Chocolate Festival & feminisms April 30, 2008

Daughter A & I had the opportunity to attend our first Chocolate Festival this past weekend at the University of Richmond.  It was a tasting event by local chefs.  Some Chocolate Festivals are fund raisers for charity organizations. It’s easier to attend this type of function if it is “guilt-free” in some way. Delicious!

I am beginning to read a new non-ficiton book called Girls Like Us- Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation by Shelia Weller. These women are about 10 years older than me. As I peruse it, I can not really relate to their life experiences and so I may give up before it gets too dull. We’ll see. It is like I am of a different generation.

There was an article in this week’s Newsweek called The Feminine Mistake by Jennie Yabroff under the theme of CULTURE. I realize I may be rambling, but bear with me, I am going to make a point. It focused on the “mommy wars” that have been around for many years since the “revolution” began.

I am talking about the “revolution” that Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and Carole King promoted with their successful singing careers and influential business ties.

I believe there are different stages of life span opportunities. I don’t and didn’t need or ask Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinham, Hillary Clinton and other “successful” women to clear the road for me. I can do it on my own. Thank you very much. I’ll do it my way, without your approval or commentary on being “liberated.” I am already liberated because I know I can support myself and know I can pay the mortgage if pressed into duty again. I am liberated because I have been able to make educated choices along the way. I don’t feel guilty because of those choices. I did what was right for our family during the children’s growing up years. I have no regrets.

The “mommy wars” is mean-spirited. If you want to work, well then work. If you must work, well, pull up your boot straps and make the best of it. If you do not want to have paid employment outside of the home, then scale down your monetary needs/desires and make the best of it. “Sequencing” is a term for making choices that work for your individual family situation and being able to tweak those choices as things change. Children do grow up. Opportunities present themselves. Life goes on. All women can be kind and respectful to each other regardless of choices made. Mother’s Day is actually every day. Pause, reflect and think about it. Rejoice if you have healthy children and a healthy marriage or partnership. Eat chocolate and carry a big stick!

PostSecret.com April 25, 2008

I have recently discovered the Post Secret phenomenon.  Luckily, I was able to check out all 4 books from the library.  Thanks Frank for taking on this healing art project and sharing it with the world!  I love the concept!

For more info watch this short video clip:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6rTkp1dek4

Earth Day 2008 April 22, 2008

For your viewing pleasure and moment of nature appreciation, please open the Google main page and see their font today! Also, take a moment to read the comics today.  Many cartoonists featured Earth Day themes.

The sun has finally returned.  How many days of gloom can we stand ?  Repeat this mantra…” Well, at least we don’t live in…..( pick a city of current doom.)

Have you heard of hulu.com? If you want to view some old movies and vintage TV shows for free, check it out.

We watched Sunday Morning this past weekend.  There was a feature about a documentary called Young At Heart.  It was a bunch of seniors singing at a jail “venue”.  It was inspiring!

I attended a free bluegrass concert and storytelling event sponsored by the local public library on Sunday afternoon.  David Holt has an NPR radio show on Saturday mornings called Riverwalk Jazz- out of San Antonio, TX.  He lives in Asheville, NC.  In addition to his amusing stories about people he has met in Nashville at The Grand Ole Opry and being married for 38 years, he plays banjo, harmonica, several kinds of guitars , the paper bag, the cow rib mouth harp and has a slapping/clapping routine that is quite entertaining.

BKB taped the Hallmark movie for me on Sunday night.  It was called  Sweet Nothing in My Ear about a deaf family and cochlear implants.  I watched it last night and was glad to be able to fast forward through all the commercials.  Great movie!

We are busy making economical travel arrangements for trips this summer.  I am finally going to really see the Northwest and Southwest in person. I am grateful and psyched!

I might give a middle school update soon, but then again, I might not. Confidentiality issues, you know.  37 more days of the long commute.

The Soap Box April 20, 2008

As the years have gone by, I wish someone would de-mystify the job search process and nepotism in regards to hiring.  I know…you have to be in the right place at the right time and say the right things and dress for success.

I also wish large school systems would create simple misssion statements that specify their priorities.  (I am referring to basic supplies, security issues, salaries and benefits.)  For example: We believe all trailers should meet certain health and environmental standards.  We can’t lock school doors when we have trailers.  Therefore: We will insure your security and the security of the students by doing X,Y & Z. We believe all teachers should receive these important benefits and these salary upgrades.  We believe students deserve: paper, soap in bathrooms, doors on stalls, school security officers….library books…) We hope to maintain our staff by doing these things to promote and support teachers.  

It has come to my attention that school librarians no longer exist in California and are going extinct in Arizona.  We are on the chopping block in addition to instructors of the Arts.  How sad- over and over again.  This discussion is not new.

So we can pay over one trillion dollars a month to blast people in an oil rich area, but can’t put soap and toilet paper in our school bathrooms, can’t fund secruity officers? Can’t fund the Arts?  Can’t fund librarians?

Yes, I should be illustrating this post with me standing on a soap box; possibly blowing bubbles with messages in them.

Looking in the Employment Ads today and remembering a large highway billboard in Maryland recently advertising for teachers in a certain public school system, I have to chortle at the saying “What goes around…comes around”.  It used to be so hard to get a teaching job, and now systems are begging for us.  Treat us right and we may jump on the bandwagon once again.  Treat us wrong and we will glare at your false promises.  Recruiters going en masse to colleges looking for eager grads-  pffft.. ..We are right here.   And we have experience and wisdom.

If you can read this, Thank A Teacher!  Let’s Get Our Priorities Straight!

Spring! April 17, 2008

“The air is warm, and the sky is blue, the leaves are green-yellow, because they’re new,

Your feet go skipping, the birds all sing, the whole world is happy, because it is spring!”

As an early childhood educator, this memorable song has stayed with me for many years.  On days like this, I hum it to myself gleefully!  The song is actually from a Kindergarten “kit” from over 30 years ago. 

Our happy dog, Chloe, had a bit of spring fever tonight after her dinner on the back porch.  She ventured into the street where a bunch of sweet kids were bike riding.  As we were eating dinner, I shared how nice it is to have kids in the neighborhood.  Wasn’t it neat that they were all hanging out with that big dog by the Stop sign at the corner?  A few minutes later a neighbor from behind knocked at our door with her two little dogs.  She asked if that was our dog at the corner?  I said something about : Oh My- it sure is! and called Chloe.  She happily sprinted over as if to say…See I can make my own friends too!  Spring is in the air!

I have been listening to two different dog stories on CD during my long commute tp Petersburg/Colonial Heights.  Marley by John Grogan and Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz.  Both are funny and enjoyable!

Due to technical confusion, I will only suggest that you imagine a pink dogwood photo on this post.  Word Press has changed their scheme of posting pictures and I am enjoying the season too much to spend time on figuring it out ….again.

Think: pink dogwood.  ahhhhhh……..

Rail or Road & megalopolis April 12, 2008

As I often observe school buses in my career life and on the roads; I think of these cheese wagons as the symbol for being part of “the machine”.  Many important events in our life have been scheduled around the school calendar; births, surgeries, vacations and weddings.

Way back in 5th grade, our class debated transportation systems.  Rail or Road?  I was on the “rail team”. I still remember the fun I had gathering information and making a “case” for trains.  Our teacher also impressed upon us that the eastern seaboard corridor would become a megalopolis in our lifetime.  Now living further south in this corridor, I see that she truly had foresight. (PS- There won’t be too many more school stories- I guarantee it- not that memorable or worth regurgitating.)

Virgina Lee Burton wrote The Little House in 1942.  It is a timely picture book with thoughtful implications for those of us living in “suburban sprawl.”  What is “progress” anyway? Her philosophy is still applicable today. http://www.virginialeeburton.com/books.html

Several family members asked me if I was going to retire soon. (due to my last posting.)  No.  It’s just that if I had followed the traditional path, I could be planning retirement  this very moment.  I’m not because I can’t and have had enough time off over the years with our young children that I am not ready yet anyway.  I am proud of our choices and lifestyle.  Still plugging away at being a working person.  Sometimes, I find it hard to believe that I am part of the “education machine.”  I still feel subversive deep within. Luckily, because I have left the classroom, I don’t have to do report cards or parent conferences anymore.  Being a librarian is  fun for many reasons.

I started teaching at age 21.  Oh my!  So much responsibility at a young age.  At age 22, I was married and had 2 half-day kindergarten classes; which meant 45-50 parent conferences and 45-50 report cards every 9 weeks; without the help of computers.  (Remember when Kindergarten was either morning or afternoon?  Students were assigned a time by neighborhoods; not by convenience for parents.)

Bear with me, I am going to make a point here.  Another classic children’s book that remains timelessly popular is The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.  I still find it inspirational! How many times have I read these two books aloud to classrooms of eager listeners?  More than I can count.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Engine_That_Could

Chug- chug-chug- Choo-choo! I think I can- I think I can- I think I can……

Little Red Wagon April 9, 2008

As you may or may not know,  I could be “retiring” from teaching this year.  My career started in 1977.  Many twists and turns later, I have not collected 30 years worth of retirement benefits. (wink)  This dawned on me quite recently when others have asked me “Are you e-ripping”?  I love this term.  It means adding on an extra year to your state retirement benefits..if you can stand it.  E-ripping sounds ominous…doesn’t it ?!!? (Do I look like I’m e-ripping? ha ha he he)

I like having moved and changing jobs as needed; plus meeting new and different people and students along the journey.  I was able to juggle some part-time jobs with young children and our own children plus have the benefit of working at home when our kids were small.

I can’t imagine still being in the same school building that I began to teach in 30 years ago.  Some people actually do this!  Oh my! ( How boring!) I have some fond memories and some creepy ones too.  30 years ago, I considered myself “technically” advanced aka “saavy”; by having a child sized red plastic Sony tape recorder in my car and taping records to listen to.  Just think how far we have come! The “din-o-saur” days are over…way over!

Here is what I ponder occasionally as I look back over an interesting career in the education field:

1. Lots of people get booted “upstairs” for administrative positions. Sometimes it is a reward and other times it might be considered a punishment.  Some are competent and others are incompetent. Anyone can get into Administrative graduate programs.  Sure, colleges and universities love to take your hard earned $$$$, but you may never  become an administrator.  ( My opinion…do you really want to be the one to put out all the fires????”)

2. Silence is Golden.  People very often prove themselves to be total hypocrites and stick their feet in their mouths without much effort.  Sit back, watch and listen.

3. Gossip- not worth it.  Close your ears and walk away.

4. repeat this mantra…”not in my sphere of influence”

5. amusements: 

sayings such as:

“Flagpole meeting in the gym”,  “you rock” “at the end of the day”  “when all is said and done” “my own personal fave…KMA.”  “Go figure”  “You got that right”.  “As is our custom” 

6. Technological advances: Even with all our many  “new” cool pieces of  “AV” equipment and cords and other gadgets, there are always snafu’s.  I’ve seen many snafu’s during national televison press conferences, at universities, author visits and professional workshops.  This soothes my spirit.  Thanks for fumbling like I do.

7. Multi-tasking… fun…distracting, annoying and fatiquing.  Watching so many bad drivers talk on their cell phones on the highways makes me wish for regulated speaker phones, headphones and hands free cell phones. No, I do not want one of those earplug phones.

8. “Be kind to the people on your way up…cause you’re gonna meet the same people on your way back down.”  Be humble and grateful and never assume anything.

9. Change is good and inevitable.  You might as well accept it.

10. Be flexible, open-minded and listen.  You are not “entitled” to anything you haven’t worked for.  And even if you have worked for something, you still aren’t “entitled” to it.  If you are stubborn and unwilling to change or listen, it will bite you in the butt.  Aspire higher. Grow.

In conclusion, I have had a marvelous journey with most students.  I have met many wonderful, dedicated teachers over the years and only a few rotten apples.  I am not ready to retire because I still find it enjoyable for the most part. Life long learning and feeling called; fulfilled.. .whatever.

On a side note:  BTW: I recently taste tested the best granola ever!  It is Little Red Wagon Granola of Chapel Hill, NC.  Mocha flavored with almonds!!!!!

Richmond 10k and Red Lobster April 6, 2008

It was raining this morning.  We ventured out to do our part in Putting Cancer on the Run. ( It was a sort of “command performance” for BKB”S work. )The 10K is a fun event and even the rain didn’t dampen our spirits too much. After all, we had cool neon glow in the dark mesh t-shirts…right??? It is fun to participate and enjoy the live music and cameraderie; plus look for people you know. and see the wacky costumes.  My favorite this year was the Tooth Fairy!! Adorable!  It is also fun to walk in the middle of normally very busy streets with others.  Forget the jogging.  Not gonna happen with us.  I had a “moment” just before mile 2, when I wanted to go back to the car and say forget this! It was raining steadily.  Then I brought out the bag of chocolate chips and all was well again.  Just a little chocolate can do wonders for the weary traveler.  The park where the race concludes has many free food and beverage giveaways.  If only the port-o-potties still had TP and hand gel at the end. The sun came out!

We came home and I took a luxurious nap.  There was no Advil in the house. However, BKB suggested we go out to eat; a wonderful, rare treat.  I suggested Red Lobster because of this book I had read over winter break in Houston.  It is called Last Night at The Lobster by Stewart O’Nan.  A good read!  Delicious dinner.  We bought some Advil on the way home. He was starting to feel the 7 miles in his back.  I feel it in my hips and knees. We had to walk a long way from where we parked the car.  Spring is happening along Monument Ave and it was glorious to see the clouds clear!

We are busy preparing to create a privacy fence in our backyard next weekend and make travel plans for the summer wedding and anniversary trip plus our son’s most likely move to Phoenix, AZ.   Oh my!  A lot of excitement going on.  Life is good. ~~~~~~~~~~~

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

April Fool’s Day April 2, 2008

Oh my! Not only did I not participate in Dark Hour on March 29th, I didn’t pull any pranks yesterday.  However, I did read a marvelous Roald Dahl poem aloud to students.  It was fun and had just the right amount of “shock” value.  When you least expect it….giggle, giggle

Here ’tis!

“This famous wicked little tale
Should never have been put on sale
It is a mystery to me
Why loving parents cannot see
That this is actually a book
About a brazen little crook…”

“…Now just imagine how you’d feel
If you had cooked a lovely meal,
Delicious porridge, steaming hot,
Fresh coffee in the coffee pot,
With maybe toast and marmalade,
The table beautifully laid,
One place for you and one for dad,
Another for your little lad.
Then dad cries, ‘Golly–gosh! Gee whizz!
‘Oh cripes! How hot this porridge is!
‘Let’s take a walk along the street
‘Until it’s cool enough to eat.’
He adds, ‘An early morning stroll
‘Is good for people on the whole.
‘It makes your appetite improve
‘It also helps your bowels move.’
No proper wife would dare to question
Such a sensible suggestion,
Above all not at breakfast–time
When men are seldom at their prime.
No sooner are you down the road
Than Goldilocks, that little toad
That nosey thieving little louse,
Comes sneaking in your empty house….”

“…(Here comes the next catastrophe.)
Most educated people choose
To rid themselves of socks and shoes
Before they clamber into bed.
But Goldie didn’t give a shred.
Her filthy shoes were thick with grime,
And mud and mush and slush and slime.
Worse still, upon the heel of one
Was something that a dog had done.
I say once more, what would you think
If all this horrid dirt and stink
Was smeared upon your eiderdown
By this revolting little clown?
(The famous story has no clues
To show the girl removed her shoes.)

Oh, what a tale of crime on crime!
Let’s check it for a second time.

Crime One, the prosecution’s case:
She breaks and enters someone’s place.

Crime Two, the prosecutor notes:
She steals a bowl of porridge oats.

Crime Three: She breaks a precious chair
Belonging to the Baby Bear.

Crime Four: She smears each spotless sheet
With filthy messes from her feet.

A judge would say without a blink,
‘Ten years hard labour in the clink!’
But in the book, as you will see,
The little beast gets off scot–free,
While tiny children near and far
Shout ‘Goody–good! Hooray! Hurrah!’
‘Poor darling Goldilocks!’ they say,
‘Thank goodness that she got away!’
Myself, I think I’d rather send
Young Goldie to a sticky end.
‘Oh daddy!’ cried the Baby Bear,
‘My porridge gone! It isn’t fair!’
‘Then go upstairs,’ the Big Bear said,
‘Your porridge is upon the bed.
‘But as it’s inside mademoiselle,
‘You’ll have to eat her up as well.”

( note: This is not the entire poem…You will have to search further to find the comment about her “fat butt“.)

hahaha hehehe

credit goes to roalddahlfans.com