Miscellaneous Missives

This morning's ride was delightful.  The full moon illuminated the sky as my bike light illuminated the trail.  There's been a lot of construction on the Greenway over the last several weeks.  It seems that last night some people with creativity decorated about ten pylons and placed them in the middle of the Greenway.  Although it's difficult to tell from the picture, they have eyes on a nose, and the bottom picture even has earrings.  They were all line up about ten feet apart although most had been knocked down on their sides.  On the way back past them, I decided I should stop and take a couple of pictures. 

Although I have gone back to work, I have continued my morning bike rides.  Instead of leaving at 7:00am, I am leaving earlier.  This means it's dark out when I depart.  Depending on when I have needed to be at work this week, I have left between 5:30am and 6:00am.  The 6:00am ride is not horrible because of twilight (? term for the light before actual sunrise).  The 5:30am ride is fairly miserable since it's really dark.  Even though there are some lights on the Greenway, it's REALLY dark.  On Tuesday I was on the trail at 5:30am, and there was an insane number of bikers pedaling the same route.  All of them had lights, but only one yelled, "Get a bike light."  Of course, I knew I needed a bike light and looked into purchasing one on Sunday when I figured out the darkness of my morning ride.  Since REI didn't have the one I wanted (less expensive, charges with USB port, three settings) in store, I ordered it online.  I still mad...

I have talked about AVID.  Basically, I love the kids in AVID because they are the kids that really need that added opportunity.  Yesterday we did a fundraiser at our school for the program.  The money from the fundraiser helps us pay for college field trips since many of these students have never been on a college campus.  Our idea was to have coffee and cookies during Dylan William.  We set up a table with coffee and cookies.  It had five signs stating it was $1.00 donation.  Plus, the person that introduced the speaker spoke of the table and explained the recipient of the money.  Although it seems like a fabulous plan, we forgot that we were dealing with teachers and administrators.  If each person had paid for their cookie and/or coffee, we would have profited $80 for the program (profits after paying for the cookies and realizing the coffee was donated).  A few dollars may have come in this afternoon, but the total profits as of...

This morning we listened to Dylan William speak for three hours.  He was good (knowledgeable, funny, engaging, practical, motivational).  I appreciated what he had to say (especially his slam of Arne Duncan).  William believes in formative assessment (as do most educators).  Basically, he believes that all teachers can do a better job, but he doesn't believe merit pay makes a difference.  In the afternoon, we had people talk to us about Q-Comp (merit pay).  It seems absurd that the school district would pay this speaker (who they believed was an expert in the field) to come share his beliefs and information in the morning only to follow him up with something he states does not make for better teachers.  Scary!

We actually had more time to work in our rooms today than I had thought.  In reality, we only had meetings in the morning.  I appreciate this time on the first day back.  One thing I used this time for today was getting journal pages ready to turn in for copies.  Our journals are set up, so the students have references pages in the front (editing symbols, transition words, spelling words, etc.).  This means we put in multiple pages for copies.  Since school doesn't start until a week from tomorrow, we were pleased to have them ready to hand to the copy lady today.  As a means of introducing my mentee to the copy lady, we took our pages to her.  She freaked.  It was a good experience for my mentee since this is what typically happens when the copy lady is asked to do her job.  Did I mention we gave them to her a week in advance?  In reality, we probably caught her off guard.  She was more pleasant later when we addressed her ...

http://www.wingyounghuie.com/ Wing Young Huie is a Minneapolis photographer.  I would say that most people in Minneapolis have seen his photographs even if they didn't know it was his work.  He catches the essence of individuals in our community.  Recently he mentioned a gallery event an exhibition, (re)locate: A Place to Call Home , on his website.  It interested me since it focused on "recently-arrived immigrants" and their stories in words and photographs.  Since I was unable to make the event, I wanted to see the exhibition.  The website said that his gallery was open by appointment.  Without realizing that the exhibition had left, I e-mailed Wing Young Huie to see his exhibits.  An appointment was set for this afternoon, and I went to the Third Place Gallery with a friend.  We didn't really know what to expect.  Of course the gallery walls were filled with his work, but not as much as I had expected.  As we entered, we to...

Yesterday I played 18 holes of golf starting at 7:30 am.  I sucked rocks!  It was horrible.  Words can't express my dismay. Today I played 18 holes of golf starting at 7:30 am.  I did as well as I have all year.  It was fun!  Words can't express how fun chipping in twice and hitting the ball decent express my delight. Biden came to town on Tuesday.  He didn't charge for his event.  Tickets were free.  He did get at least $25 from the gentleman standing in front of me in line.  Although I don't know this guys story, he looked like he didn't have a lot.  When he gave the envelope to the volunteer and explained his contents, I could tell that for him that $25 was a lot of money.  Romney came to town yesterday.  He charged thousands for his events.  Tickets were not free... people paid thousands (repeated for emphasis).  He raised $875,000. 

Sometimes I enjoy stealing from others.  After all, this is how I came up with my motto for this year.  Actually, I'm still happy with my motto, but I do think I will need to remind myself constantly (Stay Calm.  Move Forward).  Yesterday I used it as I spent part of the day at the district.  This post is not about my motto or my school day; it's about stealing.  Today I read jdoc's blog and found out about Written? Kitten!   I'm not really sure how it works, but I'm giving it a try and counting it as part of my blog post today.  As soon as I typed 100 words, an image of a kitten appeared at the side.  It gives me my word count at the bottom.  If all goes well, I will get a picture of another kitten in sixty-two words.  Even though I'm not really a believer of word counts (should be hyphenated... needed more words for my next kitten), I think this would be fun for students.  Maybe they have dog pictures although dog or pup...

The next Blue Moon will be August 31st.  My calculations say it's about nine days.  After a day of mentoring my new dyad partner, I figured waiting nine days for a Blue Moon was too long.  I'm not saying that working with my new dyad partner was the reason for my 3:30 cocktail, but I am saying being back in the educational realm is reason to drink (celebratory or otherwise).  The reality is that a full day of work is taxing and stressful when it initiates the new year.  Although I promised my new mentee that we would have time to work in our rooms, the reality is that there was a lot to cover and room time was minimal.  After having one too many Blue Moons with a couple of present colleagues, I had dinner with former colleagues.  Visiting about life was enjoyable.  When the topic of school approached, I felt a bit stressed.  It's good to remember that a little stress is natural, but I can't stress myself out about things that are out of my...

Vice President Joe Biden spoke in Minneapolis today.  Although some news sources reported it as a fund-raising activity, tickets were free.  Since I couldn't find anyone to go with me (work, schedules, etc.), I decided to go alone.  Last night I was wondering if I was a big loser for going alone.  Today after listening to Joe Biden with other Democrats, I can assure you that I was not the big loser.  Even though I was close, I didn't get great pictures (due to the lights) or video, but I totally enjoyed listening to our VP.  After the event, I walked back to my bike.  As I tried to cross the street to my bike, I was stopped by a police officer.  It seems I was not able to get to my bike (due to a line of patrol cars).  An officer from across the street volunteered to come get me.  He was very kind.  We chatted as I tried to untangle my headphones and adjust my helmet.  Finally, I asked for directions and thanked him for the ...

My first full day back at school was today's day of AVID.  AVID is basically a program for low income, high minority, and first generation college students (a combination of these classifications).  Today was a day set aside for talking about the summer institute, planning for next year, and putting together binders to sell as an AVID fundraiser (for college visits and family nights).  The administrator in charge aggravates me.  During our meeting this morning, it was easy to see that there were no plans for tonight's parent night.  Since I refuse to be part of something that is not planned and is going to go horribly, I quit the day around 4:15 instead of remaining for the parent night.  After the meeting we (another girl and I) started to organize the materials for the binder production.  Without going into details (such as paper not being ordered, folders not being punched, etc.), let's say there was no thought into this process.  The two of...

Today is my little brother's birthday.  It's a big one, but perhaps they all are at this age.  Although I try not to be the overbearing big sister, I will always have those characteristics and will always try to take care of him.  Happy Birthday Michael!

It's Saturday night, and I'm home blogging about the books I have read this summer as my stomach continues to hate me for some unknown reason.  Although life may be a bit pathetic, it could be worse.  Next week I need to work two days before the official "Back to School" week starts on August 27th.  I'm fairly certain it will not give me enough time to finish the stack of Maud Hart Lovelace books that I have left to read, but I will do make the attempt.  As of this evening, I have read 41 books this summer (30 young adult books and 11 adult books, that always sounds a bit creepy especially since Shades of Grey was not one of them).  My favorite YA books were Wonder , Tin Foil Sky , and perhaps Curveball: The Year I Lost my Grip . My favorite adult books (I'll call them book, books) were Healing: A Novel , Doc: A Novel , and Wild (What's up with titles that include a novel?).  Tomorrow I will start on that pile of Maud Hart Lovelace books.  My firs...

Today I read LH's blog post, and immediately stole her motto.  I am not proud of not being original and filching from others, but I think this act of pilfering will have a positive outcome.  Next week, I will spend two days working at school.  One day will be working beside my assistant principal whom I disrespect (that's a kind way of sharing my feelings).  The other day will be a spent mentoring a new colleague (my new dyad partner... is that redundant?).  My feelings about the upcoming school year are negative to quite negative since our building lost at least six great staff members and several others.  Next year, I need to stay away from the chaos and those whom I feel are incompetent.  It only causes unneeded stress.  Basically, I need to "Keep calm, and carry on."  Although the motto is stolen, I feel that I can embrace it and make it my own.  If I don't, it could be "Choose your Daily Disaster".

Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too ~Shel Silverstein from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974) Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too Went for a ride in a flying shoe. "Hooray!" "What fun!" "It's time we flew!" Said Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. Ickle was captain, and Pickle was crew And Tickle served coffee and mulligan stew As higher And higher And higher they flew, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too, Over the sun and beyond the blue. "Hold on!" "Stay in!" "I hope we do!" Cried Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle too Never returned to the world they knew, And nobody Knows what's Happened to Dear Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. Although I have not yet pickled myself today, I did (hopefully) pickle a bunch of cucumbers with a TON of help from a friend.  She has the knowledge and skills.  I have empty j...

When I first started reading The Healing , I couldn't get past the fact that the author was a white male living in Minneapolis writing about black women in The South.  In reality, it probably made me think less of the book.  At the end of the book, he listed all the people that helped him write the novel giving credibility to his story telling.  I realize I should have read the book without my initial prejudice, but it is what it is.  Tonight we were honored with his visit to our book club.  He is an incredible story teller.  As we discussed the books there were tears and laughter.  Some members gave specific page numbers that they had read over and over.  While others asked questions about the characters and setting.  Mr. Jonathan Odell did a wonderful job answering questions by sharing delightful stories.  As I usually do at this time of year, I sat and listened, but I also thought of the new school year.  I want to do a bet...

The bike trail is closed for maintenance.  This means black tar and oil are being place on the trail to make it nicer.  It also means I need to take the detour when I ride into the Uptown YWCA (or Uptown in general).  Yesterday I arrived at the trail before the oil and tar.  A man was in his truck with lights flashing informing people of the detour and alternative routes.  Since I get on the trail a little beyond the green sign, I was technically already in the closed off area.  I made my way to the truck to explain that I merely wanted to get on Kenilworth that I wasn't going to take the Greenway into Uptown.  He nicely informed me that I was going to be a mess of tar and oil if I made that choice.  Oh, the detour seemed lovely.  Today I once again arrived on the closed off part of the trail and walked my bike on the edge to the man in the truck.  I wanted him to know that I did not go on the trail and merely walked on the side of it...

I am incredibly disappointed in my last blog entry.  Blogging about my new shoes seems to be a new low.  Unfortunately, I have nothing of interest to post.  My weekend was incredibly full and fun.  Although it was not uneventful, it's not necessary blog worthy (or appropriate?). 

Purchasing running shoes (athletic shoes) is difficult for me since I have a big and narrow foot (10AA).  Typically I can get one style of Asics that fit and are comfortable.  For awhile I was buying shoes online and sticking with the Asic shoe, but it typically came in one color (blue).  Last year I decided to go back to Scheels in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  For some reason, they seem to have more shoes than other Scheels.  Even if they don't have more shoes, their shoe people are certainly more helpful and knowledgeable.  When I went last year, they actually had two different styles in my size; plus the staff member showed me another Asic shoe that typically ran narrow.  It seems like no big deal to find shoes that fit, but for me it's huge (and I'm not only talking about the size of my foot).  This year when I went in I was certain I would be able to buy two pairs of shoes.  Unfortunately, they had no Asics in my size.  Actually, ...

I have been thinking about donating to Kiva for years.  In fact, when I heard Bill Clinton first speak of the organization, I was intrigued .  For some reason I never sat down and loaned money to someone.  Today, I finally was moved once again by John Green although I made an individual loan instead of following his group (Nerdfighters).  Actually, maybe I'll join is group; these things take time.  I also messed up because I joined before I took advantage of the free $25 loan.  When you sit down at your computer tonight and make this loan, you will be smarter.  Maybe you'll follow my invite , and we both can make a free loan.

"But those dreams had tumbled down the stairs, and M had no intention of picking them up again--ever."  Tinfoil Sky by Cyndi Sand-Eveland In order to prepare myself for the reality of going back to school, I attended a technology training session today.  It was entitled Web Presence.  To be honest, I really wanted to attend the Web Presents seminar, but it wasn't offered.  Although there were no presents, it reminded me of the difficulty of being a teacher.  The class was made up of teachers, but we all were at different levels.  While I was annoyed because he was talking to much, and I was ready to move on, another teacher was two steps behind.  Teaching is difficult.  While the "teacher" did a good job because everyone walked away with a website made from the beginnings and not a template, all of the students were not "happy".  Perhaps, I learned something today about more than creating a web presence.  It is important to make su...

This is the first weekend in August which means the Uptown Art Fair is in town.  It also means there are mini donuts.  My weekend goal has been to work out enough to enjoy a bag of mini donuts.  Immediately after church I walked in to purchase my bag of Tom Thumb mini donuts.  Since I had already been in and out of Uptown on my bike, I knew the exact location of the Tom Thumb stand.  In fact, it's adjacent to the Greenway, allowing easy access.  Although those in line around me were agitated that they were only running one machine at 10:18 am, I was content waiting for the greasy goodness that was to be my lunch.  Happy Sunday! 

Although many think of Sunday as the sabbath, for the last couple of weeks I've used Saturday as sabbath, my day of rest.  Each Saturday I start with a trip to the Midtown Farmers' Market.  Typically I love to walk around and browse while listening and watching people as much as I love to purchase fresh produce.  Throughout the week I am able to feast on the produce, as well as meat and cheese, the local farmers have sold to me at a fair price.  I follow the farmers' market with a day of leisure and reading.  Today was no different. My goal was to tackle Prince of Dorkness , but I thought of that as school work, so I finished a sweet and funny read, Saving CeeCee Honeycut .  I figure the farmers' market followed by breakfast with a friend, and light reading makes for the perfect day of rest, sabbath.

Peekabo, I Almost See You by Ogden Nash     Middle-aged life is merry, and I love to lead it, But there comes a day when your eyes are all right but your arm isn't long enough to hold the telephone book where you can read it, And your friends get jocular, so you go to the oculist, And of all your friends he is the joculist, So over his facetiousness let us skim, Only noting that he has been waiting for you ever since you said Good evening to his grandfather clock under the impression that it was him, And you look at his chart and it says SHRDLU QWERTYOP, and you say Well, why SHRDNTLU QWERTYOP? and he says one set of glasses won't do. You need two. One for reading Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason and Keats's "Endymion" with, And the other for walking around without saying Hello to strange wymion with. So you spend your time taking off your seeing glasses to put on your reading glasses, and then remembering that your reading glas...

http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/eats-and-treats/menu/treats/buster-bar/ I love ice cream.  Using myfitnesspal has taught me that ice cream has numerous calories.  Basically, this is what gets me on my bike each day.  If I burn off enough calories, I can enjoy ice cream and berries in the evening.  After going to the gym tonight, I had 592 calories to use on ice cream.  Since I had soooo many extra calories, I decided vanilla ice cream and berries was not satisfactory.  A strawberry malt or perhaps a Buster Bar became a more palatable option.  It seems a medium strawberry malt has more calories than a Buster Bar.  Honestly.  I'm not exaggerating.  Even though I did not have enough calories for the medium strawberry malt, I had plenty calories for a Buster Bar!  

  Someone Just Like You  ~Joyce Sutphen (Minnesota Poet Laureate) Whoever you were — crossing the bridge earlier in the day — you went from one side to the other, barely noticing the river, the way you were held up in the sky by a fragile and faulty design. You crossed over, one car in a lane of blue, silver, and black, tapping your fingers on the wheel, changing the station to catch the weather report, picking up your cell phone to say you were on the way home. You were early that day — or a bit later, but everything else was about the same, though the bridge shook slightly, a bird flew out from beneath the railing, someone looked up and saw a flash ...