Friday, December 29, 2006

Stuff Portrait - end of the year.


This week Shaun wants the following:
1. Something that you won’t have in your home in 2007
2. Something random and odd
3. 07…..pick seven of something. Or with the number 7. Whatever. Be creative.


1. Here is something that won't be here in 2007. We started picking colors for our dining room Summer of 2005. We bought paint that September. While we've painted two other rooms in that time, we haven't finished this one. In my first home improvement in 2007 - I *will* paint this room!!



2. Something Random and Odd. My girls! OK, it's not a picture of my girls, but they assembled this contraption to sit in. Sometimes they put themselves inside the blue one with the white bin on top and call it an egg. Silly girls!!



Something with 7: The girls were playing school this AM. If you count carefully, there are 7 stuff animals playing students here!




So, I'm wrapping the rest of my presents to mail and starting my holiday cards! I will have them mailed - ok, probably by Tuesday!
Let me know if you played so I can visit.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

End of the semester and Christmas

Yesterday grades were due. During the semester, I had assigned an extra credit assignment but for the life of me, I don't know if anyone did the assignment. I had decided that I would just not worry about it. Unfortunately, the guilt was tearing me up. After all, what if it did make a difference in someones grade.

So, yesterday I sent an email to the class asking anyone who did the assignment to email me. If anyone contacts me and can email me their assignment, I will submit a grade change.

It's a bit embarrassing (and I've already had two students email me). I just can't understand why it's disappeared.

I hate feeling guilty - then again, I think I'd hate it more if I was so callous as to not care.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas was really nice. DH has been working in his workshop for weeks and boy did his efforts pay off. I've posted the picture of the clock he made below, here are the pictures of the present he made for me an the girls:

This is the jewelry box he made for the girls:

Here is the photo storage box DH made for me:



Now he has no idea what to make for me next year - I suspect he'll figure something out. He did comment that he realized he has now made me a 2nd box that I have no place to store. I think when he makes the side tables for the office, I'll make sure they have bottom shelves to put the boxes.

Now he is back to working on Sydney's bed.

Friday, December 22, 2006

SPF - Christmas!


I've decided to try my hand at SPF. I've not been around much, work was kicking my arse. Now that the semester is over I'm committed to trying to blog more regularly.

This week Kristine wants the following:

1. One Decoration


Sydney made this at preschool. She was so proud when I put it on the tree. An angel that Sarah made at school several years ago has been put on the top of the tree.

2. One Gift


This is the gift Joe made for his parents. I would take pictures of the jewelry boxes that he made for the girls, but my present is in the workshop and I don't peek. Stop laughing, I really don't.

3. Something stuffed into a Stocking!


These were the candy canes my best friend (and Sarah's godmother) sent in stockings for the girls. I'd hate to see the cup of hot chocolate required!!

So, last night the Crayola color explosion I ordered off ebay on Sunday when I couldn't find one at the store arrived. Yesterday, while wandering in the art isle, I found where Walmart had moved them - to the bottom shelf. Like I can find anything there!! *shakes head*

Let me know if you played so I can visit.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Of Mom and teacher

I struggle alot with trying to get everything done sometimes. Because I work part time as staff, I can't do grading as part of my "job." This means that grading is done on my own time.

I try my best to keep up with grading, but sometimes I just go into avoidance and read a book. This weekend, I found myself dealing with sick kids. I've had kids underfoot since Friday. They didn't get sick until Sunday, but I spent Friday and Saturday dealing with the kids and not my grading.

I fear how this will affect my teaching evals. After all, the kids deserve their work back so they can understand what needs to be done for future assignments. This semester, I never got my rythm. When your semester starts as you arrive in class the first night with a fever of 103 and pneumonia, somehow it just never gets better.

Now I'm just feeling overwhelmed.

I can't tell my students this because I don't accept excuses from them.

So, I have to juggle staying at home with a sick kid, a report that needs to be finished for work, grading that needs to be done, Christmas that needs tending, and a house that is suffering from the end of the semester "I'm too busy."

So, I'm working at trying to be a good mom, a good teacher, a good employee - but not feeling as I'm succeeding at any of it.

Yesterday at church, I was asked if I'd consider serving on the vestry. One problem with belonging to a smaller church is that it's harder to disappear into the woodwork. In an effort to ensure that I am getting the support my kids need, it has become apparent that I have opinions and am not afraid to voice them. So, I've been noticed. But, I've also noticed that some people who have served have also left after their term was up. I fear deciding that I don't want to be invovlved once I watch the inner workings. Thankfully, I had the valid excuse that right now I am unable to keep up with all my current demands and I can't take on anything else for fear of everything suffering. They understood, but said they would continue to check back periodically.

This spring I really want to get the house finished. I want it cleaned and organized. I want my body improved. I should be able to get some gym time in with my reduced schedule. I also hope to snow shoe some this winter.

I just want to lose the feeling of my life being out of control that seems to exist. I love everything that I'm doing, I just need to develop more focus and organization.

From Sydney:

1edfiikeddbbbnjgbjhffdiytthhythgyurdfrwefgsvfsgfgfgttt5rrt
frtt7575sbw33egyute2ytw2f6yhyty325ertgdreyuhdsdwfsgyyqyahe
ytdgxhewhhkerhckiucevurfihjg456jfjflkuri3u3fi7ehsydsdyw1u9
e2j98e7ki5khffekuyewrfdasaxvfgtyefdj3dgfagkohgsacjcLBVQTYF
EUDFRYEHVJHJHVCNENEHJJDU9E6E6E4EEEEWWSTRFSDTFVX
VFXVXVTTYRY565FTR5VDBXDVBHGDERVHR4UY54EWDSAHKTY
TEDHFSRD2FGUIE8UY0R473RJ9JEHRGEGEDDEBH8BSWBGWTR
FFGUEFERGFGREGEGFEFEFEDCDTTI7TR3OYTTHU12345YF
GYB,GGUG

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Sunday Six - Advent Season

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (SK - age 3) the questions.

1. What is Advent?

SK: It's a building.

SB: You light candles.

2. What do you do for Advent?

SK: It's a little town.

SB: You light candles.

3. How many days do we celebrate Advent?

SK: For 5 more days.

SB: One.

4. What happens when Advent is over?

SK: I don't know.

SB: There's fireworks.

5. What else do we count down to?

SK: Free-teen - that means a little townie.

SB: Jesus' birthday - or Santa coming.

6. What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks?

SK: I don't know.

SB: School being out.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SB: I have a question for you to answer mommy - "what is a little town?"

Mommy: A little town is where little mice live.

SB: YES. Now, "what is a little town with fingers in it with a building?"

Mommy: It's a place we pretend to walk with our fingers.

SB: YES.

Now Sydney has a box open like a laptop and she is asking me questions. Sarah and I had to have a talk about Advent since she was obviously stressing about now knowing the answers. She's not comfortable doing anything unless she already knows she can.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, now I have to:

Finish grading papers by Thursday
Finish Christmas letter
Print labels for Christmas cards
Get cards in mail
Finish Christmas shopping for lots of people
Get presents in the mail before I have to pay premium shipping costs to mail them
Get grades in
Get Christmas tree
Decorate tree
Clean house

My head is swimming.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Nature's Gift

This morning I looked out my living room window and saw the start of an amazing sunrise. Over about 10 minutes I took several pictures. This one is the best. I really loved the effect.



It's currently the end of the semester and I'm busy trying to finish all my grading. Thankfully, we finished our presentations early and so we don't need to have class on Tuesday (the students decided to stay a little late on Thurs so we can finish everything we need. I hate grading. In the past, I've allowed the students to re-write all of their papers. I've decided that I'm only going to allow the first 2 papers to be re-written. By the third paper they should have some idea of what is needed. The papers are much better, but most people lost a grade because they weren't long enough. It's really hard to adequately address the requirement of the paper when it's not the right length.

I think I'll miss teaching in the spring, but I'm also looking forward to getting some other stuff done. I'd like to start doing some independent research, but I think I'll take the spring off to finish projects around the house that have been left incomplete for the past 2 years while I adjusted to working and teaching. I really, really want our house to look finished. We have some rooms that need painting

We are going to go see Santa today. Everyone have a nice day.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

You may be of age, but I'm still responsible


As some of you know, I teach a class to freshman. As a result, I feel responsible for the content of information I force them to read or view.

One of the segments we study is the impact the business culture of Enron played a role in it's implosion. Since we don't have time to read the entire book, we watch the documentary about Enron and read a chapter. Unfortunately, the director's of the documentary decided that it was a great idea to put about 2 minutes of film footage of a strip club as they talk about the interest one of the CEO of a division in Enron held. The information is relevant to the story, but the footage isn't really necessary and take the movie from a PG/PG-13 to a R rating.

So, I block that portion of the video out when showing it to my class.

Inevitably, I have students who remind me that *they* are of age and can watch an R movie. I remind them that if they want to view the 2 minutes, they can rent the DVD from blockbuster but that *I* can't be in a position that I have forced someone to watch something they might feel is inappropriate. It's also not fair for me to poll the class as someone might not feel comfortable indicating that they are not interested in watching those 2 minutes.

So, I set my computer up so I could jump over that segment while we watch it. Unfortunately, I could not get the audio to work so I had to show the movie through the DVD player. I knew I had 28 minutes to figure out how to work around this.

Thankfully, after 20 minutes, the solution presented itself. The projector in the classroom has 2 settings, one to project video, one to project computer images. So, when the segment came, I switched to computer and we watched a blue screen while listening to the commentary. It worked even better than the plan on my computer since we were able to hear the two minutes of talk rather than jumping over the stories about this man.

I'm not willing to risk my job over a two minute visit to a strip club - even if it is a movie.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Score one more for the wildlife

Yesterday AM I had to wake DH to remove the squirrel that had broken into wandered into our house. It was just a little guy.

I saw something bigger than a mouse run through the living room, but had no idea what it was. I went to the office to tell the girls that something was in the house. A few minutes later they told me that he had just climbed the blinds and was now sitting on the couch.

So, girls out of the office, close door, hope squirrel didn't run under the door and wake up DH.

DH got squirrel out.

So, we are now at:
inside:
Mice
Squirrels - both flying and domestic
Baby Raccoon
Bat

outside:
Deer
Bear
various socially acceptable backyard animals

Saturday, November 25, 2006

The Energizer Sydney

At 6:40, I hear "Mommy, I can't find my blue blankie"

And so the day begins. She gets up, she poops, she starts to play. My job, is to keep her quiet enough that she doesn't wake her big sister. Hard to do with a child who doesn't understand whisper. Who doesn't walk anywhere but runs.

So, right now we are playing tea party (actually, she has us drinking coffee). Sydney has added a sound effect to the tea pot, sugar, and creamer. She has dictacted how many of each sound you must make as you add them to the cup.

I'm not sure what she is doing now, but all that is required of me is to make the appropriate noises as she asks questions.

I do love my early morning time with Sydney. When she has free run of the toys and no sister to fight with for them.

Yesterday we had family portraits taken at Walmart. I love the girl we use there, she works so hard to get a good picture of the girls. I found her when I was talking to Sarah's kindergarten teacher last year and discovered that her neice was the new manager at the new photo place at Walmart. She has lots of experience taking pictures of kids and works hard at finding creative ways to position kids when she is required to take pictures of kids on a table - no floor shots.

I have a great shot for Christmas cards.

I'm not as thrilled with our family portrait, but grateful that DH didn't complain once, he just got dressed and smiled.

I can't wait to get them back.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving.

Had a lovely Thanksgiving with my friend Amanda and her family. The kids actually played well together and Amanda took over some of my cooking so I could dash a shower before we sat to eat.

Somehow I got all the food cooked at the same time. Amanda was impressed with this. I think I've cooked Thanksgiving dinner - or some part of it - for most of the about 7 of the last 9 years. I decided to get a Butterball Turkey rather than the organic that I could brine. It was wonderful. I think I'll stick with it as I've not been thrilled with our organic that last two years.

Amanda's pumpkin and first apple pie were wonderful.

Just as we sat to dinner, Sarah wandered over and said "We should go around and say what we are thankful for. Sarah started with "family, friends, and good food" It was very sweet.

Today started with our normal tradition (started when I was young) and the ceremonial moving of the TV into the kitchen and starting the chex mix. Then while watching the Macy's Day Parade, I started the stuffing and the day went from there. It was a long cooking day. My girls would run in and watch part of the parade when their favorite floats or balloons were on.

I wandered into the living room and found the girls sitting together. As I walked back in with my camera, I found Sarah leaning over Sydney and whispering in her ear about all the balloons they would see in the parade.

Here they are watching the parade together.


My legs were really tired last night from standing all day, but it was so nice.

Today we are heading to Walmart for pictures of the girls for Christmas cards. I think I may take the package deal as a family portrait since we've not done one in years. I'm not sure we've had one done since Sarah was 1 or 2 (and well, Sydney wasn't here).

Later this spring, we will do a real family portrait with a photographer I like. Her preference is to do pictures on the beach. She has a business similar to Mrs. DallasKs'

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Sunday Six - Thanksgiving

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (SK - age 3) the questions.

1. Do you like to eat Turkey?

SK: Uh uh - NO, No I don't mama.

SB: No way.

2. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?

SK: I don't know.

SB: Because the pilgrims came across the Atlantic Ocean from England and they found land and they called it Plymouth and most didn't live through winter and when spring came they planted food and the indians taught them lots of stuff. And when summer came they picked a lot of food for the long winter. In fall, they had a feast with the Indians. The reason I got all this information is because Mrs. Petersen (her 1st grade teacher) read this book to us and we learned what they did when they didn't have any food our houses.

3. What other foods do you eat at Thanksgiving?

SK: I don't know.

SB: What do we eat mommy? (mom: well, traditionally we eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, green beans and pumpkin pie.)

4. Which would you rather be, a pilgrim or an Indian? (why?)

SK: I don't know.

SB: Pilgrim, actually I'd rather be an Indian. Because they taught the pilgrim's stuff.

5. Where do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

SK: At houseys

SB: At our house.

6. Do you have a special tradition for Thanksgiving, if so, what is it?

SK: Uh uh.

SB: I don't know.

Mom: Actually we do have one special tradition - for breakfast we have Chex mix while watching the parade.

SB: Oh yea, I like the parade. You usually take your TV from your room and put it in the kitchen and then we can watch the parade while in the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm a bit bummed. Yesterday I got a letter in the mail that I didn't get the job I applied for. I can handle not getting the job, but I thought for sure I'd make it to the 2nd round. After all, this is essentially taking 1/2 my current tasks and performing them on a larger scale. I know I'm qualified. UGH.

I had some neat sucesses with students in my class, but I'll write about them later.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Walking the line of fair and learning

Last night for class - I kicked half of them out. I knew I was going to experience this.

For class, they had to do a reading. It was on library reserve and it was a tough one. To help, my plan was to review the writing in class to help answer questions they had. In order for this to work, they had to read it.

The excuses were pathetic - I had to study for exams, etc. OK, not completely pathetic - I probably need to rethink what we work on the week before Thanksgiving break for next semester - but well, . . .

So, last night I worked with the group who had read the assignment. Thursday, the other half will come in. The entire class will have to do their peer review on the paper due after break, but then those who were kicked out of class Tuesday will have to stay to review the reading.

I tried to think about what would be fair to those who read the assignment vs. those who didn't. When should you continue to teach those unprepared rather than leave them uneducated in a skill they need. When do you give them a second chance?

It's hard. I struggled a bit with just kicking them out and leaving them with nothing vs. giving them the opportunity to learn what they need to know. I finally settled on those who didn't do the assignment could come back to learn what they need - although it will probably take a bit longer than scheduled class time - but they will have to write short paper.

*shakes head* Sometimes I don't like being in charge.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Back in the 80s

Saturday night I went to the best party. Two of my friends were turning 40. So, with two 40s you of course have an 80s party.

It was so much fun. We all had to dress in our 80s best outfits and bring 80s introduced snack food. I was able to get some bigger hair. In fact, Sarah asked me if I did something different to my hair. When I confirmed that I had she announced to my ILs "Mommy did something to her hair so she would look like a different person." It was too cute.

My friends put together some 80s mix music and we ended up in a circle of women dancing - much as I did in college - with the occasional husband wandering in to join us. My friends were impressed that I could manage to dance in 3 in heels. I did trade them in for my other shoes after an hour or so.

We are thinking about having another decade party for New Years.

The funniest part was that we started at 6:00 and left around 9:30 or 10:00. *shakes head* I"ve become a party lightweight.

Earlier that day, I drove to the next town over that had shopping (90 miles away). I didn't have as much fun as I would have normally as I had a lovely 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 spins on some ice. I managed to keep the car from hitting anything (thank goodness there were no cars near me). I thankfully got an idea that I'm OK with winter driving.

I didn't have as much fun shopping as I was more worried about the weather. But, my MIL did talk me into buying the Kitchen Aid stand mixer I've been drooling over for 2 years. I have had a hard time justifying spending the money on something that isn't used constantly. I've already made bread with it.

I can't wait to make gingerbread this holiday season!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Voting

I voted already! Sometimes I really like living where I do because voting doesn't take too long. I remember living in the DC area and standing in line for 2 hours to vote in a presidential election.

I was also proud of myself because while I was in a hurry, I didn't vote straight party. Part of the reason was that there was an incumbent from the other party who I thought was doing a good job. She deserved to keep it. That's not to say that the other candidate might not have done an equal job - but I didn't see any reason to vote her out on party lines.

We are one of the states who is voting for a new Govenor. It's been an interesting battle. Our economy is shaken and unemployment is high. I'm not sure that the Govenor is completely to blame. After all, our legislative branch is dominated by the opposing party. They have almost decided that they would sit back and do minimal work until the Gov. was blamed and voted out of office. It's close to happening - and might if the opposing candidate was more appealing.

But, the truth is that the Gov can't make laws any more than the president. They can suggest, they can veto, but they can't make them. Our legislature hasn't proposed laws to help attract business, they have submitted the budgets, etc. But, the Gov is being blamed.

In my mind, the only way the Gov is completely to blame is if the legislature has been submitting bills that the Gov is vetoing. Then the legislature can claim that they Gov is holding up progress.

But, when the legislature isn't doing anything - then they need to accept some of the blame.

In our case, we can also blame business for the state of our economy and unemployment. Our state is dependent on one industry. It's not the current Gov fault - it's been decades in the making. But, the decisions of these companies has directly impacted their demise.

So, should we be investing in the skills of our students so they are seen as being able to do more types of jobs so we attract more companies, should we try to attract other industries and hope they will find our skill set attractive enough without bringing their own employees without hiring our citizens - I don't know.

I just know that we can't lay the entire blame at the feet of the Gov and if we feel that we need a party change in the Gov. Mansion, we probably need one in the legislature too as they have also failed us.

Join me, and Vote!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Sunday Six - Family

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (SK - age 3) the questions. DH wandered in and wanted to answer too - so you have a DH bonus answers.

1. What is a family?

SK: I don't want to tell you.

SB: It someone who lives with you.

DH: It's not two gay people living together, that's for sure. (Sarah laughs and Sydney says: That was funny Daddy. DH: You don't know how funny it was Sydney) [DH is a democrat]

2. How big is your family?

SK: 4 people.

SB: 4 people in it.

DH: I have two families - 1 has five people and 1 has 4 people (His parents and siblings are 5, our group, is 4).

3. Who is the leader of the family?

SK: Mommy

SB: I don't know. Who do you think it is? (Kirsten: This is your answer) Mommy.

DH: Sarah.

4. Who is the youngest in the family?

SK: I am, because I'm bigger than all of you (and a little confused w/ her words)

SB: Sydney (Sydney: you are right Sarah).

DH: Sydney, or Uncle Jim. It depends.

5. What do you do as a family?

SK: Play!!

SB: We clean up the house!

DH: We go on vacations.

6. What do you love most about your family?

SK: Play with you (points to mommy)

SB: They love me. (Sydney: yea, we love you.)

DH: That they are all so silly!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Under God

I pledge allegiance to my Flag,
and (to*) the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.

This was the original pledge as written by Mr. Frances Bellamy of Rome, New York
Columbus Day October 1892

This week in my class, we discussed the Separation of Church and State and the First Amendment.

The First Amendment was changed three times. The first was in 1923, when the words "the flag of the United States" were substituted for "my flag." In 1924, "of America" was added to reduce confusion over which United States. Mr. Bellamy protested these changes, but his opinion was ignored. On Flag Day June 14, 1954, the words "under God" were added.

If you notice, this was initiated during McCarthyism when there were blacklists for people suspected of Communism activity.

According to President Eisenhower, as he authorized the change, "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

Essentially, we wanted to ensure that no Communist could pledge to our flag because they didn't believe in God. But, this still only represented those faithful members of the American Society who believed in God. As we know, there are many religions in the United States - even in the 1950s who don't believe in God. Not to mention those who atheistiest.

We talked a bit about if having "under God" in the pledge was appropriate. Some were pretty much on the fence, some felt strongly it should not be removed. I played Devil's advocate and took the position that it should be removed. One student,atheistiest, joined me in the role.

I felt that I made quite a breakthrough when I asked one student, who is very open about her faith, if Christianity was the minority, and the pledge stated "under Allah" instead - would the pledge lose it's power? Could she say the words "under Allah" if she believed in God? It was fun watching the wheels turn in her head as she admitted that it would lose something for her, and she could not do this. Earlier she held the position that it shouldn't be modified for those who didn't believe in God.

I don't think that I convinced her that it should change, but I did get her to consider that it's something more than just words when you don't believe.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Trick or Treat

Last night, I managed to squeeze Trick or Treating in before heading to class. I didn't have time to shower before class, so I put on a ball cap, my oversized Sports Illustrated fleece and called myself a "Sports Fan." It worked.

I had fun in Sarah's and Sydney's classes yesterday - as did they. I got there a little early so I was able to read a story to Sarah's class.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday. I didn't manage to get a picture of the girls last night dressed in there warm coats (it was about 33 degrees and windy), but we had fun. Sydney (3) greeted all with a "Happy Trick or Treat" as we got to each house. Too cute.

OK, blogger won't let me upload photos. They will come later.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Halloween Pumpkins

Here are the promised pictures of the girl's pumpkins. They are so proud of thier designs. Tomorrow I'll post pictures from Halloween. Now I have to get grading so I can return papers to my students tonight.

Sydney was so proud of her pumpkin.


Sarah has gotten old enough to try the "sweet" pose!


The girls with their pumpkin. This was right after Sydney told Sarah that the pumpkin she carved was Sarah's mad face!


I love this picture of Sydney looking to see the candle inside. As soon as she sat down she peeked inside. Thankfully I was ready to snap the shot.

Monday, October 30, 2006

My two cars

Here are my two cars from Halloween.


This is Sydney digging for coins. Hard to see what is under your feet when you are wearing a car!


Last night was the girls first night of ice skating lessons for the year. Sydney is taking lessons for the first time. She did really well - except she doesn't want to do the early skills, she wants to jump to what Sarah and I are doing. I started to skate backwards last night, so Sydney (who has barely been on the ice) turned herself around and started to scoot herself backwards on the ice.

I spent from 5 - 6:20 on the ice last night. My legs are a bit like jelly today. But, I know that if I keep on the ice for an hour each week, I'll have nicely toned legs.

She looked at Joe last night when she got home and said "I have dance, tumbling and ice skating. I'm going to be a busy girl!"

I'll post pictures of the pumpkins we carved this weekend tomorrow.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Sunday Six - BOO!

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (3) the questions.

1. When is Halloween?

SK: I don't want to tell you any quesitons.

SB: October 31.

2. What do we do on Halloween?

SK: (mumbles - i don't want to . . . ) Get Candy

SB: We carve Jack-O-Lanturns

3. Why do we celebrate Halloween?

SK: I don't want to tell you anything about Halloween

SB: I don't know.

4. What happens on Halloween?

SK: I don't want to tell you anything.

SB: We get candy.

5. Why do we wear costumes?

SK: I don't want to tell you anything.

SB: I don't know.


6. What do you get on Halloween?

SK: I don't want to tell you anything.

SB: CANDY.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last night, we took the girls trick or treating at the dorms. The residents set up two paths - one that is not so scary for 0-7 y.o. kids, and one that is scarier. You have guides to help you make sure you don't get mixed up.

Each of the hallways (that have chosen to participate) set up a scene and have candy to give the kids. The girls really enjoy this. My favorite was the hall that had a Scooby Doo mystery with scooby clues. They also set up a little game area with a bunch of coins buried in newspaper. Kids had to find 4 coins to trade for their candy. They also had a matching game and a bean bag toss.

Here are a few pictures. We also carved pumpkins yesterday. The girls drew their designs on paper and I transferred them to the pumkins. I'll post those pictures tomorrow.

OK, check later for pictures of my cars. Blogger won't let me post pictures.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

OH, an adult evening!!

Last night we had a guest speaker. It was a journalist who research topic is on First Amendment and Religion. His research topic (he is on faculty at a few schools in the DC area) is related to my class. I ended up chatting with him at the end and he said "Hey, we're going out for a drink, why don't you join us."

I had a question for him about my class and how to handle a topic. Well, it took me until the very end, after everyone else had pretty much left before I was able to ask my question, but I was able to get some ideas, some thoughts, and his email address so he can put me in touch with someone else.

Amazingly, when I mentioned to him that my class was looking at religious, political, and business cultures - he suggested a book called "Applebee's America" that combines all three into one topic.

I can't wait to start ordering books - I love being on faculty and getting desk copies to review!!
So, I got home late and I'm so very tired, but I had a lot of fun.

Kirsten

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Sunday Six - Happy Birthday Jenelle

Today is Oct 22 - National Nut Day.

It's also my dear sweet friend Jenelle's birthday - Kelly's daughter. I remember when Jenelle was born. She is such a special little girl, she suffers from a severe form of epilepsy. Clicking her link will take you to a blog about her journey. She is doing so much better than she was just two years ago. I even had the honor of listening to her chatters and giggles while I was on the phone with Kelly one day.

Are you interested in knowing what strange holiday is on your birhtday? Check this link: http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/INDEX.HTM If you check it out, leave me a comment letting me know what American Holiday your birthday falls on.


"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (3) the questions.

1. How do we celebrate birthdays?

SK: I want Sarah to say.
SB: We go to a place that we have our birthday and we get lots of presents (humm, I might be treating them too well).

2. Do you know anyone having a birthday today?

SK: No, it’s not me.
SB: Jenelle

3. Why do we celebrate birthdays?

SK: Because they are fun.
SB: Because they are fun.

4. What happens at a birthday party?

SK: I don’t know. Let’s do the next question.
SB: We get lots of presents.

5. When is your birthday?

SK: Mommy, you say it (January 15)
SB : January 8th

6. What do you do on your birthday?

SK: Put candles on the cake.
SB: Get vsmile game presents (presents from last birthday)

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Bullet Update

  • Not been around much - needed to grade my students first paper. Unfortunately, I will also have to grade a boatload of re-writes as many of them are a bit surprised about how low their grades were. It's not that they are bad writers - it's that they tend to write more as they did in high school - report facts, but not really analyze. For example, in one paragraph, they address three different barriers to entry women experience in national political races. But, it really should take them three paragraphs to cover this information.

  • Going to the Pulmonologist today to see why this pneumonia is hanging on.

  • Get to go to Target as the Pulmonologist is in the same town.

  • Dropped my keys down the elevator shaft at work on the way home yesterday. Had to wait until this AM to pick them up as the building attendant had already left for the day. Sarah was a bit concerned that I would never get them back. She will be so happy to know they are back home again.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Sunday Six - Pumpkins

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) the questions. Sydney (3) answered one because she wanted something. Her answers aren't in order asked.

1. What is a pumpkin?

SK: I don’t want to answer any questions.

SB: It’s something that you don’t know.

2. What do you do with a pumpkin for Halloween?

SK: I don’t know. Easy ones, pick easy ones.

SB: You carve it into a Jack o’ lantern.

3. Is there anything else you can do with a pumpkin?

SK: No

SB: You can eat the pumpkin seeds.

4. Where do pumpkins come from?

SK: I don’t want to tell you.

SB: A pumpkin farm.

5. What color is a pumpkin?

SK: Orange.

SB: Orange.

6. What shape is a pumpkin?

SK: I don’t know mommy. I only will answer easy questions, not hard ones.

SB: It’s either an oval or a circle.

Friday, October 13, 2006

This I Believe

On Tuesday, we discussed Martin Luther and the protestant reformation. Thankfully, only one student thought we were talking about Martin Luther King, Jr. Then again, he didn't do the reading because he lost his syllabus and didn't ask anyone for the information.

But, I digress.

For the past year, I've been reading the essays submitted to the "This I Believe" segment on National Public Radio (NPR)

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138

I decided to incorporate this into my lesson plan. Martin Luther held very strong and very public beliefs. So, I assigned an essay to my students. They were to write their own submission. I was very impressed with what some of my students shared.

Since we were watching a movie in class last night, I decided to review them during the movie.

One student shared how much his mother meant to him and how she helped him define his belief in family. She was a single parent who made every effort to attend her son's sporting and school events. She sacrificed to ensure that her children were loved, fed, and had their needs met. I encouraged him to share his essay with his mother. I truly hope he does.

As these students were sharing their personal views, I opened myself to them as I read them.

But, I am looking forward to next week when we study the First Amendment and the Separation of Church and State (esp since one student wrote about her belief that the citizens of the U.S. were in favor of rejecting God). It should make for a lively discussion.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Snow 1, Peppers 0

My peppers didn't beat the snow. I picked everything last night.

Woke up to this:


More is coming down. Schools were closed.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Growing season in the midwest

Earlier this summer - end of June maybe - I planted a patio tomato plant, a cherry tomato plant, and a red pepper plant. These were starter plants.

My yard doesn't get a ton of sun, but the back patio does ok.

During the course of the summer, I had 2 patio tomatoes turn red and about 3 cherry tomatoes. The peppers grew flowers, but no fruit.

During Sept, I had about 6 more patio tomatoes grow. They are now in my window so they can turn red. There are now quite a few green cherry tomatoes on the plant. And, I finally have some red peppers growing. So far, we are having a mild fall - in the 60s. But, we have been known to get dusting of snow on Oct 13 and measurable snow by Halloween.

Here is a picture of my yard today. Looks like growing season to me!:


And the leaves changing over the lake at sunrise:



And these are the peppers growing on my plant. Do you think they can beat the snow?

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Sunday Six - Apples

First, Happy Birthday to my buddy Spikey
Looks like I'm older than you!!

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"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) the questions. Sydney (3)wasn't in much of a mood again today.

1. Who was Johnny Appleseed?

SK: I don't want to.

SB: *Shrugs Shoulders*

2. What did he do?

SK: No.

SB: He picked apples. They wrote stories about him.

3. What does his last name (Appleseed) mean?

SK: Uh uh. I don't want to answer any questions from mommy.

SB: It means Apple Seeds.

4. Where did Johnny Appleseed live?

SK: I don't want to tell you.

SB: Under an apple tree?

5. What did Johnny Appleseed like?

SK: I don't want to tell you that either.

SB: Apples.

6. Do you like Apples? If so, how do you like to eat them?

SK: Me too.

SB: Yes!!!! I like to eat the washed and cut up.

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This week, I had to lay into my students. My class is discussion based. I usually assign readings that we then discuss. So, when we arrived on Thurs, we first talked about the speaker they saw on Monday and then I asked who did the reading on Martin Luther. Most gave me blank looks, one said she couldn't find the web site address in the syllabus (but didn't ask for help), one commented that he learned enough to know that Martin Luther wasn't Martin Luther King Jr.

So, I cancelled class. We are going to talk about this Thurs instead. I told them I was disappointed and I assigned a 2 page writing assignment on the reading. This is in addition to their formal paper which is due Tues (but their rough draft was reviewed on Thurs so it shouldn't be too hard).

Next time they don't have the readings done, it will be an unexcused absence. I'm just not tolerating this.

I guess I need to have some more in class writings. I've had one, you'd think they'd realize that I'm serious about this.

UGH.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Late night kisses

The other night, Sydney fell asleep in my arms. I love when she does that as I know there aren't too many more nights like this left (she's 3.5 and barely fits on my lap).

But, as a result, she didn't get to give me her kissing routine. She created this routine where she kisses my cheek, then gives me a hug which is laying her cheek on mine and going "mmmmmm", then blows a kiss onto my cheek (called a blow kiss), then another cheek hug. Then, we do the other cheek.

So, at 5:30 am, she comes running into my room "Mommmy, I forgot to give you a goodnight kiss." We go through the routine, she runs back to bed and falls asleep.

WHY she realized this in her dreams, I'll never know.

Silly girl!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Is it that people don't comprehend.

First, let me start by saying that I have not watched ER this season.

This season, ER finally wrote about my experience - a Post Partum Hemorrhage requiring a hysterectomy that occurred in a hospital. I will admit, I have never had a premature baby, but I do know what it is like to have the best day of your life also be one of your scariest.

I will admit that I won't watch ER until I know that they have not glossed over Abby's story. Then I'll watch it in re-runs.

But, if the discussion groups for ER are any indication - they might only gloss over it. It seems that the general public is much more concerned about how ER will handle the baby. It's not surprising as ER storylines are not always kind to babies.

Some have mentioned Luka's pain as he wondered if Abby or the baby would die. My husband lived this.

But, Abby's ordeal was barely mentioned, if at all, in these online discussions. Was this that the general public believes is so far fetched? Do they think its so rare unlike trauma to babies?

Post Partum Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality. It's low - probably in the range of 1% of 1,000 births for the U.S. (I can't find exact statistics) - but world wide - PPH is the cause of death in 25% of maternal mortality. In Africa - once women arrive at a hospital - sometimes taking a day to travel to - Doctor's won't operate until the bill is paid in advance or won't risk using limited blood products for a woman who may die anyway.

Most women don't even seem to know that PPH is a risk, even though it's the greatest risk to the mother. Most know about preclamsia as a risk, but don't realize that PPH is. In one study, of the 11 PPH/hysterectomy cases - 8 were from c-section births and 3 from vaginal.

So, for those of you who have kids - did you ever know that PPH could be a risk? Does anyone have an idea why the viewers of ER don't seem to connect with Abby's ordeal beyond the stress of a premature baby?

Sunday, October 01, 2006

WOW, what a cool present

Sarah (6.5) decided she wanted to make me a wooden box that can hold a picture for my birthday. She drew a picure and brought it to DH in his workshop. (Joe often draws his own designs on notepaper.)

Today I finally got my birthday presents. Here is my box:



Sunday Six - Falling

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) the questions. Sydney might answer later.

1. What is Fall?
SK: I don't want to do this (as she curls up on her chair).

SB: It the season where all the leaves fall off the tree before winter comes and all the leaves pile up on the snow.

2. Why do leaves change color?
SK:

SB: So that way they can fall off of the tree.

3. What colors remind you of Fall?
SK:

SB: Red hearts, yellow sun, green grass, the brown horses (?HUH?)

4. Why do we call it Fall?
SK:

SB: Because all the leaves fall from the trees.

5. What is your favorite thing about Fall?
SK:

SB: You get to jump in piles of leaves.

6. What is the weather like where you live during Fall?
SK:

SB: It sometimes cold and you have to wear jackets and sweatshirts.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Banned Books Week - Sept 23 - 30, 2006

I found a great topic for tonight's class. I used a list of 25 banned books to discuss the First Amendment to my class. It was so much fun watching their eyes pop out at some of the books on the list.

It did allow for some interesting conversations - such as why Harry Potter was on the list, but not the Narnia series. We also discussed if the labeling of music as having explicit lyrics is censorship (they didn't think so) or the decisions Walmart makes about selling only certain items (they didn't like it).

Here is the list I used.

"Harry Potter" (Series) (J.K. Rowling)

"To Kill a Mockingbird" (Harper Lee)

"The Color Purple" (Alice Walker)

"The Outsiders" (S.E. Hinton)

"Lord of the Flies" (William Golding)

"Of Mice and Men" (John Steinbeck)

"Goosebumps" (Series) (R.L. Stine)

"How to Eat Fried Worms" (Thomas Rockwell)

"The Catcher in the Rye" (J.D. Salinger)

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (Mark Twain)

"The Giver" (Lois Lowry)

"Brave New World" (Aldous Huxley)

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (Mark Twain)

"Captain Underpants" (Dav Pilkey)

"The Anarchist Cookbook" (William Powell)

"Carrie" (Stephen King)

"Flowers for Algernon" (Daniel Keyes)

"The Dead Zone" (Stephen King)

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (Maya Angelou)

"Go Ask Alice" (anonymous)

"American Psycho" (Bret Easton Ellis)

"The Chocolate War" (Robert Cormier)

"James and the Giant Peach" (Roald Dahl)

"The Pigman" (Paul Zindel)

"A Wrinkle in Time" (Madeleine L'Engle)

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Quick updates

* Many thanks to poultrygeist99 who sent me a FABULOUS birthday card and brownies yesterday. I agree, when we get old and stop writing fan fic, we should start taking art lessons drawing young men! I could have done without the over the hill candles though - someday you'll be old too!!

* We finally got all the dishes done - except tonight's dinner dishes. The laundry is finally folded and mostly put away too!

* My Dr. has given me permission to ease back into work a few hours at a time.

* She also said my lungs are finally starting to sound better.

* A girl in my class asked if she could miss class tomorrow night so she could go participate in a homecoming activity. I explained that I've missed soccer games, school open house, and taught on my birthday. I think she can miss a social event to come to class. Not to mention that I've only missed ONE class in spite of having pneumonia and I sent a substitute that night. ARG.

* Thanks to Meritt and Poultrygeist for their thoughtful comments on the cervical cancer vaccine. I went with the knee jerk reaction which was related to the idea that, yet again, the discussion revolved around the idea that withholding this would prevent people from having sex before marriage. I really hate this mentality. But, I agree it needs to be the parents decision - I just would like to see the conversation be based on safety, etc rather than encouraging abstinence. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'd also like to ensure that insurance companies will cover the vaccine for those who chose to have it.

I need to read outlines and bibliographies. TTFN

Monday, September 25, 2006

OPPS - Never arrive unprepared

So, I had to run by the DMV to renew my license and car registration.

Since I could have renewed over the mail, I assumed that they had my picture saved. So, the pneumonia me who has not showered all day found out that nope, I needed to take a picture for this license. Thankfully, my hair was OK and I had enough makeup in my purse to make myself presentable.

So, if you ever go get your license renewed - always be picture ready.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

When your friends hijack your life.

Over labor day weekend, I got really sick. The dr. suspected pneumonia but my chest x-ray was clear. Some of you may remember this. I ended up seeing the Dr. I don't trust, so I wasn't completely comfortable.

I spent a week home, then went back to work. But, my breathing hasn't improved. MY dr. threw everything she knew, but my breathing still hasn't improved. DH got sick over the weekend. Tuesday, I had a followup appointment which took me 4 days to get. I almost canceled it and sent DH in my stead, but decided I needed to be seen. So, I went in with Sydney (3).

Sydney brought in her puppy and blankie in case I got scared and held my hand while I got a shot. My dr. still heard strange breathing sounds and ordered a CT scan. Still waiting results. DH went to the dr. yesterday. He now has pneumonia.

Unfortunately sleep is a bit elusive right now and we had a big meeting/banquet yesterday. I busted butt and really was sick yesterday. I'm skipping today's meeting except to set up coffee and get the kids to school.

The nurse called a little bit ago and my CT scan confirms that I do have pneumonia.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Freshman!!

Last night, the kids had their "how to use the library" session. It takes about 50 minutes. That left us with about 25 minutes left of class.

Rather than hold a lecture or discussion - I decided to use the time to let the students gather sources for their first papers. Nice of me huh? After all, I'd be in the library and they have extra help as they work towards this first paper.

As you can probably guess - not one stayed.

But, I suspect that I will now be extra tough grading their bibliographies when they are turned in!!

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Earlier this week, it was announced that Michigan was the first state to introduce a bill to require all 6th grade girls to receive a vaccine that will prevent most cervical cancers.

unfortunately, there are many people who are concerned that if we vaccinate girls in 6th grade, they will become sexually active because they will not have any deterrent.

I realize that 6th grade was chosen as the recommended age as it is rare for a girl to become sexually active before middle school. I do know that in the early 80s, a few of my sister's friends were becoming sexually active in middle school. I also know that when I was in college, my mother constantly lectured my sister and I about the increased risk of cervical cancer with more partners. I pretty well ignored her. I doubt that girls will suddenly become abstinent for fear of cervical cancer.

So, should we avoid protecting our children from a deadly disease because we don't want to admit they might become sexually active before we want them to? Should we risk not being able to vaccinate them at all because we didn't vaccinate early.

Would it be nice if our children waited to become sexually active - sure. But, should we think that they will avoid sex for fear of cancer?

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Random Notes

I've had lots of things rambling through my mind. So, I'll do bulletpoints.

* Sarah got home from school on Tuesday and announced that she had her own box of markers, pencils, etc. That she is keeping her desk organized so she can find everything. Now, the fact that she was so amazed about her school supplies wasn't surprising to me, but I must admit a little part of me missed being able to help her pick out her school supplies with a list. But, in a way it's nice that the school system supplies everything so we don't have to. And my daughter was like a kid on Christmas when she opened her desk and found so much stuff that belonged to her.

* I've been feeling domestic this weekend. It's becoming fall. So, I made home made pizza dough. The girls liked it. I also made a fresh loaf of bread. I hope it tastes good. Unfortanately, I don't have a kitchen aid. I say unfortunately because it's hard to find a recipe that doesn't use a kitchen aid to put extra air into the dough. I can't wait to see if it came out ok.

* I really want to exercise. I can't breath yet. I guess I can't exercise yet.

* Tomorrow we remember those who were killed by terrorists. Earlier we recognized those who lost their lives to mis-cues in New Orleans. I've always had a strange feeling about 9/11. I remember driving to work that day 5 years ago. I had just turned on ESPN Radio. I had a hard time understanding why I was listening to ABC News from the television. I had a small kid, we watched Bear in the Big Blue House. When I left for work, I didn't know anything was out of the ordinary.

As I drove, I listened to Peter Jennings? describe - or try to as he stared in disbelief - the twin towers begin to fall. As I continued to drive, I heard the 2nd tower fall. I don't remember when I finally saw the film. My husband was so tried of seeing it that we didn't watch it at home. I was at work that day and didn't see it.

I was only marginally affected by it. I was blissfully prg with our second child. I think the hormones from that pregnancy kept me from being as affected. That didn't last too long. A couple of weeks later I started to miscarry. But, that little babe, who I never got to meet, kept me grounded that day.

So, if you are brave, you are welcome to come try my bread. It's not perfect yet, but getting better.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

First Days

This week was the first day of school for our family.

Sarah started first grade. She loves her teacher and announced that she never wants to leave First Grade. I'm excited because it appears as if I will be able to volunteer in her class on Friday mornings. I just have to work it out with her teacher.

Here are pictures from Sarah's first day.

Sydney and Sarah before we dropped Sarah off and Sarah at her desk.


Two days later, Sydney started her first day of preschool. She would not stand still, so this was the best picture I could get of her. This was Sarah's old preschool, so Sydney was a bit at home.



Tuesday was also my first day of class. Unfortunately, I came down with some horrible thing over the weekend so I arrived at my first class very sick. But, unless you are in the hospital, Freshman won't know that you are not canceling class for a sniffle so I had to make an appearance. Did better on Thursday. At least they know that they just can't blow off class. I'm almost doing better, but I've had to go on some asthma meds to try to clear up my breathing.

I had an interesting comment with one of my students who turned down help at the writing center for her English major sister because her engineer father told her that she wouldn't need to write as an engineer. In a way, I suppose he is right. After all, it's generally managers who tend to write more.

Unfortunately, my 7 years experience in an engineering firm was not going to over ride her father's experience.

I can't wait till next weeks class when we start getting into the meat of the class.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Two versions of the same story

Sarah (6.5) and Sydney (3.5) have an imaginary friend named Shali. It started when one or the other of them would pretend to be Shali, but eventually she became the third person in the game. I finally decided that I was curious about what Shali looked like to each of them. Here are their answers:

Sydney's version:
DSIJHS and Elainie name is the same as Shali name - DSIJHS
Me: But what does Shali look like?
She's a baby and she's 1.5 years old. And Elanie is 5 y.o.
Me: Are they tall or short?
Both of them are a baby and both of them are shorter than me.
Me: What color eyes do they have?
They both have the same eyes and both of their eyes are green.
Me: What color hair do they have?
They both have the same color hair. It's green too - green hair.
Then Sydney gets her ruffy. (toy husky puppy) Now I'm going to talk about this baby Shali. His eyes are blue, his hair is green and he's a boy and he's one year old. And that all.


Sarah's version
Sydney can tell you that, but I have the idea.
Wait, maybe I can.
Shali looks like, she has brown hair. Her parents named her Shali because she loved shells and the shore. And she has light skin.
Me: What color eyes does she have?
Blue
Me: Is she taller or shorter than you?
We're the same.
Me: How old is Shali?
She's almost 7.


Update on me. Breathing is hard still, so my Dr. is calling in a script for a nebulizer.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

lost post

I had a nice post that blogger lost as soon as I hit post. Then I couldn't get back in.

I have pneumonia or some similar variant (Dr. could hear a rattle in my breathing, but couldn't see anything on the chest x-ray) so I'm too wiped out from a day of laying on the couch watching Season one of West Wing to repost it. Maybe in the AM when I have more energy.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Sunday Six Labors

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) the questions. Sydney answered later.

1. Why do we celebrate Labor Day?

SK: Because we have to.

SB: What's Labor Day?

2. What does Labor mean?

SK: Labor means you are in hot lava - is that what it means?

SB: I don't know.

3. How do we celebrate Labor Day?

SK: I don't know mommy.

SB: I don't know.

4. Do you do any labor?

SK: No.

SB: What's that?

5. How long do we celebrate Labor Day?

SK: I don't know.

SB: One day?

6. Who labors - Mommy or Daddy? (LOL - Let's see how many associate that with pregnancy! LOL)

SK: Mommy does!! (good answer.)

SB: What's Labor?

Saturday, September 02, 2006

The Best Day Ever

Yesterday I forced myself to play with the girls. I left the housework, school work, grocery shopping and we went to the lake and played and flew kites and had McDonalds (until I forgot and left some for the sea gulls).

School starts next week and we have so few nice days left.

We had lots of fun.

Here are some pictures:

It was still a little chilli when we arrived:


Sarah sitting on the beach:


Here is Sydney falling off driftwood:


The girls flying a kite:

Friday, September 01, 2006

Sometimes you find you are like the others

Yesterday, we had a workshop for all the people who teach sections of the class I teach. I was a little intimidated to attend as I was afraid that I would discover that I was doing it wrong.

You see, last year was not only my first year teaching anything, but it was my first time teaching this class. The faculty member who was in charge of the program had just started a new job, so she didn't have her orientation workshop. This left me floundering a bit, trying to talk to other people, and using my best instincts.

During the course of the workshop, I discovered that I really was doing this OK. My instincts seem to be right.

It was nice to find out.

Today, in other accomplishments, I managed to install the third row of seats in my Ford Expedition all by myself. I'm not the strongest or tallest person, so some things are hard to maneuver. Also, I have a bad back, so I sometimes don't have the ability to lift things.

I've now added something else to my list of things I have manage to stumble through with no directions.

Since I'm home today with Sarah and Sydney and Sarah's friend L - we are going to the lake today for a picnic lunch. But no ordinary picnic lunch - we are going to Burger King since we never go now that it's 10 miles away!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Sunday Six - I forgot.

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) the questions. Sydney didn't want to play.

1. What does it mean to forget?

SB: It means you forget to do something and you don't do it.

2. What does it mean to be late?

SB: It means you are not in time for something and so you can't get there on time.

3. Why do people forget things?

SB: Because sometimes they don't listen and so they don't listen.

4. Why are people late sometimes?

SB: Because they don't like getting there on time or because they wake up late.

5. Who is usually late, Mommy or Daddy?

SB: Mom.

6. Did you forget something?

SB: Sometimes.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Introducing the Class of 2010

When I arrive in class on September 5th, these are the students I will be teaching. I graduated from college the year they were born. They are the last set of students I will teach who I would have been in school when I got prg if they had been my kids.

Recently, I saw a little snipet of a TV show that talked about Doogie Howser, MD being the first public blogger as he ended every show with a computerized diary entry. When Doogie Howser started in 1989, these kids were only 1 y.o. and won't remember the reference at all!

So, I introduce you to facts about the Class of 2010 as put together by the group at Beloit College in Wisconsin.

BELOIT COLLEGE'S MINDSET LIST® FOR THE CLASS OF 2010

Members of the class of 2010, entering college this fall, were mostly born in 1988.

For them: Billy Carter, Lucille Ball, Gilda Radner, Billy Martin, Andy Gibb, and Secretariat have always been dead.

1. The Soviet Union has never existed and therefore is about as scary as the student union.
2. They have known only two presidents.
3. For most of their lives, major U.S. airlines have been bankrupt.
4. Manuel Noriega has always been in jail in the U.S.
5. They have grown up getting lost in "big boxes."
6. There has always been only one Germany.
7. They have never heard anyone actually "ring it up" on a cash register.
8. They are wireless, yet always connected.
9. A stained blue dress is as famous to their generation as a third-rate burglary was to their parents'.
10. Thanks to pervasive headphones in the back seat, parents have always been able to speak freely in the front.
11. A coffee has always taken longer to make than a milkshake.
12. Smoking has never been permitted on U.S. airlines.
13. Faux fur has always been a necessary element of style.
14. The Moral Majority has never needed an organization.
15. They have never had to distinguish between the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and football teams.
16. DNA fingerprinting has always been admissible evidence in court.
17. They grew up pushing their own miniature shopping carts in the supermarket.
18. They grew up with and have outgrown faxing as a means of communication.
19. "Google" has always been a verb.
20. Text messaging is their email.
21. Milli Vanilli has never had anything to say.
22. Mr. Rogers, not Walter Cronkite, has always been the most trusted man in America.
23. Bar codes have always been on everything, from library cards and snail mail to retail items.
24. Madden has always been a game, not a Superbowl-winning coach.
25. Phantom of the Opera has always been on Broadway.
26. "Boogers" candy has always been a favorite for grossing out parents.
27. There has never been a "skyhook" in the NBA.
28. Carbon copies are oddities found in their grandparents' attics.
29. Computerized player pianos have always been tinkling in the lobby.
30. Non-denominational mega-churches have always been the fastest growing religious organizations in the U.S.
31. They grew up in mini-vans.
32. Reality shows have always been on television.
33. They have no idea why we needed to ask "...can we all get along?"
34. They have always known that "In the criminal justice system the people have been represented by two separate yet equally important groups."
35. Young women's fashions have never been concerned with where the waist is.
36. They have rarely mailed anything using a stamp.
37. Brides have always worn white for a first, second, or third wedding.
38. Being techno-savvy has always been inversely proportional to age.
39. "So" as in "Sooooo New York," has always been a drawn-out adjective modifying a proper noun, which in turn modifies something else.
40. Affluent troubled teens in Southern California have always been the subjects of television series.
41. They have always been able to watch wars and revolutions live on television.
42. Ken Burns has always been producing very long documentaries on PBS.
43. They are not aware that "flock of seagulls hair" has nothing to do with birds flying into it.
44. Retin-A has always made America look less wrinkled.
45. Green tea has always been marketed for health purposes.
46. Public school officials have always had the right to censor school newspapers.
47. Small white holiday lights have always been in style.
48. Most of them never had the chance to eat bad airline food.
49. They have always been searching for "Waldo."
50. The really rich have regularly expressed exuberance with outlandish birthday parties.
51. Michael Moore has always been showing up uninvited.
52. They never played the game of state license plates in the car.
53. They have always preferred going out in groups as opposed to dating.
54. There have always been live organ donors.
55. They have always had access to their own credit cards.
56. They have never put their money in a "Savings & Loan."
57. Sara Lee has always made underwear.
58. Bad behavior has always been getting captured on amateur videos.
59. Disneyland has always been in Europe and Asia.
60. They never saw Bernard Shaw on CNN.
61. Beach volleyball has always been a recognized sport.
62. Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti have always been luxury cars of choice.
63. Television stations have never concluded the broadcast day with the national anthem.
64. LoJack transmitters have always been finding lost cars.
65. Diane Sawyer has always been live in Prime Time.
66. Dolphin-free canned tuna has always been on sale.
67. Disposable contact lenses have always been available.
68. "Outing" has always been a threat.
69. Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss has always been the perfect graduation gift.
70. They have always "dissed" what they don't like.
71. The U.S. has always been studying global warming to confirm its existence.
72. Richard M. Daley has always been the Mayor of Chicago.
73. They grew up with virtual pets to feed, water, and play games with, lest they die.
74. Ringo Starr has always been clean and sober.
75. Professional athletes have always competed in the Olympics.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

The mind of a 3 year old

Last night, we took the girls for haircuts. A few weeks ago, Sydney announced that she needed a shortcut because her hair was getting too long.

So, we chose a cute short haircut for her and insisted that our hair dresser cut it for her. She was, for some reason, insisting that she grow her hair long like her sisters.

As Sydney cried through her haircut (and the hairdresser and myself coming close too), we cut her hair a little shorter. We heard more tears for the 20 min drive home until it suddenly dawned that if she didn't put her hair behind her ears, she looked like her friend 'G.'

So, life is OK.

Here is the before and after pictures (oh, and as a bonus, you get me too when Sydney and I spent the day together).

Before:


After (note the remnants of tears)

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Sunday Six - School.

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6 yrs) and Sydney (SK - age 3 yrs) the Sunday 6.

Sydney wasn't much in the mood to play, so we asked Sarah first then Sydney who only answered a few questions. Here they are:

1. What are school supplies?

SK: I'm not doing any more. She answered number 6.

SB: scissors and crayons, markers, pipe cleaners.

2. Who usually buys the school supplies?

SK: I don't know. (her preschool does).

SB: The teachers (yes, I live in one of the few school districts in the U.S. where the parents don't buy school supplies)

3. What do you carry your supplies in?

SK: I don't know.

SB: A box - an art supply box.

4. Do you take your lunch to school?

SK: No, but sometimes I bring cereal.

SB: Sometimes.

5. What is your favorite school book?

SK: I'm not answering anymore questions. I already told you that. So no more questions for me.

SB: Junie B. Jones

6. Do you have a backpack? Is so, what does it look like?

SK: Mine is green and I also have a Bob the Builder backpack. And Sarah only has one and I have two.

SB: Yes. It's sort of a purpley color, it has wheels, it's really easy to wheel if you can't carry it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarah had a really neat thing happen at school this week. At bedtime Thursday, she realized she left her puppy on the blacktop and the school playground during the summer program. I drove back by the school in case he was left outside, but could not find him. Since all the teachers know it's her puppy, I figured that someone put it in the office.

Joe called me Friday morning to say that puppy wasn't at school. We were both a little sad at the idea that he was lost. After all, this had been Sarah's constant companion since she started to walk.

When I got home Friday night (after girls night), Joe told me that puppy had been found. One of Sarah's friends had found puppy and brought him home with her so he wouldn't be lonely. She even gave the puppy a bath. It was too sweet.

I loved this idea that this little girl didn't want to leave Sarah's friend at school, but want to personally make sure that he was taken care of!

I hope everyone has a good week. My boss is out of town, so I might have more time to post this week.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Girls night!

Last year, my book group started a new tradition - in August we rent a cabin on the big lake and get together for Friday night.

It's a pot luck, and anyone who wants to spend the night can.

Everyone brings the books like want to propose for the next year and we all vote on them.

We have a blast together. There were 8 of us last night and there is not a single grouping that doesn't get along either as a group or individually.

One of my friends called me yesterday afternoon to announce that she wanted to leave earlier than we had planned and wanted to go swimming in the lake.

After we got everything unpacked and organized, four of us decided to go swimming. I've never been swimming in the big lake in the four years I've been here. It was so much fun playing in the water like little kids.

After dinner, we built a fire and sat around and discussed our books. The only thing missing last night was the amazing sunset.

Last year, we had to stop our discussions because the sunset was so amazing. Unfortunately, it was cloudy last night and we didn't get to see a cool sunset.

But, it was fun anyway.

I love girl's night.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Sunday Six - College

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know so we can visit you. Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6 yrs) and Sydney (SK - age 3 yrs) the Sunday 6. I asked Sydney first so she was not influenced by her big sister's answers. Here they are:

1. What is college?

SK: That means you go away.

SB: Someplace where you go to school and you learn a lot of things and you can get the job that you want.

2. What are the names of some colleges?

SK: I don't know.

SB: "H" College ("H" is our home town), is that a real one? Middle School College, I'm just making up some. First Grade College? Long Grade College.

3. Is a college the same thing as a university?

SK: Yea.

SB: I don't know.

4. What is a major?

SK: That means, I don't know.

SB: A job?

5. What do people do in college?

SK: Play and sing and paint and read.

SB: Write stuffffffff (put a lot of f's)

6. Do you want to go to college and if so, where?

SK: No.

SB: Yes, "H" College.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday, Sarah had her first soccer game. Last year, they just practiced for 1/2 hour then scrimaged for 1/2 hour. This year, games are 4 quarters and there is a ref. I didn't expect it. Her team lost, but they did a great job and never got discouraged.

We had an hour to kill between the game and pictures, so we headed to toy store to buy a birthday present. By the time we finished with the game, the errand and the pictures, it was amost 1:30. We were starving. The girls had done great, so we went to McDonalds. Sydney was asking why they got a toy. After thinking for a few minutes, Sarah says "So kids will want to come!" That child is too smart.

Here are a couple of pictures from her game. - that I'll upload later when Blogger lets me.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Just three more weeks

Just three more weeks - sounds like a long time, probably isn't as long as I need.

I've spent all summer thinking that I'd have all the time in the world to work on revising my class. I need to do a bit of work on my class. Last year I taught the class meeting one night per week. This year, I'm meeting two days a week - so I need rethink how to arrange my readings and class activities to split them.

One fun thing - we have a couple of speakers coming to campus this fall who fit my topic. SO - I get to replace a couple of class sessions with having the students attend the speaker instead.

I'm still struggling with the first big paper they have to write. The paper topic I've used the past 2 semesters just doesn't work. It didn't work the first semester but I couldn't figure out what else to have them write about.

If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.

The way my course is set up, we look at the cultures of business, politics and religion. We look at the barriers to change each organization faces and how understanding the culture helps overcoming these barriers when attempting to implement change in the organization.

For my business paper, I've had the students look at their opinion on employee theft - what constitutes theft, how do you punish, how do you prevent theft without creating an environment of suspicion.

What I discovered is that most freshmen still have a very absolute way of viewing the world. It's very black and white for them.

I've thought about using the Eron case to have them write a paper, but I'm having a hard time constructing a two sided question that is researchable.

I can always fall back on the one paper, but I think I'll have to restructure the class so it's not the first paper they write - they need something to instill confidence - not insecurity.

Any ideas from the peanut gallery welcome.

Oh yes, in three weeks by oldest child becomes a first grader and my second child a preschooler - it's going too fast.