Miscellaneous Missives

Today I checked the recent test scores (online comprehension test) of my reading advisory group. When they took the test, they knew they would be able to exit if their scores were "proficient". Two (both boys) of my fifteen students scored proficient which meant they had the opportunity to leave the reading advisory and join another advisory (choice... more fun... such as weight lifting). Of the two boys, one decided to stay and continue to improve his reading skills. Although it probably had more to do with reading on the iPod Touches than it did anything else, it made me proud of the boy for making the mature decision. It also gave me fodder for Blog Challenge 2010 entry #10 ( Bubblr ). I would like to say that I was unimpressed with Bubblr since I could only use Flickr photos, but it served its purpose. BTW- I am not too impressed with the embedding feature either.

As I've stated numerous times, this challenge has caused me stress. Of course, it's completely my fault because I'm a bit (tiny, tiny bit) competitive even in situations when I'm trying to be collaborative. Part of it is my need to be seen as tech savvy and somewhat creative even when it's not necessarily true. This challenge has caused me to do something I wouldn't typically do. Last night as I tried to find an idea for today (2010 Blog Challenge Entry #9), I stole media (pilfered pictures) from other participant's Facebook pages which actually could be considered "New Media". My rationale for pilfering these pictures is evident in the above "new media" from Zooburst.com. Do you see what I mean? I'm rationalizing theft. My apologies.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. I haven't had a tree for several years, so I wasn't sure Kitty Klaus would treat the new addition. Actually I decorated in stages to watch the progress. Kitty Klaus started with inspection, followed by biting, and ended with sleeping under the tree. The long weekend has given my confidence that I can leave the two alone today as I return to work. Blog Challenge #8 Thanks to Animoto and Kitty Klaus.

Today is the beginning of the Christmas season. In church this morning we lit the peace candle, read passages from the Bible, and listened to peace statements (Hindu, Native American, Buddhist, United Nations declaration, etc). Images of braided streams and braided lives played as people shared the messages. As I listened it seemed a bit ironic and frustrating after reading this morning's news. Blog Challenge #7 I used my itouch during church to find the image portrayed on the screen, so I could add it to my blog entry. Did I mention I love that there is Wifi to use during church? I used bighugelabs.com (? really don't remember) to make the Christmas mosaic (my lovely Christmas decorations) to celebrate the start of advent.

Today I wanted to visit some of the shops on Grand to complete my Christmas shopping. I wanted to leave early since I did nothing yesterday (except fight with my license plate). My friend, S, and I spent the entire morning shopping. As we were shopping, S kept talking about Independent (Small Business) Saturday. Although she kept mentioning it, I really didn't know what she was talking about. Finally she explained stating, "I thought that's why you wanted to go today ." Although I didn't know about the day, it's a great idea. According to a news report, out of every $100 spent locally (small businesses), $68 goes back into the community (taxes payable and other expenditures). In the midst of our shopping, I also stopped at a local service station to ask for assistance with the screw I stripped on my license plate. The man was helpful to quite helpful, and I finally have new plates on my car although I think it's ridiculous that we get new plates eve...

When I looked at the Target flier yesterday, there were two items I really wanted. The prices were reasonable to quite reasonable. I decided that maybe I would get up at 4am to experience the prices. Since I had was on my computer looking at the target ad, I decided to check Amazon.com... SCORE! Maybe I'll stay inside all day and make dumb cartoons on Toondoo.com (2010 Blog Challenge entry #5).

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy Adam Sandler's Happy Thanksgiving Song. Also note that do to weather changes, I have changed the background of my blog. My guess is the embedded video and the changing of backgrounds is worth two posts in the 2010 Blog Challenge.

I will admit that I wanted today's post to include an interactive snow globe, but I settled for another form of "new media". Today I used webopedia.com to look up the definition for "new media". It stated that "mobile computing was part of this new media, so I decided to post from my touch. I will admit it serves two purposes since I'm also trying to decide if my reading advisory should use computers for a message board or use the touches to a actually blog. One of the concerns was using proper grammar on the touches. The other thought was that if would be difficult to process on a touch. As I try to type this, I have to agree. It looks like the students will be posting on the computers not the touches. I will admit I had to edit my entry since the link I added using my mobile device did not work. At least I gave it a try.

I'm starting the blog challenge with trepidation and an avatar . This also meant I needed to remember an old Yahoo address that I never use. Today was a great day for "new media" (I'm not really sure I know what "new media" means hence the continuous use of quotes). My reading advisory group actually started reading Hunger Games on the iTouches. Periodically throughout the days students came up to me individually to make sure they were actually going to be able to read on the touches not merely experiment with them again. I started by reading aloud to them to get them into the story, but they wanted to read on their own. Using the dictionary (on the touch) as they read is incredible. As they started to read, I walked around to make sure they were reading and using the dictionary. Two separate students asked if I was going to read Hunger Games with them. When I suggested that I would read another book since I already read Hunger Games , they were dis...

Three already tech savvy people conspired at the NCTE (National Council Teachers of English)convention to initiate a new blog challenge . The new challenge revolves around "New Media". Basically we experiment with and share our findings of new media. Am I getting this correct? It was announced as a "perfect plan" although I would tend to disagree. First, I need more of a time table. Second, I am not sure that I have he ability to find "New Media". Third, I don't know... it's too overwhelming. Of course I feel the need to participate, but I feel incompetent. I need help with this... please. If it was up to me, which obviously it's not, I would have gone with "write about weird imaginary things everyday." After all I basically do this with my Facebook updates.

"I will paint my picture Paint myself in blue and red and black and gray All of the beautiful colors are very very meaningful Gray is my favorite color I felt so symbolic yesterday If I knew Picasso I would buy myself a gray guitar and play" Mr. Jones -- Counting Crows "But I'm sure there's something in a shade of Grey, Or something in between..." Anna Begins -- Counting Crows The last two days have been grey, rainy and grey. To be honest, I haven't really minded because I've used it as an excuse to stay inside and try to rid myself of illness. Grey days are perfect for lighting candles, reading, watching football, and a little napping. In celebration of the waning grey days of November, I've decided to wear grey next week or at least something in a shade of grey.

Last March after repeatedly trying to fix my boots with Shoe Goo, I decided it was time to throw them out. Before last weekends snow storm, I ordered some boots online. They came in time, but they weren't tall enough. Of course I have actual winter boots that cover my lower legs (calves sounds like cows), but I wanted a new pair of hiking boots (appropriate height) for this winter. Yesterday I decided to exchange the boots on the chance the weather forecasters were correct two weekends in a row. My new boots are ready. Where's the snow and ice?

"I am still every age that I have been. Because I was once a child, I am always a child. Because I was once a searching adolescence, given to moods and ecstasies, these are still part of me, and always will be. Because I was once a rebellious student, there is and always will be in me the student crying out for reform... I can retain a child's awareness and joy, and be fifty-one, then I will really learn what it means to be grownup. I still have a long way to go." ~Madeleine L'Engle in A Circle of Quiet Yesterday was my birthday. Unlike most people, I hate my birthday. I really dislike that extra circle around the sun. Often I find it overwhelming and depressing. In fact at twenty-five I had a major meltdown and experienced a week of depression and feeling sorry for myself. It hasn't really gotten any easier since that day. Of course each year my birthday comes without my having any control over it. Although I appreciate people's kindness, it's...

In a post a couple of days ago, I discussed a morning meeting tagged, more to come later. The meeting was with our media specialist, one of the greatest people I know. Upon request our principal gave two of our reading advisories (30 seventh graders with low reading scores/ability) enough money to purchase 30 copies of The Hunger Games . The students were super excited when the read the reviews and viewed the waiting lists at the public libraries. My meeting the other morning was to see if we could indeed download enough copies to the collection of 30 iTouches. The truth is that we were given enough money to purchase hard copies and electronic copies of The Hunger Games . Today the students were able to compare the book version to the electronic version. They spent the forty minutes playing with the Touches figuring out the intricacies of reading the book electronically. It was fun and exciting. At the end some where even disappointed that they couldn't take either version ...

Today representative language arts teachers from the district met at the district offices to discuss the new language arts standards. It was the culminating event to decide which standards were essential, important, and enhancing. I started by telling the two fellow teachers, whom I would be working with all day, that I was medicated, so I would be less argumentative. In reality the three of us work well together and accomplish our tasks quickly with discussion void of major arguments. As we discussed the standards we all agreed the important would be better labeled crucial or critical. We also used the terms to label each other. Often I became enhancing because I wasn't all that important. At least I was important enough to accomplish my two goals of being back home in bed by 1:30, and limiting our essential standards to three.

Although I felt horrible this morning, I decided to take some drugs and go to work. After being in my classroom for less than fifteen minutes and going through a vast quantity of tissues, I decided to see if the building substitute was available. Before I felt I could depart the building, I met briefly with my team and discussed the day with the substitute. I had two meetings I had to make today, so I arranged an off campus meeting place for the after school meeting and proceeded to my first meeting (incredible... more to come later!!). On the way I dropped my coat and bag in the office to make departure quick and painless. While I was leaving the office I ran into one of the school counselors who said, "You look professional today!" "You look professional today." What does this mean? 1) Normally you don't look professional. 2) You look like shit, and it's the only positive thing I can say. 3) I'm saying something nice to everyone, and I didn...

Get a Voki now! As I stated in the previous post, I misjudged the weather. Overnight it snowed and snow a perfect, wet, heavy snow. This morning my dad took me in his four wheel drive vehicle to town. Immediately we were stuck in the drive, but he was able to navigate and shovel us out. Later as we were going to pick up my car, we dug ourselves in again. The snow was too much for the four wheel drive. In order to retrieve my car, so I could drive to Minneapolis, we had to call someone to plow the drive. BTW- I always love the first snow. Notice the Charlie Brown Christmas tree smothered by the heavy snow. Also notice the big tractor plowing us out.

It seems I have misjudged this snow situation. Although I new the weather forecast, I didn't pack accordingly. I don't have a winter coat along. In fact I don't have a coat at all. Although I have my fingerless gloves, I don't have any headgear. The boots I picked up at REI are shorter than expected, so I will be taking them back which means my athletic shoes are my only footwear. The snow is starting to fall, it seems as though we could possibly actually get the accumulated snow expected. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the snow before I drove to Iowa.

At lunch I talked to a student that wanted to stop by after school. I told him he could, but I needed to leave quickly since I had an appointment to give blood. He asked what I received for giving blood. "Nothing. I do it because it helps others," I replied. He questioned this by asking, "Don't you get a cookie and a sticker?" "Yes, I guess your right. I do get a cookie and a sticker," I admitted. Then as I was leaving school, my principal stopped me. I explained that I didn't have much time since I had to give blood. During our conversation I admitted that I was a bit devious at times, but I was giving blood to do something nice. He told me, "Tell them to take out a little extra." As I sat in the chair to give blood, the gentleman next to me warned me of what was to come, "Miss, be careful. When I turned my head they stuck me with a needle." "No they don't. I think you're lying," I replied...

Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me by Mary Oliver Last night the rain spoke to me slowly, saying, what joy to come falling out of the brisk cloud, to be happy again in a new way on the earth! That’s what it said as it dropped, smelling of iron, and vanished like a dream of the ocean into the branches and the grass below. Then it was over. The sky cleared. I was standing under a tree. The tree was a tree with happy leaves, and I was myself, and there were stars in the sky that were also themselves at the moment at which moment my right hand was holding my left hand which was holding the tree which was filled with stars and the soft rain – imagine! imagine! the long and wondrous journeys still to be ours. As I was preparing to leave for the gym, I heard the rain hitting the windows. For some reason it seemed calming and reassuring. The November weather has been atypical and lovely, yet this evening's rain seemed cleansing. As winter approaches (and perhaps even snow this weekend) the...

Yesterday afternoon I had a lovely time conversing with my uncle who was on his way from Long Island to the great state of Iowa. As we were talking, he mentioned that he read my blog from time to time, and I apologized. The two of us are on different ends of the political spectrum ("black and white", "night and day", "polar opposites"...). The conversation weaved through a variety of topics and thankfully politics was not one of them. This morning as I was looking at my aggregator to see what news and blog postings I missed, I thought of his comment again. Sometimes (most of the time) I forget that people actually read my blog. I look at it more as exercise and as a way to place some kind of thought (no matter how diminutive) on paper. Realizing some people actually read this drivel is humbling and a bit embarrassing. Maybe I should send my apologies to everyone that takes a break from their day to peruse this prattle. My apologies and my thanks.....

When I was little, we had a Carem board at home. I'm not sure that we ever knew how to play, but we would flick the Carems until our fingers hurt (at least mine did). My brother received a disc of childhood pictures and said he would send it to me. One of these pictures is of the two of us playing with the Carems. Saturday I called to harass him about not sending the pictures and tell him to put the disc in the mail. It seems it was already in the mail. Since I don't check my mail every day, I should have checked before I called. Today I checked the mail as another form of procrastination. Of course most of the mail was junk, but I did receive the disc which of course led to more procrastination as I perused the pictures.

I love three day weekends as much as I hate my ability to procrastinate unpleasant tasks. Since today is a comp day for conferences, I have decided to save correcting papers until today. Arising early, I went for my walk, bought groceries, and started some laundry. At 10:00 I sat down in front of the television to correct papers. Since I don't watch television on weekday mornings, I decided to watch The View. Holy crap! These ladies don't shut up. They are constantly talking over each other, and they don't shut up! After twenty minutes, I have a headache, a need to breathe, and no papers corrected. Part of me is blaming these loud mouthed ladies for my inability to correct papers, the other part of me realizes I can do it tomorrow during the workshop day.

When it was announced that Kevin Kling would be speaking at our church, people (Minnesotans) were excited. As I mentioned to people I didn't know Kevin Kling, they looked at me as if I had three heads. I decided to attend to find out Kevin Kling's story, and I was not disappointed. I had funny stories and anecdotes such as a weiner dog has a can't do body and a can do attitude. In one of his stories he spoke of being hit by lightening. Maybe I'll need to see one of his shows... perhaps Thanksgiving. His stories were short and descriptive which I always try to stress to my students. When he was asked what advice he would give story tellers, his advice: 1) enjoy the story 2) know why telling the story 3) details 5 senses... Does anyone have any of his CDs? I would love to use one of his stories. I tried to find the perfect clip, but I was not satisfied with my search. This is what I found...

It's the end of the week, and the end of the quarter. After a challenge (or merely an idea planted in my head) from a Husker colleague, I wore Cyclone gear all week. Although school was a bit intense with end of the quarter grading, it was easy to choose my clothing each day. The week went well, and I am definitely a fan of wearing jeans, athletic shoes, and sweatshirts/t-shirts all week. Tomorrow I will grade papers and perhaps enter the final quarter grades while I watch the Cyclone/Husker game. I'm fairly certain the Cyclones will not be victorious, but I will cheer as I correct papers. Since I am sure the Cyclones will be shredded, I already have Tuesday's workshop outfit planned (It will work if they win too!). My favorite sweatshirt will be worn to start the new week and the new quarter.

What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured. ~Prophet Muhammed Most people I know are reeling after this week's elections even though most people should have know what was going to happen. Last night I had book club and a meeting. Everyone was emotional (sad, angry, frustrated). It seemed no matter what the conversation, the election became a focus. I'll admit although I knew it was going to happen it sickens me. I don't understand people who vote Republican, especially people who aren't uber rich. Maybe I'm missing something. Although I'm not always the nicest person, I believe we need to help other human beings not merely ourselves. To lesson my suffering, I am trying to limit my media usage. Listening to the political pundits is not comforting.

After realizing the gravity of this mornings election results and contemplating the horror all day, I actually laughed until tears came to my eyes. I then watched it again. This was needed humor to an otherwise humorless day.

"Today, we have one job and one job only: Stop the return of the bigger criminal class, the Party of War, the people who (with a few Democratic enablers) manufactured the very mess we are in." ~Michael Moore Of course I agree with Michael Moore that although the Democrats have been enablers, they are not responsible for the initial mess in which our country finds itself. I voted today, and of course I voted Democrat. The message today is to vote. To me the message should be vote with intelligence and vote with heart! Everyone says voting is a right; I think it's more of a responsibility. My hope is that people are informed by something other than the atrocious campaign ads when they vote. Unfortunately I wish I could say that if you use intelligence and vote with your heart and still vote Republican, it's OK. Basically I'm prejudiced enough to think if you vote with your intelligence and your heart, you can't vote Republican. Oh well, I've voted, ...

To A Violet Found On All Saints' Day Paul Laurence Dunbar Belated wanderer of the ways of spring, Lost in the chill of grim November rain, Would I could read the message that you bring And find in it the antidote for pain. Does some sad spirit out beyond the day, Far looking to the hours forever dead, Send you a tender offering to lay Upon the grave of us, the living dead? Or does some brighter spirit, unforlorn, Send you, my little sister of the wood, To say to some one on a cloudful morn, "Life lives through death, my brother, all is good?" With meditative hearts the others go The memory of their dead to dress anew. But, sister mine, bide here that I may know, Life grows, through death, as beautiful as you. Each year on All Saints Sunday I am moved by the memories of those who have passed, those who move on before me. Today is All Saints Day (also known as All Souls Day), and I take a minute to remember the loved ones in my life that have passed and remember their impo...