Up for Air

I don't dare look at how long it's been since I posted last.  I'm not even sure my faithful readers are still checking in here.... Mom, Dad, are you out there? ;)   Anyways.  I've spent the entire day working on the analysis section of my senior paper that was due yesterday.  And, I'm not done yet.  But I'm going to bed soon anyways. I knew I was getting a little tired when I started assigning my survey participants names of literary characters.  I have Mrs. March, Mrs. Bhaer, Miss Ingalls, Mrs. Wilder, Miss Shirley, and Miss Huddleston.

My roommate was a sweetheart and did my dishes for me tonight.  She even packed up my beets that I cooked, cooled, and forgot while I was immersed in my analysis of my survey results.  I only asked three survey questions but most respondents gave multiple answers so that left me with lots of data to sift through.  And of course, how do I want to arrange it, represent it, or quote it?  So many options.  So out of time!

 Back in March, I went on a planting spree. 

 Tomato Purse!  

(6 pack with a carrying handle)

 Beware of mint.  It has delusions of grandeur.

 When I finished the planting spree, I had 5 tomatoes planted.

 Front Yard Fungi

 The balcony as of a few weeks ago.  7 tomatoes, 8 strawberries, 11 pole beans, 20 + squash and cucumbers in 4 inch pots, and herbs.

 The herb corner in the community garden.

 Peas

The whole jungle of a garden.

When I was in 5th grade,  I was enrolled in a two day a week history and science course that ran from 9:00 to 2:00.  One of our regular homework assignments consisted looking up words in Webster's 1828 monstrosity of a dictionary which we occasionally had to drag to class.  Other uses of the dictionary: flower press and booster seat.   We would look up the definition of the word, write it down, and choose three words from the definition to look up and write down those definitions.  I received horrible grades on the first couple definition assignments. 

Why?

Because I was trying to paraphrase the definitions. 

My teacher wanted the exact definitions from that version.  I knew about plagiarism.  I was not going to copy someone's work.  My mom went in and explained the situation.  I'm still not sure why the teacher didn't ask me or why copying definitions from the dictionary was such an important skill to learn.  Then again, this is the class where the teacher lectured and wrote notes on the board that we were supposed to copy word for word.  Looking back on the class as a future teacher, wow...  Anyways, I was told that it was fine to copy word for word out of the dictionary because the teacher knew what the source was.  

Now at the university, I spend a lot of time citing my sources and checking my reference page to make sure everything is in the correct style.  I just got back from some final senior presentations and for some reason this story came to mind and it made me laugh because I've been so grade oriented for most of my life.  I just finished a human development final so I want to make a comparison between dopamine levels in the brain and a possible grade addiction but that makes my head hurt.  That 5th grade class assignment... I was pretty upset about it!  I got a B in history and I totally frustrated because I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. :) This semester, I really had to give up on grades and just do my best.  I worked more than I had in the past.  I had a weird schedule that didn't allow for quality study time.  I just did what I could and I'm ok with that.  It's kind of a nice feeling.  Hopefully, the feeling lasts when grades are posted.

P.S.  I have garden pictures galore so they will be posted soon.

Details

Looking at the course calendar, I read:

Last Day of Frustration - December 9th

It actually says:

Last Day of Instruction - December 9th  

Of course we have assessment week after the last day of instruction so the official "Last Day of Frustration" for me will be December 16th.  Then, freedom!  Glorious freedom!  

Update

It's been a fun couple of weeks.  The program I work for at the University was going through an accreditation process and we ran about making sure everything went smoothly.   It went incredibly smoothly and the program passed with flying colors.  My new nickname is "the Dean's Assistant" as someone mistook me as such.  I'm not going to complain about that... I just need to live up to it!

Tonight, in my multicultural literature class, we were looking at Jacqueline Woodson's book If You come Softly. It's an excellent book that will be added to my library.  In the book. Jeremiah makes a comparison between rain and the looks he and Ellie receive  while dating (he's African American and she's White).

"Think of it..." Jeremiah said slowly. "Like weather or something. You got your rain, your snow, your sunshine.  Always changing but still constant, you know."

In class, snow was compared to the overt acts of racism and sunshine to the days where racism isn't present.

Jeremiah continues with, "Let's say it's rain- the people who've got problems with us being together-let's call them and their problems rain."

A little later, the snow is melting on Ellie's face and I made a point about snow as a metaphor for racism in the book.  This got my professor really excited.  And he proceeded to emphasize snow as he read the rest of his selections in the book.


But what he didn't know was...




My mom was an English major in college. 

 

She would do this thing when we were growing up, pointing out the symbolism and metaphors as we watched movies or read books.  She ruined more movies that way. :)  We'd be watching a movie and all of a sudden there's Mom talking and pointing out patterns and symbolism (see the waves crashing, that implies...or when Mr. Darcy goes for a swim, that's a symbol of rebirth...  yada yada yada ).   This is all wonderfully helpful as an adult but when you just want to watch a movie, not so much.

I caught myself doing the same thing recently while watching the "other" Pride and Prejudice (2006). I'm turning into my mother! When Lizzy wanders through the statuary room at Pemberley, there's an awakening and Lizzy gains the awareness of a woman. It wasn't a very subtle metaphor though.   I have to have a disclaimer here. This was my first time watching this version all the way through.  The first time I tried to watch it, I wanted to smack Bingley for acting like a 15 year old boy, walking into a girls room WHILE knocking, being coached on proper etiquette and his general silliness....  I just couldn't take it. ;) 

Anyways, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to post.  The picture at the top has nothing to do with the post.  I just wanted to add a picture.  Plus, I had been thinking about the trip Mom and I took to Washington a year and a half ago. 

Thanks Mom for making me look smart!  Love you!  :)

Senior Year???

It's almost the end of the week, and I just realized that I started the first part of my senior year of college! Crazy! The end is in sight! I have a three semester senior year, though.

This also has been the slowest start to a semester. No major projects due next week! I'm relaxed about school and ready to go. No tears, no pulling of hair or panicked calls home, am I sure it's the first week of school?

I'm taking second year, first semester Spanish, multicultural children's literature, adolescent development, infancy, elementary physical education and an activity class.

My Spanish professor is from Germany originally. I'm totally jealous of her multilingual ability. She's got me excited about Spanish again! She only uses English if someone is totally lost or for detailed grammar instructions. She makes us try to explain definitions in Spanish. She's awesome. My last Spanish professor used mostly English and didn't teach. We were expected to teach ourselves, and class was mostly busy work. She had a great sense of humor, though.

My adolescence professor is ok. I know I'll like the class content; however, he has an off sense of humor that I really don't appreciate. I do appreciate: no major research papers!!!

Multicultural children's literature will be a challenge. I'm going to have to really think differently about books, society and what I want to stand for as a teacher. Biggest pet peeve in the class: Dr.L using the "words" gooder, goodest, and badder. Umm.... you have a doctorate???


P.E seems straight forward, read, make lesson plans, teach and take exams.

Infancy is on Fridays so we'll see how that goes.

Someone asked me what clubs I was going to be in... outside of the Christian club, I have no clue. I'm still waiting for the full load of work to drop but until then I'm enjoying my first week of school.

I know why the birds are angry...

Is it wrong to want an iPad just so you can play Angry Birds?

We have an iPad 1 and an iPad 2 at work that we're testing to see how they work with the online components of course work. Part of that testing is making sure that we can help students that may have trouble. Part of that included downloading apps. Now, when I download apps I try to find something free and "educational." While I was at lunch yesterday, someone was testing out the new Apple Cloud app store downloading and downloaded a bunch of games. When I came back, I was told to download a free app to try it out. With everyone watching, I chose the first free thing at hand... Angry Birds. Well, I actually looked around for awhile for something more... ahem... "educational" but alas, nothing could be found. Ahem.

I had heard about it... the "addictive" properties, the fun. I had even had someone show me the app on their phone. So during a quick break, I decided to give it a whirl. It was the hardest thing to put it down and go back to work. Now, I want to play it at home. I'm pathetic; I know.

Besides Angry Birds, I've become relatively proficient in all things iPad related. I've spent more time on Apple products in the last 3 weeks than I have since we used to play games on an old Apple IIc.

The iPad has such awesome capabilities for being a tool in the classroom. Need to demonstrate the piano/scales to your students? There's an app for that! :) There are so many great programs that allow you to enhance the classroom environment with very little output (money/time) on the part of the teacher.

I'm really hoping to get to play with Doceri someday soon. It gives you an interactive whiteboard (some schools have those now!) but with the ability to move around the room while "writing" on the board or pre-arrange a presentation.

I'm totally jazzed about some of what I'm doing. It's nice to feel invested in something and part of a team. There are days where I'd rather be working with kids or outside and not in my concrete cave but I like my job. I've tried hard to keep a good attitude about it. In the beginning, it was rather frustrating. I would come to work and there wasn't a set list of responsibilities as the work ebbed and flowed. It was frustrating, I wanted to feel productive and all I could do was clean out my inbox. I missed the freedom and responsibilities I had in my previous jobs. I still feel that way sometimes. But then I can pick up the iPad and work on my "testing." ;) Actually, (sadly :P ) I usually end up filing or shredding when I finish my work but at least I'm productive with my time.

Holidays

There's something wonderful about being home with family. Yesterday was filled with catching up with my family and just being a part of their life. I deadheaded roses and pulled weeds. I ran errands for people. I got caught up on the last few weeks of my sister's life. She's getting ready to go away to college and I wonder how much longer we'll have these face to face sister chats. My brother and I got to play around on the piano together. He always amazes me with his knowledge and skill in drums and piano. He actually talks to me and I love to hear what's going on in my philosophical brother's head. My aunt is visiting over at my grandmother's for a few weeks. Grandma's almost ninety but she and Aunt L. are like teenage girls on a sleepover. They were up past midnight chatting and dare I say giggling?

I'm trying to savor this holiday of sorts since I have jury duty next week. Then, it's back to the university for work. I got a full time summer position on campus so I'll be busy.

Post 50!

So for having this blog for three years, this is only my 50th post... Can you say slacker? ;)

Then again, my motivation to post has increased over the last year since this is a great medium for sharing my life with family and friends.

I'm sitting on the floor, looking at clouds rolling overhead. It looks like a time lapse video; they're moving so fast! I should be working on a paper for tomorrow but it's halfway finished and I've been called in to work.

My hawk buddy was back outside my window, yesterday. A hawk looks a lot like a scrawny chicken when he/she stretches up to get a better look at something. I think it's the legs... I love it when the hawk hunts outside. It reminds me too look up, and usually I grab my camera to take pictures.

Currently my camera is out of commission until I find my batteries. I have a pack of AA somewhere in my room, but with finals week my room isn't the best place to find anything. It looks like Miss Messy moved in. This is not ok. I don't like Miss Messy and she will not be staying long. Part of the problem is that my garden moved inside since the exterior of the building is being painted and there's a lot of clutter from that. Paper, my worst enemy has taken over. I started the semester with neat files for every subject. Now, I have neat piles for every subject. So much for a campus move towards sustainability and reduced paper usage. At least filing will be easy. I just have one paper and I'm done for the semester!

Week in review

Freedom. It's a wonderful feeling. I was tied to my computer for about a week trying desperately to finish my papers in time. I saw way too many 1 am mornings for my liking. The historical literature review was due on Friday. The public policy outline was due Tuesday morning. Both made it in on time and pretty much complete. The outline was ~ 19 pages without the reference pages before I double spaced it. I think it was the longest document I've completed but I still have to put it into paragraph form and present my policy to the class. I'm taking eighteen units, all upper division. I didn't think that 18 units would be that much different than 17 units last semester but I was wrong. I was so panicky last Tuesday and Wednesday trying to get started on the papers. I honestly don't know how it all was finished. It was a definite God thing. I appreciated the prayers of family and friends; thank you.

My history class last night was let out early with instructions to spend a half hour outside. I took my reading for the week and sat out behind the library. There's an odd dichotomy behind the library of nature and progress. We don't have a lot of manicured lawn here because of burrowing creatures. The main quad, the campus center and behind the library are the few places with lawn. I sat on the edge of the manicured landscape looking out into the meadow and realized there is a beautiful view. Clouds rolled overhead, yet I could see sunlight in the distance behind them.

Sometimes being on campus is a bit like the Wild America tapes we used to watch when I was little. Spotting a coyote hunting behind the greenhouses, watching hawks hunt, finding a frog during an Easter egg hunt, cottontail rabbits hopping across your path. I never know what to expect.

To know someone’s name…

I wrote this a couple months ago, but tonight, after chatting with a pastor from church #3, I wanted to revisit this issue.

When I moved to the area, I didn’t think finding a church would be hard. I wasn’t picky. I had my criteria all laid out:

1. Good teaching (preferably expository)
2. Friendly
3. Multi-generational

Yeah… not a lot to work with! I tried out three churches and each one was different. What really made a difference was how I was greeted and welcomed. Not surprising since a The State of the Church (Group Publishing Company, 2009?) found that welcoming/connectedness is one of the top reason a person visiting will stay with a church.

So how did the three churches do?

Church #1 This is a small Baptist church with ~150 members. I came for the main service. I sat down and was greeted by a woman in the pew behind me. She chatted with me for a bit and brought me a welcome packet. Really nice welcome packet, btw. She introduced me to others as well. The pastor came by and said hello. The meet and greet during the service was a little weird at first. Pews emptied as people moved from the front to the back and around greeting everyone. Even the kids were going up and shaking everyone’s hands and saying hello! At the end of the service, I was caught by the 20 something’s leader who invited me on a bike ride that they were having.

Church #2 This a large (2,000+ member) church with senior pastor model. I came for the last service and sat down. No one spoke to me unless they were asking if I was saving seats. During the meet and greet, I didn’t get anyone’s name and no one asked me mine. To the person who said, “Good to see you again”, I resisted the urge to say “have we met before?” If I wasn’t meeting someone after the service, I wouldn’t have met anyone! The entire service was just awkward and I'm not sure why.

Church #3 This is a mid size church that is “non-denominational” that was similar to my home church in teaching and worship. I came in a little late. During the meet and greet, I got some names but I didn’t feel a sense of community.

This made me consider my home church. What would a visitor experience there? Would they feel welcomed or ignored? Connected or drifting? Whose responsibility is it to make the connections and environment welcoming? I didn’t make a lot of meet and greet sessions in the last couple years… usually, I was late to service because of Children’s Ministry (CM). I do know that when I did greet people, I got their names and how long they’ve attended (it’s an easy and polite way to find out if they’re visiting). The goal is to engage them in conversation if possible.

So in case you were wondering, I chose church #1. It’s different from my home church and there’s less temptation to draw comparisons. It’s traditional and conservative which balances with the liberalness of the University. It’s also safe. I’m not jumping into CM or taking on leadership roles. When I left CM, I felt that a six month break was in order. I did some little things here and there for some churches but I needed the time to gain a better perspective. Church #1 is home for this time and this place.

Food vs. Foodie?

Part of life at the University is cooking for myself. I love cooking... but I rarely follow a recipe. I never really thought about the creativity that goes into food until I moved. I had to decide what I wanted to buy and make it affordable. Where did I want to put my money? One of my first purchases was "green" dish soap. When I bought ziplock bags and saran wrap, I had to think about what the trade offs were and if it was worth it. Yeah, my environmental conscience kicked in big time. Thus, I try to grow food and buy more at farmer's markets than the grocery store. The hardest part is figuring out how much vegetables I will use in a week. It all looks so good. Swiss chard and kale are my weaknesses, I always buy too much. There are some organic things that a college girl can't afford but it's about balance: balancing priorities, money, health and ethics.

It's rather nice to cook for myself. I was definitely influenced by the foodies at church and in Children's Ministry. We did food like you wouldn't believe. We're not in Costco anymore, Toto. Church luncheons are always surprising...

I've been taking pictures for a while of my creations and thought I would share some with you. All the vegetables are organic and most were bought at the local farmers market. The pictures were taken at different times so yes, some vegetables are out of season.
The main ingredients of most of my cooking: olive oil, fresh garlic and onion.

Chicken Stir Fry with yellow zucchini, red and green cabbage, carrots and broccoli over noodles.

This is a variation on a noodle bake. I omitted the meat and doubled the eggs. There is about one cup cooked chopped spinach, low fat ricotta cheese mixed with 2 eggs, spiral pasta, spaghetti sauce mixed up and topped with cheese. I made two of these last week. One for the freezer and one to eat!
Chili (from a can) with extra beans and carrots. I stirred in some frozen corn when I served it and topped it off with monterey jack cheese.

This was a left over creative inspiration. I had too much brown rice so I added chili powder, garlic, black beans and corn. I added some cheese and topped it with some left over chicken. The rice was better than the chicken which was rather bland.

This is a family favorite which has become my favorite study food for crazy weeks. Tuna Noodle Salad. A can of tuna, noodles, olives and green beans over a bed of lettuce and topped with a olive oil vinaigrette. The side dish is garlic sauteed summer squash.

This is my favorite summer meal. Corn chips and "salsa". Onions, sometimes a spicy pepper, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro and dash of lemon or vinegar. Yes, it's more of a pico de gallo but at our house it's called salsa...

My other favorite study food is salsa with frozen corn and black beans. Simple, fast, and filling!

This Day

Today was... amusing. I started the day composing a blog post in my head which disappeared about noon. At least a computer would have saved it.

I dropped my stainless steel water bottle in the library on the hard floor so the sound of it dropping and rolling reverberated up to the third floor. Oops! Thankfully, the librarians don't shush on the first floor.

In my first class, the principal from one of our partner schools was visiting. She was on call though from the school as she had a 2nd grader pummel her this morning (mom and the school psychologist were involved in the situataion) but she was going to be needed back soon. She's a really awesome principal with some great strategies and believes in her teachers! I'm looking forward to when she comes back just for in the trenches story day. She was there today to explain how her school was working to fulfill No Child Left Behind.

I discovered that my physics professor left our final exams in a box in the hallway during break for us to pick up but the box has gone missing and with it my exam! Not happy about that! Other than my work and amazing grade ;) there isn't much information to be gleaned but still...

I need to give a 3 minute speech this week on a current event for my touchy feely argumentation class. You mean I have to be nice and argue at the same time? ;)

Next week, I get to teach a 30 minute section of my history of education class. My topic? The Blue Back Speller, McGuffey Readers, Horn books and New England Primer as a source of stability/standards in education! I'm loosely affiliated with the Noah Webster group. I'm actually really excited about this but nervous about getting the research done in time. Especially since my first teaching test is Saturday!!! I grew up reading the McGuffey Readers (the fourth one is my favorite). I'm such a book nerd!

Once next week is over, I should be able to breathe a little more but until then:
LIVE as Jesus would
LAUGH just because
LOVE like God commanded us