Miscellaneous Missives

It is true that I read people's blogs even though I don't know them. One blog I read is called Daily Grind. I'm not sure how I found it, but it's a teacher talking about education. Sometimes it's lunacy, but I enjoy it the same. The other blog that I will admit to reading without knowing the person I came across through the April Blog Challenge of a former colleague. If you follow this blog, and I'm not sure that anyone does, you will remember it was a literacy challenge to blog about literacy each day. During this contest, I started reading this blog (of the person I don't know) and commenting. She now is doing a blog challenge for July. Without being invited, I think I'm going to join in. It makes me seem a bit weird and pathetic doesn't it? The challenge is based a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It's merely what the title suggests, an encyclopedia of the normal things of her life starting at A a...

Actually I love the color yellow... red, yellow, orange! I have been reading a lot of YA literature lately preparing myself for the two adult books I am picking up at a high school classmate's bookstore on Friday. If I have enough YA read, I won't feel guilty taking a break to read these two books (more to come about the books later... soooo excited). Anyway, tonight while posting to the VVMS book blog , I watched Rachel Maddow and this commercial appeared on the screen. While the commercial ran, I actually stopped and laughed (LOL)... not sure why but find it funny.

A friend's dad and I have both worked on my grill. Today I thought it was ready to go. Drats! It still was not working. Since I had looked at grills on Friday (Menards, Home Depot, and Lowe's), I knew which grill I wanted. Of course today when I drove out to Lowe's, the grill I wanted was sold out. This meant I had to pay $10 more. When I returned home ready to assemble said grill, I had a pleasant surprise. Assembly was quite limited (unlike the one that was $10 less). Within an hour my grill was on the deck ready to grill. Since I am used to my old grill, I didn't anticipate that high on this grill really means high. My chicken feta spinach brat was a little more done than anticipated.

Recently I was asked if I read every day. It was asked with a hint of disgust. The truth is I read every day although some days it's only my Bible and devotionals. During the summer I do read every day. Honestly, there are many days when my goal is to read at least one YA (young adult) book. I try to read two YA books for every adult book I read. Today I read two books. As I get ready for bed, I realize how completely pathetic it is that I read two books (one adult and one YA) on a Saturday meaning I did nothing Saturday night except read (and of course geek on the internet). When did I become so old, and when did my life become so pathetic?

At one point in a conversation about recycling, a colleague told me that the humane society would take the cardboard toilet paper rolls. I have been collecting them at the bottom of my closet for quite awhile. When my dad visited at one point this year and needed toilet paper, I had to show him my collection. It seems it's true. I called up The Human Society today and delivered the toilet paper rolls (all 57 plus one paper towel roll) plus a bag of shredded paper.

I spent my morning waiting for the Sears' appliance repairman. Someone was supposed to be at my place between eight and noon. This time was arranged, so I could spend my afternoon in the sun. The dispatcher called around eleven to let me know that the repairman would be late. At this point I decided I could wait for him on my deck in the sun as well as on my couch in the shade. Upstairs to the deck I went to continue reading Five Smooths Stones (75% done... highly recommend). As I was soaking up the sun and becoming involved with the characters in the story, I remembered working with my dad one summer. We had to deliver a refrigerator to a lake home. When we knocked on the back door (front doors face the lake which always confused me since everyone goes to the back door which should really be the front door), no one answered. Since we were on time and the lady knew we were coming, Dad set the refrigerator down, and we walked to the lake. Envy grabbed me as the lady was on ...

At least 30% of the time my Facebook status update is a sarcastic falsehood. For example, last night I posted: Mary Moeller is super excited about tomorrow's early morning dentist appointment to replace a filling. This was not true. My current Facebook status is true. I am feeling sorry for myself. My intentions for the afternoon were to sit in the sun, reading and regaining my tan, lost since Mexico. It's the end of June, and I have NO tan. Today was supposed to be sunny in the afternoon and all I see is clouds. In fact, I am wearing shorts and a long sleeved t-shirt sitting on my couch reading. This is not OK! One does not brown themselves sitting inside on the couch. One would think I'd be whining about sitting in a dentist's chair for an hour then paying $275, but that is not as heartbreaking as sitting inside reading when I should be outside in the sun getting a tan.

#1 This morning I went for a walk with my iTouch without my phone. When I returned home hot and sweaty, I realized I didn't have my keys. The first thing I did was flag down someone leaving and ask to use her cell phone. My intention was to call a friend who has a spare set of my keys. When my friend didn't answer, the lady asked me what I was going to do. Already my mind had moved to the next idea. I explained that I was going to ask those guys with the ladder if I could use it to get myself up on my deck. "Oh, that's a long way up," she stated. "Yes, I've been trying not to think of it, but my options are limited," I responded. Lucky for me the guys not only said they would bring their three story extension ladder to my deck, but one of the guys would make the climb. When I was let back into my house, I gave him twenty bucks. He was hesitant to take it, but I told him it would be the best twenty bucks I spent all day. Once I was in and c...

As the sun spirals its longest dance, Cleanse us As nature shows bounty and fertility Bless us Let all things live with loving intent And to fulfill their truest destiny. ~ taken from a Wiccan blessing for summer Today is the time, Summer Solstice, when the sun sits highest in the sky. Summer solstice brings the longest day of the year and the shortest night of the year beginning the summer season. This is appropriate since today also marks the first full week of my summer vacation, the first full week void of school responsibilities. I started the day off with a light drizzle and a round of golf. If only it had been sunny I would have spent the afternoon reading in the sun. At least the sun came out for my walk into the gym. It's finally summer. Let the sun shine!

This we know: the earth does not belong to us, we belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. We did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. One thing we know: our God is also your God. The earth is precious to the creator and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator. ~Chief Seattle Today our Sacred Journey service was a "service of lamentation and solidarity with the earth and prayers for the Gulf of Mexico." I feel connected to the Sacred Journey community because we are progressives and treehuggers bound by spirituality. Are we Christians? Yes, but the word Christian lately leave connotations of Right Wing Christians who I would say aren't really Christians at all but fanatics. We spoke today about how our earth is only as healthy as our ocean and were reminded that this devastation is not merely limited to the Gulf of Mexico. Resources and wildlife ar...

All year I drink iced tea. During the winter I brew it in my iced tea maker. When summer comes, I put a tea bags into a big jar of water and brew it outside in the sun. I have been doing this for years and years. Today I drank the last glass of sun tea in the refrigerator. Since it was overcast, I wasn't sure if I could brew it outside, so I decided to look it up online. I didn't get my question answered, but I did find out that brewing tea in the sun helps the formation of bacteria . The advice given is to wash the container and only make enough for one day. Of course I always wash the container, but I don't drink the entire batch in one day. At first I was a bit freaked out and saddened. Then my brother, the wisest person I know, and my friend, knower of all things, both told me to brew the tea in the sun. This makes sense. I've been doing it for years, and I've never gotten sick. Now, I need the sun to come out tomorrow, so I can brew the tea.

Earlier this spring I read Mike Mattos' book, Pyramid Response to Intervention: RTI, Professional Learning Communities, and How to Respond When Kids Don't Learn , in order to prepare for his visit it our school district. I signed up for today's presentation because many of the things we do in our building fit his book. Today's presentation was attended by people from all of the secondary schools in the district. It was a long day mainly filled with lecture. This gave me the opportunity to check facts about the presenter as I listened. More importantly it also gave me the opportunity to scan the room and be thankful for the people with whom I work. Of course, it is all in the way I view things, but it allowed me to make some snide comments. 1) One teacher at another school is (at least was when I worked with her) known for leaving her class unattended for long periods of time, coming late, leaving early, and calling in sick at least once a week. What is she doing ...

Last evening while playing golf, I asked one of my fellow golfers when Favre was going to tell people he was coming back. I must admit I have begun to love Favre's drama. Stating the doctor said the surgery went well, I tried to start the Favre discussion with the Viking's fan. He questioned if all I did was read about sports. I tried to explain that I was constantly plugged in to all news not merely sports. At this point I asked him where he received his news and was a bit dismayed. Yes, each time I get on my computer I look at approximately 250 headlines: national and world news, book news, sports news, liberal news, personal blogs, etc. When I find something of interest, I read the entire article. If I'm not as interested, I have at least gleaned knowledge from the headline. soooo... I question: When does the Favre drama begin? Do we have to wait until August? Where do you get your news?

Summer officially starts next week, and I think that is when summer will actually start for me. I realize most people would find two days of picking and freezing strawberries to be the start of summer, but I think of it as a lot of work. Although it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. My freezer is full of strawberries waiting for other berries to be ready. When summer does officially start next week, I hope it brings more sun than this first couple days of my summer have brought.

Last night I worked out for the first time in two weeks. As I bent and crouched down to pick strawberries this morning, my legs screamed a bit. This along with the constant drizzle that fell made the morning a bit uncomfortable. The good news is that the strawberries were huge, so it didn't take long to fill my three containers (21 lbs). Tomorrow morning I will go back for another round ensuring I have enough berries for a year of breakfast smoothies. On this trip I'll be joined by J and her young daughter, H. Picking berries today I wondered if H would have enough patience to pick for an extended period of time then realized probably more patience than myself.

Perhaps the video says it all.

Today was my first trip of the season to the farmer's market. Although it was 55º, I love walking around the farmer's market. It helps that I went with a great friend and "Earth person." I love the plants and fruits and vegetables and perhaps most importantly people. It reminds me to live simpler and to live healthier. Today I purchased onions, lettuce, peas, strawberries, and cheese curds. On my way back home I ate several cheese curds and a handful of peas, not bad for 9:30. I am excited about summer produce and a summer workout routine. Oh, yes I am starting my mourning for the Big XII and wore my Iowa State sweatshirt and socks.

This morning started with a downpour as I started with a hot cocoa from Caribou instead of breakfast. I've been feeling a bit ill and tired lately, so I'm sure I looked like a bitch as I waited for my drink. The young barista commented on my wonderful nails. I thanked her and mentioned it was OPI. "Oh, "A Good Mandarin is Hard to Find," she commented. She was correct which amazed me. This actually humored me a bit. Later as I talked to a colleague during activity day (student's last day at school), we decided it would be a good gig to make up names for OPI nail lacquer. Today I also received a card and candy bar from a student who was a pain in the ass for most of the year. He was thankful for the "bond" we grew over the year. The truth of the matter is although he did become less annoying, I'm sure the card was full of sarcasm. The truth of the card was that he was proud of his 'A' in my class. This evening I ended this last...

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." ~Ecclesiastes 3 Tonight's church book club was started with verses from Ecclesiastes. We went around the table and read a verse from this chapter. I almost missed my turn as I was focused on "...a time to break down and a time to build up..." We were discussing the novel Olive Kitteridge . Many discussed the tragedies and sorrows that consumed Olive's life and the lives of those around her. I mentioned Olive is an onion with many layers. Then again, aren't we all onions with many layers. The novel is written as a series of short stories forming the novel of Olive and those many people around her. The writing is amazing, but the story is equally as intense. "Feel good" moments are sparse in the novel, but I feel as though this also is somewhat true in reality. With all the sorrows, we are still left with hope. Sometimes the hope and promise are a bit m...

Yesterday I posted about BP buying an ad to put at the top of any Google search about the oil spill. Since I really felt this fit in with my current media literacy unit, I opened class by asking students what they knew about the oil spill and then showing them the BP ad at the top of an oil spill search. As one would expect some students knew a lot of information while others knew nothing. All were able to write their feelings about the ad at the top of the search. Perhaps I went a bit over the top, but I opened the BP link to show the students the pictures. Then I showed them the images found towards the middle of the Google search page. I compared the beach pictures in the image gallery of Google to the beach pictures showed on the BP site. Then I pulled up a couple pictures of the animals covered in oil and asked if the students thought BP would put those on their website. Did I push it too far? BTW- This media literacy unit is a great way to end the school year. Most stud...

I am watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann instead of going to Bodypump because I don't have any plans to leave my couch until I go to bed. I'm always amazed at media and how the information we receive. This week my I am discussing media literacy with my class. Friday we talked about Facebook and privacy through the use of political cartoons. Today we talked about logos and the techniques of advertisers. The one thing that I can't seem to introduce without being "preachy" is the fact that most (all) media (news, television, movies, internet, etc.) is tainted by money. Tonight Keith Olbermann showed how BP has paid for a link on Google. When one searches BP oil spill, the top ad is a BP ad with the tag, "Info about the Gulf of Mexico Spill Learn More about How BP is Helping." It seems it's the same with other searches because the have also bought the algorithm, so the BP links are always the first links leaving true searching and information ...

"Your life is a sacred journey. And it is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are on the path... exactly where you are meant to be right now... And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity, and of love." — Caroline Joy Adams This weekend I spent some time in Okoboji with two dear friends. One's daughter graduated this year, and the one's daughter has returned from her first year at college. It seems like the time of year to think of graduation and reminisce of a wilder time in our lives. Today I will attend the graduation of a friend's son and question, "How can this be?" How can this be that my friends are ...

I love visiting Okoboji. I love the area. I love my friends that live here. I realize sometimes it feels right. Maybe the bird had the same feeling as she built her nest on the top of the little bird house.

This isn't my typical post because I'm not a huge baseball fan. Of course I follow the Cubs and Twins, but that is the extent of my fan-dom. It's super cool that the umpire would admit that he made a mistake. Wouldn't we all do better if we could admit it when we made a mistake? I'm not sure why the call can't be overturned, but the last thing baseball needs is instant replay.

It's official. Yes, I am counting the days, and yes, I am including the teacher workshop day on Monday the 14th. Of course I realize it's seven days with kids, but I'm counting every day. Today was the crux of the countdown start. The students were typing a letter they wrote yesterday. As I glanced at computer screens and some of the final drafts, I couldn't help but be discouraged. It's the end of the year and the seventh graders can't capitalize the letter i, the first word of a sentence or proper nouns. I'm not even talking about complete sentences, coherence, forming and supporting an opinion. The day wasn't a complete loss. First, they didn't really have much time to edit or revise. Second, a colleague reminded me that there's only seven days left. They're not "at their best." Most importantly, I was able to teach something today. I was able to teach a student how to snap gum. It started with my asking a student to...

Sunday at 1:55 am (Saturday night?) I sent the following text to my neighbor addressing his barking dogs. "i dont want to be a bitch but something has 2 b done bout the dogs incessant barking especially at night" Imagine my frustration when I received no response. I really like my neighbor and appreciate that we have different schedules. It actually works quite well. His dogs have a huge separation anxiety problem. They bark when the think he's home even if it's me for several minutes. When he leaves that bark, whine, and shake their crate for approximately fifteen minutes. As he returns home, they start barking in anticipation of his return. Most of the time this is something that I try to ignore realizing that the dogs are upset. This weekend it was a bit too much since it happened three nights (mornings) in a row. Tonight I finally received a text in response to my text apologizing for not responding and stating that it's a bit of a training challenge...