Miscellaneous Missives

I awoke early this morning for a bike ride before the rain started.  It was a retrace of my ride that included the accident.  For a moment, I thought about taking a picture at the scene of the crime, but I decided to keep riding.  Besides, I had already captured the duck in the mucky pond.  My guess is my ride was about 17 miles (Cedar Lake Trail (a2) past the Twins Stadium (b2) to West River Parkway to the Midtown Greenway(c2)).  Actually a2 + b2 = c2 would give me the area and not the perimeter.  I would need someone to help me find an interactive map that would give me the exact mileage since my bike app didn't record the trip.  Let me know if you figure out the perimeter of my little triangle I made on my trip.

The orthopedic doctor recommended using Play-Doh to strengthen my swollen and still sore from bike accident finger.  I bought a four pack.  Play-Doh is awesome, and I was excited to go to Target to buy this childhood favorite.  While I was in Target, I also thought it prudent to buy a new workout towel.  The workout towel cost $3.14, and the Play-Doh costs 2.99.  Adding tax to these two items should have been $6.58, yet when I arrived at checkout, my bill was $36.56.  For some reason, this typically happens when I go to Target although it's difficult to understand.

isobe.typepad.com Remember the game of telephone?  Today I received texts that reminded me of the game.  Text one told me the sheriff was at the upstairs condo.  Text two said the same thing, but added a squatter was living in the condo above me.  This is crazy.  If someone was living up there, I would hear them and/or see them.  First, the plumbing needs work and the pipes actually vibrate, so I can hear them.  After I sent one text back explaining why it couldn't happen, I received the same text about the squatter and sheriff.  I sent another text explaining the sheriff's presence as more of a formality because eviction papers were taped to the door, so this was probably a follow up since no one answered the first set of eviction papers.  My hope is that my two logical texts voided the first to illogical texts.  For some reason, I expect more out of adults. BTW- I'm having some good conversations with the seventh graders about m...

Schell's Brewery has released a new beer called 89.3 The Current in partnership with the NPR radio station.   Tonight was a release party of sorts with the radio station and Longfellow Grill.  I ended up drinking a couple IPAs by Third Street brewery.  Frankie Lee was the musician.  At one point, urged on by a Current intern (?), the musician was trying to play Wild Horses but didn't know the third chord.  I looked it up on my phone and took it to the musician, who was three or four feet away.  He looked at my Google search and was able to play the entire song.  Sitting outside in the glorious weather drinking beer at 4:00pm was awesome, and the music was decent to good.  It reminds me that I should have participated in my music lessons (piano, choir, band) as a child because I truly have the spirit of a musician (minus the talent).  I'm sure there's another equation in this, but I'm sitting on my deck drinking yet one more beer before I...

While these two males are sneaking chips looking like they're sleeping,  the female is in the distance with the two babies.  No, there are not really chips. Enthusiasm = Mary (m) eating chips (c squared) I started a trend about three weeks ago.  Approximately 1.5 hours before I work out, I eat an English muffin with peanut butter.  When I return from working out, I eat sea salt and vinegar potato chips .  It may not be the most nutritious meal, but I've never been known for nutritious meals.  While eating the chips, I drink a Vitamin Water Zero.  Even though I know both are unhealthy, I figure I'm adding salt and electrolytes back into my body.  It seems like a good rational.  Plus, I find both to be delightful to quite delightful which equals enthusiasm.

Memorial Day is known as a day to remember men and women who died while serving our country in one of the Armed Forces.  Thanks to LH's Facebook post , I learned of its origin.  Former slaves moved Union Soldiers who were buried in a Confederate prison camp and gave them a proper burial.  This was followed by a parade of marching, singing, and celebrating.  Although Memorial Day is different than Veteran's Day, I can't help but think of our Veterans on this day.  Recently, Republicans blocked Veteran's Administrations Health Care Funds.  I find it frustrating that those most responsible for sending our men and women to war are also those most responsible for not helping them when they return home.  It's easy to fly a flag, visit a cemetery, salute our fallen heroes, but it's more difficult to help those veterans who remain with us. Equation 100 - 41 -3 = 56   (41 nays/3 not voting) 56 < 60 (3/5 of 100 needed to pass)

If you didn't look at the video because you didn't want to know the five reasons summer time was awesome, watch it again.  This video is about more than the five reasons, including sweat and no school, summer time is awesome.  Watch it and share. Memorial Day weekend is the official opening to summer (and sooooo much more).  It is also the start to a new blog challenge involving equations.   KC and LH can tell you more.  I'm too tired after an amazing weekend.  In fact, I wasn't going to post at all until I watched Kid President's video and was reminded that 1/5 = 21,000,000.  This, my friends, is an equation.

It's official.  The orthopedic doctor said I could bike.  On May 6th, a month after the accident I biked into workout which was only a little under three miles.  Thursday evening I did the same.  This morning I set out for a longer ride and followed it up with another ride this afternoon.  Both rides were fairly short, but it felt good to be on a bike.  My first ride this morning was on county roads with hills.  The hills are actually why I brought my bike with me to God's Country since the Minneapolis trails tend to be mainly flat. My afternoon ride took me on an official bike trail recommended by a friend.  It has some little hills and goes alongside and near the lake for some of the trail.  I only went four miles because I was unsure of one part of the trail.  Plus, I wanted to make sure I saved some energy in my legs for my ride tomorrow morning.  I think I'll do more county roads.  All in all it was a great day. ...

Yep, I took a picture before I took it inside. Today I decided to make a chai latte run during lunch/prep.  Last week a colleague stopped by my room to see if I wanted anything from Starbucks, and I was delighted.  As I made my decision to flee, I thought I should share the delight with her.  She was indeed pleased, and I told her I would bring back her warm latte.  I drove to Starbucks and reached in my wallet's hiding place to realize I had not wallet.  Frustrated, I looked at the change in my car.  I was certain I had enough for one drink, but two drinks was questionable.  First, I sent my colleague a text saying the chai latte may or may not come.  Then I took the handful of change and went inside.  "This could be a nightmare," I said to the barista.           "I'm ready for a nightmare," he replied.           "No, I'm serious," I said and put the handful of change on the counter ex...

www.pbfingers.com Although I think I'm closer to riding my bike outside, I'm waiting for my orthopedic appointment on Thursday before I venture outside.  Tonight, however, I was given a taste of biking in this wonderful spring weather.  When I arrived five minutes late to spin class, the bikes, instructor and fellow spin bikers were outside.  They wheeled the bikes out to the little courtyard.  The sun was in my eyes, and I loved it!  The next step is getting my bike outside, so I can train for RAGBRAI.  Woot! In the school world, students are practicing for the poetry slam on Friday.  Even though I've spent a lot of breathe talking about how one presents as they practice, my first two classes are flat and horrible.  Yep, it's true.  I told my fourth hour class that my third hour class saved me from taking a spoon and plucking my eyes out.  Actually, this doesn't make sense because it's the sound, not sight that is frustrating...

Tonight at spin class, we were told that many people have liked the playing of MC Hammer's, U Can't Touch This .  The instructor said it was a crazy 80s dance tune, and he had added a different 80s dance tune for tonight's ride.  When we heard the "crazy 80s dance tune," we were to raise our hand.  I questioned U Can't Touch This being an 80s song.  "Isn't it a 90s song?" I piped from the back row.  As soon as I returned to my car, I googled it.  Yep, I was correct . It's Raining Men was the song played.  Many raised their hands.  Although I didn't know it as "a crazy 80s dance tune," I did know MC Hammer was 90.  Yep, I still win!

Since I was able to finish grading three classes of five paragraph essays yesterday, I had time to hang out at Art-a-Whirl today.  It's "t he largest open studio tour in the country ."  Actually it's pretty amazing that these artists not only allow people into their studios, but many also share beer, wine, and other treats with the public.  Food trucks are present, and Indeed Brewery has live music.  Actually there's more live music and fun stuff, but I am a fan of some of Indeed's beers.  It turns out L and I are both directionally challenged.  It was not only a day of eating through art studios; it was also a day of trying to find our way.  When we were a long distance from our car, we decided to take one of the bike taxis back to our car.  1) L's feet were hurting.  2) We thought it could be impossible to quite impossible to find the car.  I wanted a bike taxi with a bell and balloons.  This super nice Costa Rican gentleman ...

A growler of beer equals 64 ounces.  With the rise of craft beer, growlers are more accessible although I don't recommend drinking an entire growler by oneself.  The Growler is also a beer magazine.  Free copies are available at independent beer/liquor stores.  My favorite local beer store is The Four Firkins .  Craft beer, independent businesses, local breweries and publications are examples of awesomeness in my opinion.  Why is this important?  Because I follow The Growler magazine on FB (and because I have NOTHING to post about today), I found something awesome to quite awesome today. The Growler has a Grrrowler of the Month campaig n. Each month they post information about a dog from a local animal rescue.  I only wish they would announce if the Grrrowler's had been adopted.

Yesterday LH posted about a bird webcam which is amazing and super spring like.  Today MC followed suit and posted a series of bird webcams which were equally amazing (especially bird feeder) and also showed the wonders of spring.  I thought I'd play follow the leader and post my two favorite bird webcams which these two brilliant ladies seemed to have missed. My first is from God's Country .  It may be one of the original eagle cams, and/or I may be making it up.  Honestly, I don't really know which is the truth.     Live streaming video by Ustream The next is one that I actually looked at today after reading one of the two previously mentioned posts about bird webcams.  When I looked at it, momma loon was out in the water.  This was disconcerting, so I had to check back to make sure momma would actually sit on the nest.     Live streaming video by Ustream How could I resist but to follow the leaders?

My plan is still to ride the first two days of RAGBRAI even though I've only ridden 2.68 miles on a real bike (as opposed to stationary bike) since my accident.  Tonight I had dinner with some friends who had not yet hear the entire story of my crash.  When I explained that I still planned on riding RAGBRAI, one asked me if I could call for help if something happened.  For some reason, I knew exactly what she was asking.  She wasn't asking if I could call for help and someone would come get me.  She was asking if I would have the ability, perhaps personality, to stop if I did something to further hurt my shoulder (or any other body part, butt excluded... it will hurt even with bike shorts).  In all honesty, this is a great question.  I'm not sure that I would stop and call someone although I would hope I would use common sense, stop, and call.  It doesn't matter.  My PT(s) will have me ready to ride in July!

I'm sure I've posted this song before, but I think it's fitting. Last week as I left church, a man was standing in center of the road holding a sign stating he was a homeless vet.  He asked me if I was taking the bus home and warned me that there were a couple drunks in the bus stop.  As I approached the bus stop, I had to agree that the people were drunk to quite drunk.  Today as I was walking towards church the same man was yelling at cars, "Don't forget to call your mother."  I stopped and thanked him for last week's warning and kindness.  It was evident that he was concerned about my safety.  Often I leave church a bit early on Sundays, so I can get to my 11:00 spin class.  When I left church to cross the street, he informed me that he knew I was leaving church early.  I smiled and told him not to tell anyone.  He shook my hand and introduced himself as Jim.  My hope for Jim is that he is able to find what he needs.  Next we...

Today I spent the day at the Google Summit.  My morning sessions were good and helpful (Thanks Blake All-Stars) while my last session was a bit overwhelming.  With any conference type situation, I always leave thinking of all I can change and realizing the good things I do in the classroom.  Obviously, a Google Summit meant everyone was on their computers.  This gave me the occasion to check on the NFL Draft and other news sources. After the summit, I went home and started grading five paragraph essays.  As of 8:59, I only have one class done.  My hope is that this is partially because I periodically check Facebook and Twitter.  One thing I learned while I was grading is that my team (St. Louis Rams) drafted Michael Sam making him the first openly gay player to play in the NFL.  I'm not sure that he will be the best player, but I am proud that he is being given the opportunity.  Plus, I think the Rams did a great job overall in the draft...

My students finished their five paragraph essays in ten days.  It was three or four days short, but I didn't have any more time to give them.  For nine days I talked about the deadline.  NO late papers.  Yes, it's poor teaching, but I really don't have the time.  Many spent time before school and at lunch with me finishing their work.  On Wednesday, I read an article about professors letting students get out of finals if they had a certain number of retweets.  Of course, I explained although this was a creative idea, it would not work for any of my classes, assignments, summative assessments, etc.  At the end of the day yesterday, my allergies started going crazy.  A wonderful young female student wondered how I was doing, "You look disappointed."  I wasn't quite sure what she was talking about...  Was I disappointed in the class?  Was I disappointed in her?  Was I disappointed in the essays?  When I asked her wha...

The NFL Draft used to start Saturday morning and go all weekend.  Now, it starts Thursday night and continues through the weekend.  As sad as it seems, I am doing little but watching the NFL draft and geeking on the internet.  Actually I found the Draft Bingo while geeking and already have one bingo (couldn't get screenshot... you'll have to trust me.  Player from MAC, Buffalo, was drafted.) I'm pleased with the Rams first two picks.  I'm also pleased that "Johnny Football" has not yet been picked (after first 16 picks) since he was bragging about how lucky any team would be to get him.  However, I was hoping he'd go to the Vikings, because 1) Johnny Football is lame.  2) The Vikings are lame.

Honestly, it's hard to remember my first year, but I do think most of these comments are sensible to remember each and every year.  Some days are more difficult than others, but it's a "great gig."  I missed teacher appreciation day at Chipotle yesterday, but I'm not sure what I would have done with two burritos anyway.  Monday at our staff meeting super not interesting and/or fun, we received a gift from... actually I'm not sure whom it was from... probably principal.  The little flower was in a pot sprayed with some paint that made it like a chalkboard, so one could write on it with the piece of chalk, also inside the pot.  It was a cute idea.  The little flag said, "Thanks for growing with us."  Even though I was hoping for an ice cream bar, the plant was nice. Anyway, Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all my teacher friends!

Exactly one month ago, I crashed my bike and separated my shoulder.  Today I suggested to the PT that perhaps it's about time I try riding a real bike and not merely a stationary bike.  I started with, "What's the worst that could happen?"  The PT told me that I needed to stay on my bike.  Of course I agreed with staying on my bike... duh!  To show that I was a thinking person, I also explained that I was biking in against the wind and back with the wind.  This helped my cause.  She said I could try it and reminded me of my Thursday appointment. BTW-- It wasn't a wonderful experience, but it wasn't horrible.

I feel that I've done a decent job of not mentioning the shoulder lately, but it hurts.  Friday I inadvertently used it to shove against a wall.  Inadvertently?!  It truly was instinctual.  As I was using my butt to move a two drawer file cabinet in my classroom, I pushed against the wall for more oomph without thinking.  The pain was immediate and intense.  Plus, I was a bit embarrassed by this stupid move.  After I asked a colleague to move the file cabinet, I called the PT and announced my lack of thinking.  Although it might set me back, the PT informed, it shows that I'm improving because my instinct isn't to protect it.  With a reminder to "let pain be my guide" and not overdo, the PT recommended going back to some beginning exercises but trying my others in a couple of days. Today I was able to do most of the exercises.  As I looked at my sheets, to remember the exercises and reps, I looked again at the hand written note on o...

The robin is the one That interrupts the morn With hurried, few, express reports When March is scarcely on. The robin is the one That overflows the noon With her cherubic quantity, An April but begun. The robin is the one That speechless from her nest Submits that home and certainty And sanctity are best. As I mentioned earlier today, a robin "interrupts (ed) my morn."  Last evening I heard the same sound and investigated to see a robin hitting against the window.  This morning he was at it again.  After doing some initial research , I closed the curtains thinking the robin was looking at his reflection.  If I had done more extensive research, I would have realized this wouldn't work because the article continues to say that robins have excellent eyesight and will still see the reflection even with blinds closed.   Immediately, I thought about covering the windows with cardboard, but I didn't know how to attach the obstruction without worrying abo...

As I drove south to God's Country yesterday, the grass started getting a little greener and the buds on the trees started appearing more abundantly.  This morning as I was awoken by thumps against the window (more later in different post), I was also delighted to see six deer (momma and two babies) in the yard. After watching them for awhile, I took pictures, but it was difficult to take against the window and the rising the sun.  They didn't seem to care at all that I was watching them eat at the bushes and other foliage.  As they ate, the pheasants cackled and the geese honked overheard.  Although it's only 45º, it certainly feels like spring out here on "the farm."

As of April 29th we (the teachers in my district) had gone 302 days without a contract.  Of course, the number of days without a contract continues to rise.  In the past we've done "Work to Rule" in such a situation (actually much earlier).  This means teachers only work their contract time arriving and leaving at the designated time the contract states.  Plus, teachers were not to take any work home.  I always had a problem with this because I could never do my job in the contract hours which was supposed to be the point, but I felt that it hurt teachers and students more than anyone else.  Although we're not doing "Work to Rule" this year, we have been wearing black on Friday, and this Friday we will meet in the parking lot and walk in together at the time designated in the contract.  We, at least I, have been told we can go work in our classrooms then come out and walk in together showing solidarity. An e-mail was sent out saying there'd be yog...