Miscellaneous Missives

I find Lady Gaga a bit disturbing, but I loved this. If it hadn't been for Elton John, I might have felt differently. Elton is still one of the greatest.

This morning as I was crossing the street to go to church, I conversed briefly with another couple making the same journey. My negativity escaped as I mentioned it being cold, icy, dirty, dark, and miserable. Maybe I was a little more polite and didn't use all of those words, but perhaps they were in the tone. It is in this part of winter when I need something to take me away from the eternal cold. Looking at the abbreviated bulletin, I was reminded that we had a guest speaker, Jan Richardson . Listening to her words and the music of her "sweetheart" made me feel a little warmer inside. During prayers I even gave a prayer of thankfulness for the service and its community. Walking out of church I felt revitalized and more at peace. Although I'm sure the sun was shining as I walked into church, it felt a bit warmer. Instead of being aggravated by the images around and the cold, I need to remember the warmth brought by the various communities to which I belong. ...

"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June." - Jean-Paul Sartre January is a jester teasing me with warm weather then dropping the temperature to an unbearable level. Today I remembered seeing this quote and found it appropriate. After walking to get groceries, I was adamant that I would not go outside until church tomorrow. I thought that perhaps I could find solace in reading. Unfortunately even this is unbearable as I have a book to finish that I can't seem to enjoy.

It seems the cold weather has left me sluggish. Yesterday's post was from Wednesday, and today's post is from yesterday. Maybe I'll catch up tomorrow. Yesterday was a reminder of why I teach middle school. As the quarter ended, we finished up a research unit which included: paraphrasing, an outline, a five paragraph essay and a Photobooth presentation. Since it's the end of the quarter, I was not able to grade the five paragraph essays. In fact I gave this information to the students a week ago. I ended class yesterday explaining, once again, that the five paragraph essay would be the first grade of the third quarter. We talked about how they could get it done and the importance of this being the first grade of a newquarter. After I had reminded the class that it was a twenty-five point assignment, I had a student raise his hand. J- How many points is it? Thwack! A hits his head on the desk. Let's explain A. He received six out of 43 points on his outline ...

I watched last night's speech while messaging a friend. We commented on the Republicans ability to sit stoically. After watching the speech I was energized and disheartened at the same time. My favorite part of the speech was Obama's comments to the Supreme Court.

I've now officially been messing with Youtube trying to post for an hour only to realize the video I wanted to post can't be shared. One more reason I don't like country music. Well, here's the song...

For some reason I am unable to post from Youtube to my blog. I will need to figure this out. Actually I have spent the last forty-five minutes trying to figure it out. It is not working well for me. My intention was to post a country song (or at least I assume it's country) that I actually like (except for the weak male voice). The song is I Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. Look it up on Youtube since I can't seem to post... which may drive me to insanity. Tonight might not be the night to figure it out since I was having a problem with the trivia question at Caribou. "In what George Orwell novel do barnyard dwellers insist 'two legs bad, four legs good'"? All I could think of was 1984... wrong novel. It wasn't until after I left the register to get my drink and forgot to pay, returned to pay, and went back for my drink that if finally came to mind. "Of course it's Animal Farm," I said. "Did you want to order something else ...

Yes Brett, I am rolling my eyes.

Prayer time in my church service is sacred and humbling. During prayer time people use their hand to bring their hand to their heart then release it towards the sky. Today's prayers were sobering. Prayers included: a two week old baby who had passed, Haiti, corporations are not people, 90+ parent's birthday and difficulties of aging, man surviving semi accident and wondering why, the congregations collecting over 1,100 last week for Haiti impulsively, etc. Towards the end of prayer time a lady had the nerve to pray for the Vikings. It was completely inappropriate. Of course I did not bring this prayer to my heart and release it. I also noticed that the gentleman and couple next to me did not. Although I dislike the bandwagon Viking fans dressed in their new Favre jerseys, this goes beyond this dislike. Church is not the place especially surrounded by the prayers that were lifted up. Of course, I have prayed (in my head) during a close game or for a team to win, but thi...

While I was walking from the Walker library to TCF, I took a short cut across the street through the Lunds' parking lot. As I crossed, I notice a woman pushing her cart with two small bags toward the street. Approaching her as she was about to cross the street, I said, "Would you like me to take the cart back for you?" My guess is this "caught her off guard" because she relplied, "I guess it's not mine to take." No, it's probably not hers to take, and the two bags were easily carried. Besides, Lunds prices are high enough without adding on due to cart theft.

If only our politicians could come together as these musicians and actors (answering phone lines), our country would be a better place.

Personally, I think Adam Lambert is a bit creepy, but this is my current favorite song. Actually he doesn't look as creepy without all the make-up. I'm sure my liking this song has less to do with him and more to do with the fact that it was written by Pink!

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent." MLK jr. A year ago I spent the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Washington DC enjoying the inaugural festivities and our nation's capitol. One of these events was the We Are One Inaugural Concert. It was staged from the Lincoln Memorial which was the same place the memorable "I Have a Dream" speech was shared. Our nation was on the verge of change, "change I believed in." A year later I realize that change is being made although it is not as quickly as I would hope. Today is more than a day off at home. Today is a day to remember MLK jr. and his prophetic words. Change does not come easy. May I remember this as our nation and the world continues to struggle.

Last night I had to go to urgent care at Southdale. Typically, I hate going to Southdale since I have to park in the ramp for at least three dollars and walk all the way back to urgent care, so I can sit for at least an hour. When I arrived the receptionist was surprisingly pleasant and seemed to feel bad that I had to wait. Although she gave me a forty-five minute wait time, I saw the doctor within twenty minutes. The nurse was also quite friendly, perhaps because she was also from Iowa, and worried that I was in too much pain. Even the doctor was quick with the prescription. Since urgent care went well, I had the feeling that the pharmacy stop would not go as smoothly. Eight-ish might be the time to go to the pharmacy because that stop was also quite short. I was back home within two hours including my drive time fairly certain that a scheduled trip to the doctor and pharmacy would have taken longer. Today urgent care actually called to check on me and to let me know they wo...

For the last several years we've had to write SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) goals at school. I always cringe at the discussion especially the measurable part. My mind does not work in specific and measurable although I do well with realistic. Today at my church retreat (administration council... I was a designee) we had a brief discussion of SMART goals. My small group was awesome. Instead of making a SMART goal, my group came up with the idea that we could be known as the party church, and it wasn't even my idea. At the end of the small group work, the Keynote said, "There is joy, fun, and visioning in setting SMART goals." Obviously I'm not the only one that cringes at SMART goals although some people have more of a sense of humor surrounding the topic.

I will admit I'm feeling a bit smug. Since I haven't yet weighed in this week, it's still easy to do. Three weeks ago I decided to start working out. Knowing that this may or may not work, I only renewed my YWCA membership for one month. My concern was whether or not I would actually work out after work. Before work used to work well, but after work seemed daunting. As of today, I have followed through with my workout plan even though this week was absolutely crazy. If I can do it this week, I'm certain I can continue. Yea me! BTW- No one in any of my Body Pump classes look like the people in the video.

This is the type of education that Americans need. Facts like these are not taught in our schools. I'm glad that Rachel Maddow had him on the show.

Last night as I was watching news coverage of Haiti, I was impressed again by America's outreach effort. At the same time I was saddened by the poverty in Haiti. This reminds me a bit of Mexico. The areas that invite tourists are built up and luscious while the remainder of the country lives in poverty. I am always amazed by the disparity between the "haves and have nots." Earlier the assistant principal came into my classroom with a bag of school supplies for one of our homeless students. He wanted me to get the bag to the student discreetly. I found the opportunity and took him to his locker to deliver the goods. The bag was filled with basic materials such as a ruler, a pencil box, pencils, notebooks, and folders. As the young man opened his locker, he was having problems with his combination. This was a bit strange since he should know it by now. When he opened his locker, it was empty. He wasn't using his locker because he had nothing to put in his lo...

I am always amazed at the lunacy of televangelists. Pat Robertson says that the earthquake in Haiti was caused by a pact with the devil. Admittedly I did not see the entire program, but I there was more to his message. Maybe prayers for help, support, healing...

I have book club tonight at 7:00. Instead of getting ready to go, I am posting to my blog. It's not that I have anything entertaining to say; it's that I really don't want to leave my couch. At lunch I started getting a headache which I still have because I waited until 6:15 to take Advil. My headache persists which along with my lack of enthusiasm for tonight's book club is making my move to the car difficult, so I have decided to post to my blog.

Last night I arrived into Okoboji to see this snow blower type thing which was twice as high as my car throwing snow from the road onto the lake. I wanted to take a picture, but it was dark and the major contraption had a cop escort. As I drove, in the country, towards Dad's place, I was amazed at the high drifts, made by a higher power and by snow plows. This morning I put on my dad's camouflage overalls and went out to take pictures. It seems taking pictures of snow drifts and snow in general is not an easy task. The pictures don't show the enormity of the drifts. Five to six feet drifts circle two sides of my dad's house. In town every intersection and drive is sided by two large drifts taller than my vehicle. Trees are laden with snow. Although it's difficult to tell there is at least six inches of snow on these trees. I also found some corn and fed the pheasants who must survive in -14º below weather without any cover.

Thursday I prepared for school but couldn't find my water bottle. Since I assumed I left it at school, I went to school without it. I was aggravated when it wasn't on my desk and sent out an email to the staff in search of it. A kind woman emailed with its location. Today I went to school trying to decide if I should drive to Okoboji (northwest Iowa) since I90 was closed. My trip for Iowa was planned for: 1) dinner with a friend 2) hair appointment 3) car appointment (service and wash). I couldn't make up my mind since I didn't know if it would be safe, and well, let's say it damn cold outside if something did happen. S, my dear friend and hair stylist, said she could get me in next week which would mean she would need to stand from 7 to 5 taking care of people's hair. I told her I loved her, but I would try to make it. This evening I went out for aforementioned dinner with my friend. After a couple of beers and four hours of conversation, we prepared to...

This week I've received two comments in e-mails that I believe are compliments, but... 1) "Glad to hear you are pushing back. It's just what I'd expect and encourage :)" 2) "It is really important to me that we have some people there who will ask hard questions and challenge the status quo." These people come from two completely different realms of my life. I hope these e-mails are agreeing with what I always say, "I'm only saying what everyone else is thinking."

I have returned from my church book club once again amazed by the intelligence of others. Tonight's book discussion, Taming Storm Surges: When Ecology, Engineering and Faith Meet , was partially led by the author Bob Onan. I was the first to give a disparaging comment although it was more a problem with me, the reader, and less a problem with the book. "I was disappointed with the novel," I started. The author looked at me a bit intrigued and a bit expectant. "I thought it was nonfiction until I had read 100 pages and realized it was fiction." Of course I know that most, if not all, fiction is grounded in reality. After listening to him speak for over an hour, I realized I really did enjoy the book. My disappointment came in hoping that the engineering was true. It seems most of it is based in fact. This man, Bob Onan, was fascinating, intelligent and well researched. I left book club feeling honored that I was able to listen to him speak and excited...

Christianity boils down to the religion of forgiveness. Is there more? Where do crazies like this come from?

I will admit it was a bit difficult going to work this morning in the dark. Since I knew my room would be cold, I wore my "it's too damn cold" outfit. As expected my room was cold. My first class came in announcing, "It's cold." Of course I took time to explain that the school is kept colder over break, so it takes awhile for it to warm up. To keep my second, third, and fourth classes from complaining about the cold, I gave the same talk. While I was explaining this to the first two classes, I believed it. This became more difficult with the third and fourth classes since my room should have warmed up, and it was still cold. During lunch I asked if they could send a custodian to my room because it was cold. Since I am always cold, I explained that it was more than me being cold... When the janitor arrived in my room, I asked him the temperature. His answer, "64º balmy compared to being outside." Why is this worth a post? It probably is...

Although I've enjoyed my winter break, I'm ready to go back to school. After all: I know what I am teaching tomorrow. I have grades entered although some won't be pleased. I have my lunch packed. I have my laundry done. I have my nails painted. I know what I am wearing tomorrow. It seems I am ready, but... I don't want to get up early in the morning. I want to be able to spend two hours working out. I want to be able to spend three hours reading. I want to snack throughout the day. I want to periodically check Facebook and play Scrabble. I want to be able to wear my sweats. I want to stay inside and out of the frigid temps. I don't want a schedule to decide my days happenings. Maybe I'm not ready after all.

This is one of the peace lilies from my grandfather's funeral (several years ago). It is my reminder to water the remainder of the plants in my house. I'm always amazed at its ability to spring back into shape within 12 to 18 hours. If only it was that easy for me.

Happy New Year! It appears that 2010 is going to be my year. How do I know this? From my horoscope snapshot of course. 2010 Scorpio Snapshot Shake Hands with Lady Luck "Have you always thought of yourself as a lucky person, Scorpio? No matter how lucky you've been in the past, 2010 is likely to be a very lucky year for you. You may not win the lottery or find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but things will start happening for you. Astrologically, the reason for this would be the passage of Uranus, planet of luck, through Pisces, which is a Water Sign like Scorpio. Romance could come your way from an unexpected source. One more very pleasant surprise could appear in November, right before the holiday season. This could involve love, money, or a totally different department of life, but remember that getting out and enjoying life is vital if you want to generate luck." http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/2010-Horoscope.aspx?GT1=21001