiven Hillary. I can't wait to find it and post it!

Last night I received a house warming gift, a new driver. It's one of the big head drivers that did allow me to hit the ball further. The other advantage is that makes a nice ping as I hit it, so even my average drives sound magnificent. Since I gave implicit request (I didn't need presents; I needed people carrying boxes up stairs) for house warming gifts, I did make sure the generous giver realized it did not take the place of climbing stairs with boxes. This morning Kitty Klaus also received a gift. He tried to ignore his new pink mouse until he accidentally nudged it and heard it shake... funny stuff.

A fellow teacher hung a large sign in the hall informing the students they still have three weeks left of school. Why hang the sign? The sign signifies the students apathy towards school work at this time of the year. This is a normal occurrence as the weather improves students work tends to do the opposite. Today I had two students sent to my room for a "time out" by another teacher. Miraculously I was able to get both students to read and do assignments for my class. It was amazing. Lately both of these boys have done little in my class. Another female student has also been reading and doing work in my class. Her current grade is an F (43% with 60% being a passing grade). Today I made "a deal" with her. She works in class every day for the remainder of the year, and I give her a passing grade. Maybe I'm optimistic without any reason, but I think all three of these students will have a good year end.

Tonight my plan was to attend the seventh grade music (band, choir, and orchestra) concert although I will admit after 1 1/2 hours of signing papers with the mortgage guy, I did think about skipping. When I Dad dropped me off at my car which was still at the school, I said, "Have you ever attended a middle school concert? It's painful." This is the truth; it is painful. Typically J brings her little girl to concerts and musicals. Most of the time I have the same attention span as her daughter (H). Tonight J and H came directly from swimming (wet hair and all). They left early since it had been a long day with school, swimming, etc. As they left, I felt cheated. How come I had to stay for the last section if H was allowed to leave?

Last week I had my school observation. The assistant principal was in my room for five to ten minutes. When he left the form on my desk, I was entertained. He wanted to know what interventions I had made for the special education and English as a Second Language students. Obviously he didn't know it was my honors class. To me this was more support that he wasn't aware of what goes on in the classroom. Didn't he look at the number of girls and white students in the room? For years I have complained about the make-up of the honors class because it is not representative of our population. In fact, I have worked to move students of color into my honors class. Today I met with him to discuss the observation. I explained it was my honors class and explained how I am able to change the plans for my other mainstream classes (sped and ESL students). He didn't seem interested on how I accomodate the differing abilities in my classroom. Instead of spending most of the ...

I took my shredded paper and some cat food to the Humane Society today. As I left I was feeling happy to have shared until I met a man in the parking lot. "Are you leaving empty handed?" he asked. Why did I feel the need to explain? Guilt? I have no need for another pet, but it is heart wrenching to see the pets looking through their cages.

Although I should be working on figuring out Garage Band, I am cleaning out some files. I started with my two drawer file cabinet and threw away files from when I taught high school. After the file cabinet I moved to the shelves in the closet. I have thrown away at least six trash cans (first pictured here). It's been difficult alternating between dumpster and recycling bin. Next I moved to my little safe which included tax returns from the 90s. As my dad would say, my shredder "ate its pigs." The last tax returns will have to wait. The shredded paper will be delivered to the Humane Society.

Since I have enjoyed a game of golf with friends and magnificent weather, I plan on doing some reading this evening. My choices, although limited, are many: 1) Oprah magazine 2) Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England 3) Lock and Key (YA novel) 4) The Sun magazine 5) The Lakes (Residents & Owners Manual-- requirements and bylaws) I should read choice number five since I have a week to read it, but I can't imagine I will get to it this evening. My guess is the two magazines come first!

The post before give the information. This post shares the remainder of the pictures. Did you see the rooftop deck? My condo is the bottom unit. It's really more of a town house(?).

I am once again a home owner. This time I'll actually be moving in. My closing is July 7th. Next I need to meet with the mortgage guy instead of merely e-mailing back and forth. Life is crazy. I am attaching pictures from the real estate web site showing the condo.

I received this in an e-mail from a friend. Try it ! Your Visual DNA ..........surprisingly accurate When you link on -- a series of about 12 pictures will come up -- click on a photo in that category. Just continue to keep picking the pics that appeal to you after reading the category. At the end it will give you a profile of yourself ... http://dna.imagini.net/friends/ I think it fits me... You like life rugged and rough round the edges. You take rambling walks in the open air, and appreciate the unpredictability of nature--you've got a steady attitude, people see you as a bit of a rock. When it comes to art, you're definitely unconventional. You like to think differently, always from another perspective. You have a good sense of humor. As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world. It gives you focus, and concentration-- you might find it hard to switch off. Your choice treat shows you love being a little bit naughty. Being good all the time is a bore...

Did I hear an Obama/Edwards ticket? I would like to hear Hillary leave gracefully.

This afternoon on my way home I was heckled by an older man in a "piece of crap" Mercury Sable. He was distraught about my Obama for President bumper sticker. Most of what he said was inaudible. As I was driving he continued to yell out his window into my window. "If I vote for Obama would you date me?" "As you get older and more mature you'll become more conservative." He also ranted something about West Virginia and Texas. This barrage of insults (?) went on for six blocks when I turned. Are all conservatives this disgruntled?

I have officially given my earnest check and placed an offer on the property (not in Uptown). If they accept my proposal, I'll need to start saying I live in the Calhoun neighborhood instead of Uptown. Do you think I'll still get the coupons from the Uptown Minneapolis Quarterly? The process was not without stress, but after signing papers for an hour and a half, I have completed my part until the seller tells me I have a generous offer. My Realtor rocks! Maybe by Friday I'll have an answer. Until then I'll concentrate on the pile of work I've been ignoring at school.

Sometimes we lose track of people. Tonight I went in search of a former pastor. Although he was a bit of a charlatan, he was entertaining and gave a good message. I went in search of him after a church meeting in which I was put in charge of finding information for a Bible study entitled "The Gospel According to Andy Griffith." This is a daunting task since I'm not sure that I've ever viewed an episode. Since I remembered my former pastor (Reverend) doing a similar study, I went on-line to find him. He was only a click away. We had a wonderful conversation full of laughs and well wishes. It's fun to reconnect with people especially with the convenience of finding someone through the internet.

Last year a couple friends and I celebrated Mother's Day together. Their mothers have passed away and my mother is no longer part of my life. As others are celebrating their mothers, we spent time celebrating ourselves. I have recently returned from our second anniversary of the Motherless Day. Kindred spirits in not only being motherless but being childless, we spent the afternoon laughing and enjoying ourselves. Although society may not understand our celebration, we deserve to be celebrated! Have I mentioned that I have wonderful friends?

If the truth were known, I would be lost without modern technology. The truth is I am also lost with it or in it. Since I forgot the power cord to my computer, I have been alternating between my father's computer (without his knowledge or permission) and my computer. I now only have 35% left on my computer, so we'll see if the word document (hopefully with graphics) I tend to prepare on his computer opens on mine later. I have spent the majority of the afternoon on these two computers with little to show. I also spent a good fifteen to twenty minutes trying to figure out my father's Direct TV only to realize when I was able to get channels that nothing was worth watching. It will be interesting to see how long it takes my friend and I to figure out the dvd player later. While I've been in front of a screen, I've managed to ignore the bag full of papers that need corrected. Although the students have done the steps of the writing process, I still dread readin...

Today I spent $40 filling up my gas tank. This is a first for me since I've never spent over $30 to fill up any vehicle's tank that I've owned. Although I am in favor of a gas tax, I am not in favor of being pilfered by the big oil companies. As I was complaining to my father about filling up my tank, he mentioned the last time he filled up it cost $71. He then proceeded to tell me it's a good deal because he gets 3% off gas purchases with his American Express credit card. I think this was in jest (not the 3% but what the good deal paying more for gas). My prediction is we will be paying four dollars by the 4th of July. Maybe this will replace the old saying about corn being knee high by the 4th of July. Gas will be way high ($4) by the 4th of July. Any bets?

Tomorrow is the last day in my attempt to teach the writing process. It has been grueling. This is the first (and last) time I taught it at the end of the year... not a good idea. When this process (of teaching the writing process) started, I was completely disgusted with the student writing. I questioned the teaching (sentences, writing traits, paragraphs, grammar, etc.) I had attempted. The last couple of days have been better. As students near the end of the process, I feel they are making improvements in their writing. Maybe I am teaching them something about writing.

Last Thursday or Friday my Realtor e-mailed me. She found a condo a bit out of my designated area (Lakeshore Drive directly next to the Greenway behind Whole Foods). I was hesitant, but said I'd look (mainly because of the deck). Sunday we looked at the property. Although it is not probably considered "Uptown," it is still close to the lakes. Tuesday I went to look again with measurements and a great friend. We probably spent an hour or two looking at the condo. Since S is such a wonderful friend, she also stayed and talked to me for another three hours. It makes the process easier. Although the process is easier, my winks were few last night. My stomach is queasy and my head aches. Nerves have gotten the best of me. Last night the suggestion was made we discuss the pros and cons over a glass of wine. I was nervous enough that I may have thrown up! It shouldn't be a big move since I had purchased (or at least put money down) the Track 29 property, but I...

I hope Pollan is correct in two ways: 1) Obama makes it through. 2) The government starts taking health care and healthy eating seriously. Take the time to read In Defense of Food. It's ironic I'm posting about healthy eating since I had two nutty bars (chocolate, peanut butter, and probably tons of corn syrup) for lunch instead of eating my pineapple, grapes, and raw nuts.

This is better than anything I have to say today. Since this is from Treehugger.com, I'm going to assume it's true. It seems more like something one would see at Boingboing.net. "Professional New York dog walker Ilene says 'I need to be careful because of dog poop laws. POOP-FREEZE makes it real easy.' Billy in St.Paul says 'Nobody likes pickin up poop but your product makes it fun. Plus it's environmentally friendly.' ..." I can't imagine that they aerosol can or the CO2 is environmentally sound. This has to be a hoax!?!

Several weeks ago I posted about the six word essay although I hadn't read the book, Not Quite What I Was Planning . I have now finished the book and was thoroughly entertained. After reading these succinct thoughts, I wrote my original six word essay about my life: and still I ask for more. Actually it came to me as I was taking a shower. These are my favorites from the book: "Love the Men. Hate the commitment." by Lindsay Filz "I live the perfect imperfect life" by Paul Lore "Learning to be great at mediocrity." by Christopher Reiger "Detergent girl: Bold. Tide. Cheer. All." by Marth Clarkson "dam smart-- never lerned to spel." by Rachel Ehrlich "I have not done it all." by Aaron Knoll "God, grant me patience. Right now." by Michael Castleman "Where the hell are my keys?" by Brady Udall "Big heart protected by sharp tongue." by Kris Kleindienst One might think some were writ...

In order to reduce my junk mail, I have been calling catalogs to cancel. Recently, in an Oprah magazine, I came across an easier way to do this on line. Catalogchoice.org will get rid of these pesky catalogs for me. It still takes a couple cycles of the catalog before they stop, but it is much easier than making the call. The website even tells me what catalogs have declined the cancellation. Title Nine declined my cancellation. Since they are also a company that I previously tried to cancel via e-mail, I had a lovely conversation with the customer service representative (Actually the representative was helpful, and it wasn't her fault.). Give it a try!

Barnes and Noble is having a teacher appreciation weekend. Teachers receive 25% off all purchases. Typically they give teachers 20% off on school stuff, but this weekend they are extending it to all purchases. Our PTSA recently gave every teacher $50 to spend on school supplies (extremely generous), so I thought I would use my $50 to purchase some books for my classroom and take advantage of the teacher appreciation weekend ("more bang for my buck"). During lunch I put some books on hold and ordered the books they didn't have in stock. Since I purchased them with my credit card, I received the discount (25%). I also had YA (young adult) book club this afternoon. A book was mentioned that I thought would be interesting, so I called BN and asked them to put a copy on hold. When I went to pick up my books, the first set was purchased, but the last book I put on hold needed my credit card. The cashier was rude and "less than helpful." She needed to see some...

Last night I watched Michael Moore on Larry King. Although Michael Moore is sometimes "over the top," I do agree with what he says. More videos are posted at Michaelmoore.com