Miscellaneous Missives

It seems George and Dick won't be in town on Monday for the beginning of the RNC. Is this a bad thing for McCain? I would think having George and Dick stay away could only be helpful especially with the Republicans new "token female" which might end up biting them in the butt. Maybe they should have found a qualified female who actually knew what the job of VP would entail, but I digress. Actually even McCain might not be here on Monday. In his own words he mentioned "taking off the Republican hat and putting on the American hat." Really? Maybe I'm merely too liberal, but I kind of think the Republican hat should be the same as the American hat. Is this oversimplifying or is this the main problem with the Republican party? At least the Republicans figured out that a hurricane hitting a major city, even if it is filled with poverty, is a bad thing. As Tom Brokaw (closet Republican) said, "They couldn't afford two in a row." Besides th...

This morning I awoke to a teacher dream. Actually I awoke, went back to sleep, had the dream, and awoke again. This year we have a new dean of students at our school, and I am excited because I think he will play a key role in the changes announced at our middle school. After my dream this morning, I hope the changes aren't too drastic. I was in my classroom the first day of school and a former female student came to get a pencil. As I was giving her the pencil I realized I was still in my pajamas (gee the very same pjs I was sleeping in). Since they were pink and skimpy, I knew I had to go change. Students started entering my room, but luckily no one seemed to notice my attire. Approaching the bathroom, I realized the only open stall was last stall, so I entered and started changing my clothes. Panic set in as I only had t-shirts and shorts. As fate would have it, I did have a BAA (Bloomington Athletic Association... who knew) shirt in my bag. While I was changing, the n...

Barack Obama's acceptance speech was seen by more people in the United States than watched the opening of the Olympics. Obama's powerful message of hope was supported with concrete ideas and ambitions. History will be made when Obama becomes President. Today the Republicans fought back. Their VP candidate today mentioned Hillary's glass ceiling comments. Why do the Republicans act like McCain having a female running mate is history? In 1984 the Democrats had a female running as VP. Does McSame really think this is a way to get the Hillary Vote? Did he not watch any of the Democratic National Convention?

This week I have spent my evenings watching the Democratic National Convention. I feel emotional as history is made. Honestly I feel a bit overwhelmed by the speeches that have been made this week. When Edward Kennedy took the stage at the beginning of the week, it started nights of teary eyes. His strength showed on stage while the love and support of his family was evident. Hillary proved graceful, funny and inspirational as she supported Barack Obama. President Clinton surprised me with his overwhelming support for Barack. As I have probably stated before Joe Biden probably wouldn't have been my fist pick for VP, but he came across strong. He balanced the "ticket." Tonight I await Obama's speech knowing once again tears will come to my eyes. Maybe it's because I've followed this election since I saw the candidates in Iowa and was able to personally talk to Barack Obama, but I think it is more the spirit of hope.

I was late to my dentist appointment today mainly because I played a couple moves on Scrabble instead of leaving on time. When I left home I didn't take a book because I figured I wouldn't need to wait since I was late. The opposite was true, so I perused the periodicals. After waiting for a rather long time, I finally went to see the dental hygienist. When she was done, I had another loooooonnnggg wait for the dentist. This time I only had my phone to occupy myself... well, nothing but my cell phone. Instead of spending my time reading a book, I took a picture of the dental instruments and sent texts to some friends... What's wrong with me?

Workshop week is a week of meetings and time to work in the classroom. Today I worked in my classroom along side a high school student . Maybe it's because I tend to throw things in drawers and cupboards at the end of the year, but the first day working in my room is always a bit overwhelming. P was taking care of the bulletin boards, posters, and labeling books while I was putting away school supplies and cleaning out drawers and cupboards. When I left to my afternoon meeting, I felt calm knowing P was still working, and the major "room stuff" would be done when I returned. It's not only the room preparation that is stressful these days in education. Knowing our students didn't make AYP (adequate yearly progress) is also a cause for stress. I think it is especially overwhelming for math, reading, and language arts teachers. Today our principal took some of that pressure away as he expressed his belief that it is a school wide effort to continue to work with...

After a day of meetings, including a "working lunch," I decided to indulge. My options were wine or Sebastian Joe's, and I chose Sebastian Joe's (pistachio ice cream). While I was waiting for my ice cream. Two employees (one male and one female) had the following conversation. M- I wonder what I should wear my first day of school. F- Oh, I'll help you pick out an outfit. M- I think I'll just wear a t-shirt and jeans. F- No, you want to play your cards right. M- T-shirt and jeans, I don't want to show my hand. At this point, I couldn't keep my big mouth shut. Me- Yeah but if you don't show any cards you can't play. M- Aaah, she has a good point. Maybe you can help pick out my outfit. Honestly, the young man was good looking and would do fine in a t-shirt and jeans, but I felt the need to add to the conversation.

Let me enjoy this late-summer day of my heart while the leaves are still green and I won't look so close as to see that first tint of pale yellow slowly creep in. I will cease endless running and then look to the sky ask the sun to embrace me and then hope she won't tell of tomorrows less long than today. Let me spend just this time in the slow-cooling glow of warm afternoon light and I'd think I will still have the strength for just one more last fling of my heart. John Bohrn, Late August I awoke to 69º this morning since I had left most of the windows open throughout the night. It was chilly, and I contemplated staying in bed instead of arising for church. Instead I did go to church, and the opening (poem above) at church resonated with me as I contemplated the beginning of the school year marking the end of summer. Today I did "enjoy this late summer day" as I read in the sun and grilled on my deck. Tomorrow I will be ready to go back to work, but today I en...

This morning around 3am I was surprised to hear my phone. I had a text message and must not have been sleeping soundly. Since I figured it was from my family in Alaska, I walked to find the phone and check the message. It wasn't from my family; it was Obama's VP announcement. Even though I had been waiting since Wednesday am for the message, I was surprised by the call although I was not surprised by the message. When I first thought Biden might be the running mate, I wasn't sure that he was the best candidate. After listening to and reading statements by Biden, I am sure he is will be an awesome running mate. More in the following weeks... When the Olympics are over, I plan on spending more time watching politics! 73 days until the election!

One knows it's the end of summer when it is the start to fall raspberry picking. Although I went with a group of four people, the picking was more of a solitary event as we spread ourselves across the raspberry bushes. Bees went from bush to bush but seemed more interested in the pollen than any of us. I picked the luscious fruits and thought about the wonders of nature. The breeze was relaxing and cooling. Living in the country would not be my idea of fun, but I do love to visit on occasion. When we each had eight pints, we left the fields.

I noticed I didn't blog yesterday. Unfortunately today's post will not make up for it. As I was reading my blogs and updates today, I noticed an interesting article at Treehugger.com about cat litter. Since I am always trying to "do my part," I read the article to find an alternative to my clumpable cat litter. One of the suggestions was making a concoction out of newspaper. The first step being to shred the newspaper, and it gets more difficult and time consuming in the following steps. Maybe I don't need to be as environmentally sound with the cat box. Although it may alleviate cat litter on the floor around the litter box, I don't think I have the time, and if I did... Read the article and decide for yourself. How do people come up with these ideas?

This morning I left a little before six o'clock to drive to Okoboji for the day. Since my first appointment isn't until 11:30, I stopped by my Dad's place, even though he's in Alaska, to geek on the computer and play with my new phone (LG enV). Yesterday I learned how to take and send a picture. Today I figured out how to get the pictures to my computer. Do you notice the pictures posted? I bought the new phone hoping I would get better reception in my new place. Although I'm not sure, I do think I get a little better reception. By this winter I should have it figured out. BTW- If it wasn't for the Twin Bing wrapper in the trash and this post, Dad wouldn't even know I had stopped by his place.

This is the last week of summer vacation. Typically this is the week I go into school to start working on my room. It is also the time I use to finalize the school plans I have been contemplating periodically over the summer. I wish I could say this is true for this summer, but I have done little to prepare... until yesterday. Yesterday I made for first major step at preparation by contacting a former student who might need a little cash and asking her if she would help set up my room. Today I met with a colleague, and we planned most of our first month. Yea! I still have a week of summer with little school work.

Because of Michael Phelps and Shawn Johnson, I've watched more of the summer Olympics than I have in the past. Watching the Olympics, I've been reminded of the true spirit. Last night as Phelps won his eighth medal, he was gracious and said over and over how he couldn't have done it without his teammates (which of course is true). Gay didn't whine or blame is injury on his loss. Dara Torres was concerned about her competitor who had suit problems. The USA basketball members have even been seen supporting other athletes. Georgian and Russian athletes have been seen hugging. When I was a little girl, it seemed like the Olympics meant more. This year I feel maybe this is true once again.

Today I went to check my Bloglines and realized two posts had been added to my blog. What? I checked to find the Youtube downloads I had tried to post weeks ago. Instead of deleting them, I though they were worth watching again. Besides, it's an easy way to post on this beautiful sunny day.

I enjoyed this. Disclaimers: 1) Off shore drilling is not immediate foiling Paris' energy plan. 2) I am not a Paris Hilton fan. 3) I am not a fan of the word bitches used casually. 4) I am embarrassed that I enjoyed it.

I tried to post this earlier, but it didn't post. Mc Cain has mentioned that Obama should've waited (overseas trip) until he was president. My guess is Mc Cain also doesn't like Obama shooting hoops with the troops. May the 2008 election bring refreshing change not more of the Mc Same!

In 81 days we will be able to vote for the President of the United States. This should be exciting although many will not vote (probably no one reading this blog!). Today I received an e-mail from Moveon.org. It seems they're quite concerned about the upcoming election. My concern is people will be tired of this election since it seems to have more publicity than most elections and for a longer period of time. I can't imagine what will happen if McCain becomes President. It's too horrible to mention. Everything will be OK. The new driver's license came today, and I know my new voting place ( Bakken Museum-- How cool is that?). 81 days... can you believe it?

Tonight I went to a retirement dinner party for a dear friend. I knew my allergies were in control instead of myself when I skipped dessert and went home. Since they are still creating havoc with my sinuses (entire head), I have little to say!

What is this picture? It's a picture of my Sigg water bottle top. Where is my Sigg bottle? This is a great question. When I went to unscrew my bottle at my meeting this morning, this is what I found... no bottle only top. Can you believe it? I was distraught. As soon as I returned home, I called to get another since I loved the design. They (the three local places I called) didn't have my design, so I went online to order a new one. On August 21st I will be able to pick it up. At least I have another BPA free bottle to use while I wait.

This year we have a "high deductible" insurance policy at school which will eventually mean more "out of pocket" money for me. I decided it would make sense to get my acupuncture covered by insurance, so I called to find out how to do it. There were three steps, two of which I had completed and had enough evidence to prove. The third was to have at least two psychotherapy sessions. I figured those two sessions would cost more than my acupuncture, and there would be "no guarantees." Instead of getting psychotherapy, I decided to put money in the health savings portion of our new plan. As I was making this decision, my friend J found me a therapist. He doesn't cost much, but I'm not sure insurance will find him satisfactory for the third step. I will say after sitting in a meeting/learning session from 8:30 to 4:00 today with colleagues, I need a therapist. Maybe I should have brought him along to debrief during lunch. Tomorrow I'll thi...

Since I need to get up at 5:45 am to catch the bus (buses) to St. Paul, I should be getting ready for bed, but instead I am watching the Olympics. Typically I would say I like the winter Olympics better, but this year I am intrigued by the summer Olympics. After all how can one beat the Shawn Johnson (from Iowa) and Michael Felps? I also think they are doing a better job this year showing the competitions and using less "filler" stories. Maybe tomorrow when I'm complaining about lack of sleep, I'll remember that I found these events worth staying up to watch.

The truth is that I have become a bit addicted to Facebook. One of the applications I've added is "Send Good Karma." I'll admit it's completely silly. One sends someone good karma (health, peace, goodness, happiness, etc.) and get points in return. People can also send you good karma which show up as icons on your profile. Although it's not quite the same as doing something nice for someone and getting something nice in return, it's a way to say, "Hey!" After all, I think Karma is more of a feeling than anything. This morning in church I thought of good karma. The gentleman who sat next to me talked about how important the church community was to him. He mentioned that people at this service always made him feel welcome. I first met him when we seemed to be at the same stop light heading to church multiple weeks in a row. Since we were going to the same place, we walked together. Later I realized he was one of the people helped by the D...

I think John Edwards is a brilliant man. As a liberal democrat, I appreciate his "looking out for the little guy." His interest in poverty, farmers, health care, and education was no lie. The problem is that Edwards did lie. This does not make him less of a political figure, but it does make him less of a man. If John Edwards was to be VP or a member of the cabinet, I would be thrilled... thrilled because I think he would help the average American. Admitting that he became "full of himself" with the attention "rings true to me." Self absorption is corrupt. I will admit I stayed up to watch the Nightline interview. Although I felt sorry for Elizabeth (a bright and compassionate woman), I didn't feel sorry for John. IMHO, he is still lying. My guess is that the baby is his, and when/if Elizabeth passes away from cancer, the truth will be known. Even though I don't agree with lying, if this makes his families' life easier, I think it m...

In honor of 08-08-08, I am listing eight things you should know about my summer. 1. I am tanorexic and enjoying my deck. 2. I am addicted to Scrabble and Sebastian Joe's ice cream. 3. I am not ready for school and may not be when it starts. 4. I have not exercised as much as I need. 5. I have tried to give blood at least three times this summer (low iron). 6. I am comfortable and enjoying my new home. 7. I have only recently been able to read as much as I want. 8. I plan on more sun, golf, reading, Scrabble and eating ice cream this summer.

With moving comes a long "to do" list. One thing on that list was getting a new driver's license. Honestly the only reason this is important to me is because I'll need a license with my current address to vote. Although it was of great importance to me, I didn't want to spend the money or get my picture taken. I was pleasantly surprised when I didn't need a new picture, and they didn't charge the full price since I had two years before expiration. Of course this is not really a post about my driver's license. It's another post about politics. Am I the only one that marvels at Obama as McCain continues these absent minded attacks. Obama remains calm and level headed... and people say he's not President material? I'm fairly certain that Obama would not put Michelle up for Buffalo Chip Queen (or whatever the title was) at Sturgis!! Then that brings us to Norm Coleman. Could his ads get more negative? Al Franken might not be the best ...

This evening was my church book club. It is a women's group, and men are not allowed although it seems some asked about coming this time. The men wanted to come this time because we read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. When I read this book, I was bewildered. Most of our reads have a bit more substance even though it was touted from the start as more fluff. Tonight as I drove to book club, I wondered about our upcoming conversation. What would these brilliant women have to say about a football book? Don't get me wrong; I love football as much as the next guy (not gal). Of course I shouldn't have been surprised at the wit of these women. Our conversation was remarkable. I love this book club!

Today I was debating whether or not to read on my upper deck. The day was wonderful... sun plus a breeze. First, I consulted with one of the construction guys, "Hey, where are you working today?" Although my deck was not completely absent of construction workers, the noisy one didn't hinder my observance of the sun. While I was on the phone, a friend complained of the noise. Have you seen the hotel commercial where the husband and wife are trying to have a conversation over the construction? The noise did shorten my stay, but it was glorious. Plus, since I now have a chair (see picture) on my lower (mini) deck, I was able to make the move and read in the shade.

First, I want to admit that I love Brett Favre. I have, however, lost some respect for him during the last week (or has it been longer). Of course I think he is capable of playing and doing a great job for a team, hopefully the Packers (or Rams), this year. It would be sad to see him play for any other team. My concern is the lack of respect Favre seems to have for the Packer organization. For the last two or three years they've had to figure out if he was going to retire or not. This doesn't seem fair to the team or to the fans. Am I the only one who thinks this? Maybe no one else cares.

This morning was "All Music" Sunday at church. A wonderful woman from church had surgery on Wednesday, so I went merely to check on her progress. She was unable to attend. After checking on her progress and talking to fellow members, I went home without staying for the service. When I was questioned about it, I said that I would pray while they sang. Today I've had a relaxing day of reading and geeking on the computer. I'd like to think I'm observing the Sabbath, but I'm sure some would see it as being lazy.

When I was growing up, we didn't play many (any?) board or card games at home. During the last couple of years, I realize this is something I enjoy doing (only with fun people). Two or three days ago I was invited to play Scrabble on Facebook. Today I invited another friend to play. One would think I would do OK at Scrabble since I am an English major. Nope! It is official since I am losing both games (actually I am only behind one point in the second game in which each person has only played once, but still...); I suck (hey, how many points is that?). My excuse is that I didn't play games as a child or adolescent, so I am at a disadvantage.

As I turned on the six o'clock news, they were observing a moment of silence for the bridge victims. The flag was unfurling at the bridge location as the names and pictures of the victims scrolled across the bottom of the screen. After the moment of silence one of the anchors expressed the importance of the date. Although it's only been a year, I think this is a day I will remember. This may be similar to remembering where I was when the space shuttle exploded or at least the moment I saw the news footage. What was I doing last year on this date ? I was sitting at church for our monthly book club oblivious to the outside world. As we finished the secretary came in and told us the news. I remember thinking little of the information as I left. When I returned home, I continued with the day. It wasn't until I turned on the television that I realized it was a major catastrophe. Two days ago I actually drove parallel to the bridge. The progress is amazing. I was also...