Miscellaneous Missives

Forget the "out like a lion" thing. Today is more of a chameleon. On the way home I was going to stop at Yum! and get a container of their marvelous mac and cheese. Since the hail was pinging off my car, I decided to drive into my garage instead of a parking lot. At this point I realized I had to prepare my own meal. This may not seem like a problem to most people, but I have little food in the house and really, really, really wanted mac and cheese from Yum! As I began boiling water for pasta I noticed the hail was gone and a hint of sun was shining in my window taunting me. Maybe I'll sit around and watch to see what changes the chameleon has in store for the remainder of the evening.

I recently heard a song with the following lyrics: "Ooh child things are gonna get easier; Ooh child things'll get brighter." Already I believe this to be true since Spring Break will start Friday morning as I fly to Phoenix. This is a much needed vacation since I have had something going on 21 of the 31 days in March. This does not count after school meetings. Often I overextend myself, but March has been insane. Not only do I look forward to the sun and relaxing with friends in Phoenix, but I also look forward to returning to spring. Spring, not merely the day on the calendar... sun, green grass, flowers and trees blooming... spring. Things'll get easier once spring arrives.

I was trying to decide if I thought this was offensive. It's an e-mail I received this morning. Perhaps it's a bit offensive, but it is funny! It was the first day of a school in USA and a new Indian student named Chandrasekhar Subramanian entered the fourth grade. The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History. Who said 'Give me Liberty or give me Death'?" She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Chandrasekhar, who had his hand up: 'Patrick Henry, 1775' he said. 'Very good!' Who said 'Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?' Again, no response except from Chandrasekhar. 'Abraham Lincoln, 1863' said Chandrasekhar. The teacher snapped at the class, 'Class, you should be ashamed. Chandrasekhar, who is new to our country, knows more about its history than you do.' She heard a loud whisper: 'Fuck the Indians,' 'Who said that?' she dema...

Today I realized that's it's not a magical life after all. Two events helped form my conclusion. First early this morning I tried on all seven of my swimsuits to see if I would need to purchase one for my Phoenix trip. Although I do not need to buy a new suit, it was not a magical event. In reality I knew that I would be flabby in my suits. I wasn't really expecting a toned body since the gym hasn't been part of my routine since July. The second event was when I brought the grill up from the garage to put on the deck. It seems all the yuck at the bottom of the grill didn't evaporate in the garage merely because it wasn't being used. Both events were not shocking to me, but I would love to live a magical life.

Spring is a disappointment. If April showers bring May flowers, what the hell do April snow flurries bring? Tonight my appointment and meeting were both canceled, so I actually have a free night. I think this is one free night between now and spring break. Instead of being productive and completing tasks around the house, I am geeking on my computer and feeling sorry for myself since it did not get above freezing today. Although my energy is mainly focused on feeling sorry for myself, I took the time to check the forecast for my short (four day) spring break destination. If I shared it, it would take away from the intensity of my feeling sorry for myself. Sharing my disappointment is my only option.

Although I admittedly spend too much time on Facebook playing Scrabble and chatting with friends, I am overwhelmed with too many things. I am going to Phoenix April 3rd and tried to explain to a friend I'm meeting there that I was concerned that I wouldn't find time to tan before I left which would mean less sun time in Phoenix. It's really hard to explain how a fifteen minute tanning appointment doesn't fit the chaos. At least my new tanning place doesn't schedule appointments, so one can walk in. They also keep my lotion and goggles, so I can "pop in" at any time. To this convenience I've also saved some time by reciting the rosary prayers as I am tanning. Multi-tasking seems to be the only way to survive when "every minute counts." Did I mention I'm posting and chatting with a friend online?

My introduction today included asking the students, "What's the difference between prose and poetry?" I asked students to write their ideas in their composition notebook. "If you don't know the answer, guess. Write something," I instructed. Most students had a good idea about poetry but were confused about prose. My favorite answer of the day made me chuckle. "Prose can hit homeruns." Ahh, nice! Of course I took the time to explain that the pros he was talking about was pro, short for professional.

Spring is the time of year when ducks appear outside my classroom window on the roof of the building. They are always a distraction. Last year the distraction was the duck that always stood on one leg. This year the ducks have "upped the ante." Today the ducks outside of my window were engaged in foreplay. Of course it was my afternoon classes that were privy to this show. One boy said, "They're fighting. The ducks are fighting." This was followed by, "There's a boy and a girl." At this point, I asked the students for their attention. Most obliged, and we left the room to go to the media center. Tomorrow we will be spending all day in the classroom. I have the feeling that ducks mating outside will be more interesting than anything I have to teach and/or say.

Last night we ate at the Taco House because I love the Taco House. Today we ate at new Mexican restaurant. It seems I was coming home to feed. Today Dad and I walked to the end of his farm and back through the fields and around the swamps. I was saddened that I had left my camera as the song birds, geese, and ducks flew around. The ice on the pond, dark blue almost black, contrasts with the water, royal blue. It was a delightful walk. Later in the evening the geese game in to feed in Dad's backyard, so I took the pictures and video from his porch.

I feel that I have missed out on quite a bit this week since I have been going to bed before 8:00 trying to get healthy. First, I didn't have time to think about my NCAA bracket because I waited until the last minute and had fifteen minutes to get it finished. Honestly I was looking for Obama's bracket, so I could use his picks but to no avail. At this point I have no idea how I am doing or how Obama is doing at least with his bracket. Next, I have the Oprah magazine with Michelle Obama on the cover, but I haven't had the opportunity to read it. I have had time to check my bloglines. According to Treehugger.com and the NYTimes.com there is going to be a garden on the White House lawn for the first time since Eleanor Roosevelt. If I would have read the Oprah interview with Michelle Obama, I would have known this information. It will be interesting to see what other bits of information I will learn in the article. A garden on the White House lawn, however, seems delig...

This afternoon at a monthly meeting we were asked to share something good that has happened to us within the last month. I said that I was happy that I have the opportunity to get out of my $387 fine by taking my license and proof of insurance into the Southdale government branch. Of course people wanted to know why I was pulled over, so I shared my experience including my shaking my finger at the officer and saying, "No, no, no, I was wearing my seat belt." At the time I was adamant that I was wearing my seat belt which seems a bit odd since I don't always wear my seat belt. For some reason I also shared that I was fairly certain that having a Bible and a book with Jesus and the Disciples written large on the cover didn't hurt. The response of one person was that she would like to see a reality show about my life. Although it may be entertaining to others, I often try to let people know that it is truly difficult to live my life.

I always look at bumper stickers. Immediately I make a judgment about the person behind the wheel of the car. It's fun to read the bumper stickers then pull up to see the driver. Today I was disappointed as I was not able to catch up to see the driver. In fact the driver was going to fast because I really wanted to get my phone up to take a picture of the car's rear end. It was plastered with a few bumper stickers. Two large NRA symbols adorned each side of the license plate. In middle were two bumper stickers which read Cheney/Bush '04 and Team Road Kill. Cheney/Bush, Team Road Kill... Hee Hee... I couldn't have said it better myself.

The Dentist An appointment with the dentist Who said, 'Now open wide' And once he'd prised my jaws apart He deftly jumped inside He mountaineered over molars Trampolined on my tongue Then quickly jumped back out again And said 'That's it, you're done'. from: http://www.funny-poems.co.uk/kids/family-poetry/f01-dentist.asp This evening I went to the dentist. I feared it to be an unpleasant visit since I still am not feeling the best. To add to the discomfort, I'd been sneezing and blowing my nose for at least a half hour prior to my visit. In preparation I took two Benedryl caplets (twice the recommended amount). My dentist is kind and pleasant, so the most painful part of my visit was paying the bill at the end. It's amazing how much money it cost to have one's teeth cleaned. Of course since my dentist is in Linden Hills, I took the opportunity to visit Sebastian Joe's for ice cream.

Taking a couple lines from Katy Perry, "'Cause you're hot and you're cold; You're yes and you're no... You, you don't really want to stay, no..." How does this relate to my day and evening? Although I'm not officially sick since I'm not running a fever, I have cold/flu symptoms. I'm feeling the hot and cold thing as my stomach and head seem to fight me. All day long I have debated whether or not I should be home in bed, so tonight I am lying on the couch, and of course, feeling sorry for myself. Because I don't have a fever and because my favorite sub is busy tomorrow, I will decide not to stay at home.

There is a Place Beyond Ambition by Mary Oliver from Red Bird When the flute players couldn't think of what to say next they laid down their pipes, then they lay down themselves beside the river and just listened. Some of them, after a while, jumped up and disappeared back into the busy town. But the rest-- so quiet, not even thoughtful-- are still there, still listening. Sometimes I don't know what to say. Although it doesn't seem probable, it is true. Today is one of those days when I find it more reassuring, relaxing, and perhaps resonating to listen. This morning I listened to an author speak about progressive Christianity. I took copious notes only to realize I don't have the words needed to share her thoughts. As I took a walk this afternoon, I turned my iPod off to listen. Bikes whirring by, runners chatting, and the glorious sounds of water and ice melting took the place of the iPod. Listening is something I should do more often.

Spring starts next weekend, but today was a wonderful almost spring day. Although it doesn't look like spring, it certainly feels and sounds like spring. I took a couple of walks today. One led me to Trader Joe's where I bought tulips to add to my delightful daffodils. Inside looks like spring, and I am patiently waiting for outside to follow.

Today I stayed home from school with headache day four(?). Although I think the acupuncture worked, I'm still suffering from the sinus headache. The acupuncturist said he could witness the severity of my headache as I walked to the door of his clinic. Instead of driving to Okoboji and enjoying delicious soft shells from the Taco House (opened this week), I am eating cheddar puffs. I also needed to inform a friend that we would not be meeting for dinner this evening. Her e-mail included the attached video ("Why Buy Expensive Toys") which brought needed giggles to my day.

Paulo Coehlo is an author I enjoy. I also subscribe to his blog. Today's entry was interesting. A reader posed the question, "How exactly do you pray?" His answer: "I pray three times a day - when I wake up, then at 18h and when I go to bed. These are conventional prayers that I do every single day - since I think that it is very important to be rigorous in the spiritual quest. Having said this, I see myself praying many times throughout the day - sometimes because of an unexpected joy, sometimes because of my fears, sometimes because of a wish I need to make. More importantly, I pray through my work that I perform with great love, and through my life. To live intensively and with joy is the best way of praying." I have to agree with most of this. Before I go to bed, I say my prayers which includes praying the Rosary for lent. This has made me aware of the promises of the ritual of prayer. In the morning I say a quick prayer to start my day. The remainde...

Not only was I late for my morning meeting, I was also late for my afternoon meeting. This morning I didn't really feel the need to rush and get to my meeting on time. My afternoon meeting was different. I didn't make it to the meeting because I was rushing around trying to find my keys. First I checked the obvious places, then I started the panic searching... computer lab, media center, office, room again, pockets again... Finally I gave up my search and asked an angel to get me into my closet, so I could extract my bag. As she approached the door, she noticed my keys hanging from the adjacent door. After my meeting I couldn't find my cell phone. I checked my purse, my bag (twice), the car... finally I found my phone; it was in my hand. Why me? Why is life so incredibly difficult?

School districts across the state of Minnesota, probably all states, are looking at budget cuts. Today at our staff meeting we were shown some of the ideas to alleviate some of the stress on the school budget. Ideas such as a four day week seem grand while others seem fruitless. As I was listening to the budget talk, I had my own idea to save money. If we didn't have the NCLB test (MCA- Minnesota Comprehension Assessment), we could take more money from the testing companies and give more money to the school districts. For the past several summers I have participated in several panels which help build the test and judge data from the test. Although I appreciate the teacher input into the process, it is a huge money drain for the state. Wouldn't it be nice if the tests were taken away leaving more time for teaching and more money for the state?

International Women's Day is a day that has been celebrated for since 1909. It is a day set aside to celebrate the struggle for equality. Yesterday a woman at Ten Thousand Villages brought it to my attention. Today as I looked at my bloglines only two of my lines (Raw Story and Democratic Underground) acknowledged this day. Either this means the day is needed more than ever, or it means that people around the world feel that the equality has been met. I have to think it's needed more than ever. In my opinion I think we sometimes get too complacent and forget the challenges around the United States and especially around the world. Take a minute to look at this United Nations website explaining the day and history.

Today a friend and I were shopping at some shops on Grand in St. Paul. As I was walking past the Aveda spa, I saw a glass vase full of aqua nail polish in the window. Deciding it was a "must have," I walked in the store to buy the polish. It seems it is environmentally friendly, so I hope it stays on my nails. The color is full of wonder and spring. Since I wanted to share the color with everyone, I did a Google search. While searching I found a web site devoted to nail polish... seriously! The above pictures is from the site. It shows my lovely new polish which will adorn my nails tomorrow.

I used to have a poster that said, "Happiness is not Always Measured in Smiles." For some reason this poster resonated with me. This evening I thought of the poster as I reminisced about my day. After being gone two days from school, I knew I needed to go in early. On the way I thought of the numerous tasks I needed to accomplish: parent phone call, meeting with assistant principal, meeting with principal, reviewing sub plans, preparing for today's lesson... Although I was happy to be returning to school instead of spending another day sitting on my butt, I was mentally preparing for the day. On the way to school, I stopped by the Caribou drive thru. When I drove up to pay for my beverage, the barista informed me that the lady ahead of me had purchased my drink. I remembered the car and was able to meet her at the stoplight. I rolled down my window to thank her. "I thought you looked sad or upset, so I thought I would buy your drink," she acknowledged...

Isn't this great? I swing set (glorified) on the White House lawn. I think it's wonderful.

Monday we were given pedometers to track our daily steps. I was satisfied with my steps Monday and Tuesday. One thing I love about my job is that I am not sitting all day. The last two days I've been sitting during the training. When I entered my steps, I was amazed at the difference. Although I went for a short walk when I returned home, I still wasn't satisfied with my steps/miles. Now that it is getting warmer, I really need to go for a walk every day after school. I'm blessed to have some movement in my workday because there is little activity elsewhere. Maybe this pedometer thing will bring it to the light and make me change my routines.

Today was day one of a two day workshop/training/meeting (all day sitting on butt). I will admit that I enter situations such as this make me tense because I don't like to sit and listen. The good news is I enjoy the people on my committee, and quite honestly, the person that sometimes annoys me was not attending today. For some reason today's session did not go well. In fact, the listening part today was less frustrating than the group work session. During the listening part I was able to look at two new sites on the computer (animoto.com and teachertube.com). Our group work session was not as enlightening. One of the group members wanted an "agenda," which I though was already distributed, and basically took over the group. This would have been wonderful if: a) I wasn't a co-chair on the committee. b) She was a co-chair on the committee. or c) We didn't have a list of topics in place to discuss. Half way through the session I gave up, sat back, and l...

I taped a Sunday morning news show to watch Peter Orzag (a friend's husband's former boss) this morning. Karl Rove (aka Piggy Face according to Hamburger Lady) makes me crazy (not the same crazy as say Chris Martin or Tom Brady). He infuriates me, he and Rush Limbaugh! This is the latest from MoveOn.org. 10 things you should know about Obama's plan (but probably don't) The plan: 1. Makes a $634 billion down payment on fixing health care that will go a long way toward paying for a more efficient, more affordable health care system that covers every single American. 2. Reduces taxes for 95% of working Americans. And if your family makes less than $250,000, your taxes won't go up one dime. 3. Invests more than $100 billion in clean energy technology, creating millions of green jobs that can never be outsourced. 4. Brings our troops home from Iraq on a firm timetable, finally bringing the war to a close—and freeing up almost ten billi...

Paul Harvey passed away at the age of 90. Growing up in the northwest Iowa, our radio options were always limited. One standard was Paul Harvey and the rest of the story. I would always "stay tuned" for "the rest of the story." Most of the time I was not disappointed. His passing reminds me of what our current society is missing. We are missing positive news stories that focus on the everyday heroes, the random acts of kindness. As our country searches for hope and community, may we find "the rest of the story."

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. Each year my church puts together a Lenten devotional. This year's Lenten devotional is titled Promises to Keep . Obviously my English major is worthless since I didn't correlate the title of the devotional with the Frost poem. Today when our church service was opened with the poem, I finally realized the connection. It made me a bit perplexed because I have never enjoyed this poem and...