Showing posts with label blah blah blah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blah blah blah. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Begin Again
*CREAK*
Steps in, opens a window, and dusts off all the cobwebs....
Well, let's state the obvious: it's been 4 years since I last posted on this blog. Doesn't seem like that much time has passed, but an awful lot has changed. Social media has exploded, and with so many other outlets, I'm not surprised I got away from blogging.
Bird is 10, and Bug is 8 years old. This has been a fun summer so far....the kids are far more independent now, which means a little more freedom for them, and I have a little more time on my hands.
I've done some of the normal summer things...read books, declutter and/or reorganize parts of the house, and take the kids to the library, parks, and whatnot. Along with quite a bit of nothing too. I will say, I am enjoying a lot of nothing.
And then, I started working on the scrapbooks. I realized I have one album almost finished - the book that chronicles our trip to the Grand Canyon - FIVE years ago?! While I've compiled all the pictures & labels, I still haven't done the actual journaling (my least favorite part). And while I did keep some notes in my calendar, the bulk of my memories were posted here.
Naturally, though, I couldn't just open up the ol' blog and start working on that project. No, I felt the need to go through & spruce up the place a bit. Blogger looks a lot different too; many different controls and settings and such. So after all that tinkering, I had to write a test post, just to see how things work. ;)
Steps in, opens a window, and dusts off all the cobwebs....
 |
| Pensive badger...surprised to find me here. |
Well, let's state the obvious: it's been 4 years since I last posted on this blog. Doesn't seem like that much time has passed, but an awful lot has changed. Social media has exploded, and with so many other outlets, I'm not surprised I got away from blogging.
Bird is 10, and Bug is 8 years old. This has been a fun summer so far....the kids are far more independent now, which means a little more freedom for them, and I have a little more time on my hands.
I've done some of the normal summer things...read books, declutter and/or reorganize parts of the house, and take the kids to the library, parks, and whatnot. Along with quite a bit of nothing too. I will say, I am enjoying a lot of nothing.
And then, I started working on the scrapbooks. I realized I have one album almost finished - the book that chronicles our trip to the Grand Canyon - FIVE years ago?! While I've compiled all the pictures & labels, I still haven't done the actual journaling (my least favorite part). And while I did keep some notes in my calendar, the bulk of my memories were posted here.
Naturally, though, I couldn't just open up the ol' blog and start working on that project. No, I felt the need to go through & spruce up the place a bit. Blogger looks a lot different too; many different controls and settings and such. So after all that tinkering, I had to write a test post, just to see how things work. ;)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring Break Day 1 - What I Managed to Accomplish
1. Wake up without an alarm.
2. Feed breakfast to masses of hungry children. (Okay, it was just Bug & Bird, but they seem to eat so much for breakfast that I feel like I've fed hoards of hungry lumberjacks. Minus the flannel.)
3. Start GRE practice sets of questions on the computer. (GRE is the SAT for grad school/master's degree. They send you a free little practice program that you can use to practice on the computer.)
4. Complete 3 sets of practice questions on the computer while handing out periodic snacks because the bowls of cereal + a banana aren't enough food to last little Hoovers until lunchtime.
5. Everyone takes a bath or shower.
6. Teach Bug & Bird how to play Twister.
7. Do more practice questions from Official Practice Book that I got at the bookstore. (More portable than the computer, and certainly far more helpful!)
8. Feed children lunch.
9. Play more Twister. Note that Bug is still in his pajamas. But at least he's wearing sunglasses inside.
10. Complete 3 more sets of computer questions, have program completely quit working, and realize you didn't like it anyway.
11. Park kids in front of movie.
12. Pay bills online before the end of the business day.
13. Dole out more snacks.
14. Do more questions out of practice book.
15. Remember that Husband isn't coming home for dinner tonight & realize that I should probably feed the seething masses of hungry children before their little tummies turn inside out & begin munching on the other internal organs to receive sustenence.
16. Believe it or not, play more Twister.
17. Clean up the toys & get ready for bed. The kids, that is.
18. Tuck away children & mostly clean the kitchen.
19. Finish really hard practice questions.
20. Husband finally gets home around 8pm.
21. Realize that I've answered 200+ math & verbal questions today, and that didn't count any of the questions my own kids asked me.
22. Stopping now, very thankful that the test is tomorrow morning & I then I won't have to think about it anymore. I hope.
2. Feed breakfast to masses of hungry children. (Okay, it was just Bug & Bird, but they seem to eat so much for breakfast that I feel like I've fed hoards of hungry lumberjacks. Minus the flannel.)
3. Start GRE practice sets of questions on the computer. (GRE is the SAT for grad school/master's degree. They send you a free little practice program that you can use to practice on the computer.)
4. Complete 3 sets of practice questions on the computer while handing out periodic snacks because the bowls of cereal + a banana aren't enough food to last little Hoovers until lunchtime.
5. Everyone takes a bath or shower.
6. Teach Bug & Bird how to play Twister.
7. Do more practice questions from Official Practice Book that I got at the bookstore. (More portable than the computer, and certainly far more helpful!)
8. Feed children lunch.
9. Play more Twister. Note that Bug is still in his pajamas. But at least he's wearing sunglasses inside.
10. Complete 3 more sets of computer questions, have program completely quit working, and realize you didn't like it anyway.
11. Park kids in front of movie.
12. Pay bills online before the end of the business day.
13. Dole out more snacks.
14. Do more questions out of practice book.
15. Remember that Husband isn't coming home for dinner tonight & realize that I should probably feed the seething masses of hungry children before their little tummies turn inside out & begin munching on the other internal organs to receive sustenence.
16. Believe it or not, play more Twister.
17. Clean up the toys & get ready for bed. The kids, that is.
18. Tuck away children & mostly clean the kitchen.
19. Finish really hard practice questions.
20. Husband finally gets home around 8pm.
21. Realize that I've answered 200+ math & verbal questions today, and that didn't count any of the questions my own kids asked me.
22. Stopping now, very thankful that the test is tomorrow morning & I then I won't have to think about it anymore. I hope.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Jumping the Shark?
I've noticed (well, I'm sure I'm not the only one!) that bloggers seem to be doing less blogging lately. And I've been a little sad at that, because I really do enjoy reading blogs. Many have wondered if blogging has jumped the shark, and maybe it has.... but I still liked reading other peoples' stories.
Of course, I must then notice the plank in my own eye! I haven't blogged in 6 weeks, and very scarecely since Christmas.
Apparently, after around 18 months of writing here, I needed a break. So I took it.
Those who spend lots of time teaching folks how to become "successful" at blogging would likely be horrified. I admit, I enjoyed the thought of lots of folks coming here to read. Except, I also kind of didn't like it.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVED it whenever someone made a comment. I still have all of them saved in an email folder. Well, except for the spam ones.
I think what I didn't like was the fact that I felt I HAD to post - what had begun as a place for me to remember what happened had turned into a source of entertainment. And, me being the stubborn person that I am, didn't like the idea that I was expected to do something.
Well, poo on that. I've enjoyed my break, and I hope to start writing regularly again.
At the same time, I've run out of memory on my camera. Seems that it can hold about 1500 pics at a time, the 900 imfamous Road Trip of 08 pics. So, as I pull them off & sort them onto my hard drive, I'll likely be posting some of the more amusing ones here.
I've also put up some new decorations around here. Haven't quite decided if I like them yet. Time will tell.
Back to the camera....
Of course, I must then notice the plank in my own eye! I haven't blogged in 6 weeks, and very scarecely since Christmas.
Apparently, after around 18 months of writing here, I needed a break. So I took it.
Those who spend lots of time teaching folks how to become "successful" at blogging would likely be horrified. I admit, I enjoyed the thought of lots of folks coming here to read. Except, I also kind of didn't like it.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVED it whenever someone made a comment. I still have all of them saved in an email folder. Well, except for the spam ones.
I think what I didn't like was the fact that I felt I HAD to post - what had begun as a place for me to remember what happened had turned into a source of entertainment. And, me being the stubborn person that I am, didn't like the idea that I was expected to do something.
Well, poo on that. I've enjoyed my break, and I hope to start writing regularly again.
At the same time, I've run out of memory on my camera. Seems that it can hold about 1500 pics at a time, the 900 imfamous Road Trip of 08 pics. So, as I pull them off & sort them onto my hard drive, I'll likely be posting some of the more amusing ones here.
I've also put up some new decorations around here. Haven't quite decided if I like them yet. Time will tell.
Back to the camera....
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday: Small Steps
1. It is not worth it to discuss - with a three year old - that the tangerine is really a tangerine & not a little orange.
2. It's way cuter to say hiccing-up.
3. Fried cheese sticks, yogurt, and steamed veggies DO hit all the major food groups.
2. It's way cuter to say hiccing-up.
3. Fried cheese sticks, yogurt, and steamed veggies DO hit all the major food groups.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
It Had to be History Somehow...
.... or as Husband says, everything is History, so what makes today any different?
We were able to watch the inaguration speech at school today, although we missed the swearing in. I found it far more interesting watching the students than the speech though. Some of them were so incredibly enamored; some were so incredibly disgusted.... some were hoping we wouldn't catch them texting.
And now we have a new President.
We were able to watch the inaguration speech at school today, although we missed the swearing in. I found it far more interesting watching the students than the speech though. Some of them were so incredibly enamored; some were so incredibly disgusted.... some were hoping we wouldn't catch them texting.
And now we have a new President.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday in small steps
1. Took down Christmas tree & all other decorations except for trains.
2. Kids helped take ornaments down & none were broken.
3. Deep cleaned half of kitchen & threw away lots of things we don't use anymore.
4. Husband took kids to the park, and I got to take a lovely hot shower with no audience.
5. Went to book club with other teachers from school. Can't go wrong with fruit, chocolate , and a healthy discussion!
2. Kids helped take ornaments down & none were broken.
3. Deep cleaned half of kitchen & threw away lots of things we don't use anymore.
4. Husband took kids to the park, and I got to take a lovely hot shower with no audience.
5. Went to book club with other teachers from school. Can't go wrong with fruit, chocolate , and a healthy discussion!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Last Year's Theme?
Heather is apparently one of many who have decided to reflect upon their posts for 2008. The idea is that you take the first sentence of the first post of each month in 2008 and see if you notice any pattern or common theme. Sounds like this could be fun or dangerous. Perhaps both.
January: Happy New Year!
(yes, let's start off in a jolly party tone! I'm always up for fireworks.)
February: I found myself perusing my gigantic stack of magazines yesterday, when I came across this snippet (that I'm now paraphrasing cause I already recycled the magazine).
(ohhh.... trashy magazine reading.... haven't done any of that since this summer's road trip!)
March: I took a cute little punctuation quiz.
(And came out a colon. And then the room falls silent as we all think of inappropriate responses to that statement.)
April: Do you celebrate April Fool's Day?
(Just a little joke I played on my students. It went fantastically!)
May: Hmmm.... where could Bug be hiding??
(Got to love the mind of a three year old!)
June: Today, I've been slowly trying to go through the photos on my camera disk and clean them off the disk.
(Which reminds me... it's about that time again...)
July: WHOOP WHOOP - we've returned to the East!!
(when we crossed back to the East side of the Mississippi River after having driven out to the Grand Canyon.)
August: It's that time of year again: Preplanning - preparing for another year of school.
(Ugh. Starting on a Friday did stink. But hey, at least we just didn't have a workday this spring; got to jump right into classes without a second thought!)
September: Apparently, I just need some really good prompt ideas for blog entries these days.
(In which I discuss my labors on Labor Day.)
October: Imagine the scenario: a student (not mine) disobeys a teacher (not me), and the teacher writes him up.
(the first time some deep thought show up in this list! But I was rather fond of this post.)
November: Last night, Husband & I watched the new Indiana Jones movie.
(mmmm.... Harrison Ford....)
December: Perhaps my favorite field trip (I'm ignoring the fact that it's my ONLY field trip!) is where I take my physics class to a theme park to study all the different types of rides.
(And it was so much fun!!!)
I think it's safe to say.... this blog's theme? FLUFFY.
Perfect.
January: Happy New Year!
(yes, let's start off in a jolly party tone! I'm always up for fireworks.)
February: I found myself perusing my gigantic stack of magazines yesterday, when I came across this snippet (that I'm now paraphrasing cause I already recycled the magazine).
(ohhh.... trashy magazine reading.... haven't done any of that since this summer's road trip!)
March: I took a cute little punctuation quiz.
(And came out a colon. And then the room falls silent as we all think of inappropriate responses to that statement.)
April: Do you celebrate April Fool's Day?
(Just a little joke I played on my students. It went fantastically!)
May: Hmmm.... where could Bug be hiding??
(Got to love the mind of a three year old!)
June: Today, I've been slowly trying to go through the photos on my camera disk and clean them off the disk.
(Which reminds me... it's about that time again...)
July: WHOOP WHOOP - we've returned to the East!!
(when we crossed back to the East side of the Mississippi River after having driven out to the Grand Canyon.)
August: It's that time of year again: Preplanning - preparing for another year of school.
(Ugh. Starting on a Friday did stink. But hey, at least we just didn't have a workday this spring; got to jump right into classes without a second thought!)
September: Apparently, I just need some really good prompt ideas for blog entries these days.
(In which I discuss my labors on Labor Day.)
October: Imagine the scenario: a student (not mine) disobeys a teacher (not me), and the teacher writes him up.
(the first time some deep thought show up in this list! But I was rather fond of this post.)
November: Last night, Husband & I watched the new Indiana Jones movie.
(mmmm.... Harrison Ford....)
December: Perhaps my favorite field trip (I'm ignoring the fact that it's my ONLY field trip!) is where I take my physics class to a theme park to study all the different types of rides.
(And it was so much fun!!!)
I think it's safe to say.... this blog's theme? FLUFFY.
Perfect.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year
Hello and Happy 2009!!!
I must say, we had a fantastic holiday. Had some family over for the holiday itself, and for the most part, everything was low-key and went smoothly. The day after Christmas, we packed up the kids & spent the past week in a condo across town - a "vacation at home," so to speak. It was wonderful - no computers, no work, and no obligations - just spending time alone with each other.
So here we are, on the tip of a new year. I suppose I could say something pithy, like 'here we are, on the edge of something new & full of promise'. But really, isn't that true of every day?
For whatever reason, as I catch up on my reading... I repeatedly see folks setting goals & making resolutions. I'm not a fan of making resolutions (I break them all too quickly), and I do set goals, but it's on a constant revisionist basis.
Then this post came to mind. Yes, from two years ago. For those who'd rather not click over, the gist of the article challenged readers to pick one word as your theme for the new year.
I didn't think much of it that year (considering she posted rather late in 2007 for resolutions), and I didn't really want to do it last year either.
And yet, a word has been weighing on my mind for a while now, and I think the time has come to designate my theme for the year.
I rather wonder at the motivation of some of my decisions as of late, and have decided that living a life of fear - in any form - is not worth it.
We should be running towards something, rather than running away from something. There really is a difference.
So, my theme as my goal has been set, and here are some verses to help remind me of my focus throughout the course of the year:
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
I John 4: 17-19 - By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.
Philippians 1:27-28 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
I must say, we had a fantastic holiday. Had some family over for the holiday itself, and for the most part, everything was low-key and went smoothly. The day after Christmas, we packed up the kids & spent the past week in a condo across town - a "vacation at home," so to speak. It was wonderful - no computers, no work, and no obligations - just spending time alone with each other.
So here we are, on the tip of a new year. I suppose I could say something pithy, like 'here we are, on the edge of something new & full of promise'. But really, isn't that true of every day?
For whatever reason, as I catch up on my reading... I repeatedly see folks setting goals & making resolutions. I'm not a fan of making resolutions (I break them all too quickly), and I do set goals, but it's on a constant revisionist basis.
Then this post came to mind. Yes, from two years ago. For those who'd rather not click over, the gist of the article challenged readers to pick one word as your theme for the new year.
I didn't think much of it that year (considering she posted rather late in 2007 for resolutions), and I didn't really want to do it last year either.
And yet, a word has been weighing on my mind for a while now, and I think the time has come to designate my theme for the year.
FEARLESS
I rather wonder at the motivation of some of my decisions as of late, and have decided that living a life of fear - in any form - is not worth it.
We should be running towards something, rather than running away from something. There really is a difference.
So, my theme as my goal has been set, and here are some verses to help remind me of my focus throughout the course of the year:
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
I John 4: 17-19 - By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.
Philippians 1:27-28 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
You can find me buried underneath the papers.
Jess wrote a great post today about how nobody does everything. Right now, I'm not doing much blogging. Which really kind of stinks, because I do miss it. But the fact of the matter is that I've been doing an awful lot of boring writing this week.
I could show you the 40 pages of review questions I've written in the past two days, but if this post hasn't already put you to sleep, that surely would.
I could show you the 40 pages of review questions I've written in the past two days, but if this post hasn't already put you to sleep, that surely would.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
What I Got To Do For School Yesterday
Perhaps my favorite field trip (I'm ignoring the fact that it's my ONLY field trip!) is where I take my physics class to a theme park to study all the different types of rides. We look at the roller coaster, carousel, free fall, and a water ride, take all kinds of measurements and then do all kinds of calculations. It's a great review of all the things we've been learning all semester. (And perhaps the best way to review for the semester exam!!) This time of year is perfect - the park was practically empty since it's early December.
This is the third year I've done the trip, and I've always booked it through an agency that puts together the entire program for us. However, the facilitator they sent yesterday was lousy, and I had to keep explaining to the kids what we were doing and why we were doing it.
Which made me realize a couple of things:
- I actually HAVE learned more physics than I thought I had, and
- I'm ready to put all my own stuff together and run the whole trip myself.
Well, not entirely by myself! Me & the other teacher who goes with me (who was an engineer in her former life and used to teach physics before she took a sabbatical & I got stuck with it and when she returned she didn't want it back!).
I am ready to stand on my own two (and our collective four) feet.
Because I need more work like I need a hole in the head!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for these two turkeys.
(that's Bird on the left, and Bug on the right)
What amazes me is that they are almost 2 years apart, yet their hands are almost the same size.
(that's Bird on the left, and Bug on the right)
What amazes me is that they are almost 2 years apart, yet their hands are almost the same size.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thoughts on Excellence
Each week, I have a quote of some kind (usually from a scientist, but not always) on my board. My first year students have to write a response to it. This week, it was "Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." Instead of a specific directive, I simply told them to respond to the quote. I thought some of their thoughts were interesting.
Excellence is something you have and are, not something you do.... it cannot be obtained magically in exchange for temporary achievement.
Excellence starts with your attitude. You must be in the right frame of mind.
If someone is only doing their best some of the time, then they don't have an attitude of excellence.
Excellence is something that means different things to different people. (really?! oh the relativism!)
I suppose it was inevitable that someone went Bill-and-Ted on me:
I think he means you should try to BE excellent, not achieve excellence.
Excellence is something you have and are, not something you do.... it cannot be obtained magically in exchange for temporary achievement.
Excellence starts with your attitude. You must be in the right frame of mind.
If someone is only doing their best some of the time, then they don't have an attitude of excellence.
Excellence is something that means different things to different people. (really?! oh the relativism!)
I suppose it was inevitable that someone went Bill-and-Ted on me:
I think he means you should try to BE excellent, not achieve excellence.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Alphabet Soup
What do you mean you don't recognize this person who's suddenly posting daily?!
A is for Age: 30
B is for Burger of Choice: triple-cheese (cheddar, swiss, mozzarella) burger.
C is for the Car I drive: I'm a Toyota girl! (which makes it fun considering Husband is a Domestic car buyer.)
D is for your Dog’s Name: no real pets. Just Ellie (yes, her name and gender have changed!)
E is for Essential Item: either my cell phone or flash drive. All my school stuff is on the flash drive.
F is for current Favourite tv show: Gilmore Girls, Seinfeld (I'm interpreting this as currently my favorite, not currently on tv!)
G is for favourite Game: online? I'd say right now it's WordTwist or Pathwords. (no, not at all addicted to Facebook, what do you mean?) IRL, I like all kinds of trivia games.
H is for Home State: New York
I is for Instruments you play: um..... kazoo?
J is for your favourite Juice: pomegranate or cherry. or cherry pomegranate. perhaps a fruit punch.
K is for whose rear end I’d like to Kick: Today? people who don't properly use their turn signal while driving.
L is for the Last Restaurant at which you ate: CiCi's Pizza.
M is for your favourite Muppet: Kermit, Bunsen, Beaker, the Swedish Chef....
N is for # of Piercings: Two.... sort of. My ears are pierced, though I don't really wear earrings anymore. But I can get them in if i need to.
O is for Overnight hospital stays: Four. When I was 6 to have my aednoids out, when I was 11 to get my tonsils out, and then a few days for the birth of each child.
P is for People you were with today: Husband, Bird, Bug... scads of students, work colleagues... is it any wonder I want to hide in the Internet when I get home?!
Q is for what you do with your Quiet time: read, faff around on the computer, sleep, scrapbook, watch a cheezy movie...
R is for biggest Regret: I'm having a really hard time thinking of something here. I think that's a good thing.
S is for Status: sleepy
T is for Time you woke up today: 5:30 a.m. and then I graded papers.
U is for what’s Unique about you: this year, I'm teaching 5 different classes. Apparently, I'm incredibly multi-faceted & talented.
V is for Vegetable you love: carrots, water chestnuts
W is for Worst Habit: stress eating
X is for X-Rays you’ve Had: Lots, but only on my teeth.
Y is for Yummy food you ate today: pumpkin chocolate chip cookie
Z is for Zodiac: Virgo
A is for Age: 30
B is for Burger of Choice: triple-cheese (cheddar, swiss, mozzarella) burger.
C is for the Car I drive: I'm a Toyota girl! (which makes it fun considering Husband is a Domestic car buyer.)
D is for your Dog’s Name: no real pets. Just Ellie (yes, her name and gender have changed!)
E is for Essential Item: either my cell phone or flash drive. All my school stuff is on the flash drive.
F is for current Favourite tv show: Gilmore Girls, Seinfeld (I'm interpreting this as currently my favorite, not currently on tv!)
G is for favourite Game: online? I'd say right now it's WordTwist or Pathwords. (no, not at all addicted to Facebook, what do you mean?) IRL, I like all kinds of trivia games.
H is for Home State: New York
I is for Instruments you play: um..... kazoo?
J is for your favourite Juice: pomegranate or cherry. or cherry pomegranate. perhaps a fruit punch.
K is for whose rear end I’d like to Kick: Today? people who don't properly use their turn signal while driving.
L is for the Last Restaurant at which you ate: CiCi's Pizza.
M is for your favourite Muppet: Kermit, Bunsen, Beaker, the Swedish Chef....
N is for # of Piercings: Two.... sort of. My ears are pierced, though I don't really wear earrings anymore. But I can get them in if i need to.
O is for Overnight hospital stays: Four. When I was 6 to have my aednoids out, when I was 11 to get my tonsils out, and then a few days for the birth of each child.
P is for People you were with today: Husband, Bird, Bug... scads of students, work colleagues... is it any wonder I want to hide in the Internet when I get home?!
Q is for what you do with your Quiet time: read, faff around on the computer, sleep, scrapbook, watch a cheezy movie...
R is for biggest Regret: I'm having a really hard time thinking of something here. I think that's a good thing.
S is for Status: sleepy
T is for Time you woke up today: 5:30 a.m. and then I graded papers.
U is for what’s Unique about you: this year, I'm teaching 5 different classes. Apparently, I'm incredibly multi-faceted & talented.
V is for Vegetable you love: carrots, water chestnuts
W is for Worst Habit: stress eating
X is for X-Rays you’ve Had: Lots, but only on my teeth.
Y is for Yummy food you ate today: pumpkin chocolate chip cookie
Z is for Zodiac: Virgo
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Conformity
Last night, Husband & I watched the new Indiana Jones movie. I have to say, I liked it. I wasn't sure how I would feel, considering all the bad reviews it got, but it is still Harrison Ford Indiana Jones after all. Considering it's been 19 years since The Last Crusade, I'm not surprised that this movie was set in the 50s instead of the 30s - and they acknowledged the passing of time & aging of the characters. (Not to mention that Ford STILL did most of his own stunts. Wow!)
There was one scene of the movie, however, that bugged me. As with all Lucas movies, there has to be a chase scene. This one was rather spectacular, and at one point involved Indy's sidekick fencing with the main Russain villain - while they are on side-by-side moving vehicles. (This is not the part that bugged me. I always thought fencing was cool. Wish I could do it!). No, the part that bugged me was when Mutt (the rebellious teenager) ended up straddling both vehicles at the same time. The camera panned back, and we are 'treated' to a series of shots of shrubberies aimed at the guy's manly bits.
It saddened me that the movie resorted to cheap tricks, when previous iterations of this series didn't need to rely on such ridiculousness to garner a laugh. It reminded me of the later Muppet movies (Muppets From Space & the Muppet Wizard of Oz) that all of a sudden started using fart jokes and innuendos (sadly, I think Jim Henson would be spinning in his grave, and I don't think Frank Oz was even associated with at least the latter movie.)
Yet, it is a sign of the change in culture under new (younger) management. I hate it when movies play to the lowest common denominator, rather than letting the comedy naturally arise from great writing and/or acting. It's like the filmmakers insinuate that we are too dumb to understand anything above the base line.
Not to mention the fact that I think we're all called to a higher standard anyhow.
There was one scene of the movie, however, that bugged me. As with all Lucas movies, there has to be a chase scene. This one was rather spectacular, and at one point involved Indy's sidekick fencing with the main Russain villain - while they are on side-by-side moving vehicles. (This is not the part that bugged me. I always thought fencing was cool. Wish I could do it!). No, the part that bugged me was when Mutt (the rebellious teenager) ended up straddling both vehicles at the same time. The camera panned back, and we are 'treated' to a series of shots of shrubberies aimed at the guy's manly bits.
It saddened me that the movie resorted to cheap tricks, when previous iterations of this series didn't need to rely on such ridiculousness to garner a laugh. It reminded me of the later Muppet movies (Muppets From Space & the Muppet Wizard of Oz) that all of a sudden started using fart jokes and innuendos (sadly, I think Jim Henson would be spinning in his grave, and I don't think Frank Oz was even associated with at least the latter movie.)
Yet, it is a sign of the change in culture under new (younger) management. I hate it when movies play to the lowest common denominator, rather than letting the comedy naturally arise from great writing and/or acting. It's like the filmmakers insinuate that we are too dumb to understand anything above the base line.
Not to mention the fact that I think we're all called to a higher standard anyhow.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
In Which I Salute Scotland
It's Homecoming Week round these parts, and that means we have all sorts of weird dress up days at school. Yesterday was the Ultimate Sports Fan Day, the idea being that you dressed up to support your favorite sports team.
Ahem. I don't really watch sports. I don't even pretend to LIKE too many sports.
So, I started thinking it would be really fun to support a sport that is not all that common in the US. After some chatting, another colleague came up with the idea that we could be caber tossers.
After finding a "kilt" at Goodwill, some knee socks at Target, and grabbing a pool noodle from my backyard, I was ready to go!
I also drew a picture of the Scottish flag on my board, and played bagpipe music inbetween all my classes.
If I wasn't in their heads as being 'colorful' before, I bet I am now.
Ahem. I don't really watch sports. I don't even pretend to LIKE too many sports.
So, I started thinking it would be really fun to support a sport that is not all that common in the US. After some chatting, another colleague came up with the idea that we could be caber tossers.
After finding a "kilt" at Goodwill, some knee socks at Target, and grabbing a pool noodle from my backyard, I was ready to go!
I also drew a picture of the Scottish flag on my board, and played bagpipe music inbetween all my classes.
If I wasn't in their heads as being 'colorful' before, I bet I am now.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Silly Seven
I've been in a bit of a writing rut lately, and there are two things that can possibly get you out of that:
- procrastination (blogging sounded like more fun than writing a math test)
- somebody you don't know (thanks Eileen!) tags you for a meme (and you're happy to do it because it turns out that now you feel even more responsible to give fokls something to read)
So, on the off chance that I haven't lost all my readers, here are seven possibly unknown, potentially weird facts about me.
1. In middle school I discovered I liked to light things on fire. Hmmm.... that's probably not much of a surprise, is it?
2. I was a Girl Scout until I graduated high school. Because that was one of the ways I could regularly camp & continue to safely light things on fire. Actually, I might still be a Girl Scout; I don't think they really kick you out at any point, do they?!
3. My college degree is in Forensic Science. Remind me to tell you one day how I ended up teaching. (No, it's not so I could then legally buy chemicals & light them on fire.)
I should probably stop talking about fire.
4. I met my Husband in a bathroom. (oye, the shameless self-promotion!)
5. I love to go out to eat at restaurants that serve you bread. Because then I can fill up on the bread and bring half my dinner home to enjoy another night.
6. If left to its own devices, my natural body rhythm is to sleep from 11pm - 8am. Which doesn't fit in so much with the teaching of high school.
7. I've been snow skiing three times in my life. Each time, I had a fall so spectacular that I should have suffered permanent head damage, but thankfully didn't. (You in the back? Not a word!!)
If you'd like to play, consider yourself tagged! Leave me a comment so I know to go take a peek.
- procrastination (blogging sounded like more fun than writing a math test)
- somebody you don't know (thanks Eileen!) tags you for a meme (and you're happy to do it because it turns out that now you feel even more responsible to give fokls something to read)
So, on the off chance that I haven't lost all my readers, here are seven possibly unknown, potentially weird facts about me.
1. In middle school I discovered I liked to light things on fire. Hmmm.... that's probably not much of a surprise, is it?
2. I was a Girl Scout until I graduated high school. Because that was one of the ways I could regularly camp & continue to safely light things on fire. Actually, I might still be a Girl Scout; I don't think they really kick you out at any point, do they?!
3. My college degree is in Forensic Science. Remind me to tell you one day how I ended up teaching. (No, it's not so I could then legally buy chemicals & light them on fire.)
I should probably stop talking about fire.
4. I met my Husband in a bathroom. (oye, the shameless self-promotion!)
5. I love to go out to eat at restaurants that serve you bread. Because then I can fill up on the bread and bring half my dinner home to enjoy another night.
6. If left to its own devices, my natural body rhythm is to sleep from 11pm - 8am. Which doesn't fit in so much with the teaching of high school.
7. I've been snow skiing three times in my life. Each time, I had a fall so spectacular that I should have suffered permanent head damage, but thankfully didn't. (You in the back? Not a word!!)
If you'd like to play, consider yourself tagged! Leave me a comment so I know to go take a peek.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
It's Not all Relative
Imagine the scenario: a student (not mine) disobeys a teacher (not me), and the teacher writes him up. The principal disciplines the child - i.e. talks to him & doles out the consequences. The parent of the child then calls the principal - to ask if he fully investigated the events leading up to the infraction. Because, you see, her child is normally such a good child, and he was just frustrated by what was happening, so he acted out.
Did you catch it? The parent was justifying the child's disobedience simply because he was frustrated. It was okay, just this once.
Except it's not. Disobedience and disrespect are just that, and they need to be dealt with appropriately. I can guarantee you that if I were frustrated with my superior and disrespected him, the consequences would be a lot greater than demerits or detention.
Frustration is part of life. At some point, we all have to deal with people and/or situations that frustrate us. Usually more than once. It does not excuse or justify misbehavior. As parents, it's our job to help equip our children to deal with these situations in an acceptable manner, not to try and get them out of the consequences.
Did you catch it? The parent was justifying the child's disobedience simply because he was frustrated. It was okay, just this once.
Except it's not. Disobedience and disrespect are just that, and they need to be dealt with appropriately. I can guarantee you that if I were frustrated with my superior and disrespected him, the consequences would be a lot greater than demerits or detention.
Frustration is part of life. At some point, we all have to deal with people and/or situations that frustrate us. Usually more than once. It does not excuse or justify misbehavior. As parents, it's our job to help equip our children to deal with these situations in an acceptable manner, not to try and get them out of the consequences.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
When Geeks Marry, this is what happens
"So, were you biologically attracted to me?"
"Well, there was certainly some chemistry between us!"
Buh-DUM-dum!
"Well, there was certainly some chemistry between us!"
Buh-DUM-dum!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The First Time I Cleaned the Oven in a Embarrassing Number of Years
Note - this actually happened last... April I think. Finally finished polishing it up & posting it now. (Yes, pun intended.)
I am a creature of habit. You can always find me in the grocery store in the moddle of the afternoon on a Sunday. Which is why it was so odd to find me there on a Tuesday night, muttering to myself as I searched for oven cleaner.
You see, one afternoon, I decided to make bagel chips. I have no idea why we had all the bagels, but they were going to go stale before we could ever finish them.
I'd never made bagel chips before, but it seemed simple enough: slice very thinly, and dip in a bowl filled with oil & any spices you deem necessary. (Mine included lots of garlic & Italian seasoning, in case you were interested.) I might have gotten a little carried away with the olive oil, and some might have dripped off the pan and into the back of the oven.
I mention this because I was running late and took the bagel chips out to a friend's house without cleaning the kitchen first. When it came time that evening to start cleaning, I completely forgot about the oil in the oven.
About two weeks later, Husband decided we having frozen pizza for dinner. No, this was not the first time we'd used the oven since the oilspill, but apparently it was the "magic night."
As he opened the oven door to put the pizza in.... WOOSH!!
From the other room, I could hear a few things:
Bug: Fire! Fire!
Bird: Get away from the fire Daddy! Fire is hot! Stop, drop and roll!!
Husband: Amuses himself by closing the oven door, watching the flames die a little, then opening it & watching them reignite.
Bird: Get AWAY from the fire Daddy!! It's HOT!! Stop, drop and roll!!
She was getting more than a little panicked at this point, so he grabbed the fire extinguisher and put an end to the madness.
Now, if you've never seen the aftermath of a fire extinguisher.... it's not pretty. There's a powdery white chemical residue covering everything within a 4-foot radius of where you sprayed.
Once we sprayed the aforementioned oven cleaner, it took about 2 hours for it to work its magic. I have to say, I was pleased by how quickly all the chemicals, grease, and grime came out. I was horrified by how many paper towels it took (my apologies to the rainforest!).
But my oven is very sparkly now.
I am a creature of habit. You can always find me in the grocery store in the moddle of the afternoon on a Sunday. Which is why it was so odd to find me there on a Tuesday night, muttering to myself as I searched for oven cleaner.
You see, one afternoon, I decided to make bagel chips. I have no idea why we had all the bagels, but they were going to go stale before we could ever finish them.
I'd never made bagel chips before, but it seemed simple enough: slice very thinly, and dip in a bowl filled with oil & any spices you deem necessary. (Mine included lots of garlic & Italian seasoning, in case you were interested.) I might have gotten a little carried away with the olive oil, and some might have dripped off the pan and into the back of the oven.
I mention this because I was running late and took the bagel chips out to a friend's house without cleaning the kitchen first. When it came time that evening to start cleaning, I completely forgot about the oil in the oven.
About two weeks later, Husband decided we having frozen pizza for dinner. No, this was not the first time we'd used the oven since the oilspill, but apparently it was the "magic night."
As he opened the oven door to put the pizza in.... WOOSH!!
From the other room, I could hear a few things:
Bug: Fire! Fire!
Bird: Get away from the fire Daddy! Fire is hot! Stop, drop and roll!!
Husband: Amuses himself by closing the oven door, watching the flames die a little, then opening it & watching them reignite.
Bird: Get AWAY from the fire Daddy!! It's HOT!! Stop, drop and roll!!
She was getting more than a little panicked at this point, so he grabbed the fire extinguisher and put an end to the madness.
Now, if you've never seen the aftermath of a fire extinguisher.... it's not pretty. There's a powdery white chemical residue covering everything within a 4-foot radius of where you sprayed.
Once we sprayed the aforementioned oven cleaner, it took about 2 hours for it to work its magic. I have to say, I was pleased by how quickly all the chemicals, grease, and grime came out. I was horrified by how many paper towels it took (my apologies to the rainforest!).
But my oven is very sparkly now.
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