My Birthday

So it is fast approaching... My birthday! The big 2-6! I have decided to spread the celebration out over a couple of days because, it is my birthday, and because the end of another school year calls for celebration as well. SO here is the tentative plan, for anyone interested.

Friday Night: Kareoke...Same time, same place

Saturday Evening: BBQ at my parents. We'll be eating, drinking, and being merry and would love you to join us.

Let me know if you feel like coming, and I will give you more details.

Who Would be Your Legends?

First of all, I watched Oprah's Legends last night, and I thought it was really fantastic. If you missed it, Oprah hosted a weekend long party honoring all of the still living African American women that paved the way in the arts, literature and politics for African Americans and women in general. It was quite moving. It led me to think; if I had the means to host something like that, and actually had the influence to get anyone I wanted to come, who would my Legends be?

Here is what I can come up with...
(and because I am dreaming, I am going dead and alive)


1. Alice Paul: Her story continues to inspire me to stand up for my political beliefs. She was one of the founders of the National Women's Party that made huge sacrifices to get the 19th Amendment passed. Check out "Iron Jawed Angels" if you are interested... GREAT MOVIE and pretty accurate to history.


2. Audrey Hepburn: Though I love her as an actress and she did inspire me to take that path earlier in my life, more importantly she dedicated her life to UNICEF to help children around the globe. She was very much the Angelina Jolie of her day.

3. My grandma: Despite growing up in the 1920s and 1930s, my grandma was raised with very progressive ideas. Being a woman didn't prevent her from standing up for what she believed in and making her own choices throughout her life. To this day, I can guarantee that if politics is ever mentioned, my grandma would have an opinion to share.



4. My mom and dad: My parents have always supported all of my endeavors, giving me confidence to take on whatever my heart guides me to undertake. This unfaltering support has led me down many paths sometimes successful and sometimes not, but always feeling assured in the attempt.

This is all that come to mind right now. I have a party with my mom, dad and grandma... But maybe I should take note and thank them. Maybe because of the sacrifices of so many in previous generations there seem to be fewer famous "legends" in my life. I will keep thinking of Legends that have shaped the person that I am...

And I would love you hear who your Legends might be!

GO Janusz!

So I am a big nerd, watching all of the American ___________ shows. My latest hope is American Inventor, since I am no longer really following American Idol. I am rewatching last weeks episode with the four finalists right now, and at nine the winner will be announced.

Last week, due to my heartbreak at Chris' elimination from Idol, I was inspired to vote on Inventor, making sure I did my part. I cast all five votes for Janusz (Yanoosh) Liberkowski, inventor of Anecia, the rotating car seat named after his baby girl that was killed in a car accident. We'll see how it all plays out, as all of the inventions are good and important, but Janusz's invention directly saves lives and is so brilliant. I wish they could make these car seats for adults... might have spared me a few broken bones.

JANUSZ!!!!!!!!

And I Thought Hooters was Bad!

So I only began to read the article, but it's pretty frickin' hilarious/offensive!

I embarrassingly admit the headline caught my eye when the daily AOL news popped up after I logged on to AIM. And rather than let it pass, I thought I would share. It was just such a shocker... Pun intended.

Update...

So I have been bad about posting lately... My apologies. Things are starting to settle down, and I am feeling in control of my life again, thank goodness! Even so, I don't really have anything too exciting to share, so instead I will just give a little run down on what's been going on.

My friend Kasey has been in town this last week and will be here for a few more days. The hope is that she will fall in love with Fresno again and move home, but we have tough competition... Austin, TX. We will see what she decides. If she does make the move home, it will be in September, and I will be very happy.

Next, I am getting baptized on Sunday. I am really excited and feel good about the whole thing. I am also relieved that my testimony is already taken care of. I am a little curious as to how it is all going to work, as I am not that familiar with the logistics of baptism. I am sure we will work it all out at some point this week, but until then I will continue to wonder.

Finally, I am so excited about a new aspect of my teaching of AP European history. I am hoping to organize a student trip to Europe. There is actually a trip designed exactly for AP Euro, so all of the sites and experiences completely align with the curriculum. The best part... I would get to go for free! I am planning to arrange it for this time next year, just following the AP test. So we will see how this goes.

Other than that, four weeks until the end of school, BTSA will be done in the beginning of June, and I am still planning to move to Tower in the beginning-ish of August.

America got it Wrong!

I am so bummed about American Idol! My favorite from the beginning has been eliminated. I really have nothing much to say about it, except that I am disappointed that Chris isn't going to be the next American Idol... Guess I should have voted.

I am rooting for Elliot now, but with much less enthusiasm. If I didn't have to watch Taylor flail around the stage he wouldn't be so bad, and Katharine is beautiful with a beautiful voice, but she is kind of boring.

Booo America! We can't choose anything right... idols...presidents...

Ok, Ok... Here's a post!

After receiving many complaints and the threat of being removed from certain Link Lists, here's what's happening in my neck of the woods.

Earlier this week I finished "Grease"... It was exhausting, frustrating, and time consuming, BUT it opened the door for me to direct a show next year. I think I am going to do "Little Shop of Horrors" because of the students talent that I have to work with.



The rest of this week I have been putting most of my energy to the AP Economics test, which is in one week. I have much to review with the students, and it all culminates next Thursday. So I am pretty stressed about this.




Along with this I have also been really overwhelmed with obligations, and have been plagued with the feeling of forgetting something. I always have a stack of paper reminders on my desk, and a calendar full of reminders that I never read. SO I decided to take the plunge... I just bought PDA, and am in techie nerd heaven!

So these are the goings-on in my life... hope this is adequate Jay! :)

If You Can't Laugh at Yourself, Who Can You Laugh At?

As I am never one to turn away some self-deprecating humor, I have added a very apropos clip to my MySpace. For a good laugh, go check it out.

My Cup Runneth Over... No, My Plate is Too Full... You Get the Picture

This year in general has been pretty hectic and stressful for me, but it's all really hitting the fan now! I am trying to take it one day at a time, keeping things in perspective... but all of my looming deadlines are growing too near too soon. (So rather than chipping away at my workload, I am going to blog about it instead). Lets see... Next week, STAR testing that my students are nearly prepared for, but we have had no time for review. And really, when I say prepared I mean, I have taught the standard, this does not however mean that they have learned it. Next week, I am in the school play "Grease." Why I agreed to do this, I have no idea... And now finding time to get to a rehearsal that is extremely poorly executed is seeming a huge waste of time. Two weeks, AP Econ test... Once again students are nearly prepared, but we have hit major senioritous and making class as productive as it needs to be is becoming more difficult than I am prepared to handle. Lets not forget BTSA! Have to finish all of my events in the next two weeks... When this is going to happen I have no idea. But somehow it will, and then I will be done. Oh wait, no. I still have to finish my portfolio for BTSA by June 2nd or else I can never get my cleared credential... And there is much to be done. To top it off, my cats have stomach problems and are throwing up throughout the day and I have to take them to the vet tomorrow. Oh yes, and I am still in the midst of a lawsuit against the insurance company of the girl that caused my car accident a year and a half ago, in order to cover the basic expenses it brought into my life.

With that, I am actually doing alright, and I know that this wouldn't be before me if I couldn't handle it. However I did need a little venting session, and also to forewarn you as to why I may be cross-eyed and delirious the next time I see you. Thanks for the ear.

Happy Easter!

I know it's not the reason for the season, but I thought it was cute!

Moving to Tower...

Just to let you all know, I am now planning on moving down to Tower at some point over the summer. I am going to talk to Harp about her place, when she and Joe'l move, because that apartment is ideal, but I am not limited to that spot. Let me know if you see, hear, or know of any other available places! YAY! I am soooo excited!

Cat Breeds

I am trying to figure out if there is anyway to know what kind of cats I have. Now I am sure they are "muts" or whatever you call cats with mixed backgrounds. Yet, they do have fairly distinctive looks, especially Sophia, and have absolutely polar personalities. Do you guys know of a site that helps recognize cat breeds, even if they aren't pure breeds?

Just a Little Dreaming...

This morning I was watching the Travel Channel (one of my favorites) and they had a special show about this ship called the Residensea. It is a gigantic ship that holds about 110 luxury apartments and just about every other amenity the wealthy could possibly ask for. Now I wouldn't turn down the life of luxury, but it is not something that I long for. I am however jealous of what comes along with living aboard this ship. The Residensea cruises the world, so every morning you wake up at another port of call, visiting the entire world! Being able to travel so freely (or expensively, whatever) would be so amazing!

It is nuts to think of how some people are able to live. Now this raises questions of true necessity or just pure indulgence, but to have the world at your fingertips as these people do, leaves me a bit envious.

Soul 2 Soul Anyone?

Just wanted to see if anyone was interested in going to the Soul 2 Soul concert on August 14th at the Save Mart Center. It is a ways off, but the tickets go on sale this weekend. Let me know, and we can coordinate the ticket purchasing.

Oh, in case you were confused... It is Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Miss You Sweet Boy

As I got home from church tonight, my parents seemed angry, or at least not their pleasant usual selves. After asking if they were mad, they said "We have some sad news." I knew immediately. Our 14 year old family dog, Jordan, passed away. He had been going down hill very quickly these last few weeks, and today he appeared to be suffering more than normal. Our prayers were answered, as he was released from his pain. At hearing the news I was saddened but grateful. This fantastic friend would no longer be hurting, but he will certainly be missed.

Jordan joined our family when I was only 11. He was my brother's 9th birthday present, and was named Jordan because Michael Jordan was my brother's hero, and his tongue always hung out. He was the sweetest dog that just wanted to be near us and love us... and he did. In his 14 long years, he survived two major attacks from the dogs next door, where he suffered the loss of his tail and major facial damage. He also out lived our two younger dogs, Shaq and Mugsey. But now the boys are together again. He was a wonderful member of our family and will certainly be missed.

What Makes a Legend?

I am lying in bed watching "Walk the Line" for the second time, and I got to thinking... What makes a Legend? After having watched this movie for the first time I was hooked. I went immediately to iTunes and began downloading Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash songs. Prior to having watched this movie, I had no idea what made Johnny Cash the icon that he was. Now I adore him and his music. I figured that the movie would stimulate his popularity but I had no idea to what degree. In my AP Econ class a few weeks ago the kids were working and asked if I would play some music. So I jokingly suggested my Johnny Cash playlist, because some friends find this music humorous. Instead of the laughs I expected the kids unanimously supported the choice of the Johnny Cash list. They too love him!

Now to my question. Is Johnny Cash a legend because Joaquin Phoenix portrayed him so well, or is his life and sound so unique that it transcends time and can become popular time and again? Would a movie popularize any artist or does it require a special story and talent?

Blogging Nerd

So as Becky would say, I am in Blogger Nerd Heaven. I started a blog for my Economics class for them to ask questions and discuss topics. They are doing so well with it! Now, I did have to erase a few lamo posts, but what can you expect from 17 year old boys (nothing inappropriate just goofy). The students have been talking about it today how they really like it, and now they are thinking about the content without having to do our stupid worksheets. I don't know what it is about the Internet, but it really does make any subject more interesting. They now want to talk about it because it's posted on the World Wide Web for all to see. SO, if you have any interest in seeing what my AP students are up to check out my link to Apache Economics.

Patience and Compassion

Today I have been reflecting on the relationships that I have fostered with my students, particularly my AP seniors. This morning as I arrived in the parking lot two of my seniors (boyfriend and girlfriend) ran over to me and asked where I had been because they came early to give me their formal picture. On the back of the picture they had written "Thanks for being so great to us. We love you. Sorry for being such a bother sometimes. We will miss you."

Reading this little note has really gotten me thinking. Throughout this year I have questioned myself on how I run my AP class. Due to the fact that I have no prior experience with the material I have had to adapt how I typically interact with my students. Rather than being a pool of knowledge that runs class in a fairly regemented way, I have allowed for my AP students to have more freedom in seeking the knowledge and learning the material. Now, I still instruct the class and maintain certain expectations of the class but it is a more relaxed atmosphere.

With that... The girl that brought me the picture has been getting frustrated with her struggles in the class recently, to the point of tears on occassion. On the last test day she came in and lashed out at me with a statement about the difficulty of the test that they were about to take. Instead of responding in anger to the comment, I forced her to see the situation rationally and then calmed her down and supported her through it. That day I went back and forth wondering if I should have responded more severely. I now think that I handled this particular situation in the appropriate manner because she knows her behavior was uncalled for and she also knows that all of my actions in that class are done because I care. I am seeing more and more that students respond best to patience and compassion as opposed to oppressive discipline and teaching strategies.

Emotional Exhaustion

The last two days have ended with me feeling completely wiped out. I couldn't figure out why. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary as far as the lesson execution goes... They have been good lessons but not exhausting as far I as I could tell. Well today concluded and I couldn't figure it out. Couldn't talk, couldn't think... What was going on?

Then I started to talk to a colleague about comments made by some of my World History students today. I had two girls, in isolated situations, tell me that they have been having nightmares about my class. Let me clarify... It's not that being in my class is traumatizing, but rather that the content that we are studying is getting to them so much that they are even dreaming about it. At first I felt guilty that I was causing them emotional distress, but then I realized... They were thinking about the content so much and caring about it to the degree that they were dreaming it... A TEACHER'S dream! So as I was discussing this with the teacher and telling him about the Holocaust activity and video that we watched today, it dawned on me. I, too, am wiped out from the emotional content that I am teaching. Part of me hopes as I gain more experience teaching this material it will become easier, but another part of me hopes I never become desensitized to it. Only time will tell I suppose, but for tonight a trip to Starbucks has prepared me to get working on more lesson planning for the next few days... Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Yikes!

One thing I promised my kids and myself... After the STAR test (the test given at the end of the year to assess student's comprehension of the state standards- for you non-teachers) I am going to design lessons that lead the students to look for positive solutions for the future, and lead them to find ways to contribute to society in a constructive way!

Just Call Me Miss Piggy!

Ahhh man! I am such a pig! But food is sooooo yummy! HAHAHAHA! Sadly, the whole time I was taking the quiz I knew I was going to be a glutton.

Which Deadly Sin Is Yours? Gluttony For you, it's all about the excess. It may be food or something else but the more the better. Find out your Deadly Sin at Quizopolis.com