The thing about Christmas is that it's magical even if you fight it. When C and I began dating, he firmly insisted that Halloween was his favorite holiday. This is fine, really. There's lots of excitement in dressing up, and I find that sometimes people's alteregos should really be their real ones. It reveals a lot about a person willing to dress up in a completely ridiculous costume and then embody it. Nonetheless, I told him, as cliched as it was, that my favorite holiday was Christmas. He responded with, "That's all girls' favorite holiday." We were still early in our relationship, before I was comfortable being a snide asshole with him. So I smiled and told him to simply wait.
And wait he has.
This, our first Christmas under one roof, has presented its fair share of challenges and triumphs.
It is increasingly hard to hide presents from him; he's a snooper and when I lay things out to wrap them, that is the precise moment that he chooses to awaken. He'll stumble out and ask, "Baby, who is this wine for? It looks good." So far, I have lied and pawned everything off on my father. It C was smart, he'd count the presents under the tree and realize that something has got to give.
Initially, it was even difficult to get him to agree to assemble the upstairs tree. "What the hell do we even need two trees for?" he mumbled. This, to any non-Midwestern person, who grew up with siblings, is a logical question. To me, the solid Midwestern, siblingless and (fine, we'll use the s-word) a bit spoiled, seemed ridiculous. I didn't even dignify it with an answer, but told him that I'd found the connecting pieces for A and B. Once the tree was up and lit, however, he seemed to like it. "Should I turn it off?" I'd ask. "Nah, you can leave it on. It makes nice light," he'd respond. I was surprised that he hadn't laid under the tree staring up into the lights like I had as a child. Then I remembered, he was a boy. From Florida.
Last year, C had been uncomfortable with the gift-giving. I will give him that my parents are a bit over the top. They write clues on the gift, they still stuff stockings, they try to find the "perfect" gift every year. His parents haven't really done gift-giving since C entered college. This year, I have gotten to watch him grow excited about presents (although his wrapping skills leave a lot to be desired--it should not take a half a roll of tape to wrap 4 small gifts...) and about giving. It's really a transformation; he sees the purpose in making someone else smile.
We're hosting my family's Christmas extravaganza this year. This means games, white elephant, a ham, liquor, the whole nine yards. I'm not entirely sure that I even understood what we were doing when we signed up for it. But, now that we're in the midst of it, roast beef thawing in my refridgerator, I think we're both excited about it. I can't yet speak to the triumphs (or failures) of this upcoming evening, I'm just hoping that it's going to go well!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas Time.
The holiday season is firmly upon us.
And the best part is the little things. Cookie making party with S and P, C's feeble attempts to wrap packages, and most importantly, the little penguin he built that is lighting up our window. FIrst Christmas together is pretty exciting, I must say.
And the best part is the little things. Cookie making party with S and P, C's feeble attempts to wrap packages, and most importantly, the little penguin he built that is lighting up our window. FIrst Christmas together is pretty exciting, I must say.
Friday, November 20, 2009
In The Week Before T-Giving
I am going to be thankful for things every day:
today, i am thankful for the following:
1. these ridiculous children -- and their ability to think i'm great and magical even though i'm not.
2. fridays
3. record players
4. my book club
5. a three day week next week
6. music--oasis and ingrid michaelson on repeat
7. poems
today, i am thankful for the following:
1. these ridiculous children -- and their ability to think i'm great and magical even though i'm not.
2. fridays
3. record players
4. my book club
5. a three day week next week
6. music--oasis and ingrid michaelson on repeat
7. poems
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Girl on Sunday
She held a yellowed leaf above her head,
like an umbrella, on a sunny Sunday morning
dancing to the beat of stop-and-go cars
and flickering traffic lights.
There is no one in the world but her
and she is frolicking in an April storm.
She jiggled down the street,
knees like doorknobs,
and I watched, aghast at how
little there was to worry about
on a Sunday morning.
I had woken up and breathed in the air,
knowing this would be the last day
when it was too hot for the heated house
in many months. I woke up wanting
desperately to cherish the sun
and the color. Soon it would melt,
like gruel in a pot, like over-mixed paint,
to a gray, greasy, ice-splotched winter.
I took a walk, hoping to remember
the smell of fall, and the reason for love.
Instead I found that girl, impossibly
unaware, imposing in her hopefulness
already looking past snow leaking into
the tops of boots and toward squeaking galoshes.
Only the delicacy of youth
would look forward to the rain. And only I
would wish for a little less wind on a day
that shouldn't have happened anyway.
like an umbrella, on a sunny Sunday morning
dancing to the beat of stop-and-go cars
and flickering traffic lights.
There is no one in the world but her
and she is frolicking in an April storm.
She jiggled down the street,
knees like doorknobs,
and I watched, aghast at how
little there was to worry about
on a Sunday morning.
I had woken up and breathed in the air,
knowing this would be the last day
when it was too hot for the heated house
in many months. I woke up wanting
desperately to cherish the sun
and the color. Soon it would melt,
like gruel in a pot, like over-mixed paint,
to a gray, greasy, ice-splotched winter.
I took a walk, hoping to remember
the smell of fall, and the reason for love.
Instead I found that girl, impossibly
unaware, imposing in her hopefulness
already looking past snow leaking into
the tops of boots and toward squeaking galoshes.
Only the delicacy of youth
would look forward to the rain. And only I
would wish for a little less wind on a day
that shouldn't have happened anyway.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Just Being.
I went back to Beantown this past weekend--for the first time since I left it. I was nervous getting on the plane, worried that I, and the people around me, would be too different, that things would feel weird, that I wouldn't understand or they couldn't anymore. I was bringing C with me, worried that he might not like them. I was flustered about getting judged, or judging. I was extremely scared that people would not understand.
I was wrong.
It was amazing how easy it was to simply be.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should be there....
I was wrong.
It was amazing how easy it was to simply be.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should be there....
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Midnight.
Those dreams, the ones I have where we chase to the cliff and plummet. I am tried of waking up, sweating and grasping when I know that the precipice is imaginary. The dreams that used to be, a smiling mouth, gap-toothed, like an aging cemetery, shook me awoke. I could be reassured by a simple flick of the tongue,
that I was secure. Now, as a lay, clasping the edge of the mattress, in a moment devoid of passion, but wrecking of animal, I wonder what is true and false. Lately, I have lain awake, listening for the familiar reassurance of the city buses, announcing our cross streets. I know, then, that I have two feet, and am grounded. If the bus does not come, I listen for the rustle of leaves, as a car drives by. If there is no car, I hope for a dog.
If there is no dog, I begin to drift surrealist, into a world of walking clocks, and men without faces. You still have your back to me, already shaken and mummified again, from the moment I jolted off the edge of the quilt, inches from the floor.
I repeat and repeat that I am alive. And well. The words mean nothing, when I cannot see the outline of the room.
that I was secure. Now, as a lay, clasping the edge of the mattress, in a moment devoid of passion, but wrecking of animal, I wonder what is true and false. Lately, I have lain awake, listening for the familiar reassurance of the city buses, announcing our cross streets. I know, then, that I have two feet, and am grounded. If the bus does not come, I listen for the rustle of leaves, as a car drives by. If there is no car, I hope for a dog.
If there is no dog, I begin to drift surrealist, into a world of walking clocks, and men without faces. You still have your back to me, already shaken and mummified again, from the moment I jolted off the edge of the quilt, inches from the floor.
I repeat and repeat that I am alive. And well. The words mean nothing, when I cannot see the outline of the room.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Beginning Again.
It's been an extremely long time since I've said anything and I've been too quiet most days.
Either way, school has started again with a fresh crop of students. Happily enough, the older ones have not forgotten me, but it is still saddening to have to build new relationships. Perhaps it is a personality flaw (indeed it is) but I am loathe to accept change.
The new students seem so young, even though I know they are not and the prospect of having to re-teach simple things like not talking while other people are talking and keeping your hands down while someone else is speaking seems daunting. It won't be, soon.
I then often wonder if any of these things stick. But, they do, I guess. I remember my seventh grade teacher telling us that in church, when you're praying, it is disrespectful to just leave your hands lollygagging at your sides. For some reason, her church ettiqute stuck with me, and now, I find myself, even at this age, doing what she has deemed appropriate. Perhaps, ten years from now, some small child-now-adult will find themselves in a board meeting, making sure that tehy keep their hands down while other people are talking.
An interesting prospect.
Either way, school has started again with a fresh crop of students. Happily enough, the older ones have not forgotten me, but it is still saddening to have to build new relationships. Perhaps it is a personality flaw (indeed it is) but I am loathe to accept change.
The new students seem so young, even though I know they are not and the prospect of having to re-teach simple things like not talking while other people are talking and keeping your hands down while someone else is speaking seems daunting. It won't be, soon.
I then often wonder if any of these things stick. But, they do, I guess. I remember my seventh grade teacher telling us that in church, when you're praying, it is disrespectful to just leave your hands lollygagging at your sides. For some reason, her church ettiqute stuck with me, and now, I find myself, even at this age, doing what she has deemed appropriate. Perhaps, ten years from now, some small child-now-adult will find themselves in a board meeting, making sure that tehy keep their hands down while other people are talking.
An interesting prospect.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Israel 2
At a concert in several languages I could not understand,
a friend interpreted the following story told by the singer
to make meaning of the next song. There are too many layers
to be counted, a veritable trifle of confusion.
My uncle was a gentleman to the end. He visited his wife three days before her death in the hospital, dressed impeccably. She was losing her hair, only 35 kilos and hadn't been out of bed in months. He walked in, took off his hat in respect, and said to her, "Yahel, if you weren't my wife, I'd take you dancing and ask you to marry me." So should we all.
All I could think is did her veins stand out? And so,
he began singing in, the gutteral "Ch" noises calling to
someone to explain. I could not, so I sad, eyes welling up,
hoping this translation in strings, and notes, and songs
and salt made enough sense. I wondered when someone
would want to take me dancing. In a wave of fanfair,
cigarettes and words that made meaning to everyone
but me, I could only think about myself. A sea of together
and one note, atonal and confused. What if this song
was joyful, and all I could do is be a million miles
from my plastic seat and cry because of a picture on a bookshelf
of two people sitting on the moon? He, too, would have
taken her dancing. What if this song was a funeral dirge
and all I could hear was Pachabel from forty-six years ago?
She too, wore a crown, but self-proclaimed. But what if
this was the perfect song, to sing about our whispering moment
at the Mill and I didn't know?
Then the final note was sounded and amidst the claps,
which surely meant thank you, I whispered todah, which
was the only word I knew.
a friend interpreted the following story told by the singer
to make meaning of the next song. There are too many layers
to be counted, a veritable trifle of confusion.
My uncle was a gentleman to the end. He visited his wife three days before her death in the hospital, dressed impeccably. She was losing her hair, only 35 kilos and hadn't been out of bed in months. He walked in, took off his hat in respect, and said to her, "Yahel, if you weren't my wife, I'd take you dancing and ask you to marry me." So should we all.
All I could think is did her veins stand out? And so,
he began singing in, the gutteral "Ch" noises calling to
someone to explain. I could not, so I sad, eyes welling up,
hoping this translation in strings, and notes, and songs
and salt made enough sense. I wondered when someone
would want to take me dancing. In a wave of fanfair,
cigarettes and words that made meaning to everyone
but me, I could only think about myself. A sea of together
and one note, atonal and confused. What if this song
was joyful, and all I could do is be a million miles
from my plastic seat and cry because of a picture on a bookshelf
of two people sitting on the moon? He, too, would have
taken her dancing. What if this song was a funeral dirge
and all I could hear was Pachabel from forty-six years ago?
She too, wore a crown, but self-proclaimed. But what if
this was the perfect song, to sing about our whispering moment
at the Mill and I didn't know?
Then the final note was sounded and amidst the claps,
which surely meant thank you, I whispered todah, which
was the only word I knew.
Wailing Wall.
I thought I would come home from the Wall
asking myself, "Where is my God?" And,
like Santa, did He receive my notes for what I would like
for life? Instead, I come back, laden with presents
to ward off the evil eye, like a pagan princess.
I come back to no new messages (of course
everyone knew I was prostrating myself
and could not be reached.) But, as I turned my back
on thick tomato sauce and walked with purpose
away from a wall of margins and lines, I now
wake up too early and wonder if I am too building
a rock on high ground, in order to fall. It is convenient
the lining up of stones amongst the three powers.
It is convenient that the cradle of civilization
was the site of all important events. The same could be said
of my kitchen table. But no one will build a shrine
around it. Except me.
asking myself, "Where is my God?" And,
like Santa, did He receive my notes for what I would like
for life? Instead, I come back, laden with presents
to ward off the evil eye, like a pagan princess.
I come back to no new messages (of course
everyone knew I was prostrating myself
and could not be reached.) But, as I turned my back
on thick tomato sauce and walked with purpose
away from a wall of margins and lines, I now
wake up too early and wonder if I am too building
a rock on high ground, in order to fall. It is convenient
the lining up of stones amongst the three powers.
It is convenient that the cradle of civilization
was the site of all important events. The same could be said
of my kitchen table. But no one will build a shrine
around it. Except me.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Back from Israel.
I loved the trip--I loved Israel. I loved being somewhere unique to me but so not unique to the world around me in my daily life. It was hot, but there was history and a strange juxtaposition of hot pants and orthodoxy. Finally, I loved the coming home. Nothing is quite as fulfilling as that last two minutes of a plane ride when all you can think of is how wonderful it is going to be to sleep in your own bed and eat your own food. Nothing makes you appreciate the ordinary like a break from it.
However, I would very much not classify the trip as a vacation. Without a doubt, this was NOT a vacation. I came back more confused about my religion, my God, and m beliefs than I have ever felt. For the first time, I was challenged in that arena. Moreover, it was a lot of lectures, a lot of thinking--the kind of thinking I haven't necessarily done since I left school. Either way, I didn't come back refreshed or relaxed but, thankfully enough, I'm pretty sure I'm over the jet-lag.
Now, it all returns with a rush. Who to call? When to go into work? What to do next? How to do it? I feel slightly overwhelmed with a project at work. And I'm trying to book a venue, and find a time to go to DC and do 10,000 other things before I go back to work. I'm pretty sure that they're not all going to happen, not in the slightest. But, that's alright in the end, I think.... Either way, I return.
However, I would very much not classify the trip as a vacation. Without a doubt, this was NOT a vacation. I came back more confused about my religion, my God, and m beliefs than I have ever felt. For the first time, I was challenged in that arena. Moreover, it was a lot of lectures, a lot of thinking--the kind of thinking I haven't necessarily done since I left school. Either way, I didn't come back refreshed or relaxed but, thankfully enough, I'm pretty sure I'm over the jet-lag.
Now, it all returns with a rush. Who to call? When to go into work? What to do next? How to do it? I feel slightly overwhelmed with a project at work. And I'm trying to book a venue, and find a time to go to DC and do 10,000 other things before I go back to work. I'm pretty sure that they're not all going to happen, not in the slightest. But, that's alright in the end, I think.... Either way, I return.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Boston Conference?
I've wondered, often, why being a "sixth grade teacher" isn't enough. I absolutely love my job. Even in its most stressed out moments, I still love it because I feel like I am really, actually, doing something for other people. It could be a combination of not only this sheer joy of having people pay attention to me (and what better than 11 year olds who still love learning), to the joy of doing something that for some unknown reason I am both good at, and the fulfillment of reading writing, even if it is sometimes about space aliens and monsters. Many of my fondest childhood moments, when not about a dollhouse, my father or the Redwall books, involve school. I can tell you the name of every teacher I had, and I can tell you what each of them gave me, especially Mr. S, Mrs. S, and Mrs. H. Perhaps I want to give that back.
However, watching the preview for Glee yesterday, I was struck when someone claimed that teaching was trying to recapture the glory days. Perhaps that it why, when I was at once dead set on teaching at my old high school, I am now dead-set against it. It could be that I have lost touch with many of my high school friends except for ANR and EPS, or that my male relationships from there failed so miserably (and thank goodness that they did.) But, I wonder if I struggle with teaching sometimes because it simply seems too easy--it seems like the glory days. I get paid to lay on the floor and read books, to build board games about the Middle Ages, and go to Art Museums.
Granted, I also get paid to write report cards, send heart-breaking emails to parents, monitor bullying, check the lunch room for cruel tween girls, be an advisor, be a role model, grade endless papers ABOUT monsters and aliens, be a spell checker (when I am, indeed, a rather terrible speller) and get my heart broken every June when they leave. Perhaps it is this latter list that is the reason I get frustrated when I try to explain the difference between a teacher and an educator. I don't go home at 3:45 and I'm not looking at this job as a convenient way to have children and still work. This is my life, even more so than a lawyer or a business analyst. I feel invested, differently.
So if it's so great, and so if I've been having anxious dreams about my "babies" moving on and a. forgetting me and b. not being prepared and c. worst of all, me not being anything I thought I might have been cracked up to be as an educator, why then, am I still anxious about telling people at cocktail parties that I teach sixth grade? Why do I seek out opportunities to travel and present at conferences, go to Israel, or write proposals of articles? Is it because I am still not confident enough in myself? Possibly.
Nonetheless, I have just submitted this proposal:
Title: Explorations: Discovering The Self Through Art
Topic: Using a variety of art forms within the guise of a middle school classroom as a mode of self-discovery, exploration, and community building, especially for gifted students.
Brief Description:
Using a protocol created by National School Reform Faculty called “Save The Last Word,” I will present Explorations—a class designed for sixth graders and taught in ability-leveled groups at Bernard Zell Day School in Chicago. “Save the Last Word” allows participants to highlight what was most meaningful to them in a text or packet and dialogue about questions this raised for them and for the larger world. The aforementioned class uses various art forms—from story-telling, to collage, to book-binding, to portraiture and art appreciation—as a means of developing self-identity within sixth graders. I will present the various units of the class—creation myths, a legendary figure unit, journaling, and portraiture (both self portraiture and teaching of how to look at art) through hands on displays of student work and words. Groups will then subdivide, each given a packet of the work that was presented. The groups will then discuss how and if the various art forms allowed students to have a solid understanding of both their identities and their classmates as well as whether or not creating and sharing art together helped to strengthen their community of learners.
Summarize Outcomes for Target Audience:
In a changing, technologically advanced world, it is difficult to know the self during the crucial teen/tween years. It is vital to encourage students, especially gifted ones worried about comparative performance and standardized test-taking, in creative ventures. These opportunities create learning through doing, community, and connection. The class was invaluable developing students’ self-knowledge. Through discussion, participants will use the students’ own artistic work as fodder to create essential questions on providing avenues for self-discovery and definition through a variety of art forms in their own communities.
I hope I get to go! We'll hear back at a much later date...
However, watching the preview for Glee yesterday, I was struck when someone claimed that teaching was trying to recapture the glory days. Perhaps that it why, when I was at once dead set on teaching at my old high school, I am now dead-set against it. It could be that I have lost touch with many of my high school friends except for ANR and EPS, or that my male relationships from there failed so miserably (and thank goodness that they did.) But, I wonder if I struggle with teaching sometimes because it simply seems too easy--it seems like the glory days. I get paid to lay on the floor and read books, to build board games about the Middle Ages, and go to Art Museums.
Granted, I also get paid to write report cards, send heart-breaking emails to parents, monitor bullying, check the lunch room for cruel tween girls, be an advisor, be a role model, grade endless papers ABOUT monsters and aliens, be a spell checker (when I am, indeed, a rather terrible speller) and get my heart broken every June when they leave. Perhaps it is this latter list that is the reason I get frustrated when I try to explain the difference between a teacher and an educator. I don't go home at 3:45 and I'm not looking at this job as a convenient way to have children and still work. This is my life, even more so than a lawyer or a business analyst. I feel invested, differently.
So if it's so great, and so if I've been having anxious dreams about my "babies" moving on and a. forgetting me and b. not being prepared and c. worst of all, me not being anything I thought I might have been cracked up to be as an educator, why then, am I still anxious about telling people at cocktail parties that I teach sixth grade? Why do I seek out opportunities to travel and present at conferences, go to Israel, or write proposals of articles? Is it because I am still not confident enough in myself? Possibly.
Nonetheless, I have just submitted this proposal:
Title: Explorations: Discovering The Self Through Art
Topic: Using a variety of art forms within the guise of a middle school classroom as a mode of self-discovery, exploration, and community building, especially for gifted students.
Brief Description:
Using a protocol created by National School Reform Faculty called “Save The Last Word,” I will present Explorations—a class designed for sixth graders and taught in ability-leveled groups at Bernard Zell Day School in Chicago. “Save the Last Word” allows participants to highlight what was most meaningful to them in a text or packet and dialogue about questions this raised for them and for the larger world. The aforementioned class uses various art forms—from story-telling, to collage, to book-binding, to portraiture and art appreciation—as a means of developing self-identity within sixth graders. I will present the various units of the class—creation myths, a legendary figure unit, journaling, and portraiture (both self portraiture and teaching of how to look at art) through hands on displays of student work and words. Groups will then subdivide, each given a packet of the work that was presented. The groups will then discuss how and if the various art forms allowed students to have a solid understanding of both their identities and their classmates as well as whether or not creating and sharing art together helped to strengthen their community of learners.
Summarize Outcomes for Target Audience:
In a changing, technologically advanced world, it is difficult to know the self during the crucial teen/tween years. It is vital to encourage students, especially gifted ones worried about comparative performance and standardized test-taking, in creative ventures. These opportunities create learning through doing, community, and connection. The class was invaluable developing students’ self-knowledge. Through discussion, participants will use the students’ own artistic work as fodder to create essential questions on providing avenues for self-discovery and definition through a variety of art forms in their own communities.
I hope I get to go! We'll hear back at a much later date...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Summer Blockbusters and Enjoyment.
The past three weeks have been incredibly busy.
However, we have discovered the following amazing places to dine and drink:
Bar on Buena: This little local pace is incredibly delicious and has a lot of different regional beers and drink specials. We discovered it on a Sunday afternoon and ended up staying for their martinis. What? I don't have to go to work on Mondays.
Uncommon Ground: This little coffee shop offers free wi-fi and also dinner and drinks. Most of their foods are organic, or natural, or basically you just feel good after eating them. It maks everything a little more pricey, but the atmosphere is so chill. It bascially feels like if Anthropologie had food; you admire the decor as well as the precise nature that determines everything from the placement of food on the plate to the menu. C and I walked to Dairy Queen down on Southport and ended up stopping off there afterwards just to listen to some music and check out a great vibe.
Walker Brothers: I have been visiting this place since I was a kid. However, one of the first weekends I spend in Evanston with C, he said to me, "So, if you like breakfast, I should take you to this place..." Since then, he and I have known and expressed a mutual love for breakfast foods. We went there this past Sunday (and walked around the Evanston art fair. The most amazing chick I discovered there was Emma Overman. I want one of her pictures so badly. However, C and I don't really have a spare thousand lying around. I just love it so much. It's the organ picture, the first one on the page.) and for the first time, he experienced Potato Pancakes. I capitolize them because I forgot how much I loved them. It's too bad that Walker's is so far away, otherwise, I would come to eat there so much more. Or perhaps that's a good thing...
Wine Tasting: I definitely went to a wine tasting for the first time in the past few weeks. EPS won one at a med school dance and so she invited friends to come with her. We went to WineStyles in Evanston which is structured differently than most places that sell wine. It's structured by taste instead of region or anything else. So, I was able to buy some delicious wine, namely New Age white. It's basically sparkling apple juice. The wine has a little bit of effervesence, which I enjoyed. I also purchased some reds. They do free tastings on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons which might be a fun experience, especially since I discovered that taking the El isn't so bad there! The evening was a lot of fun--but mainly just made me want to high-tail it out to California to go wine tasting. I don't think that's going to happen what with the leaving for Israel so soon.
Speaking of which, I desperately need to buy another pair of walking shoes. Okay, not another, ONE. I need to buy ONE pair of walking shoes. Do we like these [I don't...]? Or these, which I have labeled "chic old lady shoes"? How about these--I believe I am most into these, but I am worried about them being too hot? And finally, there's these which I am pretty sure are NOT what I am supposed to be buying, but are really cute.
Last weekend, we also checked out Powell's in Hyde Park. It is literally the kind of store that you can get lost in (with multiple levels and winding rooms, just like any good used book store). Powell's also has a location on Clarke Street in Wrigleyville which has always been very hit or miss to me (mainly miss) but this trip to Powell's resulted in not only stuff for myself and for C but also for my classroom. I'm incredibly excited about one of the projects that I run throughout the year which involves reading a book about a legendry figure (ie a biography) and I was trying to get away from run-of-the-mill projects on Jackie Robinson (not to denegrate what Jackie has done for the world, but come on people... there are TONS of influencial people out there). This book store had so many great little-known biographies like Isadora Duncan and Ella Fitzgerald. Granted, both of these people are relatively famous but, not really the kind of thing that kids are reading usually.
We also stopped at the annual antique car show in Oak Brook. This was a fabulous experience
since my highly gregarious dad stopped one of the Packard convertible owners and asked him if it would be possible for the man to be our chaffeur during our weddng. We doubted he would simply just rent the car out. He did not rent the car out but definitely said that making a donation to his car club we could totally be driven about for the wedding. I have always thought it would be very neato (come on, if it's a fifties car, we should whip out some fifties slang) to have an old car in a weddng. Now, granted, I have not done much else in the vein of wedding planning... nor do I really like talking/thinking about it. However, that's one piece that's done.
The only other piece of wedding planning that we've got done is that we think we're going to take photographs at Graue Mill... we took some practice pictures to see what we'd think and I absolutely loved it. I'm glad we're starting to get a few things under control. Part of me wishes we could just run away to Ireland. Heh.
This past weekend, we threw a shindig at our very own house. There was much grilling,
much drinking of wine and general happiness. ANR and her boyfriend came up for the evening, which is fun. Now that there's a place for them to stay the night, it's a lot easier for them to come up. On Saturday, we watched my godparents' son get married; they were actually not too pleased with the church service. Apparently the priest was a little flippiant and you couldn't even hear their vows. However, her dress was lovely and the evening was nice.
In the days leading up to Israel, I'm going to be doing a lot of packing and of course a lot of reading. I need to buy some books on the Kindle; right now, I have a Ken Follett book, which many people have said is a fun read for someone who teaches the Middle Ages. It's a chunky read, though. I also purchased a book on the Mob which I think might be a nice respite from serious learning. (: Yesterday, while in Evanston, we stumbled around a Borders, and I discovered three our four little books that I think I might want to add to my Kindle, including "The Little Book" and "The Angel's Game". As well as "Broken" (which sounded amazing) and "Let the Right One In" which sounded deliciously frightening.
Finally, I saw this book at Borders, which looks incredible. It's not available on the Kindle (sad for me) but I want to buy it so badly. However, there's a list of about 10,000 books that I need/want to read before then, so no more buying books. However, it looks incredibly intriguing. I've recently read The Book Thief which just made me frustrated that I was not a better writer and City of Thieves which was distrubing and enjoyable at the same time. Right now, I am reading another book for young adults as well as Revolutionary Road which is depressing but beautifully crafted.
Overall, the summer is really shaping up nicely, even without a C and A vacation!
However, we have discovered the following amazing places to dine and drink:
Bar on Buena: This little local pace is incredibly delicious and has a lot of different regional beers and drink specials. We discovered it on a Sunday afternoon and ended up staying for their martinis. What? I don't have to go to work on Mondays.
Uncommon Ground: This little coffee shop offers free wi-fi and also dinner and drinks. Most of their foods are organic, or natural, or basically you just feel good after eating them. It maks everything a little more pricey, but the atmosphere is so chill. It bascially feels like if Anthropologie had food; you admire the decor as well as the precise nature that determines everything from the placement of food on the plate to the menu. C and I walked to Dairy Queen down on Southport and ended up stopping off there afterwards just to listen to some music and check out a great vibe.
Walker Brothers: I have been visiting this place since I was a kid. However, one of the first weekends I spend in Evanston with C, he said to me, "So, if you like breakfast, I should take you to this place..." Since then, he and I have known and expressed a mutual love for breakfast foods. We went there this past Sunday (and walked around the Evanston art fair. The most amazing chick I discovered there was Emma Overman. I want one of her pictures so badly. However, C and I don't really have a spare thousand lying around. I just love it so much. It's the organ picture, the first one on the page.) and for the first time, he experienced Potato Pancakes. I capitolize them because I forgot how much I loved them. It's too bad that Walker's is so far away, otherwise, I would come to eat there so much more. Or perhaps that's a good thing...
Wine Tasting: I definitely went to a wine tasting for the first time in the past few weeks. EPS won one at a med school dance and so she invited friends to come with her. We went to WineStyles in Evanston which is structured differently than most places that sell wine. It's structured by taste instead of region or anything else. So, I was able to buy some delicious wine, namely New Age white. It's basically sparkling apple juice. The wine has a little bit of effervesence, which I enjoyed. I also purchased some reds. They do free tastings on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons which might be a fun experience, especially since I discovered that taking the El isn't so bad there! The evening was a lot of fun--but mainly just made me want to high-tail it out to California to go wine tasting. I don't think that's going to happen what with the leaving for Israel so soon.Speaking of which, I desperately need to buy another pair of walking shoes. Okay, not another, ONE. I need to buy ONE pair of walking shoes. Do we like these [I don't...]? Or these, which I have labeled "chic old lady shoes"? How about these--I believe I am most into these, but I am worried about them being too hot? And finally, there's these which I am pretty sure are NOT what I am supposed to be buying, but are really cute.
Last weekend, we also checked out Powell's in Hyde Park. It is literally the kind of store that you can get lost in (with multiple levels and winding rooms, just like any good used book store). Powell's also has a location on Clarke Street in Wrigleyville which has always been very hit or miss to me (mainly miss) but this trip to Powell's resulted in not only stuff for myself and for C but also for my classroom. I'm incredibly excited about one of the projects that I run throughout the year which involves reading a book about a legendry figure (ie a biography) and I was trying to get away from run-of-the-mill projects on Jackie Robinson (not to denegrate what Jackie has done for the world, but come on people... there are TONS of influencial people out there). This book store had so many great little-known biographies like Isadora Duncan and Ella Fitzgerald. Granted, both of these people are relatively famous but, not really the kind of thing that kids are reading usually.
We also stopped at the annual antique car show in Oak Brook. This was a fabulous experience
since my highly gregarious dad stopped one of the Packard convertible owners and asked him if it would be possible for the man to be our chaffeur during our weddng. We doubted he would simply just rent the car out. He did not rent the car out but definitely said that making a donation to his car club we could totally be driven about for the wedding. I have always thought it would be very neato (come on, if it's a fifties car, we should whip out some fifties slang) to have an old car in a weddng. Now, granted, I have not done much else in the vein of wedding planning... nor do I really like talking/thinking about it. However, that's one piece that's done.
The only other piece of wedding planning that we've got done is that we think we're going to take photographs at Graue Mill... we took some practice pictures to see what we'd think and I absolutely loved it. I'm glad we're starting to get a few things under control. Part of me wishes we could just run away to Ireland. Heh.This past weekend, we threw a shindig at our very own house. There was much grilling,
much drinking of wine and general happiness. ANR and her boyfriend came up for the evening, which is fun. Now that there's a place for them to stay the night, it's a lot easier for them to come up. On Saturday, we watched my godparents' son get married; they were actually not too pleased with the church service. Apparently the priest was a little flippiant and you couldn't even hear their vows. However, her dress was lovely and the evening was nice.In the days leading up to Israel, I'm going to be doing a lot of packing and of course a lot of reading. I need to buy some books on the Kindle; right now, I have a Ken Follett book, which many people have said is a fun read for someone who teaches the Middle Ages. It's a chunky read, though. I also purchased a book on the Mob which I think might be a nice respite from serious learning. (: Yesterday, while in Evanston, we stumbled around a Borders, and I discovered three our four little books that I think I might want to add to my Kindle, including "The Little Book" and "The Angel's Game". As well as "Broken" (which sounded amazing) and "Let the Right One In" which sounded deliciously frightening.
Finally, I saw this book at Borders, which looks incredible. It's not available on the Kindle (sad for me) but I want to buy it so badly. However, there's a list of about 10,000 books that I need/want to read before then, so no more buying books. However, it looks incredibly intriguing. I've recently read The Book Thief which just made me frustrated that I was not a better writer and City of Thieves which was distrubing and enjoyable at the same time. Right now, I am reading another book for young adults as well as Revolutionary Road which is depressing but beautifully crafted.
Overall, the summer is really shaping up nicely, even without a C and A vacation!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
And now, it is summer.
I ordered the following from Amazon.com today
1. Elliott Smith record
2. Rise Against record
3. Season 1 of TrueBlood (shh, I need something to do during the day that's not writing or reading... or yoga)
4. From Dawn to Decadence (for my "book club" with DD)
I am missing SYTYCD tonight--granted it has thus far only been a one week tradition, but most of me does not care. I was way into it. I'm going to have to figure out our dvr so that I can plan for it. I like the show, and I have a feeling I'll like it even more when I can dvr through the yelling woman who screams things about a tamale train.
Today, I am figuring out how to take public transportation up to Evanston with KB. We're meeting up with EPS and going to a wine tasting thing tonight. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain for long enough (which reminds me to grab an umbrella.) It's summer and definitely not feeling like it yet, aside from having nothing to do and getting dressed up on a random Tuesday to go to dinner. Scoozi is one of my favorite places--even if it's overblown Lettuce Entertain You kind of a place. It's quiet and people never seem to be around. Or going to Bar on Buena on a Sunday night with CA. All good things.
It's noon, well, after noon, and the only thing I have done so far is to do yoga, watch the Colbert Report and eat some cereal. I probably should get dressed...
This is why I'm going to work on writing a paper for this conference... I think it's important that I find something to do with my summers. I've also got other work projects to do. So, that's something...
1. Elliott Smith record
2. Rise Against record
3. Season 1 of TrueBlood (shh, I need something to do during the day that's not writing or reading... or yoga)
4. From Dawn to Decadence (for my "book club" with DD)
I am missing SYTYCD tonight--granted it has thus far only been a one week tradition, but most of me does not care. I was way into it. I'm going to have to figure out our dvr so that I can plan for it. I like the show, and I have a feeling I'll like it even more when I can dvr through the yelling woman who screams things about a tamale train.
Today, I am figuring out how to take public transportation up to Evanston with KB. We're meeting up with EPS and going to a wine tasting thing tonight. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain for long enough (which reminds me to grab an umbrella.) It's summer and definitely not feeling like it yet, aside from having nothing to do and getting dressed up on a random Tuesday to go to dinner. Scoozi is one of my favorite places--even if it's overblown Lettuce Entertain You kind of a place. It's quiet and people never seem to be around. Or going to Bar on Buena on a Sunday night with CA. All good things.
It's noon, well, after noon, and the only thing I have done so far is to do yoga, watch the Colbert Report and eat some cereal. I probably should get dressed...
This is why I'm going to work on writing a paper for this conference... I think it's important that I find something to do with my summers. I've also got other work projects to do. So, that's something...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The beginning of Summer.
And just like that, it's over.
That's the shocking thing, really. On Monday, I was stressed, trying to imagine how report cards, literary journal and more were all going to get done in the appropriate amount of time. I was thinking about my long weekend and what that was going to look like. I was thinking about how excited I was for SAI to come, about the addition of a seventh to the wedding party, and about how it seemed like the world would end when the babies left.
And just like that, it was over.
We hugged and cried on Friday, but I tried to remain composed. It was sadder and harder than I thought it was going to be, but I came to the realization that it was necessary. It would not be good for them to hold on to me forever; to grow, they must let go. It was more painful, this time, than last year. Last year, they cried and I carried the secret that I would move forward with them. No such secret here, however. One of the tiny ones gave a speech, talking about what I had done for her. It was too much to even cry; it makes me realize that this is the only thing that I can do. That I want to do.
And just like that, something new begins.
So, I start looking to planning and to Israel. I start looking to next year and how things might look different. I start thinking about those first day jitters and how strange it will be to have to know new names. How my babies are no longer babies. How they will date and hold hands and peck on the cheek. And how I will begin again, reminding people where homework goes and to put their hands down when other people are talking.
SAI was in town this weekend for alumni weekend. I saw extended family at a graduation party. There was much to do and see. I introduced C as my fiance. Things continue to move too quickly or not quickly enough. In the end, they continue moving. It was wonderful to see SAI, to get to speak and be in the same place for the first time in to long of a time. It says something that I was more focused on talking to her than taking pictures of her. To me, that's strange. And perhaps lovely.
I cannot wait to read books. And revel in the fact, finally, that this is my house.
That's the shocking thing, really. On Monday, I was stressed, trying to imagine how report cards, literary journal and more were all going to get done in the appropriate amount of time. I was thinking about my long weekend and what that was going to look like. I was thinking about how excited I was for SAI to come, about the addition of a seventh to the wedding party, and about how it seemed like the world would end when the babies left.
And just like that, it was over.
We hugged and cried on Friday, but I tried to remain composed. It was sadder and harder than I thought it was going to be, but I came to the realization that it was necessary. It would not be good for them to hold on to me forever; to grow, they must let go. It was more painful, this time, than last year. Last year, they cried and I carried the secret that I would move forward with them. No such secret here, however. One of the tiny ones gave a speech, talking about what I had done for her. It was too much to even cry; it makes me realize that this is the only thing that I can do. That I want to do.
And just like that, something new begins.
So, I start looking to planning and to Israel. I start looking to next year and how things might look different. I start thinking about those first day jitters and how strange it will be to have to know new names. How my babies are no longer babies. How they will date and hold hands and peck on the cheek. And how I will begin again, reminding people where homework goes and to put their hands down when other people are talking.
SAI was in town this weekend for alumni weekend. I saw extended family at a graduation party. There was much to do and see. I introduced C as my fiance. Things continue to move too quickly or not quickly enough. In the end, they continue moving. It was wonderful to see SAI, to get to speak and be in the same place for the first time in to long of a time. It says something that I was more focused on talking to her than taking pictures of her. To me, that's strange. And perhaps lovely.
I cannot wait to read books. And revel in the fact, finally, that this is my house.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Explo Night.
Tomorrow evening, the sixth graders will be doing a presentation on what they have learned in the "Explo" class this year. Although I personally have a soft spot for this specific group of children and moreover find them exceptionally loquacious and talented, I cannot help but have the feeling that I might have, at some pint, actually accomplished something with them this year. Back when I read Ellen Winter's book about Gifted Children, I felt the need to reach that 3% of the classroom population that cannot due to time and other constraints be challenged to the fullest extent. With that purpose in mind, I designed this class, hoping that the other students might rise to the challenge.
And rise they did.
Listening to them practice their speeches yesterday and today nearly bowled me over. Quite literally. They have grown so much as thinkers--they ask big questions and they, themselves have grasped the purpose of the class. To hear from their own mouths about figuring out what, exactly, school is for, is not only refreshing but astonishing when they completely nail what school should actually be about--discovering and becoming comfortable with the self. I had a conversation with a group of them as they wrote their "Opposite Papers" last week about why, indeed, they were in school. At times, of course, it has seemed like we are all in school to learn about the Middle Ages or how to speak Hebrew. I, myself, have lamented not having enough time with them to finish project X or problem Y. However, in the end, it doesn't matter if you were able to create a super-amazing or just pretty good board game. Did you work well with your peers? Did you compromise? Did you discover something new? That's honestly the point of school.
So, in the end, I realized that I shouldn't need to care about whether or not they remember what constitutes a portrait. Did they find an art piece that moved them deeply? I don't need to care about whether or not they remember the types of creation myths that we read. Did they come to a realization about the need to create religion? I don't need to know if they rememember facts abou their legendary figure. Did they realize that it is important to be an agent of change in the world?
I attempted to structure the class itself around a series of questions, asking big questions of myself each unit. I think in the end, I should have been asking the same questions I was asking the students of myself. What, truly, does it mean to be me?
And rise they did.
Listening to them practice their speeches yesterday and today nearly bowled me over. Quite literally. They have grown so much as thinkers--they ask big questions and they, themselves have grasped the purpose of the class. To hear from their own mouths about figuring out what, exactly, school is for, is not only refreshing but astonishing when they completely nail what school should actually be about--discovering and becoming comfortable with the self. I had a conversation with a group of them as they wrote their "Opposite Papers" last week about why, indeed, they were in school. At times, of course, it has seemed like we are all in school to learn about the Middle Ages or how to speak Hebrew. I, myself, have lamented not having enough time with them to finish project X or problem Y. However, in the end, it doesn't matter if you were able to create a super-amazing or just pretty good board game. Did you work well with your peers? Did you compromise? Did you discover something new? That's honestly the point of school.
So, in the end, I realized that I shouldn't need to care about whether or not they remember what constitutes a portrait. Did they find an art piece that moved them deeply? I don't need to care about whether or not they remember the types of creation myths that we read. Did they come to a realization about the need to create religion? I don't need to know if they rememember facts abou their legendary figure. Did they realize that it is important to be an agent of change in the world?
I attempted to structure the class itself around a series of questions, asking big questions of myself each unit. I think in the end, I should have been asking the same questions I was asking the students of myself. What, truly, does it mean to be me?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
So close?
Summer's getting close enough that I can almost taste it. Although I am really sad to be leaving work, this definitely has bee a much more stressful year than last year. And of course, as always, I shouldn't complain since my job generally consists of awesome things like field trips and individual conferences. Granted, there's the not as wonderful things too--like worrying about children, and not being a psychologist and not being able to fix everything. But, overall there is so much more that is wonderful than is difficult.
With summer growing closer, both the children and I are growing restless. I had wicked bad allergies today, bad enough that when I lifted my head from the pillow, the entire world was echo-y and spinn-y. Not a good way to begin the day. Since this is the ONE day of the week that I don't teach nearly all day, I called in sick and took some benedryl allergy. Usually, that stuff knocks me out which was why I had so stealthily (and apparently unhealthily) avoided it until now. Within a couple of hours of watching reruns of the Colbert Report, I was feeling a lot better and (lo and behold) able to breathe from BOTH nostrils. Since then, I've been looking about the house, (grading as always), and thinking about what my goals are for this summer.
Trips that I would (ideally) make this summer: Boston (I should be going for a super-sweet conference) and New Hampshire (to see EW, EPC, PL [if she's still there] and my Aunt and Uncle--hopefully C would come out for that part), DC (to see SAI), Athens/Atlanta, and Birmingham (to see C's sister.) It all sounds like a lot of fun, but probably too many $. I also would, ideally, like to go down to Texas to see TM and give her a (long-overdue) wedding gift.
I'd like to organize my closet this summer and finish organizing the second bedroom. We dumped some stuff in here in an effort to just be moved in. Sometimes, it is still strange to think that we won't be moving again for a while. Needless to say, we rushed our moving a little bit so there are some piles that I'd love to get rid of.
I'd like to remove the wallpaper in our kitchen. Massive undertaking.
I'm going to set a goal of doing the wii fit 5 days a week. I love it and doing it has really gotten me in shape; I know it sounds laughable, but seriously! It's really fantastic. I'm trying to sell my parents on getting one.
Mainly, though, I can't believe that there are green leaves and warm weather.
Things that are cool in Chi-town right now:
Pirates exhibit at the Field
Harry Potter exhibit at the MSI (we went this past Sunday, it was amazing)
Relatively cheap Cubs tickets (since it's not sooo warm yet)
Restaurants with new outdoor seating
Uncommon Ground (this past week I remembered how much I love it!)
With summer growing closer, both the children and I are growing restless. I had wicked bad allergies today, bad enough that when I lifted my head from the pillow, the entire world was echo-y and spinn-y. Not a good way to begin the day. Since this is the ONE day of the week that I don't teach nearly all day, I called in sick and took some benedryl allergy. Usually, that stuff knocks me out which was why I had so stealthily (and apparently unhealthily) avoided it until now. Within a couple of hours of watching reruns of the Colbert Report, I was feeling a lot better and (lo and behold) able to breathe from BOTH nostrils. Since then, I've been looking about the house, (grading as always), and thinking about what my goals are for this summer.
Trips that I would (ideally) make this summer: Boston (I should be going for a super-sweet conference) and New Hampshire (to see EW, EPC, PL [if she's still there] and my Aunt and Uncle--hopefully C would come out for that part), DC (to see SAI), Athens/Atlanta, and Birmingham (to see C's sister.) It all sounds like a lot of fun, but probably too many $. I also would, ideally, like to go down to Texas to see TM and give her a (long-overdue) wedding gift.
I'd like to organize my closet this summer and finish organizing the second bedroom. We dumped some stuff in here in an effort to just be moved in. Sometimes, it is still strange to think that we won't be moving again for a while. Needless to say, we rushed our moving a little bit so there are some piles that I'd love to get rid of.
I'd like to remove the wallpaper in our kitchen. Massive undertaking.
I'm going to set a goal of doing the wii fit 5 days a week. I love it and doing it has really gotten me in shape; I know it sounds laughable, but seriously! It's really fantastic. I'm trying to sell my parents on getting one.
Mainly, though, I can't believe that there are green leaves and warm weather.
Things that are cool in Chi-town right now:
Pirates exhibit at the Field
Harry Potter exhibit at the MSI (we went this past Sunday, it was amazing)
Relatively cheap Cubs tickets (since it's not sooo warm yet)
Restaurants with new outdoor seating
Uncommon Ground (this past week I remembered how much I love it!)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
count down
there's only 3 weeks left of school.
there's only about 14 days left of teaching.
bizarre...
there's only about 14 days left of teaching.
bizarre...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Squee. Marriage. Yeah, that's right. Squee.
This has been neglected too long. With the whole business of teaching and long weekends in Milwaukee and short weekends with Bat Mitzvahs, it has been too long. Soon to be back on track.
But, we're getting married, on the short track.
Field museum. Hall of gems. A surprise even though we knew it was existing. (: Really, really happy.
Too happy for sentences.
But, we're getting married, on the short track.
Field museum. Hall of gems. A surprise even though we knew it was existing. (: Really, really happy.
Too happy for sentences.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Prep.
It feels wonderful to be on a break of some sort. I always forget how nice it is, once in a while, to not be at work during the day. This morning, I've been reading a middle school book "Girls, Drums and Dangerous Pie" (the ending of which sent me into a crying jag for ten minutes), drinking coffee and listening to the records that C and I bought last Sunday.
I'm going to clean up the house, take some pictures of it (C's mom has been asking for them pretty much since we moved in and I haven't taken a single one... but, it's starting to actually be something of which to take pictures, if that makes sense...) and run out to have lunch with KF. After that, I'll go to KB's to grade papers and watch the Mets game (ie she'll watch the Mets and I'll grade papers.) Finally, and most excitingly, S and P are going to come over to dye eggs.
I don't think I've felt so good, or so inspired in a long time. I have a massive checklist both for work and for home that I want to accomplish.... and I think with this time off, I will be able to. Which means I'll cruise into the rest of the year, finally, being prepared!
I'm going to clean up the house, take some pictures of it (C's mom has been asking for them pretty much since we moved in and I haven't taken a single one... but, it's starting to actually be something of which to take pictures, if that makes sense...) and run out to have lunch with KF. After that, I'll go to KB's to grade papers and watch the Mets game (ie she'll watch the Mets and I'll grade papers.) Finally, and most excitingly, S and P are going to come over to dye eggs.
I don't think I've felt so good, or so inspired in a long time. I have a massive checklist both for work and for home that I want to accomplish.... and I think with this time off, I will be able to. Which means I'll cruise into the rest of the year, finally, being prepared!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Where Did March Go?
Right now, I'm trying to grade stories while simultaneously watching the Lost World. It's an incredibly horrible movie, asie from the part when the little boy goes to his mother's room and tells her that there's a dinosaur in their backyard. She laughs, until they watch the dinosaur eat their dog. That part, absolutely hilarious. (I searched for it on youtube but could not find it, sadly enough.)
It was lovely to actually get to spend time with CA this weekend. On Friday night, S and P and KB and her boyfriend came over to watch March Madness. The older I get, the more I realize that people are incredibly polarized on March Madness. This year, I am pretty stoked in general, as MSU is in the final four (unnecessary yessssssssssssssssssss). I am also fourth in the pool I did with Craig and first in the pool at work. It's a pretty exciting thing, especially since I didn't do particularly hot in the first round.
On Saturday, I went to a bridal shower. Showers, by nature, are I believe only exciting for the bride (and sometimes for the groom, dependent on how open the bar is). There's no game that anyoen wants to play, there's no small talk that's comfortable while you watch people open knife sets and blenders. It simply is not exciting. The food, this time around was actually delicious and it was wonderful to get to see my godparents, but showers, by nature, make people antsy. That evening, C and I watched more basketball and the X-Files movie (which was incredibly strange and not entirely enjoyable.)
Today was filled with a variety of tasks, including the purchase of this (most of which is still on back order) and a trip to CostPlus. Although C is going to end up being busy a lot of next week, after that, it's going to be over and I cannot wait for it to be so. We are both so much happier when we're together.
This week should be another busy one at work, but I'm excited for our Art Institute Trip on Thursday!
Other:
1. Freak snowstorm today
2. I continue to forget how much I love dinosaurs
3. speakers are finally mounted downstairs
4. Passover break begins SO SOON
It was lovely to actually get to spend time with CA this weekend. On Friday night, S and P and KB and her boyfriend came over to watch March Madness. The older I get, the more I realize that people are incredibly polarized on March Madness. This year, I am pretty stoked in general, as MSU is in the final four (unnecessary yessssssssssssssssssss). I am also fourth in the pool I did with Craig and first in the pool at work. It's a pretty exciting thing, especially since I didn't do particularly hot in the first round.
On Saturday, I went to a bridal shower. Showers, by nature, are I believe only exciting for the bride (and sometimes for the groom, dependent on how open the bar is). There's no game that anyoen wants to play, there's no small talk that's comfortable while you watch people open knife sets and blenders. It simply is not exciting. The food, this time around was actually delicious and it was wonderful to get to see my godparents, but showers, by nature, make people antsy. That evening, C and I watched more basketball and the X-Files movie (which was incredibly strange and not entirely enjoyable.)
Today was filled with a variety of tasks, including the purchase of this (most of which is still on back order) and a trip to CostPlus. Although C is going to end up being busy a lot of next week, after that, it's going to be over and I cannot wait for it to be so. We are both so much happier when we're together.
This week should be another busy one at work, but I'm excited for our Art Institute Trip on Thursday!
Other:
1. Freak snowstorm today
2. I continue to forget how much I love dinosaurs
3. speakers are finally mounted downstairs
4. Passover break begins SO SOON
Monday, March 9, 2009
Gypsies?
Overwhelmed. This is definitely too much of a month. But, tomorrow will be pretty good... I get to dress up like a gypsy for Purim. Sweet.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tahoe 2009
First of all, CA's sister and husband came on Valentine's Day weekend. We actually had a fabulous time, including ribs from Twin Anchor (which I feel like I've linked to before) and chicken fingers at Stella's. We also spent time simply relaxing in the place, which is still a strange and new feeling. I feel as though I've gotten used to apartments much quicker than I've gotten used to this place (since I am still not completely used to it). I don't know if it's the realization that I'm going to be there until WE choose to move, not when a lease is up, or I want to be closer to work or something... it's more a choice than it's ever been, much more permanent as well. We used our spankin' new tv to watch Wall-E which I greatly enjoyed, but did not like as much as Ratituille (spelling is terrible... my apologies.) Either way, we then spent some time on Sunday with my relatives to celebrate the twins' first birthday. We had a fabulous time; it's strange how quickly (and how not quickly) children grow.
On Monday morning, we left for Lake Tahoe. We went in 08, but this year, we skiied more, skiied better and had a more incredible time (except for the hotel--we stayed at Mont Bleu last year which was pretty much the nicest hotel I'd ever stayed in and this year we stayed at Harrah's which is billed as a nicer place [but it's not true]). Our first night there, we didn't ski but simply enjoyed the Lake, the gambling and the food.
We skiied at Sierra the first two days; I especially enjoyed Sierra because it had long winding green trails that I could do easily and enjoyably. The food was also inexpensive and I thought the atmosp
here was relatively chill. It also snowed the first two days so the "powder" was absolutely amazing. I had so much control over my skiis and I was able to stop relatively quickly. However, I should have taken a lesson; I was getting easily frustrated and although CA's tutelage was effortful, if you're not a teacher of something, you just sort of "do" it. He had a difficult time explaining some things to me and by the end of the second day, my feet were tingling as if they were asleep. I figured that I had to be doing something wrong (as well as was panicking about having a lot of work to do over break) so I decided to not ski the third day so he could have some fun on some of the harder hills, the double blacks if you will. (:
The next day, CA skiied at Kirkwood, which he called the best skiing he'd ever done. As soon as I got there, I was incredibly frustrated that I hadn't skiied because it looked amazing. It was also even more laid back than Sierra, with a "local" type bar for apres-skiing and really inexpensive/totally delicious food. I did get all the history tests graded and even more done so it was good that I did not ski, but CA said that he had the time of his life that day. The slopes were apparently just difficult enough to be an enjoyable challenge without being simply a relief that you got down them.
On the last day, we went to Squaw Valley where the 1960 Olympics were held. Although I got some tips from an instructor on the lift that day and, literally in ten minutes, became a better skiier (apparently, it's all about keeping your weight forward to have tighter turns), Squaw was neither of our favorite places. It was decidedly the showiest and MOST crowded of anywhere that we went and it cost us 45 bucks for two cheeseburgers, two fries and a couple of drinks (I wish I was joking, but sadly, I am not.) However, between the two of us, we had a great time because I became a better skiier. I wasn't obsessed with simply getting down, I was pumped to get down and was excited about the way down. We ended up having the best time simply because I wasn't cold, my feet didn't hurt and I was excited about the process.
After skiing, we quickly changed clothes,
discovered that CA had sincere and severe goggle face, and got on a paddleboat cruise around the Lake. We weren't sure what to expect, but CA is fairly obsessed with the fact that Tahoe has a lake (which is relatively a rare view for skiiers apparently) and I had never really gotten to get a full mountain view, so we thought we'd check it out. We had done a full-day package that included breakfast, lift tickets, the cruise and the shuttle to and from Squaw, so we had already been informed about the various areas of Tahoe earlier in the day. The highlight had been being able to get to see the place where Fredo got shot in the Godfather II.
The cruise itself was gorgeous, since it was absolutely lovely weather below (and on) the
mountains. On the deck, it was around 50 degrees until the sun went down. We hung out on the deck during the sunset, drank a drink called an Avalanche which is decidedly delicious but completely horrible for you and met another couple as we kept trading cameras for pictures. 
The scenery was beautiful and although CA's face hurt for most of the night, I spent a ton of time going outside to chronicle the sunset. It was amazing to watch the mountains change from the beginning to the absolutely last tiny bits of sunshine. It's also fantastic that the days are getting longer bit by tiny bit. We felt like even though Squaw hadn't been our favorite on the skiing side, we were excited about how much better I got and how much fun the paddle boats had been.
(view from the shuttle)
The next morning, we took the shuttle back to Reno and went home. Overall, the trip was fantasitc; we both so desperately needed a break and athough things are going to be a whirlwind lately from not only the report cards and the conferences but the rush to the end of the year, it was good that we went. Despite myself, I really am beginning to enjoy nature; now if I could only enjoy report card writing! 
On Monday morning, we left for Lake Tahoe. We went in 08, but this year, we skiied more, skiied better and had a more incredible time (except for the hotel--we stayed at Mont Bleu last year which was pretty much the nicest hotel I'd ever stayed in and this year we stayed at Harrah's which is billed as a nicer place [but it's not true]). Our first night there, we didn't ski but simply enjoyed the Lake, the gambling and the food.
We skiied at Sierra the first two days; I especially enjoyed Sierra because it had long winding green trails that I could do easily and enjoyably. The food was also inexpensive and I thought the atmosp
here was relatively chill. It also snowed the first two days so the "powder" was absolutely amazing. I had so much control over my skiis and I was able to stop relatively quickly. However, I should have taken a lesson; I was getting easily frustrated and although CA's tutelage was effortful, if you're not a teacher of something, you just sort of "do" it. He had a difficult time explaining some things to me and by the end of the second day, my feet were tingling as if they were asleep. I figured that I had to be doing something wrong (as well as was panicking about having a lot of work to do over break) so I decided to not ski the third day so he could have some fun on some of the harder hills, the double blacks if you will. (:
The next day, CA skiied at Kirkwood, which he called the best skiing he'd ever done. As soon as I got there, I was incredibly frustrated that I hadn't skiied because it looked amazing. It was also even more laid back than Sierra, with a "local" type bar for apres-skiing and really inexpensive/totally delicious food. I did get all the history tests graded and even more done so it was good that I did not ski, but CA said that he had the time of his life that day. The slopes were apparently just difficult enough to be an enjoyable challenge without being simply a relief that you got down them.
On the last day, we went to Squaw Valley where the 1960 Olympics were held. Although I got some tips from an instructor on the lift that day and, literally in ten minutes, became a better skiier (apparently, it's all about keeping your weight forward to have tighter turns), Squaw was neither of our favorite places. It was decidedly the showiest and MOST crowded of anywhere that we went and it cost us 45 bucks for two cheeseburgers, two fries and a couple of drinks (I wish I was joking, but sadly, I am not.) However, between the two of us, we had a great time because I became a better skiier. I wasn't obsessed with simply getting down, I was pumped to get down and was excited about the way down. We ended up having the best time simply because I wasn't cold, my feet didn't hurt and I was excited about the process.After skiing, we quickly changed clothes,
discovered that CA had sincere and severe goggle face, and got on a paddleboat cruise around the Lake. We weren't sure what to expect, but CA is fairly obsessed with the fact that Tahoe has a lake (which is relatively a rare view for skiiers apparently) and I had never really gotten to get a full mountain view, so we thought we'd check it out. We had done a full-day package that included breakfast, lift tickets, the cruise and the shuttle to and from Squaw, so we had already been informed about the various areas of Tahoe earlier in the day. The highlight had been being able to get to see the place where Fredo got shot in the Godfather II.The cruise itself was gorgeous, since it was absolutely lovely weather below (and on) the
mountains. On the deck, it was around 50 degrees until the sun went down. We hung out on the deck during the sunset, drank a drink called an Avalanche which is decidedly delicious but completely horrible for you and met another couple as we kept trading cameras for pictures. 
The scenery was beautiful and although CA's face hurt for most of the night, I spent a ton of time going outside to chronicle the sunset. It was amazing to watch the mountains change from the beginning to the absolutely last tiny bits of sunshine. It's also fantastic that the days are getting longer bit by tiny bit. We felt like even though Squaw hadn't been our favorite on the skiing side, we were excited about how much better I got and how much fun the paddle boats had been.
(view from the shuttle)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Suicides.
The young ones are killing themselves these days
it seems, like it is a new drink to order
at a hipster bar on a Friday night as we slouch
decked in tight jeans and flannel. Is it a statement
these droves of suddenly snuffed youth? Or a wash,
white noise we don't even notice
because the drip drip drip of another
just doesn't echo quite so loudly?
The young ones are killing themselves these days
it seems, and I'm not sure if it's quitting
or winning that their act signifies. We can be angry
at their selfishness, their sacrifice. We can question
why they didn't extend arms
or act less brashly. From plummeting off buildings
to pulling triggers. It is momentary.
The young ones are killing themselves these days.
Two in two months, I know on tangent
and brief interaction. One, without focus
or fight, one with designs and drive
and too many eyes for too little years.
I can still begin my days quite the same
from shutting alarms to shuffling quietly
to leaky faucets. My tangets are still
safely far and securely distant.
Soon I will not be the young ones and my eyes
will need more in order to see. The young ones
are disintegrating these days, from age
or lack of it.
it seems, like it is a new drink to order
at a hipster bar on a Friday night as we slouch
decked in tight jeans and flannel. Is it a statement
these droves of suddenly snuffed youth? Or a wash,
white noise we don't even notice
because the drip drip drip of another
just doesn't echo quite so loudly?
The young ones are killing themselves these days
it seems, and I'm not sure if it's quitting
or winning that their act signifies. We can be angry
at their selfishness, their sacrifice. We can question
why they didn't extend arms
or act less brashly. From plummeting off buildings
to pulling triggers. It is momentary.
The young ones are killing themselves these days.
Two in two months, I know on tangent
and brief interaction. One, without focus
or fight, one with designs and drive
and too many eyes for too little years.
I can still begin my days quite the same
from shutting alarms to shuffling quietly
to leaky faucets. My tangets are still
safely far and securely distant.
Soon I will not be the young ones and my eyes
will need more in order to see. The young ones
are disintegrating these days, from age
or lack of it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
First From February
So, last night S and myself and DP went to see Ludo, a band that she turned me onto while I was in Boston. Their rock opera, Broken Bride, was something I listened to over and over while I was studying in Beantown. This summer, their album "You're Awful, I Love You" came out and had such gems as "Lake Ponchatrain," "Love Me Dead" and "Japan It." The concert was full of seventeen year olds and us, which was alright by me. We had awesome stands (I can't really say seats) at The Metro and really enjoyed ourselves. The best part was that I wasn't home any later than I usually would be.
This has been an extraordinarly long week at work, and it's not even over yet. I have to make a phone call tomorrow and because I can't check my work voicemail, I'm dreading what it's about. I also have had several parent meetings and several student breakdowns. Most importantly, we had two cool-neat things this week, though. First up, an author/biographer, Candace Fleming, came to talk to the kiddos. She was awesome, mainly because she really talked to them about the importance of revising and drafting; right now, so many students are at a stage where they don't think their work needs any improvement. So, her showing them how many times her editor suggested that she revise, I think, was excellent for them.
We're also doing major curriculum mapping at the school, which is to some people's chagrin but to my excitement. It's wonderful to watch my plans get laid out and really helps me develop a better plan. I'm on the leadership team for writing, which is really important and exciting to me. Overall, KB and I did some important beginning work today, which was fascinating. I think it's exhillerating to think about how to teach writing; I guess that means I am in the correct profession.
Overall, though, I cannot wait for the week to be over...one more week and then C and I are heading to Tahoe. His sister comes on Wednesday but after that, we're free to (finally) relax together! It's been freezing here, but hopefully it'll warm up (it's supposed to be 50 on Saturday which is pretty much unhead of!) Mainly, I just want to be able to see C; this business at work has really torn me down. I just miss...well, that's for another time. Either way, my job's been busy but his has been hell. It'll all be over soon, though!
This has been an extraordinarly long week at work, and it's not even over yet. I have to make a phone call tomorrow and because I can't check my work voicemail, I'm dreading what it's about. I also have had several parent meetings and several student breakdowns. Most importantly, we had two cool-neat things this week, though. First up, an author/biographer, Candace Fleming, came to talk to the kiddos. She was awesome, mainly because she really talked to them about the importance of revising and drafting; right now, so many students are at a stage where they don't think their work needs any improvement. So, her showing them how many times her editor suggested that she revise, I think, was excellent for them.
We're also doing major curriculum mapping at the school, which is to some people's chagrin but to my excitement. It's wonderful to watch my plans get laid out and really helps me develop a better plan. I'm on the leadership team for writing, which is really important and exciting to me. Overall, KB and I did some important beginning work today, which was fascinating. I think it's exhillerating to think about how to teach writing; I guess that means I am in the correct profession.
Overall, though, I cannot wait for the week to be over...one more week and then C and I are heading to Tahoe. His sister comes on Wednesday but after that, we're free to (finally) relax together! It's been freezing here, but hopefully it'll warm up (it's supposed to be 50 on Saturday which is pretty much unhead of!) Mainly, I just want to be able to see C; this business at work has really torn me down. I just miss...well, that's for another time. Either way, my job's been busy but his has been hell. It'll all be over soon, though!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Scattered.
1. I want to run away to paris. This is not a good choice, but I have vaguely reached the point where I don't think he or I care that it's not a good choice. It's not going to happen, but I wish it was.
2. I am also reaching the point where I just want to throw away everything that is still in bags because it means that we're not using it and it just exists. So, I just want to pitch it. Poor idea.
3. Thank god for S + P. It looks like Salt and Pepper but that's not what I mean at all.
4. At least he hasn't had to go into the office this weekend, which has meant that he actually was able to do a few things around here (never mind set up which still hasn't happened...) but, at least we're getting closer. As soon as the boxes go away, we'll be in MUCH better shape...
2. I am also reaching the point where I just want to throw away everything that is still in bags because it means that we're not using it and it just exists. So, I just want to pitch it. Poor idea.
3. Thank god for S + P. It looks like Salt and Pepper but that's not what I mean at all.
4. At least he hasn't had to go into the office this weekend, which has meant that he actually was able to do a few things around here (never mind set up which still hasn't happened...) but, at least we're getting closer. As soon as the boxes go away, we'll be in MUCH better shape...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Moved In.
It's official; I am sharing a bed with someone for the rest of my life. It's a very odd realization. It's absurdly comforting but it's also strangely frightening.
Friday, January 23, 2009
I must say, whenever I think something might not be fun, it ends up being so. Although this week has been a ridiculous week (and last Saturday feels a million miles away...), I cannot believe how much fun the sixth graders, the chaperones (including MD, KB and myself) and I had on the trip to Camp in Wisconsin. Granted, it's hilarious to bring Jewish kids to a Christian camp (we had an astronomy lesson on Thursday night that ended with scripture verses and a quote "How big is his love" which elicited dirty comments from the supervisors. At least all the scripture verses were Old Testament and thus a part of the Torah. Never mind the fact that when someone asked the instructor whether or not SHE believed that there was life on other planets she answered, "No, because I believe that God made the universe special for just us.") and sing Birkat while we're there etc. But, it was amazing. I never got to go on aventures like this until I was in high school and there were several times that I got a little choked up watching my kiddos talking about each other, sing with each other and interact so nicely with each other. They're growing into such amazing human beings; I feel so lucky that I got to watch, and continue to get to.
We did tons of outdoor activites (none of which, except the sunset horseback riding, which was rather cold, was I remotely grumpy about) and I let myself get tackled in the snow. MD, a substitute who is turning out to be one of my favorite people AD, and myself sprinted to test out the Tobaggon Run before we let the kids out on it. I sent children down the tube hill, let them crash into each other and we cross-country skiied. Honestly, it was an awesome time and from letting them knock me with snowballs to me showing them how to use their poles in skiing, to listening to them show off their mythology prowace (yes, they were SO great during the constellation talk), it was totally rocking. Every part of my body hurts now, but I don't even care. It was amazing.
Now, though, I'm looking around, trying to figure out what to pack next in C's apartment and getting a little panicky. I guess it'll be alright. But, I can' thelp but feeling jut a tad bit exhausted. We're moving him tomorrow, and then we'll be all set. I hope...
We did tons of outdoor activites (none of which, except the sunset horseback riding, which was rather cold, was I remotely grumpy about) and I let myself get tackled in the snow. MD, a substitute who is turning out to be one of my favorite people AD, and myself sprinted to test out the Tobaggon Run before we let the kids out on it. I sent children down the tube hill, let them crash into each other and we cross-country skiied. Honestly, it was an awesome time and from letting them knock me with snowballs to me showing them how to use their poles in skiing, to listening to them show off their mythology prowace (yes, they were SO great during the constellation talk), it was totally rocking. Every part of my body hurts now, but I don't even care. It was amazing.
Now, though, I'm looking around, trying to figure out what to pack next in C's apartment and getting a little panicky. I guess it'll be alright. But, I can' thelp but feeling jut a tad bit exhausted. We're moving him tomorrow, and then we'll be all set. I hope...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Extreme Weather.
Today it feels like -25. The brief moments that I was outside today were MISERABLE. It was one of those days that I was exceedingly thankful for my automobile. Fantastic call to move this week, self.
A screen shot, letting you know that I'm not lying. But, at least it's sunny?
A screen shot, letting you know that I'm not lying. But, at least it's sunny?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Finally the New Year...
Once again, my entire life is in boxes. It's humbling, really when you realize how much/how quickly you can be reduced to simple post-it notes with labels. I must have done a better job at organizing things because this time, there's really only one box labeled "random." Tomorrow is my last day at work and I'll be taking Friday off for me to get things organized for my Saturday move. I realized that when I get there, I'll be able to throw in a load of wash. Little things like that are the most freeing things to think of.
I gave notice of termination today. Basically, because of legal tenant codes, I am able to terminate because of a packet I was not provided with upon the signing of my lease. I know, it's not the nicest thing to do, BUT, it's at least something and as of February 1, I can take care of a lot of other things.
We spent last Saturday celebrating ANR's birthday and also going to Ikea. Ikea has now gone from a fun, exciting place to really, one of the circles of hell. We were there for almost five hours. Amongst the better purchases included a friend for William Howard Taft (he's a baby that we have named Jimbo), an elephant, this great print and a fantastic desk. I have no idea how we're going to put any of these things together or how anything is going to look at all. But, hopefully it'll be alright... S and P offered to help us this Friday and we're really going to need the help.
They came out to my parents' on Sunday where we watched some football (Go Eagles!) and ordered some pizza. C and I also bought a television the size of a small African nation (the one for downstairs is the size of a large African nation...)
This entire week has been a blur, filled with having the sixth graders volunteer at lakeview pantry and working on their legendary figures project. Teaching Christianity is also incredibly interesting (and rattling). Next week, we're heading to Wisconsin for three days of winter fun (and it's supposed to be nearly as cold as it is here... which is freezing let me tell you.)
Either way, I'm still slightly overwhelmed and wishing that I could go back to those two weeks when C and I were both off, and both enjoying just laying around... It was amazing. I'm trying to prep for the amount of grading that's going to come in soon and what that's going to mean. I'm just trying to prepare. It's going to be a wicked month (independent writing piece, biography project, essay, grammar test, history test...) and I need to get situated for it. But then comes February break!
There we are on New Year's Eve. I'm hoping that I can keep that smiple up even as he gets busier (and I know he has to get busier...)
I gave notice of termination today. Basically, because of legal tenant codes, I am able to terminate because of a packet I was not provided with upon the signing of my lease. I know, it's not the nicest thing to do, BUT, it's at least something and as of February 1, I can take care of a lot of other things.
We spent last Saturday celebrating ANR's birthday and also going to Ikea. Ikea has now gone from a fun, exciting place to really, one of the circles of hell. We were there for almost five hours. Amongst the better purchases included a friend for William Howard Taft (he's a baby that we have named Jimbo), an elephant, this great print and a fantastic desk. I have no idea how we're going to put any of these things together or how anything is going to look at all. But, hopefully it'll be alright... S and P offered to help us this Friday and we're really going to need the help.
They came out to my parents' on Sunday where we watched some football (Go Eagles!) and ordered some pizza. C and I also bought a television the size of a small African nation (the one for downstairs is the size of a large African nation...)
This entire week has been a blur, filled with having the sixth graders volunteer at lakeview pantry and working on their legendary figures project. Teaching Christianity is also incredibly interesting (and rattling). Next week, we're heading to Wisconsin for three days of winter fun (and it's supposed to be nearly as cold as it is here... which is freezing let me tell you.)
Either way, I'm still slightly overwhelmed and wishing that I could go back to those two weeks when C and I were both off, and both enjoying just laying around... It was amazing. I'm trying to prep for the amount of grading that's going to come in soon and what that's going to mean. I'm just trying to prepare. It's going to be a wicked month (independent writing piece, biography project, essay, grammar test, history test...) and I need to get situated for it. But then comes February break!
There we are on New Year's Eve. I'm hoping that I can keep that smiple up even as he gets busier (and I know he has to get busier...)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Unfinished...
As Death Cab for Cutie says, "So this is the New Year..." and I have to admit, I'm excited about what CA has deemed the year of us. I don't know what that entails, but I have to admit, I think that it's going to be wonderful. Whenever I think we might be not communicating as well, we find a new way to talk to each other. We spent New Year's with ANR and her man which was more fun than I think I could have anticipated. Moreover, I continue to be reminded of the people that mean the world to me.
I met EPS for breakfast on the Sunday before I went back to work. We went to Vella Cafe in Bucktown, which was absolutely delicious. Then, CA and I went with my dad to work on the house. We accomplished a lot, although it was exhausting, and we'll go back next Sunday to finish things up before MLK weekend and the big move. I have to ask S and P if they'd like to do the couch sometime next week (I'm hoping S will remind me) and I'll spend most of the week packing...
I met EPS for breakfast on the Sunday before I went back to work. We went to Vella Cafe in Bucktown, which was absolutely delicious. Then, CA and I went with my dad to work on the house. We accomplished a lot, although it was exhausting, and we'll go back next Sunday to finish things up before MLK weekend and the big move. I have to ask S and P if they'd like to do the couch sometime next week (I'm hoping S will remind me) and I'll spend most of the week packing...
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