Let the Buffy Jokes Begin

So I am playing in my first tennis tournament in nearly a year this weekend. We practiced this morning and had a good time, although we are both pretty inconsistent... Both having moments of greatness, and many others of absolute crap. But what can you expect. Anyway, if anyone feels like watching mediocre tennis on Saturday or Sunday, I will be playing both evenings at 8:15 at Copper River (I think, but I'll check). The Sunday night match is against my parents which could make for some good/annoying family banter... we'll see. I honestly don't really expect anyone to come watch, but the invite is extended.

And yes, just call me Buffy.

Kudos for Me... I went to the Gym!

Now I know many of you exercise regularly as it is part of your weekly routine. I, on the other hand, find making a habit of it incredibly difficult. Despite this challenge, I did make it to the gym today. I will tell you though, that it took everything I had to muster the motivation to drive the block down the street to the gym where I am a member. I suppose for the next day or so, I have no excuse for not getting to the gym, as the place I am staying is so close to the club I belong to. Once I am back in the Ranchos, I think it will be a whole other story.

Back to today's exercising adventure. I bought new shoes a week or so ago, and I have only used them twice to go walk/jogging around my neighborhood at home. Unfortunately my shins reacted almost immediately, discouraging me quite quickly. So today, as I got on the treadmill I was a bit aprehensive as to what I might experience. To my pleasant suprise, my shins were fine... but I am a total wimp and could only go 30 minutes mixing up walking and jogging. It was okay, and I know if I keep going I will build strength and stamina... BUT IT IS SO BORING! (Even with the tv in front of me!) If only there were a way to be tricked into exercising! Roll a ball, and I'll chase it... I don't know... There has to be SOMETHING!

Housesitting

Housesitting is such a strange thing. I mean it makes sense, as there are important daily things that must happen with or without the owners, but it's strange. As a housesitter it seems like a ridiculously easy job to be compensated for, but the value of the small things to the owners are greater than one can understand. Basically my point is, I am living a life of leisure until Thursday morning, have Thursday off, and then back to relaxing for someone else all weekend. Man it's a rough life. My biggest struggle: How do I pass the time between watching movies, taking the dog out and eating? Perhaps I should go to the gym.

Although I make light of it, I truly am happy to help out friends and family.

Pleasantly Bored

Still not much to say... Which I guess is good. Summer vacation is always much needed, but it is easy to feel like I am just wasting time after the first week off. What I keep reminding myself of, is the need for sleep, relaxation and even boredom after nine months of chaos and exhaustion!

With that, I am looking forward to housesitting for the Heinricy's for the next couple of days. Allowing me a change of scenery, plus I will be in Fresno making outings more convenient and affordable with the crazy gas prices! SO if any of you find yourselves bored, call me up!

Not Much to Say

Well it has been nearly a week, and I have little to say but I thought I would post anyway. So Becky is officially gone, and I miss her more already than I anticipated. Been hanging out and getting stuff done, but summer boredom is beginning to set in. Not trying to rub it in, but when there is so much free time, it is hard to stay busy and not get bored.

I did, however, finish my first summer reading, "Birth of Venus," and it was fabulous! I am now reading the summer assignment for my AP Euro class, "A World Lit Only By Fire," and it is a little less readable. Good information, but it is an informational text rather than a novel making it a slower read requiring notes. But there is much to learn.

Anyhoo, that is it for me for now.

Summer Reading: Pt. 1

Let me start by saying, I LOVE SUMMER! Yesterday after running a few errands, I settled in at home and read for the whole day. It was fabulous! Not to mention that the book is great!

My first read is "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant. It is an historical fiction that takes place during the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. The story is captivating and the main fictional story is surrounded by Renaissance history, which I need for next year. Not to say that I will be teaching from this book, but it gives a little more historical perspective. The story is great though because it is probably very realistic in that time and place, but I feel guilty because it feels like I am reading a soap opera. Full of love triangles, murders and a more cultured than religious society... leading to many problems for everyone! Anyway, I highly recommend it and I am only half way through!

School's Out For Summer!

Today was my first official day of summer. Though I did spend the entire day at school cleaning up my room, I am still very happy to be on break.


This weekend allowed for some time of reflection after hanging out with lots of great colleagues, spending time with students and their families and being given new responsibilities at church. Just a few months ago, I felt that Fresno was not for me, and that I was simply a guest in other people's lives, just along for the ride. Amazingly, once I realized that I didn't want to join the Peace Corps things totally changed. I was fulfilled teaching; loving my students, loving my colleagues, loving the work! I am excited for the break right now, but still completely looking forward to fall.

As for church, it has had its ups and downs lately. However yesterday I was given a little more freedom in creating environments that foster the community that we are trying to build at Community Meal. Up until now my responsibility consisted of establishing what food to bring and delegating who will bring it. It is going to be a lot more than that now... Meaning more work, but a product that I can actually feel good about.

What inspired all of these changes? I don't know, but it is a welcomed new feeling. I feel more content now than I have in a very long time, maybe ever. Fresno is where I want to be. Thanks to all of you that have welcomed me into your world and allowed me make it my own!


Looking forward to a great summer.

Grey's Anatomy

I officially have a new favorite show! I knew after watching the season 2 finale of Grey's Anatomy, that I would probably like it. Now, having watched season 1 in its entirety, in one sitting I might add, it is official. What the heck am I going to do now though as I wait for the release of season 2. AHHHHH!

Oh, and I have already decided that once I get my own place again and season 3 starts up, I will be hosting Grey's Anatomy parties for whoever would like to come! Even if it's a party of one, that would be fine... But hopefully I'll find some other G.A. nerds!

So I was Wrong...

Well I said I would post about it, and I am not too proud to admit defeat. I was mistaken; it is not Parker Posey that plays Ray Finkel in Ace Ventura, but rather, Sean Young. Although lets compare pictures to appreciate why I was confused.


Parker Posey


Sean Young

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!