It's this time of year, I tell you, I start to get all verklempt! I start thinking about everything I am thankful for, and with each year that passes, the list gets longer.
For example, just off the top of my head, here's a list of Ten Things I'm Thankful for:
1. books
2. J
3. my family and friends
4. my job
5. my house / roof over my head
6. my health
7. blue jeans and sneakers
8. warm blankets on a cold day
9. rain and snow in this dry desert
10. internet
...and this is just the beginning. What are you thankful for?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
And the winner is.....
me! Man, don't I wish! Though the odds were pretty good all around - only three people entered!
But, the real winner is Leah!!! E-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com to name and claim your prize! (Any $50 gift card I can get at Safeway - name it and it's yours!)
Thanks for all of you who played! This was fun. I may have to do it again sometime!
Here are the answers, in case you were wondering!
1. "Everybody lies." - Greg House, from House
2. "We don't want a good principal! We want Mr. Clark!" - Sams, from Lean on Me
3. "I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage from Mythbusters
4. "But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." - Barack Obama, President Elect
5. "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain." - Julius, from Remember the Titans (Hands down, this is my all time favorite line from any movie!)
6. "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks." - Scout, from To Kill a Mockingbird
7. "There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Hamlet
8. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!" - Clairee Belcher, from Steel Magnolias
9. "That's right, I stepped up! She's my friend and she needed help! If I had to, I'd pee on any one of you!" - Joey, from Friends
10. "Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Shawshank Redemption
Leah had 9/10 answers correct, and she linked back to my giveaway, giving her 5 entries in the drawing!
Thanks again to everyone who played.
But, the real winner is Leah!!! E-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com to name and claim your prize! (Any $50 gift card I can get at Safeway - name it and it's yours!)
Thanks for all of you who played! This was fun. I may have to do it again sometime!
Here are the answers, in case you were wondering!
1. "Everybody lies." - Greg House, from House
2. "We don't want a good principal! We want Mr. Clark!" - Sams, from Lean on Me
3. "I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage from Mythbusters
4. "But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." - Barack Obama, President Elect
5. "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain." - Julius, from Remember the Titans (Hands down, this is my all time favorite line from any movie!)
6. "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks." - Scout, from To Kill a Mockingbird
7. "There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Hamlet
8. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!" - Clairee Belcher, from Steel Magnolias
9. "That's right, I stepped up! She's my friend and she needed help! If I had to, I'd pee on any one of you!" - Joey, from Friends
10. "Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Shawshank Redemption
Leah had 9/10 answers correct, and she linked back to my giveaway, giving her 5 entries in the drawing!
Thanks again to everyone who played.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
On the other hand.
My freshmen have been writing persuasive essays for the last two weeks. On Monday, we were looking closely at transitions. Most of them still use simple transitions, like first, second, third, etc. and are ready to move on to more sophisticated verbiage.
I gave them a sample essay with the transitions removed, and had them fill in the blanks on their own. Then, as a class, we worked them out together. At one point, I called on J for his answer, and he suggested we use "On the other hand" at that particular spot. It was a nice effort, but grammatically it didn't work. I said, "Hmm. I like that transition, but I don't think it works right here. Can anyone tell me why?"
K pipes up with, "Well, 'on the other hand' means you're going to say something opposite of what you just said. But in this case, what comes next is still on the same hand!"
Well, kinda.
Winner of my Giving Thanks Giveaway to be announced soon!
I gave them a sample essay with the transitions removed, and had them fill in the blanks on their own. Then, as a class, we worked them out together. At one point, I called on J for his answer, and he suggested we use "On the other hand" at that particular spot. It was a nice effort, but grammatically it didn't work. I said, "Hmm. I like that transition, but I don't think it works right here. Can anyone tell me why?"
K pipes up with, "Well, 'on the other hand' means you're going to say something opposite of what you just said. But in this case, what comes next is still on the same hand!"
Well, kinda.
Winner of my Giving Thanks Giveaway to be announced soon!
Monday, November 24, 2008
C'mon, now, haven't we learned ANYTHING?
Okay, people, any Survivor fans out there? I have got to tell you that I am beyond annoyed with the whole fake immunity idol thing... Last Thursday there was yet another fake immunity idol played. You can read about it here. I was working on my poor, neglected blog, and had my back to the television, only half listening to what was going on. When they got to Tribal Council, I focused in a little more. It's the most important part of the show, you know. It's where all the strategizing and scheming plays out.
Well, Randy got played. Yet another idiot played yet another fake immunity idol. This one, at least, was more convincing than the stick. Remember that? That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
But back to my point. I think in SEVENTEEN seasons of Survivor, this game should be old hat by now. Don't. Trust. Anyone.
Ever.
Why, oh why, do people continuously make the same mistakes? I think I watch this show because it's an intriguing study of the human psyche. (That makes me sound kinda smart, huh?) I'm hooked on the way people continue to do the same things over and over and over, seemingly without learning a darn thing. Even a rat in a maze will only slam his nose into a wall a finite number of times before he figures another way out. C'mon already.
Unless you find the immunity idol yourself, don't use it. And even then you should carefully consider your options. You know the old saying, it's better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt? Yeah, it pretty much applies here, too.
So if you're ever on Survivor, do me a favor and leave the hidden immunity idol hidden, okay?
P.S. I'm hosting my first ever contest / giveaway! Be sure you read yesterday's post and make some guesses! Tell your bloggy friends!
Well, Randy got played. Yet another idiot played yet another fake immunity idol. This one, at least, was more convincing than the stick. Remember that? That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
But back to my point. I think in SEVENTEEN seasons of Survivor, this game should be old hat by now. Don't. Trust. Anyone.
Ever.
Why, oh why, do people continuously make the same mistakes? I think I watch this show because it's an intriguing study of the human psyche. (That makes me sound kinda smart, huh?) I'm hooked on the way people continue to do the same things over and over and over, seemingly without learning a darn thing. Even a rat in a maze will only slam his nose into a wall a finite number of times before he figures another way out. C'mon already.
Unless you find the immunity idol yourself, don't use it. And even then you should carefully consider your options. You know the old saying, it's better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt? Yeah, it pretty much applies here, too.
So if you're ever on Survivor, do me a favor and leave the hidden immunity idol hidden, okay?
P.S. I'm hosting my first ever contest / giveaway! Be sure you read yesterday's post and make some guesses! Tell your bloggy friends!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks Giveaway
The other day, I got up rather early on a Saturday, and one of my favorite movies was on TBS. I immediately grabbed a blanket and a bottle of water, and hunkered down to watch. J was still sleeping, though, and before the end of the movie I was lonely. So I got up, and wandered back to the bedroom and snuggled back in under the covers. Then I turned on the television. J was not happy with me...at first.
After awhile, he put on his glasses and watched the end of the movie with me. He was awake in time to catch one of my favorite lines in that movie. It makes me laugh and cry all at the same time.
When the movie was over, we got up and started our morning. Then we went to the last football game of the season for SHS. They had an undefeated season until that day, the first round of the state playoffs. Unfortunately, it was a loser out game, and now they're out. It always makes me sad when football season is over.
While the game was going on, my mind kept replaying that line from the movie over and over and over again. Then I started thinking about how sometimes there are lines that just stick with you for some reason. This happens to me a lot. I have all kinds of random trivia floating around in my gray matter. Then all of a sudden I had all of these random lines with no context running through my head. I needed to share it all with someone, and J was busy watching the football game and ignoring me. So, I have decided to share it with you.
Because it is the beginning of the season of giving, and giving thanks, I decided that instead of just sharing my random trivia with you, I would share it AND a $50 gift card to either Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, or iTunes (or any other store for which I can get a gift card from Safeway)!! You can keep it for yourself, or give it as a gift this season! Whatever floats your boat.
I am thankful for this outlet with which I am able to release much of the randomness from my head.
Here's how it works. I'm going to share some of my favorite lines with you, but be warned: I'm random. The lines are from books, movies, television shows and even a politician's speech. All you have to do is figure out where the lines come from! I will randomly select the winner from the entries. In the comments section, make your guesses. You only have to have one right to be considered for the gift card drawing, but for every two answers you get correct, you'll get an extra entry.
There's one that's a total giveaway, so everyone should have a shot at a $50 gift card!
Ready? Good. Remember, these lines come from books, television, movies, and speeches. They shouldn't be too difficult to figure out! Many of the answers (or clues to the answers) can be found in previous blog entries.
1. "Everybody lies."
2. "We don't want a good principal! We want Mr. Clark!"
3. "I reject your reality and substitute my own."
4. "But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope."
5. "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain."
6. "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."
7. "There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
8. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!"
9. "That's right, I stepped up! She's my friend and she needed help! If I had to, I'd pee on any one of you!"
10. "Get busy living, or get busy dying."
I've never done this before, so we'll play it by ear as we go, okay? If I've done something wrong or silly here, I'll let you know before I make changes. I do know there should be some rules, so here they are.
The rules:
1. Only one entry per person. For every two correct answers, you get another entry in the random drawing.
2. All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, November 26th, 5 p.m. PST. Winners will be announced here shortly thereafter. (*But be patient...J and I do a lot of traveling over the holidays! I'll get to it as soon as humanly possible.)
3. The winner will be chosen at random from all entries with at least one correct answer. *Tell your friends about this giveaway! The more the merrier! If you link back to this post on your blog, it will get you yet another entry in the drawing! (Just be sure you let me know. Either leave me a message here, or e-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com)
Good luck!
After awhile, he put on his glasses and watched the end of the movie with me. He was awake in time to catch one of my favorite lines in that movie. It makes me laugh and cry all at the same time.
When the movie was over, we got up and started our morning. Then we went to the last football game of the season for SHS. They had an undefeated season until that day, the first round of the state playoffs. Unfortunately, it was a loser out game, and now they're out. It always makes me sad when football season is over.
While the game was going on, my mind kept replaying that line from the movie over and over and over again. Then I started thinking about how sometimes there are lines that just stick with you for some reason. This happens to me a lot. I have all kinds of random trivia floating around in my gray matter. Then all of a sudden I had all of these random lines with no context running through my head. I needed to share it all with someone, and J was busy watching the football game and ignoring me. So, I have decided to share it with you.
Because it is the beginning of the season of giving, and giving thanks, I decided that instead of just sharing my random trivia with you, I would share it AND a $50 gift card to either Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, or iTunes (or any other store for which I can get a gift card from Safeway)!! You can keep it for yourself, or give it as a gift this season! Whatever floats your boat.
I am thankful for this outlet with which I am able to release much of the randomness from my head.
Here's how it works. I'm going to share some of my favorite lines with you, but be warned: I'm random. The lines are from books, movies, television shows and even a politician's speech. All you have to do is figure out where the lines come from! I will randomly select the winner from the entries. In the comments section, make your guesses. You only have to have one right to be considered for the gift card drawing, but for every two answers you get correct, you'll get an extra entry.
There's one that's a total giveaway, so everyone should have a shot at a $50 gift card!
Ready? Good. Remember, these lines come from books, television, movies, and speeches. They shouldn't be too difficult to figure out! Many of the answers (or clues to the answers) can be found in previous blog entries.
1. "Everybody lies."
2. "We don't want a good principal! We want Mr. Clark!"
3. "I reject your reality and substitute my own."
4. "But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope."
5. "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain."
6. "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."
7. "There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
8. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!"
9. "That's right, I stepped up! She's my friend and she needed help! If I had to, I'd pee on any one of you!"
10. "Get busy living, or get busy dying."
I've never done this before, so we'll play it by ear as we go, okay? If I've done something wrong or silly here, I'll let you know before I make changes. I do know there should be some rules, so here they are.
The rules:
1. Only one entry per person. For every two correct answers, you get another entry in the random drawing.
2. All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, November 26th, 5 p.m. PST. Winners will be announced here shortly thereafter. (*But be patient...J and I do a lot of traveling over the holidays! I'll get to it as soon as humanly possible.)
3. The winner will be chosen at random from all entries with at least one correct answer. *Tell your friends about this giveaway! The more the merrier! If you link back to this post on your blog, it will get you yet another entry in the drawing! (Just be sure you let me know. Either leave me a message here, or e-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com)
Good luck!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Confessions
I am so embarrassed. I can't believe I'm really going to admit this, and in such a public forum.
I'll admit it: I've read Twilight. Twice. There, I feel better now that I've disclosed myself to you.
No I don't. There's more.
I've also read New Moon. And Eclipse. Oh, and Breaking Dawn.
Phew. Now I've told you everything.
Okay, okay. I even read The Host.
Oh, heck. I've also read half of Midnight Sun, and will be finished before the end of the weekend. Are you satisfied now that you've gotten all those confessions from me?
I really hate that I read the whole series. I feel like I've jumped on a trendy bandwagon. But, in my defense, I have previously confessed to having a slight addiction to young adult literature. Before this, I was able to say that I only read quality stuff. Realistic stuff. Things like Speak or Hope was Here. Well, there was the Harry Potter series. But I draw the line at vampires, though. And werewolves? Forget it.
But, after I'd done an insane amount of book talks with countless girls on these books, I decided to borrow Twilight from a student. I borrowed it on a Friday during 1st or 3rd hour. By the end of the day, I was about 100 pages in, and totally hooked. I was incredulous. It's a vampire story for crying out loud! But I was so hooked, I stopped at Wal-Mart and bought New Moon and Eclipse as well. By Wednesday of that next week, I was done and eagerly awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn.
Last summer I went and got Breaking Dawn the day after it was released, and took it camping with me. That one took me about three days to get through because we were busy doing other stuff. Now that the series is pretty much over, I'm still sort of torn. There are things I really liked about it, yet there are things that drove me crazy, too.
Things I like:
1. Set in Washington. I've lived in Washington my entire life, and it's always kind of cool when books are set in places you've been. Plus, it made me laugh when I understood why Stephenie Meyer set it in Wa: Washingtonians are so pale, a few vampires could blend right in! Man, can I relate to that! I'm so white I glow during the winter.
2. "Realistic." I've got that in quotes because I struggle with that word a little in conjunction with this book. I'm really not in to vampire stories, but this one captured my attention. Stephenie Meyer made the Cullens seem like normal people with some extraordinary differences. Putting aside the whole bloodsucking thing, as far as vampire stories go, it's intriguing.
3. Jacob. I'm not an Edward fan, I'm totally a Jacob fan. I like Edward, but I am one of the few who likes Jacob better. There are a few reasons why. First, Jacob is warm, and Edward is cold. I'm not talking emotions here, people, I'm talking body temps. I would much rather hold hands with and snuggle up with someone warm and pliable. Cold and marble-like is a total turnoff for me. Plus, Jacob is close to Bella's age. Edward is just an old guy stuck in a teenager's body. I've always been fascinated by all things Native American, too, so that's a bonus for Jacob. Maybe it's because I've grown up in an environment where Native American culture is ever-present, but Native American is better than dead American any day.
4. It makes kids read, especially girls. I can't tell you how many girls I've had to make put books away. They are reading CONSTANTLY. Especially last week before the movie came out. Everywhere you looked you saw the cover of that book. They are obsessed.
5. Decent character development. Obviously the main characters are developed really well, but there are a lot of minor characters that I'd like to know better. I want to know more about Charlie and Renee / Phil especially.
Things I DON'T like:
1. Bella whines entirely too much, and is too clumsy.
2. Though we get to know back stories really well for the Cullens, a lot of Bella's story is glossed over. What was her childhood like that she's willing to give up her entire family for Edward?
3. Edward is too perfect. I know he's been alive for a very long time, but it's seriously annoying that he's perfect at absolutely everything.
4. The fact that Bella plays games with Jacob and Edward. She's not stupid, but she sure acts like it a lot of the time. I was not entirely satisfied with how it all worked out at the end of Breaking Dawn, but I was happier than I thought I would be.
5. The movie posters. Before yesterday, I vacillated between seeing the movie and skipping it solely because of the poster. The poster makes the characters look SO creepy. Sounds silly, huh?? I mean, they are vampires, right? But I'm worried about them being creepy... I had a few seniors who went to the midnight showing on Thursday evening, though, and based on their reviews I decided to go see it. I decided that I was going to make J come see the movie with me, and we invited my friend Laurie to come with us. We knew it was crazy to go on a Friday night, essentially its first day out, but we went for it! There's not much else to do around here on a Friday night now that football is over. Below is the e-mail I sent to J. I had called him at home and asked him to purchase tickets online so we didn't have to wait in two lines. I love to tease him, and this is just another example of the way we interact...
From: Kristina H
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 10:48 AM
To: JH
Subject: tickets?
Did you get the tickets?? I hope so! I have a meeting this evening, but should be home by 6:30ish. We should probably get there a little early. I’m thinking 7:15ish…there will most likely be loads of teenage girls there, squealing and screaming with excitement. You’ll probably hear lots of, “Oh my God! Edward is SO hot!” Or, “Eww…he’s NOT as hot as the book describes him.”
Probably a few of them will cry.
Probably Laurie and I will, too. Not because we’re emotional, but because we’re laughing so hard at the grimaces and eye rolls you’re sure to make with each and every high pitched shriek we hear.
Man, I love you. Thanks for getting the tickets! And thanks for coming with us. And I won’t tell anyone that you’re as excited as I am about this, we’ll keep that between us. No matter how much you deny it, I know you are. I’ll play along in front of your friends, don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.
KH
PS You’ll probably be the only guy there…
PPS I can’t tell you how much I love to tease you. And how much I love that even though you roll your eyes at me a lot, you’ll still do this kind of stuff with me. You’re a good guy.
PPPS Good guy or not, you’re still probably going to be the only guy there.
I know, I know, I'm not very nice, am I? But admit it, you laughed. I sure did. J didn't even bat an eye. He just responded with a note that said he had the tickets. He totally didn't take the bait and ignored the rest of the message, the rat.
Overall the movie was pretty decent. I was amazed at how quickly you get used to the characters’ bizarre appearances. Except for Carlisle and Jasper. They’re kinda creepy all the way through. It’s a shame, though, because I love both their characters. Hopefully in the next movies they will be better, because I would hate to see them stay creepy.
Obviously they cut out a lot of the book, but they kept most of the important stuff in, and covered it pretty well. J has not read the books, but he said he enjoyed the movie well enough, which surprised both of us. While most of the movie was pretty good, there were a few parts that were very cheesy. It is the first vampire movie that I have ever enjoyed, though! I’d rather watch Twilight than Blade any day.
Okay, if I don’t stop here, this is going to be as long as Twilight!!
Make sure you stop by tomorrow!! I have something really cool planned! I’m so excited!
I'll admit it: I've read Twilight. Twice. There, I feel better now that I've disclosed myself to you.
No I don't. There's more.
I've also read New Moon. And Eclipse. Oh, and Breaking Dawn.
Phew. Now I've told you everything.
Okay, okay. I even read The Host.
Oh, heck. I've also read half of Midnight Sun, and will be finished before the end of the weekend. Are you satisfied now that you've gotten all those confessions from me?
I really hate that I read the whole series. I feel like I've jumped on a trendy bandwagon. But, in my defense, I have previously confessed to having a slight addiction to young adult literature. Before this, I was able to say that I only read quality stuff. Realistic stuff. Things like Speak or Hope was Here. Well, there was the Harry Potter series. But I draw the line at vampires, though. And werewolves? Forget it.
But, after I'd done an insane amount of book talks with countless girls on these books, I decided to borrow Twilight from a student. I borrowed it on a Friday during 1st or 3rd hour. By the end of the day, I was about 100 pages in, and totally hooked. I was incredulous. It's a vampire story for crying out loud! But I was so hooked, I stopped at Wal-Mart and bought New Moon and Eclipse as well. By Wednesday of that next week, I was done and eagerly awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn.
Last summer I went and got Breaking Dawn the day after it was released, and took it camping with me. That one took me about three days to get through because we were busy doing other stuff. Now that the series is pretty much over, I'm still sort of torn. There are things I really liked about it, yet there are things that drove me crazy, too.
Things I like:
1. Set in Washington. I've lived in Washington my entire life, and it's always kind of cool when books are set in places you've been. Plus, it made me laugh when I understood why Stephenie Meyer set it in Wa: Washingtonians are so pale, a few vampires could blend right in! Man, can I relate to that! I'm so white I glow during the winter.
2. "Realistic." I've got that in quotes because I struggle with that word a little in conjunction with this book. I'm really not in to vampire stories, but this one captured my attention. Stephenie Meyer made the Cullens seem like normal people with some extraordinary differences. Putting aside the whole bloodsucking thing, as far as vampire stories go, it's intriguing.
3. Jacob. I'm not an Edward fan, I'm totally a Jacob fan. I like Edward, but I am one of the few who likes Jacob better. There are a few reasons why. First, Jacob is warm, and Edward is cold. I'm not talking emotions here, people, I'm talking body temps. I would much rather hold hands with and snuggle up with someone warm and pliable. Cold and marble-like is a total turnoff for me. Plus, Jacob is close to Bella's age. Edward is just an old guy stuck in a teenager's body. I've always been fascinated by all things Native American, too, so that's a bonus for Jacob. Maybe it's because I've grown up in an environment where Native American culture is ever-present, but Native American is better than dead American any day.
4. It makes kids read, especially girls. I can't tell you how many girls I've had to make put books away. They are reading CONSTANTLY. Especially last week before the movie came out. Everywhere you looked you saw the cover of that book. They are obsessed.
5. Decent character development. Obviously the main characters are developed really well, but there are a lot of minor characters that I'd like to know better. I want to know more about Charlie and Renee / Phil especially.
Things I DON'T like:
1. Bella whines entirely too much, and is too clumsy.
2. Though we get to know back stories really well for the Cullens, a lot of Bella's story is glossed over. What was her childhood like that she's willing to give up her entire family for Edward?
3. Edward is too perfect. I know he's been alive for a very long time, but it's seriously annoying that he's perfect at absolutely everything.
4. The fact that Bella plays games with Jacob and Edward. She's not stupid, but she sure acts like it a lot of the time. I was not entirely satisfied with how it all worked out at the end of Breaking Dawn, but I was happier than I thought I would be.
5. The movie posters. Before yesterday, I vacillated between seeing the movie and skipping it solely because of the poster. The poster makes the characters look SO creepy. Sounds silly, huh?? I mean, they are vampires, right? But I'm worried about them being creepy... I had a few seniors who went to the midnight showing on Thursday evening, though, and based on their reviews I decided to go see it. I decided that I was going to make J come see the movie with me, and we invited my friend Laurie to come with us. We knew it was crazy to go on a Friday night, essentially its first day out, but we went for it! There's not much else to do around here on a Friday night now that football is over. Below is the e-mail I sent to J. I had called him at home and asked him to purchase tickets online so we didn't have to wait in two lines. I love to tease him, and this is just another example of the way we interact...
From: Kristina H
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 10:48 AM
To: JH
Subject: tickets?
Did you get the tickets?? I hope so! I have a meeting this evening, but should be home by 6:30ish. We should probably get there a little early. I’m thinking 7:15ish…there will most likely be loads of teenage girls there, squealing and screaming with excitement. You’ll probably hear lots of, “Oh my God! Edward is SO hot!” Or, “Eww…he’s NOT as hot as the book describes him.”
Probably a few of them will cry.
Probably Laurie and I will, too. Not because we’re emotional, but because we’re laughing so hard at the grimaces and eye rolls you’re sure to make with each and every high pitched shriek we hear.
Man, I love you. Thanks for getting the tickets! And thanks for coming with us. And I won’t tell anyone that you’re as excited as I am about this, we’ll keep that between us. No matter how much you deny it, I know you are. I’ll play along in front of your friends, don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.
KH
PS You’ll probably be the only guy there…
PPS I can’t tell you how much I love to tease you. And how much I love that even though you roll your eyes at me a lot, you’ll still do this kind of stuff with me. You’re a good guy.
PPPS Good guy or not, you’re still probably going to be the only guy there.
I know, I know, I'm not very nice, am I? But admit it, you laughed. I sure did. J didn't even bat an eye. He just responded with a note that said he had the tickets. He totally didn't take the bait and ignored the rest of the message, the rat.
Overall the movie was pretty decent. I was amazed at how quickly you get used to the characters’ bizarre appearances. Except for Carlisle and Jasper. They’re kinda creepy all the way through. It’s a shame, though, because I love both their characters. Hopefully in the next movies they will be better, because I would hate to see them stay creepy.
Obviously they cut out a lot of the book, but they kept most of the important stuff in, and covered it pretty well. J has not read the books, but he said he enjoyed the movie well enough, which surprised both of us. While most of the movie was pretty good, there were a few parts that were very cheesy. It is the first vampire movie that I have ever enjoyed, though! I’d rather watch Twilight than Blade any day.
Okay, if I don’t stop here, this is going to be as long as Twilight!!
Make sure you stop by tomorrow!! I have something really cool planned! I’m so excited!
Friday, November 21, 2008
How would you like twins of him?
What is it with people feeling at liberty to criticize other people's kids? Or their parenting styles? Recently I've had two of my very good friends experience this trauma at the hands of others.
Leah shared her experience here. She has a young son, CJ, who is very independent. He is the youngest of three, and quite certain he is capable of anything he'd like to do. As a mother of three, Leah is not inexperienced. She and her two oldest kids came to stay with me and J for a few days a few summers ago (before CJ was even born), and I can tell you from seeing her in action firsthand: Leah is a great mom. Anyway, she was shopping with her youngest, and instead of strapping him into a stroller, she allowed him to be more independent and walk. While she was paying for her purchases, however, she needed to make sure CJ didn't wander off as small children are apt to do. She put him in front of her, and held him gently in place with her legs. CJ, being independent and two, loudly expressed his displeasure. A complete stranger came up and started yelling at Leah and basically accused her of hurting her child.
The nerve of some people. It astounds me. I've been in many restaurants, stores, movie theaters and planes where kids are out of control and their parents do NOTHING about it. In fact, one time I went to Vegas with J, the young kid behind me on the plane kicked my chair continuously. Based on the conversation I could hear, I figured he was really excited to be on a plane. I gave his dad the benefit of the doubt and assumed he wasn't aware that his son was kicking my seat. I turned around and said, kindly, to the little boy, "I know you are excited to be on the plane! I am, too. But when you kick my chair, it hurts my back..." He just stared at me. Dad apologized, and stilled his son's legs. For about five minutes. Then the rhythmic kicking resumed. I waited for a few minutes, but nobody stopped it, so I turned around again and just made eye contact with the kid. Then Dad stopped him again. When it started for the third time, I was really annoyed. Not just with the kid, but with Dad. I almost offered to switch seats with them so I could kick one of their chairs, but kept my mouth shut and endured the longest two and a half hours of my life. You see, it's not my place to discipline other people's kids (when I'm not at work, that is), nor is it my place to critique parenting styles to parents.
It is the responsibility of the parent to parent their child. That's why it was so shocking to me that someone would question Leah's method. Obviously CJ was angry...but he could obviously breathe as he was loudly expressing just how ticked off he was. She didn't spank him, she didn't yell at him, she didn't abuse him - she would never harm her child - so why anyone felt it necessary to comment directly to her is beyond me.
I truly believe that it is the parent's prerogative to parent in whatever method they see fit, as long as they are not hurting their kids.
When there are no parents around, however, I don't have a problem with stopping bad behavior in public places. I honestly think that most kids are not aware of the disturbance they are causing, and if you bring it to their attention, they usually respond politely and respectfully. When J and I go to sporting events at the high school, we are horrified at the number of parents who routinely drop off their elementary and middle school aged kids and then leave. They don't stick around to make sure their kids are behaving properly. In those instances, I don't have a problem telling kids to quiet down, or quit horsing around. If their parents have a problem with that, then frankly, they should be there to do it themselves.
But this phenomenon of total strangers taking it upon themselves to discipline kids when parents are standing right there, or to call into question parenting skills, is not as rare as I originally thought.
I have another friend who we'll call George. George has a young son who we'll call George, Jr. Recently, Junior was enrolled in preschool. While he was there, his parents noticed that he behaved somewhat differently from the other kids. At first, it didn't seem like a huge deal - he doesn't have siblings near his age, and his grandma does day care for him. He just isn't around other little kids that much. Everyone thought that he'd get used to being around other kids and then things would be just fine. Well, things didn't really change, so Junior's parents went to their pediatrician with their concerns. This started a series of appointments with a myriad of different experts, and the long and short of it is that they think Junior may have PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified). Basically it means that he shows symptoms of several disorders (like autism or adhd), but doesn't have enough symptoms of any to have a definite diagnosis.
His parents were devastated to learn about this. Only because every parent wants the best for their child, and anything that could make the child's life more difficult is devastating. Devastating isn't a good word for this. Devastation connotes a sense of destruction. George is definitely not destroyed. She is moving forward with the various experts, looking for ways to help her son. She's a great mom. She's doing everything in her power to make sure Junior is getting everything he needs.
The first expert recommended some dietary changes, and George implemented those changes the minute she got home. This expert also gave George and her husband some concrete suggestions to help with some of Junior's behavioral quirks. For example, Junior likes to feel in control of what he is doing, so the expert recommended that George simply change her wording when she talks to Junior. Instead of telling him to put on his shoes, George now asks Junior if he would like to put on his left or right shoe first. This way everyone wins. George gets his shoes on, and Junior has some say so in the matter.
George has said that the few simple changes they have implemented already have made a huge difference in their daily lives. They still have difficulties, but they are working through them. They are continuing to seek advice from a variety of experts, and are already working with the school district to get him into a specialized preschool program. She feels like it's taking forever, and that she's spinning her wheels, but she's wrong.
I am continually amazed at everything she's doing. Once she got the train moving, George jumped right on and took over the engineer's position. She's doing all the right things, no matter how hard it is for her...and it's hard. She wants desperately for her beloved child to be "normal" - whatever that means. This is not an easy journey, but it's one they must take.
I just want her to know that they are not taking it alone. I love that little boy, too, and so do countless others. We all want what's best for him, and are praying that the experts will continue to have good information and suggestions for helping Junior be the happiest little boy he can be.
In the meantime, though, the hard part about all of this is that for all intents and purposes Junior looks "normal" - like all the other little kids. It's just his behavior that is different. For those who don't know what's going on, it looks like he's out of control, or spoiled.
Recently George and her husband took Junior to a birthday party at his cousin's house. It was not a good day for Junior, and he had a bit of a meltdown at the party. He had a few tantrums, but his dad was handling it. He removed Junior from the situation to let him cool off and calm down. He gets so excited when he's around other kids, that he works himself up and can't control himself.
Junior's cousin's grandma was at the party. George doesn't know her, but has heard that she tends to be a Negative Nelly. Turns out she lived up to this reputation. During one of Junior's episodes, after his dad took him from the room, Negative Nelly asks the room at large, "How'd you like twins of him?"
You can imagine how hurt George's feelings were. I want to go find that lady and smack her. She has NO idea what is going on in Junior's life right now. She had no idea that George, his mother, was sitting close by. She had no idea.
So she had no right to open her mouth.
He's a beautiful little boy, inside and out. Sure, he has some behavioral issues, but honestly, what kid doesn't? His may take a little more work for both him and his parents, but so what? Remember CJ, Leah's son? He's "normal" but even CJ has public temper tantrums occasionally. Big deal. In order to get the good, you have to have the not so good, right?
Junior is not to be defined by his behavior. Nobody should be. Instead, he should be defined by his character, by who he is. And that, my friends, is an amazing little soul. He is kind, generous, smart, funny, inquisitive and sweet. And that's just a start. Spending time with this special little boy makes my heart sing.
So would I like twins of him?
Yes.
Yes.
Leah shared her experience here. She has a young son, CJ, who is very independent. He is the youngest of three, and quite certain he is capable of anything he'd like to do. As a mother of three, Leah is not inexperienced. She and her two oldest kids came to stay with me and J for a few days a few summers ago (before CJ was even born), and I can tell you from seeing her in action firsthand: Leah is a great mom. Anyway, she was shopping with her youngest, and instead of strapping him into a stroller, she allowed him to be more independent and walk. While she was paying for her purchases, however, she needed to make sure CJ didn't wander off as small children are apt to do. She put him in front of her, and held him gently in place with her legs. CJ, being independent and two, loudly expressed his displeasure. A complete stranger came up and started yelling at Leah and basically accused her of hurting her child.
The nerve of some people. It astounds me. I've been in many restaurants, stores, movie theaters and planes where kids are out of control and their parents do NOTHING about it. In fact, one time I went to Vegas with J, the young kid behind me on the plane kicked my chair continuously. Based on the conversation I could hear, I figured he was really excited to be on a plane. I gave his dad the benefit of the doubt and assumed he wasn't aware that his son was kicking my seat. I turned around and said, kindly, to the little boy, "I know you are excited to be on the plane! I am, too. But when you kick my chair, it hurts my back..." He just stared at me. Dad apologized, and stilled his son's legs. For about five minutes. Then the rhythmic kicking resumed. I waited for a few minutes, but nobody stopped it, so I turned around again and just made eye contact with the kid. Then Dad stopped him again. When it started for the third time, I was really annoyed. Not just with the kid, but with Dad. I almost offered to switch seats with them so I could kick one of their chairs, but kept my mouth shut and endured the longest two and a half hours of my life. You see, it's not my place to discipline other people's kids (when I'm not at work, that is), nor is it my place to critique parenting styles to parents.
It is the responsibility of the parent to parent their child. That's why it was so shocking to me that someone would question Leah's method. Obviously CJ was angry...but he could obviously breathe as he was loudly expressing just how ticked off he was. She didn't spank him, she didn't yell at him, she didn't abuse him - she would never harm her child - so why anyone felt it necessary to comment directly to her is beyond me.
I truly believe that it is the parent's prerogative to parent in whatever method they see fit, as long as they are not hurting their kids.
When there are no parents around, however, I don't have a problem with stopping bad behavior in public places. I honestly think that most kids are not aware of the disturbance they are causing, and if you bring it to their attention, they usually respond politely and respectfully. When J and I go to sporting events at the high school, we are horrified at the number of parents who routinely drop off their elementary and middle school aged kids and then leave. They don't stick around to make sure their kids are behaving properly. In those instances, I don't have a problem telling kids to quiet down, or quit horsing around. If their parents have a problem with that, then frankly, they should be there to do it themselves.
But this phenomenon of total strangers taking it upon themselves to discipline kids when parents are standing right there, or to call into question parenting skills, is not as rare as I originally thought.
I have another friend who we'll call George. George has a young son who we'll call George, Jr. Recently, Junior was enrolled in preschool. While he was there, his parents noticed that he behaved somewhat differently from the other kids. At first, it didn't seem like a huge deal - he doesn't have siblings near his age, and his grandma does day care for him. He just isn't around other little kids that much. Everyone thought that he'd get used to being around other kids and then things would be just fine. Well, things didn't really change, so Junior's parents went to their pediatrician with their concerns. This started a series of appointments with a myriad of different experts, and the long and short of it is that they think Junior may have PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified). Basically it means that he shows symptoms of several disorders (like autism or adhd), but doesn't have enough symptoms of any to have a definite diagnosis.
His parents were devastated to learn about this. Only because every parent wants the best for their child, and anything that could make the child's life more difficult is devastating. Devastating isn't a good word for this. Devastation connotes a sense of destruction. George is definitely not destroyed. She is moving forward with the various experts, looking for ways to help her son. She's a great mom. She's doing everything in her power to make sure Junior is getting everything he needs.
The first expert recommended some dietary changes, and George implemented those changes the minute she got home. This expert also gave George and her husband some concrete suggestions to help with some of Junior's behavioral quirks. For example, Junior likes to feel in control of what he is doing, so the expert recommended that George simply change her wording when she talks to Junior. Instead of telling him to put on his shoes, George now asks Junior if he would like to put on his left or right shoe first. This way everyone wins. George gets his shoes on, and Junior has some say so in the matter.
George has said that the few simple changes they have implemented already have made a huge difference in their daily lives. They still have difficulties, but they are working through them. They are continuing to seek advice from a variety of experts, and are already working with the school district to get him into a specialized preschool program. She feels like it's taking forever, and that she's spinning her wheels, but she's wrong.
I am continually amazed at everything she's doing. Once she got the train moving, George jumped right on and took over the engineer's position. She's doing all the right things, no matter how hard it is for her...and it's hard. She wants desperately for her beloved child to be "normal" - whatever that means. This is not an easy journey, but it's one they must take.
I just want her to know that they are not taking it alone. I love that little boy, too, and so do countless others. We all want what's best for him, and are praying that the experts will continue to have good information and suggestions for helping Junior be the happiest little boy he can be.
In the meantime, though, the hard part about all of this is that for all intents and purposes Junior looks "normal" - like all the other little kids. It's just his behavior that is different. For those who don't know what's going on, it looks like he's out of control, or spoiled.
Recently George and her husband took Junior to a birthday party at his cousin's house. It was not a good day for Junior, and he had a bit of a meltdown at the party. He had a few tantrums, but his dad was handling it. He removed Junior from the situation to let him cool off and calm down. He gets so excited when he's around other kids, that he works himself up and can't control himself.
Junior's cousin's grandma was at the party. George doesn't know her, but has heard that she tends to be a Negative Nelly. Turns out she lived up to this reputation. During one of Junior's episodes, after his dad took him from the room, Negative Nelly asks the room at large, "How'd you like twins of him?"
You can imagine how hurt George's feelings were. I want to go find that lady and smack her. She has NO idea what is going on in Junior's life right now. She had no idea that George, his mother, was sitting close by. She had no idea.
So she had no right to open her mouth.
He's a beautiful little boy, inside and out. Sure, he has some behavioral issues, but honestly, what kid doesn't? His may take a little more work for both him and his parents, but so what? Remember CJ, Leah's son? He's "normal" but even CJ has public temper tantrums occasionally. Big deal. In order to get the good, you have to have the not so good, right?
Junior is not to be defined by his behavior. Nobody should be. Instead, he should be defined by his character, by who he is. And that, my friends, is an amazing little soul. He is kind, generous, smart, funny, inquisitive and sweet. And that's just a start. Spending time with this special little boy makes my heart sing.
So would I like twins of him?
Yes.
Yes.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
You know it's a good day when...
You pay $1.99 for gas!!!
I can't even remember the last time I paid less than two dollars for a gallon of gas! Woo hoo!!! I do so little driving that the last time I put gas in my car, it was still $3.73!!! And I was excited about that. But this morning? It was the first time I have had a smile on my face as I was filling up my car! I filled my whole car up for less than $50! ROCK ON!
I can't even remember the last time I paid less than two dollars for a gallon of gas! Woo hoo!!! I do so little driving that the last time I put gas in my car, it was still $3.73!!! And I was excited about that. But this morning? It was the first time I have had a smile on my face as I was filling up my car! I filled my whole car up for less than $50! ROCK ON!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Would you like juice with that?
Last Friday the National Honor Society kids put on their annual blood drive for the Red Cross. Every year, the NHS kids organize and host this worthy event. They go to senior government classes and junior US History classes to talk to the kids old enough to donate. (You have to be 17 or older.) They sign up as many kids as the Red Cross can handle. This year they had 163. They take over the back gym, and the life saving donations happen all day.
Typically when you give blood, the Red Cross gives you a cookie and some juice in return. Losing a pint or two of blood isn't harmful to your system, but it does affect you. People are often light headed for awhile after, and it's not uncommon for kids to faint when they return to class.
A girl in my 3rd hour class is the press secretary for NHS, so she was heavily involved in the planning, recruiting, and running of the blood drive. She came back to class one day after having been gone doing some last minute things, to see what she had missed. I filled her in and then asked how the blood drive was going. She was excited and said it was going really well. The only thing they were still worried about was getting enough cookies and juice. I was surprised and asked why they had to get them, didn't the Red Cross provide them? She said they weren't doing it this year. The problem with this is that they didn't inform the kids in enough time to go solicit donations. They approached Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart said they didn't do that sort of thing anymore. They approached Costco, and Costco said sure, but we have to send it to the corporate office for approval. That takes up to four weeks. The kids didn't have four weeks. They approached Yoke's (a local grocery store) and Yoke's gave them two cases of water bottles and a $30 gift card to be used for whatever else they needed.
That's fantastic, and far more generous than any of the other stores were, but seriously. How are they going to do juice and cookies for 163 kids with $30?
K said that they were depending on kids in NHS to bring in cookies and bread and juice. They were hoping for juice boxes or pouches as pouring into cups could be time consuming and create a lot of mess. I told K that I had a box of cookie dough in my freezer that I had purchased from the girls' soccer team fundraiser. I didn't have time to cook them, but if she knew someone who would, she was welcome to the box. She gratefully accepted and volunteered her mom to bake that evening. In all honesty, I probably could have done it, the cookie dough was in preformed little discs that just needed to be dropped onto a cookie sheet, but I hate to bake. I only bought the box because I usually will buy from one kid from most fundraisers.
Anyway, K followed me to my house after school, I gave her the cookies, and she was on her way. When J got home, I was telling him about the situation, and he got kind of righteous. He said, "That's RIDICULOUS! The Red Cross is going to come to your school, use your space, and get TONS of blood from YOUR kids, but then isn't even going to give them juice and cookies? If they were adults at a business I bet they'd have some damn cookies and juice to give away."
I've said that J is one of the kindest people I know, and what followed just further cemented it in my mind.
I could see the wheels start turning in his head, and he wanted to know again how many kids were going to be donating. He asked about the cookies, and I told him that K had said she was most concerned about juice, she thought most people would be bringing cookies.
He told me to get my coat, we were going to the grocery store.
At the grocery store, J picked out enough juice to take care of 70 kids, and told me to take it to work in the morning. All the while muttering about how lame it is to treat kids that way.
When I got to school, there was a pep assembly, so I headed down to the gym. The assembly was in the big gym, right next to the small gym where the blood drive was. I found K, handed over my car keys, and told her there were seven boxes of juice from my husband in the car. She was SO grateful, it totally made my day.
J talks a gruff game, but he's a softie deep down. This sort of thing is typical for him.
Every year SHS adopts approximately 70 families during the holidays. Each homeroom class has their own family to serve. Two years ago, my 2nd hour class was assigned a family so large that we were teamed up with a class just down the hall. There was a mom and eight or nine kids. The oldest was 17 and the youngest was 14 months. My seniors were excited, but a little concerned that they might not be able to get enough stuff, even when paired with the other class. You see, the other class was a group of freshmen, and they seemed to be unenthusiastic at first about this project. It turns out they were mostly intimidated to be teamed up with seniors, because towards the end they really pulled through with clothing, especially.
J was with me at school one evening, and he saw some of the stuff in my room. Then he saw the list taped to the white board that detailed everything the family had said they needed and the gifts they requested for the kids. He asked me a few questions, and then sat down at the overhead and wrote my seniors a note. He told them to keep bringing in food and clothes, and gently used items that would fit the families needs, but that whatever cash they collected amongst themselves in addition to buy the stuff they couldn't get elsewhere, he would match it up to $100.
And he did. The kids in my class alone collected $85, so J matched it for them. They were able to almost completely take care of all the toys themselves! The other class really pulled through with donated clothes and food, so it was mostly just presents that were left. We had one new outfit for every kid, lots of gently worn outfits, and at least two gifts. There was even money left over, so they voted on a $60 gift card to Wal-Mart.
They couldn't have done so much without J, and it was cool to see. He truly is a giant teddy bear, even though he'd rather people think he is tough and scary.
Typically when you give blood, the Red Cross gives you a cookie and some juice in return. Losing a pint or two of blood isn't harmful to your system, but it does affect you. People are often light headed for awhile after, and it's not uncommon for kids to faint when they return to class.
A girl in my 3rd hour class is the press secretary for NHS, so she was heavily involved in the planning, recruiting, and running of the blood drive. She came back to class one day after having been gone doing some last minute things, to see what she had missed. I filled her in and then asked how the blood drive was going. She was excited and said it was going really well. The only thing they were still worried about was getting enough cookies and juice. I was surprised and asked why they had to get them, didn't the Red Cross provide them? She said they weren't doing it this year. The problem with this is that they didn't inform the kids in enough time to go solicit donations. They approached Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart said they didn't do that sort of thing anymore. They approached Costco, and Costco said sure, but we have to send it to the corporate office for approval. That takes up to four weeks. The kids didn't have four weeks. They approached Yoke's (a local grocery store) and Yoke's gave them two cases of water bottles and a $30 gift card to be used for whatever else they needed.
That's fantastic, and far more generous than any of the other stores were, but seriously. How are they going to do juice and cookies for 163 kids with $30?
K said that they were depending on kids in NHS to bring in cookies and bread and juice. They were hoping for juice boxes or pouches as pouring into cups could be time consuming and create a lot of mess. I told K that I had a box of cookie dough in my freezer that I had purchased from the girls' soccer team fundraiser. I didn't have time to cook them, but if she knew someone who would, she was welcome to the box. She gratefully accepted and volunteered her mom to bake that evening. In all honesty, I probably could have done it, the cookie dough was in preformed little discs that just needed to be dropped onto a cookie sheet, but I hate to bake. I only bought the box because I usually will buy from one kid from most fundraisers.
Anyway, K followed me to my house after school, I gave her the cookies, and she was on her way. When J got home, I was telling him about the situation, and he got kind of righteous. He said, "That's RIDICULOUS! The Red Cross is going to come to your school, use your space, and get TONS of blood from YOUR kids, but then isn't even going to give them juice and cookies? If they were adults at a business I bet they'd have some damn cookies and juice to give away."
I've said that J is one of the kindest people I know, and what followed just further cemented it in my mind.
I could see the wheels start turning in his head, and he wanted to know again how many kids were going to be donating. He asked about the cookies, and I told him that K had said she was most concerned about juice, she thought most people would be bringing cookies.
He told me to get my coat, we were going to the grocery store.
At the grocery store, J picked out enough juice to take care of 70 kids, and told me to take it to work in the morning. All the while muttering about how lame it is to treat kids that way.
When I got to school, there was a pep assembly, so I headed down to the gym. The assembly was in the big gym, right next to the small gym where the blood drive was. I found K, handed over my car keys, and told her there were seven boxes of juice from my husband in the car. She was SO grateful, it totally made my day.
J talks a gruff game, but he's a softie deep down. This sort of thing is typical for him.
Every year SHS adopts approximately 70 families during the holidays. Each homeroom class has their own family to serve. Two years ago, my 2nd hour class was assigned a family so large that we were teamed up with a class just down the hall. There was a mom and eight or nine kids. The oldest was 17 and the youngest was 14 months. My seniors were excited, but a little concerned that they might not be able to get enough stuff, even when paired with the other class. You see, the other class was a group of freshmen, and they seemed to be unenthusiastic at first about this project. It turns out they were mostly intimidated to be teamed up with seniors, because towards the end they really pulled through with clothing, especially.
J was with me at school one evening, and he saw some of the stuff in my room. Then he saw the list taped to the white board that detailed everything the family had said they needed and the gifts they requested for the kids. He asked me a few questions, and then sat down at the overhead and wrote my seniors a note. He told them to keep bringing in food and clothes, and gently used items that would fit the families needs, but that whatever cash they collected amongst themselves in addition to buy the stuff they couldn't get elsewhere, he would match it up to $100.
And he did. The kids in my class alone collected $85, so J matched it for them. They were able to almost completely take care of all the toys themselves! The other class really pulled through with donated clothes and food, so it was mostly just presents that were left. We had one new outfit for every kid, lots of gently worn outfits, and at least two gifts. There was even money left over, so they voted on a $60 gift card to Wal-Mart.
They couldn't have done so much without J, and it was cool to see. He truly is a giant teddy bear, even though he'd rather people think he is tough and scary.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thanksgiving Coloring Book!
About two years ago, around this same time of year, I was on the phone with my sister-in-law, C. She was away at school, and looking forward to coming home for Thanksgiving. I was at home, and looking forward to going away for Thanksgiving.
We were both headed to the same place.
But we were on the phone chatting because we like to talk to each other, and, more importantly, we were avoiding our "To Do" lists. Interestingly, though she's in school and I teach school, our "To Do" lists were surprisingly similar: homework, homework, laundry, homework, and a little more homework.
During our conversation I asked my wise SIL for some advice. I wanted to know, from a student's perspective, what I should do with my kids on the day before Thanksgiving. You see, it's what I refer to as a "Stupid-early-release" day. I typically enjoy early release days. I don't enjoy the crazy behavior that comes with any change in the schedule, but for the most part, the occasional early release is a welcome change to the monotony of the same schedule every single day. However, the day before Thanksgiving Break is lame. School starts like usual at 7:30, but we are done at 10:20 a.m. That's less than three hours of school. Figure in six classes, with five minute passing in between each one, and I've got my kids for a total of 23 minutes or less in each class. What on earth can we do in 23 minutes? Honestly, it takes them a good 5-10 minutes to really settle in and focus on what we are doing. That's why so many teachers, myself included, have an "entry task" most days. Get them focused as quickly as possible so we can move on.
Plus, it's the day before a holiday and a mini-vacation, so it takes them longer to settle in. The few that come. An astonishing number of parents take their kids out of school early for Thanksgiving. Some for traveling, but most because they think it's silly to go to class for 20 minutes. My first two or three years I tried doggedly to get "real" work accomplished on this day. But, if half my class is gone, then I'm going to have to reteach the lesson when we come back. I'm not a fan of reteaching something unless I've done it poorly. If kids don't understand something, I'm all about reteaching until they do. On the other hand, I'm not interested in repeating myself because half the class decided they didn't need to come to school.
I've come to accept the fact that real learning just won't happen on the day before Thanksgiving. I'm now stuck (and have been for the last five years) trying to come up with a suitable activity. I want them to stay in the habit of being busy in my classroom. Downtime is never okay. You should ALWAYS have something to do. If we have even five minutes left at the end of the hour I pull out word play activities. It's fun, it keeps their attention, and it's still educational and English related. I abhor down time in the classroom.
Wow. This post is getting far longer than I thought it would be. I talk too much.
So, C and I were talking, and she suggested that I do an art project. (Of course she did - she's an amazing artist!) I said I thought I would like to do an art project with kids, but I wasn't sure what to do. I have freshmen and seniors, but nearly all high school kids love to color, even the boys. Most boys won't admit it, but you should see how they focus! It brings them back to their elementary school days when they still liked school.
I complained that I had been searching the internet and could only find a few things that I liked that I felt I could make copies of "legally" (copyright laws suck). So C volunteered to create a set of paper dolls that I could copy. The kids could color the different outfits and cut them out. I eagerly accepted, with the caveat that I didn't want to take her away from her school work. She laughingly dismissed that notion, and we hung up so she could get to work.
The next morning, I had these in my inbox:
The turkey - he/she is naked right now.
The clothes:
Here is a plain old t-shirt and shoes.
Here is a suit for the fancy Tom, and an evening dress for his lady friend.
A tu-tu for those turkeys who need to dance.
A football jersey for the rugged Toms in the group.
And, of course, every self-respecting turkey needs a good hairstyle / head covering before venturing out into public.
If you want to print these for your own use, C would be happy for me to share them. My suggestion is to print them on heavy card stock so they last longer. My high schoolers are less likely to do a lot of playing with paper dolls so regular paper was okay for them. In fact, a few of my kids glued their favorite outfits / hair on the turkeys, and made them a sort of card for their friends or parents. One girl made a boy and a girl turkey, and then framed them for her boyfriend. (I thought that was a little over the top, but she said it illustrated them perfectly! He was a football player and she dressed up a lot!) Also, before you give them to your little ones to cut out (or before you cut them out if the little ones aren't good with scissors yet), draw in a few tabs so that you have something to fold over the turkey to keep his / her clothes on.
Anyway, if you want to have your own copy of these drawings, e-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com, and I'd be happy to send them to you. (Please just remember that they are the work of C, and give her credit where credit is due!)
We were both headed to the same place.
But we were on the phone chatting because we like to talk to each other, and, more importantly, we were avoiding our "To Do" lists. Interestingly, though she's in school and I teach school, our "To Do" lists were surprisingly similar: homework, homework, laundry, homework, and a little more homework.
During our conversation I asked my wise SIL for some advice. I wanted to know, from a student's perspective, what I should do with my kids on the day before Thanksgiving. You see, it's what I refer to as a "Stupid-early-release" day. I typically enjoy early release days. I don't enjoy the crazy behavior that comes with any change in the schedule, but for the most part, the occasional early release is a welcome change to the monotony of the same schedule every single day. However, the day before Thanksgiving Break is lame. School starts like usual at 7:30, but we are done at 10:20 a.m. That's less than three hours of school. Figure in six classes, with five minute passing in between each one, and I've got my kids for a total of 23 minutes or less in each class. What on earth can we do in 23 minutes? Honestly, it takes them a good 5-10 minutes to really settle in and focus on what we are doing. That's why so many teachers, myself included, have an "entry task" most days. Get them focused as quickly as possible so we can move on.
Plus, it's the day before a holiday and a mini-vacation, so it takes them longer to settle in. The few that come. An astonishing number of parents take their kids out of school early for Thanksgiving. Some for traveling, but most because they think it's silly to go to class for 20 minutes. My first two or three years I tried doggedly to get "real" work accomplished on this day. But, if half my class is gone, then I'm going to have to reteach the lesson when we come back. I'm not a fan of reteaching something unless I've done it poorly. If kids don't understand something, I'm all about reteaching until they do. On the other hand, I'm not interested in repeating myself because half the class decided they didn't need to come to school.
I've come to accept the fact that real learning just won't happen on the day before Thanksgiving. I'm now stuck (and have been for the last five years) trying to come up with a suitable activity. I want them to stay in the habit of being busy in my classroom. Downtime is never okay. You should ALWAYS have something to do. If we have even five minutes left at the end of the hour I pull out word play activities. It's fun, it keeps their attention, and it's still educational and English related. I abhor down time in the classroom.
Wow. This post is getting far longer than I thought it would be. I talk too much.
So, C and I were talking, and she suggested that I do an art project. (Of course she did - she's an amazing artist!) I said I thought I would like to do an art project with kids, but I wasn't sure what to do. I have freshmen and seniors, but nearly all high school kids love to color, even the boys. Most boys won't admit it, but you should see how they focus! It brings them back to their elementary school days when they still liked school.
I complained that I had been searching the internet and could only find a few things that I liked that I felt I could make copies of "legally" (copyright laws suck). So C volunteered to create a set of paper dolls that I could copy. The kids could color the different outfits and cut them out. I eagerly accepted, with the caveat that I didn't want to take her away from her school work. She laughingly dismissed that notion, and we hung up so she could get to work.
The next morning, I had these in my inbox:
The turkey - he/she is naked right now.
The clothes:
Here is a plain old t-shirt and shoes.
Here is a suit for the fancy Tom, and an evening dress for his lady friend.
A tu-tu for those turkeys who need to dance.
A football jersey for the rugged Toms in the group.
For the more politically minded (or vegetarian) turkeys, this protester outfit is perfect.
And, of course, every self-respecting turkey needs a good hairstyle / head covering before venturing out into public.
They were a HUGE hit with my high schoolers. And several of my coworkers who have little ones wanted copies as well.
If you want to print these for your own use, C would be happy for me to share them. My suggestion is to print them on heavy card stock so they last longer. My high schoolers are less likely to do a lot of playing with paper dolls so regular paper was okay for them. In fact, a few of my kids glued their favorite outfits / hair on the turkeys, and made them a sort of card for their friends or parents. One girl made a boy and a girl turkey, and then framed them for her boyfriend. (I thought that was a little over the top, but she said it illustrated them perfectly! He was a football player and she dressed up a lot!) Also, before you give them to your little ones to cut out (or before you cut them out if the little ones aren't good with scissors yet), draw in a few tabs so that you have something to fold over the turkey to keep his / her clothes on.
Anyway, if you want to have your own copy of these drawings, e-mail me at confusaled@hotmail.com, and I'd be happy to send them to you. (Please just remember that they are the work of C, and give her credit where credit is due!)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Eleven years ago today...
Eleven years ago today, J and I went on our first date. Well, sorta. We didn't know it was a date. You see, we were students at WSU and neither of us had a car. My roommate, P, did. It was Veteran's Day and classes were cancelled, so the three of us decided to go see a movie. I don't even recall what movie it was. What I do recall was that when we got to the theater, P would not sit next to us. She said she felt like a "third wheel." This was surprising to me. The three of us would hang out together a lot, and it never seemed like anything other than a good friendship.
I mean, I had a crush on J, but thought we were just friends. He was my friend H's older brother, and someone I liked to hang out with. Apparently P could see something the two of us couldn't.
After the movie was over, we went back to the dorms. J and I talked, and decided that maybe we did want to try dating each other, see where it went. It was on this day eleven years ago that J ceased to be my friend's kinda goofy, but super sweet older brother, and instead became one of the most important and special people I've ever known.
Little did I know that the years would fly by and that our eleventh "anniversary" would find us married and still living in eastern Washington. Life is good. We have good jobs, a cute house that we love, two great cats, good friends, and food on the table. The only thing that would make it better is if we had kids of our own to love. We're working on that, but for now, life is grand.
I love J so much, I can't imagine life without him. Over the last eleven years we have grown so close. I know him better than I know anyone else in this world. I think he knows me better than anyone else, too, and that's a good feeling.
We don't have a stereotypical relationship, but that's okay with us. We are as opposite as they come. Sometimes that's frustrating, but most of the time, I think it makes us better people. We have polar opposite political beliefs. He is tall, and I am not. He likes hard rock, I love country. He likes to work outside, I have allergies and hate it. I love reality television, he can't stand it. I love romantic comedies, he likes sci-fi. I like cold beverages, he likes hot beverages. I like red and pink Starburst, he likes yellow and orange. I like to go to bed early and get up early, he stays up late and sleeps in. The list goes on and on and on.
While we are opposite in so many ways, we are similar in the ways that really count. We love each other. We love our families. We like to laugh, and have similar senses of humor. We value honesty, and strive to be honest all the time. We are hard workers and responsible. The bottom line is that we may be opposite on the surface, but our core values are pretty much the same.
We've had good times and we've had bad times, but we've weathered them all. I look forward to what comes next. Happy "anniversary," J!
I mean, I had a crush on J, but thought we were just friends. He was my friend H's older brother, and someone I liked to hang out with. Apparently P could see something the two of us couldn't.
After the movie was over, we went back to the dorms. J and I talked, and decided that maybe we did want to try dating each other, see where it went. It was on this day eleven years ago that J ceased to be my friend's kinda goofy, but super sweet older brother, and instead became one of the most important and special people I've ever known.
Little did I know that the years would fly by and that our eleventh "anniversary" would find us married and still living in eastern Washington. Life is good. We have good jobs, a cute house that we love, two great cats, good friends, and food on the table. The only thing that would make it better is if we had kids of our own to love. We're working on that, but for now, life is grand.
I love J so much, I can't imagine life without him. Over the last eleven years we have grown so close. I know him better than I know anyone else in this world. I think he knows me better than anyone else, too, and that's a good feeling.
We don't have a stereotypical relationship, but that's okay with us. We are as opposite as they come. Sometimes that's frustrating, but most of the time, I think it makes us better people. We have polar opposite political beliefs. He is tall, and I am not. He likes hard rock, I love country. He likes to work outside, I have allergies and hate it. I love reality television, he can't stand it. I love romantic comedies, he likes sci-fi. I like cold beverages, he likes hot beverages. I like red and pink Starburst, he likes yellow and orange. I like to go to bed early and get up early, he stays up late and sleeps in. The list goes on and on and on.
While we are opposite in so many ways, we are similar in the ways that really count. We love each other. We love our families. We like to laugh, and have similar senses of humor. We value honesty, and strive to be honest all the time. We are hard workers and responsible. The bottom line is that we may be opposite on the surface, but our core values are pretty much the same.
We've had good times and we've had bad times, but we've weathered them all. I look forward to what comes next. Happy "anniversary," J!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa
J and I went to see Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa today with Wall-E and his family. It was cute, but not nearly as good as the first one. The only way I recommend this movie is if you go with a little one...it was fun to see how excited Wall-E got. He was mesmerized by most of the movie. There were a few parts that he got a little bored, but for the most part, he paid pretty close attention.
That's the good part of the review. Here's the not so good part: there is a LOT of adult humor in this movie. I never really pay attention to the double entendres when J and I watch a movie, even if it's a kid movie. They're there and they're funny. But when you are sitting next to a 12 year old, you're kind of hyper aware of them. Of course they go right over Wall-E's head, but Kooky? I think she understands a lot of them...
Overall, my rating is one thumb up. Not great, but not terrible.
That's the good part of the review. Here's the not so good part: there is a LOT of adult humor in this movie. I never really pay attention to the double entendres when J and I watch a movie, even if it's a kid movie. They're there and they're funny. But when you are sitting next to a 12 year old, you're kind of hyper aware of them. Of course they go right over Wall-E's head, but Kooky? I think she understands a lot of them...
Overall, my rating is one thumb up. Not great, but not terrible.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Tagged
Awhile back, I entered a quilt giveaway on Toni's blog. I didn't win unfortunately, but she has since been to visit my blog and has tagged me. I'm supposed to reveal seven secrets about myself.
1. I am very ambitious, but don't follow through very often. For example, look at the rag quilt projects I envisioned. On the day I bought the fabric for the first quilt, I bought enough for two quilts. I finished the first one in less than 24 hours. It was the sock monkey quilt, and it is super cute! The other fabric is Christmas fabric, and I'm still not done with it. I thought last weekend I would sit down and finish, but I didn't. I got two more rows sewn together, but that's it. I don't have the will power to sit down and power through to finish. I hate this about myself, but still haven't figured out a way around it. I know in theory how to fix this problem, but it's easier said than done.
2. I am a rule follower. ALWAYS. It makes me intensely uncomfortable to break the rules. All rules. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, I have this compulsion to do it "right." A good example of this happened just this week. I was in Denver with my principal and some colleagues for a conference. The first day was not going as well as we had envisioned. We thought we were going to get much more time to work together in teams, but the facilitator kept having us break up and go meet with other people. Towards the end of the afternoon she told us to find a partner to discuss something, and my colleagues agreed to just step out into the hall and talk as a group on our own. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I followed directions and found my partner and fumed silently about the time we were wasting that I could have been spending with my group. Then, later that afternoon, it was time for questions and answers. We didn't have any questions, so we decided to just cut out early and go find a quiet place to sit and chat. I didn't feel good about it, but I did it anyway. My boss was encouraging it, so I didn't feel like it was too bad, right? Well, the next day we get back to the conference and found out that we had missed a "homework" assignment. Ack! I was unprepared! I looked around the table and told my group, "THIS is why I follow rules!"
3. I love hanging out with people, but I am intensely awkward and self-conscious. I don't know what to say or what to do around people I don't know very well. Especially at my house. I always wish I could be the perfect hostess, but I'm just not. Not even when family comes around. I either feel like I'm doing too much or not enough. It just never feels right.
4. I never quite feel good enough. I'm always afraid that people don't like me. Or that I've done something to offend someone. I have always wished for the ability to read minds. I'm never convinced that what someone says on the surface is entirely genuine. Which is odd because I am the exact opposite with people: they can trust what I've said. I don't have the ability to lie, so I don't try. Two of my friends have told me that the quality they like most about me is that I am so genuine: what you see is what you get. Maybe that's why I worry about others? I'm not sure where this low self-esteem issue comes from, but I've dealt with it my entire life. Little things bother me, too. Silly things. Like seeing my name disappear from other people's blog rolls. I want to know why, but I don't want to ask. Especially because, really, in the whole scheme of things, it doesn't even matter. The small things don't define me, so why do I let them bother me so much?
5. I like to believe that I am independent, but I'm really not. Other than in college in the dorms, I've never lived by myself. I went from my parent's house, to college, then back to my parent's for student teaching, then to J's apartment. Then we got married and bought a house together. I can run errands by myself, but I'd always prefer some company. When J went on a three week business trip a few years ago, I hated being by myself for that long. Next weekend there is another football game for Southridge (they are undefeated and ranked 4th in the state last I heard!), and J has plans already to hang out with his friends. I'm already thinking about who I can go to the game with because I want to go, but I don't want to go alone. How pathetic is that?
6. I always feel frumpy, no matter what. The only day I've truly felt beautiful was on my wedding day. It doesn't matter how put together I am, or how sloppy I am, I always feel like I look frumpy. I'm not sure what it is I'm missing. I think it's some sort of inner confidence?? I can have a great outfit, and still feel blah...
7. I'm really a positive person. Contrary to the last six items which, honestly, are sort of downers, I consider myself to be optimistic and positive. In fact (I think I may have told you this before, but bear with me), when J and I were dating, his mother referred to us as Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. J is often cynical and pessimistic and I am the opposite. We are a good balance for each other most of the time. I tend to see the glass as half full most of the time, even without trying. When I find myself being negative, I try to balance it with positive thoughts.
1. I am very ambitious, but don't follow through very often. For example, look at the rag quilt projects I envisioned. On the day I bought the fabric for the first quilt, I bought enough for two quilts. I finished the first one in less than 24 hours. It was the sock monkey quilt, and it is super cute! The other fabric is Christmas fabric, and I'm still not done with it. I thought last weekend I would sit down and finish, but I didn't. I got two more rows sewn together, but that's it. I don't have the will power to sit down and power through to finish. I hate this about myself, but still haven't figured out a way around it. I know in theory how to fix this problem, but it's easier said than done.
2. I am a rule follower. ALWAYS. It makes me intensely uncomfortable to break the rules. All rules. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, I have this compulsion to do it "right." A good example of this happened just this week. I was in Denver with my principal and some colleagues for a conference. The first day was not going as well as we had envisioned. We thought we were going to get much more time to work together in teams, but the facilitator kept having us break up and go meet with other people. Towards the end of the afternoon she told us to find a partner to discuss something, and my colleagues agreed to just step out into the hall and talk as a group on our own. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I followed directions and found my partner and fumed silently about the time we were wasting that I could have been spending with my group. Then, later that afternoon, it was time for questions and answers. We didn't have any questions, so we decided to just cut out early and go find a quiet place to sit and chat. I didn't feel good about it, but I did it anyway. My boss was encouraging it, so I didn't feel like it was too bad, right? Well, the next day we get back to the conference and found out that we had missed a "homework" assignment. Ack! I was unprepared! I looked around the table and told my group, "THIS is why I follow rules!"
3. I love hanging out with people, but I am intensely awkward and self-conscious. I don't know what to say or what to do around people I don't know very well. Especially at my house. I always wish I could be the perfect hostess, but I'm just not. Not even when family comes around. I either feel like I'm doing too much or not enough. It just never feels right.
4. I never quite feel good enough. I'm always afraid that people don't like me. Or that I've done something to offend someone. I have always wished for the ability to read minds. I'm never convinced that what someone says on the surface is entirely genuine. Which is odd because I am the exact opposite with people: they can trust what I've said. I don't have the ability to lie, so I don't try. Two of my friends have told me that the quality they like most about me is that I am so genuine: what you see is what you get. Maybe that's why I worry about others? I'm not sure where this low self-esteem issue comes from, but I've dealt with it my entire life. Little things bother me, too. Silly things. Like seeing my name disappear from other people's blog rolls. I want to know why, but I don't want to ask. Especially because, really, in the whole scheme of things, it doesn't even matter. The small things don't define me, so why do I let them bother me so much?
5. I like to believe that I am independent, but I'm really not. Other than in college in the dorms, I've never lived by myself. I went from my parent's house, to college, then back to my parent's for student teaching, then to J's apartment. Then we got married and bought a house together. I can run errands by myself, but I'd always prefer some company. When J went on a three week business trip a few years ago, I hated being by myself for that long. Next weekend there is another football game for Southridge (they are undefeated and ranked 4th in the state last I heard!), and J has plans already to hang out with his friends. I'm already thinking about who I can go to the game with because I want to go, but I don't want to go alone. How pathetic is that?
6. I always feel frumpy, no matter what. The only day I've truly felt beautiful was on my wedding day. It doesn't matter how put together I am, or how sloppy I am, I always feel like I look frumpy. I'm not sure what it is I'm missing. I think it's some sort of inner confidence?? I can have a great outfit, and still feel blah...
7. I'm really a positive person. Contrary to the last six items which, honestly, are sort of downers, I consider myself to be optimistic and positive. In fact (I think I may have told you this before, but bear with me), when J and I were dating, his mother referred to us as Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. J is often cynical and pessimistic and I am the opposite. We are a good balance for each other most of the time. I tend to see the glass as half full most of the time, even without trying. When I find myself being negative, I try to balance it with positive thoughts.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Yes we can.
I have made no secret about my political beliefs here, so I have to tell you that I am indescribably thrilled about what we, as a country, did on November 4, 2008. I am looking forward to the journey we are about to embark on. What I wouldn't give to be in the other Washington on January 20, 2009. I know, and so does President Obama, that there are no easy fixes to the mess we've created over the last few decades, but I believe in him. And he believes in us.
It will take time, patience and a lot of hard work, but together we can make it better.
Yes we can.
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.
Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.
Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.
Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality.
Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.
Yes we can repair this world.
Yes we can.
We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. (We want change.)
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics…they will only grow louder and more dissonant …
We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check.
We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea:
Yes. We. Can.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Lucky
As you know, I am in Denver with a group of my colleagues at a Creating Common Assessments conference. So far it has been a decent trip. The conference is not as good as we had hoped, but the time spent with my colleagues has been quite productive. We are talking about some good things, and I'm excited to see where it all goes. That's the good news.
Here's the bad news: this morning, at about 9:30, my principal got a phone call. He said, "This probably isn't good news," picked up his phone and walked out of the conference room to answer it. The five of us left at the table (four of us are freshman English teachers, and we brought our principal and department chair with us) just looked at each other, worried.
You see, yesterday while we were waiting for the airplane, Steve told us about his mom. He'd just been to see her last week because she had been moved to hospice care. She is 82 and has cancer, and she wasn't doing very well.
When he walked back into the room five minutes later, his face was red, but he was under control. He told us, "This morning, 1 a.m. But it's good. The silver lining is that she was in a lot of pain and now she isn't." Then he said, "So what are we talking about here?"
I was speechless. What do you say to someone who just lost his mother? His dad passed away when he was 21, so Mom was it. He very obviously didn't want to talk about it, and he had to step out a few times to make phone calls to his wife and daughter and brothers. Every time I looked at him for the rest of the morning, I wanted to cry. My eyes kept welling up and I had to keep biting the inside of my cheek to avoid the tears.
As I sit here writing this, I'm welling up again. I just want to give him a hug and send him home. But I have to abide by his wishes and keep on pretending like everything is great and all this stuff we're talking about is really important. But in the whole scheme of things, it's not.
Though he didn't want to do a lot of talking about it, Steve did say a few things at different times throughout the day. He kept talking about silver linings, and trying to find the positives in this sad situation. I admire that. It made me think, too, about my own family.
Sometimes it's easy to forget about how lucky we really are. At this time of year, I start to get frustrated and annoyed with all of the travel decisions we have to make. J and I have three sets of parents between us, and none of them live in the same city. It means we have to make decisions about who we are going to go see and when. It's not possible for us to be at all three houses in all three cities in the same day if we want to spend any kind of quality time with any of them.
Our families do their best to make it easy on us, but I suffer from a lot of guilt. I hate feeling like I have to choose between them. I don't like to feel guilty. That makes me cranky. Then I feel guilty that I'm cranky, then I'm guilty that I'm cranky because I'm guilty. Can you see where this is going? It's a never ending and vicious cycle.
I often forget that it's not an inconvenience to have three sets of parents: it's a blessing. There are people in this world who don't have any parents to love them. I have six. And that makes me the luckiest person in the world.
I love you Mom, John, Dad, Mel, Mom H. and Dad H. Thanks for being my silver lining.
Here's the bad news: this morning, at about 9:30, my principal got a phone call. He said, "This probably isn't good news," picked up his phone and walked out of the conference room to answer it. The five of us left at the table (four of us are freshman English teachers, and we brought our principal and department chair with us) just looked at each other, worried.
You see, yesterday while we were waiting for the airplane, Steve told us about his mom. He'd just been to see her last week because she had been moved to hospice care. She is 82 and has cancer, and she wasn't doing very well.
When he walked back into the room five minutes later, his face was red, but he was under control. He told us, "This morning, 1 a.m. But it's good. The silver lining is that she was in a lot of pain and now she isn't." Then he said, "So what are we talking about here?"
I was speechless. What do you say to someone who just lost his mother? His dad passed away when he was 21, so Mom was it. He very obviously didn't want to talk about it, and he had to step out a few times to make phone calls to his wife and daughter and brothers. Every time I looked at him for the rest of the morning, I wanted to cry. My eyes kept welling up and I had to keep biting the inside of my cheek to avoid the tears.
As I sit here writing this, I'm welling up again. I just want to give him a hug and send him home. But I have to abide by his wishes and keep on pretending like everything is great and all this stuff we're talking about is really important. But in the whole scheme of things, it's not.
Though he didn't want to do a lot of talking about it, Steve did say a few things at different times throughout the day. He kept talking about silver linings, and trying to find the positives in this sad situation. I admire that. It made me think, too, about my own family.
Sometimes it's easy to forget about how lucky we really are. At this time of year, I start to get frustrated and annoyed with all of the travel decisions we have to make. J and I have three sets of parents between us, and none of them live in the same city. It means we have to make decisions about who we are going to go see and when. It's not possible for us to be at all three houses in all three cities in the same day if we want to spend any kind of quality time with any of them.
Our families do their best to make it easy on us, but I suffer from a lot of guilt. I hate feeling like I have to choose between them. I don't like to feel guilty. That makes me cranky. Then I feel guilty that I'm cranky, then I'm guilty that I'm cranky because I'm guilty. Can you see where this is going? It's a never ending and vicious cycle.
I often forget that it's not an inconvenience to have three sets of parents: it's a blessing. There are people in this world who don't have any parents to love them. I have six. And that makes me the luckiest person in the world.
I love you Mom, John, Dad, Mel, Mom H. and Dad H. Thanks for being my silver lining.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu...but just for a minute
Way back in August my boss asked if I would like to go to a conference in Denver in November.
I said, "An all expense paid trip to Denver? And I get to take two and a half days off? Of course! Oh, what's the conference for?"
Way back in August when all of this was arranged it seemed like a million years away. It also seemed like a good idea to take a personal day the day after we returned so I could have a nice relaxing day unpacking and getting geared up to go back to work.
Now that the trip is here - literally...I leave at 2:oo this afternoon - I'm still excited about going, and sort of relieved to be getting it over with.
I've heard the conference is amazing, and I'm going with some fun people, including one of my best friends. The only thing is traveling stresses me out, and my principal is way more laid back than I am. I just yesterday found out what time my sub would be coming to take over today. That's cutting it close for me.
I also have no idea what hotel we are going to or if we need to arrange transportation. The bossman says it's all under control and all I have to do is teach and pack my stuff. But I need to know details. I'll train him soon enough, but right now, I'm both excited and stressed.
I'm taking my laptop with me, and I think I'll have access to the internet. But if you don't hear from me for a couple of days, don't worry. I'm not disappearing again, I promise.
But, as I'm sure you've noticed, I've been sort of inconsistent lately with posting. For example, I posted a blog last night at nearly 11:00p.m. Make sure you click on it - don't miss it because I was late!
For now, though, I'll have to say: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu...but just for a minute. I'll be back soon, and I'll bring souvenirs!
I said, "An all expense paid trip to Denver? And I get to take two and a half days off? Of course! Oh, what's the conference for?"
Way back in August when all of this was arranged it seemed like a million years away. It also seemed like a good idea to take a personal day the day after we returned so I could have a nice relaxing day unpacking and getting geared up to go back to work.
Now that the trip is here - literally...I leave at 2:oo this afternoon - I'm still excited about going, and sort of relieved to be getting it over with.
I've heard the conference is amazing, and I'm going with some fun people, including one of my best friends. The only thing is traveling stresses me out, and my principal is way more laid back than I am. I just yesterday found out what time my sub would be coming to take over today. That's cutting it close for me.
I also have no idea what hotel we are going to or if we need to arrange transportation. The bossman says it's all under control and all I have to do is teach and pack my stuff. But I need to know details. I'll train him soon enough, but right now, I'm both excited and stressed.
I'm taking my laptop with me, and I think I'll have access to the internet. But if you don't hear from me for a couple of days, don't worry. I'm not disappearing again, I promise.
But, as I'm sure you've noticed, I've been sort of inconsistent lately with posting. For example, I posted a blog last night at nearly 11:00p.m. Make sure you click on it - don't miss it because I was late!
For now, though, I'll have to say: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu...but just for a minute. I'll be back soon, and I'll bring souvenirs!
Monday, November 3, 2008
You told her what?
A few weeks ago, (it was October 15th if you want to be exact), SHS hosted a career fair. Because I am the Grade Level Facilitator for the juniors (that's just a fancy way of saying I'm the sucker who volunteered to write lesson plans and make copies of handouts for the entire junior class twelve times a year. I've been doing it since they were freshmen - I move up with them so this is the third year I've volunteered for torture), I was lucky enough to help plan and organize it this year. Well, I actually didn't do all that much before hand. Our Career Specialist is amazing, and this career fair is sorta like prom for her. She loves it. All I had to do was create some forms, send them off to be copied, and then go to Costco with her two days before.
The day of the Career Fair I was in the building, but I had a sub for the entire day because I was busy running around doing stuff. I let my kids know well ahead of time, and I let them know that I may have a chance to pop in and see how they were doing (read: check up on them).
It turns out I didn't have a chance to go see them, so imagine my surprise when, halfway through first hour, two of my senior boys come running down the hall yelling, "There she is!! Mrs. H! Mrs. H!"
I immediately thought there was a problem, so I waited for them to catch up to me. When I got big hugs, I got suspicious.
I said, "Hey, A, hey, M, what's up?"
M replies, "Oh, nothing much. What are you doing?"
I said, "I'm working on getting the Career Fair set up. What are you two doing out of class?"
A said, "Oh, we just missed you and wanted to come say hi. Hi!"
I said, "You're ridiculous! The sub let you leave because you missed me and wanted to say hi? Get back to class!"
A said, "Well, we didn't tell her we wanted to come see you..."
M said, "Um, we told her we had to go to a meeting."
I asked, "What kind of meeting? And you've got to be kidding me...she believed you had to go to a meeting? This'll be good. 'Fess up."
The boys flashed big, dopey grins at each other before turning sheepishly back to me.
M said, "We told her we had to go to a TA (*Teacher's Assistant) meeting."
Interesting. We don't even have TAs at SHS.
Boys.
The day of the Career Fair I was in the building, but I had a sub for the entire day because I was busy running around doing stuff. I let my kids know well ahead of time, and I let them know that I may have a chance to pop in and see how they were doing (read: check up on them).
It turns out I didn't have a chance to go see them, so imagine my surprise when, halfway through first hour, two of my senior boys come running down the hall yelling, "There she is!! Mrs. H! Mrs. H!"
I immediately thought there was a problem, so I waited for them to catch up to me. When I got big hugs, I got suspicious.
I said, "Hey, A, hey, M, what's up?"
M replies, "Oh, nothing much. What are you doing?"
I said, "I'm working on getting the Career Fair set up. What are you two doing out of class?"
A said, "Oh, we just missed you and wanted to come say hi. Hi!"
I said, "You're ridiculous! The sub let you leave because you missed me and wanted to say hi? Get back to class!"
A said, "Well, we didn't tell her we wanted to come see you..."
M said, "Um, we told her we had to go to a meeting."
I asked, "What kind of meeting? And you've got to be kidding me...she believed you had to go to a meeting? This'll be good. 'Fess up."
The boys flashed big, dopey grins at each other before turning sheepishly back to me.
M said, "We told her we had to go to a TA (*Teacher's Assistant) meeting."
Interesting. We don't even have TAs at SHS.
Boys.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Happy 21st Birthday, C!
When J and I started dating, his baby sister was just a bit shorter than me and we wore the same size shoe...she was 9 years old and in the third grade.
Today is her 21st birthday.
Holy cow, time flies fast!
In honor of C's 21st birthday, J and I thought we would share with you 21 of the 100s of things we like about her.
1. She's quirky.
2. She's an amazing artist.
3. She's smart.
4. She's funny.
5. She's sure of herself. She always knows just what she wants. (Unless, of course, you're asking what she wants for her birthday or Christmas. Then she is devoid of ideas!)
6. She's never seemed like J's "kid sister." Not even when she was in the third grade. (I'm not sure if that's more a comment on her maturity or ours!) Here is a picture of the two of them we took last Easter. I posted it before, but it's cute and worth posting again!
7. She's loyal to both her friends and her family.
8. She has strong opinions and convictions and is not afraid to stand up for them.
9. She has a knack for keeping the conversation moving.
10. She recently decided on her major...English!! I can't tell you how much that tickles my funny bone! Don't get me wrong, I have NO illusions that she chose her major because of me... I'm so tickled because I'm finally not the only Liberal Arts major in the family!! (Dad and H are engineers, Mom is a science and math teacher, and J is a geologist.)
11. She has a great sense of humor. Here she is at her high school graduation three years ago, showing off her empty diploma cover. (Excuse my orange hair...)
12. She's unique. You should see the bedspread she made when she went off to college. It's this crazy collection of wild patterned fabric that didn't look like it would go together. But when she got it done, it looked really cool!
13. She's fun to talk to.
14. She has extensive knowledge on random topics. Don't ever challenge her to a trivia contest.
15. She taught herself how to play the guitar.
16. She's brave.
17. She has a heart for non-food animals. (Bats, deer, they're all valuable...)
18. She is sarcastic. In this family, that's a highly valued trait.
19. She's always up for an adventure. She's not a fan of this picture, but I think it's really cute. She had gone to visit H in California, and this was taken on a tram ride somewhere after they had gone on some crazy death-march-hike in hot weather. What did I tell you? She's adventurous.
20. She's determined. She won't ever give up until it's done. This was the mess of kite strings that happened when we tried to fly a kite at the ocean a few years ago. The kite went up, sort of, then came down. It never went back up again. But if we had had more time, C would have had that mess untangled and we would have had a flying kite.
21. She's finally 21!!
Happy Birthday, C!! We love you.
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