Miscellaneous Missives

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It was also a baptism service for a baby at church based on the story book On the Day You were Born by Debra Frasier. It reminded me of the wonders of our world and its people. We are truly one. I found it fitting: the beginning of Advent, the first measurable snow, and a baptism. The innocence of a baby and the whiteness of the snow as we embark into the season of Advent. Instead of being overtaken by the commercialism of the season, I will remember the "reason for the season."

Although I may be jealous because my "clubbing" days are over, I am wondering about the company of some professional athletes. The latest is Plaxico Burress who was "accidentally" shot in the leg. Admittedly it's been awhile since I've been in a club. I, however, never remember gun fire when I was in a club, and I don't think it's merely because I had too much to drink. With the violence in Mumbai, I find the thugs in America alarming. Maybe they need to find something else to prove. As for Burress and the numerous others, if they are in danger of gunfire because of the millions they earn each year playing football, maybe they should find a charity or help the government with their funds.

As I've posted in recent years, Black Friday is also known to some as Buy Nothing Day. Today Treehugger.com showed a cartoon that put the day in perspective. Financially our country is struggling. People are worried about their jobs and homes. We need a stable economy. IMHO buying or not buying today (one day) will not make a difference in the "larger picture." Today I went ran errands which included a trip to Home Depot and Target. I was pleasantly surprised with the lack of crowds although crazy people had carts of poinsettias at Home Depot (99 cents each-- limit 10-- insane!). The self checkout line is definitely my friend at Home Depot. Target was equally calm as I shopped for basics such as tissue and toothpaste. As for Christmas shopping, I believe Black Friday is a bit too early. Maybe I need more time to put some thought into my gifts...

Yesterday I watched a news clip of Obama at an elementary school. He had been helping at food shelf and saw elementary kids looking and waving at him from a nearby school. Although the Secret Service had to scurry, he went to see the kids. The sounds of their screaming was engaging. Today in his weekly address he spoke of our country. My favorite section thanks the parents that read an extra hour to their children. "I have seen this strength firsthand over many months – in workers who are ready to power new industries, and farmers and scientists who can tap new sources of energy; in teachers who stay late after school, and parents who put in that extra hour reading to their kids; in young Americans enlisting in a time of war, seniors who volunteer their time, and service programs that bring hope to the hopeless." Recently a friend sent an e-mail about Obama's ability to speak using complete sentences. It will be refreshing to have an intelligent President in the Wh...

i thank you by e.e. cummings i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today, and this is the sun's birthday; this is the birth day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay great happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any--lifted from the no of all nothing--human merely being doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened) I must admit that I took this poem from a blog I read this morning. It reminds me to be grounded in the day. Each day is a new day (sun's birthday) full of blessings if I take time to look and breathe. Take the time today to look, breathe, and give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!

This year at school I am co-chair on a Positive Behavior Interventions System (PBIS) committee. It seems I've had more complaints since this started instead of less. Although I admit I do love to know what people are thinking, it seems the same people always complain the loudest. Of course I'm not opposed to complaining, but I typically take it straight to administration (or to my problem). One thing the committee is trying to do is acknowledge the staff with quick ten minute celebratory meetings with treats. This should not insight complaining. It seems the toughest part of this is finding an acceptable date. This morning as I had only recently arrived at school, a fellow colleague stopped to complain about the next chosen date. He complained about his hectic schedule and his inability to make the meeting (ten minutes during contract time... celebratory!). This continued for awhile including how it was about him (and his incredibly busy schedule) until he finished with...

...and the truth is I'm an idiot when it comes to my finances. My Dad tried to teach me better. Did I tell you the story about when I threw a twenty dollar bill in the garbage? As I was having a difficult time sleeping tonight, I questioned my Whole Foods bill. Tonight I went to pick up the turkey I had reserved. Overwhelmed by the 13 pound bird, I opted for a six pound turkey breast. When I talked to the meat guy on Saturday, he recommended the $1.57/pound bird, but tonight it seemed way too much bird. Since it was the smallest they had, I put it back and picked up the turkey breast. I would love to say my headache caused the temporary insanity, but honestly I don't necessarily always make the best financial decisions. Of course I didn't look at the price of the turkey breast. It was smaller and therefore less expensive. Wrong! The total price of the turkey I returned would have been $20. The price of my turkey breast was $35. Of course it's too late to ret...

I am continuously annoyed by leaf blowers. When they used leaf blowers instead of rakes to take care of the leaves in front of my condo, I was appalled. Today I woke up with a severe headache that is still pulsing. Instead of using the blender, I stopped by Caribou for a hot chocolate. As I was leaving to get into my car, a man with a leaf blower was cleaning off the sidewalk and the front of my car. First I was irritated by the noise. Then I was irritated by his lack of respect for my car. What happened to rakes and brooms? When did our society become so incredibly lazy? Wouldn't it be better for our environment and wellness to alleviate the leaf blower?

I guess I do know some things!

Recently I couldn't resist a "Piece of Flair" (Facebook-- button) that stated, "A book a day keeps the stupidity away." I miss summer when I actually am able to read a book a day. Lately it doesn't seem that I have time or take the time to read even though I find it completely relaxing and enjoyable. Last night I covered myself with my completely luxurious purple throw and finished reading Toni Morrison's A Mercy . Maybe it's the description in her writing and the ever changing characters, but I found it a difficult read. Maybe I need to start reading more to keep "the stupidity away."

As I pursue my option for scar removal, I am educated in another way of life where looks are of primary importance. My trip to the plastic surgeon was the start. While I was in Okoboji, I had a laser treatment given by the lady who does my acupuncture. She is knowledgeable, kind, and relaxing. Yesterday I went to a skin and laser center. Although the were knowledgeable, I would not use the word relaxing. The brochure they gave me was similar to card stock, and it was full of women trying to look younger. I will be the first to admit getting older scares me, but I don't think I'd go to these extremes. As I walked in, a lady with a tomato sitting on her shoulders (Maybe it was her face, but it looked like a huge tomato.) was coming into the waiting area and being greeted by her husband. My guess is the couple was in their sixties. The assistant told the husband that he would have a twenty year old... gross! When they took me back, they seemed much more concerned about ...

I know I said I'd hold off the political stuff, but I really liked this. from Truthout.org "Will Barack Obama's election mark a revival of the progressive tradition stretching back to the New Deal and beyond?" (Illustration: Mike Luckovich)

Last week there were two days I didn't eat lunch because each day the apple I bought for lunch was not crisp and tasty. This last weekend I bought a small bag of apples to see if they would be better. Of course they were which leads me to my problem. I have a drawer full of apples. My guess is they are like the two I had last week. It seems wasteful to throw the apples away, but I also don't want to take them for lunch and then throw them away. Maybe someone should volunteer to come make them into an apple pie or apple crisp. Any volunteers?

I am not a fan of my birthday. There are a few people who know the date. They respect my wishes to keep it quiet and are quite generous. I even share my birthday with a fabulous person whom I am honored to call a friend. Today I realized the power of Facebook as two people greeted me at work with, "Happy Birthday! Thanks to Facebook I knew the date." Facebook takes up my time and spoils my birthday anonymity. Your Birthdate: November 18 You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause. You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too. Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others. You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress. Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities Your power color: Crimson red Your power symbol: Snowflake Your power month: September What ...

Today I received this e-mail from a wise women. It originally comes from Stephen Krashen, the guru of "Free Voluntary Reading" and author of The Power of Reading. Although I am not familiar with this person, I do agree with his sentiments. Over the last couple of days names have been associated with the Secretary of Education role. I've even hear Colin Powell which is appalling!! Secretary of Education is a job that "should not be taken lightly." I did go to the following website and signed the petition. http://teacheractivistgroups.org Click endorse this statement! Dear supporters of public education, Many of you have by now heard the rumors of Obama's potential appointees to the position of Secretary of Education. This list includes several people whose records show a history of dismantling democratic public education in the name of private interests. As people committed to public education, this strikes a hard and fast blow in the euphoria that we ...

Yes, it's true I am procrastinating! Actually, although I drink Stella frequently I missed the label. This may not be a good sign.

As it gets colder, the air gets drier. Today I decided it was time to find the humidifier. Awhile ago I was talking to a friend about whether or not it was time for the humidifier. Typically I use science to make my decision. When the cat starts to get static electricity, it is time for the humidifier. When I pet Kitty Klaus and get a shock, it's time!

Since I have been sitting for two days at a conference/workshop, I am a bit numb. Therefore, I feel the need to share my opinions on Jen, Brad, and Angelina. As I tried to explain to a friend while she cut my hair on Saturday, Jen is plain and boring while Angelina is intelligent and sassy. Angelina is also the better actress. Of course Brad chose Angelina. Is it in poor taste for Angelina to say they fell in love on the set knowing that Brad was married to Jen? Probably. Please tell me little mousy Jen already had this figured out... really! Maybe it is a lame post, but it gave me an excuse to post another picture of Brad Pitt.

Currently I am sitting listening to a speaker at a Positive Behavior workshop. He has been talking AT us for over an hour. When he did give us a chance to break into small groups, he cut us short. As I am sitting here about ready to implode, I am amazed that more teachers in this room are not revolting. It's not like I haven't learned anything today. It has definitely reinforced the understanding that lectures really don't engage students. The speaker has stood in front of the room with his overhead and microphone. Not once has he moved around the room although he does have a wireless microphone. This has reinforced the premise that walking around the room is beneficial. At one point a member of my group asked, "What does he see when he looks out at this room?" The answer is he sees NOTHING! It is frustrating to have someone talk about positive behavior and relationships when he seems to know little about both. To his credit he is dispersing informatio...

Although I would like to say I have a "love/hate relationship" with working out, the truth is that I really don't like this necessary evil. I have not been to the gym since last spring. Typically I don't go to the gym in the summer and start back in the fall. According to the sleet outside, fall is no longer with us, and I have still not been to the gym. My problem seems to be my weight. Even though I haven't been to the gym, my weight is staying the same. Actually I am even losing a bit of weight. Yeah, I still walk when I get the chance, but basically my muscle has turned to flab. This explains the loss of weight, and I know it to be true. Since I now live thirty minutes farther from work, working out before work seems insane. Soon I need to figure this out and start working out even if it's not at the gym.

Today I visited the plastic surgeon. First I had to fill out three forms that basically said I would cover the cost if insurance didn't. Next I was escorted to my exam room. On the way we passed a cart of breast implants sitting in the hallway. My guess is there were twenty to thirty implants on the cart. As I was waiting for the doctor, I opened the door. My plan was to count and photograph the implants, but the doctor approached as I was opening the door. Although he was thorough and helpful as he talked about the scar on my face, he was a bit creepy. Several times he reached out and grabbed my knee. If I was at the bar and someone reached out and grabbed my knee, I would either reprimand the guy or hope for a kiss. I did not hope for a kiss from the doctor yet seemed too timid to say, "Keep your paws off my legs." Also as he initially walked in the room, he announced my age which was equally as reprehensible.

Instead of staying out of town all weekend, I came home early to attend church. Faith Sullivan, author of The Cape Ann and other novels, was the guest speaker at today's service. Her message was that of hope. As she read a chapter from one of her novels, I remembered the description of her two novels I had read. I also remembered the hope in those novels placed in the Great Depression. This hope always fills our worship service. It is the hope placed in prayer as we breathe in prayers and breathe them out. Over the past months we have said prayers for a set of twins who were born premature at two pounds. Today as Faith Sullivan spoke of faith, the babies joined us tiny yet full of life. Faith and hope...

Although I said I would refrain from political blogging for awhile, this post is political. Today I really couldn't help myself. As Dad and I were on our computers this morning, I couldn't help listen to the news streaming from his computer. A gentleman (term used very loosely) said, "Obama won. They're going to take away our guns tomorrow." This came from someone at the Cheaper than Dirt Gun Shop. No, I am not making the name up. Although Obama supports the right to bear arms (The man is a fan of the Constitution... one more change.), he is a proponent of a ban on assault weapons. Is this really out of line? The clip would be entertaining if it wasn't frightening. Are these people insane or merely rednecks who "cling to their guns." Why did Obama have to apologize for that line again?

Today was the first snow of the season. After running errands (hair, car, and acupuncture) Dad asked me if I wanted to go out in the boat. Since it was 33º with 24 mph winds, I thought he was joking. It was no joke. He was winterizing his boat and needed to run something through the engine which required taking it out on the lake for fifteen minutes. We probably weren't out for the full fifteen minutes, and I was quite "bundled up." Boating in the snow is perhaps appropriate for this week that started in the 70s and ended with snow (a wintry mix).

Today I drove to Iowa in the rain. I asked Dad if he would take me to the local winery. Although I had never been to the winery, I had enjoyed the wine. Pulling up on a gravel road to the winery, I was amazed to see baby buffalo (bison?) trudging through the mud. By the time I had my camera, the buffalo moved on to "greener pastures." The winery was adorable as was the staff. We even received a discount on our buffalo and wine!

As I was downloading my camera to my computer, I especially enjoyed this picture I took yesterday as I left my voting location. The sun was rising over the lake on a beautiful fall morning. It seemed fitting a picture of a new day, a new beginning. Today we rejoice in new beginnings, but new beginnings are more than new leaders. I need to remember to relax, breathe, and rejoice in the daily events.

Although I do not yet have the words to express my emotions of this historic election, I feel I must post before I go to bed. Several weeks ago I made the decision to call in sick today (the day after the election). It may be calculated and unprofessional, but I knew I would not be able to teach today. After the last two elections, I feared the outcome. Tonight was amazing! I feel honored to be an American and a Democrat. This is amazing and somewhat surreal. As I watched the results, I communicated with friends alternating between tears and giggles. I am proud and thankful to be an American. More to come...

This morning is one of those times when sharing a garage that sits directly below my bedroom with my neighbor is problematic. At 12:15 am I have been awoken by the garage door opener. Since I am awaking at 4:45 am to vote tomorrow (or actually this am), I really want to be sleeping. This being said, I am a bit excited and sleep is not coming easy. We can make history!!!

Although I will admit I was having some reservations about Franken, we need another Dem in the US Senate. Tomorrow I will have no problem voting party lines. I will also be voting for Bates, Davis, and Lee for Minneapolis school board. One more day... Can you believe it?

Today is All Saints Sunday. I lit a candle for my grandfather and once again thought of this election. My grandfather was a life long Democrat. If he was alive, how would he view this election? ... the enthusiasm, the pride, the hope, the change, the message? It would be awesome if he was her to cast his vote and perhaps go fishing with my dad. I'm not really sure why my grandfather was a Democrat because I wasn't as involved in politics when he was alive. Maybe it was because he owned a farm. Maybe it was because he owned a small business. Maybe it was because he knew the importance of education. Maybe it was because he believed in what was right for the majority of Americans. Maybe he's up in Heaven watching this election and sending good thoughts to all Democrats.

I need to be honest. The truth is I have done little this week besides peruse Youtube and breathe politics (and a little school). In fact I have the next three (four including today) days of my blog planned with videos from Youtube. Although I will understand if you choose not to tune in, they are chosen for the specific days. There was some planning... really! I am excited and apprehensive about Tuesday.