Here's just a quick update...gotta keep it brief because I've been avoiding paper grading for way too long!
Last week my principal informed me that I had been voted Teacher of the Year for my building. I will be representing my school at the district level after the first of the year. I was shocked and am honored to have been chosen by such an amazing faculty.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
An all too familiar experience
I apologize in advance for the lack of cohesion this post will have...it's more about me purging emotion than publishing a well-written piece.
I walked into the building as our principal instructed teachers to make sure they read the bulletin for an important announcement. Unfortunately that announcement we were supposed to read was about the death of one of our students. A sophomore boy named Jamel collapsed at wrestling practice yesterday afternoon and died in the hospital last night. The announcement also instructed teachers to share the news with our students this morning.
J. walked into my room first thing this morning and we began our morning conversation just like every other morning. This morning J. started to tell me about a wrestler having to go to the hospital yesterday at practice. I was not prepared to break this news, but I asked J. to wait a moment before going out to the hallway (where discussions were already being had). I told him that I needed to talk to him about the incident he had just mentioned and proceeded to share the information I had with him. Blank. The blank...I don't know how to process, this must be a joke, how could this happen...stare that I have seen too many times in my ten years of education.
That look haunts me. In ten years of education, I have attended 10 funerals of students and athletes (none in the past three years). I have always said the one thing that will drive me out of education is having to deal with the loss of my students...it is something I have a very difficult time coming to terms with. As bad as it sounds, I am glad that I didn't know this student personally (although I hear he was a really great young man...it seems that the ones we lose generally are)...I'm not sure that I would have had the strength to deal with that loss right now.
It is exactly ten days until the anniversary of Dustin's death. I generally find myself to be melancholy a good portion of November. The 28th has been in the back of my mind and I've subconsciously been preparing for the day. Despite my best efforts, there will be both an uncontrollable physical and emotional reaction. I wasn't prepared for the sadness to settle in today, but the news and the reactions to Jamel's death have opened the floodgates.
I am fortunate to work in a field in which I get to know and love teens...on the flip side of that, they are often the most unpredictable and risk-taking group alive. They still think they are invincible and often put themselves into dangerous situations. The loss of young life is the most tragic of any loss...so much potential lost to the world. I don't know that I will ever come to grips or understand why this happens.
More positive posts to come later...promise.
I walked into the building as our principal instructed teachers to make sure they read the bulletin for an important announcement. Unfortunately that announcement we were supposed to read was about the death of one of our students. A sophomore boy named Jamel collapsed at wrestling practice yesterday afternoon and died in the hospital last night. The announcement also instructed teachers to share the news with our students this morning.
J. walked into my room first thing this morning and we began our morning conversation just like every other morning. This morning J. started to tell me about a wrestler having to go to the hospital yesterday at practice. I was not prepared to break this news, but I asked J. to wait a moment before going out to the hallway (where discussions were already being had). I told him that I needed to talk to him about the incident he had just mentioned and proceeded to share the information I had with him. Blank. The blank...I don't know how to process, this must be a joke, how could this happen...stare that I have seen too many times in my ten years of education.
That look haunts me. In ten years of education, I have attended 10 funerals of students and athletes (none in the past three years). I have always said the one thing that will drive me out of education is having to deal with the loss of my students...it is something I have a very difficult time coming to terms with. As bad as it sounds, I am glad that I didn't know this student personally (although I hear he was a really great young man...it seems that the ones we lose generally are)...I'm not sure that I would have had the strength to deal with that loss right now.
It is exactly ten days until the anniversary of Dustin's death. I generally find myself to be melancholy a good portion of November. The 28th has been in the back of my mind and I've subconsciously been preparing for the day. Despite my best efforts, there will be both an uncontrollable physical and emotional reaction. I wasn't prepared for the sadness to settle in today, but the news and the reactions to Jamel's death have opened the floodgates.
I am fortunate to work in a field in which I get to know and love teens...on the flip side of that, they are often the most unpredictable and risk-taking group alive. They still think they are invincible and often put themselves into dangerous situations. The loss of young life is the most tragic of any loss...so much potential lost to the world. I don't know that I will ever come to grips or understand why this happens.
More positive posts to come later...promise.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Humbled and at a loss for words
Yesterday my friend Doug said he had a question for me. He said that I'd be receiving an email, but he wanted to know if I would accept the nomination for Teacher of the Year. The question stopped me in my tracks. What?!! In my head I immediately began listing all the reasons why I wouldn't receive the honor and started to voice them to Doug.
He stopped me and said, "Jodi, those don't mean you aren't deserving of the nomination."
So, I accepted the nomination. I am awed and humbled because I am so lucky to work with so many amazing teachers. That I would even be considered in this category is...well...honestly, I am at a loss for words. I do not think the process will go any further than the nomination, but sometimes being acknowledged is more than enough!
He stopped me and said, "Jodi, those don't mean you aren't deserving of the nomination."
So, I accepted the nomination. I am awed and humbled because I am so lucky to work with so many amazing teachers. That I would even be considered in this category is...well...honestly, I am at a loss for words. I do not think the process will go any further than the nomination, but sometimes being acknowledged is more than enough!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cute...Cute...Cute!!!
Avery as Velma, Tate as Scooby, and Mya as Daphne this past Halloween. Definitely the cutest costumes (and kids, though I am partial) we saw all night!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A late Veteran's Day post
I missed out on spending time with my friend Ron and his twin boys last night because of some complications that arose with a task I had to complete. While I did thank him and had him honored at a former school's Veterans' Day assembly, I wanted to do it here as well...to immortalize it, in a sense.
Rank: Captain
Branch of Military: US Army
Years of Service: 8 years
Duty Stationed: Baghdad, Iraq
Rank: Captain
Branch of Military: US Army
Years of Service: 8 years
Duty Stationed: Baghdad, Iraq
While I may not always agree with our government's view on war, I will always support those brave men and women who volunteer their services and often their lives so that I may live the way in which I do.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Adopt a Player...Warm fuzzy #2
About a week ago the football coaches sent an email around saying that the players had attributed much of their success this season to the administration, faculty and staff that work with them day in and day out. As a token of appreciation for inspiring, assisting, and being a positive influence on them, the players decided that they would each ask someone to "adopt" them...to wear his jersey at school on Friday and at the game on Saturday. It really was a sweet gesture and I ended the week on a very high note as I had multiple young men come and ask me to wear their jerseys. Rickie however was the first to ask me and I was honored to wear #5 at school and to the game on Saturday.
Move complete!
I'm finally moved and for the most part unpacked...what a nice feeling!
Although I would never have chosen for this situation to play out at the time that it did, the change of scenery and the "out with the old and in with the new" attitude is actually refreshing.
All but a couple boxes are unpacked and this new place is already feeling like home. It is so nice to have all my comforts (photos, music, favorite books, etc.) around me again...it's amazing how removed from myself I felt when all these things were boxed away.
If only all the paper grading I sloughed on while moving would go away...life would be perfect.
Although I would never have chosen for this situation to play out at the time that it did, the change of scenery and the "out with the old and in with the new" attitude is actually refreshing.
All but a couple boxes are unpacked and this new place is already feeling like home. It is so nice to have all my comforts (photos, music, favorite books, etc.) around me again...it's amazing how removed from myself I felt when all these things were boxed away.
If only all the paper grading I sloughed on while moving would go away...life would be perfect.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
2 evacuations in 3 days
Tuesday...the fire alarms scream 1st period; students (and teacher) nearly jump out of their skin and look at one another. "This is not a drill...let's go...we got to get out of the building." The building is evacuated, my class meets in its designated area (yea, we all made it out alive), and we wait and wonder as fire trucks race into the school lot. Roughly twenty minutes later administration waves students and teachers back into the building. Announcement: "For your information, the fire alarms were triggered by an experiment taking place in one of the science rooms. We will proceed with our normal day."
Thursday...the fire alarms scream 4th period; teachers look at one another, curse the science department and continue to sit. We wait for an announcement that the science department has once again triggered the alarm. No announcement is made and students are being evacuated from the building. DAMN! I take my time; grab my coat and an umbrella. We stand in the cold rain for a little longer than 30 minutes; four students from my fourth hour class find me (this class has a split lunch)...I hope the remaining eight made it out of the building. Rumor has it there was a fire in one of the art classrooms. Finally, we get clearance to go inside...students have never looked so excited to walk into a school building! No announcement has been made to the entire school, but a credible source has informed me that there was smoke in an art classroom...smoke from a burnt bag of popcorn. Grrr...
The positive...well, at least we know the alarm system works well, that our kids can get themselves out of the building in a short amount of time, and the fire department responds very quickly.
Thursday...the fire alarms scream 4th period; teachers look at one another, curse the science department and continue to sit. We wait for an announcement that the science department has once again triggered the alarm. No announcement is made and students are being evacuated from the building. DAMN! I take my time; grab my coat and an umbrella. We stand in the cold rain for a little longer than 30 minutes; four students from my fourth hour class find me (this class has a split lunch)...I hope the remaining eight made it out of the building. Rumor has it there was a fire in one of the art classrooms. Finally, we get clearance to go inside...students have never looked so excited to walk into a school building! No announcement has been made to the entire school, but a credible source has informed me that there was smoke in an art classroom...smoke from a burnt bag of popcorn. Grrr...
The positive...well, at least we know the alarm system works well, that our kids can get themselves out of the building in a short amount of time, and the fire department responds very quickly.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Warm fuzzies
This is why I stay in education...a former student just popped into my room and said she had a question for me. Considering she is a senior, I automatically started to think reference letters, etc., but instead she proceeds to tell me that for volleyball each girl had to choose a favorite teacher and she chose me. She came to personally invite me to her volleyball game tomorrow night...ahhh...there really is no greater compliment than moments like these!
A new home...
I think I may have found a new home! I just need to get a few things finalized with the owner and then make arrangements to get all my crap moved. What a relief! Keep your fingers crossed for me that all goes smoothly!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Space filler...
Here's an entry that I "borrowed" from another...I thought it was really good and I've not posted for awhile because I'm working on an important post that I just can't seem to get right.
Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People Right Now:
1. I wish our relationship didn't feel so one-sided, so much of the time.
2. I need me some Avery time...I miss you so much!
3. It is so interesting how God works...how he places people in our lives. Who would have ever thought that an ex boyfriend(for me)/husband(for you) would be the one to do that!
4. I miss those daily hugs I got last year.
5. Seeing you a couple weekends ago brightened my life!!
6. I am the luckiest sister/daughter in the whole world. Had I the opportunity to choose, I would have chosen you myself.
7. You have such a pure heart and I am blessed to call you my friend.
8. When are we meeting up for that drink?
9. Don't be bitter...you're just not right for the job.
10. You deserve sooo much better and I want to punch her in the face for hurting you like this!
Nine Things About Myself:
1. I am tired of looking for a new apartment and packing...I'd actually just like for someone to make all decisions for me from here on out (concerning my living space, anyway).
2. I am jealous that my mom and sister are on vacation right now and I am sitting in a classroom.
3. Politically, I consider myself an Independent.
4. The book I read at least once a year is called The Education of Little Tree.
5. I wore braces for 14 months and had to have several permanent teeth removed.
6. I had my wisdom teeth out during my junior year of high school...my mom was nice and scheduled the surgery the day after Christmas (she didn't want me to miss school...thanks ma!)
7. The majority of my best friends have been male.
8. I still think I would love to interview and study serial killers.
9. I never remember my dreams (if I actually dream).
Eight Ways to Win My Heart:
1. Be patient, with me and with other people.
2. Take pleasure in small things.
3. Respect me, my life experiences, and my opinions.
4. Be able to laugh at yourself (and my dumb jokes).
5. Be sarcastic, but never mean.
6. Be able to look me in the eyes when you talk.
7. Be a life long learner and able to admit when you don't know or understand something.
8. Understand that you can't always be first in my life...oddly, it will make you even more important in my eyes.
Seven Things That Cross My Mind a Lot:
1. Family
2. Friends
3. School
4. The future
5. Work
6. Travel
7. Money
Six Things I Do Before I Fall Asleep:
1. Read (at least try to)
2. Turn on a fan (for noise)
3. Love on Daly (my cat)
4. Turn on and check my alarms
5. Push the pillow up against the headboard and flip to my stomach
6. Think...think...think...think...think...yes, it's annoying!
Five People Who Mean a Lot:
1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Suzi
4. B
5. Kim
Four Things I'm Wearing Right Now:
1. black pants
2. long-sleeved blue and black striped shirt (my power shirt!)
3. black heels...I'll probably tower over most of the parents that come to see me tonight
4. watch and earrings
Three Songs I Listen to a Lot: [at the moment]
1. Broken by Lifehouse
2. Kindly Unspoken by Kate Voegle
3. Free Fallin' performed by John Mayer
Two Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
1. Have a family of my own; be blessed with children, either my own or through adoption.
2. See more of the world.
One Confession:
1. One of my guilty pleasures is the show One Tree Hill.
Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People Right Now:
1. I wish our relationship didn't feel so one-sided, so much of the time.
2. I need me some Avery time...I miss you so much!
3. It is so interesting how God works...how he places people in our lives. Who would have ever thought that an ex boyfriend(for me)/husband(for you) would be the one to do that!
4. I miss those daily hugs I got last year.
5. Seeing you a couple weekends ago brightened my life!!
6. I am the luckiest sister/daughter in the whole world. Had I the opportunity to choose, I would have chosen you myself.
7. You have such a pure heart and I am blessed to call you my friend.
8. When are we meeting up for that drink?
9. Don't be bitter...you're just not right for the job.
10. You deserve sooo much better and I want to punch her in the face for hurting you like this!
Nine Things About Myself:
1. I am tired of looking for a new apartment and packing...I'd actually just like for someone to make all decisions for me from here on out (concerning my living space, anyway).
2. I am jealous that my mom and sister are on vacation right now and I am sitting in a classroom.
3. Politically, I consider myself an Independent.
4. The book I read at least once a year is called The Education of Little Tree.
5. I wore braces for 14 months and had to have several permanent teeth removed.
6. I had my wisdom teeth out during my junior year of high school...my mom was nice and scheduled the surgery the day after Christmas (she didn't want me to miss school...thanks ma!)
7. The majority of my best friends have been male.
8. I still think I would love to interview and study serial killers.
9. I never remember my dreams (if I actually dream).
Eight Ways to Win My Heart:
1. Be patient, with me and with other people.
2. Take pleasure in small things.
3. Respect me, my life experiences, and my opinions.
4. Be able to laugh at yourself (and my dumb jokes).
5. Be sarcastic, but never mean.
6. Be able to look me in the eyes when you talk.
7. Be a life long learner and able to admit when you don't know or understand something.
8. Understand that you can't always be first in my life...oddly, it will make you even more important in my eyes.
Seven Things That Cross My Mind a Lot:
1. Family
2. Friends
3. School
4. The future
5. Work
6. Travel
7. Money
Six Things I Do Before I Fall Asleep:
1. Read (at least try to)
2. Turn on a fan (for noise)
3. Love on Daly (my cat)
4. Turn on and check my alarms
5. Push the pillow up against the headboard and flip to my stomach
6. Think...think...think...think...think...yes, it's annoying!
Five People Who Mean a Lot:
1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Suzi
4. B
5. Kim
Four Things I'm Wearing Right Now:
1. black pants
2. long-sleeved blue and black striped shirt (my power shirt!)
3. black heels...I'll probably tower over most of the parents that come to see me tonight
4. watch and earrings
Three Songs I Listen to a Lot: [at the moment]
1. Broken by Lifehouse
2. Kindly Unspoken by Kate Voegle
3. Free Fallin' performed by John Mayer
Two Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
1. Have a family of my own; be blessed with children, either my own or through adoption.
2. See more of the world.
One Confession:
1. One of my guilty pleasures is the show One Tree Hill.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Stress and disappointment
There have been a lot of things going on in my life as of late...much that has left me probably more stressed than I have been in years (it's comparable to those semesters of two sports, 18 hours of classes, and a failing relationship).
First and foremost right now is the decision to get out of my current apartment lease due to the negligence of the property management to maintain safe and appropriate living conditions (i.e. they won't fix the things going wrong; I've had a mold problem for over a month). It's been frustrating to say the least, and that the maintenance and ownership take no responsibility is beyond aggravating. At this point I am talking to some lawyer friends and seeing whether or not I should expect more than the termination of my lease and the return of my deposit. It is very much out of my character to "go after" anyone, but I feel like the complex has a responsibility to me, the renter. I doubt that anything more will come of this, but my competitive nature and overall sense of fairness makes me exhaust every option in order to feel better about the situation. So, this leaves me with the daunting task of finding and securing a new place to live, packing, and moving within the next thirty days...in the midst of the school year. (If you find yourself free the last weekend in October, feel free to volunteer your services to assist me in moving! Oh, and if you ever move to (or seek a new location) StL, make sure to ask me where not to live!)
Next on the list of stresses...school. The year is going great, but I always seem to be so far behind in grading. The quarter ends next week, so that always brings about a bit more stress as there is so much to get finished before that time. It doesn't help that most of my brain (and time) seems to be filled with thoughts of moving therefore any free time I do find, I don't want to sit and grade papers (hmmm...I sit here and blog instead of grade papers).
If I didn't have such a great group of kids and wonderful people to work with, it might be too much at the moment!!
Lastly, on top of the aforementioned stresses, I feel like I've been disrespected by the new guy in my life. I won't go into detail here now because a discussion needs to be had...at the moment I'm feeling more than a little hurt and disappointed.
Oddly enough, this is my horoscope for the day: Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. Get busy making those changes to your home. Don't overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.
First and foremost right now is the decision to get out of my current apartment lease due to the negligence of the property management to maintain safe and appropriate living conditions (i.e. they won't fix the things going wrong; I've had a mold problem for over a month). It's been frustrating to say the least, and that the maintenance and ownership take no responsibility is beyond aggravating. At this point I am talking to some lawyer friends and seeing whether or not I should expect more than the termination of my lease and the return of my deposit. It is very much out of my character to "go after" anyone, but I feel like the complex has a responsibility to me, the renter. I doubt that anything more will come of this, but my competitive nature and overall sense of fairness makes me exhaust every option in order to feel better about the situation. So, this leaves me with the daunting task of finding and securing a new place to live, packing, and moving within the next thirty days...in the midst of the school year. (If you find yourself free the last weekend in October, feel free to volunteer your services to assist me in moving! Oh, and if you ever move to (or seek a new location) StL, make sure to ask me where not to live!)
Next on the list of stresses...school. The year is going great, but I always seem to be so far behind in grading. The quarter ends next week, so that always brings about a bit more stress as there is so much to get finished before that time. It doesn't help that most of my brain (and time) seems to be filled with thoughts of moving therefore any free time I do find, I don't want to sit and grade papers (hmmm...I sit here and blog instead of grade papers).
If I didn't have such a great group of kids and wonderful people to work with, it might be too much at the moment!!
Lastly, on top of the aforementioned stresses, I feel like I've been disrespected by the new guy in my life. I won't go into detail here now because a discussion needs to be had...at the moment I'm feeling more than a little hurt and disappointed.
Oddly enough, this is my horoscope for the day: Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. Get busy making those changes to your home. Don't overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Can someone please explain this to me...
From the A.P. wire...
JUNEAU, Alaska - GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is effectively turning over questions about her record as Alaska's governor to John McCain's political campaign, part of an ambitious Republican strategy to limit any embarrassing disclosures and carefully shape her image for voters in the rest of the country.
Does it bother anyone else that the person who is running for the second highest office in our country is being shielded from the media? It only leaves me with the impression that her mouth can not be controlled...which makes me wonder about her abilities in diplomatic affairs. Being a "maverick" indicates that she can foster change (although I get the impression that her means of fostering change is strong arming the persons who don't agree with her)...not offending anyone she talks with.
JUNEAU, Alaska - GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is effectively turning over questions about her record as Alaska's governor to John McCain's political campaign, part of an ambitious Republican strategy to limit any embarrassing disclosures and carefully shape her image for voters in the rest of the country.
Does it bother anyone else that the person who is running for the second highest office in our country is being shielded from the media? It only leaves me with the impression that her mouth can not be controlled...which makes me wonder about her abilities in diplomatic affairs. Being a "maverick" indicates that she can foster change (although I get the impression that her means of fostering change is strong arming the persons who don't agree with her)...not offending anyone she talks with.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
"You're going to miss out..."
My good friend Eric text me last night with the following comment, "You're going to miss out on another great guy...". And, he's right. Again I have allowed my own fear and insecurities to keep me from trying to have a successful relationship. I have put my job, my family, and my own interests at the forefront of my life...purposely...forcing any romantic relationship to take a backseat. The most difficult part in coming to terms with the truth of this statement is that I have pushed away a really great guy...one that has never done anything but show me the truest of friendships and unbelievable patience.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Kickball...
I've ventured into the world of recreational kickball...it's entertaining to say the least. Fortunately, I'm on a team with really great people, individually and athletically.In our first outing we went 2-0...hopefully that is indicative of good things to come. Yes, it is sad...it's kickball and I want to win.
It's been awhile since I've done any coaching or playing (competitively); however, I didn't give myself much of a break. I'm still beating myself up a little bit for dropping a throw and not picking up a ground ball cleanly (despite not having played kickball since my elementary days). Hmmm...It's probably a good thing that I'm not currently coaching at the school where I teach.
Monday, August 25, 2008
I need help from the wily and creative!
Yesterday was my brother's 29th birthday...I have yet to get him his birthday gift this year, but am already thinking about what to get him for his 30th. You see, my brother is a creative fella...during my 23rd year he serenaded me for the twelve months with, "nobody likes you when you're 23." For my 3oth birthday he gave me Depend Diapers...there have been other creative ideas between those birthday years, but those two stand out most. So, I'm putting my thinking cap on...and asking for suggestions. Anyone have any really good ideas on what to give my little (big) 'funny' brother for his 30th birthday?
A new addiction...
Goodreads. Maybe it is because I am an English teacher, or just a book nerd, but I love any means by which I can share good books with friends!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My chosen sisters
Here is a picture of my best friends since elementary school. We aren't able to get together often enough, but our friendships always seem to pick up right where we left off. I really don't know how I would have survived the world without these strong beautiful women in my corner. I look at this picture and 'see' so many wonderful memories. Amy (far left) and I have both always considered ourselves the third twin (we'd probably fight over the title) to Kim (blue) and Jill (the beautiful bride), but in nearly all aspects, we are all sisters.
**Geez, no wonder I had a complex growing up...they are all so petite and beautiful! Even in my thirties, I am still slouching when I take pics with them! :)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Olympics junkie
It is a really good thing that the Summer Olympics happen every four years because I am having a really difficult time getting anything done! It doesn't matter if I'm familiar with the sport or if an American team/individual is competing...I seem to be glued to the television until the coverage ends every night.
The only problem with this obsession is that school has started and the district moved our start time to 7:25 am...the Olympics are depriving me of sleep. :)
The only problem with this obsession is that school has started and the district moved our start time to 7:25 am...the Olympics are depriving me of sleep. :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Back to school
Today marked the first day of the 2008-2009 school year...I'm still trying to grasp the fact that school has actually started (on August 11th!).
I always like the beginning of a new school year...everyone gets a fresh start. I like that kids get the opportunity to reinvent themselves...they can go from being the trouble maker to the good kid and I will never know the difference. Teachers also get to start with a fresh slate...I get to try new things with new kids, figuring out new teaching strategies to benefit those new students.
I always like the beginning of a new school year...everyone gets a fresh start. I like that kids get the opportunity to reinvent themselves...they can go from being the trouble maker to the good kid and I will never know the difference. Teachers also get to start with a fresh slate...I get to try new things with new kids, figuring out new teaching strategies to benefit those new students.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Borrowing...
I've been so busy trying to get ready for school to begin that I haven't really had time to think about my blog posts...so, I'm going to borrow one from Emily. I promise to get back on track soon!
This is a list of 100 popular/classic books. So based on this list, you are supposed to highlight the ones you have read in BLUE and the ones you want to read someday in GREEN.
According to The Big Read, the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books on this list. How many have you read?
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (parts of it?!)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. 1984 - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchel
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini (Loved it!!)
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Just started reading)
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones’ Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry (I've started reading)
87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie is still my favorite)
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92.The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas (started it)
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
Hmmm...after going through the list, it looks like I had better get busy reading. Of course there are some books that I believe should have made the list that didn't!
This is a list of 100 popular/classic books. So based on this list, you are supposed to highlight the ones you have read in BLUE and the ones you want to read someday in GREEN.
According to The Big Read, the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books on this list. How many have you read?
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (parts of it?!)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. 1984 - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchel
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini (Loved it!!)
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Just started reading)
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones’ Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry (I've started reading)
87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie is still my favorite)
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92.The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas (started it)
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
Hmmm...after going through the list, it looks like I had better get busy reading. Of course there are some books that I believe should have made the list that didn't!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Visit Long Overdue
I've had this post sitting amongst my drafts for awhile now...I guess I wanted to make it perfect, but the words are never right when it comes to describing Dustin and the impact he made on my life. (And for some reason blogger will not allow me to seperate the gratitude stanza and the one following {the numbness is gone}...grrr.)
While in Columbia visiting family and enjoying some of my summer vacation, I finally made the time to go visit a dear friend. While I have talked to and thought about Dustin nearly every day for the past six years, it's probably been four years since I've visited.
A slight breeze blows, a whisper on the wind.
I wipe the tears from my eyes..."yes, you made Miss D. cry."
I stand, say my goodbyes, and promise to return soon.
A glance back, a sigh as I start the engine, and a giggle;
While in Columbia visiting family and enjoying some of my summer vacation, I finally made the time to go visit a dear friend. While I have talked to and thought about Dustin nearly every day for the past six years, it's probably been four years since I've visited.
As I approach I am overwhelmed...my heart cries and then come the tears.
So many emotions, I drop to my knees.
ANGER
WHY?! WHY?! WHY!!
Why does this happen...why did it have to be you?
REGRET
I should have come sooner, I should come more often.
I should have patted you on the back, I should have hugged you more often.
I should have been here more for Devin.
I'm sorry...that I missed out.
GRATITUDE
Student, athlete, my "adopted" brother, friend.
Quick glances, brief moments...I'd swear I saw you out of the corner of my eye
down the hall...comfort...you are still with me.
Laughter. Smiles. Sarcasm.
God knows that you are laughing at me right now.
Three blessed years.
Pain. Bearable, because I loved.
The numbness is gone;
my chest aches, my joints are stiff as I start to move.
my chest aches, my joints are stiff as I start to move.
It's time to go, but I don't want to leave,
I've found the peace that I've needed for so long,
I've reveled in memories, giggled and laughed,
you brought the smile out of me again...I HATE GOODBYES.
A slight breeze blows, a whisper on the wind.
I wipe the tears from my eyes..."yes, you made Miss D. cry."
I stand, say my goodbyes, and promise to return soon.
A glance back, a sigh as I start the engine, and a giggle;
"You may have made me cry...but I brought you flowers."
Dustin Lee Abel
1985-2001
1985-2001
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My Own Worst Enemy
I've not been posting like I've intended because my brain has been occupied with other things and people in my life. It seems that when things are going really well that I (for some strange reason) must begin over-thinking everything instead of just enjoying the moment or experiences. It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't dragging others into my craziness. I'm working to keep past mistakes and experiences from dictating my current choices; it's scary and it's tough.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Google Tag...Via Emily
The rules: for each question, look up the answer in a Google Image search. Then choose your favorite from the first page of results only. You get some fun and often CRYPTIC answers.
Here are mine:
Place I'd like to travel:
My Favorite Place:
My Favorite Color:
The Town Where I Was Born:
The Town Where I Live:
A Past Pet:
My Screen Name:
My Middle Name:
My Grandmother's Name:
Here are mine:
My Age:
Place I'd like to travel: My Favorite Place:My Favorite Object: 
My Favorite Food:
My Favorite Animal:
My Favorite Food:
My Favorite Animal:
My Favorite Color: The Town Where I Was Born:The Town Where I Live:
A Past Pet:A Past Love:
My Best Friend's Nickname:
My Best Friend's Nickname: My Screen Name:My First Name:
My Middle Name:
My Last Name:
One of My Bad Habits:
One of My Bad Habits:My First Job:
My Grandmother's Name:
My College Degree:
What I'm Doing Right Now:
whew...that took a little longer than I expected (thanks Emily), but it was fun! Feel free to ask any questions if the images are confusing.
Now it's your turn. Post a comment on my blog when you've finished so I can check out your answers! And, as always...THANKS FOR PLAYING.
Fours
Four places I've lived:
1. Clark, MO
2. Hannibal, MO
3. Columbia, MO
4. St. Louis, MO
Four jobs I've held:
1. daycare worker
2. waitress/bartender/manager
3. tour guide (Mark Twain Cave)
4. teacher/coach
Four places I've vacationed:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. Cabo, Mexico
3. Sydney, Australia
4. Rotarua, New Zealand
Four celebrity crushes:
1. Johnny Depp
2. John Mayer
3. Keith Urban
4. Jason Stratham
Four nicknames I've been given:
1. Jo
2. JoLynn (my mother wanted to name me Jolene)
3. JoJo (only my father gets away with calling me this)
4. Dougy (my basketball girls)
Four books (favorites):
1. Kite Runner
2. A Time for Dancing
3. The Education of Little Tree
4. Harry Potter
Four television shows I rarely miss:
1. Prison Break
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Survivor
4. So You Think You Can Dance
Your turn...post your fours and leave me a note in comments.
1. Clark, MO
2. Hannibal, MO
3. Columbia, MO
4. St. Louis, MO
Four jobs I've held:
1. daycare worker
2. waitress/bartender/manager
3. tour guide (Mark Twain Cave)
4. teacher/coach
Four places I've vacationed:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. Cabo, Mexico
3. Sydney, Australia
4. Rotarua, New Zealand
Four celebrity crushes:
1. Johnny Depp
2. John Mayer
3. Keith Urban
4. Jason Stratham
Four nicknames I've been given:
1. Jo
2. JoLynn (my mother wanted to name me Jolene)
3. JoJo (only my father gets away with calling me this)
4. Dougy (my basketball girls)
Four books (favorites):
1. Kite Runner
2. A Time for Dancing
3. The Education of Little Tree
4. Harry Potter
Four television shows I rarely miss:
1. Prison Break
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Survivor
4. So You Think You Can Dance
Your turn...post your fours and leave me a note in comments.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Ahhh...that's not good...
I noticed that a few of my posts were altered when I changed my blog layout. Newcomers who read through any of my older postings might be under the impression that I have an aversion to introductions...really I don't...I love introductions, and conclusions...and well, everything in between too. So, if interested, you might want to go back to 'Reminiscing' and 'Women...second class citizens?!?!' to see that there actually was an intro. :)
Thanks for reading...
Thanks for reading...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Blog changes
I'm in the process of playing with some new designs on the blog page, so don't be surprised if it looks completely different from day to day. My friend Emily (probably the most creative friend I've ever had) has me thinking I need to spruce up my page. While I know it will never be as cool as hers, it will still be fun playing.
So, if you see something you like...or don't like...feel free to comment!
So, if you see something you like...or don't like...feel free to comment!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Club 33...Happy Birthday to Me!!
The first 33 years have been pretty amazing...here's to the next being just as enjoyable. Thank you to all those who have already sent me birthday cards and wishes!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Life intervening
Yesterday I posted about still dealing with feelings concerning an ex-boyfriend and how relationships with other men have never been quite as comfortable as that first relationship. Last night I got an anonymous text message from a number that was not saved in my phone. The area code was from Florida and I could think of only one person. The messages were coming from D., the ex-boyfriend aforementioned.
D. was in town for the Cards game and wanted to know if I would meet up with him. After our last encounter, I found this shocking and a little unnerving...not to mention how completely ironic that I had just posted about him.
It was decided that he would come by my place to talk...he promised no drama. It was weird and yet nice to see him. He apologized for his reactions the last time we had been together and went on to say that I had never deserved any of the things that he put me through while we were dating. While I hold myself responsible for half of everything that was good and bad, it was nice to hear those words. We both agreed that leaving things the way we had wasn't good for either of us. D. echoed my words (in my blog post) by saying that he wondered if we had met a few years later if things wouldn't have worked out differently. (Yes, it weirded me out a bit.)
D. had an early morning flight this morning; I have no idea when I will see or talk to him again. There is part of me that is really sad about that...last night as we spoke, things were 'comfortable' and fell right into place, as if we had never stepped away from the relationship. Forgiveness is good and having open communication with D. again feels right. I am not even considering that things will ever work out with D. and I again, but there was a need to mend the friendship that I've had now for about a third of my life. Maybe not being at peace with this previous relationship was one of the factors in my not allowing others to happen?
D. was in town for the Cards game and wanted to know if I would meet up with him. After our last encounter, I found this shocking and a little unnerving...not to mention how completely ironic that I had just posted about him.
It was decided that he would come by my place to talk...he promised no drama. It was weird and yet nice to see him. He apologized for his reactions the last time we had been together and went on to say that I had never deserved any of the things that he put me through while we were dating. While I hold myself responsible for half of everything that was good and bad, it was nice to hear those words. We both agreed that leaving things the way we had wasn't good for either of us. D. echoed my words (in my blog post) by saying that he wondered if we had met a few years later if things wouldn't have worked out differently. (Yes, it weirded me out a bit.)
D. had an early morning flight this morning; I have no idea when I will see or talk to him again. There is part of me that is really sad about that...last night as we spoke, things were 'comfortable' and fell right into place, as if we had never stepped away from the relationship. Forgiveness is good and having open communication with D. again feels right. I am not even considering that things will ever work out with D. and I again, but there was a need to mend the friendship that I've had now for about a third of my life. Maybe not being at peace with this previous relationship was one of the factors in my not allowing others to happen?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dumb Luck?...and dating
I had my summer school kids working on a narrative writing assignment that began with a brainstorming activity entitled "Songs of My Heart." The idea is that oftentimes memories are linked to music, so by thinking of songs that have meaning to you, you in turn think of a memorable moment. It is amazing how many songs can be written on a person's heart. Many songs make me think of special people or moments shared. One of the songs that seems to be playing in my mind and (oddly enough) on my iPod a lot these days is Comfortable by John Mayer.
The particular lyric that hits me hardest is, "that you were my first love is just dumb luck, a technicality, you were ahead of me." How true that is...the one person that I felt the most comfortable and myself around was the first guy I seriously dated. I wonder had we met and dated later in life if the outcome would have been different? Would we have been on the same page or would he always still be ahead of me?
I imagine these thoughts have been sparked because I have recently rejoined the dating scene after a seven month hiatus. I'm not in 'relationship' mode yet and I am enjoying just dating different types of guys, but dating is HARD. While not there yet, I do look forward to the time when I feel good about settling into a relationship.
The particular lyric that hits me hardest is, "that you were my first love is just dumb luck, a technicality, you were ahead of me." How true that is...the one person that I felt the most comfortable and myself around was the first guy I seriously dated. I wonder had we met and dated later in life if the outcome would have been different? Would we have been on the same page or would he always still be ahead of me?
I imagine these thoughts have been sparked because I have recently rejoined the dating scene after a seven month hiatus. I'm not in 'relationship' mode yet and I am enjoying just dating different types of guys, but dating is HARD. While not there yet, I do look forward to the time when I feel good about settling into a relationship.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Summer school realization
I have come to the realization that I am probably a little too laid back to teach summer school. While I think my kids are getting a good education (condensed however it may be), I am probably a little too forgiving in the summer school setting. These students might be in for a bit of a shock when another teacher (one quite a bit more strict and a veteran at teaching summer school) finishes out the remaining week and a half. Oh well...I guess they've had their opportunity, it will be sink or swim time then.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Summer to Do's:
1. Make it through the remaining days I have left in summer school (the count down is on!).
2. Complete online book discussion over Write Beside Them (I've mentioned this before, but I am inspired and making connections with some really amazing teachers).
3. Paint my classroom. I plan on staying for awhile, so I want to make it a place that I want to spend time.
4. Search, and search, and search for model texts and writing prompts to use with my students this coming school year.
5. Attend one of my best friend's bridal shower and wedding.
6. Increase my running/jogging distances.
7. Attend Cardinal games (sadly, I have only been to one).
8. Restructure lesson plans to coincide with new block scheduling.
9. Read a few more novels (I've really slacked this summer).
10. Spend more quality time with friends and family.
11. Explore some areas of StL I have not been to, yet.
12. Clean and rearrange apartment.
13. Travel locally.
14. Exchange cell phones (it is time to update!).
15. Think of more exciting things to blog about than my list of things to do!
Those should keep me busy (for awhile anyway)!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
More random facts
1. Summer school students are watching The Great Gatsby and just started laughing when Tom paid 97 cents for gasoline (the total cost). I do remember paying about 99 cents a gallon during my senior year of high school...and of course that was full-service (no charge for the owner to pump the fuel).
2. My best friends turn 33 today(I'll follow in a couple weeks)...I remember when that sounded so old. I'm glad that I was raised with the mindset that age is only a number...I sure don't feel (or act) like I'm in my thirties!
3. To get through summer school everyday I am telling myself I am "one day closer to Australia." I have talked to a couple gals who are game to go with me when I can afford it. With some minor adjustments to my budget, summer school money, and no unforseeable incidents, I might be able to swing a trip to Sydney for New Year's Eve. :)
4. While I wonder why I am still single, and would like to be be in a different position in my life (sometimes), it is for reasons like number three that I am really glad that I'm not married with children....because if I want to go to Australia on a whim...I can! I guess that is the tradeoff.
5. I hate the cold...everyone makes the comment that you can always put more clothes on, but there are only so many you can take off. I am the opposite...It's never gotten too hot for me to feel that I couldn't cool down...but once I get a chill in my shoulders, I can't warm up! This comes to mind as I sit in a classroom (more like a meat locker) for summer school.
2. My best friends turn 33 today(I'll follow in a couple weeks)...I remember when that sounded so old. I'm glad that I was raised with the mindset that age is only a number...I sure don't feel (or act) like I'm in my thirties!
3. To get through summer school everyday I am telling myself I am "one day closer to Australia." I have talked to a couple gals who are game to go with me when I can afford it. With some minor adjustments to my budget, summer school money, and no unforseeable incidents, I might be able to swing a trip to Sydney for New Year's Eve. :)
4. While I wonder why I am still single, and would like to be be in a different position in my life (sometimes), it is for reasons like number three that I am really glad that I'm not married with children....because if I want to go to Australia on a whim...I can! I guess that is the tradeoff.
5. I hate the cold...everyone makes the comment that you can always put more clothes on, but there are only so many you can take off. I am the opposite...It's never gotten too hot for me to feel that I couldn't cool down...but once I get a chill in my shoulders, I can't warm up! This comes to mind as I sit in a classroom (more like a meat locker) for summer school.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Summer PDC
In addition to teaching summer school, I am also taking part in an online book discussion over the book Write Beside Them by Penny Kittle. I'll start off by saying that reading this book is by no means a chore...in fact, it is so good/enjoyable that I actually read the entire book, from cover to cover, the day it was delivered. Since then I have been rereading sections and discussing the chapters with about 14 other teachers across the United States.
While I haven't met any of these teachers face to face, I admire several of them. For much of the year I have been reading their classroom and personal blogs...and stealing (borrowing) wonderful ideas that I have used in my classroom. I have to admit that after having followed their daily teachings, I am a bit intimidated to participate in the discussion. Do I really have anything to contribute? Will any of these veteran teachers want to hear what I have to say?
I posted about using a couple of the activities Kittle had shared in the book with my summer school students. The next time I checked the wiki page, there were two responses directed to me. The first one was from a teacher in Arkansas discussing how these activities foster relationships between students and teachers and the second post was from Penny Kittle herself! The author of the book that I am reading (and loving) responded directly to me! She was encouraging and commented about how lucky the students were to have me. Wow...I am still in a bit of shock.
The book is wonderful...it is full of ideas, encouragement, and heartfelt examples. While I am not exactly sure how I am going to be able to incorporate everything into my English classroom, I know that this book has changed the way my classroom will be organized. I also know that I am learning from and collaborating with some amazing teachers. The fact that Kittle has joined our discussion to answer any questions that we have speaks volumes about her as a teacher, not to mention an author. This discussion group is just another example of what amazing people and professionals teachers really are. It is a rare group of professionals that is willing to share all their ideas, successes, and failures with anyone who asks; it makes me proud to be part of such a group!
You can check out and join this discussion group at http://learners4life.pbwiki.com/
While I haven't met any of these teachers face to face, I admire several of them. For much of the year I have been reading their classroom and personal blogs...and stealing (borrowing) wonderful ideas that I have used in my classroom. I have to admit that after having followed their daily teachings, I am a bit intimidated to participate in the discussion. Do I really have anything to contribute? Will any of these veteran teachers want to hear what I have to say?
I posted about using a couple of the activities Kittle had shared in the book with my summer school students. The next time I checked the wiki page, there were two responses directed to me. The first one was from a teacher in Arkansas discussing how these activities foster relationships between students and teachers and the second post was from Penny Kittle herself! The author of the book that I am reading (and loving) responded directly to me! She was encouraging and commented about how lucky the students were to have me. Wow...I am still in a bit of shock.
The book is wonderful...it is full of ideas, encouragement, and heartfelt examples. While I am not exactly sure how I am going to be able to incorporate everything into my English classroom, I know that this book has changed the way my classroom will be organized. I also know that I am learning from and collaborating with some amazing teachers. The fact that Kittle has joined our discussion to answer any questions that we have speaks volumes about her as a teacher, not to mention an author. This discussion group is just another example of what amazing people and professionals teachers really are. It is a rare group of professionals that is willing to share all their ideas, successes, and failures with anyone who asks; it makes me proud to be part of such a group!
You can check out and join this discussion group at http://learners4life.pbwiki.com/
Friday, June 13, 2008
Isn't that a bite in the Ass!
Edmonds is hitting homeruns for the Cubs. Rolen is hitting homeruns for the BlueJays. The Cardinals are currently losing 20-2 in the eighth inning to the Phillies.
The Loss of a Legend
I am still shocked about the death of Tim Russert. I have had an appointment with Russert on Meet the Press every Sunday morning for nearly ten years; I can't imagine the show without him. To have so many people, those who knew him and who had never met him, mourning his sudden and unexpected death is a tribute to the quality of his character. I always believed his questions were based on what was important to everyday Americans. He was fair, unpretentious, kind, and determined. Most importantly, he was a nice guy, a family man, a hard-worker. Though he had made it 'big' in the political world, it was obvious that he had never forgotten where he came from, nor did he hide it from the world. He was proud of his meager upbringing and the lessons garnered from his father. In mourning his death, I hope that we pay our respects by following his example.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Summer School
Holy crap...Two and a half hours is a really long time to sit in a class with students!! Three days down and eleven more to go!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Burns, tears, and heartbeats
My sister called me last Monday in a panic. She was on her way to the emergency room to meet my father and my aunt. Dad had been burning trash and something (we still have no idea what it was) exploded. Because dad was still in a kneeling position when the explosion occurred, a large portion of his face, ears, and neck received serious burns. As he beat the fire out on his head, several of his fingers and his right forearm also sustained severe burns. Somehow Dad managed to get back to the house (probably pure adrenalin) and called my aunt for help.
I can't even begin to express the amount of guilt I experienced in a twenty-four hour period; my dad seriously hurt and here I sat in St. Louis. School was ending the next day and I had to have my grades finished before I could leave. Needless to say, Monday night was a sleepless night and Tuesday was a blur. I threw some clothes in a bag and headed to the farm as soon as I was finished at school.
I don't remember a single minute of the drive. All I could think about was getting home, to my father. As I walked through the kitchen to the living room, my sister tried to prepare me for what I was about to see. Rounding the corner, all I could see were bandages. Reclined in his favorite chair, my father sat mummified. My father was a mouth, a nose and swollen eyes the size of baseballs. I gently touched his shoulder and let him know that I was home; he tried to look at me, whispered, "Baby, " and we both cried. My greatest fear rested not in what he may look like when the bandages came off, but whether his eyes would be damaged. Loss of vision would be detrimental to my father's way of life, not to mention his spirit.
With each day's passing, the swelling began to lessen and late Wednesday evening, we could actually see his eyes. With the reduction of swelling, Dad began to act more like himself (the man who had been my best friend for nearly all my life). Our conversation skills were a bit rusty as the past couple years have been a little strained, but we were soon returning to familiar dialogue. We laughed until we cried, reliving old stories and sharing new ones. Two years of disappointments and anger disappeared as I wiped those joyful tears off my cheek.
Friday, my sister and I took Dad to the burn clinic to have the bandages removed and find out what would need to be done. After a ridiculously long wait, the nurse finally came to get us. Despite our efforts to keep things lighthearted, you could literally feel the tension in the room. Dad was afraid of what he may look like...Suzi and I feared his reaction and how he would handle what he would see. He stared at us as the bandages were removed. As the final bandage was removed from his face, Suzi and I looked at each other in disbelief and then told our father that he looked GREAT. Despite minor discoloration (red/pink patches) and skin that would need sloughing off, I was staring into the face that I had loved my entire life. By God's sheer grace (and medical innovations), there should be no scarring on my father's face. And, most importantly, his eyes seem to be fine as well.
I spent the week with my dad at the family farm, the one place that has always been home to me. While I am so thankful that Dad wasn't physically scarred by this accident, I am more thankful for the opportunity that was presented to us in the form of this accident. I got my father, my best friend, back. When it came time for me to leave, I found myself on the verge of tears. To lighten the mood and avoid shedding those tears I made a comment about him being glad to get rid of us, to have his house back, and to have us off his back about lotion, sunscreen, and wearing wide-brimmed hats. With tears in his eyes he said, "No, I've loved it." I cried openly on my way home.
While my father and some of his decisions have frustrated or hurt me these past few years, I have always been and will always be there for him. I've often asked myself how many times do you allow someone you love to hurt you; I was reminded of the answer that I have always carried in my heart...in this case, for as many beats as my heart has left.
I can't even begin to express the amount of guilt I experienced in a twenty-four hour period; my dad seriously hurt and here I sat in St. Louis. School was ending the next day and I had to have my grades finished before I could leave. Needless to say, Monday night was a sleepless night and Tuesday was a blur. I threw some clothes in a bag and headed to the farm as soon as I was finished at school.
I don't remember a single minute of the drive. All I could think about was getting home, to my father. As I walked through the kitchen to the living room, my sister tried to prepare me for what I was about to see. Rounding the corner, all I could see were bandages. Reclined in his favorite chair, my father sat mummified. My father was a mouth, a nose and swollen eyes the size of baseballs. I gently touched his shoulder and let him know that I was home; he tried to look at me, whispered, "Baby, " and we both cried. My greatest fear rested not in what he may look like when the bandages came off, but whether his eyes would be damaged. Loss of vision would be detrimental to my father's way of life, not to mention his spirit.
With each day's passing, the swelling began to lessen and late Wednesday evening, we could actually see his eyes. With the reduction of swelling, Dad began to act more like himself (the man who had been my best friend for nearly all my life). Our conversation skills were a bit rusty as the past couple years have been a little strained, but we were soon returning to familiar dialogue. We laughed until we cried, reliving old stories and sharing new ones. Two years of disappointments and anger disappeared as I wiped those joyful tears off my cheek.
Friday, my sister and I took Dad to the burn clinic to have the bandages removed and find out what would need to be done. After a ridiculously long wait, the nurse finally came to get us. Despite our efforts to keep things lighthearted, you could literally feel the tension in the room. Dad was afraid of what he may look like...Suzi and I feared his reaction and how he would handle what he would see. He stared at us as the bandages were removed. As the final bandage was removed from his face, Suzi and I looked at each other in disbelief and then told our father that he looked GREAT. Despite minor discoloration (red/pink patches) and skin that would need sloughing off, I was staring into the face that I had loved my entire life. By God's sheer grace (and medical innovations), there should be no scarring on my father's face. And, most importantly, his eyes seem to be fine as well.
I spent the week with my dad at the family farm, the one place that has always been home to me. While I am so thankful that Dad wasn't physically scarred by this accident, I am more thankful for the opportunity that was presented to us in the form of this accident. I got my father, my best friend, back. When it came time for me to leave, I found myself on the verge of tears. To lighten the mood and avoid shedding those tears I made a comment about him being glad to get rid of us, to have his house back, and to have us off his back about lotion, sunscreen, and wearing wide-brimmed hats. With tears in his eyes he said, "No, I've loved it." I cried openly on my way home.
While my father and some of his decisions have frustrated or hurt me these past few years, I have always been and will always be there for him. I've often asked myself how many times do you allow someone you love to hurt you; I was reminded of the answer that I have always carried in my heart...in this case, for as many beats as my heart has left.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Robert Muraine - So You Think You Can Dance
It's true, I do love to watch reality television. My summer reality show is So You Think You Can Dance. The audition highlights just began last week and I am already developing favorites...this is bad considering that they may not have actually even made it on the show.
Laugh all you want at my obsession with the show, but check out this video before you judge me completely. Make sure you watch past the judge's comments, because there is another unbelieveable trick!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
An Update
I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog as of late so I thought I'd just randomly write about things that have kept me busy or been on my mind.
School is beginning to wind down and the students are really restless (teachers -me- might be a bit restless too). I'm trying to get through A Raisin in the Sun with my juniors and my sophomores are turning their research papers in tomorrow...that leaves me with about five days to teach Julius Caesar (yikes!). Needless to say we will be summarizing large portions of the play and only focusing on the major speeches.
I basically have little to no summer that is not spoken for...I'm an idiot and agreed to teach summer school, so I'll finish on the 3rd of June and start back on the 9th. I will teach until the 3rd of July, have a few weeks off and then take a week-long course on teaching AP English classes (July 28-August 1). Teachers report to school on the 4th of August and we begin school on the 11th. So, for all those who make comments to me about being lucky to have the summer off...yeah...
I surprised my mother and one of my aunts with roses for Mother's Day...both were surprised and pleased. I meant to post about my wonderful mother around Mother's Day, but got busy and have yet to do that. It seems like I have spent a lot of time on my father...much credit/appreciation needs to be given to my amazing mother as well...I'll get to that soon! (I'm not into advertising for companies, but I ordered and sent the flowers through Proflowers and was very pleased.)
My Avery turned eight this past weekend. I can't believe how grown up she is becoming. Now that I have moved I don't get to see her as much as I'd like, but when I do, she always makes me feel like a rock star! She always takes time out from playing to sit on my lap and chat, gives me lots of hugs and smooches, and always wants me to sit with her at the table for cake/ice cream, etc. Avery is a huge part of my life (as is all my family) and contributes considerably to me being who I am.
I have a great friend who surprised me with a shipment of chocolate desserts from Williams-Sonoma because he had read my blog post about being a bit overwhelmed/stressed. Needless to say it was an amazing surprise and one that is greatly appreciated. I'm really a bit speechless as a result of his kindness and consideration.
I seriously need to get into the gym and a regular workout routine! (Even more so now that J. has sent me chocolate desserts!)
My friend Y lost her sister to cancer this past week. There are no words that can be said to ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope that Y and her family have been able to take some comfort in the fact that R is no longer suffering. These moments should really make us all stop and give thanks for the loved ones we are surrounded by each day. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache of losing my sister or my brother.
This is the first season that I have ever watched American Idol and I am finding myself obsessed with voting for David Cook tonight. That's actually a bit embarrassing to admit.
My department chair told me that the principal of our school made the comment to her (out of the blue) that she hoped she (the dept. chair) realized how lucky she was to have me in her department, that I was a real gem. I'm generally not one to 'toot my own horn', but that really made me feel good about what I am doing. I have the utmost respect for my head principal and in a building the size of the one that I am in, it is nice if the principal even knows me by name. The fact that she brought me up in conversation...wow! It is amazing that in teaching, one positive can wipe out hundreds of negatives!
I'm beginning to think about buying a house. It's not a decision I ever thought I would be making alone and it is really scary, but it is exciting too.
I'm in the process of applying to grad school...exciting and nerve racking as well. It's been a long time since I've written a paper to be graded!
Those are some of the highlights...there are a couple thousand other things as well, but I won't bore you any longer...for now.
School is beginning to wind down and the students are really restless (teachers -me- might be a bit restless too). I'm trying to get through A Raisin in the Sun with my juniors and my sophomores are turning their research papers in tomorrow...that leaves me with about five days to teach Julius Caesar (yikes!). Needless to say we will be summarizing large portions of the play and only focusing on the major speeches.
I basically have little to no summer that is not spoken for...I'm an idiot and agreed to teach summer school, so I'll finish on the 3rd of June and start back on the 9th. I will teach until the 3rd of July, have a few weeks off and then take a week-long course on teaching AP English classes (July 28-August 1). Teachers report to school on the 4th of August and we begin school on the 11th. So, for all those who make comments to me about being lucky to have the summer off...yeah...
I surprised my mother and one of my aunts with roses for Mother's Day...both were surprised and pleased. I meant to post about my wonderful mother around Mother's Day, but got busy and have yet to do that. It seems like I have spent a lot of time on my father...much credit/appreciation needs to be given to my amazing mother as well...I'll get to that soon! (I'm not into advertising for companies, but I ordered and sent the flowers through Proflowers and was very pleased.)
My Avery turned eight this past weekend. I can't believe how grown up she is becoming. Now that I have moved I don't get to see her as much as I'd like, but when I do, she always makes me feel like a rock star! She always takes time out from playing to sit on my lap and chat, gives me lots of hugs and smooches, and always wants me to sit with her at the table for cake/ice cream, etc. Avery is a huge part of my life (as is all my family) and contributes considerably to me being who I am.
I have a great friend who surprised me with a shipment of chocolate desserts from Williams-Sonoma because he had read my blog post about being a bit overwhelmed/stressed. Needless to say it was an amazing surprise and one that is greatly appreciated. I'm really a bit speechless as a result of his kindness and consideration.
I seriously need to get into the gym and a regular workout routine! (Even more so now that J. has sent me chocolate desserts!)
My friend Y lost her sister to cancer this past week. There are no words that can be said to ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope that Y and her family have been able to take some comfort in the fact that R is no longer suffering. These moments should really make us all stop and give thanks for the loved ones we are surrounded by each day. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache of losing my sister or my brother.
This is the first season that I have ever watched American Idol and I am finding myself obsessed with voting for David Cook tonight. That's actually a bit embarrassing to admit.
My department chair told me that the principal of our school made the comment to her (out of the blue) that she hoped she (the dept. chair) realized how lucky she was to have me in her department, that I was a real gem. I'm generally not one to 'toot my own horn', but that really made me feel good about what I am doing. I have the utmost respect for my head principal and in a building the size of the one that I am in, it is nice if the principal even knows me by name. The fact that she brought me up in conversation...wow! It is amazing that in teaching, one positive can wipe out hundreds of negatives!
I'm beginning to think about buying a house. It's not a decision I ever thought I would be making alone and it is really scary, but it is exciting too.
I'm in the process of applying to grad school...exciting and nerve racking as well. It's been a long time since I've written a paper to be graded!
Those are some of the highlights...there are a couple thousand other things as well, but I won't bore you any longer...for now.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Overwhelmed...
Does anyone else ever get to the point that you have sooo much to do that you don't even know where to begin, so instead you just sit idle, doing absolutely nothing?
You guessed it...that's where I am at the moment.
You guessed it...that's where I am at the moment.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Random Facts
I have seen something similar on a couple of the blogs I enjoy reading and have now received this in an email, so I just decided to put this here.
Please feel free to comment and share your list with me.
Six Random Things About Me
1. The most used ring tones on my phone right now are: Teacher, Teacher (.38 Special) is for all incoming calls (unless the individual is special enough to have his/her own), Broken (LifeHouse) is for text messages, and Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond) is my morning alarm.
2. Although I am a certified secondary English teacher, my undergraduate degree is in Behavioral Sciences.
3. I grew up in a town of 283 people and graduated from a class of 46 students.
4. When my mother went into labor with my brother, my grandmother asked me what I wanted her to have, a little brother or sister. My response was that I wanted a little black sister. Needless to say, I was disappointed...but, my little (big) brother hasn't turned out too shabby.
5. Australia is the most amazing place I have traveled to thus far, and I plan to live there for an extended amount of time, someday.
6. I have had the same best friends for 30 plus years. They (twins) are about two weeks older than me and we were next door neighbors growing up.
Please feel free to comment and share your list with me.
Six Random Things About Me
1. The most used ring tones on my phone right now are: Teacher, Teacher (.38 Special) is for all incoming calls (unless the individual is special enough to have his/her own), Broken (LifeHouse) is for text messages, and Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond) is my morning alarm.
2. Although I am a certified secondary English teacher, my undergraduate degree is in Behavioral Sciences.
3. I grew up in a town of 283 people and graduated from a class of 46 students.
4. When my mother went into labor with my brother, my grandmother asked me what I wanted her to have, a little brother or sister. My response was that I wanted a little black sister. Needless to say, I was disappointed...but, my little (big) brother hasn't turned out too shabby.
5. Australia is the most amazing place I have traveled to thus far, and I plan to live there for an extended amount of time, someday.
6. I have had the same best friends for 30 plus years. They (twins) are about two weeks older than me and we were next door neighbors growing up.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
How many times can you let someone you love break your heart?
When that person is your father, there is no magical number.
My siblings and I recently found out (not by our father, mind you) that the woman he cheated on my mother with and who has been living with him since before my parents' divorce has moved out. I can't say that we are upset about this development, but we don't want to see our father hurt either. Well, that is our truth...
My sister called me a couple nights ago to discuss some things that had been shared with her by one of my aunts. It seems that my dad had stopped by my aunt's house for one reason or another and had a bit of a break down. He told her that P. had moved out and how upset he was about it. After discussing things for a while he went on to say that he blamed us kids for the demise of his relationship. As the relationship between my father and my aunt has also become strained since the divorce of my parents, she didn't say much, only listened. She did however call my sister to tell her what my father had said and say that we really needed to talk to him.
When P. left, she told our father that the reason she was leaving was because his kids had never given her a chance and that she had never felt welcome. Wow. Excuse me for not rolling out the red carpet for a woman who so blatantly disrespected my mother, us kids, my family, and my parents' marriage vows.
Now, while I will not pretend that we ever cared for the woman, I can honestly say that we never showed her any disrespect. We were cordial, friendly and respectful every time we were around her. I bought Christmas gifts and sent cards to her and my father, and my brother went as far as buying gifts for her children. Oddly enough, I don't remember once being invited to the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners she hosted at our family farm. I do, however, remember having to schedule around all her holiday plans to visit our father. So, who wasn't made to feel welcome?
I am pissed at this woman's sick attempt to ruin our relationships with our father because she is too much of a coward to just admit that she has moved on to someone else or something she considers better (this isn't the first time she's done this). It seems to be her last ditch effort to drive a wedge between my father and his family. I have no idea what pleasure she takes from this destruction, but I will have a few choice words ready if I ever happen to run in to her.
I am pissed and devastated that my father would even consider these statements. I want to scream and yell at him..."Are you fucking kidding me?! I live a hundred and twenty miles away and see you maybe once every few months, yet I am the cause of your failed relationship?!"
It's time for my father to start thinking with the organ that sits between his ears and seriously consider what he is in jeopardy of losing. I hope that I am a strong enough person to not walk away, but eventually even the cup of unconditional love runs dry.
My siblings and I recently found out (not by our father, mind you) that the woman he cheated on my mother with and who has been living with him since before my parents' divorce has moved out. I can't say that we are upset about this development, but we don't want to see our father hurt either. Well, that is our truth...
My sister called me a couple nights ago to discuss some things that had been shared with her by one of my aunts. It seems that my dad had stopped by my aunt's house for one reason or another and had a bit of a break down. He told her that P. had moved out and how upset he was about it. After discussing things for a while he went on to say that he blamed us kids for the demise of his relationship. As the relationship between my father and my aunt has also become strained since the divorce of my parents, she didn't say much, only listened. She did however call my sister to tell her what my father had said and say that we really needed to talk to him.
When P. left, she told our father that the reason she was leaving was because his kids had never given her a chance and that she had never felt welcome. Wow. Excuse me for not rolling out the red carpet for a woman who so blatantly disrespected my mother, us kids, my family, and my parents' marriage vows.
Now, while I will not pretend that we ever cared for the woman, I can honestly say that we never showed her any disrespect. We were cordial, friendly and respectful every time we were around her. I bought Christmas gifts and sent cards to her and my father, and my brother went as far as buying gifts for her children. Oddly enough, I don't remember once being invited to the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners she hosted at our family farm. I do, however, remember having to schedule around all her holiday plans to visit our father. So, who wasn't made to feel welcome?
I am pissed at this woman's sick attempt to ruin our relationships with our father because she is too much of a coward to just admit that she has moved on to someone else or something she considers better (this isn't the first time she's done this). It seems to be her last ditch effort to drive a wedge between my father and his family. I have no idea what pleasure she takes from this destruction, but I will have a few choice words ready if I ever happen to run in to her.
I am pissed and devastated that my father would even consider these statements. I want to scream and yell at him..."Are you fucking kidding me?! I live a hundred and twenty miles away and see you maybe once every few months, yet I am the cause of your failed relationship?!"
It's time for my father to start thinking with the organ that sits between his ears and seriously consider what he is in jeopardy of losing. I hope that I am a strong enough person to not walk away, but eventually even the cup of unconditional love runs dry.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
An Itch to Coach...
Since changing jobs and moving to a new city, I haven't been coaching. After 27 years of being involved in competitive athletics, either playing or coaching, I decided to take a break and just focus on my teaching. The two districts I worked in previously were very sports-minded and known for their athleticism. There are both positives and negatives to this mentality.
It has been nice having some free time to just do things that I want to do, but after attending a few of my students' sporting events this year, I find myself missing coaching. I miss the running (not literally...more the being busy), the activity, fostering relationships with kids I will never have in class, and the comradery amongst a coaching staff.
While I'm not sure if my overly competitive nature or high expectations of my athletes will jive with some of the coaches in my district, I think it might be time to lace up the sneaks, put the hair in a ponytail and loop the whistle around my neck again.
It has been nice having some free time to just do things that I want to do, but after attending a few of my students' sporting events this year, I find myself missing coaching. I miss the running (not literally...more the being busy), the activity, fostering relationships with kids I will never have in class, and the comradery amongst a coaching staff.
While I'm not sure if my overly competitive nature or high expectations of my athletes will jive with some of the coaches in my district, I think it might be time to lace up the sneaks, put the hair in a ponytail and loop the whistle around my neck again.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Teens and conflicting viewpoints
We had great discussion in one of my junior classes this morning. After reading Countee Cullen's Incident and Tableau, written during the Harlem Renaissance, we began discussing whether or not the themes were still prevalent in today's society. While we obviously talked about racial issues (fortunately I have a group of students who respect others' viewpoints and opinions), we also talked about stereotypes of people who deal with obesity and/or other disabilities and how they are treated in society.
There was still a little bit of time left in the class period when students finished working on an assignment over these two poems, so we began to discuss the six Florida girls who had lured and beat up their classmate. The discussion was eye-opening (and a little disturbing) to say the least. While some were completely disgusted by their actions, there were several students who thought that the victim was deserving. Their reasoning..."If you talk trash about people, you get what you deserve."
WHAT?!!
At the beginning of the class period we talked about victims (violence, oppression, discrimination, etc.) in our society who have been mistreated and those who have devoted their lives to bringing about change in the world. We talked about men like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi and at the end of the class some are defending senseless violence in the name of "saving face."
I'm at a loss for words...
There was still a little bit of time left in the class period when students finished working on an assignment over these two poems, so we began to discuss the six Florida girls who had lured and beat up their classmate. The discussion was eye-opening (and a little disturbing) to say the least. While some were completely disgusted by their actions, there were several students who thought that the victim was deserving. Their reasoning..."If you talk trash about people, you get what you deserve."
WHAT?!!
At the beginning of the class period we talked about victims (violence, oppression, discrimination, etc.) in our society who have been mistreated and those who have devoted their lives to bringing about change in the world. We talked about men like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi and at the end of the class some are defending senseless violence in the name of "saving face."
I'm at a loss for words...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
ROCK...CHALK...JAYHAWK
I've come to the realization that I cannot not post about my Jayhawks winning the National Championship. I've waited (and shed some tears) for twenty years to see them secure the title again. Not only were they an amazingly athletic team, they were a team with class...never conceited or boastful, and always helping an opponent to his feet. Grace under pressure and still humble at the end of the day.
Thanks for a great season; I will thoroughly enjoy getting to smile the entire year!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A Reunion...Really??!!
It is being reported that NKOTB will be getting back together and touring again. When I heard the news this evening, I didn't know whether to laugh or to call the girls that I attended their concert with so many years ago.My other thought/question: Will they still call themselves 'New Kids' now they are all in their 30's?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Women...second class citizens?!
I read Anna Quindlen's recent editorial in Newsweek magazine early last week and can't seem to get it out of my mind. While I have never considered myself a feminist, I think that all women should read this article and consider the implications.
One of the most eye-opening and troubling parts of the article was Quindlen's reference to an incident that happened in New Hampshire:
"Consider the guys who yelled "Iron my shirts!" at a Clinton event in New Hampshire. The point wasn't the yahoos with the Neanderthal mantra; it was that their jeers got little coverage. If someone at an Obama rally had called out a similar remark based on racial bigotry—"Shine my shoes," perhaps—not only would it have been a story, it would have run on page one."
While the content upset me, the fact that I had not even heard about this happening bothered me most. When I mentioned the article and the comment at lunch, the first reaction from the men at the table was to laugh; their giggles were quickly stifled upon seeing my reaction. No one on my lunch shift had heard about the jeers that were shouted at Senator Clinton. The fact that this was not considered news-worthy information and that people's first reaction is to laugh really makes me think about where women stand in society.
Society tells young women that they can be anything and do anything and yet we brush misogynistic rhetoric aside as if it were nothing, even giggle at it as if it were a funny joke. Many a father, grandfather, and uncle have been wrapped around the finger of a little girl; yet, they allow the women those little girls will some day emulate to be treated so disrespectfully.
I cannot wrap up my thoughts on this topic any better than the way in which Quindlen chose (although I will highlight a few key phrases):
"Exemplary husband, perfect kids, no negatives—I guess you could argue that the double standard guarantees that female candidates are stellar since they are required to be all things to all people. It was a woman politician, the mayor of Ottawa, who is responsible for one of the most notable quotes about this: 'Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily this is not difficult.' It may be an era of change, but Charlotte Whitton's 1963 comment still rings true. I've just always thought she was a little too sanguine about the math."
One of the most eye-opening and troubling parts of the article was Quindlen's reference to an incident that happened in New Hampshire:
"Consider the guys who yelled "Iron my shirts!" at a Clinton event in New Hampshire. The point wasn't the yahoos with the Neanderthal mantra; it was that their jeers got little coverage. If someone at an Obama rally had called out a similar remark based on racial bigotry—"Shine my shoes," perhaps—not only would it have been a story, it would have run on page one."
While the content upset me, the fact that I had not even heard about this happening bothered me most. When I mentioned the article and the comment at lunch, the first reaction from the men at the table was to laugh; their giggles were quickly stifled upon seeing my reaction. No one on my lunch shift had heard about the jeers that were shouted at Senator Clinton. The fact that this was not considered news-worthy information and that people's first reaction is to laugh really makes me think about where women stand in society.
Society tells young women that they can be anything and do anything and yet we brush misogynistic rhetoric aside as if it were nothing, even giggle at it as if it were a funny joke. Many a father, grandfather, and uncle have been wrapped around the finger of a little girl; yet, they allow the women those little girls will some day emulate to be treated so disrespectfully.
I cannot wrap up my thoughts on this topic any better than the way in which Quindlen chose (although I will highlight a few key phrases):
"Exemplary husband, perfect kids, no negatives—I guess you could argue that the double standard guarantees that female candidates are stellar since they are required to be all things to all people. It was a woman politician, the mayor of Ottawa, who is responsible for one of the most notable quotes about this: 'Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily this is not difficult.' It may be an era of change, but Charlotte Whitton's 1963 comment still rings true. I've just always thought she was a little too sanguine about the math."
Monday, March 10, 2008
Spontaneous lesson plans...Drug-sniffing dogs
The high school went into lockdown this morning when drug-sniffing dogs were brought in to sweep the school. It was interesting to see the students' faces when this announcement was made. As expected, the learning process was interrupted as students eagerly voiced their opinions on what was happening.
One student went on a bit of a rant about how the school was getting ridiculous...threatening to tow their vehicles for parking on campus without parking tags, giving detentions for not wearing their student ids while in the building, and now bringing the dogs into the school. She was quick to point out that none of this was going on just a couple years ago; more than likely her attempt to place blame on the new administration. Although slightly in agreement, the student sitting next to her made this comment, "We also weren't receiving regular bomb threats two years ago."
There are moments in teaching when you have to throw out the lesson plan (for awhile anyway) and use what is handed to you. Drug-sniffing dogs allowed us to discuss how education is different today than it was just a couple years ago, that rules (whether they agree with them or not) will be enforced upon them throughout their lives, and that all decisions (big, small, deliberate, or accidental) have consequences, positive and negative.
While I love teaching literature and writing, it is because of these moments that I remain in teaching (and here you thought it was because of the money!). Today's lesson allowed all learners to take part, no matter their academic levels, and in all honesty, it's lessons and discussions like these that will impact their lives more than practicing constructed response questions for the MAP test.
One student went on a bit of a rant about how the school was getting ridiculous...threatening to tow their vehicles for parking on campus without parking tags, giving detentions for not wearing their student ids while in the building, and now bringing the dogs into the school. She was quick to point out that none of this was going on just a couple years ago; more than likely her attempt to place blame on the new administration. Although slightly in agreement, the student sitting next to her made this comment, "We also weren't receiving regular bomb threats two years ago."
There are moments in teaching when you have to throw out the lesson plan (for awhile anyway) and use what is handed to you. Drug-sniffing dogs allowed us to discuss how education is different today than it was just a couple years ago, that rules (whether they agree with them or not) will be enforced upon them throughout their lives, and that all decisions (big, small, deliberate, or accidental) have consequences, positive and negative.
While I love teaching literature and writing, it is because of these moments that I remain in teaching (and here you thought it was because of the money!). Today's lesson allowed all learners to take part, no matter their academic levels, and in all honesty, it's lessons and discussions like these that will impact their lives more than practicing constructed response questions for the MAP test.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
An iPod on Crack?
When people ask me what type of music I listen to, I honestly tell them I like just about everything. I pretty much love all genres of music...from old to new, from pop to rock, from lyrical to composed.
To illustrate, here is a two-hour block of what my iPod sounds like on shuffle:
Girls just want to have fun (Cyndi Lauper)
Vultures (John Mayer)
I can still make Cheyenne (George Strait)
The girl is mine (Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney duet)
LaCucaracha (Louie Armstrong)
Time to pretend (MGMT)
#41 (Dave Matthews)
Live to love another day (Keith Urban)
I believe (Blessid Union of Souls)
Everything will be alright (The Killers)
All we are (OneRepublic)
Argue (Matchbox Twenty)
So Long, Farewell (The Children...The Sound of Music soundtrack)
Thriller (Michael Jackson)
Snakes and ladders (Joss Stone)
Empty spaces (Fuel)
A little less sixteen candles, a little more "Touch Me" (Fall Out Boy...and I do have to say that I love their song titles!)
Words of love (Buddy Holly)
Superstar (Carpenters)
Lover lay down (Dave Matthews)
Not falling apart (Maroon 5)
Comfortable (John Mayer)
Peace in our time (Eddie Money)
By the way (Hinder)
Stitched up (Herbie Hancock)
Big girls don't cry (Four Seasons)
Save up all your tears (Cher)
Sunday best (Augustana)
Crying Time (Martina McBride...a tribute to old country artists)
Back in baby's arms (Patsy Cline)
It's only paper moon (Ella Fitzgerald)
Lady (Regina Spektor)
There you have it...
To illustrate, here is a two-hour block of what my iPod sounds like on shuffle:
Girls just want to have fun (Cyndi Lauper)
Vultures (John Mayer)
I can still make Cheyenne (George Strait)
The girl is mine (Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney duet)
LaCucaracha (Louie Armstrong)
Time to pretend (MGMT)
#41 (Dave Matthews)
Live to love another day (Keith Urban)
I believe (Blessid Union of Souls)
Everything will be alright (The Killers)
All we are (OneRepublic)
Argue (Matchbox Twenty)
So Long, Farewell (The Children...The Sound of Music soundtrack)
Thriller (Michael Jackson)
Snakes and ladders (Joss Stone)
Empty spaces (Fuel)
A little less sixteen candles, a little more "Touch Me" (Fall Out Boy...and I do have to say that I love their song titles!)
Words of love (Buddy Holly)
Superstar (Carpenters)
Lover lay down (Dave Matthews)
Not falling apart (Maroon 5)
Comfortable (John Mayer)
Peace in our time (Eddie Money)
By the way (Hinder)
Stitched up (Herbie Hancock)
Big girls don't cry (Four Seasons)
Save up all your tears (Cher)
Sunday best (Augustana)
Crying Time (Martina McBride...a tribute to old country artists)
Back in baby's arms (Patsy Cline)
It's only paper moon (Ella Fitzgerald)
Lady (Regina Spektor)
There you have it...
Yet Another Snow Day
While most are generally happy to receive the call that they do not have to get up early and go to school in the morning, I'm just the opposite. I would much rather be at school on days when the weather is like this than when it is 70 degrees and sunny. Thanks to Mother Nature and her cruel sense of humor, I will be teaching into June...note to self, check to see how many sick days I have stockpiled...I might catch a really bad cold in the Spring. :)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Novel Idea...pun intended
My American Literature classes have recently begun reading The Great Gatsby; as expected, there are students who are resistant to read and complain about it being boring or too hard to understand.
Upon seeing their failing grades in my class, two students (in two different classes) have commented: "Hmmph...I guess I really do have to read that book."
The only appropriate comment (in my head, of course): "Well, duh!"
Just an extra tidbit:
The third quarter comes to a close next Friday, so students are NOW (not the seven weeks prior, but now) very interested in their grades and all the work they are missing.
Upon seeing their failing grades in my class, two students (in two different classes) have commented: "Hmmph...I guess I really do have to read that book."
The only appropriate comment (in my head, of course): "Well, duh!"
Just an extra tidbit:
The third quarter comes to a close next Friday, so students are NOW (not the seven weeks prior, but now) very interested in their grades and all the work they are missing.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
If Reincarnation exists...
(Daly...where she shouldn't be...but oh, so cute...damnit!)This I know. If reincarnation exists, I want to come back as a house cat! What a life: eat, sleep, eat, sleep, be pet, adored, and loved unconditionally because I am so damn cute...eat, sleep.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Daddy's Little Girl, With a Broken Heart
I am my father's daughter; I have his sense of humor, we share several physical characteristics, have many of the same interests, and we are both a bit guarded and yet very tenderhearted. For years I also thought I received my strength, sense of responsibility, and dedication to family from him...it has been in recent years I have learned these are qualities that come from my mother.My dad has always been the most important person in my life. While growing up, there wasn't anything I wouldn't do to be in his presence: beg, plead, cry, purposely piss off my mom, skip outings with my friends, etc. Although a very social person, my father is a bit of a loner. He always had friends, but few of them would be considered close. It is because of this trait that I had to work really hard to have more than just a surface relationship with him.
Every decision I made was first sifted through the filter of what would disappoint my father. My interests were often determined by the things my father enjoyed, in hopes that we could bond over the experience. I was proud of my father and for him to be proud of me was all I ever desired. Pats on the back were few and far between, but those few were magical, and I can remember every detail of the moment.
In the last few years, I have been forced to see and accept the flaws that lie within my dad. While I was never naive enough to believe he was perfect, I realize now I had devised a different set of rules for my father...much different from the standards everyone else in my life was expected to follow. My father devastated my family by straying from his marriage vows. After thirty-five years of marriage, my parents divorced and I found myself making excuses for his transgressions.
I grieve the family I lost (age does not make divorce any easier), but more than that, I miss the rose-colored glasses that were stripped from my eyes in regards to my father. It has been painful to realize his disrespect toward my mother, my siblings, and myself.
Despite the choices my father has made, I love him and I want him to be happy. It is this undeniable love for him that also pains me. I find that as he moves in a different direction in his life the relationship I have worked so hard to build, for so many years, has also begun to deteriorate. I am forced to face the possibility that this relationship has always been more one sided than I ever wanted to believe. I hate feeling like I wasted years of my life chasing something that could never be obtained...I want him to do the chasing for a while. So much of who I am is wrapped in who I thought he was and the relationship I thought we had...there is a part of me that really needs him to prove to me that it wasn't all a lie.
The pedestal on which I placed my father has come crashing down and the splinters of reality have embedded themselves deep within my skin, quite possibly my soul. Never before have I been faced with the question: which is worse, disappointing my father or being disappointed by him? Right now, I'm not sure if I am strong enough to handle the answer that is staring back at me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Valentine's Day Humor
I received a Valentine's Day wish from one of my college friends via myspace. Although the sentiment is heartfelt, I still laughed out loud at the message."Hey Jodi,hope your VD is better than mine!"
Does anyone else find this as funny as I do?!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Who says sarcasm has no place in the classroom?
A conversation that took place in class while students should have been finishing an assignment:
Student A: So, let's say that you have been dancing at the club with this girl all night and at the end of the night she turns around and her eyes are crossed. What do you do?
Student B: (Quizzically looks at A)
Me: (from across the room) A...I don't think that is relevant to the assignment you are supposed to be finishing.
Student A: Come on Miss D...what are you supposed to say when you've danced with a girl all night and then she turns around and she's ugly?
Me: (Astonished...I'll just leave it at that) A...I don't know what you say, but this conversation sure says a lot about you.
Student A: (speechless...)
Rest of class: (smiling and nodding in appreciation before resuming their work)
Student A: So, let's say that you have been dancing at the club with this girl all night and at the end of the night she turns around and her eyes are crossed. What do you do?
Student B: (Quizzically looks at A)
Me: (from across the room) A...I don't think that is relevant to the assignment you are supposed to be finishing.
Student A: Come on Miss D...what are you supposed to say when you've danced with a girl all night and then she turns around and she's ugly?
Me: (Astonished...I'll just leave it at that) A...I don't know what you say, but this conversation sure says a lot about you.
Student A: (speechless...)
Rest of class: (smiling and nodding in appreciation before resuming their work)
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