No Sunflower Seeds Allowed! January 31, 2008

Week # 2 Assignment: middle school library

Yesterday, the AP announced that no sunflower seeds are allowed in  “…….”  MS.  We had been finding little piles in the library.  An “offering” of dry hamster-like turds?

 What will those clever pre-teens think of next?

I am reading a fascinating book called: The Geography of Bliss   One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World. by Eric Weiner (of NPR). So far, I have been entranced by The Netherlands(Happiness is a number.) and Iceland(Happiness is failure!).  Having been to Switzerland in Fall 2005, I can say that it is true of the Swiss “Happiness is boredom”.  This book is a good accompaniment to the Michael Palin videos from the BBC- Around the World in 80 Days and others.  BTW- Disney World/Land are not listed. Other countries included are :Bhutan, Qatar,Moldova,Thailand, Great Britain, India, America and the last chapter is called “Are We There Yet?”  I have been skipping around, so have no more insights or words of wisdom to impart.  Aren’t you lucky?

Reading about travel; wishing to pack up and go; especially to Reykjavik during a summer!!!! Sounds like we are not only going to Seattle, OR, SF and Alaska’s Inward Passage, but also Las Vegas.  More on this later…….

BKB taped the latest Hallmark tear jerker for me on Sunday night.  It was called The Russell  Girl     I am lucky to have these films at my finger tips for those “Calgon moments”.

(update on Bubbaville:  “those” pickup drivers meet at the local 7-11 clone every morning.  They take up the entire parking lot. I have no interest in trying to get a coffee or croissant/pastry at this establishment because I guess I have to admit– I am a Starbucks snob and I am usually running late anyway and on a make-it-yourself-diet-kick.)

Bubbas and other Hubba-Hubbas January 26, 2008

On my new commute into a semi-rural area I witnessed the ultimate “Bubbadum” event: Two large pick-ups parked side by side with engines running and front drivers windows opened.  Two “macho men chatting” at a local convenience store.  One man wearing a confederate Doo-Rag.  Whatever…..

This snowman doo-rag is the collage art work of one of my favorite children’s author/illustrators: Lois Ehlhert!  Bring on the snow flakes!

Assignment: Middle School Library January 24, 2008

Well, it certainly is a whole different ballgame being with older students in the library.  After only 3 days, I would say it is GOOD!  I attended Jr High from 1967-1970; grades 7-9.  That was a very long time ago!  Middle school is grades 6-8.  The school I am currently working at has only 6th & 7th grades.  The library has no windows and that is the only negative comment I have to share at the moment.  I need sunlight!

I have watched the young ladies strut their Vera Bradley and Aeropostale handbags. (I was so…. “out of the loop”.)We have a large SPED population and this balances many things. Speaking of names; we have a student named Patience and a student named Rage. Hmm… I feel another poem about to be created. Maybe.

I feel refreshed!

We went to see the movie Bucket List last weekend.  I highly recommend it for laughs and shedding a few tears also. Great film about men and friendship!

City Style Names- From Ace to Zen 2006 January 19, 2008

Here’s last  years’ school names “poem”.

From A to Z City Style 

Anwar, Ajone, Ashaute, Ajah,Ace,Aliyah, Andre, Anthony, Andrew, Arkeria, Arabia, Asia, Amir, Armani, Allanah, Asa, Amari. 

Brenjida, Breeland, Brianna, Barry. 

Charlton, Calese, Cavaun, Crendel, Clark, Chet, Cyquan, Cassey, Cierra, CHasmine, Chase, Carley, Clelin, Christopher.

 Donae,Damion, Dezmond, Destiny, David, Dejamone,Dara, Davon, Dawarren, De’Tron, D’Andra, Darron, Dante’, Davon, Deja, Des’raee. 

Ethan, Elijah, Esperanza, Eziquiel,Elisha Faheem, Frank Gywyneth, Gavin, Gregory Holland, Hunter, Hassan Isaiha, Ivan, Isaac Janai, Jamaija, Jayshawn, Jadeshia, Jocelyn, Jazmin, Juwan, Jade, Juwan, Jayvon, Jailen, Jemele, Jarranay, Jerrell, Jeremy, Josiah, Johnyah Kaycee, Koolsom, Kent, Kharon, Kylah, Keelan, Keona, Kayah, Kyair, Katonia, Kerralena, Kingston, Kennedi, Kyeen, Kelvin, Khania, Kyra, Kelandra, Kemon, Kendall, Kiara, Kamryn, Kennson, Khania, Khaliq Lamar, Leila, Lydia, Lucy, Logan, Lashay, Leonte, Liza, Lillian, Lexus May, Melissa, Maya, Melvin, Millicent, Montraye, Mikaea, Mikal, Mya, Mitinique, Morgan, Mariah, Malik, Marijan, Meka, Matthew, Michael Nina, Nia, Nikisha, Nikhil, Noah, Nadaiah, Nikel, Nyahia Oluwatonsin, Olivia, O’Brien Peter, Precious, Peakaday, Phillip Quame’, Queshean Rita, Ronald, Rowan, Raekwon, Rasheed, Romaldo, Raven, Raevon, Rheisen, Rashaad Shaking, Syour, Sequoia, Shelby, Shanita, Sophia, Syed, Symonia, Shatayshia, Shyteria, Shemar Tyshaun, Theodore, Tianna, Tamia, Tierra, Tre’J, Tykeria, Taiya, Treya, Tallesha, Tallahsa, Treasure, Tiara, Tracy, Trestin, Trinity, Telisi, Taya,Taron Victoria William Yasmeen, Yolanda Zen, Zoe, Zora, Zion, Zachari, Zamir, Zayden, Zacharia

Names for children who grow up to be Adults January 19, 2008

I have just completed an intensive 3 month stint at a certain school nearby.  I work on the names of students and enjoy knowing many of them.  I find names fascinating. 

So here’s the latest name “poem” incorrectly called 150+ A Melting Pot of Names.   ( I can alphabetize but have “math anxiety” and can not count……) Many days I had 125 students- 6 classes per day.

150 +    The Melting Pot of Names   2008 A-Aaron-Aaryn-Abigayle-Adisa-Adrian-Aidlen-Aislynn-Aizayah-Ajah-Akira-Alayana-Alyciea-Alefairo-Alejandro-Alex-Alexis-Alquis-Alterique-Alwin-Amanda-Amarah-Amari-Amaya-Amy-Anach-Anaya-Andre-Andrea-Andrew-Angel-Angelika-A’niya-Aniah-Anthony-Antonio-Aree-Ariel-Arion-Armando-Aroya-Arthur-Articia-Aquinnah-Asa-Asha-Ashley-Asia-Austin-Autumn-Axel-Ayanna. B- Bethany-Betsy-Bianca-Bobby-Brandon-Brayan-Brenda-Breon-Brianna-Britney-Bryan-Bryner-Byron. C-Cameron-Camilla-Carlia-Carlos-Carmen-Cartasia-Cesar-Chad-Chamia-Chandra-Charles-Cheyenne-Christian-Christopher-Ciara(pronounced Kira)-Cierra-Cindy-Cion-Cleashia-Clinton-Conner-Constantino-Cynthia D-Dajah-Dakrya-Damiyan-Dania-Daniel-Daniella-Danielle-Daquon-Darren-Darian-Darrin-Darius-Dasai-David-Davonte-Dayanna-Daysi-De’Angela-Deandrea-Dehlane-Deion-Deja-Delhauney-Deomontre-Derrick-Desire-Desmond-Destiny-Dhyey-Diamond-Diana-Diesler-Domik-Dominque-Donald-Donella-Donovan-Dowong-Duquar-Dylan. E- Earl- Elena-Elijah-Elisha-Elizabeth-Elkana-Emily-Erici-Erick-Eriyana-Estphani-Esther-Ethan-Eva-Ezekiel F-Francisco-Franklin-Freddy-Frederick-Fredi G- Gabriela-Gabriella-Gabrielle-Gerso-Grace-Gregory-Gurpreet H-Hannah-Harshawn-Hasan-Herman-Heydi( pronounced Hay-Di–not Heidi!)-Holley-Horace I-Ilsia-Iamni-India-Ines-Isaiah-Ivan-Iyanna J-Jace-Jack-Jackelyn-Jacob-Jada-Ja’hana-Jahari-Jaharnia-Jahmir-Jalen-Jalwante-Jamal-Jamaul-James-Janissa-Janiya-Jared-Jarie-Jaron-Jarvis-Jashaun-Jasmine-Javion-Jayde-Jayden-Jayvonya-Jazmine-Jazz-Jeffrey-Jefri-Jehminy-Jelani-Jenifer-Jenna-Jerome-Jessica-Jestina-Jesus( pronounced Hey-zeus)-Jevonte-Jibrail-Jiovanni-Jnai-Jocelyn-Joel-John-Johnny-Joli-Jonathan-Jordan-Jordin-Jordy-Jorge(pronounced Whore-Hey)-Jose-Joseph-Joshua-Journey-Juan-Julia-Julio-Jun’ae-Justice-Justin-Jy’cai. K-Kaile-Kaitlyn-Kamilah-Kamau-Karen-Karla-Katelyn-Katherine-Kathlein-Kati-Kataiya-Katiyah-Kayla-Kayjon-Keashia-Kelsey-Kelvin-Kemauri-Kenia(pronounced Kenya)-Kennedy-Kenneth-Keon-Keora-Kesean-Keven-Kevin-Kevonte-Khaleel-Kiana-Kiante-Kiara-Kiera-Kierah-Kimberly-Kine-Kira-Kishan-Kobe-Kristian-Kristen-Kuwan. L-Lachaunte-Ladira-Lady-Latavia-Laura-Leila-Lena-Leslie-Leury-Leverne-Lilly-Logan-London-Lorenzo-Luis. M-Madelyn-Madalys-Madison-Maia-Maison-Malachai-Malajia-Malik-Maliek-Maliq-Marchele-Marcos-Marcus-Maria-Mario-Marlahni-Marlene-Mark-Maurice-Mauricio-Martin-Mary-Matthew-Megan-Melvin-Melissa-Mercedes-Michael-Micah-Michayla-Miguel-Mikayla-Miranda-Mitsuko-Monifa-Morgan. N-Najee-Nancy-Naomi-Natalia-Natasha-Nathan-Nelson-Neveah-Nicholas-Nikson-Nilik-Nitsalee-Niyah-Noe ( pronounced NoWay)-Noah-Nora-Nyah. O-Olga-Oliver-Orley-Oluwafunmilayo. P-Parth-Paola-Patrice-Paul-Philip. Q-Quadajah-Quiara. R-Raheem-Rain-Raquan-Rayanna-Rayjannah-Renee-Richard-Risaiah-Robert-Robin-Rockelle-Roland-Romell-Ronald-Roquaysia-Roshanda-Ruby-Russell-Ruth-Ryan. S-Samantha-Samear-Samuel-Sandy-Sania-Sarah-Savannah-Savyion-Sean-Sebastion-Selena-Shamar-Shane-Shauna-Shiauna-Sincere (NOT)-Sindy-Sir-Stanley-Stephanie-Sterling-Stevaughn-Sulaiman-Sykierra. T-Tabari-Takeah-Taliyah-Tamayron-Taquees-Tatsianna-Tavien-Taylor-Temia-Theem-Theodore-Tievelle-Tiffany-Tiyana-Todd-Tranaye-Travis-Treavon-Trenique-Trinity-Turon-Tyanna-Tyree-Tyren-Tyquon-Tyrease-Tyriq-Tytauna-Tysin-Tyvell. U=0 V-Victor-Victoria (Wasn’t there an odd movie back in the 70’s by this name?). W-Waliah-Wanye (pronounced Wan-yea)not Wayne!)-Walter-William. X-Xavier (at least 4-5) Y-Yarikza-Yasmin-Yeimi-Yesinia-Yessica-Yolimar-Yovanie-Yoni-Yuliana-Yurbin. Z-Zackery-Zanee-Zion

When I began my teaching career in 1977, I had 5 Jennifer’s in one Kindergarten class.  I wonder where these women are now?  They are 36- 37 years old now!!!!

Free Trip to Heaven: Details Inside! January 14, 2008

I betcha think I am going to go off on a religious tangent…don’t you?  Actually, NO!  I saw this on a church sign on our way to DE (the first state- yes it is a state!) this past weekend.  It tickled my inner sense of quirky advertising.  Do you remember those GOD billboards a few years ago?  Like  “I am watching you”. Quirky is a nice way of saying…weird.

Soon, I will post two name poems I have created with the first names only of some of my students from the past two years.  Yes, I have a student named Heaven. (a sweet young lady)  I have a student named Sincere. ( a not- so sincere bratty boy) BTW, I would never include last names or school names.  That just isn’t me.  I do believe in confidentialty.

What have you been reading lately?

I just finished a great book called Elaine’s Circle by  Robert Katz.  It is a true account of one teacher’s  4th grade class in Alaska and how they dealt with a student’s terminal cancer diagnosis and death.  It was a page turner!

A Daily Show & The Colbert Report January 10, 2008

They’re Baaaaack!

After a 10 week hiatus due to the writer’s strike, I am happy to share that the funny men are no longer in re-runs.  They are writing their own shows… or some such thing!

I could sure use a laugh, right about now!  Thanks, Jon & Stephen!  hahahahahahahahahaha

With the beginning of the politically endless season, I wish to make an endorsement: Obama..that’s it..he’s my choice!  That’s all I am going to say.

Here are a few words I had a curiosity about this week: vagabond &  hackneyed.  Go to dictionary.com and “have at it”. !

Do It Yourself- pros’ & con’s January 6, 2008

“Variety is the spice of life”

I have found this quote a long time inspiration.  Having too many hobbies and interests can provoke overload.  Recently during the writers strike, we discovered the DIY Channel.  There are many shows; one of particular interest to me; called Knitty Gritty. Yes, it is an inspirational knitting show. Check it out sometime.  It is a continuation of my theme: reading instead of doing.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dkng/

I am about to change job locations.  I like the “free-lancing- consulting- itinerant” lifestyle.  I will also be in a middle school instead of my “comfort zone” of elementary.

As we gear up to go to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest in July, I find myself looking for books to read on the subjects.  Having typed in “Alaska” to subject search at our local county public library, I found over 275 category topics!  Oh my- so many books- so little time.  It is fun to decifer what might be fun to read and what is not my cup of tea. 

Note to my young adults from “Your Mom”.  I have now become a member of the “I no longer dye my own hair club”. A recent DIY project proved fateful to my home attempts at using “the box” from the grocery store. I had three layers of color- golden. black and lt brown.  I am now “frosted” Ohmygawd! Too fun!

“Variety is the spice of Life!”

Happy 2008! January 1, 2008

Here’s  hoping you and yours are feeling optimistic about the New Year and that good health will be your friend this year!

 We are back from Houston.  I am glad we went and glad we don’t live there.  The traffic is a huge deterrent!  It was neat to experience Houston and Galveston  when it was not hot and humid.  I know I am not cut out for that type of weather on a day-to-day basis.

Future daughter-in-law M asked all of us in the car while driving through/around Houston (pronounced “U-ston”) what 3 wishes we would like, if it was possible.  All of us in the car at that time first wished for World Peace. ( possibly meaning an end to the never ending religious and cultural conflicts that have been with humanity since the beginning of time.) I also wished for universal health care ( of some type- not a political statement, rather a humanitarian wish) and adequate homes in Maine and the Virgin Islands.  I am not talking about fancy McMansions.  I am talking about views of the water, simplicity and environmentally correct for  future generations.

Son K discussed how racist the U-ston area is.  Very disturbing but not surprising. I still try to feel optimistic about our future as “civilized” people.  However, there always are constant, poignant reminders of woman’s/man’s inhumanity to men/women.  I won’t dwell on it, you already are aware.

We each have opportunities everyday to promote understanding and peace within ourselves and within our various communities.  Peace begins with you and me.