Miscellaneous Missives

Ahh, today was the last day of school with students. Today as I was leaving school I chatted with a couple of students. They were excited about the poems they typed and wanted me to read them over break. Maybe I should have told them I was excited too, but I was honest. "Ladies, I'm sorry, but my plan is to ignore all school work over spring break. When we get back from break, I'll read them," I stated a bit too enthusiastically. I hope this is the truth. My hope is that I hold to this and ignore school (after our half day tomorrow, of course), for the next ten days. I am thankful for... 1) the little butterfly following me on my walk 2) being able to cancel my appointment with the plumber 3) windows open letting in fresh air and the sounds of chirping birds

Daily Show Proposes Two-State Solution—for US - It's the only way to stop this health care violence Today I received a text from a friend and UNI graduate reporting that UNI made Jon Stewart. Of course I decided to find it. I don't watch Jon Stewart, but I should. The man is funny. Honestly, I liked the "fist" thing. Gratitude List: 1) antibiotics (hopefully in time to calm ear and sinus pressure before my flight) 2) resignation from PBIS committee (officially granted with kind words about my efforts) 3) deciding to do nothing (except perhaps geek on the internet) this evening.

Today was my day to make healthy choices (particularly mental) for me and only me. I started off by letting a colleague know that I would not attend tomorrow's early morning meeting because I couldn't think of anything positive I could bring to the meeting. My next healthy choice was to send an e-mail to my administrators resigning from my co-chair position on a committee that makes me crabby. Maybe it won't be as easy to resign as sending an e-mail, but until I get a reply stating otherwise, I'm happy. The final healthy choice included skipping book club (didn't even finish the book because I found it lame) and going to Bodypump class. Yea me! Today I give thanks for... 1) healthy choices 2) full moon with halo 3) one day down, two (and a half) to go

I'm not sure if this is a lesson on symbolism or a lesson on sentence construction. BTW- I stole it from a friend's FB page. It says so many things. Gratitudes- 1) shorts fit for Mexico 2) birds chirping this morning 3) ISU women play at 11am

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. Since I have nothing to say today, I decided to make a video of my trip to Zihaut four years ago. In seven days I'll be in the same location even same hotel (loved it) relaxing and reading in the sun. True to form, I am getting sick. This is typical for me the week before spring break, and I'm not really a fan. I'm taking drugs and hoping for the best. The next week is crazy busy before my trip, and there is not time to visit the doctor. Yea and thanks for... 1) both of my favorite instructors at Bodypump this morning... love them. 2) raspberry chocolate chip ice cream from Sebastian Joe's 3) gloomy weather perfect for reading

Click on link (even Obama is rooting for UNI)! KFXA FOX 28 :: Top Stories The truth is if UNI wasn't playing on in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen tonight, I would currently be in bed (7:49 pm). I am soooo ready for Mexico and Spring Break. Did I tell you I'm going to Mexico? Today I give thanks for... 1) wonderful meeting with bright seventh grade colleagues 2) UNI (Alma Mater) playing in tourney 3) easy day at school... students worked super well today

I don't agree with everything Obama has in mind (especially supposed education reform), but he is right about health care reform. In this speech I love his mockery of the Republican comments... good stuff

I will have to admit that it's been such a long week that I was too lazy to leave the couch or change the channel after watching the local news (first time in a long time). This actually caught my attention. Maybe it is a cheap reality show, but I think there is some truth to it. I remember last year when someone was disgusted looking at the lettuce in dirt at the grocery store... like they didn't know lettuce grew in dirt. Thankful for ... 1) big cookie and pineapple for lunch 2) once again caught up on grades 3) new Grey's Anatomy (brainless evening)

I can't believe it's only Tuesday. It's been such a long week. Yesterday started off with a wardrobe malfunction. When I was deciding which blue tights to wear in the morning, I chose the wrong pair. By the time classes started they started creeping down. After each hour I tried to go and "hike 'em up." By the end of my morning classes they were falling below my butt (OK, I realize this is TMI, but I'm making my point). Of course I was absolutely miserable and drove home to change at lunch. Today I decided against a skirt and went with the safer choice of pants. Although I had no wardrobe problems, I left my lunch and water bottle in the refrigerator which I realized during a coughing fit during my second hour. In a strangely related incident, this led to losing my classroom keys at lunch since I had to go out to get food. Sometimes life's mundane tasks are truly too much for me. Did I mention yesterday I told my last hour class that Lil...

After watching too much CSpan last night, it was difficult to sleep. The lunacy of some Republicans who actually lied and were freaking out about abortion (still legal) upset me. I really would like a list of the Democrats who voted no. If they did vote no, I hope it was because it was too weak (not enough change). Instead of watching more of the craziness today, I am going to work out. Maybe I'm pessimistic, but I'll wait until it is signed before I get super excited. Gratitudes: 1) health care passes 2) long prep hour 3) beginning days of spring

Obviously I took too many notes during church. This poem was read and some lines resonated with me. Billy Collins is fabulous. I actually had Osso Bucco when my friend visited last week, and we ate at The Sanctuary. Maybe I was too shocked by the price on the menu to have this experience, but reading this poem is an experience in itself. Osso Bucco by Billy Collins I love the sound of the bone against the plate and the fortress-like look of it lying before me in a moat of risotto, the meat soft as the leg of an angel who has lived a purely airborne existence. And best of all, the secret marrow, the invaded privacy of the animal prized out with a knife and swallowed done with cold, exhilarating wine. I am swaying now in the hour after dinner, a citizen tilted back on his chair, a creature with a full stomach – something you don’t hear much about in poetry, that sanctuary of hunger and deprivation. You know: the driving rain, the boots by the door, small birds searching for berries i...

them bones,them bones, them dry bones. them bones, them bones, them dry bones. Now hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message) Breath of Life 1-2 God grabbed me. God's Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun. 3 He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "Master God, only you know that." 4 He said to me, "Prophesy over these bones: 'Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!'" 5-6 God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life. I'll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You'll come alive and you'll realize that I am God!" 7-8 I prophesied just as I'd been commanded. As I prophesied, the...

"I am amazed at this spring, this conflagaration Of green fires lit on the soil of the earth, this blaze Of growing, these sparks that puff in wild gyration, Faces of people streaming across my gaze." ~D.H. Lawrence from "The Enkindled Spring" Ahh Spring! I do love watching the snow melt and the green make an appearance. Today the ducks were not on the pond due to the skim of ice covering it. The disappearance of the ducks and the warmer temps did not dissuade my belief that spring is finally here. Spring appears in the obvious signs of nature, but it also appears in smiles on people's faces. During the last two weeks the Greenway has been busier, and the people on it seem to be delighted to be out in the warmer weather. I know I feel lighter and happier. Happy Thoughts and Thanks 1) all papers corrected 2) UNI victory... Go Panthers! 3) visiting a friend recovering from surgery

According to an NBC story I saw, she also takes athletes out of practice and calls them at home if they have school work to take care of which according to her comes first. Education before athletics... nice. Today I Give Thanks... 1) the weekend begins 2) my blanket 3) colleagues with helpful ideas

I have been in a daze all day. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Oh maybe it wasn't that bad, but... 1) missed breakfast 2) locked keys in my room 3) realized too late I didn't save my bracket for school pool 4) "courtesy letter" from condo management which should have been sent to neighbor 5) putting foot into shoe without realizing gym bag was also in shoe until I tried to tie my shoe I'm sure there's more... It doesn't help that Grey's Anatomy is not on tonight. Gratitudes (Yes, there are at least three) 1. daffodils (forgot to add yesterday) 2. kind people helping me when life doesn't want to 3. great questions from students today about quote

from St. Patrick's Breastplate ...I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same The Three in One and One in Three... ...Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger... Giving up my thanks... 1) taking a walk in my shorts 2) taking screen door and grill out of storage 3) a day to catch up

I appreciate that Franken does take his job seriously and understands many of the reasons people do not feel that the government works for them. Again, I am proud to have Franken as my senator. Unfortunately, he alone, can't bring back people's faith in government. Gratitudes: 1) Public library 2) positive notes from the sub yesterday 3) time, perhaps, to correct papers

Today was a workshop day at the district for a small group of language arts students. Basically it was one language arts teacher for each grade level and for each building... if that makes sense. Normally these days are filled with pain and crossed arms. Although the day started off in this manner, as soon as the "keynote ($) speaker" left, it was grand. My group of seventh grade teachers was able to accomplish a fair amount of work and laugh throughout this process. I'll have to say the day I dreaded was actually fun. I give thanks for... 1) laughter with colleauges and a better day than planned 2) refinancing (my mortgage guy) and not having to wait in line at the bank 3) driving with open car windows

Today in church the discussion was around the fact that we are guests on this Earth. It was mentioned that the Native Americans were a part of nature instead of being on top (or in control) of nature. We were given five things to pledge to change. I do three of the five. The two I struggle with are driving the speed limit and limiting my shower to five minutes. My goal is to time my showers and lesson my time under water. After I realize the length of my shower, I will work at shortening the time. Hey Thanks! 1) conversation with a "like minded" colleague 2) March Madness begins 3) 60º temperatures and a couple short walks

Tonight is the night we change our clocks. Earlier in the week I mentioned it, although I'm not quite sure why, to one of my classes. We discussed how they would lose an hour of sleep and how they would need to set their clocks ahead, "spring forward." The conversation turned to cell phones and how they automatically switch over as do computers. Someone asked if it happened at midnight, and I replied, "I think it's at 2am." At this comment, one student decided it would be cool to stay up and watch his cell phone switch over. To this I replied that I did not suggest staying up to watch the time change and added, "Make sure you don't mention the idea came from my class." Personally, I will not be staying up to watch the change. I will be sleeping under a wonderful pile of blankets. List of Thanks 1) dinner and conversation with S 2) antibiotics and a two hour nap 3) enough energy to walk in, workout, and walk home

"Hello," I answered the phone. "Do you have a sinus infection too?" my brother asked. Since my brother and I don't talk often, I was amazed that he could tell I had a sinus infection by my voice. Indeed, I do have a sinus infection and picked up antibiotics tonight. I give thanks... 1) my brother 2) dinner with a friend 3) a call from V

Today I had a "teacher in training" observing in my room. We started the day by making a trip to the media center. As we were walking back to my room and my first class, I told her that my first class was my favorite class. I went into details and explained that even though they were my lowest class, they did their best and worked hard every day. Next we entered a room of chaos. Actually they weren't totally chaotic, but they were "out of character" chaotic. This maybe explains why my last class which is typically chaotic was somewhat calm and subdued today. List of Good Things: 1) book club and dinner at The Good Earth 2) working with a wonderful colleague after school 3) former student helping after school (even if it was restitution for administration)

Often I mention that it's difficult to be me, and I'm really not joking. This morning was yet another example of this difficulty. I entered school on time, barely, and walked up to my room. As I approached my room, I noticed the door was open and someone was sitting inside. Since I have someone coming in tomorrow to observe, I figured it was her and started a conversation under this assumption. While we were talking the secretary called and wanted to know if the substitute made it up to my room. Our conversation went something like this: M- Why do I have a sub? S- Why do you have a sub? Where are you supposed to be? M- I don't know. Where am I supposed to be? S- It says professional leave. M- I am going to be gone on Monday for professional leave and not today. S- It says today. You signed up for it in September. M- I don't know. S- It is for the PBIS training. M- I'm not going. S- You have a sub. You have to go. M- Can I find someone else to go and take t...

This afternoon I went to see if acupuncture would help alleviate my headache and sinus pain. As I walked in the chiropractor asked if I would do something for her. Before she explained what she wanted, I explained that I probably had a sinus infection, but I wanted to give acupuncture a try first. We talked about how acupuncture wouldn't work if I already had a sinus infection. Ironically her favor was for me to write a blurb explaining the benefits of acupuncture. I decided to use tonight's blog for my rough draft. I have had sinus problems since I was a young adult. The sinus problems were quite intense, and I would have sinus infections at least once every two months. After trying everything from medications (decongestants and antihistamines) to allergy shots, I began to think sinus problems were merely a part of my life. Nothing seemed to alleviate the pain, swelling and infections. Several years ago while waiting in the chiropractor’s office, I read an acupuncture ...

Yesterday I actually finished correcting the pile of four page tests and handed them back today. I think the students were a bit surprised that I actually had them finished especially after I told them how long it would take. After school I took the time to grade papers from today, update and print out grades, and update my school calendar. At the current moment I am completely caught up with all of my school work (at least until tomorrow). This feels wonderful! I'm thankful for... 1) feeling caught up (at least at school) 2) no plans for tomorrow evening 3) my Monday night workout class (even though it meets too late)

Today I couldn't help but think spring is almost here. As I walked to get breakfast for my dad, I noticed the leaves of a tulip (?) trying to poke out of the ground. It's a good thing spring is here because my winter boots are being discarded. A couple of weeks ago I used half of a tube of Shoe Goo to keep them together. Now even Shoe Goo can't save these boots. I'm thinking of going on a scavenger hunt under the stairs to find my rubber boots to survive the melting snow and mud. Gratitudes: 1) Sacred Journey worship service 2) warmer temps 3) my new iTouch and the ability to transfer apps and music

Yes, I am attaching Michael Moore's "open letter." Actually I will try to bold the highlights (IMHO). I, too, would be willing to take a leave from my job to fill in. In reality, I will probably only need to take a leave for a little over a year because if the Dems don't get their shit together soon, there will be no need for me after the 2010 elections come to fruition. I'll put my gratitudes here before the letter, but please read the letter! Gratitude: 1) meeting a friend for breakfast 2) conversing with a friend while getting my hair done 3) time spent with dad President Obama: Replace Rahm with Me ...an open letter from Michael Moore Friday, March 5th, 2010 Dear President Obama, I understand you may be looking to replace Rahm Emanuel as your chief of staff. I would like to humbly offer myself, yours truly, as his replacement. I will come to D.C. and clean up the mess that's been created around you. I will work for $1 a year. I will help the Dems on Capi...

Last night as I was trying to get packed for the weekend (short trip to Okoboji), I received a phone call. As I looked at the caller ID, I hesitated before answering the phone since I didn't know the number. Even as I started talking, I didn't really know who I was talking to until a minute into the conversation. It was a gentleman from church (whom I think was homeless and a Dignity Center client before he started coming to our church service). He had read my article in the EnSpire publishing that goes out every month about getting involved to fight poverty and homelessness. The conversation was strange because he wasn't quite sure if I was the person who wrote the article. Once he knew it was, indeed, me, he merely wanted me to know that he had read it. When I was approached to write the article I wasn't sure if I really wanted to. After the unexpected phone call last night, I'm glad I did. I give thanks for... 1) unexpected call 2) going to Okoboji and my...

I'm not really sure how life can be crazy with only mundane tasks, but my life is at that point. This is my lame excuse for not posting anything but my gratitudes. Gratitudes 1) wonderful day for an outdoor field trip and snowshoeing 2) feeling OK about leaving school work at school or at least realizing there's no time tonight to do it 3) BodyPump

Yesterday I bored you with my students concern about their tests being returned and my lack of ability to get them back in a timely fashion. Today I actually sat down to correct them. After forty-five minutes I finished half of one class. Since I have five classes to correct, this means it will take me seven and one-half hours to correct all five class. Joy, joy, joy... My current intention is to get them returned on Monday. Did I mention a month from today I will be arriving in Mexico? Grounded in Gratitude... 1) my church book club... I love those ladies. 2) Mexican hot cocao 3) collaborating with colleagues

"When do we get out tests back?" asked a student during my last class today. Since they took the test last Friday, this is a legitimate question. Although if it had come from any of my honors students, I wouldn't have handled it as well. As I explained that I would hand them back as soon as I corrected them, I glanced back at the tests which were where the students left them on Friday. I proceeded to collect them and put them into folders to correct. Heck, I even started to correct some (15 out of 120, I believe) and took a pile home (they are still in the bag and may remain there until I get to school tomorrow). Maybe I need to make a goal to get them corrected by Friday. If I don't, I'll be correcting them Sunday afternoon. Hey, thanks for... 1) sunshine and temps in the 40s 2) my PT understanding I thought my appointment was at 4:00 instead of 3:30 and basically doing the appointment over the phone 3) a new Sun Magazine

According to Garrison Keillor the "dark winter [which] is "God's design to show non-drinkers what a hangover is like." A friend posted this on my FB page as I was delighting in saying goodbye to February. The truth is the winter hasn't been horrible, but it has been full of snow and quite long. I am definitely ready for spring. Until spring gets here, I'll be happy to hear the sound of running water signifying the melting of snow and warmer temperatures. This afternoon as I left school, I carried my coat with me. If it had been fall, I would have worn my coat and complained about it being cold, but it's the end of winter and thirty-some degrees felt great. I am thankful for... 1) an easy day at school 2) playing with an iPod Touch and getting help trying to figure it out 3) my mortgage guy (refinancing... already)