Musings from RIW

Last day In Paris

2010-06-25T15:02:00.004-04:00

Okay..we are finally at the end. I go home in just over 12 hours. I am tired and sore and very homesick. This has been a really long trip for me. Much more so than others because absolutely everything is foreign here. Today, we got up and since the strike is over, we went to Versailles. Its an absolutely huge palace outside of Paris. I thought the palaces in Holland, and then England were large. They were country houses next to this. The palace is just beautiful. There is beautifully colored marble, pink, gray, green, black...all around. Gold leaf is on all the walls. every room has paintings on walls and ceilings... It's just breathtaking (easier if it weren't so huge)

We walked through the garden, stopping for lunch at a cafe on the grounds. then headed to the back where the petit and grand trinon are located. This is where the queen lived to get away from the court. More huge buildings. These are not so lavishly decorated, but still were beautiful. Lots more walking in and out of rooms and gardens. Again..another place where we barely scratched the surface. Guess they want you to come back again. ;-)

Came home to what else on my last dinner in Paris???? Chez Mc Donald!!!! :) Diet Coke and fries and grilled chicken sandwich.. :-)

See you all at home!!! I can't wait

Strike day in Paris

2010-06-24T18:33:00.004-04:00

So...A strike in Paris (for my list) means 24 hours in the middle of tourist season, you can't leave the city (no trains), it's hit or miss if the museum is open...Louvre was not, Rodin was and you better not be claustrophobic if you are taking the trains. Also, better allow LOTS more time. Today we did find some metro trains running, so we took them to Montemarre and a beautiful church at the top of the mountain. We got there during service and heard the nun's choir sing...much better than they did in Sister Act(Btw). We walked around some market like streets with shops and vendors all along all the streets. IT was pretty cool actually. Went to the area Toulouse LaTreche used to live in.

Took the train on the off chance that the Rodin museum would be open...it was so we spent the afternoon in and out of the garden sculptures and in the house. The Thinker is there..not sure what he is thinking about, but it's pretty deep because he never moves. :) I also like the Dances and lovers hands. Very romantic.

Finally after dinner, we took a river cruise on the Seine at dusk, and saw the Eiffel tower all lit up. On our way home it started to twinkle. I took a movie..it was really spectacular. Since it is so late, the strike is over, and we can go to Versailles tomorrow, I'm headed to bed. Sorry for the short blog, but I'm really tired. Tomorrows the last day..then I'm headed home. Hope you have enjoyed these little moments. I know I have.

Museum Day

2010-06-23T17:00:00.007-04:00

So...we've been hearing rumblings of a strike all week..and on the way home..had our first taste...the metro was packed even at 8pm..and there were police at the main change station when we got off. And the desk says..no Versailles for us tomorrow...it will be closed...one can only hope its a one day strike...so we hit 3 museums, including two stops in the Louvre today. The art was amazing. Did the highlights tour because as the guide said..if you spend 2 min. on each piece, it would take 4 years of 8 hour days to see it all. So ...we saw what we could in about 5 hours....which is really..nada...but I did post some highlights...

On the Museum d' Orsey and the Orangry. Really..I can't spell French words.. We couldn't take pictures in Orsey..it's all Impressionists and such. Beautiful museum. Modern inside and traditional outside..quite a contrast. walked past a statue of Thomas Jefferson and then on the Organry. It has two full rooms of huge water little paintings. Since yesterday i was at the actual garden, it was pretty amazing to see them. I was able to photograph up close which was also quite wonderful.

Went back to Louvre...it's open late and did a couple more halls...and then food court dinner and home...i'm tired.. We can't go to versaille tomorrow, so maybe I'll get a rest day finally.... One can be ever hopeful. Then Fri is my last day in Paris...and coming home..

See you all soon .....

Day Three in Paris now

2010-06-22T17:04:00.005-04:00

Day started a bit later (thankfully), as we took the train to the Arch de Triumphe and the Avenue de Champs-Elysees. Please no one ask me to say that..I've heard so many different pronunciations today..I'll never get it. However, one note..there are 2 Mc Donalds within 3 blocks on the left side. We talked down by the two palaces and to the statues of the great heroes of WWII. Then back, with a stop at Fourquet for a tart and Coke light (we are back to that). On the way back to the hotel, we got on the wrong train. With the help of a decent metro map, we were able to get enough transfers to find out way to the hotel with time to spare.

THen we took a small van out to Claude Monet's house in Giverny. It has two beautiful gardens and a cute little house (though by those days standards, i'm sure it's huge). There is an impressionist museum there as well. Then home to a quiet dinner and work for me.

Now just a bit of my own observations about yesterday..it's been bothering me for quite awhile today. Yesterday in the Notre Dame Cathedral, I saw signs that asked people to not take Flash Pictures and to observe the sanctity of the church and speak quietly, or be silent and not to interfere with the function of the building as a church. Yet all over the church I saw flash bulbs going off, and people speaking loudly, yelling and sitting down talking next to people who were obviously praying. Now, I'm not Catholic..yet I respect the function of this building as a house of worship for those in it. All my pictures were taking without the use of a flash, and I tried to stay out of the way of those trying to worship in their own ways. Yet, those I noticed in the highest numbers come from cultures who to a one nearly demand that their cultures and traditions are regarded and respected above others. And yet, in this place that was not their culture, they openly disregarded posted signs and decent rules of etiquette. If they are unwilling to afford another person their culture and worship, why should they expect, even demand that others afford it to them?

Okay...Eiffel Tower Day

2010-06-21T17:24:00.006-04:00

So..its the first full day in Paris. Seems like a year since I left home. I have figured out how to call home...and make my laptop work when I want it to, so at least I still have the connections I want. I am going to say that of the three, Paris is my least favorite so far. I am feeling very much like a fish out of water. The people have not been helpful or friendly for the most part, I can't read or even start to understand the language..and I am more tired here than in the beginning. I will be very ready to go home on Sat. Today..we started the day on a sightseeing bus tour. It's good because you see all the sights at once, but not enough to say you were really there. We ended that though at the Eiffel Tower and went to the second level. Mom wanted to go to the top, so we didn't get back on the bus and went to the top on our own. One side was sunny with no wind and beautiful, the rest was chilly...like all of this trip has been so far. We walked down from levels 2 to 1 via steps...man are my legs going to be in shape at the end of this trip. Lunch along the way back to the hotel Ham and Cheese baguette and Diet coke.

The afternoon trip was to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It has the most amazing windows. the mood inside though is completely different than in Westminster Abby London. While both are working churches with services, in France, people did not seem to respect the church at all. Flash bulbs were going off all the time, even with signs saying no flash, people were talking loudly, even while sitting next to others praying. It was very disconcerting to me. Even though I am not Catholic, I believe in the right of others to worship as they choose and tried hard not to interfere with them. I was just very sad at what I was seeing.

After that, we went to the Sainte-Chapelle Chapel (I think it's called). It's a little chapel next to the ministry of justice. I got picked for 5euro..it was my own fault though..had it in my hand, not in my wallet. It's a little chapel with amazing windows, and two narrow long winding staircases. The ceiling is 20m high and the windows were wonderful. Its a very sobering thought that things can survive from the 1200's and we can't get something to last for a year.

After the hotel fixed the shower...it was only giving us cold water...we headed out to find dinner. A little bistro a few blocks away was having live music for the summer solstice, so we had a lovely dinner to a cute band singing on the streets. I had a grilled steak and mom had roast chicken. At least I'm eating well here. Off to the Arch and the french countryside tomorrow....Night all..

Bon Jour
Dormez bien

Travel Day and First day in Paris

2010-06-20T16:40:00.004-04:00

Got up early again...whoever says vaca's are for rest...never ever went on a guided tour of London or Paris. Headed for the train station..and I am sad...NO STAMP going into France. Just one leaving London...so my passport just has 4 stamps in it. I am really hoping to get one as I leave France, but who knows...guess they don't mind strangers coming in. The train ride was uneventful and I dozed..a lot...On the bus ride in, the guide didn't say much, so I guess we didn't pass anything important. I did get a great view of the Eiffel tower as we made our way to the hotel.

MOm and I walked around the Seine for a bit...looking for a good view of the tower. Saw a bride and groom getting pictures taken in front of the tower on this little bridge and a model doing a photo shoot as well. Finally found something I can't spell and they had a huge screen erected and were watching the world cup..of course..what else would they be watching. Italy didn't do so well against those pesky New Zealanders.

Then we walked around the tower a bit...did some souvenir looking and found a great little restaurant for dinner. The waitress was sweet and took our pics. I had spaghetti bouillabaisse..cause I've NO idea how to spell that...and mom had something akin to beef Stew....another recipe for Howard. Then I got a pretty good handle on all the wireless nonsense around here...cause all the TV stations are in french with no subtitles...won't be doing much of TV watching here... Time for bed soon..

Hugs all

Last day In London

2010-06-19T17:33:00.006-04:00

Well...I got here 5 days ago..and tomorrow..we leave VERY early for Paris. Wasn't sure what we were going to do today..was hoping to meet up with a friend, but the best laid plans of mice and men they say. We decided to take the tour of Windsor Castle sponsored by the tour group. They pick you up at the door, no tube, and we were hoping no stairs...well..this is London..so not so lucky on the no stairs thing. The Castle is huge and the Queen was in da' house.

Got a chance to see a great doll house and the state apartments. I was bummed we couldn't shop more in the town around the castle, but it was great afternoon and didn't rain...just froze...lord no shorts the entire week here for me.

The Castle is immense and then there is St. George's chapel..which makes my hometown church look like a cottage.

Finally, we passed by a huge brewery...so for all my beer drinking buds...this one's for you...

On to Paris....Chunneltime is coming soon!!

Fifth Day in London

2010-06-18T18:29:00.001-04:00

So..it was the fifth day in London..only one more to go. I did sleep in some and got a reasonable breakfast time. Mom and I met up with Annie in the hotel lobby and took the tube down to the British Museum. It was amazing and you could actually spend a week there. I was in the middle of this blog and lost the internet, so am going to finish it now in my morning. It's been chilly and raining here a few days, and they are expecting more rain today. Not sure of the plans, we are still debating. Yesterday consisted of tubes and stairs and lots and lots and lots of walking. The Queensway Tube station lift (elevator) is broken, so it's 123 steps up. They of course, don't tell you that until AFTER you have gotten off the tube, and even those steps were tame in comparison to our day. The running joke by the end of the day was MORE STAIRS?

The British museum is huge and full of antiquites. The most notable is the Roesetta stone.

There are 3 floors of exhibits and it would take forever. We did most of the first 2 floors, but of course reading everything was just out of the question.

After the museum, we found a nice pub (my first) to eat at for lunch. Annie, Mom and I all had great food in a small place for about 20. It was terrific....then on to walking..and walking...and walking. We missed Covent Garden at least twice, going the really long way around til we finally found it. Note to self..make sure Map of London is IN the bag before you go. Covent Garden is a 180 years old now..and I got to sign the birthday card. The street vendors and entertainers were everywhere. It was amazing and loads of fun

Finally we of course..walked...to the London Eye..climbed MORE STAIRS to the bridge and took a ride. It started to rain at the top of the eye, the view though was spectacular anway. The trip takes about 1/2 hour and it's very smooth and you hardly know you are on a Ferris wheel. After a nice dinner on High Street, we headed back to the hotel rather tired and not ever wanting to see another stair for a week. The hotel room keeper has a great sense of humor and smiled when we headed into the room...seems google bear is in charge of the remote while we are gone. :-)

Day Four in London

2010-06-17T18:58:00.004-04:00

Okay..so I finally get to sleep in..and don't wake up til 9am....didn't think I'd ever see that happening. Had a later breakfast and head off toward the station to go to Westminster....but we've forgotten the opera glasses for tonight, so we go back the other way and head to this huge mall called Westfield. Mom want's to find black pants..and I'd like a new sweatshirt..mine are getting a bit used...And we are going to stop back at the hotel and then go to Westminster. We find a few places and I get some new things, but no sweatshirt. I did find a cool shirt.

Train to Westminster next...ate a nice Jacket potato at Wesley's Cafe (as in John Wesley) and then went to the Abby. Ben is rather tall these days...and very ornate

The Abby is amazing. It's absolutely huge. We got to get close to the altar, and sit where the choir sits. We saw the Royal Stall (where the queen/King sit for service) and the hall of Knights. No pictures inside..they are pretty strict about it...but the outside is equally impressive.!

After the Abby, it's on to Trafalgar Square and nelson's column. We were looking for Charing Cross, but didn't make it. Finally took the Tube back to victoria for dinner and Billy Elliot. It was an amazing play with the most wonderful child dancer I have seen in a long time. Terrific play and back to the hotel for this tired lady with sore legs. Am hoping all this walking will make it easier later..and i won't be quite so store.

Day Three in London

2010-06-16T18:03:00.006-04:00

Okay...so again...no sleeping in on this vacation. 6am was the alarm today. Breakfast and brisk walk to the tube. Meeting Nick in Surrey for a trip to Stonehenge. Mom and he pick right back up..and I fall asleep sort of in the back seat. It's about an hour to the site, but well worth it. I even see one of the horses carved into the mountain. it's hugs. But nothing compares with the size of Stonehenge. You can't get close, but my camera sure can. The rocks are massive and you can't help but wonder what, who and why???

after a lot of walking in that area, we headed off for lunch. Stopped in Berwick at the Boot Inn. decided to take a little walk first down the quaint village. Met Roy..he suggested we bypass the boot for the Pelican Inn in Stapleford. He was right and it was amazing. Had a great garden with roosters and chickens wandering about. Had a wonderful lunch.

Then we went to the Henge at avebury. The area where the stones is is probably 4x as big as Stonehenge and a small village is set inside. It's beautiful country and wonderful walking. Had tea at 4..just like we're supposed to. I had strawberry shortcake...but the cream isn't sweet and the cake are really cookies....more for my list!!!

So..took awhile to get back..and my legs are feeling a bit like jelly..more walking tomorrow I'm sure as we are going to see Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace theater. Maybe I'll get to sleep in though..since there are NO early morning dates.

Night all...hugs

Second day in London

2010-06-15T17:10:00.004-04:00

Okay..so I always thought when you were on vacation, the pace was slower and you got to sleep in! WRONG!!! Alarm went off at 7am...and we had to be at breakfast 1/2 hour later. Why do you ask? well, they wanted us on the tour bus. So..we get on this big bus with great big windows for a 4 hour tour ride all over london. Guess it's supposed to give you a taste, so you go back. We stopped at St. Pauls Cathedral and watching the Changing of the guard. Now not at the palace mind you...they marched right next to me.. I could have touched them.

Then we get back to hotel and after eating left over chinese from the day before...we head back to the Tube to go to the Tower of London. Mind you it's after 2..and the place closes at 5:30. We have a great guide though..and see most of it..and all the crown jewels. Guess diamonds are a monarchs best friend.

Guides were hilarious both in morning and in the afternoon. Had cool things to talk about and loved telling stories. Best line of the day... talking to Americans in the crowd: "liking all this history? It could have been yours if you had paid your taxes." We finished in the white tower and ran out of time in the rest...maybe later in the week.

Then walked along the Thames to Dixon Inn for an awesome dinner overlooking St. Katherine's pier on the balcony. Then up onto The Tower Bridge..over and back...and back to the Tube for a ride home. It's on to Stonehenge tomorrow.

This tired cookie is heading to bed very soon.

:)

Travel day for me!

2010-06-14T16:27:00.005-04:00

So...Its on to London for me. Time to meet up with mom and start the "touring". Not sure what i've been doing so far, but hey! Bertie took me to the airport after a rather stressful evening of trying to figure out if I even had a flight to London. I never got a confirmation number from the website we ordered the ticket. everything was in dutch..which of course I don't speak. And Bertie doesn't fly much, so wasn't sure what I wanted him to find. Finally called the airline, but they couldn't give me the number either, as they didn't have any info about me from the airline. They did confirm I had a ticket though..so I slept well and got up VERY early to make sure there were no issues. Bertie and I had coffee and mini pancakes at the airport, which is really small mall, and he left me to go in. I had a BLAST with little brother Bertie and love him as much as i did before. Thank you my friend for everything...you are the best...even if you DO make me ride 10km before I leave your town.

Took a plane to London City airport and got onto the "Tube" to get to Hyde park. I was given the wrong station to get on though, so ended up on the wrong side. it's kind of like being on the west side of central park when you need to be on the east side. Add to that my bag...and I was a tired camper.

Got to the hotel after a cabbie ride (his daughter is going to be a teacher too), and found room and mom. She wants to go out. Great...so we go out. Wander and find food for her and then stroll in Kensington Park. Nevermind that 10KM bike ride i did yesterday or the three trains I had to ride today...we're strolling the park.

Ended up at kensington palace where they are having an exhibit called "the enchanted palace". They talk about different princesses in turns of art and fashion. It was amazing. They wouldn't let me take pictures, but I did find a couple online. Tomorrow we start the tours of London proper...can't wait.

More tomorrow all.

Last Day in Holland

2010-06-13T16:05:00.004-04:00

So..Bertie wanted to make sure that I went out with a bang...took me to a museum that is also a national park. It has a huge collection of Van Gogh paintings. It's about a 1/2 hour drive...and another hour walk...so instead of walking...I could choose to ride a bike the 5+km to the park/museum. Gotta love those big tired one speed bikes...

We stopped and had some lunch..i had a roll and ham and cheese. It was pretty cool, I picked out the bread and the meat was on a plate wrapped up. I felt like I was not at home for sure.

The Museum was great, however, I must say I didn't get it much of the time. We had a great time wandering around. The way in a huge sculpture garden with large and small sculptures all over. I liked the ones called rocky lumps. They looked like big marshmallows to me.

After a 3 hour stroll through the museum gardens and buildings...we then had that 5+ bike ride back, and of course, we chose the long way back...so now my bum hurts just a bit..and my legs are going to be mad in the morning. I'm getting up really early to get to the airport and on to London. I can't wait and am meeting mom for the next leg of the journey. I hope you all are enjoying this. I am. :-)

goedenavond Zwolle...I had a blast!!!!!

Third Day in Holland

2010-06-13T02:33:00.006-04:00

Bertie says he tried to wake me up for 20 min...I don't believe him..esp since I'm up now at 8:30..and he's sleepin' away the morning. Yesterday was palace day. We went to the Palace at the Loo. Its not a residence anymore, but it's amazing. Has a huge garden in the back. The walls have gold leaf all over and beautiful tapestries. They wouldn't let us take any pictures inside and when i tried to find one on the web, they didn't exist. They really don't want you to see the inside of this place. I did find one of the main dining room. It does not do the place justice, but here it is.

We did get to the gardens and they let pictures like crazy there. Bertie and I by a fountain in the center between the two gardens. They are huge. There are three areas of them.

There is a low garden, directly behind the palace and a high garden beyond that. It took me four pics with my landscape setting to get it all in. The gardens are a beautiful green with perfectly manicured maze like greens. There are fountains and statues all over. I did not get to see the audience room or the golden carriage, but what i did see was amazing. I posted the pictures on my Facebook page, so if you want to see them, just let me know. On to the van gogh musuem today! See you all lata!

Second day in Holland

2010-06-12T01:16:00.006-04:00

Friday and my host has to work all day, so my plan is to use that day to help my body clock get turned around. Seems to work all right. I wake up at nearly 11..which is close to the 6 am I usually wake up. Log in and work on the blog, upload some pics and play around in Sl and on my emails. Shower and dress and it's 1:30pm. I only have to occupy a few hours now on my own, so I head out for a walk to see what's around. There is a small mall nearby, but I don't really take a lot of pictuees. Don't want to stand out as the tourist that I obviously am. Im getting hungry though and no one seems to speak English anywhere I am. Imagine that...im in Holland and everyone is speaking Dutch. I found a grocery store, actually two. So i bought a Dr. Pepper, yogurt and some cookies. Gave the very friendly dutch speaking cashier my 5 Euros...and she gave me back COINS!! darn..just as soon as I get feeling all confident, I have to figure out the coins???? I smiled. Took my 3.55E in coins and walked out.

At the end of the mall, was a book store. Cool, I'll get a paper or something to read...go in .....and everything is in Dutch...guess I'm not reading a paper today and a entire class of students walks out of the grocery store and their teacher is passing out popsicles. They were so excited. Just like our kids after field day. School is school everywhere. I so wanted to visit the school and see what teachers do in Holland, but that can be for next time.

Finally on my way home, I spot a deli. They have sandwiches, so I figure i can get a ham sandwich and head home. After much uhhh and pointing at things..and no..not a hamburger (3 times), I order my ham sandwich and diet coke...small or large? Small I say..and thinking I'm getting a cup with ice small. I see tomatoes on the sandwich..and risk a "no tomatoes"please....Paying is another adventure. Lunch is 5.55E. I have a 5 bill and these coins. I had figured out that 3 of them were 50(i guess cents), so I give her the 5 bill and two coins..and i get more change. Well, at least I got that part right...and my sandwich comes in a bag with a can of Coke Light..cause i guess Diet coke here is coke light...and small means a can and large means a bottle.

Making it back in one piece with some money left and my lunch..I eat quietly my sandwich, which has no tomatoes, but tons of of other veggies, my coke light and yogurt. All in all, it was an experience. I'm very glad Bertie is off today and we are going together to the castle. More pics from there for sure.

See you tomorrow

First day in Holland

2010-06-11T04:25:00.004-04:00

Flying overnight can be an interesting thing. You still get a meal on a plane if you fly for nearly 8 hours I guess. Mine was okay...pasta and salad and chocolate cake. I followed everyone's advice and drank lots of water, and even a diet coke. Seemed like a pretty routine flight, except that everything was repeated in Dutch: flight instructions, announcements, and there was a dutch channel for the inflight TV show)
So...Baggage is found at the baggage belt, a lift goes up and down (why didn't we think of that), an escalator doesn't make stairs when it goes up and down and I am not going to be able to understand Dutch in a week. :-)

Bertie is right there to pick me up...and all I see is a camera flash going on. :-) At least my ride made it on time, even if my plane couldn't. He takes me through the greenest countryside to his hometown about an hour away. I even manage to keep my eyes open for the ride home (seeing that according to my body, it's 3am). I even manage to eat a PBJ before I nearly collapse. After I take a 2 hour power nap (really it was supposed to be a 20 min one.), I go to take a shower. So..shower's in Holland don't have walls...I get to scquiggie the floor. Then we head into Zwolle. He tells me it's a small town...and I laugh. It rivals East Lansing during the school year.

It's a terrific old place that even has some of the wall around it. I'm posting all the pics in a facebook album. But we even visited a church that he hadn't been in all the time he's lived here. Guess it takes a visitor to see everything in your own town. :)

Heading to Europe

2010-06-10T18:53:00.006-04:00

Okay..so I'm going to try and tell my story of traveling in Europe here. I was so happy that I could plan ahead. Got all the clothes sorted and got the suitcase out. Wezlet decided she wanted to come along though, so had to coax her out.

The night started out a bit crazy when at 1 in the morning I got around to checking my itinerary. Imagine my surprise when I found I had booked a flight that leaves at 11 in the morning and not 4 in the afternoon of the next day. Spent the next hour doing all the things I could that i had planned to do in the morning. Fed cats, watered plants, took out trash and triple checked my bags.(too bad I packed the power cord that has 3 prongs and my convertor only has 2. Got up early and got to the airport with plenty of time. Flew a little puddle jumper in the rain to Philly and found I had a 5 hour layover. So I decided to head out of the airport and check out PHilly....it was raining there too. I did make it to the Liberty Bell though. Ended up back at the airport with 2 hours to go a little damp and rather tired from much walking. I was kind of hoping to end up so tired, I just slept on the flight over. We'll see how well that worked for me.

Here is the Liberty Bell in all it's glory!

Getting ready for Europe

2010-06-07T17:46:00.002-04:00

So...Its only a couple of days away. I'm going to be in the Netherlands in 3 days. My to Do list doesn't seem to be shrinking and the knot in my stomach seems to be growing. I really want to do this...and yet...if I'm really honest with myself..i am not sure anymore how much i want to go. There is a growing fear that I will actually be able to pull it all off. Self confidence is shrinking as the hour of departure looms closer. I'm hoping that once I get there, things will fall into place and all will be well...but even now, the tears are just below the surface and it is hard to keep them in. So..tonight I pack the suitcase and cross more things off my list..tomorrow get the cats squared away..and wed. think about what goes in the carry on's.

Holland, London, Paris...here i come!

End of Feb and its still snowing

2010-02-27T11:46:00.002-05:00

Never again will I complain about the lack of snow in MI. Today before I could leave, I had to knock down rather large icicles that had formed on my gutters along the walk. One was as tall as me. I carefully took a hoe and hit them from the side, hoping not to be hit by the flying pieces as they crashed to the pavement. Wonder if the neighbor was cranky, seeing it was 7:15 am. :-) Drive time must be doubled from Dec. to March..and now I'm thinking it needs to be until May.

At least the snowmen are happy!

Stress and being sick

2009-10-02T20:50:00.002-04:00

So..the school year starts..and i have no lab in either building...and now teach two more brand new classes..and the stress just creeps in. The weeks go by...and the situation doesn't change..only now I am fighting little sleep and the germs of 400 students...and stress builds. I try to sleep more, eat right, and breathe. Why is getting centered so dang hard? Breathe and focus...breathe and focus...Maybe i'll get it...

but now i'm sick....and it's hanging on...and I'm exhausted.

hard to focus on centering...and leaving the stress behind

The Fork

2009-09-19T00:58:00.004-04:00

This poem called The Fork was written as I sat by the nagahela (i can't spell it) river in North Carolina. The river had many boats floating along it. Some places were smooth and quiet..and others had very fast rapids. I hope you like it.

The Fork

Gliding slowly down the quiet water,
Moving along with the current of life
Settled calmly in the open air
Green leaves and flowers slide silently by
Birds present a concert of song
Never-ending along the way

Paddle still, used only to gently guide the way
Past rocks and trees, providing power
When the current is weak and waves small
Providing direction when unbidden movements arrive,
Strong currents dictate the way and
Waves push toward danger and uncertainty

River runs clear when the fork appears
View hidden by bends and trees
Left or right---decision looms
Each path a different journey, both unseen, unknown
Random choice or deliberate action
Push the bow and journey on

The way may be smooth, wide paths free of rocks and waves
Tree-lined with still waters, punctuated by the shouts
Of song birds, cracks of slight feet
On dry branches and long dead leaves
Time made for reflection and thought
Finding the center and seeing the way floating along

The way may be rough, narrow and rock filled
Waves reach high with frothy force, hiding dangers below
The beating of water on the sides drown out the
Songs of forest, the strong heartbeat pounding
Darting sights side to side, discerning the danger
Seeking safety and peace amidst the rapids

We seek to take the easy fork, avoid the pain
Yet amidst the pain is growth, strength reborn
along the rapids, there is wisdom, experience acquired
confidence and empathy renewed and nurtured
even as the calm path renews and refreshes
focuses and restores, the rapids of life breeds empathy

seek both in the path of life
the rough and the smooth, the easy and the hard
for in the full journey is the whole of life’s experiences

Another year

2009-05-21T23:54:00.003-04:00

Another year is nearly over. One 1/2 day left, then I walk away. I will be looking for another place to pass on what i know...another place to give of myself. Even though I will probably not find what i am looking for, i will search. In every part of our life, we search and seek...

Making sure we give ourselves permission to live and grow and feel and hurt and be angry is the hardest part of the search....and the most important..

Affirmations that help me:

The world is ruled by letting things take it's course
We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world
Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind.
Water which is too pure has no fish.
Let the waters settle. You will see stars and moon mirrored in your Being.
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

I hope they help you. :-)

Life is a circle

2009-03-24T23:21:00.004-04:00

So..life comes around again....and where do we go from there?

Spring’s Ascent

cold wind whips over
the barren field
not even bare trees
stop it’s bitter bite

brown and grey cover
the landscape
testament to the
fading white blanket

never ending darkness
hangs on like the
lone climber up the
sheer rock face

not wanting to relent
to the oncoming light
the slow climbing
sun warming it’s path

yet warmth, green
cannot be halted
rising from deep within
pushing aside that which is dormant

tentative at first, seeking
safe warm and sun
poking first above the surface
barely daring to seek it’s light

warmth and light feed the new
passion, struggling to take root
safe in the wrapping of love,
yet tender and fragile

under the gentle touch
of water and warmth
passion grows, unseen
digging deep into the soul

until the last holds of
the dark day relent
releasing the power
of passion to burst
through for all to see and share

Wounded Butterfly

2009-01-02T10:31:00.002-05:00

delicate wings, lithe body
resting on the edge
folding, unfolding in the
warmth of the sun

breezes cool the heat
belie the coming storm
resting and waiting
in a masquarde of safety

sudden change, unseen and swift
winds tearing at the
peaceful rest
rain pelting and ripping

butterfly falls, unable to
find the edge again,
useless wings, torn and shredded
blinded and afraid

finally landing on the
hard ground, cold
wet, mud-covered
and in pain

safety gone,
warmth turned to cold
looking up into the
darkness of night

strength fades
confidence wanes
deep pain invades
the once-full heart

time must pass
storm must run
its course and move away,
to find another

time ticks slowly
never-ending minutes
turn into days and nights
and days again

Things just keep changing

2008-12-14T23:42:00.003-05:00

So..why is it that the more things change...the less they change? I had a job interview last week....thought it went really well. They kept my portfolio, kept me in the interview for nearly an hour...and yet...still no word on what is happening.
Things changed over night for me...and I can't seem to get my head wrapped around it...
and I can't get my balance. I am falling...clawing to stop myself...and not finding anything to grab onto...finding nothing that looks normal.
The holes here are huge...gaping and raw.... I used to be dented....now.....i can't even describe it.. I just wish...I could get something normal back...

Today is the last day

2008-11-15T13:56:00.004-05:00

Hi
Today is the last day for now for Project Write. I feel a little on the outside of this group. I don't have a classroom. I don't have the same group of kids. I just have everyone. I don't have specific time for reading or writing. I don't have the support of editing time or even a specific curriculum. I can do the technology though. I just need the opportunity. Man I wish schools thought with more than just their pocketbooks. I wish that kids were really the focus and the most important thing.

I just want to do my job...to the best of my ability...for the kids..

New Directions

2008-08-23T12:14:00.002-04:00

So... life always seems to take new directions. I just don't understand why they always have to be so hard. Why is it that you can do all things correctly, or for the right reasons....and still be the one facing the consequences?

I found this aquarium...and put it on my home page for iGoogle. Trying to remind myself to just slow down....breathe.....and focus on the things i can..

we'll see how it works.

SL and Free Time

2008-06-02T11:39:00.003-04:00

So, I have long wondered about the fascination my friends had with WOW online and other things they do regularly. Then I found Second Life. I originally went to SL in search of things related to my job as a teacher. I joined some education groups and then found the writers. I have become much more prolific in my writing due to the interest shown in the fact that my "avatar" has the title of poet. Now I have a social network of friends...and understand much more the draw that having that "virtual world" can have on your real life. Free time is slim in my world these days, but having others around that I feel I know makes it much easier to just spend time there.

Second Life

2007-11-22T01:54:00.000-05:00

I have created a second life. Like I don't have enough to do in my first life. So..Arwen was created in Oyster Bay. She's a red head with Blue eyes. She has a house, an Island, and can ballroom dance. The really good news for me...is that I found my poetry voice again. I hadn't used it in so long. I had forgotten how much I really wanted to write.

Lounging on my beach...just to get away sometimes.

Guess we need to read it all

2007-11-10T09:11:00.000-05:00

How often do we get an email and scan for important words? I got three emails this week, and I only half read all of them. Why is that? It is because I think they are short messages, not "real" letters, I can just skim them. What happens when I skim? I miss things...important things like times and directions. I miss little things like who sent the email or a date. I miss other things too...like I love you, I miss you or thanks. Today I thought I had missed an important thing...and turns out...I didn't. That was nice to see.

Lonely

2007-11-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

Project WRITE is a 4 county grant project to help teachers be better teachers of writing. I will be here all weekend. It means I will not be with my family or those close to me. The teachers here are great. I am struggling with being lonely and alone and surrounded by interesting people. The good news for me is that we have access to technology, so I can contact those I need to. I am just tired of being lonely. :-( Sometimes I just feel like this will go on forever.

Did you know?

2007-10-19T19:38:00.001-04:00

I have now seen this video at least twice in the past 3 days at education meetings. The scariest thing to me is that it's educators looking at info that we know intuitively, while the people who should be viewing this to make decision s about education, testing and funding are not.
Wonder if they will

Did you know?

Long long days.................................

2007-10-12T00:25:00.000-04:00

Today is a release of another Magic expansion. For me that means that the day that began at 6:15 am will not end until close to that same time the next day. I have never been very good at staying up for 24 hours. Now that I am on the wrong side of 40...i'm even worse at it. Why is it that we don't think we are ever as old as we are, or as young as we are? I have been thinking about my grandfather lately. He died last year and it was among the saddest things I have been through. He had a stroke. By the time I got there, he was for all intents and purposes gone. I miss him now so much. Saying good bye just stinks.........

Good Bye Grandpa.

I love you...and miss you.

Pleasing everyone

2007-10-06T00:48:00.000-04:00

I was pretty sure that the saying was that you couldn't please all of the people all of the time....but damn...I would just like to please a few of the people most of the time. Why does it seem that the more I do, the less it seems to matter. I send missing things to people...and no one even says thanks.. I drive all over heck to get people where they need /WANT to go...and it's not enough.
I work all day, and still spend hours trying to get just one more thing done....and it's not enough.

It's just never enough...

Just makes me sad.

Fighting a losing battle

2007-09-26T17:41:00.000-04:00

So...everyone is sick at work. They are all coughing, sneezing, and running a fever. One of the guys at the store has mono....and I worked alongside him for 9 hours last weekend....so should I be very surprised when I have a headache for 4 days and am exhausted. I wanted so much to have today off to just sleep and rest....

Phone rings at 9am...it's the High school....Ben tried to be the goalie at soccer for gym with his thumb...

3 hours later and a splint on his right hand (at least he's left handed).... I get back home.

Now I'm listing ebay...and still exhausted...maybe Fri..........................

I really want to win this one.....really I do

Busy Times

2007-09-18T21:56:00.000-04:00

So.......now I have finished my first week on my new schedule...and my new paycheck. It's amazing to me how frugal I have been for the past 3 years. I have worked so hard on my new degree that it is finally paying off. I can work less hours and still be okay financially. The only issue is only having 35 minutes with each class. I just get everyone started...and they have to stop.

So...how do you keep 20 five year olds busy for 35 minutes....when they have little or no fine motor control. It's a tall order.

I was excited to read the guidelines for students and technology though....I teach almost all the skills they need to have already. :)

Now I just need to take a deep breath...focus on each task one at a time.... and not completely flip out.

RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

School has started

2007-09-11T12:47:00.000-04:00

So...I started in the new year last week. Man it was nice to not have to get up early to drive 45 min to work, except I had to get up early to drive to GR. Mom was not doing well. Scary stuff when your parent gets sick. Even scarier when you are an only child. Not sure how I am handling this whole getting older thing. I can handle the kids getting older. I actually like the idea of them being on their own and doing their own things. But the idea of my parents getting older....is just not sitting too well with me.

Anyone else??

2007-09-04T22:16:00.001-04:00

So...someone told me about the new site that tells you what percentage of the world you have seen. I would love to see where my kids have been. My son has traveled to so many countries its unbelievable. I am happy to say though that I have been to 74% of the US. Since I am making a trip to the great NW this coming fall (gotta check out that new Portland Trail Blazer dance group), I am going to add at least 3 more states to the mix. Now I just have to figure out how to figure out getting to Hawaii........................

Always dreaming.

create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide

Man it's hot!!!!

2007-08-01T18:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I am going to work very hard at keeping up with this. I am struggling a bit with time management. I am supposed to turn in my proposal on my master's capstone, turn in my schedule for the next school year. and keep up with both Bandai, Decipher and RIW. I want to figure out how to get to Chi-Town next weekend. It would be fun to work at con without being in charge. I am excited about having 19 people confirmed to work the Bandai Booth at Gen Con. :-) Maybe I am finally getting this right.

My son has moved in with me now. I have been on my own at home for the past 2 years. It's hard to adjust to being home when he is. I'll get it right. Josh comes home in 3 weeks and I am so excite.

Anyway...just an update from me. :-)

I took this outside RIW. We have furry friends out back.

Last one..Flash

2007-06-26T00:30:00.001-04:00

Wow...ever tried to type with a partial cast on...I thought the fact that it was my left hand would be cool...but nope..anyway...final blog try..

Part 1: How hard is it to pick up & run with a new program like Flash that has a relatively steep learning curve? Why do you think that?

I think it is not effective to try and pick up and run a progam like flash on the fly. I think that it leads to frustration...and not wanting to continue. I am the geek at my school and I struggled here. You need to want to figure it out. Many of my colleagues will not want to spend the time, so they will miss the benefits. Programs like this would benefit from a tutorial built in.

Part 2: Do you think most people need to have an expensive program (like Flash), when there are other programs that are free/much cheaper that do similar things but are more simplified (have fewer features)? When is it necessary to have the higher-end programs? When is it just spending more time to add bells & whistles?

I think it depends on the focus and outcomes wanted with these programs. Things like morphing programs need the complexity of flash...while most regular joes..can do just fine without all the bells and whistles. If you are using the program to sell something, or make a more professional presentation...you probably need the depth of the higher end programs.

arm hurts...time to stop

Video Podcast By Dick Hardt

2007-06-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

So..for my video podcast, I watched a keynote address by Dick Clarence Hardt, who is the CEO of Sxip. This podcast was a couple of years old and about identity and the internet. This is just background because I am actually writing about the format he used. There was very little video of Mr. Hardt. The majority of the video was his voice showing what looked to me like a quick powerpoint presentation. I actually enjoyed it very much. He intermixed pictures and words to accentuate his points. Other podcasts that I have watched have been mostly direct video of an event. I have watched the finals of card game matches, interviews of politicians and sports personalities, and the weather person. These videos have been like short movies. They include pertinent information and video of the people talking as well as background video. This podcast was one where you could hear the words being said, but not see the speaker. On the screen were words or images related to the words, flashing quickly past the screen. It very much felt like a narrated power point presentation.
The link for this video is:

http://identity20.com/media/OSCON2005/
http://ipodmovies.illuster.nl/illusteritunesbanner.jpg

This was a unique presentation. There were times when I was distracted by the images and missed the words. I noticed that since I chose live streaming that the rewinding of the podcast was difficult, so I just let it go by. I was more interested though in the subject than I thought I would be, primarily because of the format. I looked forward to seeing which images he would use in this presentation. In other formats, audiences may tune out the interviewer, or close the podcast because they get tired of listening to the same person and seeing the same things. I know that long podcasts I have watched of games have been difficult to sit all the way through. The length of this was just about my limit without wanting to stop and get up. The streaming option I chose did not allow me to stop it where I was, so I watched it through to the end, mostly because I didn't want to have to do it again. I did enjoy this podcast and would like to try to create one using this type of video. I am not entirely sure how I would do it though.

One more thing to try...........

http://www.gapingvoid.com/i'm%20a%20speaker.jpg

Podcast Reflection

2007-06-09T10:21:00.000-04:00

http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/203/what-is-a-podcast/
What is a podcast and How can I use one? by Yaro Starak

Yaro Starak is an internet writer specializing in the use of technology in the 21st century. His article "What is a Podcast and How can I use One?" is an introductory primer on getting started. He begins the article talking about what a Podcast is and how it is made. The article looks at the history of the podcast and it's continuing impact on communication. It also gives possible uses and suggestions for getting started in podcasting on your own. While this is a good article for those who don't know anything about podcasting, I feel it could be stronger in the areas of examples and suggestions. I would recommend this article for those who need to know what a podcast is and how to get started using them.
The article begins with a definition and history of podcast. I thought it was very interesting that the word podcast comes from IPod. However, it was good to let readers know that they can listen to a podcast in formats other than Ipods. "However you don’t have to listen to podcasts only on iPods;... It really doesn’t matter, as long as you have some way to play music on your computer you will be able to listen to podcasts."
The next section is a description of how to use a podcast. I currently subscribe to several podcasts about subjects that that interest me. The use of the subscribe denotes constantly changing content. It is an interesting idea that you can use a podcast like a magazine. The podcasts that I listen to usually update about every month or 6 weeks. I am certain that they can also update weekly or even daily. It is also a positive that you can save the podcast and listen to it at your leisure, rather than having to interact with it at the time it is posted.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/jlo0079l.jpg

The next two sections talk about the impact of Podcasts on the society. The wide reaching nature of the Internet, coupled with the ability to listen when and where you choose, have made Podcasts the new form of information dissemination. "Podcasts and blogs are leading a new content distribution revolution on the web that you are going to hear a lot about in the future...Podcasts are considered to be part of the beginnings of a timeshifting revolution" according to the author. I see many uses for this in education as well. Students who are homebound, traveling or have work/sports conflicts will be able to take classes they may have missed in the past. Students could also avail themselves much more to college classes, as they can partake in lectures that they might not be able to attend for a variety of reasons.
The author gives a quick overview of some of the software he uses in his podcasts, as well as links to the needed software. This is important for the beginner, as there are many different ways to record and publish a podcast. Finally, the author takes a peek into the future of podcasts. "Podcasting is the start of a new media content revolution that is empowering individuals with the ability to globally distribute their ideas and create a following of like minded fans." The next steps will include videocasting or independent creations. The rise in popularity of UTube and Google Video are a testament to the rise in popularity of these forms of communication. It is just a matter of time until the educational community catches up. Our students may be the next Internet stars.

http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/102705/itd-last-longer.gif

I would use podcasting for creation of instructions for teachers and students to tasks I want them to complete. I would also create a podcast for those students who missed a session in the lab. I work outside of school and can see creating a podcast of announcements or important information that I want stored for all those with whom I work. I could create podcast messages for my children who are scattered around the country at this time, or create messages that can be sent to my parents and relatives who do not live nearby keeping them updated with kids and their events. I also see podcasting as a great tool for Professional development for staff. Podcasts could be created for teachers on a variety of subjects they need and left for them to access as necessary. The uses are nearly as endless as the topics available.

Kim

Blogs and Wikis

2007-06-03T23:42:00.000-04:00

My musings from reading from my multimedia class:
The important things I have gleaned from the readings. The Google article on creating a good blog had great ideas and suggestions. I really like the idea that you do not link to other sites or pictures and find a top level domain. I have been able to keep with this site for a couple of years now, even when I don't write for a long time. It has only recently moved to a stable relationship with Google, which is actually better for me. I also really agreed with the idea that in a blog a writer must explain more than normal. I have re read things I wrote months ago and have to really try and remember why I wrote that, or what I meant by it. The Harvard Weblog article talks about comments. I have found the comments section can be annoying and difficult, and also a way for others to interact with my writing. Those interactions are what can be difficult, but then all writing that is public comes under scrutiny, so I guess it comes with the territory.
A wiki is a new concept for me in terms of my own use. I send students to Wikipedia all the time, with the admonishment that the entries must be scrutinized for validity and correctness. However, the thought of creating my own Wiki has never crossed my mind. However, in the O'Reilly article, the concept that a wiki is used by a large group of people to communicate and share a workspace is a really interesting concept. Recently, I had a group project that didn't work very well, but could have been much better with a wiki. I can see many writers using a wiki to create a book. As I have never used a wiki, I would not know what a good software program is, but am looking forward to using the class wiki. I was interested in the reasons for not using a wiki. I can see that those who are not technology savvy would have a difficult time managing this type of communication. Sometimes the public nature of a blog or a wiki makes it hard to really communicate with others. I can see that I will have much more immediate uses for a blog and plan to help my students create their own blog in an effort to evaluate writing and their ideas in the future. We'll just have to see about a Wiki.
http://blog.org/uploads/dogsandblogsnewyorker.gif (gif link)

Been a long time

2007-06-03T22:24:00.000-04:00

It's been sooooooo long since I have been able to get here. Now that it's connected to my email, maybe it will be easier. So much has happened, but the big news is that I only have one more kid in high school. Jonathan graduated from Grand Ledge last friday. He looked awesome and I am so proud of him. He has worked hard to graduate and made it now. He is working through the summer and moving to Howell in the fall. He will be sharing a room with the only high schooler left. Ben moves in with me this week. The house will not be the same..that's for sure. Here is Jon in his cap and gown. He's a young man now working on figuring out his life. I know that he will succeed.

Proud mom is me!!! :-)

Man...it's been a while

2006-12-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

I knew I was going to struggle at this, but geez...10 months? A lifetime happens in 10 min. and it's taken me 10 months to get back here. Now it's the end of the year...and I am back. Lots has happened. I got a new assignment at school, got a new job (with Bandai), and got a new cat. Daughter is in Santa Barbara, Son #1 is in Portland OR, Son #3 is who knows where (as in on tour) and sons #4 and 5 are still in Grand Ledge..at least for the time being. I still hang out at the store, but not as much, but it is very busy. I will work on this tomorrow.... Maybe a time line or something.

maybe....maybe not.

Sick of being Sick

2006-02-28T19:18:00.000-05:00

So...my doctor finally calls over the weekend...I've been tired and run down for weeks now. It's Mono...right...I have mono....I wanted to laugh. All I do is work and drive...no kisses for me...so how the heck do I get mono? Turns out..i probably had it all along. Anyway, now I am off work for a week. I never want to do this again. I found out at 4pm that I was going to have to take the next 4 days off work. So..I am at school til well after dark trying to plan for the next 4 days..all papers copied...all things that could possibly go wrong...all special instructions...all letters that will need to go home...tests to give...it's just wild...... And I am so tired all the time...that it takes me forever just to think of the next thing.

My kid is in Japan...the view is amazing. He calls and IM's pretty regularly. He is seeing so many wonderful things. I am so proud of all he has done. He is leaving for Germany for 7 months to teach dance soon...A year is a long time to not see a child.

My daughter left for CA yesterday...so I am starting to also deal with the empty nest thing... Not sure that i was really ready for all this at once. She was my rock and I will miss her very much. Hold your kids...they grow up fast.

Poetry Day

2006-02-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

Tues was Valentines Day. Fortunately for me, it is the very LAST party I will have to deal with this school year....and now it may be that I am going back into the lab if I am still working in Michigan. This is a short week for us, as we are having Mid Winter Break here. No school Fri or Monday!!! So... I had scheduled a poetry reading for this week. The kids in class have been working on poetry books for 3.5 weeks. I decided I really only wanted to lose one day of the short week. So, I decided to have the reading in the morning of the party...I thought that was pretty good thinking, but really...it was not. I was so exhausted by the end of the day, I just wanted to sleep right in the room. The kids did great. They all read at least 2 poems and didn't get nervous or scared reading. We had something like 30 adults in the room. It was pretty awesome. I hope that the kids remember what we did as positive. :-)

It's a New Year

2006-01-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

I stayed home from school today...the flu is a really nasty thing to have. You are not really sick enough to be sick, but nothing sounds good. Even moving makes me queasy. I thought maybe I was better, since I slept in all day. So I went to the store. Tried to bring Elvis..my cat....and he got out of the car and ran. I'm so sad. He's the one who is always there when I come home. How do we get so attacted to an animal anyway?

Anyway, life has been very up and down lately. I am very busy with all the things I do...and sometimes it seems just too busy...

busy is cleary not a way to savor the moment.

Sunny CA

2005-11-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

That is the biggest misnomer there is. I have been in Southern CA for 3 days now...first day..smog...second day clouds....and third day...well..it's 5 am, so not too sure on that one yet. Weatherbug says lots of wind, so you would guesss that the clouds would just be blown away...but probably not with my luck. I can't complain too loudly because when I left MI it was like 5 degrees and we were shoveling several inches of snow off the ground.
Anyway..I am here because my middle son was performing in his "New Kids Show". That is the show that the newest Young Americans do for the rest of the group(and their parents). Now the kids are rehersing for the "Christmas Show". Man am I glad that I don't have to go through these paces everyday. Watching Josiah was sometimes like watching his older brother, facial expressions and the hamming it up. He is his own performer too, but there are glimpses here and there.

That's my kid....with the red shirt and yellow pants. He has his arms up and is making sure everyone can see him at least once. In a group of very talented kids (110) in all, everyone has some trouble getting noticed. So for 2.5 hours on Fri. night...I searched and searched the stage over and over for where my kid was. Now instead of having to look for just one kid, I'm going to be having to look for two.

If you are wondering who these "Young Americans" are: they have a website.

www.youngamericans.org

But back to CA....it hasn't been sunny and warm must be a relative term, when you pack for 70 and its the low 60's...it's chilly. Should have packed for the 50's....I never even got to get my shorts out. :=(

I fly back to the frigid temps today though....and I'm sure that I m going to wish it were 60.

I have to get better at this

2005-10-13T21:03:00.000-04:00

So...life is nuts. My full time job is still sapping all my time. I am still planning this week during this week. Now it's MEAP. That's an anachornism for Michigan Educational Assessment Program. I say it's short for Educational Stupidity. But that is probably for another day. At least it's over next week. My third graders are in the midst of 7 different tests. That means that my second graders spend an hour a day in someone else's room. I have spent at least 7 weeks trying to build a classroom that doesn't distinguish grades with these kids and in the space of a week, the state rips it apart.

At my second almost full time job, things changed again. I really want things to stop changing, but given the current climate in the world...i am gussing that is not going to happen. I have been working hard to get things I am responsible for on the right track...and not taking on the other stuff. We'll see how well that works.

The store is going great guns. 7 nights of magic, lots of games, lots of people. I am not there as much as I want to be. Gas is too expensive, it's a long drive back and forth and I have to be up way too early.

Yesterday was FIsh Day. I couldn't have furry animals in my room. One of the kids are allergic, so I got fish. I started with 5....and am down to two. Went to the store tonight to get a replacement one to try and fool the kids tomorrow. So for Fish day, I wore my fish pants and we did fish writing and fish art and watched a fish movie. I think the kids had a good time and learned some cool things along the way. I just don't want my year to be a waste. :-(

Anyway...More on things later....

Been a while

2005-09-16T22:49:00.000-04:00

So..it's been a while since I've been back here. School started with quite a bang and I jumped out t of the frying pan and into the freaking fire. I have a huge classroom with 21 kids. They are evenly divided between the 2nd grade and 3rd. They are all of the out of the box thinkers...which in the end is good since I am not exactly a by the book kind of teacher, but for now, it's a bit hectic. I am spending long days at school...then the store...then home and just crash. It's Fri at 11 and I am so tired I can hardly see. My austic student is doing all right. He pretty much loses it after lunch, so I need to structure things a bit more then...but that's okay too.
Things on all other fronts are going through upheavals again, but I will leave that for another day....

Tag I'm It!!

2005-08-26T14:16:00.000-04:00

Okay...so I am a bit slow on the uptake these few days. I'm going to blame it on having to teach a class of 21 8 and 9yr olds starting on Monday... Gee thanks..Hayden

Ten Years ago, 1995-08-26

Well...that would mean I am the mom of 5 kids at home. The oldest Josh would have been 12. That means 6th grade and at Pattengill Middle School. Next was Beth, she was in 5th grade at Fairview Elementary. Josiah is in 2nd grade, Jon is in 1st grade and Ben is in preschool 3x a week all morning. I am going back to school now to get my teaching certificate, but I am trying to fill in all the holes that were created by my lack of wanting to take core classes in college the first time. I am in Algebra. I haven't taken a math class since I was a junior in HS...and it is not making me a happy camper. My oldest and I are getting a lot of the same type of homework. What did that tell me about the state of education in Lansing???

Five Years ago, 2000-08-26

So...now I've been teaching for 3 years....and it's time to move again. My son Jon has decided he wants to come live with me and so I pack everyone else up, move to East Lansing and start teaching at a new school. I haven't found a new place yet, but I am already working at my new job. We won't move til labor day weekend. I remember that the kids will be starting school as soon as I can get a lease signed. It seems I wait til the last minute a lot....not too sure why that is, but it makes for an exciting life.

One Year ago, 2004-08-26

Third school in the past 7 years, but at least I am spending 2-3 years at each one. I am getting ready to start another year in the computer lab. It's going to be the last one for awhile, but I don't know that last summer. I still don't have a place to live again. My sons have decided to live in GL with their dad...it's fine with me, but I don't think they are going to be too happy in the long run.(turns out I'm right). We all have to learn lessons though. :-) I have just gotten back from Gen Con, where I judged worlds for Rings. Little do I know the changes that will happen there.....last minute again for me... :-)

Yesterday, 2005-08-25

Pam came down and we painted desks until dark. I am now going to teach a multiple age class. I have 10 2nd graders and 11 3rd graders. It's a daunting enough task, to move from teaching one subject to everyone to all subjects to one group. It's made a bit more interesting by the fact that I have an austic student in my class as well. He's a great kid and already knows me, so that parts easier. It's just so much to do....here I am waiting again to get things together. I really do need to learn this lesson.

Tomorrow, 2005-08-27

I am leaving in the morning to drive up north to see Josh perform in his last dinner theatre. He's not going back up north next summer, so this is it for him. I am so proud of his ability and what he is doing. I just wish I had more people to share that with. I guess it's a mom thing, just sometimes it's hard for me. I'm going to do it all in one day, so I can get back to work on the last minute things and spend some time at the store before school starts on Monday.

Five snacks I enjoy:
Diet Coke, Chex Mix, potato skins, snackers from olgas, fresh fruit

Five bands that I know most of their lyrics:
Dashboard Confessional, Kansas, Savage Garden, Styx, Dixie Chicks

Five things I'd do with a million dollars:
pay off my loans and my parents, buy a condo with a dog, downpayment on a building for RIW, pay for my kids to go to the schools they want, bank the last $100.00 :-)

Five Places I'd Run Away to:
Southern CA, Ireland, Greece, Boston, Chicago

Five Bad Habits I have:
waiting til the last minute, talking on the cell when I really shouldn't, taking blame for things that aren't my fault, not speaking up when I need to, not being organized

Five things I like doing:
watching crime shows, spending time at RIW, sleeping in in the morning, watching my kids perform, walking anywhere hand in hand.

Five things I wouldn't wear:
a bikini, pants around my hips, a cumberbun, a fur coat, spike heels

Five TV Shows I love:
any CSI, any Law & Order, West Wing, Cold Case, Bewitched

Five Movies I love:
You've got mail, Lord of the Rings, Chorus Line, High Society, My Fair Lady

Five Famous people I'd like to meet:
Princess Di, Tom Hanks, Jan Brett, Susan Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt

Five biggest joys at the moment:
watching any of my kids perform, hanging out with Pam at the store, watching TV with a cat in my lap, being with friends anywhere, seeing kids in my class happy to be there

Five Favorite Toys:
Arwen miniature, legos, anything winnie the pooh, coloring books and crayons, barbie camper

Five People to Tag:

David E
Tania
Royce
Justin
Michael

Getting ready for school

2005-08-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

So...I just get back from GenCon...and I have to get ready for school. Teachers come back tomorrow....so I came back today. Painted desks for several hours, hung paper, organized books. I haven't been in a classroom for 4 years...and man it shows. I am feeling very lost right now. Okay...so a couple of days have past. Pam came and helped me paint desks for the past two days. They are blue, green, yellow and red. Teachers are coming by...telling me to group them as all one color. My instinct is to make a group of 4, one of each color, but since I haven't done this in so long, I see their points. I doubt it will stay this way, but that's okay too. I have most things done with the physical space, now I have to deal with the mental place. That's tomorrow's blog. :-)

Still Hot and Muggy

2005-08-13T06:05:00.000-04:00

So...It's still hot and muggy here. Makes it hard to sleep. I can't imagine how hard it is for my cats during this time. I have two black cats, Ricco and Elvis. I call them Big Head and Shaggy. At least I know that Elvis is not alone when I am not home.

I went to school today to check things out. My room is a mess, there is stuff everywhere and its all 2nd grade stuff. Kyle came in and fixated on the mirror. Kyle is austic and will be in my room this year. He comes with an full time aide, and his own set of challenges. I wanted to take it down, but I think we are going to try and cover it first.

I have a dream class...all the kids that are independent workers...no behavior issues...I'm still feeling a little overwhelmed though...I only have a couple of days to get ready for school. I think I am going to get things from mom's tonight. I'm not sleeping well, so I think I will just use the time to do other things...sleep is overrated.

Long weekend

2005-07-31T00:06:00.000-04:00

So...i drove about 500 miles this week with my kids to see Josh again. Met my mom up north so she could go to the show too. She and Howard have been cruising in the UP for a month. I think they are ready to go home. The weather here can't make up it's mind. One day is hot and muggy..then it's just beautiful....now next week the 90's are back. At least I don't have a ton of electric bills coming at me. There is one good thing about never being home.

Home...seems to be an overrated concept. Not sure how your really define a home. If it's the place that you feel comfortable and accepted.... then i don't really have one. If it's the place you sleep...I have two....

I really want to have a home...where i go and put my feet up and can be just me.....

why does it have to be so hard? Latson Rd before my apt. was built.... :-l

Who am I anyway?

2005-07-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

As I was thinking about the images that I could use to describe myself, I found myself having difficulty finding things that I was comfortable using as symbols. I think I have a pretty good sense of the kind of person that I am. I know what makes me tick, what makes me mad and what I can do. I am not always very confident in those things. I find myself struggling with my abilities, not with the things I believe about myself, but my ability to carry them off. When defining myself, I decided to look at the things that are most important to me and use symbols to convey those things.
The most important thing about me, to me, is that I am a very outgoing person. I love to be around other people. I enjoy directing and organizing and helping others to achieve something great. I thought about myself as a cat, but decided that cats are too much loners for me. They pick and choose the people that they will associate with and that choice changes all the time. I am not like that. I thrive around all kinds of people and only shy away when feel threatened or judged. I chose instead to identify with a Golden Retriever. They are beautiful, graceful animals that are active and love to be around people. They do what it takes to please those around them and are active all the time. The one word I could think of to describe a retriever is faithful. They stick by their families at all times. They are also faithful to themselves. They retain the things they have learned and work hard at whatever task they are performing. I believe that I am very much like this. The opposite of this faithfulness is a snake. It is sneaky, hiding and will turn on anyone at any time. It slithers on the ground, not wanting to be seen by others. It does not call attention to itself or try to improve the area it is in. It stays in the shadows, watching and waiting for an opportunity to strike out and destroy whatever strikes it’s fancy.
I chose the color orange as most descriptive of me. It is not my favorite color. Yet it suggests vibrancy and activity. Orange is the sweet color of fruit, the warm color of the sun. It is heat and motion. It draws attention to itself. It is the color used to warn us of construction or change. I am always moving, wanting to be in the spotlight. Sometimes even to my detriment, wanting to be the center of attention. Orange is a creamsicle that satisfies you in the hot sun, and a sweet yam at Thanksgiving dinner. The opposite of this is grey. The dull, drab motionless grey of low hanging clouds. Grey drags down your spirit and dulls your senses. It robs you of the life that you are building up inside. It is like the inside of a prison or the old feeling of dull paint.
Finally, I am water. Fluid, always moving, flexible and refreshing when it’s cool. Water can be scary and vibrant though when pushed by the strong winds of a storm or out of control when flooding an area. Water is necessary for life. I want to be fluid and refreshing and when I am in control, not overwhelming. I strive for the control necessary for being a positive influence on those around me. Is the opposite of water really fire? Fire is fluid, moving flexible. It doesn’t care where it’s going or what is in its way. It can be as destructive when out of control as water is. I guess that’s a thing to ponder.

Sewing Adventure

2005-07-20T18:38:00.000-04:00

Last week I sewed again for the first time in a long time. Ayden (Pam's 3 yr old nephew) wanted a superman cape. Pam (wanting to be the good aunt) said that she would make one for him. Kim (being the good friend) agreed to do the sewing, esp. since I know that she can't sew to save her life. She bought the supplies and I sewed. The cape is cool. As soon as I can get a pic., I'll put it up. Anyway,
it took me a couple of days to get it all cut out. It went together quite quickly...and it looks good. It's red on the outside and blue satin on the inside. I found a cool superman T-shirt at target with a raised emblem on it. I put that on the back. I think the adults like it better than the kid does. I find that happened a lot when my kids were little too. They wanted stuff from me...I would take the time to sew it...and they would wear it once and then be done. The only thing that really had long term value...the Star Trek Uniforms I made as Halloween costumes one year. Live Long and Prosper

Everyday Sacred

2005-07-13T08:16:00.000-04:00

My mom gave me a book a few months ago called Everyday Sacred. Reading time is such a premium these days, so this is a good book for me. It's all little entries, sort of a blog. It has been an interesting thing to carry around and read.

Sue Bender says:
"Stories move in circles. They don't move in straight lines. So it helps if you listen in circles. There are more stories inside stories and stories between stories, and finding your way through them is as easy and as hard as finding your way home. And part of the finding is the getting lost. and when you're lost, you start to look around and to listen."

I think this is also life. Life is circles and finding your way. I know that it is important to go with the flow of life, but sometimes, the getting lost is scary and hard. I wish it were easier. They say that anything worth having is hard and takes work, but why can't the things worth having be easy?

Circles.... http://www.goldeneye.clarityconnect.com/images/grafzvizion/circles.jpg

round without end....life would be so much easier if it had a defined beginning and end again.. :-)

It's late

2005-07-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

I was up north watching Young Americans Dinner Theater. My son was amazing...and I am not just talking as his mom...but that's another day. Now I am home alone and I am just not wanting to be here with two cats. I love the cats, but i have figured out that I am just too much a people person. I want to talk to people...know someone else is there. Not sure if that just because for so long, that's all it's been...me as a daughter, me as a roommate, me as wife and mostly me as a mom. This is a publicity shot of Josh a few years ago. I felt old this weekend..really old. My son is growing up. He is going to Scotland again..I haven't even been outside the country except to Canada, and he is touring Europe for 4 months this fall...I have missed a lot...i have a lot... I just need to concentrate on that. :-)

Night all

K

Home From Columbus

2005-07-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

So...I got home from Columbus at around 4:30 in the morning. I was sick almost all the way home. I didn't get dinner til around 10pm...don't eat Italian subs from McDonalds, esp. at midnight. I thought i would feel something more than I did..maybe it's just cause i was sick...maybe it's because i have been away a bit now...and maybe it's because I didn't see the people that I associate with convention attendance. All i really know is that I am done now... No more will i be working as a tournament hall lackey. I enjoyed my dinners at Boca (Thanks David and WK :-) ) Now I am at home with my sons...and can't seem to get motivated to clean and such. Oh well..It's coming..slowly and surely.

Con Time

2005-06-30T21:43:00.000-04:00

Today I spent in the tourney hall in Colombus Ohio. It is a big, noisy room with lots of people and lots of empty spaces. Tomorrow is my first real work day....and I had better get it right. Things are a bit strange this year. I guess you can say the one thing I have learned this year is that nothing stays the same. As much as you want to things to be the same, they change. Change is not good or bad...change is neutral. How we perceive that change is what we see as good or bad. I guess it's part of that glass half empty, glass half full thing. I want the glasses to be half full...hell, I want them to be all full. Reflection just has to bring about something good.

Only time will tell.

watch out for me

2005-06-28T18:16:00.000-04:00

Here is me a couple of years ago at Gen con. This is my Gamling sword, signed by Daniel from Weta. Now I just need to find a place to hang it. I got the hooks last year at Gencon...maybe it will go up by this years Gen Con.
My sword

2005-06-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

Here's our front table. I've been spending a lot of time there these days....working on store things. But it's sure beautiful.
Front Table

What Time is Dinner?

2005-06-28T18:13:00.000-04:00

I really wasn't as bored as I look here. After spending an entire weekend, watching LOTR games, I was a bit zoned. We'll be doing that again this weekend, but it will be good.

In it's heyday..LOTR rocked. We had great tourney's here...border wars and pre releases. Wish those days were here now, but everything changes.

Hot and muggy

2005-06-28T17:57:00.000-04:00

It's hot and muggy in the mitten state. It's ironic to me that the symbol of cold and snow would have a heat index of 94 and humidity of 98%. I am trying to decide what to do about Ohio. This is becoming more and more difficult for me to figure out. The air is running almost non-stop. Now I know how my dad feels in southern FL. I will have to read this again in Jan...when I am buried under 4' of snow and we have no power. :-)