The apparel of the students today was clearly western in celebration of what has become the school's annual Cowboy Day (a fundraiser). Excitement ran high as instead of futbol, gunfights filled the air. It was strikingly similar to a Western Day back home, with one key difference--students are allowed to bring toy guns here. Several times today--usually when I had toy guns pointed at me--I had to chuckle at the vast difference between the paranoid laws we've had to enforce in the U.S. and the freedom here. I toted my camera around to each class, figuring it was a perfect opportunity to snap some cute photos. My favorite? The third graders waving their hats and shooting their guns at me. I'll try to upload it another time.
Vaquero Day started full force a little after three o'clock. Each grade had nominated a cowgirl and cowboy from their class, and the class that had raised the most money won the competition. Then, parents and children could play ball, eat, throw darts at balloons, or play bingo. I was holed up in the bingo room, where a very capable fifth grader ran the show. Afterwards, my friend Linda was finishing up her nail-painting station, so I had my nails done, too. She reminds quite a bit of my sister Sarah.
School story for the day--well, two, actually. My fifth graders, helping get ready for today, told me there was no English class when I arrived. A little skeptical, considering there was no teacher in sight, I decided we needed to do something. We played the vocab game I had planned, and, as is apt to happen with me on a frequent basis, a song popped into my head: The Hokey Pokey. Quite logical, really, since to put is one of their words for the week. I sang three rounds of Hokey Pokey before class was over. Come on, it's a great review of body parts, too. :)
My second grader story for the day--I tried to plan more kinesthetic activities since I assumed the students would be silly with excitement. After twenty minutes of clapping my hands, saying, "If you can hear me, raise your hand," I decided kinesthetic ideas were not the best gameplan. Book work it would be. Surprisingly, the kids were much more attentive than usual, leading me to the conclusion that allowing 3-5 minutes of craziness each class will probably be more beneficial in the long run.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Everybody Shout
The third graders have decided the past few days that it is a fun idea to hide from the teacher before class starts. This morning, Ludwin was piled in among the bookbags, Yeny fit neatly between some large cardboard boxes and the table, and Mimi hid rather conspicuously behind drink boxes next to the microwave. Now, considering there are only five of them in the class, the noticeable shrinking of class size was quite telling. Nevertheless, they find it amusing. We'll see how many more days it lasts. Surprisingly, there have been no more visits from Lui the Iguana.
The last few days we have talked about the letter R--the R Bully, according to our language book. The third graders have really gotten into the R-Bully cheer. They stand in formation, strike various poses, and shout the words loud and clear: "R is a bully, he likes his own way, he tells all the other vowels just what to say! A-R says R! O-R says or! All the other vowels say, 'Er, er...Yes, sir!'" It's quite entertaining.
My other favorite is when they get into reciting the Bible chapter of the year. Having extra time in my second grade math class one day, I asked them to stand up and recite Psalm 91. Those 17 little voices really blew the decibel level through the roof. My ears were hurting! But they sure knew their verses. :)
Tomorrow is Cowboy Day. Yeehaw!
The last few days we have talked about the letter R--the R Bully, according to our language book. The third graders have really gotten into the R-Bully cheer. They stand in formation, strike various poses, and shout the words loud and clear: "R is a bully, he likes his own way, he tells all the other vowels just what to say! A-R says R! O-R says or! All the other vowels say, 'Er, er...Yes, sir!'" It's quite entertaining.
My other favorite is when they get into reciting the Bible chapter of the year. Having extra time in my second grade math class one day, I asked them to stand up and recite Psalm 91. Those 17 little voices really blew the decibel level through the roof. My ears were hurting! But they sure knew their verses. :)
Tomorrow is Cowboy Day. Yeehaw!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Iguana Goes to School
There once was a green and brown striped iguana who lived on the rock coast of Guatemala. He enjoyed his life, basking in the sun, taking a dip in the sea whenever he felt a little too dry. Iguana's only regret was that he could not go to school. "But Mom," he would say, "Why can't I go to school with all the other kids?"
"Dear child," replied his mother. "You are an iguana, not a boy. Besides, everything you need to know you will learn right here." Iguana was not content, but he could not think of a reason to argue with his mother.
One day, a little boy named Ludwin caught Iguana sunning himself on a dry, flat rock. Ludwin, excited to have a new pet, put Iguana on his shoulder and went for a very long ride. Poor Iguana! He was so scared, but all he could do was hang on for dear life through the twisty curves on a road that went up, up, up. Soon, Iguana and his boy Ludwin arrived at a big white building where there was a vast, dirt yard to run around. There was hardly a rock in sight!
Fortunately for little Iguana, who realized his name was probably Lui since Ludwin kept calling him that, there was still the nice cool shade of a tree near the house when he needed to rest. He had not yet found his warm spot, although his boy Ludwin's stomach seemed to be the next best thing to his rock back home.
Lui adjusted to his new home rapidly; the only thing he hated was his little rope leash. Oh, how he yearned for freedom when his boy put that on him!
One day, Lui found himself inside a big bag. If he peered up, he could see his boy Ludwin's face through the crack at the top, but suddenly his face started to disappear and zip! just like that Lui found himself in darkness. The bag swayed back and forth, nearly lulling Lui into a deep slumber. Suddenly, light poured in again and his boy Ludwin was back, pulling him out of the dark chamber.
His boy Ludwin let him explore all sorts of new things--new hands, new table tops, new clothes--when suddenly Lui realized...wait, was that a whiteboard? were these desks he was climbing on? were the students listening to a teacher? Oh, joy! He was in a classroom. He, Lui the Iguana, would be the first Iguana in his family to go to school.
Realizing what an accomplishment this would be, Lui sat patiently on his desk and did his best to listen and blend in. When he got cold, his boy Ludwin kindly placed Lui on his stomach where Lui could feel the boy's breathing and the soft touch of his boy's shirt. When Lui needed a new view, his boy Ludwin let him lie in a nice, comfortable bed of a jacket on the girl Paula's desk. The only distraction occurred when his boy Ludwin kept shoving his face into the hand of the lady who talked so much. Lui wanted to cry, "No licking hands now! I'm here to learn!" Alas, the boy Ludwin had not yet learned to talk Iguana and did not understand.
Before long, the school day was over, and Lui looked forward to sleeping on all he had learned that day: reading, writing, numbers, addition. So much to think about! But how exciting it was--and just to think! Tomorrow was a new day, and he could learn even more things then. Lui the Iguana could hardly wait as he curled up to sleep on his boy Ludwin's stomach for the night.
"Dear child," replied his mother. "You are an iguana, not a boy. Besides, everything you need to know you will learn right here." Iguana was not content, but he could not think of a reason to argue with his mother.
One day, a little boy named Ludwin caught Iguana sunning himself on a dry, flat rock. Ludwin, excited to have a new pet, put Iguana on his shoulder and went for a very long ride. Poor Iguana! He was so scared, but all he could do was hang on for dear life through the twisty curves on a road that went up, up, up. Soon, Iguana and his boy Ludwin arrived at a big white building where there was a vast, dirt yard to run around. There was hardly a rock in sight!
Fortunately for little Iguana, who realized his name was probably Lui since Ludwin kept calling him that, there was still the nice cool shade of a tree near the house when he needed to rest. He had not yet found his warm spot, although his boy Ludwin's stomach seemed to be the next best thing to his rock back home.
Lui adjusted to his new home rapidly; the only thing he hated was his little rope leash. Oh, how he yearned for freedom when his boy put that on him!
One day, Lui found himself inside a big bag. If he peered up, he could see his boy Ludwin's face through the crack at the top, but suddenly his face started to disappear and zip! just like that Lui found himself in darkness. The bag swayed back and forth, nearly lulling Lui into a deep slumber. Suddenly, light poured in again and his boy Ludwin was back, pulling him out of the dark chamber.
His boy Ludwin let him explore all sorts of new things--new hands, new table tops, new clothes--when suddenly Lui realized...wait, was that a whiteboard? were these desks he was climbing on? were the students listening to a teacher? Oh, joy! He was in a classroom. He, Lui the Iguana, would be the first Iguana in his family to go to school.
Realizing what an accomplishment this would be, Lui sat patiently on his desk and did his best to listen and blend in. When he got cold, his boy Ludwin kindly placed Lui on his stomach where Lui could feel the boy's breathing and the soft touch of his boy's shirt. When Lui needed a new view, his boy Ludwin let him lie in a nice, comfortable bed of a jacket on the girl Paula's desk. The only distraction occurred when his boy Ludwin kept shoving his face into the hand of the lady who talked so much. Lui wanted to cry, "No licking hands now! I'm here to learn!" Alas, the boy Ludwin had not yet learned to talk Iguana and did not understand.
Before long, the school day was over, and Lui looked forward to sleeping on all he had learned that day: reading, writing, numbers, addition. So much to think about! But how exciting it was--and just to think! Tomorrow was a new day, and he could learn even more things then. Lui the Iguana could hardly wait as he curled up to sleep on his boy Ludwin's stomach for the night.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Basketball and Books
Lesbia, one of the teachers here, is a big basketball fanatic. Today after school, she and I teamed up against six or eight kids to play a game with the one basketball hoop here in the dirt field of La Senda. I don't know who was winning when the kids left for dinner, but we had great fun. Between Lesbia's contagious (and continuous) laughter, Caleb's tall reach stealing the ball from me 75% of the time, Steven's attempts at dribbling, Jef's passing-the-ball-under-his-leg trick (quite hysterical, considering he's probably 3.5 feet tall), and Wagner's steadier shots, it was an entertaining afternoon (and a good bit of exercise for me).
Finished reading Pigs in Heaven last night. Great book! I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, Bean Trees, but maybe it's all a matter of timing in life. Pigs is about Taylor, a near thirty woman, who has adopted a Native American girl quite unintentionally--the girl's aunt gave the toddler girl to Taylor at a restaurant on the side of the road in Oklahoma. Four years later, Taylor finds herself at the mercy of a Native American lawyer and the Council who say that the girl was illegally adopted. Taylor runs from her problems, but with the help of her mom who decides to live in the Native American community to try to covertly investigate and underwstand the situation better, she eventually deals with it. Not only is it a captivating story with characters I could vividly imagine sitting at the kitchen with me, the writing is beautiful. Barbara Kingsolver is a master at description and comparisons, clearly painting pictures in my head and helping me envision the southwest--somewhere I've never been. Very enjoyable read.
Wish I could say the same for Wish You Well--not my favorite read by any means. The writing got in the way of the story. Perhaps it's that it's not the right time--maybe ten or fifteen years ago I would have enjoyed it more. I hope my next-year's sophomores are enjoying it.
Finished reading Pigs in Heaven last night. Great book! I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, Bean Trees, but maybe it's all a matter of timing in life. Pigs is about Taylor, a near thirty woman, who has adopted a Native American girl quite unintentionally--the girl's aunt gave the toddler girl to Taylor at a restaurant on the side of the road in Oklahoma. Four years later, Taylor finds herself at the mercy of a Native American lawyer and the Council who say that the girl was illegally adopted. Taylor runs from her problems, but with the help of her mom who decides to live in the Native American community to try to covertly investigate and underwstand the situation better, she eventually deals with it. Not only is it a captivating story with characters I could vividly imagine sitting at the kitchen with me, the writing is beautiful. Barbara Kingsolver is a master at description and comparisons, clearly painting pictures in my head and helping me envision the southwest--somewhere I've never been. Very enjoyable read.
Wish I could say the same for Wish You Well--not my favorite read by any means. The writing got in the way of the story. Perhaps it's that it's not the right time--maybe ten or fifteen years ago I would have enjoyed it more. I hope my next-year's sophomores are enjoying it.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Moments
While reviewing vocabulary with my sixth graders today, I asked them the English word for ordenado. Tidy! they replied in unision, except with a short i instead of a long i. It was so hard to supress my laughter as I asked them all to repeat the proper pronunciation.
Last night, in the midst of Rita's french-toast making and Rachel's cookie baking, I got to play entertainer for the three boys who joined us for dinner. Here's a sampling of the conversation (various adult speakers).
Let's sit at the table. Everybody want juice? Okay, Jefy, you can only have this one glass. You won't get any more. Steven, come sit down. You want to help, Gerson? Okay. Put the cookie there on the tray. You already drank your juice? Jefy, I told you you wouldn't get any more until after french toast. Okay. All at the table. Who wants fruit? All four kinds? My, you must have a big stomach. Just mangoes? Okay. Who wants to tell me the best story every? "I know!" Yes, Steven? "God." Well, I guess you can't beat that. Gerson? Yes, Jesus is good, too. What did they do? Ooh, french toast is up! Steven, come back from the porch. Okay. Get your plate. Everybody gets three pieces. Jefy, we told you to wait to start eating until everyone's back at the table. No, you can only have peanut butter on two of them. You want syrup? Turkish delight (aka, powdered sugar)? Okay, let me sprinkle it on there. Jefy, drink your juice please. You don't have any more? Okay, just a little more. But that's it. Who wants another piece? Everybody wants one. Sorry, no more peanut butter. You still have room for cookies? You want to lick the bowl? No, Jefy, you don't need to eat what Gerson couldn't finish. You've had enough. And on and on and on.
Now I know why my mom craved adult conversation after a day of babysitting. And that was only an hour and a half, if that.
Last night, in the midst of Rita's french-toast making and Rachel's cookie baking, I got to play entertainer for the three boys who joined us for dinner. Here's a sampling of the conversation (various adult speakers).
Let's sit at the table. Everybody want juice? Okay, Jefy, you can only have this one glass. You won't get any more. Steven, come sit down. You want to help, Gerson? Okay. Put the cookie there on the tray. You already drank your juice? Jefy, I told you you wouldn't get any more until after french toast. Okay. All at the table. Who wants fruit? All four kinds? My, you must have a big stomach. Just mangoes? Okay. Who wants to tell me the best story every? "I know!" Yes, Steven? "God." Well, I guess you can't beat that. Gerson? Yes, Jesus is good, too. What did they do? Ooh, french toast is up! Steven, come back from the porch. Okay. Get your plate. Everybody gets three pieces. Jefy, we told you to wait to start eating until everyone's back at the table. No, you can only have peanut butter on two of them. You want syrup? Turkish delight (aka, powdered sugar)? Okay, let me sprinkle it on there. Jefy, drink your juice please. You don't have any more? Okay, just a little more. But that's it. Who wants another piece? Everybody wants one. Sorry, no more peanut butter. You still have room for cookies? You want to lick the bowl? No, Jefy, you don't need to eat what Gerson couldn't finish. You've had enough. And on and on and on.
Now I know why my mom craved adult conversation after a day of babysitting. And that was only an hour and a half, if that.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Recent Pics
At the Lake of Swans (or Sidney's Lake :)) in Chimal
Our July 4th Celebration--gearing up for food. You see a little red, white, and blue, yes?
Geovany and Me--gotta love self-portraits
Sidney, Haley, and MeThey hail from Austin; Sidney went with me to the mall one night; Haley threw the High School Musical Day
Phillip, Wagner, and Me; Wagner tried to start a fashion trend. It lasted only a short time.
Edgardo made a little Wilson for me. Thanks, Tom Hanks, for the inspiration.
Andrew demonstrating a common request (sometimes verbal, sometimes not) from the little ones--"Will you pick me up?"Anniversary Parties
Little Steven and Pam (sorry, got her mid-blink)
Talking about Memories
One of the many cool things Pam and Steve do for the kids here at La Senda is have anniversary parties. Not only do the kids get a birthday party, but they also have parties for the day they arrived at La Senda. It really is a sweet time. This past week, little Steven celebrated his seventh year here. Steven stood on a folding chair in the middle of the big kitchen downstairs, and next to him stood Pam, who requested that the kids share three memories of Steven from his younger years and four blessings for his life. Then, Steven got to pick who prayed for him. He also got to choose who received the first piece of cake and helped hand out all of the pieces. He received seven gifts in brown paper bags, one for each year he's been at La Senda.
This was the second anniversary party I've attended. The kids love the attention. Center stage, they are on their best behavior as they listen to stories about themselves. I love this tradition--Pam and Steve work hard to make sure each kid gets to feel important as an individual, and the anniversary party is one tangible way they do that.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Grateful for Guatemalan Friends
Linda, Fernanda, and Me Today I was invited to one of the other teacher's homes for lunch after church. Linda and I were assigned to be prayer partners on Friday (another plus for teaching at a Christian school). She is a couple years younger than I am, though we've had about the same length of teaching experience--here in Guatemala, they study to be a teacher when they are in high school and teach when they graduate, around age 18. It was a true test for my Spanish. Linda knows a few Spanish words; her family, none. Her family only got a good laugh from what I said (or tried to say) twice, so I guess that's a pretty good ratio for the afternoon.
I met two of her brothers, her parents, and her niece. We first ate at Pollo Campero, a really good fried chicken place near the mall. I was able to see their house, too, a one story cinder-block building on the grounds of a public school--Linda's mom is the school nurse. We drove to a park with a big lake, pools, and vendors and strolled around the paths. Fernanda, the two-year-old niece, was extremely excited about "agua" everywhere. We enoyed mangoes and pineapple, sliced fresh while at home, and then drove around the center of Chimaltenango so I could see central park, the police station, and government offices.
Then, I hopped on a crowded chickenbus back to Sumpango and was grateful to meet the La Senda kids walking out of Sumpango. They walk up to the city each Sunday to buy candy and other goods. Thus, I didn't have to walk home by myself. I really enjoyed my time and am grateful for Linda's friendship. I was so nervous and excited last night that I hardly slept because I was dreaming about how it would go; then Buddy, the least intelligent of the three dogs here, started barking at regular intervals for no apparent reason around 5:30 this morning and continued for quite some time.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Praise God for Good Days
Part of Colegio La Senda; hill is right of center. Looks better in person. :) The traffic continues to whiz by. Occasionally there's that ear-piercing squeal of tires that seems to last for minutes rather than mere seconds as I wait for the impending sound of a crash. Thankfully, there has been none yet while I'm here. However, the curve in the road and the sometimes reckless speeds make for a dangerous combination outside of La Senda. On the other side, there is a hilltop, a few dips away, that stands sentinel against the sky. Rather than being forested over like the Appalachian Mountains or the wooded areas of Southeast Ohio, there are a few trees that rim the outline, each one clearly discernable. It reminds me of a painting. And, in contrast to the noise of the road behind me, the view to that hill and the shadowy mountains beyond are peaceful.
Thankfully, the last two days of teaching have felt more like that peaceful hillside than the PanAmerican Highway. The second graders still make me glad that I have lunch break right after I teach them, but they're listening pretty well. The sixth graders have started responding a little more, and I feel that they have actually learned each day's lesson this week. The third graders finally understand, I hope, that they need to do their homework when I ask them to. The junior highers are working on a paper, and while there are many kinks to work out, I think they will end up writing a pretty good piece by the end of July. And every day they ask if we're going to read Holes, a good sign to me even if some of the boys pretend not to want to read. Their attention by the time I'm halfway through the chapter proves otherwise.
I'm grateful for this book of daily readings called, quite simply, A Year with C.S. Lewis. Though I've had it for several years now, I continue to find his insights into life and faith fascinating. The most recent thing I underlined was from June 30: "After the first few steps in the Christian life we realise that everything which really needs to be done in our souls can be done only by God." A comforting thought in many ways--it releases us from the pressure of trying to mold ourselves into Christlikeness, an impossible task. However, I think it's also a call to patience--patience for his timing and trust that God knows what He's doing.
Off to debone a chicken and finish frying tortillas. Making enchiladas tonight, my own improvised Guatemalan version of Americanized Mexican food. It's actually somewhat tasty. And I guess cooking here is teaching me something--who ever thought I would actually boil a chicken? Not me!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pajama Party and Futbol Americano
No school today in Guatemala--last day of the month. Of course, then, we had a pajama party last night in the big room downstairs. The big kids went to a youth group sleepover, so the littluns carried over their bedding and settled in for the night. I settled between Mimi and Yeny, two of my third grade chicas, on the hard floor. Not much sleep was had. Our movie viewing list for the night included Space Buddies, Facing the Giants (after which the boys wanted to play futbol americano as they jumped around on the bedding), Kung Fu Panda, Prince Caspian, and this morning, Jump In. I think it was around 4 in the morning when they decided they should turn the TV off since it was supposed to be turned off at 2.
Needing some exercise, I decided to run around with the boys this morning. They wanted to play futbol americano still, and guess who got to teach them? You guessed it--moi. They were subject to my limited knowledge of the sport, but I think all of Eric's lessons over the years payed off. Of course we played two-hand touch rather than tackle.
When we switched to baseball, however, I was quickly excommunicated from the field. I'm not sure what my sin was, other than that I tried to get the two most athletic boys to be the team captains to prevent a landslide victory for the dynamic duo. Evidently eight and nine-year olds are more into winning then playing fair. That's okay. No hard feelings.
Needing some exercise, I decided to run around with the boys this morning. They wanted to play futbol americano still, and guess who got to teach them? You guessed it--moi. They were subject to my limited knowledge of the sport, but I think all of Eric's lessons over the years payed off. Of course we played two-hand touch rather than tackle.
When we switched to baseball, however, I was quickly excommunicated from the field. I'm not sure what my sin was, other than that I tried to get the two most athletic boys to be the team captains to prevent a landslide victory for the dynamic duo. Evidently eight and nine-year olds are more into winning then playing fair. That's okay. No hard feelings.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week in Review
The mighty Pacaya. Geovany says it's the smallest volcano. But hey, I still hiked it, right?
The best lava pic I have. That piece towards the bottom may be the one that eventually fell into our group.
Who cares if we almost got burned? The rock came to us for one purpose, of course--roasting things!
Me, Rita, and Rachel at some ruinsSunday--Off to church in a few minutes. Evidently there is a Brazil vs. USA soccer game today after church, so that will be our afternoon. The kids are rooting for Brazil.
Saturday--Woke up to seeing strangers in the yard. Then I realized they were a group from Guat City here to do a service project with the kids. They played games and made sandwiches; I had the chance to talk with a 20-year old med student named Laura. She was practicing her English, which was a better deal for me because we could actually have a real conversation, something we could not have had had I been practicing Spanish.
The teens go to Chimaltenango for youth group, and this time Sidney and I hitched a ride with Lito and the kids to the mall. We planned to see a movie--Up and Terminator were playing--but we arrived late and they wouldn't let us in. Instead, we walked around the mall, bought ice cream (yummy!), and chatted for a couple of hours. It was nice to be somewhere somewhat familiar.
Rita has made it her mission to exterminate all the flies in Guatemala. Woe to any fly attracted to the smell of food in our kitchen.
Friday--Day of R & R. The group was finishing up painting and organizing classrooms, so I helped a bit with that. It was also High School Musical Day here at La Senda, so the kids watched all three movies and had tons of HSM fun, hosted by Haley, a teen here from Texas.
Thursday--What a day! In Antigua already, Rachel, Rita, and I decided we might as well go for it and hike a volcano. Thus, we signed up with the travel agency in the A.M., shopped a bit at the market, then left around 2 for our excursion. After an hour and 20 minutes or so we arrived at Volcan Pacaya. Armed with a bag of marshmallows and ponchos, we headed up the volcano with our group of 20. What an interesting group, too--people from Texas, England, The Netherlands, Australia, and Germany. For some reason it didn't occur to me that to see a volcano you must climb up hill, so the first five minutes when I found myself already out of breath I was seriously reconsidering it. And then they bring horses along the way, which you can rent if you get too tired, showing them to you at opportune times--like after the last vertical climb. They sure looked tempting! However, I made it on my own two feet to the top after a 1.5 hour hike.
You've seen Wall-E, right? That's what the top of the volcano reminded me of. It was not a pretty green path to the top where upon arrival you peer into a pit of rolling lava. I hear some volcanoes are like that. Rather, it was a barren wasteland. Black rocks everywhere, piled high in interesting formations, kind of like the piles of rubble in the Pixar flick. With the fog surrounding us, it felt a bit like no man's land. And then there was lava. Not pouring forth from the pinnacle, but oozing out of the side of the mountain. The climb to get close was the most difficult for me--walk a step, slide down half of it. It's akin to climbing sand dunes. But when we got close, and we could feel the heat on our right side, it provided a little more incentive to continue the journey. At one point a piece of burning lava rock tumbled into our group, scattering people and nearly burning one of the dogs who had journeyed along for food scraps. After that excitement, out came the marshmallows and roasting sticks and ham, and we all had a nice little feast at the top. Before we left, the clouds cleared off enough for us to see two more volcanoes across the valley, beyond the pillowy moisture still hiding the valley from sight. A grand view!
P.S. Happy birthday, Dad! And happy 37th anniversary, Mom and Dad!
Wednesday--Having reneged on going to Antigua the day before, Rachel, Rita, and I caught a chickenbus outside of La Senda to begin our journey. We successfully changed chickenbuses at San Lucas and arrived in Antigua without incident. Thank the Lord! We checked into El Gato Negro, a hostel recommended to us by David and Katie, and then headed out to explore the city. This included a stop by the ruins of San Pedro and the marketplace. I love bargaining at the marketplace. Find something you like, offer a price, stand there with a sour looking face until the vendor lowers it to a range you want to pay. Great fun. Has to be an interesting study in body language. Though El Gato Negro provided great accommodations, I was awake until 1 in the morning due to the partying in the bar downstairs. Oh, well. Se la vie.
Tuesday--First day without school. Wahoo! Rita, Rachel, and I planned to go to Antigua with one of the teachers, but a huge rainstorm came in and deterred us from travelling. Wagner thought that was funny. The group that was here provided an in-service for teachers, so I attended part of it in the morning and then worked with the junior highers on their homeschool curriculum. They have to take their test before the end of the month.
Monday--Did not feel good all day on Monday. Stomachaches are no fun! However, I made it through the day and found out the "good" news: school was cancelled by the government for the rest of the week. Though I ate nothing all day, I was feeling a little better by dinner and was able to join the group for dinner at a Guatemalan restaurant. There I ate Pepian, a native Guatemalan dish particular to this region. It was tasty! The brown broth tastes similar to stew, though not quite as thick. The chicken leg comes sticking out of the bowl, and the veggies (rice, potato, carrot) sit on a banana leaf on the plate. After a little work taking the meat off the bone and throwing everything in the bowl, it was a tasty treaty (though I could not eat it all, unfortunately).
Saturday--Woke up to seeing strangers in the yard. Then I realized they were a group from Guat City here to do a service project with the kids. They played games and made sandwiches; I had the chance to talk with a 20-year old med student named Laura. She was practicing her English, which was a better deal for me because we could actually have a real conversation, something we could not have had had I been practicing Spanish.
The teens go to Chimaltenango for youth group, and this time Sidney and I hitched a ride with Lito and the kids to the mall. We planned to see a movie--Up and Terminator were playing--but we arrived late and they wouldn't let us in. Instead, we walked around the mall, bought ice cream (yummy!), and chatted for a couple of hours. It was nice to be somewhere somewhat familiar.
Rita has made it her mission to exterminate all the flies in Guatemala. Woe to any fly attracted to the smell of food in our kitchen.
Friday--Day of R & R. The group was finishing up painting and organizing classrooms, so I helped a bit with that. It was also High School Musical Day here at La Senda, so the kids watched all three movies and had tons of HSM fun, hosted by Haley, a teen here from Texas.
Thursday--What a day! In Antigua already, Rachel, Rita, and I decided we might as well go for it and hike a volcano. Thus, we signed up with the travel agency in the A.M., shopped a bit at the market, then left around 2 for our excursion. After an hour and 20 minutes or so we arrived at Volcan Pacaya. Armed with a bag of marshmallows and ponchos, we headed up the volcano with our group of 20. What an interesting group, too--people from Texas, England, The Netherlands, Australia, and Germany. For some reason it didn't occur to me that to see a volcano you must climb up hill, so the first five minutes when I found myself already out of breath I was seriously reconsidering it. And then they bring horses along the way, which you can rent if you get too tired, showing them to you at opportune times--like after the last vertical climb. They sure looked tempting! However, I made it on my own two feet to the top after a 1.5 hour hike.
You've seen Wall-E, right? That's what the top of the volcano reminded me of. It was not a pretty green path to the top where upon arrival you peer into a pit of rolling lava. I hear some volcanoes are like that. Rather, it was a barren wasteland. Black rocks everywhere, piled high in interesting formations, kind of like the piles of rubble in the Pixar flick. With the fog surrounding us, it felt a bit like no man's land. And then there was lava. Not pouring forth from the pinnacle, but oozing out of the side of the mountain. The climb to get close was the most difficult for me--walk a step, slide down half of it. It's akin to climbing sand dunes. But when we got close, and we could feel the heat on our right side, it provided a little more incentive to continue the journey. At one point a piece of burning lava rock tumbled into our group, scattering people and nearly burning one of the dogs who had journeyed along for food scraps. After that excitement, out came the marshmallows and roasting sticks and ham, and we all had a nice little feast at the top. Before we left, the clouds cleared off enough for us to see two more volcanoes across the valley, beyond the pillowy moisture still hiding the valley from sight. A grand view!
P.S. Happy birthday, Dad! And happy 37th anniversary, Mom and Dad!
Wednesday--Having reneged on going to Antigua the day before, Rachel, Rita, and I caught a chickenbus outside of La Senda to begin our journey. We successfully changed chickenbuses at San Lucas and arrived in Antigua without incident. Thank the Lord! We checked into El Gato Negro, a hostel recommended to us by David and Katie, and then headed out to explore the city. This included a stop by the ruins of San Pedro and the marketplace. I love bargaining at the marketplace. Find something you like, offer a price, stand there with a sour looking face until the vendor lowers it to a range you want to pay. Great fun. Has to be an interesting study in body language. Though El Gato Negro provided great accommodations, I was awake until 1 in the morning due to the partying in the bar downstairs. Oh, well. Se la vie.
Tuesday--First day without school. Wahoo! Rita, Rachel, and I planned to go to Antigua with one of the teachers, but a huge rainstorm came in and deterred us from travelling. Wagner thought that was funny. The group that was here provided an in-service for teachers, so I attended part of it in the morning and then worked with the junior highers on their homeschool curriculum. They have to take their test before the end of the month.
Monday--Did not feel good all day on Monday. Stomachaches are no fun! However, I made it through the day and found out the "good" news: school was cancelled by the government for the rest of the week. Though I ate nothing all day, I was feeling a little better by dinner and was able to join the group for dinner at a Guatemalan restaurant. There I ate Pepian, a native Guatemalan dish particular to this region. It was tasty! The brown broth tastes similar to stew, though not quite as thick. The chicken leg comes sticking out of the bowl, and the veggies (rice, potato, carrot) sit on a banana leaf on the plate. After a little work taking the meat off the bone and throwing everything in the bowl, it was a tasty treaty (though I could not eat it all, unfortunately).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Perks to teaching elementary-aged children
Taken from real experiences.
- You receive little notes on student assignments that say, "I love you Miss Elizabeth!" (and you can write, "I love you, too!" without worrying about getting in trouble).
- Students draw pictures of you that are intended to actually look like you rather being an examplary piece of satire.
- When students sob for 45 minutes because their last teacher left, you can hold them while you continue the lesson. And, in some cases (Jef), solving the next math equation can calm him down.
- Reading time ends as a group hug. My Level 4 students (3rd graders) love to crowd in close when I read them a story. At first the encroachment on personal space is a bit much, but by the end of the story, I've adjusted. There's a certain calmness that ensues when the story has ended, we've all agreed it's good, and one student rests his head on my shoulder, another leans forward to lay her head in my lap, and the other three lean in and find a resting spot as well. With the slam of the door the magic is broken as seven other students trickle in for math class.
- Grading that gets finished. Though partly due to the number of students, I can actually finish grading several stacks of student work in a night. And plan. And make corn tortillas for the next few days. And hang out with the kids at the house. And go to bed at a decent hour. :)
Daily Life Update
Guatemala is evidently plagued by Swine Flu right now, so the government has mandated that all schools shut down for this week. Last week, all public schools were required to shut down for three weeks; this week, even private schools (like La Senda) are required to shut down or be fined. So, we have a mini vacation. Honestly, I am glad. This will be the first full week off of teaching for me since spring break in the beginning of April. Also, I got sick a couple nights ago and teaching with a stomachache wasn't very fun to do yesterday. It's like the kids knew: let's be more rambunctious because she doesn't have the energy to do much about it! Good news, though--I am feeling better today.
Rita, Rachel, and I may go into Antigua tonight. Our first time out by ourselves! The plan is to take the bus with the teachers who live there so we know our way and then stay in a hostel tonight. Should be fun!
Ate an original Guatemalan meal last night--pepian. It's similar to stew, with a brown, spicy broth served with chicken on the bone in the bowl and vegetables (potatoes, rice) served on a banana leaf. The rice and potatoes go into the bowl to eat everything together. It was tasty, but I'm not used to working for my meat!
Rita, Rachel, and I may go into Antigua tonight. Our first time out by ourselves! The plan is to take the bus with the teachers who live there so we know our way and then stay in a hostel tonight. Should be fun!
Ate an original Guatemalan meal last night--pepian. It's similar to stew, with a brown, spicy broth served with chicken on the bone in the bowl and vegetables (potatoes, rice) served on a banana leaf. The rice and potatoes go into the bowl to eat everything together. It was tasty, but I'm not used to working for my meat!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Rain, rain, go away
The rainy season has started, I suppose. It is good for Guatemala, but I will miss the sunny, clear blue skies of the Kentucky summer. There's still some blue sky in the morning, so I at least get a good dose of sun.
Got to hang out with the kids last night in the La Senda home. We played cards. They also were working on making cards for Father's Day, which is today in Guatemala. Thus, in a couple of my English classes we worked on saying, "Happy Father's Day," "I love you," and "Thanks for being a great dad."
Got to hang out with the kids last night in the La Senda home. We played cards. They also were working on making cards for Father's Day, which is today in Guatemala. Thus, in a couple of my English classes we worked on saying, "Happy Father's Day," "I love you," and "Thanks for being a great dad."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
For You, Mama 1
My daily schedule:
7:30 A.M. Meet with teachers for morning devotions.
8-9 A.M. Level 4 English with 3rd graders
9-10 A.M. 3rd Grade math
10-10:30 A.M. 3rd Grade Science
10:45-11:25 A.M. 5th Grade English
11:30-12:30 P.M. 2nd Grade Math
1-2 P.M. Jr. High English
2-2:45 P.M. 6th Grade English
Afternoons Planning and grading, dinner
Evenings Playing/hanging out with La Senda kids. It gets dark between 7 and 7:30 here.
Food: We can buy whatever we want. Katie and David seemed to make mostly American food (Katie's a great cook, by the way). Rita and Rachel seem to eat a lot of fruits and veggies, rice and beans. I think I will probably end up eating lots of rice and beans, frutis and veggies, too. Lito goes to the market every Monday, and fruits and veggies are really cheap.
Pics hopefully are coming.
7:30 A.M. Meet with teachers for morning devotions.
8-9 A.M. Level 4 English with 3rd graders
9-10 A.M. 3rd Grade math
10-10:30 A.M. 3rd Grade Science
10:45-11:25 A.M. 5th Grade English
11:30-12:30 P.M. 2nd Grade Math
1-2 P.M. Jr. High English
2-2:45 P.M. 6th Grade English
Afternoons Planning and grading, dinner
Evenings Playing/hanging out with La Senda kids. It gets dark between 7 and 7:30 here.
Food: We can buy whatever we want. Katie and David seemed to make mostly American food (Katie's a great cook, by the way). Rita and Rachel seem to eat a lot of fruits and veggies, rice and beans. I think I will probably end up eating lots of rice and beans, frutis and veggies, too. Lito goes to the market every Monday, and fruits and veggies are really cheap.
Pics hopefully are coming.
Guatemalan Firsts
Always some new happenings wherever you go, so here are the new ones for me:
- First little earthquake. Rita and I were eating breakfast at the kitchen table this morning when the building started to tremble. "Wow, it's windy," Rita commented. I looked out the window at the blue sky and the calm tree. "No, I don't think so..." I said.
- First ride on a chicken bus. Why are they called chicken buses? I don't know. David showed me how to catch it. We had to get some last-minute things for David and Katie's goodbye dinner they cooked for the kids. After running across the PanAmerican highway, we flagged down a multi-colored old school bus and crammed ourselves through the aisles to find seats. We were only going to San Lucas, a five- or ten-minute trip. On the way back, finding seats was not so easy. David and I decided the Guatemalan lady who I ended up shoulder to shoulder with was not too fond of us considering he had elbowed her in the head trying to sit down and I had squeezed into the almost nonexistent space next to her.
- First walk into Sumpango. The La Senda kids got their allowance last night, so eight of them, a nanny, and Rachel, Rita, and I walked into Sumpango so the kids could buy chocolate. Though we were walking along the PanAmerican Highway, it wasn't quite as intimidating to walk alongside it as it was to cross it. Seeing huge charter buses leaning heavily to one side isn't overly comforting, though. It was good to see Sumpango--when I was here 7.5 years ago (I feel old every time I say that!), we stayed in a a little building on the main street there.
- First time overhearing pigs being butchered. They sound like a group of wailing people, and hearing their cries in the early morning is unnerving. The first time I noticed it, I was afraid something had happened on the highway, but cars continued to race by (it sometimes sounds like the Indy 500) and no one seemed concerned. Dorcas was the first to tell me the horrible noise was the pigs. I guess that and the stench that comes wafting on the breeze every now and again are the downsides of living next to a pig farmer. I may not eat bacon for a while.
For You, Mama
Finally, a few pics!
Caleb, Geovany, Me (see Geovany's pic below to see how he has grown up!)
Rita, Rachel, Me (The summer volunteers)
La Senda--notice the new third floor
the kitchen where I cook
My bedroom
Caleb, Geovany, Me (see Geovany's pic below to see how he has grown up!)
Rita, Rachel, Me (The summer volunteers)
La Senda--notice the new third floor
the kitchen where I cook
My bedroomFor you, Mom, since you always like to visualize where I am. ☺
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Highlights from the first 2.5 days
Nothing like being thrown into the mix! Fortunately, I arrived safely in Guatemala. Got to sit next to a Guatemalan weight-lifter (future Olympian?) on the way down who was kind enough to converse with me though I speak in broken Spanish. I found Lito pretty easily at the airport (no thugs!) and he took me shopping. I was hoping for a little bit of help--I wasn't sure what to buy as soon as I arrived, but since he does not speak English and he didn't have any recommendations, I was on my own. But I think I managed okay. And he delivered me safely to La Senda in spite of slightly erratic drivers--blinkers aren't enough here, you just stick out your arm to indicate the direction you're already headed whether someone is in that space or not. A couple of times I thought a bus would side swipe us as it moved into our lane and Lito didn't appear to be moving. Alas, there was no incident. :-) Other highlights:
- I began teaching the next day after I arrived. Talk about overload! Seven classes--Level 4 English, 3rd grade math, 3rd grade science, 5th grade English, 2nd grade math, junior high English, and 6th grade English. All of the meetings on what to do with each class seemed to muddle my mind. However, after going through everything once and getting a better handle on it, I am enjoying it. Second grade went much better today--yesterday it was chaos (poor planning on my part). They are evidently dubbed the "bad" class, and it appears it is so because they don't like to listen and aren't highly motivated. They like to do the work, but they are much more social. So, today we worked on building incentive--charting individual progress, making a class goal, that sort of thing. We'll see how it works!
- The other two volunteers who have been here since February have been invaluable. They are the ones who informed us that we need to disinfect our vegetables while we're here; they also invited me to dinner the first night, which was extremely appreciated so I didn't have to eat along. The other two volunteers for the summer have arrived, and I think I'll really hanging out with them.
- The weather is awesome--high seventies during the day, late fifties/sixties in the morning and evenings.
- Tonight is pizza night. Yum yum! Tomorrow night is a bonfire. Oodles of fun!
- My computer decided to quit working once it crossed the border, so updates may not be as frequent as I hoped.
- The junior high voted to have Holes read aloud to them (the choice was that, Dandelion Wine, or The Horse and His Boy (from The Chronicles of Narnia)).
- Any other thoughts to share are eluding me, but I am grateful for the chance to be here. I am praying that the tasky stuff won't steal my joy and that I can see the ways God is working here. It's pretty cool!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Reminiscence
Found some pics from my trip to Guatemala in 2002. I was at La Senda with a group of 9 from Asbury.
Marta, Geovany, and me
Lunch Time!
Goevany, Me, Rosita
La Senda--then. I'll be on the third floor. Don't worry, there's a roof now!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Love the Kids
Did you know? According to http://www.toybox.org.uk/street_children_in_guatemala.html, "a child was abandoned in Guatemala city [sic] every 4 days" during the last year. I'm grateful that I get a chance to work with La Senda, a place helping its little corner of the world in Guatemala by providing a home for some of those kids that could have been left on the streets earlier in their childhood. Now those kids have a home to call their own.
Sailing the Seven Seas
The wind report is in, and it feels like a southerly wind is blowing in a time of change for my family. Considering my talk with Christina tonight, knowing Eric & Sarah are trying to discern where to go next, looking forward to Sarah and Justin's wedding in the fall, watching to see what David will decide to do for his career, wondering what my new life goals will be after this summer, I find it interesting timing that all of us Davis kids are about to embark on a new, unknown ocean in our lives. Maybe it'll be a brand new sea. Maybe it'll just be deeper waters, a little farther from the shore. Regardless, the times are bittersweet, and ironically, I think most of us are in that place where we can't see beyond the foggy veil covering our future--for some, the veil has fallen one month out, some three, some of us an unknown quantity of time away. I wonder where God is pushing us as we navigate through the third decade of our lives. At least southerly wind is warm.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Five days...
...and I'm leaving on a jet plane to Guatemala! Still working on getting things together. A friend bought some markers and pencils for me to take down for the kids. Pretty cool! Got registered with the embassy and am finishing up sending support letters. Plan to do the laundry and pack the bags tomorrow and Saturday so I can enjoy a little bit of time with friends before heading down.
Did you know? Guatemala is hosting the World Convention of Mayan Archeology later this month--June 19-21--in Antigua, a city close to where I will be. Get a run down at http://guatemala-times.com/culture.html.
Did you know? Guatemala is hosting the World Convention of Mayan Archeology later this month--June 19-21--in Antigua, a city close to where I will be. Get a run down at http://guatemala-times.com/culture.html.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Science Books & Mad Libs
I ran around yesterday trying to get everything purchased that I think I'll need in Guatemala. I've got the bug spray, the sunscreen, the aloe, the toiletries--hopefully I'll be set for two months. I even took an hour or so and stitched up my suitcases. New seams won't make them thug proof, but hopefully it will prevent any item falling out unnecessarily.
Realizing I had a Barnes and Noble gift card, I ventured out to the store to see how much was left. Though I only had about $3, I ended up with, I don't know, $30 worth of stuff? However, the exciting news is that I bought my first materials for the science class: Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science books on volcanoes, rocks, and rain. For the first time in a long time I'm excited about science. The volcano book is my favorite--it has awesome illustrations and directions for building your own baking soda explosion.
My favorite Englishy purchase is a book of Mad Libs. Great way to teach part of speech, I think. _______________ (name of person) will have a ________________ (adjective) time in ____________________ (place) this _______________ (noun)!
Realizing I had a Barnes and Noble gift card, I ventured out to the store to see how much was left. Though I only had about $3, I ended up with, I don't know, $30 worth of stuff? However, the exciting news is that I bought my first materials for the science class: Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science books on volcanoes, rocks, and rain. For the first time in a long time I'm excited about science. The volcano book is my favorite--it has awesome illustrations and directions for building your own baking soda explosion.
My favorite Englishy purchase is a book of Mad Libs. Great way to teach part of speech, I think. _______________ (name of person) will have a ________________ (adjective) time in ____________________ (place) this _______________ (noun)!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Oh, cuan lejos llegaras!
My roommate bought me a copy of Dr. Suess's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" in Spanish for my birthday, and it arrived in the mail yesterday. Wahoo! I promptly practiced reading it outloud, and while doing so, I recalled that there are a couple of pages where the rhyming really gets you if you're not careful...and it seems to be the same in Spanish, too. Of course, my tongue isn't quite used to all those Spanish words (but hopefully it will be by the end of the summer!). Way to go, Roomie, on a great b-day gift!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Teaching Schedule
Found out this week that I'm not only teaching English, but I am also teaching 3rd grade math and science. That should be a trip! Anyone have free National Geographics I can take down?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Guatemala, here I come!
So, it looks like it's actually happening! If things continue to go as planned, I will be on a plane to Guatemala on June 9. Woot! Woot! I will be teaching English in a school for K-8 students, including both city kids and the kids from the home. Many details are still in the works, but I'm looking forward to it! Now if I can just get through all of the end-of-the-semester grading, tests, and make up work...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
All Talk...or Not
So I've been talking about going overseas for years. Particularly to Guatemala. Maybe it's finally about to happen--I just e-mailed the missionaries and the missionary-sending organization tonight with my applications and am getting ready to mail the hard copy tomorrow. I'm a little nervous--what if I waited too late? what if security really is an issue in Guatemala and I never come back? what if I'm stuck at home one summer more, feeling like I missed out on an opportunity? Yuck. That last one is the regret I'm trying to avoid.
I'm still convinced this is the right move, if I didn't wait too long. Here's hoping (and praying) I didn't. I was dreaming all Friday night about Guatemala--I guess it was the kick in the pants I needed to get this stuff done.
Other news--spring break saw me visit the 'rents, paint one of my kitchen walls dandelion yellow, and visit Boston; my student teacher this semester is awesome; my kids (as in students) are doing a really cool project with The Soloist--they raised money for a girl with cancer, read the book, videoconferenced with the author--and we saw the movie today (good); I ordered new glasses, the dark-rimmed, plastic kind, so maybe I'll be brave enough to actually wear glasses again during daylight hours (and drive more safely at night since those four-year old prescriptions will be extinct and I'll be able to read the road signs again).
I'm still convinced this is the right move, if I didn't wait too long. Here's hoping (and praying) I didn't. I was dreaming all Friday night about Guatemala--I guess it was the kick in the pants I needed to get this stuff done.
Other news--spring break saw me visit the 'rents, paint one of my kitchen walls dandelion yellow, and visit Boston; my student teacher this semester is awesome; my kids (as in students) are doing a really cool project with The Soloist--they raised money for a girl with cancer, read the book, videoconferenced with the author--and we saw the movie today (good); I ordered new glasses, the dark-rimmed, plastic kind, so maybe I'll be brave enough to actually wear glasses again during daylight hours (and drive more safely at night since those four-year old prescriptions will be extinct and I'll be able to read the road signs again).
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday
Here it is upon us once again: Super Bowl 2009, a recent American pasttime and another excuse for gluttony (yum!). It's the last chance opportunity for those of us who couldn't care less about football (or sports in general, in my case) to pretend allegiance to one of the two random teams in the Big Game. Perhaps that's why we need this holiday, of sorts--to allow even non-fans the cathartic experience of choosing sides in intense competition.
Or, maybe our sole reason for watching is the commercials. Super Bowl time is certainly prime time for all of those companies. According to my friends, there may even be 3D commericals. They're jokesters, though, so maybe they're pulling my leg. 3D or not, the commercials are without a doubt what people talk about most.
Then there's the halftime show. As a former marching band member, I love that saying, "The football game will take place before and after the marching band's halftime show." However, it seems that most Super Bowl halftime shows are ridiculed before the first note erupts from the sound system. For me, this cynicism began with Michael Jackson's performance and the nearly nude bubble ladies that spread out across the field back in the early '90s. Janet Jackson's wardrobe snaffoo almost a decade later set up the whole idea as an object of ridicule. And then the artist choice--I'm sure they have someone in mind for their audience, but I don't think I ever fit in that mold.
Well, with all of this skepticism, happy Super Bowl 2009. May the Steelers win, may the most clever commercial be forever burned into our memories, and may the halftime show be forgetable.
Or, maybe our sole reason for watching is the commercials. Super Bowl time is certainly prime time for all of those companies. According to my friends, there may even be 3D commericals. They're jokesters, though, so maybe they're pulling my leg. 3D or not, the commercials are without a doubt what people talk about most.
Then there's the halftime show. As a former marching band member, I love that saying, "The football game will take place before and after the marching band's halftime show." However, it seems that most Super Bowl halftime shows are ridiculed before the first note erupts from the sound system. For me, this cynicism began with Michael Jackson's performance and the nearly nude bubble ladies that spread out across the field back in the early '90s. Janet Jackson's wardrobe snaffoo almost a decade later set up the whole idea as an object of ridicule. And then the artist choice--I'm sure they have someone in mind for their audience, but I don't think I ever fit in that mold.
Well, with all of this skepticism, happy Super Bowl 2009. May the Steelers win, may the most clever commercial be forever burned into our memories, and may the halftime show be forgetable.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ice Storm 2009
Wow! An entire week out of school. What a life! How, do you ask, have I been using my week? Besides glancing out the window every hour or so to note the change in the thickness of the ice on the trees, watch the fat snowflakes tumble down, see if the green garden hose has yet disappeared, or observe the sun converting the glass-like ice to prisms of color, I've been relaxing. Grading papers, drinking chai, reading books, hanging with friends. My former roommate and her husband lost power, so they stayed with us for two nights. They had to go to work, unfortunately, unlike my roommate and I. However, it was fun to eat dinner together and watch movies and TV.
I finished reading the first book in the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. If you love Christian historical fiction, you'll love this book. Not too cheesy, interesting, spiritually challenging in its own way. I'm on to rereading book two--yes, rereading because I read book number 2 before book number 1, a big no-no in trilogy reading. Oh well, se la vie.
Last weekend I saw Slumdog Millionaire. Fabulous. Definitely recommend it. Storyline is creative, using the questions the protagonist answers on the Indian version of the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? as the catalyst for flashbacks to how he learned the answers. Within those flashbacks, though, are harsh memories of a childhood filled with people who are looking out only for themselves or those who want to take advantage of homeless, poor youth. In the movie's superb storytelling, then, lay barbs of cold reality that will stick with you long after the closing credits. Regardless, a must see.
I finished reading the first book in the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. If you love Christian historical fiction, you'll love this book. Not too cheesy, interesting, spiritually challenging in its own way. I'm on to rereading book two--yes, rereading because I read book number 2 before book number 1, a big no-no in trilogy reading. Oh well, se la vie.
Last weekend I saw Slumdog Millionaire. Fabulous. Definitely recommend it. Storyline is creative, using the questions the protagonist answers on the Indian version of the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? as the catalyst for flashbacks to how he learned the answers. Within those flashbacks, though, are harsh memories of a childhood filled with people who are looking out only for themselves or those who want to take advantage of homeless, poor youth. In the movie's superb storytelling, then, lay barbs of cold reality that will stick with you long after the closing credits. Regardless, a must see.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Purple Pens & Staplers
I have a fetish for purple pens. I use them to grade, mostly, but I also use them to write letters. If I can't find the right pen, it seriously hinders me from getting started on my work. I feel this intense sense of loss; I feel imbalanced, and it is a good half hour before I acquiesce to using a different colored pen than the one I had hoped for.
The pen deal is quickly fading, though, thanks to the supply I received for Christmas. Thus, my new crisis is my stapler. I think I'm on somewhere around stapler #10 over the course of the past 2 to 3 years, and I'm about to go crazy! Over Christmas I bought a brand new, super duper handheld power stapler--the kind where you barely apply any pressure and it Bam! shoots the staple through 15 pages. Low and behold, the first day I allowed students to use it, since I couldn't find my student-friendly version, they broke it. So, I bought a brand new red stapler for students, and a translucent green super-powered one for me. They have survived one week, although it became touch and go awhile for the red one. It apparently has an innate ability to jam that can easily fool one into thinking it's dead when it's not.
I'm starting to understand Office Space much better.
The pen deal is quickly fading, though, thanks to the supply I received for Christmas. Thus, my new crisis is my stapler. I think I'm on somewhere around stapler #10 over the course of the past 2 to 3 years, and I'm about to go crazy! Over Christmas I bought a brand new, super duper handheld power stapler--the kind where you barely apply any pressure and it Bam! shoots the staple through 15 pages. Low and behold, the first day I allowed students to use it, since I couldn't find my student-friendly version, they broke it. So, I bought a brand new red stapler for students, and a translucent green super-powered one for me. They have survived one week, although it became touch and go awhile for the red one. It apparently has an innate ability to jam that can easily fool one into thinking it's dead when it's not.
I'm starting to understand Office Space much better.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ella Minnow Pea
Tonight, our book club discussed Mark Dunn's Ella Minnow Pea. The book is an epistolary novel, as the plot is divulged through a series of letters between the book's namesake and a variety of people on the island nation of Nollop, located off the coast of South Carolina. Central to this community is the vitality of language--the letters are comprised of sophisticated language and serve as the primary means of communication between members of the populace since other technology is unreliable.
This civil little society is rudely awakened, though, when letters begin to fall from the epigraph on the statue of Mr. Nollop, founder of the society and mastermind of the pangram, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." (Pangrams require the use of all 26 letters of the alphabet in one sentence. We enjoyed trying to devise our own tonight to share with each other. Mine: "My quest: catch jolly zephyrs to exhibit for vast knowledge." Others were better.) In the book, those in charge deem the droppage of letters as a sign from Mr. Nollop from beyond the grave that social life should continue without the use of the fallen letters. So, they first hold a party for the z, the first letter to be outlawed from spoken or written expression. Life quickly goes downhill as other letters follow the course of z, and with the council's refusal to hear sense, Nollopians soon find themselves kicked off the island or running to escape the tyranny of this totalitarian regime who is slowly siphoning away their pride and sole means of communication.
While the premise is provoking, the story itself leaves the plot and characters undeveloped, a flaw perhaps contributed to by the epistolary format. However, the author is certainly clever--as each letter successively falls from the statue, so too, his own writing must reflect the absence of the letters, leading to some creative phrasing and word usage. I think he makes up a few of his words, splicing roots and suffixes together to create meaning, and by the end of the book, reading becomes more like playing Mad Gab as the council deems phonetic spellings appropriate for illicit letters (thus, "ph" suffixes for the letter "f" and "off" becomes "oph"). As a result, it is easiest to read the text aloud in order to comprehend more quickly, something likely to get a few stares if you are reading that part, as I was, out in public.
Overall, a fun little read. Clever, literary, definitely recommended for the wordsmith. However, I enjoyed Eyre Affair much more for overall quality that includes wit, plot, and a little more character development. 3 of 5 stars.
This civil little society is rudely awakened, though, when letters begin to fall from the epigraph on the statue of Mr. Nollop, founder of the society and mastermind of the pangram, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." (Pangrams require the use of all 26 letters of the alphabet in one sentence. We enjoyed trying to devise our own tonight to share with each other. Mine: "My quest: catch jolly zephyrs to exhibit for vast knowledge." Others were better.) In the book, those in charge deem the droppage of letters as a sign from Mr. Nollop from beyond the grave that social life should continue without the use of the fallen letters. So, they first hold a party for the z, the first letter to be outlawed from spoken or written expression. Life quickly goes downhill as other letters follow the course of z, and with the council's refusal to hear sense, Nollopians soon find themselves kicked off the island or running to escape the tyranny of this totalitarian regime who is slowly siphoning away their pride and sole means of communication.
While the premise is provoking, the story itself leaves the plot and characters undeveloped, a flaw perhaps contributed to by the epistolary format. However, the author is certainly clever--as each letter successively falls from the statue, so too, his own writing must reflect the absence of the letters, leading to some creative phrasing and word usage. I think he makes up a few of his words, splicing roots and suffixes together to create meaning, and by the end of the book, reading becomes more like playing Mad Gab as the council deems phonetic spellings appropriate for illicit letters (thus, "ph" suffixes for the letter "f" and "off" becomes "oph"). As a result, it is easiest to read the text aloud in order to comprehend more quickly, something likely to get a few stares if you are reading that part, as I was, out in public.
Overall, a fun little read. Clever, literary, definitely recommended for the wordsmith. However, I enjoyed Eyre Affair much more for overall quality that includes wit, plot, and a little more character development. 3 of 5 stars.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Icy Days and the Hudson
Today I read the article "Man in the Water" with my students. Since we are reading Night, I wanted them to see a positive side of humanity before dwelling too long on the sadness created and darkness of man displayed during the Holocaust. This article, written by Rosenblatt, recounts the 1982 plane crash of Flight 90 into the icy Potomac River near Washington, D.C. An anonymous man in the water, a passenger of the plane, repeatedly handed the life saver dangling from a rescue helicopter to the other passengers still floating in the water around him; when the plane returned for him, he was nowhere to be seen. Only five people survived. He selflessly sacrificed his life for others and made an indelible imprint on those who knew his story, showing the best of what humanity is capable.
Ironic, then, that tonight I run into a parent who informs me that today another plane crash landed onto the Hudson River in New York. I'm thankful that this time no one was lost.
Ironic, then, that tonight I run into a parent who informs me that today another plane crash landed onto the Hudson River in New York. I'm thankful that this time no one was lost.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Eavesdropping
For the last two hours a small group of young men has been debating the benefits and drawbacks to Libertarian and Socialist governments. It has been quite entertaining. Which provides better health care? Which would be better for the United States? Can we look at these situations empirically or not? What about the quality of life? Does it all come down to what you value? Does it take away choice? I'm not sure I completely follow the conversation (e-mailing, reading, and listening to my i-pod has provided some bit of distraction), but it's fun to see the freedom of speech and the exchange of ideas so willingly taking advantage of.
As far as the vice of eavesdropping--I must confess I am guilty. Yet, my vice is not unknown to the room, and my fellow study stranger and I simply exchange glances of humor as the tide of conversation flows one way and then another in rapid succession.
So, what do you think? Libertarian, Socialist, or Democratic?
As far as the vice of eavesdropping--I must confess I am guilty. Yet, my vice is not unknown to the room, and my fellow study stranger and I simply exchange glances of humor as the tide of conversation flows one way and then another in rapid succession.
So, what do you think? Libertarian, Socialist, or Democratic?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Lookin' Out for the Ladies
So, I've finally decided to hit the gym. Again. After more or less taking the summer off (of course I've had various excuses--lower back pain, being out of town, sleeping in, watching TV), I've once again realized, thanks to my body's excellent fat-storage mechanisms, how much I need to get back in the routine. Especially with school starting. Nothing like the thought of standing in front of 160 strangers to make you want to feel your best, most intimidating self.
My first day back this week I decided to take it easy. Why push 30 minutes on the elliptical? 25 is plenty. Why run a full circuit of weights? Only the biceps need major work right now. I don't want to get too committed yet, especially when I know commitment is not my greatest strength.
As I pulled down the lateral bicep machine, thinking Hey, this isn't so bad after all, two burly men began working out on the machine next to me. Not at the same time, of course; they obviously learned their sharing lesson in kindergarten.
It's always funny to me to hear the conversation between two men at the gym. It's usually about how built they're going to be in a couple of weeks or how many pounds they pressed last time or what sorts of enhancers or energizers they're using. Like today, for instance. I overhead--which wasn't hard, considering he was practically yelling it to the whole gym--a guy's entire plan for getting built and how confident he was in his program's success. His friend amiably agreed and continued to pump up his ego. **Sigh.**
These comments that first night, however, ran a little differently. Macho guy #1 sat down and pounded out his butterfly press reps. Macho guy #2 sat down and began his reps. Struggling, half way through, though, he yelled, "S***! Whatch'ou have this set on?" (I love a man who admits his own weakness.) I had to chuckle. Macho guy #1, seeing me laughing, chided his buddy: "Hey, now, watch your mouth around the ladies!" then turned to me to apologize for his profane friend. Wow, I thought to myself, what a blast from the past! Imagine the recurrence of a concern for ladies' "delicate" ears? However, something about his goofy manner made it clear that it was less a genuine concern and more a jocular statement made to pull me into the conversation.
Not biting, I got up and left after finishing my own set of reps. With such an entertaining memory to welcome me back to the gym world, I think it's time for the gym excuses to fade away.
My first day back this week I decided to take it easy. Why push 30 minutes on the elliptical? 25 is plenty. Why run a full circuit of weights? Only the biceps need major work right now. I don't want to get too committed yet, especially when I know commitment is not my greatest strength.
As I pulled down the lateral bicep machine, thinking Hey, this isn't so bad after all, two burly men began working out on the machine next to me. Not at the same time, of course; they obviously learned their sharing lesson in kindergarten.
It's always funny to me to hear the conversation between two men at the gym. It's usually about how built they're going to be in a couple of weeks or how many pounds they pressed last time or what sorts of enhancers or energizers they're using. Like today, for instance. I overhead--which wasn't hard, considering he was practically yelling it to the whole gym--a guy's entire plan for getting built and how confident he was in his program's success. His friend amiably agreed and continued to pump up his ego. **Sigh.**
These comments that first night, however, ran a little differently. Macho guy #1 sat down and pounded out his butterfly press reps. Macho guy #2 sat down and began his reps. Struggling, half way through, though, he yelled, "S***! Whatch'ou have this set on?" (I love a man who admits his own weakness.) I had to chuckle. Macho guy #1, seeing me laughing, chided his buddy: "Hey, now, watch your mouth around the ladies!" then turned to me to apologize for his profane friend. Wow, I thought to myself, what a blast from the past! Imagine the recurrence of a concern for ladies' "delicate" ears? However, something about his goofy manner made it clear that it was less a genuine concern and more a jocular statement made to pull me into the conversation.
Not biting, I got up and left after finishing my own set of reps. With such an entertaining memory to welcome me back to the gym world, I think it's time for the gym excuses to fade away.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lady Liberty
Here's the pictoral proof that I made it to NYC. One thing I appreciate about having visited the great city is that I have some mental concept of it when I read about it--it's amazing how many times I've seen it in my reading just this week! I realize this may be a duh statement to some of you, but hey, it's nice when you've actually experienced the setting or reference mentioned in a piece of writing. Mama made it, too, of course!
Traveling Mercies
Earlier this week I finished Anne Lamott's book Traveling Mercies. She writes about her faith journey, which I found to be refreshing. She writes honestly about the normal stuff of everyday life--relationships, stories about her son, living situations, etc. Perhaps for this reason I found myself relating to what she was saying. Perhaps what struck me most was her evidently strong belief that God loves her no matter what. She never wavered from this truth, regardless of how stupid or silly or ignorant or far from grace she felt like she had been. This is inspiring to me--while I know in my head that God loves me and always will, sometimes I still fall into the trap of not feeling good enough or wondering if maybe he'll drop me out of his will today because of something stupid I've thought or done.
Do I recommend this book to you? Most definitely, yes. She has such a strong sense of humor that you can't help but laugh out loud. The profanity still catches me off guard, but I chalk this up to the honesty with which she writes--she doesn't seem to disguise who she is, and maybe this is what makes her writing and her stories most appealing: she doesn't seem to be trying to impress anyone. Instead, she's just writing about her experience with Jesus and faith without passing judgement on herself or on others. This is exceptionally refreshing in the Christian community.
Do I recommend this book to you? Most definitely, yes. She has such a strong sense of humor that you can't help but laugh out loud. The profanity still catches me off guard, but I chalk this up to the honesty with which she writes--she doesn't seem to disguise who she is, and maybe this is what makes her writing and her stories most appealing: she doesn't seem to be trying to impress anyone. Instead, she's just writing about her experience with Jesus and faith without passing judgement on herself or on others. This is exceptionally refreshing in the Christian community.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Chick O Sticks and More
Mom and I really did make it to NYC--via the Chinese charter bus company--and had just as much time experiencing cross-cultural relations as we did sightseeing around the Big Apple. Today's blog, though, shall focus on the food. Food that, as Mom was so keen of pointing out, was once swimming in the window.
Now, some of you may love your fish fresh, especially if it comes from an aquarium with too-blue water at the front of the restaurant. However, my mama and I are from the Midwest--without an ocean nearby, we maybe have fish once in a blue moon--the ones that come battered and frozen in sticks. (Sure, Lake Erie may be close, but I don't know what the market is like for fish from the once polluted, beyond-any-apparent-salvation water.)
Our fishy experience began during a traditional Chinese breakfast. Eaten en route from Chinatown, where the bus dropped us off, to visiting Mom's former student in Brooklyn, our breakfast was the generosity of the student's father. He took us to a fancy restaurant, one used for wedding receptions and the like, and pointed at various and sundry items paraded around on silver carts to be placed on our table. Thus, we ended up with egg custard tarts (our favorite item) and green tea, along with various other "sweets" derived from the saltwater depths: fish flour paste sesame squares, fish flour paste coconut balls, rice and dried fish, and fried pastry with shrimp. Surprisingly, I enjoyed most of it, although Mama had a hard time stomaching the fish flour items. Perhaps I delighted in the coconut balls because of their resemblance to an old childhood favorite snack of mine, one I frequently purchased at the swimming pool: Chick O Sticks. Believe it or not, the lime green ball rolled in coconut held a surprise in the middle that seemed quite akin to this crisp, coconutty treat from the past. In the generosity of hospitality, my host graciously gave me a box to take home with the leftovers plus a fresh new order when he observed my surprised delight at this treat. (My, I thought. How am I going to eat all that? It was good, but not enough-for-binging good.)
We (Mom and I) were glad that this would be the extent of our host's kindness, but it was not to be. Before we departed, we were privileged to taste a traditional Chinese dinner. Not the kind from the Chinese take out down the street. Not the fried, sauce-covered meat pieces we Americans are so used to. This was the real thing.
Our meal began with shellfish on a bed of green onions. I was stoked about the green onions--they tasted great. The shellfish, though? Don't people have major allergies to that? It was time to find out if I was one of those lucky few. I could already imagine my throat swelling shut and my breath becoming labored. The flat, pinkish delicacy took more chews than I'm accustomed to using to break down my food; it quickly proved not to be my favorite. Fortunately, it didn't give me hives, either. Next, a leafy green vegetable arrived at the table. I can handle this, I thought. And then followed the crab, the lobster, the fish that was formerly swimming in the front window. Seafood surrounded us! (Give me fish, but I prefer it deboned, without the head, and all white meat only!)
My only salvation came in an ironic way: I stubbornly clung to using chopsticks (hey, gotta get the full experience, right?), which meant my usually wolfish way of eating was slowed down to a snail's pace. This then translated into not fully emptying my plate before it was taken away to be replaced by a new, and most importantly empty, one for me to have more helpings of food dumped on. The only time this backfired came when I was struggling to get the lobster meat out of the lobster. I thought I had done pretty well--at least until my plate was cleared and the student's uncle reached over to grab the lobster pieces and put them on my new plate. Evidently I still had some work to do.
The only thing I missed out on was Bubble tea. Maybe next time.
Now, some of you may love your fish fresh, especially if it comes from an aquarium with too-blue water at the front of the restaurant. However, my mama and I are from the Midwest--without an ocean nearby, we maybe have fish once in a blue moon--the ones that come battered and frozen in sticks. (Sure, Lake Erie may be close, but I don't know what the market is like for fish from the once polluted, beyond-any-apparent-salvation water.)
Our fishy experience began during a traditional Chinese breakfast. Eaten en route from Chinatown, where the bus dropped us off, to visiting Mom's former student in Brooklyn, our breakfast was the generosity of the student's father. He took us to a fancy restaurant, one used for wedding receptions and the like, and pointed at various and sundry items paraded around on silver carts to be placed on our table. Thus, we ended up with egg custard tarts (our favorite item) and green tea, along with various other "sweets" derived from the saltwater depths: fish flour paste sesame squares, fish flour paste coconut balls, rice and dried fish, and fried pastry with shrimp. Surprisingly, I enjoyed most of it, although Mama had a hard time stomaching the fish flour items. Perhaps I delighted in the coconut balls because of their resemblance to an old childhood favorite snack of mine, one I frequently purchased at the swimming pool: Chick O Sticks. Believe it or not, the lime green ball rolled in coconut held a surprise in the middle that seemed quite akin to this crisp, coconutty treat from the past. In the generosity of hospitality, my host graciously gave me a box to take home with the leftovers plus a fresh new order when he observed my surprised delight at this treat. (My, I thought. How am I going to eat all that? It was good, but not enough-for-binging good.)
We (Mom and I) were glad that this would be the extent of our host's kindness, but it was not to be. Before we departed, we were privileged to taste a traditional Chinese dinner. Not the kind from the Chinese take out down the street. Not the fried, sauce-covered meat pieces we Americans are so used to. This was the real thing.
Our meal began with shellfish on a bed of green onions. I was stoked about the green onions--they tasted great. The shellfish, though? Don't people have major allergies to that? It was time to find out if I was one of those lucky few. I could already imagine my throat swelling shut and my breath becoming labored. The flat, pinkish delicacy took more chews than I'm accustomed to using to break down my food; it quickly proved not to be my favorite. Fortunately, it didn't give me hives, either. Next, a leafy green vegetable arrived at the table. I can handle this, I thought. And then followed the crab, the lobster, the fish that was formerly swimming in the front window. Seafood surrounded us! (Give me fish, but I prefer it deboned, without the head, and all white meat only!)
My only salvation came in an ironic way: I stubbornly clung to using chopsticks (hey, gotta get the full experience, right?), which meant my usually wolfish way of eating was slowed down to a snail's pace. This then translated into not fully emptying my plate before it was taken away to be replaced by a new, and most importantly empty, one for me to have more helpings of food dumped on. The only time this backfired came when I was struggling to get the lobster meat out of the lobster. I thought I had done pretty well--at least until my plate was cleared and the student's uncle reached over to grab the lobster pieces and put them on my new plate. Evidently I still had some work to do.
The only thing I missed out on was Bubble tea. Maybe next time.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Bubble Tea
I forgot to mention that I'm super excited about landing in China town because I'm hoping to get me some bubble tea. Yum--that deliciously cold refreshment consisting of flavored, blended tea with blueberry-like tapioca balls at the bottom, all to be sucked up through a fat straw into a watering mouth. Can't wait!
Long Time
I was hangin' with my granny the other day when my cousin called; in the midst of the conversation, Grandma handed over the phone, saying Jessie wanted to talk to me. Wouldn't you know? She sat and read all my blog posts, even though they're all two years old. Since I no longer have the excuse of grad school or grading (at the moment), maybe I'll revive the ol' blog--thanks for the inspiration, Jessie.
The latest breaking event is that Mom and I are planning a last-minute trip to the Big Apple tomorrow night. Current plans include hopping on a charter bus that primarily caters to the Chinese/Chinese American contingency (it looks like they'll let us on), drive through the night, get out in Chinatown, find and settle in at the hostel, go see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, visit Mom's former student in Brooklyn (after walking across the Brooklyn bridge, of course), and swinging by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Now, if we'll just get the hostel booked, I think this could be loads of fun!
The latest breaking event is that Mom and I are planning a last-minute trip to the Big Apple tomorrow night. Current plans include hopping on a charter bus that primarily caters to the Chinese/Chinese American contingency (it looks like they'll let us on), drive through the night, get out in Chinatown, find and settle in at the hostel, go see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, visit Mom's former student in Brooklyn (after walking across the Brooklyn bridge, of course), and swinging by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Now, if we'll just get the hostel booked, I think this could be loads of fun!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Shakespeare & the Sea Anemone
If the fact that I've found this image extremely amusing during the course of the past week or so doesn't give you a clue as to what my stress level has been this semester and what my current state of mind is, I'm not sure what else will communicate that. Thank goodness Christmas break is almost here!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Sound yummy?Tuesday, July 18, 2006
New Orleans
I'm headed to New Orleans in four days with the youth group from church. I'm dubbed a leader, whatever that is supposed to mean...I'm secretly hoping that no situations arise that would demand a test of said leader. After all, I could do without any premature gray hairs (I think teaching will help me enough in that department).
Really, we have a good group of students going. We're a relatively small group (nine, including leaders), but the youth are awesome. I think they'll work really well together. The plan is to help clean up (we're not sure of the details on that, but I think basic tearing down and/or rebuilding), encourage the people we meet, and share the gospel with them (I love that quote by St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times--if necessary, use words."). We'll be driving down in a fifteen-passenger van which I get to help drive. Watch out, fellow travelers!
We would appreciate your prayers (and not just for the driving!)~
Really, we have a good group of students going. We're a relatively small group (nine, including leaders), but the youth are awesome. I think they'll work really well together. The plan is to help clean up (we're not sure of the details on that, but I think basic tearing down and/or rebuilding), encourage the people we meet, and share the gospel with them (I love that quote by St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times--if necessary, use words."). We'll be driving down in a fifteen-passenger van which I get to help drive. Watch out, fellow travelers!
We would appreciate your prayers (and not just for the driving!)~
Monday, July 03, 2006
Pie
Eskimo PieCarly and I made a delicious cherry-nectarine pie on Sunday. No, I don't know of an official recipe, but combining the Better Homes & Gardens's cherry recipe with the peach recipe worked out pretty well. I'm always up for a little improvisation in the kitchen. It turned out mighty tasty!
Ta-da! Ready for pie a la mode
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Stupid Moment
So, it only took me about five seconds standing in front of the Barnes and Noble exit, staring expectantly at the doors with my bookbag on my back, a newly puchased book in one hand, and my purse in the other, to realize the doors weren't automatic.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sunrise
Well, it's 7:30 a.m. and I'm just about finished printing off my grad school assignments. I pretty much pulled an all-nighter; I didn't necessarily intend to, but the idea's still enchanting: all of this faux pressure that I have to finish these life-changing assignments and have them as close to perfection as possible, these extremely important places I have to be today, and my, how I will be so tired or so highly caffeinated...
I had a midnight visitor last night to keep me company. The crying was annoying, and finally I took pity on this poor creature and checked to see if it was dying. Well, it wasn't. It's not. If it keeps meowing and climbing across all of the papers on my desk and knocking things over, it might be seeing that stage of it's life very soon. At least this kitty doesn't bite me when I pet her, though (cruel Alice!). She's got a number on her tag, but is it a good or bad sign when the number is traced to a business rather than a home?
I had a midnight visitor last night to keep me company. The crying was annoying, and finally I took pity on this poor creature and checked to see if it was dying. Well, it wasn't. It's not. If it keeps meowing and climbing across all of the papers on my desk and knocking things over, it might be seeing that stage of it's life very soon. At least this kitty doesn't bite me when I pet her, though (cruel Alice!). She's got a number on her tag, but is it a good or bad sign when the number is traced to a business rather than a home?
Monday, June 26, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
VBS
Today was my first official day as Vacation Bible School photographer. No, I don't think I'll make a permanent career move, but it certainly was entertaining to follow around the mascots. We had a sheep and a cow, although the sheep had a head that looked more like a cat and the kids kindly started calling it the "shoebear" since the kid's blue Nike's were clearly visible. (I'm not sure about the bear part...) Fortunately for the cow, it was udderless.
Back tomorrow, I suppose, to follow around the tribes of Israel as they discover Bethlehem at Christmas.
Back tomorrow, I suppose, to follow around the tribes of Israel as they discover Bethlehem at Christmas.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Eric's Wedding
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Going to the Chapel...
I think it's catching--the June disease is spreading quickly. Not only is my brother getting married this weekend, but both of my roommates became officially engaged this past week. Whew!
Good thing it looks like I'm immune!
Good thing it looks like I'm immune!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
First Day of Summer
It's official! School is out for the summer! And even though I still have a couple days of meetings left, today I had my first taste of a work-free summer. There were a few times I nearly started panicking when I realized I didn't have any grading to do or lesson plans waiting on the back burner, but I conquered those perilous moments with a few deep breaths and a reminder that many people in the world feel that freedom from work every night they come home from the office and it's about time I can experience that feeling--and enjoy it--too.
However, I'm still of the persuasion that more than a week of this will seriously drive me nuts. Therefore, I plan to start grad school on June 5 if all goes well.
Nonetheless, I still accomplished quite a bit today:
-took my car in for its checkup and walked home from the shop for exercise
-did laundry
-watched TV
-straightened up the kitchen
-went out to lunch with teacher friends (and one of them paid for me! They showed me the best deli-type place and bakery I've been to yet...I'll definitely go back~)
-wrote four letters
-made dinner
-walked at Arboretum
-saw Over the Hedge (very cute, by the way!)
-bought a Frappucino with my gift card (thanks, Aunt Karen & Uncle Tom!)
-stopped at Walmart
-and now I'm ready for bed
G'night!
However, I'm still of the persuasion that more than a week of this will seriously drive me nuts. Therefore, I plan to start grad school on June 5 if all goes well.
Nonetheless, I still accomplished quite a bit today:
-took my car in for its checkup and walked home from the shop for exercise
-did laundry
-watched TV
-straightened up the kitchen
-went out to lunch with teacher friends (and one of them paid for me! They showed me the best deli-type place and bakery I've been to yet...I'll definitely go back~)
-wrote four letters
-made dinner
-walked at Arboretum
-saw Over the Hedge (very cute, by the way!)
-bought a Frappucino with my gift card (thanks, Aunt Karen & Uncle Tom!)
-stopped at Walmart
-and now I'm ready for bed
G'night!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Good News!
As I was eating dinner in Chick-Fil-A tonight, I discovered something very exciting: according to The Cow, anyone shorter than 5'4" is allowed to play in the play area. (Don't worry, says Mr. Cow, if you're taller than that, you are still allowed to eat chicken!)
This tidbit of information will certainly come in handy. Just imagine, when I'm bored out of my mind this summer, I will always know that I can drive to Chick-Fil-A in minutes to have a fun-filled adventure climbing to the top of the pink, blue, green, and yellow gym-thingy.
Or, if I'm having a casual dinner with friends and a child suddenly becomes too scared to climb back down, do not fear, all of you six-foot daddies: I will come to your rescue. For I, at just shy of 5'3", may climb to the top and coax (or push down the slide, depending on how much patience I have that night) your kid down. When I'm a mother (or an aunt), this ability will certainly come in handy for use with my own kids.
Or just imagine me at 74, tottering after my grandkids (or grand nieces and nephews). "Wait for me, sh-unny!" Oops, there goes a denture. Wobble, wobble. By then I will probably even be just shy of 5', so there will be no problem whatsoever when it comes to allowing me to climb that net rope ladder. True, the cane may be a bit of a hassle. But I have definitely got that height thing covered!
Just as long as they don't add a weight requirement, I'm set for life...
This tidbit of information will certainly come in handy. Just imagine, when I'm bored out of my mind this summer, I will always know that I can drive to Chick-Fil-A in minutes to have a fun-filled adventure climbing to the top of the pink, blue, green, and yellow gym-thingy.
Or, if I'm having a casual dinner with friends and a child suddenly becomes too scared to climb back down, do not fear, all of you six-foot daddies: I will come to your rescue. For I, at just shy of 5'3", may climb to the top and coax (or push down the slide, depending on how much patience I have that night) your kid down. When I'm a mother (or an aunt), this ability will certainly come in handy for use with my own kids.
Or just imagine me at 74, tottering after my grandkids (or grand nieces and nephews). "Wait for me, sh-unny!" Oops, there goes a denture. Wobble, wobble. By then I will probably even be just shy of 5', so there will be no problem whatsoever when it comes to allowing me to climb that net rope ladder. True, the cane may be a bit of a hassle. But I have definitely got that height thing covered!
Just as long as they don't add a weight requirement, I'm set for life...
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Memorable Typos
Did you know that doors can shit? That your little brother can be an infarction? Or that we lived in the Untied States? Gotta love typos and the word processors that can't catch them...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Chaperoning
I was asked by my good friend the orchestra director to chaperone the orchestra trip this past Friday to Louisville. Delighted for a legitimate chance to skip school, I agreed. Everything looked like it was going to be beautiful--the kids were orderly and well-mannered and even requested a numbering system so they could count off attendance rather than wait for roll call. (Thus, I was referred to as #29 rather than Miss Davis for the remainder of the day.)
The problem, then, lay in the fact that we had a novice bus driver. And it's not like we just had a school bus. We had one of those honkin' charter buses. The driver informed me that she was pretty new, but my fears were allayed when she said she had previously been a truck driver. I laid my fears aside too quickly. Our first problem came when we hit the first stoplight. You know when you first get your permit and your parent is constantly slamming on the imaginary break in the passenger seat? That parent was me.
We're flying along at fifty miles an hour, the light turns red, she's not slowing down, she's not slowing down--finally we begin breaking. Oh good, I think. We'll stop. The driver, however, suddenly begins to moan, "Please stop, please stop, please stop..." My grip on the seat in front of me tightens, my eyes grow wide, and I begin praying as I realize that we're not going to stop in time. Forget about the stop bar. It would be a miracle if we even come to a halt by the time we reach the other side of the intersection.
Fortunately, we had some understanding drivers who realized that their rights in a tiny five-passenger vehicle would not be upheld by the laws of nature (the laws of nature deeming that any large object will easily crush a smaller object regardless of whose right it is to be in that exact location at any given time).
After skidding through several more stoplights in a similar fashion, we made it to the highway, and I sat back in my seat. As the one in charge of the trip, I thought it my duty to remain calm in the face of our recurring appointments with death. The kids remained cluelessly happy in the back of the bus. I sat in my seat and prayed for a host of angels to protect this transport.
Other than getting lost twice on the way back, we thankfully had no more major incidents, in spite of the inclement weather we now faced.
I think we need to request an experienced driver in the future. At least one who can stop at a stop bar.
The problem, then, lay in the fact that we had a novice bus driver. And it's not like we just had a school bus. We had one of those honkin' charter buses. The driver informed me that she was pretty new, but my fears were allayed when she said she had previously been a truck driver. I laid my fears aside too quickly. Our first problem came when we hit the first stoplight. You know when you first get your permit and your parent is constantly slamming on the imaginary break in the passenger seat? That parent was me.
We're flying along at fifty miles an hour, the light turns red, she's not slowing down, she's not slowing down--finally we begin breaking. Oh good, I think. We'll stop. The driver, however, suddenly begins to moan, "Please stop, please stop, please stop..." My grip on the seat in front of me tightens, my eyes grow wide, and I begin praying as I realize that we're not going to stop in time. Forget about the stop bar. It would be a miracle if we even come to a halt by the time we reach the other side of the intersection.
Fortunately, we had some understanding drivers who realized that their rights in a tiny five-passenger vehicle would not be upheld by the laws of nature (the laws of nature deeming that any large object will easily crush a smaller object regardless of whose right it is to be in that exact location at any given time).
After skidding through several more stoplights in a similar fashion, we made it to the highway, and I sat back in my seat. As the one in charge of the trip, I thought it my duty to remain calm in the face of our recurring appointments with death. The kids remained cluelessly happy in the back of the bus. I sat in my seat and prayed for a host of angels to protect this transport.
Other than getting lost twice on the way back, we thankfully had no more major incidents, in spite of the inclement weather we now faced.
I think we need to request an experienced driver in the future. At least one who can stop at a stop bar.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Travel Advice
So my sister and I are tossing around the idea of traveling abroad this summer (so long as we can save enough money). If we get to do it, what do you think--Italy or the United Kingdom? Spain/France or Italy? We're talking two-three weeks, hostels, cheap meals, interesting strangers, train rides, the whole bit. What's your two cents?
Monday, January 09, 2006
Memories
As I was encouraging my Creative Writing class today to recall memories from their childhood, I couldn't help but brainstorm some of my own:
1. Learning how to skateboard down the driveway and throwing the wiffleball so hard my arm hurt in an attempt to impress the boys down the street.
2. Walking home from school or the bus stop and never quite learning the lesson that what goes up must come down, and, because of that delightful law of gravity, those silly plastic lunchboxes will break every time they hit the concrete sidewalk.
3. Dropping a neighbor off at his house only to start backing the car out without realizing that he was still half in, half out of the front seat. Amazingly, I did this multiple times, quite by accident.
4. Praying for a miracle that our neighbor Sue, and not her husband, would answer the door to give us the blessing to cut through their yard, saving us approximately ten minutes of walking time on our route to Dairy Queen during the summers.
5. Participating in leg wars, name-calling tournaments, or what if you were in both the United States and Canada at the same time? games with my sisters.
Not the most exciting memories, perhaps, but that's part of the joy of writing: finding the fresh or significant approach to everyday happenings.
1. Learning how to skateboard down the driveway and throwing the wiffleball so hard my arm hurt in an attempt to impress the boys down the street.
2. Walking home from school or the bus stop and never quite learning the lesson that what goes up must come down, and, because of that delightful law of gravity, those silly plastic lunchboxes will break every time they hit the concrete sidewalk.
3. Dropping a neighbor off at his house only to start backing the car out without realizing that he was still half in, half out of the front seat. Amazingly, I did this multiple times, quite by accident.
4. Praying for a miracle that our neighbor Sue, and not her husband, would answer the door to give us the blessing to cut through their yard, saving us approximately ten minutes of walking time on our route to Dairy Queen during the summers.
5. Participating in leg wars, name-calling tournaments, or what if you were in both the United States and Canada at the same time? games with my sisters.
Not the most exciting memories, perhaps, but that's part of the joy of writing: finding the fresh or significant approach to everyday happenings.
Monday, January 02, 2006
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