Miscellaneous Missives

http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-3530496917 During my last class a student asked me if I thought paper clips were originally used for paper.  Since we were researching children's rights, I'm not sure where/how the question originated.  I had overdone it a bit with my crutches today, so I was sitting behind my desk asking students to come to me.  Sitting at my desk, I did a Google search for paper clips and came up the the answer.  Paper clips were originally used to tack tickets to clothing and not merely attach papers together.  The student was content that his question was validated by the research.  We all learned something new.  Besides learning about the paper clip, we also learned that there's an " Early Office Museum ".  BTW- My crutches made it on the news tonight. Also I have decided to not only cite the pictures I obtain from the interweb, but to try to use Creative Commons photos.  Today's photo follows both guidelin...

http://coloringbookmaker.com/images/pdfs_jpgs/numbers/1.jpg After an exhausting day of teaching, I met with my physical therapist.  I told her that it was time to get rid of the crutches.  Of course the orthopedic surgeon kind of gave me the OK for this on Friday.  Anyway, after chatting a bit, doing some exercises, and experimenting a bit, she agreed that it was time to gradually get rid of the crutches.  Basically I will need the two for distances such as the parking lot to school and around school, but in my classroom and around my house, I can use one crutch.  This means I can carry a drink (fountain Diet Pepsi, hot cocoa, water, green tea...) in one hand and use a crutch with the other.  I walk fairly slow, but it is super exciting.  She did put add some limitations, but I want to focus on the positive... one crutch.  BTW- As I'm teaching kids about plagiarism and recently watched a webinar about copyright, I am going to do a better jo...

While I'm getting ready for my return to work, I am watching the ISU women take on #14 Texas A&M.  Currently they are doing well, but there is lot of game left.  The Big XII and Special Olympics have joined forces to "spread the word to end the word."  I feel that students use the words retarded and gay less.  Maybe they are smarter about using the words and don't use them in front of me.  Although this may not be true, I feel that when students realize the hurt small words cause, they are less likely to use them in times when they're really not trying to be mean or hurtful.  My time at home has been a disappointment.  I have not read as much as I had planned.  Another goal was to finish the first three seasons of West Wing , but I have only completed two.  Plus I wanted to watch Louder than a Bomb and didn't have the opportunity.  Even with the disappointments, I am ready to go back to school tomorrow.  I'm sure I will b...

Today was "Gold Rules Day" as Iowa State played Kansas State.  Although I did not attend the game, I was able to watch while I unpacked from my trip to God's Country.  The game was exciting to quite exciting, especially at the end.  I love basketball in the Hilton.  Iowa State has great basketball fans.  Today many dressed in Gold. Iowa State's colors are cardinal and gold, but since Kansans is blue and red, it was gold in Hilton today.  Yep, that's the highlight of my day.  Tomorrow I should be able to watch the Iowa State women on FSN unless there's some dumb Minnesota hockey that takes over the screen.  Today's Kindness I will admit that I am getting used to people opening the doors for me, and when someone watches me struggle without doing anything, I feel disappointed.  The good news is the people who open doors outnumber those who watch. Last night I had dinner with two high school friends.  It was a good time.  ...

I often wonder what allows people to share intimate details with strangers (and friends) on the interweb.  You will wonder the same thing after today's post.  After not being able to shave my legs for two weeks and knowing I won't be able to for at least another week, I decided to get my legs waxed.  The hair on my legs was out of control and completely disgusting.  Today I alleviated that problem.  Even though I was concerned that it would be painful, I knew I had to do something before I went completely insane.  Lavender wax was used and the hair has been removed.  It seems that the length of my hair was perfect for waxing.  Although I can't imagine letting the hair get that out of control again, I would consider waxing again.  Today's Kindness Wow!  It's amazing how heavy doors can be to one on crutches.  Someone (all strangers) rushed to open doors for me today at each place I entered. I went to the YMCA of the Okobojis ...

Mobilegs my Pair of Ergonomically Correct Crutches Today I met with the surgeon.  He answered my questions correctly:  Yes, you can go back to school.  Yes, you can fly to NY for your uncle's funeral.  Yes, you can drive to Iowa tonight.  The was followed by my PT's favorite saying, "Let pain be your guide."  We also talked about my unhealthy relationship with my crutches.  I tried to explain that they do not maximize my positive energy.  Although I still need to be on them for another week, he said I can start putting more weight on my left leg, but added, "Let pain be your guide."  Basically, I was happy with my visit and was given the answer (yes) I required.  Today's Kindness One of the stipulation about driving to Iowa was to get out periodically and move the hip joint.  When I stopped at the rest area near St. James, the custodian greeted me at the door by pushing the handicap button to open the doors.  He also ad...

During my PT appointment today I was alerted to the fact that my understanding of only having one week left on crutches was flawed.  It seems the three weeks were "no weight bearing" not total meaning I have at least two weeks left on crutches.   This was certainly not the highlight of my day.  I left the PT's office in need of a fountain Diet Pepsi or some type of adult beverage.  Since I'm still a bit unsure of myself on crutches at time, I went for the fountain drink.  I entered SA and asked for a plastic bag (a difficult request since I rarely if ever get a plastic bag and carry bags in my car).  The cashier was confused, but handed it over.  Then I filled up my soda (3/4 full) and put it in the bag.  This allowed me to carry the soda up my 14 (but who's counting) stairs.  Clever, huh!?!  Actually GENIUS! Today's Kindness The school secretary answered my multiple calls today and was super helpful.  I plan on being bac...