Miscellaneous Missives

I'm back in the saddle.  Starting tomorrow (well actually today) I will ride #30daysofbiking.  This morning started with a chilly windy ride.  At one point I looked over the river drinking my water trying to eliminate the little coughing spell.  Late this afternoon, I made my way to the river once again.  A friend from college and I met for happy hour.  My guess is that we haven't seen each other in over twenty years.  It had the potential of being awkward, but it was quite enjoyable. Today I give thanks for... 1) bodies of water 2) "old friends" and local breweries 3) ready for #30daysofbiking

I tend to leave things until I "can get to them."  Spring break has allowed me time to clean the closets.  Today I cleaned out two closets and a kitchen cupboard.  Unfortunately, I only saved a little room in the kitchen by eliminating a juicer, two bread pans, and a pizza stone.  Two years ago I asked for a pizza stone for Christmas and only used it once.  Since I already made my trip to Steeple People with the contents of one closet before I cleaned out the other and the kitchen cupboard, I will need to make another trip soon.  If anyone wants a pizza stone, let me know, but my guess is you won't use it either.  Anyway, I feel good about completing these tasks, and although it's only Monday, I'm worried about when I'm going to find time to grade the damn five paragraph essays. Today I give thanks for... 1) dinner with a dear friend 2) being productive 3) my dental hygienist... they do more than the dentist and should make more money...  ...

In preparation for this outdoor biking season, I put together my Bike '15 playlist.  Bike '14 was 5 hours and 47 minutes long; it had 93 songs.  Bike '15 is 6 hours and 9 minutes long; it has 98 songs.  Fifty-five songs were recycled from the Bike '14 playlist.  Until I get on my bike and start listening, I'm happy with my new eclectic playlist.  I even have a song in Spanish.    The list would be too long to type, so I'm going to share playlists.  Let me know if I left off something that needs to be added.  I still have two spaces. Actually, looking at the list, I think I need to add more P!nk.  What's your favorite P!nk song? Maybe I should also add another Pat Benatar song? I'm also wondering if I have enough Prince?  What are your thoughts?  What would you add and/or remove?  Life is a Highway may be the first to come off! Today I give thanks for... 1) modern technologies and playlists 2) kind, ...

I didn't get a lot accomplished today because I'm a bit "under the weather," but I did get my dresser cleaned out.  Spring break will bring a little spring cleaning, and the dresser is finished.  Tomorrow it'll be the closet.  Anyway, as I cleaned out the sock drawer, I kept putting socks that I don't wear in a pile.  At the end I had 32 pairs of socks to donate.  One would think this means I have no socks, left, but I still have a full drawer.  Weird!! Today I give thanks for... 1) Steeple People (a nonprofit "thrift store" run by our church) 2) children laughing outside my window 3) a day to do nothing

Today is March 27th.  It marks the last day of school for another week.  I'm not really sure if spring break starts tonight or tomorrow, but spring break is basically here.  Although I have no big vacation plans for spring break, I'm ready to take biking a bit more seriously, so get ready for some (a lot, too many) biking posts.  Since the plan is to ride the Fulton Grand Fondo on May 9th, some riding needs to happen.  At my sabbath group meeting, I had a Sweet Child of Vine to get the Fulton attitude.  Now I need to put some mileage on my bike.  I'm going to start out by planning it on my calendar.  My friend J and I have decided to take an eight week training calendar and cut off the first two weeks since we only have 6 weeks.  It'll work... right?!  What's the worst that can happen? Today I give thanks for... 1) local breweries 2) sabbath group 3) a last minute change to today's class that probably made grading essays more e...

Today we had a field trip to Richardson Nature Center .  Since there wasn't enough snow for snow shoeing, we did two outdoor activities (a nature hike and fire and shelter building).  This alternated with the inside activity of looking at the raptors .  One would wonder if teaching middle school boys the basics of fire starting is a good idea, but they enjoyed it.  The most zealous groups I observed were those made up of solely boys.  Since we had time before and after the field trip, we watched the movie Eight Below .  At the end of the day, we still had thirty minutes remaining.  I probably don't need to tell anyone I've never seen the movie since I rarely watch movies, but I've never watched the movie.  It would be impossible to count the number of times I had tears in my eyes, although I can count the times (one) when I jumped out of my seat, put my hands up to my mouth, and yelled, "Oh my God."  A colleague and I were discussing our d...

I was observed today by a peer coach.  Tomorrow will be my post observation.  The peer coach is really nice, really nice.  I've mentioned a bit in jest that I could say FU in class, and she would tell me I did a great job getting everyone's attention.  Of course I did not say FU in class today, but as class ended I did play some songs with figurative language.  I used tubechop.com, so I could play an appropriate segment of each song. Here's a list: Fancy by Iggy Azalea Dark Horse by Kelly Clarkson La La La by Naughty Boy feat Sam Smith Happy by Pharrell Wiliams Girl on Fire by Alecia Keys Counting Stars by One Republic Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes Fire Flies by Owl City I also added two songs from Frozen . I think it's a good list, but it will be out of date next year.  Actually, I have a list from last year, but I don't know if the students will recognize a lot of the songs.  Besides today's observation, I've been deliberat...

How to Eat a Poem by Eve Merriam Don't be polite. Bit in. Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that              May run down you chin. It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are. You do not need a knife or a fork or a spoon  or a plate or napkin or tablecloth. For there is no core or stem or rind or pit or seed or skin to throw away. Last night's snow was the most (it seems) we've had at one time all winter even though it's now spring.  I took pictures of its beauty this morning because I knew most would be gone by the evening.  One more week until spring break.  I got this. Today I started poetry.  We talked about the poem How to Eat a Poem by Eve Merriam.  I tried to explain that we've been discussing a poem in our journal almost every Monday since school started, so they were able to write about poems they like and don't like without having to tear them apart, to find the mea...

Spring Watching Pavilion by Ho Xuan Huong A gentle spring evening arrives airily, unclouded by worldly dust. Three times the bell tolls echoes like a wave. We are heaven upside-down in sad puddles. Love's vast sea cannot be emptied. And springs of grace flow easily everywhere. Where is nirvana? Nirvana is here, nine times out of ten. This weekend I finished This Changes Everything:  Capitalism and the Climate .  It was "eye opening."  It's amazing the amount of power the oil (fossil fuel) industry exerts although it should be.  I also read The Good Braider .  I'm not sure if it would be considered young adult, but I can see it being used in a high school classroom.  It talks about a girls life from Sudan to Portland.  It's filled with violence and compassion.  I would recommend it to all.  In fact, today's poem came from The Good Braider , from one of the textbooks they are reading to learn English while in Cairo. Today I...

My plan was to do the back to back spin classes this morning, but I completed the 75 minute class and went home.  Honestly, spin class is the highlight of my day.  I have done absolutely nothing.  Oh, this is untrue.  I did change the four bulbs in the hallway light fixture.  Three work, but for some reason the fourth doesn't.  It didn't take long to realize it was the socket not the bulb, and that I really don't care enough to do anything about it.  Even though I've done nothing, I've been greeted with kindness.  On my way to get new lightbulbs, I stopped by the Uptown Hirshfield's l ocation asking about paint swatches, "Do you have any old swatches that you'd be willing to give me?  I know they're free, but I would like a large amount."  Without hesitation, the salesperson reached behind and handed me a "large amount."  In fact, I cut while watching the local and national news.  Why?  I use them to help the seventh...

Happy Spring ! Today I give thanks for... 1) on my bike by 4:00 pm 2) lunch out of the building 3) a quiet night

As most people know, Iowa State lost it's first round game, one and done.  I watched the game on the SmartBoard during my prep.  When the 7th hour students entered, I asked everyone to face the windows away from the SmartBoard and muted the computer.  As I watched the game, students worked (not really caring enough to turn around... weird), and I helped those in need.  Many students looked confused as they watched my facial reactions.  The game ended as 7th hour closed and 8th hour started.  Eighth hour is my honors class, and I've really grown to appreciate MOST of them.  One girl game in looking at the screen, "Is that boy crying?"  Well yes, he's crying.  They were supposed to be in the championship game and they got beat.  OF COURSE he's crying, we're all teary eyed, well most of us.  Anyway, she continued with, "It's just a game.  It doesn't matter if you win or lose.  It's enjoying the game."  Well, NO, it DO...

I turned in my bracket today for the school pool.  There's five dollars I'll never see again.  Unfortunately (for you and me), I love March Madness.  My problem with filling out the brackets is I haven't figured out how to do it with my head instead of my heart.  Tomorrow the general music class that normally meets in my room is meeting in the band room, and I'm super excited since it's during the start of the Iowa State game.  At least I'll get to watch some of the game during my lunch and prep.  In reality it's a work day for them to put their research into a five paragraph essay, so I'll be able to watch some at my desk.  I've answered a lot of questions the last few days in my circles around the room, so maybe they're set to work without me. Today I give thanks for... 1) purple, pink and blue sunrise... beautiful 2) jalapeno on my pizza tonight... surprisingly tasty 3) wonderful colleagues... I really work with great people.  One came...

My MapMyRide App sent me an email today.  At first, I thought there was some catch, but I followed the Under Armour link, made a selection, and entered the code at checkout.  They really gave me $20 off at Under Armor.  Who couldn't use a new jog bra?  I wonder if I worked hard and crushed it more if they'd give me $50 off.  Thanks for noticing MapMyRide.  I hope they didn't send this to everyone. Today I give thanks for... 1) $20 Member Appreciation code 2) patient, kind and understanding vet KK hissed at everyone and screamed the entire vet visit. 3) the neighbor's dog... he's delightful

I'm proud to say that both Iowa State Men and Women are dancing.   Actually, all three DI Iowa schools are dancing (Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa University).  To be honest, I hope Iowa gets beat in the first round, but I'll be cheering loudly for both Iowa State and Northern Iowa.  Instead of biking outside in the 20mph and colder temps, I went inside for spin class.  It was a small group of riders, but of the twelve, four were Iowa State fans.  Life is good! Today I give thanks for... 1) free small cone from DQ 2) Iowa State fans 3) fresh cut flowers

It seems to day is the Ides of March.  All I really know about the Ides of March is to beware.  It's the day Julius Caesar was killed, right?!  Anyway, today will be another somewhat uneventful day.  We sang E very Breath You Take in church.  I followed this by using every breath to complete spin class and then bike home against the 16 mph wind.  My guess is I'll also expel some breaths in disgust and I grade the seventh graders notecards while I'll also let out breaths of relief.  Yep, this afternoon I'll be eating jelly beans and grading notecards for proper use of paraphrasing.   Oh, the excitement!  It can't be all bad.  I survived Friday the 13th and Pi Day.  The Ides of March should be easy peasy. BTW- Last night the Iowa State Cyclones beat Kansas to become back to back Big XII champs.  This, my friends, is fun stuff. Today I give thanks for... 1) biking into spin class 2) breathing 3) Iowa State Basketball (I ...

Today is Pi day.  This is interesting because it's also the day of the Big XII final in which ISU is playing KU, and the image of a basketball is a circle.  One wouldn't guess the game is in Kansas City if they could hear the crowd.  Iowa State fans are amazing.  Anyway, I have nothing to report today.  The day has been smoothly as I've moved from one activity to another (gym, funeral, annotated bibs graded, and walk finished it time to watch the Cyclones). Today I give thanks for... 1) a beautiful day for a walk 2) visiting with neighbors whom I only seem to see when it's a gorgeous day like today 3) one set of assignments graded (only one to go)

With the weather being delightfully warm and the beginning of basketball tournament time, one can expect too many biking and basketball posts.  Let me apologize in advance.  Last night I watched the entire Iowa State basketball game.  The ONLY lead they had in the entire game was the game winning buzzer beater.  Although they looked horrible, the winning shot made it fun.  I do, however, feel sorry for Texas because they played a great game.  The Cyclones play again tonight at 8:00.  I have a ton of grading to do this weekend, but it will have to wait until tomorrow and Sunday. Today I give thanks for... 1) happy hour with former colleagues 2) sunshine and longer days 3) biking and basketball

During my last hour class, I checked the weather on my phone.  After checking the weather, I dropped it on my desk in disgust.  I thought it was supposed to be in the mid 60s and it was only 58º.  Later I checked it again to check the wind.  It was windy 18mph from SSE.  Once again, I dropped it in disgust.  One of the students (my honors class) asked if I was upset, and I explained my frustrations.  I wanted a lovely bike ride.  While one student was explaining that 58º was really nice for this time of the year, another student whispered, "First world problems."  My retort was insensitive, "Don't talk to me about starving children when I'll be biking in windy conditions."  The lesson my friends, it's all about me."  After my wonderful ride, I realized that 1) starving children are more important than me 2) I whine and complain too much  3) I did damn good with the wind. Today I am thankful for... 1) Iowa State Basketball...

Another thing I learned about at one of my tech sessions on Monday was a remote for my computer, and therefore Smartboard, was an app called HippoRemote.  Yesterday I downloaded it at lunch and played around with it during my afternoon classes.  This morning a student asked me about it.  His brother was in an afternoon class and had told him about it.  Since he asked, I pulled my phone out of the bag and gave a demonstration. "Why aren't you using it today?"  I was asked.  My answer was simple, "I only have two slides.  It's a work day.  I'm not talking.  You're working."  I'm not sure this was satisfactory, but work happened.  Normally, they'd be thrilled that I wasn't talking. HippoRemote + walk around room presenting lesson + cursor opens different windows + ability to type text (in Google window, on page...) - takes awhile to get used to cursor - costs $5 Today I give thanks for... 1) hair appointment allowing me ...

I left school today shortly after the students, so I could get home.  My goal was to be on my bike by 4:00.  First, let me admit that I was super nervous about wearing my new cycling shoes .  In fact, I joked around about probably needed to go to Twin Cities Orthopedics at the end of my ride.  The difficulties I faced during today's had nothing to do with my clip in shoes.  It had everything to do with my electronics.  My cell phone was almost dead, so I needed to hook it up to my portable charger.   When I realized my iPod Shuffle was dead and wouldn't charge, I had to rely more on my phone for music.  Finally, the earbuds I was using frayed (or were fraying), so sometimes I wouldn't have music while other times it was too loud.  All problems have been solved.  Both the shuffle and earbuds are in the garbage can, and a new shuffle is on it's way.  As for the new shoes, they're a bit dirty since the trail had multiple puddles an...

Today's staff development day was not a complete waste.  In reality there were even moments of greatness when I was creative and productive.  Actually, I"m even being a bit critical of the day.  Except for two hours, it was a great day.  One aspect I concentrated on today was creativity and letting go.  I'm going to try something new with my poetry final project.  In the past I have had students create a poetry book which I told them how to set up.   The only creativity students had in their final project was the illustrations they added.  This year I'm letting them decide how to put the poems together in some final project.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm also having them create a one time poetry blog which will be posted on the school webpage.   The blog will give me some control since I will have no control on the final project.  If only all staff development days were as productive. Today I give thanks for... 1) creativi...

H ere comes the sun Here comes the sun, and I say, It's all right Little darling It's been a long, cold lonely winter Little Darling It feels like years since it's been here Here comes the sun Here comes the sun, and I say, It's all right ~Lennon, Harrison, Mc Cartney Today it's sunny and wonderful.  For the first time in forever, I actually walked to the grocery store and to do other errands.  I hope we move straight into spring.  The sun makes everyone a bit more pleasant. Today I give thanks for... 1) singing "Here Comes the Sun" in church this am 2) warmer weather 3) a school free weekend

Yesterday as I was driving home, I heard Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue and sang along.  It's crazy that I still know all of the words.  Today, during spin class, the instructor played Kickstart my Heart by Motley Crue.  I took this as a sign although it probably wasn't a sign from God, so I'm listening to a little Motley Crue today.  I'm certain to quite certain that my cat is not a fan.  I'm most certainly adding Kickstart my Heart to my cycling playlist. Today I give thanks for... 1) birds chirping and sun shining 2) music (Motley Crue) 3) a planned late lunch

I've been reading Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League, and it's been driving me crazy.  As I've been reading, I felt it was the same as View from Delphi.  When I did my initial search, I couldn't prove my suspicions.  Obviously, I didn't really search because it is mentioned on the Amazon page, "... a brilliant reimagining and republication of Jonathan Odell's debut novel..."  I'm not one who typically rereads novels, and I'm not sure I would have reread this one if I had known in advance.  Even with that being said, once I gave up on worrying about it being a republication, I enjoyed the novel.  After I added it to good reads and starred it, I looked to see what I had starred View from Delhi.  It makes me feel good that my rating was equal to the first time.  At least I'm consistent.  The other consistency is both books were finished in March. Today I give thanks for... 1) healthy teeth I spent the day with a friend who had some...

Since most of the students are researching children's rights, the journal entries have been about children's rights as well.  Today's picture was one of a young girl I took while I was in Guatemala.  As we were discussing the picture, I learned about some Latino foods.  During the first hour, one student mentioned the picaditas on the large skillet.  In the next class, there was debate whether they were picaditas or pupusas .  By the time the third hour class discussed it, I had used the google machine to research both of these, so I was able to discuss tortillas, picaditas, or pupusas.  I'm still thinking they're tortillas.  Pupusas seem to be stuffed and not as flat.  Picaditas seem to have edges that are turned up.  Of course I'm not an expert, but I knew how to have the conversation by my fourth hour class.  Plus, I was able to describe and show pictures to my non-latino students.  Of course other thoughts were pita bread, c...

Tonight we were sitting around the table, making small talk, and waiting for book club to start when I received a text message from Southwest to inform me that my boarding pass was available.  This is amazing because I love to travel.  Plus, I was complaining about the cold, and it was a flight to Tampa.  I told the group that my boarding pass for my flight to Tampa had arrived, and I would need to leave immediately since my flight was leaving at 6:10.  One lady asked if I had packed.  "That's the least of my problems.  The flight leaves out of Denver," I explained. Alas, I was not able to get to Denver and make the flight to Tampa.  I hope Hannah H. was able to make her flight and isn't concerned that I was sent a text about her boarding pass.  My guess is she'll never know. Today I give thanks for... 1) "the precious ordinary" Benediction 2) the ability to help others who have helped me 3) 1/5 classes graded... end of the tr...

I've been ignoring two different numbers that have been blowing up my phone.  One is MPR.  Although I love MPR, I don't have the funds they want me to share.  The other number is Memorial Blood Center, the "blood suckers".  During warm up for spin class on Sunday morning, I engaged in a conversation about both of these organizations with two guys in front of me.  As we were talking, I learned one guy actually works for Memorial Blood Center.  Although he didn't know it or mean to, he guilted me into signing up to donate, so today I donated.  They still didn't have shortbread cookies, but I did have a nice snickerdoodle. Today I give thanks for... 1) being healthy enough to give blood. 2) colleagues who watch my classes 3) an excuse to go to bed early

Mineral Fusion Grotto Recently I bought new shampoo and conditioner.  I decided to go sulfate free although I'm not really sure of the specific reason.  For some reason, I think I've been led to believe that it's bad for water quality, but I have not really researched it.  Anyway, I tried it this morning and it definitely doesn't lather as well.  Also, last night, I purchased a bottle of nail polish completely on impulse and not for the environment .  As I was checking out at Whole Foods, I saw the color and liked it.  The polish, however, is formaldehyde, toulene (whatever this is), camphor (I thought was a good thing), and dibutyl pthalate free.  The jury is still out on both products, but if my purchases are more environmentally kind, I feel like a better person. Today I give thanks for... 1) environmentally safer products 2) spinach (and dinner with friends) 3) kind hearted students

This morning at church we received a bit of a lecture (kind but firm) about the number of members who didn't pledge.  The steward, or whoever the heck she was, acknowledged that recent changes may have resulted in some not pledging.  When she was done talking, she said she wanted feedback and that letters had been sent to those who didn't pledge.  I politely raised my hand to give some feedback, "I'm glad you acknowledge that people not pledging could be a result of recent changes.  Maybe phone calls would be more helpful for people like me who didn't pledge and recycled the letter. "  I think the lady next to me was appalled to quite appalled since she asked me if I was OK.  "I'm fine.  Don't worry.  I'm still giving, but I'm not pledging.  I'm trying to send a message, and maybe I'm not the only one," I replied. Each Sunday I check in with my dad as I drive home from church.  Today we shared our mutual disgust with yest...