Miscellaneous Missives

Website Photo Since I documented the growing of my mushroom kit, pearl oyster mushrooms, I thought I would share my final product. I decided to try a recipe for oyster mushrooms online. Unfortunately I chose the heat of the day yesterday to make the recipe, but I think it went well. I did substitute green onions for shallots and changed the pasta. The final result is not as fancy as the picture on the website , but it was easy as promised. Picture taken in the process. Final Product

IN MEMORIAM A. H. H by Alfred Lord Tennyson 1849 Strong Son of God, immortal Love, Whom we, that have not seen thy face, By faith, and faith alone, embrace, Believing where we cannot prove; Thine are these orbs of light and shade; Thou madest Life in man and brute; Thou madest Death; and lo, thy foot Is on the skull which thou hast made. Thou wilt not leave us in the dust: Thou madest man, he knows not why, He thinks he was not made to die; And thou hast made him: thou art just. Thou seemest human and divine, The highest, holiest manhood, thou. Our wills are ours, we know not how; Our wills are ours, to make them thine. Our little systems have their day; They have their day and cease to be: They are but broken lights of thee, And thou, O Lord, art more than they. We have but faith: we cannot know; For knowledge is of things we see; And yet we trust it comes from thee, A beam in darkness: let it grow. Let knowledge grow...

image from Scumbag-Steve-Online-Classes For some reason I am having difficulties blogging everyday during this month of May. Yesterday it was due to travel and spending the evening drinking too many adult beverages (unplanned) with a dear friend. Today I should forgo the blogging since I have spent the day doing little. Instead I will attempt something... I need a mental health credit to renew my teacher's license. My visiting friend is a social worker, so I offered her the opportunity to do the online class for me. Since she refused, since the day was ugly, since I really didn't feel like doing much, I took the class. It was painful, basic information that would've been a waste of my time if I hadn't been able to play Scrabble on Facebook, update my calendar, find a recipe for my mushrooms, and paint my nails while "taking" the class. In the future I will take more of these online classes.

My work day ended in hilarity! At the end of the day a small group of teachers was talking in the hall and wishing everyone a great long weekend. I commented I didn't know if I was going to go home, pack, go to the gym, and leave or merely go home, pack and leave. A fellow colleague talked me into skipping the gym. When I crossed the hall to tell her I was going to skip the gym, she suggested I do Kegel exercises in the car on my way home. She, however, did this as two students, probably oblivious, were walking by. As I'm posting, it doesn't seem as funny, but when it occurred, I left laughing hysterically. My next stop on the way out was the office. The police liaison officer stopped by as we were chatting. He held something in plastic wrap explaining to the people in the office that it wasn't pot. It seems he had been called because someone thought it was. As he explained it wasn't even the consistency of pot nor did it smell like pot, he shared that...

... so there are ten days left of school. I went from testing to trying to get students to concentrate on their writing with a somewhat disastrous outcome. Since I was moving into media literacy, I felt confident things would go better. Monday we started media literacy. Some students were stellar. The girl who pointed out that "image" is often pointed more at females especially with the examples in the clips we were watching. Others, who on the first day could figure out not only why it was important put put it into words. Then came Tuesday . Tuesday was the day I was talking about Facebook and online privacy. As I was showing statistics and political cartoons, a young lady was writing a lengthy note to a friend about making a Youtube video, so young rappers would want to meet them. Obviously talking about privacy online was not working even with my political cartoons. Wednesday improved as students questioned the validity of the two year old who was able to name ...

On May 14th I opened my mushroom kit box to find additional directions . After letting it soak for 24 hours, I started spraying it twice a day for ten days. As the box stated, ten days later I have mushrooms . The mushrooms are beautiful although they are a bit strange with healthy stems. Now I need to harvest and use them. Any suggestions? I have to admit that I'm a bit frightened to actually taste them.

Harold Camping promised today, May 21, 2011, would be the end of the world. He quotes, "Just before the flood Noah was instructed by God that in seven days the flood would begin (Genesis 7:10-16). Using the language of 2 Peter 3:8 that "a day is as a thousand years," it is like saying through Noah, who was a preacher (2 Peter 2:5): "mankind has seven days or 7,000 years to escape destruction." Since 2011 A.D. is precisely 7,000 years after Noah preached, God has given mankind a wonderful proof that Judgment Day will occur in the year 2011." How could anyone ignore this? Yesterday I contemplated about song lyrics. I tried to choose from: "Should I stay or should I go?" and "It's the end of the world as we know it." Then I started to get excited about my wings and halo. Don't worry. I wasn't taking this lightly. For a minute this morning I was concerned that my tan wasn't ready for the event since I would o...

Today was the last day of testing in my class. By the end of second hour, I had nothing to do. I decided to get my phone, so I could read while the students were testing. While I was reading (phone silenced), a Facebook message popped up on my phone. Through this message I learned that a good friend's mom had passed away. Although she is not on FB, her sister is and this allowed me to learn the information. As soon as I found out, I sent a text with my sympathy. When I called later, she wanted to know how I knew... Facebook. She mentioned that FB had made it easier since there were less people to call.

Our students are done with the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments). Now they are taking the CALT (Computerized Achievement Level Tests-- a district test). The reading portion will take two days. Students started today in my class. This means two days of sitting and watching students take tests on the computer with little communication with students. Most of the students are not necessarily in a place to take tests. Not only is it the end of the year, they are tested out. As for me I don't really do well sitting behind a desk although I was able to grade papers for four of my five classes. To make it a bit more stressful, two minutes before my class was to start, I found out that the CALT test was down for at least the first half of class. My first thought was online "educational" games, but I believed playing games then taking the test on the same computer might take the seriousness out of the test. Of course I couldn't have them sit quietly and read a...

Yesterday afternoon there was a flip flop on the flip-flops although the students were not told. This morning as I walked into school wearing sandals, a couple girls congratulated me on my shoe choice. Although I don't remember their exact words, they thought I had somehow received the message that everyone was supposed to wear flip-flops to school as a sign of solidarity and rebellion. I loved it. They had not yet been informed that they were able to wear flip-flops after all. It seems they also delivered a petition to the administration concerning yesterday's debacle! I would like you to know my sandals (Dr. Scholls, extremely comfortable) were not flip flops. The above picture is of the sandals I wore today. The bottom picture is of flip-flops. I think the difference should be noted.

Our students have 17 days left of school, and it is beginning to show. Yesterday a student was dismissed and suspended today (1 1/2 days suspension) for stealing french fries. Although he has had problems in the past, I think this is a bit excessive. A girl wore short shorts to school yesterday. She sat in the quiet room all day because no one could bring her clothes. Her shorts, although short, at least covered her cheeks. Today a student sat in my room with equally short shorts. Maybe this is because this morning the focus seemed to be on flip-flops... you know dangerous flip-flops. Multiple student were asked to change their shoes because they were wearing flip-flops. This was a wonderful way to start the academic day with students crazed about not being able to wear their sandals. In the last week at least one student has hit another student without being suspended, but when it comes to clothing... beware. This reminds me of the current state legislature. They argue a...

For a New Beginning In out-of-the-way places of the heart, Where your thoughts never think to wander, This beginning has been quietly forming, Waiting until you were ready to emerge. For a long time it has watched your desire, Feeling the emptiness growing inside you, Noticing how you willed yourself on, Still unable to leave what you had outgrown. It watched you play with the seduction of safety And the gray promises that sameness whispered, Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, Wondered would you always live like this. Then the delight, when your courage kindled, And out you stepped onto new ground, Your eyes young again with energy and dream, A path of plenitude opening before you. Though your destination is not yet clear You can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning That is at one with your life's desire. Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be ho...

When I bought my mushroom kit , I was super excited. Today the excitement waned as I opened the box. It seems the original instructions of cut a slit and spray were a bit misleading. "Additional Instructions for Best Results" appeared inside the box. It seems I need to "Submerge the bag in a cold, tap water-filled bucket for 24 hrs (to maximize soaking, hold the ad down with a weight to keep it from floating)". I'm feeling a bit misled although I'm still excited (not super excited) to see if they grow.

First, I would like you to notice my heart is back. A Republican colleague who watches Fox (seriously... sad face) brought the Common controversy to my attention. Thanks Jon Stewart for clearing it up (at least for some). The Daily Show - Tone Def Poetry Jam Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes , Political Humor & Satire Blog , The Daily Show on Facebook

The last third of today's workshop was set aside for "team building". The staff was given two choices (athletic events or a presentation by a chef from The Kitchen Window). I chose the chef presentation and was actually looking forward to it although I rarely cook. Unfortunately the chef had a personal emergency (legit) and could not show. My principal scrambled to find an alternative. His idea, "Cupcake Wars" was delightful to many and disgusting to me. First, I have never watched the show. Let's be honest, I've NEVER watched the Food Network. Second, we were put into groups, and mine was not a fun group. Third, I didn't want to bake cupcakes. Fourth, and perhaps most important, using utensils cleaned by middle school students is not at all appealing to me. Fifth, it didn't take me long to realize we would need to wash the dishes at the end. The good news is one of my group members "knows everything", so I knew they would ...

I'm going with big oil subsidies and 'B'. How about you?

When my screen door was rotting out, these ants came into my house. I replaced the screen door because of need and the hope that the ants would disappear. Over the last two days, I have found one a day. They are supposedly "carpenter ants". All I can say is that they are big, black and NOT welcome in my house. It would be easy to say they are here due to the remodeling next door, of which I am aware due to the carpenters parking in front of my garage door, but I don't think that's what bring them in. Why are they here? What do I do?

Today a friend, J, and I went to the Living Green Expo . I was hoping to find a "green" way to clean my tub/shower since the "green" way I'm currently using isn't working as well as I would like. My other goal was merely to look around and see if there was anything new and exciting. We did find "new and exciting". Both of us bought mushroom kits... no not those shrooms. Although I'm super excited to get mine started, it didn't happen today. Supposedly, I'll have mushrooms in ten days. After wondering around we sat out in the beautiful weather and had lunch. Pizza was my choice, and I didn't feel I could turn down the "Proud Mary". After all, I was proud of my mushroom kit. As for my tub/shower, J had a "green" answer. Now I need to actually give it a try.

I have a couple new distractions for my iPhone. The first is actually functional. After finding out about it on Tuesday, I have already used it. It's called "Drop Box". Because I wanted to know if I could transfer files using my iPhone, I was informed about this application. Yesterday I put files in it on my school computer and opened them up on my home computer. The file would have been too big to e-mail. It was awesome. The other distraction is a game for my iPhone called Air Penguin. It is a "tilt control" game and somewhat addictive although I suck at it. My hope is that my distractions become your distractions. BTW- Both applications were shared with me by a brilliant friend, so I thought I should pass them on to you.

Although I'm not necessarily an A+ student, my blood type is A+. This must say something about me, right? Yesterday the sun came out and warmed up my car. It was only 60º, but it was wonderful, a B+ (still waiting for an A day) day after a series of F days. On the way to give blood, I was even able to crack the window of my car and turn the heat off. What will today bring? As I was finished giving blood, I asked the nurse if she would take a picture with my camera. I guess I'm still in the habit of feeling the need to have an image each day with my post.

Yesterday I changed my FB status to a quote I saw others post. It seems I was one of thousands. I thought it fitting to the craziness of Bin Laden's death. Last night I viewed a comment about the quote that made me wonder. What was the origin of the quote? The person commenting couldn't find it because googling it only brought up the quote as it had appeared on FB and Twitter for the last day, so I decided to give it a try. It seems said quote is bogus according to Meg Mcardle of the Atlantic. I'm not sure if I should be awed at social networking or dismayed that I wasn't bright enough to check before I posted. Maybe I should have followed the likes of Michael Moore who merely Tweeted Bible verses.

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Enough of the cold weather... Enough of hearing about Osama Bin Laden... I want bubbles with kittens in them... or some sun!!

I'm fighting being sick. I'm irritated (beyond what I can print) with this MISERABLE weather (37º with little snow flakes in the air). I'm upset that it was so windy that my grill kept going out, so I had to cook my chicken with blue cheese burger inside. I'm saddened the blog challenge is over although I'm still going to comment on other's blogs. I'm mad that I worked to get papers graded, yet I can't update my grades because TIES is down. I think that puts a little perspective on my day! Anyway, at our team meeting on Friday, we were unproductive. One member of the team was looking at news feeds and announced that we could no longer have goats in Minneapolis. Another member asked if it applied to fainting goats. I had no idea about fainting goats, so we googled and went to Youtube. This was followed by the sneezing panda. It seems I know nothing about these things because I don't have kids.