Miscellaneous Missives

Nature, Poem 49:  November Besides the autumn poets sing, A few prosaic days A little this side of the snow And that side of the haze. A few incisive mornings, A few ascetic eyes, — Gone Mr. Bryant's golden-rod, And Mr. Thomson's sheaves. Still is the bustle in the brook, Sealed are the spicy valves; Mesmeric fingers softly touch The eyes of many elves. Perhaps a squirrel may remain, My sentiments to share. Grant me, O Lord, a sunny mind, Thy windy will to bear! November ends today.  She closes with a somewhat beautiful day.  Beautiful because it was warm enough for biking (at 5am when I woke up, at 12pm when I returned home from work, at 1pm when I awoke from my nap, and at 3pm when I decided not to bike today.  It is also beautiful because we only had to work our morning hours in the building (our afternoon hours were set aside for doing grades at the location of our choice).   Since November is ending, it seems as th...

For many years I've been giving the same baby gift.  It was a box of books that looked like letter boxes (IDK).  Anyway, tonight I went to buy the same go to baby gift for a friend only to realize that this is no longer a go to gift.  It's not that I couldn't find this wonderful box of books.  It's that this wonderful gift now costs too much money ($79 to $216).  How can this be?  BTW if anyone (JDoc) still has this gift, please sell it and split the money with me.  Actually, now that I think about this.  Maybe I've always been a generous gift giver!

"The sweetness of dogs (fifteen ) What do you say, Percy?  I am thinking of sitting out on the sand to watch  the moon rise.  Full tonight. So we go and the moon rises, so beautiful it makes me shudder, makes me think about time and space, makes me take mea sure of myself; one iota pondering heaven.  T hus we sit, I thinking of how gra teful I am for the moon's  perfect beauty and also, oh! How rich it is to love the world.  Percy, meanwhile, leans against me and gaze s u p into my face, As though I were  his perfect moon."     by Mary Ol iver I am a fan of full moons, Mary Oliver, and pets who adore us.  My cat is not one of those pets tonight.  Maybe it's the full moon, but he keeps gnawing on the Christmas tree (in its plastic glory... not a real tree).  A couple of hours ago I left for a meeting (which turned into a grand conversation instead of an actual meeting... nothing was accomplished, and i...

milindoe.wordpress.com Although I've been feeling weak after my Sunday illness, I decided to go to a BodyPump class tonight at the gym.  Before class I started I was talking to one of the instructors, whom I really enjoy.  We were chatting, and I mentioned loving the lunge track she did the last time I was in her class.  She said that she was doing another track instead, but when it came time for lunges, she had changed her mind and did the one I suggested.  When she mentioned it was a request, the other instructor, who was walking around checking form, asked if it was my request.  I think she thought I was a bit crazy.  It's a tough track, but that's why we're there.  Right?!

Recently, I decided to buy the whole pomegranate instead of the seeds because it was a much cheaper option.  Unfortunately, peeling a pomegranate is problematic (messy and time consuming).  The good news is I have one peeled, and the seeds are in my lunch bag for tomorrow.  I have one more in the refrigerator if anyone would like to come over and give it a try.

I went to the grocery store after church.  Since I wasn't feeling well and knew I wouldn't make it to the gym today, I bought the Shape magazine with P!nk on the cover.  Honestly, I haven't had the determination to sit up long enough to peruse its pages.  Horizontal seemed to be working much better for me than vertical or anything in between.  As dinner approaches, I'm feeling a bit stronger.  Instead of attempting to eat, I decided to try sitting up and geeking on the computer. 

I'm not sure when it began, but my friend S and I have shopped Small Business Saturday for the last several years.  We typically shop some small shops on Grand in St. Paul because if it wasn't for S, I might not ever get to St. Paul to shop.  Shopping small businesses is something I support, but it's especially fun on the Saturday after Black Friday.  Today I shopped for myself as much as I did for Christmas gifts.  One of my favorite purchases was a new pair of mittens (Trade Winds) that match my new coat.  On small business Saturday people are friendly, and we have time to converse.  We even stopped for lunch today.  When I was growing up, my parents' owned a small business, and I know the stress these businesses face.  It was difficult when I was growing up.  I can't imagine the added stress of online shopping.  Shop small (and shop with friends). List of this year's local business: Bibelot Egg/Plant Frattallone's Ace Hardware...

Typically, I decorate for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend.  This year is not different.  Yesterday's snow seemed to welcome winter decorations.  Unfortunately, I still hadn't used all of the fall candles left in my fall decorations.  Instead of storing the fall (orange and darker purple) t-lights, I put them in the Christmas decorations.  Since it's still fall (I only have 12 posts left before I knock down this challenge), I decided it was fitting.  Did I mention it's only Friday night, and I still have two full days of break?  Falling in love with fall!

 from Help  Thanks  Wow by Anne Lamott '"Thanks" is the short form of the original prayere I used to say in gratitude for any unexpected grace in my life, "Thankyouthankyouthankyou."  As I grew spiritually, the prayer became the more formal "Thank You," and now, from the wrinkly peaks of maturity, it is simply, "Thanks."'   On Tuesday I had the building sub in my classroom.  As we were doing the quick write of the pigs, a student asked why I was focusing on pigs instead of turkeys.  I told him both the poem and the true story behind the picture were silly and fun, and some people need a little silly and fun.  Then I discussed Thanksgiving and how it's great for some with family and a place to go, but for many it is a bit depressing without money for a big meal and/or lack of family in the area.  When the building sub left my room, he said thanks and mentioned that my class was refreshing.  Later in the day I ran into him in the ...

For my birthday I told Dad and Carol that I wanted my plants repotted. Yep, that's all I wanted.  They decided flannel sheets would be an easier gift, but a couple of friends have promised to repot my plants as long as I have the soil.  I could repot my plants without help, but I don't want to.  These friends are the best.  Today, I went to get a new pot for one of my large (tree-like) plant, so I was ready when they came to help.  When I realized the price of the pot, I thought perhaps the dumpster would be a better place for the plant.  The owner of Uncommon Grounds had already expressed the wonder of my plant, so I bought the pot and some soil.  Obviously, I showed her the picture of the flowering section not the roots coming out of the soil.

lame‑a‑saurus.jpg Hey, Fall Blog Challenge #60...  I got this.  Unfortunately, I'm doing better communicating with people via the internet than I am in person although I'm really trying.  This afternoon I was invited to a 21st birthday part redo.  It seems a fellow staff member had a horrible 21st birthday (She's now 25.).  The party crowd at school is taking her out tonight for the redo, and I was invited (today, not when plans were made).  Although I'd really like to attend because I like to get invited, I don't have the energy to go downtown for a party night.  At least I didn't totally bail on dinner with other colleagues although I'll be going back home after dinner instead of attending the movie.  When did I get soooooo old and lame?

Yesterday I burned my arm on the grill.  Although this seems impossible, it is possible to quite possible.  Today I learned that one is not supposed to put ice on a burn.  After checking with other staff members, I realized this is something that most people know.  I did not.  As soon as I realized I had a burn, I dug into the freezer for an ice cube and pressed it to the burn.

Last year I spent my birthday with colleagues at the NCTE (National Council Teachers of English) Convention in Chicago.  It was phenomenal.  All weekend I've been wishing that I was in Vegas for this year's convention, but I shouldn't complain because the weekend has been beautiful.  I decided to spin around the lakes this morning instead of my typical paths.  The sunrise was beautiful.  For a birthday treat I had brunch with a friend.  To celebrate my birthday, the server brought my lovely sweets for desert.  Although I'm not a fan of birthdays, I do feel blessed to have wonderful people in my life.

http://lightbox.time.com/2012/11/16/pictures-of-the-week-november-9-november-16/#3 Little Pig's Treat by Shel Silverstein Said the pig to his pop, There's the candy shop. Oh, please let's go inside And I promise I won't make a kid of myself If you give me a people-back ride." Since my headache has eliminated my morning bike ride, I decided to sit at my computer and figure out the opening journal activities for the two (ONLY TWO) days next week.  I wanted something fun, and honestly, something that didn't have to do with Thanksgiving since I'm sure Thanksgiving sucks for some of our kids.  I started by looking for a picture to write about.  The pig diving seemed good.  Next, I went to the Google to find a pig poem.  Yep, found it.  It seems they both kinda FALL (fell) into my lap.  Did I mention we only have two days of school next week?

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/02/twinkies-healthy-beef-vegan-pollan/ Hostess has filed for bankruptcy for the second time.  This is after the tripled their CEO's pay.  Then they blamed the union .  Really?   I'm amazed by this for many reasons.  First, rumor has it Twinkies are selling for record prices on eBay.  Second, it's surprising that people still buy their products ( gross. ).  Finally, blaming the union while giving money to executives seems a bit crass.  Although this seems surprising, I won't be going out this evening for Twinkies or Hostess Cupcakes.  Shame on those who are profiting from this. 

Today would have been my friend's, Jolynn's, birthday (Did I punctuate that correctly?).  She passed away last May .  Although we didn't celebrate our birthdays together the last two years after her brain surgery, we typically celebrated out birthdays together since they were close to each other.  I am not a fan of my birthday, but it was always fun having someone with whom to go out and celebrate.  My thoughts are with her friends today as I know many are probably thinking about her.

Recently, I was talking to someone about my upcoming blood donation.  She had never given blood before although her boyfriend gives frequently.  When they call to remind him that he can give blood and to set up an appointment, he calls them the bloodsuckers.  It's a good term since they are truly relentless.  I appreciate the calls because it does make me set up an appointment and give when I can.  Last Wednesday I went to my scheduled appointment, but was unable to give because my iron was low.  After another week of taking iron, I was able to give tonight.  Unfortunately, I was assigned the one phlebotomist that seems to be less than competent.  I've had problems twice with her digging around in my arm with the needle trying to find my veins.  She's a really nice lady, but when she takes my blood, I leave with a sore to quite sore arm.  Today after digging around and having the needle at an angle instead of more even with my arm, ...

I checked out the book Son by Lois Lowry from the media center at school.  It's the last book of four in The Giver series.  Since it was an actual book instead of reading material on my iPhone, I was having difficulties reading it.  For some reason, I feel the need to read it and finish the series, but I don't seem to have the time.  A book isn't as convenient as a Kindle copy on my phone, so last night, before going to the gym, I spent $9.17 to download it to my phone.  Now I am making progress since I've read it two days in a row while on the cross-trainer.  Perhaps needing to read it on my phone is a bit crazy and certainly expensive, but I am 76% through the book.  As for the book, it's good, not great, but part of me wishes I would have reread The Giver (not necessarily the other two) before I started Son . 

The Victor by C. W. Longenecker If you think you are beaten, you are, If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win, but you think you can't, It is almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost, For out in the world we find, Success begins with a fellow's will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are, You've got to think high to rise, You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man. But soon or late the man who wins, Is the man who thinks he can. Yesterday's Rams' game was not televised, but I was able to receive updates on my phone.  Well, this isn't completely true.  The overtime was televised, so I spent the entire overtime yelling at the television.  Today, I used this debacle to teach my class.  We started class with "The Victor".  As students were w...

A Murder of One by The Counting Crows "There's a bird that nests inside you Sleeping underneath your skin When you open up your wings to speak I wish you'd let me in" Lately, I've been thinking about the Fall Blog Challenge and the difficulty to capture beautiful fall pictures now that the leaves are falling, and it's becoming more grey.  As I look for beauty in the grey, I can't help but notice the birds' (or squirrels'?) nests up in the trees.  They remain strong and sturdy even as the wind blows all the leaves away.  Lately the birds seem to be chirping a bit louder.  It's almost as if they are saying, "Here I am.  I haven't left yet."     Amazingly enough we also talked about birds in church this Sunday even though it was "Stewardship Sunday" (or Pledge Sunday).  Our service calls it generosity Sunday, and instead of harping about the need for money, we listened to our resident bird expert talk about...

picture taken in September when there was color III. NATURE. XXVII. INDIAN SUMMER. These are the days when birds come back, A very few, a bird or two, To take a backward look. These are the days when skies put on The old, old sophistries of June, -- A blue and gold mistake. Oh, fraud that cannot cheat the bee, Almost thy plausibility Induces my belief, Till ranks of seeds their witness bear, And softly through the altered air Hurries a timid leaf! Oh, sacrament of summer days, Oh, last communion in the haze, Permit a child to join, Thy sacred emblems to partake, Thy consecrated bread to break, Taste thine immortal wine! Is a day like today considered Indian Summer?  Today 's temperatures were in the 70s.   BTW- I kicked butt today... clean ed house (sans dusting... dusting suck s), bike ride, BodyPump, grocery sho pping , laundry (including blankets and rugs)... Unfortunately, I need to spe...

Tonight I returned from listening to Erin Morgenstern , at Talking Volumes, excited about books and reading.  Perhaps I'm often excited about books and reading, but I love listening to authors.  Actually I was supes excited about this year's Talking Volumes series because of Abraham Verghese, and I found his the least fascinating. Anyway, I returned home and filled out my World Book Night Application.  The idea came to me this morning as I stopped by Caribou to get my hot cocoa for breakfast.  I think it's a fun idea and hope the people at World Book Night will agree.  The three books I chose are fantastic (The Tenderbar, Looking for Alaska, and The Alchemist).  Where do you intend to give away the books? I would like to give my books away at coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.  As I go through my normal day, starting with coffee at the local coffee shop, I would distribute books.  When I stop at the convenience store for a soda in the af...

Today I received my e-mail from World Book Night.  It's actually a link to their website, so I can apply once again to hand out free books in April.  I did it last year and loved it.  Although I should probably fill out the form tonight, I want to think about the book I'm going to give.  Since I did young adult books last year, I kinda want to pass out adult books this year.  Some thought is required in the selection of the book.  Plus, I want to think of a unique place.  Oh, this is going to be fun, and I really hope they choose me again this year.  Of course, you should fill out the form too.  Who wouldn't want to give away free books?

It was like this: you were happy, then you were sad, then happy again, then not. It went on. You were innocent or you were guilty. Actions were taken, or not. At times you spoke, at other times you were silent. Mostly, it seems you were silent — what could you say? Now it is almost over. Like a lover, your life bends down and kisses your life. It does this not in forgiveness – between you, there is nothing to forgive – but with the simple nod of a baker at the moment he sees the bread is finished with transformation. Eating, too, is now a thing only for others. It doesn’t matter what they will make of you or your days: they will be wrong, they will miss the wrong woman, miss the wrong man, all the stories they tell will be tales of their own invention. Your story was this: you were happy, then you were sad, you slept, you awakened. Sometimes you ate roasted chestnuts, sometimes persimmons. This poem was read at my book club tonight.  Although it's not talk...

I voted this morning at The Bakken Museum.  It is a wonderful place to vote.  Now, I pray that a bunch of people voted the same way I voted. "Where there is desire There is gonna be a flame Where there is a flame Someone's bound to get burned But just because it burns Doesn't mean you're gonna die You've gotta get up and try try try Gotta get up and try try try You gotta get up and try try try" Try by P!nk Yesterday I made a decision to ignore all media concerning today's election.  Perhaps you read my boring post.  My plan was to put it in writing and guilt myself into following through.  With the exception of the morning bike ride (raining, not merely sprinkling), I have followed through with my plan.  When I turned on the television for a mere 30 seconds and saw a sea of red, it made it easier.  I am freaked out about this election.  Maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and the results will be satisfactory, maybe not.  For now...

Tomorrow I will get up for my early morning bike.  Next I will get to my polling place at least twenty minutes early to ensure my ability to vote before I need to be at school.  I've already notified the people with authority (school secretaries) that I may be in late.  My plan after that is to become an ostrich and bury my head in the sand (Even though this is a myth.  Ostriches don't really bury their head in the sand).  When I return home later than usual after teaching ALC, I will go to the gym for my BodyPump class wearing my Obama t-shirt hoping I made a difference.  After this I will return back home, and read from my hardcover edition of Son by Lois Lowry (end to The Giver series).  NOT ONCE will I check the television or internet and cause myself more stress.  I will act like there is not election, and there is no chance that Romney/Ryan could be sitting in our Whitehouse in a couple of months. 

Since I only biked thirteen times during the month of October (at least I made it to the gym my twelve times), I am not quite ready for a new workout mix.  Tonight I did play around with some new songs for a November Mix, but I think I'll save them for March.  My guess is the October Mix will take me as far into November as I plan to ride. Your Body                                 Christina Aguilera Let it Go                                    Dragonnett Finally Found You                    Enrique Catch my Breath                  ...

I love this fall back stuff.  When I weighed this morning, my weight fell back another pound (26.5 lbs. lost... .5 to go).  My bike ride before church did not require a bike light.  Although I didn't necessarily get an extra hour of sleep, I like the idea.  Plus, when I thought I had forgotten my money (It was in my car.), the lady at Caribou was going to give me a free drink (I brought the money in and tipped her a dollar.).  People seem a bit nicer when the have the opportunity for another hour of sleep.  Fall back, however, isn't something I can tolerate in my politics.  A lady at church asked me if I was going to be at book club on Wednesday.  "If I'm not home sobbing hysterically," I answered.  She told me I needed to think more positively.  "Honestly, I'm trying to protect my heart, " I rationalized.  "If I don't think too positively, it won't be completely shattered on Wednesday." A man at church is traveling to Dublin t...

The county road that leads to my dad's house has crazy speed limits.  Plus, the road is well patrolled.  I always warn people to drive the speed limit on this road because I have been stopped by the police on this road.  As I returned from the gym this morning, I was stopped once again.  Waiting for the police to run my license and insurance, or whatever he was doing as he was taking his time, I noticed an opportunity for a beautiful picture of this tree and the sunrise.  Although I knew it was probably a bad idea, I stepped out of my car with my phone and took the picture.  When the officer returned with my "verbal warning", he told me that I should never get out of my car on a traffic stop because it makes the officer nervous.  Of course, I apologized for getting out of the car, refrained from telling him that I was afraid I would miss the picture because sunrise is fleeting, and resisted showing him the picture on my phone.  Great FALL pictu...

I'll be honest, the election can not come soon enough.  Although I'm nervous about the election, I have been praying that the American people use intelligence and commons sense.   MoveOn.org shared this on Facebook. Finish this sentence: The thought of calling Mitt Romney "President" makes me want to _______________. Feel free to comment and finish the sentence.